Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 25-12-2019

WEDNESDAY 25th December, 2019

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To all Guyanese

No.105862

Our next edition will be on Saturday December 28th, 2019

COALITION RENEWS ACCORD

…President says ‘strengthened’ new pact will enhance quality of governance SEE STORY ON PAGE 03

Shell to buy Guyana’s first oil 09 PAGE

‘Bright future for Guyana’

–President Granger says in Christmas message SEE STORY ON PAGE 10

-- Energy Department commits to transparency in crude marketing

Preserving the true meaning of Christmas

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--through the annual RHTYSC Christmas Village

Creating a safe haven for 31 foster children at Christmas PAGE

President David Granger (second left) and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger (third left) with their daughters, Afuwa Granger (left) and Han Granger-Gaskin (right) at State House

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

COALITION RENEWS ACCORD …President says ‘strengthened’ new pact will enhance quality of governance

IN another historic move, the leaders of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) signed a new Cummingsburg Accord, paving the way for them to contest the March 2020 Elections as a coalition, as was done in 2015 when joined forces to defeat the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C).

The accord was signed by Chairman of the APNU, President David Granger, and AFC’s Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan – the Minister of Public Security on Tuesday. The signing took place around 14:00hrs at State House in the presence of General Secretary of the AFC, David Patterson, and his counterpart, Joseph Harmon.

Representatives of all the parties that make up the APNU+AFC Coalition were also present.

Representing the Guyana Action Party (GAP) was Errol Ross; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott represented the National Front Alliance (NFA) while Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sabaro-Halley, attended on behalf of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). CN Sharma and his son, Jaipaul Sharma, the Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure represented the Justice For All Party (JFA).

Moments after the signing, President Granger said that the Cummingsburg Accord was strengthened based on experiences garnered over the last four and a half years. He said the coalition parties had worked well together and the revised accord would lay the foundation for a more enhanced quality of governance for all the people of Guyana.

He has repeatedly said that once a revised Cummingsburg Accord is in place, the coalition would then move to establish a manifesto, paving the way for their elections campaign to be launched. That campaign is expected to be

APNU Chairman, President David Granger, and Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan, shake hands while holding a copy of the revised Cummingsburg Accord

launched early January, 2020.

Leader of the AFC, in his remarks, reinforced the parties’ position that they are ‘better together’ and congratulated the negotiating team that worked to fashion the revised accord.

The signing comes days ahead of Nomination Day (January 10) when political parties will be mandated to submit their Lists of Candidates for the March 2, 2020 elections. With the signing of the revised accord, APNU and AFC will submit a single list under the APNU+AFC banner.

Under this new agreement, the AFC will only get 30 per cent of the seats secured by the coalition in the National Assembly based on a new 70:30 ratio agreed upon with APNU. The formula will also guide the allocation of seats at

the level of the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs). Under the old accord, the formula was 60:40. Further, the Prime Ministerial post will be held by the AFC as was done under the old accord. At this stage, it is unclear whether the AFC was able to secure the four ministries it had demanded – Agriculture, Public Security, Public Infrastructure and Telecommunications.

The signing of the revised accord comes after more than three months of rigorous, and at times, heated negotiations between the APNU and AFC. The negotiations commenced in August, 2019.

Ahead of those negotiations, the parties committed to uphold the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and to ensure that no

agreement or action collides with or contradicts articles of the Constitution.

As part of the core principles, the parties agreed and committed to the establishment of a system of inclusionary democracy and the advancement of the country’s Green State Development Strategy, Vision 2040. They also committed to seeking electoral majorities at the general and regional elections and local government elections and agreed to select candidates for the aforementioned elections through participatory and transparent processes, which guarantee that candidates enjoy the majority of their respective constituencies and satisfy all legal criteria for election.

Other aspects of the core principles include the cultivation of respectful relations. They also agreed to speak with one voice on issues of public policy, to support a common manifesto and to issue joint media bulletins and releases on electoral matters.

Additionally, the parties agreed to abide by the principle of collective responsibility in respect of decisions emanating from Cabinet and to holding common positions on bills, motions and resolutions in the National Assembly. Each party also pledged to inform the other in advance of its inability at any time to support any measure in the National Assembly. Other areas covered in the core principles are that of the publishing of a joint manifesto comprising 12 broad fields: constitutional reform, good governance, economic growth and development, education improvement, energy sector, environmental protection, indigenous peoples, infrastructural development, international relations, social protection and social cohesion, security and human safety, women, gender equality and youth.

APNU Chairman, President David Granger (third from left), and Leader of the AFC, Khemraj Ramjattan (centre), standing alongside other representatives of the APNU+AFC Coalition

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Iraqi parliament approves new electoral law as deadlock persists (AL JAZEERA) Iraq’s parliament has approved a new electoral law, a key demand of protesters to make elections fairer, but political deadlock is still holding up the selection of an interim prime minister.

Mass protests have gripped Iraq since October 1 and protesters, most of

them young, are demanding an overhaul of a political system they see as profoundly corrupt and keeping most Iraqis in poverty.

More than 450 people have been killed.

The new election law passed by parliament on Tuesday will allow voters to elect individual legislators instead of choosing

Negotiations over a candidate to replace Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi have remained deadlocked since the latest in a series of deadlines expired at midnight on Sunday [Reuters]

from party lists, and have each member of parliament represent a specific electoral district instead of groups

of legislators representing entire provinces.

“In the name of Iraq, and in the name of the Iraqi

Wednesday, December 25, 2019 – 4:30 hrs Thursday, December 26, 2019 – 5:30 hrs

people, in the name of the martyrs, in the name of all those who sacrificed, in the name of the displaced, the law has been approved,” Council of Representatives Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi said after the vote.

But protesters are demanding not just a new electoral law, but also the removal of the entire political class and an independent prime minister with no party affiliation.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi resigned last month under pressure from the street demonstrations, but has remained in office in a caretaker capacity.

Negotiations over a candidate to replace him have remained deadlocked since the latest in a series of deadlines expired at midnight on Sunday.

Demonstrators on Tuesday gathered outside Baghdad’s

iconic Tahrir Square where they made clear their opposition to names touted by the establishment to fill the post of prime minister.

The main avenues and roads in cities in the south of the country, the epicentre of the months-long protest movement, were blocked, as well as entrances to schools, universities and government buildings.

While a pro-Iran camp has tried to impose a candidate, Iraqi President Barham Saleh has reportedly put up resistance.

For many protesters, the system installed by the United States after it led a military coalition to overthrow longtime leader Saddam Hussein in 2003 has become overly beholden to Iran and is beyond reform.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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T&T: Process for ganja pardons begins (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) THE PROCESS to “free up the people” as part of the government’s push to “liberate the herb” has started.

A High Court judge has granted the Attorney General three administrative orders which will speed up the process to grant pardons to those who are convicted of less than a 100 grammes of marijuana and ten grammes of cannabis resin.

In keeping with promises made to operationalise amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act, which decriminalised certain quantities of marijuana, AG Faris Al-Rawi on Monday filed the application in the Port of Spain High Court, in the public’s interest, so that the process of pardon can begin.

A court’s order is necessary to give effect to the pardon, however Justice Norton Jack has expressed his concerns of a declaration sought which would have him declare that those affected are “entitled” to apply to the President for the pardon once the offence was expunged from their record.

He has adjourned that one issue to be dealt with on Friday.

The orders that Jack did grant will allow for the AG, or his representatives, to be provided with copies of all files and records in the custody of the Supreme Court registrar and the Commissioners of Police and Prison, of those who are either awaiting trial, who are on bail or remand and those convicted for being in possession of no more than 100 grammes of cannabis or no more than 14 grammes of cannabis resin under section 5 of the Dangerous Drugs Act. Al-Rawi and Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General Fitzgerald Hinds were both in court for the hearing.

Fyard Hosein SC, who leads the team of attorneys for the AG, explained to the judge why the information being asked for was necessary to give effect to the new laws proclaimed on Friday by President Paula-Mae Weekes and which came into effect at midnight on Monday.

He said there was a need for a definitive list of people

who were beneficiaries of the legislation since the State suspected that the preliminary information it had in its possession was not absolutely accurate.

Hosein also added that it was important that someone served as the central hub to collate the information expeditiously.

“If we don’t it will end up with a bottle neck in the system and will affect the liberty of persons.”

He also said the action taken by the AG was to avoid the potential proliferation of litigation, save the courts time and costs.

“You’re pushing on an open door,” the judge said, but of particular concern to him was the children who

are in the system and what is to happen to them. Hosein said this process would facilitate their release.

Hosein also said the law does not provide for the mass pardon of people who benefited from the new law, and the process must be individualised.

Once the information is received – which could be as early as Friday according to attorney John Heath, for the registrar – the next step would be for the Police Commissioner to remove those people from the national fingerprint database and for

their criminal records to be erased, in accordance with sections 5 and 5D of the amended act.

“It is not a short-cut,” Hosein assured, but a legitimate route to the ultimate destination of pardon for those who benefited from the new law.

Attorney for both commissioners, Netram Kowlessar, said his clients agreed with the proposed action.

Preliminary figures presented to the court suggest that up until the time when the act came into effect on Monday, there were approx-

imately 70 inmates convicted in the magisterial courts for having small quantities of marijuana.

There are 12 inmates who are serving sentences, and some 17 inmates remanded in prison who will be eligible for discharge. At the Children’s Court, there were 128 matters filed there.

These figures include both males and females.

Also representing the AG were attorney Ravi Rajcoomar and Kadine Matthew.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

CHRISTMAS LESSONS IT’S Christmas time again — the season of love and goodwill, when Christians and the larger community take time off to observe and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who was both of the Spirit and of flesh and blood.

Jesus is singular as a religious symbol whose influence both cuts across and transcends religion. In that sense, he is Christianity’s gift to humanity.

It is for that reason that Christmas is both a time for Christians to celebrate and for all of humanity to reflect on the meaning of universal goodness and morality. So, at this time, we, as a nation, should reflect on the true meaning and significance of Christmas and the extent to which we have veered away from them.

Unfortunately, Christmas has come to mean different things to different people. One cannot help but notice the increasing commercialisation of the season -- a time for the markets to flourish and for the well-off among us to flaunt their wealth. It has also become a season for hyper-merriment, replete with the worst symbols of depravity.

This is not the Jesus tradition. His is a tradition of humility and the sharing of

gifts, not as a manifestation of wealth, but as a symbol of love.

If we must return to the true roots and significance of Christmas, we must, as a society, begin to temper our attraction to the material basis upon which we think of, and celebrate, the occasion.

In a larger social sense, this commercialisation of the holy season and similar occasions has come to tarnish our sense of rootedness and morality.

Christmas is also a time for us to think of redemption. Jesus came amongst us to help in redeeming a world that was sliding into moral decay.

In that sense, His coming was a symbol of hope for humanity; that we could overcome our challenges. As we look around our country and the world, our moment cries out for redemption. From the commodification of every area of human activity to the rise in social ills, our collective moral compass is skewed in the opposite direction from that which Jesus’s life and sacrifices have taught. Not only must we look to leaders to lead that redemption, but all of us, as children of the universe, must pitch in our lot within our families and our communities.

National redemption without personal redemption is incomplete redemption.

Jesus’s birth in a manger to poor, humble parents is another symbol that is pregnant with meaning. It is, above all, a statement that the least among us must be lifted up. The Bible records the many instances during Jesus’s sojourn on earth when he witnessed to the poor by protecting them and centering them in his messages. It is another area of life in which we have moved away from the Jesus way.

The poor in our midst are reduced to statistics, and are often treated as menaces. The massive accumulation of wealth is matched by a larger accumulation of poverty. This is something that Jesus turned His face against, and if we must properly celebrate His birth and His life, we must renew our commitment to the poor by vowing to fight against poverty in the new year.

Jesus is also a symbol of togetherness — the solidarity of human beings, despite differences. Humanity based on human segregation is pregnant with the temptation and actuality of domination and ‘otherization.’ Jesus’s very birth and life are lessons of the equality and interconnectedness of human beings.

Our country has struggled to achieve that equilibrium of equality and solidarity in our diverse national self. Perhaps we could draw strength from the uplifting Christmas story in that regard.

Finally, the Christian church and other religious denominations have their work cut out in trying to return our society and the world to some degree of moral order. In some regards, the church has not itself been constant in its ambassadorship for Christ. In some instances, it has allowed money and the lure of attracting followers to taint the moral message of Jesus. There are also instances in which the church has become victim and purveyor of secular ideologies, rather than being the moral compass of our society. This is also a time of reflection for the church.

Yet, even as we reflect, we should celebrate this moment, both as memory and thanksgiving. Christmas comes at the end of the year — a time when we count our blessings and prepare for the year ahead. So, as we eat, drink and make merry, remember the true meaning of Christmas, and vow to be true to its lessons, going forward.

A Merry Christmas to all!

Though not perfect, democracy is alive and well under President David Granger Dear Editor, ON December 21, 2018, Mr. Charrandass Persaud, an APNU+AFC Parliamentarian, joined with the Parliamentary Opposition, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to overthrow the APNU+AFC Administration.

After his vote, Mr. Persaud was able to, and rightly so, peacefully leave

the country.

So, how would the script have read if an African PPP/C Parliamentarian had conspired with an APNU+AFC opposition to overthrow a PPP/C Government? To arrive at the unknown, let’s begin with what is known. How did people and organisations fare under the PPP/C Government?

We know that Stabroek News and Kaieteur

News were punished with the withdrawal of government ads, for their reportage that was deemed “anti-PPP.” We know that when Mrs. Jagan, the matriarch of the PPP organisation, stood up for what she considered sacrosanct – press freedom – she was publicly denigrated and relegated to the status of now “a private citizen.”

We know that Freddie Kissoon, a fierce critic

of successive PPP governments, was reportedly called a “man kisser and sleaze ball” by a PPP president. The same Freddie was doused with miasmic substance and received a beating. In his August 12, 2012 Column, titled “I am pleading with my country to protect me,” Freddie detailed some of the sufferings he went through.

We know that Mark Benschop who, under Dr.

Cheddi Jagan, vehemently criticised the PNC, was jailed on trumped-up treason charges. And, in 2010, two days before Christmas Day, Major Bruce Munroe and his wife, Carol Ann, were arrested and imprisoned for treason. We know that Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, former members of the PPP, were called “snakes” because they joined the Coalition political move-

ment.

I know one businessman who cautioned me to be careful with what I was saying while using his media platform, because, “these people (the PPP leadership) could hurt [your business] bad.”

And we know, also, that Courtney Crum Ewing, who had staged a one-man protest against See page 7

Op-Ed

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

By Namela Henry TODAY, Guyanese join with billions around the world in celebrating, which is undoubtedly the most popular religious festival; that of Christmas, or the Yuletide Season.

Although of the Christian religion, because it is about the earthly incident of birth of Jesus Christ, it is universal in scope, which appeal has transcended ethnicities and specific cultures, throughout every region of the world. There is no other time of the year that captures the imagination of mankind, which gladdens the heart by that inexplicable pervasive spirit of laughter and light heartedness, during which all the troubles of the year seemed to be forgotten. In fact, so much acknowledged is this time of the year, and what it signifies that during the first World War, for example, the firings fell silent as a result of a truce, for a period of midnight to midnight, that allowed even combatants from the two warring sides, to cross over into each other’s territory for celebrations.

No doubt, it is called the Season of Goodwill, since it is traditionally characterized by sparing a thought for the needy and the poor;

Peace and Goodwill for a better, unified Guyana

the disconsolate, destitute and forgotten, wherever they may be found. It is because of this outpouring of care and concern, that love is displayed through the holding of Christmas parties and gifts distribution for children in homes, and at other places of gathering; care homes and refuge for senior citizens, inclusive of the infirm, are also shown tender love, by being feted and given gifts.

These are annual Yuletide experiences that are also common, and analogous to the Guyanese tradition of the Christmas Season.

In fact, there is hardly an administrative region in which children especially, irrespective of ethnicity are not feted at this time of the year, as evidenced by the pictorials in the media, both print and electronic. This has increased over the years, with the involvement of some sections of corporate Guyana and other business and commerce types; private citizens, many from the diaspora; organisations; and even the government that has ensured that its care and concerns for the nation’s young, be also highlighted at this very special time of the year.

Of course, the bars and restaurants are filled, with old buddies and even recently made friendships, indulging in that good old

Guyanese habit of taking some good shots for the Holidays. But we will admonish that such be done with great moderation, so as not to inflame behaviour that will lead to unsavoury conduct, which cannot be in keeping with the Season.

But whereas much emphasis is placed on the celebratory aspect of Christmas, with all of its attendant festivities, one must pause and perhaps deliberate on its seminal message – Peace and Goodwill towards all men.

This is indeed visionary, in terms of when it had been said, according to the Christian Bible. That it is so has been because of the conflictual experiences of mankind, with the passage of time, with peace, still very fragile, and elusive in many parts of our world.

Closer to home, as alluded to the great feeling of bonhomie that is effortless among Guyanese at this time of the year, so much characterized by euphoria in which hellos and banter are exchanged with our fellow Guyanese, many never before spoken to; one should ask, why should such not be able to be the bridgehead, for building better relations among the nation’s peoples, in a deeply polarised society? Why should it, only be Christmas, in which this spirit of apparent

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friendship is displayed? Why should it not be given a genuine input that will make for greater impetus for a better Guyana, in which all can dwell in love and lasting unity? And why should this not be ongoing throughout the year?

It needs not be reminded that the nation has experienced a very challenging year, in which its very resolve has been severely tested. That it has survived is because, there is still that recognition among many Guyanese that togetherness can be achieved with a better understanding of each other, that will lead to goodwill, and eventually peace.

And what better time that this understanding should commence, than on the platform of the recently commenced FIRST OIL. Sure enough, its advent has brought Good tidings of Great Joy to our country and its people.

Further, in a sense, it can be described as the token representation of those first great economic Christmases, that are sure to follow, inclusive of the other component parts of their relevant years.

So, let peace and goodwill reign, not only for the extant Season; but from now on, for a better, peaceful, unified Guyana.

Merry Christmas

Though not perfect, City Hall always looking democracy is alive ... for a ‘whipping boy’ From page 6 what he perceived to be behavior not befitting a Minister, was gunned down days before the 2015 elections, as he urged voters to “oust against the PPP.” I do recall an incident at John McCain Town Hall. A member of the audience called Mr. Obama “an Arab.”

Senator John McCain rebuked her, saying, “He [Obama] is a good Christian man with whom I just happen to have a difference.” President Obama’s general manner of dealing with opposing views was, “I do not agree with his view but I defend his right to have one.” We know that Mr. Ramotar didn’t do that when asked about Crum Ewing’s murder. No, the President of [the] Republic of Guyana labelled the murdered protester, “nothing more than a nuisance.” We know that this same Ramotar publicly disparaged a protesting member of our Indigenous community, telling him, “Jagdeo wudda slap yuh because yuh stupid.”

What did the man do? He stood in

opposition to the ruling PPP/C. We know that when a group of women protested the incarceration of the teenager, accused of showing his middle finger to the presidential motorcade, the then President labelled them, “Loonies from the fringes.” We know that for her protestations, activist Sherlina Nageer was called “an idiot,” and a “little piece of s**t” and, among other threats against her, was told to “…F-off.”

Editor, when I consider what people suffered under the PPP/C for their opposition to that party and compare it to what Charrandass Persaud did on December 21, 2018, and what he experienced, I conclude that democracy is truly alive and well under President David Granger.

It isn’t perfect, there is room for progress. But real democracy exists under the David Granger-led administration.

Regards, Remington Nelson

Dear Editor,

I READ an article on Page nine (9) of the Guyana Chronicle dated December 14, 2019 captioned “Engineer Boston comes in for harsh criticism” reading that article one may be inclined to get an impression of what transpired, that could be very misleading but from my personal investigation, it was revealed that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) gave the contract to clean those drains outside of Bourda Market to a private contractor, without the knowledge or involvement of the M&CC Engineer’s Department, but since the work was city based, the Department made contact with the supervisor on the site and subsequently assigned one of its engineers to make intermittent checks on the operations.

The Engineer’s Department later learned that differences had developed between the Markets Department and the contractor, resulting in that Department closing down the operations. At no time was the Engineer Department formally involved in the project.

What continues to occur at City Hall is, as soon as something becomes public, they

immediately find a ‘whipping boy’. What also seems to be very disturbing is that the Town Clerk (ag.) allows her officers to be mutilated and disrespected. She is simply not prepared to fight with them in the trenches. It is therefore clearly obvious that she has her eyes on a greater prize and don’t want to get her feet muddy.

Anyone who knows and had interactions with Kenson Boston (City Engineer ag.) will never associate him with being incompetent, dereliction of duty, insubordination or dis-loyalty to the M&CC. There is indeed more in the mortar than in the pestle.

