Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_12_05_2019

THURSDAY 5th December, 2019

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‘Deeply distressing’ No.105842

SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

…President laments insane rise in road accidents

…restates three-point approach to road safety

Funding for GECOM is sure …Finance Minister commits to facilitate funding for March polls

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GRA to issue more ‘durable and secure’ driver’s licence PAGE

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GECOM split on renewal of Lowenfield’s contract …but agree for him to stay on for March polls

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Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, on Wednesday afternoon, delivered the feature address at President's College Internal Award Ceremony, where he charged the students to become critical thinkers and to exemplify the virtues of integrity, honesty and hard work. This Ministry of the Presidency photo shows a section of the students at the event

‘Anil’s grandstanding’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

…AG dismisses Nandlall’s claim that gov’t cannot recall ambassadors …says gov’t remains in interim mode; would not give away oil blocks

By Lisa Hamilton Government on Wednesday dismissed comments made

by PPP MP, Anil Nandlall that the administration could not recall ambassadors and that all of its actions post September 19, 2019 were illegal.

Nandlall, who is currently facing larceny charges in the magistrate’s court for alleged theft of government law books told the Guyana Times that the interim government could not recall ambassadors as was announced earlier this week.

He said too that a lot of the spending, which the administration engaged in was illegal and will be subject to review in any future government.

Earlier this week the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a decision has been taken to bring to an end the services of a number of Heads of Missions, especially those who might have enjoyed an extended tenure of duty beyond the official limit. “As it is well known, the tenure of an ambassador

runs to approximately three to five years. However, for a variety of reasons and factors, some of our ambassadors have been abroad for as long as two decades. This situation has become an impediment to other younger and rising Foreign Service Officers whose performance and professional competence might require that they should be appointed to the summit of the Foreign Service.

A subsequent announcement will be made on this particular matter,” the statement added.

“It is the wish and expectation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that this statement on the ongoing exercise within the Ministry will help to allay any concerns and put to rest any and all surmisings and or misrepresentations that may have arisen in the public domain concerning this normal administrative undertaking,” the statement concluded.

Responding to Nandlall’s claims Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams said though the Government is now in an interim mode, in accordance

with the declarations of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), it retains its full panoply of legal powers. He said the administration is fully aware of what it can do and cannot do. “We will not giveaway oil blocks like the PPP; we will not engage in Amaila type

Williams reasoned.

Attorney General, Basil Williams

PPP's MP, Anil Nandlall

contracts like the PPP did. We recognised what we can do and we have been doing just that and operating within the confines of the law,” Williams told the Guyana Chronicle in

an interview.

He said as an interim government they can do things that are reversible and as such “If Mr Nandlall who is before the court for allegedly stealing government properties and the rest of the PPP want to reverse the salary increases given to public servants and the various improvements in the lives of Guyanese they can do just that when they come back into government in the next 40 years.”

The AG reiterated that the President David Granger Administration respects the declarations and orders of the Court and accepted that it is in an interim mode. He explained, however, that while the CCJ declared that the Administration is now in an “interim mode,” it did not specify what “an interim government” is. The country’s constitution, he said, does not address the notion of an interim government. In its ruling the CCJ President Adrian Saunders explained that in mandating that the Government remains in office notwithstanding its defeat and the resignation of the President and the Cabinet, Article 106 requires that Cabinet’s tenure in office be on a different footing from that which existed before the No-Confidence Motion.

GUIDANCE GIVEN He posited that the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice

Yonette Cummings-Edwards, in citing Hogg – the Canadian Constitutional expert, was right to note that: “…the government continues in office as an interim government until the next elections ensue and a President is appointed (or reappointed) depending on the results of that elections.”

Justice Saunders told the parties in the matter, “by convention, the government is expected to behave as an interim government and so restrain the exercise of its legal authority.” He added: “It is this interim role that explains the three-month deadline, in the first instance that the Article lays down, in principle, for the holding of the fresh elections.”

Williams said the Administration has now turned to the work of Hogg in keeping with the advice of the judiciary. “On a proper perusal of the book, they say clearly that the Government retains it panoply of powers,” the Attorney General said while underscoring the importance of governing the country. He posited that to strip the Government of its legal powers would be a recipe for anarchy. “In Guyana we have to continue govern, lest we are overrun by narco traffickers, those who are trafficking persons, of course because of the porosity of our borders,”

ABIDING BY THE CONSTITUTION President Granger also on several occasions reiterated that his government was operating within its interim mode. He said apart from health reasons, he has not accepted any invitations for state visits while many of his Government’s core functions have been restricted.

“Many of my ministers have had their travels restricted; we cannot plan a budget or bring a budget to Parliament and we cannot engage in certain types of projects which are regarded as irreversible and the whole business of the government has been slow because we are obedient to and compliant with the instructions of the CCJ (Caribbean Court of Justice) since July,” the President has said.

SABOTAGE For his Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo while dismissing Nandlall’s comments, said the views are tantamount to sabotage and can cause insurrection. “Clearly it is designed to intimidate public servants and sabotage of the country,” PM Nagamootoo said. On the same matter, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan summarised Nandlall’s remarks as “grandstanding”.

“We don’t have to worry about this nonsense about September, that has been debunked a long time ago especially by the High Court…if they knew the spending was illegal they would have run to the court.

They amount of time that they ran to the court for this year alone would attest that if they knew the funding was illegal they would have already run to the court to get an injunction. So, it’s a lot of grandstanding that is going on…I continue to assure people that all acts that we are doing are legal and in keeping with [the court’s ruling].

‘Deeply distressing’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

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…President laments ‘insane rise in road accidents …restates three-point approach to road safety

President David Granger has once again insisted that more must be done to prevent deaths, disabilities, injuries and damage to property on Guyana’s roadways as he finds “deeply distressing” the number persons who have lost their lives in road accidents recently and in the past.

In a message to the nation on Wednesday, the Head of State lamented the preventable loss of lives of 21 persons, including three children, in 15 road accidents in November alone. Altogether, his statistics put forward show that 114 persons – including 9 children and 30 pedestrians---were killed in 97 road accidents this year while young persons between the ages of 16 and 42 years comprised more than three out of every five fatalities.

“I extend the sympathy of my Cabinet and Government to the relatives, families and friends of those who have been killed or injured as a result of road accidents. I wish the survivors a speedy

recovery. Road accidents represent a threat to human safety. Every accident is one too many; every death is too great a loss that our country cannot afford,” the President said.

However, he noted that the “insane increase in road fatalities” have been caused primarily by speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, inattentive driving and driving on roads which are congested or unsafe for other road users.

Even as the President urged road-users to observe the Guyana Police Force’s (GPFs) code of behaviour – care, caution, consideration, common sense and courtesy – as they utilize roadways, he pointed out some of his own proposals made at the launch of Road Safety Month, on November 4, 2015. The three-point approach includes stricter enforcement of existing traffic laws; increased road safety education and improved road signs and infrastructure.

Speaking to the first, he explained that stricter enforce-

ment will promote greater safety on the roads especially in the areas of driving under the influence, the use of cellular phones while driving, distracting music, speed limits, passenger and cargo overload and regular and rigorous patrols of well-known high-risk zones.

Regarding improved road signs and infrastructure, he said that pedestrian ‘zebra’ crossings and lane lines which must be visible on all roads; traffic policemen must be deployed at high-risk zones to deter lawlessness especially during the nights and weekends; no-parking zones and bus stops must be marked; traffic signals should be maintained in working condition; sidewalks, pavements and overpasses must be installed where possible and overall improved engineering solutions must be pursued.

As a first for Guyana, the government has installed overpasses located at the busy Peter’s Hall intersection, in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) and at

Houston, Eccles, Providence and Diamond for the safety of commuters. The overpasses have also been equipped with elevators to cater for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

Meanwhile, in mid- 2018 the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, through an $87M programme, had moved to install new traffic signal infrastructure at 51 intersections in the country with several others set for first quarter of 2019.

Several new traffic signs had also been placed around the city even though some had been subject to vandalism. In October, as another first, the Government commenced the process to place lights on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway with the installation of lamp posts along the thoroughfare.

The government has also accepted funding from outside sources such as the Japan Non-Project Grant for the procurement of thousands of LED street lamps for greater visibility.

However, more still needs be done in the form of a collective effort as the President

President David Granger

stated: “I am confident that the Government, Police Force, non-governmental organisations – such as Regional Road Safety Associations – and civil society could combine their efforts to make road use safe for everyone.”

The final point in the President’s three-point approach was for greater road safety education through a systematic and sustained

countrywide campaign. He said that passengers must have an interest in their own safety discourage vehicles they travel in from overloading, speeding or playing excessively loud music. The President similarly called for the drivers’ licensing process to be strengthened to ensure that only responsible persons are certified to drive vehicles.

Funding for GECOM is sure

…Finance Minister commits to facilitate funding for March polls

By Lisa Hamilton THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) can expect to get any additional funding it may need for the coming elections in early 2020 and this will be facilitated by the Finance Ministry, subject minister Winston Jordan has said.

He said this was catered for in the Constitution.

Minister Jordan told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that the ministry has been in correspondence with the Commission and it can rest assured that funding will be provided. “I have written them and indicated that we will provide the funding as required in 2020,” Minister Jordan said.

“It doesn’t require Parliament…the Constitution provides for the kind of funding that GECOM needs without going to Parliament and, eventually when the [2020] budget is passed, it

will include the funding that we gave them.”

The elections body has already received 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

$3.482B in May, 2019, after the commission indicated to the President that it lacked the financial resources to facilitate early elections.

However, the additional funds requested in May were under the prospect that elections could be held in 2019.

The Guyana Elections Commission

sum, however, was supplemented with an additional

It was budgeted for ‘current projects’ and was to be used

primarily for the payment of wages and salaries for polling day staff; the purchase of print and non-print materials; local travel and subsistence; the purchase of drugs and medical supplies and field materials and supplies.

GECOM has also budgeted for food and security services among other important materials and services.

It was explained to this newspaper that while such funding exists, the Commission cannot simply shift it over for use in 2020 but must return the unused amount to the government at the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.

Coming out of GECOM’s statutory meeting on Tuesday, Commissioner Sase Gunraj had put forward that GECOM has more than enough funding to meet the needs of the March 2, 2020 elections. “As far as I am aware, yes, GECOM has $8 billion at its disposal,”

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan

he said.

However, Commissioner Alexander said that while the Commission does not have a problem with insufficient funding currently, should it lack funding it still has time to approach the government. The Commission has not yet stated how much funding it may require. Jordan said that it still has time to assess same between now and the new year.

He explained: “We will ensure that they get the funding between January and February. They will need funding because they can’t use all the funding that was provided in 2019 ---that is what they have indicated to us. So, they will be sending back some amount of the funding that we’ve made available because the funding was made available to them on the understanding that the elections might have been held in 2019. But now with elections as March 2, 2020, they will need funding for January and February, maybe March also, because after the elections, people still have to be paid.”

Meanwhile, President David Granger has long indicated that government will not interfere with the work of the Commission but will provide it with all it needs to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 5, 2019

Trinidad’s AG: Prisoners have high-speed internet access

(TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) ATTORNEY General Faris Al-Rawi said legislative amendments are coming to address the issue of prisoners using high-speed internet connections to communicate.

He was contributing to debate on the Miscellaneous Provisions (Law Enforcement Officers) (Amendment) Bill in the Senate on Wednesday.

“You would be surprised to know that in the prisons we have found 4G technology, LTE (Long Term Evolution, a networking standard developed to provide increased speed and efficiency for mobile broadband) technology, communications on voice-over-internet protocol (VOIP).

“In other words, then, they are not communicating on telephones subject to interception. They’re communicating

on the internet and therefore, depending on the technology for interception, there is a significant difficulty which is faced there.”

Al-Rawi reported that he will be bringing a “very powerful bill” to amend the Interception of Communications Act to treat with the advances in technology, which will be companion legislation to the Miscellaneous Provisions (Law Enforcement Officers) (Amendment) Bill.

“We are ensuring that a jail is a jail.

When you are there you are in jail. You are not to be exposing TT to the running of criminal enterprise whilst you are incarcerated, be it under remand condition or be it under conviction.”

Al-Rawi said he has seen the supervision aids at the prisons “at arm’s-length distance,” and flat-screen televisions,

grenades, bullets, cigarettes, mobile devices and electronic devices have all been found in the prisons.

“That says that there is a problem.

Because you have gone from a situation of prisons being a place where you ought to be confined and put away from life to a place where criminal enterprise operates, and does so actively.”

He said the definition of prohibited articles in the legislation has effectively captured everything in the prisons, including: dangerous drugs, explosives, firearms, ammunition, weapons, mobile telephones, cameras, sound recording devices and electronic devices. He added the legislation will provide the opportunity to tackle the criminal enterprise there.

Al-Rawi said Government was on the cusp of doing repairs at the Remand

Colombia protests resume after talks flounder

(BBC) Trade unions, student and indigenous groups are marching in Colombia’s major cities to increase the pressure on the government of President Iván Duque.

The protests started almost two weeks ago with hundreds of thousands of people taking part in rallies.

The demands of those demonstrating are wide-ranging and include making access to education more accessible.

The two sides are due to meet again on Thursday but so far little progress has been made in talks between them.

‘They keep killing us’ The committee representing the protesters has handed President Duque a list of 13 demands. Among them are

that the government fully meet its obligations under the terms of the peace process signed with the left-wing rebels of the Farc in 2016, and that it do more to prevent the killings of social activists and former rebels.

Some of the protesters accuse President Duque, who opposed the peace agreement, of trying to undermine it.

The committee also wants assurances that the pension age will not be raised and that the minimum wage will not be cut for young people.

President Duque denies having plans to change either and says the protesters are being manipulated by his political rivals.

Following the death of one young protester after he

was hit by a projectile fired by riot police, the committee is also calling for that force to be dismantled. Eighteenyear-old Dilan Cruz died after he was hit on the head by a beanbag round, a fabric sack filled with lead shot.

President Duque has ruled out disbanding the riot police force.

He has also called for a “great national dialogue” to discuss the protesters’ demands, but the committee behind the protests has demanded that the talks be solely between it and the government as it fears having other groups represented would “water them down”.

On Wednesday, indigenous groups again joined in

the protests in the capital, Bogotá. Indigenous rights group Onic says more than 100 indigenous people have been killed since President Duque took office, many of them are targeted by paramilitary groups and drug gangs who operate on their land.

“They can’t keep killing us!” they shouted.

Yard, Maximum Security Prison and “other positions.” He said there have already been improvements at the child rehabilitation centres, which were previously the youth training centres.

He also said a probation law has been drafted and will go before Cabinet shortly.

