Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_12_09_2019

THURSDAY 12th SEPTEMBER, 2019

' No.105758

‘A RECIPE FOR GRIDLOCK’

…Legal, electoral experts warn that failure to produce ID cards can plunge the country in another round of legal actions …say “Esther Perreira case has turned on its own facts” SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

President accredits three ambassadors …emphasises relations founded on mutual respect, non-interference

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Foreign investments to top US$1.2B this year -says Finance Minister

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AG briefs Carter Center on political situation …raises concern over CJ ruling on overseas-based Guyanese on voters list SEE STORY ON PAGE 13

Massy opens‘Mega’ store at MovieTowne complex

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-Finance Minister urges company to support local Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (third from left) and Chairman of Massy’s Integrated Retail Business Unit, David Affonso (fourth from right) cut the ceremonial ribbon to declare Massy Mega open. Watching on is Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar (third from right) and other officials of Massy (Delano Williams photo)

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Massy opens ‘Mega’ store at MovieTowne complex

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

-Finance Minister urges company to support local

By Navendra Seoraj ONE of the largest business conglomerates in the Caribbean, Massy Group, has opened a “Massy Stores Mega” in the MovieTowne compound at Turkeyen.

The store, which is the second Massy Mega and the 49th Massy Store in the Caribbean, was opened with the

aim of transforming the local shopping experience.

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, while congratulating the company for its efforts, noted that Massy Stores must work with local farmers, manufacturers and distributors to promote local products and produce. “I have been to several supermarkets and I have seen the

contempt with which local products are treated. This cannot continue. We are no one’s cash cow. I reiterate: we welcome all investments.

But partnerships between the foreign investor and the locals must be encouraged and developed as an integral part of doing business in Guyana,” said Minister Jordan in his remarks during the open-

ing ceremony on Wednesday.

The minister said he is looking forward to the development and growth of a symbiotic relationship between Massy Stores and local suppliers.

He asserted that supermarkets must avoid becoming centres of imported products, especially those that can TURN TO PAGE

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Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (right) and Chairman of Massy’s Integrated Retail Business Unit, David Affonso touring the new Mega complex (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, THURSDay September 12, 2019

A RECIPE FOR GRIDLOCK

By Svetlana Marshall

FAILURE to issue Identification Cards, ahead of elections, to the more than 370,000 Guyanese who registered during the just concluded House-to-House Registration could result in legal actions being taken against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and an invalidation of the elections, one of Guyana’s legal luminaries has said.

At one of its most recent meetings, GECOM’s Secretariat proposed that General and Regional Elections be held by March 2020, noting that such a plan is in compliance with the established statutory timelines. That work-plan, among other things, make provision for the production of Identification (ID) cards, but People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) nominated Elections Commissioner, Bibi Shadick has said that the issuance of ID cards is unnecessary at this juncture. In another publication, Shadick said ID cards are not absolutely required for an eligible voter to cast his or her ballot, pointing out that other forms of identification such as a passport can be used. In lieu of any such documents, Shadick submitted that voters could sign an oath at the polling stations. In support of that Shadick’s position, referenced was made to the 2001 Esther Perreira Elections Petition case.

But in an interview with Guyana Chronicle, a Guyanese legal luminary said the “Esther Perreira case has turned on its own facts,” while warning that failure to issue ID cards could plunge the country into another series of legal actions which could result in an invalidation of the elections by the Courts. The retired judge said while Justice Claudette Singh, who now chairs the Elections Commission, had ruled, on January 15, 2001, that the amended legislation

which provided for the use of the voter ID cards in 1997 was unconstitutional, the Elections Commission must take into consideration Section 12 of the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08. Section 12 states: “The Commissioner shall, in accordance with regulations made for the purpose, prepare identification cards for, and cause them to be issued in such manner as he thinks fit, to persons registered under this Act.” The retired judge explained that while the National Registration Act, in Section 12, did not address the issue of voting in an election, it mandated that the Commissioner must issue an ID card to a registrant. Failure to issue ID cards, in this case where more than 370, 000 persons have registered would create an avenue for the elections to be challenged on the basis that close to 400,000 people were not issued with ID cards.

Noting that it is mandatory for the Commissioner of National Registration, Keith Lowenfield to issue the ID cards, the legal luminary said it is important for the Chairman of the Commission, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh and her Commissioners to “cross every ‘T’ and dot every ‘I,’ going into these elections with the support of the Elections Secretariat.

Not applicable “The Esther Perreira case has turned on its own facts,” the legal source iterated while contending that Esther Perreira Case is not applicable to this current situation. It was explained that in the Esther Perreira case, eligible voters were barred from voting in the absence of an ID card, in total breach of the Constitution.

“What is the effect of Act 22 of 1997?

This Act introduces the concept of “no card, no vote,” that is, it made it compulsory for a

…Legal, electoral experts warn that failure to produce ID cards can plunge the country in another round of legal actions …say “Esther Perreira case has turned on its own facts”

person to have a voter’s identification card in order to vote. It would follow therefore that the constitutional right to vote would be denied to any person who did not produce such a card.

There is nothing wrong with Parliament enacting such legislation, but any such law ought not to be inconsistent with the Constitution,” Justice Singh had reasoned in her January 2001 ruling.

“I make observation that article 159, which prohibits a person from voting if that person is not registered to vote does not add any further qualifications. With the introduction of the voter’s identification, a person may be registered and still not be able to vote,” Justice Singh had stated in her ruling. But the legal luminary while concurring with Justice Singh’s ruling iterated that registrants, in keeping with the National Registration Act, must be issued with ID cards ahead of elections. “Don’t let them use Esther Perreira willy-nilly that turned on its own facts.”

GECOM MUST ACT Weighing in on the issue, an electoral expert told Guyana Chronicle that GECOM must act in compliance with the Constitution, the National Registration Act, and the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act, and nothing else would be acceptable. “We cannot look at it in isolation to say that you’re registered, go vote…. You registered, it is mandatory that GECOM issues you with an ID card,” the electoral experts said, adding that the National Registration Act has placed “a burden, a duty” on the Commissioner of National Registration to issue ID cards to registrants.

“If I register to go on the official list of electors for elections and the Commissioner of Registration, the person of Keith Lowenfield, fails to provide me with an ID card, when the election is

Massy opens ‘Mega’ store at ...

readily be sourced locally - whether it is bottled water, packaged roti or sugar cake.

Such actions have the effects of pushing the “small man” out of business, thereby aggravating the unemployment situation; damaging the cultural and culinary psyche; and leaking foreign exchange.

“I hope our forthcoming Local Content legislation will provide clarity to this very important requirement.

Partnership and profit are not anathema; it is a win-win for all. Supporting local producers while balancing variety, cost and convenience works out best all round.

“The farmer that has a contract with Massy Stores to supply pumpkins is assured of a ready market and can, therefore, cultivate his crop and look forward to an assured income. Timely assistance to the farmer, through extension services provided by our Ministry of Agriculture would ensure that Massy Stores is supplied with fresh produce of a high standard and quality,” said Minister Jordan.

While supporting local, he said Massy Mega must also seek to distinguish itself from other supermarkets through its offer of a wide range of alternative, biological and organic products.

With rising household incomes, the Guyanese customer is expected to become increas-

The new Massy Mega which was opened on Wednesday (Delano Williams photo)

ingly sophisticated in their shopping habits and demands.

“I daresay that your company’s expansion in Guyana is evidence of the confidence that you repose in the economy’s future. Our Government does not see you as carpetbaggers, a derogatory term associated with scallywags and ‘no goods’ that was used by an increasingly frustrated and irritated Opposition Leader to describe investors coming to Guyana,” said Minister Jordan.

In his remarks, Chairman of Massy’s Integrated Retail Business Unit, David Affonso said Massy Mega offers a unique format to customers.

The mega format is much like the warehouse or club shopping experience which has become popular in the USA, where customers have

the option to purchase a wide variety of items in larger quantities at very affordable price points. The big difference with Massy Mega is that there are no membership fees, all are welcome.

“This store represents a deepening of our investment in this market, it is also evidence of our continued commitment to Guyana and more so to the people of Guyana who we proudly serve,” said Affonso.

“Our choice of location at MovieTowne was another important convenience. This location is a hub of entertainment and provides customers with many options at one location…world-class cinemas, premium dining options and now with Massy Mega, an exceptional shopping experience,” said Affonso.

He said Massy Mega is a one of a kind retail location, which significantly diversifies the country’s retail space in several ways. “We have always strived to deliver the highest quality products, services and experience to our customers,” said the chairman, adding that Massy Mega offers a unique value proposition to the Guyana market.

While the Massy Stores’ Providence location delivers the traditional features of a supermarket, the Turkeyen location offers a warehouse shopping experience which spans over 34,000 square feet of retail space, with an expanded range of bulk and non-food items.

The non-food offerings include several new categories such as electronics, generators, tenting, luggage and auto accessories, to name a few.

The new store also includes a bakery, pharmacy and deli.

over, I can take him to court, and argue that he didn’t provide me with a document to show my registration. The thing is not the idea of saying I cannot turn up at a polling station without the card to register because there are other mechanisms in place but because I registered, you must, the law says, issue me with an ID card,” the expert explained.

In the other publication it was stated that Justice Singh had also ordered that elections be held by March 21, 2001 but records tell a different story. According to records, Justice Singh, though ruling that election was vitiated (invalid), said she had no power to order the then President Bharrat Jagdeo or the government to leave office. “I have no authority to ask the President, the Cabinet nor anyone in the government to step down…Therefore, the government will remain in office until the March 19 elections,” Justice Singh had told a packed courtroom.

Her ruling was in keeping with the Herdmanston Accord, and agreements that flowed from it. On December 7, 2000, Jagdeo and the then Opposition Leader, Desmond Hoyte, after a 90-minute meeting, which included Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) and Manzoor Nadir of The United Force (TUF), agreed that the pending elections would be held on March 19, 2001.

While Jagdeo, now in opposition, is demanding that the President and his Ministers of Government step down following March 21, 2019, the record shows that while as President he made it clear that he was not stepping down after January 17, 2001. ◄ From page 2

Massy started its operations in Guyana just over 50 years ago and since then, the conglomerate has grown and is participating in industries such as information technology, automotive, gas products, industrial equipment, financial services and distribution and retail.

The company has also aligned itself to Guyana’s sustainability agenda but implementing a charge for single use plastic bags. Affonso said positive customer response has led to an 80-90 per cent reduction in the circulation of single use plastic bags from all stores across the territories in which Massy operates.

This reduction in the use of single use bags resulted in over 40.5 million bags being removed from circulation across the Caribbean last year alone. The positive customer response was also merit in the increased use of reusable bags

and over the last year Massy has put one million reusable bags into circulation across the Caribbean.

The Massy Group which has been in operation since 1923 is a diversified regional conglomerate with operations throughout the Caribbean basin, Colombia and South Florida.

The Group employs over 11,000 people in its retail, distribution, automotive and industrial equipment, energy and gas products, financial services and other business sectors. With over 60 operating companies across six business segments comprising Massy Holdings, the Group can leverage significant synergies and deliver greater growth and value for stakeholders. Massy is a public company which is traded on the Trinidad & Tobago Stock Exchange.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Water found for first time on potentially habitable planet

(BBC) Astronomers have for the first time discovered water in the atmosphere of a planet orbiting within the habitable zone of a distant star.

The finding makes the world - which is called K2-18b - a plausible candidate in the search for alien life.

Within 10 years, new space telescopes might be able to determine whether K2-18b’s atmosphere contains gases that could be produced by living organisms.

Details were published in the scientific journal Nature

Astronomy.

The lead scientist, Prof Giovanna Tinetti of University College London (UCL) described the discovery as “mind blowing”.

“This is the first time that we have detected water on a planet in the habitable zone around a star where the temperature is potentially compatible with the presence of life,” she said.

The habitable zone is the region around a star where temperatures are sufficiently benign for water to exist in liquid form on the surface of

Waterworld: up to 50% of the atmosphere of K2-18b may be composed of water

a planet.

K2-18b is 111 light-years - about 650 million million miles - from Earth, too far to send a probe. So the only option is to wait for the next generation of space telescopes to be launched in the 2020s and to look for gasses in the planet’s atmosphere that could only be produced by living organisms, according to UCL’s Dr Ingo Waldmann.

“This is one of the biggest questions in science and we

have always wondered if we are alone in the Universe,” Dr Waldmann said. “Within the next 10 years, we will know whether there are chemicals that are due to life in those atmospheres.”

What is an exoplanet?

Planets beyond our Solar System are called exoplanets The first exoplanet was discovered in 1992, orbiting a pulsar (a neutron star that emits electromagnetic radiation) More than 4,000 have been

12 September, 2019 - 04:00hrs ~ 05:30hrs

detected to date using several techniques Many of these worlds are large planets believed to resemble Jupiter or Neptune Many giant planets have been found orbiting very close to their stars The team behind the discovery looked through the planets discovered by the Hubble Space Telescope between 2016 and 2017. The researchers determined some of the chemicals in their atmosphere by studying the changes to the starlight as the planets orbited their suns. The light filtered through the planets’ atmospheres was subtly altered by the composition of the atmosphere. Only K2-18b revealed the molecular signature of water, which is a vital ingredient for life on Earth. Computer modelling of the data suggested that up to 50% of its atmosphere could be water.

The new planet is just over twice the size of Earth and has a temperature cool enough to have liquid water, between zero and 40C. Dr Angelos Tsiaras, a member of the UCL team, said that finding water in the atmosphere of a potentially habitable exoplanet was “incredibly exciting”.

He said: “It brings us closer

to answering the fundamental question: Is the Earth unique?”

Long haul One difficulty with this approach, though, is that astronomers can’t agree on which gases would constitute evidence of life. That might be more of a longer haul.

It is likely to require a survey of the chemical composition of, perhaps, hundreds of worlds and an understanding of how they are created and evolve, according to Prof Tinetti.

“The Earth really stands out in our own Solar System. It has oxygen, water and ozone. But if we find all that around a planet around a distant star we have to be cautious about saying that it supports life,” she said.

“This is why we need to understand not just a handful of planets in the galaxy but hundreds of them. And what we hope is that the habitable planets will stand out, that we will see a big difference between the planets that are habitable and the ones that are not.”

Dr Beth Biller at Edinburgh University’s Institute of Astronomy said she believed that evidence of life on a planet around a distant star would eventually be discovered.

