Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_11_21_2019

THURSDAY 21st November, 2019

No.105828

‘IT’S ONE CAMPAIGN’ …President raps AFC over proposed hasty launch of separate elections campaign Stories …says negotiations with AFC must abide by the agreed principles See on pages 2, 9 and 10 …Trotman, Imran Khan recommit to coalition politics

President David Granger

Oil and gas summit opens PAGE

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High-tech drones for borders …GDF to acquire five long-endurance drones to boost border security

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Attendees at the opening ceremony of the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) (Delano Williams photo)

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Gov’t to establish NRF account at BoG -as payment of royalties expected by year-end

‘It’s one campaign’ 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

…President raps AFC over proposed hasty launch of separate elections campaign

By Svetlana Marshall CHAIRMAN of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), President David Granger did not mince words when he expressed his disappointment in a decision taken by the Alliance For Change (AFC) to launch its elections campaign single-handedly.

The AFC last week announced the launch of its campaign, notwithstanding the fact that it has not concluded negotiations with the APNU – its coalition partner – on revision of the Cummingsburg Accord.

It was the Cummingsburg Accord, signed on February 14, 2015, that brought the two sides together ahead of the May 2015 General and Regional Elections, resulting in the defeat of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

By launching its campaign on Saturday, November 23, the AFC, would in effect, violate the core principles that were agreed with the APNU ahead of the negotiations. “It is part of the agreement that we should have a joint campaign, so I cannot understand why, in spite of that agreement, there should be an attempt to have separate campaigns; it’s one campaign, it’s one coalition not two coalitions. We are going into one government, not two governments, so I don’t understand who made that suggestion and why it should be made at this stage of the discussion or the negotiation,” President Granger said in response to a question posed by the Guyana Chronicle.

President Granger has long indicated that the procedure agreed upon should be followed before the launch of the elections campaign. Based on the established procedure,

APNU and the AFC having agreed on the core principles must agree on a revised Cummingsburg Accord, and subsequently a manifesto, before the coalition’s elections campaign is launched.

The Guyana Chronicle reported back in September that the parties had committed to upholding the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of

general and regional elections and local government elections and agreed to select candidates for the aforementioned elections through participatory and transparent processes, which guarantee that candidates enjoy the majority of their respective constituencies and satisfy all legal criteria for election.

On the issue of alloca-

COMMON MANIFESTO, CAMPAIGN Meanwhile, other aspects of the core principles include the cultivation of respectful relations and at all times the parties will act collectively in the best interest of the coalition. They also agreed to speak with one voice on issues of public policy, to support a common manifes-

Flashback! President David Granger (then candidate Granger) presents a copy of the APNU+AFC manifesto to a citizen during the 2015 elections campaign. Also in photo is then Prime Ministerial candidate Moses Nagamootoo

Guyana and to ensure that no agreement or action collides with or contradicts articles of the Constitution. This newspaper also understands that as part of the core principles the parties agreed and committed to the establishment of a system of inclusionary democracy and the advancement of the country’s Green State Development Strategy, Vision 2040.

They also committed to seeking electoral majorities at the

tion of seats in the National Assembly, Cabinet, Regional Democratic Councils, Municipal and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils, the sides agreed that this would be done on the basis of a formula.

The sides agreed too that the prerogative of the President to appoint members of cabinet and ministers and to assign specific ministerial portfolios is explicitly embodied in the Constitution and is inviolable.

to and to issue joint media bulletins and releases on electoral matters.

Additionally, the parties agreed to abide by the principle of collective responsibility in respect of decisions emanating from Cabinet and to holding common positions on bills, motions and resolutions in the National Assembly. Each party also pledged to inform the other in advance of its inability at any

time to support any measure in the National Assembly.

Other areas covered in the core principles are that of the publishing of a joint manifesto comprising 12 broad fields: constitutional reform, good governance, economic growth and development, education improvement, energy sector, environmental protection, indigenous peoples, infrastructural development, international relations, social protection and social cohesion, security and human safety, women, gender equality and youth.

However, the AFC, in making the announcement, fell short of addressing how its decision conflicts with the established procedure, instead it said it is “battle-ready” for the 2020 elections.

Moving ahead and in total isolation of its coalition partner, the AFC said that some 12 temporary campaign offices will be set up countrywide and its management team and international consultants are working assiduously to meet the objectives.

According to the alliance, its already established 2020 manifesto will be merged with APNU’s. Updating the media on its manifesto, Deputy General-Secretary Leonard Craig, said the party is confident that what it will put forward is valuable to the coalition and the country at large. “From where the AFC sits, we are clear about what our manifesto will contain and we are clear about an elections campaign we want to carry out, but the last stop would be the completion of the Cummingsburg Accord agreement. Once that is completed, then our plans will be dovetailed with that of the

APNU and then we move forward from there,” Craig said.

Meanwhile, campaign offices have already been launched at Lusignan, Corriverton and Bath Settlement.

In the weeks to come, others will be launched in Onderneeming, Albion and on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), with several other proposed areas to be decided.

“In all, we plan to open 12 offices throughout the country and in every coastal region. That is part of an AFC programme as part of campaign plans, that the AFC is rolling out,” Craig said.

“I wish to let Guyana know that AFC is battle-ready. We desire a partnership with the APNU, it is the preferred way to go in these elections, but we are battle-ready and with or without our partners we are ready to go,” Craig told reporters.

When the coalition parties contested separately at the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the AFC won seven seats with its greatest support of 11,634 votes coming from Region Six where the APNU came close behind in the Region with 10,798. That year, APNU won 26 seats with the majority of its votes coming from Region Four at 84,828 in which Region the AFC secured only 10,635. Over 340,000 valid votes were cast in 2011 in comparison to over 400,000 votes cast at the 2015 General and Regional Elections. At that election, the APNU+AFC coalition raked in 207,200 votes with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) close behind at 202,694 votes which gave them a one-seat majority in the National Assembly.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

High-tech drones for borders …GDF to acquire five long-endurance drones to boost border security

THE Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is set to benefit from five high tech, long endurance drones to the tune of $180M, which will significantly enhance the security of the country’s borders, maritime space and coastland, the Ministry of the Presidency has said.

Minister of State, Dawn H a s t i n g s - Wi l l i a m s , o n Wednesday afternoon, attended a demonstration of one of the drones at the Force’s Base Camp Ayanganna Headquarters, to get a first-hand view of its capabilities. She was accompanied by Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams.

The drone can fly for about five hours without pay load. With pay load, it can fly for 2 to 4 hours. Additionally, it has the ability to manoeuvre small spaces, hover, and track targets while boasting collision-avoidance technology.

The cameras attached are high quality and can identify targets from long distances, identify targets using infrared technology in the nights and can also assist in search and rescue operations by identifying objects and persons in water.

Back in October 2016, Ramjattan had told a news conference, hosted by the Alliance For Change, that the United States Government had committed to helping Guyana bolster security at its borders, with possible airplane surveillance and drones. That, he said then, was necessary as Guyana grappled with the trafficking of small arms and drugs from neighbouring Brazil. Ramjattan told the news conference

that, at a Caribbean-United States (U.S.) Security Cooperation dialogue, held at the Washington State Department in Washington DC, in that same month, he had presented Guyana’s ‘border security’ issues as a major concern, especially with the high prevalence of drug and gun-related crimes at the southern side of

tan stated back then.

The minister said, too, he had asked the U.S. State Department for help, through providing airplane surveillance or drones that could go 100 miles and back with its location being at a sub-command centre likely to be installed at Lethem. The U.S. also suggested some other

equipment they can utilise through satellite imagery. “… but these are expensive things.

But in the exercise of trying to stop drugs and trying to stop firearms entering Guyana, if all of that is what we would require they have made a commitment that yes, there will be assistance in that regard.”

He had said he was partic-

One of the drones, which will be purchased by the Guyana Defence Force

the border near Brazil.

He said as a result of his submission during the dialogue, the U.S. government made a commitment to strengthen collaboration with this country to combat gun-running and the drug trade through the possible installation of high-profile technological equipment, and professional preparation of those employed in the security and judicial sectors. “I did identify ‘border control,’ because more and more the evidence was that, from Brazil, we were having more small arms– Taurus pistols coming in… we also had some eyes in the Brazillian territory…it needed more surveillance, but the surveillance there would be expensive because that more or less will have to be probably airplanes,” Ramjat-

ularly pleased with the promise by the U.S. to help secure Guyana’s southern border with Brazil with the installation of necessary high-profile equipment that can capture and record criminal activity from that end. Ramjattan said this move has come at a time when it has been recognised that the gun and drug trades are prevalent at the Guyana-Brazil border. “…The Colombians and Venezuelans and those who are involved with the narcotics trade from Brazil and other Latin American countries, they’re now using Guyana as a condo, and they have been doing so for some time,” Minister Ramjattan said.

He backed up his statement by pointing to the several strange airplanes that have been discovered in various areas in Guyana’s

hinterland, adding that government has received information that there had been many other planes used in the international drug trade between Guyana, Europe and North America.

“And now we know they do drop-offs and then it is brought to Georgetown, put in containers, and that is how Guyanese containers with rice and a whole lot of things are being caught in other countries with the cocaine.” He said Guyana has been applauded by the U.S. government for doing a “tremendously good job” in its recent efforts to destroy the drug trade, with the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Narcotics Unit intercepting several persons attempting to traffick drugs.

Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings- Williams, Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and Attorney General, Mr. Basil Williams inspecting the drone in the presence of Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Patrick West, Chief Executive Officer of the Skyfront company, Mr. Tory Mestler and other officials

Authorities to engage Moco Moco, St. Ignatius ― hoping for ‘amicable settlement’ of longstanding boundary issue A TEAM of government officials will this week be heading to the Rupununi to address a demarcation issue involving the Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) villages of St. Ignatius and Moco Moco.

According to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, the team will be led by Special Assistant on Legal Affairs to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, David James, and that the matter under investigation dates back to between 2004 and 2007, when both villages applied for an extension of a portion of land, known locally as ‘Moco Moco Horse Shoe to Matapee Creek’.

It says that during discussions held recently between a visiting land titling team and the St. Ignatius Village Council, the issue was brought to the fore, and the villagers were promised that immediate steps will be taken to have the matter addressed amicably.

The visiting land titling team, the ministry said, was at the time led by Special Assistant to the Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs with responsibility for Projects and Community Development, Martin Cheong.

It quotes Cheong as saying: “We have dealt extensively with Moco Moco extension, and now we are made to understand that St. Ignatius also has interest in that particular

piece of land, so that is an issue that has to be dealt with.”

He also said, “In fact, the ALT (Amerindian Land Titling) investigation team will be coming to meet with all the communities before the end of the month, and that issue will come up. And so both community leadership will have representation at this meeting, along with all the other agencies that help with this project.”

Both Moco Moco and St. Ignatius, Cheong said, “will have to come up with a Memorandum of Understanding where they can actually share the land, so that both communities can benefit. So we hope that we can be able to come up with a very amicable conclusion to this whole issue of the competition for land.”

The ministry says that in 2017, the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), a component of the ALT Project, was operationalised with the aim of adequately addressing land issues affecting Indigenous Peoples.

The GRM is now headed by Director Orinthia Schmidt, and during a recently conducted Communications Workshop held in four villages in Deep-South Rupununi, the GRM process was presented and embraced by the respective villages.

Schmidt indicated that she was extremely pleased with

the response received.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, which is the executing body for the ALT Project in partnership with the UNDP and other key stakeholders, has been actively engaging and working with villages to address their issues, since land ownership is paramount to a sustained livelihood for the Indigenous Peoples.

According to Cheong, “The ministry has a mandate, and we are working feverishly in this last phase of the project to ensure that we do all that we can. But I would also like to say that when this project comes to an end, this means that Amerindian Land Titling will come to an end.”

He said that the ministry has undertaken to “set up a structure, so that when the project would have come to an end in December 2021, there will still be a unit that will deal with issues that may not have been dealt with under this project, and others that may come up in the future.”

Also on the team headed to the Rupununi are ALT Technical Manager Enrique Monize, and representatives from key entities such as the National Toshaos Council, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Britain’s Prince Andrew halts public duties over sex scandal

LONDON (Reuters) Britain’s Prince Andrew stepped down from public duties on Wednesday, saying the controversy surrounding his “ill-judged” association with late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein had caused major disruption to the royal family’s work.

Andrew, Queen Elizabeth’s second son, denies an allegation that he had sex with a 17-year-old girl procured for him by his friend Epstein, who killed himself in a U.S. prison in August while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The scandal has escalated since Andrew’s rambling explanations in a disastrous BBC TV interview aired on Saturday left many viewers incredulous, and his apparent lack of compassion for Epstein’s victims drew widespread condemnation.

As the story dominated news headlines for a fourth day and a slew of businesses distanced themselves from organisations and charities associated with the prince, he said he would step down from public life for the time being and speak to police about Epstein. “It has become clear to me over the last few days that the circumstances relating to my former association with Jeffrey Epstein has become a major disruption to my family’s work,” he said in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace.

“Therefore, I have asked Her Majesty if I may step back from public duties for the foreseeable future, and she has given her permission,” said Andrew, 59, whose official title is the Duke of York. “Of course, I am willing to help any appropriate law enforcement

agency with their investigations, if required.”

Andrew’s conduct has overshadowed much of the political campaigning for Britain’s parliamentary election on Dec. 12. In a televised debate on Tuesday night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the monarchy was “beyond reproach” while opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said the institution “needs a bit of improvement” and that there were questions to be answered.

THE FAVORITE Andrew, widely reputed to be the favorite of the queen’s three sons, has been under scrutiny over his friendship with Epstein for the past several years. He quit as Britain’s roving trade ambassador in 2011 after being lambasted for his links to the financier after he was jailed in 2008 for child sex offences. Then in 2015, one of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Giuffre, said she was forced to have sex with Andrew in London, New York and on a private Caribbean

island between 1999 and 2002, when she says Epstein kept her as a “sex slave”.

In his BBC interview, he categorically denied the sex claims and gave a series of explanations as to why her account was not true, such as not being able to sweat and being at a pizza restaurant in

FILE PHOTO: Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York visits the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital to open the new Stanmore Building, in London, Britain March 21, 2019. (David Mirzoeff/ Pool via REUTERS/File Photo)

the suburban town of Working, provoking derision and ridicule in newspapers and social media.

Rather than drawing a line under the accusations,

THURS. November 21, 2019 - 13:00hrs ~14:30hrs

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that helps develop digital skills to drop Andrew as its patron if it wanted to maintain its support. “I continue to unequivocally regret my ill-judged association with Jeffrey Epstein,” Andrew said in his latest statement.

“His suicide has left many unanswered questions, particularly for his victims, and I deeply sympathize with everyone who has been affected and wants some form of closure.”

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the interview led to more questions and businesses pulling out of supporting his charities and Pitch@ Palace scheme to help young tech entrepreneurs.

BT, one of Britain’s oldest companies and its largest broadband provider, said on Wednesday told a scheme

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FROM HELICOPTER PILOT TO “AIRMILES ANDY” As a young man, Andrew was one of the most popular royals, acclaimed by the British press for his active service as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War and earning the nickname ?”Randy Andy” for his courting of glamorous girlfriends. He turned heads when he dated U.S. actress Koo Stark who had appeared in a soft-porn film.

But, the once second-in-line to the throne dropped in the public’s affection and as he slipped down the line of succession, he was dubbed “Airmiles Andy” over accusations of a lavish jetset playboy lifestyle, funded by the taxpayer.

His 1986 marriage to flame-haired Sarah Ferguson, which was hailed as a breath of fresh air to the monarchy, ended in divorce a decade later but she remains one of his strongest supporters.

