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ISSUE No. 88

WEEK ENDING February 9, 2018

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It’s Guyana’s time Min. Trotman urges local businesses to get in line for oil

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One of the camps being destroyed

Cops burn huge ganja farm at Ebini

A TEAM of law enforcement officers commanded by a superintendent, on Wednesday conducted a drug-eradication operation at Ebini, Upper Berbice River

during which several camps and plant nurseries were destroyed.

According to the police, the operation which lasted in excess of 15 hours saw an estimated 300,000

cannabis plants ranging between six inches to five feet in height, 150,000 kilogrammes of dried cannabis, a number of nurseries with about 100,000 seedlings and four camps

being destroyed by fire.

Police said a single-barrel shotgun, three live cartridges, a water pump and a chain saw which were found during the operation, have

been seized and lodged.

No arrests were made but investigators are in the process of tracing the ownership of the approximately 10-acre plot of land.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

800 sugar workers hired at job fair

Managing-Director of Gaico Construction and Services Komal Singh has challenged retrenched sugar workers to prepare for change and explore the opportunities set before them.

Singh was at the time addressing residents in the Patentia area at the recent job fair hosted by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Chamber of Commerce.

The event saw close to 800 residents of Patentia and surrounding areas being hired on-the-spot by various private and public companies.

“We all do not like change, but change is a must and you must be willing to adapt to changes. If there is no change, then we will remain stagnant and we do not understand the opportunities that sit beyond the boundaries,” Singh said.

Singh explained, “If it

was [sic] not for the closure of the sugar estates, many persons including the Private Sector Commission probably would not have engaged in the ongoing job fair initiative.”

He encouraged residents of the West Demerara area to be prepared for transformation and make the most of opportunities before them, while recounting his years as a former sugarcane cutter.

“If you are employed with a company, you will have to go to work all day (9-5) …so be prepared to change, it’s a whole cultural shift you will have to adapt to. But trust me, there are enormous opportunities, I was once where you are,” Singh emphasised.

The managing-director began the Gaico Construction and Services Company some 25 years ago on the West Bank of Demerara area, where the majority of his employees reside.

Some of the participants at the job fair held at Patentia

According to the Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Edward Boyer, the

job fair initiative will be ongoing throughout 2018 and will be held at all the

estates. However, he noted that the jobs offered will be open to both retrenched

estate workers and other persons seeking employment (DPI).

Gov’t ready to assist private sector absorb former sugar workers MINISTER within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott has said that the Government is ready to support the private sector in their effort to absorb the retrenched sugar workers.

Over the past few days members of the private sector have mobilised teams and visited communities where persons are directly affected by the downsizing of the sugar industry.

Earlier this year, cash-strapped Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) had to lay off some 4,000 workers in order to keep the sugar industry viable, but government had forged ahead with training for those former employees, with support from the Small Business Bureau and other stakeholders.

“It has been admirable that they can begin to show that

they are cooperative entities and that they think about the population,” said Scott, adding that he lauds the efforts of the private sector to ensure that those workers do not remain unemployed for long.

The minister urged the private sector to keep up their effort because the more workers they take off would result in the alleviation of the existing conditions. “If at any point they feel the government’s input in training or any respect is needed then we stand ready to do that,” he said.

Only recently, ex-sugar workers of the Wales Sugar Estate, West Bank Demerara (WBD) were sensitised about the hundreds of employment opportunities in the private sector at a job fair at the Patentia Market Square (WBD).

Minister with responsibility for Labour, Keith Scott

The fair was organised by the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and the Region Three Chamber of Commerce and received support from various ministries, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and over 20 local companies. The event saw close to 800 residents of Patentia and surrounding areas being hired on-the-spot by various private and public companies.

PSC Chairman Edward Boyer had said the fair is part of the commission’s effort to ensure the retrenched sugar workers find work.

The PSC also took the fair to the Enmore ground where former workers of the East Demerara Estate were told that the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) alone has 200 companies which are members of the chamber.

Speaking at the job fair, Managing Director of Gaico Construction and Services, Komal Singh had also challenged retrenched sugar workers to prepare for change and explore the opportunities set before them.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

3

It’s Guyana’s time Min. Trotman urges local businesses to get in line for oil

GO-Invest chairman Patricia Bacchus addresses the gathering

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman during his address to the gathering

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, who is performing the functions of Prime Minister, speaks at the opening ceremony

Shariq AbdulHai, an organiser of the event and managing director of Valiant Business Media addresses the gathering

A section of the gathering at the forum

By Alva Solomon ‘Our faith tells us Guyana’s time is now.’

MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman on Wednesday urged Guyanese entrepreneurs to be prepared for an increase in investments and a hive of business activity as the country’s petroleum sector evolves.

