Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_7_18_2019

THURSDAY 18th July, 2019

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No.105702

Opposition

…AG warns PPP

against bullying GECOM SEE STORY ON PAGES 03►

overstepping

…says CCJ's refusal to set timelines should guide opposition

New Japan envoy accredited PAGE

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President David Granger and new Japan Ambassador to Guyana, Tatsuo Hirayama (right) and Mrs Sachiko Hirayama share a light moment at the accreditation ceremony (Ministry of Presidency photo)

Gov’t can’t down tools …AG says administration must remain to ensure Guyana doesn’t go rogue

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Search for GECOM chair continues …as Jagdeo takes hardline approach to President submitting nominees

Emancipation celebration to feature 'green touch' 11 PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Gov’t can’t down tools …AG says administration must remain to ensure Guyana doesn’t go rogue

By Lisa Hamilton THE government, in its “interim” status until the holding of new elections, has not been mandated to “down all tools” but to continue its governance of the country which, at any time, can come under grave threat.

On Wednesday on 94.1 FM programme, Hot Seat with Stan Gouveia, Attorney General Basil Williams explained that while it is agreed that during this period it will not be “business as usual”, the powers of the government remain. In other words, the government can continue on projects started and facilitate the smooth flow of other operations but will act with the knowledge that “controversial contracts” ought not to be embarked upon.

While the opposition has been calling for the government to cease all operations apart from the facilitating new elections, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s highest appellate court, on July 12, referred all parties in the matter to Article 106 (7) of the Constitution.

The section states that notwithstanding its defeat, the government must remain in office, and hold an election within three months, or

during an extended period approved by two-thirds of the National Assembly.

The AG stated that since the CCJ’s final decision, the government has been very upfront about its status as

government will comply with the orders issued by the CCJ during the ‘interim’ period and will “restrain the exercise of its legal authority”.

The statement explained that while the government will

“…we can’t give drug runners, narco traffickers any ideas that they can make a resurgence…” an “interim government” and has no intention to act otherwise. “With an interim government, the ministers retain their powers; the panoply of powers that they have. It’s not business as usual. We do not want to hide things; we know that it’s not business as usual. But, the powers remain, you have to continue to govern the country and in matters of policy, expenditure and appointments,” Williams stated.

Indeed, a release from the Ministry of the Presidency on July 13 indicated that the

continue its routine management of the country, it will also address urgent issues that are in the public interest.

The Attorney General also explained further the current limitations of the government. “We know some of the restraints which include: we should be limiting ourselves to routine matters and matters that are non-controversial; matters that would probably get the consent of the opposition and decisions which would be easy for a new government to change or adjust without much cost or

Attorney General, Basil Williams

disruption,” Williams stated.

CAN’T GIVEAWAY OIL BLOCKS He was then questioned on how this compares with the 2014 occurrence whereby former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) President, Donald Ramotar, had prorogued Parliament in order to avoid facing a no-confidence motion brought against his government. The Attorney General said in response that the character difference between the two governments on the topic is clear but equally damming is the signing of major oil contracts by the former government during this period.

“Unlike the PPP, for example, you can’t give away oil blocks during this period; you can’t give away all those hectares of State lands and

the like,” the AG pointed out.

The Ramotar-led administration is now under investigation for having awarded major oil blocks to “junior” oil companies just days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections.

Meanwhile, others have accused the party of massive prejudiced land giveaways just prior the period. That aside, the Attorney General stated that for the opposition or anyone to suggest that the government must relinquish its governance would be to carve open a portal for great chaos and unlawfulness.

Williams highlighted: “The President is quite clear on this matter that we are here on a changed mode and our obligation is to ensure that Guyana doesn’t go rogue; that we don’t give drug runners, ‘narco’ traf-

fickers, trafficking in person, money launders and all of the types or any ideas that they can make a resurgence after all the work that we have done since we came into office.”

Just this year, the United States (US) commended Guyana for its headway in the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) front.

Meanwhile, Williams reminded that Guyana is still involved in a border controversy with neighbouring Venezuela and it is obvious that even without the CCJ’s decision, the government could not simply “down tools” and expect to later function in peace.

“If there’s a natural disaster what happens?

The government has to deal with it. If there is any terroristic activity, the government has to deal with it,” he stated. “We have a border controversy and the government can’t down tools on that. We can’t say that we cannot deal with the issue if anything arises.

We have a very long border with Venezuela and Brazil…so what are we supposed to do? Allow those submarines to come in will that narcotics? We have to continue governing.”

Gov’t working on sustainable legal framework for oil sector …attorney general tells workshop

THE Government of Guyana understands that effective oil and gas legislation is needed as the country heads into ‘first oil’ and a “master plan” for the legislative drafting process has been recommended.

It was explained in detail

by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on Wednesday at the hosting of a Petroleum Sector Legislative Reform Legal Review Work-

shop. The workshop was held at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara.

Williams stated during a presentation that with ‘first oil’ expected for Guyana in early 2020, the country must implement the necessary legislative mechanisms which will effectively meet the needs of the emerging industry. He noted that the petroleum sector will require a carefully drafted regulatory framework which guarantees

both sustainable economic development for Guyana and incentives to investors.

Such a system will ensure transparency and accountability and contribute to good governance in general. “Legislation will have to address a myriad of issues and canvass several government agencies as the petroleum sector will have a cascading effect on the other sectors. For example, drilling oil wells means increased

threats to the environment; we can all remember the BP oil spills and its effect on the environment. The possibility of these accidents occurring demonstrates the need of having a framework for not only managing the petroleum and gas sector, but all of the foreseeable offshore oil and gas activities,” Williams said.

GRANTING LICENCES Other areas he highlighted for consideration while drafting legislation were the procedure for awarding and

granting permits and licences, ownership of resources, local content, dispute settlement, fiscal, royalty and taxation principles and more.

Guyana’s existing legislative framework, including draft legislation, include the Petroleum Act, Cap 92:01 (1930) which works to regulate the importation, sale and storage of petroleum; the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, Cap 65:04 (1986) which deals with the regulation for prospecting of and Production Of Petroleum

and Licensing (PPL) and the Petroleum (Production) Act, Cap 65:05 (1939) which vests in the state the property in petroleum and natural gas within Guyana.

Meanwhile, several regulations were made under these legislations which include Petroleum Regulations (1930), the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Regulations (1986) and Petroleum (Prospecting and Winning) Regulations TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Opposition overstepping

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…AG warns PPP against bullying GECOM …says CCJ's refusal to set timelines should guide opposition THE Caribbean Court of Justice’s (CCJ) decision to steer clear of giving coercive orders to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on how or when elections should be held ought to serve as an example to the opposition which now seeks to do the opposite by threatening the electoral body with sanctions if it does not commence preparation for elections.

Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, had expected better from the Opposition but concluded that such a blatant act of overstepping the processes of the Constitution is not beyond “that group of individuals.”

On Tuesday, government-nominated Commissioners at GECOM had to re-educate their fellow Opposition-nominated Commissioners as well as Attorney and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Anil Nandlall, who sought to force the hand of the Commission.

Nandlall, acting on behalf of Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, threatened “sanctions” against GECOM’s Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, if he did not commence election preparation activities.

Such activities are unauthorised as the Commission is currently without a Chairman and requires such before it can take any major steps towards the preparation for General and Regional

Elections.

“That’s the usual approach of the Opposition, particularly the Leader of the Opposition,” Minister Williams stated on Wednesday when he appeared on the Hot Seat, a 94.1FM radio programme, hosted by broadcaster, Stan Gouveia.

“The CCJ rejected their contention that they could interfere in the business of GECOM. If the CCJ refuses to interfere in the business of GECOM and said they would not set deadlines and timelines, who is Nandlall?

elections in Guyana. It stated that the country’s Constitution invests that power in the President and the National Assembly. The decision marked a denial to Jagdeo’s submission to the court whereby he asked that it orders that elections be held

by September 18, 2019.

“It is not, for example, the role of the Court to establish a date on or by which the elections must be held, or to lay down timelines and deadlines that, in principle, are the preserve of political actors guided by constitutional im-

through consultations.

“Once effective stocktaking is done, then drafting can commence by the Drafting Division of the Attorney General’s Chambers. Proper drafting instructions will have to be prepared based on the government's policy objective. These instructions are sanctioned by the Cabinet and then sent to my office,” he stated.

Telling more about the process, he explained that the instructions received are then sent to the chief parliamentary counsel (CPC) and once the draft is completed, con-

sultation will begin. These consultations will be used to improve the draft, after which the draft bill will be presented to Cabinet for consideration and the process for laying the Bill in Parliament will be followed before passing into law. “I wish to reiterate that drafting proper legislation is the first step. Effective regulation is needed if we are to benefit from this emerging sector. A long-term, sustainable legal framework will increase the likelihood that the citizens of Guyana will benefit,” the AG said.

Attorney General, Basil Williams

Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield

GECOM is an independent body and Article 226 (1) and (7) [of the Constitution] clearly assures the independence of GECOM.” On July 12, 2019, the CCJ gave orders that it had no authority to set a timeline or date for the holding of

peratives…”President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders explained.

Added to the previous requests, Jagdeo also asked that the court set a strict timeline for the appointment of a new GECOM Chairman and that the Commission do away

Gov’t working on sustainable legal ...

(1967). Ancillary legislation comprises of legislation relating to revenue, tax and customs; environmental protection; maritime and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

Recently, the Government passed the Natural Resource Fund Act, 12 of 2019 which establishes a fund to manage Guyana’s natural resource wealth while the Petroleum Commission Bill is within the Special Select Committee.

“Based on our existing

important. Once GECOM makes a decision, no Commissioner can run counter to the decision that GECOM makes,” the AG stated, adding: “GECOM has its remit and GECOM will have to advise His Excellency the President as to its readiness and as to its ability to deliver to the Guyanese people credible elections.”

In 2006, Jagdeo, then President of Guyana, when faced with a similar situation asserted GECOM’s unquestionable independence. “The law says that GECOM shall define the form of verification of the list, or may decide on verification, and will decide on what form it will take. Not the PPP; not the PNC; not any party: GECOM. That’s a constitutional body; independent just like the courts,” he had made clear.

Currently, the President and the Opposition Leader are still in the process of finalising a list of six eligible persons from which the President will select one individual for the post of GECOM Chair.

The Attorney-General reminded the public on Wednesday that although the Opposition Leader is seeking to mislead the nation, there is no limitation to the extension of the three-month period catered for in the constitution.

Article 106 (7) states that “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…"

Williams stated: “Bear in mind, that under Article 106 (7), if we don’t have the two-thirds you have to fall back on the President because the President is the one who has the power to name an election date by proclamation and also is the same person who dissolves Parliament by proclamation. So, since we under 106 (7), if the two-thirds is not attained, then you have to go to the President and the President, obviously, will name an election date only after he has been advised by GECOM as to its readiness to deliver credible elections.”

laws and the fact that they were enacted at least over 30 years ago, it is clear that there are regulatory gaps. Much has taken place in the oil and gas sector since our last enactment and the world has changed,” the Legal Affairs Minister indicated. “Therefore, our laws must reflect international standards and moreover must ensure that our natural resources are protected.”

He reminded that the Department of Energy through a project funded by the World

Bank will be hiring a firm to work with the AG’s Chambers in the drafting of legislation covering matters related to oil and gas, maritime, customs, environmental issues and OSH. Williams stressed that in order for involved stakeholders to develop legislation and a legal framework inclusive of contracts, there must be a “master plan for the oil and gas sector.” This, he explained, would include a review of existing petroleum policies, laws, regulatory

with House-to-House Registration which would create a fresh and credible List of Electors. These, too, were also rejected by the Court. On Wednesday, Commissioners Vincent Alexander, Charles Corbin and Desmond Trotman called out the opposition for a “cockeyed attempt to intimidate the Chief Elections Officer”. They stated that the GECOM Secretariat has long been given the directive to do “all in its powers” to acquire materials and undertake “non-statutory activities” in preparation for elections but cannot act further without the guidance of a Chairman.

“The importance of the statement that the three Commissioners are making is that GECOM is a Constitutional body and, therefore, the decision-making process in GECOM is what is FROM PAGE 2

and institutional frameworks catering for upstream, midstream and downstream activities; the evaluation of the suitability of appropriateness these and the identification of provisions that hinder the attraction of investments and the negotiation of good contracts within these existing policies, laws, institutions and regulations.

The AG stated that the master plan must also include the implementation of international instruments and the participation of citizens

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 18, 2019

DR Congo Ebola outbreak declared global health emergency (BBC) The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo a "public health emergency of international concern".

The move may encourage wealthy donor countries to provide more cash. But the WHO stopped short of saying borders should be closed, saying the risk of the disease spreading outside the region was not high. The outbreak in DR Congo has killed more than 1,600 people.

This week, the first case was detected in Goma, home to more than a million. The PHEIC emergency provision is the highest level of alarm the WHO can sound and has only been used four times previously. This includes the Ebola epidemic that devastated parts of West Africa from 2014 to 2016, and killed more than 11,000 people. "It is time for the world to take notice," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference in Geneva

on Wednesday at which the emergency was declared.

He said he accepted recommendations there should be no restrictions on travel or trade, and no entry screening of passengers at ports or airports outside the immediate region.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies welcomed the move.

"While it does not change the reality on the ground for victims or partners engaged in the response, we hope it will bring the international attention that this crisis deserves," it said in a statement.

How bad is the situation in DR Congo? The outbreak, the second largest in history, started in August 2018 and

is affecting two provinces in DR Congo - North Kivu and Ituri.

More than 2,500 people have been infected and twothirds of them have died. It took 224 days for the number of cases to reach 1,000, but just a further 71 days to reach 2,000. About 12 new cases are being reported every day.

Isn't there a vaccine?

Yes. It is 99% effective and more than 161,000 people have been given it.

However, everybody is not vaccinated - only those who come into direct contact with an Ebola patient, and people who come into contact with them. The vaccine was developed during the epidemic in West Africa and has been available throughout the lat-

est outbreak. Why hasn't the outbreak been brought under control?

Tackling the disease has been complicated by conflict in the region. Since January, there have been 198 attacks against healthcare workers or Ebola treatment facilities leading to seven deaths and 58 injuries.

Another major problem has been distrust of healthcare workers leading to about a third of deaths being in the community rather than at a specialist Ebola treatment centre.

It means those people are not seeking treatment and risk spreading the disease to neighbours and relatives.

There has also been difficulty tracking the spread of the virus. A significant number of cases are coming as a surprise as those affected have not come into contact with known Ebola cases.

"We are one year into the outbreak and the situation is

not getting any better," said Trish Newport, from the charity MSF. "It's a complex environment with a long history of violence, of conflict, so there's a lot of mistrust of foreigners from outside the area. "We have to build ties and connections with the community so they trust us."

Could the disease spread further? The WHO says the risk to neighbouring countries is "very high".

Uganda has already had some isolated cases including two people - a five-yearold boy and his 50-year-old grandmother - who died from the disease. Rwanda is also at risk.

This week a priest died from Ebola in the city of Goma, which is home to more than a million people.

The city is a major transport hub and sits on the DR Congo-Rwanda border.

Thursday 18 July, 2019 05:00hrs ~ 06:30hrs

Wednesday July 17, 2019

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July 12, 2019

23, 17, 16, 12, 05

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 18, 2019

Griffith: Gangsters now as young as 11 (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) COMMISSIONER of Police Gary Griffith says the age of gang members, which at one time was in the late teens to early 20s, is now as young as early to mid-teens.

Speaking on Wednesday at the weekly police press briefing at the Police Administration Building in Port of Spain, Griffith expressed concern that younger, school-age children are deciding to join criminal gangs. He blamed the adults in their lives for not setting the right example.

Griffith said data had shown that as recently as two to three years ago, the average age of gangsters was late teens to early 20s.

Now, however, the police have noticed teenagers are becoming gang members.

He does not blame the youths but rather, the adults who have failed in their responsibility to impart the proper moral values and also to guide young people so they can become productive and law-abiding citizens.

"We do not have a youth problem in this country, we

Police Commissioner Gary Griffith during the police press briefing at the Police Administration Building, Port of Spain. Photo by Sureash Cholai

have an adult problem," he said. "There are adults who are neglecting responsibility as parents, as someone in a community, as a big brother.