Wednesday September 11, 2019

07 14 18 19 22 23 11

C

September 6, 2019

06, 14, 20, 21, 26

8, 3, 0

4, 8, 3

05, 10, 11, 14, 17

05 07 09 17 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

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Hurricane Dorian: Bahamas lists 2,500 people as missing (BBC) Bahamas emergency services have listed 2,500 people as missing after Hurricane Dorian struck the islands last week.

This official count suggests the death toll will be much higher than the current 50, though the number of missing has yet to be checked against those in shelters and should fall.

Tens of thousands of people remain in need of aid.

Dorian equalled the highest winds ever recorded for a hurricane at landfall when it struck the Abaco Islands.

Large areas were devastated on the Abacos and on Grand Bahama.

What is on the new list?

The list was announced

by Carl Smith, a spokesman for the country’s National Emergency Management Agency (Nema), but he expressed caution as a database was still being processed and some of the people already evacuated had yet to register their names.

“At this point there are approximately 2,500 on the Bahamian government register,” Mr Smith said at a press conference.

“This list has not yet been checked against government records of who is staying in shelters or who have been evacuated,” he said.

The number is likely to

A body is removed from the Mudd shanty town on Great Abaco

fall as the cross-checking is carried out.

However, Bahamas officials earlier conceded the final death toll could be “staggering”.

What is happening on the ground?

Aid and government officials say about 5,000 people have been evacuated from the two hardest hit island groups.

Some 6,000 to 7,000 remain, according to a report by the UN World Food Programme.

Hundreds of people are being housed in temporary shelters in the capital, Nassau.

Emergency workers plan to build two tent cit-

ies around Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco Island.

The town was devastated by the hurricane, which flattened shanty towns known as the Mudd and Pigeon Peas.

Some residents have complained that aid has been too slow to arrive, but the Bahamas government has defended its operations and denied covering up the true death toll.

What happened when the storm struck?

Dorian was packing sustained winds of 185mph (295km/h) when it made landfall at Elbow Cay on the Abacos on 1 September. Only the 1935 Labor

Young: 100s of Venezuelans have registration cards (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) National Security Minister Stuart Young said this afternoon while he did not have an exact figure for Venezuelans who have received their registration

cards, he estimated it to be in the hundreds, possibly thousands.

Speaking with Newsday, Young said the authorities have been distributing the cards, a process which began

on July 26.

After weeks of checks and registration, government estimated there were 16,523 Venezuelans in TT.

T&T: Police: Pay firearm user’s licence fees (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) People with a firearm user’s licence (FUL) have been reminded to pay all outstanding fees.

At the police media briefing on Wednesday at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain, public relations officer Wayne Mystar said all late payments should

be cleared at the nearest police station.

The deadline was in April.

The Commissioner of Police may revoke any licence, certificate or permit for failure to pay the fees, Mystar warned.

He also said gun owners who are travelling and not

taking their guns should arrange for them to be properly stored at a police station.

Those who don’t wish to renew their licence or keep a legal gun can return the licence and gun to the officer in charge at the nearest police station.

Day hurricane could match that for wind speed at landfall.

The destruction of the Abaco Islands Dorian scythed through Great Abaco, devastating Marsh Harbour, then moved on to Grand Bahama where it lingered for almost two days before moving north.

Thousands of homes were severely damaged or destroyed and parts of the Bahamas received up to 35in (89cm) of rain, leaving vast areas flooded.

Aerial images after the storm passed showed mile upon mile of devastation.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Maintaining the Indigenous traditions T

HIS month has been designated Indigenous Heritage Month – set apart to honour the contributions of the nation’s First Peoples, given its specific significance. On September 10, 1957, Stephen Campbell was elected to the National Assembly, making him the first Indigenous person to be a Member of Parliament. This year’s observance is being held under the theme: “Maintaining traditional practices while promoting a green economy” and provides numerous opportunities for our diverse society to know more about the Indigenous community, and ways in which our common interests can be pursued to the collective growth and development of all the people and nation. For it is only through understanding, appreciation and respect for the other, accompanied by requisite institutional protection, can people in a multicultural society co-exist in peace and harmony.

To this country’s credit and that of its various administrations, there remain continuous efforts on

the part of government to ensure the Indigenous culture, i.e. way of life, gets its deserving space and respect in the national culture, that is, the Guyanese way of life. Such augur well for our national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” Though this community came to these shores through the Bering Strait of their own volition, the foundation of this society, as we know it was laid on exploitation and discrimination, and ensnared the group as the first casualty. Thus today, this oneness of experience – though groups have been affected by varying degrees – requires of us in seeking to understand the heritage of the other, and to do so with open, enquiring and receptive minds.

This year’s theme addresses our environment and more particularly its future, in the context of the Indigenous culture. It is to this nation’s benefit to learn how this community, who primarily occupy the hinterland regions, has been able to co-exist with nature through the centuries. Also, when the world is also looking at alternative medicine, foods and other

merchandise, including those organically grown and preserved, lessons can be learnt and economic and employment opportunities present from and within this community.

Where emphases are placed on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, which entail good environmental practices and the use and proper management of indigenous resources, those on the coastland can be empowered with knowledge from their hinterland counterparts.

With the fascination and fierce loyalty to modern technology, it should be borne in mind that over the ages this would have evolved from earliest man’s intuition and wisdom in understanding the environment and developing the tools to enhance his well-being.

For instance, before the clock, man told time from the sun, understood weather patterns and planned farming events through observation of atmospheric factors with almost scientific accuracy. Such techniques have been preserved in some communities.

And though such may today be

considered ‘backward’, technological advancement could not have taken place without them and it would be good for the society to hear of these traditions. Similar stories can be told about the environment, including navigating the rainforests without modern technologies such as the compass, the ability to outsmart one’s prey, along with knowledge of the flora and fauna, including its nutritional and medicinal values.

In architecture, persons can witness the marvel of the ingenuity of the Wai Wai tribe in construction of the Umana Yana (Wai Wai meaning “meeting place of the people”) without nails.

This structure is situated on Main Street adjacent to the Pegasus, (Le Meridien Hotel) and was constructed in 1972 during the Forbes Burnham administration for Guyana’s hosting of the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference.

The building was used as the VIP Lounge and recreation centre for the dignitaries and has retained its pre-eminence for events hosting.

Outside of the above, evidence can readily be seen in the coun-

Stabroek News is now mouthpiece for the PPP Dear Editor,

I

T is my opinion that the Stabroek News in recent months is appearing like the mouthpiece of the People’s Progressive Party. Its editorials are generally anti-coalition, which is a poor reflection on its claim of being the “free” press.

In its issue yesterday (Tuesday, September 10), it carried three letters from PPP executives, Clement Rohee, Donald Ramotar and Hydar

Ally-- all filled with reckless accusations.

Rohee is a known selfstyled conspiracy theorist who writes about “The plot thickens”, “a conspiracy” between Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the coalition, “moves” that are suspicions, such as non-nationals to be qualified for citizenship in order to vote in the next elections, etc.

Then he talked about “rigging” using “concocted citizenship” which al-

legation is without reason or proof. The next letter is from Ramotar, surprisingly signed with the appellation, “former president.” Both Stabroek News and the “former president” know that the High Court has ruled that house-to-house registration was valid, yet published a letter under the heading, “The House to House registration of 2019 was an illegal act.”

This is a blatant attack on our judiciary.

Hydar Ally wrote, “Will

GECOM again prove to be a willing partner in the political power play”? This is a not-too-concealed attack on GECOM and its new independent chairperson.

The least that Stabroek News could do, in the interest of balance, fairness and facts, is to point out that there is no evidence that the house-to-house process was either illegal or fraudulent.

Regards Rovin Singh.

try’s name, Guyana (i.e. land of many waters), the national flag – the Golden Arrowhead, which pays homage to the potency of the arrow, the national honours (Cacique Crown of Honour and Arrow of Achievement), coat of arms (crest is an Amerindian head-dress), in foods there are the renowned pepperpot and cassava bread, the airport (Timehri), and for relaxation the hammock, to name some.

Our Indigenous brothers and sisters have contributed to every facet of this nation’s growth and development and space will not allow the recounting of such. Neither will one month suffice in recounting this proud heritage. And though the children of independent Guyana have had the benefit of learning of the Indigenous heritage to varying degrees, creating more opportunities for deeper knowledge can only work to the holistic development of all the people.

CPL 2019 is well and truly on Dear Editor

T

HE game between Jamaica Tallahwahs and St Kitts/Nevis Patriots (Tuesday, Sept 10) in the current CPL season has to be the most exciting game to date and may very well be the game of the 2019 season.

The huge number of boundaries and sixes on both sides made for exhilarating and exciting cricket.

Chris Gayle’s majestic century and partnership with Chadwick Walton was eclipsed by a very different

Patriots team starting with Evin Lewis, who set the tone of things to come in a no-nonsense way all the way down to Fabian Allen.

The way Patriots approached getting the total it could be discerned, was never daunted by the mammoth score posted by the opposition which included a sizeable score under ‘extras’. What a game...what a night....what a win!

CPL 2019 is well and truly on.

Regards Shamshun Mohamed

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

It has become customary for Robin Singh to mix half-truths and lies

Dear Editor

P

LEASE allow me some space in yours newspaper to respond to a letter that was published in the daily newspapers on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. The letter published under the caption, ‘As ‘first oil’ rapidly approaches, we don’t have an acceptable SWF to manage our revenues,’ contained many inaccuracies and flaws. However, in an effort to set the record straight and correct to what I considered as Robin Singh’s deliberate and desperate attempt to misguide and mislead the public, I would like to respond.

While the letter writer happens to be Robin Singh, the man who has been known for spreading and spurting falsehoods, lies and inaccuracies, NICIL/SPU firmly believes that in an effort to educate Mr. Singh and others, I am providing a response to a number of misconceptions and falsehoods contained in the letter. While we would love to address his concerns with regard to whether Guyana has an acceptable Sovereign Wealth Fund to manage our revenues from oil, we have chosen to address what we consider are his primary concerns regarding NICIL/SPU. It has become customary of Mr Singh to mix half-truths and lies to the level where he himself have begun to believe these falsehoods. While it is an established fact that the U.S.$18M was invested, the arrangements made by NICIL to borrow at 4.75 has no relation to the investment of that fund and therefore cannot be used to draw reference either.

Further, if Mr Singh has any mathematical and or business-related background, he would understand that every transaction is unique in its own sense. As a matter of fact, Singh’s claim of the US$18M signing bonus being invested in a Canadian fund at one per cent return at the same time, while NICIL was borrowing at 4.75 per cent

is woefully inaccurate. I therefore urge Mr Singh to spend a little bit more time acquainting himself with the facts rather than spreading propaganda, which is evidently geared at gaining political mileage. Despite the fact that elections in Guyana is evidently close, Mr Singh should know better than to be using important issues to plague it with political points and/or tricks.

I do however agree with him that indeed NICIL was incorporated as a Private Limited Company under the Companies Act, Chapter 89:01 in July 1990. Primary objectives of the company were that of subscribing for, taking or otherwise acquiring, holding and managing the government’s shares, stocks, debentures or other securities of any company, co-operative societies or other corporate bodies.

While he, Singh, alleges that up until recently all decisions made by NICIL were subject to Cabinet review and approval, we would like to stress that the establishing of the Special Projects Unit has certainly helped and has further enhanced the management and operation of NICIL. Like any other business where private and/or public, decisions are an integral part of its success and we are happy to state categorically that under the leadership of the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Winston Jordan, he has conceptualised the solution to some of the challenges and difficulties that this administration inherited with NICIL. Therefore, it was Minister Jordan’s foresight and leadership that saw the establishment of SPU which is responsible for the better management and operation of NICIL’s operations and its assets.

While it is evident that Mr Singh certainly has an issue with the Minister of Finance, he has once again failed to address his concerns to the core of raising the issues, but rather have sought to sprout his ignorance and political biases in a

failed effort to advance his political agenda. It is established and known by young and old as to the issues that were confronting GUYSUCO, which if had it not been vested into the hands of NICIL what this country and its leadership would have encountered. The poor operation, corruption and wanton wastage and mismanagement of GuySuCo were allowed to continue unabated. While the SPU and/or NICIL had not been vested with certain authority and the Honourable Minister of Finance assisted by the very competent and steward leadership at NICIL in individuals like Colvin Heath-London, whose expertise is being effectively utilised, thus ultimately ceasing the evident haemorrhaging of GuySuCo and its agencies that existed prior to 2015. Evidently from all reports, we can all agree that Mr Heath-London has been doing an exceptionally great job, thus resulting in the Minister of Finance’s choice to head NICIL/ SPU, being one that needs commendation. Mr Heath-London’s ability to garner the required finances and/or support in terms of garnering finances to borrow, has been highly impressive with NICIL/SPU garnering the best interest rates, even bettering what the government would have been able to secure.

I state this firmly and boldly that the acquisition of Guysuco did not require the knowledge or approval of the Guysuco board nor the Minister of Agriculture; however, like every democratically run and respected government, they were duly informed and notified and as sensible individuals they consented and agreed that the decisions being taken were certainly in the best interest of everyone.

Regarding Singh’s loose comments on the $30 billion bond, we would humbly suggest to Robin Singh to get his facts straight, as evidently he has either failed to follow the developments and/or certainly has a deficiency in understanding facts.

An open letter to Jagdeo…

You have no moral authority to speak about the constitution

Dear Editor IT is not of my personality to publicly engage anyone, regardless of their injudiciousness. But it’s time that someone chalk up some cojones and unapologetically tell Bharrat Jagdeo to take several seats.

I am following analytically and impartially every move leading up to this stage following that no-confidence motion that was proposed and passed in the National Assembly.

Although many believe that it was some secret collusion on the part of one Member of Parliament and your political party, I am otherwise convinced. It’s my opinion that both you and the government were shocked by the result of what I call a pure political poker bluff that you played. Although I respect the outcome, I believe that it was your expectation that there would be snap elections. Although enshrined in the Constitution, you nor your advisers were aware that

there were many conduits by which the ensuing events could be influenced. The moves that followed judicially were unpredictable and nerve-wracking, putting the entire country on tenterhooks several times.

What appalls me moreso is your eloquence at this time of being the greatest custodian of the Constitution of Guyana, when you openly ignored and/or violated it for your period of presidency with the absence of bodies that were enshrined in the very Constitution of Guyana, including ignoring the importance of local government elections.