The Georgetown City Council desire for blood and the customary baying of the dogs is clearly an innate desire to get someone’s head as the Biblical Herod’s stepdaughter, Salome, demonically sought and got the head of John the Baptist.

What is also very disturbing is that a councillor representing Albouystown supports every motion, good or bad, understood or not.

I guess he has to remain visible to justify his election to the Council. City Hall’s Officer Corp is in real trouble.

Regards Joel Alexander

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

An indictment of the PPP/C’s housing policy Dear Editor, I REFER to headlined story, with caption: “After 10 years and two govts…Riverview squatters still to be relocated …As inhumane conditions worsens”, is prominently displayed as a lead story, Kaieteur News, December 22, 2019.

Any fair-minded reader will agree that it is the media’s right, as public watchdog, to highlight the social conditions of citizens, particularly those that impact very negatively on their quality of daily living, as evidenced by the pictorials that appear to support the story.

But there is no doubt that this is another story, conveniently highlighted to embarrass the coalition government.

Firstly, one would have noticed the conveniently reported length of time, given, of the squatters living in such conditions – cleverly divided, and equivalent to two terms, occupied by the former PPP/C regime, and the coalition, the current half of the ten years stated. There can be no strange co-incidence

here, since what the publisher intended is to accuse the present government of not doing anything about the plight of the Riverview residents, although referring to the government’s stated intention of bringing squatting to an end; and their initiatives in bringing relief to citizens in a similar situation in Broad and Lombard Streets, and Sophia.

And here, one must ask, whether it was not shameful for the coalition administration to have inherited the equally scandalous situation and plight, of those Broad Street residents who would have lived through the entire 23 years of a PPP/C regime, similarly in time duration to the situation at Riverview, which one believes would have had its genesis and gradual growth.

But this stark fact must further beg the question – how could this criminal neglect of really distressed citizens, be ignored and missed the attention of the then PPP/C regime? Editor, the answer is simple: because the latter had been busy dispensing large acreage plots to its cronies and friends, to become home builders so as to sell the latter to

Seven months on …

Female taxi driver murder still unsolved SEVEN months after the death of female taxi driver Indira Bipat, whose body was found in a clump of bushes at Lust-en-Rust, West Bank Demerara, the police are yet to make an arrest.

A senior police tetective told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday that the Bipat murder investigation is still open and is on-going.

Bipat, 47, who died as a result of strangulation compounded by blunt trauma to the head, on May 19, 2019, was said to have been seen leaving Indira Bipat her home after receiving a phone call.

The Toyota Axio motorcar, PXX 4114, with which she plied her trade and had purchased just six months prior to the incident is still missing Her son Derrick Samaroo had told this newspaper that his mother left home saying she was going out for about an hour or so, but never returned.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that while he could not say what might have led to her demise, he had the presence of mind to report her missing at the Vreed-en-Hoop and La Grange Police Stations, after she did not return home after work.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) Company has handed over Bipat’s telephone records to the police.

the rich. This happening, while applications, numbering in the thousands, kept piling up, because of no available lands for house lots.

We all have, since 2015, been made aware of the inheritance of this backlog, by the present government which has had to find solutions.

The fact that housing was the major area of complaint from citizens during their interfacing with government throughout the regions at its innovative “Taking Government to the People” exercise is an indictment of the reckless neglect of that segment of the nation’s citizens, who are most vulnerable in this critical area of socio-living.

One does not seek to absolve any government from its responsibilities, once it takes office, even with regards issues that it has had to inherit. In fact, one stands corrected by referring to President Granger’s recent statement as to the kind of “hand” which his government has been given when it assumed the reins of office. He is absolutely correct, with regard a botched up country which his administration has been gradually restoring to acceptable socio-eco-

nomic levels and which is quite clear, even to the dishonest sections of the media such as the Kaieteur News. But, be it as it is, the latter has no right to be so ridiculous in stooping to another low level of reporting dishonesty in attempting to highlight a problem, and similar ones which loomed large and festered like a chronic sore during the PPP/C’s tenure of office.

It must cease to spread blame to a succeeding administration, for problems which had existed prior, and could have been remedied, rather than attempt joint responsibility, as inferred by the referred to headline.

This has continued to be a significant reporting deception, on many of the nation’s seminal problems, such as race, which continues to raise its ugly and distorted head. Kaieteur News’s headline is just another distorted example that subverts truth which stands as an indictment of the former PPP/C housing policy.

Regards Earl Hamilton

Let this be a Christmas of tolerance and respect for all religious beliefs Dear Editor, TODAY, Christmas, some may say X-Mas, some may say Yuletide.

This is a celebration of many names, in Guyana is viewed as a commemoration for all religions. The Hindu deep into it, The Muslims not to be left out, the Rastafarians playing their part. Each, in effect, partaking in a Christian celebration, tolerance and respect. And it for this reason I write today of the need for tolerance by all; of the need [for] mutual respect for our brothers and sisters’ religious belief.

Recently, a media personality made some not-so nice comments about our Hinduism. Let me say this, my experience with the Hindu faith was nothing but pleasantly memorable. In medical school, our Hindu brothers and sisters, Vindi, Jeetoo, Chatterdeo, Avinash to name a few, would bring some of their celebratory sweet snacks for us.

We would sit together, regardless of religion, as a class and just tuck into the goodies. At QC, a classmate of mine by the name of Tariq would invite me to his mosque where we would pray.

He respected my Christianity while I respected his Islam. During the month of Ramadan, together as teenage friends, we would attend the Mosque to break fast. I lived in Victoria for about two years. The Rastafarians would have

their religious celebration which would last for days. Of course, I was there.

To me, that was a part of my religious edification. To consolidate those, I read books and spoke to my friends to have a better understanding of their religion.

My daughter is fortunate, since as part of her school curriculum, she does religious studies. She also has to attend the many different places of worship, appropriately dressed.

I am very passionate about tolerance, so I am not sure if I can make an unbiased assessment of what this TV personality said. What I can say that the views he expressed are discriminatory and an insult to our Hindu brothers and sisters.

The gentleman rightly issued two apologies. I thought that was water under the bridge. That was not to be since he withdrew his apologies, live on radio, and repeated the discriminatory and offensive statements. The CEO saved the day and gave him a severe reprimand.

This gentleman expressed the view that Hinduism is responsible for the fatal crashes among other social ills in Guyana. Let me say this but, before I do, ask the forgiveness of our Hindu brothers and sisters. As a lad, I would go, with my friends, to the seawalls and take the Hindu offering.

We would take the fruits and moneys. I guess we did not know better. Also, as a lad, we would play the games ‘catch-

er’ and ‘hide- and-seek’. Around the Jandhi flags were our favourite to hide.

I say this, with some embarrassment of the naughty things I did, to highlight the fact that the flags, the offering and the entire Hindu belief, is not about taking lives. If that were the case, then my friends and I would be long dead for the naughty stuff we did as lads.

I do believe as a country we need to have an understanding of each other.

Ignorance is the main reason underpinning bigotry. For that gentleman who made those offensive comments on Hinduism, I would recommend that he broadens his religious journey. Learn about Hinduism, Islam, etc. You may find out that we have more in common than difference. To our Hindu brothers and sisters, please be reassured that most of Guyana respect your religion as you respect ours. As we celebrate Christmas, regardless of our religion, I pray that we demonstrate tolerance to those [who] may worship differently to us. I pray that, for the new year, we take that spiritual journey where we allow ourselves that opportunity to understand other religions.

To all Guyanese, I pray that your Christmas is filled with joy, reflection and oil.

Regards Dr. Mark Devonish

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Shell to buy Guyana’s initial crude cargoes --- DoE commits to transparency in crude-marketing

GUYANA’s first three cargoes of crude-entitlement from the Liza Phase 1 development will be bought

by Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited as the company successfully withstood the scrutiny and criteria of the Department of Energy (DoE).

The direct, short-term sale of Guyana’s Liza grade crude is aimed at preventing it from being priced downwards, due to initial uncertainty of its quality.

A little over one week ago, nine international oil companies were invited to bid for the cargo lifts.

These respected companies included: ExxonMobil; China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC); Hess Corporation; BP; Chevron; Shell, Total and Eni. In a release on Tuesday, the Department of Energy (DoE) stated that Shell came out on top following a series of face-to-face interrogative interviews and having met the strict criteria set out.

“The interested parties

Also considered was Shell’s strong foothold in the Latin American markets and the size and scale of their shipping and storage operations in the region, which allows for multiple options on the Liza crude-commercialisation.

The DoE also highlight-

willingness to share critical refinery information with the Department, which Guyana needs in order to understand Liza crude-behaviour.

Shell has demonstrated a readiness to support the DoE in operating these cargoes, while the DoE is strengthening its structures and in-house crude commer-

known. It usually takes several lifts to determine crude-only quality and the cost of refining it. Guyana is embarking on its very first new crude-introduction into the market of the Liza grade. The quality of the crude and its yield have not yet been tested within a refinery system. This interim arrangement is put in

cialisation human resources.

Meanwhile, the sale has been premised on a Dated Brent price basis, which reflects the tradable, spot market value of crude oil.

Earlier in the month, DoE Director, Dr Mark Bynoe and Crude Marketing Specialist Virginia Markouizou had explained in detail that this sale would bring Phase 1 of the two-step crude-marketing process close to completion.

The first phase involves the direct sale of Guyana’s crude; the second involves an open-market Request for Proposals (RFPs) for a marketing agent to market Guyana’s crude-entitlements from the Liza 1 field on a term basis, beginning early 2020.

The DoE explained that the timeline allows for adequate preparation in structuring and completing the RFP for marketing in early 2020.

It also stated that given the accelerated timing of first oil and with Guyana’s first lift expected in February 2020, a short-term Phase 1 process became necessary.

“The full extent of the quality of crude is not yet

place just for this period,” the department had explained.

The three cargoes will be completed approximately by mid-2020; and by the end of the third lift, the quality of the crude and any operational issues around production are expected to have stabilised.

In the release, the department committed to transparency, accountability and acquisition of best value for Guyana in all its endeavours, including in crude- marketing for Liza crude cargoes.

“The DoE looks forward to introducing this grade into the market in a stable and structured manner, and as a result realise a fair market value for the crude,” the release stated.

“The DoE intends to promote transparency in crude marketing for Liza crude cargoes and will coordinate with the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Secretariat to announce mechanisms and details for allowing the public access to records showing how, when and for how much its crude oil is being sold.”

Director of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe

submitted their proposals in writing and were subjected to a face-to-face meeting with the DoE, in order to present the full scale of their capabilities. Companies were also required to lay out the details of their proposals. The faceto-face presentations made possible robust interrogation and lengthy clarifications and questions. This was an integral part of the selection process, especially in the context of the nascent nature of Guyana’s experience with

this process of crude-commercialism, given that the country is now only a fewdays-old new producer,” the DE stated.

The decision was based on the following factors: competitive pricing that limits the government’s exposure to market uncertainty; the size, scale and global reach of Shell’s trading operations and the company’s high level of integration between upstream, trading and downstream.

The Liza Destiny

ed the range of new grades Shell has recently introduced into the market and their

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

‘Bright future for Guyana’ –President Granger says in Christmas message

Promising a better Guyana in months and years to come, President David Granger called on Guyanese to fortify the bonds of friendship, family, community and country, in his Christmas Day Message to the nation.

“The Holy Festival of Christmas is an opportunity to strengthen the bonds which unite us – as a family, community and country. Let us be the agents for promoting peace and bearing goodwill to all. Let us ensure peace, goodwill and safety in our homes, on the roadways and in our communities,” the Head of State challenged the nation.

Anticipating a return to office come March, 2020, the President, who has been championing a ‘Decade of Development’ assured Guyanese that in time, Guyana will get better. “The future is bright. Things will get better in the months, years and decade ahead. Citizens’ quality of life will continue to improve. Everyone – regardless of class, ethnicity, gender

President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger

or place of residence – will benefit from the continued growth and development in our country,” he assured.

Reminding that Christ-

mas, symbolises and celebrates the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ, President Granger pointed out that the birth of Jesus was a fulfilment of a

prophecy foretold, centuries earlier, in the Book of Isaiah in the Holy Bible.

“Christmas represents the promise of peace, an eternal

and universal human aspiration. The Gospel of St. Luke in the Holy Bible reminds us that, on the night of Jesus’s birth, angels proclaimed:

‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ Christmas recalls that Christ was born into a family. Jesus came into the world as a baby, born into a family, He belonged to a model family…the holy family,” the President shared.

Family, he underscored, is a divine creation which must be protected.

“Christmas is a time to strengthen the bonds of fraternity, friendship and family-hood. It is a time for family reunions and for spreading cheer by exchanging gifts, visiting friends, attending church, sending greeting cards, singing carols and sharing dinners within the home and community.

Christmas reminds us of our duty to each other, particularly the nurses, soldiers, policemen and other working people who will spend Christmas away from their families and homes. We are reminded, also, of the plight of the poor, the weak, the destitute and those who are sick, in grief and in need, at this time. We are all part of society,” he told the nation.

TCI in search of coalition partners …launches manifesto with plans to depoliticise GECOM

By Navendra Seoraj THE Citizenship Initiative (TCI) will be looking to leverage the strength of coalition politics as the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections draw closer.

Along the lines of youth, ethnic and gender inclusivity, the TCI has engaged political parties such as Change Guyana and A New and United Guyana (ANUG) on the possibility of a coalition, said TCI presidential candidate Rondha-Ann Lam. “A coalition among the small parties would be ideal heading into the elections,” said Lam during her remarks at TCI’s launch of its manifesto titled, “An agenda for transformation--2020,” at Duke Lodge, on Tuesday.

TCI, which will be contesting the elections in seven of the 10 administrative regions, will be looking to form the coalition before Nominations

Day, which is set for January 10, 2020, but will do so on the grounds of inclusivity.

Lam, who was assertive in remarks about inclusivity, said: “The coalition will only come after we would have discussed all of the areas I’ve highlighted before which include gender, ethnicity and youth inclusivity.”

She said those factors are crucial for TCI, because it is the founding principles on which the political party stands. “They must be looked at and be favourable in order for us to produce a slate which takes into consideration Guyana’s diversity,” said Lam. She added that the parties which TCI engaged have portrayed similar interest in those areas of concern.

The presidential candidate said the formation of a coalition would also be heavily based on the “optics” of ethnicity, because TCI is a multi-ethnic party. In that

Executive member of TCI, Ruel Johnson makes a point as presidential candidate Rondha-Ann Lam looks on (Adrian Narine photo)

regard, she said her concern is not based on the issue of who is presidential candidate and who is prime ministerial candidate.

“TCI is not built on egos, therefore, if a coalition means that I have to be seconded to junior positions, I have no issue with that...at the end of the day, it is not what is best for my ego, it is what is best

and better for the electorate,” said Lam. She believes that a coalition is the best option for Guyana at this point, but the party has since been practically turned down by ANUG; ANUG recently coalesced with FED-UP, and had also approached the LJP led by Lennox Shuman, who also said his party is contesting

the elections independently.

TCI, however, will be re-engaging ANUG, considering its move to coalesce with FED-UP. “It is our attempt to clarify if this position still holds as of early December and then if that position has changed, then we will re-engage,” said Lam. In the interim, she said her party will continue to hold talks with the Robert Badal-led Change Guyana, which is yet to decide on the way forward.

“It is an uphill task to win the elections, but forming a coalition can help to form a third party which will contest against the two major political parties,” said Lam. TCI, however, believes that it has the strength to create a “credible” third force, which will pay keen attention to areas such as constitutional reform and digitisation if elected to the executive, or

wins adequate seats in the National Assembly.

As part of that confidence and as a show of coordination and planning, TCI launched its manifesto. The party’s manifesto will be uploaded to its website at 18:00hrs today and will be interactive, so that the public could make recommendations. TCI’s manifesto was based on the party’s six pillars for development: participatory citizenship, enhanced governance and public accountability; economic security, diversification and growth; infrastructure for the future; education and human resource development; social cohesion, security and equity; and international leadership.

Executive member of TCI, Ruel Johnson, said the party’s aim will be to depoliticise the Guyana Elections Commission and ensure that there is inclusive governance.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Talking Christmas Day on the job --with some of Guyana’s finest

By Jared Liddell FOR Guyanese, Christmas is a time for family. Many persons look forward to Christmas Day because it is the one day the whole family can come together to sit and enjoy each other’s company, watch the children open gifts, and share laughter and love among their family members, without having to hurry off to work or any other activity.

However, even on this family-centred day, many public servants in the country are still valiantly giving up their coveted ‘family time’ to serve and protect the citizens of Guyana, giving them the assurance that while they spend the day with their family, they can still be protected and responded to in case of any emergency.

Public servants like doctors, nurses, firemen, policemen and even security officers all get dressed in their uniforms and make their way down to their respective places of work to cater to the calling they had undertaken as public servants.

The Guyana Chronicle took to the Guyana Fire Service to interview some of the brave firemen that have valiantly gone to their place of work away from their families on Christmas Day, some of whom have been doing that for over 10 years.

One such fireman is Sub-Officer Marlon Wilson, who said that he has been working on Christmas Day for a number of years now. Sharing his experience of what it’s like working on Christmas Day, he said that for members of the Guyana Fire Service, the day is not unlike any other day in the life of a fireman, as they still have to be on high alert, just like any other day.

Fireman Wilson told the Guyana Chronicle that he does not feel lonely on Christmas Day, because the ranks of the Fire Service all operate as a family.

He said that the bond they have formed allows them to share as a family, and have a good time together, although they are away from their families.

“It could still be a little difficult for some persons, because, I mean, Christmas Day is Christmas Day. But we understand the commitment that we have made to do this job. I mean, when you think about it, yes, you do get lonely at times, but then the staff here in the Fire Service, we are like a family. So, that loneliness is quickly evaporated. Once we get here, and we have little conversations and we start gyaffing amongst ourselves. So, it’s not like if we don’t miss home. We miss home yes, but then,

because we have this relationship here, it allows us to have some level of relief and comfort,” Wilson said.

When asked, Wilson stated that the occurrence of fires on Christmas Day is rare.

SACRED HEART FIRE He however recalled one of those rare occurrences, saying, “I remember one Christmas Day where there was the fire at Sacred Heart Church. That was the worst Christmas I ever had. I remember I was on my way to work, and I never actually reach the station until after 6pm that day, because we just went straight to the fire.”

He explained that although the situation was devastating, the citizens saw the hard work the firemen were putting in and came out to support and encourage them, by bringing them meals from their homes to ensure that they were able to get a meal for Christmas. He said that although this kindness warmed their hearts and made them feel appreciated for their sacrifices, he would personally prefer if persons were spared his kind of loss.

“We would prefer to not have fires.

People might say we are lazy and so on, but once fires happen, there is some level of damage, and there are so much things we have to take into consideration: Our response, the time we take to get there, even the availability of water, because, face it, a lot of people did some fresh painting, and all this leads to the fire spreading faster. So we would prefer not to have these mishaps,” Wilson said.

Asked whether he would rather the Fire Service did not work on Christmas Day, Wilson said, “We cannot close these doors of responsibility. It’s our job; it’s a calling. When these days come, you are going to want to not be at work, but we already know what we have signed up for, and what is our responsibility. So we would always come out. And we are always prepared to serve the Guyanese people, even if we are not on duty at that time.”

Another fireman, Section Leader Haslyn Parris recalled his experiences, explaining that in the spirit of sharing and caring, the members of staff that are scheduled to work up until the morning of Christmas Day would offer to stay on duty a few hours extra, just to ensure that the firemen who have to come in would be able to have breakfast with their families.

“In the morning time, they allow us to have breakfast with the family, so you have a little time to come in a bit late, because we all know that having

breakfast with the family is a big thing,” he said, adding: “And to me, during the day, you don’t feel much away from your family, because that breakfast is what is needed in the morning with the children around the table and stuff like that; that’s the most important part of the day, because during the day, you would hardly find the children coming to sit down and eat with you. And so, because by then they would have already opened their gifts now, they want to go play with them and show their friends and so on. But in the morning, you know, the breakfast is what we look forward to.”

OVER 10 YEARS He said he had been working Christmas Day for over 10 years, and that he and the other firemen that have been working the holiday for some time are not largely affected by having to work on that day, due to the fact that he feels that although he is away from his actual family, he is still with family at the fire station.

A third fireman, Section Leader Ewart Kensey, shared similar experiences and sentiments as the other firemen.

“What my shift used to do,” he said, “is whenever we would have to work on Christmas Day, when you come to work, we walk with our lunch; food that we would have prepared for our families. Everybody would sit down on a big table, and everybody takes out their food, and everybody eats from everybody. Everybody shares everything, just like we would at home with our actual families, so everybody eats and drinks.

