Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_6_24_2019

MONDAY 24th June, 2019

No.105678

Proposal for consequential orders ...

Gov’t must remain in office –– proposes house-to-house registration, upholding of decisions taken by Patterson

–– wants House to meet to extend period for holding of elections

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‘Coalition’ best managers ––ofpetroleum oil resources expert 03 PAGE

CJIA board takes 05 swift action against sexual harassment PAGE

Life Reform 13 tackles illicit drugs in schools PAGE

The government, through Attorney-General Basil Williams, has proposed to the Caribbean Court of Justice that it remains in office until a President is sworn in after elections are held.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

WPA prefers Gov’t, Opposition reach workable solution –– rather than face orders from the CCJ –– reiterates call for house-to-house registration

THE Working People’s Alliance (WPA) prefers a workable solution from the Government and Opposition, rather than an order from the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

The CCJ has ruled that the no-confidence motion against the government was validly passed, and that the appointment of the chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was flawed.

The CCJ, having upheld the no-confidence vote against the government, and simultaneously quashed the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as GECOM Chair, is scheduled to make a number of consequential orders today.

However, it has given the parties in the two cases an opportunity to meet and hammer out a consensus before the court gives those orders.

The WPA has noted that the court has given the two sides an opportunity to arrive at a consensus on the orders to flow from the rulings, but as far as guidance is concerned, it has suggested “a happy marriage between principle and practicality.”

“For the WPA, this is a fair balance that should be embraced by all sides. The

ball is once again in our leaders’ court; it is yet another test of their political maturity, which has so often been absent from their deliberations,” said the political party.

According to the WPA, the key question is, when elections should be held. Understandably, both sides would like a timeline that maximises their chances of victory at the polls, but the gravity of the situation demands consensus over partisanship.

The WPA believes that consensus must be the basis for “a happy marriage between principle and practicality”.

The constitutional timeline of 90 days should be married to the practicality of holding credible elections within that timeframe, the WPA said, noting that credible elections are as sacrosanct as honouring the constitutional timeline that follows a successful no-confidence vote.

“What is at stake is respect for both the rule of law and the need for free and fair elections, in which all citizens are guaranteed the right to participate,” said the WPA. The party is satisfied that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is not able to guarantee credible elections with the current voters list. It says that given

the country’s history of controversial voters’ lists and charges of crooked elections, it would rather err on the side of electoral integrity.

DON’T RUSH The WPA is concerned that rushing to an election with a tainted list, and the possible disenfranchisement of new voters would be unconstitutional, and could aggravate tensions in the society.

“Further, such a course of action could activate a new round of court actions that would ultimately cause more delays. We should not sacrifice one sacred principle in the undue haste to satisfy another one; what is needed is a formula that satisfies both.

This calls for political will and maturity on the part of the leaders,” said the WPA. Given the foregoing concerns, they reiterated their support for house-to-house registration, and or other means aimed at ensuring a clean voters’ list.

But, in light of the stipulated constitutional timeline, the WPA is urging that this exercise be done in the shortest possible time.

“We do not believe that a few extra

months would offer the government side any unfair advantage, nor do we think it amounts to the use of delaying tactics,” said the party.

Regarding the selection of a new GECOM Chair, the WPA thinks that both the Opposition Leader and the President have a responsibility to ensure that the system works to the advantage of Guyana.

In the circumstances, they have endorsed the suggestion that both leaders agree to a list of potential candidates from which the President chooses the chair.

“We also suggest that such a list should not include anyone with overt political ties to any political party. We further urge that this process be done in a timely manner.

WPA remains confident that there are eminent Guyanese who are ready to put the interest of the country above partisan concerns,” the party said.

The party also believes that nothing can be more important than the removal of a constitutionally-elected government by means other than the electoral process, or the process by which the chairperson of the elections commission is appointed.

Burn victim seeking Miss World Guyana contestant overseas treatment wants to transform digital landscape KIMBERLY Adams, a quarter-finalist in the Miss World Guyana 2020 pageant, has officially launched her ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ initiative, with the goal of transforming the digital landscape of Guyana.

The initiative, named ‘Future Guyana’, was designed to tackle the issues of brain drain and lack of innovation in the country by establishing accelerator programmes geared at providing equal and accessible opportunities in the information technology field.

“While education is a fundamental element in the overall path of progressing this sector, it is incomplete.

Our students must be equipped with the appropriate resources and opportunities after the education leg,” Adams said.

As she went on to explain: “The structure of the community is one that hopes to enforce social change by creating an initiative driven by the people. The ‘Future Guyana’ community consists of two key elements: The re-

Kimberly Adams source network and volunteer network.

The resource network is comprised of

businesses and organisations willing to lend their resources and time towards our accelerator programmes. This may include office space, mentorship, equipment-sharing and so forth. Our volunteer network is made up of like-minded individuals with a passion for the industry, and a drive for change. They have access to the resource network for assistance with designing and launching these accelerator programmes.”

The ‘Future Guyana’ community, Adams said, has since established a few resource partners among them Nexus Hub Inc., the University of Guyana Robotics Club, and Sites.gy.

“We look forward to expanding this network and developing wellthought-out programmes for our students and visionaries,” Adams said.

Having worked in the Blockchain field for the past four years, Adams emphasised the socioeconomic impact technology can have on a country, and has since become an advocate for emerging technologies in developing nations.

NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Kevin Delph who was severely burnt is seeking advanced treatment overseas.

Delph sustained second and third-degree burns across 70 per cent of his body, when a kerosene stove which he was using to make dinner, exploded on him.

“Kevin has been hospitalised since and though he is cared for by an amazing team of doctors in Guyana, he is unable to receive the advanced treatment necessary to recover,” said the Saving Hands Emergency Inc (SHEA) foundation in a Facebook post.

Delph’s only hope for survival is a medical transport to the United States of America, where he can receive state-of-the-art treatment.

SHEA Charity has accepted Delph’s case and has secured the necessary treatment which he so desperately needs.

“We are currently in the process of coordinating his medical transfer, but we need your help. Please donate and help us save this young life,” said the foundation.

Persons who are interested in donating towards the cause can do so by visiting the SHEA website at: http:// savinghandsemergencyaid.org/kevindelph.

The SHEA website and their Facebook “go fund me” are the only fundraisers for Delph. If persons donate through any other means, they are putting themselves at risk for fraud.

SHEA is a publicly funded charity which is managed by volunteers. One hundred per cent of all donations are allocated to patient-care.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

Gov’t must remain in office –– proposes house-to-house registration, upholding of decisions taken by Patterson for consequential orders –– wants House to meet to extend period for holding of elections

AHEAD of today’s court hearing to determine the consequential orders following the upholding of the no-confidence motion, the Government of Guyana, through Attorney-General Basil Williams has proposed that it remains in office until a President is sworn in after elections are held, and insists that houseto- house registration must be used to determine the list of eligible voters for any future polls.

The administration has also proposed that decisions taken by former chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice James Patterson be upheld, thereby invoking the de facto doctrine that efforts be made to swiftly appoint a new chairman.

The proposal, which clearly contrasts with what the Opposition has put forward, was dispatched to lawyer for Leader of the Opposition, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendez by Williams SC on Sunday.

During last week’s ruling on the no-confidence motion and the appointment of the chairman of GECOM, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Adrian Saunders had urged the parties to meet and find consensus regarding the consequential orders to be handed down today at 14:00hrs.

The Opposition has proposed the immediate resignation of the government; the holding of elections in three months; and the utilisation of a claims

and objections exercise to finalise the voters’ list.

The Government, in its proposal, has acknowledged that the Motion of No-Confidence debated in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 was validly passed in accordance with Article 106 of the Constitution.

However, it has stated that “The Government, including the President, Prime Minister, Ministers and Cabinet shall remain in office until a President is sworn in after elections have been held.”

Article 106 (7), of the Constitution states: “Notwithstanding its defeat, the government shall remain in office, and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Additionally, the Government is proposing that it be ordered that the National Assembly convene to have a resolution passed in order that the time be extended for the holding of an election within the earliest time as indicated after the President has consulted with GECOM. The government has also proposed that if for any reason, the National Assembly does not pass the Resolution, or the Resolution does not garner the requisite majority for an

extension, the President, after consultation with the Elections Commission, shall dissolve the National Assembly, and General and Regional Elections shall be held on a date to be fixed by the President under Articles 70(2) and 61 respectively.

HOUSE-TO-HOUSE On the contentious issue of new registration, the Government has outlined in its proposal that the registration of persons for the purpose of ascertaining who is qualified to be an elector is by ‘house-tohouse visits’, as provided for under Section 3(1) of the Elections Law (Amendment) Act of 2000.

“General and Regional Elections shall be held on the National Register of Registrants/Central Register under the National Registration Act, which Register is to be prepared by ‘house-to-house visits’ pursuant to Sections 2 and 3 of the National Registration Act as amended by the National Registration (Amendment) Act No. 31 of 2007,” the government asserted.

GECOM CHAIR On the issue of the chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, the government has asserted that account must be taken of the de facto doctrine that all acts done by the chairman while he purported to perform the duties of chair-

man shall be declared valid.

Additionally, it has proposed that “before the list is formally handed over to the President in order to facilitate the appointment of a chairman of the Elections Commission, the President and the Leader of the Opposition shall communicate with each other, in good faith, not excluding meeting face-to-face, with a view to agreeing to a list of six persons who meet the eligibility criteria, not unacceptable to the President, from which the President shall select a Chairman of the GECOM in accordance with the Constitution as expeditiously as possible.”

PRESIDENT’S POSITION Following last week’s ruling, President David Granger, in an address to the nation, said the December 21, 2018 vote and the independent legal processes in the courts that followed it, have been of utmost importance to him and the Government.

“We respect the legal process, and the decision of Caribbean Court of Justice, as well as the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. We did not believe that the no-confidence vote was valid, and neither did we believe it reflected the will of Parliament or the Guyanese people. We will, however, accept and abide by the Court’s decision.”

He said it is now clear that the Guyanese people need certainty about the fu-

ture and a way forward.

“I want to outline a clear path. It is essential that we hold fair, free and credible elections. We cannot proceed on the current list of voters; it is outdated and corrupted. It may hold as many as 200,000 incorrect entries.

What’s more, those who have reached the age of 18 years since the last election are not on it,” President Granger said.

ALL MUST VOTE According to the President, the Constitution entitles all citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote.

“It is a democratic imperative that house-to-house registration be completed swiftly, so we can have an election at the earliest opportunity.

The chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice Patterson, has previously informed me that the Commission will be ready to hold elections in November 2019. This will be after the completion of house-to-house registration.

I now await a recommendation for a specific date from GECOM, and I will then issue a proclamation,” President Granger said, adding: “Guyana, since my election in 2015, has been moving in the right direction after 23 years of stagnation under successive PPP administrations. Significant progress has been made. But real change is neither quick nor easy to come by. There is still a lot more to do.”

He said he would devote his time serve all citizens. “I

Attorney-General, Basil Williams will devote all my energies, until the forthcoming election, to serve our people and our country, and deliver good governance. Guyanese can confidently expect to live in a country that is moving forward; with communities that are safer; in a society that is more cohesive; with better infrastructure, greater access to quality education and an economy that is more resilient; providing better jobs,” the President said.

Noting that his administration is on the right path, the Guyanese leader said, “When the election comes, I urge all our people, of whatever background, to support me and the APNU+AFC coalition to give us the opportunity to secure the best future for Guyana.

I call on all Guyanese to remain calm, and I assure you that the Government will abide by the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.”

‘Coalition’ best managers of oil resources –– petroleum expert denounces PPP as ‘band of corrupt politicians’ ALTHOUGH former Petroleum Adviser to the President, Dr. Jan Mangal is not in full agreement with the management of oil contracts by the current administration, he is convinced they are the best leaders to manage Guyana’s petroleum sectors.

Dr Mangal said as much in a letter to the press on Saturday, where he compared management under the former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to that of the David Granger-led Coalition government.

“Please note that even though I am critical of many high-ranking officials in the

current government, I saw for myself how President Granger took numerous positive actions with respect to oil.