At this stage you have again shown open disregard for the independence of the constitutional body GECOM to conduct free and fair elections without the input or influence of yourself or the President or anyone whatsoever. May I submit to you that I thoroughly respect this GECOM chairperson as the fittest person for the position, in that that she fits all the necessary criteria and

had the decency to turn down your offer for the post the first time you presented it to her. And on your second approach she accepted the position and her selection was assented to by the President, following which she was duly appointed by the President.

Now following meetings with the duly constituted body that she chairs, GECOM, she floats the possibility of elections before the end of the year, you chose to label GECOM a runaway horse when it is guided by your selection as chairperson. I find your behaviour appalling and akin to a spoilt child. Please Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, take several seats and let the Honourable Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh do her job.

Regards Ranfred Williams Managing Director Quantum Technologies

Singh’s attempts at quoting the opposition leader in an attempt to draw relevance and/or to justify his unverified claims will not work.

I would like to remind him that his continued exposure of his arrogance and ignorance unfortunately has painted him into an individual who will write just to have himself heard, even if it mean exposing his very poor lack of knowledge and understanding of matters.

I am confident that NICIL/SPU is prepared to explain to Mr Singh the arrangements that they and the Government of Guyana entered into with regard to the borrowing of the $30 billion bond.

Despite his inaccurate belief that NICIL/ SPU is borrowing a short to medium term, for long-term projects, I can only hope that this man verifies his information before misguiding and misinforming the general public. However, his views on the President are his personal views and as such he is entitled to them.

Nevertheless, he has stated that there has been unilateral decision-making, which according to him has led to enormous costly mistakes at NICIL. As such, as a citizen of Guyana, I am humbly asking that he identify these ‘mistakes that he has spoken about as our track records vividly show that there continues to be significant and continuous achievements being gained at NICIL. Once again I call upon Mr Robin Singh to identify these ‘mistakes’ that he speaks about or failing to so do, he should offer an unreserved apology and do the most honourable thing and avoid the letter columns as his poor lack of knowledge has certainly been very depressing and annoying to say the least.

Regards Roger James

Miners’ body flays PPP activist for misrepresentation

Dear Editor,

T

HE missive by Mr Robin Singh published in the September 10, 2019 edition of the Stabroek News, captioned, “How can the President not know of issues affecting production and profitability in the gold and diamond sectors,” is most malicious and riddled with inaccuracies.

The letter Mr Singh wrote is downright atrocious and is a misrepresentation of the facts. First, the establishment of mining syndicates can never be considered an act of cronyism. Small miners banded themselves into groups and demanded a share of the national patrimony by having access to proper lands to work.

Editor, you may recall that in 2017, when the Mining Syndicates were formed,it was after much agitation and several protests.

Our voices were finally heard after our continuous protests. So, I ask Mr Singh to explain how a group, like the Mining Syndicates can be considered cronies of the government? What evidence does Mr Singh have to substantiate his spurious claims?

It is clear from Mr Singh’s letter that

he does not understand the issues at hand and the efforts made to have those issues addressed. It could also be a case that Mr Singh has allowed his biased perspective to cloud his vision of the reality.

Second, the syndicate initiative was birthed after small miners demanded a seat at the policy table for the representation of their interests.

Third, the issue of the sliding scale of tax on gold sold to the Guyana Gold Board is erroneous at best.

The sliding scale was implemented after consultations between the Guyana Gold Board and miners. Several proposals were considered and the sliding scale was agreed. Editor, I wish to remind you that miners have always represented their interests and for Mr Singh to suggest otherwise leaves much to be desired. I call on Mr Singh to arm himself with the facts before making public statements which have the ability to mislead the citizenry.

Ms Cherryl Williams President National Mining Syndicate Inc.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Baracara welcomes co-op society

Knowledge of co-operatives is key to success – Minister Keith Scott CO-OPERATIVE societies have long played a role in the economic, social and cultural development of Guyana. At their core, these movements seek to have communities own and manage the profits from their endeavours, face challenges and achieve success as a united group.

The small farming community of Baracara, Canje Creek, is located 42 miles from New Amsterdam in Berbice, Region Six and will soon be establishing its own co-op.

During a recent visit to the community, Minister within the Ministry of Social

Protection, Keith Scott, encouraged them to form such a co-op society. He noted that such an organisation would aid in the further development of their main source of income – farming.

“It is time for the residents of Baracara to gain power over their farming produce. The co-op society is vital in social and economic development. It speaks to ownership and management where the benefits and profits are shared,” Minister Scott said.

He further urged the residents to educate themselves on the history and the many ways Co-ops can help com-

Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, addressing Baracara residents and the graduates of a recent boat-building training programme facilitated by the Board of Industrial Training (BIT)

munities such as theirs to grow and flourish.

“You must understand what co-op economic power

is. If you have a vibrant coop, it can make things happen for your family and community. Under a co-op, you the residents will be given the power to achieve more than one boat to transport your produce from the farm to market with ease, since the only access to the community is by a speedboat,” the minister emphasised.

The minister highlighted that the government recently accepted a new co-op policy for the people of Guyana which aims to play a larger role, in the economy.

Co-operative societies are a self-generated, voluntary and self-sufficient activity,

democratically controlled by its members. In Guyana, co-operatives are governed by the Co-operative Societies Act of 1998, and are supported by the respective co-operatives regulations and policies. Government is therefore tasked with the responsibility of maintaining order and effectiveness in these bodies.

Co-operative societies operate in the 10 Administrative Regions in Guyana and have contributed successfully to the lives of its members, and the country as a whole with assets totaling over $3B.

Minister Trotman inspects rehabilitation work on Kwakwani Workers’ Club MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has inspected the work being conducted on the Kwakwani Workers’ Club.

According to a press statement, the club’s rehabilitation formed part of a commitment made by Minister Trotman, after he was made aware that the club needed major repairs and upgrades.

Ongoing rehabilitative works include the changing of the floorboards, fixture to the roof, windows, doors, pavilion, male and female sanitary areas, bar and kitchen areas along with an overall facelift of the building.

The minister had an opportunity to get an un-

The enhanced Linden to Kwakwani Trail

derstanding of the significant role which the club has played in the community over the years.

Gov’t to file stay in GECOM’s plan to merge lists THE government, through the Attorney General’s Chambers, is moving to the courts to ask for a stay in the decision by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to merge the data gathered from the recently concluded house-to-house registration with the existing National Register of Registrants (NRR).

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, SC., related this on Wednesday that his chambers will be filing for the stay, today. “There could be no question of merging the current register with the new register. We will have to argue these things before the Court of Appeal. I have appealed that decision and we will file a stay of that

decision between today and tomorrow.”

The attorney general has already appealed the part of the CJ’s order on August 14, which said that GECOM should not remove the names of any person currently on the National Register of Registrants. Two weeks ago, GECOM announced that in the light of the ruling by the chief justice, a decision was taken for the data garnered from that registration exercise to be merged with the existing National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB). It said the commission would also move to an extensive Claims and Objections Exercise (C&O) before extracting the Preliminary List of Electors (PLEs).

Minister Trotman’s aim is to make the club more user-friendly so that it may continue to serve the needs

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (second from right) and other officials inspecting the Kwakwani Workers’ Club

of the community.

While on the trip, Minister Trotman also inspected the Linden-Kwakwani trail

which was recently rehabilitated.

In the past, persons had issues traversing the trail, es-

pecially when it rained. This year, however, even with heavy rains, the roadway remained open and durable.

The Ministry of Natural Resources also upgraded Kwakwani’s one-mile main access road that leads from the Kwakwani waterfront to the Kwakwani Park.

“The Minister is pleased to have had a successful visit to Kwakwani, he expresses thanks to the community leaders and residents who also took time out to interact with him and team, sharing concerns and showing gratitude for the continued focus being given to the community,” said the ministry.

Gov't spending $307M to improve police buildings– Minister Ramjattan GOVERNMENT as of December 2018 invested up to $821M in upgrading police stations and police buildings and this year another $307M is being expended to standardise the infrastructure, according to Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan.

Speaking at the recent launch of the $65M state-of-the art-user friendly police station commissioned at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), Ramjattan said, “we have done a tremendous amount of investment in security, and as you know, it is not only training of policemen or furthering their education, but it’s also getting the assets necessary so that when trained, they will utilise these assets for improved services to the community.”

Ramjattan said Government would be providing $260 million for the rehabilitation of the Brickdam Police Station, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); the Leonora Police Station, Region Three (Essequibo

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

Islands- West Demerara); the Special Branch Unit building in Georgetown; the Cove and John Police Station in Region Four and the reconstruction of the Anna Regina Police Station headquarters, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The monies would also cater for the construction of the Fort Wellington Police Station, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); the Mabaruma Police Station Headquarters building, Region One (Barima-Waini); Golden Grove Police Station Division-

al Headquarters, Region Four, and the Mahdia Police Station Headquarters in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

He said when he was made minister of public security in 2015; a survey was done of the police stations and it left a lot to be desired.

“The quality, standards, surroundings, the environment and even our CID headquarters had so many derelict vehicles inside; we removed many; with this beautiful environment that you have here, I hope there is no packing of motorbikes and derelict vehicles, that will be an activity that will be against governments ‘green’ policy, and it is important that you understand that your conduct will flow from your comfortable circumstances,” the minister said.

He explained that government is investing $1.8B of central government resources for the refurbishment and construction of police stations countrywide.

“We will continue to mobilise more resources so that police

can provide people with the type of service they deserve,” Ramjattan noted.

In the 2019 National Budget, the Government has allocated $35.6 billion towards consolidating and expanding the security sector, an increase of 14.5 percent over 2018.

Of this sum, about $4 billion will be expended on maintaining and improving the prison service, including a sum of $1.5B to improve and develop the prison infrastructure, to ease overcrowding and remove the need to use temporary holding areas like the Lusignan Prison facility.

The allocation resulted in the construction of the new Georgetown Prison, the continued expansion of the Mazaruni Prison Complex, and the commencement of preparatory work for the reconstruction of the New Amsterdam Prison.

Monies will be invested in the procurement of a body scanner, to detect contraband substances and improve safety at the prisons.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Gov’t has no bearing on issuance of casino licences – Harmon The government has no direct bearing on the issuance of casino licenses, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon noted on Wednesday.

Harmon was responding to questions raised at the Gaming Authority’s second annual stakeholder forum hosted at Hermandston Lodge in the city.

“The government has no role in this matter, in spite of what you are hearing about persons who want to speak to government ministers, the Gaming Authority has the full mandate to deal with these matters and we support the gaming authority in the work which they do,” he said.

The forum was held under the theme “Responsible Gaming in Guyana” and was cited as a means of bringing stakeholders together to discuss the progress of the gaming industry of Guyana. It was also geared at equipping stakeholders with the knowledge on how the Industry could be made more efficient and effective to not only serve them, but also serve Guyanese.

Harmon, who was the keynote speaker at the event, told the gathering that the government recognizes that gaming is a form of entertainment in the local society and while noting that it should be permitted, he said the government is committed to instituting all of the necessary measures to ensure that responsible gaming pervades the industry.

“The theme of this forum

‘responsible gaming in Guyana’ brings me some level of assurance that the gaming authority is taking a holistic and an all-encompassing approach to its role as the regulatory authority for casinos, lottery and betting shops in Guyana.

In addition to regulating gaming entities for the anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism act #2009, the gaming authority has a responsibility to ensure that the public and operators of gaming establishments are aware of not only the positive but also the negative impacts that gaming can have on an individual and in our society in general,” said Harmon.

He further stated that the inclusion of medical professionals in the forum is a welcomed one, as it promoted awareness of some of the negatives that may stem from the gaming industry. He stated that persons may not know they have a medical disorder and as such gambling would pose a negative effect on them.

“The diagnostic statistical manual of mental disorder has established criteria for diagnosing persons with gambling disorders as well as treatments that range from psychotherapeutic interventions to pharmacological treatment. The presence of the medical community here today is therefore crucial as we strive to promote awareness and institute measures that will create a gambling landscape which supports the mental health of our people.

(from right) Richard Henry, Responsible Gaming Specialist; Joseph Harmon, Director General of the Ministry of Presidency; Roysdale Forde, Chairman of the Gaming Authority; Lloyd Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Authority.

These provisions exist in all our countries with enhanced gaming industries where there are the entrenchment of responsible gaming programmes and policies which must be implemented by gaming operators, since they are in-cooperated by authorities in the criteria for licensing, and this is the point I just want to make that these responsible gaming arrangements must find themselves into our criteria for licensing these entities,” Harmon stated.

Chairman of the Guyana Gaming Authority, Roysdale Forde, stated that the Gaming industry could only grow stronger with the cooperation and mutual understanding of the stakeholders and the Gaming authority. He further went on to explain that the country would benefit tremendously if persons in the industry follow the guidelines set out

for them.

“Responsible gaming as I would have said is the only way forward, for our country and for our industry and we have no choice but to embrace this concept. The aim is to ensure that we have a holistic system, and it is my hope that each of you attending today would take back to your organization the understanding of the role you play, the importance of gaming and responsible gaming and how we can move together to prevent the negative habits associated with gaming and to direct treatment and guidance if necessary, so the way forward by the presence of such a wide range of persons in society today is a recognition that it is a multifaceted and a team approach to ensure that we emerge successful,” said Forde.

Forde also went on to say the Gaming Authority is cur-

rently in the process of verifying the information from the applications they would have received and is working expeditiously to get those applications approved once they have met the necessary requirements.

When asked about the Gaming Authority’s position in relation to granting Superbet a License to operate, Forde said, “Superbet has not been relicensed because they have not complied with the requirements. We have informed Superbet as to the issues we have in relation to them, our concerns towards their operations and we have provided them with what we consider a fair and reasonable way to have the issue resolved.”

Forde went on to state that any entity that wishes to receive a license to operate must be able to meet the necessary requirements set out

by the Gaming Authority.

Once those requirements are met their application for license to operate should be approved. He spoke on the current position of the arrangement between the SleepInn International Hotel and the Gaming authority on their application for a Casino License, explaining that the Gaming Authority has tried to facilitate SleepInn but that the hotel’s proprietors are still to provide the necessary information. “….that application is being considered, we have a number of concerns. That application was initially refused and rejected by the Gaming Authority, a second application was made, we met with them on a number of occasions we wrote to them outlining to them what is the sort of information that we would need in order to make a final decision. We have informed them on it, we have informed the other stakeholder who has an interest in their application and we have not yet received any information from them.