Trotman was at the time addressing hundreds of delegates at the opening of the inaugural Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit & Exhibition (GIPEX) at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel.

The audience included hundreds of foreign and local delegates and among the special guests were ministers of government including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge who was performing the duties of Prime Minister, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes and Junior Minister of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, among others.

Trotman in his address called on locals to upgrade their skills and knowledge, improve the standards of their businesses and form alliances and partnerships as

2020 nears. “In boardrooms across the world, Guyana is the talking point,” he said, noting here is the place to be. He said that Guyana‘s aim is to be the gateway into and out of South America, noting that Guyanese are an innovative and indomitable people who have provided their skills globally.

The subject minister noted too that the nation has arrived at an important juncture in its history and according him, what is undertaken at this point in time will determine the country’s future.

He stressed that the citizenry must recognise its right to own and possess and to enjoy the bountiful resources of Guyana. ”In all humility, as we look proudly at what we have today, ”he said as he mentioned the 3.2 billion recoverable barrels of oil which exists offshore and the immeasurable wealth which has been bestowed on Guyanese and the manner in which such wealth has lasting impact on the population.

Minister Greenidge told the gathering that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has a responsibility to welcome and provide information to companies which are interested in operation here, as he welcomed the companies, both

local and foreign which have undertaken such steps. ”Our interest is in having strategic partners, companies that have an interest in working along with the Guyanese authorities in the longer term to exploit resources in a manner consistent with our own ambitions.”

He said that thus far, notwithstanding the naysayers, the government has been able to work with a number of companies and it is pleased with the announcements by other petroleum companies within the past few days of their plans to assist in exploiting the country’s natural resources. This week French oil firm announced its interest in the petroleum sector here. Minister Greenidge expressed the hope that GIPEX will be able to provide a framework for understanding the resources here, the policy framework in which they are to operate as well as the plans and possibilities that the international and local companies have for the exploitation of the nation’s resources.

Minister of Public Telecommunication, Catherine Hughes during her address, noted that Guyana has had its fair share of hard times like many other developing countries but she noted that the citizens have proven their

resilience. “For far too long Guyanese would leave what they call the land of promises to find the promised land mostly in places like North America.” Hughes said, this is Guyana’s time now, noting that, ”we cannot be so blighted, Guyana must have oil and we are excited that we are now on that path to development.”

Patricia Bacchus, Chairperson of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) told the large gathering that the country has recorded stable, macro-economic growth over the past eight years and she noted that the advent of the oil and gas sector is regarded as a significant step in the country’s economic diversification efforts. She said that it is hoped that this becomes the springboard from which wider economic diversification can be facilitated. Bacchus said that with a young economy, Guyana provides immense opportunities for investors and she urged participants to view the gaps in the country’s economic activities not only as shortcomings but also as opportunities. She said the exhibition provides a forum through which the petroleum sector can be carefully explored to lead to exploring the various economic oppor-

tunities along the value chair which are ripe for investment.

Private Sector Commission chairman, Eddie Boyer told the audience that during his lifetime, he struggled to understand why each neighbouring country produced oil, but Guyana did not. He said his realties have been confirmed with the world class discoveries amid ongoing exploration. He deemed

the forum a foundation and conduit for success.

The forum will run until Friday and a number of workshops and panel discussions are expected to be undertaken during the three day event. A number of companies, both local and international, are taking part in the activity. On Friday the exhibition will be open to the general public from 1600hrs.

Total stakes substantial claim

--in budding local oil & gas industry FRENCH oil firm, Total has bought stakes in several oil production blocks here, thereby making its presence felt in the potentially lucrative Guyana basin, a Reuters report stated on Monday.

According to the report, Total said it was buying a 35 per cent working interest in the Canje Block, in an agreement signed with an affiliate of Canadian company, JHI Associates Inc. and Guyana-based Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas Inc. These two companies will retain a shared 30 per cent interest alongside operator ExxonMobil, which has a 35 per cent stake.

According to the report, Total has also bought a 25 per cent working interest stake in the Kanuku Block,

in an agreement with Repsol and Tullow Oil. Repsol and Tullow each have stakes of 37.5 per cent in that block.

Total is quoted as saying too that it had an option to buy a 25 per cent working interest in the Orinduik Block, in an agreement with Canadian company, Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas Ltd, which will retain a 15 per cent interest following exercise of the option, alongside Tullow Oil which has 60 per cent.