So they will allow the 11-, 12- and 13-year-olds to be involved in gang activity because they get profit out of it.

You are basically prostituting your son for profit, and then after, when your son is killed you are going to hear the state-

ment, 'He was a good boy. It was just the company he was keeping.'"

Griffith spoke of the importance for community policing in helping set examples and give outlets for the youth, listing activities and programmes in place such as I Support Our Service, Converge, the Commissioner's Cup and others to be made available soon. He pointed

UNC: PM must resign over E-mailgate

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley

(TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) THE UNC on Wednesday said Dr Keith Rowley must resign as Prime Minister and PNM leader for allegedly piloting the E-mailgate affair as a naked power grab.

Welcoming the police

statement that individuals named in the affair will face no charges, a UNC statement said the affair was a hoax perpetrated by Rowley and the PNM for which he must now account.

The UNC said inquiries by the Integrity Commission, Google, FBI, the police and independent ICT experts had showed the dece ption of the country and its MPs. It accused Rowley of using the cloak of the Parliament "towards the direct purpose of creating a sense of panic and distrust to a sitting Government.”

The UNC said the then PNM deputy leader Orville London said E-mailgate was a game-decider that would leave only one man or one woman standing.

Saying Rowley's action was "the cornerstone of his election campaign in 2015,” it recalled that last Sunday he said TT’s future lies with honesty within public office and public officers. Rowley himself had not met these standards, it said.

"This is why he has no achievements in four years and will be remembered as an absolute incompetent and head of the worst government in our history.

“Today, by his own words, Dr Rowley must resign as both the political leader of the PNM and as Prime Minister. Rowley lacks the competence, compassion, intelligence and character to lead TT.”

out the increase in these programmes, saying there had not been as many in the past, and said they were part of the police’s responsibility to try to educate a society and a community, owing to adults' continuous influence in compromising children’s situation and morals by allowing them to be involved in criminal activity. He ask for adults in communities to step forward and take responsibility for the youth.

“What is your 14-yearold son doing liming three o'clock in the morning playing cards with big hardback men?" he asked. "We need to start looking in the mirror. Instead of trying to blame the police, we need to work with the police.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 18, 2019

Credible elections and the sacredness of voting IN a constitutional democracy, elections provide an opportunity to ascertain the popular will with regard to the governance of the country and in order for this to be done one of the key components is a credible voter’s list. This has been the position of President David Granger ever since his administration faced the prospect of returning to the polls earlier than is constitutionally due, owing to the passage of a no- confidence motion.

President Granger has stressed ad nauseam the need for credible elections to be held within the shortest possible time and his stated route towards this is for a cleansing of the voters’ list that expired on April 29, 2019. In one of his earlier addresses to the nation, the Guyanese leader said thusly: “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.”

According to the Pres-

ident, the Constitution entitles all citizens over the age of 18 the right to vote, and he stressed that this is a democratic imperative that house-to-house registration be completed swiftly “so we can have an election at the earliest opportunity.”

In the face of demands by the opposition for the President to name a date for elections, he would later state that he cannot make a proclamation of an election date unless properly informed

by GECOM. President Granger said a date for elections would be named once GECOM indicates that it is in a state of readiness to do so. “…As soon as the Chairman of GECOM advises me that they are ready for elections, I will make a proclamation.” The President had also warned against rushing the process. “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.

Election is the act of choosing an individual usually for holding public

office through the free will of the people in a representative democracy. The USAID has said on its website that more than half of the world’s population live under autocratic or partly free governments, denied full civil liberties and unable to freely participate in political life. According to the body, a country cannot be truly democratic until its citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives through elections that are free and fair.

It is against this background that we believe that the call for a fresh round of voter registration before any elections is a most reasonable request by the government. This exercise will certainly guarantee eligible young voters a chance to cast their ballots at future elections as a step in the right direction. We have heard the comments from both sides of the political divide on this matter and barring any unforeseen setbacks, this exercise should 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 w ho 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.

The right to vote was fought for through 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 into 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.

Man lives in a political association. By this, it means decisions affecting one’s life have political implications from the womb to the tomb.

During one’s lifetime, political decisions will inform the making of laws, conceptualisation and execution of policies and

programmes, which will impact on quality of life, inclusive of whether there is respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.

These include the right to freedom of association, freedom of speech and sharing of ideas and information, healthcare, education, ownership of property, the right to a safe and secure environm e n t , w o r k ( j o b s / e c onomic opportunities), and protection from discrimination. Political decisions inform quality and equitable infrastructural development and resource management, inclusive of the environment.

Where government in our country is representational, when a citizen exercises the right to vote by casting a ballot, it becomes a corresponding right to question and propose ideas to elected officials since they are acting on your behalf. This is one of the basic elements in the thrust towards realising good governance. Good governance requires that citizens stay engaged throughout the process and elected officials responding to the desires of the community within the confines of the

law.

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, the denial of someone 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.

Avoid nodding on the wheel; it could save your life Dear Editor For the past six days my mind was pondering on several thoughts to share with the Guyanese population. I have been an ardent reader of your newspaper for years and I believe, by doing so, it has helped me to make some adjustments and correction in the scheme of my life.

I highly commend your editors for skillfully and selectively publishing articles, letters, analyses, reports and data on several current affairs within the nation and around the world. Editor, based on what I read recently, the desire to share a once in a lifetime experience with your readers

in the hope that this experience will result in someone being able to save themselves from eminent death.

I died on Tuesday July 9, 2019 or I should have died on that same day depending on how your readers interpret my experience. For me, I felt I was given another chance/opportunity to live. On that day I did some missionary work on the East Coast Demerara during the midday hours. I also did other errands for the Church, after returning to the City. I was also scheduled to make a trip to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on the East Bank in the afternoon.

Every now and then I would take a nap (a little rest) during a busy day, but on that

day I had no such thing working for me. So I began my journey to the airport a tired and weary man at about 14:30hrs then, about five or six miles before I reached my destination, a sudden tiredness and sleepiness took hold of me. Instead of stopping and getting water to saturate my face, which I practiced ever so often, especially on long driving trips; I continued driving (I was alone in car).

The road was clear, so my mind went into overdrive causing me to doze off on the wheel. I was suddenly awaken from my slumber, I believe by an Angel; being unaware for a short moment that there was a speeding car approaching me from the rear, another from the front while my car was now on

another man’s lane. Speed was evident and a disastrous consequence was unfolding within seconds. I knew I would die. It was as if I saw death in that moment of time by the stroke of a miracle from God I survived.

If you are reading this, please, again I emphasise please! I advocate and admonish you to take note as much as possible – avoid nodding on the wheel; it could save your life. Psalms 118:17 – I shall not die, but live and declare the works of the Lord in the land of the living.

Regards Apostle Vanrick Beresford

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 18, 2019

Interim Government Vs OP-ED Caretaker Government

By Maxwell Edwards

LEARNED Counsel Anil Nandlall must be the only “apologist” who does not know that he is an apologist/propagandist. He uses the cloak of the CCJs adumbration in its ruling on July 12 about “caretaker government”, misrepresenting it as if it were part of the “consequential orders”, to spin his propaganda. (See his letter under caption “Text cited by CCJ identifies broad restraints on caretaker gov’t” (SN Sunday July 14, 2019).

Such misrepresentation apart, has Counsel no respect, or reverence, for article 8 of our Constitution? “Interim” government – Yes, in the sense of the government in place, pending the General Elections in, and by, which the question of the loss of confidence raised by the No-confidence Motion (NCM) is finally decided. “Caretaker”– a rather questionable conception, when applied to our unique and autochtonous Constitution.

But the premise of the CCJs adumbration is accepted that article 106 envisages some restraints; but by its silence leaves such restraints to be decided by the Government as determined by the public/national interest.

No government (interim or otherwise) can be expected to act inimical to the public interest.

Because of the utter relevancy of Article 8 in some sober rejection of this “caretaker” opposition political hysteria, admittedly generated by the CCJs adumbration especially at paragraph [8] of its ruling. However, Article 8 of the Constitution provides thus: “This Constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and if ANY OTHER LAW is inconsistent with it, that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be VOID”. (Article 232 defines “law” (in the context of any other law) as including “unwritten law” – convention, settled practice, are examples).

In his letter, Nandlall writes “In its ruling, the CCJ referred to the text ‘Constitutional law of Canada by Peter Hogg’ as the source from which it borrowed the phrase “caretaker”. Detached reading of paragraph [8] merits a somewhat different paraphrasing that would have highlighted chancellor (ag) Cummings – Edwards reference to “caretaker/interim” in a court of Appeal judgment, we know, decided that the NCM was not carried. Be that as it may, the mere fact of Canadian law being the source brings Article 8 into very sharp focus.

Mr. Nandlall ignores this: what if that Canadian source can be shown to be inconsistent with our Constitution? That extraneous Canadian law notion of “caretaker government” is, or ought, to the learned, to be plainly inconsistent with the wording and scheme of inter alia, article 89, 99, 92 and 156 of our Constitution. But

this is intricate, complex constitutional stuff revolving around the principle of the various levels of entrenchment which it is outside the scope of this letter to articulate and elucidate upon. Suffice it to say that Peter Hogg’s text was not even remotely concerned with such constitutional provisions as articles 89 and 99 (being two of the eleven most sacrosanct articles in our Constitution by their deepest level of entrenchment) which conjointly, has vested the supreme executive authority of Guyana in the PRESIDENT – not even in cabinet, not in the National Assembly.

Does Peter Hogg give any academic view on such change of position as happened when the loss of confidence that transpired on the 21st December, 2018, with the NCM, was effectively nullified, and confidence restored and regained on 3rd January, 2019, as I will show? Be that as it may, the crux of the matter is that caretaker government is not part of the menu of “Consequential Orders” announced by the CCJ on July 12 (see paragraph “[9] a) - h)”. Moreover, our Constitution provides for, and permits, confidence lost to be easily regained and restored by a regime of RECALL constitutional provisions (Article 156 – referred to in [9] d) by CCJ as “anti-defection regime”).

APNU+AFC HAS NEVER BEEN A MINORITY Readers, I stir these points not to challenge the erudition of either chancellor (ag) or the CCJ. Not at all. I stir these points to raise the public’s consciousness about whether the Opposition’s hysteria about the CCJs pronouncement about caretaker government is not only misleading but socio-politically dangerous.

Readers, the CCJs 12th July ruling does not recognise that President David Granger, exercising his constitutional power under article 156 of our Constitution, recalled the defector Charrandass Persaud, and by extraction, he Persaud, was duly replaced as a government elected member of the National Assembly by Barbara Patricia Pilgrim, sworn in on 3rd January 2019; and thereupon his Government restored its MAJORITY in the National Assembly. Surely, this evidence was before the CCJ as part of the Attorney General’s printed case. If Peter Hogg was writing a “Constitutional law of Guyana” what would he have written about such a supervening factor? The APNU + AFC government has never been a minority government to warrant, or justify, any label of “caretaker” pending General Elections. It is not legislatively some feeble government seeking refuge in prorogations. All the plenitude of its

Executive and legislative powers it assumed on 15th May and 10th June, 2015, respectively are extant, to be used, albeit with convenient restraints, in a manner not inimical to the public interest.

And so readers, there can be no greater nonsense than the political rubbish spun by Anil Nandlall when he writes “So the government apologists can spin all they want but any actions taken, decisions made, or policy implemented outside of the parameters delimited above will necessarily be ultra vires without and in excess of jurisdiction, contrary to the Constitution, unlawful, illegal, null, void and of no effect” (see his letter of Sunday July 14). Nandlall must be confused; the Canadian Constitution is not Guyana’s. What would be “void” under article 8 is Peter Hogg’s parameters to the extent they conflict with the wording, tenor or spirit of articles 89,99,92, and 156. It is one of the curiosities of our Constitution that article 156 effectively enables a NCM defeated government to both politically, and constitutionally, sanitise its membership in the National Assembly and secure a restoration of confidence in the government. That has happened.

And, there is yet another formidable argument against the hysteria about Peter Hogg’s “caretaker government” convention.

It is not a term of legal art. I argue that if “caretaker government” was the intention of the draftsman/Parliament in Act 17/2000 when article 106(6)& (7) was inserted into our Constitution, nothing would have been easier than to put it in explicitly in wording in article 106(7) ex abundant cautela (ie out of abundant caution). But Parliament did not. Nor is it obvious. And we take the Constitution as it is; not what some of us may conceive it ought to be. “Caretaker” with all its nuance or ramifications of diminished legal authority, is the antithesis of “supreme executive authority” (articles 89/99). That is heresy.

So, I turn briefly to a convention case. It is regrettable that the CCJ did not consider the case law that is the Privy Council case of Adegbenro V. Akintola and Other (1963) 3 AII ER 447, in its adumbration about “caretaker” convention which is not explicitly provided for in our Constitution; and which the CCJ, respectfully, rightly, considers “convention” (see paragraph [8]). In that case, the Privy Council rejected an invitation, during arguments on appeal, to apply United Kingdom constitutional understandings /principles/doctrines ( cf. the Canadian “convention”) in its interpretation of the Nigerian Constitution as to how, and when the Government no

longer commanded the confidence, or support of the majority of members of the Assembly.

HYPER EXAGGERATION That persuasive Court, Regionally of highest appellate authority still for all Caribbean nations, (except Guyana, Barbados and Belize), made this very seminal and illuminating observation thus: “… while it may be useful on occasion to draw on British practice or doctrines in interpreting a doubtful phrase whose origin can be traced… it is, in the end, the wording of the constitution itself that is to be interpreted and applied, and this wording CAN NEVER BE OVERRIDDEN by the extraneous principle of other constitutions which are not explicitly incorporated into the formula that has been chosen as the frame of this Constitution” (see at page 551 A – C) (emphasis mine). Translation into our Constitution: the “wording” is article 89,92,99; 106(6)& (7) and 156. The “extraneous principles” are Hogg’s “caretaker” parameters, which for Anil Nandlall transcends articles 89,92,99,156. That is heresy.

I end with this: I, for myself, do not attempt any distillation and is contented the phrase “caretaker government” does not appear in the “consequential orders” the CCJ made in paragraph “[9] a) – h)”. Ex hypothesis, the President can, even now, cause to have a motion/vote of confidence proposed and carried in the National Assembly by the APNU+AFC 33 seats majority. Can a “caretaker government” do such? If on the 15th May, 2015, this APNU+AFC government with its 33 seats majority was not a “caretaker government”, by what common sense, or constitutional logic, can the self-same government, with the self-same President, with his self-same sacrosanct undiminished supreme executive authority; with its self-same 33 seats majority, now, be a caretaker one merely because of the inevitability of general elections? Again, I say I have stirred these points to raise public consciousness about the hyper exaggeration of negativity by propagandists such as Anil Nandlall and Ralph Ramkarran, S.C, over the CCJs adumbration of caretaker government.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 18, 2019

Remembering the Linden martyrs

Dear Editor

TODAY, July 18, marks eight years since three innocent Lindeners lost their lives in a peaceful protest, dubbed the "People's struggle" against the then PPP/C Administration's intent to forcibly impose additional hardship on an already deprived, marginalised and impoverished community.

We did what we had to do, we united and fought for what we believe and won.

That victory however came with the ultimate sacrifice that resulted in the deaths of three young men in

the prime of their youth and full of life and promise of a future denied at the hands of the State, governed by the then wicked and evil PPP/C government. This was a dark time in our community's history, the most heinous, monstrous, disgraceful and inhumane act of terrorism to have been committed on so many people at the same time and in the same space in our country's history. Shooting live rounds and teargas at innocent protesters who were engaged in a peaceful protest for betterment for their families and community.

This terrorist act had cer-

tainly left many invisible, deep rooted scars edged in the hearts, and memories of surviving loved ones, friends and by extension, fellow Lindeners. Philosopher, George Santayana posits 'Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat.”

The designated site at Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge where this symbolic event usually takes place and rightfully so, is a marker of our past and a solemn gathering place, a place to honour and remember those innocent

family members, friends, neighbours and fellow human beings who died in one of the most gruesome acts at the hands of the State.

