Guyana Chronicle Epaper 29 06 2018

FRIDAY 29th JUNE, 2018

No.105320

Perfect Score

Westfield Prep student, 2A Nalia Rahaman tops at NGSA with 529 out of 529 PAGE

Results will only get better PAGE

3A

–– programmes geared in this direction, says Min. Henry

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Guyana/Norway strengthen climate and forest cooperation pact

Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson flanked by officials from the Kingdom of Norway, including the Minister of Climate and Environment,Ola Elvestuen THE Government of Guyana and the Kingdom of Norway have agreed to accelerate their promotion of climate, forests and sustainable development during a high–level meeting in Oslo, Norway on Thursday.

The high-level Guyanese delegation, which was

led by Minister of State Joseph Harmon and included Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, met with Norway’s Minister of Climate and Environment Ola Elvestuen and agreed to strengthen the existing partnership.

“I am delighted that we now have (a) strong agreement with the Government of Guyana on a way forward for our partnership,” the Norwegian Minister said shortly after exiting the meeting.

Guyana’s deforestation rate was placed under the microscope, during the meeting, and from all indications, the two Governments deeming the results as impressive on the basis that the country maintains extremely low rates of deforestation.

President David Granger’s See page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Guiana Shield can be a model of int’l cooperation –– President Granger tells Vietnam conference

PRESIDENT David Granger has called on the Sixth Assembly of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) to continue working with sub-regions as it is doing in the Amazon Sustainable Landscape Programme to confront common challenges.

He said such an initiative, involving the Guiana Shield, can become a model of how the GEF can work with small, medium and large-sized states in “delivering transformational change” and in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The President made the remarks when he addressed the assembly being held in Vietnam. He said that the GEF recognises the necessity and urgency of “delivering transformational change” to confront the challenges facing the earth’s environment and that the Assembly’s conviction is that incremental change, while necessary, will not be sufficient to avert environmental catastrophe.

President Granger said the GEF- the world’s foremost institution for financing environmental change–must aim at “delivering transformational change” by forging not only “global” but, also, regional and “local” partnerships. It must leverage the potential of contiguous states at the “local” level to contribute to solutions at the global level.

President Granger told the assembly that Guyana is at the centre of a geomorphic zone known as the ‘Guiana Shield’ which, with international cooperation and the combination of the efforts of its six constituent countries, could contribute even more to “delivering transformational environmental change” more comprehensively.

The Shield he said is one the earth’s largest and last remaining blocks of pristine tropical rainforest.

“It is one of the most biologically rich and diverse

President David Granger delivering his address at the conference areas on earth. The Guiana Shield can be developed as a model of international cooperation,” the Guyanese leader said. According to him the GEF should continue to work with sub-regions as it is doing in the Amazon Sustainable Landscape Programme, to confront common challenges. “Such an initiative, involving the Guiana Shield, can become a model of how the GEF can work with small, medium and large-sized states in “delivering transformational change” and in advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals No. 13-15. “ The GEF was established to promote global environmental cooperation and President Granger said there is no doubt, that for 27 years it has been a financial lifeline for projects for small states, enabling them to enhance their contribution to global environmental security. “Small states–comprising more than 25% of the international community are most vulnerable to environmental threats and are most often victims of disasters which inflict death, economic and environmental damage and social dislocation.” Small

states, notwithstanding their vulnerabilities, are making a ‘big’ contribution towards global environmental security. “Their forests, conservation parks and protected areas serve as carbon sinks and provide essential, elemental environmental services. Small states are decarbonising their economies and energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” President Granger said.

Additionally, he told the assembly that small states are foregoing natural resource extraction in order to preserve and protect biodiversity, freshwater supplies and the integrity of ecosystems. “Small states are starting to take concerted action to clean-up their coastal zones, reduce and eradicate the use of ozone-depleting substances and promote safe waste disposal.”

Guyana he said stands as an example of how a small state can play a ‘big’ role in “delivering transformational change”.

FOREST CONSERVATION President Granger reminded that Guyana in 1989 – three years before

the Rio Conference of 1992–entered into an environmental covenant with the international community by dedicating 360,000 hectares of its rainforest as a permanent laboratory for sustainable forest management and the conservation of biological diversity.

Guyana, twenty years later, entered into an agreement with the Kingdom of Norway: “…to work together to provide the world with a relevant, replicable model of how Reducing Emissions and Forest Degradation (REDD+), plus conservation and sustainable forest management can align the development objectives of forest countries with the need to combat climate change.”

He said too that Guyana presented the Kanashen Protected Area – a 7,000 km2 zone of rainforest – to the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy – a network of forest conservation projects. “Small states are limited not only in size but, usually also, in human resource, technology and capital. Small states need financing, technical assistance and partnerships to help build capacity which

will allow them be part of grand global initiatives to deliver transformational change.”

The President told the assembly that the GEF is ideally suited to promote international environmental cooperation by assisting small states: to build greater capacity by ensuring financial mechanisms that are more flexible and accessible; to undertake environmental action that will yield benefits at the local, regional and global levels; and to collaborate more effectively by establishing multi-state, sub-regional organisations. “The sun is about to set on the GEF’s Sixth Assembly but a new day is soon to dawn. This Assembly’s momentum must not be slowed. The challenge of “delivering transformational change” at all levels and in all zones must be embraced in the days, months and years ahead.

There is no alternative earth. Eternity is at stake.”

ENVIRONMENTAL THREATS Meanwhile, President said global environmental threats cannot be resolved only by the existing level and rate of everyday responses.

He said international environmental cooperation must continuously seek comprehensive and cohesive solutions to stubborn, unchanging or deteriorating situations. “This Sixth Assembly, by identifying the prevalence and persistence of climate change, deforestation, land degradation and water pollution, and by proposing responses to these challenges, emphasises the need for deeper and different approaches to international environmental cooperation,” the Guyanese said.

He also added that the Assembly has reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation at the global and regional levels

as a means of ensuring environmental security. “The facility’s thirty-two constituencies embrace small, medium and large-sized states.

These constituencies might be administratively, financially or culturally convenient but their architecture could have unanticipated consequences. It might be much more prudent, from an environmental perspective, to combine the forested, continental, Amazonian states such as Guyana, Suriname, Brazil and Colombia – which share similar threats and are located within the Guiana Shield–rather than bind them with insular states such as The Bahamas or Barbados.”

Additionally, President granger said specific environmental hazards – air, water and ocean pollution, land degradation, desertification and disasters such as storms and hurricanes might be a firmer foundation on which to build sub-regional ‘environmental’ constituencies. “The facility functions excellently at the ‘global’ level.

It should not ignore the fact, however, that the environment is “local”.

Death, human distress and damage are felt first and most at the local level– in households, farms, factories, mines, offices, rivers and hillsides and in schools.” President Granger observed that global environmental landscape comprises significantly different ecological zones. “Threats to the Pacific island states are different to those of the Caribbean island states, the states of the Sahel or those of the Indonesian archipelago, for example.

The GEF, faced with such extensive and extreme environmental events and challenges, must continue to emphasise local and sub-regional responses if it is to realise its grand, global objective.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Guyana and Vietnam CCJ reserves ruling in to strengthen trade Guyanese transgender appeal

FOUR transgender Guyanese women have asked that country’s final appellate court, the Caribbean Court of Justice, to strike down an 1893 post-slavery vagrancy provision which led to their convictions in 2009.

Arguing the case for the four at the Port of Spainbased court was Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, who held that the law was “too vague” and penalises someone for “not conforming to stereotypes.” The court’s ruling on the case has been reserved. “The law makes into a criminal a man or woman acting contrary to stereotypes. It is saying each of us should stay in our corner. It cannot be that a man dressing as a woman is an improper purpose,” Mendes said. He also said to compare a man dressing as a woman, and a woman as a man, was stereotyping The four women–all of whom were in court for yesterday’s hearing – have challenged a ruling of Guyana’s Court of Appeal which dismissed their case, in which they contended that country’s colonial vagrancy law discriminated against them and violated equality provisions in the Constitution.

Gulliver (Quincy) McEwan, Angel (Seon) Clarke, Peaches (Joseph) Fraser and Isabella (Seyon) Persaud were charged and fined in 2009 for wearing women’s clothing for an improper purpose under Section 153 (1) (XLVII) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act Chapter 8:02 – an 1893 vagrancy law. At the time, then chief magistrate Melissa Robertson told them they were “confused” and should “go to church and give their lives to Christ.”

Mendes said it could not be known what conduct the police considered improper unless the legislation offered guidelines on what is proper or not. “People need to know what conduct is prohibited or not.” He also said the law violated a citizens’ right to the protection of the law. “Vague laws do not protect citizens from arbitrary power,” he said, adding that the court had a right to incorporate human rights in domestic law. “No domestic law can restrict sexual orientation, gender expression or gender identity.” Asked by CCJ President-elect Justice Adrian Saunders if the four women wanted their convictions to be struck down, Mendes said although they were

not challenging their convictions, they will not object to having them quashed. “They are prepared to live with the convictions, but if they are struck down, they won’t have to be looking over their shoulders.”

As part of their case, the four have condemned the conduct of State officials and are also arguing that the Constitution’s savings law clause does not prevent the court from reviewing colonial law. Attorney for Guyana’s government Kamal Ramkarran said the four have not advanced evidence to show how the law was discriminatory and unconstitutional. “All we have is a contention that they are afraid of being convicted again.”

He said they also have not shown how the law targeted them as transgender women. “How do we draw the inference it (the law) targets transgenders?” He also said if the laws were applied properly, transgender people should not be targeted. Ramkarran argued that unless the law was found to be unconstitutional, the court should not strike it down because of it being “archaic or silly.”

“Parliament is the place to determine if laws are archaic or silly,” he said, adding that no law in Guyana prevented person from dressing how they wanted. In a unanimous decision last year, acting Chancellor of Guyana’s Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, acting Chief Justice Yonette Edwards-Cummings and Justice Brassington Reynolds upheld the ruling of former acting Chief Justice Ian Chang that both men and women were free to crossdress in public once the reason for doing so was not for an “improper purpose.” Chang, in his ruling, held that cross-dressing by men was not a crime.

The four, in 2010, asked the Guyana Supreme Court to strike down the law, which left them open to arrest.

Chang’s ruling meant men could dress in women’s clothing, but not for any “improper purpose.” The ruling did not say what constituted an “improper purpose.” Chang, who ruled that the police had violated the rights of the four men during a 2009 crackdown, said he did not believe the law amounted to “discrimination,” in violation of Guyana’s constitution. At the Court of Appeal, the four sought clarity on what constituted “improper purpose.”

They contended that there was uncertainty in the terminology used in the statute and that it contravened their rights to equality and freedom of expression while it was discriminatory.

They also express fear of being targeted again because of their gender expression. (Trinidad Newsday)

President David Granger and Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguy?n Xuân Phúc PRESIDENT David Granger, who is currently attending the Sixth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, had a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuân Phúc during which the two sides committed to an exchange of visits between government officials and business leaders as a means of further advancing relations and trade.

President Granger and the Vietnamese Prime Minister and leaders held broad-ranging talks on strengthening relations between their countries, accepting in principle, the need to develop framework agreements to intensify relations.

They also shared views on deepening cooperation at the multilateral level.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

One Mile Primary dominates Region 10 at NGSA

THE One Mile Primary School in Linden has copped six of Region 10’s top 10 places at this year’s National Grade Six Assessments (NGSA), when the results were announced by the Ministry of Education on Thursday.

Top performer for the region is Shakina McGregor who obtained 521 marks, winning herself a place at Queen’s College. The overjoyed top achiever told this newspaper that she is extremely overwhelmed by her performance, and while the preparation process for the examination was hectic, it certainly paid off.

“I feel overwhelmed, I had to study late at nights, the studying wasn’t hard, but it paid off,” McGregor muttered behind her tears of joy. Her favourite subject was Social Studies. Her father, Quincy McGregor, also expressed his excitement over his daughter’s success. He said he was feeling very nervous with the rumours and expectations, but knew that his baby girl would have excelled because she was always the top performer in her class. The little McGregor encouraged the upcoming NGSA students to study hard as she did.

The region’s second position was tied between One Mile Primary’s Somira Dainty and Watooka Day Primary’s Shakina London. They both achieved 519 marks and were awarded places at Queen’s College. Dainty said she feels very happy though her exceptional performance came as a surprise.

“I never would have thought I would have done so well at the exams, I never would have thought, me, as an individual, would have been able to work so hard to place second,” she said. She described the preparation process as a difficult one, with a lot of sleepless nights and extra lessons.

“I am looking forward to attending my school and I would like to thank my

Shakina McGregor – 521 marks, Queen’s College

Somira Dainty–519 marks, Queen’s College

mother because she has been there with me through thick and thin, also my teachers and my brother for explaining the concepts I wasn’t too familiar with,” she said.

success was only through collaborative efforts.

“We do not take individual credits, it is always a collaborative effort, nevertheless I am feeling wonderful, I had the support from Mr Nigel London, from my headteacher and fellow teachers and the child is a very dedicated worker, she is a very smart child so I am happy it all paid off,” she said.

Copping the fourth position in the region was Regma Primary’s Owen Hooper, who scored 518 marks and was also awarded a place at Queen’s College. Hooper told the Guyana Chronicle that he was very happy with his results, even though he expected to do a little bit better.

He expressed gratitude to his lessons teacher, Cheryl Wills, and advised upcoming NGSA students to study hard and be confident in themselves. The other top 10 performers for Region 10 are: Latanya Edwards of One Mile Primary with 516 marks and Zaria Jacobis of the same school who obtained 514 marks.