Also, I am still convinced that the current leadership cabal of the main Opposition is a tremendous threat, and the biggest threat to our future with oil,” Dr Mangal said.

The petroleum expert stated that he has had much time to observe and come to the conclusion, as he continues to highlight the “grand thefts and forfeitures of billions of US dollars” under the former administration.

However, recent attacks against his character have caused Dr Mangal to respond

to his accusers.

One of the attacks at reference came from PPP affiliate, Robin Singh, who accused the former petroleum adviser of influencing ExxonMobil in its award of a contract in 2017 for a supply base in Guyana.

In response, Dr Mangal said: “This is incorrect. I had no influence, and no one in government, or associated with government, should have any influence.

Contracts that ExxonMobil signs with companies for services in Guyana and around the world are business-to-business (B2B) contracts. Governments must

Petroleum expert, Dr. Jan Mangal not be involved in any way to influence the award of these contracts between companies, and if they are, that is corruption. This may come as a shock to Mr. Robin Singh and the current

leadership cabal of the PPP, because when they were in government, they were widely accused of illegality in respect to major contracts.”

Dr Mangal has been credited with greatly influencing the decision of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) to investigate the questionable award of oil blocks to “junior” companies by the PPP in the dying days of its term in office.

It is being reported that a short while before the 2015 General and Regional Elections, the PPP/C Donald Ramotar-led administration signed over the awards for the blocks.

Ramotar has since claimed that he had no knowledge that Guyana

had oil before awarding the blocks, but sources within SARA are continuing with the investigation, as they view the sequential occurrences as “suspicious”.

Speaking on the issue, in relation to the recent efforts to discredit him, Dr Mangal said: “Please note that Mr. Robin Singh only started his accusations after my long efforts to disclose the grand fraud of the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks became international news, and after SARA took an interest in the fraud. Was this because I challenged his PPP friends who awarded these two oil blocks to non-entities?”

At this stage, no-one knows how long the investigation will take.

US-Iran: Trump announces Americas Regional Ministerial Conference 'major' sanctions on Green Economyamid openstensions today

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

the deal last year and reinstatThe reinstatement of US firms or countries that are such as meat and eggs, which red line".

–– innovative ‘green’ investment through Private-Public Partnerships among ed sanctions.

This triggered sanctions have soared in price. areas of last year - partic- dealing with Iran.

Butdiscussion US military officials

(BBC) The US will impose "major" additional sanctions on Iran in a bid to

By Svetlana Marshall in prevent the country obtainBrazil ing nuclear weapons, President Trump says.

THE Donald 2019 Americas Regional ConferHe Ministerial said economic presencewould on Green Economy sure be maintained unopens at the Ceara less thetoday leadership in Tehran Events Centre in Fortaleza, changed course. northeastern Brazil.

"We're putting additional The high-level Green sanctions he told Economy on," forum, an reportextension"In of [some] the World ers. cases Green we are Economyrapidly."

Summit, is intendmoving ed toItraise regional comes afterawareness Iran anby showcasing and scaling up nounced it would exceed the impact of evidence-based internationally agreed limits ‘green economy’ solutions, already provenprogramme. to be successon its nuclear ful by AmeriThecountries limit oninitsthestockpile cas, in addressing sustainable of enriched uranium was set development challenges. The under a 2015 nuclearfocusdeal conference, therefore, with In return, es onworld threepowers. main thematic relevant sanctionsImproving were liftareas, namely: ed, allowing Iran to resume oil exports - the government's main source of revenue.

But the US pulled out of

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This has led to shortages

Iran has responded to the

maintain the drone was in inations, will pressure discuss Guyana’s economic by violat- Suárez. ternational airspace over the recently completed Green The three-day Green ing some of the nuclear deal's Economy conference is orState Development Strategy Strait of Hormuz at the time. commitments.

It has The also ganised by the World Green (GSDS) Vision 2040.

Amir Organisation Ali Hajizadeh,in a GSDS is European intended to guide Economy accused countries high-ranking officer the the thetocouncooperation withinthe of management failing to liveofup their close try’s natural wealth, Office for IRGC, Nations said another military promises ofresource protecting Iran's United support economic resilience, South-South Cooperation, and economy from US sanctions. aircraft, carryingInstitute, 35 passenHOMEGROWN and build human capital and the Brazil-Africa in What is the bigger picgers, had with beenaflying SOLUTIONS institutional capacity. partnership numberclose of ture?

Building on specifA breakout session by key stakeholders. is hosted to the drone. "WeItcould have ic examples of successful the International Solar Althe Government of the President Trump's an- by shot down that one too, but homegrown solutions, the liance (ISA) on In- State of Ceará, Brazil. nouncement thatSocial additional ministers, during the panel vestment, ‘Transition to a weNoting did not," said. EconthatheGreen sanctions will beisimposed Nations Industrial Develop- discussion, will explore op- Green Economy’, among omy The offers vast opportunities shooting down of the ment Organization (UNIDO) portunities that that exist the on highlights Iran comesforat Tuesday. a time of in eradicating poverty, as Representative, Regional drone followed accusations escalating between well as sustaining economic nowadays in the region of This US President Donald Trump announced the sessiontensions will primarily Hub in Mexico, Guillermo in achieving focus oncountries. the impact that growth, thethat World by the US Iran Green had atsanctions outsidethe the Americas White House the two Castella Lorenzo, is sched- impactful and noticeable investment and innovation Economy Organisation has On Thursday, an untacked two oil tankers with uled to deliver the keynote transition to a Green Econ- in solar energy can have on explained “the Regional Minmanned US drone was shot mines just outside the Strait address. omy. sustainable economy of isterial Conference on Green energy, shipping and goods and prod- the down by Iranian forces in Economy Immediately afterfinanthe of imported It is believed that in an developing countries. is intended to creof Hormuz. cial sectors - caused foreign effort ucts that are made with raw the Gulf. opening ceremony, Guyana’s to effectively transiate an open and has conducive Mr Trump said he Education Nicolette investmentMinister, to dry up and hit tion materials from abroad, most ENERGY to a Green Economy, Iran's Islamic Revolu- knowledge-sharing setting TRANSITION Henry will join Panama’s does not want war with countries must have in place “Today theCorps world(IRGC) is ex- aimed to support the particoil exports. notably babies' nappies. tional sanctions" would come Minister tionary Guard of Environment, an enabling policy and leg- periencing an energy tranin further Iran, but warnedimproving it it would The Sempris, sanctionsand barPanUS The plunging value of the said the drone's into force on Monday. downing was ipants Emilio islative environment that sition, where renewables, their understanding on the face "obliteration" if concompanies from trading with rial has also affected the cost How have US sanctions ama’s Minister of Health, would draw general econom- and a "clear message" to the US trends and opportunities solar in particular, on Miguel Mayo a panel dis- icofactivities hit Iran?

Iran, but alsoinwith foreign locally produced staples are thatno Iran's borders "our the flictway broke out. advancing to Green Sectors longer justwere a subtowards cussion on enabling policy through attractive investment sidy-enabled option, but Green Economy agenda in and regulatory frameworks and business development are cost-competitive with the Americas Region.” It also for a Green Economy. opportunities. conventional fuels. presents a strategic networkThey will also be joined It is expected that MinisOn average, more jobs ing opportunity for all green

by Ecuador’s Vice-Minister ter Henry, during her deliber- are created for each unit of economy champions and electricity generated from actors active in the Americas renewable sources than from Region. fossil MEETING fuels. This will force 2019 Americas Re-in GAZA CITY (Reuters) - Pal- proposal is for the construction of a waters, our air space and our borMANAMA Some of “The the projects would be other energy to gional Ministerial Conference estinian officials on Saturday $5 billion transportation corridor to ders so we can freely export and No Palestinian officials providers belong- Egypt’s Sinai peninsula, where instay competitively-priced on Green is a result dismissed proposals unveiled by connect the West Bank and Gaza. ing to Palestinian President Mah- and import.” vestments couldEconomy, benefit Palestinians therefore it easier for of the success of the annual President Donald Trump’s sonPLO andmake Palestinian She said the Trump administra- moud Abbas’ The “peace to prosperity” plan living in adjacent Gaza, a crowded more people to have access to since 2014, World Green Monday, 24, 2019 09:30hrs.-11:00hrs. in-law JaredJune Kushner for big attend the conference is set to be presented at an interna- tion’s stance was an “entirely wrong Authority will and impoverishedSummit coastal enclave. electricity,” the World model, money projects to form the first tional conference in Bahrain next approach”, adding: “They can end in Bahrain. The White House said itGreen Economy Gaza, Hamas official toIsmail Economy Organisation said Inand a direct response the economic portion of the Trump week by Kushner, who told Reuters the occupation, which is the most decided against inviting the Israeli Rudwan alsoofrejected Kushner’s as it explained the importance requests participating counadministration’s long-awaited that Palestinian leaders should con- basic requirement for prosperity. government of because the PA would proposals. transitioning to a Green tries and institutional partners Middle East peace plan.

There can be no prosperity under not be there.Economy. sider the initiative. to armed bring Islamist ‘green’ group solutions The is the Senior Palestine Liberation Several Gulf Arab states, New in- En“This is going to be the ‘Oppor- occupation.”

Vice-Minister, closer to rival the regional contexts, main internal to Abbas, whose Organization (PLO) official Hanan tunity of the Century’ if they have Arabia, will parIsraeli Energy Minister Yuval cluding Saudi ergies and Rational and Effithe impact of powerand basetoisdeepen in the West Bank. But Ashrawi said Kushner’s plans were the courage to pursue it,” he said. the June U.S.Steinitz said the plan looked prom- ticipate in cient use of25-26 Energy, Ministry transition a ‘green’over econboth are in rare to agreement the “all abstract promises” and said led gathering in Manama.

TheirVeneHowever Ashrawi, a veteran ising. of Electrical Energy, through scaling up and Trumpomy administration.

“We reject zuela,U.S. Manuel Contreras only a political solution would solve Palestinian negotiator and member presence, some officials say Her- replication of successful practhe ‘deal of the century’ and all its nandezintended is scheduled to deliv- tices at the regional level,” the conflict. Hamas, the Islamist of the executive committee of the privately, appears in part ADVERTISEMENT dimensions, the economic, the poer an address on this critical the World Green Economy militant group that controls Gaza, PLO, said only a political solution “What’s been published until to curry favor with Trump as he liticalOrganisation and the security dimensions,” of adapting to a Green explained. was more blunt, saying: “Palestine that ended Israel’s occupation of the now looks good and even very takes a hard issue line against Iran, those Rudwan told Economy.

Chief Executive The Reuters.

World Green Econisn’t for sale”. arch-foe.

Palestinian Territories would solve good. We are always in favor of de- countries’ regional Officer of the Guyana Energy omy Summit is one of the “The issue of our Palestinian An Israeli cabinet minister wel- the conflict. veloping the Palestinian economy, The economic revival plan Agency (GEA), Mahender leading annual global people is a nationalistic issue, foit is comed the plan.

Speaking to Reuters by phone ending the humanitarian crisis in would take place only if a political Sharma is also scheduled the to issue rums brings of athat people whotogether are seekThe Trump administration’s $50 from the West Bank city of Ramal- Gaza, ensuring economic prosperity solution to discuss the region’s long-runthis very important experts to focus ing toworld-class be free from occupation. billion Middle East economic plan lah, she said: “If they really care in the Palestinian communities,” he ning problems is reached. topic, alongsideMore Bolivia’s on advancing the global isn’t for sale, agenda and it is calls for creation of a global invest- about the Palestinian economy they told Israeli Reshet TV. than half of the $50 billion would be Palestine Vice-Minister of Electricity Green Economy not an issue for bargaining.