I am most convinced and persuaded that families and other surviving residents and friends of those who suffered from this dastardly act, would be pleased that this symbolic remembrance ceremony is continuing and will continue to be a constant feature in this community each year.

Mr. Editor, it would be remiss of me if I fail to say, it was the PNC/R , the RDC and fellow Lindeners who diligently kept this symbolic

activity a yearly feature in our community for it is important for us not to forget, because it is by remembering, such an act will never be accepted and It is hoped it will never be repeated. In recognition of this tragedy I am happy that the APNU+AFC Government under the leadership of President David Granger has provided the RDC with resources to put at the designated site a monument in memory of those lost souls.

In conclusion, I vehemently hold the view that no monetary value can be placed on one's life but an

act of respect for such lives lost can be measured by acts of kindness and consideration. I therefore ask that the disgraceful and unconscionable compensation provided to the families of the Linden martyrs by the previous PPP/C administration be given a new look by the people's government.

Long live the memories of our local heroes.

Regards Jermaine Figueira Member of Parliament Region 10

Guyana must be allowed to chart its own course Dear Editor,

AS a patriotic and revolutionary-nationalist formation, Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP) will always prioritise the defence of Guyana’s sovereignty. A fundamental tenet of our ideology is to move beyond what we call “flag-and-anthem independence”. Our aim is to achieve true independence and economic justice in our lifetime.

Given our position, we are once again appalled by

the blatant interference in our domestic affairs by diplomats from the US, UK and the European Union. They need to understand that the political quagmire we find ourselves in is one that can only be remedied by the Guyanese people themselves.

One of the factors that has contributed to the current situation is our misguided mimicking of others and following the directives of these imperial countries. In 2019, can anyone really believe that the ABC countries and the EU have anyone’s interests at heart but their

own? Former US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, said it in plain language for all to understand – but still our leaders cannot seem to heed the man’s words: “The US has no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests” Guyana is no longer a colony. Do we really understand what this means? It means that our political leaders must stop allowing these same ABC countries and the EU to lecture us on how we must comply with the CCJ ruling. In simple words, how

Guyana proceeds from this moment onwards is, in truth, none of their business.

The ABC countries have the audacity to lecture us on what we should or should not do, even though these countries themselves can best be described as lawless. They have collectively broken every international ruling, law and fundamental understanding of what it means to be a member of a community of nations. They have this audacity because our leaders allow it and enable them.

Their behaviour is not only

Who directed or instructed Gocool Boodhoo in 2006 Dear Editor, PLEASE permit me a space in your newspaper to respond to a statement made

by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, during his press conference on July 15, 2019, where Mr. Jagdeo stated “I believe Lowenfield is compromised and that he is taking instructions from the PNC.” Editor if you may allow me to edify the nation and Mr. Jagdeo that GECOM is a constitutional autonomous body and is being governed by a board which comprises of a Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer, three commissioners from the

APNU+AFC and three from the PPP/C; from both sides of the government and the opposition.

The Chief Elections Officer, Mr. Keith Lowenfield, can act on instructions given from the constitutional board which includes the chairperson.

As things currently stand as of today’s date, President David Granger and Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, met to discuss nominees for the Chairmanship of GECOM and four names were settled on. Two more are needed for the submission of a list of six by Jagdeo to President Granger. There is currently no chairman in place because

after CCJ ruled, the President and opposition leader have to find consensus on the way forward of naming the chairperson.

I really do not understand how Mr. Jadgeo can make such allegations about Mr. Lowenfield, when the truth is Mr. Lowenfield can only take instructions for the duly constituted body with a chairman at its helm. Mr. Jadgeo in my opinion has one main aim, to spread false propaganda and is also trying to cause mischief in GECOM. Our politicians need to resist and desist from disseminating false information to the Guyanese nation to create confusion

and ill will against public officers. Moreover, please allow me to reiterate and remind the public that the last evidence of rigging in Guyana for elections was done by former Chief Elections Officer, Gocool Boodhoo, in 2006 and 2011 when Commissioner for the PNC/R Mr. Vincent Alexander’s vigilance thwarted his efforts. So my question now is who was Mr. Gocool Boodhoo being directed or instructed by in 2006 and 2011?

Regards Ceion Rollox

inappropriate in that it clearly oversteps the boundaries of their role as diplomats; it also exposes their contemptuous neo-colonial mind-set.

In 2004, the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled in favour of Antigua and Barbuda regarding a ban on gaming imposed by the US. The ban deprived Antigua of over US$200 million in revenue, and to this day, the US continues to ignore the ruling and has still not paid the compensation ordered by the WTO. In another case, the

International Court of Justice has recently ruled that the UK should cede control over the Chagos Islands after it illegally carved up Mauritius. So far the World Court’s decision has been ignored by the UK. As we say in Guyana: “Jackass ears big, but he don’t hear he own story”.

Regards Gerald A. Perreira Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP)

GMSA exhorts leaders to abide by constitutional requirements in choosing GECOM chair Dear Editor The Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association welcomes the ruling on the consequential orders and more so the commitment by all of the political players to abide by the said ruling and have a speedy resolution to the unprecedented situation faced by Guyana.

We are cognisant of the importance placed by the court with respect to the need for a functioning Elections Commission in order for credible elections to be held as soon as possible. In this context we exhort the leaders of the two political parties to be fully engaged on a contin-

uous and meaningful basis until a consequential solution is arrived at.

In so doing, we also exhort the political leaders to abide by the constitutional requirements and conditionalities as it relates to the criteria for the selection of nominees of chairman who should not have known affiliation/allegiance to any party. We do so given the grave consequences that could result in other local, regional and international judicial matters.

Regards Guyana Manufactuing and Services Association

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

GSDS Vision 2040 – Going beyond environmental protection ...‘green economy’ concept in line with international movement of countries developing their industries without degrading natural resources

THE Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) – Vision 2040 is a 20-year, national development policy that incorporates the guiding vision and principles of a ‘green agenda’.

Stakeholder Management Coordinator at the Department of Environment (DoE) and point-person on the GSDS, Onika Stellingburg, said the strategy goes beyond environmental protection, noting that there is a general misconception of the document. According to Stellingburg, the policy encompasses transparency, good governance, accountability, diversification and fiscal policies among others.

“The result would be preserving the environment, but it is an economic development strategy that shows how we can advance every single sector of the economy without degrading our natural environment,” she emphasised.

Stellingburg noted that the “green economy” concept is in line with the international movement of countries

developing their industries without degrading their natural resources.

There are three key messages under Vision 2040.

These are managing natural resources wealth, supporting economic resilience and building human capacity.

These are further broken

Stakeholder Management Coordinator at the Department of Environment (DoE), Onika Stellingburg

down into eight development objectives: – Economics Restructuring and Diversification, Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, Transition to Renewable and Clean Energy, Resilient Infrastructure and Green Towns, Healthy, Educated and Socially Cohesive Population, Internationally Competitive Trade and Investment, Good Governance and Strong Institutions and Sound Fiscal Policy.

According to Stellingburg, once the framework document was conceptualised, stakeholder consultations were held in every region of Guyana since it is a policy for the people. She stressed the importance of engaging various stakeholders at every level since it is “a bottom-up policy”. The DoE partnered with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Conservation International Guyana to conduct these stakeholder engagements.

“The hinterland areas had a specific set of consultations that were organised by WWF,

and we sent the technical people to be part of it. On the coastal areas, we worked with Conservation International to host what we called ‘green conversations’,” she explained.

There are policy guidelines under the GSDS for each of Guyana’s major sectors which will enable a transition into a ‘green’ state.

The completed document was handed over to His Excellency, President David Granger, on May 28, 2019 in the presence of his Cabinet.

Conceptualised in December 2016, the GSDS centres on development which will provide a better quality of life for all Guyanese by harnessing the country’s natural wealth.

This takes into consideration the diversity of Guyana’s peoples and abundant natural resource. The entire Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) document can be found on the Department of Environment’s website; https://doe.gov.gy/ gsds (DPI)

9

The CCJ has finally made all of its rulings on Guyana’s matters Dear Editor,

P

LEASE allow me to respond to a letter published in the Guyana Times on July 15, 2019.

That letter is titled, “The present shenanigans by Granger and crew is a direct violation of Article 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution of this country”, and was penned by one, Neil Adams.

However, many inconsiderate PPP/C supporters who are trying to dictate what the president should do before the time is right is causing an effect on the country. We as Guyanese should know that elections cannot be held without a GECOM Chairman, and without a credible voter’s list; that is, an updated sanitised list, given that the current list expired April 30, 2019.

The APNU/AFC government had joined the PPP/C at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in order to get final clarity on the December 21, 2018 no-confidence motion, so, therefore, all dates for elections had to be frozen until the outcome of the CCJ’S ruling.

It is my belief that all of this will come to an end very soon, if the President and the Opposition work together in good faith.

The APNU/AFC coalition is committed to respecting the Constitution of Guyana, and serving all Guyanese.

According to Neil Adams, who is trying to threaten the president by stating, “This is what is going to happen come midnight on Monday, July 15, 2019, if a name is not selected

by Granger, and I am speaking of a name from Jagdeo’s list; not one from Granger’s list. If Granger does not select a name from the Opposition Leader’s list, then Jagdeo will have one recourse, and that is to call on the assistance of the United Nations to intervene.”

Editor, when the opposition leader submits the official list of six names to the president, even if it includes names from the president, the PPP/C cannot tell the head of state who to select from the list. That will be his choice.

If we don’t work together to get this problem resolved, I believe it will take a longer time. We should never try to bully our country’s leaders. Editor, young Guyanese should get the chance to select their own leader. In saying all of this, I am calling for a new voters’ list. Therefore, young Guyanese should not be left behind. We are the country’s future.

Regards, Troy Douglas

Yarde wants to regain control of credit union …cites underperformance of IMC

THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) has approached President David Granger to have the Interim Management Committee that is currently overseeing the operations of the Guyana Public Service Co-operative Credit Union (GPSCCU) removed on the grounds that it is under-performing.

At a press conference on Wednesday, GPSU President Patrick Yarde disclosed that the union formally wrote President Granger on Wednesday July 17, 2019, requesting that the Interim Management Committee, which was installed on May 26, 2018, be removed.

GPSCCU’s elected management committee was removed from office on May 26, 2018 and replaced by the Interim Management Committee by the Chief Co-operative Development Officer, Perlina Gifth.

The embattled committee was informed of its removal by way of a letter. On Wednesday, Yarde said the Union has not only asked for the Interim Management Committee to be removed but also, for an investigation to be launched into the credit union’s operations by the Ministry of Social Protection.

“We would like a board of inquiry to be mounted into the affairs of the Credit Union”, Yarde told reporters.

In justifying this request, Yarde stated that the interim management committee has incurred large unauthorised

expenditure. He stated that the guidelines that govern the allocation of monies for contracts, state that the management committee had the power to allocate no more than $1M, and any amount exceeding that must be approved by way of an Annual General Meeting.

He contended that the interim management committee has failed to meet these guideline and has allocated $10M without approval from an Annual General Meeting.

Yarde further made alleged that the employment cost during the interim Management Committee’s governance has increased from $3.8M to $6.9M in just one year. These were the circumstances he used to highlight that the interim management committee has been showing clear mismanagement of the funds received from members.

He expressed concerns over the impact these “irresponsible” actions would have on members of the union.

“Already, approximately 400 members out of the total 15,000 members have resigned, and are withdrawing savings from the Credit Union of $38M,” Yarde stated.

Yarde contended that the interim management committee has changed the organisational structure of the credit union. He expressed that the interim management committee has no authority to change the internal structure of the

organization.

Yarde remains resolute that he is calling for an urgent response from the Ministry of Social Protection, as it relates to launching investigations into the actions of the interim committee. He told reporters that the removal of the elected committee stemmed from its refusal to pay over approximately $50M in audit and supervision fees. The Ministry of Social Protection had ordered

POOR MANAGEMENT Meanwhile, it would be recalled that the IMC was imposed at the credit union owing to alleged mismanagement of Yarde and others. The Ministry of Social Protection had said that it was sorely disappointed with the conduct and behaviour of the Committee of Management of the Credit Union which it accused of acting against the interest of its members and against the principles

An AGM is usually held upon the completion of the Audit of the Accounts of the Society in conformity with the Provisions and Regulations as are contained in the Co-operative Societies Act, Chapter 88:01, of the Laws of Guyana.

“For more than one year now, the Ministry of Social Protection under whose supervision Co-operative Societies fall has been advising the Guyana Public Service Co-opera-

President of The Guyana Public Service Union Patrick Yarde (centre)

the payment but the elected management committee objected. According to the GPSU President, the committee was working well within its limits in its refusal, as there was a prior agreement that the union retained control over that fund and would utilize it when necessary to oversee audits and developments.

of prudent management styles.

In a statement in July 2017 the ministry’s Department of Labour stated that members of the society who are in excess of 14,000 and had not been paid dividends for several years now because of the society’s inability and in some respects blatant refusal to hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM).

tive Credit Union (GPSCCU) on the necessary legal steps to be followed to ensure that the Audit of its accounts were completed so that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) could be held, to facilitate, among other things, the payment well deserved dividends to the members.

On the contrary, the

Committee of Management demanded that the Ministry permit the society to continue enjoying a certain unfair advantage which had prevailed in the past, and which had been developed under suspicious circumstances.”

According to the ministry in spite of the several meetings and exchange of correspondences which clearly outlined its position of discontinuance of the unfair advantage to the Guyana Public Service Union Credit Union, its Committee of Management continued to defy the Ministry’s advice and even threatened to institute legal proceedings if the unfair advantage, which, for all intent and purpose was discriminatory, was not allowed to continue.

“In a final attempt to develop an amicable solution to the matter, the Ministry invited the Committee of Management to a meeting scheduled for 1:30 pm on 25th July, 2017. Rather than attending the meeting, the Committee rudely responded to the Ministry’s invitation and suggested that it would attend only when it was convenient to them to do so. That position adopted by the Committee is not only disrespectful but reflective of a desire to enjoy preferential treatment which borders on corruption.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 18, 2019

Most pupils, parents against scrapping NGSA --feel it serves a useful purpose at the end of the day

MANY parents and pupils are not in agreement with the scrapping of Guyana’s national secondary school entrance examination, the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), as they feel that the annual examination serves as a motivation, pushing students towards performing better academically.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea at all. I really think this is a great boost to the children out there, because they work. They are doing this before they go on to CXC, so it’s getting them prepared for a tough road ahead. If you take that out, it will be just a laid back attitude,” opined Radika Lall, mother of Venisha Lall, one of the two top performers at this year’s NGSA. Her sentiments were shared by her daughter, who does not think that scrapping the exam would be in the best interest of fellow pupils. She says she wants other pupils to feel the sense of accomplishment that she was able to enjoy in knowing that she did her best, and was able to achieve her goal of attaining the highest marks in the country.

“NGSA is basically knowing the child’s potential, so if there isn’t any NGSA, you wouldn’t know the child’s potential.” The 11-year-old said. “If you didn’t do well for NGSA, you would try harder next time. So if there isn’t NGSA, the child wouldn’t try harder to prove themselves,” she added.

For some years now, the NGSA has been viewed as somewhat of a stigma, due to the disappointment those children who don’t do well at the examination may feel, particularly if they are put down by their parents or others when they do not attain placement at a desired “top school”.

Althea Lewis’ son, Antwone DeSouza, was hoping to gain a place at a “top school”. However, after attaining only 400 marks, he was offered a place at South Ruimveldt Secondary. Lew-

is says she is still proud of her son, and because of the NGSA, he now knows where he stands in terms of his academic ability, and can use that as a springboard for his improvements.

She vehemently opposes the scrapping of the examination, as she believes that it actually encourages low achievers to strive to do better.

“I say that is nonsense, because some children they don’t really do good during the school term, but at exam, they really shine out and show what they can do,” she said. “It’s another way of boosting the children to do better, because they would know that that is a big examination. And most of them, that is the time that they put their mind to it and work harder,” she added.

FALLING BACK Prior to getting into study mode for NGSA, she says Antwone had been falling back in his performance at school. But it was that motivation to get a good school which pushed him to start improving.

