Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_11_29_2019

FRIDAY 29th November, 2019

No.105836

Sea defence a major ‘sap’ on treasury PAGE

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―Harmon says gov’t mulls moving public facilities from the coast …some $14B needed in next three years for urgent repairs

Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson-Miller interacting with President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Nicholas Boyer; President of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia and other business executives during the GCCI’s annual awards ceremony and gala at the Marriott Hotel, on Thursday evening (Delano Williams photo)

‘We can deliver in December’05 PAGE

…Republic Bank says has capacity to process public servants’ December salaries, backpay

PPP failed to gazette name change to National Archives

…Coalition Gov’t 17 in move to correct wrong PAGE

PAGE

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FUNDING FOR GECOM TOP PRIORITY FOR GOV’T

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Benn on mission to rebuild land commission …”after years of corruption under PPP”

By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) is working around the clock to rebuild public trust in the work of the Commission, after years of corruption inherited from the former administration.

“We are not into giving out land based on political persuasion, social origin --- you name it --- we don’t do that,” Chief Executive Officer of the GLSC, Trevor Benn, said, firmly, on the Guyana Chronicle’s Vantage Point, on Thursday.

He stated that it was hard work changing the mindset of the public when they had been long accustomed to blatant and underhanded illegalities when it came to the allocation of land.

As such, he said that persons are often skeptical when conducting certain business at the Commission as they almost expect to be shorthanded. “The trust in the system is just not there,” Benn said. “People believe that once they apply nothing is going to happen for them because nothing has happened for many of them over the years. They’ve been waiting so long so they don’t have trust in the system so they either stay away from it or when they come they want to see the person at the very top.”

SMARTING THE SYSTEM Benn said that as long as someone approaches the Commission with a sound proposal for the intended use of the land applied for, the Commission grants same, providing that it was in keeping with its availability and the law.

However, he noted that the process remained a long-winded one, as some persons continue to try to find ways to trick the system and that did not help with the credibility of the Commission. “A number of our clients try to cheat the system and they work with people in the inside to facilitate that. When we find that we try to deal with them and then they accuse us of being either partisan or whatever term they use,” Benn said.

“In the past we have found where two different people,

sometimes three different people, have lease for the same area.

We have to be very sure that that doesn’t happen in the future.

We have people who applied before and who may have been in occupation of a portion of land being relieved of that land to someone else who just suddenly appeared on the scene and claimed that they were there, aided and abetted by somebody on the inside.”

Benn added that there were surveys done in the past which depicted lands in certain locations with dimensions that were far from the truth.

The CEO said that, on many occasions, he has spent long hours in his office combing through files and observing entries which were meant to “cheat the system”. His years of service in the field became very useful.

“This is a problem for me because it’s taking away from my personal family time but I have to do it because we have to reduce the incidents of corruption; we have to reduce the incidents of people trying to cheat the system,” he said.

“You constantly have to be looking at every angle of the process to make sure that when the decision is taken that it could withstand the scrutiny of the court.” Due to the recent passage of the Judicial Review Act, Benn said that more persons were pulling the GLSC before the court and that was actually something the Commission welcomes for it aids transparency; helps the Commission to correct instances where it was wrong and gives citizens the right to demand answers about the decisions of public officers.

“We have found that a lot more persons are using it and we encourage them to do it. If we make decisions that you’re not happy with, use the process to challenge us. Maybe we made a wrong decision. Maybe the information we had was not correct but that enables transparency and helps us to refine the way we work,” he said.

The Commission is also working on a National Land Policy which it hopes will help to tackle the issue. The Policy is the first for Guyana and will be a framework of

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Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Trevor Benn

how to proceed with the development of the country’s land.

It is expected to be completed in 18 months and funds will be sourced from the US$15M Guyana Red Plus Investment Fund.

The CEO said: “[It will] make sure that every Guyanese knows what are their rights with regard to application for a portion of land.”

BE VIGILANT Benn said that while the Commission is doing all it can to root out corruption, he’s aware that full eradication may not be possible. This is why even while the Commission is doing its part to fight corruption, citizens must also do their part by being vigilant and cognizant of the processes of the Commission. “We have a zero tolerance for corruption at the Commission and, whenever we find staff members who are corrupt, we deal with them,” Benn said.

“We encourage our clients to observe the rules --- pay only to the cashiers at our various offices and insist on collecting a receipt. Do not pay money to our officers, don’t leave it for them to pay on your behalf and there is no requirement of paying an individual.” He stated further that the digitization efforts of the GLSC from paper-based to electronic will help to eliminate the need for persons to visit the Commission’s office for simple matters.

Even as this develops, Benn urged the public to utilize the GLSC’s website to find information regarding payment. He said: “The Guyanese people must rest assured that we have inherited a system that was really broken; we have taken a number of steps to correct that; we are not there yet, we are far from completing the process but the activities we are engaged with in the moment of looking at our strategic plan, looking at our business plan, looking at developing a National Land Use Policy, all of these things are geared towards making sure that we can have a more transparent process.”

‘Wedding house’ murder accused found guilty of manslaughter sentenced to 15 years in jail

A 34-year-old man was, on Thursday, sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow for the killing of Aliston Henry, who was beaten to death at a ‘wedding house’ in 2017, at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Earlier this month, Rajen Dindial called ‘Eric’, a former resident of Section ‘C’ Block Y, Golden Grove, EBD, was found guilty of manslaughter.

Dindial was charged for the capital offence of murder, but was found not guilty by the jury. However, the jury found him guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter.

Evidence in the case was led by State Prosecutor Sarah Martin, while Dindial was represented by attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes.

Dindial’s attorney made a plea of mitigation and begged the court for leniency when passing sentence on his client.

Justice Barlow, ordered that two years two months and 13 days be deducted from Dindial’s prison sentence since that was the period of

time he spent in pre-trial custody on remand.

The Judge also deducted one year from Dindial’s sentence since he did not have a criminal record.

Rajen Dindial called ‘Eric’

According to reports, on September 3, 2017, at Sarran Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara, while at the wedding house celebration, Henry had a misunderstanding with Dindial and pushed down a portable toilet which was nearby. Consequently, Dindial became annoyed and dealt Henry several lashes with a

wooden paddle.

The injured Henry was

then taken home by public-spirited citizens and,

subsequently, to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre,

where he succumbed to his injuries, several days later.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Sea defence a major ‘sap’ on financial resources ― DG says gov’t mulls moving public facilities from the coast

By Navendra Seoraj THE construction and maintenance of sea defences have been a major “sap” on the resources of the country, especially when it comes to budgetary allocations, said Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon.

The director-general’s comment followed an announcement by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, that $14 billion is needed to conduct emergency work on 32.9 kilometres of sea defence, over the next three years.

“Budget-wise, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is given $2 Billion per annum for sea defence work. So, you can see the size of the challenge that we face,” said Patterson at University of Guyana’s Turkeyen & Tain Talks hosted at the Pegasus Hotel Guyana.

Speaking on the $2 billion allocation, Harmon said the money is disbursed in two phases, based on the sum required.

“Sea defence is a major sap on the resources of the country, especially on the budgetary allocations,” said Harmon during a post-cabinet press briefing, on Thursday.

He said the major challenge now, is to take care

THURS. November 28, 2019 - 05:00hrs ~06:30hrs

of the sea defence but there have also been discussions about moving some structures, particularly public facilities, from the coast.

“We cannot get away from climate change and escape the fact that there is a rise in sea levels… every time there is a high tide, you can see water meters above the wall… so unless we keep building the wall higher, there must be consideration as to what we are going to do going forward,” said Harmon.

along the coast.

He said Guyana, as a low-lying coastal state, has to make one of its priorities relocating people to higher ground.

In October, Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Jaipaul Sharma said consideration should be given to moving the population to higher ground and the building of a modern city in light of global warming.

Sharma shared the view following recent overtopping of the river

Director-General, Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

In some areas, there is nothing more than mangroves and earthen dams that separate the coast from the Atlantic Ocean. In consideration of this, Harmon said, after March, the government intends on focusing on those deficiencies and dealing with the issues

defence that led to severe flooding in Leguan Island, Wakenaam Island, Parika Stelling, Uitvlugt, Anna Catherina, Den Amstel, Fellowship, Cornelia Ida and Blankenburg.

“Again, I will say that this is the effects of global warming and higher global

temperatures that melt glaciers adding to the amount of sea water that cause global sea level rise. We should seriously consider moving the population to higher ground and start building a modern city.

“It should be noted that degradation of the natural sea defence system, along a 2.6 km stretch of shoreline between Fairfield and Dantzig, has occurred over the last seven months,” said the minister.

The erosion and accretion cycle characteristic of the Guyana coast and the progressive movement of mud and silt from the Mahaicony foreshore have resulted in the rapid depletion of the mangrove fringe, which has left the earthen embankment in several sections completely exposed to direct wave action.

According to Sharma, the area was for many years protected by a natural flood protection system, and has become necessary for a resilient man-made sea defence to be constructed.

He said the heavy rain in July and August and the unusually turbulent waters caused by storms in the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea continue to have adverse impacts on the progress of works being done.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure has constructed a 90-foot-long heavy-duty timber bridge at Dantzig across the Bellamy Canal since the only other access bridge across the Bellamy Canal is approximately three kilometres away at Fairfield.

“I would like to reassure residents and farmers of the Mahaicony area that continuous efforts are being made by the APNU+AFC government to monitor the sea defences, and interventions are being arranged to expeditiously reinforce the entire 3km to prevent further flooding in the future,” said Sharma.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

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‘We can deliver in December’ …Republic Bank says has capacity to process public servants’ December salaries, backpay …Gov’t urges speedy resolution to chaos

By Alisa Lashley UNDER pressure to fix the quirks in its banking system, Republic Bank, Guyana Limited, has stated, on Thursday, that it will be able to facilitate the payment of public servants’ backpay and other payments in December.

The assurance was given by the Bank’s Managing Director, Amral Khan, to Governor of Central Bank, Dr Gobind Ganga.

In the letter which was seen by this newspaper, the bank first said, that it has thus far paid, as at Thursday’s date, all salaries. “We have in place four processing options which we are utilising to ensure customers access their salaries on time,” Khan said in his letter to Dr Ganga. “We have requested employers to submit their payroll three days in advance to facilitate payments to their staff on the required payment date. We advise however, should there be any errors in the submission this lead time will assist us in rectifying and process on time. We confirm that we have the capacity to process all monthly and retroactive payments in December and will liaise with our customers to expedite submission early,” Khan asserted.

All of Republic Bank branches and ATM booths have been scenes of chaos and long lines in recent days.

Khan told the Central Bank Governor that employers who maintain accounts with the Bank can utilise its Internet Banking service, Republic Online, to process payrolls immediately “and our teams continue to engage these entities to expedite signup.”

On the issue of bank cards,

Khan said there was no need for customers to replace their existing cards unless they were damaged, the PIN was forgotten, or they were in possession of the expired Access24 card. He said communication to customers was in place, advising of this “and we shall continue to engage them to clarify any misinformation.

Additional communication will also be explored.”

Regarding ATM and Point

Managing Director of Republic Bank Guyana, Amral Khan

of Sale Terminals, Khan said some customers’ account type (chequing/saving) were changed with the conversion and the bank had advised them of this. “Many of them continue to choose the wrong account type when processing transactions, and that was causing anxiety on their part.

Consequently, they were visiting our branches for a resolution and that was negatively impacting our lines in the Branch. Communication is in place to direct customers to use the correct classification and we continue to work with them in this regard,” the bank’s managing director said.

INEFFICIENT SERVICES Republic Bank had been

heavily criticised over the past few weeks by its customers because of “inefficient” services which were being offered by the bank, especially since its transition to a new banking platform early this month. As the complaints continued to pile up against the financial institution, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, sought to give some clarity to what was going on with Republic Bank’s systems. “The situation has to do with their (Republic Bank) IT (Information Technology) systems and not a lack of money… the issue is the ability to get the money on time and in a manner that other banks are offering a service,” said Minister Jordan during an interview with Social Activist Mark Benschop on Benschop Radio, on Tuesday evening.

Republic Bank had transitioned to its new banking platform on November 4, 2019. The company, in a press statement subsequent to its transition, had said: “as with the introduction of any new system, we are experiencing some challenges. We recognise the impact to our service delivery and wish to assure you, our valued customers and stakeholders, that we are committed to resolving these challenges in the shortest timeframe possible.”

Minister Jordan had also confirmed that the bank was doing everything possible to make the transition to the new system less onerous than it was. “I do not know that they can do much more beyond what they are doing, but it is not a case that they do not have money…it is just the IT problem and the change-over to a better system,” said the minister.

Although the bank had

been working to rectify the problem, Minister Jordan said the company should have established a contingency plan or “plan B” from the inception. With the absence of a plan B, he believed that the company will begin to “feel the pressure” because the current inefficiencies will result in fallout between the bank and its customers, who might even switch to other banks.

“Well, as I said, they know unless they come good they will lose some of their customers…I do not think customers

Financial Holdings Limited, the parent company of Republic Bank Guyana, for the purchase/acquisition of the operations of Scotiabank in Guyana. Minister Jordan said: “our position of not having them take over Scotia proves to be a correct one…I do not think their IT structure that they have could have handled such a merger…this is one of the reasons the governor told me they could not accommodate them together.”

NO CHALLENGES TO

Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

will stand for long lines and frustration…Republic Bank will have to do a selling job to maintain their customers because it is not as if Republic Bank is the only bank in town, customers have a choice…Republic Bank has to do all they can to make certain customers do not exercise that choice of leaving the bank,” said the Finance Minister.

He also believed that the inefficiencies in Republic Bank’s IT system justify government’s decision to deny the application for Republic

THE INTEGRITY OF DATA Meanwhile, in a statement on Thursday, the Bank explained that, on November 4, 2019, it completed the conversion to its new banking systems which involved the conversion of over 15 banking applications/systems including the core banking platform, the wire transfer solution, the internet banking solution, debit and credit card issuing solution as well as the launch of a new mobile banking platform and new credit card

acquiring capability. While the Bank, with the assistance of its Parent in Trinidad and Tobago and numerous international consultants, employed the most intense and updated systems integration and user acceptance testing, several challenges have been experienced since the conversion. “We would like to unequivocally apologise to our valued clients for the challenges experienced and thank you for your extreme patience,” the bank said. It added that, among the challenges encountered, were difficulties in accessing services through its new internet banking and mobile banking services, delays in processing of payrolls and wire transfers as well as lengthy delays in completion of some transactions in branch, inconsistencies with respect to the use of our various other electronic services such as our ATMs and POS services and the need for most of our existing online banking clients to re-establish their various utility payment instructions. “Notwithstanding these challenges, we would like to assure clients that there have been no challenges with respect to the integrity of our data or the security of our new IT systems. Both the data and system infrastructure have been designed to satisfy the latest international standards re data protection and cyber security,” Republic Bank said.

