Guyana Chronicle International Edtion E - Paper 10-19-2018

WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 19, 2018

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Gov’t to build five new magistrates’ courts 15 PAGE

... budget tabled for courts in Diamond, Bartica, Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Kwakwani

PPP loses appeal … as Appeal Court upholds appointment of GECOM chair

… says President could have activated proviso after first list 03 PAGE

Demerara Bank opens new branch in Anna Regina PAGE

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President David Granger greets enthusiastic supporters outside of Parliament Buildings following his address to Members of Parliament and other special invitees (Delano Williams photo)

No uncertain future

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–– President assures sugar workers in wide-ranging address to Parliament

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

No uncertain future –– President assures sugar workers in wide-ranging address to Parliament

President David Granger being accompanied by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo to the Parliamentary chamber on Thursday afternoon

By Alva Solomon ASSURING Guyanese that the government recognises the importance of the sugar industry, President David Granger said his administration will not abandon the workers.

The Head of State made the disclosure during an address at the first session at the 96th sitting of the National Assembly on Thursday. Several members of the diplomatic corps and public sector employees were among those seated in Parliament as the head of state addressed both sides of the House. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo sat in during the President’s address.

The head of state provided an update as well as measures taken by government as it manages various sectors of the economy including agriculture.

As regards sugar, he told parliamentarians that “your government recognises the importance of the industry.”

Noting that the industry is being restructured, he said measures which have been taken including estate consolidation and workforce downsizing, were necessary to save the industry.

“We want to see a sustainable and viable industry – one that will contribute to national development and to the workers’ well-being,” the President noted.

He said the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)

has installed a board which met representatives of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and he noted that a plan is being developed between the two bodies to boost production in the remaining East Berbice, West Berbice and West Demerara estates.

“We have begun to provide training to sugar workers to become self-employed in various fields,” he said.

“Sugar workers have not been abandoned to an uncertain future. The divestment of some of the sugar estates, which is expected to occur as early as the first half of 2019, will see some displaced workers being afforded the opportunity to regain employment,” the head of state said.

He said the government will continue to work diligently to ensure that the displaced workers are provided with opportunities to participate actively in other sectors of the economy.

These include production and processing of rice and other crops, livestock, fisheries, construction, manufacturing, services and mining.

Prior to the President’s address, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan tabled a financial paper in which the government is asking the National Assembly to approve a sum of G$2.451 billion to pay the final tranche of severance to retrenched sugar workers following the closure of several estates including the Skeldon, Rose Hall-Canje, East Demerara and Wales Estates.

OIL AND GAS On Thursday, the President also spoke on the evolving the oil and gas sector. He posited that oil production will be the most transformative economic development in the country’s history. He said government is taking steps to ensure that revenues gained from the petroleum industry will not be squandered but rather will be invested strategically in building human and institutional capacity, addressing infrastructure deficit and guiding economic security for future generations.

“Your government is committed to transparency in the management of this sector,” he noted. He said the government has made public contracts which have been signed with petroleum

Opposition Member of Parliament Irfaan Ali, left, engages Minister of State Joseph Harmon (second from right) following President David Granger’s address in parliament on Thursday

companies.

He said the government will make priority investment in human capital, particularly in public education and key projects which will bridge the divide between the hinterland and coastland.

The head of state noted that the government is also ensuring prudent management of other sections of the extractive sector, such as the forestry and the mining sectors.

APPOINTMENTS The President also noted that government has re-established and made appointments to institutions as decreed by the constitution.

He said the Ombudsman, the Chairman of the Guyana

Elections Commission, Police Complaints Authority, the Public Service Appellate Tribunal and the Police, Public and Teaching Service Commissions have been appointed.

Local Government Elections this year is less than a month away and will be held for the second time under the APNU+AFC administration.

According to the President, the government is proud to have restored local democracy on March 18, 2016 after a 22-year hiatus. “Those historic Local Government Elections have created a democratic dividend,” he said.

Municipalities, he noted, including the newly-created towns of Bartica, Lethem, Mabaruma and, more recent-

President David Granger as he addressed the National Assembly on Thursday

ly, Mahdia and neighbourhood democratic councils are being “energised and revitalised” since residents are paying greater interest in the well-being and development of their communities.

He said too that the Ministry of Communities is supporting the work of local democratic organs, and according to him, the 2018 subvention programme is fully disbursed in accordance with the Fiscal Transfers Act. “The local democratic organs are focused on completing their respective programmes by year- end,” the head of state noted.

He told parliamentarians that local democracy is a means of citizens’ empowerment and assured that the government will ensure that respect is paid to local democratic organs and their capacity will be strengthened to deliver effective and efficient services. The President, during his address, provided an update on several issues including the Venezuela border issue which is before the International Court of Justice. He noted that Guyana continues to sensitise the international community about the UN Secretary-General’s decision and actions taken thus far at the ICJ. “Guyana, in so doing, has obtained the support for the judicial process from several international organisations,” the head of state told Parliament.

PPP loses appeal

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

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…as Appeal Court upholds appointment of GECOM chair …says President could have activated proviso after first list

By Svetlana Marshall THE Court of Appeal on Thursday unanimously upheld the ruling of Chief Justice (ag), Roxanne George-Wiltshire that President David Granger’s appointment of Justice (ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was constitutional and even suggested that on the first instance of a defective list, the Guyanese leader could have activated the proviso which allowed him to select someone unilaterally.

Another of the judges even went as far as saying that the Opposition leader could not have expected the Head of State to choose from a list where “one or two or three persons, as the case may be, are not acceptable to him.”

Commentators had argued that a number of controversial figures were on all of the lists submitted by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, including Indian rights activist, Ryhan Shah and former PPP elections candidate, Dr. James Rose, among others.

Thursday’s decision in the Appeal Court would have dealt another blow to the opposition’s efforts to overturn the decision. “We were always convinced that under the constitution, the President has the right to appoint the chairman from a list of six persons and, insofar as the President finds that the list is unacceptable, then he can properly reject the list and that has happened three times and the court has arrived at the decision that the President acted constitutionally and lawfully,” Attorney General Basil Williams, SC, said in an immediate reaction to the ruling.

The unanimous decision was arrived at

by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonnette Cummings-Edwards and Justices Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud after several days of arguments and deliberations on the case brought against the AG by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Secretary, Mustapha Zulfikar Mustapha. Mustapha was represented by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall.

AT FIRST LIST Justice Cummings-Edwards said that the proviso should have been activated by the President upon the rejection of the first list.

The proviso, to which she alludes, states, “Provided that if the Leader of the Opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a Judge of a Court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a Court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such Court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge.”

However, in addressing the issue of “not unacceptable,” Justice Cummings-Edwards said it is her respectful view that the “reasonable man’s test” be applied in this regard, explaining that if a reasonable person can view the list of candidates as acceptable, then one passes the test.

“In that manner, if one person or two persons on a list is found to be unacceptable, the whole list need not be rejected. If more than half is found to be unacceptable, well this necessarily narrows the choice and therefore can be reasonably rejected. Conversely, if half or

more of the list is found to be not unacceptable, the list is good. Therefore, as argued by Mr. Nandlall, there is no perfect list of six,” the Chancellor explained.

Given the fact that the President has discretion in the circumstance, the Chancellor said, he can choose from the list whether it is the whole list or part of the list, once those persons on the list are not unacceptable to him.

As agreed by the Chief Justice, Cummings-Edwards said that the President may or may not

“I find that to have submitted a list, three sets of names, and simultaneously ask the President, in submitting those names, to choose a chairman, in my mind that could not have been contemplated as achieving consensus.

“So, I read not unacceptable to the President as requiring the Leader of the Opposition to engage in a separate process of determining acceptability and then after the engagement process is undertaken, then to have gathered one list of six names and to have submitted that

Retired Justice James Patterson receives his instrument of appointment from President David Granger at his swearing-in as chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission back in October 2017

select persons from the list in the exercise of his discretion; however, he must act reasonably. “So while the President can act in his own deliberate judgment, he should consider an objective way when persons on the list are not unacceptable to him,” she posited.

PRIOR ENGAGEMENT For her part, Justice Gregory examined several elements of the case, including the intention of the framers of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, which highlights the role of the Leader of the Opposition in the process of identifying and appointing the Chairman of GECOM by the President. Under that article, the Chairman of GECOM must be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the Leader of the Opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly. That person ought to be a current judge, a former judge, someone who is qualified to be appointed as a judge or any other fit and proper person. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, in 2017, submitted three lists with six names each, all of which were rejected

by President Granger. In delivering her decision, Justice Gregory endorsed the position held by the Chief Justice (ag) that one list with six names was contemplated by the framers of the article. The Appellate Judge said while Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo submitted three lists with six names each, he should have engaged the President prior to the submission of the list to give rise to consensual appointment as intended by the article.

as the final list to the choice of a Chairman of the Elections Commission,” Justice Gregory explained.

The Appellate Judge made it clear that the decision of the Opposition Leader to submit three lists with a total of 18 names without engaging the President on the issue of acceptability would not have led to a consensual appointee, positing that the manner in which the lists were submitted was not reasonable.

“The President could not have been expected to make a choice without some engagement on the names and the CVs and the various characteristics that he had put in place,” Justice Gregory said while adding that “what was sent to the President-- three lists-- should have been the subject of engagement and not a request for him to choose a name at the same time,” Justice Gregory emphasised.

THE PROVISO Turning her attention to the proviso, which is included in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution, Justice Gregory said that the President could not have been faulted for activating it following the rejection of the list for a third time. It was noted that the President in his final rejection, explained to the Leader of the Opposition that the process had taken a period of eight months (January to August, 2017), and the delay in the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM, in the interest of the public, could not have continued. “In my mind, the activation of the proviso, although it was not ideal as contemplated by the framers, in that the framers wanted consensual candidates, the resorted proviso could not be faulted,” Justice

Gregory said.

Taking into consideration the explanation given by the President, the Appellate Judge said that “the resort to the proviso was not unlawful or unconstitutional in the circumstances of the case as outlined in the letter,” as she dismissed the appeal.

In his decision, Justice Persaud said while it would appear that the President and the Leader of the Opposition strove to arrive at a consensual appointee in keeping with Article 161 (2), the subsequent submissions of names by the Leader of the Opposition may have been as a realization, on his part, that the names submitted may not have been in keeping with Article 161 (2). “There is nothing on record to suggest otherwise,” Justice Persaud posited.

Referencing again to the article, the Appellate Judge said that the six persons identified on the list submitted to the President by the Opposition Leader must be chosen from the identified categories, and must not be unacceptable to the President. He stated that anything outside of that would be a failure on the part of the Leader of the Opposition to submit a list as provided for in the Article.

Justice Persaud noted, however, that this could only be achieved by meaningful engagement characterised by good faith.

The Appellate Judge said too that it is “wholly undesirable” that a President must choose from a list of which one or two or three persons, as the case may be, are not acceptable to him. “It would be an affront to the spirit and intention of the framers, and unreasonable fettering of his discretion,” he said. It was noted too by the judge that President Granger was guided by the ruling of the Chief Justice in the Marcel Gaskin case. Gaskin, a private citizen, had asked the High Court to provide an interpretation of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution as it relates to the selection of a Chairman for GECOM. In her ruling, Justice George-Wiltshire advised that there is no legal requirement for the President to state reasons for rejecting a list, though it is her belief that in the furtherance of democracy and good governance, he should, to facilitate dialogue and compromise. Justice Persaud, like the Chief Justice, believes that the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM by the President is constitutional.

“We have perused the records here, and to my mind, there is nothing to establish that the President actions may have been unlawful or unreasonable,” he said while noting that the appointment of a former judge, in the person of Justice (ret’d) Patterson, is intended to result in a state of impartiality and fairness.

“As one who has held such high a constitutional office and falls within the four categories of persons contemplated by the framers of the Constitution, the question of the appropriateness of his appointment and constitutionality of his appointment is misguided,” Justice Persaud said as he joined with Justice Gregory in dismissing the appeal.

Ahead of handing down the ruling, the Appellate Court had dispelled the arguments put forward by the Attorney General that it had no jurisdiction, sitting as it is, to hear the appeal against the ruling of the Chief Justice. The Attorney General was supported by Barbadian Queen Counsel Hal Gollop and Ralph Thorne and Solicitor General Kim Kyte-Thomas.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

Demerara Bank opens new branch in Anna Regina ...to help spur investment in agriculture in region

By Indra Natram Chief Executive Officer of Demerara Bank, Mr. Pravinchandra Dave on Thursday declared that the financial institution is the best performing bank in Guyana in terms of profit, network and paying taxes to the government. He was at the time addressing a gathering at a grand opening of a newly relocated Essequibo Branch at Henrietta in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region.

During his address he said the bank started serving Essequibians in May 2009 at Cotton Field village but that location was insufficient to serve customers. On that note he told the gathering of special invitees, members of the business community, staffers, school children and regional officials that the bank had opt to acquire a new location to better serve its customers. The location, which is located in the town of Anna Regina, will provide a more spacious and comfortable environment for those accessing the services. “The arrangement of the previous location was not sufficient, there were some security issues, we were getting some complaints from the business people and we decided to locate our branch in a better place and I hope we will be able to serve the people of Essequibo better,” the bank’s CEO said. The CEO further boasted that Demerara Bank is the leading lenders to the agriculture industry particularly rice farming and for that reason it has special linkage to Essequibo since it is an agriculturebased region. “We think in Demerara Bank, that agriculture is the main development in Guyana, agriculture is the most productive sector of the economy and if we help the rice farmers rise then it will help the country economy and the people at large” Dave said.