“He wasn’t doing so well in class,” Antwone’s mom said, “but now around the exam time, it pushed him a little more. He pushed and pushed, and that’s how he got 400 marks. To me, if he didn’t push, he might have gotten 300-and-something or something like that.”

At a recent private sector forum here, Director of Economics at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Dr. Justin Ram, called for the scrapping of the NGSA, thereby propelling Guyana into the longstanding wider debate as to whether standardised testing is beneficial to the education system, or is doing more harm to students who underperform.

“Is there still an 11-plus examination here in Guyana? I would want to recommend that you get rid of that,” Ram suggested, while addressing a gathering of private sector officials on July 5, 2019.

In Guyana, the NGSA is

IDB Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram

written at the end of primary school, testing pupils in Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies to determine which secondary school they will be offered a place at based on how much they score overall.

All of the top secondary schools in the country are, each year, assigned minimum cut-off scores pupils must attain to be placed there. Pupils who did not score enough to get into these schools would attend junior secondary schools, which may be close to where they reside.

Ram noted, and it has been a long-held belief, that the examinations create disparity in the level of secondary school education that varying children will receive, as the top schools provide a better quality of education.

Leading the list of top secondary schools here in Guyana is Queen’s College; followed by The Bishops’ High; St Stanislaus College; St Rose’s High; St Joseph’s High; and President’s College. All are located in the city, which is often a hassle to get to for those top-performing pupils in far-flung regions across the country.

In one suggestion for adequately addressing this situation, was President David Granger’s call recently for the establishment of “top schools” in each of the country’s ten administrative regions.

Adding her voice to the issue, Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry, noted that while scrapping

NGSA 2019 top performer, Venisha Lall, (left) with Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry

the ‘exam’ may be something to consider in the longterm, it is not something practical for Guyana’s current education environment.

But, is the examinations truly worth being scrapped, if the goal is give all students a level playing field?

Deodat Challu, whose daughter, Shivalli, scored 530 marks, making it the second highest score attained at the 2019 NGSA, believes that benefits gained in helping the underperforming students may come at the expense of the students that perform well if they are all placed together.

“It would affect the students that are doing well.

The others would be slow learners, so the teacher would have to go over something one time, two time, three time. My thing is don’t scrap it,” Challu said.

His sentiments were shared by his wife, Ann. “Every child is different; and they learn at different stages. Some are slow learners; some are fast learners, but it helps to prepare the child for secondary school,” she said.

A VITAL TOOL

Tracy Allen-Amsterdam believes that the evaluating of students is vital, and NGSA allows for that.

“It’s a way of assessing the students to determine how well they’re doing.

That is what I actually use to assess my daughter to see where she’s at, and what she needs to work on in order for her to be successful,” related Allen-Amsterdam, whose daughter, Devine, also wrote the exam this year.

The NGSA examinations is also used to adjudge those underperforming students in need of remedial intervention, and in the development of new programmes to help those students based on their weaknesses. District Education Officer, Sherwyn Blackman, explained that under-achieving students at the NGSA are not simply discarded at a “low school” and forgotten.

For the past nine years the bottom one per cent performers at the NGSA have been placed in a one-year “Transition Class” in their respective regions, before entering secondary school.

After the NGSA, those students are also continually assessed to constantly gauge

their progression, before they are placed in a secondary school. Blackman said that this strategy has had good results.

Many of the students who have had to go through the “Transition Class” before entering secondary school, he said, have gone on to do well at the secondary school exit exam, the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC), that administered by the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

“It is not a case that we would term it as failure,” Blackman said, adding: “What we’ve found over the years is that when those students get to the CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) level a number of them perform well. Sometimes when you get to grade nine they are able to catch themselves up and be on par with the others.”

He maintains, however, that the assessment of students to know what their weaknesses are, and to be able to develop programmes to help them, is key, and that even if the NGSA were to be scrapped, students would still need to be evaluated, using some sort of assessment method.

“If we go that direction, we would still need some mechanism in terms of testing. It may be more diagnostic, as we go through, but we would still have to have some way of measuring that learning itself is taking place, because, in a system where we have to think about accountability, how do we know that the teachers are doing as much as they should?” he said.

Security guard remanded for simple larceny PRINCIPAL Magistrate Faith McGusty, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, remanded a 23-year-old security guard to prison for simple larceny.

Garfield Edwards, of

3550 Stevedore Housing Scheme, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied that, on Monday July 15, 2019, at Church Street, he stole a black handbag which

contained a water bottle, a lunch bowl, a wallet and cash, total of $20,500.

The Police prosecutor, Annalisa Brummel, told the court that, on the day in question, the virtual com-

plainant (VC) was on her way to work and while waiting for traffic to ease up to cross the road, the defendant ‘rolled up’ on a bicycle and snatched the VC’s bag and made good

his escape.

The matter was reported and Edwards was later arrested and charged. The prosecutor objected to Edwards being granted bail.

Magistrate McGusty remanded Edwards to prison and the case was adjourned until July 31, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Emancipation celebration to feature 'green touch' THE African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) will be hosting its 26th Emancipation Day Festival at the National Park on August 1, 2019, under the theme ‘Innovatively engineering the Guyana we want to live in’.

This announcement was made by ACDA’s representative, Aisha Haynes, at a press briefing at the Pegasus Hotel on Tuesday. She also disclosed that the celebration is sub-themed ‘Moving together to develop Guyana into a Green State’.

This sub-theme was chosen because Guyana is transitioning and ACDA, though designed to preserve and promote the African culture, wants to contribute to the transformation of the country, particularly with youths.

In this regard, Haynes said one of the pre-Emancipation Day activities is movie screenings, through which the importance of innovative youths will be promoted.

One of the movies to be screened is ‘The boy who harnessed the wind’. Haynes said this movie is one which speaks to how youths can tap into their inner creativity and be world changers.

Another pre-Emancipation Day event is the Spelling Bee Competition, which

Members of the headtable

will be held on July 21, August 1 and September 22.

Meanwhile, from July 2231, there will be an African Street Theatre event on Main Street Avenue from 10:00hrs to 17:00hrs.

Additionally, as is customary every year, and what is deemed as one of the most important aspects of the Emancipation celebration, the libation ceremony and

spiritual tribute will be held on the evening of July 31.

This will be done in the form of a parade which starts off at the Parade Ground and ends at the Square of the Revolution.

To make their activities as inclusive and diverse as possible, there are a host of other activities that cater to all citizens.

SPORT There is the freedom race on the morning of August 1, where runners from near and far will participate in a relay to open the Emancipation Day celebration. This will commence at the Square of the Revolution and end at the National Park. There will also be cricket competitions and football matches, for both males and females.

However, notwithstanding all the pre-Emancipation events, the highlight of them all is what takes place in the National Park on August 1. The main attraction this year is Jamaican reggae star, Kymani Marley, son of Bob Marley.

There will also be Collis Duranty, international and regional cultural performances – drumming, fire eating,

stilt walkers and more, and a Nigerian performing group and afro beat singer.

For the local performers, there will be acrobats, fashion and hair display, and 28 performances in the form of music, poetry and dance.

Exclusive of the on-stage performances, there will be several booths around the National Park for persons to visit and learn about the African History. There will also be activities for children.

Haynes announced that two particular sponsors came on board this year to help boast their activities, namely, Digicel and Ansa Mcal.

Ansa McAL is sponsoring the cookup competition that will be held on Freedom Day, and Digicel is sponsoring the best-dress competition.

There are numerous exciting activities planned for the 2019 celebration, and all are asked to come out in full support.

Gate opens at 10:00hrs and admission for children under 12 is $100, Adults $800 before 17:00 hrs and $1500 after 17:00 hrs. The main show starts at 17:00hrs, hence, the higher price.

Public recognition leads to positive action – says Top Cop Leslie James at police awards ceremony

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James (centre) flanked by his deputies and awardees at the ceremony

RECOGNITION and reward for positive actions invariably lead to more positive actions, Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, said at the Guyana Police Force (GFP) awards ceremony on Wednesday.

The event was held at the Tactical Service Unit (TSU) Drill Square, Eve Leary, Georgetown.

The top cop said there is a positive correlation between the growth of an object and the attention it garners and this is true with actions and outcomes.

“Equally mediocrity would not, and should not attract action, or more so rewards,” the top cop said as he acknowledged the stellar performance of policemen

and policewomen who work beyond the call of duty.

He said persons who understand their roles, functions and responsibilities as serving members of the GPF will benefit as over the past five years, the Force has paid out nearly $154M in awards.

He said $19.5M will be paid out in prizes this year and the awards and recog-

nitions are not in vain for the record will show that the awardees; receivers of incentives and commendations, continue to excel and work beyond the call of duty.

“There are officers that remain in their offices taking statements and generating painstaking reports long after their colleagues would have left. There are those officers

that cast aside fear of danger and challenge individuals with criminal intention and those engaged in criminal enterprises,” the top cop said before the awards were handed out.

He said there are also ranks, who put their lives and well-being of the citizenry before their own.

The commissioner said

junior promotions will be announced later this month.

In attendance were senior officers and retirees of the GPF. Awards were given out to Community Policing Group (CPG) members, rural constables and special awards were also given to individuals and groups.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 18, 2019

9 % hike in international arrivals at midyear – GTA says THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has recorded a 9.2 per cent increase in international arrivals to Guyana, during the period of January to May, 2019, making way for tourism to become the country’s second largest export sector in Guyana.

This was announced by Brian Mullis, Director of the GTA, at a press conference held by the GTA, on Wednesday, at the National Exhibition Centre. The Director pointed out that tourism is a force for good in Guyana and has long been regarded as one of the fastest growing export sectors in the world, significantly contributing to sustainable development in the areas of job and wealth creation, economic growth, environmental protection and poverty alleviation.

He said, “It’s no surprise that Guyana’s ‘Green State Development Strategy’ and its long standing ‘Green State Agenda’ have highlighted tourism as a priority, value

adding sector, requiring increased investment. That level of priority is continuously being supported by a growing body of data.”

Mullis indicated that the GTA, under the Ministry of Business, has adopted and implemented sustainable destination management, development and marketing practices that has resulted in Guyana becoming one of the top 10 sustainable destinations in the world. In 2018, Guyana welcomed approximately 286,732 international visitors, which showed a 15.9 per cent increase. There was also a 21 per cent increase in travellers coming to Guyana just for leisure purposes, which reflected 183,639 individuals.

According to Mullis, the net result shows that the travelling tourism as a sector, injected approximately $62.6 billion, directly into Guyana’s economy in 2018, “that means that tourism is the second largest export sector in the country, after gold and ahead

Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar

of rice,” he added.

Due to a recent analysis of the Bureau of Statistics’ Visitor Exit Survey, conducted at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and other ports of entry, the GTA estimated that in 2018, the average expenditure, per international traveller, per visit, is approximately 222,216 Guyanese dollars or US$1064.

“The international average per trip is US$1100, so we are

right in line with that global average,” he noted.

The total contribution of travelling tourism to Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product in 2018 is 7.8 per cent, which directly created approximately 8500 jobs, while a total of 22,000 jobs were created indirectly, as estimated by the World Travelling Tourism Council.

Mullis indicated that by 2025, Guyana can expect 500,000 international visitors entering the country, which could reflect a 100 per cent growth from 2017.

In his remarks, Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, highlighted that earlier this year, Guyana was named the “Best Eco-Tourism Destination” and “Best in Sustainable Tourism” in the world, and added that, the recognitions further validate “the approach the government has been taking tourism development in Guyana.”

He stated that the tourism sector will continue to be a

UWI in initiative to improvewellness in workplace

Director of the Inter American Centre for Social Security Studies, Reginald Thomas (right), and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences for UWI’s Cave Hill Campus, Justin Robinson, after signing the MoU

THE University of the West Indies (UWI) has partnered with the Inter American Centre for Social Security Studies to improve wellness in workplaces across the region.

Both stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which paves the way for UWI to offer courses which are geared at improving wellness in the workplace, building resilience and tackling mental health.

The initiative was birthed during a meeting of the Inter-American Conference on Social Security (CISS) last year.

As part of the MoU, UWI will be offering courses which will be available to existing students on all UWI campuses and to people across the Caribbean region.

Courses will also be available online.

“We will be addressing all these challenges so that we can have a healthy labour force, affecting productivity, enhancing social security and improving the well-

ness and well-being of all workers,” said Director of the Inter American Centre for Social Security Studies, Reginald Thomas, subsequent to the signing of the MoU at the Marriott Hotel, on Wednesday.

Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences for UWI’s Cave Hill Campus, Justin Robinson, said the programme is targeting employees and employers.

“As an employer, you can tune out to issues affecting staff and unless they can manage the different stresses, you are not going to have a productive employee,” said Robinson, adding that employees, on the other hand, need to be aware of the stresses which they face and how they can manage it.

In that regard, the programme will be targeting both sides, since it requires a symbiotic relationship and would not work if the institution only targets one end.

On a larger scale, UWI is also building a centre for workplace wellness which will

be tasked with public sensitisation and so forth.

Robinson said the efforts are part of a “determined strategy” to build awareness and promote wellness in the workplace.

He believes the programme is necessary because people spend more time at work than at home, and what happens in the workplace has a tremendous effect on the quality of life of an individual.

“This feeds into our productivity and also pressures on the social security schemes…when workers are not well, they are not as productive, which affects the economy and social security schemes… therefore, we are interested in providing training around one of the major challenges to NIS schemes,” said Robinson.

He said there are programmes on the scheme which would encourage persons to get back into the workforce after an illness or injury.

high priority for the Government of Guyana, since it understands the value and transformative potential the sector has on the quality of life of Guyanese people.

According to Rajkumar, the government views tourism, not just as a means of attracting visitors to the shores of Guyana, but as a platform which supports the country’s economic diversification, resiliency and advancement in its development.

“In the future, as was alluded to by the director, that by 2025 we expect 500,000 visitors to our country. You would agree with me that it would significantly impact our economy and of course create more jobs for people. I think that we are on good track.

The tourism industry has been developing in our country and we as a people will benefit tremendously,” the minister said.

Rajkumar noted that he also recognises the continued efforts made by the private sector in developing tourism

in Guyana and making the country a deserving tourist destination.

In June of this year, Guyana received the Latin American Travel Association’s (LATA’s) “Best in Sustainable Tourism” award. According to GTA, the country was awarded during LATA’s “Experience Latin America” conference in London, England-Europe’s largest Business to Business (B2B) travel conference.

The LATA Achievement Awards recognises destinations, individuals and/or companies with exemplary case studies of tourism or those that have made an exceptional contribution to the development of sustainable travel to Latin America.

In March of 2019, Guyana was named the number one “Best of Ecotourism” destination in the world.

The award was presented to Guyana at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin, Germany.

Two convicted for armed robbery at Rohee’s home DELLON Wills and Corlette Parks who were involved in the armed robbery at the home of former Home Affairs Minister and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) parliamentarian Clement Rohee in 2016, were on Monday convicted of the crime.

Wills, 31, of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Parks, 37, of South Ruimveldt were on trial before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Providence Magistrate’s Court for two counts of robbery under arms.

Wills was sentenced to 48 months jail in absentia, since he had not been attending his trial; a warrant was issued for his arrest. Meanwhile, Parks’ sentencing was deferred until August 2, 2019.

The first charge reads that, on November 9, 2016, at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), the duo while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Anjanie and Anika Layne of jewellery and cash totalling G$2.6 million, the property of Clement Rohee.

The second charge reads that on the same day, at the same location, the duo robbed Anjanie and Anika Layne of jewellery valued G$1 million, the property of Chandanie Rohee.

This newspaper had reported that Parks’ National Identification Card (ID) was found in the vehicle which was reportedly used to execute the robbery at Eccles. Parks had transported Wills along with others, who were armed with guns and a knife to the location to commit the robbery.

Rohee had told reporters that he left his two maids at home around 09:30hrs and was later informed that bandits had invaded the property.

According to the politician, the grilled back door was left open, facilitating entry to the home for the bandits.

The car, PRR 514, was found days later abandoned on Croal Street, Georgetown.

The owner of the vehicle reportedly told the police that he had rented the car to Parks, but she returned the vehicle an hour later, alleging that it had developed mechanical problems. However, the owner noted that the car appeared to be in good condition when he checked it.