They have indicated to us that they will pursue certain measures and we have not gotten that information from them. We plan to meet as a board and make a decision because we cannot wait indefinitely but we have bent over backward to facilitate both Superbet and the SleepInn applications,” said Forde.

Young carpenter accused Foreign investments to top US$1.2B this year -says Finance Minister of robbery sentenced

MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, sentenced a 20-year-old Carpenter to two years’ imprisonment on a robbery with violence charge.

Julian Carnette appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that, on September 9, 2019, at Light Street, Georgetown, he robbed Elaine Vernel of a Phone valued at $50,000, a handbag valued at $6,000 and $3,000 cash.

"After my child mother call and say baby have to get milk and Pampers I ask a friend if he get money n he say no I get frustrated because I didn’t had any money" Carnette said.

Police prosecutor Annalisa Brummell objected to bail and told the court that, on the day in question, around 10:30 hours, Vernel was walking along light street, Alberttown, when Carnette walked up to her and snatched her shoulder bag. Vernel held on to it.

Brummell also told the court that Carnette dealt Vernel several 'Cuffs' about her body causing her to release the bag. Vernel raised an alarm and a security officer, from a passing MMC vehicle, chased after Carnette.

Carnette was captured and taken to the Alberttown police station. He was told of the offense and was identified by Vernel as the person who robbed her. Carnette was charged.

Magistrate McGusty, after listening to the prosecutor, sentenced Carnette to two years’ imprisonment.

GUYANA has seen a rapid growth in foreign interests and Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) since 2015 and the FDI is expected to grow further, reaching a record US$1.2 billion by the end of this year.

This was according to Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan during his remarks at the opening ceremony of Massy Mega, on Wednesday.

According to a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC), while FDI flows to Latin America and the Caribbean contracted for the third year in a row in 2017, to US$161.6 billion, a decline of 3.6 per cent relative to 2016 and 20 per cent less than in 2011, Guyana’s FDI flows had recorded a positive, upward trend.

Minister Jordan, who made reference to the report, added that from a low of US$58 million, in 2016, FDI flows almost quadrupled, in 2017, to US$212 million. These flows have continued this trend, rising to US$826.4 million by the first half of 2019, compared to US$514.8 million for the similar period in 2018. “Expectedly, FDI flows have concentrated on the

extractive sector, in particular gold and bauxite mining and latterly, petroleum exploration.

However, as the ECLAC report noted, FDI grew in all sectors, except in manufacturing,” said the minister.

In keeping with the policy to diversify the economic base of the country, in order to avoid heavy dependence on the oil and gas sector, the Government, through an attractive mix of policies and reforms, is positioning the country to take advantage of the international interest in the recently discovered oil reserves, in order to promote other sectors, such as agriculture and tourism.

And so, as the economy evolves, Guyana will continue to make every effort to facilitate foreign investments across the potential economic sectors in the country. Government, he said, is well aware of the role foreign investments play in the growth and development process of a country.

According to Minister Jordan, foreign investment is a major catalyst for economic development and modernisation. And, Government knows that foreign investment helps

to create a more competitive business environment and enhanced enterprise development. “These are powerful reasons to welcome foreign investment into Guyana that needs such capital injections, in face of low domestic savings, technology and capability,” said the minister.

Guyana has been steadily growing. Following the 4.1 per cent growth rate achieved in 2018, the economy recorded a growth rate of 4 per cent by mid-year 2019, and is on course to grow by 4.5 per cent in real terms by the end of 2019. “While impressive, in the context of what this Government inherited in May 2015, these can still be considered moderate growth rates,” said Minister Jordan.

However, from moderation to explosion, Guyana’s economy is projected to grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021, respectively, prompting NASDAQ to label Guyana as the fastest growing economy in the world.

The achievement of such “dizzying” growth rates would signal Guyana’s emergence from the dark days

of being the “sick man” of the Caribbean, perpetually wracked by ethnic and political conflicts, to what Jordan termed as the jewel in the Caribbean’s crown. He said Guyana is poised to become the Green Dubai of the Caribbean.

But as Guyana awaits the production of oil and burst of development the Government is making every effort to diversify the economy to ensure that the country is not overly dependent on oil revenue.

The experience of other oil producing countries has shown that the development of other potential economic sectors, while oil is still being produced, protects the economy from economic shocks when oil is exhausted or when it is no longer profitable. Among the sectors with obvious potential is tourism.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

SARA case against QAII to come up for hearing next week ON September 19, 2019, the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) will present its case before the High Court with evidence that pins former Winston Brassington-led National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd. (NICIL) with the alleged illegal leasing of the Sanata Textile Complex to Queens Atlantic Inc (QAII).

On the said date, the fixed date application filed

by SARA against the company will come up for a hearing as the agency seeks a Civil Recovery Order for GY$2,701,619,960. The application was filed by Attorney, Ronald Bostwick, on behalf of SARA Director, Dr. Clive Thomas on August 22, 2019 on the basis that the sum was “wrongly denied to the people of Guyana” by reason of the unlawful conduct under the State Assets Recovery Act 2017.

On the set date, the applicant will present documentary evidence to Justice Diana Insanally of the affidavit of the SARA Director; the Cabinet decision of May 15, 2007; a letter from NICIL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) dated July 10, 2007; the minutes of the privatization board on October 18, 2010 and certified copies of the certificates of title passed to the respondent.

According to the document, NICIL wrongfully sold 18.871 acres of land on Plantation Ruimveldt, East Bank Demerara (EBD) to QAII. QAII, owned by Bobby Ramroop, best friend of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, was leasing the Sanata Textiles complex and entered negotiations for its

purchase.

The application indicates that the PPP Cabinet approved a formula for the terms of the sale that required a US$27M investment over three years and a sum of money reflecting a valuation of the property. However, the Winston Brassington-led NICIL, at the time, concluded the sale based on a formula suggested by the purchaser, resulting in an investment of just US$21M being accepted and QAII paying some GY$344.5M less than would have been payable further to the formula approved by Cabinet.

The Certificate of Title was passed to QAII and a Vesting and Transfer Order dated December 4, 2010 was made by then Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh.

“The [SARA] Director believes on reasonable grounds that the respondent obtained the said property by the unlawful conduct of NICIL’s then Chief Executive Officer at a gross undervaluation amounting to an unjust benefit to or enrichment of the respondent in the amount of G$2,701,619,960 with compound interest at 6.25 per cent annum over 9 years calculated,” the application states.

“NICIL through its then Chief Executive Officer breached its fiduciary duty to the State to first establish the true market value of the property at the time of sale in 2010 before entering into the Agreement of Sale and Purchase with the respondent.”

Whether intentional or not, the document presents that the breach of NICIL amounts to breach of the

Law. The Cabinet decision document of May 2007, seen by this newspaper, shows that Cabinet approved that the Sanata Textiles Compound being privatised by QAII, under terms and conditions such as: - there would be a rent-free period of five years for the 6 acres printing and dying section; a 60 per cent reduced rental for the remaining 14 acres for the first five years and more.

The document also clearly stated that it provided for “an option to buy clause being contained in the lease,

scandal to rock the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration as the party’s current Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali is before the court, accused of defrauding the State of over $174M after selling the lands at undervalued prices.

The former minister of housing is accused of selling the lands to former President Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon; and former ministers Priya Manickchand, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Robert Persaud and Clement

Former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh (left) and former head of the National Industrial & Commercial Investments Ltd. (NICIL), Winston Brassington

Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. being housed at the old Sanata Textile

providing that the option is only exercisable after completion of the investment programme of US$27M and at a price determined by one or more acceptable valuers.”

The decision was signed by then Secretary to the Cabinet, Roger Luncheon.

This is not the first land

Rohee; Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, and former army head, Gary Best and Fortune Developers Inc., Guyana.

He also sold lands at the locations to former General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board and daughter of former President, Donald

Ramotar, Lisa Ramotar; former President of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo; the son of former Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Gopaul; Dr. Ghansham Singh; former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer, Rajendra Singh; former pres-

ident of the Caribbean Development Bank, Compton Bourne; Andrew Bishop, former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) Shaik Baksh; Safraaz Khan and George Hallaq.

After recently failing to secure a stay of the $174M ‘Pradoville’ land sales case, Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan adjourned the matter until September 27, 2019.

Meanwhile, SARA has also filed proceedings against the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) by Statement of Claim at the High Court for GY$274,117,404 for purchases GY$224M less than the most recent valuation of its headquarters outside the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

SARA has stated that its actions are in keeping with its mandate to recover, through civil proceedings, State property unlawfully acquired by a public official or any other person.

UG student accused of ‘issuing’ bomb threats to return to court October 8 TWENTY-FIVE-year-old University of Guyana (UG) student, Sheneza Jafferally, come October 8, 2019, is expected to go on trial for allegedly issuing bomb threats to the university.

Jafferally, called Diane, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, is before Magistrate Rushell Liverpool at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

The defendant is currently out on $10,000 High Court bail and is represented by attorney-at-law Latchmie Rahamat.

The young woman had, on February 11, 2019, made her first court appearance

Sheneza Jafferally, called Diane

before Chief Magistrate Ann

ed not guilty to the charge.

McLennan at the Georgetown

Particulars of the charge

Magistrates’ Court and plead-

alleged that, on February 5,

2019, at Cummings Lodge, Jafferally sent – by means of a public telecommunication device system, for the purpose of causing needless anxiety to the staff and students of the UG – a message which she knew to be false.

The chief magistrate had transferred Jafferally’s matter to the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.

On February 5 and 6, 2019, bomb threats were reportedly made to the university’s Turkeyen Campus, forcing the cancellation of classes. Classes resumed on Monday, February 11, 2019.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), through its commis-

sioner, deputy crime chief and a team of officers, met with members of the UG administration and, days later, arrested Jafferally.

According to a source, based on the investigations conducted by the police, a telephone number belonging to the student was linked to the number from which the bomb threats were allegedly made to the university.

Jafferally, who goes by the nicknames ‘Shelly’ and ‘Diane’, is the niece of former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Region Six Member of Parliament (MP) and current Region Five Campaign Manager, Faizal

Jafferally.

The university’s administration, as a result of the scare, took matters seriously and evacuated the campus of students and staff and shut its doors.

The threat at the university came even as a string of online threats directed at several city schools had been on-going for weeks.

Threats were initially made against the School of the Nations and resulted in the school’s director being shot in both arms, while he was entering his home.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Felix, Heath-Retemeyer rubbish claims of plot to secure votes …mull legal action over ‘false’ report on meeting with Haitians, Africans MINISTER of Citizenship, Winston Felix, is rejecting allegations that he colluded with the Deputy Director of the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA), Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer, to solicit votes from Haitian and African nationals in exchange for citizenship and other ‘favours’. The claims, he said, are completely false and libelous, and on that basis, he is considering legal action.

“I would not get involved in any disdainful act as suggested by the MTV News Update to secure votes for the APNU+AFC Coalition in exchange for citizenship for any foreign national residing in this country,” Minister Felix told reporters during a press conference at the Department of Citizenship on Wednesday.

In a report aired on Saturday August 31, 2019 under the headline ‘The PNC plans got busted,’ MTV News Update contended that a number of illegal foreigners from countries in Africa were promised citizenship in exchange for votes during a meeting at Critchlow Labour College on August 28, 2019.

Added to that, the report suggested that foreign students were promised to have their tuition fees paid if they vote for the APNU+AFC. But Minister Felix said the report, which also appeared on ‘Youtube,’ is a clear representation of the meeting which saw in attendance more than 19 Haitians and African nations from the Pan-African Group in Guyana.

“I wish to state that the statements emanating from MTV News Update are completely false and libelous and are designed to tarnish the good image and reputation of the APNU+AFC Government,” Minister Felix maintained.

In setting the record straight, the minister of citizenship explained that the meeting was held after Heath-Retemeyer made a representation to him on behalf of African nationals in Guyana, who had grave concerns with respect to accessing the services of the Department of Citizenship.

He detailed that among the issues raised, during the meeting, were the lengthy period taken to finalise their applications for citizenship, delays in finalising their applications for citizenship by marriage and difficulties in

accessing employment visas.

It was disclosed too that one student enquired about her extension of stay in Guyana because of the challenges she is facing in acquiring her tuition fees.

“The student was told that this was a separate issue which cannot be dealt with and she was so informed openly, while consideration of other matters was deferred,”

an attempt to sully the image of government ministers must be exposed for what it is. I consider this untruthful news broadcast to be an attack on my character and libelous,” Minister Felix said.

He said a report was made to the relevant authorities and his lawyers will take appropriate action. “These are blatant lies, nothing as stated in that news broadcast has any truth Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix

SARA Deputy Director, Aubrey Heath-Retemeyer (Carl Croker Photo)

Minister Felix said, while further disclosing that the following day, August 29, 2019, another meeting was held but at the Department of Citizenship.

“Four persons with issues in relation to marriages were deferred for subsequent consideration; another four were at the Immigration Office, Eve Leary. About three persons had consideration into their applications for citizenship by marriage and residency already completed; and the applications for Employment Visas were not dealt with because the persons involved did not have the status deserving consideration,” Minister Felix reported.

Fielding questions from reporters, the Minister of Citizenship said it was better to meet with the foreign nationals outside of the department to allow for them to freely express their concerns.

“In my experience, when a complaint is made against members of staff, it is better to hold it somewhere else first because people coming here might be afraid to pass and come upstairs, they may not want to do that, and so the information you would get to correct deficiencies within the department might be withheld,” he explained.

He iterated that the MTV News Update report was devoid of facts and should be withdrawn with an apology.

“This culture of mendacity displayed by the newscast in

in it, nothing in it. The only truth in it was that the meeting was held,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, at a separate press conference at the Critchlow Labour College on Wednesday, Heath-Retemeyer, while maintaining that the was there in his private capacity, said he has long assisted Haitian and African nationals, and the August 28 meeting was no different as he trashed the claims levied against him.

In his defence, Heath-Retemeyer disclosed that from 1989 to 2012, he lived and worked in the United States of America (USA), and during that period he established close ties with Haitian and African nationals. “…I have always been interested in African affairs and to help the less fortunate people from the African continent. Whilst in New York, I made several charitable visits to many African countries including: Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, Gambia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Senegal and Sierra Leone to provide my African brothers and sisters with tons of school supplies, books, clothing and light agricultural tools,” he explained.

As he continued to put into context his presence at the meeting with the foreign nationals and the minister of citizenship, Heath-Retemeyer said the record would show too that he has also worked with the Haitians.