Late last month, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman told the media at a press briefing that several oil firms, including Total; California-based Chevron; Brazil’s Petrobas; and Italy’s E&I have all signalled an interest in Guyana’s petroleum sector.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

4

THE CASE AGAINST BHARRAT JAGDEO CONCLUSION SYNOPSIS OF PART I

I

Hanoman Singh, the Director of Public Prose- criminal possession of firearms and electronic cutions was wounded by unknown assailants in and eavesdropping surveillance equipment, and taken to the Sparendaam Police Station. The a shootout in Kitty • On April 13, 2003, Steve Lesniak, a US next day the Magistrate summarily dismissed Diplomat was kidnapped by unknown assailants the charges against the defendants and immediately returned the weapons to them. on the East Coast of Demerara 3. Drug Trafficking, Witness Tamper• On October 25, 2003, businessman ing and Gun Running.

Brahmanand Nandalall was kidnapped by unOn March 17, 2009, in the Federal Disknown assailants on the East Coast of Demertrict Court in Brooklyn, New York, Roger Khan ara pled guilty to the charges of drug trafficking in 150 kilograms of cocaine, witness tampering and gun running and sentenced to jail for 15 years.

by Colin A. Moore

n Part I of this episode, the writer outlines the 14 massacres that occurred during the “TROUBLES” that occurred between 2002-2010 in Guyana. This was the period when the Jagdeo government in collusion with the Roger Khan gang perpetrated a war of attrition against sections of the Afro-Guyanese population.

The writer proposes that a Commission of Inquiry 4. Wire Tapping of the (COI) comprised of legal Police Commissioner, Winpractitioners, judges and ston Felix. scholars from the InternaIn 2006, Roger Khan retional Commission of Juleased to the media houses in rists (ICJ) be appointed to Georgetown, Guyana, the subidentify the individuals stance of a confidential telephone conversation between from the government of Police Commissioner Winston Guyana, the Roger Khan ROGER KHAN BHARRAT JAGDEO RONALD GAJRAJ Felix and Basil Williams, a gang and individuals from member of the PNC executive. the government agencies who partici• On June 24, 2004, George Bacchus The Jagdeo Government, not only failed to prospated in these acts of violence. The ICJ was shot to death by Delon Reynolds ecute Khan, a convicted felon and drug trafshould refer these individuals to the • In October 2004, Davendra Persaud ficker for tapping the telephone of a public Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was shot to death at Palm Court Restaurant in servant, but it persecuted its own Police Comand the Attorney General’s office for Georgetown missioner, Winston Felix, who at that time was criminal prosecution.

• In September 2005, Donald Allison, a conducting a diligent pursuit of the Roger Khan CRIMINAL OFFENSES (CONTINUED FROM PART I) 1.

Murder. “A person is guilty of murder when, he/she is found guilty of the unlawful premeditated killing of another person. “There is overwhelming evidence that Roger Khan committed murder against several Guyanese nationals. He not only targeted his victims, but he hired the criminal gangs to execute the victims.

Selwyn Vaughan, a high- ranking member of the Roger Khan gang testified in Federal Court in Brooklyn that Roger was implicated in the deaths, injuries or kidnappings of the following individuals:

• On April 2, 2002, Superintendent. Leon Fraser, head of the Tactical Security Services (TSS) was shot on the Linden Highway by unknown assailants

• On August 17, 2002, businessman Harry Rambarran was shot by unknown assailants on East Bank, Demerara

• On August 26, 2002, Vibert Innis, Deputy Head of CANU was shot in Buxton by unknown assailants • On September 26, 2002, Denis

boxing coach, was shot to death outside his drug trafficking ring. home in Agricola.

5. Criminal Facilitation. “A person is • In January 2006, Ronald Waddell, a guilty of criminal facilitation when, believing it talk show host, was shot to death outside his probable that he is rendering aid to a person who home in Subryanville. intends to commit a felony, he engages in con• On April 26, 2006, Satyadeow Sawh, duct which provides such person with the means Minister of Agriculture and three others were or opportunity for the commission of the felony.” shot to death at LBI. Peter Meyers, co-director of the UK firm, 2. Criminal Possession of Firearms Smith-Meyers, testified in the Federal Court in and Electronic Surveillance and EavesBrooklyn, that the cellular intercept equipment dropping Equipment. found in Khan’s vehicle on December 4, 2002, On December 4, 2002, a GDF patrol in and used to intercept the telephone conversathe area of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara intions of Winston Felix, the then Police Commistercepted a vehicle and discovered an arsenal of sioner, had been sold to the Guyana weapons. Found in the vehicle were Roger government. It was sold by the company’s Khan, Haroon Yahya and Sean Belfield, a memFlorida sales office to the Fort Lauderdale-based ber of the Guyana Police Force. The arms cache, Spy Shop and then sold to the Guyana Governincluding M-16 assault rifles with night vision ment. It was purchased by Dr. Leslie Ramcapability; a Uzi sub-machine gun with silencer; sammy, former Minister of Health, who signed Glock 9 mm pistols; 12-guage shotguns; other on behalf of the Guyana government. Carl small caliber weapons; bullet proof vests; helChapman, a representative of Smith Meyers mets; a computer and other electronic gadgets Communication, had travelled to Guyana to with electronic maps of Georgetown and certain train Roger Khan in its use.