Police later discovered that the woman had used a fictitious name and address to rent the vehicle.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

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New Japan Ambassador to Guyana accredited PRESIDENT David Granger commended the over 50 years of friendly relations between Guyana and Japan, on Wednesday, at the Ministry of the Presidency, as he accepted the letters of credence from Tatsuo Hirayama, accrediting him as the new non-resident Ambassador from the State of Japan to Guyana.

Both President Granger and Ambassador Hirayama highlighted the many areas of cooperation between the two countries, indicating their anticipation for the continued great relations. “We have maintained good relations on the basis of mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for international law and treaties and the maintenance of international peace and security,” the Guyanese leader said.

President Granger assured Hirayama of the government’s “full support” as he fulfilled his mandate. Guyana and Japan established diplomatic relations on June 11, 1967.

“Guyana looks forward to enhancing our bilateral and multilateral relations and anticipates the strengthening of our relations through the execution of your duties as Ambassador of Japan to Guyana,” the President told Hirayama.

Just last year, Guyana and Japan enhanced coop-

eration with the signing of a US$16,500,000 grant agreement between Guyana and the Japan International Cooperation Agency for a proj-

“This project is consistent with our country’s ‘Green State Development Strategy’.

Guyana welcomes continued collaboration in agriculture,

Over the years, Guyana and Japan have maintained close cooperation in various areas including energy, fisheries, utility and grassroots

Nations.

“Our continued cooperation is testament to the positive relations Japan and Guyana have enjoyed since

President David Granger on Wednesday accepted the letters of credence of new Japan Ambassador to Guyana, Tatsuo Hirayama, at the Ministry of the Presidency. Also in photo is Attorney General, Basil Williams, who is acting Minister of Foreign Affairs

ect called the “Introduction of Renewable Energy and the Improvement of Power System in Guyana”, which aims at introducing renewable energy to Georgetown and improving the power supply system in the city.

capacity building, infrastructural development, renewable energy and the continued global effort to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change to which our states are vulnerable,” President Granger noted.

human exchange, which Hirayama highlighted during his speech. Ambassador Hirayama expressed gratitude to Guyana for the “invaluable support” the country has extended to Japan in international fora such as the United

the formal establishment of our diplomatic ties over fifty years ago. As global partners our two countries share common interests, face common challenges and uphold common fundamental values, such as democracy, human

rights, international peace and security and the rule of law,” he said.

Ambassador Hirayama shared that he not only hopes to contribute to the continuation of these great relations, but hopes to do his best to strengthen ties. “It will indeed be an honour to serve as Ambassador of Japan to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and I am firmly resolved to do my best to fulfill my important mission, thus deepening mutual understanding as well as people-to-people exchange between Japan and Guyana,” he said.

“I sincerely hope to develop our bilateral relations to the next level with Your Excellency’s kind help and the generous support of the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. I humbly request for your valuable cooperation and guidance to help ensure the deepening of ties between our two countries.”

Ambassador Hirayama also took the opportunity to praise Guyana’s up-andcoming oil and gas industry.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate your government on realising the development of the country’s burgeoning oil and gas industry,” he said.

Also present at the accreditation ceremony of Ambassador Hirayama was Guyana’s Attorney General, Basil Williams SC, and Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Jardine-Waddell.

UNICEF Funds Child Advocacy Centres for Kwakwani and Timehri ...site evaluation conducted at Kwakwani Hospital Complex

AN evaluation exercise was conducted by the officials from the Ministry of Social Protection, the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and UNICEF, at the Kwankwani Hospital Complex to establish a Child Advocacy Centre.

Regional Health Officer, Region Four, Dr. Quincy Jones disclosed, in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), that the facility will focus on combatting all forms of child abuse. He credited the initiative to the Ministry of Social Protection.

He noted that the ministry is working assiduous-

[In photo, from left] Ministry of Social Protection representative, Tonni October; UNICEF Resident Representative to Guyana, Sylvie Fouet, and Regional Health Officer (RHO) Region 4, Dr. Quincy Jones, with the signed document for the equipment donated earlier in June

ly to ensure that children, who are exposed to child abuse, can be cared for in a child-friendly environment which is staffed by counsellors, parent-skills educators, as well as forensic interviewers.

We have already received millions in donation from UNICEF for these centres and we are working to ensure each location sees the establishment of a Child Advocacy Centre before the end of 2019. At the Kwakwani Hospital, the facility will be set up within the Hospital and at the Timheri Health Centre for that district. The Timehri Health Centre is currently under construction and the

establishment for that Child Advocacy Centre was also budgeted,” Dr. Jones explained.

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) donated $4M in equipment including televisions, forensic kits and computers to be utilised in the establishment of the centres.

The Child Advocacy Centre is a child-focused, facility-based programme in which representatives from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy, work to provide healing for survivors of abuse.

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Trade union movement urged to reorganise, reposition for 21st century

Minister within the Ministry of Labour, Keith Scott (second left) along with labour leaders and officials at the head table (Adrian Narine photo)

ONE hundred years after the establishment of formal trade unionism in Guyana, the trade union movement is being urged to reorganise and reposition itself if it is to remain relevant in the 21st century.

This call was made by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the local trade union movement at the Grand Coastal Hotel, on Wednesday.

“The leadership has to wake up to the reality that it is not what it used to be in the past, now a revolutionary approach is necessary for them to understand, especially ahead of the oil and gas sector,” said Scott.

He said the style of engagement has changed and it is not what it used to be. Scott believes that trade unions are under threat because less people belong to unions, there are fewer unions and there are less capable leaders with less vision.

“People need to have

A section of the gathering at the labour conference (Adrian Narine photo)

more confidence and develop confidence to take leadership of the union,” he asserted. In addition, he said it is time for unions to have a change in mindset by not looking into the past, but by moving forward and becoming the new dispensation which Guyana needs.

“Despite the odds, I have no doubt that trade unity will survive and unions will always stay together…once workers can see the fulfillment and unity that is neces-

sary, they will rally behind the unions,” said the minister.

The beginning of the trade union movement can be traced to a strike by waterfront workers for increased wages in November and December 1905 in Georgetown, which was led by the indomitable Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow.

According to General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), Seepaul Narine, those waterfront

workers faced opposition from the uncompromising shipping companies, and the conflict between the shipping companies and the workers had deteriorated into rioting and bloodshed and was only eventually settled after the British troops had been summoned.

It was Critchlow’s participation and role in this strike that gave him recognition as a workers leader. The failure of this 1905 strike clearly demonstrated to Critchlow

that there was a pressing need for a trade union in the colony.

Critchlow reaffirmed his role as the undisputed leader of workers, and particularly among waterfront workers.

In fact, because of his initiative and proposals, Critchlow is credited as being the main force that was responsible for the gains achieved by workers in the January, 1917 and December, 1917 strikes. “Today, much of what Critchlow, his

colleagues and his successors, together with the workers fought for in the years following 1919, have been realised. No longer are trade unions outlawed, but nowa-days the right to belong to unions has been enshrined in our Constitution and there is now the Trade Union Recognition Act as part of our Statues,” said Narine.

Today, too, following calls from the days of the infancy of the trade union movement, the Guyanese working-class are protected by a contributory social protection scheme. Similarly, child labour has been outlawed and workers are protected by the enactment of a national minimum wage.

Rights such as the payment of terminal benefits; to the setting of a retirement age; to the receipt of employer pensions, have become gains that go to enhance the workers well-being and lift their living standards.

‘The interior is one of the safest places’ –– GTA director

BRIAN Mullis, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), said that the issue of crime has to be addressed, since it can have an impact on travelling tourism within Guyana.

This was noted at a press conference held by the Guyana Tourism Authority, at the National Exhibition Centre on Wednesday.

Mullis stated that most of

the crimes occur in Georgetown and are petty thefts, which are opportunistic in nature. However, he indicated that tourists are more interested in visiting the interiors of Guyana, which he views as non-violent areas.

“The interior is one of the safest places on the planet. There are very few instances that happen there and that’s where most of

our leisure travellers are looking to travel,” he explained.

According to Mullis, travellers can have a safe and enjoyable experience in Guyana, by exercising basic precautions as anyone would, when travelling to other places in the world.

The director noted that in 2018, the GTA released its own “Guyana Travel Advisory,” which educates tourists on how to travel and have a safe experience.

The Guyana Police Force

recorded a five per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of July 2018 relative to the same period last year, while there were 58 murders which equate to a 17 per cent decrease, according to the force’s statistics.

Guyana, through the ‘Green State Development Strategy’ (GSDS) is set out to be a living example of its pledge to the planet, while ensuring the sustainable growth and economic well-being of its population.

“The Green State Devel-

opment Strategy – Vision 2040” is Guyana’s 20-year, national development policy that reflects the guiding vision and principles of the ‘green agenda’. The central objective is development that provides a better quality of life for all Guyanese derived from the country’s natural wealth, which includes its diversity of people and abundant natural resources.

Mullis pointed out, that Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy has highlighted tourism as “a priority,

value-adding sector.”

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is a semi-autonomous governmental organisation responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximise local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the visitors’ experience.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Search for GECOM chair continues

…as Jagdeo takes hardline approach to President submitting nominees THE Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has rejected President David Granger’s nominees for the post of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and has further nominated four more persons for the position as the “hammering out” process continues, in accordance with the advice of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

In its landmark judgment last month on the unilateral appointment of a Chairman of the Elections Commission by the President, the CCJ said while the constitution mandates the opposition leader to submit a list of six names to the President that is not unacceptable to him, the two leaders, through an informal process, should arrive at a consensus before the names are formally submitted.

That ‘informal’ process was initiated on July 4 when the President and the Leader of the Opposition met at the Ministry of the Presidency, and has been ongoing since.

The two leaders met again on Tuesday July 16 – days after their technical teams had shortlisted a list of 11 nominees that were proposed by the opposition leader, and had placed up for consideration two nominees proposed by the President from a list of eight.

It was at the high-level meeting on Tuesday, that President Granger indicated that four out of the five names shortlisted from the opposition leader’s list were not unacceptable to him as the President, and can be placed on the list that would be formally submitted to him. At that meeting it was also agreed that as part of the ‘hammering-out’ process, the two names suggested by the President and others as may be necessary, will be discussed further by two smaller groups. Those two teams met on Wednesday at the Ministry of the Presidency, and included Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, and Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, – representatives of the President, and Members of Parliament Anil Nandlall and Irfaan Ali – the opposition leader’s representatives.

It was at that meeting that the four additional names were submitted by the op-

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, and Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, met with the team representing the Opposition Leader – Anil Nandlall and Irfaan Ali – in the Mazaruni Room at the Ministry of the Presidency on Wednesday to discuss the nominations for the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). That meeting is expected to continue today as the teams seek to arrive at a consensus

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, speaking with reporters shortly after exiting the meeting on Wednesday (Photo by Adrian Narine)

position leader for consideration, after he, through his representatives, rejected the names proposed by the President. “The two names previously suggested by the President did not find favor with the leader of the opposition,” a joint statement by the two leaders stated. It was noted that the four additional names will be submitted to the President for his consideration, and the process of “hammering-out” will continue today Thursday July 17, 2019.

Shortly after exiting the

meeting, the Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency told reporters that the teams have agreed to conceal the identities of the additional nominees for the post of Chairman of the Elections Commission, and that will not make public their reasons for rejecting any nominee.

Harmon would only say that the four additional nominees were not on any previous list submitted by the opposition leader, and that they are all Guyanese.

Asked by the Guyana Chronicle, whether the Pres-

ident will be nominating additional persons for the post now that his nominees have been rejected, the Director General said he would not be able to say.

“What I can say is, the President’s understanding of the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice is that in the ‘hammering-out’ process, that he will make submissions, and that he expects that the submissions will receive consideration by the leader of the opposition by a list that is consensual that would come to him,” Harmon said.

He noted that government is committed to arriving at a list that is favorable to both sides. “We are trying to make sure that the process is continuous, (and) we remain connected,” he posited.

Over at the opposition leader’s office, Nandlall and Ali confirmed that both parties have agreed not to disclose the additional names submitted for consideration by the President.

Nandlall noted that during today’s meeting, it is expected that they will receive a response from the

President on the additional names submitted, noting too that the opposition leader, at this stage, can submit even more names for consideration by the President.

“I want to continue to maintain that the language of the CCJ must be read and interpreted in context and that context is, the article of the constitution, Article 161 (2), and that article places responsibilities on each of the two major players – the Leader of the Opposition, and the President. The responsibility of the Leader of the Opposition is to continuously produce names to the President to find the acceptance and acceptability of the President or the non-unacceptability of the President. The character of that exercise cannot change,” Nandlall said as he stood outside of the opposition leader’s office on Church Street.

“It is not for the President to keep sending names. This process is to find the non –unacceptability of the President, nothing else,” he added.

However, he said that the opposition leader has no issue with the President submitting additional names. “If one or two or three of those names find the acceptability or the approval of the opposition, then of course [our] jobs would be much easier, and we are hoping that that kind of name would come from the President,” Nandlall said.

It is the hope of both sides, that the process of nominating and appointing a new Chairman of the Elections Commission could be completed soon. The post became vacant shortly after the CCJ ruled that the process of appointing Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson in October 2017 by the President, was flawed.

Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, mandates the opposition leader, after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly, to submit a list of six persons, to the President for the selection of a Chairman of GECOM, however, the list must not be unacceptable to the President.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Guyanese urged to develop culture of safety

THE American Chamber of Commerce in Guyana (AmCham Guyana), through the hosting of a Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) Conference on Wednesday, has encouraged more Guyanese businesses to develop a culture of safety.

The conference, entitled ‘Preparing for Sustainable Development’, took place at the Marriott Hotel and targeted Chief Executive Officers (CEOs); Health and Safety Executives (HSEs), security professionals and technicians. It was hosted in collaboration with AmCham Trinidad and Tobago (TT) and featured key speakers such as President of AmChamTT, Patricia Ghany; Production Manager at ExxonMobil Guyana, Mike Ryan and CEO of Atlantic, Philip Mshelbila.

In his opening remarks to the conference, President of AmCham Guyana, Zulfikar Ally stated that there is no excuse for companies failing to adapt best practices in every aspect of their operations. Furthermore, he stated that it is incumbent for companies, including those in Guyana’s private sector, to raise their standards in

HSSE if they wish to remain competitive.

In highlighting the motive of the conference, he stated its relevance is unquestionable in the context of Guyana and though much work has been done to meet HSSE standards, much more

the impact we have on employees’ overall attitudes and their psychological and mental health. We have to rise to the challenge before us and ensure that an integral part of our operations extends beyond the protection of our people to the responsible

a presentation on the HSSE practices implemented at ExxonMobil.

He told the audience that over the years, ExxonMobil has realised that increasing levels of safety leadership is required as any company progresses. He presented to

prove safety at their workplace. Ryan stated that while most industries are doing better at identifying risks, for many in countries like Guyana, a challenge to decide to step into action from early on to prevent these risks remains. How-

President of AmCham Guyana, Zulfikar Ally addresses the audience (Samuel Maughn photo)

is outstanding.

“Our responsibility, therefore, does not end with our duties to meet our legal obligations but it extends to policies which must reflect compassion for the overall health and complete development of our employees in all aspects of their lives,” he said.

“As organisations we cannot, therefore, trivialise

development of people, their talents and their strengths.”

Ally also spoke to need for the consideration of the environment and its inhabitants throughout the operation of companies. With this in mind he lobbied for the development of robust environmental management programmes within the private sector.

Meanwhile, speak-

Plaisance hairdresser convicted for narco-trafficking VANESSA Harper was on Monday found guilty by Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Providence Magistrates’ Court of attempting to smuggle over 12 pounds of cocaine through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in 2015.

Harper, a 34-year-old hairdresser of Ramos Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, was on trial for having 5.75 kilogrammes of cocaine

ing too, President of AmChamTT, Patricia Ghany agreed that the connection to the environment and the risk to human capital are often overlooked. Ghany established that HSSE practices save lives and protect people and the future generation.

in her possession on May 15, 2015 at the CJIA Timehri, East Bank Demerara for the purpose of trafficking.

Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Konya Sandiford represented the state, while attorney-at-law Dexter Todd represented Harper.