Speaking on the Essequibo Branch’s performance, the CEO said the branch has progressed well and therefore urged more businesses and customers to invest.

FULLY SOLAR Under the vision of “Practicing energy conservation for the future generation” the CEO announced that the branch is fully powered by solar. “We are a very innovative bank, the banks at Camp Street, Georgetown and Diamond, East Bank Demerara, are fully solar

and that’s the difference between other banks and Demerara Bank. I can promise you we should be able to give not only clean energy but clean and efficient services” Dave said.

Chairman and founder of Demerara Bank, Dr. Yesu Persaud, during his address, said that Essequibo branch is the eighth branch for the bank since its establishment 24 years ago in Guyana. He said since establishment, the bank has seen tremendous progress and has been moving very fast. “We have had an exceedingly good year; when you read the results of 2018 you will see what I am saying and the reasons for that is looking for opportunities where they exist and go after them and we have succeeded beyond our wildest dream… so Demerara Bank is not only here for today but here for tomorrow and way in the future” Dr. Yesu Persaud said.

Dr. Persaud mentioned that the Bank is very confident in what it does and attested that is the reason why the bank has grown so much in the last 24 years and assured customers that once they invest it will be a wise choice. “Banks don’t make profit in their first year but Demerara Bank made a nice little profit the first year, we didn’t make dividends but I can tell you from the second to the seventh year we started to progress and currently

is successful, this bank is here to stay,” the founder and chairman explained.

Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson commended the bank’s efforts for the new location in the Pomeroon-Supenaam

Founder and Chairman of Demerara Bank Dr. Yesu Persaud speaking to the audience

The gathering at the opening of Demerara Bank’s newly relocated Essequibo Branch

Dr. Yesu Persaud cutting his birthday cake in Region Two

region. He therefore congratulated the banks board of directors and management on behalf of the Region Two administration, for the TURN TO PAGE

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The ceremonial cutting of the ribbon officially opening the new branch, in picture are the Bank’s CEO, Pravinchandra Dave, the bank’s founder and Chairman Dr. Yesu Persaud and Director and Chairman DDL Komal Samaroo

Dr. Yesu Persaud being fed a piece of his 90th birthday cake by a customer

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

EU, AG Chambers discuss project to boost criminal justice system

From (L-R) Mr. Philippe Coessens, Minister Counsellor and Head of Political Press & Information; Ambassador Jernej Videtic, Head of the European Union Delegation to Guyana; Attorney General and Minister of legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams, SC, MP; Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel Ms. Joann Bond; and Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Mr. Charles Fung-a-Fat

AMBASSADOR Jernej Videtic, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Guyana, and Mr. Philippe Coessens, Minister Counsellor and Head of Political, earlier this week paid a courtesy call on Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr. Basil Williams, SC at his office.

The visit concerned the “Support to the Effectiveness of Criminal Justice Systems in the Caribbean” project, the AG chambers said in a release. The project’s aim is to modernise and strengthen CARIFORUM participating countries’ court systems, processes, and services; and to train and equip judicial officers and court staff with the skills and competencies necessary to deliver justice in a fair, transparent, efficient

and timely manner.

According to the release, the project which will be finalised by the European Development Fund and target the CARIFORUM Region will commence in early 2019.

Some of the main activities of the project will be technical assistance, procurement of equipment, training, national and regional coordination, witness protection, victim support, rehabilitation services aimed at offenders and public outreach. Williams during the meeting gave his full support for the project and the activities to be undertaken.

He was further pleased that activities such as witness protection programme, procuring of equipment for the court including audio and video digital recording and

digital voice transcription technology, video-conferencing equipment, internet court portals and rehabilitation initiatives/ workshops in prisons were part of the activities of the project.

The attorney general also highlighted the need for training of prosecutors, law enforcement and the judiciary in the areas of cybercrime and financial crimes. Additionally, discussed at the meeting was the abolition of the death penalty and an upcoming seminar on the subject facilitated by the EU and the UK. Also in attendance at the meeting were Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Mr. Charles Fung-a-Fatt, and his deputy, Ms. Joann Bond.

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Hope for small businesses …gov’t to roll out procurement programme in January

By Svetlana Marshall CABINET has approved the implementation of a Small Business Procurement Programme by the Ministry of Business in keeping with the Small Business Act of 2004, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon announced on Friday.

Addressing reporters during his post-cabinet media briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, the state minister said the decision to implement the programme by January 1, 2019, in keeping with Section 11 (1) of the Small Business Act of 2004, was made when cabinet met last Tuesday.

Section 11 (1) of the Small Business Act mandates the government to ensure that at least 20 percent of the procurement of goods and services it requires is obtained from small businesses. Also under the Act, the Small Business Council is required to prepare a Small Business Procurement Programme annually.

With the programme taking effect by January, 2019, Minister Harmon believes that small businesses will be better positioned to benefit from the public procurement system.

“This programme will ensure that small businesses have their fair access to government procurement opportunities through a transparent and efficient process and will also enhance the economic impact of public spending,” the state minister said.

He noted that forming part of the approved programme are three measures. “A basic set aside measure for all government procurement – that is, goods, services and works up to $30M; a set aside for some contracting measures for all government procurement between $30M and $200M; and all ministries, agencies and regional authorities will participate in the implementation of the programme,” he outlined.

Specifically, the ministries, agencies and regional authorities will be required to provide annually projects of the value of small business procurement by sectors based on the annual procurement plans to the Small Business Bureau.

It was noted that in order to benefit from the Small Business Procurement Programme, small businesses would be required to register with the Small Business Bureau.

Last month, Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin said that the Small Business Procurement Programme has several components, those include, capacity building and technical training; data gathering; and

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

procurement accessibility.

“One has to do with capacity building which is training small businesses for accessing procurement and understanding the procurement system and what the requirements are and what they would have to do to submit tenders or quotations etcetera.”

“The other also is technical training that will actually make them a little more proficient in what they do, whatever goods or services they provide,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the next component deals with the measurement of the level of public procurement going to small businesses which the government is carefully working to develop.

“That is quite complex and that is probably the biggest sticking point right now. We have to have a system that will allow regular reporting so that every quarter we can say to the public this is the level of procurement in small businesses for that quarter.”

“So, that involves being able to identify small businesses whenever they procure whether it’s at the ministry level, whether it’s at the level of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board or whether it’s at the regional procurement level. We have to be able to pull that data together occupying the system to get that data collected in the first place,” Gaskin stated.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Small Business Bureau (SBB), Dr. Lowell Porter, like Minister Harmon, has underscored the importance of small businesses registering with the Small Business Bureau to tap into the programme.

Demerara Bank opens ... convenient banking services and for having confidence in the region’s economy. Hopkinson said the capital investment made by the bank will aid in the various developments in the region especially towards in the business and tourism sectors.

Attending the opening of the newly relocated Essequibo Branch of the Demerara Bank was also Director of the bank and Chairman of DDL Mr. Komal Samaroo and Director of Demerara Bank, Garfield Wiltshire.

At the end of the formal part of the programme there was a ceremonial

ribbon and cake cutting exercise after which persons were given the opportunity to tour the bank. The occasion was blessed by religious leaders from the various faiths.

At the ceremony also Dr. Persaud, who is celebrating his 90th birth anniversary was honoured by the bank. He was treated to a cake which he shared with a customer of the Essequibo branch. He was highly praised for his efforts and achievements in the bank’s development. Dave hailed Persaud as a visionary who has contributed

towards change in Guyana’s economy. “The contribution of Dr. Yesu Persaud is really unique why I say so, a person can be wealthy, happy and rich but still cannot make a difference in others life but a person who can make a difference in the life of others is very important and Dr. Persaud is one who has made significant difference in the life of so many segments of society, socially, politically and economically, what he has done for the people of Guyana will be remembered” the CEO said.

The CEO told the Essequibo gathering that Dr. Persaud has established many businesses in Guyana starting from DDL, IPED, Demerara Bank and has taken the first step towards their establishment. Singling out IPED he said that the organisation, since its formation, has managed to give many persons jobs and loans. He also recognised Dr. Persaud’s contribution towards politics. It was mentioned that Dr. Persaud was very instrumental in promoting free and fair

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elections in 1992. He was also very instrumental in building the Indian Commemorations Trust in Guyana, bringing Indians together under one umbrella.

Samaroo for his part said that he knew Dr. Yesu Persaud for 42 years now and they shared a very good working relationship. Samaroo described Dr. Persaud as a humble person and said despite growing up in a “logie” environment, he still managed to become successful.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

We are all owners of Guyana

IT is always best for politicians, especially those who aspire to the summit of national leadership, to refer to their particular country’s history as a guide to its historical evolution as a nation. This excursion into the past will undoubtedly inform their minds as to the challenges that have beset the nation along its travels, and their residual effects on its socio-political dynamics that made for a resolution or otherwise.

No would–be aspirant to executive power should ever ignore his/her country’s historical journey, particularly its lessons as a guide to understanding how his/her country had arrived at its current juncture. These are always there to serve as a warning to avoid errors that predecessors had made; but that depends on whether the would-be aspirant will follow the lessons, thus avoiding the deep pitfalls, or become subsumed by the lust for power which mostly removes the ability to be rational.

Recently, the call has been made from the leader of the political opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo to the PPP/C supporters that, “Though these are Local Government Elections…this is about more that City

Hall…this is the beginning of the fight to take back our country…” This is not the first time that such a statement has been made by this former president of the Cooperative Republic. Even though this time, his call has been made within the ambit of the upcoming Local Government Elections, its appeal and meaning are quite clear.

Unequivocally, this statement is not only reckless, and grossly irresponsible; but it is also designed to inflame a society already beset by problems of race and ethnicity.

Moreover, it is not helpful to efforts on the part of the government to bring about healing after over two decades of Jagdeo’s administration, which did not contribute any meaningful programme of any kind, to remove the barriers of race, and other inequalities.

We find it even more amusing that he speaks with such boldness, given the fact that his bid for a second term had been nixed by the decisive judicial ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). It is further instructive to note that Jagdeo had been the chief executive at the time, when the constitution was amended, to stipulate two terms only for any President of Guyana. This was

after a national constitution reform process, which recommendations were accepted and the requisite legislative Act to which he assented made it into law.

It is clear that this former leader, now opposition leader, still has not learned from his disastrous period as president of Guyana, much less from this country’s past challenges, during which he had every opportunity to effect historical changes.

This latest example illustrates a leader who is obsessed with power and under whose tenure there were heightened allegations—some not without justification--of racial tensions and conflicts and groups targeted for exclusion based on geography, political association, and identity. Imbalances in budgetary allocations and resources directed to, or taken away from regions where the government under his leadership did not control, were noted.

The narco-economy was allowed to flourish, which Professor Clive Thomas noted represented a significant percentage of the economy. The criminalised state was also coined, because in addition to the narco-economy, corruption was pervasive.

Transparency International ranked Guyana

the most corrupt Caribbean English-speaking country, a shame and stigma that require much work to remove. During this period, when hundreds of dead bodies were turning up all over the place, Dr Roger Luncheon famously described the carnage as being done by “phantom” squads. Later, it was learnt that the government’s hands were bloody.

Dissent and alternative views were not treated as a right or opportunity to engage or review. There exist several anecdotes: notably among them, is Mrs Jagan who was publicly demeaned for disagreeing with Jagdeo’s policy of withdrawing government advertisements from Stabroek News for its reportage.

Guyana is home to six races, with each having the right to live as Guyanese and be part of the family of nations; and being entitled to be treated equally. They are also part of the process of national development. This means that each race has earned the right to benefit from the national pie in an equal manner–they each have equal claim to Guyana. We the Guyanese people are all its collective owners.

Is Guyana your property Jagdeo?

Dear Editor, IT has become obnoxious for one to read the daily news and see hypocritical, superficial and ludicrous utterances coming from the Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, who recently claimed at a PPP public meeting that the LGEs are the start of a movement to take back Guyana. As a former President who proved his disdain for local governance before, during and after his time in government, he continues to expose his true entitlement demeanour as a spoilt individual who believes Guyana is his own.

The thought of local empowerment was treated like a treasonous act under his presidency as he tyrannised and micro-managed (for personal/political gain) every tier of Guyana’s governance system. Furthermore, every town or region and I might add friends and party com-

rades who were not in favour of his dictatorship had to suffer socially, economically and emotionally as he used every strata of the government system to ensure his opponents were punished. He does not believe in democracy, he does not believe anyone else should have a differing thought from his; just ask his former senior party comrades Ramkarran, Nagamootoo and others.

His overtures in recent times as the saviour and answer for Guyana’s democracy is such a farce for millennials and Guyanese as a whole, as we are all aware of his sinister exploits which he hides under the umbrella of presidential immunity.

Jagdeo reportedly told the gathering at the meeting that they need(ed) to understand the importance of the elections when he himself avoided such elections during his tenure. He claimed “Guyanese” are fed up with the coalition govern-

ment when the fact is, Guyanese are enjoying a better and honest livelihood, improved public infrastructure and service, safer neighbourhoods, inclusive governance and a better international rating which has led to many countries waiving visa requirements for Guyanese.

It is so obvious that during his time, Guyanese from all walks of life planned their exit strategy and headed for the passport office and airports, while presently Guyanese at home and abroad are planning their involvement in local development and for many, a return to their land of birth. How can Jagdeo call Guyana’s present governance a disaster, when almost daily Guyana made international headlines for mass murders, corruption and other societal ills which placed Guyana as one of the worst places to live in under his leadership? Even diplomats, Linden, Buxton and every afro-dominant community were under

siege, while a selected questionable few were being enriched and a notorious drug lord and “phantomism” became institutionalized. Today there is an actual fight against drugs and crime, a trajectory of a good life for all and every community is seeing development irrespective of race, religion, or creed.