The Prison Officers Association agreed this type of behaviour should be stamped out, the law needed to be improved, he said. While there are heavy penalties for trafficking, possession and breach of fiduciary duty by law-enforcement officers, he said, the Government should ensure these officers are protected by law against retaliation and threats to members of their family, property, intimidation and harassment.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday December 5, 2019

The foreign service IT is no secret that the Foreign Service Ministry has gone through transformation within recent years. When the APNU+AFC Government took office it was nowhere near the original standing and esteem it once held on the global stage. Under the previous administration, we saw professional Foreign Service Officers (FSO) being removed or sidelined and replaced by persons either not understanding their roles or lacking the capacity to perform.

The Foreign Service Institute that was established to train and educate FSOs was closed during a period when the nation had not prepared FSOs to perform at their optimum so as to deliver best services on the country’s behalf. Since taking office the institute has been revived with dedicated efforts in training young officers. The government has also constructed a new, modern state-of-the-art building befitting the work being done there.

The minister and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are the international face of Guyana. What this ministry does -- be it representing Government’s policies abroad, adhering to international relations’ principles, or staffing of personnel-- is of vital importance. In a complex world where changes are taking place so often, this ministry has to be able to grapple with the issues, look at the implications of/or benefits to Guyana’s interest, and be able to respond or adjust with appropriateness of time and nimbleness of

intellect. It is an established principle that each Head of Mission is supposed to have a reporting relationship with the government of the day.

The Government of Guyana changed administration in May 2015. Regardless of one’s political preference or relationship with the Head of Government and State, every Head of Mission has a responsibility to report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. And this principle and protocol must be respected. This newspaper, in an editorial before, had addressed the matter of staffing in the Foreign Service and had expressed concern that the APNU+AFC Administration was being denied its deserving opportunity to chart its foreign policy. The view was held that as at May 2015, political appointees in the foreign service should have done the ethical thing and step down to allow the new administration the opportunity to make its own appointments.

Where the present Service has an international economic trade mandate in conjunction with foreign affairs, the country stands to benefit from staking out economic opportunities and acting to realise them. It may also require establishing new missions in different countries, and these are issues that can be tedious and require much work.

To acquire the best mix of skills and talents may require revisiting the Foreign Service staff record and inviting on board some of those persons who have served in the past and can bring linguistic, economic and other foreign-ser-

vice skills to the table. Foreign Service is not only about international relations, it is about every facet of the nation’s activities. As such, it requires an array of skills and talents to complement each other in the discharge of the ministry’s mandate.

To this end, the recent announcement by the government of its intention to shake-up the various missions, replacing diplomats who have been in those positions for extended period and also giving young ambassadors a chance to hone their skills is a welcome move. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the tenure of an ambassador runs to approximately three to five years. However, for a variety of reasons and factors, some of our ambassadors have been abroad for as long as two decades. “This situation has become an impediment to other younger and rising Foreign Service Officers whose performance and professional competence might require that they should be appointed to the summit of the Foreign Service,” the statement added.

President David Granger has said in the past that the Foreign Service is charged with the pursuit of national interest at the levels of citizens, country and the community. He said such interest must be pursued with vigour. With this charge, the country looks forward to the changes at the various missions and the fixing of all the anomalies that hinder a professional foreign service as a matter of urgency in the national interest.

Come on Freddie, the next time you are out with your wife, open the door for her Dear Editor, THESE days I find the time to examine the media and in particular, the columns which feature the many local viewpoints. Freddie Kissoon’s articles are among my favourites and I admire him for his boldness and fearless comments.

No one should fail to note his audacity.

Like everything else, there are some matters that he writes about that I agree with and some with which I disagree. This is what makes life so interesting; our experiences as children and adults determine how we see things.

Beyond that, there are certain values and responses which I consider non-negotiable and necessary. As Guyanese and citizens of the world we need to cling to these if we wish to be considered civilised, decent and worthy of the respect of others. In today’s, Wednesday piece, titled, “Use this criterion to judge the PPP, PNC and AFC,” he traverses our political landscape exercising his democratic right to express his views. Some may consider these views either myopic or harsh.

My concern is the message he may be sending to our young people contained in the concluding paragraphs of his article, and I quote “ Both female ministers of the AFC have their drivers open the car doors for them to exit and go in. I told Minister Garrido-Lowe that I find such conduct is unbecoming. She looked at me with vacant eyes and remained unmoved.” End of quote.

He is critical because the driver of a female minister opened the vehicle door to facilitate her exit; Freddie is dead

wrong. There should be nothing inappropriate for a driver to assist a senior functionary to whom he is assigned to exit a vehicle, in particular, a female. First, we must adhere to what is known as functional authority and the duties and responsibilities that flow therefrom. Freddie is an avid reader and an intelligent person and he must know that if you tamper with and destroy the basic tools that define a modern civilised society, we are preparing for anarchy, bedlam and destroying the already slender fabric of our society.

Whether a society is Capitalist, Socialist, Communist or what have you, there must be some order. In some circumstances, we utilise the concept of ethics. For example, the army, the police force, our religious community, etc.,can have only one overall commander in chief with several levels from the top to the bottom; each layer understanding their duties and the courtesies required. There must be respect and regard shown by those at the top for those at the bottom and similar respect and regard for those at the bottom shown to those at the top.

Let us face it, from the time of human existence, from the time of the caveman, there will always be someone at the top and someone at the bottom, whether the measure is brains, brawn, tradition or inheritance is of course, another matter; but at every stage there must be what we call the ‘pecking order.’ As the boys will say, “ dah a life.”

When the Great Emperor, Pope, President, King, Queen or Empress takes his or her seat in a plane or the ship, for the duration of the journey functional authority resides with the ship captain or the aircraft pilot. We play cricket, when we take to the playing field, each team can only have one cap-

tain and due regard must be taken of their respective roles, responsibilities and respect of captain and team members.

One of the problems we have, in some households, institutions and communities is that the question of functional authority and respect seems to be fading. A sad and sorry situation which must be corrected if we are to survive.

In every culture, whether it be in Africa, Asia, or Europe, adherence to our respective roles in society are always held sacrosanct. Additionally, there are certain courtesies that we should show our females, our mothers, grandmothers, wives, aunts and sisters that we must cling to steadfastly.

Last week I was in a personal banking facility and gave my chair to my wife, since there was no other available as she waited for service. Another male observing this, followed suit.

Yesterday, it was my pleasure and I believe duty to open the vehicle door to help my wife exit the vehicle. I hope Freddie and others will do the same and encourage our male counterparts, whether they be drivers, boyfriends, or husbands to do the same. At secondary schools, there exist the cadre of senior students known as prefects. Their duty is to help maintain law, order, respect and to develop a sense of discipline before we enter the world of work. There are some things which will always be right and righteous and will serve us in good stead. Come on Freddie, the next time you are out with your wife, open the door for her so she will exit easily.

Regards Hamilton Green

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 5, 2019

The Archives should be appropriately named after Rodney

Dear Editor,

I WISH to present a few short observations about previous offerings on the naming affair, re, the Guyana Archives.

Naming national spaces and places is not a perfect, absolute or pure science: it is more often an act of recognition of a person’s contribution to society...sometimes both local and international and often too for no real reason other than the exercises of power.

Our national airport, in my humble opinion, was appropriately named Timehri as an honour to our indigenous people: the Jagdeo cabal saw it fit to rename it after the founder-leader of their party. There were hardly any split hairs over this at the time and the PPP had the political power then to make and maintain such a change.

Before this we had the renaming of Mackenzie-Wismar-Christianburg to Linden: Any significant bells ringing here? We also have Roxanne Burnham Gardens and Melanie Damishana...What are the connections of the names to these places? We shouldn’t forget that in the throes of all this “power”

naming, it was suggested in a jovial stage moment to name the Demerara Harbour Bridge...Viola’s Passage!(still remembering all the laughter and smirking at the otherwise untoward suggestion of this name). Yet still, all the colonial names of streets and places have been retained even though the main contributions of those name-holders were to plunder resources and dehumanise and oppress colonised peoples; but we have not clamoured for such change. The museum is the Walter Roth Museum named after an Englishman, who, even with the title “Protector of the Indians,” was noted by his peers at the time for belittling indigenous belief systems as compared to those of Europeans…and his name adorns our national museum.

Rodney was an academic and intellectual of extraordinary being and achievement; and no, his stature cannot be arbitrarily conflated with that of the local history elites, their achievements notwithstanding. For the national good, as opposed to partisan political interests, we, at the local level, must be brave enough to recognise, affirm and reward Rodney for all his international

and national efforts for new thoughts and beginnings in the social, economic and political spheres of life. He is a son of the soil and he returned to Guyana upon the offer of a professorship at the University of Guyana, but was blocked from taking that position by political intervention of the leadership of the day. That took away nothing from his brilliance and contribution to academic thought, neither international nor local; nor did his socio-political activism and foray into local politics in Guyana.

The study and recording of history is not unrelated to archivism: hopefully the archives, in addition to the library, will hold a collection of his works, some of them groundbreaking and seminal, so that the nation will have spared no effort in preserving the academic achievement and legacy of Rodney. In my humble opinion, the archives can be appropriately named after this great Guyanese student and professor of history. As a nation, we owe him no less.

Best regards, Rick Dalgetty

A lack of critical, analytical thinking at Kaieteur News Dear Editor, GLENN Lall, via Kaieteur News, is acting up again and I am not sure what may be the aetiology. It may very well be the terrible twos or the senile 70s. As a result, I have been closely monitoring his behaviour, desperately hoping that he would return to the straight and narrow; unfortunately, that was not to be. As a result I had to reluctantly intervene in this matter since it is patently obvious that Lall cannot keep his nose clean for any period of time.

Lall has now moved away from bigger than Georgetown size forest lands after having the fight of his life, when a young hungry British lion did not take it lightly to his presence on its territory.

To ensure a safe space, he has now ventured into the stratosphere with drones now his interest. On multiple occasions, he was assured that the newly acquired drones were for surveillance purposes and not to address the issue of backtrack and contraband. Apparently, that has not appeased him.

Let’s take a few step back to the beginning. It is my understanding that the government recognised that there needs to be surveillance in the difficult-to-reach terrains in the jungles of Guyana and the porous borders. They rightfully sought the advice of senior army officials who have decades of experience, to inform their decision-making. From the evidence, it appears that the consensus was that for starters, they will purchase five drones. I am no aviation expert, I never held a gun and has never been on a battlefield apart from facebook. What I do have is commonsense and an analytical mind. It is these I will use as a layman to dissect Lall’ s misadventure with a view to getting a better understanding of his motives.

Let’s go back to Lall. First, he was shouting from the hill tops that the government could have got more drones if they had bought different drones from a different company; I have serious ques-

tions about that ridiculous argument. I needed to see more facts which were not provided. “Dr” Lall may very well know that the money he spent to buy his Lexus SUV, he could have bought at least three Toyota Carinas, but yet he did not buy three Toyota Carinas. You get my point Lall? If you wish to compare the two sets of drones, I needed to see two columns in Kaieteur News looking at the comparative specifications of the drones and not only the prices. What was published were only the prices that would excite simpletons in the PPP, who will rush out in the scorching hot sun to protest “corruption.” Sorry Lall, that argument/theory of yours had to be burnt in the Devonish crematorium.

Now Lall decided to bring helicopters into the equation. He had this to say via Kaieteur News, “Kaieteur News understands there are currently three pilots in Guyana qualified to fly such helicopters for the army and are without work.” First and foremost, Kaieteur news cannot understand anything since it does not have a brain; hopefully, Lall can. Most importantly, these three pilots seem not to be working, but are being paid. Can I have their jobs? Kaieteur News had this further to say, “The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) could have purchased several helicopters for the amount it paid for five drones recently—a situation that has since been raising eyebrows.” First things first.

The only person who would have raised eyebrows is Bridget, who draws her eyebrows every morning while driving to work. No one else would have had raised eyebrows. Secondly Lall, we are back to these columns. If I am to take the journalistic investigatory skills of those at Kaieteur News seriously, when comparing apples to grapes and in this case drones to helicopters, the minimum I would have expected to see is not only the cost of the helicopter and drone, but other variables. These variables would include, but would not be limited to, that the drone is ready to do its work out of the box. The same cannot be said of the helicopter. Secondly, the drones can

provide critically important live images and videos. The helicopter can’t. For the helicopter to work, helipads will need to be constructed if not already in place.

Thirdly, more pilots would have to be trained. Fourthly, the helicopter will need a constant supply of fuel. Fifthly, the helicopter cannot surveil the borders at nights or for prolonged hours like the drones. Sixthly, I doubt whether the helicopter can be flown in those difficult terrains in the jungle. Assuming you rather your enemies at the borders not hear you, then a helicopter will not be suitable. If a helicopter is shot down, or if it crashes, then you would likely lose a pilot with a large compensation to the family and many more. With my very limited knowledge, I do believe taking these factors into consideration, to rush and purchase more helicopters rather than drones would be penny wise and pound foolish. Lall, it is important to have a holistic approach when considering such matters. As a matter of fact, considering every matter including shopping at Bourda Market.

I take no pleasure in conducting these public analytical and critical thinking classes for both “Dr” Lall and Mr Anand Persaud; absolutely no pleasure whatsoever, but I strongly believe it is important if one is to effectively function in the media industry that one be both critical and analytical in their thinking. There is absolutely no requirement to be a specialist in the given area, but it is imperative that journalists are equipped with the basic skills to undertake investigative journalism. Failing this, journalists will be reduced to simple reporters. Reporters who report that Mr Burnham said this or Dr Jagan said that. No questioning as to why Mr Burnham and Mr Jagan said what they said. No critical thinking.

No deep analysis. In my opinion this is the problem with those two tabloid papers.

Regards Dr Mark Devonish MBBS MSc

Kaieteur News should avoid subscribing to white nationalist theories

Dear Editor,

THIS quote from the Kaieteur News is alarming, because it mirrors the anti-migrant xenophobia from the White Supremacist communities in North America, South Africa & Europe: “This is posited because as the oil flows so, too, will the folks from afar, which before long could transform the native-born into a full-fledged minority in no time.” The editor of Kaieteur News has to be very careful when publishing such statements, because it’s a media agency which has higher standards. Using Venezuelan migrants as scapegoats for a larger problem that is not within our control should be condemned. My concern is that, that statement is parallel to what the El Paso shooter lamented in his manifesto. He quoted the anti-immigrant sentiments and declared war on the Mexicans who were shopping at a supermarket in El Paso.