Palment fund to lift the Palestinian and should start by lifting the siege of “The entire world wants to help spent in the and economically troubled Alternative Energies, and and the path towards the is a sacred land there neighboring Arab state economies, Gaza, stopping Israel stealing our the Palestinians except for the Pal- Palestinian territories over 10Sustainable years estineimplementation Vice-President, of and the Unitoption forSustainable the occupation according to U.S. officials and doc- money and our resources and our estinians themselves.” while the rest would be split be- is no ed Development, Corporación Nations Dede and Fomento, uments reviewed by Reuters. One land and opening up our territorial exceptvelopment to leave,”Agenda he said.2030. tween Egypt,Andina Lebanon Jordan.Julián regulatory and policy frameIran, pushing the value of works for a Green Econoits currency to record lows my, promoting innovative and driving away through foreign green investment investors. public-private partnerships, and Iran advancing national-level has responded by capacity development for a scaling back its commitments holistic ‘green’ action. under the nuclear deal.

During the high-level "If Iran wants become opening ceremony,to Chairman a prosperous nation... it's OK of the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO), with me," Mr TrumpSaeed said.

Mohammed Tayer; Chief "But they'reAl never going to State Secretary of the Govdo it if they think in five or ernment of the Brazilian State sixCeará, yearsJosé they're to of Élciogoing Batista; have nuclear weapons."

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) "Let's make Iran great Resident to again," heRepresentative added, echoing Brazil, Katyna Argueta; and his campaign slogan from the President of Brazil Africa In2016 presidential election. stitute, Professor João Bosco In will a later tweet, Mr Monte deliver remarks.

Trump said the "major addiNotably, Director and United

of Environment, Michael Castañeda; and Roberto Liz, the Director of Social and Economic Development in the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development of the Dominican Republic.

Palestinians reject Kushner 'economy first' approach to Mideast peace

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CJIA to take immediate remedial action – in face of sexual harassment charges levied against official

By Tamica Garnett THE Board of Directors of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) announced Sunday that it is immediately putting steps in place to “tackle the issue of sexual harassment and assault in the workplace”.

This is one week after reports first surfaced in the media about a female employee of a private company located at the airport being sexually assaulted by a senior airport official, and days after the said employee was publicly and embarrassingly removed from her workplace.

The young woman in question says that the decision taken by the CJIA Board gives her little comfort, as she now sits at home without a job, and in a fragile psychological state of mind, watching her life fall apart, questioning if she even did the right thing by reporting the matter.

“I am so tired, I feel like I need to see a psychiatrist... for today, I have lost every hope I had when I started this. I felt so sure I was doing the right

thing; I said let me do this, because something wrong took place,” she said, trying her best to hold back the tears.

“I’m nobody; my parents aren’t important! I’m not important! To the whole world, you are nobody! So they say, ‘We can do what we want with you, and nobody will do anything.’ That’s just how this seems to me,” she said, adding: “When I went to them [Airport Management] to do something, they did nothing.

They took one year to tell me something, only to have me escorted from CJIA like a criminal.” Today, she feels very much alone.

“Who is with us in these things? Who?” she heartwrenchingly asked, amidst tears. “Who talks to the people who go through these things? Who? In my heart I know what happened in that office that day. And I thought I did the right thing; I sought the right help. And I thought it would’ve meant something.

Other people are reaching out to me, telling me that it happens every day; it happens to cleaners; it happens

to security.”

The young woman is alleging that the senior airport official not only touched her inappropriately, but also kissed her on her lips back in July 2018. At least one other person has since come forward, detailing how she was sexually harassed by yet another senior airport official some seven years ago, when she was just 17. The CJIA Board, in its statement, has said that it condemns any behaviour which creates an unsafe environment for staff, or anyone utilising the services at the airport, and that several measures are being put in place to remedy the situation.

AN IMMEDIATE REVIEW “The Board has called for an immediate review of all policies, protocols, regulations, and practices that govern conduct and engagements in the workplace, and has taken steps to hire external consultants and specialists to conduct the reviews. Training will be provided for all persons who work at the airport, including staff, at all levels,

and persons working at the airport on behalf of other agencies and companies,” the compny said, adding: “The CJIA board expects to have the external human resource management and gender affairs consultants in place by the end of this month.” The young lady at the centre of the matter says she does not know if the report she made to the management of the airport since July 2018 was ever reported to the Board, so she wants to be heard.

“The Board has women,” she said, “but nobody on the Board is taking the time to reach out to me to say, ‘Hey, let’s hear from your side what happened.’ You don’t have to believe me, but give me a hearing. One year ago I made a formal complaint; one year.

I am there for 12 years, and nobody has reached out to me.” The Board said it will be launching its own investigation, and has pledged to get to the bottom of the issue.

“The Board wishes to assure the public that all allegations of improper conduct will be taken seriously,

and there will be prompt investigations. The Board will ensure that there is follow-through on any investigations that are conducted, and any allegation that is found to be credible will result in the immediate appropriate action,” the CJIA said in its statement.

The victim said when the incident occurred, she immediately reported it to the Airport’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ramesh Ghir, and Human Resources Manager, Yeolena Callender. She said that both Ghir and Callender gave her all assurance that the matter would be dealt with. Today, one year on, she says, that’s all they’ve ever told her.

“I had a meeting with the HR and the CEO, where he gave me his assurance he will deal with it, and how this can’t happen under his watch,” the young lady recounted. “He went so far as to tell me, ‘My daughter, I will do my best.’ I said, ‘Are you sure I will not be removed?’

He said, ‘No. I give you my word.’”

After making an official

police report at the Timehri Police Station last Monday, she said, her airport security pass was taken away, therby preventing her from working.

She said she is yet to be told why her pass was taken away from her.

“I basically have no job,” she said. “They came to my store and took my badge, and escorted me. No formal letter was sent to my boss or management to say, ‘For this reason... or ‘We are revoking the pass for X, Y, Z or whatever.’

Nothing! They just come and just... like is their house they running. Management for my company has reached out to them; my lawyer has sent a letter asking them to state reasons... No response.”

As she went on to say, “The Airport is operating like an independent organisation, or a cult, I should say, because it seems to be run by one man who can do as he pleases. I have not breached security codes; I was not given a reason for removing me. I am not the culprit in this thing. They have absolutely no reason; I have not broken any code.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

Voting is an inalienable right THE right to vote was fought for with blood, sweat and tears. It is a right that ought not to be taken for granted or ignored.

It is a right that allows every eligible citizen the opportunity to vest privilege in a person and group he/she thinks can best represent and articulate his/her interest. It is a right that carries tremendous power, through which the voter can hire a representative, fire that representative and exercise the responsibility in ensuring that representative accounts for the management of citizens’ affairs and the nation’s resources. Voting, therefore, is a sacred duty and must be cherished.

To cherish the vote is to turn out and vote and, thereafter, remain vigilant in the political processes to ensure that promises made are kept, involvement in the management and decision-making on matters that impact the well-being of self and community is guaranteed and respected. To not vote is to deny oneself the opportunity to influence the course of direction impacting one’s life and community. It is against this background that we endorse the calls for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to move ahead with its planned house-to-house registration, which will guarantee eligible young voters a chance to cast their ballots at the impending elections as a step in the right direction.

We have heard the comments from both sides of the political divide on this matter,

and the elections body by way of majority vote earlier this year had decided that its approved work plan for 2019, which includes house-to-house registration and for which some $3B has been allocated, will go on. There should be no reason why this very important process should not go on and be embraced by all, regardless of where you stand on the current political situation.

House-to-house registration will also ensure that deceased persons and those who have migrated are removed from the voters’ list and, most importantly, it provides some level of comfort to political parties and electors that the list is ‘clean’ and is not compromised.

Guyana’s elder statesman Eusi Kwayana, in commenting on the current situation, warned that delay in the conduct of elections to facilitate the cleansing of the voters’ list would not be fatal, as he stressed that it could prevent the post- election troubles this country endured in 2001.

President David Granger, in also warning against rushing the process, told the media last week: “I don’t want a situation like we had in Nigeria, in which 2 o’clock in the morning the elections commission calls up the government and says elections can’t be held,” he said.

While the parliamentary opposition, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C), has been demanding early elections, it has

refused to the attend the National Assembly and as such, was not involved in the process of approving the necessary finances for the holding of elections. Added to that, it’s appointed commissioners on the Elections Commission have developed a trend of boycotting and walking out of critical meetings.

President Granger said Guyanese and other observers must take note of these actions.

“You have to pay attention to who has been damaging the functioning of GECOM by boycotting meetings, and who is not going to the National Assembly,” he urged.

“The National Assembly has not been prorogued; we have work to do to ensure that there are credible elections. I am committed to credible elections,” the Head of State said.

After a period of consultation with the Elections Commission, the government, with approval from the National Assembly, made approximately $3.4B available to GECOM in May to prepare for elections.

The sum supplements the $5.546B GECOM had already received for 2019. The Elections Commission is currently preparing for the conduct of house-to-house registration – a process which was necessitated with the expiration of the Official List of Voters on April 30, 2019.

President Granger said, at this stage, it is important for that process to be completed before General and Regional Elections are held. “We are committed to house-to-house

registration. The old list is invalid, it is expired, and it is corrupted,” he said.

Maintaining that having fair, free and credible elections is of importance to his government, President Granger has long maintained that the current list of voters is outdated and corrupted. Reports indicate that there are approximately 200,000 incorrect entries on the now expired ‘Office List of Voters.

It is against this background we again remind that when a voter is denied the right to vote, it is tantamount to relinquishing an important act in determining who ought to be the leaders in the country. More so, denial and/or refusal to discharge this sacred duty bears the consequences of having to live under conditions and in circumstances not befitting of your desire. A vote also places persons of choice in leadership positions to make and administer laws that can bring about economic opportunities, bring about equality, improve infrastructure, security and the environment, and manage your country free of corruption. To vote is to have a voice and the right to demand thereafter that the voice be heard and elected leaders act in accordance with the laws of the community and the desires of the people. Voting is a sacred duty and all eligible voters must be given the chance to exercise it.

PPP misguiding their supporters and Guyanese as always Dear Editor, IT is sad to see that many PPP supporters, especially the youths, are being misled by a set of persons who only think and believe in their selfish thinking, because they always put things to favour their beliefs and also always think that they are always correct and never wrong. Many times we would hear from the leader of the opposition and those who can speak if allowed to, that things are not so well in

Guyana and everything this government does is wrong or no good.

We heard the cry that the economy is down and that the PPP was the only party that had the economy going. But little do they know that it is believed and said that it was a drugs-driven economy under the PPP. Since this government came to power I must admit that things or business has slowed up. Why? Because this government allowed and paved the way for a DEA office and since

that office was established, many were caught with tens of millions of dollars worth in drugs. If there wasn’t a DEA office here, then those very tens of millions of dollars would have been pumped into many businesses to expand them and get the economy rolling high, as it used to be.

So that’s just one of the many ways that the opposition supporters are being misguided about the economy. I would not touch on rice, sugar, etc.

The economy is so slow and bad that the leader of the

opposition and many of his PPP comrades bought or upgraded their “rides” to Prado or high-quality SUVs. Bad economy. Most recently, I saw many of the opposition supporters, especially the youths once again being misguided in the NCM ruling and most recently the protest

by APNU+AFC supporters against GECOM. Let me state that those thousands of APNU+AFC supporters protesting against GECOM is doing what I do believe as or under their democratic rights,

and that is to demand that all persons eligible to vote must be given the opportunity, no matter which political party they are from.

Let me state also that the protest is for a clean list for clean elections, meaning free and fair. That can only be done when the list is cleansed of those who have died and those who have migrated.

How can any political party want to go into elections with an expired voters list and expect free and fair elections?

Expire is Expire, it’s no good

and cannot be used.

How can any political party or any politician object for a young person who turned 18 years not to be on the list of electors to express their saying and to democratically elect a leader of their choice? Doing that will take away the young man or woman’s democratic rights and muzzled them from expressing or electing their choice or support for a political party that they have full confidence TURN TO PAGE 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

Open letter to MoTP, elected leaders, civic leaders Dear Editor WHILE our leaders’ attention is on elections, we know too well that everyday life continues.

We the undersigned are concerned that we are experiencing destructive (mostly) male gang behaviour, which is not being adequately addressed by law enforcement and other national efforts.