Besides, isn’t it very obvious that Jagdeo’s rush and crave for power is as a result of Oil and the benefits to be had? Does he really think Guyanese will forget his draconian rule and atrocities?

Think not too far back, as every attempt by the Coalition government to strengthen local democracy did not find favour with him.

He reportedly instructed mayors, councillors and regional representatives not to attend or participate in events organized to empower municipalities and further decentralize governance because he believes in a dictatorship which strives on

top down management. Even while President Ramotar ruled he imposed himself as the defacto leader, now he is trying to hold on to power in the PPP after the courts ruled he cannot run again for president.

Not because he has presidential immunity it means he is a saint.

Not because the coalition government has not showed the testicular fortitude as yet in bringing charges against him he is invincible. He is still seen by many at home and internationally in the same league as Mohamed Suharto, Ferdinand Marcos, Arnold Oleman and many others along that line.

What Guyana is he taking back?

Is Guyana his possession? Or is there a pun intended in his statement and he plans to take Guyana ‘back’. Back to the time when the dark ruled?

Carwyn Holland Former Mayor President of GAM

GUYANA 18,week 2018 GuyanaCHRONICLE Chronicle Thursday, New YorkOctober Edition

ending October 19, 2018

7 7

We needed to offer attractive terms to attract major capital investments Dear Editor,

I

found a recent letter in the press examining Exxon’s Facebook video on oil contract, revenues and taxes from February frustrating.

The authors asked an important question: what does Exxon mean when it calls Guyana a “frontier country”? But the two members of the Oil and Gas Governance Network, which is opposed to oil development, seem to intentionally skirt around the true answer.

The theories about what the term “frontier” means was entertaining, but the authors almost entirely missed the point and concept. It has nothing to do with the depth of wells, the type of crude oil we possess, violence, or Facebook.

To be clear, the term “frontier country” is how global markets refer to nations that are in the early stages of economic development. To investors and developers, frontier countries may have problems with local politics, social unrest, poor financial frameworks or a lack of existing infrastructure. All these things are a risk for business be-

cause they can make energy investments too difficult and too expensive to make a profit. Fortunately, in the case of Guyana, we are not plagued by all of these ills. But we are still very much a “frontier” in the industry sense.

For one, we have a general lack of infrastructure. Exxon and other producers are experts at getting oil out of the ground, but the production chain requires extensive infrastructure on onshore support. They need deep water ports, pipelines to move the oil, refineries to process it, roads to move it. They need storage facilities for the reserves which are secure. They need places for their workers to live and eat. It is unfortunate but true that Guyana cannot provide all of these things at the moment, whereas other nations such as the United States or even smaller countries like Trinidad are able to provide them to some extent.

In addition, we must remember that the contract that we are discussing dates back to 1999 and was renegotiated in 2015, which the letter ignored. Some will recall that in 2000, a CGX Energy drillship was chased off by gunships from Suriname. More recently, Venezuela detained an

Anadarko survey vessel operating in Guyana’s waters, in 2013.

While the label of “frontier country” is frustrating, we must see why the global markets have given it to us.

Our first oil contract reflects these realities. We needed to offer attractive terms to attract major capital investments. So how do we move beyond that of a frontier country? Building our infrastructure and improving our general security requires money. Fortunately for us, we will start getting a lot of it starting in 2020, from the very contract which the letter writers go on to criticize.

We should focus on creating real plans to build up our infrastructure and remove the “risk” that global markets see when they evaluate the oil operations here. In that way, we can build partnerships with international companies which are more beneficial and will allow us to benefit from our reserves for years to come.

Regards Clement Smith

Adults need to set better examples before their children Dear Editor,

I

wish to share with the public an issue which I think needs dire attention and consideration. I recently attended a high school meeting that discussed registration matters for CSEC. At the end of the meeting, a female teacher was addressing the parents about the manner of dress of their children, particularly the wearing of dresses that are below the knee and the wearing of pencil bottom pants. Now I commended the teachers for addressing this issue, as parents need to ensure that their children are properly attired for school and in compliance with the rules of the school.

I commend them for encouraging parents to watch how their children dress and deter them from any inappropriate trends.

However, beside me was

seated a teacher whose knees were quite visible due to the shortness of her skirt. This has been observed not only in the school environment, but outside of it also. I wanted to raise a question with the teachers and that is: if the wearing of skirts below the knee is so wrong, why do the female teachers wear their skirts so short that when they sit, their knees show? And why do they feel that they are permitted to do so while the younger females are not? Is it because they are adults and so are allowed to dress however they feel or is it because there is something wrong about dressing with the skirt above the knees?

I have spoken with children and they have raised this same point: why do the female teachers tell them not to wear short skirts or makeup or do their hair and yet do the same and why they, as teachers, are not supposed

to set the example? Why do male teachers tell students not to curse and yet curse themselves, in the very presence of those students?

There was, and still is, a reason for the implementation of these rules: to teach children to dress and conduct themselves in a decent and respectable manner. A woman who has respect for herself and her body will keep it covered and not flaunt it before the general public for all to see. A person’s body is something that belongs to them and their husbands only, and not even other family members should be exposed to it. It is a wedding gift to her husband. And for her to flaunt it before another who is not her husband is no different than adultery.

In the past, a harlot could be identified from a respectable woman by the way she dressed. She dressed to attract other people’s husbands and

single men, using her body. Today, one cannot tell the difference. There are many who claim to be respectable and desire to be respected, but dress no different from harlots. That is not to say that there were not and do not exist wolves in sheep’s clothing: those who dress respectable but yet are within no better than harlots. However, it also cannot be denied that a tree is known by its fruits, and what’s on the inside will show on the outside: a woman who respects herself on the inside will dress in a respectable manner on the outside.

Many women today would argue against this point and some would even be ready to fight to the death over it. And the reason for this is, knowingly or unknowingly, they love to showcase their body before the public. No, this may be a sensitive statement, but

can you flaunt a piece of meat before a jaguar and expect that it will not pounce? Or do you expect to put out honey and not attract ants? So, if a woman dresses in a seductive manner, does she expect that men would not be seducted? Unless that is her intention. And when the men act, the men alone are placed in the wrong?

And if the first thing she is going to flaunt is her body, won’t she attract those who are only interested in her body and not those who are interested in a decent woman? One can argue that there are no longer decent men but, at the same time, if there are no decent women, must a man lower his standards of decency to obtain a wife?

Teachers, both male and females alike, and also those outside of the school environment, are leaders and role models for our children and true leaders lead by ex-

ample; not by command.

There is nothing as aggravating as hearing ‘do as I say and not as I do’, even to an adult.

It generates feelings of injustice and unfairness that lead to a resentment against the rules and against those that implement it. Students will obey the rules because they are forced to, and abandon them when they can. Or if they are bolder or fed up, rebel against them outright. If they understand the reason for those rules-- that they exist to protect them-and see those requiring them implementing them themselves, then they are more likely to submit. I therefore call on teachers and those in the office to dress in a manner that sets an example before the younger generation.

Regards Concerned citizen

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

TRUST AND THE TANGLED TIMES

T

HE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has placed Guyana at the top of its index for 2018 on countries with the most honest politicians in the Western Hemisphere. In fact, Guyana tied with Canada, at 16 points, for the first place.

Haiti received the lowest ranking at 54 points.

But the self-professed demon of truth, Times, got into a hell of a tangle when it chose to peep at the table on trust through the rear end. It was all glee and excitement as it turned the table upside down and reported this lop-sided conclusion: “The IDB ran a survey about ‘trust’ folks in the hemisphere have in their politicians. And guess what? Guyana came in dead last!! That is, out of the 29 or so countries polled, we trust our politicians the least!”

Actually, the Kaieteur News first ran the fake story on October 3 under what it later admitted as “a sensational but incorrect headline”, but retracted it. The following day it reported that “Guyana, joined by Canada, rated as the country with the most trusted politicians.”

FAKE STORY Times obviously stole the fake story hook, line and sinker. I can see the good-natured Glenn Lall, publisher of the “Waterfalls” newspaper, writing eventually in Dem Boys Seh: “Thief from thief mek God laugh”.

The opposition-aligned broadsheet would be the last to report anything that could place Guyana, under the Coalition Government, in a good light.

But, unless the study intended otherwise, the IDB pronouncement refers to all Guyanese politicians, including Times’ closest friends who governed the country at a time when Guyana had become notorious for “pervasive corruption”.

It appears that Times may have plenty reasons of its own for believing and peddling that citizens have no trust in their politicians. They know intimately those who had doled out multi-billion, single-sourced, questionable contracts. Those deals formed the tip of the corruption pile.

We would probably never know whether there are politicians out there who had benefitted from disproportionate wealth, now that information is seeping out that some of them in high places did not make statutory declarations of their incomes and assets to the Integrity Commission! $20B EARNINGS I would never forget the day when a young man, who was in the leadership of the PPP and had held a senior public service post, walked into my office to tell me that he was being investigated by the police in relation to monies he had “earned”.

“How much money are they looking at?” I asked him.

Calmly, he answered: “$24 billion.”

That story didn’t make waves, not for long. Like the Pradoville scandal, where key PPP government officials disgracefully and dishonestly helped themselves to posh residential State land for personal use and real estate speculation, the opposition claimed “discrimination” and “witch-hunting”.

But we saw the prolonged fuss over the “signature bonus” that the government received to prosecute the defence of our territorial integrity. We also saw the zeal with which the opposition deployed its mobile, protest brigade to demand payment of the balance on severance package to redundant sugar workers. And on its heel, we saw the stoking of industrial smoke over the just demands of the nation’s teachers.

Well, the Minister of Finance has spoken definitively to the issue of severance. The workers could expect to get the balance by mid-November. As for teachers, the government and union have clinched a three-year agreement that has put to rest the major issues that were on the negotiation table.

opposition that were exploited momentarily to produce a bad press.

Now, running out of steam over real issues, they have resorted to shadow boxing with imaginary problems, such as a single elector claiming that he was fooled into supporting an AFC constituency candidate in a Corentyne local government area. The PPP chose to declare total war against this movement that seeks to dislodge it from inert leadership at the village level.

But this vicious poison campaign that the local government elections would be rigged will also pass; the people will easily see the PPP’s obsession as ‘eye-pass’ solely to besmirch the good name and character of this tiny but fighting party, and an idealistic, honest corps of young leaders.

When I first joined the Alliance for Change in 2011, it made the difference in the Parliament, where we held not only the balance of power, but ousted minority rule by moving a historic no-confidence motion against the PPP regime. Then we decided, for the 2015 elections, that we were forming a coalition with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). We won CONTENTIOUS ISSUES The Coalition government has been removing, those elections, and we entered the one by one, the contentious issues on the plate of the Government. We have since made a

difference to governance.

VEXATIOUS LITIGATION As I noted at the party’s candidates’ conference: “We have been the young party, the young movement, a young revolutionary movement. Even though it has some old warriors in its ranks, we have shown that we could bring about a change in the way things have been done in Guyana, and that we could influence a new generation to be interested in politics.

“This is because, for too long, people have seen politics as being synonymous with poli-tricks. For too long, many people have seen politics as being synonymous with corruption…”

I believe that our local communities will be the deciding factor in the justice of the people’s cause for change, and for effective leadership.

It will be the court of public opinion that would matter, not vexatious litigation, to which the PPP has resorted to discredit a political opponent.

This phase of muck-raking, also, will pass.

GuyBraz Safari part of 50 years of bilateral relations

Director of the Department of the Americas at the Ministry, Ambassador Charlene Phoenix (DPI photos)

I

N observance of 50 years of bilateral relations between Guyana and Brazil, local tour company Rainforest Tours has organised an inaugural South Rupununi Safari, which will go all the way to Brazil.

The safari lasts from November 20-25, and begins from Georgetown and will go all the way to Boa Vista, Brazil, then into the South Rupununi.

Speaking at the launch of the safari at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Director of the Department of the Americas

at the Ministry, Ambassador Charlene Phoenix, said the safari comes on the heels of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between Guyana and Brazil, observed this year.

“It is the first time the safari is going to Brazil,” Phoenix said and noted that this is significant, because the two countries have enjoyed both “strategic” and “fruitful” relations over the years.

“There’s quite a lot to celebrate and so what we want to do with this occasion is to ensure that the public is aware of what is happening. This is the kind of activity that brings your public on board, because it’s linking our peoples,” Ambassador Phoenix said.

She also said, “It is a people-to-people contact kind of activity.”

Managing-Director of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh, highlighted that this is the first year that the safari will actually cross Guyana’s borders and said that participants from 10 countries, including the UK and Germany, have already signed up to be part of the adventure. The safari will accommodate 30 vehicles and so far, 20 have already been booked.

Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Brazil, Minister Paulo Borda Silos noted, “I think that this initiative is one of the finest that we have developed, because it gives people access, in an indirect way, to diplomacy and they see that diplomacy is practical and has fun aspects.”

He too hailed the 50 years of fruitful relations between the two countries as he reminded of the areas of cooperation that the two countries share.

Silos further added: “We hope that next year and over the next few years we can continue improving the relationship between Brazil and Guyana and think of more

Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Brazil, Minister Paulo Borda Silos

inclusive and people-friendly events such as this, so that we can put the people in the context of diplomacy and in the relationship between Brazil and Guyana.”

Director-General of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Donald Sinclair, underscored just how important this safari is in not only bolstering tourism, but in linking the two countries.