According to the bank, while many of these challenges were unexpected, “we were aware that the conversion TURN TO PAGE 14

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Social media and the devaluation of public honesty

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ONESTY is the universally accepted principle on which people should voluntarily conduct all their affairs and relations. Without honesty, there would be no trust, and relations among people would, in most instances, be ruthless.

Dishonesty is punishable, in circumstances, under the law, e.g perjury, and subject to social sanctions such as expulsion from groups and organisations, divorce, and opprobrium.

But social sanctions are only effective if the dishonest person is capable of feeling shame and embarrassment.

This is less and less the situation in modern societies, as the acceptance of human foibles, instead of striving for honesty in all things, seems to be growing.

Even as we acknowledge that everyone has told a lie at some time in their life, people generally hold those in public office and positions of authority to a higher standard of honesty in their public statements, even if we ignore flawed conduct in their private lives.

Unfortunately, what the world is now witnessing are new lows in dishonesty, and the spread of fake information, especially through the growth and popularity of social media.

Indeed, the present conjuncture has been described as “the post-truth era”, as there exists among humans a willingness to sacrifice the truth.

In this age of modern communications technology, which is defined by speed, instant gratification, and micro-bits of information, people, especially the young, opt to read several short one-liners instead of a few long, in-depth articles. The upshot is the provision, on many platforms, of superficial information with a correspondent sacrifice of analytic depth.

The consequence of this is that the people who subscribe to those information platforms know of events without knowing much of the underlying ideas and causality. Having access to more information, therefore, does not necessarily translate into being more informed. That the establishment media of newspapers, television, and radio have been dwarfed by the rapid proliferation of social media is not in doubt.

Hydar Ally’s Eager assumption exposes a continuous divisive political trend Dear Editor,

I

T IS common in the expression of free speech that, misinformed or intended to misinform, definitions and accusations are thrown out into the public opinion pool. I wish to refer to Hydar Ally’s letter, “An injustice is being inflicted on the memory of Walter Rodney” of Wednesday, November 27, 2019 in the Kaieteur News.

The intention is to accuse the government of disrespect and spite for removing the Walter Rodney name from the National Archives.

I attended two days of a very meaningful three-day UNESCO conference on National Cultural Policy Consultations some two months ago, with representatives from the Culture Ministry, National Archives, National Trust and Artists from every discipline. The question of the National Archives versus the Walter Rodney name presence came up in deliberations by UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Policy Presenter, Mr Sydney Bart-

ley on the ad hoc naming of places that are not then gazetted. I learnt, like everyone else, that this was the situation between Walter Rodney’s name and the National Archives. As all the facts determine, this was as much hypocritical propaganda as was the PPP’s inquiry into Walter’s death. There was never an attempt to truly honour his heritage to this country, but, as usual, to make a political masquerade of everything through cluelessness, insincerity or as a political plaything. Without the legal framework, no legitimate transfer of finances via a Grant, Licence or sponsorship towards any expression that includes Walter Rodney is safe and accountable. If not gazetted, it is a meaningless poster; an act of disrespect.

I also wish to comment on Claudeston Massiah’s letter in the same edition of Kaieteur News on the presence of Britain’s Queen Victoria’s statue. The statue is part of our history, regardless of how painful it is. Ours was not the same

history of the southern pre-Civil War America.

As an illustrator, I have had difficult times connecting the imagery of our timelines. We are not good keepers of our own significance. Victoria will be a milestone until we fit the other pieces together, and relate our history to our presence, build a new High Court in Bartica or Linden, to erect a new towering sculptured edifice, with relevance to our timeline and to the future. I would not support removing any historical statue, as I have told my brethren. Neither do I support the lazy act of renaming streets rather than building new ones.

I will always shout ‘Respect Due’ to Benji, the late Porridge Man, and those ‘West’ brethren who created the community of RasVille. They commenced a process that was commendable for its day, and its necessary philosophy is still relevant.

Regards, Barrington Braithwaite

At the last check, we were told that the number of social media users worldwide this year is 3.484 billion, an increase of nine per cent over last year. That is not a number to sneeze at, and anyone who can command the attention of the majority of that market has the ability to shape thoughts and actions.

However, more and more, each day, the people who post information on social media are proving that they do not subscribe to the checks and balances that are standard operating practices employed by journalists who work in traditional media. We are not here saying that people should ignore social media and the information posted on its many platforms. After all, journalists in traditional media monitor social media for leads. However, what no one can successfully challenge is the fact that when people need to establish the accuracy and credibility of information, they must look to the newspapers, television and radio stations that operate in the traditional media space. (Reprinted from the Jamaica Observer)

Are we witnessing the last desperate days of ‘The Deflector’ Dear Editor,

M

ANY great cricketers have graced the world stage, providing us expectant fans with many unforgettable innings of mouthwatering masterclass. They presented us with a variety of batting styles; different they may be, but equally gratifying and effective.

Who could forget the ‘Master Blaster’, Sir Vivian Richards, who could hit the ball with such force that if a fielder is to foolishly attempt to intercept it from its predestined boundary, then it is likely that their fingers and the ball would be collected from beyond the ropes by his teammates. Then there was Carl Hooper, probably the best timer of the cricket ball. The Christ Church Secondary alumnus would use both force and timing, but more of the latter, to achieve his goal.

His eye-hand coordination was incomparable. Finally, there was Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Our boy from Unity Village was not blessed with the muscle mass of other cricketers. The absence of muscle meant he had to use that organ between his ears-his brain.

Essentially, ‘Shiv’, as he is affectionately known, would just use the force of the ball and deflect it in a position where there was no fielder. Brain over brawn.

Now, Unity Village has produced another great deflector. The Deflector, as he is known in Robb Street, is way past his prime. He had an unflattering, forgettable and controversial time at the political crease, 12 years to be exact.

During his time at the crease, the only batting style he knew was excessive force. Guyanese did not just lose their fingers; they lost their lives. Over 400 is a conservative estimate.

During The Deflector’s time as Captain, there were serious and eye-watering cases of engagement with corrupt and illegal bookmakers. The evidence is there to be seen, but difficult to prove, like most White Collar crimes. The unexplained mansions, swimming pools and expensive SUVs are all displayed in Guyana’s Hollywood: Pradoville 1 and 2. One of The Deflector’s teammates, Irfaan-19 desperately wants to be captain, but is unlikely to be successful, since there are serious questions of academic fraud and an unheard of 19 criminal charges. A record for anyone aspiring to be captain.

The Deflector thinks that he can handle any ball, since he has been playing with balls for years. He once boast that he has dealt with balls up to his throat. Anyway, despite all his boast, The Deflector has been struggling with two balls: Namely corruption and extra-judicial killings.

After consultation with his

batting coach from America, Mercury, he was advised to deflect those two troubling balls.

First, The Deflector, with no evidence, announced at one of his oral diarrhoea sessions, that the present APNU-AFC team is much more corrupt than his.

For that foolish political shot, he was caught in the slips by TIGI, who confidently stated that Guyana’s corruption index under APNU-AFC, decreased from 136 to 94 in four years.

This is an all-time low. With bowed head, The Deflector left the batting crease to massive boos from the Guyanese fans. Next innings, and The Deflector was very nervous.

Again, at one of his oral diarrhoea sessions, he said, with absolutely no evidence, that more Guyanese were murdered

by APNU-AFC than by his elected dictatorship. That was another silly mistake, which resulted in him being caught on the boundary by the very tall Facts. Quite a few fans, overcome by emotion, cupped hands to their mouths’ and shouted, “I’M ALIVE AND I WILL BE VOTING.” No one knows if The Deflector would continue this unwise batting technique, but what is certain is that come March 3, 2020, The Deflector would be dropped from the team for very poor performance.

Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

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Mr. Kissoon has propagated falsehood about TIGI Dear Editor,

F

REDDIE Kissoon sometimes wields his Kaieteur News (KN) column like a blunt instrument, and with it he recently bludgeoned his way into a matter about which he lacked basic information. Consequently, he propagated falsehood about TIGI, and used this as his basis for essentially calling us hypocrites. Mr. Kissoon framed his approach as holding us accountable.

But who holds him accountable?

In an attempt to convey what he reportedly overheard of a conversation between Alfred Bhulai (a TIGI director) and Mr. Donald Rodney, Mr. Kissoon wrote that “Donald then indicated to him [Alfred Bhulai] that he [Mr. Rodney] has not received a reply from the Institute in relation to what is happening to his appeal over his conviction for participating in the murder of his brother, Walter Rodney.” (Kissoon, November 22, 2019 in KN).

This is false information.

Mr. Rodney was not awaiting a response about our position on his victimization, or on what is happening with his appeal over his conviction.

Furthermore, I wish to clarify that Mr. Rodney did not ask TIGI to make a public pronouncement, or express support for him or to make any official contact with any organisation or institution,

or to otherwise intervene in any way.

TIGI has met with Mr. Rodney previously. He described his situation, and the next steps he planned to take. We fully supported and remain in support of him in his fight for justice.

At that meeting, Mr. Rodney requested our support in finding a lawyer to work with him on his case. To date, despite our efforts, we have been unsuccessful in securing the legal support. The search was open-ended, but we understood the urgency.

In the intervening time, Mr. Rodney has had many points of contact with our directors, and has discussed various matters with them. However, I concede that it is reasonable for him to expect that our search would have concluded by now, and to have expressed his expectation of a final response to one of our directors.

Nothing in Mr. Kissoon’s column suggests that he understood the issue about which he wrote. If indeed he did not, there arises the question about the ethics involved in pronouncing decisively on something without verifying his information. If instead he did understand, he could be accused of creating mischief by providing a perverted account of the matter. It appears that Mr. Kissoon engaged his imputation algorithm to fill the gaps in what he overheard. At present, I have no information suggesting

that this is an anomaly in his method.

Mr. Kissoon mentioned that TIGI was undecided about an issue related to Mr. Rodney’s circumstances.

His column again does not convey understanding of what this is about. I say no more on this, but it continues to baffle me that under such circumstances, one can feel justified in advancing the conclusions made about TIGI. The conclusions appear to be both independent of, and untempered by the quality of the evidence. Again, I have no information suggesting that this is an anomaly in his method.

In his November 22 column, Mr. Kissoon also turned attention to me personally.

Prior to this, he had written about me on a few occasions.

I responded once (See KN of February 18, 2018), and explained my perspective on the matter. I will not rehash it here, but I wish to clarify that my role as the president of TIGI is to act on behalf of the organisation and not myself, and I will not drag TIGI into matters of personal benefit to me.

In the column, Mr. Kissoon appears to have sampled reality to support a narrative.

I appeared along with a University of Guyana colleague on the May 20, 2019 episode of Plain Talk to discuss matters at the University of Guyana at the request of university colleagues. Mr. Kissoon’s May 30, 2019 column lauded

Line, the Jim Crow Laws, and the energy of the Civil Rights Movement will understand this action by the Municipality.

As a youngster, I remember seeing Minister Hamilton Green, his mother, and Parliamentary Secretary, the Late William Haynes, supervising the removal of the said Victoria Statute from the forecourt of the Law Courts.

The Victoria Statue was placed at the eastern end of the Botanical Gardens.

However, later, the late Compton Young, while Mayor of Georgetown, urged and obtained the support of certain sections of the diplomatic and ultra-right communities and so, the Statue was returned after certain repairs to its present location.

We m u s t r e m e m b e r that just before our visionary Forbes Burnham passed away, he started the process of correcting our history and so, for example, Murray Street, named after a cruel European administrator, was renamed Quamina Street to

honour one of the African leaders of the 1823 Uprising.

Massiah’s words are worthy of repeating ‘What can we say to our hero, Jack Gladstone and his father Quamina, and those brave souls who took part in and lost their lives in the Demerara Rebellion; those 40-odd men that were hanged after the uprising, what do we say to their sacrifice? How can we explain that after 53 years, 1966 to 2019, when we were so-called allowed our freedom that we still cling to the boot of our oppressor?’

Before I end, what is this nonsense about removing Walter Rodney’s name from the Archives? Information available suggest this is the work of some bureaucrat, but the responsible Government Minister must know that it is the Minister’s responsibility at the end of the day, and correct this flawed removal of Walter Rodney’s name from the Archives.

I support the removal of Queen Victoria’s Statue I Dear Editor,

NOTE with great concern the letter written by Claudeston G. Massiah, Kaieteur News, Wednesday November 27, 2019 titled ‘Can Guyanese justify the still prominent display of Queen Victoria’s Statue in our Capital’.

He is right, and I believe this matter ought to be discussed, and an agreement found to the way forward.

All over the world, people are attempting to correct the perks and deeds of oppressors and those who marginalise the other people. You see it in China and India.

This week, when Americans celebrated Thanksgiving Day, Native Americans met to remind this generation of the cruelties and injustices they suffered at the hands of the American Colonisers.

In Burlington, United States, the City Council erected a structure to hide the Confederate statue. Those who know American History, such as the Mason Dixon

Regards, Eric Moseley

my appearance and contributions in that episode. His one gripe was his belief that I should have made public pronouncements sooner, but he concluded with the words, “I salute you!”. Fast-forward to November 22. He reprises his pre-May 30, 2019 accusations, while ignoring what happened in-between. This has left me wondering whose hypocrisy is on display.

I think that Mr. Kissoon

truly believes in speaking out about issues of corruption and abuse of power in the workplace. The overarching issue, however, is his fixation on pronouncements in the media while ignoring all other fora at which people speak out and get involved in the solutions. Yet, I am unable to find a column from him addressing the pressuring of a Kaieteur News reporter to stop writ-

ing about suspected fraud on the part of an active politician. That reporter ultimately left the organisation. It cannot be that Mr. Kissoon would write about me as he has and ignore this matter. That would be hypocrisy. I therefore assume that I will eventually find that column by him.

Regards, Troy Thomas, Ph.D. President, TIGI

I V

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 29, 2019

FUNDING FOR GECOM TOP PRIORITY FOR GOV’T THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) can rest assured that it will receive any additional finances needed for the holding of credible General and Regional Elections prior to the dissolution of the National Assembly.

On Thursday, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon said that Cabinet has under “active consideration” how it will go about this. Harmon said that the date for the dissolution of the National Assembly would be influenced “in principle measure” by the need for GECOM to get additional resources.

“We have said that it is important that GECOM gets all of the resources it needs to ensure that we have credible elections

Director General, Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

in March 2020…those issues will have to be dealt with before the Parliament is dissolved. I can’t say to you that Parliament is going to meet today or the other day but these are matters that are under active consider-

ation in the Cabinet,” he said.