Gang depravity and mob crimes are not new phenomena. They have been ripping apart our country’s social fabric for over two decades now. By gang, we do not mean only organised groups, but multiple people who may act together spontaneously on instinct to harm others in a particular situation. We are beset by gang home and business invasions and battery; bicycle gang thievery; gang sexual assaults on females and males, including children; gang beatings of vulnerable people in the streets; mob violence; and gang hate crimes such as harassment and violence against gay people.

The recent attack on gay rights activist Joel Simpson is unacceptable. The cruel gang beating of a defenceless, homeless man on the East Coast and the mob attack on the truck driver, Danion Welcome, involved in the tragic accident on the East Bank are equally unacceptable. We condemn these acts and call on the authorities to find and bring the criminals responsible to swift justice.

Violence against the vulnerable and bigoted violence against gay men and women have no place in a democratic society. We all have to do our part to build a living democracy. We ask you to stand up and lead the way, especially in the present national climate where political passions are heightened.

We must act now at the highest level of government, in our opposition parties, our mandirs, churches, mosques, companies, organisations, schools, communities, and in the streets to educate and demonstrate zero tolerance for this behaviour.

We call on the Office of the President and leaders of all political parties to acknowledge and condemn the recent incidents and to engage with citizens to find solutions. We call for an immediate and serious review of our penal system, policing approach, as well as education and other efforts to address the problem. We recognise the challenges our police force faces. The police become involved at the end of the pipeline when damage is done.

However, the instinct for violence is nurtured in our culture -- how we raise our children-- rich or poor-- how we treat each other and the examples we set. Violent activity is enabled by our socio-economics, with its ever-growing gap between those who have and those who have not. The solution to gang violence needs all of us committing, cooperating, and supporting our police force and those who are already working to prevent violence.

In closing, we wish it to be known that we are drawn from all political persuasions, economic strata, and ethnicities. We do not want our concerns to be misconstrued or to be usurped for political party or any other form of politicking. Please let’s stick to the issue and deal with it. Together we can.

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SIGNED 1. Simone Mangal-Joly 2. Ayodele Dalgety-Dean 3. Renata Chuck-A-Sang 4. Alana King 5. Trevor Bento 6. Delmar Rogers 7. Deborah Ramsay 8. Lalta Gainda 9. Jonathan Yearwood 10. Natasha Willems 11. Jennifer Cipriani 12. Amanda King 13. Farah Ousman-Kerr 14. Shawn King 15. Lionel Jaikaran 16. Raquel Thomas-Caesar 17. Indira Amato 18. Richard Persaud 19. Azad DeAbrue 20. Esther McIntosh 21. Maya Trotz 22. Pauline Mangal-Jardine 23. Sabine McIntosh 24. Annette Arjoon-Martins 25. Gina McCamley 26. Beverley Harper 27. Tricia Fiedtkou 28. Daina King 29. Don Singh 30. Saskia Wijngaarde 31. Mark Mangal 32. Denise Dias 33. Ewan Shanks 34. Monica Wong 35. Carol Ann Marcus 36. Kathleen Whalen 37. Wil Campbell 38. Sarah Wong-Williams 39. Terry Caesar 40. Devta Ramroop 41. Veronica Langford 42. Pauline Bullen 43. Huichang Yang 44. Sabanto Tokoroho 45. Christell Chesney 46. Cherie Crandon 47. Aliyah Anderson 48. Tisel Patterson 49. Malika Singh 50. Arianne Harris 51. Reanna Khan 52. Landra Richards 53. Jomeala Gilkes 54. Deopaul Somwaru 55. Kevin Jeffrey 56. Denise Jeffrey 57. Jessica Xavier 58. Patricia Sheerattan 59. Suzette Fortune 60. Sonia Vanessa Madera 61. Royston Savory 62. Mohamed Amin 63. Patrick Reid 64. Rehaad Ali 65. Chelsea Fung 66. Schemel Patrick 67. Winston Jackman 68. Devya Hemraj 69. Ann Geer 70. Sarena Kawall 71. Timothy McIntosh 72. Cladia Van Sluytman 73. Kamla Rampersaud 74. Sandra DePaul 75. Human Rights and Social Justice Commission, Diocese of Guyana

A look at our political conflict against the overwhelming media assault agenda

AS a founder-member of ACDA and an activist of a historically targeted group, I wish to express some perceptions on circumstantial and undisputed evidence towards the schemed aroused tensions that now plague this country.

We could not find the justification for the ‘NO-Confidence motion’ filled by the opposition on any grounds of evidence of Government Misconduct, Corruption, ineptness in addressing the Needs and Environment of citizens and projections that did not restore a mood of nationalism and the relationship long repressed with the ‘Being’ of Guyana and our Guyaneseness; all this they had done in four years that was not achieved in 23 years. A No-Confidence Motion, riddled with error, yet brought into the arena of legal existence through further error. The CCJ has ruled, but the President has made the correct position towards his GECOM appointment, for that court to show him where he erred; our constitution must prevail. There have always being a nexus between the PPP and the current Trinidadian Party of Basdeo Panday, the UNC. The first international support of the illegal-turned-legal no-confidence motion was celebrated by Trinidadian opposition UNC MP Barry Padarath, who erroneously called Charrandass Persaud a

regional hero; from IT personnel to advertising support, Trinidad sources have supported the PPP over the years and the CCJ is in Trinidad.

The apparent purpose of the no-confidence motion seem to be motivated by a passionate craving for power in the advent of ‘Oil,’ a racist contortion about the stratagem of the state of Guyana, and the need for a criminal state format agenda by a political group and their acolytes.

All explanations with some foreign interactions that cannot be discussed here lead to a disgusting scenario that stand before us today.

Thus, our full attention must be directed at the Janus-headed double sword media activists, including social media and swift fictional political statements intended to hypnotise, and we must be formidable in our understanding of the dark presence that hovers with intent to misguide and diminish our minds and spirit towards a denial of a state of independent progress, and a return to beggarhood and a callous division of Guyanese along racial lines, concealed behind facades that will be used when the time comes by paid political actors.

Regards Barrington Braithwaite

PPP misguiding... in. It is said that, this is the same opposition party the PPP that wants young people to have a say in Guyana’s development and governance. But yet again is fighting and demanding that their democratic rights be taken away. SHAMEFUL. This is the same opposition party the PPP, that said they want young people to lead Guyana, but yet bar many young qualified persons from within their party from running or contesting for the party presidential candidate post. Instead, as we all know, the king behind the throne selected or put a man who is being implicated in allegedly forging his qualifications by presenting to the nation a number of fake degrees and has 19 fraud charges hanging over his head.

Those are serious allegations for a person who wants to lead this nation. But yet the supporters of the said party, especially the youths are misguided on this very matter once again. Back to the GECOM protest, the opposition is peddling that they never heard a government protesting against itself, or a government have its supporters protesting their own government. This is a totally misguided statement. Why? In my recent article and post on fb I said that it is my belief that GECOM is a constitutional body that is independent and therefore the government or the President cannot mandate GECOM what to do. Therefore, the APNU+AFC supporters were protesting against an independent agency that does not fall within government control. So, yes, the protest was lawful and within its right to demand from GECOM house-to-house registration, so all eligible citizens can express their democratic right to choose their

FROM PAGE 6

leader.

So for the opposition to say that government is protesting against itself is another misguided statement from its misguided members. But as we all know, the opposition’s only method of survival as the opposition is to mislead their supporters, especially the youths who I believe only listen and do not read to know the facts. So let’s be united as we all stand for and demand house-to-house registration, for free and fair elections and for all eligible voters to have their democratic right to choose their leader. After all, what can we say when the opposition is also praising and supporting illegal to be legal in Guyana.

Regards Abel Seetaram

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

Clean voters’ list possible only through house-to-house registration THE mandate for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to conduct house-to-house registration to produce the best possible National Register of Registrants’ Database (NRRDB) is not a new idea.

The imperative for such an exercise has been expressed since 2008.

The newspaper found evidence of this in a 2008 media release from the Elections Commission, which shows the importance the then Commission placed on the holding of the national exercise.

In the said year, the country was in preparation mode for house-to-house registration to run from January 7 to July 4, 2008, and sent out a release to update the public on its intention.

Serving at the time as GECOM Chair was Dr. Steve Surujbally, while commissioners included Dr. Keshav Mangal, Mr. Vincent Alexander, Mr. Mohamood Shaw and Mr. Robert Williams.

A release disseminated

by then GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO), Vishnu Persaud, stated that the then People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Government and the parliamentary political parties had all agreed on June 14, 2007, to the preparation of a new NRRDB by Houseto-House Registration.

Of more importance are the efforts of the release to highlight the need for the holding of the exercise.

“The primary objective of this exercise is to establish an accurate, complete and current National Register of Registrants’ Database (NRRDB),” the document stated.

It added: “The imperative to conduct House-to-House Registration was born out of the need for the creation of an indisputable NRRDB which could be used as the basis for the preparation of Electoral Lists that would be commonly acceptable by all stakeholders as being unblemished.”

The last house-to-house registration activity in Guyana was conducted 11 years ago.

It allowed for any person, -- a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent, naturalisation or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more -- who would be 14 years or over as of June 30, 2008, to be eligible for registration during the exercise.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) last Tuesday ruled that the Motion of No-Confidence brought against the government was validly passed.

Today, the CCJ will make a number of consequential orders intended to guide Guyana as it prepares for early elections.

These orders could also determine how soon Guyana heads into new elections, and whether the national registration process is a consideration.

While house-to-house registration has been conducted several times in the past, the Opposition is now feverishly opposed to the idea, and more in favour of snap elections.

They are in favour of the

use of the 11-year old list generated through the 2008 exercise to serve as the base of a National Register of Registrants’, along with any continuous registration process conducted in the past.

By contrast, Guyana’s Head of State has highlighted that such actions could undermine the rights of youths eligible to vote, and leave the door open to illegitimate practices, with thousands of the dead still on the List.

Scores of youths across Guyana protested outside various offices of the Guyana Elections Commission to send a strong message that they not only want “free, fair and credible elections”, but also the right to vote.

“I’m out here today, not with any party affiliation, but just a young member of society resident in Bartica, who was always looking forward to be old enough to give my vote. In May of 2015, I was 17, so I was not able to vote. Last week I turned 21, and being able to vote is what I was looking forward to. Now, if elections

are to be held without any registration happening, it means I will have to wait another five years to vote. I am not here marching as a party member, but I am crying out as a youth, and speaking on behalf of other youths, that we need registration before any elections,” one youth in Byderabo, Bartica said.

The release sent out also stated that the creation of a “pure” NRRDB through the registration exercise is necessary to quell the concerns of political parties of whether the eventual election results will be fair and acceptable.

It stated: “It is the expectation of GECOM, therefore,

that the primary outcome of the exercise will be the creation of a pure NRRDB, which would lead to the establishment of future Electoral Lists that would be commonly acceptable by and among all political parties and other stakeholders.”

With the Elections Commission agreeing, under the former administration, that it would conduct houseto-house registration every seven years and this period now overdue by four years, many are questioning the credibility of the list.

The life of the previous Voters’ List expired on April 30, 2019.

CCJ is our final court of appeal

Dear Editor

BY virtue of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana (the Constitution), the Caribbean Court of Justice Act 2004 (CCJ Act) and the Agreement Establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice (the Agreement), the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is Guyana’s highest court of superior record, whose orders must not be disobeyed.

I make this statement in the light of words which News Room, on Friday 21 June, 2019, attributed to two senior government ministers. News Room reported Minister of State Mrs Dawn Hastings-Williams, as saying that that “GECOM is the only authoritative body that will inform the government whether they’re ready or not for elections. CCJ cannot rule; Guyana has its own

institution.” She is also said to have told reporters that “Guyana is an independent country with its own independent laws.”

Meanwhile, the same outlet reported the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings, as saying that “we abide by the rules but at the same time, we have to take care of our sovereignty.”

The statements were made against the backdrop of the CCJ’s judgment in the no-confidence cases.

These words seem to suggest that Guyana can ignore an order of the CCJ on the basis of independence, or sovereignty. It is a curious curiosity that ministers occupying the highest strata of government office would hold such opinions on legal questions, and more gravely, share those opinions with members of the public.