“Andrew is a true+real gentleman and is stoically steadfast to not only his duty but also his kindness + goodness,” she wrote on Twitter on Friday. Queen Elizabeth appeared at reception on Wednesday to present the naturalist David Attenborough with an award. She made no comment about Andrew.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

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PM presents EC$1.1 billion budget to Parliament ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, Nov 20, CMC – The Grenada government Wednesday presented an EC$1.1 billion (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) budget to parliament with Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell indicating that most of the funding going towards the repayment of the public debt, which at the end of this year is estimated to be nearly 56 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Mitchell, presenting the fiscal package under the theme “Towards Vision 2035, empowering our Communities, growing our Economy, Protecting our environment, strengthening our institution,” said that Grenada is expected to continue its strong fiscal performance for 2020.

“Grenada’s fiscal position continues to be strong, with an expected primary surplus after grants if 6.8 per cent of GDP, at the end of 2019. This performance is anchored in our adherence to the Fiscal Responsibility Act and backed by continuous reforms in both the Inland Revenue Department and the Customs and Excise Division,” the Finance Minister said.

He said that the public debt ratio is on a decline moving from 108 per cent in 2013, to 62.7 last year and projected to be 55.8 per cent by the end of the year. “It is instructive to note that this expected outturn is not only below 60 per cent target established by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) but it will also be achieved way ahead of the 2030 deadline,” he told legislators.

Mitchell said that the figures underscores his administration’s desire “to stay the course of fiscal responsibility” adding that “the reduction in the repayment obligation reduces the burden on future generations and creates the space needed to advance developmental programmes that would keep this nation on the path of growth and development.

“We cannot play games with the future of our children and grandchildren. Oftentimes, I am shocked by the flippant remarks made about amending the Fiscal Responsibility Law merely to accommodate the demands being made by a few persons. Mr. Speaker, Grenada is deriving too many benefits from being fiscally prudent to alter that course,” Mitchell said, urging Grenadians to pay close atten-

tion to the numerous benefits the island stands to lose, if it foregoes fiscal prudence.

The government said that Recurrent Revenue is estimated at EC$786.2 million, while Recurrent Expenditure is pegged at EC$633.7 million. In his budget presentation, Mitchell said that as his government continues with its efforts to protect the environment, by June 2020, it will introduce a ban on the importation of vehicles exceeding 10 years and will also introduce a 50 per cent duty reduction on the importation of electric and hybrid vehicles.

inadequate, but it is a step in the right direction.

“Mr. Speaker, while we have provided a 70 per cent top-up to established public officers who have retired, Government is cognizant that the plight of unestablished workers has not been appropriately addressed,” he said, promising that his administration will endeavour to resolve this issue by June 2020 in the spirit of equity for all workers.

The prime minister said he was pleased with the “sobriety and measure of understanding” shown by some trade

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell speaking to reporters after budget presentation (CMC Photo)

By June 2020 Grenada is also expected to restrict the importation of a number of single-use plastic products including cutlery and plastic bags. Government said it would be also be taking measures to repeal a number license fee which have not been providing revenue to the state. These include video rental outlets, sale of latrine units, hostels and home economic training. Mitchell said the government will also be reviewing its burial assistance programme.

‘While our intentions are noble Mr Speaker, there is evidence of abuse in this programme, with assistance in some instances, being used for things other than burial,” Mitchell added.

In his presentation, Mitchell said his administration had promised relief to claimants who have secured judgments against the Government and so far this year, EC$5.2 million was paid in settlement to nine claimants, with one claim dating as far back as 2004.

Mitchell said that effective January 2019, the government increased ex-gratia payments that primarily addresses unestablished workers to EC$350, adding “we are ever mindful that this is woefully

unions as they negotiated salary increases for their members. He said the agreements reached with a number of trade unions provide for a four per cent increases in salary and wages for each of the three years in the new cycle.

“Compounded and in real terms, this amounts to a 13.5 per cent increase over three years. In addition Mr. Speaker, with effect from January 2020, contributions to the NIS (National Insurance Scheme) would increase by one per cent; therefore the effective increase to public officers is five per cent.

“The cost of this increase to the state is over EC$43.5 million,” Mitchell said, adding that pensioners will also receive the very same increases to their monthly pension. “I must take this opportunity to single out the Grenada Union of Teachers for their patriotic disposition.

They came to the negotiating table with the interest of their members uppermost in their objectives but also demonstrated solid recognition and regard for the concept of fiscal prudence.

“There was no playing for the cameras or grand-standing. They bargained hard but were prepared to take into consideration the limitations set by the fiscal rules enshrined in law.” Mitchell said that during the first quarter of next year, the government will undertake a comprehensive review of its recurrent and capital expenditure as part of efforts to improve accountability in the public service.

‘The review will also provide concrete recommendations to strengthen expenditure controls and the

institutional mechanism for expenditure management, as well as improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending,” he told legislators.

Referring specifically to the cell phone scandals earlier in the year in which a number of former public servants including Members of Parliament had run-up bills estimated at thousands of dollars, Mitchell said the entire fiasco revealed significant expenditure leakages in the system.

“The misuse of cell phones by persons within the system and those who already left the system caused a major embarrassment to the Government in 2019. A complete review has been undertaken and we have the results which indicted the persons who are already out of the systems and therefore should no longer have access to the service,” he said while disclosing that steps are now being taken with the service

provider to recover some of the money. “We cannot allow systemic failures to manifest themselves through irresponsible expenditure and poor accountability. We must, as a matter of priority, improve our expenditure management systems so that we can protect and consolidate the immense economic gains we have already achieved.”

Mitchell said that the Attorney General’s office in conjunction with the Public Service Commission has established the procedural guidelines for investigating financial abuse in the system with a view to imposing disciplinary measures on public officials found guilty of such abuse. “These procedures are expected to take full effect in January 2020,” the Prime Minister announced to the House. He did not disclose the format disciplinary measures will include in the guidelines.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Fighting HPV

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HE David Granger administration continues to make tangible progress pertaining to the welfare of women in Guyana, including in the area of women’s health.

One of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken by government is the HPV vaccination programme, the current phase of which commenced in October 2017.

HPV stands for the Human Papilloma Virus. HPV is actually a group of some 120 strains of viruses that can infect humans. The majority of those strains cause minor symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, there are a few strains that cause life-threatening diseases, including the dreaded cervical cancer.

HPV infection may also result in non-cancerous warts in the genital and anal areas of both men and women, as well as growths in the head, neck, and other parts of the body. Of course, cancer is the most feared result of HPV infection, but, a non-cancerous growth in the trachea (windpipe), can be life threatening as well; such a lesion may obstruct breathing, among other serious effects. Evidently, HPV is a major health issue.

The HPV is spread primarily by intimate sexual contact; however, in less frequent instances, the virus may be spread by the use of shared objects such as razors. HPV is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the human species. It is estimated by experts that some 80 per cent of persons are infected at some point in their lives. Fortunately, the majority of those persons experience no symptoms at all.

But, for those persons who develop symptoms, the results may be deadly; and the deadliest result of infection is cervical cancer. It is estimated that over five per cent of all cancers are attributable to HPV infection.

Only women can develop cervical cancer. Therefore, the decision by government to fight the infection and the resulting possibility of developing cancer, is of particular importance and benefit to women. Based on the advice of experts, the David Granger administration initiated a programme to make HPV vaccines available to girls who are between the ages of 9 and 13 years old. The experts have advised that it is best to vaccinate girls before they become sexually active, thereby making them immune from infection. Once a girl is immune, if she later becomes sexually active and is exposed to HPV, she will not pick up the virus; she will therefore not have to fear the possibility of developing illnesses, including the deadly cervical cancer caused by HPV. In September 2017, The David Granger administration, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and World Health Organization (WHO), announced plans to have approximately 36,000 girls between the ages of 9-16 years immunised with the HPV vaccine. The initiative would be administered by the Ministry of Public Health. Representatives of PAHO/WHO and the Ministry of Public Health said that the team is aiming to distribute approximately 40,000 doses of the vaccine among young girls across all the regions of Guyana. The vaccination campaign began in October 2017.

According to PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr William Adu-Krow, the main purpose of the HPV vaccine is to prevent cervical cancer. He added that the vaccine also protects against genital warts in both females and males.

Ministry of Public Health, Maternal & Child Health Officer (ag), Dr Ertinesa Hamilton in her presentation on the countrywide HPV launch, said with the goal of reducing

cervical cancer locally, they will be partnering with a number of stakeholders.

Dr. Hamilton said, “We will be working in conjunction with the Ministry of Education to immunise girls in school.

We have already begun the partnership with our private paediatricians for mothers who do not want to take their child to have the vaccine at school… and for all girls that we cannot reach. Especially those in remote areas and are out of school, to have outreach activities in the regions, in their villages so that we can get every girl within that age group immunised.”

Meanwhile, Dr William Adu-Krow reminded that while not new, the HPV vaccine has been administered in several countries; he described it as the best chance of preventing cervical cancer. Over time, the Granger administration expanded the nationwide programme to include both females and males up to 16 years old.

President Granger’s commitment to improving the lives of women cannot be questioned. Remarkably, Guyana, even though we are a developing country, is one of only a handful of countries in which citizens have access to free HPV vaccination. That fact underscores President Granger’s determination to enhance the lives of women in every way possible. As the programme continues apace, Guyanese should be mindful of the work still to be done. Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence continues to urge parents to have their daughters vaccinated, thereby protecting them against cervical cancer. And, Guyanese are urged to ensure that the David Granger government remains in a position to deliver a better life to all Guyanese.

Since when does Jagdeo care?

Dear Editor,

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F, as seems clearly the case, that opposition leader Bharat Jagdeo, through captioned headlined story” Jagdeo to Public Servants: Collect salary increases, it’s nothing new”- Newsource, November 14, 2019, is attempting to portray himself as a responsible political leader, but at the same time, seeking to downplay the fact of the increases, then he is, as is expected on occasions when his past policies are put to shame, being politically dishonest.

Editor, this former president should keep his deceptive mouth firmly shut on such matters as improving public sector working conditions. Plainly said, he and his former government constructed a policy of keeping this very important category of the nation’s workers in economic bondage. And one need not state the obvious reasons why.

He did not perceive this key segment of the State’s functions as supporters of his party; and so he let them suffer. This was the same measure he applied to communities which were not his supporters – he denied them critical social amenities that were necessary for both improvement and enhancement of their communities.

By stating that the money for the increases were already ‘’budgeted since last year’’, is a load of thrash, as well as nonsensical, as he seems to be implying that there was nothing special about the percentages to be paid, and that the increases are a willo the wisp initiative, like Houdini pulling rabbits out of a hat. How much more ridiculous can Jagdeo become, by seeking to portray the government as not giving due thought to a very critical aspect of the national work force.

Any objective observer of government’s approach to wage increases in the public sector, would discern a clear consistency and purpose since 2015, that have been leading continuously to improving emoluments within this key sector.

And surely, such has to be budgeted as part of any proper state’s financial planning.

Editor, for Jagdeo to be lamenting about members of the Disciplined Forces now worse off because they no longer benefit from the former one-month salary as a bonus..”is to continue playing politics with our security services, openly seeking to create dissension. His government’s extra onemonth salary as bonus, in addition to increases, was not about interest in the welfare of those brave men and women whose task it was, and still is, to protect the nation in its respective social spheres; nor in their professional development. Instead,

it was a strategy to ensure political control. But, it was not a facility that was granted to the other sections of the State work force.

Essentially, it was a one off that was given for financial spending at a time of the year that traditionally demands increase sums. One is not surmising here that every recipient would have followed the splurge line, even though there is the individual right of determining how and when to spend one’s dollar. But, it would have been interesting to do a survey as to how much of such an extra sum was set aside as savings.

This is to challenge Jagdeo’s view of the worse off situation of members of the disciplined forces, because of the absence of the extra month’s salary.

The logic, one believes, of government’s percentage increase, is to continually build financial capacity in an incremental manner that will have the effect of meaningfully benefitting public servants over time. It was never Jagdeo’s intention for public servants to live sustainable economic lives. Since when did he ever care about public servants?

Regards Mark Dacosta

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Op-Ed

Transforming Guyana through women’s socioeconomic empowerment

By Margaret Burke

I

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NVESTING in women in any country is one of the best things any government can do. And the APNU+AFC coalition government seems to be right on track with such a plan; nurturing an atmosphere that is conducive to women’s self-development and greater potency for employment, whether as entrepreneurs or being employable by other agencies.

While it is expected across most of the world that men should be heads of households; that they should lead and provide security – financial and otherwise-- this is not always so. In fact, in many of the Third World countries such as Guyana, a fairly large percentage of homes are female-headed, single-parent households.

Here, women take the lead role, being primary caregivers of children and the elderly in the home. And research has shown that while these women navigate the pathways for their children, they are not only enabling changes in the lives of their families, but also playing impacting roles in the society.

Thus the words of President David Granger, who asserted: “It is my belief that if women were economically independent, if they were educated and if they were empowered, we would not have this sort of domination and domestic violence that are taking place in this country.”

It is, therefore, imperative that the government has a hand in this informal setting, one that can have tremendous influence on the nation’s future generation.

Studies validate the fact that supporting women’s ability to succeed and advance economically leads to healthy and productive households, growing businesses, and the well-being of communities and nations.

In terms of the children, President David Granger has already stated his intention, through the coalition government: “I have vowed to re-introduce that entitlement… free education from nursery to university. You don’t have to migrate; you don’t have to go away. We are going to build a first-class education system. Every Guyanese child will be educated on all four levels: nursery, primary, secondary and university at the State’s expense - it is your entitlement.

“Once you are educated, this economy will expand.

We want highly trained, highly educated workers and you will be able to go out there and deliver quality performance in whatever field you choose. Employment opportunities will expand and

we will want to make sure everyone of you, if you can’t be employed by some agency or corporation, you’d be able to employ yourself by expanding enterprise. You’d be able to go to manufacturing, agro-processing, mining and other forms of production,” he assured.

Agriculture, a major player Findings back up the position that nearly one-third of the world’s women are involved in agricultural employment. The possibility of Guyana being the ‘breadbasket’ of the Caribbean is still real. At the moment, agro-processing is now an important aspect of entrepreneurial development. Value-addition also includes jams, jellies, sauces and juices, pickles, peppers, dried powder spices and much more, made from fresh fruits and vegetables produced on farms here.

Additionally, many of these women are now adding value, not only to their agricultural produce from the land, but also to their livestock such as pigs – for pork, pickled hams, sausages, and the like. These are all items that are placed on the shelves of supermarkets around the country and the New Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), which is one of the major players in this regard.

Furthermore, with oil and gas on the horizon, agriculture and agro-processing will be even more in demand. Coconut oils, coconut casreep, soaps, shampoos and other condiments are also being produced, as the industry expands.

Additionally, there will be a greater demand for dried foods such as cassava bread in all its forms, including cassava quinches, farine – a cassava cereal and many other items. There are also items such as dehydrated and candied fruits for cakes, puddings and other desserts being produced. Beekeeping is also becoming a big and booming industry in Guyana.

All of these are produced in mostly small industries, where women are involved.

Honouring women In August of this year, the Ministry of Agriculture honoured some 100 female farmers, who are involved in agriculture-related activities.

These activities include cash crop farming and poultry and livestock rearing from the villages of Buxton, Haslington, Nabaclis and Golden Grove on the East Coast of Demerara, and Linden. The ‘female’ farmers were given a day of relaxation during the Ministry of Agriculture’s first ever ‘Women in Agriculture Appreciation Day’

exercise.

While offering remarks, Minister Adams-Yearwood said it was evident that female farmers carry equal loads to men and continue to override the many challenges they face by creating innovative solutions to push the sector. Minister Adams-Yearwood stated that she felt the need to host the event after meeting with several groups of female farmers who devoted most of their lives to agriculture.

“After meeting with these women, I realized that, apart from being mothers and wives, they have dedicated most of their lives to the sector and were never afforded the opportunity to have a day off. These women did and continue to do so much for the sector and I felt they deserved a day off; after all, women are the backbone of any rural economy, especially those in developing economies,” Minister Adams-Yearwood noted. She added that over the years, women have played, and continue to play, significant and crucial roles in agricultural development in Guyana.