“As regard to Haiti, I

worked with several Haitian teachers in the New York City school system and during the Earthquake of 2010, I participated in their efforts to mobilise their diaspora to help their homeland,” he further detailed. This, he said, is in keeping with his passion and vision. “As an advocate of education, civil rights and justice, I have also provided guidance and help to several Haitian and African nationals currently in Guyana,” he added. Heath-Retemeyer said the meeting with the Pan-African Group in Guyana was no different but denied that he had organised it or had direct con-

tact with the minister ahead of the meeting.

He too explained that the meeting was organised due to concerns raised by the immigrants. “These immigrants had experienced some major challenges in regards to their immigration papers. Many had applied for work permits and citizenship,” he explained, refuting claims that it was centered on the upcoming elections. As such, Heath-Retemeyer said the MTV News Update took him by surprise and sought to implicate not only him and the minister in corrupted activities, but the People’s Nation Congress (PNC) as well.

“Contrary to MTV report, I was not representing the PNC or the State Asset Recovery Agency. As an adult, it is my choice to utilise my personal time as I see fit since the meeting was held after my regular working hours.

I want to be very clear to all and sundry, that as a citizen of Guyana, I am entitled to freedom of association like everyone else as outlined in the constitution,” Heath-Retemeyer stated.

He noted that the news

agency never contacted him for clarification although it was not present at the meeting which was held around 20:00hrs. “They concocted a malicious story about promises being made to the Haitian and African Nationals with regards to citizenships, work permits and paying off of tuition fees in exchange for votes,” he said, further dubbing it unfounded and slanderous.

Contending that the news agency is closely aligned with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), opined that this recent attack on Haitians and African nationals might have been concocted after a report surfaced alleging that the PPP linked to the issuance of fake birth certificates in Lethem, Region Nine.

While calling for all Guyanese to condemn, what he considered as a racist act committed by MTV News Update, Heath-Retemeyer made it known that this allegation will not deter him from assisting immigrants, particularly those from Africa and Haiti.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Only 14 Haitians granted citizenship since 2015 …from a total of 923 foreign nationals

By Svetlana Marshall ONLY 14 Haitians were granted citizenship here in Guyana since 2015, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, disclosed on Wednesday.

He explained that from 2015 to July 2019, 923 immigrants from more than 42 countries were granted citizenship in Guyana, among them 14 Haitians. In recent months, reports have suggested that Haitians are “flooding” Guyana but the records show the contrary.

Minister Felix, while fielding questions from reporters, disclosed that in 2015, 141 immigrants from 35 countries were granted citizenship here in Guyana. From that lot, only one Haitian was granted

citizenship, he keenly pointed out.

Again in 2016, only one Haitian national was granted citizenship from a total of 192 immigrants whose applications were approved. They hailed from 34 countries, Minister Felix detailed. The next year (2017), 230 foreign nationals secured citizenship from a total of 40 countries, among them seven Haitians.

But in 2018, only three Haitians were granted citizenship when compared to 252 immigrants that had their application for citizenship approved by the department.

This batch of immigrants, he said, came from 42 countries.

As of July, 2019, nationals from 30 countries totalling 108 were granted citizenship for this year, among them

two Haitians, Minister Felix further detailed.

Records show that for the first seven months of 2019, 8476 Haitians arrived in Guyana via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) but that figure was minute when compared to the large numbers of Cubans, Trinidadians, Americans, Canadians and Chinese who have entered the country. It was alleged that the Haitians were being brought to Guyana to vote in the upcoming General and Regional Elections but the Department of Citizenship was quick in dispelling the allegation.

Early August, the Department of Citizenship confirmed that between January and July, 2019, 6,925 Haitians entered Brazil via the

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix

border at Lethem, a number which corroborated government’s statements that the French-speaking nationals were capitalising on the free movement of people within the Region. Added to that, the figure effectively put to rest arguments contained in articles published by local private newspapers, including the Guyana Times and the Kaieteur News, that the CARICOM nationals were being trafficked or smuggled here. Government had noted that of the total 8,476 Haitians who entered Guyana via CJIA, during the seven-month period, 1,170 had otherwise departed.

But on Wednesday, Minister Felix again acknowledged that there remains a difficulty in monitoring the departure of Haitians espe-

cially on the Corentyne Coast and in the Rupununi.

“If you really examine what is happening on the Corentyne, you will suddenly discover that there is no where you can put your hand on anybody leaving back track because of the number of back track routes they have. Let’s just start from No. 66 Village, you can start 64, 62 and get up to Moleson Creek, there is no way you can do that,” Minister Felix said.

He said the issue remains a major problem, though several attempts were made to arrest the situation. The Minister of Citizenship noted that even before the use of cell phones, persons who were using those illegal routes were alerted ahead of the arrival of immigration and se-

curity personnel in the area.

“That is why the back track on the Corentyne Coast has not been completely shut down. One, we have jurisdictional issues on the sea, which is the first issue and so you are limited there.

If you go to the Rupununi, that is worse yet, because it is over a thousand miles of borders between Guyana and Brazil,” Minister Felix further explained.

In an attempt to curb the situation, he said vulnerable communities are being combed for immigrants, in general, who are using them as transit point. He was keen on noting that the issue not only lies with Haitians but other foreign nationals.

“To deal with issues on the border now would require technology and technology alone wouldn’t do it, you have to have a reaction force…For example, if you want to detect an illegal departure, you have to use a drone, but when you have them, what will you do? So you have to get a reaction force,” he explained.

He emphasised that while there are mechanisms that can be put in place to monitor the borders, funding, human resource, training and appropriate technology would be required.

Case against Dominican dismissed after husband compensates victim A 37-year-old Dominican who was charged with stealing money from a man, after he fell asleep in a hotel room with her, had the matter dismissed against her, due to her husband paying the victim $40,000 in compensation.

Zilineli Richards, a cook of Parika Back Dam, Essequibo, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, after spending the five days on remand for the charge.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on September 4, 2019, at Parika, Richards stole $340,000 cash, property of Wayne Yahya.

According to reports, on September 3, 2019, Richard and Yahya met at the Parika Junction Area. It is alleged that Yahya invited Richard to spend the remainder of the night with him at a hotel.

While in the hotel room, Yahya counted his money and put it into the pocket of a pair of pants which he placed into a wardrobe.

The next day, September 4, 2019, about 05:00 hours, Yahya woke and Richards was nowhere in the room and his pair

of pants was on the ground.

When he checked his pants, the money was missing. He reported the matter to the police.

The police launched an investigation and Richards was arrested. Under caution, it is alleged that Richards told the police “I only carried away $91,000 from de man pants pocket”. She then took the rank to her room and handed over the money.

On Wednesday, Yahya informed the court that he will no longer be proceeding in the matter against Richards since the defendant’s husband had paid him $40,000 in compensation.

The victim asked the court to give Richards a second chance since she is the mother of a young baby.

The Chief Magistrate dismissed the matter against Richards and imposed a 12-month bond on her to keep the peace.

Breaking the bond will result in Richards’ imprisonment for 6 months.

The Chief Magistrate also ordered that the sum of $91,000 which is currently lodged at the Parika Police Station be returned to Yahya.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

AG briefs Carter Center on political situation …raises concern over CJ ruling on overseas-based Guyanese on voters list

THE issue of overseas voting in the General and Regional Elections was once again brought to the fore on Wednesday morning, when Attorney General and Min-

in Guyana, we have to show that by the Carter intervention overseas voting was outlawed.”

GOVERNMENT’S APPEAL

Associate Director of the Carter Center, Brett Lacy

ister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams met with representatives of the United Statesbased Carter Center.

The meeting with the four-member team addressed a range of issues, including the legislation engendered by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter which ended overseas voting here. AG Williams said it was under the Election Laws Amendment Act Number 3 of 1991, that the legislation was put forward. “[The law] provided that only citizens in embassies and High Commissions and their families could vote and they buttress that position by the constitutional amendment Act number 4 of 1991… they did a lot of work,” the AG told the media following the two-hour meeting.

The team was shown the Constitutional Reform Report, often utilised by the courts, which specifies the requirement of residents to be in Guyana at the time for elections. “So, only citizens resident in Guyana could vote in Guyana and the Constitutional Reform Commission Act, 18 persons (of 21) voted in favour for only persons resident in Guyana must vote in the elections, so the law is very clear,” he said.

Williams alluded to the law as he explained his government’s displeasure with the recent High Court ruling which stated that names of persons should not be removed from the list. Government has since appealed the ruling. The attorney general said while the issue was not argued before the Acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire in the recent challenge to house-to-house registration, yet she ruled on the matter. “If you are saying that people who have registered prior and are abroad are still eligible to vote, even though they did not take part in the compilation by house-to-house [registration] of a new register by being resident in a division

Section 6 of the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 Laws of Guyana in order to find that residency is a requirement of the Act for the purpose of registration during the period

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams

In setting out grounds for the appeal, the attorney-general had told the appellate court that the learned trial judge erred and was misconceived in law when she ruled that Article 159 (5) of the Constitution which addressed ‘the qualifying date’ is only applicable to persons 14 years or older for the purpose of registration as at October 31, and not all Guyanese citizens.

According to him, the chief justice (ag) failed to apply any cannons of interpretation in arriving at her decision, adding that the matter was already fully ventilated and argued before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), and as such, was, therefore, res judicata.

The acting chief justice, while validating the house-tohouse registration exercise, had ruled that it would be unlawful or unconstitutional to remove the names of persons who are already on the List of Registrants and who were not, or have not been, or are not registered in the current exercise with a consequence of non-inclusion in the list of electors. George-Wiltshire had explained that persons could only be removed from the list if they are deceased or disqualified pursuant to Article 159. In her judgement, Justice George-Wiltshire also ruled that residency in the case of Guyanese was not a requirement under the laws; but the Attorney-General, in his application, contended that the chief justice again erred.

“The learned trial judge erred and was misconceived in law in finding that there is no law or laws in Guyana which set out additional requirements, more particularly, residence for purposes of Article 159 (2) ( c ) of the Constitution by failing to properly address her mind to Section 6 of the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 of the Laws of Guyana.

The learned trial judge erred and was misconceived in law in failing to properly construe

of the ‘ qualifying date,’” the attorney-general contended.

He, therefore, suggested to the appellate court that it would not be unconstitutional to remove persons from the list who had previously been on the list, but were not registered during the house-to-house registration period because of non-residency in Guyana.

Further to that, the attorney-general alleged that the learned trial judge breached the separation of powers doctrine, contending that the Parliament clearly provided in Section 6 of the National Registration Act, Chapter 19:08 Laws of Guyana for residency during house-to-house registration.

“The learned trial judge erred and was misconceived in law where, from the evidence, nothing established that there was a breach of the provisions of the Constitution, the National Registration Act or any other law, but the evidence was consistent with the fact that GECOM acted in accordance with Article 159 (2) ( c ) 159 ( 5) and 162 of the Constitution of Guyana; the learned trial judge erred and was misconceived in law when she breached the separation of powers doctrine by purporting to issue instructions to GECOM, a constitutional, independent actor to not remove persons who are presently registered from the current National Register of Registrants (NRR), but who are not registered under new house-to-house registration from the current National Register of Registrants (NRR),” the attorney-general submitted to the court.

On those bases, Minister Williams further submitted to the Court of Appeal that Chief Justice (ag) George-Wiltshire misdirected herself in law by failing to assess and address the importance and relevance of the provisions of the National Registration (Amendment) Act in the process of compiling a new National Register of

Registrants. It is his belief that contrary to the ruling of the High Court, the provisions of the National Registration Act (NRA) and the Elections Laws (Amendment) Act ought not to be read together in the creation of a new National Register of Registrants. According to him, the Elections Laws Amendment Act applies to an existing register and not the creation of a new National Register of Registrants under the National Registration Act Chapter 19:08.

“The learned trial judge erred and misdirected herself in law when it was not proper for her to rule on the issue of persons being removed from the list because it was not an order specifically claimed or sought by the Applicant; and the learned trial judge erred in

law and/or misdirected herself on the evidence as a whole,” the attorney-general said, as he summed up his arguments in the notice of appeal. He is, therefore, asking the court to set aside or reverse the judgement of the learned trial judge based on the grounds laid out.

OTHER ISSUES Among the other issues addressed were the government’s interest in credible elections, the legal situation of the country and the state of Parliament, the Executive, the Judiciary and the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

The Carter Center’s Brett Lacy said the team’s meeting with the attorney general provided the opportunity to hear about Guyana’s laws and the

arguments relating to circumstances in the country. She said her team is in Guyana only to meet with and listen to the various actors. The team will meet with other teams throughout its one-week stay in Guyana.

“We are very happy to have this opportunity to hear from different perspectives.

I can say from the Carter Center that we are really here just to listen and we are hoping to meet with different actors to understand everyone’s perspective on the current events in Guyana,” She explained. Earlier this year representatives of the Carter Center had met with Williams.

Attorney General, Basil Williams along with the representatives of Carter Center

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

President accredits three ambass

…emphasises relations founded on mutual respect, non-inte

PRESIDENT David Granger, on Wednesday morning, accepted the Letters of Credence from the Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiaries of the States of Kuwait, Finland and of Ireland to Guyana.

The event was held at the Ministry of the Presidency. The ambassadors were His Excellency Seán Hoy, Non- Resident Ambassador (Designate) Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland;

His Excellency Nasser Riden Al-Mptairi, Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Kuwait; and His Excellency Pertti Ikonen, Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland.

President David Granger, in his address to the ambassador of Ireland, said Guyana established diplomatic relations with Ireland almost two decades ago on February 2,

2000 and though separated by many miles geographically, the states converge on a deep commitment to shared values in the pursuit of sustainable development.

“Our relations are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and

President David Granger and His Excellency Pertti Ikonen, Non-Resident Ambassador (Designate) Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Finland to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in conversation

security,” the President stated.

He said Guyana and Ireland share a strong commitment to combatting climate change and building partnerships to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The President noted that Guyana recognises Ireland’s thrust to introduce radical climate change policies in its new ‘green’ agenda and sustainable food production programme in recognition of the signifi-

cant threat imposed by global warming.

Guyana, he said, is moving towards the establishment of a ‘green state’.

“The ‘green state’ will place emphasis on the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity and the promotion of renewable energy and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation,” President Granger noted. Guyana, the President said, welcomes the

opportunity to develop its relations with Ireland in support of its national development goals and international obligations.