They were both awarded places at Queen’s College.

Gaining places at Bishops’ High with 513 marks were Oroyo Trotman, Zalika Dey and Anton Ward of One

UNEXPECTED Shakina London of Watooka Day Primary said she is feels amazingly excited about coping the second place in her region.

It was another unexpected result for London, since she was previously home-schooled and only enrolled at Watooka Day during the 3rd term of Grade Five.

“It was hard, a lot of pressure, I felt like I couldn’t make it, I felt like giving up sometimes but to the end, it was worth it,” she said.

London expressed gratitude to her parents, teachers and everyone who would have pitched in to see her success.

Her teacher, Rhonda Rose, posited that it is more than an honour to have prepared one of the top performers not only in the region, but the country. For the past 18 years, she would have taught at the Watooka Day Primary School and while the school has always excelled, the feeling of excitement and satisfaction is renewed every year. She attested that the

Shakina London–519 marks, Queens College Mile Primary; Shinnia Flatts from Watooka Day; Seraiah Dorris Walker from Amelia’s Ward Primary; and Makayla Moseley from One Mile Primary who scored 512 marks.

CAREFUL PLANNING AND STRATEGISING Headteacher of the One Mile Primary Alister Fraser, said the exceptional performance at the school was not out of regular programming but careful planning and strategising.

The teachers at the school would have come together and devised methods to effectively relay the curriculum concepts to the students. They would have initiated a task development session where teachers, though not teaching Grade Six but are strong in a particular area, were tasked with giving practical sessions to the teachers and students of the Grade Six classes.

“We looked at those teachers who were strong at composition, we used them across the school, who were strong at mathematics and used them across the school to deliver practical sessions for the other teachers to see and follow.

They even went to the different classes and did some

Guyana/Norway strengthen climate ...

From page 2

strong push to safeguard critical parts of Guyana’s unique rainforests was also applauded by the Norwegian Government, with all parties agreeing that real progress has been made in addressing the forest governance issues in accordance with the letter and spirit of the partnership.

The Guyanese and Norwegian Ministers also underscored the importance of the Government of Guyana’s determination to achieve close to 100 percent clean and renewable energy supply by 2025, and its desire in that context to push to increase the amounts of solar power in Guyana’s energy mix.

On this basis they agreed to move as expeditiously as possible to enable the deployment of Norway’s results-based contributions – both those currently held

by the Inter-American Development Bank, and outstanding results based payments of 300 million Norwegian kroners – towards the realization of this ambition.

“We are enthusiastic about this agreement on the way forward for our partnership. This is important to Guyana and Norway, and will also provide an example to the world,” stated Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

Minister Patterson added, “We will now move quickly to trilateral discussions [among] The Inter-American Development Bank, Guyana, and Norway on how best to deploy Norwegian funding to push our renewable power ambition forward,” stated Patterson.

In late 2017, the Kingdom of Norway approved the ICT Access and e-Services for the Hinterland, Poor and Remote

Communities Project in the sum of US $17M. The project when completed will see over 89,000 residents, in approximately 170 communities, having access to over 200 eGovernment ICT hubs.

In November 2009, the Government of Guyana and the Kingdom of Norway signed an MOU for funding up to USD 250 million over five years, 2010-2015, for ex-post delivery of results measured on two sets of indicators: Enabling Activities and REDD+ performance. The project has since been extended.

Finance is to be channeled through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), which was launched in October 2010 and is a vehicle to fund Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy and green initiatives.

Owen Hooper–518 marks, Bishops’ High practical lessons with the children,” he explained.

The headteacher also commended all of the Grade Six classes and teachers Charlyn Duke Agard, Ferdinand McLoed, Rawl Ford and Sharon Murray.

“They would have worked

beyond the call of duty and I am extremely grateful to God and the teachers and the rest of the staff in securing the children’s success,” he posited. One Mile Primary would have endured tremendous challenges in the past. After the school was burnt down in 2012 during the Linden struggle, for years the teachers and students were displaced at various locations.

After the rebuilding of the school, the teachers ensured that the performance of the school improved significantly over the last few years.

Overall, the 2018 NGSA results would have seen a slight decrease in the number of students copping places at Queen’s College and in the country’s top one per cent.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 29, 2018

Acting promptly could save lives IT is true that there have been many initiatives in the form of training and seminars for members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), specifically for educating and sensitising the latter about the seriousness of domestic violence, and its effects on families, the community, and the country as a whole.

This was because of the insensitivity of ranks that were known to display a marked thoughtlessness, and cavalier demeanour to victims who would go to police precincts to report threats/abuses to their persons.

Undoubtedly, those engagements would have caused an appreciative improvement in the GPF’s interactions with persons who reported instances of abuse. Not only were victims being listened to, and their complaints taken and investigated; but that charges were also being instituted against the abusers; and perpetrators began to suffer legal sanctions for a monstrous behaviour that is now a national scourge.

But such a more improved, enlightened approach by general law enforcement officers have not in any way put a halt to a monstrosity that continues to take the lives of women--brutally

slaughtered. The latter, so aptly described because of the often uncontrolled fury of the attacks that exact the fatal wounds, often of multiple type, inflicted by the assailant.

It would seem that some GPF ranks are still of the view that domestic violence reports, particularly those in which the threat to kill is uttered, are to be ignored; and that such reports are basic and frivolous as a report of a lad pelting fruits off a tree.

The latest brutal murder of a young Corentyne woman, if the post-murder statements are true, points to missed opportunities to have the perpetrator arrested earlier, for threats to the victim’s person/physical abuse, even though neighbours would often inform arriving officers as to his presence in the home.

One can be certain that the Whim Police Station where the victim’s family is reported to have made several reports, has a Domestic Violence Manual, as all other police stations, and that at least one officer is present who can initiate guidance when such reports are made.

This latest death mirrors some earlier cases, where the failure of the GPF to act in a timely man-

ner has resulted in many women meeting their tragic and untimely demise. But it brings to the fore, the question as to when must there be a response from the police, subsequent to a report of domestic violence.

We are not experts, but given the intensity and level of brutality that are usually meted out to women victims; on those who may have survived the attacks, and even those killed – we are of the view that every report ought to be promptly acted upon, with the abuser immediately arrested and taken into custody. There is a body of evidence that informs this conclusion, and it surrounds the threats to kill which are usually actualized by the assailant.

In fact, it is an offence for anyone to threaten the life of another, irrespective of circumstance.

But few of such persons threatened ever recourse to the law, in Guyana. In other jurisdictions, persons uttering such threats are often arrested, and sanctioned by the law.

But even without such threats, in the case of domestic violence, instant action must be taken, given its unpredictability.

Domestic violence is a many-headed beast that often com-

mences with quarrels that are known to increase in both frequency and intensity, given its peculiar nature. And even though many times, based on accounts, that there may be quiet, it resumes often with more fury. It would seem that very few of these interpersonal incidents can be ever solved, given what may be its genesis--often accusations of infidelity. Also, it would seem, based on the record, that the victim is already marked for death, despite whatever solution-finding intervention there may have been.

It is because of these dynamics that we urge the increase use of social workers as part of every police station’s unit that had to deal with domestic violence cases.

It is a position advocated a while ago in these columns, and is again suggested, especially in light of what has been an unprofessional approach in this case to which alluded.

Social workers are best suited to determine when threat levels are of a sufficient level that warrants unequivocal action, since this is perhaps one of the key functions of their daily practice.

Of course, this type of professional, based on the nature of the case reported, may be able to determine the suitability of

counselling, if the latter has such value for effecting a solving of whatever the cause(s) may be in the particular case. There can also be further recommendations for other types of interventions.

Law enforcement officers cannot be in citizens’ homes so as to prevent instances of spousal abuse.

Such was never meant to be, and cannot be, because of its undoubted impossibility. However, we are of the further view and conclusion that once a victim makes a report, it must be acted upon professionally, given the high levels of this inhuman and cruel behaviour. Domestic violence is no longer a private domestic matter as was the backward understanding not so long ago, and which latter perception led to the deaths of so many women, and the maiming of those that survived the cruelty of its horrors. It is now everybody’s business; more so, the police who are expected to act without delay, when they receive reports.

The saving of lives must be paramount in every police action when dealing with cases of domestic violence, as well as ensuring that the abuser is brought before the courts, at the earliest.

This is what we need for Guyana in pageantry

Dear Editor,

THANK you for this opportunity to express my satisfaction with the unity seen at a beauty pageant held last Saturday at the National Cultural Centre.

I am certainly excited to see the return of a pageant of an international standard at the ultimate home for pageantry in Guyana--the National Cultural Centre; Miss Earth Guyana.

I was ecstatic with the production; it was definitively an evening to remember just like the

old days when Lumumba was the franchise holder for [the] Miss Universe. I saw young, vibrant Guyanese team-spirited people pushing for the goal – it was the best.

We all know in recent times the climate of pageantry within Guyana was soiled with negativity. However, Saturday’s production of the return of Miss Earth left a distinctive taste of unity. I am very happy to see the cohesion of two of the world’s largest pageant at the local leg uniting. Hence, the fair role played by Miss World – Guyana at Miss

Earth – Guyana.

I felt so relieve to see the appealing presence of the reigning Miss World – Guyana and her court, along with the managing director for the franchise, Roshini Boodhoo as a judge, along with a number of executive members at Miss Earth – Guyana 2018. I closed my eyes so many times that evening and whispered, this is what we need for pageantry here.

I didn’t do my research into the new franchise here, but I want to say I am proud

of what you all have done for Guyana; I am proud to see you uniting to make pageantry here a team work. I take this time to wish Miss World – Guyana, Ambika Ramraj and Miss Earth – Guyana 2018, Xamiera Kippins all the best; Guyana unites and supports you both, 100 per cent.

Long live pageantry in Guyana; we await Miss Universe’s return.

Regards Michael Isaac

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 29, 2018

Examining intellectual property rights, innovation and technology within the CSME Dear Editor, IN September 2017, I completed a qualitative case study titled “Examining Intellectual Property Rights Innovation and Technology within the Caricom Single Market and Economy”.

The study was conducted between the years 20132017. This qualitative case study was designed to examine the effects of laws and government policies pertaining to intellectual property rights, innovation, and technology on firms in select CSME countries.

I used the sample of the four largest economies in the CSME grouping, namely Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica.

Among the key issues examined, were that Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) firms operate under

various laws and policies on intellectual property rights (IPRs), innovation and technology, and that international analyses and rankings rate the CSME countries’ performance as poor in comparison with others at the same level of economic development resulting in negative impacts on the economic and social welfare of their communities.

The study was validated by a team of peer reviewers.

The study was designed to address the paucity of data which existed concerning the effects of policies on decisions by local firms to engage in innovation and technology activities and to address questions of how IPRs policies affect the choices of innovation activities by firms, as well as what differences in IPRs policies in Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, influence the

decisions by firms to invest in innovation and technologies.

The applicable laws and international conventions were also examined. I framed the study using Landes and Posner’s utilitarian exposition that IPRs should be based on the maximisation of social welfare. Hundreds of policy papers, firm studies, study reports, and legislation from government and international agencies were analysed.

The results were fascinating if not altogether surprising. Findings included a lack of clear IPRs policies in almost all of the sample countries, though Trinidad and Tobago did have more directed policies in the areas of culture and entertainment but not on innovation. There were high levels of innovation where policies were weakest, this was found in Guyana where there are no

identifiable policies on intellectual property, innovation or technology, but which recorded the highest levels of innovation in firms in the sample countries. This phenomenon requires further study in order to make any conclusions about the reasons for its occurrence in Guyana.

There was no evidence to support theoretical assumptions. The study revealed a general reluctance by firms in Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica to invest in innovation and technology, particularly where the economy was heavily engaged in industries such as tourism and the creative industries.

The results also revealed that while three of the four sample countries implemented laws and created institutions, and some policies dedicated to the promotion of intellectual property and

innovation, their levels of innovation across sectors were low, while the sample country that had no dedicated institutions, updated laws or visible policies for IPRs, recorded the highest levels of innovations in the group across sectors.

This is an interesting and startling discovery which is in contradistinction to the literature on the subject of IPRs as a catalyst for innovation and economic growth as demonstrated in other developing country blocs. This indicates that studies that are purely statistical, are inadequate in uncovering the underlying issues of low levels of innovation in CARICOM countries and in particular, within the Single Market and Economy. The idea that more stringent policy and enforcement of laws will contribute to greater innovation in this

region is by itself counterproductive where the way the society works is not taken into consideration. Using an approach which balances the social and cultural factors with the use of intellectual property as part of the development of innovation, science and technology, may result in the maximisation of welfare within the context of the CSME. This study creates the basis for further investigation into intellectual property rights, innovation and technology within the Caricom Single Market and Economy and should set the tone for scholarly discussions of the role of intellectual property rights in developing the CSME. Regards Dr. Abiola Inniss, Ph.D. LLM

A shameless defense of a discredited leader Dear Editor, CERTAINLY, Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Member of Parliament (MP), Harry Gill, seems to have missed the thrust of the Guyana Chronicle’s Editorial of June 22, titled the “Opposition Leader” in his letter to the Editor in Kaieteur News of June 25, 2018 titled, “Guyana Chronicle hatch-job on Jagdeo is a shameless attempt to influence the CCJ thirdterm decision”, at which he wailed in his letter.

Reading the Guyana Chronicle’s opinion, it was fair and balanced, highlighting well-known characteristics of a public office holder, who during the execution of the nation’s highest office, exhibited attributes that became part and parcel of his persona. Unless Gill has recently arrived from another galaxy, or stricken with sudden political amnesia, a well-known moral defect of politicians of his ilk, he cannot claim, or even pretend ignorance of Jagdeo’s record of governance. Therefore, his defense of Jagdeo goes down as another shameless attempt to shore up the image of a

discredited national leader.