And we share and have a good day, because you have to be here. Fire fighters are a family, and we always operate like that. And especially on Christmas Day, we are each other’s family.”

Kensey went on to say that every Christmas he prays that no individual or family would have to face the tragedy of losing their homes or any of their property to a fire. He said, “I have 12 more years in this job, and if I can come to work for the next 12 years and don’t go at no fire call, it’s the best thing that could ever happen.

I would rather people not have to face this kind of loss.”

The brave servicemen stated that Christmas is supposed to be a time when God gave the sacrificial gift of His Son to Mankind. Guyanese receive the firemen’s sacrificial gift of quality time on Christmas Day. They wished every Guyanese a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous 2020.

Ranks of the Guyana Fire Service on parade

Standing from left are: Section Leader, Ewart Kensey; Sub-Officer Marlon Wilson; and Section Leader Haslyn Parris

An aerial view of ‘Cuffy Square’ from atop a fire tender

Hard at work

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 25, 2019

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS PNCR: Make Jesus’ message of mercy and compassion central The miraculous birth of Jesus Christ – celebrated by most Christians on the 25th December – is recorded in the Gospel according to St Luke as heralding an era of “peace on earth and good will toward men.”

Jesus’ humble birth took place in a common manger in a tiny town in an obscure country. He was able, nevertheless, with a small band of disciples, to preach a gospel that transformed the world in a most fundamental way and created a remarkable Christian civilization of which we are all heirs.

Guyana being a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is in a unique position to benefit from the teachings of the religions of all of its peoples. Christmas is, therefore, not only for members of the Christian community but for all Guyanese in a very real sense. There is abundant evidence that the teachings of Christianity and its practices have influenced the lives of all of our people. In other words, this country has seen the benefits of the policy of allowing all religions to flower in Guyana. Christian beliefs go well beyond the religious and have had a notable effect on all aspects of life in Guyana, in terms of the production of Art, Literature, our way of living and our objective of building a harmonious and tolerant society.

The Christian spirit of charity continues to inspire Guyanese of all religions. Ordinary people everywhere reach out with compassion and generosity to help their brothers and sisters in distress.

We call to mind the plight of the aged, the poor and other vulnerable citizens. We remember our servicemen and soldiers who will spend this joyous festival separated from their families at sea and on our far-flung frontiers. We recognize the service of our nurses, servicemen, technicians and working people who maintain our utilities, sanitary facilities and security services to ensure that citizens could be safe and that the nation could be secure.

The biblical promise of peace on earth and good will toward men, however, remains unfulfilled. Guyanese are urged on the occasion of this sacred festival – through thought, word and work – to make Jesus’ message of mercy and his ministry to the poor and needy the main motifs of their celebration.

GAWU: The human spirit and the Christmas message must prevail Christmas, as we know, is associated with the birth of Jesus Christ. His religion – Christianity – has survived many trials in its history and is known for many values humanity has embraced. Among these are peace and empathy for the poor and vulnerable. Today, in the Middle Eastern lands where Jesus Christ was born and where he lived we see continuous conflict and turmoil. Thousands are losing their lives, losing their homes and meagre possessions and forced to contend with dire circumstances.

In our Guyana, at the present time, we are witnessing growing intolerance and escalating economic pressures; unemployment and high-handedness stalk many communities. In this season, we see the heartless measure whereby sugar workers remain jobless and clueless about the future. Really, this will be the most challenging Christmas for the Guyanese working-class.

The human spirit, however, knows how to overcome adversity. Ways and means must once again be found to deal with our misfortunes. This is the season of hope and we must resolve to never give up.It must be noted that Jesus is regarded as a type of Religious rebel who confronted courageously the Roman rulers on behalf of the oppressed. Hope dwelt amongst them.

With the foregoing sentiments uppermost in our thoughts, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) joins the Christian community in celebration, yet again, in this season of Christmas. We wish, indeed, all Guyanese a joyous season. This season now transcends its origins as all Guyanese seem to be caught up in some aspect of the celebration whether in church, home or community. Christmas signals the closure of 2019 a year of severe challenges for the masses of Guyanese. It also brings us to the threshold of a New Year, which if it is to be a better year requires our united struggles and selfless efforts. The celebration of Christmas 2019 embraced by so many, presents the opportunity for togetherness to prevail over selfishness, political high-handedness and discrimination and set our nation on the path to harmony and strive to ensure that peace and goodwill among men and women prevail. A joyful Christmas and a New Year of Hope from GAWU – to all Guyana!

GPSU urges resolve to fight injustices The Guyana Public Service Union extends Seasons’ Greetings to all Guyanese, especially members of the Guyana Public Service Union, their families and friends during this time of peace and goodwill. May your hearts be joyful, and wishes come through; may we always have peace and love in abundance as we share precious time with our loved ones, relatives and friends.

This Christmas, I would like to pay tribute to those public servants in and out of uniform, particularly doctors, nurses, revenue collectors, air traffic controllers, members of the Guyana Defence Forces, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service and other security personnel who would be working through the holidays to ensure that the public enjoys bliss and comfort.

The year 2019 has been a difficult year in many regards but we must remain resolved as we tackle injustices, secure our patrimony and accomplish necessary and positive change. This Christmas, we have another chance to listen, another chance to reflect and to remember all the things that brings us together. This Christmas we must also remember to be benevolent and compassionate, whilst helping those in need. The hope that Christmas brings is unchanged as we must continue to face and confront all the challenges to the promise of Peace on Earth.

As families gather to celebrate Christmas, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you and your families a Merry Christmas on behalf of myself, family and the Union’s Executive Council. I hope that this time of goodwill brings happiness to your homes.

Once again Merry Christmas.

Catholic Bishop: At Christmas we come to the crib to encounter the divine This year’s Christmas Novena focused on conversion. While various areas of conversion were identified - integral, pastoral, cultural, Ecological and Synodal - the main theme of the Novena was conversion.

In the opening prayer for December 17th we read “… that your Only Begotten Son, having taken to himself our humanity, may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity”. This is the conversion into which we are invited; to nurture a greater share in his divinity, contemplating his word and mysteries and allowing them to prompt us more wholesome ways of living. In the Gospel of December 18th (Mt 1:18-24) we heard the account of Joseph confronting a grave dilemma; he has come to know that Mary was with child, an irregularity in the expectation of the culture with severe consequences. But Joseph, Mathew tells us, was a man on honour and brought that quality to the situation in such a way as to minimise the negative impact on Mary.

He decides to divorce her informally and spare her any embarrassment or humiliation. This is noble. This man of honour trying to bring about the best outcome within the limitations of cultural norms. His honour and integrity take him further. Matthew, using the metaphor of dream to describe a deep encounter with God, tells us of Joseph’s meeting the divine and the result of this is a divine response, “… to take Mary home as your wife”.

At Christmas we come to the crib to encounter the divine with a desire to have a fuller share in his divinity. We, like Joseph, face realities in life, in the culture, that could have grave consequences for ourselves and others. For us, like Joseph, it is not a matter of clinically separating ourselves from the difficulties and dilemmas but looking towards the paths opened by the divine and rise above the established norms.

There are some very grave issues that face the whole of Guyana at present; Climate Change, oil, violence, corruption, elections to name a few. With climate change the science is clear. Planet earth

has been mismanaged, the stewardship over God’s creation has been neglected and earth’s resources have been severely exploited to the point of irreversibly upsetting the balance and harmony of nature not to mention the very damaging impact this exploitation has had on people who inhabit the places where the resources are found. May we be counted among those granted a share in the divinity and ensure, at all costs and foremost, that God’s children are protected and valued and provided for and that right relations are restored between God and his children, his children between each other and his children with the whole of creation.

The advent of oil has generated much discussion and speculation about this new reality for Guyana. This is another resource that has and will attract the attention of those who wish to capitalise on new find. Much of the science and economic information suggest prosperity and relief for the citizens of this country. For people of honour and integrity questions are raised about the proposed favourable outcome. It has not been that way for some other countries that discovered oil reserves. As alluded to at the Christmas Mass last year the oils that we invest in, because of our communion with the Divine, are those that bring healing, salvation and give the capacity to live as prophets, priests and kings.

Elections will be upon us early in 2020. Those vying for seats in the national assembly are already presenting and will continue to present themselves and their promises to the Guyanese public. This too we need to bring to the divine. This is an important moment and an important process for the nation.

In all the political activity may divine intervention prompt political parties to maintain the greatest respect for themselves and the people whose vote they solicit. With divine guidance there can be no deceit, manipulation, intimidation, fear or threat. Rather the language and ways of trust, reconciliation, collaboration, unity under divine guidance we pray will shape the way forward for the nation.

My wishes to all are that the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ at his birth, God taking on our humanity, may open many paths for us, his children, to have unlimited access to his divinity.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 25, 2019

Pegasus Hotel maintains good credit rating – CariCRIS

PEGASUS Hotels’ creditworthiness is “adequate,” according to the Caribbean Information and Credit Rating Services Limited (CariCRIS).

In a statement on Tuesday, CariCRIS reaffirmed the ratings of CariBB, on the regional rating scale, and gyAA+ (Foreign Currency Rating) on the Guyana National scale based on the US$30M long-term loan the hotel has taken.

“The regional scale rating indicates that the level of creditworthiness of this debt obligation, adjudged in relation to other obligations in the Caribbean is adequate. The Guyana national scale rating indicates that the level of creditworthiness of this obligation adjudged in relation to other obligations in Guyana is high,” CariCRIS explained.

According to CariCRIS, the ratings of Pegasus are supported by the strong macroeconomic prospects for Guyana, which should drive demand for ‘Class A’ office space and accommodation. “The hotel’s competitive advantages in brand and location, underpinned by consistently high occupancy rates, also support

the ratings. Further, Pegasus continues to report strong cash generation and good profitability,” CariCRIS further explained.

However, it was noted that the ratings are tempered by a need for improvement in internal management reporting, the high reliance on the promoter to drive success of the new project, along with a moderate project risk.

CariCRIS also maintained a stable outlook on the ratings.

“The stable outlook is based on projected revenue and profitability growth in the hotel’s operations over the next 12 to 15 months that are in line with our original expectations, and good progress with the hotel’s expansion plans for new ‘Class A’ office space in the country’s capital,” it stated.

Established in 1969 by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), Pegasus is now owned by Guyanese entrepreneur, Robert Badal. Badal purchased the property in 2009 through his holding company, Sahara Investment Incorporated, to add some level of diversification to his existing business, Guyana Stockfeeds Incorporated (GSI). The holding company owns 97 per cent of Pegasus while three per cent is owned by the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) of Guyana.

Considered a premiere hotel in Guyana, a market leader with a strong brand both regionally and internationally, Pegasus has won the Guyana’s Leading Hotel Award accredited by the World Travel Awards.

The hotel consists of 130

rooms comprising of three suites, 33 luxury rooms and 94 standard rooms. It also includes three restaurants and several entertainment options including the Aura Bar and Lounge located on the roof of the hotel with a 360- degree view of the business district and the Atlantic Ocean, the Ignite Bar and Grill with live band performances and a wine bar. With three conference rooms and a ballroom, Pegasus is also used extensively for conferences, business meetings, corporate retreats, weddings and Christmas parties.

Against the background of a growing economy and strong prospects for the country’s developing Oil and Gas Sector, Badal has opted to extend his market reach and leverage the strong brand equity of the existing Pegasus Hotel, to construct a Suites and Office Complex (Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre) on land adjoining the existing hotel. The project cost has been fixed at US$70M with 43 per cent (US$30M) being financed by way of long-term debt and the remaining 57 per cent (US$40M) financed by way of the promoter’s cash equity

‘Humble up yourself!’

–Min. Lawrence implores road users Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence has joined the chorus of voices calling for citizens to adhere to the rules of the road, especially during this holiday season.

The minister made the call recently while visiting victims of the auto accident at Mahaicony which claimed the lives of five minibus passengers, including a pregnant woman. “You might not get to your destination at the time you were scheduled but it’s better to arrive alive. I want to call on everyone to be vigilant, especially during the hustle and bustle for Christmas,” she said.

Reminding drivers that they were in charge, she urged them not to be goaded into driving recklessly. The minister also encouraged road users to familiarise themselves with the relevant laws and to “look out for each other.” “We don’t have to be in a hurry; we just have to be respectful of each other. Irrespective of if we are using a busy public road or whether we are using a road with less traffic let us remember not to speed,” Minister Lawrence said.

In an invited comment, Mayor of New Amsterdam, Her Worship Winifred Heywood applauded the call and expressed similar sentiments. She noted that with the first-rate upgrades to many roads in the town, drivers might be encouraged to speed. “I would like to let my ‘New Amsterdamers’ know that it’s better to go slow and stay alive. Speeding kills, and we need every resident to be present to witness the future transformational progress of their town come 2020,” Mayor Heywood stated.

Meanwhile, Georgetown Mayor, His Worship Pandit Ubraj Narine, highlighted that City Constables have been assisting to ensure a smooth flow of Christmas shopping across the city. He encouraged drivers to regard the ‘five Cs’ of the road. Mayors of the mining town of Linden and the town of Bartica, Her Worship Waneka Arrindell and His Worship Gifford Marshall respectively, have also joined their colleagues in reminding residents within their districts of the importance of road safety. (DPI)

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS PPP: Say a prayer for the needy, less fortunate The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Christian community here and in the Diaspora, for a joyous and blessed Christmas. The holiday season is a time of joy, goodwill and sharing.

It is also a time for compassion and kindness as we all endeavor to spread peace and love towards our fellowmen and women for the betterment of humanity. Our dear country abounds with traditions for Christmas, as Guyanese, despite their challenges, find ways and means to share in the true spirit of the season.

It is these traditions and values that have come to make this period here unique and much anticipated, epitomizing what we have all come to hold dear at this time of year. As we celebrate in the ways we can, our Party urges reflection so that the pertinent messages and significance of this festive time are not lost. Christmas marks the birth of the savior Jesus Christ whose exemplary life and teachings provide guidance for the upliftment of humanity. Let us all be inspired by what he stood for and continues to represent so as to build a more tolerant society and a better Guyana. Our Party also urges that we all keep in our thoughts and prayers, the needy, the less fortunate and the many others who are faced with personal challenges thereby preventing them from truly experiencing the festivities of this season. Merry Christmas to all!

ERC: ‘Let’s be inspired for collective action’ The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) takes this opportunity to extend best wishes to all our Guyanese brothers and sisters, both here and overseas, for this Christmas Season.

It is a joyous time and one that is characteristic of sharing and goodwill to all mankind. It is therefore the Commission’s fervent hope that these traits will continue to prevail and that our collective thoughts and prayers will be with the less fortunate and with those who, for whatever reason, are unable to share in the spirit of the season.

May they continue to benefit from the unbridled generosity and compassion that Guyanese have come to exemplify. These efforts become invaluable for the upliftment of humanity and universal peace.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in this festive season upon us, the Commission encourages all to ponder and draw upon its significance given the vital lessons of love and peace which are pertinent for a multiethnic, multireligious and multicultural society like Guyana.

Christmas, like many of our national holidays, has transcended religious boundaries and is epitomized by the participation of Guyanese from all backgrounds. This, as evident in our national observances, has been the bedrock of providing opportunities to bring our people together.

As we come together in the ensuing celebrations, let’s renew our commitments to collectively work towards promoting tolerance and harmony among us all. It is a task that necessitates national efforts and one with an outcome that every citizen desire. It is therefore in our interest and that of our country that each endeavor to do his/her bit to sustain and build upon mutual respect and togetherness.

The messages that are associated with this season offer much inspiration to drive our collective thinking and actions for the purpose of national unity and harmony.

Change Guyana: ‘Let’s not forget the less fortunate’ Christmas is a time where we come together to celebrate all the wonderful people in our lives - family, friends, co-workers and those sacrificing everyday to make life bearable. So a special thank you to our hard working parents, police, teachers, nurses, doctors, and the many young people who innovate and never give up the pursuit of a better, brighter Guyana.

As we celebrate during this festive season let’s not forget the many who have lost loved ones in 2019 by accidents, fire, crime or suicide; we must also not forget the many who have lost their jobs and struggle to celebrate the holidays in grand ole Guyanese style. Our wishes and prayers are with you.

Guyanese are resilient people who have endured much over the past decades but still find the time and goodwill to celebrate and bring joy to their family, friends and neighbours. On behalf of Change Makers across Guyana, we wish you and your loved ones a blessed and peaceful Christmas and a new year filled with happiness and possibilities.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Coalition likely to remain in power to the oversight of enacted laws and various agency activities.

lined on its website: “CRS approaches complex topics from a variety of perspec-

APNU/AFC coalition, with AFC Member of Parliament and Minister of Security,

gence as a petroleum producer by examining how ‘Oil Changes Guyana’s Economic Outlook’.

The CRS highlighted that while oil being found in

The report compares to an earlier publication of US State Department Adviser, Dr. Evan Ellis in which he cited himself when he gave personal sentiments of the “likely return of the PPP to power”.

The US Embassy later distanced itself from the remarks stating that they in “no way reflect an official position” of the Embassy.

Providing detail on the process by which its reports are conducted, the CRS out-

tives and examines all sides of an issue. Staff members analyze current policies and present the impact of proposed policy alternatives.”

Under the March 2020 elections review, the CRS also updated on the events which will now lead to early elections, the role of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the main competing parties.

“President Granger is running for reelection as the presidential candidate of the

Khemraj Ramjattan the candidate for prime minister.

Granger was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November 2018 and received treatment in Cuba; in October 2019, Guyanese officials announced that Granger was in remission.

The PPP/C has selected Irfan Ali as its presidential candidate,” the report rightly summarized.

Meanwhile, the team within the CRS also took stock of Guyana’s emer-

Guyana has raised concerns about corruption and dependency, the Government has approved legislation providing a framework for the establishment of a Natural Resource Fund (NRF) which was welcomed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

It also noted the IMFs projection ---with the beginning of oil production--- that Guyana could experience almost 86 per cent growth in 2020 with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) almost

-- analysts say, according to CRS Report

ACCORDING to a report on Guyana from the Congressional Research Services (CRS)-a public policy research institute of the United States (US) Congress the coalition government is likely to remain in power following the 2020 General and Regional elections.

The report was published in December 2019 and, within its overview of the March 2020 elections, stated: “Past general elections in Guyana suggest the 2020 race will be close, but some analysts contend the APNU/AFC’s multiparty and cross-ethnic coalition is likely to sustain the Granger government in power.”

The CRS describes itself as a non-partisan shared staff to congressional committees and Members of the United States (US) Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of Congress. It is made up of experts who assist at every stage of the legislative process — from the early considerations that precede bill drafting, through committee hearings and floor debate,

doubling to $8.1 billion and per capita income growing to over $10,000. “The discovery of offshore oil vastly changes the economic development prospects of Guyana, which used to be one of the hemisphere’s poorest countries,” the report stated. In the same document, the CRS said the US-Guyana relations have strengthened since the 1990s even as the US State Department has centered its policy for Guyana on democracy promotion, civil society development, economic growth, and the promotion of security and stability.

Readers were reminded that the US ran a trade surplus of $287 million with Guyana in 2018, with US exports valued at $540 million. This reflects a 43 per cent increase from 2017 which was led by machinery, iron/steel pipes for oil drilling, and electrical machinery. ‘ Meanwhile, US imports were valued at almost $253 million led by gold, seafood, and aluminum ores.

DELIVERING CHRISTMAS CHEER Surprising the boys at the St. John’s Bosco Orphanage with gifts on Christmas Eve, Minister of Public Service Tabitha Sarabo-Halley also encouraged them to focus on their education.

The boys were all smiles as they will now have a much brighter Christmas, something that every child long for. While spreading the joy at this Christmas time, Minister Sarabo-Halley told the boys not to let their current position determine what they become in the future. Additionally, the staff of the orphanage received electronic tablets for their hard work throughout the year.

The gift sharing exercise is part of a drive by the government to ensure that children across the country have a merry Christmas.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

At State House:

By Vishani Ragobeer

Perhaps the largest collection of Crotons anywhere in Guyana could be found at State House- the official home of the country’s leader, President David Granger. His love for plants and keenness in preserving the environment has led to a practical revamping of the landscape of the lawns of State House.

President Granger briefly told the Guyana Chronicle that on moving into State House he immediately recognised the need for an upgrade of the lawns to make it more appealing. He said the planting of trees is central to his administration’s national policy.

“We want to highlight the importance of trees.” He said with this in mind there was no better person to lead this charge than himself-being the Head of State. President Granger believes State House has the largest collection of Crotons in the country and emphasised that great care has been taken to keep them in shape.