Entrepreneurs and small industries Women of the Amerindian communities also play a major role in agriculture. The Wowetta Women’s Agro-processers group, which started in 2015, is titled “Empowering the women of Wowetta to mitigate threats of food security resulting from drought, flooding, wildfire and extreme climate change.” Their farine processing factory in the North Rupununi was dedicated as part of Agriculture Month in 2018. This project continues to be a thriving one with many other products added to their list.

The community of Capoey of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) also has women who are seriously working to become independent entrepreneurs. These women are already involved in a number of agro-processing and other activities, but intend to get even more involved in others. The coalition government is very supportive of their ventures.

The Women Agro-processors Development Network (WADNET) is also another interesting group of women. It is made up of some 11 community-based groups of women and continues to grow, since many more women are expressing interest. Though the majority of the groups are from the hinterland, others are spreading out along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, in Region Four, as well as in Region Five on the West Coast of Berbice.

Education, training, jobs This year (2019) women farmers from many parts of Guyana, including Coomacka, benefitted from an agro-processing seminar for farmers involved in the rearing of cattle and pigs under the Ministry of Agriculture and Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA). The training placed emphasis on livestock farmers on the value-added products – corned beef and salted pork. Region Five and the Belladrum Shade House Group on the West Coast of Berbice, as well as groups in Region Nine all received special training.

Additionally, women in areas such as the Rupununi, specifically in the communities of Nappi, Masara, Aranaputa, Bina Hill and Annai have just recently benefitted from farming symposiums as well.

Many of these women farmers have so far been able to secure local and international markets, with prospects looking great for the rest of 2019 and even better in 2020. At lot of them are involved in the processing of raw agricultural materials, which consist of a variety of hot peppers, seasonings, peanuts, fruits, cassava, coconuts, forestry products and even traditional medicines into value-added products.

Chairperson of the Central Mahaicony-Perth Farmers’ Association, Ms. Gloria Adams in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), represents the rural communities within that district. Their main economic activities being farming, which comprises rice cultivation, cash crops in large variety, fruits, vegetables, ground provisions, dried coconuts and coconut water, fishing and even hunting. Farmers in these com-

munities are also engaged in large-scale livestock farming of poultry, the bovine specie swine; sheep, goats, cows and donkeys.

Meanwhile, there are diverse groups of women in business rising up all over Guyana. Many of these women are now being encouraged to get more involved in information and communication technology (ITC). The APNU+AFC coalition is investing heavily in advancing education, training and provision of incentives and support systems to facilitate the entrance of women into the workforce and self-employment. Women must rise to the challenge since it is the intention of government that women attain the relevant skill- set, that are required for the job market either as entrepreneurs or employees in the public or private sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Circumstances of the Gaskin case provide ample grounds for challenge and ruling Dear Editor,

R

AMON GASKIN reminds me, somewhat, of the Englishman Raymond Blackburn. Mr. Blackburn had a reputation for challenging (in person) public bodies, even the British Government, so much so that Lord Denning, M.R., described his litigatious dispensation as “showing eternal vigilance with the law”.

I notice that Mr. Gaskin has, now, albeit belatedly, raised, publicly, some concerns about the delay

in his court constitutional challenge to the State Assets Recovery Act, 2017 [‘Two years later…Ruling on constitutionality of SARA, Act still on hold” KN, Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at page 8] Below, I argue for a challenge to the unconstitutionality of that delay itself.

First of all, a ground for such a challenge would be the serious public injustice caused by this plainly excessive, inordinate and unreasonable delay. (pre-occupation with NCM litigations did not begin until January

2019). In this matter, the Director of SARA is the custodian of the public interest and justice. In October, I wrote a letter about this matter by which I had hoped to stir public activism, particularly, by the “Watchdog” Guyana Bar Association.

Nothing has happened. (En passant, I mention the case of Meerabux (George) v. Attorney General (2005) 66 WIR 113 (PC) in which the Bar Association of Belize was complainant against a Judge for misbehavior).

To be clear, my argument here is not, of course, for some discipline of the delaying judge; only delivery of that delayed decision. I quote some extracts from my October letter viz “The APNU+AFC Government’s response to the mischief of the serious corruption in respect of divestment of state lands and other assets was the enactment of the State Assets Recovery Act, 2017…

Court recovery proceedings against GBTI and QAII… cannot proceed because the Gaskin challenge is still undecided…

In an indirect way, Gaskin’s challenge touches and concerns BILLIONS of DOLLARS” (“Judges are concerned only with validity of legislation” GC 2019-1017, “Silence on this matter is not an option for the Guyana Bar Association” KN 201910-19, the last emphasis now added).My essential point is the public detriment

and injustice suffered as a consequence of the delay in his challenge. Converted into dollars (and intangible political benefits of the public’s opprobrium for the corrupt aside) the delay is worth billions of dollars of forensically investigated, potentially, recoverable assets.

Secondly, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has spoken, poignantly, and decisively, on this question of judicial delay in the Guyanese case of Bridgelall v.

Hariprashad (2017) 90 WIR 300. That case involved, inter alia, a delay of some six (6) years mostly in the Full Court and Court of Appeal.

It was about, inter alia, article 144(1) of the Constitution, which confers on a person charged with a criminal offence the fundamental right to a fair trial within a reasonable time. But there can be no doubt, or argument, whatsoever, that the principle of that Bridgelall case is equally applicable to the present Gaskin delayed-decision case which involves a consideration of the fundamental right under article 144 (8) to, in a civil matter, (which the Gaskin litigation is) be “…given a fair hearing WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME”.

The CCJ said, relevantly, in its ruling viz “The simple truth is that...excessive delays are tolerated because there is now a culture of complacency within the system towards delay….

when apex courts evince a firm position of intolerance towards this culture, the necessary measures are invariably introduced to enable and facilitate the reduction, if not elimination of unnecessary delay. In all the circumstances we find here and declare that the STATE HAS BREACHED Bridgelall’s constitutional right to a fair hearing WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME. …,” (see (2017) 90 WIR 300 at page 336 para [40]-[41] all emphasis supplied by me].

In my considered view, the circumstances of the Gaskin case provides ample and sufficient grounds for a challenge, and ruling, as happened in Bridgelall.

Has the learned court, unintentionally, forgotten this case amidst the burden of the workload of that court?

In the circumstances of this matter and avoiding austerity of tabulated legalism, the Director, as an interested party, is entitled to assert that the breach or contravention of article 144(8) caused by the delay has been, is being, and is likely to continue in relation to him, as with Mr. Gaskin, and accordingly is also entitled to the beneficial enjoyment of the fundamental right under article 144(8).

Third, and finally, I mention briefly Parliament’s intolerance and opprobrium for unnecessary delay as is evidenced by the Time Limit for Judicial Decision, Act, Cap. 3:13 (TLJDA). I

had made passing reference to the TLJDA in my letter of October 17/19 ibid. On one possible view, the TLJDA, by specifically stringently providing for a time limit for decisions in civil cases of “not later than one hundred and twenty days from the date of conclusion of the hearing” has given specificity to the generality of the wording of article 144 (8). What the framers of the Constitution said in general terms, Parliament has said, with specific, particular language.

The Judiciary must be guided accordingly.

I end with this: delay in this matter benefits the few who has been unjustly enriched with recoverable assets; it burdens and aggrieves the many.

If when decision is delivered, Gaskin succeeds then, surely, I anticipate there must be appeals(s). This involves further time (perhaps years). The longer the Director’s applications for civil recovery orders languishes in the courts, injustice (including but not limited to the Director) looms larger. If Mr. Gaskin (for whom I hold no brief) as a vigilantor, is really vexed and aggrieved by the two years plus delay, a constitutional challenge seems warranted, advisable, and certainly supportable by CCJ case law.

Regards Maxwell .E. Edwards

CCJ President saddened at passing of Justice Chang

PRESIDENT of the Caribbean Court of Justice, Adrian Saunders, has expressed sadness at the passing of Ian Chang, the former acting Chief Justice here who passed away last Saturday.

“I am very saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Justice Ian Chang, CCH, who acted as Chief Justice of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana for many years. I have known Mr Justice Chang for almost 50 years as we were both students together at the Law Faculty of the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill). Ian’s passion for the law, for legal argument, for interrogating the most esoteric nuances of the law is legendary,” Justice Saunders said.

Saunders said it was no surprise to him that Chang

ultimately achieved high judicial office in his native Guyana. “He has to his name, several outstanding judgements that are indelibly recorded in the law reports. These judgments span an impressive range of subject areas, again demonstrating the breadth of his knowledge of the law and his utter devotion to it.

He has made an important contribution to the development of Guyanese and Caribbean jurisprudence.

The judicial and legal profession in Guyana has lost a true champion of the law. Justice Chang will be sadly missed. On behalf of the Caribbean Court of Justice, I extend condolences to his family and to the judiciary of Guyana.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 21, 2019

‘We’re staying with the coalition’

…Trotman, Imran Khan say one-party government can’t unite Guyana AMID disagreement over aspects of the ongoing negotiations between the APNU and the AFC, two top members of the Alliance For Change have vowed to stay with the coalition, stressing that one-party government is not good for Guyana.

Chairman and founder of the AFC, Raphael Trotman, in a Facebook post on Wednesday declared: “I am staying with the coalition 110%. This is not whether the AFC can win on its own. The issue is what’s best in the overall national interest and staying in the coalition of parties and personalities and stakeholders is what is best for Guyana at this time.” Trotman said one-party governments cannot unite and move “our nation forward.

The AFC has had much to offer in government of national unity and development,” Trotman who is also Minister of Natural Resources said in the post which he ended with the statement: ”My true statement.”

Late last month Trotman had struck a similar tone at a AFC news conference, warning that the electorate could respond negatively to a divided coalition, while stating that it is important for the AFC and its coalition partner – the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) find common ground as it renegotiates the 2015 Cummingsburg Accord ahead of the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Trotman made the point in the presence of AFC’s Vice-Chairman Catherine Hughes and its Executive Member Dominic Gaskin. At the time,Hughes and Gaskin were reporting that the negotiation pertaining to the Cummingsburg Accord had broken down over the appointment of the prime ministerial Candidate. The AFC is maintaining that it must name the prime ministerial candidate, and its nominee, Khemraj Ramjattan, must be accepted. It was during that press conference that the AFC executives indicated that if the matter is not resolved by the time the National Executive Committee meets on November 2, 2019, a decision would have had to be taken on whether or not the AFC will contest the elections as part of the coalition or as an independent party.

“Ultimately, the executive will make that determination, whether or not the AFC goes alone or whether or not it goes as a coalition,” Trotman said, but made it clear that a coalition is the better option. “I don’t see a better alternative to the coalition, quite frankly.

So I think compromise has to be found on both sides, and we will find a solution to this, and I am confident about that,” Trotman said.

He said the AFC saw “value” in the coalition in 2015, and today, the ethos and value remain the same.

Director of Public Information Imran Khan

Chairman of the Alliance For Change, Raphael Trotman

The AFC Chairman said despite the disagreements between the two sides, he believes that matter will be resolved in time. “I believe that in every engagement of this nature you will have moments of disagreement, but I believe that ultimately both parties wish, as I said earlier, and desire a coalition.

So the pause for me does give us an occasion to seriously reflect on where we were four or five years ago; and of course to look ahead as to where we want to go and bearing in mind the people’s expectation of us,” Trotman said.

He emphasised that in negotiation, there must be compromise.

Referencing the 2018 Local Government Elections, Trotman said based on the results, it was clear that the people were dissatisfied that the APNU and the AFC had contested those elections independently. He warned that to enter the General and Regional Elections as independent parties could be detrimental to both sides. “We are likely to see a reaction that is not in our best interest if we are separate and apart,” he posited.

My convictions have not changed Imran Khan, a top member of the party and also Director of Public Information said in 2014

when the issue of coalition politics emerged with vigour, he made a commitment that once there was a coalition between the APNU and AFC he will make whatever sacrifice was necessary to return to Guyana immediately. “The Cummingsburg Accord was agreed to and signed on February 14, 2015 and on February 21st, I was in Guyana and did not leave until after the election in May; I believed then in coalition politics. I believed then that we were better together. My convictions have not changed,” Khan stated also in a Facebook post.

“I do hereby declare that I am remaining in the coalition to which I am committed. I shall not be a part of any political wildness, ego trips, personal vendettas, flights of fancy, self-interest agendas or any gamble with the people’s future. I shall not betray the coalition or the people.

I am and will be a part of one campaign and one campaign only - the Coalition Campaign.” He said as President David Granger said on Wednesday this is a time for sobriety and for maturity and good sense to prevail in the interest of all Guyana. “We are better together and we must remain together,” Khan said, signing off with the statement,” This is my true statement.”

TOTALTEC nominated finalist for GTT warns against oilfield service company of the year scammers in light of TOTALTEC Oilfield Services has announced that it has been shortlisted for Oilfield Services Company of the Year at this year’s prestigious World Energy Capital Assembly Awards to be held in London, December 4, 2019.

The Oil and Gas Council Awards programme represents a global benchmark of excellence, for those working in the oil and gas industry. It honours and recognises 12 individuals and companies whhich have been at the heart of frontier plays and some of the world’s largest discoveries, a release from the Totaltec said.

These executives, and their businesses, have grown economies, created employment, and continue to change the face of the oil & gas industry, the company said. “From that charter, it is clear why Guyana would feature prominently in these awards, and TOTALTEC would be included. Since its founding in 2016, the TOTALTEC purpose remains the same:- to make Guyana an exceptional example of what the discovery of oil can do for a people and a country, by building capacity, and supporting partner companies to deliver to their highest performance standards.”

Over 300 Guyanese have been trained to international standards to date in its two academies – the International Petroleum & Maritime Academy (IPMA, ‘The Academy’) and the Marine Safety Training Institute (MSTI). TOTALTEC is committed to equipping Guyanese men and women with the knowledge, skills, and culture they need to enter, and, one day, lead, the oil and gas industry in Guyana.

TOTALTEC is also active in forming partnerships and building facilities to support the new industry. The first part-

nership example was its involvement in Guyana Shore Base, Inc. (GYSBI), which now supports ExxonMobil operations, employing over 300 Guyanese, who got their start in the industry via the TOTALTEC Academy training, scholarships and apprenticeships. This was followed by assisting a local company in getting established for the provision of lifting equipment and testing services, critical to the industry and an ideal starting point for a local company. TOTALTEC is now fabricating modular office and camp facilities, enabling companies to build and establish local capacity faster.

Lars Mangal, TOTALTEC CEO said, “being one of four finalists in this prestigious event is an honour for TOTALTEC. It is worth noting that the three other companies competing for the award - TechnipFMC, SBM Offshore, and Schlumberger - are among the largest industry service companies in the world, as well as of those active in Guyana offshore development. While they are proactive in helping to develop Guyanese, and orders of magnitude larger than TOTALTEC, we believe our purpose, pioneering success, and promise for the future gives us reason to be considered for the award.”

The World Capital Assembly Awards will take place in London on 3-4 December, 2019, and bring together over 650 executives from across the industry. Participating companies include First Reserve, Glencore, IFC, Kerogen, L1 Energy, Eco Atlantic, Schlumberger, BP, Shell, ExxonMobil and more.

recent promos

THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company is urging all its subscribers to be wary of scammers as persons may be devising ways in which to cash in with the festive season approaching.

Public Relations Manager Jasmin Harris explained that the company has received a number of fraud reports over the past week and has taken a stance to address the issue.

She noted that the company has created a promotions page on its website for customers to be up to date with all GTT promotions.

“Our Security Department is working diligently to locate these scammers and have the relevant authorities deal with them. However, to help curb the incidence of persons being scammed, we are urging all our customers to visit our promotions page at www.gtt.co.gy/ promotions to verify the details of any ongoing GTT campaign. It is our hope that in this way persons will be aware of all of our current promotions and not fall prey to fraud,” Harris said.