Further, and contrary to Gill’s helpless claim, I do not comprehend how such an editorial published then could have in any way, serve to influence the ruling of the CCJ third term ruling. I suspect that, given the now known decision of the Court, there are going to be outrageous claims of racial bias against the judges. This has always been the wicked, evil strategy of a party that has perennially resorted to the poison of racism, for which they are certified traditional exponents, as a means of ensuring support.

This claim illustrates the political depravities of the PPP/C parliamentary collective, of which Gill is a part. Such a product is not worthy of the honour and trust bestowed in him as a representative of the people.

It also displays the abysmal intellectual minus of a party that has fashioned the art of immoral evasiveness when having to accept responsibility for its flagrant abuse of power and all the venalities that it entails.

Harry Gill must understand that bullyism and tramplimg upon the rights and dignity of the people of this

country are over, and will never be allowed to become a part of the responsible system of governance.

Further, he must be reminded that African Guyanese spokespersons have every right to speak, and will continue to do so, on behalf of their brothers and sisters who have suffered enough under the racist government of Gill’s party, whose policies were defined to ensure the economic poverty of a people, and to reduce them to the status of a non-people.

No great analysis is needed on Jagdeo’s tenure as President; I will cite these few to refresh MP Gill’s memory in relation to his Berbice constituents. Investors in the Berbice [River] Bridge were guaranteed excessively high rates of return, creating further financial burden on their constituents with the astronomical toll which they charged, despite low average incomes of Berbicians. Jagdeo was the architect of the Skeldon White Elephant, but most significantly, he did absolutely nothing to save the sugar industry despite ominous warnings from [the] European Union, and hiding the information of fatal

bankruptcy from his gullible sugar workers supporters.

This is just to remind Harry Gill that the hallmark of Jagdeo’s reign over Guyana was jumbie

economics. No one needs to do a hatchet job on Jagdeo to “adversely influence the third term decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)”. Jagdeo’s reign of

corruption, jumbie economics, cronyism, elitism and racism speaks for itself.

Regards Earl Hamilton

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 29, 2018

Time to buck this gender-gap trend

– educators say at major confab on challenges in boys’ education

By Svetlana Marshall THE time to address the challenges facing boys in the education system is now, Vice- Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Professor Ivelaw Griffith said as he addressed a major ‘Symposium on Boys’ Education’ at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The steady decline over the last three decades in the level of performance of males at various levels of the education system remains a major concern in Guyana and across the region.

Research suggests that the lower levels of achievement, coupled with higher dropout rates, are symptomatic of other underlying factors.

In an effort to devise a strategic approach that would address the underlying factors affecting males within the education system, and simultaneously create a level playing field in keeping with Sustainable Development Goal #4, which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education, key stakeholders

are reviewing existing data and best practices as they chart a way forward.

At the opening ceremony on Thursday of the two-day symposium, which is being organised by UG’s in collaboration with the Education Ministry, the Commonwealth of Learning, UNICEF, and CARICOM, Professor Griffith told stakeholders that the time for complaining is over, and the time to act is now.

The Professor, who announced that he in the near future will launch a ‘values campaign’, said what is needed are systems that would allow boys and men to realise their full potential, as good is simply not good enough.

Painting a vivid picture of the situation, UNICEF Education Specialist Audrey Rodrigues pointed out that at the nursery school level, 5 per cent more boys are participating in the school system while at the primary level, there is an almost level playing field with .2 per cent more boys in the school.

WORRYING CONTRAST Rodrigues said, however,

that at the lower secondary level, there is a worrying contrast where the dropout rate spirals for boys at a 2:1 ratio.

At that level, it is estimated that 5.5 per cent of the boys drop out of school while 2.8 per cent of girls leave school before the stipulated time.

“We think that the generation is at stake, and that time is running out,” the educator said as she called for corrective actions to be taken to reverse the dropout rates for both boys and girls.

“Without adequate investments and focus now, beginning from today, our adolescents will not be adequately prepared for the major shifts we are witnessing,” she said, “especially in the labour market.

“The situation is dire, and there is a need for multi-partners working for the same goal, in the same direction, and at the same time.”

Representative of The Commonwealth of Learning, Dr. Mairette Newman underscored the importance of the symposium, explaining that it provides an opportunity for teachers, educational specialists, and researchers to come

together and discuss ideas, innovations and practices that would hopefully elevate boys’ experiences at school, and by extension improve learning outcome.

Secondly, she said that the symposium also provides an opportune moment to shine the light on boys, as a group, with their unique talent as well as challenges, and simultaneously untangle the web of factors that influence their decreasing participation at the various levels of the education chain.

“The gender gap in literacy becomes wider as you progress to the higher levels... Secondly, stats tell us that girls are outperforming boys in many subject areas, and they are more likely to remain in school,” Dr Newman pointed out, while noting that the trend continues even at the tertiary level, with more girls attending university. And she sees as being among the contributing factors to this trend the lack of a father figure in many homes, and male role models in general.

POSITIVE INFLUENCE

Weighing in on the issue, Education Minister Nicolette Henry while underscoring the importance of understanding the challenges school-aged boys face, said it is also critical for them to have persons that they could model after.

“It is imperative to provide, for boys in particular, a positive influence so that their environmental stimulus will not dominate their character formation,” she said, adding: “This situation points to the necessity for us to find a plethora of ways and means to attract and retain males in the education system.”

In the study of boys’ underperformance in education (Jha, Menon and, Chatterjee – 2017), Minister Henry said research shows that while girls perform better in literacy-type subjects, boys tend to excel at STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects.

But that is just one factor, she posited, while noting that society’s socialization of boys is a major factor.

“The definition of masculinity in our society is a rough, tough, heavy-lifting man, so a boy expressing interest in Poetry or Home

Economics may sometimes fear the stigma or the label that will be associated with his interest,” she said.

“Even in our homes,” Minister Henry said, “we are socialising our boys to feel that it is not their duty to wash their dishes, but they must do the heavy work outside. We need to change our mentality to support gender equality.

“There is a greater need for collaboration among institutions so that we can bridge the gaps in boys' education; so we can make the difference for our boys.”

She said that the onus is upon everyone to find a way to bridge the gaps across disciplines in favour of boys.

Meanwhile, Professor Carl James of York University Toronto, like many of the other speakers, delivered a presentation on ‘Gender Differences in Educational Outcomes: The Case of Boys’ Underachievement.’

The University of Guyana was applauded for taking a lead role in addressing this age-old problem within the education system.

OP-ED Windrush 70 Anniversary - GUYANA

By Lord Tariq Ahmad

The 70th Anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in the UK gives us a fitting opportunity to celebrate UK-Caribbean relations and the invaluable contribution the Windrush Generation has made to British society ever since.

The Caribbean diaspora in the UK symbolises the indelible bonds between our two sets of islands. There is no better example of that contribution than the dedication of people from the Caribbean to the UK’s National Health Service, itself marking 70 years on 5 July. Those from the Windrush Generation worked in our essential industries, including public transport, the post office, construction and the armed forces, and are central figures in many communities. Today, their children are civil servants, healthcare workers, business owners, professionals, and leading lights in music, sport and film. They are key to Brit-

ain’s success.

I doubt that there is a corner of Britain that has not been inspired and enriched by the Windrush Generation and their descendants, from their efforts in reviving our great cities after the war, to Britain’s first black MPs entering Parliament and demanding that all Britons have a stake in society.

The pioneering Caribbean racial and social justice campaigners who pushed for legislative and social change calling for a fairer Britain.

And let’s not forget the power of our sporting and cultural heroes, who, through their skill, talent and discipline, used their gifts to make an indelible mark to help create a proud, united and multi-cultural Britain. There is the impact players such as John Barnes( MBE) and Ian Wright (MBE) have had on football in England. Cricket and Music have been hugely influenced by West Indian/ Guyanese pioneers like Sir Clive Lloyd and Eddie Grant, respectively.

The Caribbean community has been integral to creating a Britain that is fairer, more tolerant and more at ease with itself in a changing world. The real beginning of Britain’s contemporary diversity is with those first men, women and children who made the open month journey from the Caribbean and disembarked at Tilbury Docks on 22 June, 1948.

Life held many hardships for those who arrived and the streets were certainly not ‘paved with gold’. Many were even returning to the UK, having already served here during the war. The fortitude shown as they overcame daunting challenges and built successful lives and businesses for themselves and their families have come to represent a strength in spirit that we continue to see today. It is an experience and spirit that I personally relate to as it is reminiscent of the challenges my parents themselves faced as well as the opportunities offered by their adopted nation.

We all know that the Win-

drush Generation has faced further challenges, with questions raised over their immigration status. It was never the intention that they should be caught up in the measures put in place to tackle illegal migration. The fullest efforts of the UK government have taken focussed action to assist are now in place to work with anyone who may be affected to make sure that they have the documentation that they need and are able to access our offer of British citizenship should they so choose.

As the Prime Minister said to Caribbean representatives visiting for April’s Commonwealth meeting, we are deeply sorry for the anxiety that was caused, and I cannot emphasise enough how much we value the enduring contributions of those who came to the UK. We are determined to put this right.

Many members of the Windrush Generation came from across the Caribbean.

The UK continues to enjoy strong relationships with Commonwealth Caribbean

Lord Tariq Ahmad

countries reinforced by the personal ties of the diaspora.

The UK is the single largest bilateral donor to the Caribbean. Our investments are helping to make the lives of Caribbean people today better in a number of ways.

Through the UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund, the UK is investing over £300 million in critical economic infrastructure across the Caribbean; increasing resilience to natural disasters and climate change, promoting growth

and creating jobs.

Following last year’s devastating hurricanes, the UK contributed more than £196 million to help the region’s recovery. This includes £19 million, announced at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in April, to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience across the Caribbean region. We are also supporting the Caribbean’s future development and prosperity with ongoing collaboration on regional priorities such as security and fighting crime. As we take a moment to consider this momentous occasion, it is my honour, as Minister of State for the Caribbean and the Commonwealth, to join in celebrating the achievements of the Windrush Generation and the role they play in UK-Caribbean relations and making our country the incredible place it is.

Keeping lid on TIP

9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

… Guyana remains on Tier1 human trafficking ranking

… US lauds gov’t ‘serious sustained’ efforts in combatting scourge GUYANA has fully met the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking in persons (TIP), the United States Department of State said in its 2017 TIP report.

According to the report, “the government has continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period; therefore Guyana remained on Tier 1”.

“The government demonstrated serious and sustained efforts by increasing funding for victim assistance, identifying and assisting more victims for the third consecutive year, and opening and operating a trafficking shelter outside of the capital area,” the report stated.

Notwithstanding meeting the minimum standards, the government failed to provide adequate protection and shelter outside the capital, or for child and male victims.

“The number of trafficking investigations and new prosecutions decreased, and the number of successful convictions remained low,” the report said. Meanwhile, the US Department of State has recommended that the government funds specialised victim services outside the capital and for child victims and adult male victims; vigorously investigate and prosecute sex and labour trafficking cases and hold convicted traffickers, including complicit public officials accountable by imposing strong sentences; and finalise the written identification procedures to better guide law enforcement officials.

It was also recommended that Guyana trains more law enforcement, judiciary officials, and front-line responders—especially those working outside the capital—on victim identification and referral procedures; develop standard procedures for protecting foreign victims; provide additional protection for victims to testify against traffickers in a way that minimises

re-traumatisation; monitor the number of cases reported to the trafficking hotline or by labour inspectors to promote a rapid investigative and victim assistance response; and provide training for diplomatic personnel on trafficking.

PROSECUTION In the area of prosecution, the report noted that the government has maintained law enforcement efforts and pointed to the Combating Trafficking of Persons Act of 2005, which criminalised sex and labour trafficking and prescribed sufficiently stringent penalties ranging from three years to life imprisonment.

“These penalties, with respect to sex trafficking, were commensurate with those prescribed for other serious crimes, such as rape,” the report stated while noting that the law defined trafficking broadly to include the illegal sale of organs without the use of force, fraud, or coercion.

The Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP) was the lead agency responsible for coordinating trafficking efforts, overseeing the Anti-Trafficking Unit (ATU) and participating on the government’s inter-ministerial task force.

The task force, which included representatives from several agencies and an anti-trafficking NGO, coordinated a number of successful police operations.

In 2017, the government reported four new trafficking investigations (two for sex trafficking and two for labour trafficking), 17 prosecutions (12 of which were initiated in previous reporting periods), and two convictions; compared to 19 investigations, 19 prosecutions, and two convictions in 2016. The court sentenced both convicted traffickers to three years imprisonment and required one trafficker to pay restitution to one victim. “A case from the previous reporting period

in which the government required the trafficker only to pay restitution, a penalty inconsistent with the law and one that the task force appealed, remained pending.”

“The government did not report any investigations, prosecutions, or convictions of government employees complicit in trafficking offenses. Authorities confirmed the police officer who was convicted of sex trafficking in 2015 was terminated from his position in the police force; however, his appeal was still pending at the end of the reporting period.”

Additionally, the report noted that government did not provide any support for trainings hosted by an international organisation on combating complicity.

The government funded and executed training for police prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and social workers on victim-centered investigations and prosecution of trafficking cases.

PROTECTION In the area of protection, the report said that the government has increased its efforts to identify and protect trafficking victims, however, “victim assistance remained insufficient, especially in areas outside the capital and for child and male victims.”