Interested persons can contact Frank Singh, Rainforest Tours at 231-5661.

14Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, July 18, 20189

I envy the Elections have FOR cyber-armchair YOUR consequences activist

‘DUH (that) is nah (not) positive outcome; in other this period of destructive meI RECALL business’ my is a time famous at thecases, University of bedirectorate, and vindictive government it could negative. represented our moment of Bob Guyana. activists, we were Marley’s to see who the real the revolutionphrase usedAs in student our everyappreciate danNumerous issues associ-call would enthused and motivated Politics 110arrogance ary is. From the outset, wetohad meet to day conversations.

Whenafter of going thetoCheddi ated with the of gers lectured

by Frederick Kissoonin Guyana discuss the there was no Whatsapp weclasses, make this remark, it government Jagan International Airportor in issue: and Aubrey Norton.

Beingthe subjected todisappeared, Email group. On Sunday, leaving your homes means we have zero into fulfil an overseas obligapast have academic instructions about the likes of to catch public transportation was no easy terest in an issue. because of the decision of tion as an anti-government Jean-Paul Satre and being regaled about feat. We planned protest action with physical It heroism is sad ofwhen thewas masses at the last elec- activist and having to face the Walterthis Rodney certainmeetings; were not possible. phrase is applied while the dreaded possibility tions to demonstrate theircyber-meetings ly bound to have some effect on the average We had to walk the entire university campus describing of having drugs planted theofballot box. mind. Thisour ledattitude to manyto of uspower being at part in the glaring sun to convince persons about public advocacy.

The possome ominous in your luggage. These numerous activities geared toFurther, changing our cause and persuade them to march with something and things by extension, ture of ‘Duhoniscampus nah me simple nosufficed, more with life-and-death us; a Facebook page fears wouldare have in the country; andled Lord there wasare no longer due to the wise choice business’ is what to knows implications but the internet was not widespread. I wish I much to change.the This was not easy, due fromtoathe results of made by Guyanese. These what is arguably worst around could have tagged the police commissioner, merefor physical standpoint. was The time governance in The theinternet last polls. simple consequences cannot be not pronounced at that time; technology the minister of home affairs and those in auGuyana’s modern history, pleasure of government underestimated, especialwas not ubiquitous. It required a Hercule- thority who presided over the system. Instead, experienced between 1999ly in lightand of the factinthat critics and reporters drivletters deliver hard an effort to mobilise support and enlighten we had to write 2015.

Governance reached most of the persons ing with their windows copy with no guarantee of a response.

Iwho would persons about the issues you wished to have loved to were take our struggle global takitshighlight. nadir during this period down or citizens subjecting custodians of theby bad ing it to Twitter and connecting with Amnesty whenAll theofholders of power state between 1999-2015, their leaders to complete this came to bear in 2003, when the International more, connecting milbiggest struggle of our university lives visited declared with unrivalled have gone nowhere,with they ridicule on social media, and numerous groups foughtinagainst us. The execution of Yohance by lions pomposity, ‘we have the no Douglas are the onesthat waiting the longer come with and fatal extra-judicial butwings we had to to settle roguenumbers’. members ofOn theMay Guyanarepercussions, Police Force, because ethnic electoral oncefor of killings; clearly directed by the repressive the old-school, tiringreign activism.

11th, 2015, Guyanese down terror on our lastpolitical monumental exer- again demonstrated that elections cise of our collective fran- the population. have serious implications. chise. It is only those who Added to this, an elecIn this case, there was a were in the trenches during tion, besides its conspicu-

ATTENTION !

By Ronald Austin Jr.

ous mechanisms, is a formal process by which you Today, cyber-armchair activists enjoy theseWhen luxumake a decision. ries.cut They don't the even have you through razzle to leave their comfy abodes and dazzle of campaigning and all theythe could spark afanrev- time me ain’t see people the argument politienvy when Iisthink what wethat could have and shining olution a hashtag. our marchshooting up inachieved parties’. out of touch with if wecians wereare endowed with Twitter, fares, it with is a just wise choice When for justice This is duewe to the fact that Instagram issues that impact the lives toesmake whichfor canYohance affect commenced, Facebook, or WhatsApp. Maybe walked from the University of Guyana every made we a decision of young people.

On thefor from what your children Guyanese would have succeeded in our calls day for one week to Brickdam Police Station, other hand, there is the valwill carry in their lunch to elect an incorruptible over to the Office of the President, then we justice. for id contestation that if polkits to whether your coun- President who stands grudge for the modern activist, who proceeded to Eve Leary. Gruelling to and My law journeys and order cannot to aaddress try gets a bad reputation has to do lessiticians work torefuse advocate cause in these locations under the unforgiving sun. Our be enticed by thecomparison overtures to your issues, it is who infeet thegot international arena. the time when you technology corns and calluses; we were thirsty, of the drug empire. Again, must delve into advocacy This practice of democrathe bullhorns were difficult to carry and we was not a readily available tool at the disyou go and address those issues. cywere has been in place sincein a your exposed to danger time safety of deathwhen posal of activists, does not only rest with out to have a good time It is a crime against your the 17th century.

It is the squads and “Phantoms,” under the aegis of this fact.

It also includes the fact that in can be traced right back to fellow citizens to allow results of the May 11th a murderous cabal that held control over the Guyana's present governance context, 2015 state elections apparatus. that have electoral decision-making. the rise of the destructive the issues of day Be that as it may, glob- the state byare notchild's havingplay an when I.D Today, I call your attention to movements erased the shame of Guycompared to what we faced.

From bullets, al Mohammed voter apathy is at its Card or refusing to get up such as theaArab Spring.ofWhen ana having reputation tear gas, executions, murder, to theday biggest percentage.

The on national elections to Bouazizi set himself on firehighest in December being a drug-filled banana being the President needs involved to face the 2010 inwith Tunisia the issue youth remain the most vote.

Not getting republic littleand lawopenly and challenged press more; ifisI too were currently an activist, Ben Ali the internet passive global voter block; detrimental. order.

It isregime, due to within our lasthours, propelled a regional revolution.

I ooze with I would have been bored.

It is a good time to vote-casting that we have this is a universal trend. In seen an unprecedented July 2010, 75% of eligible remind ourselves of the crackdown on the drug voters between ages 18-30 wise words of William empire in Guyana and the chose not to participate in Lyon Mckenzie King, concomitant positive ef- the US midterm elections. ‘Where [there] is little or fects that come along with The question is: who is to no public opinion, there dealing condignly with be blamed for low voter is likely to be bad govthis scourge. The average turnout by youths global- ernment, which sooner or Guyanese party-goer can ly? Politicians or young later becomes autocratic now remark: ‘Is a long people? On one hand, there government.’

Guyana ideal place for doing business

–– minister of business tells visiting Canadian delegation

C

ITING Guyana as a reputable business destination, Minister of Business Gaskin said the nation welcomes partnerships with reputable entities, even as he noted that the country is not a “free for all.”

He made the remarks on Monday night at a reception hosted at the home of Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, in Bel Air, Georgetown.The reception was in honour of a visiting Canadian delegation from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Several government officials, Minister of Natural Resources of Newfoundland and Labrador, Siobhan Coady and members of the private sector attended the event;it provided members of the visiting delegation with an opportunity to interact with locals.

Minister Gaskin told the

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin engages Head of the Department of Energy of the Ministry of the Presidency, Dr Mark Bynoe, during the reception (Adrian Narine photo)

Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes chats with British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, at the reception on Monday night

gathering that the government is working to ensure that the expectations of the population pertaining to the oil-and-gas sector, are met.

“We don’t want foreign companies to come to Guyana believing that this is a free for all and that our entire country can be bought,” he

said, and assured the visitors that Guyana is a clean, secure and profitable place to do business.

He said too, that the government welcomes partnerships with reputable agents, since it values deeply, their experience.

The Canadian High Com-

missioner said that Canada’s commercial relationship with Guyana is growing, and will continue to grow; she noted that the two are natural partners who share similar values.

She added that Canada has been Guyana’s partner “before and after independence”, and that her country stands ready to assist Guyana and to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Dr Mark Bynoe, Head of the Department of Energy, pointed to Canada’s assistance to Guyana in various areas of development. He said that Guyana is finally moving towards unleashing its potential--one which is not for the faint-hearted.

Dr Bynoe said the department will continue to seek ways to streamline operations which will occur within the oil-and-gas sector, and which he noted are essential for private sector partners.

He encouraged the visiting delegation to continue their engagement with locals for the benefit of all, as he noted that such should be done with balance and transparency.

Minister Coady told the gathering that her team includes knowledgeable and experienced persons and that there are many expectations from the ongoing visit. During the reception, it was noted that two Guyanese companies, Action Coach and Global

Technology have established relations with Canadian firms NSV Energy and Rogers Enterprise.

Recently, Guyana presented world-class, deep-water petroleum prospects, which offer business opportunities that align with Newfoundland and Labrador’s petroleum expertise and experience.

According to the Canadian High Commissioner, the development of potential partnerships between the two jurisdictions, could serve to build strong business relationships, transfer technology and skills development to support the growth of Guyana’s offshore oil-and-gas industry.

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

Understanding Energy...

Examining the role of the Centre for Local Business Development

T

HE scope and importance of the global oil industry can have a massive impact on regions in which it operates. This is especially true when local businesses join in the virtuous cycle of capacity-building that leads to globally recognised expertise and technical capabilities.

This cycle has created important industries, largely from scratch in places like northern Scotland, which had virtually no oil-and-gas service industry before the first major commercial drilling in the North Sea during the 1970s.

Within a few decades, Scottish cities like Aberdeen were transformed from traditional fishing towns into international centres for the energy industry.

Since 1970, the industry has contributed more than £330B in production taxes to the United Kingdom. Aberdeen now hosts more than 900 companies in the oil-and-gas industry, including many of the most important global services firms, which specialise in everything from helicopter transport to deep-sea infrastructure. Meanwhile, the technical knowledge that was developed to meet the needs of the oil industry has made it into a thriving centre of offshore wind technology, geophysical research,

and advanced engineering.

The city’s universities now host globally recognised oil-and-gas programmes that have educated oil-and-gas experts across the world, including the Guyana Department of Energy’s Oil and Gas Adviser, Matthew Wilks.

How is this relevant for Guyana?

Last week, Guyson’s Oil and Gas and Guyson’s Engineering became one of the first Guyanese companies to attain the prestigious ISO 9001:2015 certification, an internationally recognised certificate of quality in the oil-and-gas service industry. The certificate or compliance is often required for suppliers to conduct industry business. This landmark achievement by a local company is a hopeful sign that Guyana is on the early part of the same path Scotland embarked on years ago.

It also has many in Guyana taking a second look at the organisation that helped facilitate Guyson’s certification-- The Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD). The CLBD is an ExxonMobil-funded effort to help local firms learn about opportunities in the oil-and-gas sector, increase their competitiveness through training and

capacity-building, and eventually join the oil production supply chain.

CLBD offers classes for local business owners on topics like offshore oil and gas, and how to navigate the procurement process with international oil-and-gas firms as well as more specialised classes on health, safety, and environmental issues relevant to oiland-gas service companies.

It also offers a supplier registration portal for companies that want to be ExxonMobil’s or their prime contractor’s suppliers. Those registered in the portal are alerted by email and text to general information, and requests for expressions of interest for upcoming openings. The CLBD also offers training sessions on how to manage human resources, supply chains, and finances.

Over a thousand local companies have already registered with the CLBD, and many are taking full advantage of what the centre has to offer.

Since no Guyanese company has significant experience in providing services to offshore oil development, CLBD can be a valuable resource for Guyanese companies looking to get a foothold in a massive but highly technical new industry.

Hopefully, Guysons is just the first of several Guyanese companies in the oil-and-gas industry that will receive the ISO 9001:2015 certification, as four more companies are currently working with the CLBD to undergo the rigorous quality checks necessary to get certification from the International Organisation for Standardisation, and prepare for third-party auditing of ISO 9000 by an independent certification body.

The CLBD also facilitates meetings between international companies and Guyanese businesses, a critical function, since so many of the opportunities in oil-and-gas are in subcontracting rather than working directly for the oil producer.

The type of local technical capacity that the CLBD helps develop is important for the long-term; both for the Guyanese economy and for the oil industry itself. Scotland was fortunate to begin oil extraction with the advantages of an advanced industrial base and a highly educated workforce. Organisations like CLBD can provide valuable resources to help Guyanese companies and individuals transform and grow with the new energy sector in Guyana.

Leading Mexican agency sharing best practices in oil sector at workshop

T

HE Embassy of Mexico in collaboration with the Government of Guyana on Monday opened a two-day workshop aimed at sharing lessons learnt and regulatory insights for Guyana’s extractive sector, specifically in the areas of the oil and gas.

This will see the Mexican Agency for Safety, Energy and the Environment (ASEA) sharing lessons learnt and regulatory insights for Guyana’s extractive sector, specifically in the areas of oil and gas. The training will give participants an overview of empirical findings regarding industrial safety and environmental regulation of the oil and gas industry based on a Risk Management Model developed by ASEA, the main regulator of the Mexican oil industry.

Executive Director, Carlos de Regules said with the management of over

300 oil platforms, six refineries above 60,000km of pipeline, over 100 oil and gas storage facilities and four years of

experience in the sector, there is a lot Guyana can learn from.

Since commencing operations, de

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman flanked by Government Officials and Representatives from the Embassy of Mexico

Regules said, 107 contracts have been awarded, US$200B committed for future investment and 74 companies from over 20 countries have visited Mexico to seek investment opportunities.