Harmon added that although the National Assembly has not met since the passing of the no confidence motion, until Parliament is dissolved

by President David Granger, it

remains in function. At a press conference of the Commission earlier in November, Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, had confirmed that the Commission was in correspondence with the government in regards to additional finances and was given the assurance that such would be provided.

“Madame Chairman has written to the Honorable Minister of Finance to seek advice on the way forward relative to our funding…the technocrat at the Ministry will be making a determination for us to have all the funding required. The Minister did write and indicate that we will be provided with whatever is required for those elections,” Lowenfield had said.

The elections body has re-

ceived over $8 billion between November of 2018 and April of this year. As part of the National Budget for 2019, GECOM was allocated $5.546B – this sum, however, was supplemented with an additional $3.482B in May, 2019 after the commission indicated to the President that it lacked the financial resources to facilitate early elections.

INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS APPROVED Meanwhile, Harmon updated that applications for several international observers for the coming elections had been made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which has approved same and sent them to the Elections Commission. These in-

clude the Carter Center, the Organization of American States (OAS) and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Local groups which have also shown interest in elections observation include the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU); the Private Sector Commission (PSC); the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham Guyana).

Despite many disagreements at the level of the Commission, the body has indicated that it is still on track for the March 2,2020 General and Regional Elections.

78 patient care assistants enter health sector

By Naomi Parris SEVENTY-EIGHT patient care assistants from across Guyana graduated with 100 per cent passes from a six-month training programme at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Patient Care Assistant Training Programme (PCA).

Chairperson of the GPHC Board of Directors, Kesaundra Alves, who delivered the feature address at the Umana Yana

where the ceremony was held, expressed immense pleasure with the graduates’ outstanding performances.

She urged them to work assiduously to improve the health-care services in Guyana.

“As you know, entry to this programme is very competitive, we get hundreds of applications, everybody wants to be in this programme, you were the chosen ones, you were the lucky ones and you’ve done us proud and I hope you continue

Orwin Corlette receiving his certificate at the graduation ceremony

to do us proud,” Alves stated.

She added that it is now important that the graduates don’t forget their role to provide a comprehensive range of quality health care services in an efficient, effective, equitable and caring manner.

“Don’t forget your role, as a part of the country’s health sys-

Chairperson of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Board of Directors, Kesaundra Alves

PCA training programme to develop themselves. “I actually enjoyed the programme, it is very educational, it teaches you to be professional, show empathy to others and I would

male who entered the programme in 2019, stated that being in the medical field has always been a dream since he was a child.

“This was always one of my dreams since early childhood. I’m now in the health field, I’m happy and overjoyed with this step and I must thank my family, more so my mother who is my mentor. Many mornings I get up and I don’t come, she would say I have to go and I would get up and bathe and come out,” he stated. He added that being the only male among 77 females was challenging as he would have ‘falling outs’ with his classmates but he noted that their tutors always instilled in them that they must work as a team in order to provide efficient patient care.

Corlette, who also lost his brother to Non-Hodgkin’s lym-

The 78 patient care assistants gathered outside the Umana Yana for a celebratory picture

tem, is to serve the patients; so undoubtedly, the public health sector will be boosted with 78 qualified, eager persons whose service will help in ensuring that the GPHC achieves its mandate to provide health care for all our citizens, all our patients, everybody in Guyana,” she stated.

Valedictorian, Theressa Fredricks told Guyana Chronicle that her time during the programme was a life-changing one and urged persons to join programmes such as the

like to encourage others to get on a programme because this is like a life-changing event,” she stated. Fredricks noted that her success would not be possible without the support of her family, friends and tutors.

“I would say I didn’t have an easy time, I couldn’t do this alone. I’ve had lots of help from my family, my friends and my tutors. They gave us the best knowledge and the best training to improve the quality practice as patient care assistance in Guyana,” Fredricks stated.

Orwin Corlette, the only

phoma cancer during the time he was studying, stated that while he was saddened by his brother’s death, it motivated him to work even harder to succeed in his final exams.

“Just a day before my final exam, he passed away and I went to my exam and I said ‘Brother, I know you’re going to blow good breeze and I’m going to do this to you’ and I eventually went into my exam and scored 100 per cent and I’m thankful for that,” he stated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

9

Man found guilty of rape of teenager to be sentenced in December A Forty-eight-year-old Mocha, East Bank Demerara, resident was, on Thursday, November 28, 2019, found guilty on four counts of rape by a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court.

Jegede Hodge stood expressionless, in the prisoner docks, before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall, as the jury delivered their guilty verdicts.

The first indictment stated that between May 1, 2014 and May 31, 2014, in the county of Demerara, Hodge engaged in sexual penetration with a

13-year-old girl, a child who lived in the same house as he.

The second indictment stated that between September 1, 2014 and September 31, 2014, in the county of Demerara, Hodge engaged in sexual penetration with the same teen again.

The third indictment stated that between January 1, 2015, and January 31, 2015, in the county of Demerara, Hodge engaged in sexual penetration with the victim, when she was 14-years-old.

Lastly, the fourth indict-

ment stated that between September 1, 2017, and September 31, 2017, in the county on Demerara, Hodge engaged in sexual penetration with the child, when she was 16 years old.

Attorney-at-law Ravindra Mohabir represented Hodge, while the state was represented by prosecutors Teriq Mohammed, Tuanna Hardy, and Nafeeza Baig.

Justice Morris-Ramlall deferred sentencing until December 12, 2019, when Hodge’s probation report will

be available.

The victim’s impact statement was read in court by social worker Simone Gaskin.

The victim explained that the first time she was raped

by Hodge, she wanted to commit suicide and began cutting herself.

However, on the second occasion when she was raped

by Hodge she told her friends and begged them not to tell anybody.

She recalled being picked up from school by Hodge who took her to different

Jegede Hodge

location and raped her.

The victim stressed that at one time her brother saw what Hodge was doing to her, and he became traumatized. Persons in the village also knew what Hodge was doing and would harass her.

Nevertheless, according to the victim what hurt the most was her mother taking Hodge’s side and not her own daughter’s. The mother still shares a close bond with Hodge.

Elderly businessman to spend additional year in prison Woman accused of Rondel Weever, on Thursday, NoSingh and 66-year-old Clifford Gouveia, a taxi driver, vember 28, 2019, sentenced a 57-year-old man to an was, months before, sentenced to three and a half years in causing death of police MAGISTRATE additional one year in prison for trafficking 6.6 grams prison and fined $11.7M by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marof cocaine. cus after they were found guilty at the end of the trial. officer granted bail Aundre Singh, a businessman of Diamond, appeared at The men denied the charge which stated that, on the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and changed his plea from not guilty to guilty.

Hence, Magistrate Weever sentenced him to one year in prison.

October 3, 2018, at the Rupert Craig Highway, in the vicinity of the Kitty seawall, between Pere Street and Queen Street, they had 5.582 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Teen accused of 2014 murder of Brazilian miner freed

Tawana Clarke

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Thursday, November 28, 2019, granted $700,000 bail to a 34-yearold Corporate Secretary who was charged for cause of death.

Tawana Clarke of Norton and Haley Streets, Wortmanville, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on November 25, 2019, at Brickdam and Chalmers Place, she drove motorcar PMM 2528, in a manner dangerous to the public, causing the death of Carl Roach.

Attorney-at-law Dexter Todd, who represented Clarke, requested reasonable bail for his client.

Police Prosecutor Neville Jeffers objected to bail being grant to Clarke based on the nature of the offence, and stated that a life was lost as a result of the accident.

Jeffers also told the court that, on the day in question, around 00:30 hours, Clarke was the driver of the said motor car and was proceeding east along Brickdam, and, as she approached Chalmers Place, she turned south without stopping and collided with Motorcycle CH 9436. The rider (Carl Roach) was flung 150 ft. from the impact and received multiple injuries. He died on the spot.

Magistrate McLennan released Clarke on $700,000 bail and ordered her to report to Alberttown police station every Friday until the matter is completed. The matter was adjourned until December 16, 2019.

AT the end of a three-day trial, 23-year-old Samuel Allen was, on Thursday, November 28, 2019, found not guilty of the 2014 murder of Brazilian miner Joao De Souza, who was killed during a robbery.

Allen, formerly of Arakaka, North West District, was on trial before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a 12-member jury, at the Demerara High Court.

After deliberating for two hours, the jury found Allen not guilty of the charge which read that, on April 2, 2014, at Arakaka, North West District, he murdered De Souza, during the course of a robbery.

Allen was represented by attorney-at-law Maxwell McKay, while the state was represented by prosecutor Sarah

Martin.

Justice Barlow told Allen that he was imprisoned at the age of 18 for the offence and had already lost some of his adult years, while behind bars.

However, with the outcome of the case, the Judge urged Allen to turn over a new leaf and stay out of trouble.

According to reports, DeSouza was walking to his camp when Allen came up from behind and, with the intention to rob him, dealt him a lash to his head with a crush hammer.

The man fell to the ground and Allen was seen searching his pockets for valuables.

It was alleged that Allen made good his escape. DeSouza was rushed to the hospital and died the following day.

Guyanese should at least respect Queen Victoria statue W Dear Editor,

e read that one of your newspaper readers is questioning again the Queen Victoria statue in our Victoria law court compound.

One of history’s most iconic monarchs, Queen Victoria (1819-1901) ruled for more than sixty years.

She was empress of the world’s largest ever empire, and her name denotes an en-

tire era of British history that statue at the Guyana High Court compound should therefore be respected, preserved and cared for in a dignified manner for generations to come.

It was during her reign as Queen of England that she abolished slavery and put an end to the undignified slave trade that some European governments and monarchs started and enriched themselves with the exploits. She

also abolished the inhuman indignities of slavery to her credit. Here in Guyana her statue was at one time, while our nation was in a nationalistic mood, during the sixties, pulled down and placed in the back of Botanic Gardens to gather moss and grime. I think that her majestic statue in the Victoria Courts compound should be cleaned and preserved to remind future generations that while Europe had some

despots as head of state, she was a unique Queen.

Many of us would be pleased if that statue would be cleaned and left to be preserved in dignity worthy of Queen Victoria.

Guyanese should at least respect her statue as a reminder of this unique worthy erstwhile royal empress Regards Rooplall Dudhnath

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

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Iwokrama celebrates 30th anniversary Saturday IWOKRAMA will be celebrating 30 years of commemoration of the pledge of nearly one million acres of Guyana’s intact rainforest to the international community at the 1989 Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In 1989, President Hugh Desmond Hoyte offered the 371,681 hectares of rainforest to the international community for research.

In 1995, an Iwokrama Agreement was signed by President Cheddi Jagan and the Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku. Then, in 1996, the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development Act (1996) was passed by the Parliament of Guyana.

The legislation oversaw the establishment of the centre to manage the forest area and to promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rainforests, in a manner that

will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general.

community development and even sustainable forestry.

Iwokrama has made significant strides over the years. Numerous new spe-

timidus) and a new species of poison dart frog (Allobates amissibilis).

In 2002, the state-of-theart canopy walkway was

Over the years, Iwokrama has been doing just that in all aspects of its operations from tourism, research,

cies of flora and fauna have been discovered within the rainforest including a new species of lizard (Gonatodes

installed in the Iwokrama Forest, with support from the Canadian International Development Agency.

In 2007, the first phase of the model low-impact sustainable timber harvesting operation started in the Iwokrama Forest. Today, this sustainably harvested wood is being used on the rehabilitation of the St. George’s Cathedral.

In 2009, a groundbreaking agreement for climate and forest partnership between the Guyana Government and the Kingdom of Norway was signed by President Bharrat Jagdeo and Norwegian Minister of International Development and the Environment, Erik Solheim in Fair View Village within the Iwokrama Forest.

Over the years many other milestones have been achieved inclusive of research and science programmes, projects related to cultural heritage, climate change, use of participatory video techniques to preserve heritage information.

In 2016, Iwokrama via its second phase of timber harvesting, got it second

international certification. It had visits from the President, Prime Minister, Commonwealth Secretary General and Prince Harry.

“We stand very proud with regards to capacity development over the years where we are seeing many persons that were trained or worked at Iwokrama now in leadership positions as community village leaders, as conservation leaders in key agencies around Georgetown as well inclusive of Conservation International, World Wildlife Fund, Protected Areas Commission to name a few. This impact may not be as visible but surely has had the most significant impact on conservation development in Guyana. We are proud,” Iwokrama said in a release.

To celebrate its anniversary, Iwokrama will be launching three exciting projects which will help to raise awareness and promote the Iwokrama Rainforest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Jagdeo believes sugar workers could get salary increase OPPOSITION Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo said the government can do more to ensure Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) workers benefit from a salary increase.

GuySuCo has an estimated workforce of 10,000 persons at the three sugar estates and workers received a salary increase back in 2014. Jagdeo told a news conference at his Church Street office, on Thursday that funds from the $30 billion bond that was secured to recapitalise

the three estates or funds from the sale of the estates that were closed, could be used to meet the salary increase.

He said the government cannot now claim it is up to the board of directors to decide on the salary increases when it is the government that decides how the industry functions. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, had contended that with GuySuCo’s financial position, an increase in pay may not be possible.

Jagdeo, however, argued that

government can do more to ensure the workers benefit. “They do have the money they raised for GuySuCo on using GuySuCo’s assets as the pledge which was transferred to them. Why can’t they use some of these resources? They don’t have to go back to Parliament. They don’t have to use the Contingency Fund. It doesn’t have to be part of the budget. They can easily transfer some of the money that they’re sitting on, paying 4.75 per cent interest on…. they could

easily transfer it to GuySuCo and finance the salary increase,” Jagdeo noted.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who has responsibility for NICIL, said any possibility of a pay increase for sugar workers must be dealt with by the board of GuySuCo. “The sugar workers come under a corporation that has a board and they will have to deal with the realities of the corporation,” Jordan told reporters on November 20.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Democracy serves all – says Indian high commissioner on Constitution Day

By Rabindra Rooplall

DEMOCRACY allows every citizen of a country the right to cast a vote and choose their leaders, irrespective of their caste, colour, creed, religion or gender and it is the common people of the country in their wisdom and awareness who determine the success or failure of the government.

This is according to India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr K. J. Srinivasa during his remarks on Tuesday evening in observance of India’s 70th Constitution Day and Citizens Duties Campaign.

Constitution Day is also celebrated as National Law Day (or Samvidhan Diwas) in India.

The event was held at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), Bel Air, Georgetown.

Dr Srinivasa explained that Constitution Day is celebrated on November 26 every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.

“The Constitution is the supreme law of India. It is the longest written Constitution of any sovereign country in the world, containing 448 articles in 25 parts, 12 schedules and 97 amendments,” the envoy noted.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has drawn up an elaborate plan to mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.