President Granger has said previously that trees add value to everyday life.

began growing the plant in their gardens where they grow really well, actually, provided that the requisite balance of sunlight and moisture is met. “The main use of the crotons is the beautification of gardens, simply because of the leaf colour,” the horticulturist said.

At State House crotons are practically ubiquitous.

Administrative Assistant at State House, Deslyn Rawlins highlighted that when she first came to State House in 2015, after President Granger had taken up residence there, bamboos and few flowering plants decorated the landscape of the public space. And according to her, President Granger decided that he wanted to add some liveliness and colour to the environs, and as such, suggested that crotons be planted.

“Over the years we would have put in 50 crotons in the interim and to date, we are at 80 to 90 crotons and we are still in the process of completing the northern and southern lawns,” Rawlins related.

These plants line the walkways, are found by the drive through, surrounding the buildings and there is even a “Croton Avenue”, which is the space where the flag-

Horticulturist Yolanda Vasconcellos

“Trees provide a range of economic services; they provide food and shelter. They provide medicine. Farmers reap produce from trees which allow them to earn an income and provide for their families and to generate exports and provide employment.” “Agriculture, forestry, fisheries collectively account for 17.5 per cent of employment in this country and trees are central to that employment. Trees are part of this country’s natural wealth; they must be valued and not allowed to be devalued by reckless burning or by bulldozing and by chopping them down.”

He has urged the preservation and planting of more tress since they also help in combatting the ever growing threat of climate change.

Croton plant is reflective of a colour wheel, or maybe even a rainbow. The leaves of the decorative plant has to ability to beautify any space, as its striking foliage is a kaleidoscope of green, yellow, red, orange and sometimes even purple and pink. It is these vivid colours and colour patterns, coupled with the myriad of leaf patterns that makes the croton plant so appealing and so sought after locally, according to local Horticulturist, Yolanda Vasconcellos. This plant, she explained, was initially an indoor plant.

It was usually placed close to windows and doorways, because it requires an “intricate balance” of sunlight and moisture to grow, and, well, it is quite the decorative plant.

Overtime, however, people

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where crotons are practically ubiquitous

GREAT CARE Rawlins explained that for the past five years, great care has been given to these plants to ensure that they are grown beautifully. Whether it is the special mixture of soil used or the care taken to safeguard from spider mites or “blights”, much attention is directed towards their growth and upkeep.

The use of these crotons for decorative purposes at State House is microcosmic of the wider drive of President Granger to beautify local towns and communities and transform them into green spaces.

Back in October at the National Tree Planting Day observance in Corentyne the Guyanese Leader had announced that his government intends to upgrade the Botanical Gardens to a world class facility, which will include all species of trees grown here. “We have to establish, in every region, a Regional Park not just a national park where it helps to preserve the beautiful flora and fauna… I am going to change the National Botanical Gardens, which Botanical Gardens m u s t be the

Administrative Assistant at State House Deslyn Rawlins

poles are.

This Croton Avenue has a myriad of croton species- with leaves of all shapes, colours, and sizes- replete with their own names. It is not every day that you would hear about a six feet tall green and yellow croton plant named Eleanor Roosevelt, but certainly, there is one at State House.

Three of the most popular crotons at State House is the Gold Dust’ croton, which has dark green leaves sprinkled with shiny yellow gold dots.

This very low maintenance plant, defined as evergreen, is easy to grow and can reach a height of three to six feet. It is a rather slow growing plant so you don’t have to worry about it taking over your garden. Just plant it and leave it be. It can also be grown indoors.

Then there is the Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’. Like other crotons, ‘Mammy’ is easy to take care of and features a display of bright yellow, red, green, purple and brown colours. Its leaves are large, thick and shiny. It can be grown as an indoor houseplant or outdoor decorative shrub. There is also the Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’. This variety is a native to Southeast Asia. It can reach a height of four to five feet. Its large, wide leaves can come in burgundy red, yellow, orange, green and bronze colors. It can be grown indoors in large containers in a sunlit location.

This plant requires a consistent temperature ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

home to every specimen of tree in Guyana. It must obtain, it must contain, and maintain several specimens of all of the species of trees anywhere in Guyana,” President told a gathering at the National Tree Planting Exercise at Union Village, Corentyne on October 11, 2019. He said the Botanical Gardens must be a school house for children “so that we can learn about the wonders of Guyana’s trees.”

For her part, Vasconsellos said: “any plant beautifies an area once the plant is cared for, and I think the beauty of the croton plant (coupled) with the fact that it has been successfully grown outdoors indicates that it can fit into parks and gardens in communities.”

“It can certainly bring life to a street, a walkway, a little green space such as a park or anything.” For the horticulturist, because the brightly coloured plant can “bring life” to any environs, she highlighted that it can be introduced into hospitals, or in developing communities because of its uniquely “uplifting” nature. Furthermore, she noted that it is a slow-growing plant, which means that it can be placed in pots inside the home and subsequently, placed outside when it gets larger. As such, it would make a perfect, eco-friendly present for any occasion- and certainly, it would make a beautiful Christmas gift.

Some of the beautiful crotons at State House

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Christmas

tradition…

Good ‘ole’ Guyanese black Cake

By Alisa Lashley

ITH Christmas right around the corner and a lot to be done, one would find that a Guyanese home may be in a bit of a messy confusion as the Christmas cleaning begins, and the ovens are popping with many delicacies to tickle our taste buds during this season.

One such treat is the famous and ever-popular Guyanese black cake. The black cake is historically

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the Caribbean’s version of the British dessert, plum pudding, but with ‘a hint of the Caribbean’. According to ‘Cooking in Victorian England: A History’, “Banned by the Puritans in the 1660s for its rich ingredients, the plum pudding and its customs came back into popularity during the reign of George the First.

Known sometimes as ‘the Pudding King’, George requested that plum pudding be served as part of his royal feast when he cele-

brated his first Christmas in England, after arriving from Hanover to take the throne in 1714. By 1740, a recipe for ‘plum porridge’ appeared in Christmas Entertainments. In the Victorian era, Christmas annuals, magazines and cookbooks celebrated the sanctity of family as much as the sanctity of Jesus’ birth, and the tradition of all family members stirring the pudding was often referenced… Poorer families made the richest version

of plum pudding that they could afford. Even workhouse inmates anticipated a plum pudding on Christmas Day.” The black cake prepared in Guyana and the Caribbean is a delicacy no one can resist. Normative by culture, most persons prepare black cake at Christmas. It usually starts with the preparations of the fruits; the blending or chopping of them, then soaking them in alcoholic concoctions so that they can absorb the flavours of the

added mixtures.

A RARE SKILL Making the perfect black cake is considered a rare skill that requires a perfect balance between the cake’s texture, flavour and colour, with both amateur and professional bakers undertaking this task with the utmost seriousness. Skilled bakers usually soak the fruit that’ll be used for their black cakes months

in advance, weighing and measuring each ingredient as carefully as if it is a scientific experiment. Anyone who has had any experience in blackcake baking considers themselves an authentic black cake maker, and were subject to be broached in a circle of bakers. One would hear the boastings and heckling as everyone tries to prove themselves the “top black cake expert”. Making black

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Good ‘ole’ Guyanese ...

cake is considered a labour of love, and an achievement to indeed be boastful about.

And with the range of mixers and food processors on the market, baking the black cake is now as easy as it would ever be.

Many of us, at some point in our lives, have assisted our mothers, grandmothers or other ‘black cake maker’ in stirring a huge mixing bowl of black cake batter with a large spoon. Back then, it was thought of as boring and tiring work, but to the little beings of any household,

the most amazing part of creating the black cake was scooping up the remaining batter from the container, and licking the spoon.

However, amidst everything mentioned, you won’t ever encounter one standard recipe that is used for blackcake making. It is those types of vague and unquantified secret ingredients that make it difficult to replicate someone else’s black-cake recipe, unless they themselves offer it to you.

Mrs. Gwendyln Forde, in an interview with the Guyana

Chronicle, listed her techniques to making what she terms the perfect black cake.

“The texture is very important. Usually, the consistency of any black cake will make it either a good or bad treat. Recipes and techniques for black cake vary according to personal preferences. This cake is, therefore, an extremely special one. It’s one of those cakes where crucial steps, like how important a low baking temperature is, or how to make the burnt sugar to colour the cake, hold extreme importance, and if

not done correctly, could be like the Grinch “stealing Christmas”, but in the form of a cake,” Mrs. Forde stated.

“Dried fruits,” she went on to explain, “usually work well with this cake. You can grind the fruits, using a traditional food mill or a blender. The blender has the grinding power to get the fruits to a smooth consistency, and it does so quickly. Grind your fruits, then soak with rum and wine. An alternative method is to soak the fruits whole, and grind when

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ready to bake the cake.

No method is wrong here; just different, and based on preference. If the fruits weren’t soaked for months prior, an alternative would be to soak the fruits in wine for about 30 minutes or more, and allow it to cool, then macerate and combine with rum. This is not a crumb-type cake; it resembles more of a pudding, so a high temperature is not needed to cook the cake.

Some people bake this in a bain-marie (water bath) to steam the cake. You can bake the cake anywhere between 250-300 degrees,

and this temperature will determine how long to bake the cake. For example, baking at 250 degrees for two hours, or 300 degrees for one-and-a-half hours.”

A less technical black cake requires only a few simple ingredients of your choice.

The ‘Good ole Guyanese black cake’ has become synonymous, in our Christmas tradition, with varying recipes passing from generation to generation, and as such its legacy will forever remain, like Dave Martins says, “WE OWN”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Susana (left) and her sister Samantha

By Alva Solomon

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Making a living in a strange country

to-door, making that extra dollar.

HEY walked for miles, using shortcuts to get to customers at the hilly communities within the Mabaruma sub-region. Some days it rained, other days they contended with the sun’s scorching heat.

But for six months, Susana James Valenzuela and her sister, Samantha, trekked the steep slopes of the North West District town and nearby villages, selling bread, building on a skill their mother taught the siblings when they were children.

LEAVING THE DESK-JOB Susana told the Guyana Chronicle that in mid-2018, she and her sister relocated to Guyana from Venezuela.

She said she left her desk job in Venezuela behind, since times were hard, and every day, as the economic situation deteriorated, she thought of many ideas to make things better for her family, especially her son.

The single-mother, who is in her late 20s, said that she spent her entire life in Ven-

Relocating to Guyana from Venezuela proved a difficult task for many of their countrymen, and as such, the duo wanted to be independent.

The women could be seen greeting customers within the town, and for many at Mabaruma, it was a sight for sore eyes, since the sisters were undertaking a practice which many in the area were familiar with, as, in the past, persons would walk door-

ezuela, and knew very few words in English. She said it was a difficult process; moving to live in a country she knew nothing much about, except for members of her extended family who only spoke English.

She said that after moving to Mabaruma last year with her sister, the duo searched for jobs in the area, but most of their country folks had already filled the jobs on offer.

“So we ask my cousin

to help make a oven,” she said, as she tried to perfect her English. Her cousin, who is also Venezuelan, used a few pieces of wood, zinc and other heat-trapping materials to build the oven.

WALKING AND SELLING In August 2018, Susana and her sister set out to start the venture. She said at first, they walked the roads within the town of Mabaruma, looking for customers. Later, as they made additional loaves of bread, they decided to travel to the other nearby communities.

Their routine would start soon after lunchtime, and they would walk within Mabaruma. And after visiting their usual customers, they would take a bus and travel through several communities. “The hard part was to walk back and sell,” she said.

She noted that they would take shortcuts, once they appeared safe, and by nighttime they would return home. “One time we visit a

man at Barabina Hill, and he tell we how he sorry fuh we,” she jokingly said, adding that many persons gave the siblings words of encouragement.

Asked who taught her to make bread, Susana explained that while growing up in Venezuela, her mother baked bread, and during this time, she and her siblings grasped the skill. “So we come Guyana and use that,” she noted.

Robb Street the same day.

Adjusting to life in the city was another hurdle, but according to Susana, she is determined to achieve her goals. As she chatted, she noted that she is now familiarising herself with the names of streets and places in Georgetown and its environs.

PROSTITUTION NOT AN OPTION According to the petite woman, many Venezuelan

LOST AT PARIKA With a chuckle, she recalled an experience she had in which she and her Venezuelan friend ended up at Parika, and were about to board a ferry, thinking they were heading to George-

that as she and her friend were heading to the ferry, they chatted about what they will do when they reach Georgetown.

“A man hear me and ask where we going,” she said. He later advised them that they were in fact at Parika. She said the two had a hearty laugh, since they were moments away from boarding the ferry to Supenaam.

Susana lives with a relative at the moment, but she is planning to find her own apartment soon. “I want to able to do things on my own,” she said. She said

women who left their homeland in search of greener pastures find themselves turning to prostitution to make ends meet. But she and her sister were determined not to fall into that bracket.

She said that earlier this year, she moved to the capital city with her son. The day after she arrived, she went downtown in search of a job, and managed to secure one at a business place on

town.

As she laughed, she said that the duo went to a friends’ party somewhere close to Tuschen. The following morning, her friend told her to walk to the road and take a bus to get back to Georgetown.

Susana laughed as she recalled taking a bus and disembarking at a busy area, and according to her, she recalled Georgetown being close to a river. She said

that while her sister opted to remain in Mabaruma, she plans moving to Georgetown soon.

Susana has ruled out returning to Venezuela.

She said that although she spent almost her entire life in the Bolivarian Republic, Guyana is now her home, and she is determined to ensure that she is able to live a comfortable life right here in the years ahead.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Christmas Carols & other traditions

By Wendella Davidson

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HRISTMAS is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed primarily on December 25 as a religious and cultural celebration by billions of people worldwide.

T h e C h r i s t m a s C a rol (also called a noël, from the French word meaning “Christmas”) is a song or hymn whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas, and is traditionally sung at Christmastime itself, or during the surrounding holiday season, according to Wikipedia.

Wherever there are Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services, it is noted, every effort is made by Guyanese Christians to attend at least one, as for them, Christmas is symbolic of new birth within one’s soul, as well as

the remembrance of the birth of the baby, Jesus.

Here in Guyana, from as early as November, one

the airwaves. Recently, it was observed that carols were being played on the various radio stations from as early as

conceivable corner in the city, and they play both traditional and Reggae versions of Christmas Carols.

Michael Jackson’s new Christmas album

begins to think of Christmas, as it is customary to hear Christmas Carols or Christmas tunes being played on

October month-end. Meanwhile, not to be outdone are the pushcart music boxes that can be found at almost every

The most popular of the traditional carols are ‘Silent Night’; ‘Good King Wenceslas’; ‘Once in Roy-

‘Christmas is Family’

al David’s City’; ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’; ‘God rest you merry gentlemen’; ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’; ‘The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)’;’Jingle Bell Rock’; ‘Feliz Navidad’; ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’; and ‘This Christmas”, the last two of which are quite emotional.

Then there are the upbeat carols by Michael Jackson, and our very own John ‘Slingshot’ DrePaul that you cannot resist tapping your feet to, or trying out some dance moves.

In particular DrePaul’s ‘There is nothing like meh home on Christmas morning’ and ‘No matter where I may roam…! You’re my Home, Sweet Home’,

among others through which he talks about not experiencing Christmas unless you’ve delved into the pepperpot, ginger beer, garlic pork and sorrel, and the traditional black cake.

Sorrel is the beverage of choice, and is made with either dried or fresh sorrel, spices, orange peel and rum.

In the Caribbean, Christmas is a magical time, and no matter where in the Caribbean it is you’re spending Christmas, you’re bound to be treated to images of Santa, messages of joy, and a blending of old and new Christmas traditions.

Santa may not have a fireplace, but the spirit of the season is one of peace and goodwill to all.

Preserving the true meaning of Christmas ―through the annual RHTYSC Christmas Village

By Marissa V. Foster

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HRISTMAS can be celebrated in many forms and ways. In the Ancient County of Berbice, that celebration takes the form of attending church services, family dinners and Christmas parties. There is usually a large block party/ gathering that happens in all three of the County’s towns: New Amsterdam, Rose Hall, and Corriverton. Barricades usually block the main roads, and people flood the roads to do last-minute shopping.

They drink and dance, take memorable pictures, and even enjoy fun games and road activities. While this can be fun, many, including the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, believe that it is

divergent to the true meaning of Christmas.

A close associate of the Club, the late Tony Rambarran, contacted the membership with his concerns that there is little to no family-oriented activities in Berbice; an event where you can enjoy the true meaning of Christmas without alcohol and obscene music. That sparked an idea among the Club’s members, and the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club’s Christmas Village was born. It is an annual event, with this year being its fifth consecutive year of execution. According to Hilbert Forster, the organisation’s Sports Administrator, whose brainchild the initiative is, “The main objectives of this project

is to foster social cohesion amongst the families of Berbice. It provides a safe and fun environment for children to enjoy Christmas; promotes the true meaning and tradition of Christmas, and it adapts the characteristics of the Club’s Say NO/Say Yes programmes.”

At the Rose Hall Town Christmas Village, there are

Botanical Gardens; a horror house; and a Nativity Scene.

There are also many activities on site, such as face-painting by a small business called Mart; a professional photo-booth; a trampoline; bouncy castles and ‘pulling a chance’ games. The children’s eyes light up with joy as they witness all the festive decorations and toys. Parents

without the creative and labouring help of the RHTYSC’s ten cricket teams.

As if the Christmas Village isn’t enough, the Club also seeks to donate toys, ‘goodie bags’, educational materials and food hampers to the less fortunate across the County, in light of the nature of the season.

They also work alongside the Berbice Cricket Board to donate hampers to retired cricketers and umpires.

This village would not have been possible without the generous sponsorships of the club’s patron, President David Granger; ANSA McAL, Panthera Solution Inc., KSM investments, Bakewell LTD. and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The Rose Hall Town

Christmas Village is a snapshot out of a Christmas Movie Scene. The majority of the sites were locally constructed. It seeks to mix the western and Caribbean ideas of Christmas into one. Families from all walks of life, and from all across Berbice have been enjoying the festivities of this village for the past five years, and according to Foster, the event will only get bigger and better in the future. He is urging everyone to attend next year’s festivities with their family, because it’ll be twice the size in terms of activities and sites. The village seeks to preserve the true meaning of the Christmas season by observing the festive virtues of charity, generosity, joy and most importantly; happiness!

The Nativity Scene at the RHTYSC Christmas Village

The family bridge at the RHYTSC Christmas Village

many exciting sites that allow families to capture indelible moments together. There is usually a 20ft Christmas Tree; a Christmas chimney; a locally-made doll house; a family bridge that resembles the wellknown ‘kissing-bridge’ in the

relax as their children play in this safe environment, and everyone feels upbeat, thanks to the festive Caribbean and local music being played. While the event was initially Rambarran and Foster’s idea, none of it would have been attainable

The locally-constructed real-life Christmas doll-house

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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Savouring the joys of Christmas

―with the Seniors of the Ogle-Industry-Cummings Lodge Catchment Area

By W. Davidson

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HRISTMAS is a time for giving, sharing and putting a smile on the faces of the less fortunate and those who have made their contribution, to community and country, in

on the Sunday before Christmas, but, this year, it was convened on Sunday December 15, 2019, with a total of 250 men and women as the beneficiaries. The venue was the Cummings Lodge Secondary School auditorium where, after an enjoyable

mings Lodge and Ogle Mandir respectively; a dance presentation by the People’s Assembly of God Church along with a re-enactment of the birth of baby Jesus; a song “ Beautiful Star of Bethlehem ”rendered by the headmistress of the Cummings Lodge Secondary School, Ms Murline

of Peace and Goodwill’.

Dr Persaud, who said he has been a friend of the Kartick’s family for many years, took the opportunity to retrace his upbringing from that of a young schoolboy and son of a canecutter who grew up on a sugar estate, to that of a grown man who has been successful

pitfalls along the way.

He added that, as long as an individual had determination and remained focused on his goals in life, he/she was destined to succeed.

According to him, the discourse was to give the

The smiling face of a recipient as she collects a hamper

The audience in the packed school’s auditorium enjoys a presentation

A member of the audience receives her cash gift of $10, 000

Members of the Cummings Lodge Mandir perform a song

Ms Murline Valentine, Headmistress of the Cummings Lodge Secondary School renders a Christmas song at the event

Mr Caesar congratulates a member upon her receiving her cash gift, while others await their turn

their more productive years; and that’s exactly what the Ogle-Industry-Cummings Lodge, Senior Citizens’ Organising Committee has been doing for 66 years.

The initiative was the brainchild of the Kartick brothers and began in 1954 when they donated food to six less-fortunate members who were identified, from within the three communities identified above, as deserving of such assistance. Since then, the venture has been a yearly event and the number of beneficiaries keeps increasing.

The event is usually held

cultural programme, each senior collected two bags filled with foodstuff worth about $16,000, along with $10, 000 cash.