“Our lesson four years later is that regulatory certainty is a good deal for the industry. This is what we have found out and we have been working closely with different stakeholders to build these regulations,” he noted.

ASEA has worked with the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Canada and other major oil producing countries, and adopted many best practices.

Dr. Mark Bynoe, Head of the Department of Energy, described the exchange of information as timely as Guyana works to build capacity in terms TURN TO PAGE

11 ►

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

11

Oil-and-gas collaboration …Guyana, Canadian Province sign oil and gas cooperation pact …knowledge transfer, joint ventures among areas

By Svetlana Marshall

T

HE Government of Guyana and the Government of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) paving the way for increased collaboration in the Oil and Gas Industry.

The new agreement sets the platform for Guyana’s Department of Energy and the Department of Natural Resources in Newfoundland and Labrador to collaborate in the areas of supply chain development, joint ventures and exchanges, knowledge transfer, technology development, training and health, safety and the environment.

The MoU was signed at the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday

by Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, and Newfoundland Minister of Natural Resources Siobhan Coady in the presence of the Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee.

Director of the Department of Energy (DoE), Dr. Mark Bynoe; Newfoundland and Labrador Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Gordon McIntosh; and Provincial Trade Commissioner to the Latin America and the Caribbean, Bob Norman were among the officials that witnessed the signing of the MoU. With Newfoundland and Labrador’s Offshore Oil and Gas Industry in its 20th year of production, the Canadian Minister said there is much to offer Guyana as it prepares for the production of oil in 2020. Minister Coady noted that during its early years of exploration and production Newfoundland and Labrador depended heavily on joint ventures to develop,

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Newfoundland Minister of Natural Resources Siobhan Coady shaking hands after signing the MoU on Monday at the Ministry of the Presidency. (Photo by Adrian Narine)

and now it is open to partnering with Guyana.

“We are here today to work with you, to give you the experiences that we have so that you can build and grow…We look forward to seeing the growth and development of the Oil and Gas Industry here in Guyana and the benefits coming to this great country,” Minister Coady told reporters shortly after signing the agreement.

Minister Gaskin told reporters that it is important for Guyana to develop long term relations and partnerships with other governments and organisations as it develops its Oil and Gas Industry.

“It is important for Guyana that we do develop long term relations

and partnerships with partner governments. As we explore the oil and gas sector, with which we are not too familiar, I think it becomes all the more important that we benefit from the experiences of those who have done this before,” the business minister said.

According to Clause One of the MoU, which has a lifespan of three years, states, the parties will facilitate economic cooperation and business opportunities in Guyana and in Newfoundland and Labrador by organising reciprocal visits to the other jurisdiction that include representatives of industry and government.

Minister Gaskin said to ensure the implementation and success of the agreement; a Joint Working Com-

Leading Mexican agency ... of predictability and regulations in the emerging sector. “It is important that as we go forward, while we cannot eradicate risks, we develop the framework in which it can be managed,” he pointed out.

Also delivering remarks was Head of the Department of Environment, Ndibi Schwiers, who noted that the workshop is important in building South-South cooperation and will enable Guyana to better understand the environmental safeguards and regulatory regime

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that Mexico has incorporated in advancing the industry, “even as we [Guyana] work towards developing our capacity to regulate and to monitor the sector.”

The workshop was declared open by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and remarks were also given by the newly appointed Head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Vincent Adams.

Some 35 participants from the Ministry of

mittee would be established with the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Newfoundland and Labrador serving as the co-chair. Dr. Bynoe as the Director of the Department of Energy here will serve as the co-chair.

The Joint Working Committee will be responsible for the development of an annual work plan, and would also be required to report to the two governments on progress made.

The agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador comes approximately one month after Guyana signed a MoU with Trinidad and Tobago for cooperation in the energy sector.

Guyana and Trinidad have agreed to provide technical assistance in the areas of exploration and production of hydrocarbon resources; exchange information on public policies in the areas of regulation, administration and sovereign management of hydrocarbon resources and technology transfer; promote training and capacity building of technical personnel; development procedures to prevent and respond to operational accidents which may result in damage, environmental impacts and personal injury among other areas. The agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador also comes at a time when a large trade mission from that province is here in Guyana to foster partnerships with businesses here.

10 the Presidency, Ministry of Natural Resources, EPA, Department of Environment, Department of Energy, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC), the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the Guyana Oil Company (GUYOIL), Conservation International, University of Guyana (UG) and the private sector will take part in the sessions. (DPI)

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

Curl Fete I

T’S been a week since the third annual Curl Fete was held, and just as expected, the event turned out to be its largest iteration to date. The event’s hair show, which was the main attraction, saw thousands of people gathered in the Promenade Gardens to give support to their favourite salons who competed in seven categories: Jester, My Kingdom Come, Nefertiti, Little Miss Afro Puff, Albino, Shuri and Rapunzel. Coming out on top and winning a prize of $100,000, however, was the Linden-based Sister to Sister’s Beauty Salon owned by Setra Oselmo.

A

Following the successful even Tamika Henry and Denisha Victo and prize giving ceremony on Oc elmo receiving her prize money a owners receiving hampers. Prize youngest vendor and best booth.

“Curl Fete is made great by t eral groups and individuals – the committee, the sponsors, the ven salons. The event is truly a team simple but meaningful way to say the Pepperpot Magazine. “At the we awarded each participating sal products, towels and accessories their salon, as well as presented to the winning stylist, Setra Oselm prize for Best Booth to Simonia J her creativity in booth design and customer service, while Kenita Ro home the prize for Youngest Ven brating entrepreneurship among years old and creates her own co products. Both young women recei booth registration fees.”

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

e 2018

Recap

nt, Curlfete Co-founders or hosted an appreciation ctober 10, which saw Osand the nine other salon es were also given for the

the contributions of seve attendees, the planning ndors and especially the effort and we wanted a 'thank you',” Henry told e appreciation ceremony, lon with hampers of hair that would be useful at the $100,000 cash prize mo. We also awarded the John of Product Plug for d her exceptionally warm oberts of Kenthings took ndor, as our nod to celeyouths. Kenita is just 19 opper jewellery and hair ived a full refund of their

She stated that the event, which took the form of a cocktail, was also hosted for the awardees and team members to take stock of what they have achieved this year and to review areas for improvement. “ It is very important to us that we continue to grow and develop Curl Fete as a dynamic movement, learning from best practices and feedback from the public,” she said.

With 80 companies exhibiting and/or vending at the expo, along with support from 14 sponsors, Henry said that indeed 2018 was the biggest Curl Fete to date. “ In keeping with our mandates of education and community service we also invited more NGOs and charitable organisations on board this year, either to have a booth at the expo or to facilitate workshops, such as the Guyana Cancer Society, ACDA, Sexual Reproductive Health Adventures with Dr Pat, St Ann’s Orphanage and Food for the Poor," she said.

“Men, women and children supported Curl Fete by the thousands and while the final numbers are still rolling in, we estimate that this year we almost doubled the 3,000 figure that we recorded last year. We are so humbled that corporate Guyana and families have embraced Curl Fete in the way that they have.”

Meanwhile, it wasn’t just the crowd that was left in awe by the hair show, Henry explained that she thought the creativity displayed was amazing. The event also saw performances by talented Guyanese artists, including Samuel Medas, Omiah Hall, beatboxing twins Jonathan and Joash, poet and reigning Miss Emancipation Gabrielle Cummings and acoustic band, the Soul Sisters; it also featured fashion displays by local designers as well as existing boutiques. The day-time event had its usual informative and interactive worksh, including Zumba with Vanilla, makeup and hair demonstrations and many other activities.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

Guyanese cops prestigious IDPAD award

By Gabriella Chapman

S

HE’S long been associated with things afro-centric, and for the past 10 or so years has been franchise director of the Miss Emancipation Pageant, held every August as part of the annual celebrations to mark the abolition of slavery.

She’s Dr Melissa Varswyk, an alum of St Joseph High, and the latest in her exhaustive list of international achievements is being the recipient of a prestigious award for her dedication and sterling contribution to the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD), which she picked up last week in New York.

The award was conferred

on her by the organisation, Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) in association with the United Nations (UN), which, as its name implies, identifies high achievers of African descent and under 40 the world over, who have been making positive contributions in ther respective areas of expertise to the promotion and recognition of people of African descent.

A medical doctor by profession and the only Guyanese honoree, Dr Varswyk has had the distinction of being tasked with chairing, earlier in the year, the first-ever summit of the UN-led International Decade of People of African Descent, held here over four days in March at the Marriott Hotel.

She’s also currently working with the Costa Rican government on implementing their Plan of Action for the Decade, which plan it is hoped can be adopted by other nations.

Another baby of hers is working on bridging the communication gap between Africa and the diaspora by making Guyana the in-transit hub of the continent.

Dr. Varswyk explained that since the historic declaration, back in December 2013, of the Decade, which runs from 2015 to 2024, she has formed a Summit Committee, which meets, plans and executes projects that aid in the development of African lives, and promote and fulfil the objectives of the Decade.

T

The certificate of recognition that was given Dr. Varswyk

Dr. Melissa Varswyk in New York before receiving her award

he purpose of IDPAD, Dr. Varswyk said, is to strengthen national, regional and international cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights by people of African descent, and their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.

The theme for the International Decade, therefore, is: “People of African De-

scent: Recognition, Justice and Development.”

And the main objectives are to promote respect, protection and fulfilment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people of African descent, as recognised in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; promote a greater knowledge of, and respect for, the diverse heritage, culture and contribution of people of African descent to

the development of societies; and to adopt and strengthen national, regional and international legal frameworks.

Dr Varswyk said there is a lot more that is needed to be done in Guyana to fulfil these objectives; and there is a lot that has to be addressed to enable development.

Upon receiving this award, she commits to continue making positive strides for the development of Afro-Guyanese.

First Lady for Delhi women, children health confab

F

irst Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, will join 1,200 global partners, who are dedicated to the ‘Every Woman, Every Child’ (EWEC) movement and the achievement of the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health, on December 12 and 13, 2018, in New Delhi, India at the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH) forum.

In a statement the Ministry of the Presidency said the Partners Forum is co-ordinated by the PMNCH and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

of the Government of India and is hosted every four years. It is the world’s leading event on solutions for improving the health and well-being of women, children and young people.

Mrs. Granger, who is scheduled to address the Forum, is one of three First Ladies’ selected from the Caribbean to attend. The First Lady said that she is honoured to have been chosen to attend the forum. “I see it as a means through which Guyana’s agenda could be pushed forward. Anything that amounts to the benefit of the women and children of Guyana will be something that I will be

very much in favour of,” she said.

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Pan American Health Organisation PAHO)/World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative Dr. William Adu-Krow, said the First Lady was selected because of her demonstrated leadership to transform the lives of women and girls in Guyana. “Her Excellency, the First Lady has been a champion for women and girls and therefore when the Partnership was discussing which countries to select, Guyana was one of the few selected,” he said.

First Lady, Mrs Sandra Granger

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

15

Guyana remains committed to ‘green’ development –– despite coming of oil, Minister of State tells EU delegation

State Development Strategy (GSDS), which will be laid before Cabinet next week.

After it is deliberated on at the level of Cabinet, the GSDS will see widespread public consultations with various stakeholder groupings and will be tabled in the National Assembly.

“The GSDS is basically Guyana’s model going into 2030…its principal focus will be to develop the sustainable elements of our society. The areas that will be priority are infrastructure, education, health and our environment…We know that oil is a finite resource

and therefore, it is the revenue of the oil that we will have to use to develop our agricultural base and other important sectors,” the minister said.

He also informed the team that Guyana is open for business and encouraged them to take advantage of the opportunities for investment.

Commenting on the political climate in Guyana, Minister Harmon said that despite the differences of opinions among the major political parties, there is a general consensus that Guyana must be developed.

He also spoke of the government’s policy to engage all stakeholders, especially the political opposition, in the decision-making process.

The visiting delegation included: Belgian Ambassador, Guy Sevrin; Finland’s Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Ari Maki; French Ambassador, Antoine Joly; German Ambassador, Holger Michael; Italy’s Deputy Head of Mission with responsibility for Guyana, Pietro De Martin; Ambassador of the Netherlands, Jaap Frederiks and British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn.

Gov’t to build five new magistrates’ courts

benefit 4,000 persons. This figure includes residents of the nearby Indigenous village of Campbelltown. According to the information tabled by Minister Jordan, the court is currently held in a 10 ft x 12 ft section of the Mahdia Police Station. This is inadequate since prisoners are no further than five feet from the magistrate and clerk.

The area also requires proper lighting, cooling, washrooms and seating accommodation.

The tabled document also states that there is presently no courthouse at Port Kaituma, Region One and that court is normally kept at a building identified by the region.

Some $268.149M has been allocated for the building

of a court which will see justice handed down for approximately 800 residents living in the community and 18,000 more persons living in the region, mainly Indigenous villages. The document also outlined the decision to retrofit an old building to a magistrate’s court and living quarters in Kwakwani, Region 10. Costing, $32.909M, the court will see justice dispensed to the furthest reaches in Guyana.

Kwakwani is a mining and logging community on the Berbice River in the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region.

Kwakwani is approximately 100km South of Linden with a population of approximately 7,000 persons.

N

Minister of State Joseph Harmon and the visiting European Union (EU) Delegation at the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday

OTWITHSTANDING the development of the Oil and Gas sector here, Guyana remains steadfast to its pursuit of environmental sustainability and a ‘green’ development trajectory, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told a European

Delegation.