Harris also noted that there are alternative ways customers can query current promotions at GTT: these include GTT Live Chat, customer service at 0488 and in- store retail representatives.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 21, 2019

‘It’s not about deadlines and threats’ …President says negotiations with AFC must abide by the agreed principles

…hopes to reach agreement soonest, urges sober-mindedness

By Svetlana Marshall AHEAD of today’s high-level meeting with the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) on the revision of the Cummingsburg Accord, President David Granger said negotiation is about reaching an agreement not the issuance of threats and deadlines.

“Negotiations are determined by agreements not by deadlines,” President Granger said in direct response to AFC’s threat to part ways with the coalition if an agreement is not reached within a particular timeframe. President Granger – Chairman of the APNU – was at the time responding to a series of questions posed by the Guyana Chronicle on the sideline of an accreditation ceremony at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday.

Warning that the setting of rigid deadlines will not give rise to the best outcome, President Granger said the two sides have been actively engaging each other over the past two months.

“I am very confident that were we to sit without noise, sit down soberly and quietly, we will arrive at an outcome which is the best for Guyana,” he told this newspaper, while adding that the established and an agreed four-stage process should be followed.

“The process is based on principles, and we should not allow the preoccupation with personalities to derail the importance of seeking an agreement based on principles,” he said.

Noting that the core principles, which were agreed upon since August, are binding, the APNU Chairman said the five-party partnership remains firm in its position that it should not enter into any accord or agreement which violates those principles.

“The most important principle is that, any agreement should be in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana. So that is not subject to deadlines or threats, we will abide by the Constitution and it is my intention as head of the Government, on return to office, to ensure that the people of Guyana get a form of Government, get a National Assembly on the

APNU Chairman and President of Guyana, David Granger

Leader of the AFC Khemraj Ramjattan

Government side, on our side, which is honest and which is efficient, that is the aim of the negotiations,” he explained.

President Granger said, notwithstanding the challenges, the APNU is hoping to reach an agreement with the AFC as early as possible. “We all would like negotiations to be concluded as early as possible but we are seeking the best outcome for the people of Guyana, that’s my mission to give Guyana a government, which is honest and efficient,” he added.

The negotiation, the Head of State explained, has moved from the original teams led by Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, on the side of the APNU, and the Minister of Public Infrastructure led

by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson

on the part of AFC. At the high-level inter-party committee, President Granger is leading talks on behalf of the APNU while the AFC, is being represented by its Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan. Lawrence and Patterson form part of the negotiating team. Making reference to the core principles, he said once the process is adhered to and the principles respected the negotiation will go smoothly. Based on the established procedure, APNU and AFC having agreed on the core principles must agree on a revised Cummingsburg Accord, and subsequently a manifesto before the coalition’s elections campaign is launched. “It is a four-stage process which we outlined from the onset and we are confident that once we agreed on the principles the other three parts of that sequence would be easy

to achieve,” the President opined.

Last Monday – November 18 – the date set by AFC for an agreement, APNU Executive met and agreed on a post-election formula for the allocation of seats in the National Assembly and the Regional Democratic Councils (RDC).

“Following the brief, the partners examined several proposals and agreed on a post-election formula for the allocation of seats and recommended an approach for the continuation of negotiations with the Alliance For Change (AFC) in accordance with the core principles already agreed,” the APNU said.

The partners further agreed and recommended that the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana will guide all future discussions. “APNU remains committed to ending ‘winner-take-all’ politics in Guyana and to contesting the 2020 elections as a Coalition,” it said while iterating that the parties are better together.

The ratio was on the agenda for Monday’s meeting before the postponement. The new formula, once agreed upon, will guide the allocation of parliamentary, ministerial and regional positions. Under the old Cummingsburg Accord, APNU was allocated 60 per cent of the seats won by the government in the National Assembly, while the remaining 40 per cent went to the AFC. However, as the accord goes under revision, a proposal is reportedly on the table for a 70:30 ratio based on the “perceived and real reduced electoral strength” of the AFC. Initially, AFC, had set a twoweek timeframe for an agreement to be reached. It later set a November 10 deadline. November 18 was the last deadline given by the AFC. Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit & Exhibition, AFC Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan expressed full confidence that the two parties would be heading into the coming elections as a team. “I think the coalition is a certain winner.

Nothing but the coalition is a certain winner,” Ramjattan said.

CARICOM accredits new envoy from Botswana CARICOM’s Deputy Secretary-General Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan and Botswana’s new Ambassador to CARICOM, Her Excellency Tebogo Motshome, are both advocating closer co-operation between the Caribbean Community and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Ambassador Motshome presented her credentials, on Tuesday November 19, to DSG Soeknandan, as her country’s second Ambassador to CARICOM, at a ceremony at the CARICOM Secretariat’s Georgetown, Guyana Headquarters. They cited climate change and the blacklisting of countries by the European Union (EU) as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, as two issues of mutual interest where there could be collaboration in international fora.

In relation to climate change, Botswana’s Ambassador noted the need for combined efforts at regional and international fora to ensure a “fair and balanced approach” in tackling the issues. DSG Soeknandan agreed that Botswana and the Region’s intensifying environmental challenges provide ample reason for them to work

together. She said this should be done in “as many fora as possible to advocate for adequate resources to combat climate change.”

She pointed out that Member Countries of CARICOM and Botswana are advocating strongly for the replenishment of the Green Climate Fund and for SIDS to be able to access the necessary finance, prior to the onset of disasters, to enable their resilience. The DSG also called on Botswana’s support for bringing “further global awareness” to the reputational damage caused by blacklisting. She told the new envoy that it was a factor in the de-risking strategies adopted by international banks, resulting in the withdrawal of correspondent bank services in some cases.

They also both stressed the need for cohesion among the African Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) in the negotiations between that Grouping and the EU for a new partnership agreement to replace the Cotonou Agreement, a trade and aid accord between the two parties which ends in 2020. In this regard, Ambassador Motshome

CARICOM’s Deputy Secretary-General Ambassador Manorma Soeknandan (right) receives Letter of Credence from Botswana’s new Ambassador to CARICOM HE Tebogo Motshome

said Botswana continues to benefit from the recommendations and research put forward by CARICOM, even as they share membership within the Commonwealth of Nations, the United Nations, and the African, Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) Group.

Both Ambassador Soeknandan and Botswana’s envoy noted the value placed in the friendship

between the Community and the southern African country. “As a country that values regional integration and its ideals, Botswana commends CARICOM for the excellent work in regards to the advancement of socio economic development as well as promotion of peace and stability in the Region,” Ambassador Motshome stated.

“Ambassador, as the second

representative of Botswana to be accredited to CARICOM, your appointment signals another chapter in the growing friendship between Botswana and the Community and its Member States. This has been built on bilateral relationships, as well as through interactions in multilateral organisations, such as the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of countries, the

Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations,” the Deputy Secretary-General told Ambassador Motshome.

Ambassador Motshone said that she anticipated that CARICOM and SADC “will find synergies for future collaboration in their quest to advance the socio-economic aspiration of the citizens of SADC and CARICOM.” This she added, will go a long way in strengthening south-south cooperation by regional economic communities. Ambassador Motshome commended the leading role CARICOM continues to play towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis in Venezuela. She offered assurances of Botswana’s support regarding those efforts, as well as towards the recommendations of the Montevideo Mechanism.

“We are of the view that a full implementation of the recommendations will ensure a stable and secure Venezuela, at peace with itself and the region.” She also noted the Region’s response to the refugee and migration emergency caused by the crisis, noting that it reflected the “good neighbourliness and humanity,” expected of the Community.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

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Midwives receiving training to reduce maternal deaths WITH postpartum haemorrhaging (PPH) being one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in Guyana, the Midwife Association of Guyana (GMA) and Guyana Nurses Association (GNA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, on Monday held a training session on “Postpartum Hemorrhaging”, conducted by Obstetrician-Gynaecologist, Dr. Narine Singh.

Singh, who has over 35 years in the profession, notes that even as more is being done to prepare healthcare providers to deal with PPH, the onus is also on patients to play their part in mitigating risks. “Join clinic early, take the advice from the midwife, use the iron supplement,” Dr. Singh encouraged expectant mothers.

PPH is a condition whereby a woman bleeds heavily after giving birth,

and though it usually happens within one day of giving birth, it can happen up to 12 weeks after having a baby. “Some of the risk factors we can deal with, but they [the patients] have a role to play also,” Dr. Singh said. “With the doctor and patients collaborating, we can put a dent on the incidents of maternal deaths in Guyana. Lots of times there are risk factors that we could change; that could prevent PPH from happening. So we encourage women to join the clinic as early as possible,” he added.

Here in Guyana, antenatal care is provided free of charge at all health centres and other public health facilities across the country.

Another risk factor associated with PPH, Dr. Singh said, is anaemia, a condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin in the blood.

Anaemia is combatted by iron supplements, which are given to expectant mothers, also free of charge, during the course of attending antenatal clinics. It comes in the form of oral tablets or something called ‘Sprinkles’.

ANTENATAL CLINIC “Women can attend antenatal clinic early, and we can identify risk factors in them so that they can be monitored and followed up closely so that when they do go into labour, we are prepared for them,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “When the nurses give the ‘Sprinkles’ for iron supplementation, use it. A lot of times they take it home and don’t use it, then when they turn up at the time of delivery, their blood count is low.”

Noting that becoming pregnant too frequently, called multi-parity in medical parlance, can also lead

to maternal death, Dr. Singh said, “One of the things we encourage women to do is family planning. A person with 10 children coming in is at a high risk of haemorrhage. The WHO has shown that effective family planning can help to reduce ma-

Obstetrician-Gynacologist, Dr. Narine Singh

ternal deaths by one-third.”

Like antenatal care and iron supplements, varying forms of contraceptives are

also available free of charge at most health centres and public health facilities across the country. “Contraceptives is another thing that we should focus on; it can reduce maternal deaths,” Dr. Singh said, adding: “Access contraceptives; it’s available!

Just don’t wait for it to happen; plan your pregnancies.”

Guyana has been placing much emphasis on reducing maternal deaths over the years.

Since 2009, the maternal mortality rate in Guyana rose to 92.2 deaths per 100,000 live births, and has been continuously rising since.

In 2018, Guyana recorded a mortality rate at 229 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. The global maternal death rate is 211 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is still exceedingly high.

“This collaboration between MAG, GNA and MoPH is quite appropriate

and timely. If we are going to strengthen our midwifery services then we are going to have to invest in educating our care givers. In order to build their capacity to deliver timely lifesaving interventions designed to ensure safe delivery and prevent infant maternal morbidity and maternal mortality in Guyana,” noted Deputy Chief Nursing Officer Lalinie Dass.

“We have had our fair share of maternal deaths over the years; 2019 is no different. Some were avoidable, and some were not,” she said. “PPH has always stood out as the top cause of maternal deaths in Guyana. Today’s session is focused on addressing the management of PPH. Give your undivided attention in order to take away valued information and techniques and to accelerate your efforts in effective management in PPH.”

Judge to sum up today in 2013 Lethem murder trial HIGH Court Judge Sandil Kissoon is expected to sum up today in the murder of security guard John Friday who died during a robbery committed on the Lethem Post Office back in 2013.

Thereafter, the judge

will hand over the case to the jury for consideration and verdict. Currently on remand for the indictment are Alvin Kissoon, formerly of Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara and Calvin King, formerly of Savage Street, North-East La Pen-

itence.

The men are on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court. The duo had denied that, on January 18, 2013, at Lethem, they murdered Christopher John Friday during the

course of, or in furtherance of, a robbery.

The state was represented by prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Mandel Moore; the two defendants were represented by attorneys-at-law Adrian Thompson and Lyndon Amster-

dam.

According to reports, the two accused committed the crime at the Lethem Post Office, where they torched several safes and stole the $9.8M on January 18, 2013.

The men tied up Friday who was a security

guard, beat him and, as a result, he died. During the investigation, the two accused were caught with the money, a number of Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Company (GTT) phone cards, and two pay slips.

CARICOM delegation discussing Small percentage of substandard products on market- GA-FDD correspondent banking in the US BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Nov 19, CMC – ANTIGUA and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is leading a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) delegation to the United States participating in a roundtable discussion on de-risking and correspondent banking.

The discussion, which is being hosted by the US House Committee on Financial Services include legislators and bankers. Caribbean countries have been arguing that the threat by banks in developed countries to withdraw correspondent banking services would exclude the region from the global finance and trading system, with grave consequences for maintenance of financial stability, economic growth, remittance flows and poverty alleviation.

Earlier this year, Browne

called for the establishment of a Caribbean bank that would allow the region to counteract the position of international banks regarding correspondent banking.

Browne, who is leading the region’s response to the issue, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the region has been making “slow progress” on dealing with the matter.

“But at the same time there’s still a problem. The corresponding banks continue to take this policy of risk and return, so as far as they are concerned the banks in the OECS (Organistion of Eastern Caribbean States) in particular, are too small and they are in essence looking to bank larger banks within the region which then forces us to consolidate to have bigger banks.

“There may even be the need for us to have a Carib-

bean bank, that is a bank that is owned by various indigenous banks in the Caribbean and one that could have branches in the US diaspora, UK diaspora (and) Canadian diaspora in order to provide services to the Caribbean in the diaspora,” he said then.

The roundtable discussion follows a meeting in September between Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and US Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Chairwoman of the US House Committee on Financial Services. Apart from Browne, the other members of the CARICOM delegation include St. Lucia’s Prime Minister and CARICOM chairman, Allen Chastanet, Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister, Stuart Young and the CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque.

THE Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD), on Wednesday, said only a small percentage of substandard products that were imported by Faizal Asif Iqbal Alli from Canada were discovered in markets and supermarkets in Georgetown when inspections were done.

However, reports were still outstanding from outlying regions, where enhanced surveillance for the identified products was being done.

Alli was accused of malpractice, after it was discovered that the containers of assorted food items from Canada had within them tampered, substandard, and expired products. “Several containers for the named importer are currently at the city wharf and the public is assured that detailed examination will be exacted on all his containers for compliance, before entry is allowed or facilitated,” Director of the Food and Drug Department, Dr. Marlan Cole, said in a statement on

Wednesday.

The Regulatory Authority in Canada (Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), officially informed the GAFDD that the certificates used to facilitate the current exports were discontinued since 15th January 2019, the Food and Drug Department disclosed. “The department has since made an appeal to the CFIA to exercise greater scrutiny on our behalf for food exported from Canada to Guyana,” Dr. Cole added.

Meanwhile, the Office of Mohabir A. Nandlall & Associates, the legal counsel for the importer, has signalled the importer’s intention to withdraw legal proceedings against the GA-FDD as previously stated. The withdrawal comes after the importer was exposed for malfeasance.

Dr. Cole has issued a stern warning to importers.

“The department is warning importers of the practice of importing substandard items of food into Guyana and the use of fraudulent / unautho-

rised documentation to facilitate these imports,” he said.

“An appeal is being made for all importers to ensure the correct documentation, channels and / agencies are utilised for importation processes. Stringent measures are being implemented to increase our oversight and to eliminate these practices that may result in the release of substandard items on our market,” Dr. Cole added.

According to Dr. Cole, the Food and Drug Department is currently enjoying full support and collaboration from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) – Customs department to guard against this practice and have collectively put systems in place to selectively flag the imports of known defaulters in the Customs ASYCUDA system, since this act of extending shelf life was perpetrated before in June of 2016. The GA-FDD said consumers should be vigilant.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Smith Memorial plans celebratory service for 176th Anniversary VISUALLY attractive, but in a quaint way, stands Smith Memorial Congregational Church on the green lawns of the parish situated on the south-eastern shoulder of Brickdam, Georgetown.