Featured on the programme were addresses by Dr Yesu Persaud, Executive Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited and Mr Ed. Caesar, former Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ministry of Education and a trustee of the organization.

Other items on the programme included a presentation of carols and a dance by the Ogle Presbyterian Church; songs by the Cum-

Valentine and tassa drumming

by Mr Raghu’s Tassa Group.

The rhythmic sound of the tassa drums was enticing enough to cause some females, who were on the corridor to gyrate, much to the delight of several others.

In his introduction of the business magnate to the audience as the feature speaker, Mr Andrew Kartick, one of the remaining members from the initial 20, drew the attention to a laminated copy of an article on the western wall of the auditorium that was written by Dr Persaud in December 1991, and titled `Season

These members of the audience could not resist showing off their dance moves during the tassa drumming

at many of his endeavours.

Describing the re-hashing as a “Fact of Life”, Dr Persaud, during the interaction, sought to encourage the individuals who were present to seek to achieve a goal irrespective of status or

youngsters who were assisting to prepare the hampers for the elders, an idea of how to drive and improve oneself, adding that life was sacred and should be treated as such.

“Each and every one of us can achieve, but it depends on determination and never giving up. Whatever you want to do you can do it, providing you are prepared to work hard, apply yourself and always listen to people with good messages”, he charged the audience, before wishing them a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.

Mr Caesar, although not a resident of any of the three communities, has been attending the ‘celebration’ each year since 1990. According to him, it is the only social engagement he looks forward to. He considers the celebration as one that should be put on the activity calendar of every community.

In his address, Mr Caesar publicly recognised Dr Persaud and referred to him as the best private sector person from whom much can be learned. He pleaded with Dr Persaud to find the time to do some ”real academic writing” that would certainly benefit the private sector functionaries and the country

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Savouring the joys

as a whole. He expressed his willingness to work with Dr Persaud as the volumes are produced.

Alluding to the event, he said that while it was another year, it was the same activity but lamented that some 16 persons from the group had passed away since the 2018 activity. On that note, he expressed the hope that, come 2020, at the hosting of the event, there would be no list because everyone would be present.

“A country like Guyana cannot develop with only young people, even if the young people are highly academically inclined and highly skilled, etc. We need persons who have had the experience, persons with the know-how, persons who walked the road, went into the trenches. Those

contribution in every way possible,” he added.

Continuing he urged the seniors to be the guide for the country’s young people, lamenting that in many communities our young people are highly indisciplined. “We as big people have to continue to do our work, we have to contribute to the development of this country and, we have to look at those sensitive areas and ‘ignore’ them. Whether an

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individual is Hindu, Muslim or Christian it is not critical, or tall, fat or slim it is not important. What is important is that we are all brothers and sisters and we must be keepers of our brothers and sisters. That’s how we must live in this country, we must think of each other, think of development.”

He added that the Ogle, Cummings Lodge, Industry community was the only one Mr Andrew Kartick, one of the few living members from the original organising committee of 1954

Mr Ed. Caesar, a trustee of the Senior Citizens’ Group addresses the audience

A section of the 250 senior citizens who attended the Christmas cheer at the Cummings Lodge Secondary School A re-enactment of Jesus’ birth by members of the Ogle Presbyterian Church

are the people who have information that can guide our young people, so your job is not over, and when you come here every year you don’t come saying that people are nice to you. The organisers cannot do enough for you because you have made the contribution to your individual communities and this country.

You deserve this and more.

The list of donors speaks for itself. Those organisations and persons recognise how important you have been, how important you are and expect you to continue to make your

Ms. Bhavina Pooran of the Ogle Mandir sings and accompanies herself on the harmonium

Dr Yesu Persaud addresses the gathering, with the Master of Ceremony to his right

Some lucky members of the audience who won special gifts

where such a celebration has been occurring for so many years. He recalled some years ago, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds was present and he urged the latter to do whatever was possible to cause other communities to organise similar activities for their seniors.

Caesar appealed to the gathering to continue to work for the development of their communities and the country.

“Let’s work together, let us celebrate now and let next year be a more productive year. Come strong, stay strong and be good to each other

regardless of where you live, who you are, and your station in life. We are all the children of the Almighty,” Caesar added. He also expressed gratitude to the members of the organising committee and praised them for their diligence.

In an invited comment, Mr Andrew Kartick said that he was one of the few living members from the original organising committee of 1954. He added that the organising body continues to be successful each year. The activity was

now in its sixty sixth year.

“We have helped during times of floods, shortages and everything else. Whatever we collect we distribute. For the first 20 years the recipients were given only food and enjoyed some entertainment. There has been a great expansion

because of our many donors. Many things will live with me. Our organisation is registered and one of the memorable years was 1995 when a supporter donated 230-10lb butter-ball turkeys. We try our best and will continue to do so.” he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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Christmas

in the Olden Days

By Lisa Hamilton

E

very Christmas is different but how was it in the past?

The Pepperpot Magazine took a trip back in time this year to hear the stories of what Christmas was like for Guyanese back then.

Yvonne Monroe recalled her childhood days in Bartica when she fully believed in Santa Claus but found out he was not real when she saw her grandparents put gifts beneath the tree.

“You would be told to have your dinner early and sleep and wait for Santa to come and that Santa would not come unless you sleep,” she recalled humorously.

“So, this one time I decided to peep...I noticed grandfather and granny putting these long stockings and they were pushing gifts inside them.”

Looking back, she was pleased to say that, no matter the present children were simply contented.

In comparison to today, she said that some children are picky with the gifts they receive and some even become upset when they don’t get what they want.

However, it’s not only the kids who have changed.

Yvonne said that while many choose to go out and celebrate with parties on Christmas day these years, in the past things were different.

“Christmas was so solemn. It was very quiet. You wouldn’t hear this big music and lawless noise that you hear now. The streets were quiet, every neighbour was quiet. They knew that Jesus was the reason for the season,” she said.

“No stores were opened.

You didn’t see men walking down the road drunk and the rum shops open. It was really nice and, to me, no matter how bored you were then you enjoyed it because you were with family.”

In more modern times, Yvonne said it’s a bit harder to decide on gifts for the kids as there is so much to choose from.

When she spoke with the Pepperpot Magazine she had earlier come from Children’s Home in West Ruimveldt where she shared clothing

and shoes to those in greater need.

She has found such ways to give back over the past five years as she remembers how fortunate she was growing up and knows that all children deserve to feel special, despite their circumstance.

“I believe in just giving,” she said. “You have to cheer up the little children. Some are less fortunate. I was the first grandchild so I didn’t

was better in the past than it is now because it was more of a “family time together”.

“On nights we sang Christmas carols amongst ourselves. We looked forward mostly to preparing for the Christmas by putting up decorations on Christmas eve night and the next day, putting the lunch together,” he said.

“Now-a-these-days people are all over in differ-

up with her.

Thinking back to her days in Primary School, she said: “Christmas in the old times was very nice because we used to go out and sing house-to-house carols and my father used to cook the beef rice and we used to get the drinks. When we finished singing the carols and come back at the school we used to celebrate it there with eating, drinking and dancing --- mer-

Joan Cox Yvonne Monroe

80-year-old Shelia Alexander

know anything about want and I have a lot to thank God for and when I see some children my heart goes out.”

On Christmas in the past, Michael Wilson, now in his 50s, celebrated Christmas with his mother and three siblings.

He told the Magazine that he believed that Christmas

ent places and do different things,” he said, informing that he now has eight children and eight grandchildren.

Also reminiscing on the joy of singing carols was 80-year-old Shelia Alexander who was baking black cake all the way up in Linden with her neighbour when the Pepperpot Magazine caught

Overseas Guyanese return home in 1982

riment.”

She thanks God to have lived so long to be able to spend yet another Christmas with her family, to be able to share the little they have and visit other relatives.

“You had nice times those days,” said Alexander who now has one daughter, five grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Also busy with the cooking for Christmas was Joan Cox who was continuing on the pepperpot she began preparing the day before. She had already baked her black cake and planned to bake sponge cake the next day.

“As a small child, we enjoyed Christmas with the decoration and we looked forward to getting presents but, as I grew older, I had my own family, my own home and I looked forward to doing it for the children. Setting up the Christmas tree, setting up your home, cooking and baking,” the woman in her 70s said.

As a child she spent

Christmas with the extended family in Georgetown and her family had now grown to be even bigger to the point where she alone has 16 grandchildren and three great-grands.

“On Christmas day, most of the family come to my home and on Boxing day they go out. I look forward to that,” she said. “I’m involved in a lot of church activities and I look forward to that also.”

The only peeve she has with Christmas today is that it is more commercialized than ever before.

‘Skimming through’ some of its old newpaper articles, the Pepperpot Magazine went as far back as December 25, 1982 and found records of Christmas celebrations.

In that year, then Prime Minister Cde. Ptolemy Reid was photographed making his annual Christmas visit to the Palms on Brickdam to bring Christmas cheer on behalf of his family and the ruling government.

The front cover of that Christmas edition was a photograph of a ‘Lady Santa’ captioned: “A woman Santa

Claus! Seems unbelievable but it’s true!

Yes, perhaps for the first time, a female Santa Claus has made her appearance in Guyana.”

She was photographed on Duncan Street and Vlissengen Road distributing gifts to children.

Some pages down featured ‘Fashion in Xmas Festivities’ where young women showed off the creations of Solo Xanadu in satin, tulle, taffeta dresses and more.

Just one page over, the article ‘They’re Home for Christmas’ showed a group of Guyanese returning home with loads of luggage for the season at the then Timehri Airport from places such as New York.

Take it or leave it, some things like coming home for Christmas never change while others such as tradition and customs may very well evolve.

Either way, Guyanese countrywide continue to celebrate Christmas their way, seeing it as a season of good cheer, giving and spending time with the ones who matter most.

Christmas fashion in 1982

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t e ’ e w s S ‘ ip L

D

’EDWARD Village a former cocoa plantation situated on the West Coast of Berbice, between Cotton Tree Village and Rosignol, 65 miles east of Georgetown, is thriving in the shadows of its previous glory, when persons, some travelling even from Georgetown would flock the stores during the festive season, to shop for curtains and other uncommon items.

With the opening of the Berbice River Bridge

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

e t i p s e e d g g d i n r i B v i r e th rbic ack Be setb

decorations, silk flowers, toys and curtains, as well as walnuts, apples and grapes. A business owner said that the items, however, attracted a lot of “window shoppers” with hardly any real shopping going on. He, however, has remained optimistic that, with the then announced payout to public servants, the shoppers will get down to real buying.

However, `Sweet Lips’ Disco and Snackette managed by Annie Thomas

calls it, she remains determined to keep the business afloat.

The food served ranges from cook-up rice, `Shine’ rice which is only available on Fridays; fish, either curried, steamed, fried or stewed; metem; pepperpot; fried rice and an assortment of other rice; curried and stewed beef, barbeque and a variety of `wild meat’.

When the Guyana Chronicle stopped by unannounced recently, the display case was overflow-

the opening of the bridge, her customers don’t mind spending a few minutes to stop by to order their food.

And, with the Christmas season on, she ensures that there is the pepperpot, black cake ginger beer, sorrel and other local drinks that are bottled and ready for sale.

Meanwhile the adjoining disco is the place to be on Boxing Night and Old Year’s Night, as according to Grace’s sister, Victorine Clarke, everyone would “dress to

Proprietress of Sweet Lips, Annie Thomas, also known as `Auntie Grace’

A billboard at `Sweet Lips’ offering delicacies for sale

(BRB) which spans from east to west, persons are now finding it easier and prefer to travel to the city to conduct their shopping and other business, at leisure.

Nevertheless, the stores were stocked with fancy

popularly called `Aunty Grace’, had created a name for itself in the food business prior to the bridge construction. Users of the ferry would stop to partake of the delicacies.

But despite the minor setback, as the proprietress

ing with food and pastries of all sorts, while there was a steady stream of customers.

According to Aunty Grace, this customer flow is the order on any given day and she remains satisfied that, even with

The showcase with a variety of food.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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HOME AWAY FROM HOME

By Svetlana Marshall

WHETHER it’s the sweet aroma of the pepperpot, the tantalisingly delicious black cake or the laughter of family members, few things are more reminiscent of Guyana, to Dr. Terrence Blackman, than Christmas time.

He, like thousands of Guyanese, left these shores to pursue higher education, and though it has been more than 30 years since he migrated, Guyana remains his first love.

Nothing brings out the Guyana in him like Christmas – his favourite time of the year.

“I grew up in North Ruimveldt and at Christmas time we could look forward to a brand new house: new curtains, new furniture, freshly

The soon to be 51-yearold, who now resides in Jersey City, NJ, ensures that his Guyanese Christmas traditions are upheld – after all there is nothing like a ‘Guyanese Christmas.’

“We gather at my parent’s home in Brooklyn for food and family. My father, Terrence Blackman Sr., is one of the best makers of pepperpot in Brooklyn,” Dr. Blackman said with a smile on his face. “My sister, Mrs. Nichelle Davis,” he added, “had taken up the Black Cake making mantle that has been passed down from my grandmother and my aunts.”

Unlike, the Christmases of yesteryear, the Associate Mathematics Professor at the Medgar Evers College, CUNY will not be spending

tions in Brooklyn with my extended family; my immediate family and I are heading to Moscow via Norway.

We will spend Christmas this year in Oslo, Norway and break the New Year in Moscow!” he shared with the Guyana Chronicle.

Does he miss the “sweetness” of Guyana at Christmas? Yes, he does! “I miss going to Guyana Stores on Christmas Eve night, I miss the excitement of waking up and looking in the stockings for gifts from Santa, I miss the gathering of friends and family on Boxing Day and the board games, scrabble, monopoly, ludo, Snakes and Ladders etc. that we played.

It is difficult to sustain this aspect of the Guyanese Christmas culture and Santa

Merry Christmas from Sandy Williams and her husband!!! would fuss during the year. I cook all our traditional foods from My Grandma’s Socil Christmas breakfast: garlic pork, pepper pot, ginger beer, baked ham, bread, black cake and a stuffed deep fried chicken,” Williams shared.

She added: “Even though it is just my husband and I, I ensure I do every dish because it makes me miss her less and cherishes the 28 great Christmases I had with her.” But Williams couldn’t help but to admit that, this Christmas like the others, she would be missing her family back home. “The thing I miss the most about Christmas is For Shamisa Anthony, Christmas is all about family. Second from left, Anthony Guyana is having my 6 sisstands with her family. ters, brother and grandfather with me. Those 8 human beings mean the most to polished floors, fairy lights, this Christmas in Brooklyn mystery in America,” he said. me, so it’s hard to wake up clean windows, the smell of but rest assured he is taking From a distant land, Dr. Christmas morning without black cake and freshly made his Guyanese traditions Blackman sends his love them. But phone calls make pepper pot and baked bread. with him. to his Guyanese people. “I it better,” she told this news- Just like Grandma Socil taught her, Sandy Williams’ Pickled onions, black cake want to wish all Guyanese, paper. pepperpot was well seasoned in time for Christmas and ham,” Dr. Blackman told in particular, each and evCHRISTMAS IN OSLO A Teacher by day and FOOD AND FAMILY have a good old Guyanese Guyana Chronicle as he took “This Christmas, I will ery one of your readers the an entrepreneurial soaper For 30-year-old Shami- Christmas. a walk down memory lane. miss some of the celebra- very best wishes for Christ- by night Williams has taken At the time of the intermas and a productive and on a new profession – Mrs. sa Anthony – Founder and prosperous 2020. We have Clause. This year, the former Chief Executive Officer view, Richmond, who also indeed been blessed with a West Coast Demerara resi- (CEO) of SDA Legal Re- resides in the U.S was adding search Clinic, Christmas is his finishing touches to his new decade is upon us!” dent is on a mission to bring about celebration, food and home for the grand Christmas further cheer to the persons mostly family. celebrations.

A SENSE OF HOPE who have positively impact“Nothing honestly beats I like spending ChristFor 30-year-old Sandy ed her life in 2019. spending quality time with mas the traditional way Williams, owner of Selah “This year was full of Scents, Christmas provides lessons of how some people your family and friends. The – with family and friends. conversations are always With all of the Guyanese a sense of hope. just take but never give. I “Something about Christ- went the extra mile to say funny and entertaining. You foods: black cake, pepper mas gives me hope to carry thank you to the people in my create more memories as you pot, roti,” he told Guythrough the rest of the New life that kept it 100 with me,” reminisce on the old ones. ana Chronicle as he took Laughter is in the air and so a break from the housing Year that comes shortly af- she said. is a good time,” Anthony told cleaning. ter,” she told the Guyana As the Owner of Selah Twenty-nine-year-old Chronicle from her Atlanta, Scents, Williams was also Guyana Chronicle. She has Georgia home. Though she able to make her first ship- been living in the U.S since Shanteal Alleyne, will experience Christmas like has been living in the United ping of presents to Guyana. 2007.

Growing up in Linden, she has never did before States of America (U.S.A) “My brand shipped over 55 for the past three years, Wil- gift packages purchased by Anthony celebrated Christ- but looks forward to creliams, like Dr. Blackman, Guyanese this Christmas. mas with her mother, aunts, ating great memories with maintains her rich Guyanese 2019 was an awesome year cousins and grandfather. This her family and friends in tradition, especially at Christ- for Selah Scents adventures time around, she travelled to Bavaria, Germany. “This Canada to do just that, cel- is my first time celebrating mas. in Guyana – we shipped a “Now that I live in USA, total of 1200 lbs. of soaps ebrate Christmas with those the festive season here in Germany but from the little I try extra hard to preserve to our Guyanese custom- closest to her.

For many, James Rich- I have gathered so far, I can everything I learnt from my ers. The support has been late Grandmother. Christ- overwhelming and we are mond is a “true-true” Guy- tell you that Germans are mas was our time. She made truly grateful,” Williams anese. The poet, who hails big on Christmas,” wife and from the Village of Hope- mother of one told this Merry Christmas from Shanteal Alleyne-Massay and me clean everything and I recounted. town on the West Coast of did it with no fussing, as I her son Seiven with love See page 39 Berbice, is determined to

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Local ornaments booming for Christmas Linden art and craft designers in hot competition with foreign items

By Vanessa Braithwaite In every Guyanese home, housewives are looking to give their living rooms a face lift with new ornaments and over all décor.

Ticked off on many lists are flowers, vase, table bottles, centre tables, wall pictures, corner stands etc. In recent years however, we have seen the advent in decorating styles and for many 21st century housewives, less is defined as more. It is about quality, oppose to quantity and elegance oppose to iridescent colours.

Homes now are no longer filled with lots of flowers and low-end decoration, leaving limited space for family members to even walk comfortably, but are sparsely and elegantly decorated with high end décor such as table bottles and other ornaments, oppose to floral, greenery and other stem like particles, oppose to flower petals, amongst others.

Keeping up with this revolution however, are local art and craft designers, who are making it easier for housewives to source their décor, with durable and locally sourced material, opposed to synthetic and foreign items.

One of these is popular de-

Monica Higgins, showcased her designs at the recently held Tourism Exposition in Linden

signer, Monica Higgins, who has been evolving her designs to suit the needs of housewives. Her luxurious, unique and elegant designs of floor and table vases, table bottles along with other locally made ornaments, are a must have for the living room, for the holidays.

Many decades ago, Monica was sitting in her home and decided to experiment with some waste material that she had previously discarded

and that decision has landed her many years of success in the local craft industry.

“My mom was abroad and she use to send home these little things and you know kids would just play with them but I would just sweep them under the table and one day I say let me check these things and I realised it was fabric paint and that is where it started, no body taught me to do this,” Monica related.

Little do the housewives

Another set of local ornaments made by a Lindener

know, that many of her luxuriant designs are made from items sources right in her yard or close by, items that are often discarded and it is therefore safe to say that her designs are from trash to treasure. “I make things out of coconut shell, coreo seeds, and pieces of wood, it’s like from trash to treasure, it’s like from ordinary into extraordinary because we do throw away these coconut shells and these things and

you know when you see them in the yard you look at them and right away you get ideas on what you can do with these things,” she explained.

Realising that she is ‘moving on up’ with her designs, Monica has been showcasing same at every exhibition and event possible, the latest being at the Region Ten Tourism Exhibition.

There she joined many other local designers who are providing stiff competition

for imported craft items, especially during this festive season.

Another of these is Lindener Sonia Sanchara- Profitt who has specialised in table bottles for the Christmas season. She is recycling regular wine and champagne bottles and is transforming them into beautifully arrayed ornaments for only $3,000.

Her neutral choice of colours would allow them to fit in with the already purchased curtains and florals.

It was only two years ago, that Sonia started the bottle design business as a hobby and now it is her Christmas hustle, as she would have raked in dozens of customers during this time. As Higgins, Profitt sources her decorative materials, right in her home.