Anti-migrant sentiments, especially towards the Venezuelans fleeing their destabilised country and towards the Haitians, just for arriving in Guyana, appear to be increasing in Guyana. This is hypocritical, given that a large number of Guyanese reside in many other countries, and there is a high possibility that someone in Guyana has a relative who lives “from afar,” including neighbouring Venezuela. Therefore, Kaieteur News should be very careful about subscribing to the White Nationalist theories, which is likely to promote hatred, and could lead to violence.

Regards Riaz Hamid

Every Guyanese deserves a good education Dear Editor, I HAVE listened to His Excellency President David Granger who stated categorically during an interview that he wants to see an educated nation.

This would entail less school dropouts, more persons would have the opportunity to have an education and so forth.

I endorse government’s efforts to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to benefit from the education system through the Five Bs initiative.

It is my hope that we have persons who can represent us on the world stage, and persons who can lead in the development of our nation after they would have received an education in our dear land.

While the statistics of the number of persons who have dropped out of schools is alarming, efforts are being made to ensure that figure is at an all-time low. The Secondary Competency Certificate Programme (SCCP) seeks to improve students’ attendance, reduce school dropouts, shore-up equity and enhance quality and relevance in the area of technical and vocational education.

During the tenure of the previous administration, much emphasis was not placed on the acquisition of quality education, particularly among our young people. This, to my mind, has impeded the quality of people who work in the public sector and represent us on the international stage.

Guyana is becoming an oil-producing nation and the onus is on us to produce persons of reputable character and a sound, quality education.

Regards George Goring

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

Mackenzie High School aiming for higher achievements

THE Mackenzie High School (MHS) recently celebrated yet another year of success in both curricular and co-curricular activities, under the theme, ‘Education is the key to National Development.’

The celebration was m a r k e d b y t h e s c h o o l ’s 60th Annual Speech Night and Prize-giving Ceremony at which the achievement of students, teachers and stakeholders were honoured and recognized.

Giving the feature address at the event was Dr. Marcel Hutson, Chief Education Officer, who stated that the importance of education can never be over emphasized and that education is a vital ingredient which provides a way of escape from the dangers of life.

“It is very clear that education could propel the individual out of a state of social, economic and moral emptiness since it gives you the power to realize your dreams. We need to recognize and take advantage of opportunities that are probably out there. This could only be true since education is a process by which we acquire knowledge, skills, habits, values, attitudes that will make them become useful members of society,” Hutson said.

“We live in a dynamic world where many changes are taking place and therefore education helps us to adjust to these changes. Education, therefore, is the vehicle through which persons understand these changes,” he added.

While the school’s performance in the past academic year was encouraging, Hutson challenged the teachers and students of the MHS to work even harder in the next year.

He said that teachers must, in a strong way, use the funda-

Mackenzie High School’s top 2019 CSEC student, Tonesia Jacobis and her relatives

mental principles learnt during the period of training in order to get creative with their teaching, since it is no secret that students learn at different pace.

Hutson also reminded the parents of the essential roles which they should play in a child’s life and more so their education.

The guest speaker noted, “you are a protector, you are required to show great interest in your children by watching out for them; you are expected to make frequent visits to the school and make the necessary inputs in enhancing the chances of improved performance. Parents also need to be sustainers and willing to invest in the education of their children; they must also encourage their children.”

Giving the school’s report for the academic year 2018 to 2019 was the Principal of the Mackenzie High School, Haslyn Small, who revealed that the school gained an eighty-four percent pass rate at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination, with Tonesia Jacobis copping the top position of the school and Region 10 with eight grade 1’s and three grade 2’s.

Small also announced that

15 incinerators handed over to Berbice primary schools

THE Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) has handed over 15 incinerators to primary schools within the Borlam to Tarlogie, East Berbice Corentyne catchment area.

Three other primary schools, Yakasari, Fyrish and Courtland will also benefit from the project before the end of the year, taking the number to 18.

Speaking at a simple handing over ceremony at the Kildonan Primary School on Wednesday, CCCC Executive Member, Poonai Bhigroog, explained the project was done at the cost of $3M. It is part of the chamber’s community projects for the year 2018-2019 and was made possible from funds garnered from the annual Berbice Expo and Trade Fair.

The project, he noted, was selected since they recognised the importance of preserving the environment by practicing proper waste management, especially in schools.

He said based on research, it was found that most garbage bins were in a deplorable state and there are no proper garbage disposal systems in place.

“Getting our environment clean is a big problem; it’s sad to see boxes are being thrown out of vehicles, drains are filled with garbage and the apart from posing health risks, it’s an eyesore. We have to keep the environ-

ment clean and healthy and it is better if we start training children at an early age and with this project we hope that can be achieved,” Bhigroog said.

try to maintain the incinerators and should they have any issues with maintenance, they should alert the chambers, so that it can assist.

He further asked to keep

One of the incinerators at the Kildonan Primary School

CCCC President, Mohamed Raffik, in brief remarks, asked that the schools

the lines of communication open as regards any needs that may arise in schools for

projects.

Raffik also thanked the schools for the opportunity to give back to the community and pledged the CCCC continued support towards community development.

He told the small gathering that the CCCC is presently looking to rehabilitate the play park in Rose Hall Town so that children can have an area to play and have fun. The CCCC will also be looking to do a project for secondary schools soon.

Meanwhile, a bicycle shed was also constructed and handed over to the Belvedere Primary School. The shed is already equipped with an incinerator. These works were done by the CCCC. Since its formation in November 2004, the chamber has been involved in a number of notable projects within the region.

Headteachers from the primary schools that benefitted from the project with the president and members of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce

the school achieved an overall percentage pass of 90.4 at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination with Isaiah Barton and Naomi Marshall both tying at first position for the school and Region 10.

Additionally, he said that an effective school is determined by the level of curricular and co-curricular activities pursued and as such the Mackenzie School takes its motto, ‘We work and play,’ seriously.

During the academic year 2018-2019, students were exposed to team building activities such as debates, sports, Mashramani competitions and jump rope competition.

In November 2019, MHS emerged the winner of the ‘2019 Joseph Oscar Fitzclar-

ence Haynes memorial debating competition’. The school also won the ‘Office of the Prime Minister, Department of Governance, Constitutional Reform 2019 debating competition’.

Small noted that upon review of the school’s action plan, MHS administration is projecting to improve its overall percentage pass at CSEC from the mid 80’s to 90 per cent.

“Academic year 20182019 can be summed up as successful. However, with hard work, determination and team spirit, we will strive for excellence. With God’s help we will carve a niche in the education system,” Small stated.

Aishalton entrepreneur lauds HEYS programme ADELA Robertson, a young and industrious resident of Aishalton, Deep South Rupununi, continues to defy the odds.

According to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Robertson operates a thriving snackette including lunch specials and also sells a variety of agriculture produce in her village, which was established through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Flagship Youth initiative the ‘Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS)’ program.

Speaking of the steady progress she has experienced over the past nine months, the 29-year-old business woman said, “I continue my entrepreneur with the $50,000 grant booster.

I also employ somebody to roast every evening for me and I’m glad that I’m trying and I will continue to stand strong.”

While she credited the success of her business to the support she continues to receive from villagers, Robertson praised her parents for standing by her side through the difficult times.

“My mother and father always tell me to stand strong and to get my business bigger and greater and to employ youths as I plan to in the future. I can also help youths that need help or advice and I’m now twenty-nine years of age, single, without a boyfriend and no children and I will do my best,” she said.

“I also sell provision, farine and plenty things to keep my business running and I have almost everyone in the village support me,” the last of five siblings noted.

Her father, Bernard Robertson, constructed the shop and also provided support in acquiring much-needed equipment so villagers can enjoy a variety of cold beverages among other things.

“I’m a farmer and I does try to help her with the provision and the lil things to prepare her snack, farine, banana and things like that and she going up. We help her to buy a generator and a freezer to keep her lil things cool. She sweet drink, icicle, cool down and she got everything out there,” he said.

During the evenings, Adela’s hired help, Alex Carlos, ensures her customers enjoy delicious roast – chicken or beef – with a take-away service readily available.

Due to the success of the business, Adela was able to acquire a motorcycle which is the family’s only mode of transportation to and from the business since they reside about 10 minutes outside of the village.

Her mother, Freda Robertson said, “her father (Bernard) would bring me in the night and I would keep her company because it is not really safe for her to be alone. Is a busy place, vehicles up and down all the time and you don’t know people, plenty of them does be passing through so I would come or Ananias (another successful HEYS student) would help out.

We would stay here till about 10 or so and then we close up and go home.”

Adela who was an Aeronautical Engineer student in Brazil where all of her siblings reside, said she had to make a hard decision to quit the training and return home to Aishalton because of the love she has for her parents who needed her support because of illness.

She said despite this set back, she is determined to give herself and her parents an opportunity to live a prosperous life and “I am working towards that, I love my parents.”

With plans to extend her business, Robertson has also already applied to the Aishalton Village Council for another piece of land to construct and open another shop.

According to her, this new venture will see clothing and footwear, grocery and other much-needed commodities available for sale.

Adela was among twenty youth selected from Aishalton to participate in the HEYS Program which has been a life changing initiative for close to four thousand Indigenous youth across Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday December 5, 2019

GECOM split on renewal of Lowenfield’s contract

…but agree for him to stay on for March polls

By Lisa Hamilton CHIEF Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield’s contract will be up in March and Commissioners of the Guyana Election Commission (GECOM) have all agreed that he should remain on the job for elections but split on whether his contract should be renewed.

Lowenfield, in accordance with his contract, has expressed his interest in serving once again as CEO but at least two People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-nominated commissioners have indicated that they will not support his return.

These are Commission-

ers Robeson Benn and Bibi Shadick. A commissioner confirmed this and more to the newspaper on Wednesday. “It’s a unanimous decision that he should stay for the elections but they are saying renewal of the contract [is the issue],” the individual said.

On Wednesday, this newspaper was made aware that the CEO’s contract requires him to take all of his leave before the end of contract and the commissioner had accumulated a substantial amount of leave. The decision was therefore taken to pay him in lieu of leave so that he would continue in the position up until elections next year March. His leave

was expected to commence on Monday while his contract is to be up on March 13, 2020.

On Tuesday, PPP-nominated Commissioner, Sase Gunraj, told the Guyana Chronicle that no decision had been taken to pay Lowenfield. However, the Guyana Chronicle was able to confirm that no commissioner, during the meeting, had disagreed when the option for payment in lieu leave was put forward.

According to the commissioner who spoke to this newspaper, Commissioner Benn made an application at Tuesday’s meeting that an evaluation be conducted of the CEO’s service. This

comes, as there have been much negative statements about the CEO by the PPP Commissioners as well as executives within the PPP such as Former President, Donald Ramotar, and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, when things didn’t go their way.

Since the passage of the no-confidence motion against the government, they have been against several key decisions of the CEO and, at one point, sought to take him to court. With the disagreement and request for evaluation, all commissioners are therefore expected to make submissions and present the same next Tuesday. It is likely that the matter will

Arguments begin in Mark Assing murder appeal HEARING of the appeal of Mark Assing, called ‘Jessie, who was sentenced to 66 years’ imprisonment for murder, commenced on Wednesday at the Court of Appeal in Kingston, before Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud.

Assing is appealing his conviction and sentence for the murder of Abiola Eadie, called ‘Abbie’on June 20, 2012 at McDoom, East Bank Demerara.

In 2014, Assing, 48, was sentenced by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court after he was found guilty of murdering Eadie by a 12-member jury.

He was jailed for a minimum of 60 years for the murder,

Mark Assing called ‘Jessie’ (Kaieteur News photo)

with the possibility of parole after serving 30 years.

According to reports, during an argument between Assing and Eadie, the former had pulled out a gun and

Abiola Eadie

pointed it at one Martin, son of the deceased Eadie. Eadie was reportedly standing in front of her son Martin when the accused allegedly fired the fatal shot that hit her in the mouth.

The woman succumbed to her injuries at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), 12 days after the incident.

When hearing of the appeal commenced on Wednesday, defence attorney Glen Hanoman argued that trial judge Navindra Singh had failed to adequately put his client’s defence to the jury for consideration. Additionally, Khan stressed that the trial judge had failed to adequately direct the jury on the defence of provocation.

The state is being represented by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Diana Kaulesar-O’Brien.

Hearing of the appeal with continue on January 23, 2020.

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield

come down to a vote and, if tied, will be broken by the Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh.

There is a clause within Lowenfield’s contract which stipulates that he

9

must indicate his willingness to serve in the position again when his contract is approaching expiration; this, the CEO communicated in the affirmative. “He did that in keeping with his contract,” the commissioner said.

The full membership of GECOM back in March 2014 had decided unanimously to the appointment Lowenfield to the position of Chief Elections Officer and Commissioner of National Registration. The commission’s decision had brought to end, a very lengthy and meticulous procedure associated with the matter including advertising the vacancy locally and overseas. Some fourteen persons had applied for the post.

Chief Education Officer expected to retire next September THE Ministry of Education said Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hutson is approaching his statutory retirement age and is expected to retire next September.

The ministry offered the clarification following several unfortunate releases on social and other media regarding the impending pre-retirement of Hutson.

“The CEO is statutorily expected to retire on September 1, 2020. By which time, he would have attained the requisite statutory age of retirement in accordance with the public service rules.

“The CEO initiated his retirement process in August of this year, as he would have applied for and also received partial gratuity benefits, to which he is entitled,” the ministry said in a statement.

According to the ministry,

Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hutson

Hutson has standing to his credit 230 days annualised leave and is therefore required to proceed on pre-retirement leave in 2020 to enjoy all his outstanding leave and benefits.

“The Ministry of Education and the Government of Guyana take this opportunity to thank Dr. Hutson for his continued service,” the release concluded.

Trial for gold miner’s murder to start December 10 Man killed during drinking spree COME December 10, 2019, the trial for the 2015 murder of gold miner Santee Solomon is expected to commence before Justice Gino Persaud and a 12-member jury at the Suddie High Court.

Currently on remand for the indictment is Samuel Anthony Gouveia, 26, formerly of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara.

The indictment alleged that Gouveia on November 23, 2015, at Puruni Landing, near the Cuyuni River, murdered Solomon.

Samuel Anthony Gouveia

Santee Solomon

According to reports, Solomon was working in the interior with Bacchus International Gold Mines when he was attacked by two men and was fatally stabbed.

Solomon was airlifted to the Bartica Public Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed.

A post-mortem performed by Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh found that Solomon died from a punctured lung.

POLICE in Region Three, on Tuesday evening, arrested a man who is accused of killing his drinking partner.