Dr Srinivasa said November 26 was marked as the Constitution Day of India

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the year 2015 as part of year-long celebration of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar.

“Constitution Day of India aims to bring awareness on the importance of the Indian Constitution and its architect, Dr B R Ambedkar. Dr Ambedkar was a renowned social reformer, politician and jurist and is also called the Father of the Indian Constitution. He was appointed chairman of the Constitution drafting committee on August 29, 1947,” the envoy said.

He explained that democracy has been flourishing in India during the past seven decades since it attained independence from the British colonial rule in 1947.

“Since then, India has celebrated 70 long years in its life and maintained its democratic values and traditions without affecting its core values and principles,” Dr Srinivasa noted.

He explained that democracy in India does not only mean providing the right to vote, but also ensuring social and economic equality.

India’s High Commissioner Dr K. J. Srinivasa

The Constitution declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality and liberty, and endeavours to promote fraternity.

“We are also celebrating the rich democratic values and traditions of the largest democracy in the world. India celebrates its elections as a ‘festival of democracy’ and it was visible in the recent May 2019 general elections, wherein over 600 million voters took part,” he said.

The envoy emphasised that while the democratic system of India has received worldwide appreciation, it is still working as an ongoing process to bring in further improvements so that democracy can be firmed up in true sense.

“The Indian Government is working upon eradicating illiteracy, poverty, communalism, casteism and gender discrimination among other things to strengthen democracy, ” he said.

A section of the gathering at the event on Tuesday (Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

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Youths carving niche in O&G sector TWO young Guyanese have leapt into the oil and gas industry; a sector they believe will shape a promising future for them. They are also encouraging fellow youths to give the industry a try.

Pablo Gomes and Gazelle Edwards are currently employed by Italian oil and gas industry contractor, SAIPEM.

Pablo Gomes

They officially joined the company after participating in a three-month internship programme.

The two young men skilfully manned the company’s booth at the recently concluded annual Guyana International Petroleum Exhibition (GIPEX) at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston.

“I was in Louisiana (US); I was in Trinidad and Tobago.

I did a lot of training. This is new to Guyana, so it feels so nice for me, being so young and being at the pioneering stage of this project,” Edwards told the Department of Public Information (DPI) last Thursday.

Although he had been a quality control inspector at a previous job, Edwards said joining the oil company in the same capacity was somewhat different for him.

“Coming into this job, I

did not know what was going on. These three months, it seems to me like I’ve been in this industry for months and for years, with the vast knowledge that I have attained.” He added that he has been able to network with professionals from across the world, some of whom have grown to become his mentors.

The 21-year-old has not yet attended university, but he boasted that the training he received at “Guyana’s premier technical institution,” the Government Technical Institute (GTI), has opened the door for “such a time as this.”

“I encourage young people to get certified, get qualified and GTI is a great place to start to get that foundation.

I don’t have a Bachelor’s Degree as yet, but I did the Science programme at GTI and I am very proud and pleased,” he said.

SAIPEM will be facilitating his university education.

Pablo Gomes, 25, is a Dimension Control Inspector at SAIPEM. A graduate of the University of Guyana (UG), Gomes is very impressed by the technology of the industry, particularly at SAIPEM. The Civil Engineer graduate told DPI that what he is seeing in the industry is at another level, and wishes other young persons can experience it.

“For example, the oil pipes were made in Guyana were made specifically to Guyana. The pipes were made in Japan and were brought here, tailor-made for Guyana.

This is one of the highest technologies out there in the oil and field,” he said with eyes beaming.

The young Gomes said he never expected oil to be in Guyana. However, by the time it was discovered in 2015, he was already in the Civil Engineering programme at UG. Nevertheless, he jumped at the opportunity offered by SAIPEM, since, according to him, “civil engineers have a role in everything”.

“This industry is supposed to be here for the coming years, and I think for young people, it is not as hard as some people might think,” he told DPI.

He said anyone willing to apply themselves at any institution providing technical training, they most definitely [will] be successful. (DPI)

Gazelle Edwards

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Food importers must have free-sale certificate

THE Government Analyst- Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) announced that all food importers, particularly those importing from the State of Florida, USA, must present a free-sale certificate.

“Please be advised that as of January 31, 2020, and as requested by the laws of Guyana in the Food and Drug Act Chapter 34:03,

Section 32:2 and the Food and Drug Regulation 13, all importers must present a Free Sale Certificate or Certificate of Health for food imported from the state of Florida,” Government Analyst-Food & Drug Department Director, Marlan Cole said.

Such certificates, he noted, can be obtained from the Florida Health Department

located at 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, from Florida Food and Drug Administration, 15100 NW 67th Avenue, Hialeah, Florida, 33014 or Florida Agriculture Department, 2700 N Young Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida 34741.

“Please be advised that as at 23rd July, 2019, Enterprise Florida has notified the

(GA-FDD) that issuance of Free Sale Certificates have been discontinued due to our no recognition of that entity as a competent authority,” Cole added.

The GA-FDD, the director noted, will also notify popular warehouses in the State of Florida of the need to ensure that export of food to Guyana are accompanied by the required Free Sale

Certificate/ Certificate of Health as of January 31, 2020.

These warehouses include Sam Club 13360 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, Florida; Jetro Cash and Carry, 2041 NW 12TH Avenue, Miami, Florida, 33127; and COSTCO, 2225 Grand Cypress Drive, Lutz, Florida 33559, among others.

Government Analyst-Food & Drug Department Director, Marlan Cole

Couple accused of possession of narcotics and illegal gun and ammunition remanded CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Thursday, November 28, 2019, remanded a couple to prison.

The husband was remanded for possession of gun, ammunition and narcotics while his wife was remanded for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Godfrey Bacchus, 51 and his wife Stacy Cort, 34, both sanitation workers of Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Reserve, North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charges, when they were read to them.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on No-

vember 25, 2019, at (GPL) Reserve, North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, Bacchus had, in his possession, 62 rounds of 7.62 and 4 rounds of .32 ammunition, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

The second charge stated that, on the same day, and at the same place, he had, in his possession, one AK-47 and one Hector pistol, when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

It was also alleged that, on November 25, 2019, at GPL Reserve, North Sophia, Greater Georgetown, the couple had, in their possession, 34 kilograms 750 grams of cannabis, for the purpose of trafficking.

Attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva, who represented the couple, asked the court for reasonable bail to be granted to his client, and told the court that the guns and ammunition were not found

on his client nor in his accommodation but in a trench near the couple’s house.

He added that the narcotic was found in an ice pitcher that was taken to his clients’ home by a family

Godfrey Bacchus

Stacy Cort

member without his clients’ knowledge. DaSilva stated that his client, Godfrey Bacchus, provided the police with information which led the police to issue a wanted bulletin for Steve Richard Bacchus.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to the couple, based on the nature of the offence and the penalty attached.

Mansfield also told the court that, on the day in question, police, acting on information, went to the address mentioned in the charge, and, while the police was approaching, one of the ranks observed Bacchus throwing a wrapped parcel in

‘We can deliver ... exercise was very complex.

We would like to assure our clients that we are gradually resolving the challenges and we expect to have the issues fully resolved by the middle of December 2019.”

“In the meantime, we are putting various additional measures in place to make it easier for clients to access both the information and the people needed to resolve any individual concerns. When fully resolved, we are confident that clients will enjoy their new banking experience which some may already have noticed affords greater convenience and flexibility,” the bank said.

Put systems in place to remedy situation

Also weighing in on the matter, Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, made it clear that the government will not sit idly by and allow the Republic Bank Limited (RBL) to disrupt the lives of thousands of Guyanese. The Director-General, therefore, called on the bank to put better systems in place and ensure that their recently-upgraded system was fixed promptly. “I am saying to you that we will not sit idly by while people are unable to get their salaries…that is wrong.

The bank has to do something better than that,” the Director-General said at a

a nearby trench. The parcel was recovered and the guns and ammunition were found in the wrapped parcel.

Mansfield stated that a further search was conducted and the narcotics were found in the bedroom of the couple.

Mansfield added that there was a video interview which showed Bacchus admitting ownership of the items and his wife admitting ownership of the narcotics found in their bedroom.

Magistrate McLennan remanded the couple to prison and adjourned the matter until December 4, 2019. The matter was transferred to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

FROM PAGE 5

post-cabinet press briefing on Thursday. He added, “If the bank has to alter its mechanisms, it has to put in place some manual facility so that the people can get their money, then they will have to do it.”

DG Harmon further stated that Minister of Finance, Hon. Winston Jordan, will outline other measures which will have to be implemented. When asked about sanctions in place for such actions, DG Harmon explained these issues fall within the remit of the Finance Minister and the Governor of the Bank of Guyana and they will determine “what needs to be done.”

Republic Bank, Camp Street Branch

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Gov’t worried about number of road fatalities GOVERNMENT has expressed concerns over the recent fatal accidents on Guyana’s roadways. As of November 26, 2019, there were 106 road deaths, Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, told reporters at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Thursday at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Harmon said the fatal accidents were as a result of speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics substances and inattentiveness.

He said Cabinet also noted the work of the Guyana National Road Safety Council and other civic organisations in helping the Guyana Police Force and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to make the road networks safe.

“Cabinet was reminded of a certain directive which was given by his Excellency the President as far back as 2015 when he noted that we must pay attention to three things on our roads. In fact, he was addressing National Road Safety Week in 2015 and highlighted the need for education as a priority that the drivers, the users of the road, the children who use our roads, must be educated about the rules of the road,” Harmon said.

Harmon said the President also spoke about enforcement of the road traffic laws which needed to be more pronounced.

“He also spoke about engineering and the infrastructure, the roadways which we have, the traffic lights, lights on the streets and road signs and all of these things,” Harmon noted.

Dillon De Ramos, of Lot 85 Dennis Street, Campbell-

ville and Senior Superintendent, Brian Eastman of 15 Norton Street, Wortmanville, said to be best friends since high school, died in an accident on the Sophia Public Road, in the vicinity of Rubis Gas Station, Tuesday night.

This fatal accident came one day after there were several others over the past weekend and also when the country is observing Road Safety Week.

proper signs. In this regard, Cabinet noted the recent suspension of work on the Mandela Highway improvement project,” he said.

Harmon explained that the minister of public infrastructure updated Cabinet on the status of the project and its suspension.

“The sub-contractor had sub-contracted several aspects of the project and some sub-contractors were not

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon

Meanwhile, Harmon noted that since 2015 there has been significant improvements in the infrastructural work that were done countrywide.

The director-general also underscored the recent official commissioning of the $473M Barrack Retreat Corridor in Central Lethem.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is also looking to build 1.5 kilometers of roadways over the next five years which will result in the communities having highways and proper roadways.

“So it is important that we understand the importance of education and the careful use of our roads, and the fact that we must have

coordinating with each other which had resulted in several challenges being experienced, especially in relation to traffic management, health and safety issues and that as a consequence of this, the IDB, which is the principal funder for road project, had suspended disbursements to the contractor,” Harmon noted.

Further, he said Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson had also informed Cabinet that his ministry will be assuming responsibility for the management, health and safety aspects of the project and that the cost associated will be deducted from the contractor’s sum.

“Once that is completed, road works will resume,” Harmon said.

Elderly man dies in Coffee Grove accident A 55-year-old resident of La Belle Alliance, Region Two, lost his life on the Coffee Grove Public Road on Tuesday.

Dead is Raymond Cassal. He was visiting a friend when he got into the accident. A post-mortem examination conducted by Dr. Nehaul Singh revealed Cassal died from multiple injuries.

According to information reaching Guyana Chronicle, the lifeless body of the man was discovered by a resident almost two hours after the accident.

Cassal, a labourer, usually spent most of his time with a friend in Coffee Grove.

Dead: Raymond Cassal

According to wife of the deceased, Evelyn John, the police came to their home at Lima Sands and informed them about the incident.

Meanwhile, police in ‘G’ Division are currently searching for the driver of a black pickup. The pickup was heading south along the public road and was caught on a resident’s surveillance camera. The driver has not yet been identified but relatives of the deceased are calling for justice in the matter.

Cassal was the only breadwinner for his family.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Umami returns to GuyTIE — set to showcase expanded range of top-quality, export-ready products

THE bold, bright labels on Umami products grab attention. The beautiful labels featuring red, green, black, yellow and white circles— the colours of Guyana’s flag—on a minimalist white background are eye-catching standouts on supermarket shelves. But they represent much more; they signify some of the finest products ever manufactured locally by one of the most innovative businesses in the country.

This fast-growing range of superlative local products is the outpour of Umami Inc., a dynamic Lusignan-based operation which was started by re-migrant Guyanese. The growing success of the company can be attributed to their bold approach and ability to think outside the box, which has enabled them to overcome multiple challenges and upgrade their factory in Lusignan. As a result, Umami Inc. now has an expanded range of export-ready products that the company will showcase at the

second Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE) scheduled for May, 2020.

According to Office Administrator of Umami Inc., Michelle Reidwald, the company’s decision to participate in the event again was based on the encouraging results from its participation in the inaugural event in 2018.

“Participation in GuyTIE 2018 benefitted us… we were able to secure large-scale buyers overseas in countries like Barbados, Grenada and Canada… GuyTIE provided Umami with an international platform and an excellent opportunity to showcase its products,” she said.

The willingness to capitalise on the best opportunities to market its brand, and the desire to establish and maintain excellent relationships with business associates and customers, have been distinctive features of Umami Inc., Ms. Reidwald explained. That is why the company did not hesitate to participate in GuyTIE

again as it seeks to enhance its local and international identity, and also to facilitate productive interaction at the event between the business and the consumers who buy its products with their hard-earned dollars.

This inventive approach was evident from the inception of Umami Inc. which began operations back in 2013. The company saw an opening in local and international markets for high-quality agro-processed sauces and condiments.

RIGHT TIME It proved to be the right time for the company to enter the market, because Guyana was importing such products from regional and extra-regional markets, and no other local company was manufacturing a reliable supply of such items of comparable price and quality to compete with the imported products.

To make a good and lasting first impression, the company placed all its efforts into

producing the first product —Umami Hot Sauce— and it was a runaway success. This paved the way for the follow up range of products that included tomato ketchup, mustard, all-purpose seasoning, green seasoning and stir-fry sauce. Later, the company was able to add honey-barbecue sauce, soy sauce, teriyaki sauce.

Even more importantly, Umami has been able to secure strong markets in the USA, Canada, Dominica, Barbados, Grenada, St Lucia and St. Maarten. And thanks to an active international outreach programme, It has consistently tapped into new markets. A key reason for this is the fact that the company’s products are all registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an internationally accepted mark of product safety and quality, which makes it easier to enter export markets worldwide.