Meanwhile in his address to the ambassador of the State of Kuwait, President Granger said Guyana and Kuwait have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations twenty-four years ago, on August 17, 1995.

He said that the relationship is founded on mutual respect for each other’s terri-

President David Granger listens attentively to His Excellency Seán Hoy, Non- Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (second left). Also photographed are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings (left), and Dr. Deen Sharma, Honorary Consul ( right).

President David Granger and His Excellency Nasser Riden Al-Motairi, Non-Resident Ambassador (Designate) Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the State of Kuwait to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (both centre) with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings (second left), Director General Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell (second right) and representatives of the State of Kuwait

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

sadors

erference

torial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security.

President Granger said that relations between the countries have been enhanced over the years with the exchanges of high-level visits. “Guyana was pleased to receive the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait in 2010 during his tour of Latin America and the Caribbean Region. Exchanges of this nature have fostered economic, cultural, social and technical cooperation between Guyana and Kuwait,” the President noted.

Further, President Granger said that the recent conclusion of a debt agreement between the two countries signed on March 2019 in Kuwait City, and the technical assistance provided to Guyana in the past for its infrastructural projects under the Kuwait Fund are tangible testaments of our enduring good relations.

“I am confident that the bilateral cooperation between our countries will be enhanced in the years ahead and that your tenure will contribute to continuing cooperation and initiate new areas of collaboration, especially in the oil and gas sector, energy, sustainable development, agriculture and education,” the President said.

Additionally, President Granger, in his address to the Ambassador of Finland, said this year, 2019, marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Guyana and Finland.

“Our two states have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of those ties on the April 2, 1979. Our relations are founded on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of regional peace and security,” the President noted.

Further, the President said Guyana looks forward to strengthening bilateral relations, especially in the field of education. “Guyana attaches the highest importance to education, which will become a linchpin of our Decade of Development: 2020-2029.

We have much to learn from Finland’s excellent educational system,” the President said.

He explained that Guyana has promulgated a ‘Green State Development Strategy’ and is moving towards becoming a ‘green state’ while the country is aware of Finland’s efforts to transition to a carbon-neutral economy by 2035. “We look forward to sharing experiences with Finland as regards the promotion of environmental security.

Guyana iterates its congratulations to Finland on its assumption of the presidency of the Council of the European Union. We look forward to Finland’s support in strengthening the partnership between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States,” the President underscored.

Public Health Ministry boasts 90% stock level of medical drugs – owed to revised procurement method, better forecasting, consumption reports

FOLLOWING a revision of its process for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies, the Public Health Ministry has reported a commendable 90 per cent stock level.

Between the years 2016 to 2019, the ministry was bombarded with countrywide drug shortages which affected the delivery of healthcare.

According to Minister Lawrence, “for the past few months, according to MMU [Material Management Unit], we have had more than 90 per cent of all our essential drugs in stock.

You don’t hear about drug shortages anymore because that is no longer an issue.”

Senior officials at the ministry including Permanent Secretary, Colette Adams; Deputy Permanent Secretary-Admin, Shellon Bess; Director of Regional and Clinical Services, Dr. Kay Shako and Procurement Manager, Seewchan, led by Public Health Minister, Hon. Volda Lawrence, recently conducted visits to several healthcare facilities.

Upon checking, it was found that the pharmacies

attached to various hospitals, health centres and health posts are well stocked. This is owed to a revised drug procurement method implemented in 2017 and which took effect in the latter part of 2019. This process allows for the early stages of procurement for the following year’s drugs and medical supplies to commence in the current year.

With earlier procurement, the country will now stock one year’s supply of

Minister of Public Health, Hon. Volda Lawrence and PAHO/WHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow inspecting stocks of drugs at a health facility

Drugs in a pharmacy of a district hospital

drugs and medical supplies for distribution throughout the country. This gives the health ministry’s procure-

ment unit enough time to stock health facilities with essential medicines and other items.

It was found that improper forecasting for the procurement of drugs was one of the main reasons for regular shortages Minister Lawrence said, “in 2017, there were no records for the consumption so you were just buying… so, the ordering was being done on assumption and not based on consumption, and we have tried to remedy that as far as possible.”

Currently, during supervisory visits, if there is a shortage of any amount, this is often as a result of a delay in the delivery of drugs to the health facility.

This is where the Region-

Over 8,000 lots to be handed over to local authorities by CH&PA –– handover on Sept 14, La Parfaite Harmonie Community Centre

Chief Development Planner of the CH&PA, Germene Stuart

THE Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Saturday, September 14, will hand over the responsibility of the La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme along with the Goed Fortuin regularised squatting area to the Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), West Coast of Demerara (WCD).

Chief Development Planner of the CH&PA, Germene Stuart, told the Department of Public Information (DPI), that the La Parfaite Harmonie housing scheme comprises 10 sections of which nine will be handed over to the NDC. “These sections are

the Westminister, phases one and two; La Parfaite Harmonie, phases one and two; Rechtdoor-Zee, phases one and two; Onderneeming, phases one and two and Schoonard, phases one and two. We will not be handing over Lust-en-Rust because the infrastructure is incomplete.”

Stuart explained that recently discussions were held between the CH&PA and Malgre Tout/and Meer Zorgen, NDC’s where it was agreed that the local authority would assume responsibility for these areas and a memorandum of understanding will be signed to this effect. “The handing over process is a collaborative and participatory process. We had several engagement sessions to determine the readiness of those housing areas and we discussed the role of the Central Housing and Planning Authority in the continued development of those housing areas.” The CH&PA officer noted some of the infrastructural developments of La Parfaite Harmonie; one of which is the rehabilitation of 29 kilometres of roads. According to Stuart, this represents 30 per cent of the roads in the Housing Scheme.

The remaining 70 per cent will be completed by CH&PA. In other developments, the community also has nursery,

primary and secondary schools, community and health centres, a police station and various places of worship.

“The La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Scheme was one of the areas slated for the intervention under the Adequate Urban and Accessibility Programme. In total, there will be 8442 lots in the handing-over process to the local authority, along with the signing of the memorandum of understanding on Saturday, September 14, between the two partners,” Stuart detailed.

Additional documents that will be presented to the Malgre Tout/Meer Zorgen NDC include a list of duties and functions, a road maintenance manual, a developer’s manual which will provide guidance in the planning permission process, a cadastral plan which is a subdivision plan to identify the various parcel/ plots of land – such residential or non-residential – in the La Parfaite Harmonie area.

The construction of two new wells, which are in the pipelines for the community, is in the developmental plans, subsidies for home-owners to build core homes, and grants to upgrade low-income homes. (DPI)

al Democratic Council’s responsibility for health in the regions must be taken seriously. Equally important is the responsibility of the pharmacist and assistants to monitor stock levels and ensure consumption reports are prepared and the doctors and Regional Health Officers are furnished with this information. This will allow the timely ordering of the items which will keep the stock at adequate levels.

Representative of PAHO/WHO, Dr. William Adu-Krow, who accompanied the team on the visit to Region One, advised that there be a system established to ensure that all stocks must be utilised. In the cases where a facility might have under forecasted, a neighbouring facility which has excess must be able to help out the other to ensure all facilities have adequate supplies.

Dr. Adu-Krow also said to avoid the expiration of drugs, stocks must be issued on a first in first out basis. Also, the storage for essential medicine must be in keeping with PAHO/ WHO standards. (DPI)

Man found guilty of robbery and assault to spend three years in jail A 26-year-old Campbell Street, Albouystown, resident was, on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, sentenced to serve three years’ imprisonment by Magistrate Annett Singh, after he was found guilty on a series of criminal charges.

Orin Ridley was on trial before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on two robbery charges, in addition to two charges for assaulting two police officers who attempted to arrest him.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that, on March 12, 2019, while armed with a gun, he robbed Sunika Ramkarran in the vicinity of Albert Street, Georgetown, of one BLU cellphone, a bag and an umbrella, all valued at $24,000.

The second charge read that, on January 31, 2019, at Albert Street, he allegedly robbed Akash Ramkarran of a pedal cycle valued $18,000 while armed with a gun.

He was also charged for assaulting Police Constable Nigel Reid who attempted to apprehend him at his Campbell Street home on March 12, 2019.

The last charge read that, on March 12, 2019, at his 173 Campbell Street home, he also allegedly assaulted Police Constable Clive Mark with the intention to hinder the police from arresting him.

The Magistrate found Ridley guilty of the offenses and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment on each of the robbery charges and one year’s imprisonment on each of the assault charges.

The sentencing will run concurrently and Ridley will serve only three years in prison.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

62 vendors receive food handlers’ certification SIXTY TWO food vendors in Region 5, many of whom sell food to school children, were awarded certificates of competence in food safety earlier this week, after they successfully completed courses held by the Regional Department of Health in June, and during the school holidays.

The courses had been run by the Environmental Health Department of the Regional Health Department and the certificates were handed over to the beneficiaries at the office, at Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice. Regional Health Officer, Dr. Nicholson, told the beneficiaries that their training was done because the Health Department felt that food handling was not a subject to be taken lightly.

“Safe handling and production of food is an important part of maintenance of good health and I urge you to

Some of the new food handlers with their certificates during the recent handing over exercise

ensure that you put the skills you have learnt into practice so that you can better serve the people with the good and wholesome food that they

expect from your businesses,” he said.

Head of the Environmental Health Department, Mr Ignatius Merai, disclosed

that a total of sixty two persons from areas throughout Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice) had completed the training.

The elements of food safety

they were trained in included typical food hazards and food borne diseases, hygiene measures to prevent contamination of food, required

conditions in an establishment where food is being prepared, and five keys to food safety, among others.

“They all completed the training and did well,” he said. The main resource person for the training was Ms. Andrea Cummings, Senior Environmental Officer within the Department.

Other speakers during the presentation of the certificates included Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Sherwin Wellington, who, among other encouraging remarks urged them to continue to develop their skills in preparation for the changes that are ahead, with Guyana being beneficiary of an oil-based economy. “These certificates are important for you to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in the food sector in the near future.” he said.

Unemployed man accused of assault to return to court on November 4 CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday, September 11, 2019,

granted self-bail to a 20-year-old unemployed man, who is accused of

assaulting his brothers.

Noel Henry of Oronoque, Port Kaituma, North

West District, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It is alleged that, on June 16, 2019, at Oronoque, he unlawfully assaulted Sherwin and Roger Henry, to cause them actual bodily harm.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that, on the day in question, Henry and his brothers had an argument which ended up in a fight.

It is alleged that Henry ‘bit’ Sherwin, then armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt Roger a lash to his

body, which resulted in the men (Sherwin and Roger) receiving injuries.

Magistrate McLennan granted Henry self-bail and adjourned the matter until November 4, 2019.

The matter is transferred to the Matthews Ridge Magistrate Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Use of passenger boarding bridges at CJIA suspended …to facilitate expansion works PASSENGERS arriving and departing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) will have to board and disembark from aircraft via the tarmac, temporarily, since use of the boarding bridges has been suspended to facilitate ongoing expansion works.

According to a release

from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the scheduled suspension is required to facilitate the execution of other works of the Airport Expansion Project.

“We sincerely apologise for this temporary inconvenience and would like to assure you that works will be done within the shortest time

Cash-crop farmer loses home in Miss Phoebe blaze

The house engulfed in flames on Wednesday

THE Guyana Fire Service has launched an investigation to determine the cause of a fire which completely destroyed a wooden and concrete house at Miss Phoebe, Port Mourant, on the Corentyne late Wednesday afternoon.

According to information reaching the Guyana Chronicle, the fire reportedly started at approximately 17:00hrs and quickly ripped through the building. Firemen from the Rose Hall brach of the fire service responded in a timely manner; however, the conflagration was of such that their efforts were unable to save the building.

Deodat Tasso, a cashcrop farmer, lived at the house and he related that he lost everything in the blaze.

He told the media that he left his residence around 16:45hrs on his bicycle to go to the shop but before he

reached, a neighbour pulled up beside him and told him to hurry back home since his house was on fire.

“When meh reach the fire done deh big and smoke plenty. Meh went farm and come back then went to sell my bygan [Boulanger], meh come back home and then go out again and this happen,” he said while fighting back tears.

Tasso said he was shocked and he did not expect everything to be destroyed within minutes.

“Everybody around here say it gotta to be currant [sic] cause whole day we get blackout and that same time it come on back; then say we had plenty high voltage,” he added. The farmer said he is hoping he can get some assistance in future so he can recover from his loss.

possible,” the ministry said.

“We thank the travelling public for their continued patience as we work to improve the facilities and services at CJIA,” the ministry stated.

Chinese firm-China Harbour Engineering Company – the contractor which has been undertaking the CJIA expansion project – is carrying out final works to the project.

Several major features of the expansion project,

The passenger boarding bridges at the CJIA

most of which have been completed, include the extension of the main runway from 7,500 feet to 10,500

feet; the construction of a two new parking bays for Code D and E aircrafts; the installation of passen-

ger boarding bridges, a 450-person seating departure area; and escalators and elevators.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Buxton Cricket Academy meets Amazon Warriors, compliments of Digicel DIGICEL CPL Cricket Series is an event that is hosted by Digicel in markets where the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) T20 is played each year.

This initiative gives young aspiring cricketers a chance to meet and learn from their ‘heroes’ and where they are encouraged and given tips by CPL players and coaches.

Last Sunday, Digicel Guyana and Guyana Amazon Warriors gave 20 deserving youths from Buxton Cricket Academy a chance of a lifetime.

The youths had the opportunity to meet members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors like Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, and Shoaib Malik among others, shortly before play.

Paul and Hetmyer took the opportunity to give some encouraging words of advice to

the youths. Hetmyer encouraged them to get involved in sports since he sees this as a means of staying motivated and not falling by the wayside, while Paul encouraged them to follow their dreams. “Nothing comes easy, you have to be disciplined at all times,” noted Paul.

The 21-year-old player also noted that sports can be the way out of poverty, since he knows what it’s like to work hard by using sports to change your situation and urged them to “just keep training, work hard and stay focussed.”

After the ‘meet and greet’ the youths got to stay and watch Guyana Amazon Warriors take on the Barbados Tridents, compliments of Digicel.

“We are very pleased to be a part of this activity today, simply because providing these young people with an ‘experience’ and the possibility of changing the course of their lives through cricket is what the Digicel youth CPL series is all about,” Vidya Sanichara of Digicel said.