The church is regarded as a heritage site by the National Trust of Guyana. The iconic wooden building was erected on November 23, 1843 in memory of Reverend John Smith, a London Missionary Society Minister. It was exactly 20 years after Reverend Smith was sentenced to death by hanging for the role he allegedly played in the notorious Demerara Slave Rebellion of 1823. **On Sunday, November 24, 2019 and in observance of the church’s 176th Anniversary this month, a `celebratory’ service starting at 09:00hrs and being held under the theme “Let us not be weary in well doing- Gal.6:9”, will mark the

occasion. Delivering the feature anniversary sermon will be Pastor Loris Heywood.

Smith died on February 16, 1824 while a prisoner on death row and waiting to be sent to England for a review of his trial. He was

buried at a small cemetery just west of St. Phillip’s Anglican Church. He was subsequently referred to as the `Demerara Martyr’, due to the circumstances surrounding his death.

Smith had arrived in De-

merara in February 1817 to succeed the Reverend John Wray, a pioneer missionary of the London Missionary Society at Bethel Chapel, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara (ECD). According to the records, like his

The iconic wooden edifice that is the Smith Memorial Congregational Church on Brickdam

predecessor Wray, he gave instructions to the slaves and also disobeyed the rules of the slave owners and taught their slaves to read the Bible and Catechism, thus laying the foundation of schooling and elementary primary education for the congregations.

Quamina, a slave, was a senior deacon at Bethel Chapel, and his son, Jack Gladstone, and other slaves were put to death for the role they allegedly played during

the 1823 uprising, which had as its goal the freeing of the slaves.

Subsequent to the church building, and in tribute to the work and suffering Rev. Smith had to endure on behalf of his deacons, members and other followers, a bronze bust was prominently mounted and decorated the forecourt of the church’s lawns for many years. It was stolen during the 1990s and never found.

Retired High Court Judge Oslen Small, the presiding pastor at Smith Memorial Congregational Church, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle said that unlike last year when the church celebrated the 175th Anniversary with pomp and ceremony, the observance this year is ‘toned down’. He related some of the inspiring history of the church from its inception, which was during the period of slavery in the Guianas and elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere. Those were the days when the English, Scots, Irish and others of Faith left family, friends and country, and travelled on ships for weeks, south-west across the Atlantic ocean, to the South American colony to spread the gospel.

Several commemorative plaques are prominently displayed on the walls of the church, including for: Reverend Edwin A. Wallbridge, who was born on the Isle of Wright on April

10, 1813. He founded the church and worshiped at and presided over it for 34 years; Frederick T. Wills, a retired General Medical Officer (GMO) who was at one time the Chairman of British Guiana Congregational Union (Nov.13, 1968 - May 02, 1943); Jane Wallbridge, widow of the founder and pastor; Margaret Glen Mackinlay, wife of Rev. John Currie; Hadel Fitzpatrick White, who died by drowning in the Waini River (May 17, 1922 - Dec 20, 1950); and James MacFarlane Curry, a member of the civil service who was born on March 7, 1924 and died at age 74. There is too, a photograph of Reverend Una Matthews (1911 - 2000), the first female chair of the Congregational Union.

In the forecourt of the church is a refurbished tomb of the Englishman Hawley Bryan, who spent many years in British Guiana, an educator and composer of one of Guyana’s patriotic songs, “Song of Guyana’s Children”. According to Rev. Small, the final resting place of the late Rev. Bryan was enhanced with tile as a gift to the church by Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle.

Meanwhile, a concrete edifice replacing the old wooden manse which was a feature at the said spot for years, just west of the church, is in its final stage of construction.

The headstone on the tiled tomb of the late Reverend Hawley Bryan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Cries of heavy taxation being used as ‘ruse’ by private sector ―says Finance Minister OVER the years the private sector has been lamenting “heavy taxation” which might be restricting their operations, but Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has said that the private sector’s cries are a ruse to hide what is going on in that sector.

“You need to investigate whether the heavily taxed private sector is so…we have reformed the taxation system significantly in favour of the private sector, so this business about tax and tax, is used [as] a ruse to hide what is going on in the sector… so do not be fooled… part of the reform of the tax system has even put the public sector under tax,” said Minister Jordan in an invited comment on Wednesday.

Jordan contended that the revenues which government has been getting since 2015, has come from an expanded base and not new taxes on the

private sector. He believes that contrary to what is being said by the private sector, government has done a lot to improve the sector and promote business. The minister referred to the tax amnesty which was proferred in 2018 to allow taxpayers who had defaulted to sort it out with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

The GRA had announced in January, 2018 that it would be providing a period of amnesty for delinquent taxpayers.

The move by the authority was in keeping with the measures announced by Minister Jordan in his Budget 2018 speech.

Jordan had said that the period of amnesty for taxpayers, both corporate and individual, would ensure that they are able to get in order, the filing of true and correct tax returns and payment of their true and correct taxes.

Government to establish NRF account at central bank ― as payment of royalties expected by year-end

GOVERNMENT will soon establish the account for the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) in order to receive the impending royalties from ExxonMobil.

“We are excited that oil is close and as a matter of fact I am about to establish the account, the NRF account to receive the royalties… we should get started next month, as long as the oil comes through,” said Minister of Finance Winston Jordan in an invited comment on Wednesday.

HESS Corporation, a partner of ExxonMobil which holds a 30 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block, had announced that first oil in Guyana can begin as soon as December, ahead of the previous March 2020 timeline.

In light of that development, Minister Jordan believes that it is time for the account to be created in order to receive royalties, which are expected between mid and late December.

“We are not waiting to hear from them…we have to cater for our portion of the oil, royalty and profits…it is our priority to make certain we get that and safely keep that in the account until it is ready to be activated.

The account, which is being established, is a regular account at the Bank of Guyana (BoG) which will be called the NRF account. It will receive the money and then post-elections (March, 2020), Government will be able to establish all the committees which will be in charge of investing the money.

When asked how much royalty is expected, the minister said the amount will depend on the function of price and the barrels of oil.

“Royalties have to do with production and you get two per cent based on the

price at the time,” said Minister Jordan.

It is estimated that there is over six billion barrels of oil equivalent in the block, while the involved partners continue to see “multibillion barrels of additional exploration potential.”

HESS had noted that Exxon’s and its partners’ 14th discovery was announced on the Stabroek Block at the Tripletail-1 exploration well; the well is located approximately three miles north-east of the Longtail discovery. The Tripletail discovery adds to the six billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The Liza Phase 1 project will produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates utilising the Liza Destiny FPSO. It is expected to generate over $7B in royalty and profit-oil revenues for Guyana over the life of the project. The Noble Bob Douglas drillship is currently completing development drilling operations for the Liza Phase 1 development.

Guyana and ExxonMobil had entered into an agreement which will see Guyana receiving a 50/50 profit and a two per cent royalty.

President David Granger had signed into law the Natural Resources Fund Act No. 12 of 2019, which was passed by the National Assembly. The Act provides the legal framework for establishment of the Natural Resources Fund, which will manage the natural resource wealth of Guyana, said then Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

“It will manage the wealth of Guyana for the present and future benefit of the people and for the sustainable development of the country,” said Harmon, adding that it is part of preparation for the imminent oil wealth.

GRA collected approximately $11 billion as a result of the amnesty.

In response to a question on whether government would conduct another amnesty, the finance minister said the government cannot do another amnesty, because it is unfair to other taxpayers who are paying their taxes regularly and on time.

“We have given one amnesty over nine months and I think that is enough; now we go after delinquent taxpayers

significantly,” asserted Minister Jordan.

In addition to the issue of taxes, Minister Jordan responded to questions about the possibility of increasing the minimum wage for employees in the private sector, noting that government is responsible for that sector only under specific categories of the Factories Act, through the Department of Labour.

“Beyond those private arrangements, you have to deal with the particular private sec-

tor entity,” said the minister, adding that the private sector pays more than the public service, so public servants should enjoy their one-off, tax-free back pay.

Government has approved retroactive increases of nine per cent for public servants who work for $99,000 and less; 8.5 per cent for public sector employees who work for $100,000 and under $1 million and 3.5 per cent for persons who work for about $1 million. In addition, the

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan

minimum wage was increased from $64,220 to $70,000.

Minister Jordan believes that an efficient public service is required to service a growing private sector.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Local, overseas businesses pursue collaborations at GIPEX

By Lisa Hamilton

Over 100 companies in different stages of their businesses exhibited at the second annual Guyana Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) being held in Georgetown from November 20- 22 at the Marriott Hotel.

Some of these companies were on display at the threeday expo for the first time and gave a positive review, while those experienced in event stated that this GIPEX 2019 has grown to be better than the last. According to the Managing Director of Valiant Business Media --the UK-based company which organized the event --- Shariq Abdul Hai, locals at the exhibition are looking to make the right connections while large companies are seeking to expand their influence.

Speaking with Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Guyana Oil Company Limited, (GuyOil), Lanassa John-Forbes, who told the newspaper that it was the first time the company has exhibited at GIPEX. “We’re the largest petroleum distributor in Guyana so we knew that we needed to have presence here,” she said.

“We have been preparing for this [the coming of oil].

We adhere to all Health and Safety Standards from the Guyana Energy Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency.”

Also present for the first time was, Arrow Oilfield Services Incorporated (AOSI), the authorized distributor for Simple Green and a company which started up in Guyana just about two years now.

While its products are used internationally by oil rigs to clean grease and grime, the company was exhibiting with the aim of attracting the average Guyanese. Director of Arrow Oilfield, Kabir Mahadeo explained that the apart from use in the petroleum sector, the products can be used to do household cleaning without the harmful chemical fumes often associated with the mixture of cleaning agents.

“Our team is really keeping it green. We just came out of the conference where they spoke about the natural environment and most of the products that we do is environmentally-friendly,” Mahadeo said as he gave further details about the items on display, some of which

are used to clean up oil spills.

The Guyana Chronicle found that several delegates were even on foot interacting with other local delegates to see what business networking connections could be formed. Logistics Officer at DH Energy in Ghana, Baffour Kuffour told the newspaper that he was visiting Guyana for the expo with a sister company and that they are interested in joint ventures with local businesses in oil and gas. DH Energy is focused on engineering, inspections and material supply.

“I came here to Guyana to look at how the oil and gas industry is actually growing and also see whether I can talk to other players in the industry and identify opportunities so that we can also come here and set up our subsidiary here,” he disclosed.

Meanwhile, Marine Consultants (Trinidad) Limited was displaying its products and services at the expo geared towards the supply equipment and maintenance services for vessels and offshore platforms; asset management and safety procedures. “All these life rafts, fire suppression systems and lifeboats all need to be ser-

viced annually so we’ll bring them ashore put them in our temperature and humidity control service station, have them serviced and return them to the vessel,” said CEO of the company, John Lang.

There was a large life raft on display which he said can be used in oil and gas industry in the case of an abandon ship. Lang noted that he will be moving to Guyana as the company is working to

strengthen local relations for the setting up of a base along the East Coast of Demerara with hopes to also provide its services to Suriname and French Guyana.

Also present and working in collaboration was the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) who were on a mission to ensure that Guyanese benefit from local content. “The

Marine Consultants (Trinidad) Limited CEO, John Lang in one of the life rafts his company can service (Delano Williams photo)

Rubis’ Retail Accounts Executive, Rhonda Johnson (Delano Williams photo)

Logistics Officer at DH Energy in Ghana, Baffour Kuffour (Delano Williams photo)

Arrow Oilfield Services Incorporated (AOSI) Director of Arrow Oilfield, Kabir Mahadeo and Coordinator and Procurement Manager, Deepa Sukha display some of their cleaning products (Delano Williams photo)

most critical input of the oil and gas sector is skills at all levels because once you have skills at all levels you’re going to have maximum local content and it will lead to maximum returns on investment for Guyanese,” TVET Council Chairman and Board Chairman, Clinton Williams told the newspaper.

Through the booth, the two institutions promoted its skilled students as viable to the oil and gas sector and other companies for collaboration. “We have to be here to ensure that people are aware – the oil majors [such as] Exxon, the HESS, the CNOOCO --- that there exist these organisations but more importantly, we want to partner with other companies that are involved in training in other countries so that we can learn from their experiences and ensure that we can do what we’re doing much better.”

Present too and representing Rubis was Retail Accounts Executive, Rhonda Johnson so rated GIPEX 2019 as better than the last.

“Since conferences relating to oil and gas have come to Guyana, we have participated. For the past three years this would be our fourth, so we are no strangers to conferences relating to oil and Gas. I’m in a position where I can compare and I can say that, for this year, it has gotten stronger than last year in terms of what I see. I looked this morning at the opening and the venue was filled to capacity. It looks as though you could not accommodate any other persons while there were persons also outside.

So, when I look and I see what’s happening I can see growth,” she said.

Some Ministers perusing the various booths also gave a positive review of their experience thus far at GIPEX. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan said: “This is fantastic and it shows us where we’re going to get with all these big companies, it is just an amazing thing...we must not let this opportunity miss us.”

Meanwhile, “I’m quite pleased to see the turn out,” Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said.

“It augments well for what the Government’s policy is in oil and gas. I am so glad to see the confidence that other persons have placed in us as we emerge now in oil and gas. I’ll encourage Guyanese to take the opportunity to come here to look at the exhibitions and see what they can do going forward.”

The event is organised

by Valiant Business Media in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE), Ministry of the Presidency and with support from Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Oil and gas summit opens …as President promises robust institutional, legal architecture to manage petroleum sector

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA is “open for business” and welcomes all investors interested in helping the country achieve its objective of becoming an oil-producing nation, which is consciously transitioning into a ‘green’ economy for sustainable development.

This was the central message to the over 600 dele-

participants, indicating that the summit and exhibition are testimony to the country’s interest in the developing petroleum industry. He said that despite Guyana’s exciting future in oil, its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS): Vision 2040 remains the country’s development roadmap for the next 20 years.

He told attendees that it

which will secure [the] best interests of the country and fair returns for investors and businesses,” the Guyanese leader said.

Newer forms of energy Meanwhile, Dr Bynoe said that through rent-capture, knowledge transfers and technological advances, Guyana aims to transition to safer, reliable, more affordable,

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo cuts the ribbon for official entry to the GIPEX exhibition set up in the Marriott parking lot. He was accompanied by several Ministers of Government including Foreign Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge; Director, Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe and CEO of GO-Invest, Owen Verwey (Delano Williams photo)

palatable and economically viable.” Additionally, he assured attendees that Guyana will continue to seek out best practices in the industry, as it builds out its own regulatory framework.

The DoE is also conscious of other factors which will assure success, such as the completion of the revised legislative framework for the sector; a new product-sharing

vest Owen Verwey said that GIPEX 2019 follows the successful Inaugural GIPEX 2018, which is evidence that the event has become a major landmark of the local oil and gas industry.

Verwey said that GIPEX will ultimately lead to the formulation of recommendations and feasible solutions which encourage investment, while opportunities exist

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and other officials tour the many booths at the exhibition (Delano Williams photo)

Senior Vice-president of Upstream Oil and Gas Deep Water at ExxonMobil, Hunter Farris, delivers the keynote address. (Delano Williams photo)

gates and some 200 oil and gas companies that attending the Second Annual Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday. The threeday event is organised by UK-based Valiant Business Media in collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE), Ministry of the Presidency and with support from Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest).

Several representatives from amongst these stakeholders participated in the opening ceremony. Addresses were delivered by President David Granger, Director, Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe and representatives of ExxonMobil, GO-Invest and more. In a video message to the audience, President David Granger welcomed the

is through the strategy that Guyanese will be guaranteed a good quality of life through low-carbon and resilient development; new economic opportunities; education; social protection; justice and political empowerment.

This apart, he acknowledged that Guyana is developing a robust petroleum industry which will be used to strengthen the traditional pillars of the economy and impact other areas in need of improvement. “Guyana is being prudent about managing its incipient petroleum industry. It is seeking the best advice and assistance and adopting the best international industry practices.

It will establish a robust institutional legal and regulatory architecture to manage this industry in a manner which will ensure transparency, and

Hundreds of delegates and some representatives of oil & gas (O&G) companies listen to remarks by President David Granger (Delano Williams photo)

sustainable and newer forms of energy. Even as the wider industry is being challenged to develop creative solutions for renewable energy transitioning, the director of energy said that Guyana, as one of the newest entries into the industry, is best positioned to capitalise on the same.