She spray paints the bottles, then designs them with marbles, decorative stones, ribbons, beaded chains, flowers, sticks, Christmas balls and the seed of our National Flower. The hard work of these designer, truly shows that even decor for the Christmas can and must be sourced locally, since they are not only beautiful, but durable.

Decorated wine designed by Sonia Profitt

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 25, 2019

Creating a safe haven for foster children at Christmas

By Vanessa Braithwaite IT IS the first Christmas they will be spending in a safe, fun and family-oriented environment, and above all things, this is what makes the satisfaction dearer to the heart of foster parent Jonelle Wiggins -Archer, who, with the consent of her husband, Stephen, has opened up their home to three children, a threeyear-old and twins aged seven months, for the holidays.

Jonelle is not rich, but she believes she has enough to put a smile on the faces of deserving children for the holidays and beyond, which is what has given her life some semblance of purpose.

Seeing the excitement on the three year-old’s face as he got his first Christmas toy, and took part in the decorating and Christmas preparation activities, Jonelle said, makes her feel that she is fulfilling what the real reason for the season is, and that is of expressing love, sharing, and reaching out to those in need. “It made me feel so happy, because, just carrying them to buy their toys made them excited. And I was

thinking, ‘If they were where who ended up living with her they were before, would they full-time. She was moved to be so happy? Would a smile do so after reminiscing on be on their face? Would they how she grew up in a poor be looking at what other child r e n g o t , a n d wondering if they would g e t t o o ?

But it is a wonThe twin girls sharing a light moment with the three-year-old derful feeling to know she would have fostered four at Christmastime, you can home, as her mother was a children, two of whom have make them happy. And even single-parent of seven. While never left. In fact, since her the twins… You know, even life did not start on the bright first foster child, Jonelle is though they are small, you side for Jonelle, as she be- now fostering her three-yearwatch them and see them so came a teenage mother and old son. She recently learnt joyful, smiling and bounc- single-mother as well, her of a situation where sixing, it brings a good sense latter years took a turn for the month-old twin girls were of meaning for me,” Jonelle better, and with the blessings hospitalised and in need of said. she’s received from God ever a safe home, and without since, she was determined to hesitation, decided to step in.

THE JOURNEY not enjoy it alone.

This Christmas, they are not With a love in her heart, in the hospital waiting to be Her journey as a foster especially for children, picked up, but are in a safe, parent started decades ago Jonelle started her journey warm and comfortable home. when she fostered a little girl, as a foster parent. Thus far, “The motivating factor is the

Jonelle’s three-year-old foster son decorating the Christmas tree with her biological son

love I have for children. My mother was a single-parent of seven. She was a loving mother, and she always taught me that you have to give love to get love. And, growing up in a single-parent family with seven children, it was very challenging. And so, now, when I am an adult and life got better for me, I feel it is an obligation to help children to not grow up how I grew up,” she shared.

Throughout her life, she would have witnessed many children end up in unfavourable circumstances, and turning to a life of crime solely because of the environment they grew up in. And while a bad environment is not the only factor, Jonelle believes that growing up in a safe and secure one is what can make a child become a positive contributor to society, with a bright and secure fu-

ture. “Seeing them grow in a safe and secure environment; seeing them grab a proper education, knowing that tomorrow they will be a better person, that satisfies me a lot,” she posited.

GRATIFYING Seeing the satisfaction she gets from fostering children and bringing smiles to the faces of those in need during this season, Jonelle is encouraging all those who can, as there are hundreds of children in need of fostering, to not look at the burden, but at the reward.

“Look at it as helping a life; as helping a child in the future. Once you in the position and you could, follow your heart; you are doing a good for a child, you are saving a life, not only for Christmas, but beyond.”

CDC monitoring reports of flooding on Leguan THE Civil Defence Commission (CDC) said it has received reports of flooding in the Endeavour and Amsterdam communities of Leguan, Essequibo Islands (Region 3). In a press release sent out on Tuesday, the CDC said that the flooding occurred as a result of a koker door that gave away during the high tides.

The release said that representatives from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) were deployed to the affected communities to conduct assessments and determine what the immediate needs are.

“The initial assessment indicates that approximately 30 homes have been inundated, with water levels between 6 and 9 inches,” the release said.

The CDC said it is mobilised and on standby to support the response efforts. “The situation is being monitored through the 24-hour National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS),” the release said.

A team from the MoPI is on the ground, waiting on the water to recede to install a Stop Log Door before the next high tide to prevent further impact.

Photographs of the flooding in Leguan

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Leroy Austin on his way to a bright future

WHILE many children are busy making a list of toys they want for Christmas, Leroy Austin is making his own toys from scratch for himself and siblings.

The Guyana Chronicle journeyed to the young man’s home at Hope Estate, East Coast Demerara, where he displayed some of his best work for the newspaper.

The 14-year-old, who is an aspiring archi-

A sculpture of a fish done by Leroy Austin tect, stated that he fell in love with art since he was at kindergarten.

The oldest of three told the Chronicle that he stumbled upon a video on YouTube where he saw someone making a toy car out of cardboard cut-outs and thought to himself that he could do the same.

He then went around his home and found a few materials and started making his own toys from cardboard boxes, Styrofoam and small pieces of plywood for himself and siblings.

“When I first started making these toys I was 12; I was watching something on YouTube and I saw this video where someone was making all kinds of things with cardboard and I said I could do that too,” he stated.

Austin stated that when he would get bored or tired of watching cartoons, he would sit with his pieces of cardboard and some hot

A model of an electrical blender made

by Austin glue and just build things.

“When I’m bored, I would look for cardboards and start making all kinds of things; one time I made a helicopter and I got a small motor to make it fly,” he stated.

The young man, who is deemed a born artist destined for great things, was at the top of his nursery school class when it came to art. He always coloured inside the lines and drew the most outstanding pictures.

Aside from making toys out of recyclable materials, Leroy has also developed an eye for sculpturing. The young man recently found a new form of art and started making sculptures from bath soaps.

He stated that he wanted to try something different and explore what his hands can do, and so he started carving out sculptures into soaps.

The young man stated that he sometimes surprises himself with how much he can do

Leroy Austin sawing a piece of wood with a battery operated saw he made

Austin’s younger brother playing with a model of a truck and can create with just his bare hands.

He stated that one day he would love to take his art to a higher level and perhaps work in the field of architecture and design buildings and so forth.

Leroy has become very popular for his art in his school and community, since he would get orders for school projects and toys. The young man has turned his art into a business and would sell toy cars and trucks to his friends and parents who would wish to purchase toys for their little ones.

According to his mother Janelle Austin, her son has always been a lover of the

arts since he entered nursery at the tender age of four. She stated that his teacher at the time urged her to not let his creative nature die and so she made sure she nurtured his love for drawing and creating things by being one of his biggest support systems.

However, she stated that there are times she finds it difficult to reason with him; that although he is great at what he does, he must not let it supplant his academics, since education is crucial in his self-development.

“Sometimes I have to remind him that his book is also important and that he’ll have a time for art and a time to study,” she stated.

She further stated that she is extremely proud of her son and is very excited for his future as she believes promising opportunities will come his way when he gets older.

UNHCR implementing digitalised system of registration of migrants SOME Venezuelan immigrants are now being registered through a digitalised system that integrates biometric technologies, which allows them to acquire a registration certificate replete with a three-month stay permit granted by the Government of Guyana.

This system, initiated by the local office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) after a provisional approval was granted by the government in Mid-October, allows for the registration of migrants to move away from a manual system of paper sheets.

While the UNHCR established its local office only in 2018, its Senior Liaison Officer, Cecilie Saenz Guerrero noted, “We have, this year, been focusing on some specific sectors, one of them has been to enable Venezuelans coming here to register in a digitalised system which

is called the Prime system.”

She explained that through this system, immigration officers, supported by UNHCR staff, would collect biodata in a biometric system. What this means is that certain unique characteristics of an individual-- their fingerprints and irises in the eyes-- are scanned and uploaded to a database.

Emphasising that the system has only received a provisional approval and has only been implemented in mid-October, the registration has begun in Regions One, Five and Seven with some of the focus areas being Kumaka, Yarakita, Khan Hill, Kam Water, Imbotero, and Black Water.

REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES More than just registering the immigrants, however, this system allows for the provision of a unique registration certificate.

On this certificate, the person’s full name, bio data and the bio data of the applicant’s family members are shown.

It also bears a unique identification (ID) number that is generated by the database.

“Once you capture the biometric (data), your ID will immediately pop up in the system and then the same ID number will show,” Guerroro said.

This certificate also has the threemonth entry permit, which is given by the immigration department, on the back.

And once in possession of this certificate, Guerroro indicated that it is much easier to access the public government services (such as health and education services) the government has made available to the immigrants.

“Many of the Venezuelans coming to Guyana, particularly among the indigenous people, do not have any form of ID, so this is the first time they actually have a document demonstrating their

UNHCR Representative, Cecilie Guerrero identity,” Guerrero noted.

According to her, this gives them a sense of comfort particularly considering the dire conditions they are fleeing from.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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Guided by cooperation, Chinese governance inspires the world BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- China’s experience over the past year in state and global governance has garnered the world’s attention during a time of increasing uncertainty and when nations are urgently seeking solutions to bolster living standards among their populations.

China’s national policies and development path, along with proposals it has raised on global governance during various international occasions, reflect key aspects of China’s governance: opening-up and win-win cooperation.

World leaders, scholars and observers have praised China’s governance achievements, adding the Asian country’s experience offers great inspiration to countries and regions around the world.

STATE GOVERNANCE INSPIRATION China’s great leap in its national development over the past seven decades illustrates the effectiveness of its governance, which offers lessons for other nations.

In late October, the fourth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) moved forward on modernizing the country’s system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advance its capacity for governance.

“It (China) has created a special model of governance which constitutes one of the most successful and modern models of government in the world,” said Antros Kyprianou, secretary general of the AKEL, the second largest party in Cyprus.

Martin Albrow, a British sociologist, said other regions and countries should pay attention to China’s governance model as there hides the secrets of China’s growth.

By forging ahead along a development path suited to its own national conditions, China has continued to improve people’s wellbeing, manifested in its accomplishments in reducing poverty.

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee presides over the fourth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee in Beijing, capital of China. The session was held from Oct. 28 to 31, 2019. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Official data showed China has lifted some 850 million people out of poverty during the past 40 years, accounting for over 70 percent of global poverty reduction.

“No other country in the world today can claim such (anti-poverty) achievements,” said Dmitry Novikov, deputy chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Russia.

China has unleashed bold reforms in employment, pension insurance, education and medicine to ensure its population benefits from development, Singaporean Ambassador to China Stanley Loh Ka Leung said, adding this “can unite the whole country to forge ahead.”

Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe said China’s development is admirable and sets an example for a wide range of developing countries.

OPENING UP As the world’s second largest economy, China has been responsible for more than 30 percent of global economic growth for several consecutive years. Meanwhile, it has further promoted opening-up at home to boost global confidence.

In terms of progress within the country, China is set to implement its new foreign investment law starting from Jan. 1 next year, offering a better investment environment for foreign businesses operating in the country.

China also announced in

“a more open and integrated China” that “benefited the Chinese economy, (and) the Chinese people as a whole.”

At the opening ceremony of the second China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November, Chinese President Xi Jinping outlined five measures to promote higher-level opening up -- continuing to open up its market, improve its opening-up structure, optimize the business environment, deepen multilateral and bilateral cooperation, and advance Belt and Road cooperation.

A total of 71.13 billion U.S. dollars worth of tentative deals were reached for

Aerial photo taken on June 27, 2019 shows new cars wating for shipment at a port in the Lingang area in Shanghai, east China. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)

August a plan that adds six new pilot free trade zones (FTZ) to the list of a dozen FTZs established since 2013.

Policies facilitating the opening up of the Chinese market have yielded remarkable results. Official data showed that in the first 11 months of 2019, foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Chinese mainland grew 6 percent year-on-year to more than 120 billion U.S. dollars.

By the end of 2018, FDI inflow to China had ranked second in the world for two consecutive years and first among developing countries for 27 consecutive years.

Roberto Azevedo, director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), hailed China’s opening-up as “a positive decision,” saying moves such as lowering tariffs and reforming legislations and policies led to

Among the expo’s diverse displays, 391 new products, technologies and services were launched for the first time on the Chinese mainland or worldwide.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that the CIIE is “a clear demonstration of China’s commitment to strengthen cooperation in global trade and investment.”

China’s economic development shows that openness is key to a strong international economy, and China’s higher-level opening up offer opportunities to the whole world, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said at the CIIE. CHAMPION OF MULTILATERALISM An upsurge of unilateralism and protectionism has effectively threatened global governance, with the latest case being the U.S. blocking the nomination of new judges to the WTO Appellate Body, rendering the body unable to review dispute rulings between countries.

China has made it clear to the world that multilateral cooperation is in the fundamental interests of people of all nations.

Xi called for safeguard-

The high-level meeting of the Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation is held in Beijing, capital of China, April 26, 2019. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

one-year purchases of goods and services during the second CIIE, up 23 percent year on year, according to official data.

Over 1,300 exhibitors and 3,200 buyers attended the three-day match-making fair during the expo, inking a total of 2,160 tentative deals.

ing multilateralism this year during several international occasions such as the 11th BRICS summit in Brasilia and the 2019 Imperial Springs International Forum in Guangzhou.

At the BRICS summit, Xi said the essence of multilateralism means tackling

international issues through extensive consultation rather than allowing one country or a handful of countries to issue a final verdict.

Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, said he is “struck by the breadth and scope of China’s engagement with the world,” adding “there is now no matter of global importance in which China does not participate.”

China has been pushing for free trade and more open economies through such frameworks as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, creating new opportunities for many African and Asian countries to raise the living standards of their people.

At Second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in April, a number of achievements were announced regarding the international initiative over the past year, and contracts worth over 64 billion dollars were signed.

China is also an active participant in fighting common challenges facing humankind, such as climate change, terrorism, nuclearization, regional conflicts and others.

“We need a staunch multilateralism” to form an effective response to the environmental problems common to all humanity, said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program. “I am pleased to see China taking an active role in promoting this approach.”

Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, president of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, said safeguarding multilateralism “has become an urgent must.””China has been a very strong ally of the (multilateral) system, keeping the system healthy and alive,” she said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Reg. 10 excelled in academics, arts, sports in 2019 HEAD of the Regional Education Committee of Region 10, Denise Belgrave, said the district was outstanding in its performance in 2019 despite the internal and external challenges faced in the education sector.

In a statement emanating out of the Regional Democratic Council’s (RDC’s) office, Belgrave said the region delivered favorable results at the National Grade Six Assessment (GNSA),

Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), as well as in the areas of culture and arts and athletics.

“Our students have been doing exceptionally well, as we once again defended our National Schools Track and Field Championship Title, winning it for the fifth consecutive year…During the 2019 Mashramani Schools’ Competition, we dominated

a number of categories and came in the top three for the ‘Mash Day’ activities as well,” Belgrave said. She boasted that the region also performed well at GNSA, CSEC and CAPE. She said the region’s successes were as a result of the contributions and dedication of its students, teachers and even parents.

“We are very happy with the equal support from a number of parents and the public, however while we

Councillor Denise Belgrave

are overall pleased with the level of support and assistance given, we are concerned over the performances of some education officers,” Belgrave said.

Though there were no new schools built in Region 10 for 2019, the Head of the Regional Education Committee said she is pleased that the RDC was able to repair and renovate 90 per cent of the schools. The regional administration also commenced the construction of the Bamia Nursery and Primary Schools. Works, according to Belgrave, are moving apace.

According to her, schools within riverain communities are now fully-staffed with teachers.

“We were able to provide accommodation for all teachers who are working in various areas including the riverain and sub-district two.

We also secured furnishings for their living quarters, thus ensuring that they are very comfortable and properly accommodated. This, along

with the fact that all schools, especially in the riverain areas, are fully staffed are some of the major achievements that we secured in 2019,” Belgrave explained.

Added to that, an Education Officer for Sub-District Two (Kwakwani) was appointed. Commenting on the water purification projects which were implemented in two schools, the Regional Education Committee head said that it has been going well, noting that many are impressed with what has been happening at the Mackenzie High School with regards to this project.

She anticipates that in 2020, more schools will be renovated and upgraded with technological equipment and Internet connection to enhance the learning experience in schools across the region.

While thankful for the support given in 2019, the regional councillor anticipates even greater support and dedication from parents, teachers, the RDC, govern-

ment and the public.

Through public-private partnerships, Belgrave is hoping that the region’s children could be rewarded for their outstanding performance, especially the athletes. “We see every year whereby our athletes go to nationals and excel but unfortunately the region doesn’t have the kind of monies that would enable us to reward them accordingly. However, we are hoping that for the new year we can find innovative and creative ways in expressing our gratitude and thanks to these athletes and persons from the performing arts in a more meaningful way. It must be noted however that we usually recognise them publicly. The view of the education committee is that we should be able to do something more significant and tangible,” she stressed.

Man accused of robbery remanded MAGISTRATE Clive Nurse, on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, remanded a man to prison on a robbery charge.

Godfrey Cox appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 20, 2019, at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, Cox, while being in the company of another, robbed Noel Trotman of a phone valued at $20,000 and 250,000 cash.

Attorney-at-law who represented Cox asked the court for his client to be granted reasonable bail.

According to information, on the day in question, Trotman was in his car on Charlotte Street when Cox approached him and asked if he was doing business, while the other person pushed his hands in the car and removed the items. They made good their escape.

The matter was reported to the police and Cox was positively identified by Trotman. Cox was arrested and later charged.

Magistrate Nurse remanded Cox to prison and adjourned the matter until January 7, 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Save Abee Foundation cheers up 400 orphans

THE National Park came alive Sunday last with 400 happy children running around, skipping, jumping and having a jolly time, thanks to the Save Abee Foundation.

The children, who were drawn from 18 orphanages and homes from across Guyana, were treated to free snacks, a lunch with drinks, popcorn and other goodies and live performances from wellknown cartoon and Disney characters such as Elsa, Batman, Spiderman, Superman and the dancing Christmas tree, among others.

When this publication visited the park, the characters were seen mingling,

taking photos and playing with the children were who eager to see them.

The children also enjoyed free rides on the Ferris wheel, Mary-go-round, bouncy castle, trampoline, and played lots of games where they won prizes.

Glennis Norton, the owner of one of the homes, ‘A Sanctuary’, said she was happy to have brought the children out and was thankful for the gifts and other services they received. She said her home has 11 children and is located on the Soesdyke- Linden Highway.

According to one of the team members of Abbas Hamid, the organisation began hosting the orphan parties some

HOME AWAY ...

From page 29

newspaper.

Alleyne, hails from Wismar, Linden said she is soaking up the new Christmas experience. “There are so many activities, Christmas tree cutting exercises, countless Christmas markets hosting about 20,000 plus people from all over the world. I am blown away. Well for the simple fact that the Christmas tree tradition was started in Germany, you can understand how the country goes all out for Christmas,” she said while bubbling with excitement.

Though thrilled by the German experienced thus car, Alleyne said she would never give up on her Guyanese Christmas traditions like pepperpot and bread on Christmas morning. “The truth is no one makes pepper pot like Guyanese and if you don’t have the correct ingredients I think you should just forget it! I have looked everywhere for the ingredients to make pepper pot but to no avail,” she shared.

Food aside, the journalist and radio broadcaster said

“There is no Christmas without family…The feeling of being around them is priceless at this time. I celebrate my Christmas with family and friends we have this yearly tradition where selected family members choose a day after the 25th and everyone heads over at their house to celebrate. It’s wonderful. We play games, cook food, talk stories, crack jokes and of course Guyanese love to make jokes of one another, it’s wonderful,” Alleyne shared.

Like most Guyanese, Christmas is Whitney Persaud’s favorite time of the

This time around Dr. Terrence Blackman is spending Christmas in Norway but for him, there is nothing like a Guyanese Christmas.

James Richmond

Since moving to the U.S in 2014, Christmas has not been the same for Whitney Persaud but she promises to be home next Christmas. family forms a major part of Christmas.

The children were thoroughly entertained by well-known cartoon and Disney characters (Carl Croker photograph)

year.

“Jesus is the reason for the season and mostly owing to this reason and the spirit of festivity, people from all over, our families and friends make an extra effort to be nice, I mean, they’re nice all year around but I love the Christmas season mostly because we really reach into our hearts, taking the extra time to show love and kindness, not only to our families but to everyone,” Persaud told the Guyana Chronicle.

Formerly of Georgetown, Persaud, who now lives in New Jersey, said thought her family didn’t have it all for Christmas, the times spent and memories created are invaluable.