Afro-Guyanese villages on the East Coast of On July 29, 2009, Selwyn Vaughn testiDemerara.

The group was arrested and charged with (continued on page 19)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

The Carlyle

Harry Column

5

ONE GUYANA PLATFORM More Reasoning/Compromise Needed

I

am not being original with the Headline 'ONE GUYANA PLATFORM.' I gravitated towards that Headline after (now) President David Granger turned up with it during pre-2015 elections' visits to North America. Thirteen weeks before those General and Regional Elections, Dennis Nelson and I produced an online newsletter called — ‘THE SOLUTION’ which was published twice per week; and then is when I borrowed and later adopted the theme 'ONE GUYANA PLATFORM'. The Supreme Being/ Great Omnipotent knows that given the racial rifts that still occupy the Guyanese society, we need a unified platform upon which to perform and pivot.

I make that assertion, because major Legislative/Societal decisions are primarily being (subjectively) criticized and condemned on strictly political planks with deep racial innuendos and implications.

The Republic's opposition leaders do not seem to take a break, or to take a pause from the politicking mode.

It is as if the goal and objective are to undermine reality and common sense consensus, so that the Nation could remain divided for selfish political gain.

To some extent, I blame the Administrators of the Ministry of Cohesion and parallel Adult Educators for not taking more aggressive measures and actions to orient and teach the inhabitants how to exercise greater reasoning among themselves, so that they would not be so easily misled by mischievous partisans who want to ride their (emotional) backs to political office.

The state of the local sugar industry comes to mind, instead of an Opposition Party joining forces with the Government to explain the economic and financial realities to the workers and their dependents, the opposition elements seem bent on

fanning flames of dissension.

While growing up, I was told and advised that over time, things were going to get better as Guyanese became better educated and more enlightened.

Thus one can grasp and understand my frustration and disappoint-

ment when I observe (academically) qualified brothers and sisters who should be guiding the lesser-fortunate, are instead exploiting the ignorance and inadequate knowledge of the latter for narrow racial and political ends.

I have taken note that a prominent overseas-based Academic and Op-Ed writer is appealing for 'Divine Intervention' to help find solvents to Guyana's racial and political inheritances.

He has gone further in calling for inter-faith and inter-denomina-

tional prayers to help accomplish that "Divine Intervention". I wish him all the luck in the world.

Institutionalized racism and non-stop political competition will not cease by themselves, they have to be surgically and clinically tar-

President David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

geted by the Collective Leadership Organisms who claim that "they have the best interests of the Nation's working classes and masses at heart".

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that I feel empowered to call for racial-unity in Guyana, because both of my maternal grandparents were East Indian women,while both of my grandfathers were Black men.

Those DNA facts make me feel equipped to practice "Douglah Diplomacy". As this is my first article in the New York Edition of the Chronicle, let me state to you our readers that I always end my articles with a poem. Those of you who read my articles in the now defunct ‘Caribbean Impact’, already know my modus operandi. ******* I've taken up Mr. Nelson's offer to write for this paper.

I am again covering the News with Mr. Andrews and Baldeo.

We shall share our views on a variety of issues.

Please digest the analyses around things — Guyanese.

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For All Publishing and Advertising in New York consult our For All Publishing and Advertising in New York Representative: New York consult our Dennis A. Nelson New York Representative: dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com Dennis A. Nelson Tel: 917-379-6590 dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com

Editorial Editorial Tel: 917-379-6590

Teaching the young our history ALL Guyana must be happy by the recent decision of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Senor Antonio Guterres to finally refer the Guyana–Venezuela controversy over the 1899 Arbitral Award to the International Court of Justice, for juridical settlement.

We say hats off to President Granger and his coalition government, that from its first day in office, and confronted by a new round of threats and aggression from the Bolivarian Republic, highlighted Guyana’s case to international fora in a sustained manner.

Guyana’s strategy, highlighted what quiet, but robust diplomacy from a small state can achieve, against bullyism from a larger and well-armed state as Venezuela. Also, commendations must be given to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vice-President Carl Greenidge and his staff and distinguished advisors for the support in preparing and articulating Guyana’s case for this very seminal step.