Surely, the nature of both

of these portfolios dictates, at least, a working knowledge of the nature, function, and powers of the CCJ. Moreover, both ministers have the benefit of competent in-house counsel, and or the assistance of the Attorney General’s Chambers. I am therefore prepared to assume that despite the words used, neither minister intended to suggest that ignoring an order of the CCJ is an option.

However, intentional or not, posts across several social media platforms suggest that this is exactly what was received by many Guyanese.

In the premises, and in contemplation of the fact that a monumental number of Guyanese depend exclusively on senior government officials for statements of political, socio-economic, and legal fact, I take this opportunity to offer some clarity.

The CCJ is a creature of the Agreement, a regional

treaty by which Guyana is bound. Article III (1) (b) of the Agreement establishes the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ, and “the decisions of the court are final”: Article III (2). Guyana signed the Agreement on 14 February 2001.

In the same year, Article 123 (4), was added to the Constitution to allow Parliament to “…make provision…authorizing any court established or to be established, as the final court of appeal for the Caribbean to be the final court of appeal for Guyana.” It is apposite to note that Article 123 (4) of the Constitution, one in a suite of amendments in the Constitution (Amendment) (No.4) Act 2001 , was specifically engineered, and effected to permit Parliament power to accept the then not yet established CCJ as Guyana’s final court.

Parliament exercised that

power when it passed the CCJ Act, which, by Section 3, gave the entire Agreement legal force in Guyana. As such, decisions from the Court of Appeal may be appealed to the CCJ, whose decisions in those matters are authoritative and final.

Indeed, the result eventuated by these laws is that while the CCJ exists outside of Guyana’s terrestrial jurisdiction, it exists, and functions within our judicial hierarchy and legal framework.

On the subject of sovereignty, contemporary international law authorities espouse the generally accepted view that sovereignty is of variable magnitude, shrinking, or expanding in accordance with the contraction, or proliferation of international law. Views that sovereignty is either constant, or absolute are outdated.

Furthermore, Guyana exercised this sovereignty in

agreeing to be bound by the appellate jurisdiction of the CCJ. In doing so, it willingly ceded a portion of its sovereignty in so far as it is bound by law to comply with orders of a regional court. This reality exemplifies the view often iterated by Professor Duke E.E. Pollard, that the essence of sovereignty is the faculty to compromise it.

In the premises, any suggestion that an order of the CCJ may be ignored in the name of independence or sovereignty is folly. Further, while GECOM is best placed to determine when elections can practically be held, if the court finds that GECOM’s actions or considerations fall outside of what is required, it may make an order which influences when elections are held.

Regards Chevy Devonish

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

‘Rehab assistants’ trained to help patients with exercise, other skills

By Telesha Ramnarine

THE five Occupational Therapists (OT) in Guyana’s healthcare system recently conducted a workshop with the country’s 68 Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs), helping to hone the skills that they would have already acquired over the years.

Just a few years ago, Guyana had no local OTs in the public health system, but in 2017, five persons in the field graduated from the University of Guyana, and have since been stationed in the city. The RAs, on the other hand, serve in the healthcare departments of the ten administrative regions across Guyana.

Those Ras, who have an interest in occupational therapy, were afforded an

opportunity last Friday at the Georgetown Club, to interact with the five OTs, along with a visiting Trinidad and Tobago expert in the field, Priya Gomes.

The Ministry of Public Health’s Rehabilitation Department, based at the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam, organised and hosted the workshop.

Gomes, who has been practising for the past 15 years, and came to Guyana last year to help with providing advice and guidance to the OTs who were fresh in the system, was asked by the Ministry of Public Health to come back and continue such practical assistance.

Friday’s session was able to help the RAs see how they can provide adaptive equipment and exercise equipment to their patients, so that they

Visiting T&T Occupational Therapist, Priya Gomes may be substituted for equipment that may be expensive or hard to acquire.

“In the Caribbean, we

There are 68 rehabilitation assistants across Guyana

Making practical use of items such as rulers, sponge, and empty bottles

Lethem RA, Ms. Ruth Edwards don’t have access to resources that the First World countries would have, and part of being an OT is actually taking what is available to you and making it accessible to your patients,” Gomes explained during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle.

The OTs were able to teach the RAs how to make practical use of items such as rulers, sponge, empty bottles and so forth, as they deliver healthcare in their various regions.

“If I have all of the fancy equipment at my hospital or clinic, and the clients don’t have access to that when they go home, following through on their therapy at home is not going to happen,” Gomes pointed out.

She spoke well of the local OTs, praising them as being very proactive and well-educated. “In T&T, we only have three OTs in the public system, although we have over 26 OTs licensed and registered. So Guyana actually has more therapists in the public system, and there

Port Kaituma RA, Ms. Marissa Hutson are trained ‘rehab’ assistants who service all regions in Guyana,” she said, adding: “That’s way ahead of where we are, so it’s a privilege to come and share my knowledge and experience.”

Calvin Lawrie, one of the OTs who is relatively new to the system, told this publication that the ‘Rehab Department’ tries to keep the RAs updated on new research and knowledge that becomes available each year. “We try to keep our treatment as up-to-date as possible, evidence-based and current,” he said.

He said that Friday’s session saw in attendance RAs from various departments across the country, including from Lethem, Kwakwani, Bartica, Suddie, Mahdia, Fort Wellington, Skeldon, New Amsterdam, and Port Mourant.

He explained that the workshop was intended to help the RAs see how they can use things in everyday life, and turn them into equipment for exercise, sensory

Mahdia RA, Ms. Abiola Lewis and fine motor skills. “It would enhance their skills.

It’s basically building on their knowledge; teaching them how to modify certain equipment, so they can take this knowledge back to their communities and teach them to the families,” Lawrie said.

Another OT, Errica Canterbury, explained that a fancier version of the items being made could be found Online. “But we’re just trying to make them affordable and accessible, especially to the patients who can’t afford them; to those people who cannot afford private care,” she said, adding: “Since none of the OTs is in the regions, we try our best to make our RAs perfect at their jobs, so that persons in the regions can also get quality care.”

Abiola Lewis, the RA from Mahdia; Marissa Hutson from Port Kaituma; and Ruth Edwards from Lethem were grateful for the training, and all said that it would enhance the delivery of healthcare in their respective regions.

The five local OTs who graduated from UG in 2017

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

We are what we are

OVULATION is when an egg is released from the ovary in a girl’s or woman’s body. The egg travels down the fallopian tube to the womb in the hope of being fertilised. If it is not fertilised during the journey, the walls of the womb come away and the female has a monthly period, also known as menstruation.

This is an example of the female reproduction system at work. It is essential for this system to stay healthy and functional to enable a female to conceive and have a baby.

This series of events is controlled by the brain, and once a girl child is developing healthily, she will begin to ovulate, usually between the ages of 12 to 13 years old. However, some girls start to ovulate as early as

nine years old.

It seems unfair that young girls in the prime of their childhood (while they are still climbing trees and sliding down bannisters), should have to contend with this additional bodily function and all that it entails during its 28-day cycle. But contend with it they must, for three, maybe even four more, decades, until the brain tells the body to stop ovulating.

Because girls are ovulating earlier, it makes sense to begin an open dialogue about certain bodily functions while they are young, and increase their knowledge as they grow. By doing this, conversations on subjects such as sex, abstinence and puberty will not appear to be taboo later on, and they will come naturally.

For example, if a child around four or five years old saw a tampon or sanitary towel on the shelf in the bathroom and asked what it is, or what it’s for, you don’t have to hide and lie, or tell them to shut their mouth and get out or, it’s ‘big-people thing’, and they will know when they get older. No; you can simply explain to the child that women need to use them at certain times of the month. Then the child may ask: “What for?” And you can reply, “Well, women’s bodies are designed to have babies, and when they are not having babies, they go through some changes every month.”

You don’t have to be specific; you only need to give enough information that a young child can un-

derstand. By doing this, you are creating a place in their minds for open discussion on normal, natural issues instead of hiding and hoping that as they grow, they will find out information through their teachers at school, or covertly from friends.

You can grab opportunities as they present themselves to you to talk about most subjects that are considered taboo. Your choice of words, and the manner in which you put over the information needn’t be harsh or contrite. Learning can be fun: You can set the tone and choose the content.

Everybody has a reproduction system, and when children are pre-adolescent, it begins to prepare for procreation without help from anyone. It has already been programmed by the brain, so, whenever it decides to

do what it does, it cannot be prevented.

Preparing children psychologically for the inevitable physical events that will take place in their lives is always best done by parents or long-term caregivers.

There are so many changes that our bodies go through naturally which we cannot hide or avoid, that it makes sense to prepare children in good time.

Some parents worry that their children look small for their age, while others have to contend with some children being on the cusp of puberty at nine to 10 years old, but the ‘stage’ of the child is far more important than the ‘age’ of the child: Even healthy children grow at different rates, so once your child is healthy, there’s no need to make comparisons.

Nowadays, people spend so much time and effort bothering about, firstly, how they look, and secondly, how the outer world perceives them. They have little time to look inwardly at the small but important factors that they need to put in place while children are developing. When grownups take a little time and patience to put measures in place early on, it enables them to fulfil their task as competent parents successfully.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the Childcare and Protection Hotline on 2270979; or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

Dr Madhu Singh is not wanted by the police -GPF debunks fake news being peddled on social media DR Madhu Singh, who is attached to the Balwant Singh Hospital, is not wanted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

This was according to the GPF in response to a post made by a fake Facebook account, which read: “Breaking news!!!! Dr Madhu Singh of Balwant Singh Hospital is currently on the run evading murder charges; she is being sought for in a breaking GPF discovery – dcm.”

“In that regard it should be noted that Dr. Singh is not wanted by the Guyana Police Force,” said the police.

The GPF is investigating complaints by Dr Singh against a female, who reportedly made a number of defamatory comments against the doctor on Facebook.

The suspect has since been arrested, questioned and released pending further investigation. The public has been warned to desist from transactions with the said account.

“Anyone doing such will

be at his or her own risk… the Guyana Police Force operates only one Facebook Account @guyanapoliceforce or https://m.facebook. com/guyanapoliceforce/ and an Instagram Account @ guyanapoliceforce, both being managed and monitored by the Public Relations and Press Officer,” said the GPF. Any other social media account purporting to be operated by the Guyana Police Force apart from those mentioned, is wholly fake.

It was reported that social media activist, Melissa Atwell, was on Friday arrested by the police and charged with “defamatory libel” against the Balwant Singh Hospital, while the hospital, through its lawyer, Devindra Kissoon, of London House Chambers, on Thursday issued a “cease and desist” letter to the Guyana Chronicle demanding that it not publish any story on complaints about the hospital being shared on social media.

For the past few weeks, Atwell has been gaining much attention for sharing anonymous posts on her page making damning allegations against the hospital, which she claims are messages she received from patients.

The Guyana Chronicle approached the Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, on the issue, where she called on complaining persons to make official reports and not just anonymous statements, so that the matter could be properly investigated.

Following a telephone conversation on Thursday with Dr Singh, who was cited in many of the complaints, Editor-in-Chief of the Guyana Chronicle, Nigel Williams and reporter, Tamica Garnett, were moments later issued the “cease and desist” letter from London Chambers, threatening the newspaper that it would be sued for no less than $100 million.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

Majority of Indigenous villages titled under PNC –– MP debunks opposition’s claims of advancing land rights

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has credited itself for titling the majority of the Amerindian Villages in Guyana, but the facts show that in its 23-year reign only 30 new villages were granted titles. In fact, the majority of Indigenous villages in Guyana were titled under the People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration.

Ministerial Adviser at the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Mervyn Williams, said it is time the PPP gives credit where it is due, and that is, to the PNC regime. Under the current political construct, the PNC forms a major block of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government.

In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Williams said between 1976 and 1991, the PNC titled a total of 74 villages as it sought to address the needs of the Indigenous peoples of Guyana.

“In 1976, 64 villages were titled, these included districts. In 1991, 10 were titled.

This takes us to 74 titled villages under the PNC government,” Williams explained.