“Growing up we were never fancy because we didn’t have a lot but Christmas meant a lot to us because we were able to enjoy each other during this time more. We’d sit and eat and drink together, have friends over and just be merry and bright,” she recalled.

Christmas is partially different for her, now that she lives in the U.S. “I spend Christmas working and that’s what I did for the past five years since I left home. My sister lives here as well but we hardly get to spend Christmas together because I’m mostly usually working.

We hardly to get time together period because of busy and demanding lifestyle is here,” Persaud explained. Simply put, Persaud says she misses home especially at Christmas. “I miss Christmas in Guyana as matter of fact I wanted to come home this year but I couldn’t , hopefully next year I’ll be able to do that so I can truly relive the joys and real meaning of the season.”

Until December 2020, Persaud the memories created will suffice but rest assured she will be home for Christmas next year.

six years ago.

The charity was inspired to host a general party this year after observing the children longed for an outdoor party.

“This is the sixth year we are doing this, usually we would have two separate activities, one in Berbice and one in Georgetown but after realising that some of the children has never left the village or town where they are from, we decided to bring them out so that they can have that experience of travelling Guyana as well. So maybe next year we will take

the Georgetown kids to Berbice,” he said.

The event concluded in the afternoon with a concert that featured popular chutney artiste, Terry Gajraj and others.

Save Abee Foundation seeks to provide education to the children of Guyana and give them the future life-skills needed to build a more positive future for them and their community. Each of the orphanages will receive a laptop from the Foundation, a non-profit organisation (NPO) registered in the US, Canada and Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 25, 2019

Reg. One completes 85% of works REGION One’s Regional Democratic Council (RDC) has been able to complete 85 per cent of developmental projects that were earmarked for 2019 despite the numerous challenges.

This is according to the Regional Executive Officer (REO), Randy Storm. In a statement from the regional office, Storm said when he was appointed the region’s REO in January 2019, he inherited 17 projects.

“I inherited 17 2018 projects from my predecessor and I immediately sought in ensuring that they were completed, because I firmly believe

that government projects should be completed in a timely and professional manner,” he said.

While the regional administration made a deliberate effort to execute identified developmental projects, Storm said there was resistance from some who are of the opinion that there is no government in place.

This, he reported, has led to several incomplete projects being rolled over to 2020. “Practically, we have until the 31st of December (to request for roll over) and I am working very hard along with my staff to ensure that we can secure

Region One engineer, Murwin Allison

Workmen completing the bottom flat of the RDC Secretariat

the roll over as these projects will certainly bring value to the region and most importantly the residents,” Storm said.

The repairs to the Hosororo Primary School, which are being done at the cost of $2.5M, are among projects to be completed in the New Year.

At a recent Christmas Luncheon, it was brought to Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence’s attention that school children are left little choice other than to use a dilapidated bridge which stretches across the Barbima Creek. During the rainy season, it poses an even greater threat to the lives of the children. A new and safer bridge will be constructed at a cost of $8M. Additionally, the Canal Bank Primary is expected to be completed and handed over by the Minister of Education on or before January 6, 2020. That project is being executed to the tune of $2.2M. According to the REO, projects which were approved by the National Tender and Procure-

ment Administration (NPTA) is expected to be completed soon with the Port Kaituma Primary School set to be completed for the opening of the January, 2020 school term. That project, the REO disclosed, is being executed to the cost of $53M. Similar works are being done at the Port Kaituma Secondary School. That project, which is valued at $42M, will be completed in February, 2020.

“It is important to note that these projects are roll overs and these projects were only able to get moving in mid-October after we were able to secure a new engineer in the region. I must thank Minister Ferguson who played a pivotal role in securing the new engineer after the previous engineer was bent on a go slow after being told by persons that the government is illegal,” REO Storm said.

He added: “Several projects were moving at snail pace as it was evident that the previous engineer was bent on stalling progress and after Minister Ferguson visited in June and conducted investigations, she secured the new engineer in October. It was then, together with the staff, we got moving resulting in several projects being completed and some rolling over.”.

He further noted that the enclosing of the bottom flat of the RDC Secretariat for Conference Hall is moving apace. That project is being constructed to the tune of $10.9M and will be completed on December 31.

According to the REO, the presence of an engineer, in the person of Murwin Allison, has resulted in an acceleration of regional projections.

“We are very pleased to have Mr. Allison who has, thus far, demonstrated a zeal and willingness to get the work done and this is the kind of attitude that we need urgently in this region which is highly political. I continue to endeavor to the staff that irrespective of their political affiliation that they have a responsibility to the government and people of this region to execute their professional duties in a balance and mature manner as their actions can either help in building and or destroying lives,” Storm said.

AFTER seven months no arrest in Albouystown businesswoman murder IT is now seven long months since bandits attacked popular Albouystown businesswoman, Nalinie Persaud, called ‘Nalo’ at her James Street residence. The police are yet to make an arrest.

A senior police detective told the Guyana Chronicle on Christmas Eve that Persaud’s murder investigation is still open and continues.

The police said that on May 2, 2019, two of the bandits who were armed with handguns, had attacked the 44-year-old woman and when they escaped, the businesswoman’s lifeless body was discovered with a rope,

that cash and jewellery were carted off by the bandits who ransacked the premises. They gained entry by removing a board from the northern wall of the lower flat of the house.

DEAD: Nalinie Persaud called ‘Nalo’

which was used to strangle her, tied around her neck.

The police confirmed

The victim’s husband was assaulted and taken out of the bedroom into the lower flat of the premises, which housed a grocery shop, where he was bound to a chair and duct-taped.

An autopsy conducted on the body of the businesswoman revealed that her death was due to compression to the neck and blunt trauma to the head.

Larceny accused granted bail MAGISTRATE Clive Nurse, on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, granted $450,000 total bail to three men on a break and enter and larceny charge.

Karl Mangal, 28, of Princess Street Lodge; Rodwell Phillips, 30, a mason of Broad Street Charlestown, and Leonard Allicock, 30, a fisherman of Albouystown,

appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge, when it was read to them.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on December 21, 2019, at Charlestown, they broke and entered the Golden Bridge bond and stole twenty-five children’s bicycles valued at $300,000 and a quantity of baby clothing val-

ued at $332,000, property of Tee-Shin-Lee called George.

Attorney-at-law Fung-aFat who represented Mangal and Phillips requested the court to grant his clients reasonable bail.

Magistrate Nurse released each of the men on $150,000 bail and adjourned the matter until January 7, 2020.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

50 LED lights installed in Charlestown

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-- 25 more for Albouystown soon FIFTY LED (light emitting diode) lights have been installed in the Charlestown community and another 25 is scheduled for Albouystown, Constituency Councillor, David Allicock, informed this newspaper on Tuesday.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Allicock pointed out that there are a number of benefits that come along with the lights.

“Changing over our lighting from pressurised gasses and vacuum tubes to semiconductors is not just a tweak; it’s an LED revolution. In fact, Charlestown has gone

‘green’!”

“LED technology is already changing how we get around and how we live at night. These lights are environmentally-friendly and save our constituency and the City of Georgetown money in the long-run,” the councillor expressed.

LEDs are up to 50 per cent more energy efficient than traditional lighting and can last 15 to 20 years.

“Going ‘green’ with smart photo cell sensor street lighting is about optimising what people see. It's the visible improvement provided by more efficient lighting. And Councillor David Allicock

LEDs are up to 50% more energy efficient than traditional lighting

there are other unexpected benefits. Better street lighting could potentially make pedestrian and other road traffic easier and incident free by reducing the perception of danger, as well as improving visibility on roads,” Allicock said.

Meanwhile, the revetment of the Sussex Street Canal, the installation of the LED lights, and the upgrading of the St. Stephen’s Ground, are some of the major plans being pursued in Constituency 10, which comprises the Albouystown and Charlestown communities.

From north to south, the boundaries of the con-

stituency are from Princes Street to Independence Boulevard; in the east, St. Stephen’s Street and Callender Street, and in the west, the Demerara River.

Currently, desilting (removal of materials such as

Charlestown has gone ‘green’

sand and mud from the bed of a flowing canal) works are being undertaken in the communities with assistance from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).

There are 54 bridges across the Sussex Street Ca-

nal, of which 18 are council’s responsibility. The 18 bridges are across the 18 streets that run north to south from Callender to Saffon Streets.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

GBA receives US$15 000 from GOA ...

From back page

Amsterdam and Colin Lewis (former Caribbean champions) and Dennis Thomas (a Caribbean two-time silver medallist).

The quartet will display their skills learnt from Cuba at the Olympic Qualifiers, which is scheduled from March 26

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to April 3, 2020, in Argentina.

To send the four boxers and two officials (Terrence Poole and Sebert Blake - awaiting release from GPL) on the three-month spell, the GBA had to raise approximately US$31 000 (over G$6.4M). Fortunately, GOA and National Sports Commission were fully on board with the venture.

Earlier this month, NSC, through its Director of Sport Christopher Jones, handed over a cheque of $1M to the boxing association with the promise of a further $1.5M either in January or February, while president of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, noted that the boxing association would contribute the rest of funds needed.

At a simple press conference yesterday, at the Law Offices of K.A. Juman-Yassin, the GOA president noted that he was impressed with Allicock’s improvement after his time in Cuba earlier this year and he and his executives felt that it was the correct move to assist in sending the four boxers for training.

“In going to Cuba, the exposure will be immense, the range and variety of sparring partners; we don’t have that in Guyana. The discipline, the medical checkups, everything

about the programme is much better than what we have here.”

Yassin added that he is confident that the threemonth training stint would help the boxers. He noted that from the inception he was supportive of local coaches travelling with the boxers. He said that the coaches would be able to enhance their skills and hopefully implement what they have learnt, which in the long-run should enhance the sport locally.

“In this exercise for three months, two of our senior coaches will benefit and no doubt that benefit will pass on to the youngsters … Once they (the four boxers) work hard and make that sacrifice, I sincerely believe that they will be successful.”

According to Ninvalle, the cheque of US$15 000 is the largest contribution received under his watch as GBA head.

“In my tenure, it would have been the largest contribution that we would have received from anyone, from any entity, any supporter. I want to say heartfelt thanks to Mr Yassin.”

Ninvalle also indicated that the GOA president, through his insightfulness and knowledge of the sport, has been instru-

mental in bringing the Caribbean Developmental Championships to fruition - an event that has evolved into the Caribbean Championships.

“It is through his initiative, through his support, his urging and his pushing that we have been able not only in Guyana, but also in the Caribbean, to see boxing move to higher heights of development.”

Yassin, who has served as head of the GOA for over two decades, highlighted the importance of collaboration and thanked the NSC for its support.

“It has to be a combination of resources, resources from the government, resources from the private sector, resources from the GOA and resources from individuals … it is also the aim for the GOA to work with the government, regardless of which government is in power….”

Vice-president of the GOA, Dr Karen Pilgrim and Technical Director of the GOA Poole also spoke of the importance of the venture and their confidence in the boxers.

Guyana has been outstanding in boxing at the regional level, but Michael Parris’s 1980 bronze medal at the Moscow Olympics remains our only medal to date at the top sporting event.

GFF Super 16 Cup semi-final spots ...

From back page McLennon, Jamal Pedro, Moses Gritten, Devon Charles, Kwadjo Garnett, Cleyton Forrester and Shamar Carrington among others.

Police’ attack would be led by Trayon Bobb, Jamal Harvey, Colwyn Adams, Daniel Wilson, Darren Benjamin, Travis Jones, Jermain Junor, Kester Dundas, Ronaldo Dover, Winston Tanner, Rawle Thornhill, Stephen Ramsey and Kavis Fraser.

Boxing Day matches at GFC are Buxton United vs Guyana Defence Force; Santos vs Den Amstel The last two quarter-final matches would be played tomorrow evening, at the mecca of the sport in the City, Georgetown Football Club ground (GFC) from 18:30hrs when defending champions Den Amstel put their title on the line again, this time against Santos FC; both winning their round-of-16 matches last Sunday night at the Leonora Track and Field Centre.

Den Amstel won a bruising battle against Riddim Squad 4-1 coming from behind, and unfortunately would be without one of their leading marksmen, Gideon Payne who had to leave the match in the first half.

Based on reports, he would be out of action for the next two months having injured one of his ribs. Nevertheless, coach O’Neil will still be oozing with confidence that his remaining charges would be able to pull together and be a solid force as they seek win number two this year on their way to retaining their title.

Captain Leo-Orion Lovell would be hoping for another huge game to achieve another successful result. Support will come from Andre Hector, Chris Macey, Denzil Smith, Jamal Pereira, Kwesi Henry, Emanuel Cox, Sebastian Edwards and Keswin Fraser.

Santos’ line-up includes two of the players who won the title with Den Amstel last year - captain Kevin Dundas and Kestor Jacobs. Both these play-

ers would have to play key roles if Santos are to get past Den Amstel.

Dundas would be marshalling the defence while Jacobs would be key to Santos’ offensive maneouvres as he would be controlling the midfield. Lavavghn Ennis who netted a brace in their win over Eagles FC would be looking for another good night at the office.

Marcus Wilson, Lennox Cort, Rondel Peters, Stephan Reynold, Nicholai Andrews, Ryan October, Orin Yarde and Jermaine Padmore would add quality to Santos’ ambitions of taking out the defending champs.

Tomorrow’s night’s curtain-raiser pits last year’s beaten finalists Buxton United and the Guyana Defence Force in a clash that would showcase experience (GDF) coming up against youth. Buxton United have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in this format of the sport and no less is expected against the GDF. The exciting Omari Glasgow who netted a double in their opening win (6-1) over New Amsterdam United, the largest margin of the first round, would again be working in tandem with Dillon Wright who blasted a hat-trick in that win, Samuel Johnson, Troni Semple, Tony Ogle, Deshane Garnette, Kevin David, Shemar Fraser, Maurice Barnes, Lindley Garner, Jamar Harrigan and Tyrone Harper.

GDF would hope to craft out another clinical display following their historic win over home team Mainstay Gold Star at the Anna Regina ground, 5-0.

Player-of-the-match Benjamin Opara who scored a hat-trick would be seeking more goals against the Buxtonians.

Support will come from Olvis Mitchell, Colin Nelson, Ryan Searles, Delroy Fraser, Sherwin Caesar, Runnel Gordon, Shawn Arthur, Ian Dooker, Delwin Fraser, Delroy Ferdinand and Dellon Adams.

47

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 25, 2019

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis looks for fresh start PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) The overhaul of South Africa’s coaching structure has given the team a major boost as they get ready to take on England in a four-Test series which begins tomorrow, captain Faf du Plessis said.

Former Test captain Graeme Smith was appointed director of cricket, Mark Boucher coach and Jacques Kallis as batting consultant in the weeks leading up to the series after the side lost their last five Tests.

“The last six months felt like a lot of weight on my shoulders because I could see so many things happening off the field that weren’t right,” du Plessis told reporters yesterday.

“That’s never an excuse for the cricket that we are playing but for me now it has

been a breath of fresh air to have these guys back.

“Now you sit and ponder, ‘why have these guys not been here for the last 10 years?’ It’s so important to have people like that in an international dressing room and if you look around in international cricket, (other) teams have got that.

“I use the Australian cricket team as an example. When we played against them, they had (Justin) Langer, (Ricky) Ponting, (Steve) Waugh. Then you sit in our dressing room and go, ‘we need that, we want that’.

But even with experienced heads now to guide them, South Africa have modest ambitions in the short term, du Plessis said.

“We are at an infant stage as a Test team

Anderson back to join elite club on 150 Test caps PRETORIA, South Africa (Reuters) - James Anderson’s return from injury could not be more timely for England, who are still unsure about the make-up of their bowling attack as they head into the first Test against South Africa.

But while Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad are still not sure of playing in the match, which starts on Boxing Day, after being laid low with flu, Anderson will be back on the frontline for what will be his 150th Test.

England are expected to field a five-man seam attack, foregoing spin, if all their pacemen are fully fit. However, that situation may need to be reassessed based on the availability of Ben Stokes.

The all-rounder’s father was admitted to hospital in Johannesburg his condition was described as being “critical” yesterday in a statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The 37-year-old Anderson will be the ninth cricketer to reach the 150-Test milestone – joining the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Steve Waugh and Jacques Kallis – when he makes his return to the England attack for the first time since limping off with a calf injury at the start of the Ashes in August.

“He’s looking as good as I’ve ever seen him,” said captain Joe Root.

Anderson had arrived in the country ahead of the majority of the England squad to attend a fast bowlers’ camp,

James Anderson will be the ninth cricketer to reach the 150-Test milestone.

underlining his desire to get back into the team.

“It feels like a long time since I’ve played a competitive game so to get some overs ... was very pleasing,” he told reporters.

“There was a bit of rust but that’s to be expected having not played for four or five months. I’m just happy to be back out there.”

Anderson was only 20 when he made his debut, taking five wickets against Zimbabwe at Lord’s in 2003, and last month said he wanted to continue through to the next Ashes series, which will start at the end of 2021 in Australia.

“I still want to do it, that’s part of the reason I worked so hard to get back,” added England’s record wicket-taker with 575 Test scalps.

“It’s something I love and I still feel I’ve got something to offer, so that hunger and desire to get back is still very much there.”

and the plan is to get back to No.1 but that will take some time.

“We do need to mature; we’ve got a year and a half of the world Test championship. The plan is to get out there and play a little bit better every time we go out.”

Losing at home to Sri Lanka this year and then being trounced in India had knocked South Africa’s confidence.

“We definitely need to start well, there’s no doubt about it. We’ve been training very well and all the things that have been happening off the field have been good,” du Plessis added.

“But we need to make sure we put our peg in the ground for this series and almost get the belief back through performances.”

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis

Guyana Jaguars midfielder Marsh-Brown quits UK club LONDON, England (CMC) – Midfielder Keanu MarshBrown, who represented Guyana in this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, has had his contract with Welsh club Newport County terminated by mutual consent.

London-born MarshBrown, who has not been in manager Michael Flynn’s good books for some time, said he needed a “new adventure”.

A statement from the club, who play in England’s League Two, having narrowly missed out on promotion last season, said: “On behalf of everyone connected with the club, we would like to wish Keanu all the best in the future and thank him for

Keanu Marsh-Brown represented Guyana in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

his efforts whilst at Rodney Parade.”

Marsh-Brown joined Newport on a two-year deal after leaving Forest Green Rovers, another League Two side, in the summer of 2018.

He scored one goal in 24 appearances for Newport in an injury-plagued first season at the club, netting in a victory at Yeovil Town in March.

But, after representing Golden Jaguars in their

historic appearance at this summer’s Gold Cup, the 27-year-old has not featured in manager Flynn’s plans at all during this campaign.

Marsh-Brown said: “The time has come for me to depart from Newport County.

“It was a tough decision but I feel it was the right time for a change.

“Thank you to all the boys at the club who made my time there special!

“Now it’s time to kick on for my new chapter in football. Nice break for Christmas with the family then back to it. New adventure, new home!”

Newport are currently 13th in the table.

48

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

GCA fast-bowling programme Reggae Girl’s funeral marred to end with 3-day clinic THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will culminate their Youth Fast-bowling clinic, with a 3-Day camp for U-19 players, from Friday, December 27 to Sunday 29 at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

With the New Year just days away, the GCA will now ensure that the young crop of potential U-19 fast-bowlers enter 2020 with a bit of zest, following a few weeks of training.

The concept was initiated a few months back when Guyana Jaguars head Physio/Strength and Condition coordinator Neil Barry Jr and his technical team from the University of Guyana’s Physio department, held daily classes for the young

by violence

Neil Barry Jr and his team from UG during the opening of the fast-bowling clinic a few weeks back bowlers.

Prior to his departure for the Regional Super50, Barry Jr managed to break out the speed gun as he held a few sessions at the Malteenoes Sports Club, which was well-attended.

Continued emphasis will be placed on the important technical aspects

of fast-bowling, which is geared towards bowling at faster speeds while sustaining the pace over a significant period.

Additionally, the participants will have the opportunity to engage in power training while being taught to maintain their speeds. In addition to persons who were

in the programme from its inception in October, new fast bowlers between ages 14 and 19 are invited and they are advised to come in training kits with indoor sneakers.

Daily refreshments will be provided and moderate prizes given on the last day for commendable efforts from the participants.

Rawlins smashes whirlwind century in Florida

Delray Rawlins FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (CMC) – Bermudian Delray Rawlins

smashed 101 from 35 balls to engineer Paramveer Tigers’ 24-run victory over Team Smashers at the US Open tournament here at the weekend.

The Sussex all-rounder hammered 14 sixes and three fours, with all but five of his runs coming in boundaries as he dominated an opening partnership of 139 with Trinidadian Kjorn Ottley.