This process, as explained, may take a while; however, we have no doubt that Guyana’s case is irrefutable, and will be vindicated by The Hague Court’s final decision. But as we will anxiously await the outcome, we must ask ourselves this pivotal question: how much of the border controversy is known by the current generation of Guyanese, and even those in the diaspora?

Also, by our students?

Beginning with the study of history as an academic discipline. Sadly, this scholastic piece has been gradually downplayed in importance, because of its perception as being unattractive as a financial non-earner, employment wise. But it is its importance as a medium of knowledge, especially with regard to one’s land of birth, heritage and the significant incidents that have shaped its current existence, which must be emphasised.

The fact is that every country needs its history --

Guyana Chronicle New Edition York Edition week ending February 9, 2018 Guyana Chronicle New York Week-ending January 19, 2018

‘What is happening here is incredible’ -former TT Energy Minister Kevin Ramnarine FORMER Energy Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kevin Ramnarine believes that the projected daily production rate of both Liza Phases 1 and 2 will be incredible.

He was speaking at a press briefing held in the media room at the Guyana Marriott Hotel on Wednesday following a break in the presentations at the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit (GIPEX 2018). Earlier in the day, it was announced that ExxonMobil and its joint venture partners HESS and CNOOC Nexen were eyeing the development of Liza Phase 2 with an estimated daily production of 220,000 barrels.

This is on top of the Liza Phase 1 which is projected to have a rate of production of 120,000 barrels per day.

“So you are looking at 340,000 barrels per day by 2022…Trinidad’s highest ever oil production was 229,500 barrels [per day] in the year 1978. So the scale of what is happening here is incredible,” he said.

He noted that after Liza Phase 2, Payara is next to be developed…“and then there are other fields in the inventory to be developed, such as the Turbot field and Snoek and of course Ranger 1,” he said. “I don’t have a figure but we are looking at something

Former Energy Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kevin Ramnarine

very large [in terms of] barrels per day,” Ramnarine pointed out. “Guyana is going to have a spectacular rise in production and that is going to fundamentally transform this place,” he said.

With regards to the lessons Guyana can learn from Trinidad and Tobago, Ramnarine said there were things his country got right and things that they did not. “Guyana has to study that. Guyana has to study other things too,” he said. In

and its historians, Guyana being no different; also, History as a discipline is critical to every nation understanding its journey from the past, to its future.

History is pivotal as a source of general information, even for the citizen who may not have any serious academic inclination, since its knowledge provides a window to the future.

This makes for a better sense of understanding the significant signposts of incidents that have made his/her country and fellow citizens, who and what they are. It should be the same for our young at school, even from the nursery and primary stages, where there should be a basic History for Country, written in the simplest language, and taught to our children. This should be done on a progressive basis, as our young advance through the scholastic lanes.

As an aside, there is need for a comprehensive history to be taught in our schools, given the ethnic diversity of our country.

Such can only foster a better understanding of our individual peoples, and inspire a mutual appreciation of who we are as a people and nation. It can only make for a genuinely determined effort at fostering togetherness and unity, beginning at such an early age.

A country’s key moments in history must begin to be known by its youth, particularly a critical matter such as a border controversy. Apart from digesting the knowledge for an intelligent explanation to be given to anyone – it fosters a better sense of patriotism, with a better knowledge and understanding of the

highlighting what Trinidad did not get right, he noted productivity was one of them. “We have been losing our competitiveness in our oil and gas industry and a manifestation of that is that in 2017, BP was supposed to have fabricated a new platform in Trinidad and the decision was taken to move that to the United States because fabrication yards there are so much more competitive and productive,” he said.

He noted too that the industrial relations climate around the energy sector was another downfall of that country and one of the things Guyana must get right. “We have had a situation where for the last month we had protests outside a plant which is being constructed in South Trinidad,” he said. Another pitfall Guyana can avoid is to start its sovereign wealth fund early, unlike Trinidad which established theirs in the 1990s and with over 100 years in oil. “I think we started that too late…we should have started it much earlier. I think Guyana is planning to start it from day one,” he said. “We started our fund in 1999 and we now have US $5.2 billion. I think with the benefit of hindsight we should have started it decades before,” he said.

key facts. This is what both Suriname and Venezuela have been doing in their schools, with regard to their individual, dishonest claims to Guyana’s territory. Even their citizens are well informed as to the illegal claims. Through the decades that we have known about this controversy, there has not been a shortage of monographs and research articles written on this vexed question of Venezuela’s brazen claim to our territory.

Since 2015, there have also been numerous programmes on which the controversy has been explained, which should have brought about greater awareness. This information should also be made available to the young in very simplified form.