He addressed too, the importance of the GSDS to Guyana and the world at large, stating: “We all need to work together to reduce our carbon footprint, inclusive of utilising such techniques as carbon-capture; utilisation and storage; minimising methane emissions during the production process of natural gas; and following extraction methods that are environmentally sustainable, socially

to support your business-development activities that are within the realm of its mandate and capabilities.”

In the keynote address, Senior Vice-president of Upstream Oil and Gas Deep Water at ExxonMobil, Hunter Farris, said that it took 16 years, characterised by a number of challenges before Exxon and its partners could drill a successful well and

contract template; completion of 2D & 3D seismic surveys; finalisation of its local content policy; completion of its Natural Resource Fund framework; completion of its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan and building capacity.

Dr Bynoe said: “For us in Guyana, today marks the continuation of a journey where we learn to look through the eyes of others; to continue our shared experiences; and to extend a hand of friendship, while simultaneously seeking like-minded partners. For the first time, Guyana has an opportunity for true self-determination.”

Also addressing the large audience, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GO-In-

for the transfer of advanced technology to the markets.

He assured attendees that local businesses are looking forward to the interactions and possible joint ventures that can emerge to the benefit of both local and international parties.

“GO-Invest encourages the new ventures to consider the local content and local benefit in the business-development process. It is a great source of quickly acquiring local knowledge, avoiding the usual and unusual business development challenges, and will ensure the locals benefit from the economic success that is to come,” the CEO said.

“Guyana is open for business and GO-Invest is here

efforts have already begun to pay off.

Some of the challenges he noted were border controversies to the west and east and the need for advancements in drilling technology, given the water-depth.

However, he described the feeling of Exxon and all of Guyana in wait of ‘first oil’ as similar to graduating from university or arriving at the top of a mountain after a long journey.

He assured: “What I’d like to talk to you about today is that we are here to partner with Guyana and its people to develop its oil and gas resources in a responsible and mutually beneficial way; it’s a relationship for the long term and for decades to come.”

In attendance too at GIPEX 2019 were Prime Minister and First Vice-President, Moses Nagamootoo; Ministers of Government; members of the National Assembly; members of the diplomatic corps and heads of ministries, departments and agencies.

The Prime Minister, Dr Bynoe and other ministers and government representatives participated in a ribbon-cutting and official tour of the expo after the opening ceremony. There were some 100 companies on exhibition, ranging from start-ups to large companies set up in the large parking lot of the hotel.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Haitians fined for illegal entry and ‘overstaying’ time

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, ordered six Haitians to pay $240,000 fine or spend time in prison. Five of the men were charged for illegal entry in Guyana, while another was charged for overstaying.

The Haitians appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and were charged separately but they all pleaded guilty to the charge, when it was read to them.

Jesudonne Clerveau, 29, a teacher; Ronald Saint Cyr, 27, a teacher; Jean Tonion Louis, 23, a Mason; Soliny Dossous, 35, a student and Bladimyr Pierre, 25, a student, were charged with illegal entry.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on November 18, 2019, at Springlands, East Berbice, Corentyne, they entered Guyana by sea and did not present themselves to an Immigration Officer.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court

that the men arrived at Springlands, from Suriname, and were proceeding to Brazil. Police, acting on information, were able to intercept the men.

Mansfield added that, a search was conducted on their persons, and it was revealed that they entered the country and did not present themselves to an immigration officer. The men were then arrested.

The Sixth Haitian, Peterson Dorsainvil, 27, a Mason, pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that, between August 7, 2018, and November 18, 2019, at Georgetown, he failed to comply with conditions. Having been permitted to stay in Guyana from August 7, 2018 to September 6, 2018, he overstayed the said period.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecutor, fined the men $40,000 each or three weeks in prison. The men will also be deported after paying the fine or spending the time in prison.

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(Left top) Jesudonne Clerveau, Ronald Saint Cyr, Jean Tonion Louis, (left bottom) Soliny Dossous, Bladimyr Pierre and Peterson Dorsainvil

New Region 10 commander in walkabout in Linden TO better acquaint himself with the new territory, newly- appointed Commander of Region Ten Division, Superintendent Hugh Winter, on Tuesday, engaged members of the business community in Linden, hire car drivers and the Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell and Councillors, during a walk-about exercise.

He was joined by his Deputy Commander, Dexter Brown, and other senior ranks, rep-

resenting the various departments in the division.

The Commander and team, engaged particularly business owners and explained that the Division will be adopting an aggressive security posture to protect businesses from criminal elements, during the upcoming Christmas season. They also shared security tips with business owners on how they can protect themselves and their businesses, during this season.

The ranks then met with hire car drivers plying the Amelia’s Ward and Wismar route as well as those plying the Georgetown route, and engaged them on the many traffic laws drivers were observed breaking and the need for them to comply earliest, so as to avoid prosecution.

Winter and team also formally met with Mayor Waneka Arrindell and her Councillors and communicated on how the division and the Constabulary

Commander of Region Ten Division, Hugh Winter and other senior ranks engage hire car drivers in Linden

can collaborate on various projects, to ensure citizens feel safe and protected.

The parties discussed collaboration with the toll station system and how same can be better managed. Arrindell also mulled moving the booth to a more convenient location, where ranks will be better able to monitor same. Discussions also surrounded stricter enforcement of the movement of logging trucks on the Wismar shore, particularly during peak hours and on main thoroughfares. The facili-

tating of training for Municipal Constables was also discussed as well as collaborated patrols and sensitization programmes.

Winter said that the walkabout comes days before the official Christmas presentation, where citizens will be detailed on the posture that will be taken to ensure the season is a crime free one.

Winter was posted to Region Ten, upon the establishment of Regional Divisions, last month.

Since then, he would have visited all stations and outposts in

the region and would have also engaged Rural Constables and Toshaos, in an effort to close the gap between the outlying communities and Linden.

As part of his preventative crime fighting strategy, Winter said he felt it was important to participate in social activities as it was a means of building trust with the residents.

The general focus on the Division is to follow in his predecessors’ steps, to keep crime rate in the Division relatively low. Earlier in the year,

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

‘Set up education, infrastructure funds’ …Energy expert urges Guyana ahead of first oil

By Lisa Hamilton VICE President (Latin America) Rystad Energy, Schreiner Parker has urged that, apart from Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), the country needs to set up separate education and infrastructure funds to steer clear of the infamous ‘Dutch disease’.

The two additional areas were identified as crucial to upwards development by the expert at a media briefing on Wednesday during the second annual Guyana International Petroleum Exhibition (GIPEX). Looking at Guyana’s trajectory, Parker said that Guyana will likely receive over $120 billion dollars just from the Stabroek Block alone and, by 2025, the country should

have some $5 billion of this in its coffers.

However, he noted that there is much this country can

Vice President (Latin America) Rystad Energy, Schreiner Parker

learn from countries such as Norway. He expounded that

before the discovery of oil, Norway was one of the poorest countries in Europe with its main industries being fishing and farming. However, after its discoveries, the country’s economy diversified significantly and Parker stated that the investment in education led the country to now possess the largest SWF in the world standing at over US1 trillion dollars.

The Norway SWF controls 1 per cent of all shares traded globally and 2 per cent of all shares traded within the United States (US). “Their mandate is to invest in everything outside of Norway and outside of the oil and gas phase so they have a…balance to their investment strategy that means if oil is low, they are not exposed to that from the Sovereign Wealth

Fund perspective,” he said.

Works are progressing towards the full operationalisation of Guyana’s SWF with the recent holding of a workshop to educate members of its Public Accountability and Oversight Committee on their roles and expectations. The intention of the SWF – also called the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) – is to ensure that the revenue which comes from oil goes into that fund to be properly monitored. It also aims to ensure the stabilisation of the economy while ensuring that monetary resources are available through transparent methodologies in keeping with the Santiago Principles.

In highlighting the need for the two other funds, the Vice President said that as the world shifts from its dependence of fossil fuel to sustainable ener-

gy, Guyana must move quickly towards utilising its new-found resources to benefit the areas.

He noted that acquiring the funds is very much possible as he predicted that Guyana, by 2025, will have much in its financial reserves and must have a plan in place for allocation.

“The three main things are education, infrastructure and a Sovereign Wealth Fund… we have to think about the Guyana discovery in the wider context of the end of oil,” Parker said, adding: “It’s important to realise that time is of the essence.

Infrastructure is one of the things that is immediately doable as well as the Education Fund.”

Back in October 2019, Rystad Energy ranked Guyana as the second country with the most oil discoveries for the year. The vice pres-

ident urged local leaders to learn from the example of Norway, continue on its plan to diversify its economy through oil and ensure that the people of Guyana are the greatest beneficiaries in the end. Parker said: “Being able to bring that experience that was seen in Norway and being able to translate that to potential development here in Guyana is something we hope that we can do to help illuminate one way forward for the country of Guyana because there’s certainly a lot [of] responsibility that the government is going to have to make sure that this hundred billion dollars or more that Guyana is due to receive in its lifetime of production here, in terms of government take, is really used for the benefit of the people.”

Man sentenced for possession of illegal gun and ammunition BRIAN MOHAN was, on Wednesday November 20, 2019, sentenced to two years in prison by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, on a gun and ammunition charge.

Mohan was found guilty by Magistrate Daly, after she found sufficient evidence against him at the end of the trial.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on March 3, 2017, he had in his possession one .32 Taurus pistol, while he was not the holder of a

firearm licence.

The second charge stated that, on the same day and at the same place,

Brian Mohan

he had 10 live rounds of .32 ammunition, while he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

Hence; he was sentenced to two years in prison.

Mohan was, months ago, committed to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of Christopher Wharton, called “Taps” or “Chrissy”, who was gunned down, execution style, in front of his North Ruimveldt home, on November 18, 2015.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

Murder convict appeals 100-year sentence

Collin Allen, called Colis Williams or ‘Bonus’ and Danrasie Ganesh called ‘Carmen’

A 26-year-old man who was sentenced to 100 years imprisonment for murdering Danrasie Ganesh called ‘Carmen,’ has filed an appeal to challenge his conviction and sentence.

Collin Allen, called Colis Williams or ‘Bonus,’ was on February 26, 2019, sentenced

by High Court Judge Navindra Singh after being found guilty of the murder by a 12-member jury.

Starting at a 60-years, Justice Singh added an additional 40 years for a series of aggravating factors, totalling 100 years imprisonment.

The charge read that on August 1, 2015, Allen murdered Ganesh called “Carmen” who lived alone at Lot 121 Public Road, East Coast Demerara.

According to reports, on

the day in question Allen allegedly entered the house as if he lived there, and proceeded to murder the 77-year-old woman.The murder was captured on CCTV cameras that were in the house. The young man was however adamant that the man on camera was not him and that he was therefore innocent of the charge.

However, it was reported that Allen confessed to the crime when he was detained back in 2015; he alleged that he was paid some $700,000 by ‘a man’ to commit the act and retrieve certain documents from the house.

Allen continued to plead his innocence, but the judge reminded him of the footage that was shown in court and said to him: “You shouldn’t see daylight because of your actions.”

Citizen of The Dominican Republic remanded after being caught in Barbados with forged passport

A 26-year-old citizen of The Dominican Republic was, on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, remanded to prison

by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, for being in possession of a forged passport.

Jose Alberto Medina appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to two charges.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on November 18, 2019, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri, East Bank Demerara, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Suresh Smith, a Police Constable, one forged Republic of Guatemala passport in favour of himself, purporting to show that same was issued by the Guatemala Immigration Department, knowing same to be forged.

The second charge stated that, on November 18, 2019, at the Eugene F. Correia, Ogle International Airport, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Niketa Azore, an immigration officer, one forged Republic of Guatemala passport in favour of himself, purporting to show that same was issued by the Guatemala Immigration Department, knowing same to be forged.

The court heard that Medina was able to pass through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and then the Eugene F. Correia, Ogle International Airport with a

forged passport. The authorities in Barbados observed that his passport was forged and denied him entry into the country.

Attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson who represented Medina asked the court to grant his client bail and told the court that his client came to Guyana to travel to another country.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that, on the day in question, Medina came to Guyana through CJIA using his Guatemala passport.

He then left and went to the Ogle Airport using the said passport and boarded a flight to Barbados. Upon his arrival in Barbados, the authorities observed that his passport was forged and denied him entry to the country.

Mansfield added that the authorities then sent him back to Guyana and, on his arrival here, he was kept in custody.

While in custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), an investigation was conducted and it was observed that his passport was forged.

He then admitted to the police that he purchased the passport in Dominica.

Magistrate McLennan, after listening to the prosecutor, remanded Medina to prison until November 21, 2019, when additional relevant information should be available.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 21, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 21, 2019

District 10 take command of Track ...

DIFFERENT year, same script – District 10 are in command of the Teachers as well as the Track and Field categories at the end of Day Four of the 59th National School Championship.

At the end of 48 track and field events, defending champions, Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani, sit atop the points standing with 226 points, followed by District #2 (Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon) on 163 points.

East Coast Demerara (District 4) is in third place on 141 points, New Amsterdam (District 15) amassed a total of

137 points to head into today’s action in fourth place, and District #3 (West Demerara) rounded off the top five on the table with 135 points.

In the Teachers Championship, District 10, the holders of the last four consecutive ‘Nationals’ title, are on top with 79 points after the completion of 16 events. District #15 are second with 59 points while Bartica (District 7), District #4 and West Coast Berbice (District #5) share the third spot with 52 points each.

It was a record-tumbling day at the National Track and Field Centre, with over 12

records being broken, mostly in the field events, as the country’s top student-athletes didn’t disappoint the vociferous crowd at the country’s lone synthetic facility.

District 10’s Jennis Benjamin erased the 1.78m Boys U-20 High Jump mark set by Okemi Porter last year, to set a new mark at 1.80m.

Benjamin wasn’t satisfied with his accomplishment on the mat, and returned to the ‘blue ribbon’ event – the Boys U-20 100m – clocking 10.97 seconds.

Encosie Leitch of Corentyne was second with a time of 10.98s while Osmond Gilead of

Bonner, Merchant punish...

– first in a 37-run, fourth-wicket stand with Andre McCarthy (24) then in a record fifth-wicket partnership of 151 with Powell.

Already with two half-centuries in the tournament, the right-handed Bonner marched to his third off 53 balls in the 31st over before completing three figures in the 48th over with a single to third man off speedster Primus.

Overall, he faced 111 balls and struck nine fours and three sixes.

It was Powell who brought the innings to life, however, belting seven fours and sixes in a ferocious assault on the Pride bowlers, as he raced to his half-century off just 34 balls in the 28th over with a boundary to long on off Ashley Nurse’s off-spin.

He needed only another 25 balls to

find himself on the verge of his second 100 of the tournament when he was cleanbowled by fast bowler Shamar Springer at the start of the 37th over.

Three wickets then fell for just 18 runs in the space of 26 balls but Bonner joined with Merchant to add 60 off 50 deliveries with Merchant for the eighth wicket, to give the innings a strong finish.

Pride’s run chase started positively as Boucher and Kjorn Ottley put on 64 off 63 deliveries for the first wicket to turn the game into a real contest.

Merchant’s introduction changed the game, however. He claimed Boucher in his first over after the righthander had faced 49 balls and counted eight fours, brilliantly taken one-handed at slip by Dennis Bulli diving to his

Day-3 Thursday, November 21 Melanie vs Kingston - 19:00hrs

Day-4 Saturday, November 23 Island All-Stars vs Gaza Squad - 19:00hrs Rio All-Stars vs Spot-7 - 19:30hrs Stabroek Ballers vs Albouystown-A - 20:00hrs Avocado vs LA Ballers - 20:30hrs BV vs Bent Street - 21:00hrs Gold is Money vs Sophia - 21:30hrs Sparta vs Alexander - 22:00hrs

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left.