Harper was found guilty of the offence and her sentencing was deferred until August 2, 2019, since her at-

torney requested a probation report.

According to reports, Harper had arranged to take the prohibited substance to the Unites States after she had been promised US$5,000. The mother of two had already been given advance payment of G$100,000 and US$300 to assist with accommodation.

Missing Region 4 girl found on Essequibo Coast

A 14-year-old girl, who was reported missing on July 7, was found in a bar in Aurora Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, on July 15.

The teen, who hails from a village on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, was found by police in ‘G’ Division who acted on information they received.

The teen, before returning to her family, was questioned at the Timehri Police Station where she gave little information. It is uncertain how she reached Region Two. According to family members, she had never been to that side of the country before. Officers attached to the Welfare Department and the Child Care Protection Agency are conducting interviews to get the truth of the story.

They are trying to find out who may have lured the girl to visit the Essequibo Coast and how she reached there.

The teen was last seen with a male before her disappearance. The male friend was detained and later released.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Vanessa Harper

On May 15, 2015, Harper was on her way to the United States (US) by way of the CJIA with two suitcases.

Procedural checks were made by CANU officers at the airport and the drug was found concealed in the covers of both suitcases. Harper was told of the offence and was arrested and charged.

Several representatives of the private sector turned out to the Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) Conference at the Marriott Hotel on Wednesday (Samuel Maughn photo)

She assured that AmChamTT is proud to work along with its “sister” Chamber in Guyana and is ready to assist in all areas when the opportunity arises. Later in the programme, Production Manager at ExxonMobil Guyana, Mike Ryan made

the audience the Hurt-based Approach method to Safety that ExxonMobil’s Upstream Companies use in personnel safety management.

He was able to show how other companies, should they take up the same methods, can im-

ever, he drove home the point that no business objective should be pursued at the sacrifice of safety and steps must be taken by companies to ensure that their employees are empowered to make safe choices.

Duo remanded for alleged attempted murder of taxi driver CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday remanded two men to prison for allegedly attempting to murder a taxi driver during the course of a robbery at John Fernandes Squatting Area, Georgetown.

Ernest James, 25, and Linden Flavius, called “Fine Crime,” 31, were jointly arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the indictable charge which alleges that on July 11, 2019, at John Fernandes Squatting Area with the intent to commit murder, the duo wounded Derek Benson.

James was represented by attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson, who applied for bail. He told the court that his client resides at Old Road, Eccles, East Bank Demerara and works as a poultry farmer.

Flavius was unrepresented and told the court that he is employed as a construction worker and lives at Agricola, EBD. According to particulars of the charge presented by prosecutor Neville Jeffers, on the day in question, Benson was operating his taxi and

picked up James and Flavius who posed as passengers and requested to be taken to West Ruimveldt Back Road.

Jeffers explained that during the journey, in the vicinity of John Fernandes Squatting Area, Flavius held the victim at gunpoint while James, who was armed with an ice pick, stabbed him several times. The duo then relieved Benson of his valuables and escaped on foot.

Benson was eventually rescued by public-spirited citizens who took him to the Georgetown Hospital.

The matter was reported to the police and an investigation was launched. The police were able to retrieve CCTV footage from a camera nearby and based on the still photos taken, the two defendants were positively identified and arrested.

Prosecutor Jeffers objected to bail for the defendants, since the victim is still hospitalised and his condition is listed as critical.

The chief magistrate upheld the prosecutor’s objection and remanded the men to prison until August 6, 2019.

Hours later, Flavius was

taken before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the same precinct and was remanded to prison on two armed robbery charges.

Particulars of the first charge allege that on July 10, 2019, at Georgetown, Flavius while being in the company of others and armed with guns, robbed Ramsarran Ramsook of a cellphone worth $78,000 along with $140,000 in cash.

It is further alleged that on the same date and location, Flavius, while being in the company of others and armed with guns, robbed Allen Shawn of a bag containing clothes to the value of $22,000 along with $11,000 in cash. Flavius denied the two charges.

Police Prosecutor Annalisa Brummel told the court that Flavius was positively identified by the two victims when he was placed on an identification (ID) parade.

However, Flavius denied being placed on an ID parade and burst into laughter in court when the prosecutor made this claim.

Magistrate McGusty remanded Flavius to prison until July 31, 2019.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Region’s educators consult on standards for teaching profession

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…urged to teach children to be critical thinkers

AS educators from the Latin America and Caribbean Region consult on developing standards for the teaching profession, CARICOM Assistant Secretary General, Human and Social Development Directorate, Dr. Douglas Slater, said educators should teach children how to become critical thinkers and not limit their ability to particular content at particular stages of their lives.

In his address at the Regional Consultations on Developing Standards for the Teaching Profession: Latin America and the Caribbean Region, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre on Wednesday, Dr. Slater said what is needed, are forms of education that ensure innovative and sustainable living as the Region navigates this contemporary environment.

“Education transformation demands that we correct and address the errors of the past,” the Assistant Secretary-General said while noting that in the Caribbean and Latin America Region, education through its colonial inheritance sought to limit children’s capacity to create, respond and adopt.

As such, he said it is important to enhance educational delivery by shifting the education paradigm from knowledge consumers to knowledge producers and knowledge innovators.

“The contemporary dynamics of the 21st Century requires a dispositional repository where skills and competences are favored over

content,” he posited. He said it is important that children be taught how to learn and not what the child should learn.

Looking to China, Dr. Slater said the country, which has a student population of almost 200 million, is making significant changes to its education system. “China is at the point where the country realises its needs to build more innovation into the education system because they need to move from largely a manufacturing economy to technological-oriented economy,” he explained.

system, and sets a platform for curriculums to be relevant and education delivery equitable.

He said the strategy will help the Region’s people to navigate emerging opportunities and create new waves of sustainable development.

It was at the 34th Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) that draft standards for the teaching profession were submitted to the Regional Education Ministers as they considered the Regional Action Plan for the Human Resource Development 2030

“Role of teaching has shifted, but teachers have not become strategic facilitators,” she posited.

Guyana’s Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Marcel Hutson, said that creating standards for the teaching profession is a timely initiative, noting that such is required to transform the education sector.

“Standard for teachers and teachers’ educators are paramount. Why? Teacher educators are strategically positioned,” he posited.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Planning and International

Minister of Education, Science and Technology – Antigua and Barbuda, Michael S Browne, centred his presentation on three pillars – context, content and continuous assessment. He said that technology has evolved to the point where it can make education more fruitful.

He said that as it relates to context, the purpose of what is being taught and to whom. Minister Browne noted that context tools are key to helping students learn, while continuous assessment would inform educators about why

From Left-Right: Katherine Grigsby, Director UNESCO Office in Kingston; Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson; Natalio Wheatley, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture – British Virgin Islands; Assistant Secretary-General for Human and Social Development at CARICOM, Dr. Douglas Slater; Minister of Education, Science and Technology – Antigua and Barbuda, Michael S Browne; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Planning and International Engagement of the University of Guyana, Dr. Barbara Reynolds

As such, he said the conversation that is currently ongoing with respect to the teaching profession, its needs and development, is both timely and critical. Alluding to CARICOM Human Resource Development 2030 Strategy – Unlocking Caribbean Human Potential takes into focus issues affecting the education

Strategy.

United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Office Director in Kingston, Katherine Grigsby, like Dr. Slater, underscored advancements in the education sector globally, noting that education extends beyond knowledge gathering but calls for critical thinking.

Engagement of the University of Guyana, Dr. Barbara Reynolds, said that during the consultation, the role of the participants is to think about equipping teachers, not necessarily with standards that are external to their context, but that will help teachers to help the children fulfill their potential.

they have been teaching.

Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture – British Virgin Islands, Natalio Wheatley, said that it is important to set a high threshold for those wishing to enter the profession. He noted that in the British Virgin Islands, there is the consid-

eration to issue licences to teachers. It is proposed that teachers must be of high standards to acquire the licence and must maintain those standards to keep it.

According to the BVI Minister of Education, this is just one way of evaluating teachers, but made it clear that it would not be used as a punitive measure but rather as a means of offering help to teachers. He said that teachers need support now more than ever.

Meanwhile, Ms. Katherine Grigsby, Director UNESCO Office in Kingston, said that due to globalisation, technology has influenced how students gather information and interact.

The meeting is being held as part of UNESCO and the International Task Force on Teachers for Education 2030 and Education International’s efforts to build a framework of guidance to support governments and teacher organisations to: agree and implement a common understanding on teaching and teaching quality; ensure the quality of teacher training curricula and qualifications through standards describing skill profiles at different stages of the teaching career.

Additionally, it is intended to safeguard a joint regulation of the teaching profession by detailing the mechanisms of governance and accountability to ensure the provision of quality teacher training and, consequently, quality teaching.

Local oil and gas sector piques Japan’s interest HIS Excellency, Tatsuo Hirayama, Non-Resident Japan Ambassador (Designate), today paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, Prime Minister of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Both the prime minister and Japan Ambassador expressed satisfaction with the relationship between Japan and Guyana. Ambassador Hirayama indicated that there is an eager interest on the part of Japanese companies to invest in Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

The ambassador also disclosed that he has been following developments in Guyana, more especially, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) proceedings as he is based in Trinidad and Tobago.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo explained the current political situation in Guyana, noting the on-going consultations between the government and the opposition. He emphasised the administration’s commitment to a clean voter’s list and credible elections.

The ambassador was accompanied by his wife, H.E Sachiko Hirayama and First Secretary to Ambassador, Yamata Kabayashi. (DPI).

From L-R: H.E Sachiko Hirayama, wife of Japan Ambassador; Ambassador of Japan, H.E Tatsuo Hirayama; Prime Minister of Guyana, Hon. Moses Nagamootoo, and First Secretary to the Ambassador, Yamata Kabayas

Butcher charged with assault and threatening behaviour MAGISTRATE Faith McGusty on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, remanded a 46-year-old butcher, for assault and threating behaviour.

Rudy Fredericks appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied that, on July 13, 2019, at Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, he assaulted and threated Simmie Singh.

Police prosecutor, Annalisa Brummel, objected to bail and told the court that, on the day in question, the defendant threatened the virtual complainant (VC), to cut her up with a knife, knowing that both of them were residing at the same address.

Brummel explained that the VC was scared for her

life, knowing that he were a butcher. She lodged a report at the police station and Fredericks was later arrested and charged.

Magistrate Faith McGusty ruled in the prosecution’s favour and remanded Fredericks to prison until July 31, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

30 graduate from BIT/UNICEF early childhood development certificate programme

The BIT Certificate in Early Childhood Development graduates pose with their certificates, with Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott (sitting, fifth from right) (Adrian Narine photo)

MINISTER within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, emphasized the significance of being entrusted with the care of a child as he delivered remarks to the first batch of students to graduate from the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) Certificate in Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme during their graduation ceremony at the Conference Room of the National Library on Wednesday.

The nine-week programme was administered

by BIT in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection (MoSP), Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA) and UNICEF, and saw some 30 students who were exist-

ing childcare practitioners, making up the first class.

Classes were conducted at the Guyana Industrial Training Centre from April 03, 2019 to May 31, 2019.

“The level of care and vision exercised by those responsible for the potential care and safety of those little children require the highest standard, hence the need for CPA to make the decision to ensure that we train people so that when they go to work, they are qualified experts in their field,” Scott said “Children have rights and our job is to make sure they are comfortable and safe. As caregivers, you have to understand that you are above the ordinary worker; that child sees you as their second

mother.”

It is hoped that as the programme progresses that all childcare practitioners across the country can become certified.

UNICEF Communications Associate, Frank Robinson, who, like Minister Scott, also impressed upon the childcare practitioners the importance of their job.

“Every year of a child’s life is precious, but when it comes to development, the first three are the most important. What children learn during these crucial years will influence them for the rest of their lives. Quality experiences and interventions in early childhood are, therefore, critical for a child’s successful growth and development,”

he said “UNICEF is, therefore, pleased to be part of the government’s programme to enhance the knowledge and competencies of ECD practitioners. As ECD practitioners, it is your responsibility to ensure that you, together with parents, provide the best environment to shape the early learning experiences for every child’s development in the lifelong learning process.”

BIT HR Manager, Kathy Smith, expressed satisfaction with the participation of the programme, “For quite some time, organizations, institutions and Guyana at large has been asking for this programme, more so at an affordable cost and we’re so

happy that this collaborative effort made that possible.

Those persons who have been working in daycare facilities, even persons operating out of their homes, once they’re taking care of three children and above, they need to be part of the programme. We were just happy to have these women make themselves available,” she commented “Like CPA, the BIT is pleased to see successful completion of the programme. The collaborative effort with UNICEF is just the beginning of [a] new road for childcare practices in Guyana. We hope that the information would be used to better yourself in this field and, most of all, bring comfort and compassion to the

children you are entrusted with.

She encouraged the graduates to continue their pursuit of higher education, and not to simply settle with the certificate.

“Keep pushing, there are many persons who did similar programmes with BIT and are currently at UG pursuing higher degrees and diplomas; so don’t stop here, keep pushing, keep pushing, this is just the beginning of your future,” Smith said.

As the CPA continues to step up its oversight of daycares and early childcare centres across Guyana, the programme was initiated as a means of certifying caregivers' facilities.

GPF prepared for elections, says top cop COMMISSIONER of Police, Leslie James, said the Guyana Police Force (GFP) is fully prepared for the hosting of general elections whenever the announcement is made.

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) recently issued consequential declarations and orders in two sets of cases from Guyana.

The cases have to do with the appointment of the chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and a no-confidence vote passed last December in the Guyana National Assembly.

Regarding the first case, the CCJ urged that, as a matter of the greatest public importance, “the President and the Leader of the Opposition

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James

should, as soon as possible, embark upon and conclude the process of appointing a new GECOM Chairman.”

Since the court’s decision, the chairman of GECOM voluntarily submitted his resignation.

On the consolidated matters concerning the no-confidence motion, the CCJ noted that there is clear guidance

in Article 106 of Guyana’s Constitution on what should happen next.

The court stated: “Upon the passage of a vote of no-confidence, the Article requires the resignation of the Cabinet, including the President. The Article goes on to state, among other things, that notwithstanding its defeat, the govern-

ment shall remain in office and that an election shall be held 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.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday July 18, 2019

Three-day workshop targets young writers CHILDREN from around Georgetown are set to benefit from a three-day workshop, as self- published author, Maya Collins, attempts to increase the pass rate of English Language at the Caribbean Secondary Examination level, in Guyana, through her “Local Writer host Youth Writers” workshop.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Collins said, “Guyana’s English score in CXC is not very good and I believe that if I am able to instill just a tiny bit of passion in writing, it would definitely help them in their English A and English B scores. It would definitely help them get the jobs that they want and the universities that they want to go into.”

The camp, which commenced on Tuesday, July

Self-published author, Maya Collins, as she interacts with the participants on Tuesday

16, 2019, will resume on July 23, and will end on July 30, 2019 at the Guyana National Library, from 08:00hrs to

12:00hrs. The workshop, which is the first of its kind to be held by Collins, targets 50 children, 12 years old and

over.

Collins indicated that in order “to develop skills as a writer, students need three

things: ownership of their writing, guidance from an experienced writer, and support from a community of fellow learners.”

She added that the workshop is designed to streamline instructions, to achieve the most critical objective, which is to give the participants time to write, while having fun doing so. Collins also pointed out that the workshop setting is framed to motivate children to take their writing seriously and to view themselves as writers.

Collins is a young Guyanese writer who is passionate about the expression of one’s self through words as a form of Art. She believes anyone can write, and with sufficient support, young individuals can remain occupied while developing their skills. “I have a passion for writing but it didn’t really start like that, it

was quite late on, I was probably 12 or 13 and before that, I didn’t really think the art of writing was encouraged in schools, so I just thought maybe it would be great to have students together and I’ll teach them what I know, about my journey as a writer to them and hopefully that could ignite the same passion that I had when I was a kid,” she explained.

She is hoping to start-up a writing club provided that the children are interested and is also open to having more workshops of this nature, in the future.

Maya Collins is a young Guyanese literary giant with a passion for fiction fantasy.