However, we would recommend that with the advent of Information Technology, that these educational materials on Venezuela’s claims to Guyana’s territory especially, be updated, replicated and disseminated, utilising traditional, new and convergence communication tools in a way that is interactive, innovative and increasingly fast. All communicators tasked with this education campaign can choose to use traditional communication routes such as newspapers and print, as well as increasingly ICT tools - such as websites, emails, online audio/ video – and they also mix the technologies, utilising ‘convergent’ tools and strategies such as content distributed via email to newspapers, thereby reinforcing basic knowledge, some of which is already in the public sphere with updated, relevant information. History must be taught to the young, for an early and better understanding of our country.

Disclaimer: Disclaimer:

Theviews viewsand and opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper The opinions expressed in articles in this newspaper are are thoseofofthe theauthors authors and necessarily reflect policies those and dodo notnot necessarily reflect the the policies and and viewsofofthe themanagement management New York Edition of the Guyana views of of thethe New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle.

Chronicle.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

7

Guyana Goldfields to invest US$120M to develop underground mine

By Svetlana Marshall CANADA-based gold-mining company, Guyana Goldfields Inc., will be investing an initial sum of US$120M to develop an underground mine at its Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) in coming years, company President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott Caldwell disclosed on Sunday.

Caldwell and the Country Manager Violet Smith were among a team of officials from Guyana Goldfields who gave the media an overview of the company’s operations during a working brunch at the Guyana Marriott on Sunday.

While addressing reporters, the CEO disclosed the company’s intention to develop an underground mine at Rory's Knoll, situated at the Aurora Gold Mine. Currently, Rory’s Knoll is an open mining pit that is being utilised by the Canada-based company.

The move is expected to smooth the life-of-mine production and cost profiles, allowing for consistent operating and financial results, while reducing overall capital, operating costs and further improving cash flows.

“Our future is going to be an underground mine here,” said an optimistic Caldwell.

He said a feasibility study which was conducted is currently being revised to reflect an earlier commencement date. The revised feasibility study is expected to be completed and made public by the end of this month.

SOONER START “Our current study indicated that we would have started underground mining in about four years. We are thinking we would like to start that sooner, in other words, move it forward by a couple of years, gives us a longer time to train, a longer time to get our workforce up to speed with underground mining,” the Guyana Goldfields CEO explained.

The initial feasibility study had put the commencement year as 2022, but the company, in its quest to smooth the forecast production and cost profiles, is hoping to optimise its operation by fast-tracking its plan to launch an underground mine.

“It is very safe and very efficient,” he posited.

“The risk analysis is done, now [it] is just the question of when we will

start and we will know the answer to that in about a month,” the CEO added.

Already, the company has completed four studies on the project totalling approximately US$4M, and according to Caldwell, the results have all been promising.

Though an underground mine would be a first not only for Guyana, but the company as well, Caldwell said he and his colleagues bring to Guyana a wealth of experience in that method of mining. Their experience and expertise will be complemented by expatriates who would assist with training when the time comes.

“We will have to do quite a bit of training to get our workforce up to speed on that…typically what you would do, you bring in contract miners and they would help you with the training programme,” he explained.

BIG PLAN The CEO said Guyana Goldfields wants to become the premier underground miner in Guyana and hopefully all of South America.

Guyana Goldfields cur-

rently has approximately 665 employees working at the Aurora Gold Mine – 96 per cent of whom are Guyanese. However, with the establishment of the underground gold mine, the workforce could increase by 100.

“When you see the workforce increase is when we transition from opened pit to underground mining,” Caldwell said. He explained that between 75 and 100 additional employees would be needed for the period of time when the company would be operating the open mining pit and the underground mine simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the CEO said though the company’s financial report for 2017 has not been completed as yet, in addition to its budgetary plans for 2018, it produced approximately 160,000 ounces of gold last year.

“We haven’t completed our budget yet, but it will be more than 160, 000 ounces for 2018. Those numbers are going to be released at

The Guyana Goldfields mine at the Aurora (Samuel Maughn photo)

the end of this month. We are still fine-tuning our budgets for 2018,” he told media operatives.

In has paid a total of US$31M in royalties to the Government of Guyana, while contributing financially and socially to other sectors.

Guyana Goldfields be-

lieves that it is well financially positioned to grow near-term production and significantly increase exploration efforts with an unaudited cash balance of approximately US$75 million at the end of the year, versus a total debt balance of US$60 million.

It is a mid-tier gold

producer that primarily focuses on the exploration, development and operation of gold deposits in Guyana. The 100 per cent -owned Aurora Gold Mine achieved commercial production January 1, 2016 and has a total gold resource of 6.25 million ounces.