Two balls later, Merchant deceived left-hander Nicholas Kirton and had him caught-and-bowled without scoring and when he also accounted for Ottley in the 17th over, Pride were 91 for three and in need of impetus.

Carter provided it, slamming 10 fours and four sixes and posting 56 for the fourth wicket with Mayers (29), 30 for the fifth wicket with Tevyn Walcott (5) and a further 50 for the sixth wicket with Springer (28).

When Carter failed to keep out a full-length delivery from seamer Derval Green and had his stumps shattered in the 41st over, Primus tried to rescue the run chase with three fours and a six in a 30-ball cameo but it was ultimately in vain.

Trophy Stall on board with...

All-Stars from 20:30hrs while Future Stars take aim at Showstoppers from 21:00hrs and Sophia lock horns with Gaza Squad at 21:30hrs. In the final match, Bent Street will confront Avocado Ballers from 22:00hrs.

The competition will continue on Saturday at the same venue. Island All-Stars will face-off with Gaza Squad from 19:00hrs, while Rio All-Stars oppose Spot-7 at 19:30hrs and Stabroek Ballers clash with Albouystown at 20:00hrs.

In the fourth match, Avocado Ballers will oppose LA Ballers from 20:30hrs while BV tackle Bent Street at 21:00hrs and Gold is Money challenge horns with Sophia. In the final match, Sparta Boss face-off with Alexander Village from 22:00hrs.

F i x t u r e s

New Amsterdam/Canje finished third (11.14s).

Meanwhile, Deshana Skeete reset her own Girls U-18 100m record, speeding her way to win the event with a time of 12.12 seconds. Last year she clocked 12.17 seconds.

Cameron Nicholloyd of the Essequibo Coast broke the Boys U-14 800m with ease, racing to a time of two minutes, 10.41 seconds (2:10.41) erasing Samuel Henry’s old time of 2:13.43 which was set last year.

With the exception of Skeete’s 100m record, all the other records were recorded in the field events

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Mourinho back in Premier League with Spurs as Pochettino replacement LONDON, England (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur have named Jose Mourinho as their new manager on a contract that runs until the end of the 2022-23 season, the Premier League club said yesterday.

The 56-year-old Portuguese returns to management for the first time since being sacked by Manchester United in December. He replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who was sacked by Spurs on Tuesday.

“In Jose we have one of the most successful managers in football,” Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy said in a statement on the club website here.

“He has a wealth of experience, can inspire teams and is a great tactician. He has won honours at every club he has coached. We believe he will bring energy and belief to the dressing room.”

Pochettino took the club to their first Champions League final last season, where they lost to Liverpool, but was sacked after a poor run of form in 2019, during which the team have won six of their last 24 league games.

Spurs, who currently sit 14th in the league, are the third Premier League club that Mourinho will manage having won the league title three times with Chelsea in two separate stints.

“I am excited to be joining a club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters,” Mourinho said. “The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.”

Mourinho has won trophies at every major club he has managed - including two Champions League titles with Porto and Inter Milan - while Spurs have not won silverware since the 2008 League Cup. The Portuguese won the Europa League in his first season at United and finished second in the Premier League the following season - marking their highest finish since Alex Ferguson retired.

He was sacked last December following a 3-1

Jose Mourinho returns on a contract with Spurs that runs until the end of the 202223 season.

league defeat by Liverpool that effectively ended their title hopes.

Spurs later confirmed the appointments of Joao Sacramento, Carlos Lalin, Nuno Santos, Ricardo Formosinho and Giovanni Cerra as part of Mourinho’s new backroom staff.

Portuguese Sacramento joins as assistant coach from French Ligue 1 side Lille, where he held the same position under Christophe Galtier He will take up the role in the absence of Mourinho’s long-time lieutenant Rui Faria, who is currently managing Qatari club Al-Duhail SC. Goalkeeping coach Santos also joins from Lille, while Formosinho (tactical analyst), Cerra (technical analyst) and Lalin (fitness coach) were part of Mourinho’s staff at Manchester United.

Mourinho will hold his first news conference as Tottenham boss at 14:00hrs (1400 GMT) today.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 21, 2019

South and Central T20 League

Affiance SC, Bacchus Bulls on top after latest wins THE South and Central Essequibo T20 League was played last Sunday at various grounds with victories for Bacchus Bulls, Affiance SC United Warriors, Jaguars SC and Crown XI. At the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, the hosts piled up 201-4 from their 20 overs. Former national Under-19 batsman Nathan Persaud, who is back after his maiden season in Canada, showed his class with a fluent 51 (3x6, 2x4), Wayne Osbourne 38 (4x4) and an unbeaten 37 (3x6, 1x4) from Parmeshwar Persaud bolstering the total.

Medium fast bowler Carlos Yapp claimed 3-31 from his 4 overs. In reply, Cotton Field Strikers couldn’t strike enough and was all out for 92 in 14 overs with Parmanand Persaud and Andy Persaud scoring 12 each.

There were 2 wickets apiece for Punraj Singh, Lalbachan Narine, Wayne Osbourne, Parmesh Parsotam and Kulraj Persaud.

Over at the Affiance Number 1 ground, the hosts had a close finish by defeat-

Nathan Persaud

ing Reliance Hustlers by 4 runs. On a turning pitch and sluggish outfield, Affiance SC made 133 all out in 20 overs with Premnauth Motilall hitting 35 (3x6) and Yogesh Singh 30 (2x6, 3x4).

Avinash Persaud took 3-22 from 4 overs for Reliance Hustlers who replied with 129-8 when the overs expired. Abdool Salim batted solidly for 36 (3x6) and Pavindra Persaud who looked to threaten with 30 (4x6) before he was run-out at a crucial

stage of the game.

Essequibo Under-17 off-spinner Amit Persaud had a good spell grabbing 4-15 from his 4 overs to engineer an exciting win. At the Pomona ground, United Warriors gained a hardfought 5-wicket win against Rising Stars who posted 143-5 from their 20 overs with Ottis Roberts 40 (1x6, 1x4) and Rohan Ramdass 32 (2x6, 1x4) being the principal scorers.

Sydney Richards bowled accurately to take 3-22 from 22 overs for United Warriors who then relied on a stylish 58 (6x4, 1x6) from Bevan James, along with Anil Williams 27 (4x4) and Shawn Boucher 24 (4x4), ensuring the Warriors fought successfully to reach 144-5 in the 18th over.

There were also wins for Golden Fleece and Crown XI but no scores were available. The competition will continue with another round of matches with Affiance SC and Bacchus Bulls leading the points standing in their respective groups. (Elroy Stephney)

Charles fashions superb century to lead Bacchus Bulls into Saturday’s U-17 final NATIONAL Under-17 captain Sheldon Charles sustained his productive season with yet another stellar performance.

The Central Essequibo-sponsored Under-17 competition continued last Saturday with hosts Bacchus Bulls producing a clinical display against Richmond Youths at Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance.

The day, though, belonged to Sheldon Charles who stroked his way to a masterful century. After winning the toss and batting, Bulls amassed a mammoth 253-2 in 40 overs with Charles’ magnificent 172 being the highlight. He was in superb touch as he flayed the bowlers to all parts of the picturesque ground, spanking 25x4 and 3x6 in his elegant knock.

It was his second century in the competition as he continued to impress with his maturity and confidence. In reply, Richmond Youths seemed overwhelmed

by Charles’ dominance and capitulated for 167 all out in 32 overs to lose by 86 runs.

Alanzo Smith counted six fours in his fighting innings of 50 while Charles Smith (16) and Devon Seales (15) reached double figures.

Fast medium pacer Raphael David claimed 3-23 from 8 overs with Charles returning to bowl a hostile spell to garner 2 wickets, along with Nazeer Mohamed who

Sheldon Charles

also bowled quickly for his 2-19.

The win now will see Bulls challenge the unbeaten Queenstown SC in the final scheduled for Saturday at Queenstown Community Ground.

Trophies, along with other incentives, will be presented by officials of the Central Essequibo Cricket Community including ECB Secretary Autto Christiani. (Elroy Stephney)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 21, 2019

Regal extends benevolence to Kamal Children Home OCCUPANTS of the Kamal Children Home, situated at Albion, Corentyne were treated to early Christmas gifts last Sunday, compliments of Regal Stationery & Supplies and its softball team.

During a specially arranged visit to the area, the Georgetown-based softball team, who have been creating waves in and out of Guyana, “starred” in another role, displaying their compassionate side away from the field of play.

The distribution of the specially wrapped gifts which was done following the completion of a feature game between Regal and Jai Hind at the latter’s ground, saw the children being presented with cricket bats, badminton racquets and footballs among other sports items.

School items included pens, pencils, erasures, exercise books and geometry sets as donor Mahendra Hardyal emphasised that education needs to be an integral part of sports and goes hand-in-hand.

Apart from the children of the home, other beneficiaries included children in the vicinity and also elders who were present at the Jai Hind ground. Gifts were also given to prominent residents in the Albion area for distribution to children.

Manager Ian John, who accompanied the team and other officials, brought those present up to date about the exploits of

Regal in and out of Guyana since the establishment of the club, including their recent triumphs in Over-45 and Over-50 categories in the third edition of the Prime Minister T20 Softball Cup. They also shared honours with SVC Grill Masters in the Open category.

Following the distribution of the gifts, the children of Kamal Children Home, through the initiative of John, rendered a Christmas song while extending sincere thanks to Hardyal and his contingent for the kind gesture.

Hardyal also disclosed that similar events are on stream for both Demerara and Essequibo before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Regal made light work of Albion Masters in the feature 20-over game, inflicting a 113-run victory over their opponents.

Taking first strike, Regal rattled up an imposing 195 for four in their allotted 20 overs before limiting Albion Masters to 82 all out in 14.4 overs. Saeed Mohamed led the way for the winners, spanking seven fours and a six in a top score of 63. Opener Unis Yusuff supported with 32 (2x4, 3x6) while David Harper chipped in with 26 and Rudolph Baker a quick-fire undefeated 22.

Albion Masters were never really up to the challenge with Bissoon (4-28), Tyrone Sanassie (3-20) and Laurie Singh (2-22) being the main destroyers.

Pink-ball buzz masks visibility concerns in India-Bangladesh Kolkata Test

By Amlan Chakraborty KOLKATA, India (Reuters) - The buzz in both dressing rooms is palpable but India and Bangladesh will head into their maiden day-night Test with a common concern about visibility of the pink ball to be used for the landmark match in Kolkata.

The players appear genuinely excited and are leaving no stones unturned in their preparation for the match, which will get underway in front of sellout crowds at Eden Gardens tomorrow.

Since Adelaide hosted the first daynight Test in 2015, there have been murmurs about the visibility of the pink balls, especially at twilight.

Equipment manufacturer Sanspareils Greenlands have assured their pink balls would not discolour easily but concerns linger in both camps.

“Visibility is fine, the only anecdotal conversation I’ve heard is around being a little bit hard to pick up from point and square-leg,” Bangladesh spin consultant Daniel Vettori told reporters yesterday.

“That’s what I’ve heard from umpires.

It will be interesting to see if slip, gully, point and umpires are able to see it that easily. Because they say there’s a small halo effect that the ball has.”

The former New Zealand captain said Bangladesh had just one practice session under the lights in Kolkata and they would rather wait to see how it unfolds.

“We are excited to find out how it

plays out rather than worry about these little things that could go wrong. The guys are looking forward to it,” Vettori said.

The exaggerated swing of the pink ball is expected to trouble the batsmen, even though it may be difficult to generate any reverse swing from the heavily-lacquered balls.

“The four fast bowlers are very excited,” Vettori said.

“It is a nice thing. Bangladeshi fast bowlers don’t get to be excited a lot. I think they are coming to grips with a slightly different ball.”

The hosts have their own concerns about the visibility of the ball and India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha is expecting a tough time behind the stumps.

“At twilight, when the ball gets a bit old, picking that darker ball may not be easy. It could be tough for the keeper and the slip fielders,” said the 35-year-old.

“It’s especially tricky for the wicketkeeper because batsmen leave a lot more ball in Test matches, compared to limited-overs cricket. And the way our pacers bowl, it often wobbles before I collect them.

“The background and crowd movement are the two other issues that may affect the ball’s visibility.”

After thumping Bangladesh inside three days in the series opener in Indore, India are one draw away from their 12th consecutive home series victory.

Manager Ian John and Mahendra Hardyal (extreme left) display some gifts in the presence of the beneficiaries.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday November 21, 2019

OSCL celebrates 24th in fine style

Mercenary, Carr Tec take lion’s share of awards

By Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada – Mercenary and Carr Tec shared top honours when the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) held its spectacular 24th annual presentation, dinner and dance at the East Town Banquet Hall, Scarborough here last Saturday night.

Among those gracing the auspicious occasion was Guyana’s Consul General to Toronto, Anyin Choo.

Mercenary were crowned Division One playoff and regular season champions, copping the Oil Changers trophy in the process while they also added the Paul & Son Restoration 15-over crown to their collection.

It was also a grand night of celebration for Carr Tec players, who swept both the regular season (Conference A) and Division Two playoffs championship titles, winning the Norman Sue Bakery trophy and the Paul & Son’s for their 15-over triumph.

Incidentally, both Mercenary and Carr Tec failed in their bid for a complete sweep, the former beaten by Rems in the T10 semi-final while Enmore upstaged Carr Tec in the T10 Division Two final.

Apart from winning the Division One T10 final where they carted off the DTE Industries/ Nirad Lall trophy, Rems were runners-up in the playoffs and in the 15-over knockout tournament.

Good Success finished as winners of Conference B in Division Two but had to settle for the runners-up spot in the playoffs championship, bowing out to Carr Tec. The 15-over consolation trophy winners were Rebels, who got a walkover from GT Bannas in Division One and Bacchus Ruff Ryders, who whipped Ramblers in Division Two, which was sponsored by Paul & Son. Rebels also had to settle for the DTE In-

dustries/Nirad Lall T10 consolation Division One title, with Sensation/Better Hope being the runners-up while Wakenaam took the Division Two crown, defeating Ramblers in the process.

Former Guyana National player Trevon Garraway of GT Bannas, with 206 runs, led Division One with the most runs while Krishna Deosarran (Rems) and Surujpaul Deosaran (Rems) were second and third respectively, with 164 and 158..

In Division Two, former Guyana youth player Rovendra Mandolall (Carr Tec) led the way with a phenomenal 528 runs - the most by any player - and he was followed by Hemnarine Chattergoon (Wakenaam) and Unis Yussuf (Bacchus Ruff Ryders) with 335 and 314 respectively.

Members of Mercenary pose with their winnings. At extreme right is 15-over sponsor Dharam Paul Singh. dian Legends) top the bowling with 16 wickets, one more than his teammate Walley Bacchus, Surendra Beepat (Wakenaam) and Ron Etwaroo (Ramblers) while Rakesh Dyal (Carr Tec) took

Division Two champions Carr Tec show off their silverware.

The three top bowlers in Division One were Davendra Ramkissoon (Sensation/Better Hope) Yoodhanlall Sukhlall (Rems) and Ishree (Andy) Persaud (Mercenary) with 23, 20, and 14 wickets respectively.

The Division Two saw Mohan Singh (Cana-

14.

Among the Most Valuable Player (MVP) recipients were Mercenary’s Daryl Narine and Rems’ Chien Gittens in the Division One playoffs final; Fizul Haniff (Carr Tec) and Sheikh Parsram (Good Success) in the Conference B playoff final; Aftab Shamsudeen (Mercenary),

Chien Gittens (Rems), Rovendra Mandolall (Carr Tec), Shiv Persaud (Enmore) Jaybalack Panday (Bacchus Ruff Ryders) and Patrick Shivrattan (Ramblers) in the Paul & Son-sponsored 15-over tournament.