The delegation comprising Ambassadors and High Commissioners of European countries to Guyana, who are currently conducting the Sixth Round of the European Union (EU)-Guyana Political Dialogue under the framework of the African

Caribbean Pacific States (ACP)-EU Cotonou Agreement, paid a courtesy call to Minister Harmon at the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday. The delegation was headed by EU Ambassador, Jernej Videtic.

Minister Harmon also informed them of the Green

...budget tabled for courts in Diamond, Bartica, Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Kwakwani THE construction of a magistrate’s court at Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara is among undertakings budgeted under a sum of $13.27B fiscal spending, laid out for 2019 for the 16 Constitutional Agencies as contained in the Constitution of Guyana.

The construction of the court, which is valued at $93.664M, comes under provisions being made available to the Supreme Court to fund its 2019 work programmes.

The sod was turned to begin construction on March 12 of this year.

The new court will reduce the workload which is “continuously increasing and voluminous” at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan explained. The current jurisdiction of the Providence Magistrate’s Court spans from the east by Soesdyke and Timehri, west by the village of Klein Poudreyen on the left Bank of the

Demerara River, north by McDoom Village and south by the Hauraruni River. The new Golden Grove Magistrate’s Court also takes into consideration the expanding population in the new housing areas on the lower East Bank Demerara.

Also, budgeted for 2019 is the construction of several magistrate’s courts across the country. At Bartica, Region Seven, a $148.181M magistrate’s court and living quarters will provide access

to justice to approximately 15,000 residents in Region Seven, especially those in the remote areas/villages and importantly, release them from having to travel to Essequibo to file and hear their matters. The building will also provide a more conducive working environment for the Supreme Court’s staff, lawyers and litigants using the service of the courts. $140.385M has been allocated for a court at Mahdia, Region Eight. This court will

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

TT companies looking to network with local players

By Gabriella Chapman

A

TEAM of Trinidadians is in Guyana attending a threeday Business-to-Business (B2B) engagement being hosted by the Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers' Association (TTMA) to foster collaboration that will develop industries, both in the twin-island republic and Guyana.

The first session was held at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel on Tuesday, when the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ActionCOACH Guyana, Vishnu Doerga, brought them up to speed with statistics about Guyana, which he said will aid in their engagements during their stay.

At the session, CEO of TTMA, Dr. Ramesh Ramdeen shared that 27 persons from 16 different companies in Trinidad, ranging from food and beverage, pharmaceutical, construction, trading, etc, are here to explore uniqueness and challenges, with the hope of networking with like companies between the two countries.

“There are a lot of people here looking to be buyers, sellers, looking to be partners in investment opportunities. There are many things that can be derived from this engagement,” he said.

Trinidad and Tobago has

Research/Illicit Trade Officer, Trade Unit of TTMA, Ismahieel Ali

a long history in oil and gas, while Guyana has not so recently discovered same. This, Dr Ramdeen said, can be used to Guyana’s advantage.

“A lot of lessons can be learnt from the mistakes that we made in Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana can take heed and learn those lessons as well. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket; use the capacities of these investors to invest in other sectors to diversify the economy from the start,” he encouraged.

He added: “My manufacturers who are here, we are here to look to see how best we can reap any rewards we

have for you. It is going to be three hard days of work, meeting and engaging with the right people.”

Dr Ramdeen told the group of Trinidadians that they should ensure that they go back home and do their homework, so as to ensure that they reap the rewards they can possibly get from the engagements that will occur.

Research/Illicit Trade Officer, Trade Unit of TTMA, Ismahieel Ali, told this newspaper that the agency decided to collaborate with their consultant in Guyana, ActionCOACH.

CEO of TTMA, Dr. Ramesh Ramdeen

He said this idea was sparked since “Over the last 18 months, we have seen Guyana go through many cycles in development, and our businessmen in TT have seen the opportunity to create synergies and foster trades.

We have been in business with Guyana over the past 20 years on a consistent basis, but we have seen over the past 18 months or so, that it can be gone at a higher level.”

GREAT OPPORTUNITY And as such, the TTMA saw it as a great opportunity to come to Guyana at this

point in time, with several distributors, contractors and persons in service industries as well.

Ali said their target is the construction industry, as well as the food and beverage industry.

“We see it as two pivotal sectors in Guyana that our businessmen can target. As you know, with the finding of the oil, infrastructure in Guyana is going to go to another level. As such, our construction companies back home have been liaising with contractors in Guyana… And we are looking to invest in Guyana, but we are also

A section of the group of business agents from Trinidad and Tobago

seeking opportunities for Guyanese raw materials to come into TT for business.”

He further noted that the TTMA holds annually, a trade and investment convention (TIC) in July, with 200 booths featuring countries from the various CARICOM states. They are hoping to have more Guyanese companies participate in the convention.

Some of the Trinidadian businesses being represented are Vemco -- Victor E Mouttet Limited, HADCO Limited, Kamri Glass, and Cargo Consolidators Agency Limited, among 10 others.

ActionCOACH aided in organising 10-12 meetings that will occur over the next two days to help execute the group’s mission.

Some of the companies will also be participating in Guyana’s Green Expo being held at the National Stadium, looking to see how they can benefit from it.

The Trinidad & Tobago Manufacturers' Association was founded in 1956 by eight visionaries in the hope of keeping the wheels of industry turning. This group of entrepreneurs recognised the need for a unifying organisation.

The TTMA was therefore developed for the specific purpose of promoting local industry.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

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Guyana tops at CAPE, CSEC

…QC students dominate again at CXC regional awards

war esh matics n u vM the Raji PE Ma ts t CA Studen Bes

By Vishani Ragoobeer

G

UYANESE students have again topped the Region, following their excellent performances at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Certificate (CAPE) examinations of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC).

At the (CSEC) level, Guyana bagged three of the regional awards, according to the CXC website.

Daniel Basdeo-Thorne of Queen’s College was adjudged the Best Science Student for the Region; Salma Majeed of ISA Islamic School copped the award for the Most Outstanding Candidate in Humanities and Rebekah Persaud of the St. Rose’s High School, won the award for the Most Outstanding Candidate for Business Education.

Hearing the news of his achievement for the first time from the Guyana Chronicle, Thorne said: “Unbelievable. I’m in pain because I just pinched myself like a thousand times.” Though at the May/June

horne Daniel T cience S C E Best CS dent Stu

sitting of CSEC, Thorne scored 13 Grade One passes and one Grade Two pass, he said that this award was definitely unexpected.

Salma was the third highest performer at this year’s examination with 18 Grade One passes, while Persaud scored nine Grade One passes, two Grade Twos and one Grade Three pass. The Region’s overall best CSEC student and School of the Year awardsawards that have traditionally been scored by Guyana- were however snatched by Antigua and Barbuda.

Keondre Herbert, from St Joseph’s Academy on the Caribbean Island, wrote 20 subjects and secured Grade One passes in all of them, according to the Antigua Newsroom.

He bested Guyana’s top performer, Christian Pile, who scored 19 Grade One passes this year.

As a result of Herbert’s feat, his school will receive the CSEC 2018 School of the Year award.

Last year, Michael Bhopaul of Queen’s College had copped this overall prize, along with the Regional Best Science, Business and Techni-

Salma Majeed, the Region’s top CSEC Humanities student Bes Aadi t C lah AP A E S lli tud ent

cal/Vocational Studies awards, after achieving 25 Grade One passes.

Principal of the Queen’s College, Jackie Benn-Ralph, said that she is nevertheless, very proud of Pile’s performance this year. “In order to remain cutting-edge, our students have to write the most subjects” Benn noted.

She also shared that she was proud of the other awards the school brought home this year, as well. Guyana, however, made its mark at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), with its top CAPE student, Aadilah Alli, being adjudged as this year’s Regional Top Student. She also won the award for the Most Outstanding Candidate in Natural Sciences.

Alli copped eight Grade Ones at the recent sitting of the examinations and by topping the Region, she would have also caused Queen’s College to cop the CAPE School of the Year award. Alli has had her eyes on the prize since 2016, when she wrote 22 subjects at CSEC in an attempt to score a scholarship to help her to further her studies. She returned to

the Sixth Form at Queen’s College to pursue CAPE studies, gave it one more try and was able to garner 14 Grade One passes and One Grade Two pass overall, over the two years at Sixth Form.

She too related that she was shocked at the award, but as the nation’s and the region’s top performer, she has certainly made it. Alli was complimented by her colleague, Rajiv Muneshwar, who is the best CAPE Mathematics performer in the Caribbean. Muneshwar served as the Head Prefect for Queen’s College during the past academic year.

The students will receive their awards at the Regional Top Awards ceremony slated for Thursday, December 6, 2018 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

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Chronicle Pepperpot October19, 14,2018 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October

Moulding minds and loving it!

Nikita James is a proud teacher

By Indrawattie Natram “TO be a teacher your heart must be in it. You have to develop a passion for children and learn to love them, treat them as your own- only then you can bring about changes in the school environment and the education sector.” Those were the inspiring words of 25-year-old Nikita James

who has been teaching for five years, and loving it.

James, who hails from Cotton Field, Essequibo Coast, is currently an English teacher at one of the leading secondary schools in Region Two- the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary (ARMS). For her, the greatest satisfaction is when she hears one of her students speak with enriched vocabulary.

the many vibrant teachers who taught her in the various schools she attended.

For James, her biggest challenge was the first time she appeared in front of a classroom at St Roses High School to conduct teaching practice. The teacher said that what fueled her nervousness

25-year-old Nikita James of Cotton Field, a teacher of ARMS

input in the competition made her team reach the national and semi-final levels last year. She was also responsible for getting the children involved in dancing, poetry, drama and sports. The young teacher said that while she was at Charity she was able to tap into the real beauty of teaching, and was even fortunate to teach Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and National Grade Nine Examinations (NGNE) classes. Her greatest satisfaction was when the students performed well at the CSEC examinations.

Last Christmas she was asked by the headmaster of ARMS to serve as an English teacher. The secondary school was her alma mater. She then applied and received a transfer where she currently serves in that position.

“I moved to the school where I got my foundation. I had to go through a process of

James with children from Charity Secondary School

One of James’ cake creations

James on teaching days

James was instrumental in establishing a Social Cohesion Club within the school. She spends most of her weekends promoting unity amongst children by using the Social Cohesion Club to host several activities such as tree planting, weekly after-school cook-outs and various cultural activities.

Currently, she is working on a Cohesion magazine for the school where children can get the opportunity to contribute as well as to build their writing skills.

“I love teaching because it allows me to motivate others and to influence the future of our country. It allows me to develop my creative side. The one thing about this profession is that it is easy to become complacent; as teachers, we all need to keep reinventing ourselves every day to make our job more meaningful,” James said.

Her inspiration to join the teaching profession came from her mother, Portia Jacobs, who believed it was a safe option for her. James said that she was happy that both her parents gave her the push to become a teacher. She said that she mustered courage also from

was the fact that St Roses High was a school she wanted to attend as a teenager. Her first teaching practice made her realise that that was the profession she was supposed to be doing in her life. After her college life at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), she was placed at the Charity Secondary School where she served for four years.

“Charity Secondary is where my love for the profession really grew. I found that with the right approach and strategies the children responded well, despite the fact that they are considered underachievers. I tried my best to make the lessons interesting. I wanted to use my skills to change the learning environment at Charity and I did,” James said.

Apart from academics, James is involved in several co-curricular activities, such as the JOF Haynes Debating Competition. Her

reinvigorating but in a few weeks, I adjusted so neatly that I felt I knew everyone in the school for years,” James said.

For the five years she has been in the teaching profession, her love for it grew daily and she is happy that she can influence and nurture children in every way.

She also tries to inculcate drama and expressions in her teaching, in that way, she said, the children connect faster to classroom teachings. She has also seen improvements in her student’s performance in and the use of the English Language over the years. Apart from her teaching profession, she also bakes and decorates cakes. It is her desire, to one day own her own cake shop, but even if that comes through, she will never give up the teaching profession.

Chronicle Pepperpot October 14, 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

V 19

Heather Thompson Using faith as a guide to her art practice

By Dominique Hunter “GROWING up in the hinterland region of Guyana I was blessed to wake each day to the sounds of nature and the beauty of pristine, blue mountains in the distance. Those memories have been forever etched in my mind,” Heather Thompson recalled fondly of her childhood.

The Mahdia native spent about 12 years manthe challenges she first experiaging her father’s business in the interior before moving to enced with certain techniques Georgetown, so that her daughter and being able to use them in could pursue her secondary educa- various combinations to protion. It was during this time that she duce the work made for her had the opportunity to venture into graduation exhibition, which the culinary arts at the Carnegie was recently on display at the School of Home Economics, a de- Umana Yana.

“I did a lot of things on my cision that would later have a ripple effect on her working methods, own. I read, researched, tried even after she would have switched small pieces and then went on to bigger pieces. My proudest fields.

“Food was one of the things moment was definitely when I that interested me first. So I went was able to put into action all to Carnegie where I did a full-time of the techniques I was taught one-year catering course.

After that, I worked in a number of restaurants. I worked for about 12 years with Trans Guyana and while there I did a parttime textile course at the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. Later I went on to do another part-time course in leather. But it wasn’t enough for me. I found that I wanted more.”

Thompson explained that once her daughter had completed her studies at the University of Guyana and she became an empty nester, it felt like the right time to shift her focus to something she had longed to do for quite some time.

She opted to go back to the art school to pursue a “Thy word is a lamp unto my higher level of formal art feet and a light unto my path” training by enrolling in the school’s full-time two-year throughout the years,” she stated. course.