EMPHASIS ON TRAVEL AND TOURISM

8

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

ICJ ruling will be binding -- on Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, says Sir Shridath be released in due course,” he told reporters.

Foley Hoag was the law firm that successfully spearheaded the case for the Government of Guyana in the maritime boundary dispute with Suriname.

By Svetlana Marshall DISTINGUISHED Guyanese diplomat Sir Shridath Ramphal has said that the final judgment handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Guyana/ Venezuela territorial controversy will be binding.

The long-standing territorial controversy between the two South American countries was referred to the ICJ at the end of January by the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, effectively bringing an end to the Good Offices process. Since 1962, Venezuela has been contending that the 1899 Arbitral Award, with which it had agreed, is null and void.

Speaking to reporters on the matter on the margins of the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit (GIPEX) at the Guyana Marriott on Wednesday, Sir Shridath, who was present at the signing of the Geneva Agreement on February 17, 1966, said Guyana will be moving to the ICJ to have the age-old controversy settled.

The World Court’s decision, he said, will be obligatory in nature, while making it clear that it will not be simply an opinion as suggested by some political analysts here.

“The decision of the court will be binding… it is not going to be in an advisory capacity…. Unfortunately, some pretty wild things have been said in Guyana which are far from legally accurate,” Sir Shridath said.

It was explained that the ICJ’s ruling will be made under the 1966 Geneva Agreement and Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations. It was under the Geneva Agreement that Guyana and Venezuela had conferred upon the UN Secretary-General the power and responsibility to choose a means of peaceful settlement from amongst those contemplated in Article 33 of the Charter.

Distinguished Guyanese diplomat, Sir Shridath Ramphal

The distinguished Guyanese diplomat is urging his fellow Guyanese not to be misled.

WILD OPINIONS “Don’t be misguided by these wild opinions. This is not a time for Guyana to argue these issues in Guyana with Guyana,” he said.

In moving forward, Sir Shridath said it is important that the country approaches the matter with some degree of caution and professionalism.

“I think that it is very important that we are modest, we are not celebratory, [and] we are not triumphalist. We are going to be modest, serious, and professional and move forward.”

The Guyana Government has disclosed that US$15M has been set aside for legal fees.

Legal expenses, Sir Shridath said, is necessary for the process, but pointed to the fact that a lot is at stake.

“If you go to the court there must be some legal expense, but what is at stake for Guyana is everything, so legal expenses are minuscule to what is at stake and what I think we are likely to do is reassemble the team that was successful in [the] Suriname [matter] and this is not about discussing those details, but they will

UNWISE However, he warned that once the controversy engages the attention of the World Court, it would be unwise for political leaders and/or the legal team to discuss the matter in public.

“As Guyanese you must not expect the political leadership or the legal team to engage in public conversations when in court. You don’t as lawyers when you are in court talk at the same time to the press,” Sir Shridath said, while urging that Guyanese be understanding of the situation.

Asked how long it could take before a ruling is handed down by the ICJ, Sir Shridath, while positing that it is a difficult question to answer, said, in part, it depends on the actions of Venezuela.

“It can depend on what Venezuela ultimately does, that can determine the length of the entire character of the proceedings …

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if it’s a full-time hearing, it could be longer, but you are talking about a matter of years,” he explained.

The Government of Venezuela, in a public statement, rejected the UN Secretary- General’s decision, stating that it remains firm its historic position – that the matter be resolved at the level of the Good Offices. But Mr. Guterres, in making his decision, concluded that no significant progress had been made at the level of the Good Offices process.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge and Minister of State Joseph Harmon have confirmed that on Tuesday, Cabinet received a report from the Foreign Affairs Ministry on the border controversy.

“We are very happy with the conduct of the negotiations so far on behalf of Guyana; and we are looking forward to good results when the matter goes to the ICJ,” Minister Harmon told reporters on Wednesday.

On Monday, Minister Greenidge had noted that his ministry with support from its team of advisors and lawyers would present Cabinet with broad options to consider in the form of a report.

To Advertise in this new and exciting paper The New York Edition of the GUYANA CHRONICLE — Guyana’s National Newspaper call: 917-379-6590 or (347) 385-4115

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

9

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

CARICOM Commends Grenada’s Unwavering Commitment to Integration As it Celebrates Independence ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada —

As Grenada celebrated its 44th Anniversary as an independent nation Wednesday, CARICOM Secretary-General Irwin LaRocque commended its unwavering commitment to the 15-member organization.

In a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell, LaRocque lauded the commitment and leadership he demonstrated as CARICOM Chairman during the past unprecedented hurricane season.

He also noted that Mitchell’s chair-

manship of the World Bank’s Small States Forum 2017, heightened the visibility of the

challenges facing the small state.