“The task force and ATU drafted standard operating procedures (SOPs) for victim identification, referral, and assistance, but the SOPs were not formalized by the end of the reporting period as the government stated it planned to do so by the end of 2018.”

131 victims in 2017 were identified (65 for sex trafficking, 35 for labor trafficking, and 31 for both forms), compared with 98 in 2016. The government referred 115 victims to shelter and psycho-social services, compared with 40 in 2016. The government trained 156 village leaders and 96 government officials

from the interior regions on victim identification and assistance. The government also trained members of the business community and civil society on victim identification.

The report acknowledged the $10M provided to the NGO-run shelter for the provision of enhanced psycho-social services to adult female trafficking victims referred by the government as well as the $31.2M provided to another NGO that provided housing and counselling services to victims of gender-based violence, including an unknown number of trafficking victims.

The report also acknowledged the opening and operation of the first shelter outside of Georgetown. That new shelter caters exclusively to adult female victims of trafficking. “All identified victims received shelter, food, training, and psychological therapy. There were no adequate public or private shelters for male or child trafficking victims, despite the government’s commitment, made in early 2016, to open and partially fund a shelter for male victims.

Child victims were placed into foster care, safe homes, or were reintegrated with their families while adult male victims were placed at non-specialised night shelters on an ad hoc basis,” it was observed.

The report noted that the local law protects victims’ identities from release to the media. Victims could leave shelters; however, they were strongly encouraged to stay unless with a chaperone or until trials concluded.

NGOs and MoSP provided protection and counselling for all identified victims, while the government provided transportation for victims who declined shelter but were willing to attend court proceedings.

“The government did not penalise victims for crimes committed as a result of being subjected to trafficking. The

government reported multiple cases of delivering foreign victims to their respective embassies at the request of the foreign missions before the conclusion of prosecutions.

The government granted one victim temporary residence and legal employment in Guyana.”

According to the report some 21 suspected trafficking victims were repatriated with the assistance of an international organisation. The government however did not report whether it facilitated or funded the repatriation of Guyanese nationals victimised abroad.

Notwithstanding, shelter, medical care, and psycho-social assistance were offered to victims upon their return.

PREVENTION Increased efforts to prevent trafficking by the government of Guyana were noted by the US State Department. According to the report, the TIP task force met monthly, continued implementing the 2017-2018 anti-trafficking national plan of action, and MoSP committed approximately $23.4M to anti-trafficking efforts over the reporting period.

In June, the task force trained 23 journalists on responsible reporting of trafficking cases. As in past years, the government systematically monitored its efforts and published its assessment.

“The government conducted a variety of awareness-raising activities, including producing pamphlets in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, television ads, and flash mobs. Authorities facilitated several awareness sessions focused on the mining and logging sectors outside the capital. The ATU executed numerous sensitisation campaigns at schools, NGOs, prisons, and public spaces across Guyana. The government operated a trafficking

hotline but did not report how many calls it received,” the report said.

Additionally, the report said government failed to make efforts to reduce the demand for commercial sex acts or forced labour. Authorities conducted approximately 1,000 unannounced labour inspections in the capital and the interior. “The government granted temporary amnesty to foreign labourers in order for them to regularise their immigration status in Guyana.

Labor inspectors received trafficking-specific training, but did not report whether they identified any cases.”

“The government did not provide anti-trafficking training for its diplomatic personnel, but with in-kind assistance from international organisations, the task force began drafting a training module,” the report noted.

Over the past five years, Guyana has been a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. Women and children from Guyana, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, Haiti, and Venezuela are subjected to sex trafficking in mining communities in the interior and urban areas, the report said.

“Victims are subjected to forced labour in the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as in domestic service and shops.

While, both sex trafficking and forced labour occur in interior mining communities, limited government presence in the country’s interior renders the full extent of trafficking unknown. Children are particularly vulnerable to sex and labor trafficking. Guyanese nationals are subjected to sex and labour trafficking in Jamaica, Suriname, and other Caribbean countries,” the report on Guyana concluded.

The TIP task force will be responding to the report today.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Sod turned for the construction of soil and disease testing centre

THE Directors of Nand Persaud Group of Companies and their collaborative partners The University of Guyana Berbice Campus (UGBC) turned the sod to officially commence construction of a $24M state of the art’ Nand Perdaud Soil Testing Centre’ at the UGBC’s Johns Campus.

changer in the agriculture industry since farmers now have the option to test their soil and determine what the best crop to plant is. This he noted can help to develop industries around said crop with massive potential for revenue and cost reduction.

“What the lab does is that it allows you to make decisions

dents and the community as a whole stand to benefit. This he said is in keeping with the company’s aim of improving the lives, production and productivity of farmers as well as that of the community and urged farmers to make full use of the facility that he too hopes can transform the agricultural industry in Berbice.

that warrants celebration and congratulated the company as well as the UGBC Director for the initiative.

“We ought to find a moment to celebrate that partnership and this is one of those moments where we are celebrating not only a partnership that benefits the company but a partnership

Vice Chancellor University of Guyana Professor Ivelaw Griffith (third from left) Chairman Nand Persaud Group of Companies Rajendra Persaud(fifth from left) CEO Nand Persaud and Company Limited Mohin Persaud (sixth from left) Director UGBC Professor Gomathinayagam Subramanian; Deputy Vice Chancellor PACE Dr. Paloma Mohamed (third from right) along with farmers, student, members of the business community and staff of UGBC partake in the symbolic turning of the sod In a simple ceremony held at the Natural Sciences Faculty in Johns East Berbice Corentyne on Wednesday the sod turning signaled the commencement of construction ?in two weeks with the project expected to be completed in October. ???

Chairman of the Nand Persaud Group Rajendra Persaud noted that the partnership between the university and a private company is a great step in the right direction that will pave the way for many more similar projects in the future. He noted that the initiative will be a game

based on scientific information, this will reduce the use of fertilizers and increase productivity,” Persaud said.

He noted that the company has “great plans” for the future in agriculture, chief among them is the setting up of agriculture incubation programmes where new crops can be developed in the region aside from the traditional crops where farmers can plant crops that have readily available markets.

Mohindra Persaud the company’s CEO noted that with the use of the facility free of cost farmers, stu-

“I expect with the use of the lab farmers can be able to get at least yields of 50 bags per acre given that we have flat lands and fresh water. There are a few farmers that are getting 50 bags and with soils tests they can now increase that to 60 or more bags per acre. With this I see no reason why we as a country should not be the world leaders in rice production as very few countries have access to flat lands and fresh water.”

Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Professor Ivelaw Griffith noted that the moment is a historic one

that will benefit the university and the community. We are part of a historic moment where years from now when the real work of this centre translates into practical reality to expand agriculture many will remember as an important part of that journey.”

Meanwhile President of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce Poonai Bhigroog lauded the initiative and pledged the Chamber’s full support since he see this as an opportunity for the people of Berbice to benefit from a state of the art facility that can improve their livelihoods.

“With the closure of the estates many have returned to farming and they are certain to benefit from this venture.

Graduates can be employed in this centre, experiments can be done to advance agriculture,” he said. A businessman by profession who has a passion for farming himself Bhigroog noted that agriculture is the backbone of the Berbice economy and this development is a critical part in the transformation of the industry He explained soil testing in Berbice is important for a number of reasons; farmers will be able to boost crop production, protect the en-

vironment from the use of excessive fertilizer, diagnose plant problems, improve the nutritional balance of the growing plant and to save money and conserve energy by applying only the amount of fertilizer needed. Moreover, it will help in producing a healthier nation as consumers will benefit from food produced from the best and safe practices.

Director of UGBC Gomathinayagam Subramanian said the realization of the project is a dream come true for him and the university which has always been looking for ways to engage, help and give back to the community. He noted he has been providing similar services pro-bono since 2006 when he started at the university and recognizes that the lab will be a great asset to the agricultural sector.

The $24M facility when completed is expected to be able to provide soil and disease testing for farmers.

The results received are expected to guide farmers on best practices to improve their soil and production.

The ceremony was well attended by farmers from across Berbice.

A section of the gathering of the sod- turning ceremony held at University of Guyana- Berbice Campus, Johns Science Centre

Cash payout for Wakenaam residents –– to help offset flood expenses

FOLLOWING the June 17 flooding on the Island of Wakenaam, Region Three, which was caused by a breach in an ongoing sea defense work, contractor, Deodat Singh met with

residents on the Island and came to a mutual agreement.

According to APNU councillor Perry Bridal, the residents will receive cash payments next week. This

was made possible after the contractor and some of the residents decided to come to a mutual agreement.

“The residents decided cash... Some lost more, but at least it’s something; it will

help them to restart,” Bridal said.

He said the 49 affected household will receive cash payments which will help them offset some of their expenses. The executive of the mosque will receive a sum of money for the damages

suffered. Bridal said while the money is not sufficient it will assist residents.

On the other hand, some residents feel that the contractor could have done better in assisting them. Those living close to the masjid said the money that the contractor

is offering cannot offset their expenses. The June 17 flooding resulted in 49 households living in the Sansouci, Merville areas suffering massive damages.

Those living close to the masjid suffered tremendous loses.

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Government launches Guyana-Venezuela Take advantage of border controversy PSAs the ICT roadshow

THE Foreign Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the Education Ministry launched two Public Service Announcements in their quest to increase awareness on the Guyana-Venezuela Border Controversy.

The PSAs, in the form of videos provide, in a concise manner, critical information on the history of the Guyana-Venezuela border issue from 1830 to present day.

The launching took place at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in the presence of Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and staff of his ministry. One of the PSAs reminds Guyanese that Guyana is 83,000 square miles of luscious land complemented by many waters.

The country’s boundary with Venezuela was established by international law since 1899.

In maintaining that Guyana’s boundaries are clear and absolute, the two ministries, in the PSA, tell Guyanese that there are four important facts that they should know. “Territorial disputes cannot be separated from international law because the law is the bedrock of all modern nations. As Guyana and Venezuela are both members

Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge of the United Nations, all UN members are automatically parties to the rules and regulations of the Charter of the United Nations and the Statute of the International Court of Justice, the principle judicial organ of the United Nations” the PSA states.

Since the start of the controversy there have been several legally binding agreements. These include: The Treaty of Washington of 1897; the Arbitral Ruling and Award of 1899; the 1905 border demarcation agreement between the United Kingdom and Venezuela and the Geneva Agreement of

1966. “Under the 1966 Geneva Agreement both parties agreed to authorise the Secretary General of the United Nations to choose the means of settlement of the border controversy. Additionally, the Geneva Agreement allowed for Venezuela to prove its contention that the Arbitral Award of 1899 was null and void. To this day Venezuela has never done so. Through the last 52 years, despite several mechanisms including the Good Officers Process under the United Nations Secretary General, there has been no progress for the solution of the controversy,” the PSA explained.

In an effort to bring an end to this age old border controversy, on January 30, 2018 the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in keeping with the 1966 Geneva Agreement, announced that the International Court of Justice would be the next means to be used for the solution of the controversy.

On March 29, 2018, the Foreign Affairs Minister filed Guyana’s application with the ICJ. Minister Greenidge said the compilation and launch of the two PSAs are in keeping with a call by Cabinet for greater awareness among

Guyanese on the controversy. He said in underscoring the need to inform the populace, Cabinet urged that focus be placed on certain groups such as the Indigenous Communities. “A good part of the focus has to be on Indigenous Communities. They occupy the spaces close to our border, those are the spaces most perhaps at risk, first at risk,” the Foreign Affairs Minister explained. The Minister also used the opportunity to encourage better reporting on the very sensitive issue. “It is a matter of great regret to see sometimes the level of debate one finds in the papers, the amount of ignorance that is written in the newspaper, and also the tendency in the newspapers to copy things wholesale,” he said. Minister Greenidge in making his case alluded to the recent handling of reports on the recent meeting with the ICJ President Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf on the matter. Guyana and Venezuela were both invited to meet the ICJ President earlier this month to fix a schedule for the filing of written pleadings in the border controversy.

However Venezuela signaled that it will not participate in the ICJ matter.

Consultations on revision of Amerindian Act 2006 begin

THE Steering Committee of the Amerindian Act 2006 Revision comprising of representatives of key Amerindian organisations has completed training of facilitators to enable a smooth process in making informed recommendations.

Among the organisations with representatives on the committee are: the National Toshaos Council (NTC), Amerindian Peoples Association, The Amerindian Action Movement of Guyana, the Guyanese Organisation of Indigenous Peoples and the Amerindian Development Foundation.

In a release the Amerindian Peoples Association said the last of a four part training workshop concluded on June 22, 2018 in Georgetown with a plan to ensure that as many as possible Indigenous Villages and communities, especially those who operate as District Councils, are prepared to make recommendations in a systematic manner.

Facilitators at one of the recent consultations The facilitators will assist the village councils and other residents to better understand the current act as it relates to their concerns and to document their recommendations for revision. These recommendations are expected to be submitted in written form

to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs who has officially commenced consultations. The Moruca Sub-Region District Council is meeting in the host village of Santa Rosa, Moruca, Region 1, from June 30 to July 2, 2018.

The Upper Mazaruni District Council and the North Pakaraimas District Council are also expected to meet in early July. The communities of Region 2 are slated to have their revision meetings in the first week of July.

– Min. Hughes

PUBLIC Telecommunications Minister, Catherine Hughes is calling on Guyanese to take advantage of the opportunities that will be available as the country gears up to host the first edition of the updated Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Roadshow from July 9 to 14.