Dead is 40-year-old Jairaj Bharrat, a labourer of Windsor Forest. The Guyana Chronicle was told that the man, along with two others, were imbibing and cooking on Friday way into the evening when things got ugly. The suspect is identified as Premlall Sammy also known as ‘Ambrose’ 47 years and of Windsor Forest Side Line Dam, West Coast Demerara. Police sources indicate that on Tuesday at approximately 21:00hrs the men were drinking rum and cooking.

Sometime during the process, according to police sources also, an argument ensued resulting in the suspect stabbing the victim twice to the upper left side chest. Injuries were also inflicted to the left side neck and chin and one to the right side temple. The 40-year-old fell unconscious and was immediately picked up and rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was seen and examined by a doctor before being transferred to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was seen and examined by another doctor. It was while at that health facility that the gentleman died, reportedly from the injuries he sustained.

A post-mortem is expected to be conducted on the remains later this week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

Drones will provide value for investment – GDF While citing a series of features and criteria leading to the acquisition process, the Guyana Defence Force said on Wednesday that the new long-endurance drones which the force is acquiring will provide value for money.

The GDF, in a response to a flurry of media reports which first appeared in the privately owned Kaieteur News several days ago, said that it notes with some concern, various analyses on its $180M drone acquisition efforts.

The GDF said that the acquired drones carry full surveillance suites, spares packages for each drone, ground station antennas, computers and accessories, in country training, and eighteen months warranty and support.

In a lengthy press release, the GDF noted that while it welcomes feedback on the subject, it must be noted that mission criteria used for analysis in order to steer conversations along sensible contextual paths must be recognised.

While providing further clarity on the operational considerations of the force in selecting the drones, the army said that the acquisition of the particular platform was made with several considerations.

These include long range, real-time, state of the art, surveillance capability, high endurance and long-distance flight, variable whether flight capabilities , easy and quick deployment, easy and quick field refuelling / recharging as well as easy use by operators.

The GDF also noted other considerations include a simple maintenance and life cycle plan, quiet and limited detectability while in flight, support for narrowband and broadband repeater equipment and manoeuvrability in confined spaces.

“In our analyses to derive a suitable platform, the Force recognised to achieve its first and primary aim, older platforms, such as the aeroplanes and helicopters quoted in some sections of the media, would require a significant retrofit and upgrade to sup-

One of the drones which is being acquired by the GDF.(MoTP photo)

port the surveillance equipment required for modern operations,” the GDF noted.

It said that such older platforms would fail all of the other criteria in its mandate except for support for narrowband and broadband repeater equipment. “The Force also recognised that having a camera operator at a remote site, some distance away from the platform, while the platform performs a pre-programmed or improvised flight

GUYSUCO, union should meet to iron out salary increases – Min. Jordan FINANCE Minister, Winston Jordan, has again put to rest misinformation regarding the payment of salary increases to workers of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), noting that such a move is within the remit of the sugar entity.

Following the announcement of retroactive salary increases for public sector workers last month, sugar workers have been clamouring for similar payouts. However, Minister Jordan had noted that the company, partly owned by the government, is operating as a private unit. “GuySuCo has a board and a company that is running it. If it has the wherewithal to pay salary increases, I imagine that after collective bargaining and negotiations with the union, they will present their numbers and they will come to some decision,” he told the Department of Public Information on Wednesday.

The minister opined that the union may not want to meet with the corporation since it is fully aware of the entity’s financial situation. A $30 Billion bond, loaned by Republic Bank is “literally keeping GuySuCo afloat,” the minister said. He slammed the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, for suggesting that the bond money be used to pay increases. “Of course, he loves to grandstand. The bond is being taken from the Republic Bank for specific purposes. The bulk of

the money is for capital programmes itself,” he said.

According to him, the money earned by GuySuCo through the production and sale of sugar will help with some of the current operations, including salaries.

“It is the union that has to meet with GuySuCo’s management to determine the feasibility of the back pay,” he argued. Minister Jordan said the opposition continues to push issues such as the sugar workers’ pay while quite aware that it had drained the economy during its administration.

“These are the same people who built the Marriot Hotel with taxpayers’ money, who took a loan from Republic Bank, and it is the taxpayers who have to pay back this loan at the moment. And these are the same people that bankrupted the sugar industry and left the debts for this government to pay. We are paying all the loans that the last government took to build Skeldon Estate. We are paying those loans every month. These are the same people who left all the debts and challenges with this government.

The same people want us to find the money to pay sugar workers.” Minister Jordan said the government is already working tirelessly to bring the salaries of public servants to a decent level.

plan is a significant advantage,” the GDF said. These observations immediately pointed in the direction of drone technologies, it noted.

It was noted that evaluating drones which met its requirements , required more than a hasty analysis.

“It must be highlighted that there was a need to receive live video feeds at distances well in excess of fifty (50) kilometres, while maintaining flight in excess of two to

three hours. Most Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) drones can only support live video streams up to a few kilometres (less than ten (10) in most cases) and flight for under one (1) hour,” the army explained.

It added that the platform selected needed to operate in any weather condition as it noted that many commercial off-the shelf drone types were eliminated.

“These basic requirements eliminated many of the COTS, particularly all of the models advertised by DàJi?ng Innovations (DJI), the largest COTS drone provider in the world. By performing a sensible and unbiased analysis, it is easy to discern that a drone meeting the requirements of the Force was outside the realm of COTS drones,” the army said.

The GDF explained that moving ahead with its analysis, it recognized that it needed to to focus its efforts on drones designed for specialised applications.

The GDF reiterated that

the process leading to acquisition of the drones was comprehensive. The force said it firmly believes that its choice of drone acquisition is in keeping with its mandate and will provide value for investment in the missions it will perform.

It added that the adequate due diligence and analyses were exercised in its selection.

“We would also like to state, with the support of the Government of Guyana, the Force has already increased its troop lift capability and will continue to do so with modern aerial platforms,” the GDF added.

Recently, Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams attended a demonstration of one of the drones at the Force’s Base Camp Ayanganna Headquarters, to get a first-hand view of its capabilities.

She was accompanied

by Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams.

Trial for murder of Buxton businesswoman begins FOUR years after the gruesome murder of businesswoman Samantha Benjamin, the trial pertaining to her murder commenced on Wednesday before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury at the Demerara High Court.

Currently on remand for her murder is Kevin Ramsaywack of Berbice. On Wednesday, he pleaded not guilty to the indictment which alleged that between March 25, 2015, and March 26, 2015 at Buxton, East Coast De-

Kevin Ramsaywack

merara, he murdered Benjamin.

Ramsaywack is represented

by Ravindra Mohabir, while the state is represented by prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Mandel Moore.

Police Detective Orland Alleyne, who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Department and attached to the Crime Lab, was the first state witness to be called.

Alleyne told the court that March 26, 2015 at 09:30hrs, he was on duty at the police Crime Lab when he received instructions from the officer in charge.

The detective explained that based on the officer’s instructions, he equipped himself with a camera and went to the Buxton Seawall where he saw a large crowd.

The witness explained that it was high tide and he saw the remains of a headless body of a female Negro, which he later learnt to be Samantha Benjamin.

A search was conducted in the area which led to the discovery of the head and limbs of Benjamin’s body, except for the shoulder parts. Alleyne stated that he took 40 photographs of the body and the environs in which it was found.

After his testimony, Alleyne was asked to identify the photographs he took of the crime scene; they were marked, tendered and admitted as evidence. Alleyne then explained what each of the photos depicted.

The trial was adjourned until

Samantha Benjamin

today, Thursday.

According to reports, on March 25, 2015, Benjamin was robbed at her Buxton home, allegedly by Ramsaywack and two other males. The men lashed her to the head then proceeded to ransack the house for valuables, particularly the room she had occupied.

After the men hit the woman to her head they proceeded to chop off her hands and feet, placed her in a wheelbarrow and wheeled her to the Buxton Seawall under cover of darkness.

At the seashore, one of the men reportedly decided to cut the woman’s head off and carve out her eyes.

On March 26, 2015, Benjamin’s torso was found but her head and limbs were missing.

Shortly after, the police returned to the scene where the woman’s head, hands and feet were discovered not too far away.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

17 Soldiers graduate from bartending training programme –– urged to practise integrity, hospitality to boost Guyana’s tourism sector SEVENTEEN soldiers from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), who enrolled in a bartending programme at the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE), were on Wednesday morning awarded with certificates.

Director of The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana Mr Mitra Ramkumar, in his charge to the graduates urged the young bartenders to perform their duties with integrity and to the best of their ability, to not only aid in their self-development, but also to boost the tourism sector in Guyana.

“When you travel abroad, make Guyana proud by practising your craft to the best of your ability,” he stated.

According to Principal of the CSHE Ms Myrna Lee, a bartender is a person who formulates and serves alco-

From left, Major Earl Edghill of the Guyana Defence Force; Director of The Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana, Mr Mitra Ramkumar; Principal of The Carnegie School of Home Economics, Ms Myrna Lee; and Chairperson of The Carnegie School of Home Economics, Ms. Patricia David, along with the graduates. ( Adrian Narine photos)

holic or soft drink beverages behind the bar in a licensed establishment.

She added that, bartenders maintain the supplies and inventory for the bar and that

staff development and training are indubitably vital for the growth and development

Essequibo Residents thankful for street lights -installation currently ongoing

New poles that were planted

RESIDENTS in Region Two, especially those living in the south of the coast in villages such as Suddie, Golden Fleece, Abram Zuil and Johanna Cecilia, will be experiencing a change in their environment for the Christmas holidays.

Their communities will be lit-up for the holiday season now that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has started the installation

of several street light poles.

The exercise commenced approximately three weeks ago with technicians planting poles along the roadway. With this intervention, residents living in these communities expressed their satisfaction with the works. Many have since commended the Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, for fulfilling his promise to residents. Earlier

of employees who are the true assets to any organisation.

The CHSE believes that staff development is very important hence, the institution embarked on training members of staff from the GDF in bartending.

Seventeen soldiers from the GDF were registered to do the bartending programme at the CSHE. The course was done over a seven-day period for a total of 40 hours.

During the seven-day training programme, the soldiers were educated on topics such as mixology; food safety &hygiene; responsibilities of the bar; inventorying; attitudinal skills and other skills related to customer service care.

Lectures, demonstrations and presentations were done at the CSHE and practical sessions were done at GDF Headquarters, Camp Ayanganna.

Marijuana farm destroyed in Linden

The poles along the Cullen Public Road

in the year, during a public meeting, the minister had promised to have the coast equipped with street lights.

“We are very happy, we can now feel safe in our environment, with the robberies happening the street lights will offer better security at nights,” Shelly Narine, a resident, remarked.

This newspaper took a drive along these communities and it was observed

that that the poles were planted from Suddie to Abram Zuil. Earlier in the year, Abram Zuil received street lights. Technicians attached to the project were seen as early as 07:00hrs planting the poles. Residents are very pleased with such initiative and therefore commended the Government of Guyana for their vested interest in the communities.

The camp that was destroyed by police

POLICE narcotics ranks destroyed a two-acre marijuana farm with about 2,300 suspected marijuana plants during a drug eradication exercise at Bucktown, Wismar, Linden on Tuesday.

The plants range from six inches to four feet in height.

Reports indicate that about 300 seedlings in the nurseries and one make-shift camp was found. No one was seen on the farm.

The farm, nursery and camp were photographed and destroy by fire. The area was then marked by its location.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

102 complete ‘Job Readiness Skills Training’ programme

A total of 102 young people from various parts of the country now possess basic tools and skills needed to effectively and confidently seek employment throughout Guyana and further afield.

This is owing to a successful three-week Job Readiness Skills Training programme spearheaded by the Department of Youth in partnership with SSYDR Incorporated -- Specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research.

The training was conducted with young people from Regions Three, Four, Six and 10.

During a simple graduation ceremony held on Monday last at the Police Training Centre in Georgetown, the Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton said the objective of the training is to build the capacity of young adults to enhance marketability within the job market.

The sessions focused on a number of areas such as cover letter and CV writing, interview techniques and ca-

reer coaching, among others.

Delivering the feature address, Minister Norton said he was proud that so many young people opted to be part of the training which will enable them to effectively mitigate the tension and nerves that come from applying for

a job, including attending an interview.

“These skills are transferable and are relevant in all aspects of your professional life; both as an employer and an employee.”

Dr. Norton, who also holds responsibility for Cul-

ture, Youth and Sport, emphasised the importance of education and the need for young people to keep upgrading their skills, so as to remain relevant and competitive, especially as Guyana prepares itself for “an oilrich future”.

“Time is precious and

you are equipped to benefit from the opportunities which will be presented,” Minister Norton noted.

After collecting their certificates, participants of the programme expressed grati-

tive training programme.

Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce, noted that the Department of Youth is committed to ensuring the job readiness

Some of the facilitators/trainers of the programme

Social Cohesion Minister, Dr. George Norton and Assistant Director of Youth, Leslyn Boyce (sixth left) pose with trainers (seated) and participants of the job readiness skills training programme

you only have now to prepare yourself for a bright, booming tomorrow. Guyana is on the trajectory of economic development. Ensure

The participants from Region Six performing an item about job readiness

tude to Minister Norton and the Department of Youth for executing a timely and effec-

skills training reaches even more young people in all parts of Guyana.

GRA to issue more ‘durable and secure’ driver’s licence THE Guyana Revenue Authority(GRA) will soon introduce a “more durable and secure version” of the plastic card driver’s licence.

The GRA said, in a release, that the new licence will be launched for issuance to drivers of motor cars, motor cycles, motor vans, motor lorries, motor buses, minibus and motor tractors.

It will be available before this Christmas and will be valid for five years. The new card will cost $5000 which is waived for persons who are over 65 years old.

According to the revenue body, when compared to the previous licence, the new card has advanced security features to guard against reproduction, tampering or damage, features which will allow for universal acceptance. “The upgrading was spearheaded by the GRA’s Information Technology Unit following the initial launch of the first plastic card TURN TO PAGE

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The new plastic card driver’s licence

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

Guyana listed in top 20 destinations to visit next year

LEADING global travel and lifestyle magazine, Condé Nast, lists Guyana as one of the 20 most exciting places to visit in 2020.

"With new direct flights from New York to Georgetown on American Airlines and JetBlue, the country is getting more accessible just as it steps into the spotlight."

- Condé Nast The magazine said though it has plenty of reasons to stand out – as South America’s only English-speaking country, and with a strikingly diverse population of Indian, African, Chinese, European, and Amerindian descent – Guyana has long hovered under the radar. But this relative quietness isn’t going to last long. The 2015 discovery of oil offshore has led to surging interest in the country. What that means for Guyana is still playing out, but so far, its abundance of natural beauty has remained shielded from the masses.