Maya started writing when she was just thirteen years old, self-publishing her first novel 'If Emotions Could Kill' in 2014.

Siblings facing multiple charges A CASE in which Sherwin Hamilton and his sister Patrina De Groot are facing multiple charges continued before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman on Wednesday at the Providence Magistrate’s Court.

Sherwin Hamilton, age 45, of Lot 20 Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara, is charged with as-

sault causing actual bodily harm committed against Candace Edwards at Old Road, Land of Canaan, East bank Demerara; disorderly behaviour and using threatening language at the Timehri Police Station on March 7, 2019. Hamilton’s sister Patrina De Groot is charged with disorderly behaviour at the Timehri

Police Station on March 7, 2019.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Sergeant Jullian Griffith testified about the events that occurred on March 7, 2019, the day that Hamilton was arrested and charged for the offences.

Hamilton was asked by Magistrate Latchman if he had questions pertaining to

Sergeant Griffith’s testimony.

In reply, Hamilton denied using expletives at the Timehri Police Station on the day of his arrest and detention there. He then opted to take the witness stand to relate his version of the incident which occurred on March 7.

Hamilton told the court that “he did talk hard and asked the police what he was being

locked up for.”

Under cross-examination by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, Hamilton maintained his denial that he had cursed or used such words to the police at the Timehri Police Station.

Patrina De Groot who is the sister of Sherwin Hamilton was also charged with disorderly behaviour, along

with Sherwin Hamilton at the Timehri Police Station on March 7, 2019.

The hearing for the charge of disorderly behaviour at the Timehri Police Station will continue on Thursday, July 18, at 14: 00 hrs. or 2 p.m.

Traffic chief urges drivers to change their attitude TRAFFIC CHIEF, Superintendent Linden Isles said the attitude of drivers and speeding on the roadway contribute to a variety of accidents that lead to prosecutions.

“We continue to educate and enforce the laws, so there will come a time when persons will realise that their attitude will have to change,” the traffic chief said.

Adding that there has been a hike in fatal accidents, the superinten-

Traffic Chief Superintendent, Linden Isles

dent said many persons driving at a fast rate in the wee hours of the morning tend to lose control of their vehicle and end up in deadly crashes.

As of June 2019 in A Division (Georgetown-East Bank Demerara), there were 13 accidents which claimed the lives of 14 persons while in ‘B’ Division (Berbice), 14 accidents occurred with the same number of deaths.

In ‘C’ Division (East Coast Demerara), there

Sophia teen succumbs to accident injuries A teenager, who was hospitalised after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a minibus in the vicinity of “B” Field, Sophia main access road, died on Tuesday.

Dead is 19-year-old Travis Brown of ‘A’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown.

Reports indicate that on July 13, 2019, minibus BXX 6056 was proceeding north

along the main access road when, it was alleged, that the motorcycle collided with the front of the vehicle and then crashed into a lamp pole.

It is also alleged that the motorcyclist was speeding at the time. Brown sustained injuries about his body. He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital

Corporation where he later succumbed.

A passenger of the minibus who sustained injuries was treated and sent away.

The driver of the minibus is expected to be charged soon as investigations continue.

Police said a breathalyzer test was administered and there were traces of alcohol in the driver’s system.

were five accidents where six persons lost their lives and in ‘D’ Division (West Bank Demerara-East Bank Essequibo) there were 11 accidents with 11 deaths.

In ‘E’ Division (Linden-Kwakwani), three lives were lost as a result of two accidents and in ‘F’ Division (Interior locations) there was one accident that resulted in one death.

In ‘G’ Division (Essequibo Coast-Islands), there

were three accidents with three deaths.

There has been a 20.8 per cent increase in fatal accidents and a 19.2 per cent increase in deaths resulting from fatal accidents for the period of January 1 to April 3, 2019, as compared to the corresponding period last year, according to statistics last released from the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Globally, road traffic crashes take the lives of

nearly 1.3 million people every year, and injure 20–50 million more.

In Guyana, deaths from road traffic crashes is among the top 10 causes of death. It is the number one cause of death among persons between the ages of 5 - 14 and second cause of death among persons ages 15 - 24.

Miner charged with robbery under arms remanded MAGISTRATE McGusty, on Wednesday July 17, 2019, remanded 20-year-old miner to prison for robbery under arms.

Shamar Charles appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge when it was read to him.

Particulars of the first charge read that, on Wednesday July 10, 2019, at Lamaha Street, Georgetown, in the company of others, and armed with a gun, Charles robbed Tessa Pripon of

a phone, a gold band, and a gold chain, a total value of $535,000.

It is alleged that, on Sunday May 26, 2019, at Agricola Public Road, he robbed Jermaine Inniss of a gold chain worth $400,000.

It is also alleged that, on Sunday May 26, 2019, at Agricola, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he robbed local motor car racer and squash player, Kristian Jeffrey, of his chain, a leather wallet and 15,000 in cash, totaling $425,000.

Chronicle, in a previous report, had stated that Jeffrey and a friend had attended a concert at the stadium, and, at the conclusion of the show, they called a taxi to take them home.

However, owing to the heavy traffic at the time, they decided to walk to meet the car and were attacked by Charles.

Magistrate Faith McGusty remanded Charles to prison until July 31, 2019.

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African football will ‘significantly improve’ with FIFA help - Infantino

By Brian Homewood

CAIRO, Egypt (Reuters) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino said yesterday that the unprecedented move to step in and jointly administer African football with the regional body CAF will “significantly improve” the sport on the continent.

Infantino also brushed aside suggestions that there was widespread opposition to the move which followed corruption allegations against CAF president Ahmad Ahmad.

FIFA is sending its Senegalese secretary general Fatma Samoura on a ninthmonth secondment from August, to overhaul CAF which has been plagued by chaos.

Infantino attended a CAF executive committee meeting yesterday where members were shown an 11-point plan.

Suggestions in the plan, seen by Reuters, included possible changes to the format of CAF competitions, a review of refereeing and a task force to improve stadium security.

Other points included a review of CAF’s judicial bodies, full transparency of money flows and implementation of good governance principles.

“What counts is that we decide to cooperate, that

the highest FIFA administrator is coming to work with CAF ... to improve African football significantly,” Infantino told reporters.

“This is about democracy. We take on board all

FIFA president Gianni Infantino

comments of everyone and together we try to do our best. The only thing I ask is to judge us on the results and not on speculation.”

Ahmad was reported in March to FIFA’s ethics committee by CAF general secretary Amr Fahmy who was then fired.

Further allegations of fraud have recently been made against Ahmad, who was detained and questioned by French author-

ities in June as part of a corruption investigation.

Ahmad has denied wrongdoing in several media interviews but has not responded to repeated requests

by Reuters for comment on the specific allegations against him.

FIFA has confirmed there is an ethics investigation into Ahmad, although he has not been suspended.

The second leg of the African Champions League final was abandoned in May in a row over the absence of the technology when it had been scheduled to be used.

When the referee disallowed an effort by Wydad Casablanca, they stormed off in protest that VAR had not been consulted, even though they had been told before the game that the system was not operational.

Their Tunisian opponents Esperance were initially declared champions but CAF then back-tracked and ordered a replay. Both clubs have since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), asking to be declared champions.

The ongoing Africa Cup of Nations was only awarded to Egypt in January, after the original hosts Cameroon were stripped of the right to stage the tournament.

Edghill to play division two table tennis in Portugal FORMER Caribbean U-21 champion Chelsea Edghill has signed with Portuguese club Lusitania de Lourosa FC to play division two table tennis in Portugal.

The 22-year-old, who was named the NSC Sportswoman-of-the-Year in 2018, told Chronicle Sport yesterday that world-class players from Europe and Africa compete in the division, so she expects some fierce battles.

President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) Godfrey Munroe was elated with the move and called it historic, since the signing by Edghill is pioneering.

The former Bishops’ High School student, who graduated from the Lindenwood University in Missouri,

USA with a BSc in Chemistry in May this year, said she was eager to join the club after earning her degree.

MAIN FOCUS “It was my main focus after university. It was a work in progress for years.” The national table tennis player said that the move was always “a goal to accomplish”.

Lusitania de Lourosa announced the team on Tuesday, although Edghill had agreed to the one-year (2019-2020) deal sometime prior.

The former four-time Junior Sportswoman-of-theYear said that her intention is to dominate this season which starts in September and advance herself to division one from next year.

TRENDSETTER Edghill, who is arguably one of the best female table tennis players Guyana has ever produced, said she hopes other Guyanese players will follow her lead or charter their own course, since there are opportunities available for the sport.

“I would encourage them to remain focussed, work hard, be humble and open to learning.”

At the unveiling, Edghill was joined by a 21-year-old Romania player and a 13-yearold Portuguese girl as the club’s new members for the season.

According to information from the club, it is hoping that the new players will hopefully elevate the club to its first women’s national division ranking.

Heineken/Mohamed’s Enterprise Futsal tourney set for July 26 at MSC court … Over $2M in cash, prizes up for grabs

FUTSAL action returns to Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) basketball court on Friday, July 26, as the New Era Entertainment, with their flagship sponsor Mohamed’s Enterprise along with Heineken, kicks off its sixth annual futsal tournament.

The event was launched yesterday at Mohamed’s Enterprise headquarters on Lombard Street when the organisers noted that the tremendous support has allowed the event to be increased from 15 to 18 teams.

Over $2M in cash and prizes will be up for grabs by the respective top performers.

Three teams have been invited from Region Four to be part of the tournament, which will follow a group round-robin/ knockout format.

There are four groups and the top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.

The curtain closes August 17. The winning team will pocket $600 000, second-place $250 000 and teams finishing third and fourth will take home $100

000 and $55 000 respectively.

Managing Director of Mohamed’s Enterprise, Nazar Mohamed, stated during yesterday’s launch, “It is really an honour to be associated with New Era in this futsal competition for six years.”

This is by no way Mohamed’s Enterprise first support of football or sports in general and Mohamed further explained, “We (Mohamed’s Enterprise) have been the main sponsors of the Kashif and Shanghai tournament for over three decades and it is an honour and it is with great pleasure that we associate ourselves with this New Era group and we will continue to do so for many years to come.”

Jamal Baird, Heineken Brand Representative, reasoned that the beer is known for its affiliation to sport globally, specifically to the sport of football and as such, the company is pleased to be associated once again with the New Era tournament.

Baird congratulated the organisers for staying the course and pledged Ansa McAl’s continued support

for many more years of the tournament in Linden.

Co-director of New Era Entertainment, Kenrick Noel, expressed gratitude to Mohamed’s Enterprise for their continued support not only of sports but also towards projects in the mining town of Linden.

Noel’s partner, Aubrey Major Jr., shared with the media during the brief that he intends to keep the event a Region 10 tournament and he has plans to invite teams from Ituni, Kwakwani and the Highway come next year.

Other sponsors of the event include Cell Smart and Ansa McAl through its Heineken brand.

Group A: West Side Ballers, Nutman All-stars, LA Ballers and Hard Knock Group B: Achievers, Capital Strikers, Germans United, West Side Connections and Haynes Hitters Group C: Silver Bullets, High Rollers, Red Line and Higher Level Group D: Capital Storm, NK Ballers, Quiet Storm, Trend Setters and Dave & Celina All-Stars.

‘Take them off’: Ben Stokes’ extraordinary ‘request’ revealed Sport, Yahoo Sport UK IT was the incident that divided the cricket world and one that some still believe decided the Cricket World Cup. But according to one England great, Ben Stokes was not on the side you might have thought after his team benefitted from an unlikely clash between bat and ball.

Needing nine runs from the final three balls to win the final, England were handed a huge slice of luck when the ball ricocheted off Stokes’ bat while he was running and it raced away to the boundary.

As Stokes was coming back for a second run, the umpires awarded England the two runs plus another four for the overthrows – six in total.

That ruling was questioned upon an inspection of the rulebook and decorated former umpire Simon Taufel declared the officials made a ‘clear mistake’ with their interpretation of law 19.8.

The Australian umpire said England should only have been awarded five runs, rather than six.

Now, in the days after the country soaked up their first World Cup triumph, Test star Jimmy Anderson has revealed Stokes apparently asked the umpires to reverse their decision.

“The etiquette in cricket is if the ball is thrown at the stumps and it hits you and goes into a gap in the field you don’t run,” Anderson told a BBC podcast.

“But if it goes to the boundary, in the rules it’s four and you can’t do anything about it.

“I think, talking to Michael Vaughan who saw him after the game, Ben Stokes actually went to the umpires and said ‘can you take that four runs off? We don’t want it’.

“But it’s in the rules and that’s the way it is.”

Whether the umpires would have taken the runs off the board is one question – and the likely answer is no.

The other is whether

Anderson’s second-hand information from Vaughan is totally accurate, and that will remain up in the air until Stokes speaks again.

B u t t h e a l l - ro u n d er, who was once given out obstructing the field against Australia in 2015, was clearly shocked to have realised his bat redirected the ball from New Zealand’s throw.

“I will be apologising to Kane for the rest of my life,” the Kiwi-born England star said after the match.

The apparent mistake by the umpires affected more than the score to the tune of an added run.

Had the rules been applied correctly, Stokes would have been at the other end for the penultimate ball of the innings.

Adil Rashid should have taken strike with England needing four runs to win from two deliveries.

But it was not to be, and to their credit nobody from New Zealand, the ICC or England has forced the issue. (Yahoo Sport UK)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Will MS Dhoni tour the West Indies? … Selectors meet on July 19 EVER since India were knocked out of the World Cup, there has been widespread speculation around the future of MS Dhoni.

Will he retire? Will he be spoken to by the selectors?

The answer might come on July 19, when the five-member selection panel picks India’s squads for the tour of the West Indies in August-September.

The month-long Caribbean tour is set to run from August 3 to September 4 and comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

Dhoni’s spot in the Indian team has been a source of constant debate in the last 12 months and intensified during the World Cup, during which even Sachin Tendulkar questioned the intent he showed during his innings against Afghanistan.

India captain Virat Kohli

tried to douse the flames of the debate every time he was asked for his views, saying the dressing room retained full confidence in Dhoni.

ESPNcricinfo understands Dhoni has not spoken about his future with the team management or selectors.

In addition to Dhoni, the selectors are also bound to manage the workloads of the key players, especially strike bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

Bumrah was India’s best bowler at the World Cup, and perhaps their joint-best player in terms of impact alongside Rohit Sharma.

Shami was India’s second-highest wicket-taker behind Bumrah, with 14 wickets at an average of 13.78 and strike rate of 15.0, and was a constant threat with his pace and seam movement.

He was rested from India’s final group match against Sri Lanka and left out from the semi-final against New Zealand, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar preferred for his death bowling and ability with the bat.

The selectors will also verify the fitness of Shikhar Dhawan and Vijay Shankar, who were both injured during the World Cup and had to leave the tournament midway. Both players are currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, undergoing rehabilitation.

The West Indies tour will also mark the end of the tenure of India’s coaching staff comprising Ravi Shastri (head coach), Sanjay Bangar (assistant coach), Bharat Arun (bowling coach) and R. Sridhar (fielding coach).

Originally the World Cup

was meant to be the last assignment for the coaching staff, but the BCCI extended their tenure so that they remained in charge for the West Indies tour.

On Tuesday, the BCCI put out an advertisement seeking applications for the entire roster of support staff.

Applications have been invited for the positions of

MS Dhoni looks up as light drizzle continues. (Getty Images)

head coach, batting coach, bowling coach, fielding coach, physiotherapist, strength and conditioning

coach, and administrative manager, with the deadline being 17:00hrs on July 30.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

Bangladesh rest Shakib, retain Mashrafe for Sri Lanka ODIs DHAKA (AFP) - Bangladesh are resting all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan but have retained skipper Mashrafe Mortaza for the threematch one-day international series against Sri Lanka later this month, officials said Tuesday.

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam and top-order batsman Anamul Haque were also recalled to replace Shakib and batsman Liton Das, who has been rested for personal reasons.

Medium pace Abu Jayed, who was part of World Cup squad but did not play any games, was the other player to miss out.

“Now that the World Cup chapter is over and we are starting a new season, this series is very important for us,” said Minhajul Abedin Nannu.