When asked to give some inReflecting on her experience as a mature student at the art school sight into her art-making process, Thompson shared that although she it became evident quite quickly sometimes experienced difficult that her initial approach is rather times, she refused to allow herself methodical, something she credits to be distracted by what was going as having come from the many on around her. Instead, she kept her years she spent writing recipes.

“All of my work starts with eyes fixed squarely on her goal, rolled up her sleeves and went to a plan. I would go to the sketchbooks and sit for hours sometimes, work.

“It was very humbling and sketching different lines. I would sometimes very frustrating. To learn see which ones look like they are you have to become a child. Even taking the form of something and as an adult there’s a lot of things I would make it into that. Then that get thrown at you but you have I would start thinking about the to be focused on what you’re there construction aspect of it.”

Thompson admitted that her for. You can’t let the other things sketches don’t always materialise get to you.”

Her greatest joy, she explained, according to plan because the came from being able to overcome construction simply might not

tablishing a specific theme that would be used as the conceptual framework for the final exhibition of her work. After careful consideration, she decided that the most fitting theme was “The Creative Word.”

“I was working with nature but I found that everyone was doing something with nature. So I went past nature and asked myself, ‘Who created naDetail of a few fabrics designed, printed ture? Where did it come and tie-dyed by Heather Thompson from?’ That’s how I got to each colour individually after the creative word and the a series of rigorous testing and light,” she explained. planning, each design is actualThompson’s continuous expoly the result of a different type sure to ‘the word,’ as she describes of process entirely. it, was influential in selecting the “As I go along I would get creative direction of her work. She inspiration and things would cited the Bible scripture Genesis fall into place. I cut pieces of Chapter 1 Verse 3, which describes rubber and arrange them in dif- the creation story, as the foundation ferent patterns to make my own upon which she produced most of prints. I have lots of pieces of her art pieces. She explained that afcloth with samples on them to ter a thorough study of this scripture see which ones would work she was able to identify at least one where and how they would major principle of art: balance, more work. But I always test them specifically, the creation of light and first before I put them on a big its separation from the dark. It was piece of fabric.” her ability to make a connection beA similar series of small tween the two that encouraged more meaningful explorations of biblical themes to bring consciousness to ‘the word.’

“As a Christian woman I enA mixed media leather and joy bringing my faith and beliefs textile artwork titled “Peace” to life through my art using bible be possible, in which case she is verses that have encouraged, forced to go back to the drawing inspired and comforted me in the board to work out a more practical hope that it will do the same for alternative. the viewer,” she explained.

She went on to explain that Now that her journey at the although the preparatory stages art school has come to an end, of the work are, to a large extent, Thompson is excited about what methodical, her textile designs the future holds for her creative are usually rather spontaneous practice. and free-flowing. So on one hand, “There’s a lot I want to do while great care is taken to mix with textile, like move on to fibre art. I see myself going in that direction and doing unique leather art.”

In addition to having better A mixed media piece done access to the full range of art using sticks of bamboo, materials, students are usually leather and paint on fabric required to have, Thompson also stressed the importance of fostests are employed during the tering an “art conscious” society. It production of her leatherwork, is only then, she says, that we could long before any attempt is made possibly begin to move towards to construct the actual piece, she a much more sustainable local art explained. scene.

“I would have pieces of As a recent graduate of the E.R. leather and I would do different Burrowes School of Art, Thompson types of stitches to see what had a few words of wisdom to share stitch I want. If it’s a print then with those who might be contemI would test the tool and the plating formally pursuing art at the tooling method I want to use. institution.

For example, if I want to create “Work hard and be humble,” a snakeskin texture I would test she says. “You have to work bea piece of leather to see how it cause if you don’t and you take would look. I would then stain time off to relax, it will be hard it to see if I want to grade it to catch up. You have to stay on from a yellow to a green etc.” it from the beginning. Things will Like all of the other graduat- come your way but you have to Detail of a mixed media ing students from the art school, stay humble. That’s the most imleather lampshade Thompson was tasked with es- portant thing.”

20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

‘Berbice Bridge increases announcement of no legal effect’ – Basil Williams

––said that the company breached both concession agreement and Bridge Act increases of any toll,” said Williams.

According to the attorney general, the company must know that the power it has under Section 4.1 subsection 2 of the Act must be read subject to Section 4.1 (d) (III), which empowers the minister to determine the maximum amount of toll.

negotiations for at least 45 days to resolve this dispute before they could proceed to the other option under the clause that is to enter into arbitration, or go to the courts,” he said.

He said that both sides will be bound to be guided by the elaborate dispute resolution mechanisms as

Attorney General Basil Williams

MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams has stated that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. is in breach of both the Berbice River Bridge Act and the agreement that the company has signed with the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

The BBCI on Tuesday at a press conference announced plans to increase the bridge tolls over threefold, with a view to meeting operational costs and making up for the company’s accumulated loss of over G$2.8B. The rates announced by the company are as follows: Cars: G$8,040; Pickups: G$14,600; 4WD: G$14,600; Minibuses: G$8,040; Small trucks: G$14,600; Medium trucks: G$27,720; Large trucks: G$49,600; Articulated trucks: G$116,680; Freight: G$1,680 and Boats: G$401,040. These the company said would be implemented on November 12, 2018.

However, at a press conference also on Tuesday, Minister of Public Infra-

structure David Patterson said that the government would do all in its power to ensure that the increases are not implemented. He also committed to seeking legal advice on the matter.

In an exclusive interview with this newspaper on Wednesday evening, Williams said that the company has arbitrarily announced increases in tolls for all classes of vehicles without going through what is required under the agreement and the Act governing the bridge, which commenced operation in 2009.

“This unilateral announcement by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. is really in breach of the concession agreement,which requires any announcement to be consensual; secondly, it is in breach of Section 4.1 subsection 2 of the Berbice River Bridge Act, which gives the company the ability to specify the toll increases after consultation with the minister,” he said. “There of course was no consultation with the minister on

Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

“Only the minister could publish in the Gazette, the tolls. That announcement that (BBCI) made is of no legal effect,” said Williams.

He stressed that other than the amount that has been approved and gazetted, no other increases can be accepted without the minister’s approval.

“Therefore, the increases announced have been rejected by the government.

The minister has made this rejection verbally and will be writing the company to formally reject the increases,” he said.

This rejection, he said, will formally give rise to a dispute which will then trigger a dispute-resolution mechanism as outlined by the agreement. The parties are mandatorily required to, in good faith, enter into

envisaged by the concession agreement.

Noting that the Minister of Public Infrastructure has to act in the interest of the people of the country, he said that the government has been consistent in ensuring that the interest of the people come first. He pointed to the subsidy that the government granted the company to alleviate some of the burdens on the persons using the bridge.

“When we came into office, the amount of the toll was $2,200 and the subsidy that we gave reduced the toll to $1,900 for certain categories of vehicles and other categories were reduced by 10 percent. So we have always had the interest of the people of Guyana at heart,” he said.

Pointing to the timing

of the announcement and the proposed date of implementation, the minister said that it reeks of cheap political manoeuvring with Local Government Elections scheduled to be held on November 12, 2018.

Meanwhile, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, under whose government the Berbice River Bridge was constructed, said by not issuing a Toll Order, the government can easily block the proposed toll increases – contending that there was no need for legal advice, but Public Infrastructure Minister said it is simply not that simple.

During a press conference at his Church Street Office on Wednesday, Jagdeo, who is now leader of the opposition, while condemning the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated’s (BBCI’s) proposed 420 per cent toll increase, said under the Berbice River Bridge Act of 2006, the government could block the increases.

He explained that provision is made under Part III

of the Berbice River Bridge Act for the Public Infrastructure Minister to issue a Toll Order to give effect to new tolls, and by refusing to sign that order, the minister, in this case David Patterson, can prevent the proposed increases.

Jagdeo pointed out that in 2008, the then Minister of Public Works, Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn signed a Toll Order specifying the rates to be effected.

But Minister Patterson on Wednesday told the Guyana Chronicle that Part III of the Berbice River Bridge Act of 2006, which was crafted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government is ambiguous, and the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government is seeking legal advice on the way forward, in keeping with its initial plan.

Residents especially of Berbice have expressed concern and fears over what the planned implementation of the increased rates would mean for their businesses and livelihoods.

NO time to experiment

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

21

…President rallies Linden for big LGE victory

By Vanessa Braithwaite PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday evening called on Linden to reward the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) with a big win at the November 12 Local Government Elections, warning them against experimenting with other parties and to shun the main opposition, which he said had crippled local democracy for 22 years.

President Granger was at the time addressing a large crowd of Lindeners who converged at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Centre in support of the APNU LGE candidates for both Linden and Kwakwani. Linden campaign manager Valerie Yearwood, who is also Minister within the Ministry of Communities; Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally; Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira, along with several regional and municipal councillors and other officials were also present.

President Granger, in keeping the campaign spirit alive, alluded to the many positives that were derived from the return of LGEs that have been visible not only in Linden, but countrywide.

He noted the commissioning of the Linden Magistrate’s Court, which has saved Lindeners thousands of dollars from travelling to Vreed-enHoop to conduct legal business; the budget for Region 10 was increased significantly; communities were lit up with street lights, as well as improvement in solid waste

management. His government, he said, will continue to support Linden and its development and much more is in store for the town.

The President articulated that the country has seen much development, even in the four new towns and because of the removal of LGEs for 22 years, development had been stymied.

The former administration removed some 38 NDCs and replaced with them Interim Management Committees (IMCs), which he deemed undemocratic. This was also the case in Linden.

DON’T SUPPORT THEM “We cannot support a party that has had its foot on our necks for 22 years and refused to call elections…

Guyana has had its last IMC; this is an opportunity for you … this is the party that has created four towns in the last

three years… the PPP was keeping Guyana underdeveloped,” President Granger told the gathering. He added that LGEs have been used to transform Guyana, to bring about change and to provide better services at the community level.

This, however, can only be done through cooperation among the three tiers of government: central, regional and municipal. While this is evident in Linden, the President said, in some regions this is not being practised and can even be seen in the absence of regional officials when he visits these areas.

“That is what is holding back this country, that is what is holding back development,” he posited. This, he noted however, is not evident in Linden and residents are keeping their leaders accountable, while urging the candidates to prove them-

President David Granger presenting bicycles to the Linden students

Some of the APNU LGE candidates

A section of the crowd highlighting the APNU candidates for Linden and Kwakwani

selves and remain accountable and responsible to the electorate. “ LGE would have allowed for those who feel they are worthy to serve, to prove themselves to their constituents… it is you, the representatives of those communities, who must inform and instruct and direct their representatives on how to provide services for their communities.

“Local Government Elections are special, you have to prove yourself; you have to demonstrate your care, your passions, your capability, to serve these constituencies.

We are in the stage my brothers and sisters, in which we

are at a new form of democracy, not only one that will promote the development of Linden, but one that will empower the residents, that will make them more conscious of the needs of their various communities.”

As the LGE date draws closer, the APNU leader urged the candidates to remain conscious of what is needed to bring Linden to a higher level and to work to the satisfaction of their constituents. He said he is excited for what is to come for Linden and for Guyana post-LGE 2018.

Region 10 PNCR Chairman Deron Adams in his short address noted that the APNU was the only contesting political party that held constituency primaries and this shows the parties’ stance for community involvement.

This, he said, was a reflection of President Granger’s mission to strengthen and consolidate communities and ordinary citizens, since their voices matter.

DON’T EXPERIMENT He said it is not time to experiment, but to execute; and that is what the APNU is ready for. “Victory for the APNU will improve your life,” he told Lindeners.

After the formal part of the programme, the residents were given a chance to air their concerns, many of

which dealt with community issues and issues relating to their disappointment with the representation received from regional and municipal officials, in prioritising their call for help. The residents complained about the economy of Linden and stressed that there needs to be candidates with vision, since this will enable development.

President Granger urged the Lindeners, however, to get involved in the entire process and to work along with the candidates in realising their visions. President Granger also hosted a prayer breakfast with members of the religious community and regional officials at the Watooka Guest House on Wednesday morning. The President also presented bicycles to over two dozen Linden students at the primary and secondary levels. A sewing machine was also donated to a disabled entrepreneur in Linden, who manufactures shopping bags to sell for a living. The LGE ANPU candidates for Linden for Constituencies One to Four in respective order are Lawrence Simon, Steven Massiah, Leroy James, outgoing Deputy Mayor Wainwright Bethune, outgoing Mayor Waneka Arindell, Lorna Calvan, Fern McKoy and Gary King.

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

SUZUKI Factory rider confirmed for Team Mohamed’s Enterprise

By Stephan Sookram SUZUKI Factory rider Richard Cooper will join team Mohamed’s Enterprise ahead of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sport’s Club’s (GMR&SC) Ignite race meet.

Chronicle Sport confirmed yesterday the Briton, who lives in Nottingham will pilot Team Mohamed’s Supersport 1000 Yamaha R1.

According to a statement from the team, “We are pleased to have acquired the services of the seventh and final race winner of the Bennetts British Superbike

Racing series (BSB) Mr Richard Cooper.”

“Coops, as he is nicknamed, will ride alongside the Truelove brothers Matt and Harry for the final leg of the GMR&SC Ignite race meet, set for November 10 and 11.”

“Our aim is to have the rider try and better the circuit record set in 2016 by Matt which still stands at a 33.3,” the statement continued.

The 35-year-old, who just completed the season with the Buildbase Suzuki team, is the runner-up in the British National Superstock 1000 Championship 2017.

Meanwhile the GMR&SC’s Ignite will form the basis for the final leg of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC) 2018.