According to the magazine, hotel options are decidedly rustic. “Intrepid travellers should base themselves in the colorful capital of Georgetown, at Cara Lodge, a charmingly preserved heritage hotel dating from the 1840s; from there, venture out to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s largest single-drop waterfall.”

At community-owned and operated rain forest ecolodges in the interior, “you might go days before encountering another tourist (or any cell signal). When you’re ready to surround yourself with humans again, learn about Guyana’s massive East Indian community on a curry tour in Georgetown, or taste your way through distilleries as you learn more about the country’s centuries-old rum-making history.” “With new direct flights from New York to Georgetown on American Airlines and JetBlue, the country is getting more accessible just as it

steps into the spotlight. You don’t need a crystal ball to predict big changes in Guyana’s near future. Our advice: Get there before a rumored Starbucks does,” the magazine stated.

Last month the Guyana Chronicle reported that Destination Guyana had won its sixth tourism award for 2019.

This time, it won the Silver Prize in ‘Best of Adventure’ from the International Travel and Tourism Awards for its sustainable adventure practices framework communities have embodied. The award was presented at the World Travel Market in London on November 5.

In a brief statement, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) had expressed or appreciation to its partners at Lotus UK for helping to make the award possible. The honour for ‘Best in Adventure’ recognises the destinations or businesses within the travel and tourism industry that have dedicated time in supporting and promoting adventure travel, through creative marketing and campaigns as well as increasing interest to their particular destination through this sector.

This year, Guyana was also named: The World’s #1 in ‘Best of Ecotourism’ and one of the Top 10 Sustainable Destinations at the ITB Berlin – the world’s leading travel and trade show in March 2019. In June of this year, the country was won First Place at the Golden City Gate Awards for its Welcome back to Nature and won first in Sustainable Tourism at the LATA Achievement Awards that same month. At the CTO’s Sustainable Tourism Awards Programme in August, Guyana was awarded first in Best in Destination Stewardship.

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Guyana stands to earn US$120B

LONDON-BASED global information provider, IHS Markit Ltd., says Guyana’s consistent exploration success will be a plus even in a challenging oil-price environment.

An article on the company’s website said more discoveries outside of the

Stabroek block were essential for the country, proving that its potential stretched way beyond one field.

“The Guyana basin is successfully positioning itself as one of the most exciting emerging, deep-water exploration basins around the world,” IHS Markit stated.

Since 2015, ExxonMobil and its partners have made 14 discoveries, totalling more than six billion recoverable barrels of oil equivalent. The Liza field, the first discovered by ExxonMobil, is expected to start producing by year-end.

More recent discoveries include those by Tullow

Oil and its partners in the Orinduik Block. According to IHS Markit, these are expected to have a significant impact on the lives of Guyanese.

Minister of Natural Resources, the Hon. Raphael Trotman, shared similar sentiments during a recent local radio interview. Quoting an RYSTAD Energy report, the minister said Guyana’s projection was exceptional.

“RYSTAD Energy has updated its projections of Guyana’s earnings of $120B… $120B, that’s the Guyana Government take, and by Guyana Government, the

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday December 5, 2019

…expected to remain in a good position for future oil and gas production people of Guyana,” Minister Trotman noted.

His comment was in response to a question posed about the Guyana/ExxonMobil deal, and how much the country stood to benefit.

“The maximum is 70 and the minimum is 45 and Guyana finds itself taking in 59 per cent,” the minister further explained. Quoting RYSTAD again, he explained that even at a lower oil price, the country would still benefit. “At a low price of oil, GY$10,000.00 per barrel, Guyana will still earn approximately US$51B,” Min. Trotman stated.

However, IHS Markit predicts that the total capital investments for the development of the fields in the two blocks will be close to US$63B over the life of the field. The majority of this investment, the company said, is directed towards the Liza field, followed by Turbot, Ranger and Pluma.

Additionally, all fields expected to be developed and brought online within the Stabroek and the Orinduik blocks have showcased a positive internal rate of return, from 10 per cent to 52 per cent, with the Liza field leading.

Region Two Sweeper-Cleaners happy over new salary structure

Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikarran meeting sweeper-cleaners in Region Two

SWEEPER-cleaners throughout the Pomeroon-Supenaam (Region 2) are very happy with their current salary structure of $70,000 monthly. Regional Executive Officer, Denis Jaikarran, met with scores of sweeper/cleaners at various locations along the coast.

The REO, along with his senior management team, during meetings, discussed that sweeper/cleaners will no

longer be working for 8 hours but rather full-time with a minimum wage of $70,000.

During meetings, the REO explained that head teachers from various schools will be supervising the cleaners. The department of education will monitor the schools during the visits. He told them that they are doing a good job and the Government of Guyana is pleased to announce the new salary structure for them. He, there-

fore, urged them to continue to do their work to the best of their ability.

After the meeting, several sweeper-cleaners were very satisfied. “We are glad for the increase, we have family and with the increase, we can provide more. Previously, our work was undermined… we are happy that the present government recognized that we too contribute to the workforce,” Camelie Singh said.

Regional Officials speaking with sweeper-cleaners

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

Mixed views about Georgetown schools’ Christmas luncheon IN a recent memorandum from the Principal Education Officer (ag), Ms Volika Jaikishun, dated December 02, 2019, the Ministry of Education directed that schools in the Georgetown district will, this year, be hosting a Christmas ‘Luncheon’ instead of the usual “Christmas parties”, based on ten strict guidelines. In the memorandum, which was titled ‘Christmas Luncheon’, it was stated that “Christmas parties in many schools have moved away from the spirit of the season to one of inappropriate behaviours and activities by students.”

Guyana chronicle visited several schools on Woolford Avenue where mixed views were expressed by teachers, parents and students.

Several of the parents related that they were in agreement with the views shared by the Ministry, on moving away from the traditional school party activities to a more formal Luncheon, but concerns were also raised as to why it applied only to the schools in the Georgetown district. “A not so bad decision. Why only Georgetown secondary schools and not all schools? What goes for one, goes for all” one parent stated.

A parent whose child attends the North Georgetown Secondary School shared his agreement with the Ministry’s decision, “I believe that it is a good initiative as it relates to the student’s safety. A lot of the times older persons go to the parties

with their own motives, and I really think that it is a risk to the children because they are young and they just there thinking it’s all fun, I mean yes the schools could put some more security measures for the parties and so on, but to me that would just make the children uncomfortable,

a hard year of academics.

A student from the Tutorial high school related her feelings: “one time during the year we have the opportunity to wear casual clothing in school and everyone is usually eager to participate but when in school’s clothing, it’s different because

School children in the Woolford avenue area

so the luncheon is cutting all of that out, I personally would rather my child go and have fun at the luncheon and be safe, so I totally agree with the initiative.”

Another parent whose child attends the St. Joseph High school expressed how excellent the Ministry’s initiative was, while suggesting that the next initiative the Ministry of Education should take is to discontinue all annual school fairs.

The body most enraged were the students who related that they felt as if the decision made by the Ministry to cease their school party was taking away from their cultural experience as Caribbean citizens. They stated that they looked forward to having the party as it was a reward after

we’re dressed like this almost all year. School parties are our way of releasing stress through informal socializing.

Up until December we’re burdened with school work and there is barely anytime for fun. Like my Grandmother would say ‘all work and no play makes jack a dull boy’ “.

Meanwhile, teachers explained that schools all around the country have issues as it relates to behavior and other issues that have led to the Ministry’s decision.

They believe it to be unfair to target Georgetown schools solely. Further they stated that there are several schools in the Georgetown district that are able to host school parties in a controlled environment. It is also their belief that those schools should not

be punished because of some schools that have had issues in the past.

However, some teachers of the Tutorial High school explained that the “no school Party” system had long been implemented at their school.

It was also pointed out that several schools have been able, during Christmas parties, to ensure discipline, even as learners have clean socialization with their peers.

One teacher said that

she did not see there being any issue with the initiative, despite several persons being against the Ministry’s directive of hosting a Christmas ‘Luncheon’ instead of the normal “Christmas parties.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

STARR Computer is now an authorised Service Centre for Epson products after the tech giant completed certification training with Epson on its Interactive Projectors, Digital Scanners and Enterprise EcoTank Printers.

The company also recently signed an agreement with Epson.

According to Rafael Vizcaino, the Epson Engineer, the special training adds value to cost of ownership

of its Epson product lines to the Guyanese consumer.

STARR has been a Partner of Epson for over a decade, and, according to Mike Mohan, President of STARR, this new accomplishment enhances the Smart Classroom initiative started seven years ago.

Mohan said STARR welcomes the offering by major oil affiliates to support the local educational drive to help Guyanese enhance their technology skills to be better prepared for future employment opportunities that will be available.

Seven years ago, Mohan said, STARR was trained

by Samsung to setup ‘smart classrooms’; however, too many challenges existed to deploy this initiative in Guyana.

“Teachers needed to be trained, classroom security needed to be enhanced, available funding was not easily available, and, Guyanese were not ready to adapt to Android Operating System to run its educational application in the classroom.

Thereafter, STARR went on to develop its own Virtualised Smart classroom solution by integrating Lenovo, APC and HP with computing on a Windows platform. Several private schools had subsequently took advantage of this alternative and proceeded to deploy our solution for their classrooms successfully,” Mohan said.

Today, he said, by adding Epson Technologies to the existing lineup, the company can now deploy virtual electronic chalkboard where a digital pen is used to markup contents to an “electronic chalkboard” while interfacing with up to 50 multiple input devices simultaneously across multiple operating platforms.

“Students are known for using multiple devices including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets while running on Windows, Android, Linux and IOS platform – no problem, we can now integrate. In an environment where the projected screen is too small from one projector due to size of classroom, we can now stitch two projected screens into one large synchronized screen,” Mohan explained.

Noting that Guyana has lots of wooden houses, and paper stockpiling of records and general prints has always been a fire challenge,

STARR Computer partners with Epson Rafael Vizcaino, Epson Engineer (third from left) and President of STARR Computer, Mike Mohan with staff of STARR Computer who were recently trained

Mohan said now that legislation was passed to digitise data contents for regulatory compliances, the Epson high-speed digital scanner is fast becoming a storage of choice.

“Its data can now be stored in multiple locations for centuries, easily accessible and can now join the “big data” world. Our Epson EcoTank enterprise printer is not only energy-efficient, but also high-speed output capable of printing 100 pages per minute. And, since this advanced ink technology with laser quality finish comes with separate ink cylinder compartment, it allows user to add liquid Ink colors only as needed. Obviously, this [will] reduce ink supply wastages,” Mohan noted.

In addition to APC, Lenovo, HP and a number other major International IT Brands, STARR COMPUTER is now also the authorised Epson Service Centre and partner in Guyana.

Mohan added that as Guyana’s oil economy grows, and population explosion matures, unfortunately blue and white collar criminals will also be attracted to seek their fortunes.

STARR has already introduced metal detectors and walk-through body scanners to Guyana.

“This will also be something worth paying attention to for the protection of our students. And, finally a major international vendor will be visiting STARR Computer next week to provide us with technical training on the Enterprise Security Software with embedded artificial intelligence to help us support Smart City Surveillance management,” he said.

Mohan continued: “While our smart solution will reach across the small consumer, academical classroom and large enterprise space, STARR Computer is ready to partner with any enterprise that has an interest to deploying sponsorship to the local learning institutions. In the meantime, STARR will continue to provide free seminars to the schools, unemployed, and, low-income citizens on career development, Fourth Industrial Revolution, renewable energy etc.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

Century Palm Gardens unveils community project

A GROUP of residents from the Century Palm Gardens area in Durban Backlands have stepped up to reclaim the glory of their once beautiful community, having become disgusted of seeing parapets, drains and alleyways overrun with grass, hearing frequent complaints of the break- and-enter and larceny of residences by unknown individuals, and of bandits who terrorise and rob persons as they enter or leave the community.

Their bold initiative was commended by Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine, and Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) Trevor Benn during a simple unveiling ceremony of a “Welcome to Century Palm Gardens’’ sign erected in the vicinity of the Children’s Convalescent Home in Durban Backlands.

Chief coordinator of the project and resident of the area, Gem Madhoo-Nascimento of Guyana Theatre Industry fame said the initiative is overseen by about 10 residents who initially began discussing among themselves the ills befalling the community and the fact that a number of senior citizens reside there. First, a WhatsApp group was created among them and later when they began reaching out to other res-

idents, another was formed with about 60 residents so far onboard. Ideas discussed at the coordinating level are filtered to the residents, and they too can propose ideas, she added. Madhoo-Nascimento particularly noted its usefulness, in that whenever a suspicious character or characters are sighted lingering in the community, or near a resident’s home, all members are immediately alerted via a WhatsApp message posted in the group.

Commenting on the signage project, which also includes erecting street names at the head of all the streets in the community, Madhoo-Nascimento said that with the GLSC as the main sponsor, they also received assistance from corporate businesses like Demerara and Trinidad Mutual (DTM), and Eureka Medical Laboratory, Simple Logistics and Tropical Products among other companies. The Mayor and City Council assisted with skip bins into which the garbage is placed prior to removal.

Madhoo-Nascimento disclosed that she has learnt that it is the first time that the community is benefitting from street signs. In addition to the cleaning of drains and weeding of the parapets, she said that of paramount importance is the security of the

until the expiration date, the GRA said.

It noted, too, that first time applicants will be required to submit a completed Driver’s Licence Application form, a valid identification– identification card or passport-- and their Provisional Driver’s Licence

Madhoo-Nascimento and other members of the coordinating team for spearheading the initiative and making it a success. He remarked that when his agency was contacted for assistance, he did not hesitate as he saw it as good opportunity. He, too, called for more corporate support to members of not only that community but others that seek to engage in enhancement projects to elevate their communities, and to give some meaning to the work.

The GL&SC is located on Hadfield Street a stone’s throw from the Durban Back-

taken. The GRA announced that the body will now require a digital signature from the applicant and this will be done at the time of lodgment using an electronic signature pad.

Drivers who are renewing their licence will only be required to submit a completed Driver’s Licence Application form and valid identification if they were previously issued a

plastic card licence.

If not, they will be required to also bring in their expired Driver’s Licence, the GRA informed.

Admiring the `welcome’ sign at the entrance of Century Palm Gardens, Durban Backlands, in the vicinity of the Children’s Convalescent Home are: Chief Coordinator Gem Madhoo-Nascimento (centre with cap); GL&SC Commissioner Mr. Trevor Benn, to her left; and Mayor of Georgetown, Pandit Ubraj Narine, to her right, and others (Photo courtesy of NCN)

community.

As of now, for a small monthly fee, made possible through contributions made by residents, the community is being assisted by a vigilante group that operates in the Lodge area.