The first 64 titled villages were in keeping with the recommendations of the Amerindian Lands Commission Report of 1969, which was ordered by the then Prime Minister of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. Subsequent to that report, an amendment to the 1951 Amerindian Act was made in 1976 which provided for the granting of lands to Amerindian communities. It was then that the first batch of Amerindian people received legal recognition to the lands they use and occupy.

Later in 1991, those villages and 10 additional communities were issued Absolute Grants, under the State Lands Act. “The actual instrument, which is an Absolute Grant, may not have been issued immediately, but the fact of the matter is that the amendment of the Act meant that the Indigenous people became communal owners of their lands,” Williams told this newspaper.

He noted that before becoming President of Guyana in 1985, Hugh Desmond Hoyte, a Senior Counsel, provided pro bono service to the Amerindian people and once he became president, ensured that Absolute Grants were given to Indigenous villages.

“In essence therefore, between 1976 and 1991, more than 80 villages were titled.

That’s over a 15-year, 16-year period,” Williams pointed out.

There are now 104 Amerindian villages spread across Guyana. “By deduction there were 30 new villages which were granted title by the PPP between 1992 and May of 2015,” the ministerial adviser reasoned, as he sought to dispel the notion by the PPP that it was responsible for a large number of villages being titled.

Williams, who is also a Member of Parliament, pointed out that while the PNC titled 74 villages within a period of 15 years, the PPP took 23 years to issue titles to 30 villages. He said in addition to the 30 titles issued, the PPP simply demarcated the other villages.

“The PPP has boasted about issuing a glowing number of land titles but essentially what it is, is that the 70 plus villages that have been titled between 1976 and 1991, were given an ownership document called an Absolute Grant. The Absolute Grant has natural and generic boundaries… so what happened between the commencement of the Amerindian Land Titling Project to when they demitted office, there were in

APNU MP, Mervyn Williams fact, doing surveys, and doing demarcation, to the same lands for which titles were given,” the ministerial adviser explained.

He further clarified that the PPP simply converted Absolute Grants to Certificate of Titles.

“The documents are the same in terms of the fact that they are titled to ownership, the difference is, one, is not surveyed. The Absolute Grant there is no physical survey and demarcation done, but to get Certificate of Title, a survey is necessary and coordinates are provided,” the parliamentarian explained.

NOTHING NEW He said the PPP gave back to the Indigenous people, the same lands they already had legally owned.

“You are giving another instrument for ownership for the same lands already titled, and so that’s how the large number of pieces of paper comes up,” Williams further explained.

However, he noted that in demarcating the areas, the PPP also gave away lands belonging to Indigenous people. The ministerial adviser cited the case of Santa Rosa.

“Santa Rosa residents would tell you that they have problems with applications for the extension of their boundaries. They were promised by the PPP that no protected area would be named and identified until after their application for extension would have been dealt with in finality, but then the PPP Administration came and set out in law the Shell Beach Protected Area. Residents of Santa Rosa are saying that the protected area takes in a large percentage of the extended area they had identified,” Williams explained.

He noted that Chinese Landing has also suffered at the hands of the PPP. Williams explained that Chinese Landing was among villages titled in 1976; however, upon taking office, the PPP, through its then Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds, who was responsible for mining, caused a miner to get Mining Permits for blocks of land that took over 50 per cent of Chinese Landing.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) not only granted blocks to Wayne Vieira, but converted prospecting permits to mining permits, without any notice to the community, thereby violating the Free, Prior and Informed Consent mechanism.

In 2010, the GGMC issued the cease work order to the miner on the grounds that he was violating the Amerindian Act by mining on the village lands without permission.

However, in December 2017, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) overturned a ruling of the Guyana Court of Appeal and

ruled that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) had no authority to order Wayne Vieira, in November 2010, to cease all work at his Chinese Landing operation.

According to the ruling, the CCJ’s decision rests on the fact that Vieira had no agreement with the Chinese Landing-Tassawini Village Council at the time the Cease Work Order (CWO) was issued by the GGMC. As such, what the CCJ’s ruling did was effectively restore the High Court’s decision and awarded Vieira costs to this effect.

Below are the names of the first 65 villages that were titled under the PNC Government: 1. Achiwuib 2. Karaudanawa 3. Aishalton 4. Awariwaunau 5. Maruranau 6. Moco-Moco 7. Nappi 8. Shea 9. Sand Creek 10. Sawariwau 11. St. Ignatius (Homesteads) 12. St. Ignatius (Farmlands) 13. Yupukari 14. Massara 15. Toka 16. Yakarinta 17. Taruka 18. Kanapang 19. Itabac 20. Monkey Mountain 21. Kato 22. Paramakatoi 23. Kurukabaru 24. Kopinang 25. Waipa 26. Kaibarupai

27. Kamana 28. Potarinau (Ambrose) Village 29. Shulinab (Macusi) Village 30. Chenapau 31. Wikki River 32. Hururu 33. Orealla 34. Santa/Aratak Kamuni Creek 35. St. Cutherberth’s Mahaica River 36. St. Francis Mahaicony River 37. Kabakaburi Pomeroon River 38. Akawini Pomeroon River 39. Wakapau Pomeroon River 40. Kairimap (St. Monica’s) Pomeroon River 41. Bethany Essequibo Coast 42. Mashabo Essequibo Coast 43. Mainstay/Whyaka Essequibo Coast 44. Tapakuma (St. Deny’s) Essequibo Coast 45. Capoey Lake Essequibo Coast 46. Manawarin 47. Waramuri-Moruca 48. Santa Rosa 49. Assakata 50. Kwabanna 51. Little Kaniballi 52. Warapoka 53. Waikrebi 54. Kokerite 55. Chinese Landing 56. Hotoquai 57. Hobodia 58. Kamwatta Hill 59. Red Hill 60. Koriabo 61. Sebai 62. Tobago and Wauna Hill 63. Bunbury Hill (North West District) 64. Annai 65. Karasabai

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

Port committee meets to Life Re improve life of seafarers

By Naomi Marshall

By Naomi Marshall THE Caribbean Port State Control Committee (CPSCC) concluded its 24th annual meeting geared at improving the living and working conditions of seafarers in the Caribbean last week.

The three-day-meeting commenced on Wednesday, with an opening ceremony at the Guyana Marriot Hotel. This is the second time in the 24-year history of the committee that Guyana is hosting the meeting, the first being in 2002.

The meeting was held under the headship of Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). The CPSCC meets annually to collectively discuss standards to abide with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) conventions.

In his feature address at the opening ceremony, Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU) Chairman, Michael Amafo, said the maritime industry is vulnerable to the “outgoing tide and flows” of the Global Economic Markets.

He noted that the economic calamity along with the continuous threat of environmental degradation through pollution and weather conditions, show the need for shipping companies, registries and administrations to be creative in order to not only stay profitable, “but to stay afloat”.

As a Region, Amafo posited that the states must work harder and recommit to the goals of the Memorandum of Understanding.

However, this can only be achieved by giving effect to the provisions of the memorandum and taking the necessary steps to not only approve the relevant instruments, but to ensure that they are enacted into national legislation.

“We the administrators cannot expect our port state control of-

ficers to properly carry out their duties if we do not provide them with the necessary legislative tools to do so,” he stated.

Amafo added that the CMOU must focus on their port state control officers’ ongoing learning, development and training.

“The continued enhancement of regional learning, development and training is a must with the annual CMOU seminars being held according to schedule.

This requires not only the spirit of collaboration between member states and international organisations, but also requires use of the ‘Train and Trainer’ concept to ensure that port state control officers participating in these seminars or any other port state control seminars are adequately equipped to impart their knowledge and training to other port state control officer in their respective countries,” he noted.

SIGNIFICANT Speaking on behalf of Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, Chief Works Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn, said the meeting is one of significance and is taking place at a time when Guyana is focusing on the development of its oil and gas sector which predictably will change its socio-economic landscape.

“Given the reality that the exploration for petroleum is taking place in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), it is obvious that there would be an intensification of shipping activities in the country’s EEZ as well as in our internal waters. This new development of course poses new challenges relative to shipping and shipping-related activities,” said Vaughn.

He noted that in order for the country to respond to the new demands and challenges, many mea-

sures need to be developed. These measures will aid in addressing port state, flag state and coastal state related issues.

He added: “The Government of Guyana has taken a quantum leap in the direction of improving the maritime legislative framework so that the country could be better prepared to develop the oil and gas industry specifically and maritime transport in general with emergence of this industry. The Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD) is mandated to intensify flag state as well as port state inspectors for as a coastal state we are mindful of safety and security and security as well as the protection of the country’s maritime environment.”

Vaughn commended the CP-

Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU) Chairman, Michael Amafo continue to play an essential role in the activities of the CPSCC.

Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Chief Works Officer, Geoffrey Vaughn SCC for its ongoing role in promoting the devising of strategies aimed at ridding the Caribbean of substandard ships and noted that it is therefore the resolution of the maritime administration to

A section of the gathering at the opening ceremony of the 24th Caribbean Port State Control Committee (CPSCC) meeting held at the Marriott Hotel

PRIORITY “Well developed and effectively functioning maritime administrations throughout the Caribbean must be one of our priority issues, given the fact that we face such threats as global warming, international terrorism, the impacts of globalisation and natural disasters, that is, floods and hurricanes,” he said.

Vaughn pleaded with the directors and leaders of port state in the Caribbean Region to use the days allocated for the meeting to engage in meaningful consultations, deliberations and interactions aimed at the improvement of the port state regimes of the maritime administrations of the Region.

“Focus on the improvement of human capital, an area in which there continues to be a noticeable deficit as well as the adoption strategies aimed at making your respective administrations more responsive to the standards set by the IMO,” he said.

Also at the event was the Regional Maritime Safety Adviser, Colin Young; Director General of the Maritime Administration Department, Claudette Rogers; representatives of the Shipping Association; members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of the CPSCC member states.

CPSCC consist of 18 member states, namely Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, the Netherland Antilles, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Cuba, France, St. Kitts & Nevis, and St. Lucia.

In addition, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has joined as associate member state.

LIFE Reform has tackled four out of the 32 secondary schools registered under the Ministry of Education within Georgetown, through its Secondary School Drug Education and Prevention Programme (SSDEPP).

SSDEPP is a systematic approach towards tackling substance used and misused within all secondary schools across Guyana.

At one of the events conducted at the St. John’s College, Chairman of the Life Reform, Philip Drayton said they will be tackling the Parent-Teacher’s Association first, followed by the schools’ teaching staff, then the student body such as prefects and lastly, they will engage with the entire school.

“First, we are dealing with the PTA body which is the parent’s cohesion with the school because it is very important that such cohesion is adhered to. When we finish there, we are going to tackle the teaching staff only. We are going to give them the tools necessary to actually spot the substance users and misusers within the school, along with other simple tools that they could actually pick up the manipulative behaviour patterns and addictive personalities from the kids within St. Johns. When we finish there, we are going to tackle the student body, dealing with the prefects first because they are much more the police within the schools. They could do random checks, etc., so they will be given specific knowledge to do such and then we are going to tackle the student body with a holistic approach,” Drayton explained.

He indicated that what will be taught to first and second formers will differ from what will be taught to fourth and that too will differ from forms five and six.

“Simply because we have 1st formers that may not know anything about any drug, they don’t need rigorous intervention. They need to be groomed in a particular way, while we contain a selective view in

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

eform tackles illicit drugs in schools the much higher class. So what would be taught-- the attitudes, skills and knowledge-- along with the coping mechanisms, will be differ-

Life Reform Chairman, Philip Drayton

el One attention, which is considered as outpatient’s services. This deals with support groups, alcohol anonymous, cocaine anonymous. Then there is Level Two which is intensive out-patient’s services. Level Three is definitely a residential service which is much more of the half-way house aspects where persons would be confined to an area.

They will still have access to society so they can become responsible members, but it is under a structured timeframe and then there is Level Four, where it is called intensive outpatient residential services, which we would consider as the rehab or level four treatment attention.”

Life Reform is a

ent from different classes,” he clarified.

He noted that unlike years ago, drugs used today are “designer drugs” that are odourless, therefore, some of the mechanisms that will be taught to teachers will enlighten them on the diverse advancement used to identify whether students have been using drugs.