Minister Hughes, during an interview on Thursday said the ICT Roadshow is an amazing opportunity to promote the use of ICTs in various sectors.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes The focus will be placed on ICT in Agriculture, the justice sector, governance, business, youth development and how it can improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Farmers and other personnel in agriculture and related fields will be informed about, “exactly what is e-Agriculture, what are the opportunities, what are the challenges, how farmers can start to look at this new way of farming and how they can start to prepare their own private sector businesses,” Minister Hughes said.

Presentations on food safety, extension and advisory services, smart agriculture and the implications of disaster preparedness and awareness are to be made by local and international experts in the fields. In East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six), a farmers’ outreach will be hosted where the advantages of e-Agriculture will be further explained with practical examples, including the use of a locally developed app that can link farmers to available markets to sell their produce.

An ICT workshop is slated for Annai, Upper Takatu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) at the Bina Hill Institute and the minister is urging citizens to attend the sessions. She said “it’s a great opportunity for folks in the surrounding areas to come out and participate. We have sessions that are very specifically tailored to the needs of hinterland communities.” The highlight of the roadshow will be the youth fair on July 13. Artificial Intelligence, coding, robotics, digital media and big data analytics are some of the hot-button topics to be discussed.

President David Granger will be delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony on July 9 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The agenda and other details of the show will soon be available on the Ministry of Public Telecommunications’ website at www. mopt.gov.gy.

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 29, 2018

Capitalise on available opportunities …Prime Minister tells Region Nine Toshaos

By Ariana Gordon THE second annual Regional Toshaos’ Conference opened on Thursday amid calls from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the functions of President, for Toshaos and other village leaders to capitalise on every opportunity available to further develop the Rupununi.

Speaking to recently elected village leaders at the Indigenous Peoples’ Conference Hall, Lethem, the Prime Minister debunked allegations made by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) member Pauline

to be proud of. Nagamootoo disclosed that in presidential grants alone, some $243.6M has been budgeted for. He said too that 57 villages are benefitting from $57.8M. “There has been no progressive level of neglect…it is not true,” the Prime Minister said in response to former Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai, who was accompanied by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira and Member of Parliament Allister Charlie.

“There is always support for villages but Toshaos must come up with plans for projects in their villages,” he stated, while adding that

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addresses Toshaos and other village leaders on Thursday in Region Nine (Delano Williams photo)

Sukhai, that there has been “progressive neglect” of the hinterland regions.

Nagamootoo made it clear, that since taking office his government has invested heavily in the lives of the country’s indigenous population and pointed to some $782M being allocated to the region through Presidential grants and other means for development.

“I anticipated we’d have allegations that there are no developments taking place in your beautiful region. It is a work in progress but it also tells you the Rupununi is rising and rising again,” said the Prime Minister who has responsibility for the country’s communication sector.

He reminded the gathering of Toshaos and village leaders that since taking office in May 2015, his coalition government has commissioned several radio stations, including Radio Lethem and Aishalton. He noted too that the Rupununi is connected to the rest of the country through the Voice of Guyana (VOG), something the people of Region Nine ought

going forward the indigenous leaders must modernise their approach to leadership.

He charged the gathering of leaders to be equipped with the technological advancements so that they too can be on par with the rest of the country and further afield. Nagamootoo disclosed that several information technology hubs have been established by the Ministry of Public Telecommunications across Region Nine and urged that they be utilised.

Teachers have also been provided with laptops to better enhance their teaching methods.

“Within the last three years government has not only commissioned Radio Lethem, but Aishalton, Mabaruma, Bartica, Orealla--- our people in the hinterland have a voice for the first time in history,” said the prime minister, who added that there must be a desire to expand the capacity of Rupununi villages to expand beyond where they are today.

“You need to go beyond cassava bread, farine and cassareep…and move into agro

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (right) hands over a presidential grant cheque to Guy Fredericks a village leader of Nappi Village, Region Nine. (Delano Williams photo)

processing,” he said, while referencing the community of Santa Fe and its successes. “We can do better than we have been doing,” Nagamootoo declared as many Toshaos nodded their heads.

He like, Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, noted that Region Nine is becoming a model region and is leading the way in development.

“The ground work is being created for this region to take off into the most dynamic region in Guyana,” said Nagamootoo.

Additionally, addressing the statements of lack of consultation by government on development projects made by the former minister of Amerindian Affairs, the prime minister made it clear that consultations have been ongoing on several projects including the construction of a reservoir in the community of Nappi. “In the story of development, maybe everyone had not been consulted but I am told consultation took place --- you cannot use that to knock down a development project,” said the prime minister.

In addressing the move to establish townships across the country in hinterland communities, the Prime Minister pointed to the Lethem aerodrome which is the first of its kind here. He said the aerodrome which will receive international and regional flights would not have been possible had Lethem not received township status.

BIGGER PICTURE Nagamootoo, who was accompanied by his wife Sita Nagamootoo, his daughter Angela Nagamootoo- Joseph and two grandchildren,

urged Toshaos “to take a deep breath and look at the bigger picture.” “We are not in politics because of ourselves and what we want to be or become…it is about the people,” he stated. “It is not a sign of neglect that you can have an industrial site being developed in Lethem, it is not a sign of neglect that you have under the 5Bs

“The coalition government is about unity and diversity, Allicock said and called on the newly elected Toshaos and village leaders to guard against abuse.

“The offices to which you are elected should not be abused; use the voice of reason…you are servants and your role is not to dominate and dictate.” The minister

Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock (Delano Williams photo)

programme school buses to transport students,” said Nagamootoo.

Similarly, Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Sydney Allicock agreed that work is ongoing to make Region Nine a progressive region. He said there is evidence of the region’s progression since his government has taken office in 2015.

He dubbed the two–day Regional Toshaos’ Conference themed, “Good governance- a Brighter future for Guyana’s first peoples” a historic one, as members of both the government and opposition participated in the event. Their participation was not a feat last year when the conference was first held.

noted that in order for economic strength to be achieved in the region, there must be unity. He charged the village leaders to work towards enhancing a village economy while reminding that indigenous people are an integral component of the country’s social fabric.

GUARD AGAINST SELF-INTEREST Allicock told the gathering of village leaders that persons will want to use the indigenous peoples to satisfy their own “lust for media presence and thirst for power”. “You have to guard against those who attempt to inspire us to walk away from responsibilities,” he stated as he called for accountability.

He said looking at the village improvement plan; agriculture must become the focus of the Rupununi and pointed to the exchange of goods between the Region and Brazil. He reminded the village leaders of the need for scientific research in order to better their products.

“You cannot afford to lose focus, cannot afford to become trapped and be distracted by a few naysayers…we would like to see more Toshaos taking on a new level of leadership and accountability. This is about our destiny, the good life, the future - let us lead as we are expected to,” Allicock stated.

He said his government will continue to partner with the indigenous peoples of this country to ensure that they enjoy a better life.

Meanwhile, Sukhai in a lengthy address sought to attack the government and called on Toshaos and other leaders to engage the country’s leaders about their challenges. She said there “has been a progressive level of neglect across the hinterland” even as she called on young indigenous leaders to ask of their leaders “relevant questions.” Toshao of Shulinab Village Nicholas Fredericks, indicated in an opening address to his colleagues called for non-biased discussions and the removal of all party politics from the two-day conference.

In contrast to Sukhai, however, Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock said “Region Nine is leading in development in Guyana.”

Allicock explained the importance of the regional conference and noted that the issues raised there will also be raised at the upcoming National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting slated for next month. He spoke of a number of initiatives and achievements within Region Nine, while stating that “Our drive is to get the Rupununi back to the international arena--- everyone has a role to play”. Meanwhile, $20M in presidential grants was presented to Toshaos of several communities within Region Nine.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Fat man ‘Trevor’ gave him gun and ammo – defence A 20-YEAR-OLD assistant manager of TBS Suites hotel was yesterday remanded to prison on two charges of possession of a gun and ammunition.

The charges alleged that on June 26, 2018 at Robb Street, Georgetown, Nikhel Hutson had in his possession a 1.9mm pistol without being the licensed firearm holder at the time.

The court heard that on the same day at Robb Street, Hutson had eight live rounds of ammunition.

Hutson of Green Acres, Providence, East Bank Demerara denied the charges that were read out to him in court.

His attorney, Siand Dhurjon, applied for bail and told the court that the gun was not found in his client’s possession and that there was another Nikhel Hutson person in the vehicle in which the weapon was found. It was a case that his client was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

The lawyer informed the court that the police did not arrest the other occupant in the vehicle, who was identified as Trevor Cheddi.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that ranks from the Police Narcotics Branch of the Criminal Investigation Department were involved in a sting operation when they were led to a car parked on Robb Street. The ranks observed when Hutson exited the black motor car and entered into a silver car.

After spending over five minutes in the car, Hutson was seen entering another silver car where he sat in the back seat. The ranks then intercepted the motor car, conducted a search on Hutson and the gun and ammunition were found hidden in his crotch. He was told of the charges which he admitted to and he told the ranks it was a fat man named ‘Trevor’ who had given him the gun.

Bail was refused by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and Hutson was remanded to Prison until July 18, 2018.

Man stabs ‘child-mother’ over kissing son

THE mother of a three-year-old boy was stabbed several times about the body after allegedly denying the child’s father permission to kiss him.

Geeta ‘Pinky’ Deochand, 27, is currently hospitalised at the West Demerara Regional Hospital and is said to be in a stable condition. The attack occurred at Sea View Street, Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara.

Police say that the assailant, who fled the scene, was later captured and taken into custody, and is assisting with the investigation.

According to reports, Deochand, who lives at Cornelia Ida, and the 27-year-old suspect, who is the father of her child, have been separated a while ago.

However, on Thursday morning whilst the victim and her son were standing on the public road, the suspect approached them and asked to kiss the child, but was refused permission to do so.

It was at this point that he became enraged and stabbed her several times with a knife and ran away.

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Verdict looms for Stafrei Alexander

AT his re-trial, Stafrei Alexander’s defence attorney Stanley Moore on Thursday went into an intense cross examination of the victim, Curtis Thom who survived the March 23, 2015 shooting at Laing Avenue.

It was after this exercise that the State, after presenting its witnesses, closed its case and the accused was asked to lead his defence.

Both the defence and the State will make closing sub-

missions.

The accused denied shooting at the victim on the morning in question.

The judge is expected to sum up the case next week after which the 12-member jury will retire to the jury room to deliberate and arrive at a verdict.

The trial started on Tuesday in which recaptured 2017 prison escapee, Stafrei Alexander appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a 12-member jury in the

Demerara High Court.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and was given the opportunity of a new trial before a different judge.

In presenting the State’s case, prosecutor Orinthia Schmidt told the court that the accused was indicted for two counts. The first count – attempt to commit murder and the second count – discharging a loaded firearm with intent (alternative counts) which took place

The accused: Stafrei Alexander at the Demerara High Court on March 23, 2015 at Laing Avenue.

She said on the day in question at about 12:30 am, the accused discharged a loaded firearm at Curtis Thom with intent to murder him.

Man accused of stealing two phones A MINER appeared on Thursday before a city magistrate and was slapped with two simple larceny charges.

The charge alleged that on January 16, 2016 at Water Front, Kaituma, Kevon King stole one iPhone 6 valued $250,000, property of Elroy Adam.

It was also alleged

that on June 22, 2018 at Community Hospital, Port Kaituma, King stole one touch screen phone along with other items valued $27,000 property of James Farrier.

The 28-year-old man who resides at Durban Backlands denied the charges that were read out in court to him.

Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail due to the fact that the defendant was a flight risk.

However bail was granted by the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the sum of $50,000 and the matter was adjourned to August 7, 2018.

Kevon King

Rental of Sussex St. Bond to end year-end THE Ministry of Public Health will stop the rental of drug bonds, in particular, one at Sussex Street, Charlestown by the end of the year.

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence reminded the media that during the examination of Budget Estimates in 2017, she had indicated that the controversial rental of the Sussex Street drug bond would be no more by the end of this year.

The bond is currently being rented by the ministry to house a CT scan machine. This expensive piece of equipment requires stringent speci-

fications for storage and, according to the minister, the bond fits these requirements.

The machine is to be sent to the Bartica Regional Hospital upon completion of a building to install the equipment. This building at Bartica is currently under construction and will be completed shortly. “As soon as they (the regional authorities give us clearance that the room is ready, we are ready to remove that CT scanner to Bartica and give up that bond. As a matter of fact, I am on record saying that as of the 31st December 2018 the

Ministry of Public Health will not be renting any more bonds,” Minister Lawrence explained.

The ministry has budgeted for the construction of a drug bond in Kingston, Georgetown, while expansion work on the Diamond bond is underway.

Additionally, the ministry’s adoption of a new procurement system for drugs and medical supplies will require them to have adequate, specified and suitable spaces for the storage of these supplies. (DPI)

Couple accused of having marijuana

A MAN and a woman appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday charged with possession of marijuana.

It is alleged that on June 25, 2018 at Omai Landing, Port Kaituma, Denis Jones and Stacy Adams had in their possession 43 grammes of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The 22-year-old Adams who resides at 1127 Sophia and 21-year-old Jones

who lives on the West Bank of Demerara, both denied the charge. Jones was represented by Attorney Darren Wade who told the court the narcotics were not found on his client but on the premises of the place he was employed.

Adams was represented by Attorney Tiffany Jeffery who asked for reasonable bail to be granted since the drugs were not found on her client but in a shop where there were other occupants. Prosecutor

Gordon Mansfield had no objection to bail but said that conditions should be applied.

Bail was granted by Chief Magistrate in the sum of $50,000 each on condition that the defendants report to the Mahdia station sergeant every other Friday at 4:30 pm until the matter was finished.