Apart from their international appeal, Umami products

have generated considerable buzz in Guyana. As the company’s office administrator put it, “Many persons did not know it is a local product because of the excellent packaging… we are very much dominant in the market… the products can be found almost anywhere.”

Reidwald also noted that feedback from the local market indicates that Guyanese are pleased with the company’s efforts to produce high-quality products that are readily available and enrich every popular local recipe.

“Umami produces quality products… time and effort have gone into the recipes… we have always made an effort to maintain a consistent product, using technology… we use a specifically customised electrical kettle which allows for cooking to be done evenly and to perfection. We also use environmentally-friendly cleaning agents to sterilise kettles, equipment etc., so we have maintained a three-year shelf life on every product,” she pointed out.

The process ensures that the products are thermostable.

BIG SELLER She said her personal favourite was the stir-fry sauce because it contained all the seasoning ingredients for a great stir-fry—onion, garlic etc. — so cooks just have to add vegetables or meat. She added that the company’s current big seller is its signature Umami hot sauce.

Reidwald noted that the company was still dealing with a few challenges, such as getting reliable supplies of electrical power and sourcing regular supplies of farmers’ produce at consistent prices.

“We suffered from an

Umami Inc, Office Administrator, Michelle Reidwald

unreliable power supply from the utility company for a long time, but we have since invested in alternate backup power… another challenge is farmers not maintaining steady supplies and prices… so we have not been able to get a constant supply of pepper, which is a main raw material,” she said.

Nevertheless, Reidwald expressed full confidence that Umami Inc has created a brand that reflects its core Guyanese values and the message has resonated with the public. In particular, the company’s management believes that GuyTIE provides important touch points for brand messaging and for gaining valuable exposure for products, especially new products.

Umami Inc. remains as progressive as ever. “We have been able to extend the factory, making it more spacious… we intend to turn it into a state-of-the art facility that maintains the highest standards of quality… with quality and safety controls that can be traced back to the last bottle of each product we produce,” Reidwald asserted.

Products of Umami Inc that will be on display at the second Guyana Trade and Investment Exhibition (GuyTIE) scheduled for May, 2020

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

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PPP failed to gazette name change to National Archives …Coalition Gov’t in move to correct wrong

DESPITE announcing a change in the name of the National Archives to honour the late Dr Walter Rodney, the former administration, PPP, had refused to gazette the change and government assured the nation, on Thursday, that it would right the wrong.

Director General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, said the government will have to correct another wrong by the former administration that has, over the last few days, caused some uneasiness in society. Recent news of the removal of the name of the late Working People’s Alliance (WPA) founding member, Dr Walter Rodney, from the National Archives of Guyana, had caused some displeasure. However, Harmon said: “it is our intention to correct that.”

the DG said the opposition has been trying to drive a wedge between the parties of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

“Our partnership in which the WPA is an active and valued member is as strong as it was when it first started. We are engaging the WPA and we will address that matter,” the DG insisted.

“The main idea between doing that and calling for a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) weeks before the last general elections, was an attempt to drive a wedge between the Working People’s Alliance and the other parties of the A Partnership for National Unity,” he added. As a temporary measure, the DG related that the sign has been removed. He said the government will do all that is necessary to ensure that the law is observed, “and we

The National Archives, located on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown

He explained at a post-cabinet news conference that the previous government, which made the name change from the “National Archives of Guyana” to the “Walter Rodney Archives” failed to follow the legal course and have the change gazetted. Since the issue came to the fore, members of the opposition have been taking to the pages of local newspapers. However,

will put up the appropriate sign once that is done.” “So, there is no disrespect to the legacy of Dr Rodney. These are people who are legends in our own country and therefore there is no disrespect to anybody. We are about preserving things.”

The National Archives of Guyana is the legal depository for official records and local newspaper publications in Guyana.

Cultural activist and writ-

SAC hails COTED decision as lifeline for CARICOM sugar

ON 19 November, 2019, Trade Ministers, at the Forty-Ninth Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), agreed on principles that could radically alter future prospects for CARICOM sugar industries and permit them to regain their place in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Directors of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) are due to meet in early December to reflect on the COTED meeting outcomes, which agreed to the incremental enforcement of tariffs on imported white sugar as and when the region produces it.

In a release, SAC says the decision will provide the incentives needed by regional sugar producers for continued investment in value-added products, with the confidence that they will have a home in their own regional market.

Presently, over two-thirds of market demand in CARICOM is imported from outside the region, leaving sugar producers little choice than to export their own product on the global market at unremunerative prices. The meeting also agreed to the immediate establishment of a mechanism to monitor all regional sugar flows. This will play a major part in strengthening enforcement of existing arrangements for extra-regional sugar imports, providing a realistic assessment of supply and demand moving forward. Part of this will be to ensure that the CET on brown sugar, which is currently entering the market from outside the region, must be rigorously enforced by member states.

The COTED decisions came following a detailed analysis of the widespread use of plantation white sugar in manufacturing both globally and within the region. These decisions also reflect an understanding between manufacturers and sugar producers that when the quality of regional production is assured, it will receive tariff protection in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Treaty.

er, Barrington Braithwaite, in a letter to the editor, said he attended two days of a very meaningful three-day UNESCO conference on National Cultural Policy Consultations, some two months ago, with representatives from the Culture Ministry, National Archives, National Trust and Artist/s from every discipline. He said at the forum the question of the National Archives versus the Walter Rodney name presence came up in deliberations by UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Policy Presenter Mr Sydney Bartley on the ad hoc naming of places that are not then gazetted. Braithwaite said he learnt like everyone else

that this was the situation between Walter Rodney’s name and the National Archives.

“As all the facts determine, this was as much hypocritical propaganda as was the PPP’s inquiry into Walter’s Death.

There was never an attempt to truly honour his heritage to this country, but as usual to make a political masquerade of everything through cluelessness, insincerity or as a political plaything. Without the legal framework no legitimate transfer of finances via a Grant, Licence or sponsorship towards any expression that includes Walter Rodney is safe and accountable, if not gazetted it is a meaningless poster, an act of

disrespect,” Braithwaite said.

Only recently the party of Rodney said in a statement that it was fed up with the cheap criticisms of it on the issue of Dr. Walter Rodney and the WPA’s membership of the APNU and the APNU+AFC Coalition. “WPA frowns on those who have sought to use Rodney’s name for cheap political gains.

Rodney has, in death, become a plaything for a group of political hypocrites. Many who today sing praises to Walter Rodney never joined his cause when he was alive or in the difficult period following his assassination.”

The party said some had

dismissed him as an adventurist while others taunted him as an “ultra-leftist and a “Black Intellectual.” According to the WPA, the then leader of the PPP, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, went as far as telling supporters that Rodney promised Guyana a Christmas present, but they instead got his body on a platter. “These same people today maliciously try to tie WPA’s membership of the APNU and the APNU+AFC government to a fictitious betrayal of Walter Rodney and our party’s core principles.

They have made that line part of their narrative aimed at breaking up the coalition.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Empowered by Innovation ― Hackathon 2019 kicks off!

CHANGING the lives of Guyanese in the 21st century using digital solutions continues to be on the forefront as the Ministry of Public Telecommunications hosts its 3rd Hackathon.

Hackathon 2019 will see four teams in a gruelling software development battle to create programmes to report crime with an emphasis on domestic violence.

This is of particular relevance during the November 25 to December 10 period, designated as the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

A collaborative effort between the Ministry, the ICT Access and E-Services Project as well as the United Nations Development

Programme, the outcome of the 3-day event will be implemented to create real solutions in Guyana.

“We have the responsibility to provide the platform that will deliver a high level of service and

UNDP Representative, Jairo Valverde Bermuda

Minister of Public Telecommunications, the Honourable Catherine Hughes, explained that her Ministry will continually support innovators and shapers of development in Guyana.

this is even more necessary as we move Guyana towards creating a digital state,” she said.

The Ministry continues to focus on the development of an ICT-ready

workforce through initiatives which can create solutions to national issues and, by extension, create employment opportunities.

UNDP Representative Jairo Valverde Bermudez said that Hackathon presents a unique opportunity for the development of several sectors.

“Today’s hackathon is intended to provide digital solutions in areas of sustainable livelihood, e-learning and security. We look forward to working with the winners of the innovation challenge and we wish you luck, who would be granted with the opportunity to scale up their prototype and to provide not only effective solutions to affect national priorities, but also to demonstrate to stakeholders and public

Public Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes

institutions the potential impact of using ICT to deliver public services,” he remarked.

As the government continues to enhance Guyana’s technological capacity and infrastructure, the Ministry will continue to do its part to foster the use of ICT as a tool for national development, creativity, innovation.

Themed “Hack for a digital solution” this year’s

Hackathon runs from November 29 to December 1, 2019, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The teams competing in this year’s Hackathon are Innosys, lead by team leader Mohammed Khan; Intellectstorm, headed by Davendra Naraine; Berbice-based group – Skill Share-tech, lead by Shahad Husain and Logiq, lead by Julius Simon.

(DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, November 29, 2019

Contract for Ituni loggers ready to sign and uplift

― loggers, residents relieved over decision THE contracts legally binding the Ituni Small Loggers Association (ISLA) to the two new logging concessions that have been made available to them, are ready to sign and uplift, bringing great relief to the loggers of the association and residents on the whole. Its Secretary, Linden Duncan, told the Guyana Chronicle, on Thursday, that the two new concessions are welcomed by the association and will amalgamate the tags that were available to loggers from the current 11 concessions.

government’s fault, but we had some part to play in it and we have a lot of fixing to do on the ground to get things back to normal. However, we are grateful because they would have been asking for lands for so long and now they got through with it and we know that when business starts back doing and operation starts again, they won’t have any problem,” she said.

Last month, some loggers protested for the government’s intervention as their tags were exhausted, hence, there were no work for them, thus they were

ISLA Loggers at the meeting with Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

The association is currently in the process of completing its production register which will enable them to sign the contracts and access the concessions. One of these, he said, is easily accessible with the necessary infrastructure in place, while the other is in the Berbice division and the loggers would need guidance from the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) in accessing this 12, 500 acres of land.

The other is 9, 933 acres.

While associations are allowed only one concession, the GFC’s technical committee took into consideration the good stewardship demonstrated by ISLA, fully utilising existing areas, also that the community completely depends on logging as its sole economic activity and that the membership of the association is growing and is much bigger than other small associations.

Duncan said that the atmosphere in the community is not as tense and persons have also realised that the issues of tags being exhausted earlier than expected was not any fault of the government, but on them not honouring their responsibility to submit the production register. “The two new concessions were favourably received by the loggers, the atmosphere is not as tense, persons have been told what has been required of us in terms of getting tags,” Duncan said. Next week, the association will hold its statutory meeting, where decisions on the way forward will be made.

Community Development Officer, Keisha Griffith said, “Ituni residents would have understood that the situation we were in is not only the

unable to provide for themselves and families. Minister Trotman and a high-level team subsequently met with the representatives of the Association and they were given an opportunity to explain their plight; hence an amicable solution in providing them with two more concessions was brought to the fore. Minister Trotman, on November 10th, visited the community and relayed this news to them.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 29, 2019

Nickose Layne makes history at UWI - Directs local play, ‘Final Chapter’

By Vishani Ragobeer

GUYANESE actor and director Nickose Layne made history at the University of the West Indies (UWI) St. Augustine Campus by be-

coming the first Guyanese on record to direct a play for the Theatre Production series.

The 27-year-old, who is currently studying Theatre Arts at UWI, in Trinidad and Tobago, was selected as one

of the six students who would be allowed to direct a play for ‘The New Directors Forum: A Festival of Plays’ at the series.

Notably, his selection was based on the merit he showed during his first two years as a

A scene from ‘Final Chapter ‘(Photos by Vishani Ragobeer )

student within the Department of Creative and Festival Arts (DCFA).

On Saturday last, the producNickose Layne engagtion, “Final Chaping with members of the ter”, written by audience following the Guyana’s Clinton staging of ‘Final Chapter’ Duncan and directed by Layne took to UWI’s stage and garnered rave ed that he wanted to ‘finesse’ reviews. This staging was the the production so that when it culmination of a few months of was staged, it would be thorrigorous and intricately-layered oughly enjoyed. directing from the Guyanese The cast engaged in physcreative. ical warmups to safeguard “I think what the play- against “sloppy” movements wright did, and I attempted to on stage, and, as you would excontinue, was present reality in pect, getting his actors to read a story-like way,” Layne told their scripts was a must. And the Buzz, explaining ‘Final he encouraged them to know Chapter’. the script by heart.

This play was fanta In fact, as the Director, sy-themed, but addressed top- he recalled being told once ical and prevalent issues in by another Guyanese director the Caribbean society, such as that the director should be the poverty and rape. And Nickose person who knows the script reasoned that this play illustrat- best. And, presumptuously, he ed that art can be a vehicle for posited that he knows the script social conversations on these better than its writer. topics.

“I does (sic) take ev For him, this specific play erything with a grain of salt, demanded that he exercise his whether people say they love directing skills to ensure that it or they hate it. I’m going to his cast was adequately rep- take it with a grain of salt,” resenting those people, their Layne said, commenting on emotions and realities. This, the reviews he would have he said, was a must, even if it received thus far. made the audience feel uncom However, at the end of fortable at times. the production, which was the “Art is not supposed to second and final play on Satmake you feel comfortable urday night, there was a quesall the time,” Layne stressed, tion-and- answer segment beadding: “People have to know tween Nickose and his cast, and that this is not just us putting the general audience. Based on on plays because we think it’s the comments made during that nice; this is us connecting with segment, Layne was confident humans, and connecting with that people “connected” with the human stories in a way that the play and its overarching only art can do.” message.

And he posited, “I’m go It must be noted, however, ing to do art, and if it makes that Nickose’s achievement you feel something, or think, was noteworthy, but this prothen my work here is done.” duction was still a component Much of the warmup ses- of his academic endeavours at sions during rehearsals in- the UWI. According to him, his volved the cast getting to know success here has reaffirmed to each other better, in an attempt him that he is a director. to establish just a bit of inti The play also reaffirmed macy and comfort among the just how connected he is to group. He explained that this his “Guyanese-ness”, and was a particularly important how instrumental his culfactor, which allowed the cast ture is in his directing style. to be as authentic as possible in Whether it is selecting a Guyportraying those serious social anese play, or using Guyaissues. nese ring games (you know, Aside from his desire to the classics like ‘There’s a convey those authentic emo- brown girl in the ring’ or tions, the Director also indicat- ‘Dog and the bone’).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 29, 2019

Govona, Rygin King to headline ‘Dancehall exclusive ‘ --for DJ Garwin’s birthday and launch of FBS Entertainment TOMORROW night, the National Park will be transformed into a Dancehall arena, as four regional dancehall artistes will be dominating the stage at an event dubbed ‘Dancehall Exclusive’.