The DTE Industries/Nirad Lall-sponsored 10-over MVPs were Surujpaul Deosaran (Rems) Nathan Persaud (GT Bannas), Troy Gonsalves (Rebels), Richard Narine (Sensation/Better Hope) Abdool Azeez (Enmore), Shazam Baksh (Carr Tec), Shablall Sha Mahabir (Wakenaam) and Rofel Boodhu (Ramblers).

Centuries were recorded by former Guyana players Mandolall (123), Krishna Arjune (Leguan Warriors) and Harrienarine Chattergoon (Good Success) who had scores of 120 and 106 respectively while there were hat-tricks for Kenny Ramsaywack (Smashers), Imtiaz Moursalien (Rebels), Shadeek Khan (Carr Tec), Rabindra Diaram (Mercenary) and Gansham Mahadeo (Canadian Legands).

The annual Independence Cup, sponsored

by Trophy Stall (Guyana), was won by Rebel Masters with Chien Gittens emerging as the MVP. Jaguars, comprising players from Division Two carted off the All Stars trophy, sponsored by Heman Misir and Mohan Singh, with the MVPs being Ramo Malone and Yoodhanlall Sukhlall.

Beharry wins two badminton titles at Trophy Stall Age Group Tournament MATTHEW Beharry won two titles on Saturday when Guyana Badminton Association held its Trophy Stall Annual Age Group Tournament for male and female players at the National Gymnasium.

A number of talented youngsters, including students from Mackenzie High School, competed in the one-day event.

Players battled in the U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15 and U-17 divisions.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday November 21, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) AFG won 2-1 (2) Karim Zadran (AFG)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) Who was the only WI to win the Man of the Match Award in the recent WI/AFG T20 series?

(2) How many players the WI used in the series? How many AFG used?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

The various winners at the tournament

Beharry registered wins in the U-15 and U-17 matchups.

In the U-15 division, he finished ahead of Zeng Qi Wang and Leron Ramascindo on the podium, while in the U-17 division, he fin-

ished in front of Tyrese Thornhill and Rodwell Halley in the battle of the top three.

Meanwhile, in the U-17 Girls Singles division Jayde DaSilva won, while young prom-

ising players Mishka Beharry and Alea Ruplal placed second and third.

Earlier Ramascindo had claimed a win in the U-13 division. Ruel Rambirche placed sec-

ond and Avinash Ramnarine third.

Ramnarine had also won, when he competed in the U-11 Boys Singles. In that competition, he got the better of Rambirche.

Narayan Goodridge placed third.

Goodridge started the competition with a win in the U-9 boys division. Nathan Hercules placed second.

In the female division of the U-9 singles, Gianna Ramnarine finished ahead of Jessica Mootoveren and Jaselle Billey respectively.

Meanwhile, Hailey ChooA-Fat won the U-11 girls title.

Demya Griffith finished second and Isabella Rodrigues third.

Choo-A-Fat then placed second in the U-13 division, behind eventual winner Beharry. Ruplal finished with another bronze medal.

According to information from the association, the U-19 Boys and Girls Singles and Open Men and Ladies Doubles will be held in December.

All players are asked to start preparing for the last local tournament of 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday November 21, 2019

‘Lady Jags’ to contest CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Championship, early next year AFTER playing undefeated in the qualification stage earlier this year, ‘Lady Jags’ will head to the Dominican Republic, February 15 – March 1, for the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) 2020 Under-20 Championship.

This will be the 10th edition of the competition, with CONCACAF General Secretary Philippe Moggio stating that the championship provides a great platform for the best young players in the region, adding “It will also be a significant part of our efforts to celebrate and further enhance women’s football in 2020, with 1 400 women and girls playing elite CONCACAF football across the year.”

The Estadio Felix Sanchez and Estadio Panamericano, in Santo Domingo and San Cristobal, respectively, will both host group stage, round-of-16 and quarterfinal matches. The decisive semi-finals, third-place match and final will all be played at the Felix Sanchez stadium.

The CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship kicked off with an initial group stage round involving 10 nations. The participating teams were divided into two groups of five.

After round-robin play, Guyana, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis and Grenada qualified for the knockout stage. The first round of the competition took place in St Kitts & Nevis and Guyana, July 13-21, 2019.

The second round of the competition will also be played in a group format, between the top-ranked 16 teams according to the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Ranking as of August 2018.

The 16 participating teams

FLASHBACK! Lady Jags’ Serena McDonald (#8) dribbles by Suriname’s captain Cady Chin-SeeChong during Guyana’s 3-1 win at the National Track and Field Centre. (Samuel Maughn photo)

were divided in four groups of four and will play as follows (listed in the order drawn): Group C: United States, Honduras, Dominican Republic and Cuba Group D: Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico Group E: Canada, Jamaica, Guatemala and El Salvador Group F: Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago, Panama and Cayman Islands After round-robin play, the top three teams in each of the groups will advance to the knockout stage, joining the four round-one top finishers. The third and final round will begin with the round-of-16. The eight round-of-16 match pairings are as follows: Match #25: 1C vs St Lucia Match #26: 1E vs Guyana Match #27: 2C vs 3E Match #28: 2E vs 3C Match #29: 1D vs Grenada Match #30: 1F vs St Kitts and Nevis Match #31: 2D vs 3F

Match #32: 2F vs 3D All knockout-round matches (round of 16, quarterfinal, semifinal and final) will be played in a single match elimination format, with the finalists and the third-place match winners qualifying to the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup 2020.

In the previous edition of the CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship, played in Trinidad and Tobago in 2018, Mexico won their first championship at this level, with a 4-2 win in penalties over the United States in the final.

The 2020 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship will be part of what is set to be a year of Women’s Football at CONCACAF. In total, more than 1 400 girls and women from the entire region will have access to top-level football tournaments, including the Women’s Olympic Qualifiers, Girls’ Under-15 Championship and Women’s Under-17 Championship

Emerging Players stumble with USA defeat TAROUBA, Trinidad (CMC) – West Indies Emerging Players stumbled in their bid for a semi-final spot in the Super50 Cup when they went down by 43 runs to unfancied United States here Tuesday.

Asked to chase a seemingly straightforward 217 at the Brian Lara Stadium, Emerging Players suffered a batting meltdown and were bundled out for 173 in the 45th over.

Kevin Sinclair top-scored with a breezy 44 off 46 deliveries batting at number seven while the in-form Joshua DaSilva struck 31 off 46 but his side never really recovered from a position of 94 for six in the 27th over.

Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige finished with three for 34 but it was the fast bowling pair of Cameron Stevenson (227) and Elmore Hutchinson (228) who made the early inroads into the innings.

Opting to bat earlier, USA battled their way to 216 for nine off 50 overs, with Timil Patel getting 35, Stevenson hitting a swift 33 off 23 balls and Monank Patel chipping in with 27.

Left-arm spinner Nosthush Kenjige finished with three for 34.

USA struggled to get partnerships going and slipped from 63 for one after Sagar Patel and Steven Taylor both scored 22 in a 39-run, second-wicket stand, to find themselves stumbling on 82 for four in the 22nd over.

Nisarg Patel (17) and

Monank pushed the score past 100 in a 36-run fifth-wicket stand before a second clatter of wickets, and USA needed Stevenson’s enterprise at the end to get beyond the 200-run mark.

Leg-spinner Yannic Cariah (2-35) and left-arm spinner Camarie Boyce (2-40) both finished with two wickets apiece.

Emerging Players started badly in reply when Gidron Pope fell to the first ball of the second over without a run on the board, and even though there was a recovery courtesy of a 34-run second-wicket stand between DaSilva and Kimani Melius (19), the innings faltered again at 59 for five in the 17th over.

Sinclair, who struck two fours and three sixes, then added 35 for the sixth wicket with Roland Cato (17) and a further 38 for the seventh with Dominic Drakes (28 not out) but the innings eventually collapsed with the last four wickets tumbling for 41 runs.

Emerging players remain on top of Group B but tied on 16 points with second-placed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force and Guyana Jaguars.

Brathwaite, Hetmyer get starts but Windies struggle LUCKNOW, India (CMC) – There were ominous signs for West Indies ahead of next week’s inaugural oneoff Test against Afghanistan after they suffered a batting failure on the opening day of their solitary tour match against an Afghanistan Cricket Board XI here yesterday.

Choosing to bat first, West Indies slumped to 168 all out in their first innings on a tough day at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Stadium on a pitch already offering generous turn.

Experienced opener Kraigg Brathwaite played with his usual dogged determination to top score with 46 while left-hander Shimron Hetmyer showed fluency in an attractive 38 but other than Shai Hope’s 26 and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich’s 23, no other batsman passed 10.

West Indies bowlers had hit back by the close, however, reducing the hosts to 49 for three with off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall finishing with two for 27.

Hoping for a productive

warm-up in the four-day fixture following a mixed limited overs series, West Indies lost left-hander John Campbell cheaply for four with the score on 24 in the day’s eighth over.

However, Brathwaite and Hope combined in a 27-run second-wicket stand which kept the Board XI attack at bay for the remainder of the first hour.

Hope’s dismissal - caught at slip off left-arm spinner Hamza Hotak - sparked a mini collapse for the Windies as they lost three wickets for nine runs to slip to 61 for four.

The right-hander struck three sparkling fours – a drive, a cut and a hook - in an over off lively seamer Yamin Ahmadzai (3-33) West Indies then enjoyed their best period of the game as Hetmyer joined Brathwaite to put on a valuable 57 for the fifth wicket.

Brathwaite faced 135 balls and spent close to three hours at the crease, stroking seven fours while Hetmyer counted six silky boundaries on both sides of the wicket,

in an innings requiring only 43 balls in just under an hour.

On 88 for four at lunch, West Indies suffered a major collapse following the break, losing their last six wickets for 50 runs to be all out at the tea interval.

The slide started when Hetmyer was adjudged leg-before-wicket to veteran fast bowler Dawlat Zadran and Brathwaite followed with six runs added, bowled by left-arm spinner Hamza Hotak, the leading wicket-taker with four for 34 off 23.3 consecutive overs from the northern end.

Cornwall then extracted generous turn and bounce, and looked menacing on a surface already offering help to the slow bowlers, as the Board XI lost wickets frequently.

He trapped Ihsanullah plumb in front for a duck at 22 for two and in the day’s final over, had Rahmat Shah (14) well caught low down

by Shamarh Brooks close in at leg slip.

Javed Ahmadi was unbeaten on a patient 21.

Hemraj century delivers win for Jaguars despite Hodge’s 123

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Kavem Hodge struck his maiden List A hundred but it proved in vain, as opener Chandrapaul Hemraj carved out his second, to lift Guyana Jaguars to a crucial 22-run victory over Windward Islands Volcanoes in the Regional Super50 Cup here late Tuesday.

Chasing 295 in a day/ night Group B fixture at Queen’s Park Oval, Hodge fashioned a high quality 123 off 145 deliveries as Volcanoes ended on 272 for eight off their 50 overs, to extend their wretched run with their fifth defeat in six outings.

Hemraj, meanwhile, stroked exactly 100 off 116 balls, an innings that laid the foundation for Jaguars’ impressive 294 for nine off their 50 overs after being sent in.

Opening partner Tagenarine Chanderpaul struck a patient 64 while Raymon Reifer produced a cameo 52 off 33 deliveries to propel Jaguars to their highest total of the tournament.

Jaguars, who have been unconvincing throughout the campaign, moved to 16 points with their fourth win in six matches, creating a virtual deadlock in the group.

Leaders West Indies

Chandrapaul Hemraj stroked exactly 100 off 116 balls,

Emerging Players and second-placed hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force are also both on 16 points.

It was Hemraj who provided the early momentum, smashing six fours and five sixes as he put on an entertaining 171 for the first wicket with Chanderpaul who counted four fours in a 100-ball knock.

The start, however, was undone in the 36th over when left-arm spinner Larry Edward removed both Hemraj and Chanderpaul in the space of three deliveries with no addition to the score.

When captain Leon Johnson was lbw to leg-spinner Keron Cottoy without scoring in the next over, Jaguars were suddenly stuttering on

171 for three and forced to rebuild.

The left-handed Reifer emerged at the forefront of that effort, lashing half-dozen fours and five sixes in a 73-run fourth-wicket stand off 50 deliveries with Chris Barnwell, whose 38 came from 26 balls and included two fours and sixes.

Facing a demanding required run rate in their run chase, Volcanoes lost outof-form veteran left-hander Devon Smith (11) cheaply in the third over but they regained their balance through Hodge who masterminded two successive critical stands.

First, he put on 65 for the second wicket with Desron Maloney whose 37 came from 47 balls and included four fours and two sixes.

Then, Hodge found another ally in Alick Athanaze to add a further 146 for the third wicket, a partnership which put Volcanoes firmly on course to overhaul their target.

All told, Hodge belted eight fours and two sixes while Athanaze gathered a sparkling 63 off 66 balls with two fours and three sixes.

Not for the first time, the complexion of the game changed when six wickets tumbled for 42 runs in quick time, leaving Volcanoes well adrift.

District 10 take command of Track and Field and Teachers title chase PAGE

23

Nicholloyd is on his way to winning the Boys U-14 800m in record-setting time of 2:10.41.

District 10’s Jennis Benjamin erased the 1.78m Boys U-20 High Jump mark set by Okemi Porter last year, to set a new mark at 1.80m. He also won the Boys U-18 100m.

Trophy Stall on board with Rio Indoor Streetball Championship … Tournament resumes today PAGE

23

Trophy Stall owner Ramesh Sunich (right) and Wayne Griffith display the vests that will be used in the inaugural Rio Indoor Streetball championship at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue.

KNOWN for its unwavering support of sporting disciplines, Trophy Stall of Bourda Market became the latest entity to throw its support behind the inaugural Rio Indoor Street-ball championship, donating the playing vests which will be used by the competing teams during the tournament.

The presentation occurred at the entity’s Bourda location. Speaking on behalf of the tournament coordinator Three Peat Promotions, Wayne Griffith stated, “We are elated for the timely support which will aid in making the tournament a success.”

Trophy Stall is an entity that is synonymous with sport development at all levels, especially the community and grassroots levels through its esteemed proprietor Ramesh Sunich.

“We are thankful for the contribution and will work to ensure that the sponsorship is used in a manner that reflects overall professionalism and commitment of the company towards sports. We also look forward to maintaining this wonderful relationship for years to come.”

The competition resumes today at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue with another round of matches.

In the opening match, Kingston will oppose Melanie from 19:00hrs, while Tiger Bay battle Ol Skool Ballers from 19:30hrs and Spot-7 engage Back Circle at 20:00hrs.

In the fourth match, Gold is Money will match skills with Island See Page 23

Bonner, 23 Merchant punish Pride in Scorpions win PAGE

Nkrumah Bonner struck his fourth List A hundred.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) – Nkrumah Bonner sustained his great form with a fourth List A hundred before off-spinner Jamie Merchant snatched a four-wicket haul, as Jamaica Scorpions exacted revenge on Group A leaders Barbados Pride with a 26-run victory here yesterday.

Behind the 30-year-old Bonner’s near run-a-ball 112, Scorpions piled up a tournament-best 331 for nine off their 50 overs at Conaree, with West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell falling narrowly short of his second century of the campaign, blasting a 59-ball 97.

In reply, Pride came up short on 305 for eight despite a superb effort from captain Jonathan Carter, who stroked a scintillating 97 off 90 balls.

Opener Leniko Boucher struck a breezy 47 while all-rounder Roshon Primus lashed

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an unbeaten 39 down the order but Merchant proved the difference with a destructive spell of four for 35.

The victory for Scorpions was an important one as it revived their semi-final quest, pulling them alongside second-placed Leeward Islands Hurricanes on 16 points.

Pride, meanwhile, remained on top of the group with 20 points, after their second defeat in seven matches.

Looking to avenge their 75-run thrashing

by Pride nearly two weeks ago at Warner Park, Scorpions looked anything but doing so when they slumped to 41 for three in the 11th over, with seamer Kyle Mayers (2-26) striking twice.

However, Bonner arrived at number five to take control of the innings for Scorpions See Page 23 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019