The matter was adjourned for July 17, 2018 at Mahdia Magistrate Court.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

AG participates in FATF working group plenary

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams, S.C., M.P. is currently participating in the Plenary and Working Group meetings for the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-XXIX which is being held at the OECD Conference Centre in Paris, France from June 24-29, 2018.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body which was established in 1989. The FATF sets standards to counter money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. The established standards are the FATF 40 Recommendations, which the FATF and FATF Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) of which the CFATF the first one created in the Global Network; used to monitor their members level of compliance and implementation of measures against money laundering, counter terrorist financing

and proliferation financing. The FATF’s decision making body is the Plenary, which meets three times per year (February, June and October).

In a release the AG chambers said the plenary reviews through discussions on mutual evaluation reports and other projects covering issues that are discussed in each of the technical Working Groups three days prior to the plenary (June 24-26, 2018).

The plenary meeting is intended to have all relevant parties present to discuss AML/ CFT/PF issues so that progress is made in a consistent manner by FATF and FSRBs. The CFATF as an FSRB is therefore fully involved like other FSRBs in the work that is discussed during plenary. As the Chairman of CFATF, it is therefore important to remain visible and viable in the discussions that take place at the FATF Plenary level.

There is an expectation that the issues, their

Attorney General Basil Williams attending the FATF plenary in France outcomes and requisite follow-thorough in relevant instances will be carried forward by the Chair of each FSRB and their Secretariats.

The June 2018 plenary meeting is currently being held from Wednesday 27 to Friday 29, June 2018.

Several topics will be covered that are of importance to the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Region.

These include:-the Counter Terrorist Financing Operational Plan; revisions to the Methodology and FinTech and RegTech issues.

Regulations important for holistic local gov't operations – Min. Bulkan

THE health and wellbeing of citizens should not be laid on the sacrificial altar of economic expediency and regulations are important for the holistic development in local government operations, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan has said.

Minister Bulkan made this comment at the International Workshop on City Planning and Sustainable Resource Management in Guyana: Community Engagement held at Cara Lodge, Georgetown on Thursday.

The workshop which targets stakeholders and government representatives involved in national and local planning has seen a number of international experts sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Noting that communities will be building on their successes, Minister Bulkan said that in the near future there will be a “Councilors Handbook” which will train councilors and residents in local economic development facilitation, community participation, project management, financial regulations, waste and water manage-

ment among others.

He said such are tenets of a sustainable environment and are good practices for a green and prosperous economy. “Cognisant of the important role envisage for local government in this dispensation, our approach at this juncture is to consolidate the gains with a focus on improving community engagement, involvement and electoral participation in local government via the medium of public education and awareness,” the minister of communities said.

Regional Coordinator Resource Efficiency of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Adriana Zacarias explained that the use of natural resources and the way cities and towns are designed play an essential role in achieving the transition towards a Green State. She explained that the aim of the workshop is to provide capacity-building on issues related to urban planning, innovation, data, indicators and community engagement.

The UNEP coordinator said that the agency is working closely with the office of climate change, Ministry

A section of the gathering at the workshop. (Samuel Maughn Photo) of the Presidency and the Ministry of Communities in supporting Bartica’s effort as a model Green Town.

Acknowledging the economic, social and environmental relevance of the mining sector, she noted that the project also includes an assessment of the mining industry at the national level to provide science based evidence on the relation between this industry and urban development, while exploring opportunities for diversifying both mining and other economic activities.

Head of the Office of Climate Change, Janelle Christian said an important part in the development of Bartica is the layout, design and planning while the workshop will also be looking at resource management.

She explained that given that Bartica imports all of its food, agriculture will also have to play a major part in its sustainable development.

“If you’re talking about sustainable cities in its truest sense, it means it’s truly self-sustaining in terms of what are the needs, where are the resources coming

from, even if you’re not producing then where would be the best place for you to bring that resource from because all of this goes back to emissions,” the Climate Change head said.

Noting that it’s not business as usual, Ms. Christian said there are many opportunities Bartica can take advantage of especially in industries and economic activities, but in all this, waste management is paramount. Bartica’s Mayor Gifford Marshall encouraged his fellow mayors and administrative leaders to

always give consideration to issues that affect the lives of the populace in the various communities they represent.

“If we act hastily and if we operate in a high-handed attitude of course our people will suffer,” he said.

Marshall praised President David Granger and Minister Bulkan in having the vision in creating new towns and municipalities in Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma which was a discussion that started in 2014 when they were in opposition.

Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities (GAM) Carwyn Holland said he hopes the initiative grows to the extent that its tenets are not only endorsed by municipalities but enacted at all levels of administration.

He explained that effective city planning and sustainable resource management in Guyana will distribute economic development within a given territory to reach social objectives and create a framework of collaboration between local-government, the private sector and the public.

In attendance were Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Town Clerks of the municipalities and UN representatives.

Bandits rob couple after bank withdrawal TWO armed bandits attacked and robbed a couple of cash they withdrew from an East Coast Demerara (ECD) bank after they had purchased building sup-

plies and returned to their Non Pariel, ECD home on Thursday.

The victims, a 36-year-old customs broker and a 45-year -old overseas-based Guya-

nese woman, were robbed of $700,000 along with their cell phones and jewelry.

Reports indicate that the duo withdrew over $14M from the bank to purchase

materials for construction on a house. Upon their return home the duo exited their vehicle when two armed bandits ordered them to lie on the ground while they relieved

them of their valuables.

One of the suspects went into the vehicle and took out a bag containing cash while he fired a shot into the air before they escaped in a silver Toy-

ota Allion car.

Police were contacted and a 32 spent shell was found at the scene as police continue their investigations.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

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World Cup 2018 fair play rules explained: How yellow cards and red cards decide groups

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

F

OR the first time in history, a World Cup group has been decided by Fifa’s fair play rules.

Japan went into their final Group H game against Poland top of the table, but fell to a 1-0 defeat.

The Samurai Blue, who had needed only a draw to qualify, went behind in the 59th minute when Poland’s Rafal Kurzawa floated a free-kick to the far post and an unmarked Jan Bednarek scored from close range.

Until then, Japan had looked content to contain Poland in stifling heat in Volgograd and they left in-form midfielder Takashi Inui on the bench until they were chasing an equaliser.

Colombia’s 1-0 win over Poland meant that La Tricolor topped the group, leaving Japan and Senegal level in terms of points, goal difference and goals scored.

However, Japan knew that

their fair play score for the group stage of -4 (four yellow cards) bettered Senegal’s -6 (six yellow cards) meaning Senegal would be going home as long as Japan avoided any late controversy.

As such, Japan and Poland’s match descended into farce in the final stages with fans booing as neither side seemed interested in attacking in the last few minutes.

Fifa’s fair play rules explained.

Senegal finished with the same number of points, same goal difference and goals scored as Japan in Group H.

The fair play points system in which the number of yellow and red cards in all group matches is considered according to the following deductions: » first yellow card: minus 1 point » second yellow card/indirect red card: minus 3 points » direct red card: minus 4 points » yellow card and direct red card: minus 5 points

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

PPP to meet soon on Presidential candidate – Jagdeo

DAYS after losing following a Caribbean Cout of Justice ruling Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo says he will not assess anyone who throws their hat in the race to be People’s Progressive Party (PPP) presidential candidate, saying he will have his say when the Central Executive Committee of the party meets.

“Everyone who believes he or she has qualities and there might be eight or nine people who think they can make a

good President can do so,” Jagdeo told media operatives at his Church Street, Georgetown office on Thursday.

This was in response to young attorney-at-law and PPP member Charles Ramson Jr. who recently expressed his desire to be the presidential candidate for the party.

Jagdeo, who served two terms in office as President, was effectively disqualified from serving another term after the CCJ on Tuesday ruled in favour of the state in the case of the Attorney General of Guyana v Cedric Richardson.

Jagdeo who is also the

General Secretary of the party said persons in the party who receive nominations will be placed in a ballot and the members of the Central Committee will vote. “Whoever emerges with the top vote, the entire party will support that person, that is how we work,” Jagdeo said.

He explained that for the past 25 years, the Central Executive Committee of the party has selected the candidate but the Congress decides on the list of people who would compete for the candidacy. He said that it is a democratic system which allows every nominated person the fair

chance to contest for the candidacy.

Jagdeo said as general secretary he is ensuring everyone works throughout the entire country to address various issues.

“Right now we have a huge number of our activists on the ground getting

people to register and ensuring that they understand that they have to vote,” he said.

“We only lost by 4,500 votes and when we checked in stronghold of the PPP we had people who had not registered or even voted.”

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Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

GAWU moves to court for remaining severance for sugar workers THE Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has filed a fixed date application calling on the High Court to declare that 4,283 employees of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), from the Skeldon, Rose Hall and East Demerara Sugar Estates, who are members of the union and are entitled to severance or redundancy allowance in accordance with the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, Chapter 96:01 be paid.

In the application to the court, which is to be heard

by Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln on July 20, 2018 at 1:45pm, GAWU has also called for an order to be made directing the respondents, GuySuCo and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), to pay forthwith to the 4,283 employees of GuySuCo. GAWU contends that in accordance with Section 12 (2) (b) of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act, Chapter 96:01, GuySuCo served notices by way of letters dated various dates in the month of November, 2017, to 4,283 of its employees employed at Skeldon, Rose Hall and the East Demerara Sugar Estates, which served to sever their services with the sugar company.

The Union said too that letters were also sent to an additional 480 GuySuCo employees of which 130 are senior staff and the remaining 350 are members of National Association of Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE).

In its application to the court, GAWU said the redundant workers were to receive their redundancy allowance/ severance payment not later than December 29, 2017, in accordance with the letter and spirit of Section 21 of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act. “To date, the said workers were paid only a portion of their redundancy allowance/severance payment and despite the workers’ as well as the applicant’s repeated demands to the first named respondent for payment of the full redundancy allowance/severance payment due, owing and payable to the said workers, the first named respondent has failed and refused to do so,” the filed document stated.

Moreover, GAWU noted that GuySuCo has since transferred all of its assets to NICIL by an order of the Minister of Finance published in the Official Gazette (extraordinary) of Guyana dated December 30, 2017.

“Additionally, all the assets of the first named defendant has been collateralised as security for a $30,000,000,000

loan that the first named respondent has or is borrowing from commercial banks,” the applicant stated.

In January this year, the National Assembly approved $1.93B to offset the payment of severance for sugar workers made redundant by the GuySuCo with the opposition expressing appreciation to the government for the payout in a rare show of bipartisanship in the House.

Government had committed to paying the sum of $2.25B to the sugar workers before the end of January 2017, a figure that represented half of the $4.25B it plans paying the workers.

The balance government said would be paid before the end of 2018. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder had outlined to the National Assembly the amount of money to be paid to workers in January. In the case of the Skeldon Estate, those workers received $609M, while those at Rose Hall received $705M. The workers at East Demerara and Wales were paid $815M and $150M, respectively.

Additionally, some 1600 workers were paid their full severance given that their total severance stood at $500,000 or less. GAWU is being represented by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, Manoj Narayan, Sasha Mahadeo-Narayan, Rajendra Jaigobin and Anuradha Deodasingh.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Terror plot convict, Kadir, passes away in US prison FORMER Member of Parliament and Linden Mayor Abdul Kadir, passed away in a US prison on Thursday where he was serving a life sentence for plotting to blow up the JFK Airport.

He was 65-years-old.

Kadir was serving a life sentence for plotting to blow up fuel tanks at the John F Kennedy Airport back in 2007.Speaking with this newspaper on Thursday, his daughter Haajar Kadir said that her family had no knowledge of any prolonged sickness her father was suffering from and that his death was relayed to them around 9:15 on Thursday morning. She did not say who relayed the message to the family. Haajar said that the family will not be divulging any other information at this time to the media. “To God we belong and to God we return,” Haajar posited.

It has been 11 years

since Kadir was arrested for the alleged act of terrorism. On June 2, 2007, he was arrested in Trinidad aboard a plane headed to Venezuela, en route to Iran. He was subsequently extradited to the United States where he was tried and sentenced.

Last year, the Government, under the Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, set out to seize Kadir’s assets which remained in Guyana. The sanctions were also in keeping with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 referred to in sections 2(2) (1) (A) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. Mr. Abdul Kadir and his accomplice, Mr. Abdel Nur were the first Guyanese whose assets were to be seized under the Act. Kadir pleaded not guilty to the charges while Nur

Abdul Kadir pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.

Kadir served as Mayor of Linden from 19941996. Many Lindeners including former Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, in sending condolences to the bereaved family, posited the positive contributions he would have made to the development of the Linden town as a religious leader and a politician.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 29, 2018

Natural Black announces return with new single -full album to be out by the end of July MORTIMER Softley, more popularly known as ‘Natural Black’ has announced his return to the music industry with a new single, “Eyes a look,” which proves that the end of his journey in the industry is ‘far from reality’.

After a short hiatus, the local reggae sensation, who has also made his name on the international stage, is ready to tantalise the ears of his fans with his latest track.

The new single is part of a 13-track album that is expected to be released on July 27, 2018. Softley said he wanted to hit his fans with a track that they would listen to and remember.

“If it get hot enough they will remember it; it is always music for me…I ease off for a while and was going to the studio to try my best and come up with something- exclusive stuff. It had to be something

they were longing to hear and when I buss it they would be like ‘yoooo’,” Natural Black told The Buzz.

Putting together the song took him two and a half years so he refrained from being on the “front page” and just focused on building his track.

“While working within that level we decided that it is time to hit them again so I teamed up with Vision

Mortimer Softley aka ‘Natural Black’ Sounds and we decide we gone hit them with a brand new argument,” said the artiste.