This event comes as a celebration of DJ Garwin’s birthday and the launch of his new company, ‘FBS Entertainment’. Headlining the show are Govana, Rygin King, D Angel and Ishawna.

In an interview with ‘The Buzz’, the popular DJ said that Dancehall has been down a bit in Guyana, and persons have been drifting more to Soca, given all the j’ouverts in the country and all.

“So I decided now, going back to the draft board, and launching my company, FBS Entertainment; that it is a perfect way to do it with Dancehall Exclusive, bringing four hardcore Dancehall artistes that the fans love. And also, Dancehall is my thing,” Garwin said.

Speaking briefly on his new company,

he said that even though they are launching with Dancehall, the company will be focused on entertainment of all genres. He even hinted that comedy and other aspects of entertainment will also be incorporated.

Garwin is popularly known for playing with Slingerz Entertainment, but he said he thinks it is time he starts his own company.

“Over the years I’ve established my name as a brand, being under the brand Slingerz Entertainment. I’ve established a brand for myself, which is my name, DJ Garwin. My name became a household name, and I think that doing my own thing, forming my own team, is a strength and a force to reckon with. So I decided that I’m going to put myself together to become a boss. You move from one stage in life to a different stage. So, being the boss for an entertainment company and doing things how I want to do things… No harm or disrespect to Slingerz; they are still my friends. But this is me on a different venture to promote

D Angel

RYGIN KING

my brand, DJ Garwin,” he told ‘The Buzz’.

The event tomorrow night, the entertainer said, is not just a concert, but a birthday ‘bashment’ where he will be giving back to his supporters.

“I’ll be giving away outfits, manicures, pedicures, facials and more. And today I’m taking the artistes to give back to one of the Children’s Home,” he disclosed.

Additionally, the show features regional acts, but he has opened it as a platform to promote Guyanese talents.

“I have a long list of Guyanese acts that are new to the scene. I have a great passion for Guyanese music and Guyanese talents, so I’m not using any of the big names that people are accustomed to. And this is incorporated also with the fact that I am working on opening a recording studio to push Guyanese music. So, 15 artistes who never had the platform to perform, they will be performing. And I know people will love them, ‘cause they have the potential,” Gar-

win said.

Tickets cost $2,000 general, and $10,000 VIP, and can be purchased at White C a s t l e Fish Shop, Medicare Pharmacy, Fire Side Grill, Church’s C h i c k en, and Chetson’s C l a r k s store.

ISHAWNA

DJ Garwin

GOVANA

A night of comedy for Annandale Secondary old students

A NIGHT of comedy, karaoke and drama is planned for tomorrow at the Annandale Secondary School, East Coast Demerara for all old students and residents of the close-knit community.

It is being organised by the Annandale Secondary School Old Students’ Association, and ‘Team Braddar’ comprising of local comedians/actors Chris Gopaul and Sean Thompson is on hand, promising an evening of pure fun for those who attend.

President of the newly-resuscitated association Suresh Singh told the Buzz in an interview that he only recently learned that Gopaul is an ex-student. In fact, all old students who have some kind of talent are being invited to perform at the event.

The event will start at

18:00hrs, and with every purchase of a ticket for $600, persons will receive a free hot dog and drink or water.

Singh, who attended the school during the period of 2001 to 2006, explained that the old students’ association was formed many years ago, but was dormant for quite some time. This year, though, when he received a promotion and moved from Hope Secondary to Annandale Secondary, he decided to restart it.

They held an event in May, and it was well supported by the old students. “All of our ventures go toward the school. We only keep, let’s say, turn-over money.

When the term started in September, we donated over $100,000 worth of items to the school.

“We asked the school

The Annandale Secondary School

The new Annandale Secondary School Old Students’ Association

Association President, Suresh Singh

to produce a needs assessment list, and from that we extract the things that we can afford and try to satisfy each department. This venture on Saturday is also geared towards that. The industrial department needs some tools, and the administrative office also needs some stuff.” He said the aim is to host these events yearly.

“We are asking all old students who have talent and want to perform to come and do so. Even if you’re not an old student, you can come perform for us. It’s all about clean entertainment. No alcohol is allowed,” Singh explained.

He said an alumni wall was recently launched to feature the names of all past students. “You pay us $1,500 and your name goes there, along with when you started attending and when you finished.”

According to Singh, the association prints and sells tickets only in the immediate community.

So far, it has been receiving lots of support from the community. “We are very transparent about the money we receive and what we buy.”

The Mon Repos Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) is

supportive of the association, along with several corporate businesses.

The association is aiming to put on a grand reunion once a year.

Team Braddar’s Chris Gopaul and Sean Thompson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday November 29, 2019

A weekend of Music and Culture…

Rupununi Music and Arts Festival declared ‘a huge success’

By Gabriella Chapman OVER the last weekend, the experience in Guyana’s Rupununi was brought to life at the Theatre Guild through the Rupununi Music and Arts Festival.

The Eucalyptus Gardens aback the Theatre was transformed to give a nature-type ambience, close to what is experienced in the Rupununi.

Last Friday, despite the heavy rainfall, the creative pieces of Indigenous culture and art were displayed. Menacing sky and black clouds swirled above, but the team switched on the green light and continued with their planned agenda.

Amidst the art and craft, there were many Indigenous foods and drinks such as Tuma Pot and Piwari.

Later in the evening, the action started with musical entertainment, and Chow Pow entered the circular, tree-trunk-like stage in his dual role as MC and ‘comic of the night’.

The atmosphere was cool and relaxing, as persons were seated comfortably on the carpet that was laid out under the trees with their friends.

The night went by with a diverse range of talent from soulful Trevaun Selman at the start, to ‘Maya’ around midnight. The evening’s entertainment was rich, eclectic, professional and upbeat.

The highlights, however, were the Indigenous music and dance, folk songs from Eastern Europe, calypsos, on pan and violin, which engaged the audience, and there was little doubt that the people had a wonderful first night.

The Festival stretched over to Saturday as well, with workshops and ‘Talk Tent’ sessions. The St. Stanislaus College Scout Group had constructed a Monkey Bridge (a suspended rope bridge) for persons to cross.

This also was a side attraction for patrons.

In the evening again, on Saturday, more entertainment hit the stage, with tales of the Indigenous culture.

Additionally, the African culture was also incorporated as the Buxton Fusion started raising the temperature from the stage, with precision African drumming by over 16 youths, ranging in age from 10 – 25.

Musically, the evening was set, and it continued gearing up equal notches as local and international artistes entered and exited the centre stage.

Members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Guyana were present as well, with a telescope offering festival-goers a chance to see the stars up close and personal.

In a wrap comment, Festival Director, Bob Ramdhani told The Buzz, “The Festival was a huge success in terms of the professionalism and quality of the musicians, the transformation of the space outside Theatre Guild and the quality of the sound. The audience numbers disappointed, and in reality, they missed out on a very entertaining and exciting weekend. Reduced numbers also impacted the arts and crafts stallholders and caterers, but the feedback from those who attended was extremely positive, praising the Festival for the wonderful transformation of the place, and the diversity and quality of the entertainment offered.”

The annual event is usually held in the rural village, but to bring awareness of their life and culture, the directors brought the event to Georgetown for the second time. This is also because much emphasis is being placed on the execution for next year. So the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival will be back at Manari Ranch during November 13 – 15, 2020.

Dr. Ramdhani said that he hopes that the Guyanese populace from in and around Georgetown would come next year to the Manari Ranch to be part of the experience.

Highlights from the Rupununi Music & Arts Festival

Courts Christmas Tree light-up transforms Anna Regina THE Town of Anna Regina came alive Monday evening as many persons converged at the Courts Richmond Branch in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to witness their spectacular Christmas Tree light-up. The light-up was held at around 18:30hrs by staff from the Courts Richmond and Main Street branches. The Roadshow marked the second such event to be held by Courts Guyana Inc. The ceremony beckoned the goodwill of the Christmas season as Courts brought cheer to many children. Children’s faces were lit up when they saw Santa Claus and his helpers.

It was indeed a scene to behold, as many children were ex-

Courts Richmond Christmas Tree light-up

cited to be in the audience.

The helpers were around spreading the joy of the season to the children. The event is an annual one for Courts that fosters togetherness, and brings the joy of Christmas to the people of Essequibo.

The crowd also joined in singing contemporary renditions of classic Christmas Carols such as “Little Drummer Boy”, “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Do You Hear What I Hear”.

Courts Director of Commercial Operations Laverne Baker said the Richmond Roadshow marks the second roadshow that was held by the company to usher in the Christmas season. Baker said that it has been 15 years since Courts Guyana

Inc. has been spreading cheer across Guyana, reaching out to children in this way.

Children attending the Richmond Nursery School were the recipients of gifts and goodies. Baker said that throughout the season, thousands of children will receive gifts.

In addition to the roadshow, customers who made a purchase of $49,999 and over were given the opportunity to spin the wheel. The spinning enabled them to win more prizes, as well as even get their purchase free or at a 100% discount. The Director, therefore, thanked customers for choosing Courts Guyana Inc. for Business.

Children from Richmond Nursery receiving goodies from Courts

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday November 29, 2019

‘Jumbie’ and ‘Radica’ to take their talent to Tortola, St. Kitts --as part of ‘Emmanuella’ Caribbean tour

LOCAL comedians Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ nine-year-old Emmanuella Samuel, and fiveJones and Leza ‘Radica’ Singh will take year-old ‘Aunty Success.’ their raw, natural Guyanese talent to the

‘Jumbie’ had hosted the “EmmanuBritish Virgin Islands (BVI) this weekend, alla for Emancipation” show at the National and then to St. Kitts the following week- Cultural Centre, which event also included end to perform as part of the ‘Emmanu- Kingsley, Amanda, Denilson, Uzoma and ella’ Caribbean tour. little Success.

‘Jumbie’ and ‘Radica’, the only two local comedians booked for the tour, will be ‘SQUARE OFF’ performing in Tortola tomorrow night, and will make their way to St. Kitts for a perfor‘Jumbie’ and a team from Guyana only mance next Saturday. returned a few days ago from performing at

‘Jumbie’ is especially excited that the ‘Square Off’ Comedy Show in Trinidad Guyana is now being represented at various on Nov 23, that carried as its tantalising tagCaribbean comedy shows, which, to him, line, “Chicken Curry versus Curry Chicken”. only started happening recently.

“We represented really well. We

In an interview with the Buzz, he like when people throw down, and fall out expressed that, to him, it seems that while their chairs and so. We didn’t really get that, the Guyanese talent has been there all along, but they laughed all throughout our perforpeople simply did not know how good the mances,” he expressed. He is happy that by local performers are. Now, though, hardly performing at this show, the team received does a Caribbean comedy show go down two additional bookings for the future. without participation from Guyana.

‘Jumbie’ said he saw the best ever

‘Jumbie’ said he likes to extend the performance from Chris Gopaul at the show. opportunity to perform overseas to various “He had the crowd; and the crowd couldn’t persons, and not just keep those privileges to himself. To date, he has helped several persons to reach their full potential in the field. Many, for instance, who were hesitant about performing a stand-up comedy are now some of the best that the country has to offer.

‘Jumbie’, who has decades of experience in the Guyana acting fraternity, especially likes to focus his attention on helping those he sees as having a lot of talent.

Meanwhile, the cast of Mark Angel Comedy performed here in Guyana some time ago during their tour of the Caribbean. Mark Angel, a Nigerian video producer, is best known ‘Jumbie’ and ‘Radica’ were booked to perform for the Mark Angel Comedy sein the ‘Emmanuella’ Caribbean tour ries, which usually features child comedians, including his niece,

“Trinidad was awesome. When TV idols become your new friends,” expressed Chris Gopaul about last Saturday’s show

23

stop cheering for him,” he said, noting that the same held true for Mark ‘Chiney Man’ Kazim. “The two of them took the night.”

Renowned Trinidadian comedians Learie Joseph and De

Lyndon ‘Jumbie’ Jones

Leza ‘Radica’ Singh

Saint, who also performed at the show, will be coming to perform in Guyana at “Uncensored”, to be held on December 28 and 29.

Some of the biggest names in local comedy and entertainment performed at the show in Trinidad, including Michael ‘Credit’ Ignatius, and Clemencio Goddette.

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Brooks, Cornwall put Windies in touching distance of victory

LUCKNOW, India, (CMC) – Shamarh Brooks struck a maiden Test hundred and Rahkeem Cornwall became the first West Indies spinner to claim a 10-wicket match haul on the subcontinent, as the Caribbean side dominated day two of the one-off Test against Afghanistan here Wednesday to put themselves on the verge of a comprehensive victory.

On another bowlers day at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Stadium when 14 of 15 wickets fell to spinners, West Indies managed to secure an important 90-run lead, after being dismissed for 277 in their first innings.

Brooks, unbeaten overnight on 19, faced 214 balls and counted 15 fours and a six to complete three figures in his third Test after making his debut last August against India in the Caribbean.

Left-handed opener John Campbell, resuming from 30, made 55 – his maiden Test half-century in his sixth match at this level – while wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich chipped in with 42 in his first Test appearance in nine months following injury.

Debutant left-arm spinner Amir Hamza picked up five for 74, leg-spinning captain Rashid Khan claimed three for 114 while Zahir Khan, another left-arm spinner, supported with two for 53.

Cornwall then snatched three for 41 and fellow off-spinner Roston Chase, three for 10, as Afghanistan ended the day on the ropes on 109 for seven – a lead of only 19 runs ahead of Friday’s day three.

First innings top-scorer

Javed Ahmadi led again with a polished 62 as the hosts cashed in on the early overs of seam to coast to 53 without loss.

Once Cornwall was introduced, however, Afghanistan declined quickly to lose seven wickets for 56 runs.

Cornwall so far has match figures of 10 for 116 – the first 10-wicket match haul by a West Indies bowler in India in 44 years.

Resuming the morning on 68 for two – still 119 runs adrift of their target – West Indies flourished nicely as Brooks and Campbell extended their third wicket stand to 82.

Campbell struck three boundaries in the day’s third over from Amir Hamza – two audacious successive reverse sweeps and an orthodox sweep – as he raced to his fifty in the fifth over of the morning.

All told, he stroked seven fours and a six off 75 deliveries before top-edging a sweep at Hamza for Ihsanullah to take an excellent catch running around to leg gully.

Afghanistan struck again when Rashid Khan trapped Shimron Hetmyer lbw for 13 on the stroke of the drinks break and Chase followed 16 balls later for two, taken at short leg off Zahir Khan at 150 for five.