Rawlins, 22, reached his half-century with the first of three successive sixes off Raymond Ramrattan.

The Tigers, who chose to bat, posted

160 for two in their allotted 10 overs.

Team Smashers looked to be in with a shout at 84 for two after six overs in their reply.

But they were pegged back by some tight bowling and ultimately finished on 136 for four, with Jamaica-born opening bowler Elmore Hutchinson, 37, sending down a maiden in the last over of the match after being brought back for a second spell.

Englishman Max Waller led the Tigers attack with two for 35.

ABFC females into final of annual Atkinson Brothers Five-A-Side Floodlight Football THE dominant ABFC female team have made their way into the final of the Atkinson Brothers Five-A-Side Floodlight Football tournament, which is set to culminate on Boxing Night at the Kumaka Recreational Ground in Santa Rosa, Region One. Armed with senior national footballer Annalisa Vincent, the side has won all three of their preliminary games, including a tough 1-0 win against Kyrie Flames on Monday evening.

An own-goal proved to be the decider in that clash.

Kyrie Flames, who are favourites to join the ABFC side, had defeated the All-Star Blazers 2-1 in their opener on Sunday night.

ABFC, who had opened with a 1-0 win against All-Star Blazers on Saturday night, romped to a 3-0 win against Rincon United FC on Sunday evening.

Vincent, who scored twice against Rincon and the lone goal against Blazers settled into a more defence role on the third night. The youngster was key for the Silver Sands FC in their seven-time defence of their female title. This year,

ABFC are into the final the ace Region One female football team did not compete, so Vincent opted to play with ABFC. Along with the females, the tournament also features seniors, U-15 and U-17 competitions, which are all set to be completed on Boxing Night.

THE sombre atmosphere, when laying to rest the body of Reggae Girl, Tarania ‘Plum Plum’ Clarke, was replaced by loud bangs of gunshots and the unmistakable stench of fear from mourners who were hindered from doing just that last Sunday.

What started as a day celebrating the life of Clarke, where she was described as a born leader at the Excelsior High School Auditorium in Kingston, Jamaica, ended with confusion and pain at the Meadowrest Memorial Gardens in St Catherine.

Reports are that on Sunday, there was an altercation during the burial that resulted in the stabbing of an employee at Meadowrest.

It is alleged that gunmen from the nearby community, hearing of the injury to one of their own, broke up the proceedings by firing gunshots into the proceedings.

It is unknown if anybody was shot in the incident as the police are yet to release a report on the incident as investigations continue.

The October 31 Tarania Clarke death shocked the footballing community in Jamaica, with reports surfacing that the 20-year-old was stabbed during a fight with a friend over a cell phone in Half-Way Tree.

During the memorial service inside the auditorium, Reggae Girl, Khadija Shaw, asked that Clarke be remembered for being funny, caring and hard working.

“She would have wanted to be with us all, to be here with our happiest smile of our times together,” said Shaw.

“For the memories, I have with her I can tell you she was a strong person. Plum Plum’s presence will be missed by all, but she will never be forgotten.”

Clarke captained the Waterhouse women’s team for four title-winning seasons, earning a Reggae Girlz debut on September 30 during the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers and even scored her first international goal against Cuba, during a 21-1 drubbing. The defender also scored against St Lucia when the Reggae Girlz beat them 11-0.

President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFA), Michael Ricketts, said the loss of life was caused by a lack of understanding.

“It is so sad and painful to have lost someone with such a future,” Ricketts said.

“From her days at primary school, she has exhibited that ability to lead. I want to use this opportunity to ask all of you that we show love.

We need to go back to the days when we respected and showed love to our friends. One single act of indiscretion has cost the community, the school, and certainly Jamaica, (someone) with such great talent.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

New Zealanders expected to pack MCG for rare Boxing Day Test MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - More than 20 000 New Zealand fans are expected to throng the Melbourne Cricket Ground tomorrow to watch their side play their first Test at the iconic ground since 1987, as they face Australia in the second match of the three-game series.

Cricket Australia said last week more than 16 000 tickets had been sold to New Zealanders based in Australia, while airlines have put on extra flights to ferry the thousands of fans across the Tasman Sea for the fixture.

Such has been the interest, officials said they were projecting a crowd in excess of 78 000 on the opening day of the traditional Boxing Day fixture, the largest attendance at the ground for a non-Ashes Test.

The significance of the clash lies not just in that Australia could clinch the series with a victory after winning the first match in Perth last week by 296 runs, according to former New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith.

The match showed Australia now recognise their neighbours were worthy of playing high profile Tests like the Boxing Day fixture in Melbourne and New Year’s match in Sydney, which attract massive holiday crowds.

30 years and I think they’re playing there next year.

“That’s the irony of it; that the rugby side have played here more than the cricket side. It’s just wrong.”

Despite the heavy defeat in Perth, New Zealand enter the match with optimism given they are likely to have pace spearhead Trent Boult back after he recovered from a rib muscle injury.

The 30-year-old would be a straight swap for the injured Lockie Ferguson and would bolster New Zealand’s pace attack.

Tom Blundell has already been confirmed as a replacement for the out-of-form Jeet Raval to open the innings.

New Zealand captain Kane Australia fast bowler James PattinWilliamson during a net ses- son will come in for the injured Josh sion Hazlewood, while coach Justin Langer “We’ve toured here but we seem has mooted the idea of taking five speto play the curtain-raiser not the main cialist bowlers into the match due to a event,” Smith told Australia’s Fox pitch that has been batsman-friendly in recent years.

Sports this week.

MCG curator Matt Page, howevNew Zealand have played 20 Tests in Australia since 1987, none er, said on Monday the wicket, which of which has been in biggest cities of is not the same as the one used in an abandoned first-class match earlier Melbourne or Sydney.

“I think the All Blacks have proba- this month because it was considered bly played at the MCG more often than dangerous, would be fair to both bat the New Zealand cricket side in the last and ball.

Guyana Jaguars midfielder Marsh-Brown quits UK club LONDON, England (CMC) – Midfielder Keanu Marsh-Brown, who represented Guyana in this summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, has had his contract with Welsh club Newport County terminated by mutual consent.

London-born Marsh-Brown, who has not been in manager Michael Flynn’s good books for some time, said he needed a “new adventure”.

A statement from the club, who play in England’s League Two, having narrowly missed out on promotion last season, said: “On behalf of everyone connected

with the club, we would like to wish Keanu all the best in the future and thank him for his efforts whilst at Rodney Parade.”

Marsh-Brown joined Newport on a two-year deal after leaving Forest Green Rovers, another League Two side, in the summer of 2018.

He scored one goal in 24 appearances for Newport in an injury-plagued first season at the club, netting in a victory at Yeovil Town in March.

But, after representing Golden Jaguars in their historic appearance at this summer’s Gold Cup, the 27-year-old has not featured in manager Flynn’s plans at all

during this campaign.

Marsh-Brown said: “The time has come for me to depart from Newport County.

“It was a tough decision but I feel it was the right time for a change.

“Thank you to all the boys at the club who made my time there special!

“Now it’s time to kick on for my new chapter in football. Nice break for Christmas with the family then back to it. New adventure, new home!”

Newport are currently 13th in the table.

Pooran believes Pollard key to his successful return NICHOLAS Pooran was always a talented batsman but fell off the wagon after a car crash left him unable to walk for six months.

His return to international cricket has revitalised a West Indies batting line-up accused of being altogether too inconsistent.

Pooran, though, averaging 52 from his 19 games since his return to cricket, has helped to give his side the confidence that makes them a dangerous side with the bat.

While that revival isn’t complete, Pooran is grateful that he has come this far and is thanking his skipper, Kieron Pollard, for making it possible.

“He’s been like a big brother to me, a father-figure.

He’s been there since I returned to cricket. He gave me opportunity. I’m thankful for that,” said Pooran.

Pooran has already begun repaying Pollard for the faith he put in him, scoring 29 not out off 23 balls, 75 off 47 balls and 89 off 64 balls in a recently concluded ODI series against India.

But it isn’t just off the field that Pollard has been there for Pooran, as batting with his father figure has helped him as well.

In the final ODI against India on Sunday, Pollard batted with the West Indies middle order to help them post a challenging 315-5, himself ending unbeaten on 74.

Nicholas Pooran “We play with each other, with the same club, same franchise back home. So we had a good understanding of the wicket and the situation in the game and just executed our skills,” said Pooran, who scored 89 from 64 deliveries in a partnership that took the West Indies from 144-4 in the 32nd over to 279-5 in the 48th when he finally got out.

“We know how to complement each other. Polly was stronger to the spinners, so we allowed him to attack Kuldeep (Yadav) and I would try and play more shots to the pacers. It worked out,” said Pooran.

The middle-order batting has shown some improvement, but the ease with which India got to 316-6, doing so in the 49th over, winning their second series against the Windies at home this month, suggests there is still work to be done.

“Definitely we were on a team-building (mode).

India are one of the strongest teams in the world. They proved that again today in the T20I and ODI series. At least we came here and we showed fight,” said Pooran.

Pooran, no stranger to adversity after fighting his way back to fitness after his accident, strongly believes the West Indies are on their way back to being the best team in the world.

“There are better things to come. We are taking it day-by-day and eventually we’ll get where we want to get,” he said. (Sportsmax)

Eritrean soccer players go missing in Uganda again KAMPALA (Reuters) Seven players from Eritrea’s national soccer team have gone missing after playing at a tournament in Uganda, an official said, the second time in two months its footballers have disappeared while touring the country.

There were no more details on where they had gone. But dozens of Eritrean athletes have refused to return home or disappeared while competing abroad over the past decade, often in a bid to claim asylum.

Thousands of Eritreans flee their small Horn

of Africa country every year, citing political repression and lengthy military conscription.

The seven players appeared to have got round tight security at the hotel where they were staying on Monday evening, said Rogers Mulindwa, spokesman

for the regional soccer association CECAFA that was running the tournament.

There was no immediate comment from the Eritrean government. The rest of the team returned home after losing 3-0 to Uganda in the final of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup.

In October, five Eritrean players disappeared from their hotel during another CECAFA tournament in Uganda.

In 2012, 14 members of the Eritrea soccer squad disappeared, again while playing in a CECAFA tournament in Uganda.

Eritrea has been ruled

by President Isaias Afwerki since its independence from Ethiopia in 1993.

Its population is around five million, and the United Nations estimated in late 2018 that a further 500,000 Eritreans were refugees.

50

Dottin heads list of 21 players selected for pre-World Cup camp ST JOHN’S, Antigua - Deandra Dottin has been named with 20 other players by Cricket West Indies’ Selection Panel, for a pre-world cup camp from January 6 to 25 in Antigua to finalise their preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Deandra returns to West Indies Women’s duty after shoulder surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period, which ensured her full recovery and availability for the team.

Captain Stafanie Taylor, who missed the T20 International series against the visiting Indian Women in November, will also be returning,

Deandra Dottin returns to West Indies Women’s duty after shoulder surgery. along with bowlers Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman.

CWI’s Women’s and Girls’ head selector, Ann Browne-John, said, “The panel has selected a squad showing a mix of youth and experience in preparation for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The recently concluded Women’s Franchise Tournament in Trinidad also gave the panel an opportunity to view the players in a T20 setting just prior to the World Cup.” Browne-John added, “Deandra Dottin seemed to return right where she left off before her injury and had remarkable performances from the first match.

Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman are also returning from injury and the panel hopes that by the time the final selection is made, for the World Cup, all players will be fit and ready.”

The pre-world cup camp is scheduled from January 6 to 25, during which the final squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be selected before departure to Australia. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will take place between February 21 and March 8.

The 21-member Training Camp Squad: Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Shamilia Connell, Hayley Matthews, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shakera Selman, Sheneta Grimmond, Kaysia Schultz, Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Fraser, Shemaine Campbelle, Chinelle Henry, Natasha McLean, Chedean Nation, Shawnisha Hector, Anisa Mohammed, Lee Ann Kirby, Karishma Ramharack, Caneisha IsaacBritney Cooper and Afy Fletcher.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Foster hints at Berbice Franchise League, Outdoor Facility as part of 2020 goals IN what he called one of the ‘Freest and Fairest’ Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) elections ever, newly re-elected president Hilbert Foster says big things are on the horizon as, the revitalisation of Ancient County cricket continues.

Foster spoke with Chronicle Sport on Monday, following Sunday morning’s election held in Berbice. He outlined a number of short-term plans which are all geared towards putting Berbice’s cricket standards on par with that of Georgetown, who has been at the pinnacle of player development.

He first hailed the work of the Returning Officer as well as the club members who came out and ensured the electoral process was free and fair.

Foster noted that there were no issues as himself and 1st vice-president Albert Smith each received full votes while the rest of his executives also swept their votes during the nomination process.

Apart from meeting with his new executive body as the foremost priority, Foster said that the opening for the 2020 cricket season will be announced early next year, with the two dates for the rain-affected Ivan Madray T20 and Busta Champion of Champions 40-Overs finals

Newly re-elected BCB president Hilbert Foster has a number of huge plans in store for cricket across the Ancient County in 2020. also being announced.

The Competitions Committee members and Chairman along with respective Club Captains, Cricket Development team as well as a financial unit, are among some of the positions set to be announced in the new month of January, according to Foster.

The BCB head also confirmed that the Board’s first Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of 2020 will be held roughly one month from now. He said following the

OGM, more logistical plans for the board will then be sketched out as the season prepares to get underway.

Big plans are also in store for cricketers in Region 5 as the president is adamant about creating a Berbice Cricket League. The fiscal boost although not a huge one, said Foster, will more than likely feature in the T20 aspect of the league where players will be paid to play.

Regarding the financial report which was not discussed on Sunday, Foster said BCB had delivered their audited financial report but are now waiting on the Auditors to complete their work, especially during the season.

On the cards are some 20 cricket tournaments a year to help prepare all the inter-county teams, the reintroduction the T20 format for the Under-13, U-15, U-17, U-19, U-21 levels, as well as the building of an outdoor practice facility Also, the purchasing of a 15-seater bus to help cut transportation cost was among the priorities Foster said BCB will be looking to make happen in early 2020, as his administration looks forward to the upcoming season. (Clifton Ross)

Botofago keep hopes alive with 5-1 drubbing of Aroiama … Net Rockers, Silver Shattas bow out with 3-3 draw SECOND seed Botofago rebounded after two losses to remain in contention for a semi-final berth from Group C, with a 5-1 drubbing of Aroiama.

Second seed Net Rockers were held to a 3-3 draw

by Silver Shattas after both lost their matches in Group A on Monday night against Coomacka who qualified from that group in this year’s Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) year-end football championship, being played at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Playing in the first game of the night from that Group C, Botofago kept their hopes alive through Shane Haynes and Andre Gill both with doubles. Haynes (11th minute) and Gill in the 25th scored in

Topp XX’s Travis Waterton the first half hour for a 2-0 advantage.

Botofago eventually won as Gill netted his second goal in the 73rd minute, Haynes got his second also in this second half in the 75th minute and Jashawn Moore got their fifth with a 79th minute strike after Lyndon Benja-

Topp XX’s Carlos Grant min had pulled one back for a 2-1 score for Aroiama in the 55th minute.

In the other game played, Net Rockers and Silver Shattas secured a loss and a draw as the game ended 3-3. Scoring for the Rockers were Omeion Wills, Shane Luckie and Baggey Rose while for the Shattas

the scorers were George Stephens, Damion Williams and Jomain Samuels.

In the previous night’s results Capital FC gained a 2-1 win over Hi Stars but that result was overturned via a protest after it was realised that Capital FC had played with an illegal player.

On that same evening Topp XX gained a comfortable 2-0 victory against Aroiama as Travis Grant (77th minute) and Carlos Grant (82nd minute) scored their goals.

Tomorrow night, the tournament continues with two more matches. From 19:00hrs it will be Amelia’s Ward Panthers against Topp XX. The second from 21:00hrs will pit Haynes and Lewis Connection versus Capital FC.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 25, 2019

51

GBA receives US$15 000 from GOA for boxers’ training stint in Cuba … Ninvalle says the largest amount under his watch

By Faizool Deo THE Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has contributed a whopping US$15 000 (over G$3.1M) to the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) to offset expenses of four boxers and two coaches who are scheduled to leave this Sunday for a three-month training stint in Cuba, with the ultimate hope of qualifying for

next year’s Olympics.

Although a Guyanese boxer has not qualified for the Olympics since 2006, all parties involved are optimistic that this current crop will lead Guyana to glory.

The boxers are Keevin Allicock (a twotime current Caribbean champion), Desmond See page 46

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle (left) collects the cheque from VP of the GOA Dr Karen Pilgrim, while president of the GOA K.A Juman-Yassin and Technical Director of the GBA Terrence Poole (MS) look on.

GFF Super 16 Cup semi-final spots for grabs today, tomorrow … Milerock, Fruta Conquerors, Police FC, Western Tigers battle tonight at Eve Leary

THE business end of the 20192020 edition of the GFF Super 16 Cup will commence this evening at Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, and end tomorrow at GFC ground when the full line-up for the semi-finalists would be confirmed.

Following the completion of the round-of-16 which saw all the Regional Members Association teams being knockedout, it is now the eight Elite League teams who will be battling to decide who would eventually walk away with the first-place prize of $2M.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament will ride away with one Honda 125cc motorcycle, compliments of Marics Honda.

Exactly at the half-way mark with four more days to play, fans can brace themselves for what is anticipated

Daniel Wilson (right), Jamal Harvey, Trayon Bobb, Colwyn Adams and Darren Benjamin of the Guyana Police Force

to be some fierce clashes, and while there has been no upsets to date, going forward that might very well change.

Kicking off the quest for a place in the final four would be Fruta Conquerors and Milerock, the former who got the better of their rivals in the Elite League would fancy their chances of easing into the semis at the expense of Milerock.

In their opening match, Conquerors made light work of East Coast’s Buxton Stars winning 4-0 while Milerock hard to work hard for their 2-0 triumph over Pele. Conquerors boast a solid unit and would once again depend on their captain, the experienced Vurlon Mills, to lead them to another win.

Mills would be supported

by Akel Clarke in goal, Quincy Adams, Raphael Edwards, Simeon Moore, Rashaun Ritch, Anthony Benfield, Ryan ‘Bum Bum’ Hackett, Nicholas McArthur, Delon Lanferman and Gregory Richardson.

Rawle Gittens (left) and Jose Depaz of Milerock Milerock, led by another seasoned campaigner, Rawle ‘Boney Man’ Gittens would be combining efforts to upset, with Sese Norville between the uprights, Eric Moore, Mickel Jeffers, Quacy Cadogan, Lionel Halley, Omalli Webb, Lorenzo Miller, Michael Wilson, Lennox Richards and Jashawn Moore.

Kick-off time is 18:30hrs.

Feature play between Guyana Police Force and Western Tigers will be a humdinger of a battle as neither of these teams would be giving up any room to maneouvre in their defensive third.

Police were in rampant form against Timehri Panthers, trouncing them 6-2 while Western Tigers who contested their match at Bartica Community Centre ground, came away 4-2 winners in

what was a good test for them.

This evening’s showdown, however, would be a totally different ball game as it would be a step up in competition either side of the field with less room for mistakes. The level of preparation by the teams would be visible based on how they perform.

Both sides have displayed a huge appetite for goals but that craving might just be different tonight as a more cagey game is anticipated.

Cortez Kellman who netted a double for Western in Bartica is expected to be a handful for the Police defence.

He would receive support from Clive Nobrega, Randolph Wagner, Andrew Murray, Kareem Knights, Dwayne See page 46

Trophy Stall donates Champion Jockey Cup ahead of KMTC Boxing Day mega race WITH just one day left until 2019 Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club Boxing Day horse race, Trophy Stall has lent its support by donating the Champion Jockey shield to Club president Cecil Kennard.

The brief ceremony, held at the Orange Walk, Bourda South Road business location, featured the presentation of the trophy to Justice Kennard on behalf Trophy Stall CEO Ramesh Sunich.

Sunich also presented trophies for the champion trainer and runner-up champion jockey. Torginol Paints and KSM Investments were also the latest sponsors to hop on board within the past week.

The Turf at Bush Lot, Berbice will come alive within the next 24 hours as 7 different groups will compete for almost $2M in prize money, with the ‘Metro Million Mile Open’ being the

feature race with a $1M purse set for the winner.

The million-dollar race will be complemented by other exciting categories such as: L NON-EARNER, H & L LOWER, 2-YEAR-OLD MAIDEN, L NON-WINNER, J & K LOWER and L OPEN. Each class fetches lucrative 1st to 4th place prizes which range from $250 000 to $130 000.

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KMTC president Justice Cecil Kennard accepts the Champion Jockey trophy from Trophy Stall CEO Ramesh Sunich.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019