USEFUL SKILLS “Because of the simple tools that we will be given, such as the cocaine skills, life skills and refuse skills will be given to the kids but the teachers will also get tools to pick up manipulative patterns, that would not just be within the school classrooms, they can take it home too as well to protect loved ones, friends and families which is very important,” he added.

According to Drayton, Life Reform will be working with all secondary schools over a long period of time-over one month-- and will be requesting feedback from the schools. If by chance intervention is needed, there are five levels of interventions that are ready to work along with schools for positive results.

He explained the five interventions “We gave 0.5, which is awareness; Lev-

St. John’s College teacher, Carla Wills non-governmental organisation formed with the understanding of the concern that illegal drug use is undercutting traditional values and threatening the existence of stable families, communities and government institutions throughout Guyana.

VULNERABLE GROUP According to Drayton, data from research and studies in Guyana shows that young people are the most vulnerable group and the first use of drug in the region has been recorded in the 10-14yrs age group.

It has also been found that the most widely used and misused substances in schools are ecstasy, marijuana, alcohol, lean, tobacco and cocaine.

Life Reform believes that an effective prevention intervention lies in helping young people to adjust “their behaviours, influence their preconceptions and misconceptions and develop their capacities to make informed healthy decisions, all whilst recognising the multiple influences such as social norms, interaction with peers, living conditions

and their own personality traits”.

St. Joseph High, North Georgetown Secondary, St. John’s College and Brickdam Secondary School are still in the process of undergoing the programme.

At the event conducted at the St. John College, teacher of that school, Carla Wills, indicated that she has not seen much signs of drug use

at the school; however, it is her view that students who do use drugs are mostly exposed to it at home.

She said throughout her 32 years of teaching, her assumptions are most times confirmed by parents or someone who may know the suspected students.

The educator is advising parents to “stop burying their heads in the sand, because at

most instances when we call in parents, they behave as though ‘it’s not my child’, and they generally don’t want to accept that the child is involved in certain things.

I think first we must have parents accepting responsibility for some of the problems that we would encounter in the schools and I think that is going to help a long way”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

Santos, Fruta book Hamilton out to make history with Mercedes after GFF/KFC U-20... dominant France win LEWIS Hamilton insists the challenge of retaining his Formula One world championship never gets old as he looks to create history with Mercedes.

Hamilton led from start to finish at Circuit Paul Ricard on Sunday, easing over the finish line 18 seconds ahead of his team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

The five-time F1 champion had to switch from medium to hard tyres halfway through the race in Le Castelle, though that stoppage made little difference as he claimed a fourth successive win. With six race victories under his belt already this season, Hamilton is well on his way to defending his title with ease, but believes the real test comes in finding marginal gains after another

Buxton took Fruta by surprise with a 1-0 lead at halftime after Omari Glasgow had opened the scoring in the 21st minute; however, Ravon Bayley drew Fruta level in the 58th minute before Nicholas McArthur added his name to the scoresheet with a well-taken goal in the 72nd minute to make it 2-1 in favour of Fruta.

But Buxton had other ideas and two goals from the boot of Kobe Durant in the space of 10 minutes put his side 2-3 up; he netted in the 78th and 85th minutes respectively to give Fruta and their supporters a scare.

It turned out that Leon Richardson would be the hero for the GT outfit with a last gasp equalizer in the 90th minute to send the game into extra time.

It was here that Fruta showed the resolve of champions and dug deep to produce two goals; McArthur netting his second goal in the 107th minute while Wayne Barker put the icing on the cake with Fruta’s fifth goal in the 110th minute to ensure his side secured a semi-final berth.

The four semi-finalists, Fruta Conquerors, Santos FC, Botofago FC and Dynamic FC will be in action on June 29 (Saturday) with the third place and final slated for July 1.

Winners of the tournament will pocket $500,000 plus a trophy and medals while second placers will collect $300, 000, a trophy and medals.

For their efforts, third place finishers will receive $200,000, a trophy and medals while fourth place will collect a prize, a trophy and medals.

FROM BACK PAGE

Lewis Hamilton is “hyped” to make history with Mercedes after claiming a comfortable French Grand Prix victory on Sunday.

procession to the top of the podium.

“It never gets old, it’s always such a challenge out there and I just love that trying to find the edge,” Hamilton said. “I couldn’t do it without this incredible team, we’re creating history. I’m hyped. “It wasn’t easy at all.

There’s always things happening, everything’s on the edge. “Reliability is everything, I had big blisters on the front two tyres so I was a bit worried. This has been the best start so we’ve got to enjoy it.”

Bottas sits second in the drivers’ standings, with Mercedes well in front of Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, and the Finnish driver lauded Hamilton’s dominant display.

“Not that much happening from my side obviously,” Bottas said. “The start was the best bet for me but Lewis had a good start as well. I couldn’t match his pace. He was really strong and consistent. He’s not unbeatable. I just need to work hard.”

Frenchman Charles Leclerc took third place, while Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel crossed in fifth behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.(Yahoo Sport)

Argentina beat Qatar 2-0 to qualify...

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (Reuters) - An early goal from Lautaro Martinez and a late second from Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a 2-0 win over Qatar on Sunday, a deserved victory that takes them into the Copa America quarter-finals to face Venezuela.

Argentina took the lead after three minutes when an atrocious pass out of defence went straight to Martinez, who made no mistake from 15 meters out.

The first half was an even affair with Martinez and Aguero missing good chances for Argentina and Bassam Alrawi clipping the post from a free kick for the Asian champions.

But even with Lionel Messi looking more spritely than in Argentina’s first two games, it took them until the second half before they were able to seal the points.

With eight minutes remaining Aguero ran on to a through ball and angled a fine drive past the Qatari keeper.

“When we scored the first goal we just needed to keep our calm until the end and we were qualified,” Martinez said.

“We were playing a good team, we couldn’t make a mess of it.”

Argentina’s win, their first after a loss to Colombia and a draw with Paraguay, leaves them in second place in Group B on four points behind group winners Colombia, who beat Paraguay 1-0.

They will now play Venezuela in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, while the other quarter-final ties will only be decided after Monday’s final Group C matches.

“Now we need to stay focused and win the next game and keep progressing,” Martinez said.

The top two teams in each group qualify for the knockout stage along with the two best third-placed sides.

Brazil and Venezuela qualified from Group A on Saturday and third place Peru will join them. Group C will be decided today when Chile play Uruguay and Ecuador take on Japan.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

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SCOREBOARD

South Africa knocked out of the World Cup with Pakistan defeat SOUTH Africa’s hopes of reaching the World Cup semi-finals are over as their nightmare tournament continued with a 49run defeat to Pakistan at Lord’s.

The Proteas have failed to pass the group stages for just the second time and face two dead rubbers over the next two weeks. South Africa failed to reach the knockout rounds as hosts in 2003, but still won three of their six encounters.

Head coach Ottis Gibson’s men have only beaten minnows Afghanistan at this tournament, and still have to face Sri Lanka and Australia.

Even three wins in nine matches would not gloss a woeful campaign, but given the Proteas’ dire form the chance of consolation victories appears remote.

Former England bowling coach Gibson’s contract expires after this tournament and is unlikely to be renewed.

SA CRICKET WORLD CUP RECORD • 1992 Semi-finals • 1996 Quarter-finals • 1999 Semi-finals • 2003 -

Group stage • 2007 Semi-finals • 2011 Quarter-finals • 2015 Semi-finals • 2019 Group stage Faf Du Plessis may well relinquish the captaincy too.

Du Plessis hit 64 as South Africa managed just 259 for nine, failing to reach the 309 required for victory.

The beleaguered 34-year-old has had to duck as many brickbats off the field as bouncers at the crease as the Proteas’ figurehead in England, and few would begrudge him having had enough.

Quinton De Kock posted 47, while Hashim Amla and Aiden Markram both failed amid another miserable top-order return for South Africa. This latest comprehensive defeat came at the hands of an erratic Pakistan, who kept alive their own hopes of a semi-final but should not boast the quality or consistency to make it that far.

Haris Sohail’s 89, including a 71-run partnership with Imad Wasim from just 40 balls, ultimately proved the difference between the sides.

Haris Sohail returned to the Pakistan XI for the first time since their opening defeat by West Indies and smashed 89 off 59 balls in a man-of-the-match performance Credit: Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra

Pakistan’s 308 for seven proved more than sufficient, as Babar Azam posted 69 and openers Imam Ul Haq and Fakhar Zaman both notched Imran Tahir proved the pick of the Proteas’ bowlers, taking a smart two wickets for 41 runs.

Twenty-five confirmed for Transcend Independence Cricket Festival next weekend JUST about 25 teams have been confirmed to compete in the third annual Transcend Entertainment’s Seven-aSide Independence Cricket Festival, which is scheduled for next weekend, (June 30 and July 1) at the National Cultural Centre tarmac in Georgetown, with action commencing at 08:30hrs both days.

Some of the teams that are expected to participate are: Team Corruption, Village Rams, Tallawahs United, Tarmac, Eccles All Stars, Outlaws and Hangover.

The organiser, Dwight Dodson told Chronicle Sport: “It is important that we underscore the importance of having Superbet on board because without them it wouldn’t be possible, Superbet Guyana

has provided us with lots of giveaways for patrons over the two days, so they can look forward to that.”

This event, which has gained the support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), is so far sponsored by Superbet, Banks DIH, Ramps Logistics Ltd, Imperial Trading, Red Carpet Wash Bay, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Star Party Rentals, Xavier’s Investment, Movement Auto Sales, Precision Auto Works, W&J Enterprise, FungA-Fat Hatchery, Ole’s Jewellery, Seeta’s Bar, Regent Household Electronics, Royal Real Estate, Church’s Chicken, Fireside Grill, Magic City, S&D Enterprises, Movement Auto Rental & Bus Service, and Sankar’s Auto Works.

Lungi Ngidi ended on three for 64 but those figures were massaged by two soft dismissals at the death.

Markram’s removal of Mohammed Hafeez raised questions as to whether South Africa should have put more faith in spin sooner in this tournament.

If the Proteas’ injury-hit pace attack has proved problematic though, their batting has been little short of abject. Wahab Riaz plundered three for 46 and Mohammad Amir two for 49, but neither man had a particularly testing afternoon with the ball.

Rarely has a South Africa side suffered for such a lack of top-order aggression, and that cost Du Plessis and company dearly once again.

PAKISTAN innings Imam-ul-Haq c & b Imran Tahir Fakhar Zaman c Amla b Imran Tahir Babar Azam c Ngidi b Phehlukwayo Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Markram Haris Sohail c †de Kock b Ngidi Imad Wasim c sub (JP Duminy) b Ngidi Wahab Riaz b Ngidi Sarfaraz Ahmed (c) † not out Shadab Khan not out Extras: 12 (lb 6, nb 1, w 5) TOTAL: 308/7 (50 Overs, RR: 6.16) Did not bat: Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Shah Afridi Bowling: K Rabada 10-0-65-0, L Ngidi 9-0-64-3, CH Morris 9-0-61-0, AL Phehlukwayo 8-0-49-1, Imran Tahir 10-0-41-2, AK Markram 4-0-22-1

44 44 69 20 89 23 4 2 1

SOUTH AFRICA Innings ) HM Amla lbw b Mohammad Amir 2 Q de Kock † c Imam-ul-Haq b Shadab Khan 47 F du Plessis (c) c †Sarfaraz Ahmed b Mohammad Amir 63 AK Markram b Shadab Khan 7 HE van der Dussen c Mohammad Hafeez b Shadab Khan 36 DA Miller b Shaheen Shah Afridi 31 AL Phehlukwayo not out 46 CH Morris b Wahab Riaz 16 K Rabada b Wahab Riaz 3 L Ngidi b Wahab Riaz 1 Imran Tahir not out 1 Extras: 6 (lb 1, w 5) TOTAL: 259/9 (50 Overs, RR: 5.18) Bowling: Mohammad Hafeez 2-0-11-0, Mohammad Amir 10-1-49-2, Shaheen Shah Afridi 8-0-54-1, Imad Wasim 10-0-48-0, Wahab Riaz 10-0-46-3, Shadab Khan 10-1-50-3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

PC, Bishops’ High and Marian Academy win titles at YBG GT/ECD Regionals

PRESIDENT’S College (PC), Bishops’ High School and Marian Academy claimed victories in the finals of the Boys U-18, Boys U-14 and the Girls Developmental divisions when the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG), National Schools Basketball Festival, Georgetown and East Coast of Demerara Regionals, concluded on Friday evening at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

In the female final, it

was a battle between Marian Academy’s guard Kelliann Sauers and Queen’s College power-player Naiomi Barkoye and the duo stepped up big, Sauers, though, had more support in the clash, which propelled her team to a 12-point win (36-24).