Brooks and Dowrich then combined in a 74-run sixth wicket stand which took the Windies to lunch on 195 without further loss, and also frustrated the Afghans early in the second session.

The right-handed Brooks played with fluency on either side of the wicket and raised his half-century in the second

over after the day’s first drinks break. Unbeaten on 75 at lunch, he reached his hundred about half hour before tea, pinching a single forward of point off Hamza.

He lost Dowrich, who faced 91 balls and struck six fours, lbw to Zahir approaching the first hour after lunch, and his departure triggered a slide which saw the last five wickets go down for just 53 runs.

Brooks was ninth out, missing a heave at Hamza and having his stumps shattered.

In reply, Ahmadi lashed seven fours and a six in a 75ball knock as he put on 53 for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran (23), to give Afghanistan a solid start.

But Cornwall, introduced in the ninth over, got the breakthrough 10 overs later when Ibrahim offered no shot and was plumb lbw.

In Cornwall’s next over, Ihsanullah (1) was disastrously run out off the first ball and Rahmat Shah inside-edged a defensive stroke and was caught at short leg by Brooks without scoring.

When Ashgar Afghan also fell without scoring in Cornwall’s next over, also caught close in by Brooks, the home side had lost four wickets for six runs in the space of 13 deliveries.

Ahmadi and Nasir Janal (15) defied West Indies in a 37-run, fifth wicket partnership before Chase snatched three wickets in as many overs to spark another slump.

13:45 hrs Grandmaster Flash 14:15 hrs Johan Zoffani 14:45 hrs Shore Step

S C O R E B O A R D

15:15 hrs Thefaithfulindian 15:45 hrs Miss Cunning 16:15 hrs Rippling Waters 16:45 hrs Munfallet

AFGHANISTAN 1st Innings

187

WEST INDIES 1st Innings (overnight 68 for two) K Brathwaite lbw b Amir

11

J Campbell c Ihsanullah b Amir

55

S Hope c Ihsanullah b Rashid S Brooks b Amir S Hetmyer lbw b Rashid R Chase c Ibrahim b Zahir

7 111 13 2

+S Dowrich lbw b Zahir

42

*J Holder st Afsar b Amir

11

R Cornwall lbw b Rashid

5

K Roach lbw b Amir

3

J Warrican not out

4

Extras (lb12, nb1)

13

TOTAL (all out, 83.3) 277 Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-34, 3-116, 4-137, 5-150, 6-224, 7-243, 8-260, 9-270, 10-277.

Bowling: Yamin Ahmadzai 10-3-24-0, Amir Hamza 28.3-4-74-5 (nb1), Rashid Khan 32-5-114-3, Zahir Khan 13-2-53-2.

WEST INDIES 2nd Innings Ibrahim Zadran lbw b Cornwall

23

Javed Ahmadi c Cornwall b Chase

62

Ihsanullah run out

1

Rahmat Shah c Brooks b Cornwall

0

Asghar Afghan c Brooks b Cornwall

0

Nasir Jamal b Chase

15

Amir Hamza c Cornwall b Chase

1

+Afsar Zazai not out

2

Extras (lb4, nb1)

5

TOTAL (7 wkts, 36 overs)

109

Fall of wickets: 1-53, 2-55, 3-55, 4-59, 5-96, 6-98, 7-109.

Bowling: Roach 4-2-5-0, Holder 3-0-18-0, Warrican 12-3-31-0, Cornwall 14-3-41-3 (nb1), Chase 3-1-10-3.

Position: Afghanistan lead by 19 runs with three wickets intact.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 29, 2019

UK police chief found not guilty over 1989 Hillsborough stadium crush

LONDON (Reuters) The police commander in charge of operations at the 1989 Hillsborough soccer stadium crush that killed 96 Liverpool supporters was found not guilty of manslaughter on Thursday.

Former Chief Superintendent David Duckenfield was in charge of the stadium in Sheffield, northern England, at an FA Cup semi-final match against Nottingham Forest 30 years ago.

The victims died in an overcrowded, fenced-in enclosure. Harrowing images of young fans crushed against metal fences, bodies lying on the pitch and spectators using wooden advertising hoardings as makeshift stretchers horrified the nation.

Police at first blamed

David Duckenfield was in charge of policing the 1989 FA Cup semi-final.

(PA Sport) the disaster on drunken fans, an explanation that was always rejected by survivors, relatives of the victims and the wider Liverpool community who spent years fighting to find out what had happened.

Later inquests and an independent inquiry absolved the fans of any responsibility.

The latest verdict came in a re-trial at Preston Crown Court after a jury in April had initially failed to come to a verdict.

“I’m shocked and stunned by the verdict of the jury,” said Barry Devonside, whose son Christopher died aged 18 in the disaster.

“We, the families, have fought for 30 years valiantly,” he told the BBC. Mike Bendown, Director of the Independent Office for Police Conduct, said they recognised the verdict would be of huge significance for the families of the 96 victims.

“As there are still live criminal proceedings relating to the disaster we will not be commenting further at this time,” he added, urging people not to prejudice

those cases with comments online.

Britain’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it was aware the verdict would be disappointing for the relatives.

“The disaster at Hillsborough 30 years ago has caused unimaginable suffering to the families of those who sadly lost their lives and to everybody affected by the tragic events of that day,2 said Sue Hemming, CPS Director of Legal Services.

“They were let down with the most catastrophic consequences imaginable. I know how important these proceed-

ings have been to everyone, even though they came far too late.”

Graham Mackrell, the Sheffield Wednesday club secretary at the time of the disaster, was found guilty of a charge under the Health and Safety at Work Act, in the previous trial.

Former South Yorkshire Police chief superintendent Donald Denton, the force’s detective chief inspector Alan Foster and Peter Metcalf – are scheduled to stand trial on charges of perverting the course of justice next year.

Doodnauth’s half-century thwarts Rising Star hopes in Essequibo T20 League A superb half-century by Kishan Doodnauth was the main highlight in the latest round of the Central and South Essequibo T20 League played on Sunday last.

At the Pomona ground, Reliance Masters gained an exciting one- wicket triumph against Rising Stars. In a game reduced to 15 overs due rain, Rising Stars won the toss and batted on a soggy outfield.

It didn’t matter though as Devindra Mohan clobbered 4x6s, 1x4 in his cameo 34 at the top of the order. When he departed in the 5th over with the score on 58, the Stars pitched dramatically with the introduction of spin.

Former Essequibo senior inter-county all-rounder Elroy Stephney 3-14, Parmanand Per-

saud 2-16 and Devon English 2-21 combined to restrict the score to 114 all-out in 14 overs.

Only Otis Roberts and Chris Cavadar with 11 apiece followed with double figures.

In reply, Reliance Masters also struggled on a responsive pitch and were precariously placed at one stage with wickets falling and the run-rate rising. All the while though, Kishan Doodnauth remained solid placing the ball in the gaps and striking the occasional boundary.

It then came down to the final over with 24 runs needed. It seemed a tall order, but Doodnauth was up to the challenge and smashed 4x6 much to the delight of his team and spectabtors. His masterful unbeaten 55 was an innings of individual brilliance as the Masters

reached 117-9 in the 15th over for a memorable victory.

At the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Crown XI capped a purposeful performance to defeat Cotton Field Strikers by 24 runs. They made 123-6 from 15 then rout the Strikers for 99 all-out in 13 overs. There was also a comfortable win for Invaders Masters who restricted Ramkissoon’s XI to 96-8 in 15 overs.

The score was overhauled in just 10 overs with the Masters reaching 98-2 for an eight wicket win. Bacchus Bulls had an effortless win as they gained a walk-over from Golden Fleece S.C. The competition continues on Sunday with another round of matches at various venues along the Essequibo Coast.

Mauricio Pochettino: ‘I gave the best of me’ - former Tottenham boss FORMER Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino says he “gave the best” of himself during his five-and-a-half years with the club.

The 47-year-old Argentine led Spurs to four successive top-four finishes and last season’s Champions League final.

He was replaced by Jose Mourinho last week and in his first statement since, Pochettino said: “There were equally tough challenges as exciting successes.

“Best wishes for the future, I am sure we will cross paths again.”

Former Argentina international defender Pochettino, who

has also managed Espanyol and Southampton, signed a new five-year contract in May 2018 and spoke in January 2019 about hoping to remain with Tottenham for 20 years.

But in pre-season - after the club broke their transfer record to sign Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele - he said he was “not in charge” of signings at Tottenham and believed his job title should be changed from manager to coach.

Spurs moved to their new 62,062-seater stadium in April after almost two seasons playing their home matches at Wembley but have struggled for consisten-

Mauricio Pochettino had a 55.9% win-rate in the league during his time at Spurs

cy this term and were 14th in the table when Pochettino was dismissed. (BBC Sport).

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 29, 2019

33

Labouring Liverpool and City head into crucial month

By Simon Evans MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Premier League leaders Liverpool and champions Manchester City are heading into an intense month of fixtures with neither looking close to their best.

Liverpool laboured to a 1-1 draw with Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday, lacking the intensity and attacking potency that has been at the heart of their success under manager Juergen Klopp.

City stumbled to a 1-1 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk in the same competition, with no sign of the zip and verve that has characterised Pep Guardiola’s team over the past two title-winning seasons.

Both looked like sides who could do with a rest, a nice week in a warm-weather resort recharging their batteries, but the price of competing at the highest level — at home and abroad — is a gruelling December that offers no respite

Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain comes on as a substitute to replace Joe Gomez Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

and plenty of potential bumps in the road.

City need no reminders of the dangers that lie in wait for them in Newcastle on

Saturday — one of their four defeats last season came in a 2-1 reverse at St James’ Park in January.

With their all-time top scor-

er Sergio Aguero sidelined by injury, Guardiola is banking on his only other striker, Gabriel Jesus, delivering goals and keeping fit through the coming

month.

He also needs his team to rediscover the slick passing game and dominance of midfield that has been their hallmark but has been sorely missing in recent weeks.

Injuries are part of the process at this time of year especially and Liverpool suffered a blow with their key holding midfielder Fabinho picking up an ankle injury against Napoli.

It is unclear how long the Brazilian will be sidelined for but they will probably be without him at home to Brighton on Saturday.

Against Napoli, only Roberto Firmino looked in top form and that will be a concern for Klopp as he heads into a month in which his team also have to contend with two games in Qatar in the Club World Cup. To add to the workload, both teams have derby matches on the horizon with Liverpool hosting Everton on Wednesday and City taking on Manchester United on Dec. 7.

It looks the ideal moment for second-placed Leicester City to take advantage and push themselves into the race.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are a point ahead of City and eight behind Liverpool and on Sunday they face an Everton team whose manager Marco Silva will be worrying he might not even survive to Wednesday’s Merseyside derby.

Another manager under intense pressure is West Ham’s Manuel Pellegrini who won’t be looking forward to Saturday’s visit to in-form fourthplaced Chelsea.

Manchester United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side in need of a convincing performance after struggling for large parts of their 3-3 draw at Sheffield United.

Jose Mourinho will look to make it three wins out of three since taking over at Tottenham Hotspur when Bournemouth visit North London on Saturday.

Round Two Busta Champion of Champions tourney continues tomorrow

-lone semi-final set for Sunday ROUND Two of the ongoing Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/RHTY&SC/Busta Champion of Champions 40over tournament continues tomorrow and Sunday with a number of matches.

The tournament commenced with 11 teams, six of which remain, including RHT Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, Albion Community Centre, Port Mourant, Blairmont Community Centre, Tucber Park CC and Young Warriors, who will now battle for the opportunity to reach the finals.

At the Albion ground, the home team play Young Warriors,with the winner drawing a bye into the final. Albion will rely on the now in-form Guyana Jags batsman, Jonathan

Shawn Pereira (third from left) and some of his Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour teammates

Foo, while Kandasammy Surujnarine and Rajiv Ivan, both with tons to their names, along

with talents like, Ritesh Umroa, Sarwan Chaitnarine and Adrian Sukhwah will be on show.

Young Warriors CC, with seasoned campaigners Linden Austin, Vishal Mohabir,

Suresh Dhanai, Alex Algoo, Ishwar Singh, Ricardo Ramdehol, Kassim Khan and Seon Hetmyer, will want to give good accounts of themselves.

At the Area ‘H’ Ground, defending Champions, Rose Hall Town Namilco Thunderbolt Flour, led by Shawn Pereira, along with Eon Hooper, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Delbert Hicks, Jonathan Rampersaud, Jason Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall and Chanderpaul Govindhan will be keen on preserving their title reign.

Their opponents, Blairmont, could post a threat especially with Seon Glasgow, Nigel Deodat, Kevin Jawahir, Javed Karim, Marvon Prashad, Shabeer Baksh and others already looking ominous from the previous rounds.

The final match will feature

a battle between Port Mourant and Tucber Park at the Port Mourant ground. Demetri Cameron, Arif Chan, Rampertab Ramnauth, Mahendra Boodram, Trishan Ramsarran, Quincy Burnette and Salim Khan, will represent the home team as they will want to defend their turf.

Meanwhile, Tucber Park will bank on Garfield Benjamin, Martin Singh, Anthony ‘D’ Andrade, Quacy Mickle, Nial Smith, Leon Swammy and Devon Clements and others to put on a good showing.

Winners of the RHT Thunderbolt Flour vs Blairmont and Port Mourant vs Tucber Park battles will clash in the lone semi-finals on Sunday at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

All matches start at 11:00hrs.

Interim team director Nkwe to coach South Africa in England Tests Johannesburg (AFP) - Interim team director Enoch Nkwe will be in charge of the South African team for the Test series against England starting next month, a Cricket South Africa (CSA) spokesman said on Thursday.

“There is no way we will go into an important series against England without having our ducks in a row,” said Thamie Mthembu, CSA head of media and communications, in response to criticism about the failure to make key

appointments that has led to uncertainty around preparations for the series.

Mthembu said former first-class cricketer Nkwe, 36, would remain in his interim director role, together with the support staff who oversaw a humiliating 3-0 Test series defeat in India last month.

Nkwe’s appointment, on the back of a successful debut season as a franchise coach, was a surprise in view of his lack of international experience, either as a player or a coach.

The key posts of director of cricket, team director and convener of selectors have not been filled, almost four months after the creation of the new positions was announced in August when former coach Ottis Gibson and his back-up staff were fired after a poor World Cup campaign.

Former South African captain Graeme Smith was considered to be a front-runner for the director of cricket position before announcing on Twitter

two weeks ago that he had withdrawn because he was not confident he would have the freedom to do the job on his own terms.

Former international Corrie van Zyl was appointed interim director of cricket ahead of the series in India and also headed an interim selection panel.

Van Zyl has been interviewed for the permanent role but has been suspended since October 29 over a dispute between CSA and the SA Cricketers’ Association.