The sponsors for that event are ExxonMobil, GBTI, B.M. Soat, Noble House Seafoods, STAG Beer, Air Services Limited, GUYOIL, Palm Court, Hand-in-Hand, Ramada Hotel, Survival Supermarket, Club 704, Sheriff Security, EC Investments, Prem’s Electrical, Nexus Machinery, Mohamed’s Enterprise, Choke Gas Station, Japarts, R. Kissoon

New track layout unlikely for Ignite

By Stephan Sookram THE motor racing circle has been abuzz with rumour that a track layout is in store for the sport, but racers will have to wait a while longer.

A source close to the GMR&SC confirmed that the new layout, while undergoing construction daily, will not be ready for the November race meet, dubbed Ignite.

Many drivers and riders both abroad and local have been querying the new layout which the source said will not be usable for the November 10 and 11 race meet.

GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed confirmed

this news, adding that while the actual track might be finished there are still other things that need to be completed.

“Yes, we (GMR&SC) have been getting calls regarding the layout of the new track but it will not be in use for the November Ignite race meet,” Mohamed confirmed.

He continued, “At the moment, the guys are working on it daily and it is estimated that we will make significant progress towards it by the November meet but there are still curbs and other things that need to be installed.”

“I can say that we will have it ready for the start of

FLASHBACK! Kristian Jeffrey leads Roger Mayers of Barbados into the first corner during last year’s CMRC event in Guyana. (GTRIdez photo)

the 2018 circuit racing season so the guys here can get a feel of it. That’s something we are realistically aiming for and I think we will get it.”

Ignite, which is expected to feature competition from Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados as well as Europe, Canada and the United States, will see the culmination of the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships (CMRC).

It will feature Groups 1-5 cars as well as Superstock bikes and the SR3 Radicals along with the local Street and Sport Tuner classes, the Choke Starlet Cup and the Road Bike class.

Richard Cooper leads the pack.

(MotorcycleNews photo)

Contracting, E Networks, Miracle Optical,

vations America and SuperBet, Agriparts,

Bikers’ Bar, Samaroo Investments, Inno-

Mobil1 and KGM Security Service

Persaud warms up with win at Demerara Mutual Annual Golf Classic Winners: L-R: Hilbert Shields, Mahendra Bhagwandin, Munaf Arjune, ‘Pur’ Persaud, Bholawram Deo, Mike Mangal and Dr Joaan Deo.

RECOVERING from a broken shoulder suffered five months ago, Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud won gloriously at the Demerara Mutual Golf Classic, last Saturday, from a field of very competitive golfers, all determined to put out their best form in preparation for the international Guyana Open of November 3 and 4 this year.

Teeing-off at 12:45hrs, the competitors played the 3 Flight system and, for the first time in Guyana, played in groups of 3 rather than 4. Another first was the ready-golf system, in which a player in a group would play as soon as he or she was ready, irrespective of whether the player farthest from the green was not yet ready to play.

This is a change in the play of international golf, to be introduced by the United States Golf Association (USGA) from 2019.

Prizes in this tournament were awarded to the 1st- and 2nd-place winner in each Flight, to the golfer with the Best Gross score, and to the golfer with the Best Net score. The golfer with the Best Net score was considered the best golfer for the day and was awarded the overall winner’s prize.

In the ‘A’ Flight – Handicaps 0-9 – winners were: 1st - Mike Mangal 72/9 and 2nd - Munaf Arjune 78/9. Other golfers in this category considered their scores not good enough to be mentioned.

In the ‘B’ Flight Handicaps 10-18 winners were: 1st - Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud with a phenomenal 63/18 and 2nd Hilbert Shields

68/16. The significant thing about these two winners is that during the last 12 months, both were out of the game for an extended period of a minimum 3 months due to hand and shoulder injuries respectively! Their determined performances are a hallmark of the mental discipline that successful golfers embrace.

Veteran Patrick Prashad offered a great 68/10 for a tie for 2nd place, but came 3rd on the ‘Back 9’ recount. Other good scores were offered by Satrohan ‘Robin’ Tiwari 69/17; Joaan Deo 74/16; Kalyan Tiwari 75/14; Shanella Webster 76/16 and Parmanand ‘Max’ Persaud 77/15.

In the ‘C’ Flight, winners were: 1st Bholawram Deo 66/19 and 2nd - Mahendra ‘Rommel’ Bhagwandin 69/19. Other reasonable scores were offered by Paton George 73/19; rookie Videsh Persaud 76/28; Haresh Tewari 77/19; and Troy Cadogan 78/26.

Best Gross (78) was won by Patrick Prashad, while the day’s winner with the Best Net score of 63 was Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud!

Pur explained, “My game was very good in the Suriname Open of October 6 and 7 (2018) but I didn’t win, and I came here determined to win in this tournament, to make up for my close loss in Suriname!”

He was inspired by the memory of his late father who, as a champion bodybuilder, had encouraged him to always strive for excellence. Pur had used the expression: “I love that winning feeling”, when he won his first golf tournament nearly 2 years ago.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending October 19, 2018

Defending champs in quest of semi-final spots in PM T/20 Cup … Centuries for Hussain, Williams and Malone

By Frederick Halley DEFENDING champions Ariel Speedboat and Regal Masters were in sight of semi-final berths at the end of the first day of the Prime Minister’s T20 Cup which got underway yesterday with matches at several venues across Georgetown.

The Georgetown Softball Cricket League (GSCL)-organised tournament, which attracted teams from New York, Canada and Florida, saw both Ariel Speedboat and Regal Masters play unbeaten in the Open and Maters category respectively.

Boots All Stars and Bartica All Stars were also making their presence felt. Boots registered convincing wins over the much-touted SVC All Stars, who captured the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) crown in July and made light work of Success All Stars, whipping the East Coast-based side by the wide margin of 130 runs at the Police Sports Club ground.

Led by a swashbuckling unbeaten 159 from Wazir

Wazid Hussain

David Williams

Hussain, Ariel Speedboat piled up a huge 280 for three in their opening encounter versus Farm.

The left-handed opener’s knock was spiced with 17 sixes and seven fours as he thrashed the hapless Farm bowlers to all parts of the Everest ground. L. Marks supported with 51 not out which included seven sixes and two fours.

Farm were limited to 175 for nine in their allotted 20 overs with Shawn Thomas (41) and Sheldon Adams (40) being the principal scorers.

Facing DS 18 in their second game, Ariel Speedboat rattled up 238 for eight

with L. Marks (61), A. Bharat (41) and G. Singh (37) being among the runs.

DS 18 were shut out for 103 in 15.2 overs with K. Singh claiming four for 15.

DS 18 had earlier defeated Hill Foot Vipers by nine wickets in a one-sided affair, rushing to 145 for one in 8.4 overs, after Hill Foot had reached 144 for nine in 20 overs. DS 18’s S. Alexander blasted nine sixes and two fours in an unbeaten 75.

Taking first strike against SVC, Boots reached 200 for nine in their allotted 20 overs with Vishal Phillips (43) and Balram Samaroo (33) being the main scorers. SVC were routed for 125 in 16.3 overs

$20B golf facility confirmed for Guyana

Courts Pee Wee Football tournament…

A $20B golf facility has been confirmed for Guyana, after the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) and the Jack Nicklaus Golf Design group inked an agreement for the construction of a state-of-the-art golf facility.

The construction is expected to commence early next year. The announcement was made yesterday by LGC president Aleem Hussain.

Hussain, speaking at a Sports Tourism conference hosted by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) yesterday, noted, “Today we have come to the fruition of those discussions.

“When Jack Nicklaus decides to do a project in any part of the world, it draws tremendous worldwide attention. For the first time in the Caribbean, the group will sign an agreement with our group in Guyana with the intention of building a brand new golf facility which is not just a golf course but a whole lifestyle community”.

Steve Rowan, Managing

Director of Earth & Marine Environmental Consultants, explained the parameters at arriving at the cost and the rationale for the proposed location on the East Coast of Demerara.

“As any large project such as this, there will be phase developments and we are looking well in excess of US$100 million as a total development cost but part of the cost depends on the mix of assets we develop as part of the wider development.”

He further noted, “We are targeting 500 acres around the Ogle, La Bonne Intention district because as this transformation in Guyana takes place with the oil, Georgetown is going to grow substantially.”

Nicklaus is an American retired professional golfer. Many observers regard him as the greatest golfer of all-time. During a span of more than 25 years, he won a record 18 major championships while producing 19 second-place and nine thirdplace finishes.

with Khemraj Dindial grabbing three for 19.

In the second game, it was the David Williams show, with the youthful batsman blasting 17 sixes and two fours in a blistering 120 as Boots made 253 for six in 20 overs. Success managed 113 all out in 15.2 overs with Johnattan Fernandez grabbing four for 25.

Bartica All Stars, on the other hand, created quite a stir by whipping Enterprise Rebels by 63 runs and Hill Foot Vipers by four wickets. Batting first, Bartica All Stars made 152 all out in 19 overs and followed it up by bowling out Enterprise - including Guyana and West Indies Under-19 player Bashkar Yadram for a paltry 89.

Set a challenging 179 for

23

victory, after Hill Foot Vipers were dismissed for 178, Bartica All Stars reached 179 for six in 19.4 overs with Andrew Simon and Frankie Sookraj hitting 65 and 44 respectively. A. Mohabir had earlier slammed seven sixes and nine fours in a losing cause in his top-score of 94 for Hill Foot.

After losing their first game to Corriverton, Regal All Stars remained in contention for a semi-final spot with a decisive victory over SVC All Stars, SVC All Stars batted first and made 168 all out in 19.5 overs V, Surujpaul hitting 89. Ron Ramnauth took three for 11 and Delroy Perreira three for 49.

Patrick Rooplall smote seven sixes and a four in his 75 and Marvin Babb 44, as Regal All Stars got to the required total in 17.2 overs.

Regal Masters started their defence with a victory over Fisherman’s All Stars.

After limiting Fisherman to 132 for eight, Regal Masters reached the target in 18.2 overs with Eon Abel hitting 56 (2x6, 5x4) and Mahendra Hardyal 24.

In their second encoun-

ter, Regal Masters trounced Enterprise by nine wickets, racing to 152 for one in a mere 8.1 overs, replying to Enterprise’s 151 all out. Eric Thomas scored 56 not out while Abel hit 46.

Fisherman’s Ramo Malone was the other century-maker at the MYO ground, his unbeaten 127 carrying his team to 282 for five. His innings included 13 sixes and eight fours. Sunrise Masters replied with 184 all out.

In other Masters games, Ontario Masters Softball International (OMSI) Jai Singh hit a boundary-studded 90 at DCC in a losing cause as his team went down to Parika Defenders. His innings contained 10 sixes and three fours but he received little support as OMSI were dismissed for 152 in pursuit of 189 for victory. OMSI had earlier lost to Albion Masters at the same venue.

Lloyd Rooplall (90) and Ramesh (80) were also among the runs for Mike’s Wellman who won from Parika Defenders.

Bolt future not an immediate concern for Mariners

Round-ofsixteen action on today The Courts Pee-Wee Football action continues today with round of sixteen action at the ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

In the first of the matches, St Agnes will play Colaaco from 12:30 on pitch one with Tucville playing Maes on pitch two.

Marian Academy gets going from 13:30 against Golden Grove on pitch one with West Ruimveldt playing Plaisance Orphanage on pitch two.

Following that, St Pius goes up against Soesdyke on from 14:30 on pitch one with pitch two action featuring Timehri and Mocha.

The final two matches of the day will feature St Ambrose and South from 15:30 and North Georgetown and Enterprise.

Other sponsors include, the Ministry of Education, Banks Malta Supreme and Rainforest Waters.

Usain Bolt

CENTRAL Coast Mariners coach Mike Mulvey is keen to put the future of Usain Bolt to one side as his side prepare to face Melbourne City in the opening round of A-League fixtures.

Bolt has been training with the Mariners since August and scored twice in a trial match last week.

His performance in that victory over Macarthur South West United – his first start for the Mariners – brought global attention and saw Maltese champions Valletta offer him a twoyear contract.

The eight-time Olympic champion rejected that deal, but whether the Mariners will offer the Jamaican a full-time role remains unclear.

Mulvey’s pre-match media conference saw the Mariners boss questioned on the future of

Bolt, but he was not keen to discuss his future.

“I’m really not interested in that to tell you the truth,” he said when asked about Bolt’s decision to turn down Valletta.

“I’m interested in the players that I’ve got in my squad who I’m very happy with.

“We’ve covered that (the Bolt issue) ad nauseam in the lead-up from when he was here to the game last weekend and I’ve said all along the focus is on the team.

“I’ve got 23 full-time professional footballers who have (shed) blood, sweat and tears throughout the whole of pre-season.”

He added: “It’s well documented that he (Bolt) is great among the guys. Very happy for him last week with the two goals he scored but we move on.” (Sportsmax)

$20

BILLION golf facility 31 confirmed for Guyana PAGE

From left, LGC president Aleem Hussain, Roddy Carr, Steve Rowan and former LGC president Hemraj Kissoon

Courts Pee Wee Football tournament…

Part of last weekend’s action in the Courts Pee Wee Football tournament.

Round-of-sixteen action on today

PAGE

31

ENTERPRISE Busta Sports Club received the East Coast Cricket Committee/Bargain Supermarket Carib Beer T20 winners’ cheque from Brand Coordinator Seam Abel.

The East Coast Demerara team produced an all-round effort to whip Strathavon by 72 runs to clinch the win last Sunday at Enmore.

Enterprise Busta SC receive ECCC/ Bargain Supermarket T20 cheque