The guard, who finished with 11 points and eight rebounds, was later awarded the Most Valuable Player.

Teammates Aaliyah Singh and Angel Rajaram added eight points and five points

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Monday June 24, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: 1. Kepler Wessels 2. Bangladesh & Scotland Today’s Quiz: 1. Who has taken most wickets for the WI in all World Cup tournaments to date? How many?

2. Which team did Afghanistan defeat in the 2015 World Cup? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Bishops’ High School finished as champions of the U-14 division.

with eight rebounds respectively.

Queen’s College were led by a big effort in the paint by Barkoye, who pulled down 20 rebounds to go with her game-high 14 points. Her efforts in the tournament resulted in her winning the Best Defensive Player trophy. Luanna Mohan supported Barkoye with four points and six rebounds.

COMPETITIVE CLASH In the Boys’ lower division clash (U-14), a single bucket from deep separated

Bishops’ High from rivals St Rose’s High (35-32).

Jaden Howard, who battled his way to 14 points and 14 rebounds for the winners, was later named MVP and BDP. Supporting Howard was Matthias Arrindell, who finished with nine points and eight rebounds.

Carmelo Man-Son-Hing led St Rose’s High with a game-high 15 points and six rebounds. Chris Perez supported with seven points and 12 rebounds and Wayne Williams with six points and six rebounds.

Marian Academy were crowned female champions.

U-18 FINAL In the high-scoring U-18 final, PC, led by Richard Semple, were able to get past Marian Academy by eight points 72-64.

Semple led the winners with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Jushaun Bayley was also impressive with 17 points and seven rebounds.

Jesse James with 13 points and Rakin McDonald with 14 rebounds also contributed to the total.

At the other end of the court, combo guard Jether Harris kept the Georgetown school in the game with

some sharp shooting, for a night-high 35 points to go with 16 rebounds. Tyrese James added 11 points and five boards and Shamar Atwell eight points and four assists.

Semple finished as the MVP and Israel Yaw from GTI as the BDP of the competition.

The best sportsmanship award went to St Stanislaus College.

The GT/ECD Regionals were sponsored by Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, Banks DIH LTD, ExxonMobil and the National Sports Commission.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, June 24, 2019

23

Brathwaite’s monumental century no surprise to Holder

MANCHESTER, England, (CMC) – Carlos Brathwaite’s monumental hundred against New Zealand on Saturday did not take captain Jason Holder by surprise.

“His work ethic is really good. He’s not one to shy away from his responsibilities,” Holder told media here following West Indies’ fiverun defeat at Old Trafford.

“And he puts in a really good effort into his preparation. And that’s one thing that I credit him for. The knock that he played today is not surprising to me.

“I guess everybody could sit here and agree that we’d love to see that a little bit more often but that’s the general feeling within the entire group.

I think as a team we just need to be a lot more consistent but seeing Carlos play the way he did doesn’t really surprise me. It’s just a matter for us to bring it together more often.”

In 31 previous OneDay Internationals innings, Brathwaite had never hinted at what was to come on Saturday, with just a single fifty to boast of and an average hovering around 15.

Against all odds, however, he unveiled a magnificent 101 off 82 balls to nearly single-handedly take West Indies to an amazing victory, after their innings lay in ruins at 164 for seven in the 27th over in pursuit of 292.

In one over from Matt Henry – the 48th of the in-

nings – he savaged 25 runs including three sixes, to put the equation firmly in Windies’ favour.

But with six runs needed from seven balls, he went for glory only to be caught on the ropes at long on by Trent Boult off seamer Jimmy Neesham. “We fought right down to the very end.

We came right back into the game when pretty much everyone thought the game was over,” Holder said.

“And credit to the lower half. The guys really put it in their hands today and took responsibility. [It was] top-notch by Carlos. He was outstanding. He gave us a chance, gave us hope and just unfortunate at the very end that we weren’t able to get a win.”

West Indies appeared out of the contest when opener Evin Lewis, batting at number eight due to injury, holed out to deep mid-wicket without scoring at 164 for seven.

However, Brathwaite strung together a series of partnerships with the lower order – adding 47 for the eighth wicket with Kemar Roach (14), 34 for the ninth wicket with Sheldon Cottrell (15) and 41 for the final wicket with Oshane Thomas (0 not out), to revive hopes of a win.

“We were all hopeful at the very end. We were way behind the eight ball in the middle overs. I think when Carlos came to bat he had more than 20 overs to bat [and it was just] a situa-

I nearly cried, says heart-broken Hetmyer

Shimron Hetmyer struck 54 from 45 balls.

MANCHESTER, England, (CMC) – Rookie batsman Shimron Hetmyer has revealed he was nearly brought to tears following West Indies’ heart-breaking defeat to New Zealand on Saturday, but has urged his teammates to lift themselves and make the most of their last three matches of the World Cup. West Indies went down by five runs with an over to spare at Old Trafford, in pursuit of 292 for victory. They were losing at 164 for seven in the 27th over before Carlos Brathwaite struck 101 – his maiden international hundred – to put West Indies on the brink of an amazing victory.

However, with six runs needed from seven balls, Brathwaite holed out to long on,, off the final ball of the 49th over from seamer Jimmy Neesham, to crush the Windies hopes

of a vital win.

“Losing a game like this, the emotions run very high so it’s about keeping our heads up,” said Hetmyer.

“I was getting there where crying was concerned. I almost cried actually. It was a heartbreaking feeling for me after Carlos’ amazing knock.”

Hetmyer struck an entertaining 54 from 45 balls, featuring in a crucial 122-run, third wicket stand with Chris Gayle (87), as they pulled West Indies around from 20 for two in the seventh over. For the 23-year-old left-hander, it was his second straight half-century following his score of exactly 50 against Bangladesh last week.

His dismissal in the 23rd over, however, triggered the slide that saw West Indies lost five wickets for 22 runs.

Hetmyer pointed out the

Windies possessed several match-winners and it was now important for the team to show their mettle and finish the tournament strongly.

“We know that on any day with our players, as we call them X-factors in our dressing room, anything could happen for us,” he explained. “We’re just a team that plays well when the energy is flowing and for us it’s about coming together as one for the next couple of games and working harder to try to finish on a high.

“I would have liked to have gone to the end and taken it hope for the team but I guess it didn’t happen. There are still three games to go and hopefully I get one of those match-winning innings in.”

And not for the first time, Hetmyer praised the influence of Gayle on his performance.

“It’s always nice batting with Chris. You don’t run a lot which is a nice thing. But it’s always fun batting with Chris,” he said.

“He’s someone who pushes you to do your best and he helps you in different situations, telling you how different bowlers will bowl to you in a different situation. He always gives you a positive energy so it’s always nice batting with him.”

West Indies face unbeaten India here at Old Trafford in their next match on Thursday.

West Indies’ Carlos Brathwaite goes on the attack during his 101 against New Zealand at Old Trafford

tion for him just to knuckle down and get a partnership,” Holder said.

And credit to Kemar, I thought they put on a really good partnership … and it really brought us back into the game.

And obviously Carlos and Sheldon and then Carlos and Oshane.

“And these things really gives us a lot of hope, and they obviously make us very, very proud to know that the guys can fight very, very hard down to the end.

“Just a little disappointing, obviously, not being able to cross the line, after coming so close but I’m proud of the guys.”

Henry sends France into last eight with extra-time win over Brazil LE HAVRE, France (Reuters) France captain Amandine Henry came to the rescue as the hosts scraped into the women’s World Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 win against Brazil after extra time, setting up a likely clash with holders the United States on Sunday.

Henry found the back of the net in the 107th minute of a tense game at the Stade Oceane after Thaisa had cancelled out Valerie Gauvin’s second-half opener.

Les Bleues struggled to make their early domination count due to the lack of a killer instinct that prevented them wrapping up victory inside 90 minutes.

The U.S. take on Spain in Reims today.

“It was a tense, very tense game against a formidable opponent but we did not give up and we wore them down,” said coach Corinne Diacre.

“I would have liked us to play more in the first half so the second half would have been easier but I guess this will be freeing us for the remainder of the tournament.”

With Brazil’s veteran Formiga returning to the starting lineup, the South Americans appeared to suffer physically as France stamped their authority on a foul-ridden match.

Les Bleues, however, lacked sharpness up front until the 26th minute when Gauvin fired home from

Kadidiatou Diani’s cross, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review ruled the striker headed the ball out of goalkeeper Barbara’s hands.

The decision deflated France and coach Diacre’s players were less aggressive, allowing Brazil to grow into the game.

The French were back in business after the break though and the Diani-Gauvin duo struck again with the Montpellier forward latching onto a cross from the winger to open the scoring in the 52nd minute.

Brazil came close to an equaliser four minutes later when France keeper Sarah Bouhaddi tipped a Cristiane header onto the bar.

But the leveller came in the 63rd when Thaisa beat Bouhaddi with a low cross-shot, the goal being allowed following a VAR review after first being denied by referee Marie-Soleil Beaudoin. Brazil had the upper hand but France, who still threatened through Diani, held on to force extra time.

Les Bleues now looked fresher but at the end of a quick counter-attack by Brazil, Debihna shot past Bouhaddi, only for Griedge Mbock to clear the ball away from the line.

Shortly after the restart in the extra period, Diani won a free kick on the left flank which was whipped into the box by Amel Majri and diverted into the net by Henry for the winner.

Santos, Fruta book GFF/KFC U-20 Independence Cup semi-final spots in contrasting fashion

By Michelangelo Jacobus GEORGETOWN Association champions, Fruta Conquerors FC and runners-up, Santos FC, have progressed to the semi-final stage of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/KFC U-20 Independence Cup after contrasting victories yesterday at the GFF National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Santos FC kicked off the day’s proceedings with their clash against Strikers FC (Rupununi Football Association champions) and won comfortably with a 3-1 scoreline.

Winger forward Stephen Reynolds opened the scoring in the 20th minute to put Santos 1-0 up but Strikers’ Felix Bartholomew equalized in the 40th minute to make things level at half-time. However, Bevney McGarrell in the 61st and Ronaldo Rodrigues (80th minute) got in on the action to secure safe passage for their side.

The final game of the day between surprise package, Buxton United, and Fruta Conquerors FC produced fireworks with extra time needed to produce a winner with the latter coming out on top with a 5-3 victory.

Fruta Conquerors, Dynamic FC, Santos FC and Botofago FC have booked semi-final spots in the GFF/KFC U-20 Independence Cup.

TURN TO PAGE 20

Team Mohamed’s GTR resets drag strip record.

FANS were treated to a scintillating day of Drag racing when the white Team Mohameds GTR stole the second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club second drag racing championship.

The former world record holding GTR shattered the 1/4 mile record, setting an 8.099 seconds time.

Full list of winners below: 16 seconds - Marlon Wilson 15 seconds - Ramesh Persaud 14 seconds- Romeo Singh 13 seconds- Shan Seejatan 12 seconds - TBD 11 seconds - Krishna Jettoo 10 seconds - Peter Daby Unlimited - Team Mohamed/Terrance Cox Bikes - TBD NOTE: TBD* (after a rained-out afternoon, the club will take a vote on the results of this class ) Details in a subsequent post.

Team Mohamed white GTR shattered the strip record on Sunday at the second round of the GMRSC drag race championships (GTRidez photo)

Argentina beat Qatar 2-0 to qualify for Copa America last eight See Page 20

Porto Alegre, Brazil - Argentina’s Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring their second goal with team mates REUTERS/Henry Romero Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2019