“We didn’t make big changes from the World Cup squad here. As we don’t have Shakib and Liton, we included two players in their places and dropped one player,” he said.

Bangladesh finished eighth in the World Cup after just three wins -- against struggling South Africa, West Indies and Afghanistan.

Bangladesh have kept faith with captain Mashrafe Mortaza for the forthcoming Sri Lanka tour

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) sacked coach Steve Rhodes after the team returned home last week and announced it will not renew the contract of bowling coach Courtney Walsh.

Mashrafe, who claimed just one wicket in eight matches, shouldered the responsibility for the team’s lack-lustre performance, but the BCB has kept faith with him.

Bangladesh will become the first team to tour Sri Lanka since the deadly Easter attacks in which 258 people were killed.

The teams will play three one-day internationals on July 26, 28 and 31 at the Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.

Squad: Mashrafe Mortaza capt.), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarker, Anamul Haque, Mohammad Mithun, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah Riyad, Mosaddek Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman.

Guyana Cup horse race meet set for August 18 THE Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee is busy putting systems in place to stage the 13th annual Guyana Cup horse race meet, billed for August 18 at the Rising Sun Turf Club.

Regarded as the biggest horse race meet in Guyana, the event is once again tipped to attract the leading animals, jockeys and trainers in the sport and to provide lucrative prizes for the champions of the various races.

The eight-race programme will gallop off at noon, but gates would be open from 10:00hrs. Twenty million dollars in cash and prizes will be up for grabs, with the C Class and Lower one-mile event being the feature race of the day, with a top purse of $2M. The winner of the category for three-year-old Guyana-bred horses would walk away with $1M. In the G3 and Lower race, the winner will take away $400 000; while in

the L3 and Lower race, which will be open to non-winners from Trinidad & Tobago and two-yearold Guyana-bred horses, the winners would receive $350 000 and $300 000 respectively.

The J3 and Lower race will be contested over a distance of seven furlongs for a prize of $300 000. The L Class race for colts and the L Class races for fillies and for mares would each carry a cash prize of $250 000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Hetmyer ready for CPL challenge THE 2018 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) was a breakout season for Shimron Hetmyer, which he has used as a platform to further his international career and get picked up in other T20 tournaments such as the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Having finished last season as the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ top scorer with 440 runs, including a maiden T20 hundred, Hetmyer says he will be trying hard to improve on those stellar returns when the 2019 CPL gets underway on September 4.

“Well, I’ll be looking to outdo it but let’s see how it goes. At this point I’m really feeling good about my batting where that is concerned and my overall game as well, so I’m looking to take it one step at a time and just try as much as possible and as hard as possible to try and take Guyana one step further this year.”

The CPL has played a big part in the development of many young players from the Caribbean, and Hetmyer says he has learned a huge amount from the tournament.

“It’s taught me a lot actually. It’s brought me up to the world stage knowing different players from around the world and playing against

some of the guys I’ve never played against before.

CPL helps because you basically play with some of the guys who are more established and are in and around the international stage. It always helps in different ways. It gives the younger guys a little bit of a chance to rub shoulders

from other countries as well.”

“So it all helps you as a young player to develop your game and to know your strengths and weaknesses, and work on them as early as possible so when you do get to that stage, it gets a little bit easier for you and you make less number of mistakes.”

Shimron Hetmyer

with some of the more experienced guys on the team and some of the more experienced guys, who have played world cricket, and

Hetmyer was one of three Guyanese players the Amazon Warriors retained before the draft took place, and he is very pleased with

the rest of the squad that has been selected for the upcoming tournament.

“I think it’s a great pick.

I must commend the management staff on picking such a well-rounded team. I would say also a very young team we have this year as well, with the exception of Shoaib. For us now, it’s just about basically getting the right combination on the park on that specific day. We do have a very good team on paper, so it’s all about now just going out and putting on a very good show on the field.”

The Amazon Warriors have made the CPL final four times, including in 2018 and Hetmyer says he really wants to bring that CPL trophy home to Guyana.

“That’s the feeling I’m actually waiting to explain on that stage, I’m waiting for when we actually get to that hurdle and just stepping over it. Last year was heartbreaking for us to get, for us to be working that hard to get to that final and then we just lost it in that last game.

“So, it’s just about going out this year to just do our best yet again in our group stages, in our group stage matches then just take it one step further this year in the final.”

Tour de France

Ewan takes Tour Stage 11, Alaphilippe retains yellow

By Julien Pretot

TOULOUSE, France (Reuters) - Australian Caleb Ewan completed his set of grand tour stage victories when the pocket-sized sprinter pipped Dylan Groenewegen to the line to win the 11th stage of the Tour de France, a 167-km flat ride from Albi yesterday.

The Lotto Soudal rider surged past Groenewegen in a mass sprint to prevail by a few centimetres, with Italian Elia Viviani taking third place.

Riding in the Tour for the first time, Ewan timed his effort

Lotto Soudal rider Caleb Ewan of Australia celebrates winning the stage on the podium (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes)

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday, July 17, 2019)

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

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: David Warner-166 (AUST) Shaheen Shah Afridi-6/35 (PAK vs BANG) TODAY’S QUIZ: Who compiled most centuries in ICC World Cup 2019?

(2) How many hundreds were registered in ICC World Cup 2019?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

perfectly to add to his solitary Vuelta a Espana stage win and his three Giro d’Italia victories.

“I can’t believe it. I’ve been so close in the four last sprints I’ve done. But my team never lost faith in me and I never lost faith in my team,” Ewan, 25, told reporters.

“I knew if everything was coming together, I could be the fastest on the day. With 10km to go, (our lead-out man) Jasper (De Buyst) crashed. I was at the back of the bunch, but Roger (Kluge) came back for me and took me back to Dylan Groenewegen’s wheel in the last kilometre.

“Luckily I had the legs to finish it off. This is a childhood dream come true. There’s no other race that I’ve wanted to win as a kid. The Tour de France is something so distant from Australia, something we watch on TV... it’s fantastic.”

The final sprint was somehow chaotic with a spectator’s phone hitting Niccolo Bonifazio’s helmet with 100 metres to go, ruining the Italian’s chances.

France’s Julian Alaphilippe retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after staying safe

in the bunch.

There were no major changes in the overall standings but twice runner-up Nairo Quintana was involved in a pile-up some 30 kilometres from the finish.

He made it back to the peloton, however, before the final sprint, with a bruised elbow.

Dutchman Niki Terpstra could not get back on his bike and abandoned the race while former overall leader Giulio Ciccone, who also crashed, was unable to rejoin the pack and dropped out of the top 10 in the general classification.

Breakaway rider Aime De Gendt was reined in by the pack with 4.5 km left after attacking from the start with Frenchmen Stephane Rossetto, Anthony Perez and Lilian Calmejane.

De Gendt saved himself for a late attack, which earned him the day’s combativity award, much to the annoyance of Rossetto, who said the Belgian had not pulled his weight in the breakaway.

“He did not give everything like we did and at the end he goes solo, I’m so angry,” said Rossetto.

Roy set to make England Test debut against Ireland

Jason Roy set to make his Test debut against Ireland next Wednesday

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Opening batsman Jason Roy has been named in England’s Test squad for the first time, for the one-off match against Ireland starting at Lord’s next Wednesday.

Roy racked up 443 runs in England’s triumphant 50-overs World Cup campaign, but is not a regular top-order batsman for Surrey in red-ball cricket.

The 28-year-old is expected to open the batting with Surrey team mate Rory Burns and will have an opportunity to impress the selectors ahead of the Ashes series against Australia starting on August 1.

Somerset all-rounder Lewis Gregory has also been called up for the first time, while uncapped fast bowler Olly Stone, who picked up an injury on this year’s tour of West Indies, returned to the squad.

England’s leading wicket-taker James Anderson was included, despite picking up a calf injury this month.

England World Cup winners Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes were rested for the Ireland Test but have been included in a 16-man pre-Ashes training camp this weekend.

Fast bowlers Mark Wood and Jofra Archer were not considered for selection because both players have suffered side strains.

Wood has been ruled out for four to six weeks while Archer will have a period of rest before being considered for Ashes selection.

England squad: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

Inzamam steps down as Pakistan’s chief selector

(REUTERS) - Inzamam-ulHaq yesterday announced his decision to step down as Pakistan’s chief selector when his contract expires on July 31.

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam, who was appointed to the role in April 2016, oversaw a period which included Pakistan’s victory in the Champions Trophy two years ago.

Inzaman-ul-Haq was appointed chief selector in April 2006

Inzamam’s final assignment was to select the Pakistan squad for the World Cup, where the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led team finished fifth in the group stage and failed to qualify for the semi-finals.

“After more than three years as chair of the Pakistan

men’s selection committee, I have decided not to seek a renewal of my contract,” the 49-year-old Inzamam said in a statement.

“With the ICC World Test Championship, due to get underway in September, the ICC T20 World Cup in 2020 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, I believe it is the right time for the Pakistan Cricket Board to appoint a new chief selector who can bring new ideas and fresh thinking.”

During Inzamam’s tenure, players such as Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Abbas, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi and Usman Shinwari made their international debuts, while Babar Azam established himself as Pakistan’s batting mainstay across all three formats of the game.

“It has been a pleasure to see these players grow and make names for themselves in international cricket,” Inzamam added.

“I will follow their progress with interest because I firmly believe these players have all the ingredients to take Pakistan cricket team to greater heights.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

Romalho wins back-to-back GuyanaNRA Record Shoots … Goodluck, Felicien record possible at 300, 500 Ranges

FOLLOWING his win one week ago with an aggregate score of 118 points and 6Vbulls, Leo Romalho repeated as champion of the latest Guyana National Rifle Association Record Shoot held last Sunday at the Timehri Rifle Range, Yarrowkabra, Linden Soesdyke Highway.

Despite notching two points less than the previous week, Romalho recorded enough Vbulls to stave off a stern test from fellow marksman Sherwin Felicien, who also tallied 116 points, the same as Romalho. The difference was 7Vbulls to 5Vbulls.

Based on reports from the ranges, the day was

hot with the wind factor being high strength to still switching from left to right with equal strength.

The mirage was running and if attention wasn’t paid to same, it would have resulted in the shooter losing the shot. As it turned out, the shooter who held his nerves came out victorious.

And two possibles were recorded on the day, veteran Ransford Goodluck was first to do so at the 300 yards range (50.5). He also ended with the most Vbulls for the day (9). The other was recorded by Sherwin Felicien at the 500 yards range, 35.0.

Leo Romalho

Skipper Chase says Windies-A batting not up to scratch ST JOHN’S, Antigua ( CMC) – Captain Roston Chase has lamented West Indies-A’s batting woes, after they crashed to a disappointing 148-run defeat to concede the five-match one-day series here to India-A here Tuesday.

in Sunday’s second match at the same venue.

“It’s the same thing over and over again, the batting is not coming up to scratch,” a dejected Chase said after Tuesday’s last game.

“No one is really putting up his hand and getting that

Raymon Reifer … the only West Indies-A player to register a half-century so far in the series

Set 296 to win at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, West Indies A folded for 147 in the 35th over with only number 10, Keemo Paul, with a top score of 34 and opener Sunil Ambris, 30, showing any enterprise.

In last Thursday’s opener at Coolidge Cricket Ground, they collapsed to 125 all out in pursuit of 191 and were dismissed for 190 chasing 256

big score that can take us over the line.”

All-rounder Raymon Reifer has been the only West Indies player to notch a half-century, in what has been an indifferent display from the host side.

Perhaps the most disappointing performance came in Tuesday’s defeat. For the first time in the series, West Indies-A got a decent start

when Ambris and senior team opener John Campbell (21) put on 51 for the first wicket.

At 89 for two, the hosts still appeared in touch but then suffered a dramatic collapse that saw seven wickets tumble for 28 runs in quick time.

“The pitch was a good one and they played well but I still thought that we bowled well in patches, so I didn’t think it was too much of a (large) score,” said Chase, who has made 24 runs from three innings.

“I just think the batting is not coming up to scratch.

We have to find a way to get some runs. We had a decent start today but then we just lost wickets in clusters.”

West Indies will hope to rescue some pride when they face India-A in the fourth match at Coolidge tomorrow, and Chase said it was important that the side remain focussed.

“We have to stay positive and confident. The series is over but it is still good to play good cricket and see if we can at least win the last two games,” he noted.

“I’m just actually hoping the batsmen can put up their hands, put their heads down and come up with some numbers.”

Following are the full scores for the day: Name 300 500 600 Aggregate Leo Romalho 49.2 33.2 34.3 116.7 Sherwin Felicien 47.2 35.0 34.3 116.5 Ransford Goodluck 50.5 30.1 34.3 114.9 Roberto Tewari 47.3 32.1 34.2 113.6 Peter Persaud 47.1 33.2 30.1 110.4

27

National U-19 cricket squad begins preparation

By Rajiv Bisnauth

THE national Under-19 squad began preparation for this year’s regional cricket competition in St Vincent and the Grenadines with a preparatory camp under the watchful eyes of coach Julian Moore.

Julian Moore

The camp is being held at the Chetram Singh Centre of Excellence Hostel and Indoor Facility at LBI on the East Coast of Demerara and will conclude on Monday.

In an invited comment, Moore said he will be trying to identify areas of weakness in the players so that they can be worked on. He is also hoping for a break in the weather so that some turf work can be done before the team departs later this month.

“We already had a fitness test and some rigorous indoor sessions, where we are targetting each areas of concern,” Moore said during an exclusive

interview yesterday.

He added, “We want to focus a lot on the physical, mental and practical aspects during this period of the encampment.

The Guyanese are aiming to clinch their sixth consecutive One-Day title, and, judging from the combination of the 18-man squad this year, they are in perfect order.

The core of the squad remains the same which is the biggest advantage for the Guyanese. With nine of 18 from the current squad being part of the squad last year, there is a certain sense of familiarity, which will definitely help the team achieve their objective.

The squad will be reduced to 14 players, and according to Moore the allround potential in both departments will make Guyana a tough team to beat.

The 2019 edition will be played in only the OneDay 50-over format.

This Guyana Under-19 training squad includes: Ashmead Nedd, Kevlon Anderson, Alex Algoo, Adrian Hinds, Yeudistir Persaud, Kelvin Umroa, Qumar Torrington, Sachin Singh, and Junior Sinclair (all returning from 2018) – newcomers Dequan Bamfield, Alphius Bookie, Daniel Mootoo, Garfield Benjamin, Nigel Deodat, Robin Williams, Seon Glasgow, Joel Spooner and Leon Swammy.

West Ham sign Frankfurt striker Haller for club record £45m

WEST HAM have signed striker Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt in a club record deal worth up to £45m.

The 25-year-old former France under-21 international has signed a five-year deal

with the option of a further 12 months.

Haller, who is West Ham’s fourth summer signing, scored 20 goals in 41 games for the German side last season.

The deal eclipses the

Sebastien Haller was part of the Eintracht team that finished seventh in the Bundesliga and reached the Europa League semi-finals last season

£36m fee paid by the Hammers for Brazilian Felipe Anderson in 2018.

“I think it’s a really good opportunity for me to be here,” said Haller.

“It means a lot [to be record signing]. I felt this desire to sign me and I’m really happy to sign. It is an ambitious club, a nice club, a nice city and nice fans too.

“For me I can guarantee that I will give 100% for the club because the club has given me this confidence and I will try to give it back every day in every game.

“I know it’s a big transfer and there is a lot of expectation around me, and I just want to make people proud of this transfer and I will give everything I have.”(BBC Sport).

s ’ d e m a h o M y / e n n e r k u e o t n i l e a s H t t r u u F o e c s i C r S p r M e t t a n E 6 2 y l u J r o f t e … Over $2M in cash, s prizes up for grabs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, July 18, 2019

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Aubrey Major Jr (second from left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Nazar Mohamed, in the presence of Kenrick Noel, Shareef Major and Ansa McAl’s Jamal Baird

‘Take them off’: Ben Stokes’ extraordinary ‘request’ revealed

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Chelsea Edghill along with president of the club, Helder Silva Ben Stokes put his hands up to apologise immediately after the bizarre overthrows incident (Pic: GettyImages)

Edghill to play division two table tennis in Portugal

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

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019