His single, “Eyes a look” speaks to the inquisitiveness of people who not only use their eyes but also their nose and mouth to stir trouble.

He used his hiatus as an example, noting that people heard that he was off the scene for a while and they started to assume and “style things” their own way, he said.

Natural Black nonetheless maintained that he is still in the game and getting the work in because he believes that in order to stay at the top he needs to be persistent.

Like any other artiste, he thanked his fans for giving him the energy and strength to do what he does best.

The artiste hopes that the single will be a next billboard hit like his other popular singles like “Far From Reality“ and “Nice it Nice“ among others.

His latest track was released on Friday but he has a lot more lined up for the local industry and also some for the listeners abroad.

As usual the upcoming album will comprise

songs that talk about culture, lovers’ rock and social commentary.

For now the single is available on YouTube, Itunes, Amazon and other sites. But he soon hopes to have the hardcopy available in stores.

The artiste believes that the new social media platforms have given artistes the opportunities to spread and share their music with not just locals but people from around the world.

Speaking about the local industry, he said there has been an improvement but individual artistes need to step up and be persistent because some of them sing one song and then just stop or give up on their career.

“I always encourage them to keep doing the work and they will see results; the more you put in the more you get out; continue and you will reach the level you want to be at,” said Natural Black.

Persons who might want to listen to the new single, “Eyes a look”, could do so by visiting, https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=hftlFKEJ5CU.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 29, 2018

The dangerous dependency on the magic of prescription drugs AS A child, all headaches were submitted to the magic of Whizz and Phensic aspirins. No one bothered to question the bad habit of not drinking water, and opting for aerated drinks or juice when thirsty, and that dehydration (absence of water in the body) could also lead to severe headaches and worse. We, however, did still conform to bush medicine and tea, though that was looked down upon, in that you just couldn’t afford MILO and OVALTINE. Yes, we were really messed up back then.

With the popularity of Antibiotics, those 250 and 500 strong tablets that were taken for almost everything, but especially if a specific STD was suspected, in the 70s and 80s these over the counter tablets had become a style, because, in Guyana, no one actually admitted that they didn’t know, so misinformation travelled fast and was convincing, and at times, it killed.

I remember asking for a youngster who hung around a friend I shopped at on Bourda Green in my bachelor days. I was told the sad story of how he died. This youngster developed Hepatitis and his eyes and hands

had become yellow. Instead of being advised to visit the hospital, he was told to drink strong bitters; the bitters, in this case, killed him.

The fact is, nothing about pharmaceuticals was taught in schools backed then, and so we wallowed and died in ignorance. I can remember my mother talking about a drug that deformed babies. It sounded more like something from a horror movie. As a matter of fact, she advised her children to use papaws, avocado pears and soups for the girls during pregnancy, and for the wives and ladies of the brothers, who could remember.

The only item drug-wise was something by Dr Morse that was supposed to bring us into the world with healthy skin. Today I’m not sure if it was Dr Morse or genetics and the fruits that worked for us in that area. But I was curious in a doubting way about this monster tablet she kept warning us about. I sadly discovered that it exists or existed some years later. This tablet was produced by a German company named Chemie Grunenthal in the 50s and 60s and had inflicted horrible deformities to over 10,000

children accounted while affecting over 100,000 pregnant mothers with miscarriages worldwide.

The babies were born without legs or arms, or with foreshortened limbs, others deaf or blind, some with curved spines, others with heart and brain damage.

The name of the drug is ‘Thalidomide’ and it was marketed then as safe for pregnant and nursing mothers. It was advanced as a nontoxic antidote to morning sickness and sleeplessness. This company became rich, super-rich on the misery of unsuspecting consumers.

In 2012, I bought a Newsweek magazine that covered this story in a more in-depth way. The architects of this macabre chemical horror had groomed their skills with human experiments in the Nazi concentration camps during WWII; these were notorious characters that worked with Hitler’s SS. That bizarre world of evil whose functionaries were allowed to escape the Nuremberg trials had found support among some American industries like Standard Oil and the Du Pont group. Though Jewish the Du Ponts were sympathetic to Hitler

and in 1926, Irenee Du Pont the most powerful member of the clan, advocated the creation of a race of supermen, by injecting special drugs into them. He was addressing the American Chemical Society when he made that speech. Thalidomide is currently packaged as a Cancer correction drug, I’m unsure that we have the monitoring system in place that has catalogued the offender pharmaceuticals, to be able to decipher what is entering our borders, legal and illegally.

Anabolic Steroids is the athletes’ Genie and had begun in Germany in the 1930s by the chemist Adolf Butenandt. He and another German chemist Leopold Ruzicka won the Nobel prize for Chemistry in 1939 for Steroids. By that time, the first injections of testosterone were already injected into humans.

This illustrates that official approval and applaud one day may prove detrimental down the road.

I remember a friend in bodybuilding who used steroids and experienced deep-seated abscesses in his groin and lower back. He was looked after at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation be-

fore he migrated, swearing never again. The best medicine should be how we eat, but with how food is grown today unless we grow it, who knows? Because we’re a country without a serious well equipped medical watchdog component in agriculture and imports and even for the worksite, so the dangers to what we consume and how we live and work are coming from every direction.

When the international bodybuilder, our own Laura Creavalle Ms Olympia 1994, was here in 2016 at the Cultural Centre, a young man got up and asked a question in line with what she had mentioned about her genetics contributing to her success.

He inquired earnestly “ If you don’t have the genetics, then what supplements can you use to develop mass?” Her response did not come instantly, nor could this professional provide the answer this young man was expecting.

Had he asked the question in many gyms in Guyana today, he would have gotten an enthusiastic answer and an eager proposal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 29, 2018

Eat, sip, dance and shop at L

‘Little Black Dress’

ITTLE Black Dress is a high-end fashion boutique that will be opening its doors in Linden tomorrow. Linden dolls will be welcomed to a club-like atmosphere where drinks, appetisers and music will be allowed for a sip and chat, pop and shop afternoon. Discounts will also be available on the unique fashion pieces; and new arrivals will also be unveiled.

Owner of Little Black Dress Asake Lee, is a 24-year-old fashionista who commenced the online boutique in December of 2017 and has received an overwhelming clientele within the one-year span. This prompted her to establish her first branch in Linden, given the fact that there is not much available in terms of fashion choices in Linden; in addition to her being a ‘Lindener' herself.

Linden dolls will no longer have to travel to the capital city to access unique fashion pieces to suit any occasion. The store’s theme is ‘Black, White and a dash of silver’ while its tagline is “Where sophistication meets fashion.’ The fashion diva believes that no matter what the occasion, females must always look sophisticated and the boutique will be able to render that touch of class to one’s wardrobe.

“Little Black Dress must be the ‘go to’ boutique in Linden regardless of the occasion, women can come and get whatever outfit they are looking for, no matter the occasion, be it something to dress up to dress down, women must be able to add that sophisticated and neat look and

for that, Little black dress in here for you,” Lee said.

Dresses, skirts, pants, tops, blouses, jumpsuits, purses, accessories including brooches, sun shades and footwear will all be available. Lee said that while Linden is the first branch opening, her Georgetown clientele can continue to make online orders and pick up locations will also be available. She plans on opening other branches in the future. The Linden Branch will be located in Mentis Plaza, Republic Avenue, Mackenzie.

Owner of Little Black Dress, Asake Lee, modelling some of the very unique fashion pieces that will be available in store.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Friday June 29, 2018

‘Fame Band’ to host Jazz on the river It’s the weekend and we all want to have some fun after a long week of work! So here are some events that you can start the weekend with, rather than be cooped up at home.

Get out and get your buzz on!

TODAY District Ultra Lounge brings to you “Full of Vibes Party”. This is a party you do not want to miss! We are going to sauce it up loud! *** The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) will launch the Ninth Edition of its Business Guyana Magazine – An Investor’s Guide to Doing Business in Guyana, under the theme, “Guyana on the Rise.” This event will be taking place at Pegasus Hotel Guyana.

TOMORROW It’s the big dance and birthday bash everyone has been talking about! Well known popular DJ Dellon brings to you the dance called “Inviolable”. Music is by DJ Garwin, DJ David, Selector Face and Father Moey.

This party will be loud and it’s all going down at the California Ground, East Ruimveldt.

Admission $500. *** Your first and last stop should be Blue Martini in Lamaha Street, Newtown Kitty, Georgetown, for “Work Hard-Party Hard”.

Music by Gully Rass and Diamond, Selector Biggs, Mix Master Tony, DJ Chris, DJ Omesh and others. Drink specials and lots more.

Tickets $1000 and more at the gate *** The Tutorial High School invites you to their Annual School Fair with lots of fun and games for the entire family. *** If you just want to dance and have a fun time this weekend then the place to be is at Park Vue Hotel poolside, Farm, East Bank Demerara for the Bollywood Dance Party with 71 sounds.

The party is expected to commence at 19:00 hours and $100,000, as well as hampers from Ansa Mcal, will be up for grabs. DJ Stephan and Selector Andy from Megamix reload will provide great Bollywood and Chutney hits and remixes. Tickets cost $1,000 and are available at various locations including Dave’s Sports Bar (Grove), Lambada’s Sports Bar, (Providence) and Hotshots Bar (Sarwan Street, Eccles).

SUNDAY *** The Vault Nightclub and Bar presents their All Black Party! Free Jell-O Shots and prizes up for grabs. Black Label & Double Black shots all night. *** At the back of Marriott presents the beach party called “Reggae on the beach”.

This party is going to be filled with lots of entertainment, fun in the sun, so don’t miss it!

SWEET, soulful jazz music will be competing with the rhythm of the waves of the Upper Demerara River on Sunday evening as the ‘Fame Band” plays melodiously at the annual Jazz on the river in Linden. The Jazz event is part of the Linden River Festival 2018 calendar of activities and will be held on the lawns of the Egbert Benjamin and Conference Centre, Mackenzie, and will be featuring renowned Soca artiste Quacy Ace and other local performers.

Jazz lovers can come out and enjoy an evening of contemporary and symphonic music that will have the hairs on their necks stand to attention, as they inhale the fresh air and embrace the lush of the beautiful and enchanting river.

This is the third year that the jazz festival has been featured as part of the Linden River Festival and according to coordinator Samuel Wright, this year it is expected to be bigger and better. Food and drinks will also be available for just $1000. While the Fame Band will target

the older and middle-aged folks, Quacy Ace and his posse will bring the energy and party vibe for millennials.

An after party will also be held at the same venue.

In addition to Jazz on the River, the Festival also sees a plethora of other entertainment events. On Friday evening there will be a Burnham Drive Club Scene, where all the clubs along Burnham Drive which is situated on the western shore of the river will ignite with music and parties. On Saturday evening there will be the River Wall Jam which will allow for an open air sport on the River Wall, Coop Cresent Mackenzie. On Monday, there will be the signature regatta and family fun-day along both sides of the river. The Linden River Festival is a four-year-old event that is indigenous to Linden and aims at showcasing the potentials of the Upper Demerara River which straddles through the town, thus dividing it into east and west. The aim is to make the riverfront a tourism hub.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

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South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:30 hrs State Capture 09:05 hrs Afrikaburn 09:40 hrs Kiftsgate 10:15 hrs Via Seattle 10:50 hrs Love Dove Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Bear’sway Race 2 Stormfuhr Race 3 You’re Mine Race 4 Alternate Truth Race 5 Lady Brie Race 6 Rosemere Irish Racing Tips Curragh 12:25 hrs Lightning Amber 13:00 hrs California Jumbo 13:35 hrs Casimiro 14:10 hrs Moktamel 14:45 hrs Gustavus Vassa 15:20 hrs Magnetic North 15:55 hrs Kisanga Newmarket 12:35 hrs Pour La Victoire 13:10 hrs Rollicking 13:45 hrs Excelleration 14:55 hrs Tirania 15:30 hrs Breath Caught 16:00 hrs Escalator Newcastle 12:45 hrs Zilara 13:20 hrs Nun’s Walk 13:55 hrs Two For Two 14:30 hrs Orvar 15:05 hrs Smart Call 15:40 hrs Rock Boy Grey 16:10 hrs Oriental Lilly American Racing Tips Belmont Race 1 All Right With Me Race 2 Mickey T Race 3 Doyouknowsomething Race 4 Lulu’s Pom Pom Race 5 May Be A Diamond Race 6 Big Expense English Racing Tips Doncaster 09:00 hrs Wind And Sails 09:30 hrs Kareena Kapoor 10:00 hrs Blonde Warrior 10:30 hrs Al Jellaby 11:00 hrs Crystal Moonlight 11:30 hrs Cape Liberty 12:00 hrs Jazz Magic

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29 , 2018

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Colombia thump Senegal 1-0

Yerry Mina of Colombia (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal past Khadim Ndiaye of Senegal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Senegal and Colombia at Samara Arena on June 28, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

(REUTERS) COLOMBIA’S Yerry Mina thumped home a second-half header to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Senegal on Thursday that catapulted the South Americans into the World Cup last 16 and dumped their African opponents out of the tournament.

Senegal had only needed a point in their final Group H game to reach the next round, but they will head home after missing out on the runnersup spot to Japan because they had a worse disciplinary record.

It was the first time in World Cup history that a

team had been eliminated by the amount of yellow cards they had accrued in the tournament.

Both Senegal and Japan, who were beaten 1-0 by Poland on Thursday, finished the group with four points and an identical record in all other respects. Yet the Asian side ended in second position having picked up four yellow cards to Senegal’s six.

Colombia, top of the standings with six points, face a last-16 match against Group G runners-up England on Tuesday.

Defeat for Senegal eliminated them at the group stage in their first World Cup appearance since 2002,

and left Africa without a representative in the knockout stages for the first time in 36 years.