She expressed the hope that the project they have started will serve as an impetus for residents of other communities to do likewise in their respective communities.

In addition to the unveiling, a fund-raising barbeque event was on-going at Madhoo-Nascimento’s residence.

GRA to issue more ‘durable ... driver’s licence in March of 2014,” GRA said.

The body noted that when launched, the new licence will only be issued to first time applicants and those whose licence have expired. Persons whose current licences are still valid should therefore wait

Mayor Narine, in brief remarks, commended the effort being undertaken by the residents as “a great step”, adding that he is looking for similar support from the private sector and other government agencies. Noting that the GL&SC has played “a big role”, he urged that everyone put their shoulders to the wheel and assist in development for the betterment of the city, as the council alone cannot shoulder the burden.

He thanked the residents for their sterling effort.

Benn echoed similar sentiments as he commended

lands area, and according to Benn, the agency has been supporting other community initiatives within the area, including the Enterprise Primary School.

He, too, encouraged the residents to continue the good work in uplifting their community, adding that while some people look to the government and the municipality to do everything, residents also have a role to play. He views the Century Palm Gardens project by its residents as a positive way forward.

Meanwhile, M&CC councillor with responsibility for that constituency, Shonelle Smith-Daniels, in an invited comment, told the Guyana Chronicle that while she is aware of the concerns of the residents, the Council at times finds itself in a financial bind when it comes to lending support to all of the communities needing assistance.

She, too, hailed the initiative taken by the residents, noting that such efforts by residents of other communities would be welcome.

Also in attendance at the ceremony were Mrs. Shonda Williams, GL&SC Human Resources Manager; City Councillor, Dr. Dawn Stewart-Lyken; Durban Backlands resident Kit Nascimento, and a handful of residents.

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endorsed with the Competence number or certification slip from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Certifying Officer.

The officer in the GRA’s lodgment area will verify and process the application upon receipt. Thereafter, the applicant will have his/her photograph

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

The man who lost his sight, but gained much more --the inspirational story of a Guyanese entrepreneur

WHEN construction worker Lawrence Braithwaite lost his sight to glaucoma in 2007, the road ahead was a prospect filled with misgivings and uncertainty.

He had to find something else to do to make money and maintain his family.

Little did he know that he was about to embark on a new path in life that would lead him to overcome immense challenges, achieve triumphs and become an admired entrepreneur with innovative products produced under the company name ‘Braf’s Manufacturing’.

Looking back on how it all started, Lawrence remembers being told he would never see again. But even more, he remembers that the news made him aware of a steely inner resolve that he never

knew he possessed. “It hurt, yes; but I told myself it was not the end of the road. This is not the end of my life.”

Indeed, it was the beginning of a progressive chapter in his life.

Totally uncomfortable about accepting charity, the first major decision he made was to rely on his own wits and abilities to earn a living.

His second decision was to open a small chicken-rearing business. It was a big mistake. He soon found out that raising chickens and selling them, which is not easy for persons with perfect vision, is an ordeal for sightless folk because they are easy prey for thieves. It was not long before some of Lawrence’s chickens were being stolen, forcing him to shift to producing salted fish. But this did not work because thieves

Lawrence Braithwaite

were stealing some of the fish that was being dried and cured.

These setbacks might have broken a lesser man, but not Lawrence. He was more determined than ever

to succeed. The big question was: What business to do next? His bad experiences taught him that outdoor ventures were more vulnerable to thieves. “So I decided to do something that would

be processed indoors,” he recalled. Lawrence decided to experiment with making plantain flour and selling it.

He bought five pounds of plantains and ground them into powder using a handmill borrowed from a friend.

He was able to get one pound of flour. “This has potential,” he said to himself.

He bought more and more plantains and used his borrowed hand-mill to make increasing amounts of flour.

He would put the flour in bags and walk around in his community of Buxton and sell to his neighbours. In almost no time at all, he had a growing number of satisfied customers. However, his troubles were not over. One day, while walking through the neighbourhood and selling his products, Lawrence accidentally walked into a trench. It was a stark reminder that life was tough without sight.

Then his bad experiences being a target for thieves continued. He bought 200 pounds of plantains from the market once, but a man he asked to help him take the load to a vehicle made off with the entire amount.

Lawrence was discouraged but quickly regained his cheerful personality, determined to press on. “I never gave up,” he said. Instead, he borrowed money from his friends, bought more plantains and continued with his business.

His products had to satisfy Food and Drug certification requirements before he could go further. As a blind person, it was extraordinarily difficult for him to handle the running around and paperwork required, but he did what he had to do and his products are fully certified for both quality and hygiene. Meanwhile, Lawrence ‘beefed-up’ his entrepreneurial skills by attending workshops, and he learned quickly how to market his products more effectively and operate a small business more efficiently. He was able to benefit from a special training programme for disabled people, conducted by the Small Business Bureau.

Around that time, Lawrence moved to East Ruimveldt in Georgetown. Through his participation in the Small Business Bureau programme, he was able to secure funding to buy dehydrators and electrical mills. In this way, he was able to produce a

wider range of products, including barley flour, tamarind balls, and instant porridge. Lawrence specialises in quick-preparation foods suitable for folk who are unable to spend much time in the kitchen.

For example, his flavoured instant porridge mix—made of whole wheat flour and milk—requires only the addition of warm water to be table-ready.

Besides this, his fish-cake mix—made from potato flour, fish, oats and seasonings—only requires being mixed with water, left to rest for 10 minutes and fried for one minute. Lawrence’s never-say-die attitude has paid off as his business continues to grow. His long term goal is to set up a factory and create opportunities for employment. He is seeking land to achieve this goal.

Always keen to explore new opportunities, he is one of the innovative Guyanese manufacturers who will put their local products on display at the ‘Marketplace UncappeD’ exhibition hosted by the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) on Sunday, December 8, 2019, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara. This is not his first time at Uncapped. According to Lawrence, “A friend encouraged me to participate in UncappeD, and I have no regrets.” He said his products gained great exposure at the event and many patrons had complimented him on their quality and presentation.

Lawrence has a treat in store for persons who visit his booth at the upcoming UncappeD event. “I will introduce a special dip made of tomatoes and bilimbi,” he said, noting that his various products will be on sale. Right now, Lawrence’s preparations for the event are moving into high gear and, amazingly, he is putting everything together using a computer and a touch-screen smartphone. He is looking forward to meeting customers and making new friends at UncappeD, particularly those of us who are intrigued by the incredible story of this indefatigable Guyanese entrepreneur who lost his eyesight, but never lost his inner vision. (Feature provided

by GMSA Marketplace Uncapped)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

BCB/Trophy Stall Under-13 Tournament

Albion, Rose Hall Town Poonai Pharmacy advance to final OVER the last 15 years, Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS (RHTY&SC) and the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club (ACCCC) have been the two dominant cricket teams in Berbice.

They have played numerous finals at different levels and both clubs have a lot of respect for each other.

On Sunday, both clubs advanced to another final after registering victories in their respective semifinals of the Berbice Cricket Board(BCB)/Trophy Stall U-13 tournament. RHT Poonai Pharmacy defeated a determined Rose Hall Canje on first innings, while Albion obtained a similar result against Achievers CC at the Bush Lot ground.

At the Hampshire ground, RHT Poonai Pharmacy won the toss and elected to bowl first. Rose Hall Canje raced to 60 without loss as Zadeem La Rose and R. Ramdehol started like a house on fire.

Ramdehol fell for 19 to spark a spectacular collapse to 107 for 8 off their allotted 40 overs.

La Rose top-scored with a well-played 65. Spinners

Tyrese Smartt 3 for 26 and Imran Mohamad 3 for 21 were the best bowlers for Poonai Pharmacy. Needing to score 108 to take first innings and a place in the final, the 2018 Under-13 runners-up reached 131 for 6 when their first-innings quota 40 overs were bowled.

La Rose returned with the ball for Canje to take 3 for 31. Batting a second time with 70 minutes remaining in the match, Rose Hall Canje raced to 61 for 2 with Aaron Craig hitting a quick-fire 29.

Off spinner Deeraj Ramjit took 2 wickets for 19 for RHT Poonai Pharmacy as the

cluded seven sweetly-struck boundaries.

Extras contributed a healthy 13. T. Isaacs took 4 for 20 and T. Ramcharran 3 for 14 for West Berbice who in reply were bowled out for 27, with only E. Rogers reaching double figures with 10. Seven of Achievers

Tyron Smartt, who scored an unbeaten 63

The victorious RHT Poonai Pharmacy team

Meanwhile, 12-year-old Tyron Smartt batted throughout the innings to remain unbeaten on a classy 63 not out while Khemraj Tika scored 16 before he was run-out in a mix-up with Smartt.

match was called off early.

At Bush Lot ground in West Coast Berbice, Albion, batting first, against Achievers scored 77 from 29.4 overs. Afraz Budhoo top-scored with 36, which in-

batsmen failed to trouble the scorers as Afraz Budhoo 3 for 10, Devin LalBehari 2 for 10 and Ritesh Nathoor 2 for 0 bowled well for the visitors.

Albion, batting a second time reached 65 for 4 when

the game was called off.

Afraz Budhoo completed a fine all-round performance by scoring 16 while Nathaniel Chinapen 17 and Devin LalBehari 17 chipped in with support. A. Doobay took 2 for 11 while T. Isaacs and C. Dale took a wicket apiece. Earlier in the day, the match was delayed by three hours due to heavy morning rain.

RHT Poonai Pharmacy and Albion would clash in the final on Saturday at the Area ‘H’ Ground. The 2018 Under-13 runners-up had taken first innings from Albion, when they played in the opening round at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

The match would bowl off at 10:00hrs, with the first innings being restricted to 40 overs.

Rose Hall Town storm into Busta final, following four-wicket win over Tucber Park ROSE Hall Town (RHT) Thunderbolt Flour defeated Tucber Park by 4 wickets to advance to the final of the 2019 Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)/RHTYSC/ Busta Champion of Champions 40 Overs tournament.

At the Area ‘H’ Ground last weekend, the defending champions displayed brilliant all-round cricket to overcome

Khemraj Mahadeo

a strong challenge from the New Amsterdam-based team.

It was the third consecutive entrance into a BCB first division tournament for 2019 after reaching the finals of the Ivan Madray 20/20 tournament and the STAG Beer 50-overs round robin.

RHT NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour won the toss and elected to field as Tucber

Park openers Malcolm Mickle (18) and Clifton Lindee (46) added 63 for the first wicket.

Damion Vantull scored 38 and Anthony D’Andrade 20, as Tucber Park were knocked over for 159 in 37.1 overs.

RHT skipper Eon Hooper ended with 2-20 while his deputy Shawn Pereira chipped in with 2-28, Jonathan Rampersaud 2-12 and

Keon Sinclair 3-42 to complete a sterling bowling outing.

In reply, openers Junior Sinclair and Khemraj Mahadeo added 86 as Sinclair, a National U-19 player fell at 32. Mahadeo played well for his 47, while veteran wicketkeeper Jason Sinclair chipped in with a useful 24 and Hooper 16.

Tucber’s bowling was led

by Devon Clements 3-22 and Guyana Jaguars pacer Niall Smith 2-22.

Following the match BCB president Hilbert Foster confirmed the final will be played on Sunday, December 15 between RHT NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour and arch-rivals Albion.

Referees must make pitch-side VAR reviews - Wenger ARSENE Wenger believes referees must make better use of pitch-side reviews if VAR is to become a success.

The Premier League has been dogged by a succession of contentious decisions, prompted by VAR reviews this season, leading to calls for it to be overhauled or scrapped altogether.

Decisions have been criticised for disallowing goals based on fractional offside calls, with several minutes sometimes elapsing before a final call is made.

And the former Arsenal manager stressed that if the system is to recover its credibility, referees must make use of the facility to review decisions themselves, rather than rely on checks being made by officials in Stockley Park.

“That, for me, is the most important worry,” Wenger said, after a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Belfast, as reported by Sky Sports.

“The referee needs to have a monitor to check if he was right or wrong. He will gain in

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

credibility, especially, knowing that the people at VAR have yet the experience to make these kinds of decisions. He has a review to see if he was right or wrong. That is important for his confidence as well.

“At the moment, you have two big clubs (Manchester United and Liverpool) with no screens. That is a problem that has to be resolved as well in the future.”

Leicester City’s 2-1 win against Everton on Sunday was the latest game to be dominated by a VAR decision.

The Foxes’ Kelechi Iheanacho was originally given offside after curling in what had looked to be a stoppage-time winner, but the decision was overturned by the video referee after a lengthy delay.

“I think it’s working much better than we think,” Wenger added. “You want VAR to intervene at the right moment. They are not the ones who should make the decisions but the ones who help the referees make the right decisions.”

One option currently under discussion to develop the VAR system would allow referees to communicate directly to supporters and explain their decisions.

This may involve supporters hearing a final decision, and brief explanation, from a referee, but fans would still be unable to listen to match officials during the decision-making process.

“I would like the decision to be explained on the screen,” said Wenger.

(Goal.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

CSA lurching from crisis to crisis ahead of England series

By Nick Said CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) will host a special board meeting on Saturday as the governing body seeks to address a series of controversies that threaten to overshadow a high-profile four-Test home series against England.

Tuesday’s resignation of respected board member Shirley Zinn was the latest setback for CSA Chief Executive Officer Thabang Moroe, who has had to answer questions about its declining balance sheet and its treatment of the media after five journalists had their accreditations revoked.

The organisation has also yet to appoint a permanent director of cricket following the decision not to renew the contract of Ottis Gibson in August, with a little over three weeks to go before the start of England series.

Zinn told South Africa’s Daily Maverick she saw little way forward for the organisation under Moroe’s leadership.

“I came to the conclusion that after all sorts of efforts to try and improve, speak to the situation and to try and affect change at board level, I had to resign,” the newspaper quoted her as saying yesterday.

“We fall from one crisis to another and there is no end in sight. I somehow felt if I put up my hand and took this step, for what it’s worth, I might propel this forward in some way.”

Standard Bank, a major CSA sponsor, called an urgent meeting with Moroe on Monday to discuss, among the things, why the organisation withdrew the accreditation of five journalists deemed critical of his leadership.

Their access was restored hours later after an outcry over press freedom.

The bank’s chief marketing officer, Thulani Sibeko, said they were “gravely concerned about developments” within the CSA administration.

CSA board member Shirley Zinn resigned on Tuesday

The CSA is involved in an ongoing court case with the South African players’ union over a proposed restructuring of the domestic game, while the courts also rejected its attempt to take over the leadership of one of the provincial unions.