No announcements about appointments have been made

by CSA, despite chief executive Thabang Moroe saying last week that he expected to release some information last Friday. Nor has there been any announcement about preparations for the England series.

“What we do not want to do is to hurry and make an appointment and then be criticised if we do not appoint the right person,” said Mthembu.

But he confirmed that Nkwe remained in charge of

the national team.

“Enoch Nkwe and all the other members of his team remain in place, all except Corrie van Zyl,” said Mthembu, who added that a disciplinary process with Van Zyl was under way.

“When you suspend someone of a high level lawyers become involved and it has to be a thorough process,” he said.

34

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 29, 2019

Saints Ladies,Diamond GBTIMineralTigers & Old Old Fort register wins Water Indoor Hockey Festival night one…

THE curtain was raised on Wednesday 27th November at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with exciting matches in all three divisions of the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Hockey Festival.

The Saints ladies were the first to celebrate victory in this year’s festival with a 4-2 victory over Red Wyne in the ExxonMobil ladies competition, while the GBTI GCC Tigers predictably secured an easy 8 – 1 victory over the Spartans. Old Old Fort got the better of Vintage GCC by 5-3 in the lone Lucozade Veterans division match of the evening.

The most entertaining match of the evening however, with the highest quality of hockey on display, remained the clash between YMCA Old Fort and the Pepsi Hikers which ended in a 4-4 deadlock.

In the Old Old Fort versus Pepsi match, overlapping Old Fort left back and former national, Aderemi Simon, executed a brilliant solo run in the 6th minute to finish with a reverse stick goal to bring the match to life. The two teams had started tentatively like professional boxers sizing up their opponents, but the pace quickened immediately after Simon’s opening goal. The skilfull Omar Hopkinson then shocked the Hikers with a second OldFort goal seven minutes later to give his side a 2-0 lead.

The experienced Hikers were unfazed by their cold start and began to carve inroads into the Old Fort defence which reaped dividends as star na-

Saints captain Hilton Chester on the attack against GCC

tionals, Aroydy Branford and Jamarj Assanah, drew the first half of the game even with a pair of goals, both in the 15th minute.

The second half saw the Hikers surge ahead through two early goals by Captain Robert France who outhustled his opponents to pounce on loose rebounds in the circle on both occasions to take the Hikers to a 4-2 lead. Old Fort, however, would rely on another spark of brilliance from Omar Hopkinson to bring his team back within one when he feinted the Hikers goalkeeper before dragging his flick around to the right and up into the net.

Young Old Fort marksman Warren Williams brought

the game to a fitting end when he scored the game’s eight field goal four minutes before the end to leave the final score at a well-fought 4-4 draw.

A young Saints team suffered an opening defeat to GCC in the other men’s clash of the evening, but the modest 2-1 score showed that Saints has improved to being within striking distance of the country’s top sides. Two penalty corner goals in the first half by Steven Xavier and Kevin Spencer were enough to give GCC the win as Saints only managed one field goal from Seon Sookhai for the match.

In the ExxonMobil ladies competition, three penalty corner goals from Tekeisha Deleon

and a field goal from young rising star Claysia Bobb were enough to give Saints an easy win over Red Wyne. Minsodia Culpepper and Bushani Kaladeen put in good performances for Red Wyne but failed to match Saints. Former national striker, Tamala Glenn and Culpepper were the goal scorers for Old Fort. Pre-tournament favourites, the GBTI GCC Tigers, outclassed a youthful Spartans team by 8-1 in the other ExxonMobil ladies match of the evening.

With the score at 3-1 for the Tigers at halftime, the tiring Spartans would concede 5 more unanswered goals in the second half to cart off an 8-1 victory. National midfielder Marzana Fiedtkou was the leading scorer with three goals for the Tigers while Sonia Jardine scored two. Ashley DeGroot,

Gabriella Xavier and Tiffany Solomon completed their side of the sheet. Abosaide Cadogan was the lone goal scorer for the Spartans.

The Lucozade veterans division was a highly contested affair as Vintage got off to an early start through Kevin Spencer in the second minute. Old Old Fort responded in fine fashion, however, and despite the scores being level at 2-2 at halftime, pulled off a 5-3 victory.

The Old Old Fort goals were scored by Jason DeSantos 2, John Abrahams, Adrian Brandt and Dwight Sullivan. Vintage got their three goals through a Kevin Spencer double and one from Dwayne Scott.

Matches continue all week at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the finals set for Sunday evening.

Old Fort’s Jason DeSantos being challenged by Hikers’ Jamarj Assanah

‘592 Beer Inter-Village Football Festival’ continues tonight in Buxton ACTION in the inaugural ‘592 Beer Inter-Village Football Festival’ continues tonight with an exciting double-header at the Buxton Community Centre ground.

Annandale will make their debut in the event against giant and undefeated side, Beterverwagting [BV]

from 19:00hrs. BV, in their previous match, defeated home side Golden Grove.

In the main fixture, Victoria will faceoff with debutant Friendship. The Victoria unit lost their opening match to Paradise.

Action in the event will also continue at the same venue with another two

matches on Sunday. Brush Dam opposes Ann’s Grove at 19:00hrs while the feature match-up will witness Mahaica engaging Buxton from 21:00hrs.

The event features 12 teams battling in an initial group format. Group-A comprises Buxton, Plaisance and Mahaica, with group-B

consisting of Friendship, Paradise and Victoria and group-C featuring Brush Dam, Melanie and Ann’s Grove.

Group-D comprises Annandale, Golden Grove and Beterverwagting [BV]. The winner of each group alongside the second place finisher will advance to the quarterfi-

nal round. The grand finale is pegged for December 14th.

The eventual champion of the event will pocket $300,000 and the championship trophy. On the other hand, the second, third and fourth place finisher will receive $150,000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

Similarly, individual prizes will also be awarded for the Most Valuable Player [MVP] and the Best Goalkeeper. Some of the major sponsors of the tournament include Bakewell Guyana Incorporated, ExxonMobil, and the Colin Talbot Construction Services.

PMTC spikes way to another Balram Shane Volleyball title VOLLEYBALL powerhouse Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) continued their dominance as they surged to the 2019 Berbice Volleyball Association’s (BVA) Annual Balram Shane Senior Inter-Club title.

Playing at the Albion Community Centre Hard Court last weekend, PMTC,

who won the 2018 title, ensured they went into 2020 still highly decorated and respected. They beat off the likes of No. 52 Survivors, Black Bush and New Amsterdam Rollers in the senior category of the 7th edition of the competition to remain the number one volleyball team in Guyana.

In the end, it was a bat-

tle to see who would be PMTC’s next victim following the 4-way battle of the seniors. It was the Rollers of New Amsterdam who earned the privilege in the end to battle the defending champs.

As ruthless as they have been over the years in Volleyball, whether it be this tournament or a regional

one, PMTC thumped Rollers 2-nil following the pair of sets which saw them win by score-lines: 25-21, 25-16.

In the Junior Category, the two lone teams, Guysuco Training Centre Port Mourant (GTCPM) and the Junior Rollers, did battle for the crown. Again, it was tough going for the Rollers, who got steamrolled two

sets to zero; 25-16 and 2515 as GTCPM romped to an easy win.

GTCPM snatched up the GY$10,000 first place prize while the second placed Rollers were awarded with GY $5,000. In the senior category, now two-time champs, PMTC, hoisted the Balram Shane trophy along with GY $20,000.

Rollers received the second place trophy and GY$10,000 while No.52 Survivors received the third place trophy and GYD $5,000. The memorial event is sponsored yearly by Rose Hall Town businessman, Deonarine Balram, of the Balram Shane General Store and son of the late Balram Shane.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 29, 2019

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Team demands action if Gayle fails to show up for BPL T20 league Dhaka (AFP) - Bangladesh Twenty20 team Chattogram Challengers Thursday called for action against West Indies star Chris Gayle if he fails to show for an upcoming tournament, after he said he was taking a break from cricket.

Gayle was picked by the Challengers to play in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) from December 11.

But he said after departing South Africa’s Mzansi Super League on Monday -following a pitiful campaign for Jozi Stars -- that he was surprised his name had been included in the squad, adding that he planned to “take a

West Indies star Chris Gayle said he didn’t know how he had been drafted for the Chattogram Challengers, but the franchise called for action to be taken if he failed to show up (AFP Photo/Randy Brooks)

break” from the sport.

“I am not going to the Big Bash (Australia’s T20 league). I’m not sure what cricket will come up, I don’t even know how my name reached the BPL, but I have been drafted in a team and I don’t even know how that happened,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

Challengers team director Jalal Yunus said his team had held negotiations with Gayle’s agent after the former West Indies captain was picked.

“His agent confirmed Chris was aware about it,” Yunus said.

“Now if he does not come, we will seek a player outside the draft. But I feel (Bangladesh Cricket Board) BCB should take action in such cases to keep discipline.”

He added that the team had not heard from Gayle for several days ahead of his comments on Monday.

Bangladesh Cricket Board chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury told reporters Wednesday they checked the drafting process and found no fault with Gayle’s inclusion.

“We maintain all the standard procedures when any

national cricketer’s name came for the players’ draft,” Nizamuddin said.

“Either a player or his agent can show his interest and put the name in the list.

“I have checked the process and everything was done according to a standard process.”

Gayle played in several editions of the BPL and is the tournament’s highest run scorer among foreign players with 1,338 runs.

He also has the highest number of sixes, at 120, double the second-highest

by Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal.

West Indies name ODI and T20 squads for India tour ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket West Indies selection panel today named the two squads to face India in the One-Day International and T20 Internationals next month.

The selectors have kept faith with the players who recently played against Afghanistan in Lucknow, India.

West Indies, the reigning ICC World T20 champions, will face India in three T20Is at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad on December 6; in Thiruvananthapuram on December 8 and at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, on December 11. Following that series the two teams will meet in three ODIs in Chennai (December 15), in Vizag (December 18) and on Cuttack (December 22).

The panel outlined that Nicholas Pooran will continue as vice captain of the T20I squad, for continuity and with a view to the future, and

West Indies ODI and T20 captain Kieron Pollard

he remains the best choice as deputy to captain Kieron Pollard. Shai Hope will also continue as vice captain of the ODI squad.

Speaking on the squads Coach Phil Simmons said: “We have three matches in each format, so we wanted to give each squad a chance to compete against India. No disrespect to Afghanistan, but facing India will be a more difficult series, especially in the ODI. Our players really the hang of thing with the 3-0 series win and I believe we

will move from strength to strength.”

Simmons added: “In the T20s this will be another chance for them to play and development, and again no disrespect to Afghanistan, this should be a stronger T20 country and we will look to see how they perform against India.

The next World Cup is in Australia (2020) and the one after that is here in India (2021) so there is a lot of preparation to be done for first for Australia, so we have given the players here a chance in this series and we know we have players outside who may be coming in later on as well, so it’s good to give those here another opportunity.”

Squads: West Indies ODI Squad: Sunil Ambris, Shai Hope, Khary Pierre, Rostan Chase, Alzarri Joseph, Kieron Pollard (C), Sheldon Cottrell, Brandon King, Nicholas

Cricketer Stokes and sprinter Asher-Smith win SJA awards

LONDON (Reuters) England’s World Cup cricket hero Ben Stokes and world champion sprinter Dina Asher-Smith were named sportsman and sportswoman of the year at the Sports Journalists Association (SJA) British Sports Awards on Thursday.

Asher-Smith took the top women’s prize for the second year in a row. The 23-year-old won three medals at the 2019 world championships in Doha, including 200m gold.

Heptathlon world champion Katarina Johnson-Thompson won the award for outstanding performance.

All-rounder Stokes beat six times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton

Ben Stokes (left) and Dina Asher-Smith

into second place with England and Manchester City soccer player Raheem Sterling third.

Hamilton, one of the greatest racing drivers of all time and by far his country’s most successful, has won the award once before — in his 2007 debut season when he failed to win the title — and has now been among the runners-up on

five occasions.

His Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has said repeatedly that he feels the 34-yearold, third in last year’s SJA vote, is under-appreciated by his compatriots.

Unsurprisingly in a World Cup year, cricket featured heavily with Stokes’ England team mate Jofra Archer awarded the trophy for international newcomer.

The England men’s oneday cricket team beat Champions League winners Liverpool and the nation’s Rugby World Cup finalists to Team of the Year.

Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Evin Lewis, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Keemo Paul, Hayden Walsh Jr. West Indies T20 squad:

Fabian Allen, Brandon King, Denesh Ramdin, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Khary Pierre,

Lendl Simmons, Jason Holder, Kieron Pollard (C), Hayden Walsh Jr, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Kesrick Williams.

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Brooks, Cornwall put Windies in touching distance of victory

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday, November 29, 2019

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Shamarh Brooks scored 111 off 214 balls with 15 boundaries and a straight six –(AFP Photo/Rohit UMRAO)

Guyana COEMA joins KFC Goodwill series 2019 COEMA Construction Company, based in Region 9, has thrown its hat in to support the second edition of the KFC Goodwill Football tournament being organised by the Petra organisation.

The company, which recently completed the main access road in Lethem, joined forces with the football organisers to facilitate the introduction of a second hinterland team in the tournament.

Speaking to the media, Dereck Melville Jekir, the operations manager for the company here, stated that, “Our Company is very happy to receive this invitation from the Petra Organization to sponsor the KFC tournament.

One of our mottos is that we look forward to being able to develop the community and sport.”

Co-director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, who was also at the event, said, “We welcome COEMA Inc into the football arena and more so their contribution towards the KFC goodwill series.”

“A tournament like this

-tournament increased to six teams

From L-R tournament Logistics Officer, Lawerence Griffith and COEMA Administrative Manager, Marco Saluador, watch on as PETRA’s Mark Alleyne collects the sponsorship cheque from CEOMA Founder/Owner Aurelio Sella.

Also in the photo are CEOMA Guyana operations manager, Dereck Melville Jekir and PETRA’S Troy Mendonca

will definitely enhance their

profiles and their daily lives,” he added.

Operating for just over two years in Guyana, COE-

MA Construction Company

has its mother office in the Roraima State of Boa Vista, Brazil.

The parent company has been in operation for over a decade.

The 2019 edition of the tournament will now feature six teams, up from the four that participated in the inaugural edition last year.

It will feature the winners and runners-up of the current TradeWindTankers/GUYOIL schools Football League as well as two hinterland teams in Annai and Waramadong.

French Guiana side, USL Montjoly, along with the returning Shiva Boys Hindu College from Trinidad, will also be a part of the five- day tournament.

The teams will be drawn into two groups of three, with each side playing the other twice before moving onto the semi-final and final.

The tournament commences on December 12 with the final set for December 22.

Saints Ladies, GBTI Tigers & Old Old Fort register wins

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2019