She added, “We are giving them an opportunity to experience CPL first hand, and meet and learn from their heroes. This is the essence of cricket, to foster development and growth of tomorrow’s generation.

CPL exemplifies this not only in Guyana but throughout the region and Digicel cannot be any prouder to be a part of this.”

The youths ranging 13-19 years are from the East Coast corridor and come from Plaisance to Ann’s Grove.

Cordel Martins, one of the club members, expressed appreciation.

“It was a great experience getting to meet players of such high standards, having them tell us things that actually make sense.

Cricket is a great outlet getting us off the streets.”

The Buxton Cricket Academy strives to use sports as a means to give these youths a chance to focus on something positive.

Martins is one such product of this, as he was once getting himself into trouble on the streets.

He is now gainfully employed and has developed a passion for the game.

“This is a great opportunity given to us by Digicel today. We would like to thank them for getting to meet such great players and hopefully one day some of us in turn will become players like them and get to meet youths so we can inspire them like they inspired us today,” said youth coach.

In its third year the Digicel CPL Youth Series continues to foster youth engagement and development. It has been conducted in the six competing CPL countries – Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts & Nevis, and St Lucia and has provided more children with the opportunity to hone their cricket skills and learn from the best talent in the game.

Watch 2019 CPL games on SportsMax.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

ECB ‘disturbed’ by allegations of racist chanting during Ashes Test (REUTERS) - The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is “extremely disturbed” by allegations of racist chanting as well as sexist and homophobic abuse by spectators during the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford.

British media reported that a supporter had left the ground on the second day of the Test on Thursday after hearing a section of fans singing a

England’s Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer

racist song about England’s Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer.

The spectator, in a letter of complaint to the ECB, also said women were subjected to sexist chants while homophobic abuse was directed at some players by the same group of people.

“The ECB is extremely disturbed to hear that a report was made regarding anti-social behaviour from a group of

spectators during the fourth ...

Ashes Test match at Emirates Old Trafford,” ECB said in a statement released to British media.

“While this is a relatively isolated incident there is absolutely no place for antisocial behaviour within the game and it is vitally important that all spectators feel able to report anti-social behaviour and feel safe in doing so.”

The incident comes on the heels of an annual report from British anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out that showed a 43% rise in reports of racist abuse in English football last season.

Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford are among those to have spoken out about being subjected to online racist abuse.

BCB office and services getting RHTY&SC MS congratulates Gajnabi, major upgrading as support pours in. Grimmond on international debut OVER the last 19 months, the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has concentrated on organising numerous cricket tournaments, coaching programmes, assisting clubs and cricketers and raising finance to return Berbice cricket to its rightful place after a two-year period of internal problems.

With Berbice cricket back on firm footing once again, BCB is now undertaking a major upgrade of its New Amsterdam-based office and its services to the general public. The upgrading is being done as part of the 80th anniversary celebration of the BCB. BCB president Hilbert Foster, MS who is spearheading the project stated that with Berbice cricket back on its feet, it was important for the administration to strengthen its operations, to better serve the cricketing public, sponsors and all clubs in the Ancient County. Noting that the present executive took over a Board with no finance, no structure in place or an office, Foster stated that the main objective is to make BCB, the role model organisation in West Indies Cricket. The old office left much to be desired and was totally inadequate for the management of Berbice cricket.

The upgrading would include tiling of the floor, installing PVC ceiling, repairs to the washroom facility and making the operation of the Board totally self-reliant.

Berbice NGO, the Caribbean Nation Group (CNG) and Delmur Shipping have contributed financially to the ceiling programme while overseas-based Guyanese Dr Tulsi Dyal Singh has committed to funding the floor tiling project and purchasing new furniture. The BCB has also received commitment of a desktop computer and printer

Public Relations Officer Simon Naidu and Office Administrator Angela Haniff both expressed gratitude to all of the donors for supporting the BCB.

THE patron, president, executives and the entire membership would like to congratulate our club members, sisters and friends Shabika Gajnabi and Sheneta Grimmond on their international debut against Australia in the current One-Day International series.

Gajnabi and Grimmond are products of the longstanding relationship between RHTY&SC and Metro Office Supplies, the sponsor of Guyana’s only female cricket team, the Rose Hall Town Metro Team. Gajnabi, during the first ODI, became the third RHTY&SC female member to play for the West Indies while Grimmond became the fourth during the second match.It was with total pride that we watched as the two RHTY&SC members added 60 runs for the seventh wicket against a dominant Australia bowling unit and earned the praises of former Windies players Kenneth Benjamin and Sir Curtly Ambrose. Gajnabi joined the club at the tender age of 13 while Grimmond did so at 14 and have both benefitted from the RHTY&SC’s wellorganised cricket structure and a simple formula of hard work, faith in God, personal discipline and dedication.

They also benefitted from practising daily with their male counterparts and regular coaching sessions with Level Three coach Winston Smith.

They also urged former executives, overseas-based Berbicians and the business community to support the BCB efforts to lift Berbice cricket even higher.

“RHTY&SC is very proud of its massive investment into female cricket since 2008 but was bitterly disappointed that we remain the only club in Guyana to do so. It is very

A representative of the Caribbean Nation Group (CNG) hands over donation to BCB president Hilbert Foster.

from Barbados-based Guyanese Dr Puran Singh. West Indies players Devendra Bishoo and Anthony Bramble donated a 32-inch television set and water dispenser respectively.

The Board has also received a DVD player, an electric fan, kitchen utensils, a large water cooler, office decorations, cleaning equipment, stationery, a telephone set and fax machine.

The donors so far have included national player Gudakesh Motie, University of Guyana, Tain Campus, Poonai Pharmacy, Balram Shane General Store,

RHTY&SC, Attorney-at-Law R. Jugmohan and Bakewell who have contributed 100 souvenir cups for the historic anniversary.

Shabika Gajnabi sad that our girls have to play against males and we would like to call on other established clubs to invest in female cricket.

Gajnabi, Grimmond have now joined Shemaine Campbelle and Erva Giddings as our International products and with players like Sherica Campbelle, Marian Samaroo, Oma Matadin, Dian Prahalad working hard every day, we are very confident that more RHTY&SC members would soon follow in their footsteps.

“We would like to express gratitude to the Management and Staff of Metro Office and Computer Supplies.

The company since 2009 has invested heavily in our female cricketers and special mention must be made of CEO Avia Lindie and Mr T.

Sheneta Grimmond Jadunath.

The management of RHTY&SC would like to reassure the cricketing public that we would uphold our high standard.

“During the brief 29 years history of the club, we have produced a total of seven players for the West Indies Campbelle, Giddings, Gajnabi, Grimmond (female), Assad Fudadin (Under-15, Under-19, Test) Royston Crandon (ODI) and Esaun Crandon (Sixes).

Kevlon Anderson is on the verge of making the West Indies Under-19 World Cup Squad while Jonathan Rampersaud was last year named in a West Indies Under-15 training squad.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

25

England drop Roy, Overton; Aussies include Marsh for fifth Test JASON Roy and Craig Overton have been dropped from the England team for the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval, with Sam Curran and Chris Woakes coming in.

Ben Stokes, unfit to bowl because of a shoulder injury, will play as a specialist batsman.

Batsman Roy has been omitted after scoring only 110 runs in eight Ashes innings, with a highest score of 31.

Australia have retained the Ashes after victory at Old Trafford gave them an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

Seamer Overton was recalled to the England side for the Old Trafford Test but finished with match figures of 2-107.

Surrey all-rounder Curran has impressed with the bat in his previous 10 Tests for England.

The 21-year-old also offers a different option for England’s bowling attack with his left-arm medium pace.

Root said Stokes’ injury had prompted Roy’s omissions because the “balance” of the side needed to change.

“Jason’s the unfortunate one to miss out,” said Root. “He’s

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh replaces Travis Head.

had an opportunity to come in and play Test cricket, get a feel for it, and it’s not quite gone how he would have liked.” Of Stokes, he said: “He might be able to bowl a couple of overs here and there, but his batting, as this series has shown, is a massive part of our side and he rightly deserves to be in this team as just a batter, and a topfour batter.

“So he will, I’m sure, want to find different ways of getting himself into the game, even if it’s not with the ball.”

Australia, searching for a first series win in England since 2001, have dropped middle-

order batsman Travis Head for all-rounder Mitchell Marsh. Marsh scored two centuries in the Ashes series in Australia in 2017-18.

England team for fifth Ashes Test: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wkp.), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes Australia: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Mitch Marsh, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (c, wkp.), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitch Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Cougars, NA United Holders USA stunned by France in quarter-finals earn full points

Cougars FC goalscorers, from left, Shaquan Adams Keiron Hamilton, Shamul Clements, Ashnie Henry and Okife Patior.

SECOND-half doubles from Keiron Hamilton and Ashnie Henry propelled Cougars Football Club to a solid 7-0 win over Arsenal Football Club, as play in the Berbice Football Association (BFA) leg of the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power U-17 Intra Association League resumed after a lengthy break, last Saturday, at the Esplanade Park, New Amsterdam.

The break, a result of a

prolonged rainy season, 77th minute were the other surely did not diminish the players to get into the goalscoring appetite of the young scoring act.

Cougars as they went to There should have been work on the hapless Arsenal a clash between New counterparts.

Amsterdam United and Keiron Hamilton hit the Monedderlust of West target in the 48th and 52nd Berbice from 13:00hrs but minutes with teammate the West Berbice lads turned Ashnie Henry emulating him up two hours late which in the 60th and 74th minute. meant that the match was Shaquan Adams had opened awarded to New Amsterdam Cougars’ account United. in the 23rd minute.

Play will continue this Shamul Clements in the weekend at the same 41st and Okife Patior in the venue.

BEIJING, China (Reuters) - France caused the biggest shock of the basketball World Cup in China after beating holders the United States 89-79 to reach the semi-finals of the 32-nation tournament yesterday.

France will meet Argentina tomorrow for a berth in Sunday’s final while 2006 champions Spain take on Australia, who overpowered Czech Republic 82-70 in the day’s other quarter-final.

The United States, favourites to win their third successive and sixth overall world title, dropped into the 5-8th place playoffs after they failed to reach the medal rounds for the first time since the 2002 tournament in Indianapolis.

The Americans were beaten in a last-eight clash by the former Yugoslavia in that tournament and they next face Serbia, who were billed as their most likely rival in a gold-medal clash in this year’s event.

With 17 of their top NBA players pulling out of the roster in the build-up to the tournament in China, the U.S. lacked depth but their coach Gregg Popovich, the winner of five NBA titles with the San Antonio Spurs, refused to make excuses.

“It is a disrespectful notion to even bring something like that up,” Popovich told a news conference.

“To say ‘hey you guys didn’t have this guy or that guy,’ that’s disrespectful to France or whoever else is in the tournament. France beat us.

“It doesn’t matter who is

on the team. I couldn’t be more proud of these 12 guys who sacrificed their summer having never played together before.

“They put themselves in the arena and competed. They deserve credit for that, just like France deserve credit for winning. It’s not about ‘the United States didn’t have their other guys. There is no such thing as ‘other guys’.”

Having ground out a barely deserved 93-92 overtime win over Turkey in the preliminary group stage, there was to be no escape for the U.S. this time against an athletic French side who dominated them in every department.

AGGRESSIVE DEFENCE An aggressive French defence forced a flurry of first-half turnovers and having engineered a 45-39 halftime lead, they surged 51-41 ahead early in the third quarter thanks to inspired performances from Evan Fournier and Rudy Gobert.

As the duo began to tire, Team USA hit back thanks to a one-man show from Donovan Mitchell, who netted 14 of his 29 points in the third quarter to give the 2014 champions a 6663 lead ahead of the final 10 minutes.

But Mitchell stayed scoreless in the fourth quarter while his Utah Jazz team mate Gobert and Orlando Magic guard Fournier hit top gear.

Trailing 72-65, France went on a 17-4 run and cool

free-throw shooting in the last 90 seconds of the clash gave them a memorable win as Gobert finished with 21 points and 16 rebounds while Fournier netted 22 points.

The towering Gobert also produced two crucial blocks in the final minute as the Americans lost their momentum and threw away several key possessions.

The only positive they will take from the tournament is that they have qualified for next year’s Olympics in Tokyo alongside Australia, Argentina, Spain, France, Iran and Nigeria.

Japan gained an automatic berth as hosts and four other nations will complete the 12team field after next year’s qualifying tournaments.

The impressive Australians, who have never won a major medal, lived up to the billing of dark horses after a mature performance gave them a sixth successive win in the tournament.

The Czechs fought hard throughout to stay in touch but were undone by another fine display from Australia’s Spurs guard Patty Mills, who racked up 24 points.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

FIFA officials to visit Iran after death of ‘Blue Girl’

By Simon Evans

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) – FIFA officials will visit Iran, following the death of a female fan who set herself on fire in protest at her arrest for attending a match, world soccer’s governing body told Reuters yesterday.

Sahar Khodayari, dubbed ‘Blue Girl’ because of her favourite team Esteghlal’s colours, died in hospital on Monday after her self-immolation outside a court where she feared being jailed for six months having attended the match in disguise as a man.

While foreign women have been allowed limited access to matches, Iranian women have been banned from stadiums when men’s teams have been playing since just after the 1979 Islamic revolution.

A FIFA spokesman said that meetings with Iranian soccer officials, expected inside the next two weeks, were part of preparations for Iran’s World Cup qualifying games - they face Cambodia at home on October 10 - and were not a specific response to Khodayari’s death.

The FIFA officials, however, will check the preparations made by the Iranian FA to provide access to that October 10 match for women.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously urged Iranian authorities to take “concrete steps” to allow Iranian and foreign women to buy tickets and attend games.

The death of Khodayari has caused widespread outrage, in Iran and internationally, and there have been calls on social media for Iran’s football federation to be suspended or banned by FIFA. Popular Iranian exile musician Arash Sobhani, of the group Kiosk, was among those who took to social media to protest and told Reuters that Infantino needed to take action.

“He needs to step up and do what is right. Ban the Iranian

because Sahar is no longer,” he wrote.

“Shame on me, for not having been able to do anything, and shame on those who took away the most obvious right from Sahar and all Sahars.”

General view as a steward talks to fans displaying a banner referencing Iranian women during the match vs Morocco at Saint Petersburg Stadium, Russia - June 15, 2018. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez/File photo) federation until they allow all the Iranian women to go to the stadium. They should be just as equal as the men,” he said.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, FIFA expressed its condolences and said it reiterated “our calls on the Iranian authorities to ensure the freedom and safety of any women engaged in this legitimate fight to end the stadium ban for women in Iran.”