Following the meeting

with the bank Moroe said mistakes had been made.

“I unreservedly apologise on behalf of CSA for the erroneous process that led to journalists having their accreditation revoked,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Moroe said the board meeting on Saturday should clear up a number of outstanding issues, “including but not limited to the director of cricket role‚ team selection processes for the England tour‚ and all other CSA issues relevant to the South African public.”

Graeme Smith, the most successful Test captain of all-time, is in talks with CSA over the director role, but has publicly expressed concerns that he would not be given the “freedom” to fulfil his mandate.

The first Test against England begins on December 26 at Centurion.

Tokyo marathon move does not affect our credibility - IOC

By Karolos Grohmann

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - A surprise move of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics marathon races and race walk events to cooler Sapporo from the capital was sudden, but it will not affect the credibility of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a senior official said yesterday.

The IOC stunned Games organisers in October by announcing the marathon, one of the most prestigious events at any Olympics and one especially beloved in Japan, would be moved to the northern Japanese city of Sapporo to avoid the worst of Tokyo’s summer heat.

Tokyo temperatures in July and August, when the city will host the Games, regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius with high humidity adding to the discomfort.

The decision angered Tokyo’s local government which reluctantly agreed to the move some 800 kilometres to the north as well as Games organisers who had already been working on the events in the capital since being awarded the Games back in 2013.

“Of course, it was a very fast process and we hear the views about the way

it was done but there was consultation and the logical result was to move to conditions that allow athletes to perform at their best,” the IOC’s Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi told reporters.

for top competitions due to a combination of the high heat and humidity.

“One thing that we learned this summer is what the athletics family called the red or black flag conditions creating better conditions for athletes. No doubt about that and this is how credibility is built over time,” Dubi said.

He said the IOC would also support organisers finan-

cially.

“If there are new requirements or any decision that affects the organisation then the IOC will look favourably to contribute financially,” he said.

“We will not only discuss about logistics but we will also decide about the parts the IOC will cover in terms of cost. What matters for us is to be really good partners.”

UEFA announces new playoff system for 2022 World Cup qualifiers

IOC’s Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi

“I think credibility is also built on consistency. Safety and security of the athletes comes first. This is how to build credibility,” he said when asked about whether future hosts saw this last-minute change as a unilateral move from the part of the IOC. Dubi said official data during this summer’s test races showed the competitions next year could likely be held in conditions that World Athletics considers as prohibiting

NYON, Switzerland (Reuters) - UEFA is to introduce a new-look playoff system for its 2022 World Cup qualifying competition which will avoid the need to compare results of teams in different groups.

UEFA said the 55 teams, who will be battling for 13 places at the tournament in Qatar, will be divided into 10 groups.

The 10 group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup while the runners-up will go into the playoffs along with two more teams from the 2020-21 Nations League.

Those 12 teams will then be divided into three paths, with a one-leg semi-final and a one-leg final in each path to decide the remaining three European finalists.

In the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, there were nine groups where the winners qualified directly and the best eight runners-up went into four two-leg playoffs.

UEFA president criticises VAR use, says football needs uncertainty

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin during the press conference (REUTERS/Denis Balibouse)

NYON, Switzerland (Reuters) - Football needs uncertainty, the head of European soccer body UEFA said yesterday, as he criticised the way VAR technology had changed the character of football matches.

Aleksander Ceferin said that UEFA would propose soccer’s rulemaking IFAB make changes to the way the VAR system, officially introduced in 2018, was being implemented, though he did not want to give more details.

The use of VAR, where match officials use video replays to check decisions by the referee on the pitch and flag possible mistakes, has been surrounded by controversy over the last few months.

Critics say the system goes far beyond its original remit and that decisions are taking too long.

“The game is changing and we are afraid that it is changing too much,” Ceferin told reporters following a UEFA executive committee meeting, adding that the search for refereeing perfection was futile.

“Football needs uncertainty because the players make mistakes and the referees on the pitch have to take responsibility, not some people hidden in a van or a building 500 kilometres from the venue,” he said.

“I can live with the fact that referees are human beings who make mistakes but now when technology makes a mistake, that is a problem,” he said.

Ceferin said he was not against VAR in principle but said that “we have to make it clearer, we have to make it faster, we have to make it less invasive - but it will stay.”

One of the biggest sources of controversy has involved offside decisions where VAR officials use gridlines superimposed on the screen, leading to goals being disallowed because a player’s toe or armpit was offside.

“The line is very thin and it’s drawn by the VAR so it’s the subjective line of an objective fact which is a bit strange,” said Ceferin.

Other sources of confusion include the new handball rule and how far back in a move VAR officials should go when checking for infringements.

“Do we check five minutes, do we check 15 minutes?” he said. “The referee never said in the past that we had to go back to a foul seven minutes ago.”

“We still don’t know which handball is handball, who is drawing the lines, how thick the lines are ... there are many questions ahead.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, December 05, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: 337-Haniff Mohammed (vs WI, Bridgetown, 1958) 210*- Fakhar Zaman (vs ZIM, Bulawayo, 2018)

TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) Who has taken most Test wickets for Australia to date?

(2) Who has taken most ODI wickets for Australia to date?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

26

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

Former England cricket captain Bob Willis dies at age 70

Smith loses mantle as world’s top Test batsman to Kohli … David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne move into the top 10 AUSTRALIA’S Steve Smith has relinquished his crown as the world’s No.1 Test batsman with India maestro Virat Kohli taking the mantle.

Smith had a rare quiet series against Pakistan, with top-order batsmen David Warner (489 runs) and Marnus Labuschagne (347) dominant as Australia powered to a series clean-sweep.

international cricket.

He regained No.1 spot on the back of his prolific series with the bat in the Ashes, during which he hammered 774 runs in four Tests at an extraordinary 110.57.

Kohli crafted 136 in his last Test innings against Bangladesh last month and also hit an unbeaten 254 against South in October.

James Anderson (575 wickets, left), Stuart Broad (471, right) and Sir Ian Botham (383, second left) are the only England bowlers to have since surpassed Bob Willis’ tally. (BBC Sport)

THE fast bowler took 325 wickets in 90 Tests from 1971 to 1984, claiming a career-best 8-43 to help England to a famous win over Australia at Headingley in the 1981 Ashes.

He captained England in 18 Tests and 29 one-day internationals before his retirement from all forms of cricket in 1984.

In a statement, Willis’ family said he had died “after a long illness”.

“We are heartbroken to lose our beloved Bob, who was an incredible husband, father, brother and grandfather,” the statement continued.

“He made a huge impact on everybody he knew and we will miss him terribly.”

Willis subsequently worked as a summariser on BBC TV before joining Sky Sports as a commentator in 1991.

He continued to work for Sky and was part of their coverage of this summer’s Ashes series.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said it was “deeply saddened to say farewell” to a “legend of English cricket”.

“We are forever thankful for everything he has done for the game,” it added. “Cricket has lost a dear friend.”

Willis represented Surrey for the first two years of his professional career before spending 12 years at Warwickshire, finishing with 899 wickets from 308 first-class matches at an average of 24.99.

In a statement on Twitter, Surrey said the club was “devastated” by the news of Willis’ passing.

The Sunderland-born bowler made his international debut aged 21 in the 1971 Ashes after being called up to replace the injured Alan Ward and played the final four Tests of the seven-match series as England won 2-0.

Despite needing surgery on both knees in 1975, he became one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation, playing another nine years and claiming his 325 wickets at an impressive average of 25.20.

At the time of Willis’ retirement, only Australia fast bowler Dennis Lillee had taken more Test wickets.

Virat Kohli crafted 136 jn his last Test innings against Bangladesh

Smith made four in Brisbane and 36 in Adelaide, arriving at the crease with Australia in a strong position and searching for quick runs.

Australia cruised to an innings victory in both Tests, with Smith losing eight points (moving from 931 to 923), leaving him five points astern of India’s skipper.

Smith previously held the top ranking from December 2015 to August 2018 but lost the title to Kohli while he was on the sidelines serving his 12-month suspension from

Dominant MYO start Inter-Jamaat 10-over softball competition with three wins THE Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) started the 2019 MYO/Trophy Stall Inter-Jamaat 10-over softball cricket competition with three consecutive wins at their home ground last Sunday.

Not only did the runners-up in the last competition beat New Mosque and New Amsterdam Masjid, but also gained revenge against defending champions Diamond New Scheme Masjid.

In a repeat of last season’s final, Diamond New Scheme won the toss and opted to take first strike, but they could muster only 85-8 in their allotted overs.

Shafeek Ismail was the only batsman in double figures.

His 45 was punctuated with five fours and three sixes.

Ti m o re M o h a m e d ,

who was outstanding with the ball, finished with two scalps, so too did Chien ‘Shaheed’ Gittens and Richard Latif.

Chien ‘Shaheed’ Gittens was outstanding for MYO

Opener Gittens then returned with the bat to score an unbeaten 43 (4x4, 3x6) to lift his team to a victorious 86-2 in 7.1 overs.

MYO had started the day with a 23-run victory over New Mosque.

The home team won the

toss and opted to bat. Mohamed led the attack with a blistering 60 runs, which included five fours and a similar number of sixes to lift his team to 103-6.

Rahim Ali and Imran Ally led New Mosque’s bowling attack with three and two wickets respectively.

In the middle, New Mosque struggled to hit freely, which was evident with only two sixes in their innings.

Mohamed again picked up two wickets, but in support of Fazal Nazeem who finished with three as the visitors succumbed for 80-6.

Against New Amsterdam Masjid, MYO again won the toss and opted to take first strike, this time they raced to a massive

135-3 from their allotted overs. Safraz Essau and Gittens opened with a 59run partnership, before the latter fell for 37 (2x4, 3x6).

Richard Latif, another hard-ball cricketer, came to the crease and battled sensibly. Although Essau fell for 25 (1x4, 2x6), Latif played on and reached 43 (1x4, 4x6) before he succumbed.

Mohamed remained unbeaten on 16 (2x4) at the end.

NA, in reply, looked solid for most of their innings, but fell short by just 12 runs with seven wickets in hand. Wahab Edoo led the attack for the visitors with 45 (6x6), and although he got support from opener Raymond Mohamed (retired hurt for 31 (2x6)) they could not overhaul the score.

In the other clash, New Amsterdam Masjid were able to get past New Mosque.

NA lost the toss but were asked to take first strike and they capitalised.

Several of their batsmen had starts, which pushed their score to 123-2.

Martin Singh scored 24 runs (2x4, 1x6), Carl Gilgeous 27 runs (3x4), Wahab Edoo 28 not out (3x4, 2x6) and Raymond Mohamed 26 not out (5x4).

The total proved too much for New Mosque once again as they were bowled out for 71 runs in 9.4 overs after Bashir Kellawan got a hat-trick in the seventh over.

Altaf Samaroo and Amil Ally scored 22 and 21 runs respectively, in vain.

Warner and Labuschagne lifted their rankings after combining for four centuries against Pakistan’s inexperienced bowling attack, giving Australia three batsmen in the top 10.

Warner rebounded from a poor Ashes series with scores of 154 at the Gabba and 335 not out at Adelaide Oval, claiming player-of-the-series honours.

The left-hander averaged a remarkable 489 across the two Tests as he moved from 17th to fifth on the ICC Test rankings.

Labuschagne continues to rocket up the rankings after posting his first two Test centuries, his contributions of 185 and 162 helping him nail down the vital No.3 position and move to eighth position.

Labuschagne sat in 95th spot when summoned as a concussion substitute for Smith in the Lord’s Ashes Test in August.

He finished that series against England as Australia’s second-highest run-scorer – behind Smith – with 353 runs at 50.42.

Pat Cummins retained his position atop the Test bowling rankings after returning eight wickets against Pakistan.

Josh Hazlewood moved from ninth to eighth after collecting 10 wickets at 22 apiece.

Mitchell Starc, the leading wicket-taker in the series with 14 at 17, improved his ranking from 18th to 14th.

Nathan Lyon also moved up, gaining one position to sit in 21st spot ahead of Australia’s three-match series against New Zealand, starting on December 12.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 5, 2019

Determination helps Phoenix judokas to five medals at Inter-Guiana tournament A TOUGH battle against judokas from home team Suriname and French Guiana did not stop Phoenix Judo and Jiu-Jitsu Club from bringing back five medals, including a gold at the recently concluded 2019 Suriname Independence Inter-Guiana Judo Tournament.

According to coach/ manager of the side, Bruce Fraser, the club’s representatives battled hard against some good competitors at the Ring Sport Centre in

The 12-member team who travelled to Suriname for the event

South African cricketers threaten strike ahead of England series

By Nick Said

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has threatened strike action by players weeks before England are due to arrive for a four-Test tour as growing dismay at the country’s governing body threatens to boil over.

South Africa and England are due to meet on Boxing Day in the first Test at Centurion, but the chaos engulfing Cricket South Africa (CSA) has placed that under threat as players meet to discuss industrial action tomorrow.

SACA chief executive Tony Irish told Reuters the England fixtures are “unlikely” to be affected by any industrial action, but could not rule it out.

“We still have to discuss the principle of it (industrial action), this is a very early stage of discussion and we will be very mindful of the importance of the international fixtures. It is unlikely those will be affected,” he said.

“We will be responsible around the international tours, because we know that those affect teams from outside of South Africa.”

Irish said any strike action will be a last resort, but added the players have been left exasperated by CSA’s refusal to engage with them on a number of issues.

“It is an exhaustion of all other means of trying to deal with issues. Agreements are breached, we raise concerns, we try to resolve issues, and the result from the other side (CSA) is just to carry on. At some stage you must decide whether you will accept that,” he said.

“It is about protecting the game and making sure it is healthy and sustainable going forward. That is critical for the players, whose livelihoods depend on it.”

SACA are embroiled in a court battle with CSA over plans to restructure the local game, expanding it from six domestic franchises to 12, but which could mean a reduction in earnings for players.

SACA, which represents 310 professional cricketers, have previously bemoaned a lack of transparency from CSA on a range of issues relating to the financial position of the organisation and concerns around its governance.

There is also fresh unhappiness that a Fantasy League product, endorsed by CSA for their Mzansi Super League Twenty20 competition, is using names and images of players without their permission, potentially also putting them at risk of unwittingly flouting gambling rules in CSA’s own anti-corruption code.

Paramaribo.

“I was happy with the results as everyone supported each other ... and performed creditably. French Guiana summoned some elite athletes from France ... so we were competing against some of the best athletes in the world.”

A number of big names in the sport competed, including Eole Picot, Shaquille Van Zicam, Anne Meyer and Zizov Abas.