“Senegal doesn’t qualify because we don’t deserve it.

This is one of the rules,” their coach Aliou Cisse said.

“We have to respect it. We would prefer to be eliminated another way...

We were fully committed and maybe because we were fully committed, we got more yellow cards.”

Senegal had been heading through until the 74th minute when Mina rose to meet a corner and sent a bullet-header into the turf and bouncing up into the roof of the net.

Japan loses to Poland but advances to next round (REUTERS) - JAPAN lost 1-0 to Poland on Thursday but survived to become the only Asian side to qualify for last 16 of the World Cup in Russia — and the first team ever to progress thanks to FIFA’s new disciplinary tie-breaker rule.

Japan made it through Group H in second place thanks to their players having been shown four yellow cards, two fewer than Senegal, who were eliminated, meaning Africa will have no representative in the knockout phase.

Senegal, who lost 1-0 to Colombia, ended up level on points, goal difference and goals scored with Japan, so the teams were

separated by the tie-break rule introduced at this World Cup for the first time.

Japan, who had only needed to draw against Poland to guarantee qualification, will next face a daunting task against the winners of Thursday’s Group G decider between England and Belgium.

Their advance, though, came only after a risky gamble paid off.

For after Colombia scored against Senegal in the 74th minute, putting qualification in Japan’s hands, coach Akira Nishino ordered his players to take no risks, an approach that slowed the game and earned resounding boos from the crowd.

“I decided that I was going to rely on the other match’s result. We were not happy about the situation of course. It was not intentional... However, it was a very tough and risky situation,” Nishino told reporters.

So risky indeed that had Poland scored another goal, Japan would have been sent tumbling out.

The Asian side were especially vulnerable as Nishino had excluded some of the squad’s most creative players, including midfielder Takashi Inui and Makoto Hasebe from the starting line-up.

He said his decision to make six changes to his side was down to fatigue rather than any attempt to

Eiji Kawashima of Japan makes a save during the first half of a World Cup Group H match against Poland in Volgograd, Russia, on June 28, 2018. Japan advanced to the round of 16 despite a 1-0 loss to Poland. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)

play for a draw.

Nishino, who took over in April after former

coach Vahid Halilhodzic was fired, stressed he wanted his squad to play

a freer, more attacking style in the last 16 against England or Belgium.

Tunisia beat Panama 2-1 as both teams exit world Cup (REUTERS) - TUNISIA secured their first World Cup finals win in 40 years with a 2-1 victory over debutantes, Panama on Thursday, but coach Nabil Maaloul said Arab nations still had a long way to go before they could seriously challenge the top sides.

Tunisia trailed 1-0 at halftime in the final Group G match in Saransk despite having the better of play.

Fakhreddine Ben Yousseff equalised just after the restart Luis Tejada (18) of Panama struggles with his competitors Yassine Meriah (4) and Ahmed Khalil (15) of Tunisia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group G with a neatly-taken goal and match between Panama and Tunisia at the Mordovia Arena is Saransk, Russia on Wahbi Khazri scored a second to end Tunisia’s long drought.

June, 28, 2018. (Photo by Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

The result brought some vindication for the North Africans, whose coach Nabil Maaloul had admitted before the game that they were demoralised after their defeats

by England and Belgium.

But it was tough for Panama, making their first appearance in a World Cup finals, and for their fans in the Monrovia Arena, who for a while, could dream of a historic win.

“We wanted to snatch this victory, and I wanted to score, and I did. This is a great day for Tunisia,” said man of the match Ben Yousseff.

Tunisia played fluent football but Panama took the lead after a shot by Jose Luis Rodriguez took a deflection off Tunisian defender Yassine Meriah in the 33rd minute for an own goal.

Having failed to finish off several chances in the first half, Tunisia took six minutes to assert themselves after the restart. Ben Yousseff picked up a low cross from Khazri to slot the ball home from close range.

Khazri added the second in the 66th minute, running unmarked on to a low cross to tap into an open goal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Doris, James promise ‘excitement’ tomorrow at Leonora –Olympian looking forward to seeing much of Guyana

By Rawle Toney RENOWNED for his exploits on the track, specifically in the 400 metres, Kirani James arrived in Guyana last evening, along with Guyana’s Commonwealth Games triple Jump gold medallist, Troy Doris and a host of athletes from the 25 countries set to feature at tomorrow’s Aliann Pompey meet.

The National Track and Field Centre at Leonora will host the event for the third year and according to James and Doris, athletics fans could expect nothing short of fireworks.

For James, competing at the Aliann Pompey Invitational provides him an opportunity to return to full fitness after missing a year from the sport he’s acclaimed for; recovering from Graves’ disease (an immune system disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormones).

On his return to the track on June 9 at the JN Racers Grand Prix in Kingston, Jamaica, James clocked an impressive 44.35 seconds to win the 400 metres at the event.

According to the 25-year-old Grenadian who won his country’s first ever Olympic Medal in 2012 (400

metres gold), his primary intention ahead of next year’s world championship is to be in a position where he could reclaim his throne as the world’s best over the distance as he first did in Daegu.

James also pointed out that he’s looking forward to the challenge tomorrow at Leonora, adding that he hopes that his presence inspires an upcoming athlete in Guyana, but warned that he’s also here to compete, throwing down the gauntlet to those desirous of a challenge.

Nigerian Chidi Okezie, the African Championships 400 metres bronze medallist;

Guyana’s 400 metres record holder (45.25 seconds) Winston George; USbased Guyanese Stephan James, Arinze Chance, Carlwyn Collins, Dequawn Nkosi Vancooten, Brian Roman, Shawn Semple, Joshua Walcott and South American Junior record holder, Daniel Williams, are all expected to face off against the legendary Grenadian.

Meanwhile, for Doris, the Aliann Pompey Invitational will mark his first time competing in Guyana, and speaking to Chronicle Sport upon his arrival at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the

Chicago-based triple jump specialist is looking forward to the competition, stating “I’ve basically competed against most of the guys and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Doris (17.18 metres, his personal best) will come up against Donald Scott, the Outdoor USA Track and Field Championships triple jump champion, who leaped to victory with a distance of 17.37 metres, which was also a personal best.

Suriname’s Miguel Van Assen who holds his country’s national record in the event, as well as the CARIFTA and South American title, also arrived

in Guyana.

Van Assen’s personal best is 16.94 metres. The Surinamese is also the 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games champion.

The triple jump at this year’s Aliann Pompey Invitational could steal the show, since also arriving to compete is the Bahamas’ Leevan Sands.

Sands won bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games, as well as bronze at the World Championship and Commonwealth Games. He’s a Pan Am Games silver medallist and multiple times gold medallist at the CARIFTA Games.

Rainforest Water senior national Januzaj strike helps squash championships…

Belgium beat England Arjoon, Wiltshire share spoils on opening night

Adnan Januzaj of Belgium in action during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Belgium at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 28, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)

(REUTERS) - IT had been viewed as the game no-one wanted to win but Adnan Januzaj’s fine finish early in the second half gave Belgium a 1-0 victory over England to secure the Group G top spot in a contest between two sets of reserves.

The result means Belgium, who won all three of their group games to finish on nine points, will face Japan in the last 16 while England, who came second with six, take on

Colombia.

That gives Gareth Southgate’s England a tougher test in the second round but should they get past the South Americans they will find themselves on a much more promising path to the final.

Belgium’s side of the draw includes Brazil, who they could face in the quarter-finals, Argentina, Portugal and France.

England’s opponents are, on paper at least, easier — Sweden or Switzerland

await in the last eight — and they face less travelling should they progress.

“The knockout game is the biggest game for a decade, so we had to make sure our key players were preserved,” said Southgate, having left out captain Harry Kane among others.

“We created openings to get something from the game, but we have to keep improving. I think the supporters know what the most important thing is,” he added.

THERE were wins for Alex Arjoon and Shomari Wiltshire as Squash action commenced Wednesday evening with the Rainforest Water Senior National Championships at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street.

Former junior Caribbean Champion, Damien Da Silver, returned to the court after a number of years with surprisingly very little dust on his racket, as he fought a tough battle against Jonathan Antczak.

Both players were on par throughout the match but DaSilva’s magic touch won out as he secured a

three love win; 11/9, 11/6, 11/8.

Last evening, the women and veterans were slated to be in action.

Accomplished veteran,Garfield Wiltshire takes on Lloyd Fung-AFat while Brian Young faces Tony Farnum in the smallest veteran category, while the women play against the younger ladies in an 8 player draw.

Matches begin at 18:00hrs.

MENS Robert Fernandes beat Reagan Rodrigues 11/3, 11/0.11/2.

Alex Arjoon beat Gianni Carpenter 11/2, 11/6, 11/0 Damien Da Silva beat Jonathan Antczak 11/9, 11/6, 11/8 Shomari Wiltshire beat Adam Alves 11/5, 11/5, 11/4 Jason Ray Khalil beat Lee Fung A Fat 11/0, 11/3, 11/0 Nyron Joseph beat Joshua Abdool 11/2, 11/1, 11/1.

Regan Pollard beat Samuel Ince-Carvalhal 11/6, 11/3, 11/2 Richard Chin beat Jason Van Dyk 11/1, 11/2, 11/6

Civil Aviation defeats Forestry Commission in tape ball Competition GUYANA Forestry Commission (GFC) defeated Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in the final of the Inter-Ministries taped ball Cricket Competition to win the Global Marketing Trophy.

Held on Sunday at the

Durban Park Tarmac, the tournament saw seven teams taking part in the event coordinated by James Lewis.

GCAA, batting first scored 85-6 in 6 overs. In reply, G.F.C scored 86-5 in 5.1 overs.

The other teams in

the competition were Ministry of Communities (C.H.P.A), Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Guyana Beverage Inc., Ministry of Education and Ministry of Agriculture.

The second place finisher won the INK PLUS trophy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, June 29, 2018

Singh to captain National U-17 Team Sachin Singh

FORMER West Indies Under-15 captain, Sachin Singh, will lead a strong national Under-17 squad to the 2018 Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional tournament from July 8 to 18 in Trinidad & Tobago.

That championship title

Regal ready for battle in the ‘Big Apple’ THE Regal All-Stars and Regal Masters teams have wrapped up their intense preparation in Guyana ahead of the June 29th to July 1st Independence Cup 2018, and have arrived in New York brewing with confidence of being crowned champions again.

Yesterday, both teams arrived in New York via Fly Jamaica Airways and will swing into action today in the Open and Masters Over 45-years categories.

In 2016, the teams carted off the ‘double’ but were both beaten in the finals the year after and have gone back to the drawing board to prepare harder to avoid a repeat.

Over the past few weeks, the teams were under the watchful eyes of their coaches leading up to today’s bowl-off and will “hit the ground running,” according to team owner, Mahendra Hardyal. “Despite the weather, we were able to use the tarmac of the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO) and I will say we have momentum on our side as we arrive in New York,” Hardyal stated.

Hardyal is also pleased with the fact that the two teams have been blending well and are settled. “In the open side, we welcome Nandshyaam Boodhoo, Lennox “Assassin” Mark and Shilendra Ramnauth who have replaced Safraz Esau, Richard Latif and Navin Singh who opted to

ply their trade elsewhere.

That I think has given us the balance that we need to be champions again.”

Regal All-Stars will be led by all-rounder Rohit “The Beast” Dutchin and will include Patrick Rooplall, Fazal Rafeek and Sachin Singh who are all veterans of the game.

Meanwhile, Hardyal will take charge of the Masters side which includes Eon Abel, Rudolph Baker, Throy Kippins, Eric Thomas, Laurie “Tony” Singh and Parsram “Pacer” Persaud who are all known match winners.

The twelfth edition of the annual New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) Independence Cup bowls off this morning with preliminary round action in the Open, Over45 years old and Over-50 categories. The other two preliminary rounds will be played this afternoon and on Saturday morning before the semi-finals on Saturday afternoon.

The finals will take place on Sunday at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.

In their quest for the double, the teams have been strongly supported by Ink Plus, Fly Jamaica Airways, Cricket Zone USA, the Muslim Youth Organization (MYO), the National Sports Commission (NSC), Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Star Party Rentals, Ansa McAl and Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop.

is the only one that has eluded Guyana.

The closest the Guyanese have come to winning the Under-17 title was in 2016 when Guyana placed second after their final game against the host nation, Trinidad and

Tobago, was rained out.

The team comprises Sachin Singh (captain), Andre Seepersaud (Vicecaptain), Seon Glasgow, Navendra Persaud, Yeudistir Persaud (wicketkeeper), Hrithik Singh, Niron Bissu, Nigel

Deodat, Gevon Shultz, Badesh Parsotam, Sheldon Charles, Sylvian Williams, Leon Swamy and Dwayane Dick. The team will be managed by Nazeer Mohamed and coached by Orin Bailey.

The four standbys are:

Ameer Singh, Andrew Samaroo, Trevon Charles and Marvan Prashad.

The GCB would like to wish this team all the best and believes that the selected team possess the ability to bring home the title.

CONCACAF chief hails ...

Colombia edge Senegal 1-0

Doris, James promise ‘excitement’ tomorrow at Leonora PAGE

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29 Yerry Mina of Colombia (not pictured) scores his team’s first goal past Khadim Ndiaye of Senegal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Senegal and Colombia at Samara Arena on June 28, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Aliann Pompey (L) and 400M Olympic and World Champion Kirani James upon his arrival last evening at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (Adrian Narine photo)

Regal ready for battle in the ‘Big Apple’

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31 Regal teams prior to departure at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri on Wednesday night

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FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 2018