‘FOUL LANGUAGE’ Jesper Moller, president of the Danish Football Union, and a member of FIFA’s organising

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday September 12, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

24 matches (2013)

(2)

34 matches (2019) Today’s Quiz:

(1) How many CPL games Chris Gayle played for the St. Kitts/Nevis Patriots?

(2) Who has scored most centuries in CPL cricket to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

committee for competitions, told Danish newspaper Politiken that he expects action from the governing body.

FIFA has an independent disciplinary system and they will look at it. I will let them. And once they have given a verdict, it may well be that the case ends up with the international sports court, CAS. But that it (the stadium ban) must be punished is clear,” said Moller, who is also a member of European governing body UEFA’s executive committee.

Iranian President Hassan

Rouhani’s chief of staff said yesterday that women would be allowed into stadiums if foul language in chants and sporadic violence was curbed.

“We don’t see a problem with women attending if the atmosphere in stadiums is convenient ... but with so much foul language among fans and violence, this is not advisable,” Mahmoud Vaezi told state television.

He said the sports minister would contact leaders of supporter groups to “improve the atmosphere from a moral standpoint” and special

areas for women would be set up in stadiums.

“If there is a well-mannered atmosphere in stadiums, we have no objection to the admission (of women),” Vaezi told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

Iran’s national team won a World Cup qualifier in Hong Kong 2-0 on Tuesday.

Captain Masoud Shojaei issued a statement on Instagram, describing the match as “the most bitter and saddest win of the national team.”

“We scored two goals and won the game on the field. But we lost

‘EQUALITY IS A LIE’ Former Australia captain and human rights activist Craig Foster told Reuters that FIFA needed to enforce its own rules.

“The FIFA statutes say that discrimination on grounds of gender is punishable by suspension or expulsion,” he said.

“If the statutes are not worth upholding, then withdraw them and let football be honest to the women of Iran. Because at the moment, despite the promise, equality is a lie,” he added.

There were signs that the situation regarding female fans in Iran was changing when a group of women were permitted to attend the second leg of the Asian Champions League final in Tehran last November.

Infantino was present at the Azadi Stadium when Persepolis played Japan’s Kashima Antlers in front more than 1 000 female fans in a designated “family section”.

That came after concerted efforts from pressure groups both inside and outside Iran, who were backed by senior players and former national team coach Carlos Queiroz.

It was hoped the breakthrough, which came after Infantino discussed the issue with Rouhani, would lead to further concessions on the issue in the conservative Islamic nation.

Female fans, however, have been denied access to matches since. At Iran’s friendly against Syria in June, women were locked out of the Azadi Stadium and detained by security forces.

Newport County manager says Jaguars striker not in his plans LONDON, England (CMC) – Newport County manager Michael Flynn says Guyana striker Keanu Marsh-Brown is no longer part of his plans for his first team after turning down the chance to go out on loan.

The 27-year-old Londoner joined League Two side Newport on a two-year deal last June, scoring one goal in his first season at Rodney Parade.

Marsh-Brown has just been on international duty in the CONCACAF Nations League, in which Guyana – nicknamed the Golden Jaguars – beat Aruba 1-0 in Curacao last Friday before losing 4-0 at home to Jamaica on Monday.

Marsh-Brown is yet to play this season for secondplaced Newport, who lost

to Tranmere Rovers in last season’s promotion final. The club have carried last term’s fine form into this season and sit two points behind leaders Exeter City.

“He didn’t want to go out on loan, so I’m not even concerned about Keanu, he’s right at the back of my mind,” said Flynn ahead of last weekend’s home game against Port Vale, which Newport won 1-0 through Jamaican striker Jamille Matt’s tap-in after he came on as a second-half substitute.

“We’ll try and get Keanu out when he comes back. I’m not going to say he doesn’t want to play, but he has had opportunities to go out on loan and he’s chosen not to take them. I’ve made it clear he’s not in my plans.

“One thing I’ll say, he’s not caused me any problems at the

training ground.”

He added: “It’s nothing personal; he’s not in my plans.

Certain players work, some don’t, it’s as simple as that.”

Flynn also claimed that Marsh-Brown had not informed him he was involved in Guyana’s double-header against Aruba and Jamaica.

But the player vehemently refuted the claim, saying he had documentation showing contact was made by the Guyana Football Federation on August 20.

Marsh-Brown joined Newport from Dover Athletic, who play in the fifth tier of English football, following a three-year stint at Forest Green Rovers, where he scored 20 goals in 90 appearances for the Gloucestershire club.

Guyana’s Keanu Marsh-Brown

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

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GFSCL Prime Minister’s T20 Cup launched …Over $ 1.3M in cash prizes up for grabs

OVER $1.3M in cash prizes will be up for grabs when the Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Incorporated stages its third edition of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup on November 1, 2 and 3 next under the theme: “Fostering social cohesion through sports”.

At last Friday’s launch of this year’s tournament, held at the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) ground, Thomas Lands, GSCL president Ian John disclosed that both the All Stars and Over-45 winners will cart off $500 000 each while the Legends Over-50 victors will take home $300 000. The runners-up in each category are also guaranteed $100 000.

This year marks the first for the Legends Over-50 category which has been gaining popularity since its introduction at the 2017 Toronto Cup. In addition to trophies, there are a number of lucrative incentive prizes which include man-of-thematch in the finals and the Most Valuable Players in each category.

The man-of-the-match in the All Stars final will receive a trophy and $10 000 while the MVP will ride away with a Hero motorcycle, compliments of Rose Ramdehol. The man-ofthe-match in the Over-45 final will take home a trophy and $10 000 and the MVP a 55-inch smart TV while the man-of-thematch in the Legends Over-50 will collect a trophy and $10 000 and the MVP one gold bracelet.

John also announced that the organisers have agreed to allow two players aged 43 plus to be included in the Over-45 category while the Over-50s have the luxury of playing three 49-yearolds.

According to the GSCL president, his entity is expecting at least 24

teams from Guyana, Canada, New York and Orlando to participate in a “bigger and better” tournament which features a number of giveaways on the final day.

While entrance remains free, teams will be required to furnish their own meals and water and are required to be decked out in their various team uniforms.

They will also be required to deposit a commitment fee of G$60 000 or US$300 which will be refunded on the second day of the tournament (November 2).

John had previously pointed out that there have been instances where teams gave their assurance of competing and pulled out at the last moment, placing the organisers in a quandary to fill places, hence the reason for the commitment fee.

Unlike the two previous tournaments, John also disclosed that the All Stars final will be staged under floodlights at the Everest Cricket Club ground, Camp Road, following the completion of the other two finals earlier on Sunday, November 3.

Star Party Rentals will provide the floodlights.

The GSCL president is therefore urging spectators to come out in their numbers in what promises to be a fun-filled day which will also feature the ever-popular “dancing girls”.

Among those at the impressive launching ceremony were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport Dr George Norton.

The Prime Minister told the gathering that he was extremely happy that the Office of the Prime Minister has been associated with the staging of the tournament over the past

three years as it allows everyone to unite. “Sports of this nature is intended to create a space for all,” the Prime Minister added.

While commending the organisers for their excellent efforts, Minister Norton felt that some consideration should be given for a women’s category in future. That, he said, would fully embody the theme of this year’s tournament.

Matches are scheduled for the Everest, Police, YMCA, Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO), GNIC, Malteenoes and DCC grounds while, according to John, should matches be played at Enmore, Minister Norton has assured that transportation will be provided free of cost through his ministry.

All teams will be required to attend a meeting on Thursday, October 31, prior to the commencement of the tournament the following day, and their 15-member team list should also include identification photographs which will be placed in a database system.

While new Over-50 champions will be crowned, Speedboat and Regal Masters are the defending champions in the All Stars and Over-45 categories respectively.

Among the several sponsors for this year’s tournament are Banks DIH, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Crown Mining, Rajiv Gandhi University, Green Heart University, Star Party Rentals, Supreme Venture, Elegance Jewellery, Cyber Sports Pakistan, Ink Plus the Computer Store, Dyna’s Embroidery, USA Cricket Zone, Krishna and Balram Printery and Hero Motorcycle Rose Ramdehol. (Frederick Halley)

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo hands over the winning Masters Over-45 trophy to Regal Masters skipper Mahendra Arjune as the jubilant players celebrate last year’s win.

Some of the trophies which will be up for grabs at this year’s tournament.

Jamaica names Williams in Doha team despite positive dope test

By Kayon Raynor

Briana Williams of Jamaica crosses the finish line in Tampere, Finland. (Lehtikuva/Kalle Parkkinen via REUTERS)

KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - Briana Williams was yesterday named in Jamaica’s team for the world athletics championships in Doha despite facing a hearing into a positive doping test.

The inclusion of the world Under-20 double sprint champion in Jamaica’s 55-member squad is contingent on the outcome of her

disciplinary hearing, which is set for September 23-25 in Kingston.

“We have entered Briana Williams in the 100m and the 4x100m relay, subject of course to clearance,” Lincoln Eatmon, the second vice-president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA), told a news conference in Kingston.

“Jonielle Smith is the reserve for the 100m and is a part of the

4x100 relay pool,” he added.

Double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson and threetime 100m world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who are both set to contest the 100m, 200m and sprint relay, headline Jamaica’s team for the global championships, which get underway on September 27.

With Danielle Williams winning the 100m hurdles Diamond Trophy to secure a wildcard entry to the world

championships, JAAA has named four athletes to contest the sprint hurdles, with Janeek Brown, Megan Tapper and Yanique Thompson completing the lineup.

Akeem Bloomfield, who only contested the 200m at the Jamaican trials in June but finished third in the 400m final at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Brussels, in a time of 44.67 seconds, will contest onelap event in Doha.

Diamond League finalist Nathon Allen, who also missed the trials due to illness, has been named as a reserve for the 400m.

Yohan Blake, 100m World champion in 2011, and Omar McLeod, the defending sprint hurdles champion, headline the men’s team, which also includes Commonwealth discus champion Fedrick Dacres.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday September 12, 2019

Schutt, Healy star as Australia seal ODI series sweep MEGAN Schutt has made history with a one-day international hat-trick as Australia women claimed an ODI clean sweep against the West Indies in Antigua. Schutt became the first Australian woman to take an ODI hattrick when she cleaned up the Windies tail with three wickets from the final three balls of the innings.Needing 181 for a 3-0 series sweep, the tourists were well on track in the chase with a 27ball half-century from Alyssa Healy before Meg Lanning (58 n.o.) and Ellye Perry(33 n.o.) saw Australia home with eight wickets in hand in the 32nd over. It stretched the No.1 ranked Australian’s ODI winning streak to 15 matches, as Meg Lanning’s team completed a fifthstraight unblemished series.

Schutt’s hat-trick, her second in international cricket, was the icing on the cake of another strong bowling display from Australia, who were sent into the field after captain Lanning – who returned to the XI after missing the second ODI due to back spasms – lost the toss. Healy’s outstanding series continued when she struck a rapid-fire 61 from 32 deliveries, to finish with 241 runs at 80.33 across the three matches.

Her whirlwind knock featured 11 fours and one six and while her departure in the eighth over brought temporary relief for the West Indian attack – as did the departure of opener Rachael Haynes for 19 – Lanning and Perry ensured the result was never in doubt. Lanning’s 13th ODI half-century also saw her bring up a special slice of history, with her 47th run taking her to 6 222 runs across all international formats, surpassing Karen Rolton to become Australia’s greatest female run-scorer.

Earlier, Perry took just four deliveries to strike with the ball, becoming just the second Australian woman to take 150 ODI wickets when Reniece Boyce departed for one. Slow and steady was the approach taken by West Indian pair Kyshona Knight and Britney Cooper in the face of a disciplined start from Schutt and Perry, with just 18 runs scored from the first 10 overs.

Knight looked the more comfortable at the crease while batting partner Cooper – a late addition to the squad in place of the injured Kycia Knight – battled her way to 16 from 51 deliveries before being undone by the leg-spin of Georgia Wareham in the 17th over. West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor joined Knight

as the pair put on 41 for the third wicket to frustrate the Australian attack, but the introduction of leftarm spinner Jess Jonassen reaped immediate rewards - Knight bowled for a 72-ball 40.

The hosts were relying on Taylor – their most decorated one-day player with more than 4 500 runs and five centuries to her name – to bat through the innings, but she managed just 23 runs from 50 deliveries when she holed out off the bowling of Ashleigh Gardner. In just her second international match, it was again No.8 Sheneta Grimmond who showed up her top-order with an aggressive display, dispatching Wareham over the boundary twice during a 24-ball 34.

She put on 64 for the seventh wicket with Chinelle Henry (39 off 58) before being bowled by Jonassen, lifting the West Indian total towards 200.

But their hopes of reaching that milestone were thwarted with a superb final over from Schutt, who took three wickets with her final three deliveries to become the first woman to claim two hat-tricks in international cricket.

The Australian spearhead had bowled well without reward through her first 9.3 overs before striking the triple blow to have the hosts bowled out for 180.

First, she bowled aggressive allrounder Henry for 39 with a slower delivery, before a canny change in the field – placing fielders on the ropes at long on and long off – achieved the immediate result when Karishma Ramharack plucked out Perry on the boundary next ball.

With one delivery remaining in the innings, Schutt again produced a slower ball to deceive Afy Fletcher and strike the top of off stump.

Her efforts were backed up by those of Jonassen, who finished with the superb figures of 2-8 from 7 overs, including two maidens.

With the one-day internationals done and dusted, the Australian and West Indian squads will fly to Barbados today where the first T20I will be played on Saturday at 19:00hrs local time (09:00hrs Sunday AEST).

Twenty20 Internationals September 14: First T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados September 16: Second T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados September 18: Third T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados

Australia women cricketers celebrate their ODI series clean sweep over West Indies.

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23 Buxton Cricket Academy meets Amazon Warriors, compliments of Digicel Sherfane Rutherford (in forefront), along with other members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, meet members of the Buxton Cricket Academy, compliments of Digicel.

Holders USA stunned by France in quarter-finals France’s Nicolas Batum and Rudy Gobert in action at Dongguan Basketball Center, Dongguan, China. (REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon)

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FIFA officials to visit Iran after death of ‘Blue Girl’ 26 PAGE

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019