Even with all the odds against the Guyanese judokas, they still managed to cop one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

“This proves that martial artists from Phoenix can compete at the high-

est level as well,” Fraser added.

MEDAL WINNERS Rayon Yaw won gold in the 60kg category, while Katrina Ford and Josh Fraser won silver medals in 70kg and 26kg respectively.

Meanwhile, Grace Jarvis and Webster McRae Jr secured bronze medals when they competed in the 70kg and 81kg divisions.

Fraser noted that sponsors International Technical Supplies, Eddie Delima, Tracmax, K. Mangal and Sons, Fitness Express, Charles Ramson Jr, Fight Central and Ghamandi’s Auto Color, made the trip possible.

National volleyball squad to be selected by January 2020 - Nedd PRESIDENT of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) Levi Nedd has confirmed that the national team will be selected as early as January 2020, to prepare for a number of events next year.

Last weekend’s ‘SpikeDown 2K19’, which was a collaboration between the National Sports Commission (NSC), the GVF and a pair of University of Guyana (UG) second year Law students; witnessed a collective calling for the immediate resuscitation of the sport.

Speaking with Chronicle Sport, Nedd said he was thrilled over the support shown by the three counties - Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara - as well as Director of Sport Chris Jones and the Government of Guyana; who helped to put on one of the better senior tournaments at the National

Gymnasium in recent times.

“They (the government) have been consistent in their support of the GVF; they have continued to support and they have pledged to do so in the future so I’m pleased about that,” Nedd stated.

While the crown was won by the more experienced Young Achievers side, a number of junior players turned up to compete against a seasoned roster of players and Nedd lauded their courage and dedication. “I’m happy that young

GVF president Levi Nedd with some of the players following last weekend’s tournament

players have participated in the tournament especially those younger than 20, which shows volleyball can continue to grow”.

As for 2020, the GVF head pointed towards January as an important month for the Federation, as they will be looking to form their national squad and immediately begin the training/ gelling process.

The team will compete in a number of local and overseas senior competitions throughout next year while the GVF will continue to spread their ongoing coaching clinics across Guyana.

Nedd further thanked the executives of the GVF for supporting the resuscitation of the sport hinting at a possible female festival tournament to wrap up 2019, once player availability and time permit. (Clifton Ross)

Man United Rashford’s double spoils Mourinho’s return

By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Jose Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford ended in defeat as Marcus Rashford scored twice for Manchester United in a deserved 2-1 Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur, yesterday.

Mourinho was sacked as United manager almost a year ago and this was his first defeat in four games since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs last month.

After their worst start to a season since 1988, United fans were justified in viewing Mourinho’s return with apprehension.

But a hugely encouraging night for United ended with the Stretford End roaring their approval of his successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after an impressive performance by his team lifted them to sixth in the table.

Rashford put United ahead in the seventh min-

ute but a piece of technical brilliance from Dele Alli brought Spurs level, only for a 49th-minute Rashford penalty to secure the three points for the hosts.

The England striker was at his very best, strutting around the frontline and terrifying the Spurs defence but Solskjaer will also be delighted with a hugely improved performance from oft-criticised Brazilian midfielder Fred.

The opener was scored when Spurs defender Davinson Sanchez came off second best in a tussle with Jesse Lingard and the ball fell to Rashford, who confidently unleashed a low drive which rattled in off the post.

Rashford went close again with an 18th-minute free kick which curled past Paulo Gazzaniga’s right-hand post.

Argentine keeper Gazzaniga was soon in action again to keep out a low shot from Greenwood – after Daniel James again caused problems

for Jan Vertonghen.

Rashford was playing with real swagger and he went close to a second in the 25th minute with a perfectly struck, dipping drive which Gazzaniga brilliantly tipped on to the bar.

POWERFUL PRESENCE With Scott McTominay a powerful presence, United were dominating midfield and continued to threaten the Spurs goal, Rashford floating a shot just wide and Lingard going close.

But a moment of brilliance at the other end brought Tottenham level six minutes before the break.

Serge Aurier’s shot was saved by the legs of David De Gea, the ball looped high in the air and Alli produced a remarkable piece of skill to bring the ball down and twist past Fred and Ashley Young before finishing with aplomb.

After all their pressure it was tough on United to go in at the interval without a lead

but they were soon to restore their advantage.

Cutting in from the left, Rashford jinked past Aurier, burst into the box and was tripped by Moussa Sissoko, earning a penalty which he took and, from a short run-up, slotted home.

Gazzaniga saved Spurs again with a fine diving stop from James and when Mourinho introduced Christian Eriksen to the midfield Spurs threatened more, but there was real grit about United.

Alli tested De Gea with a low shot in stoppage time but the night belonged to Rashford and a young United side who got the perfect boost before Saturday’s trip to the Etihad Stadium for the Manchester derby.

“This is the hardest we’ve had to work to get a result,” Rashford said.

“The position we’re in now, we want these games.

We want to show people we can play against top teams.”

The 13 boxers and two coaches (opposite ends) will represent Guyana in T&T at the Caribbean Championships

Trimmed down boxing team wings out for Caribbean Boxing Championships THE Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) team left with 13 boxers yesterday to compete in what is expected to be a challenging 2019 Caribbean Boxing Championships, scheduled for Trinidad and Tobago from last night to December 9.

Initially, GBA had named a team of 21 boxers and four officials, but a lack of funding forced them to trim the squad, led by renowned coaches Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake.

Support came from the National Sports Commission, firstly with $500 000 then on Tuesday with a cheque for an additional $500 000. John Fernandes Group of Companies also played a major role.

According to president of GBA, Steve Ninvalle, some $5M was needed to carry the original squad.

Leading the charge in Trinidad and Tobago would be arguably Guyana’s best amateur boxer Keevin ‘Lightning’ Allicock, who told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday from the Twin Island Republic that he is all set.

“I AM READY TO DO IT BIG” Allicock is one of several Caribbean medal winners in the side. The current bantamweight champion is joined by Caribbean Middleweight champion ‘Dynamic’ Desmond Amsterdam, former Lightweight Champion Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis and former Middleweight silver medallist Dennis Thomas.

Guyana’s top teenage female boxers, the Jackman sisters, Abiola and Alesha, are making their first overseas trip. Alesha will battle in the Elite Junior Flyweight

No Haynes as Desai named Windies batting coach ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Little known “I have worked with Monty before and he former Canada head coach, Monty Desai, has is an excellent coach. He has proved he has the been appointed West Indies batting coach. ability to get players to improve on their talent The Indian has signed a two-year contract and also to perform better in matches,” said and has joined the squad ahead of the opening Simmons.

Twenty20 International of the three-match se“He has vast knowledge of the game and it ries against India starting Friday in Hyderabad. is good he is starting here with us in India. I look Significantly, Desai’s appointment has forward to seeing him work with our batsmen in dashed any lingering hopes that legendary all formats as we look to get better in all areas.” former West Indies opener, Desmond Haynes, Desai, also a former batting coach with would take up the role.

United Arab Emirates, said the prospect Haynes was snubbed for the top post of of working with a team with “such a rich head coach, missing out to Phil Simmons, but history” was an exciting one. another West Indies icon Michael Holding “I am very much looking forward said recently he hoped Haynes could be to being part of a journey where I can appointed as part of the Windies manhelp to create a winning work enviagement group. ronment, learn and embrace a new “Desmond Haynes cer­tain­ly has culture, and build a ‘happy dressing good qual­ifi ­ ­ca­tions as far as be­ing a room’ tradition alongside other excelbat­ting coach is con­cerned. He has lent leaders,” he said. done it over­seas … and I think Dessie “I am eager to join forces with knows enough about bat­ting and has head coach Phil Simmons and direchelped young­sters in the past with tor of cricket, Jimmy Adams, and their bat­ting, that a place could our captains, such that I may (be found for him),” the contribute in every possilegendary former fast ble way to the success of bowler said. our team.”

But Desai, who Desai joins a Winserved as Afghanistan dies management batting coach at the group which also World Cup qualifiers comprises bowling last year, has partcoach Roddy Estnered with Simwick and fielding mons before and coach Rayon Grifhas gained the nod. New Windies batting coach Monty Desai fith.

(49kg) division and her older sister Abiola in the Welterweight (69kg) division.

The other boxers are Mark Crawford (Youth Lightweight), Richard Howard (Youth Bantamweight) Julius Kesney (Bantamweight), Daren France (91kg Heavyweight), Kevin Hunte (Super Heavyweight), Emanuel Pompey (Middleweight 75kg) and Kevin McKenzie (Welterweight).

Some 21 nations are set to battle at the championships, including powerhouse Cuba, who have produced several World and Olympic champions.

This would be the first time that Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are expected to send boxers to the event and they are expected to make an impact.

Harper, Bascombe laud WIEP following Super50 win SELECTORS Roger Harper and Miles Bascombe congratulated the West Indies Emerging Players (WIEP) on winning the Colonial Medical Insurance Super50 tournament but cited areas of improvement.

An official release from Cricket West Indies (CWI) gave insight into Harper and Bascombe’s thoughts following the tournament. Harper was present in Trinidad and Tobago for their leg of the tourney, combining those duties with recent international squad selection duties.

The former West Indies and Guyana cricketer Harper said the WIEP team was a good route for players who might have been overlooked by their national sides.

“What the West Indies Emerging Players team does is provide players, who may have just missed out on selection for their national teams, an opportunity to play. Considering the way these guys have performed, it shows that they are very skilled.

“They have played as a team from the start and were highly motivated since many of them probably felt they should have made their respective home sides,” said Harper.

Harper, Windies head selector, credited the WIEP and coach for making the most of their opportunities and capitalising on them.

“It augurs well to see a team like this, so that you can see that extra bit of talent. Special credit must go coach Floyd Reifer and the rest of the management team for the magnificent job they did with these young players,” he stated.

the depth in the talent pool.

These players were not selected by their franchise for whatever reason but that was by no means an indication of lack of ability “They displayed good knowledge of their roles and a planned, strategic approach for which praise must go to their coaching staff but more so to the players who executed well,” said Bascombe.

WIEP won the title and

West Indies selectors Miles Bascombe (left) and Roger Harper

Meanwhile, Bascombe, who was present for the matches in the St Kitts leg, also gave his views on the Emerging Players as well as some tournament observations. “For me the main take away from the victory by the Emerging Players is

upset a number of teams who had been fighting for years to own the piece of silverware. Both Bascombe and Harper believed that the players, upon further training and game-time, will be well-polished for the future.

South African cricketers threaten strike ahead of England series 27 PAGE

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday December 5, 2019

Nato summit: Trump calls Trudeau ‘two-faced’ over video (BBC) US President Donald Trump has called Justin Trudeau “two-faced” over a video in which the Canadian leader appears to mock him at a meeting of Nato leaders.

Footage showed Mr Trudeau, UK PM Boris Johnson and French leader Emmanuel Macron discussing an impromptu press conference held by Mr Trump.

Nato leaders agreed a statement of unity but the 70th anniversary meeting held near London also saw several rows.

Mr Trump cancelled a press conference planned for after the summit.

He told reporters: “We’ll go directly back. I think we’ve done plenty of news conferences.”

What was in the video?

The brief video posted on Twitter by Canada’s public broadcaster, CBC, showed Mr Trudeau chatting with a group of leaders, including Mr Johnson, Mr Macron, Dutch

Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and Queen Elizabeth’s daughter Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace.

At the start of the footage, Mr Johnson asked Mr Macron: “Is that why you were late?”

Mr Trudeau then interjects: “He was late because he takes a 40-minute press conference off the top.”

Mr Macron then appears to tell an anecdote, but his words are drowned out by background noise. An amused Mr Trudeau then replies: “Oh yeah, yeah, he announced... [inaudible]. You just watched his team’s jaw drop to the floor.”

None of them appeared to realise they were being recorded.

In response, Mr Trump said of Mr Trudeau: “He’s twofaced... I find him to be a nice guy, but the truth is I called him out on the fact that he’s not paying 2% [of national GDP towards defence] and I guess he’s not very happy about it.

“He’s not paying 2% and he should be paying 2%. Canada - they have money. Look, I’m representing the US and he should be paying more than he’s paying, he understands it...

I can imagine he’s not that happy but that’s the way it is.”

Asked about the video, Mr Johnson told reporters: “It’s complete nonsense. I don’t know where that’s come from.”

Mr Trudeau later told reporters that they hadn’t been laughing about Mr Trump’s press conference, but about

Thursday,December 05, 12:30hrs - 14:00hrs

the location of the next G7 summit - Camp David, the US presidential country retreat.

“I have a very good relationship with Trump,” he added.

What did the leaders’ joint statement say?

In the statement, Nato leaders said: “To stay secure we must look to the future together.”

It then acknowledged the “challenges” posed by China and Russia, and pledged to take “stronger action” against terrorism.

Although the 29-member bloc’s future is not in doubt, there are disagreements over Turkey’s recent military action in northern Syria; the levels of military spending by members; and recent comments by Mr Macron that the alliance is “brain dead”.

Despite the divisions, Mr Johnson - the host of the event described Nato as a “giant shield of solidarity” that “protects nearly a billion people”, saying at the start of the meeting at a luxury resort in Watford: “As long as we stand together, no-one can hope to defeat us.”

Mr Trump, who once called Nato “obsolete”, had earlier hit back by saying Mr Macron had been “very disrespectful” by describing Nato as “brain dead”, calling them “nasty” comments. Mr Macron said he stood by his remarks.

President Trump and Mr Johnson held unscheduled bilateral talks and, ahead of Wednesday’s talks, Mr Trump tweeted they both had “talked about numerous subjects including Nato and trade”.

What’s the background to the tensions?

Nato, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, started out in 1949 with just 12 countries as members but having now expanded to a bloc of 29, it is increasingly difficult for the alliance to project a united front.

Nato estimates for 2019 show there are now eight countries - in addition to the US - meeting the target agreed by all members to spend 2% or more of their gross domestic product (GDP, a measure of economic output) on defence.

Before departing for London, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said he would oppose a Nato defence plan for the Baltic region and Poland if the bloc did not support Turkey over its fight against Kurdish groups in Syria it considers terrorists.

Mr Stoltenberg later told reporters that the alliance had been able to resolve the disagreement with Turkey, allowing Nato’s plans to go ahead.

As well as the Turkish issue, talks had centred on the rising threats of China and Russia.

After the summit, Mr Macron said that while Russia was a threat to Nato in some respects, in others the country could be a “partner”.

“Around the table, would everyone recognise Russia as an enemy? I don’t think that is the case,” he told a news conference.

“On some topics Russia is seen as a threat, this is true... But Russia is also a partner in some issues. We’re working and having concrete discussions with Russia on certain issues.”

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