“There is much for Grenada to be

proud of as a nation,” Secretary-General LaRocque said, adding that over the years the people of that island have demonstrated “great resilience as they charted a way forward to enhancing their standard of living”.

And he said that the theme of this year’s independence celebration, ‘One People, One Country, Our Responsibility’, shows Grenadians’ collective willingness to work together for the country’s continued socio-economic development.

“The Community looks forward to Grenada’s continued active participation in the work of the Community, and importantly to its leading our efforts in Science and Technology, for which the country has responsibility within the CARICOM QuasiCabinet, a critical element of the Community’s Strategic Plan,” Secretary-General LaRocque said. (Caribbean360 News)

Trinidad Judge Orders Woman Who Defamed Family on Facebook to Pay Up PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — A woman in Trinidad and Tobago who posted defamatory statements about a family of four on Facebook has been ordered by a High Court judge to pay for her comments.

Justice Frank Seepersad handed down that ruling on Monday, in a lawsuit brought by the family against Jenelle Burke. The damages and costs which she must pay will be determined at a later date.

Among the posts on Burke’s Facebook page was that the family – a mother, father, son and daughter – were engaged in incest, and that the father was a rapist who had sexual relations with his stepson and under-aged daughter, whom Burke claimed was involved in prostitution at her school. Her posts had prompted officers from the Child Protection Unit to investigate the allegations, but the mother testified in court that the claims were eventually found to be untrue. Burke, who was said to be once a friend of the family before they had a falling out, had also posted photographs and telephone numbers of the family members.

The woman had claimed, in her defence, that she was not the one who posted the messages on her Facebook page, and that as soon as she saw the posts she deleted them.

But Justice Seepersad described Burke’s Facebook posts as reckless and scandalous.

“It is difficult to fathom how any right thinking member of society would contemplate to publish words such as those posted on the defendant’s Facebook account. Sadly, however, far too often, social media is used as a forum to engage in this type of irresponsible and cruel discourse.

“This state of affairs cannot continue unabated and the Court therefore has elected to mould and apply the common law in a manner which gives some degree of protection to citizens. There is entrenched in local parlance the phrase, ‘You will pay for your mouth’.

Given the technological revolution which now characterizes modern life, this traditional phrase has to be subject to an update and all social media account holders need to understand that they may now have to ‘pay for their posts’, if it is established that their posts are defamatory,” the judge said.

He further contended that social media posts can

cause significant damage, since the material creates a perpetual imprint in cyberspace and there is no deletion or rectification that can be effected with respect to information uploaded to the World Wide Web. “The reach and permanency of social media is such that extreme caution has to be exercised by its users. The law needs to be pellucid, so that all concerned must understand that social media use has to be engaged in a responsible way.

Anonymity cannot obviate the need to be respectful of people’s rights and users cannot recklessly impugn a person’s character or reputation. Words in any form or on any forum matter, and must be used carefully and not impulsively,” Seepersad cautioned.

“A word of caution is also extended to those who knowingly republish or share posts containing defamatory content.

There must be some measure of restraint, if only to reconsider the accuracy or plausibility of truth in a post before its dissemination which is especially true of sensational and outrageous posts which can possibly cause irreparable harm,” he added.

Seepersad also suggested that the rules, regulations, rights, and responsibilities which govern traditional media must be applied to social media users.

“Social media ought not to be viewed as an unregulated media forum and anyone who elects to express views or opinions on such a forum stands in the shoes of a journalist and must be subjected to the standards of responsible journalism which govern traditional media,” the judge said.

Caribbean360 News)

10

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

EMPHASIS ON CARIBBEAN AFFAIRS

Japanese Woman Jailed in Antigua After Confrontation with Police at Airport

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A Japanese woman who was involved in a confrontation with Customs officers and police when she arrived in Antigua and Barbuda earlier this week will now spend some time behind bars in the twin-island nation.

Masayo Goto, 57, was sentenced when she appeared in court today and pleaded guilty to charges of battery on police, resisting arrest and disorderly con-

duct.

She was sentenced to 14 days on the battery charge, 14 days on the charge of resisting arrest, and seven days for the disorderly conduct.

According to police, Goto arrived at the V. C. Bird International Airport last Monday aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight from Jamaica, and refused to be searched during a routine check.

Narcotics and K-9 officers, who were also on duty at the airport, rushed to the

assistance of their law enforcement colleagues, and the Japanese national kicked, screamed and behaved in a disorderly manner.

When her bags were searched, nothing of interest was found.

Goto was subsequently taken into custody and charged.

As a result of her prison sentence, she missed a scheduled flight to St Vincent Wednesday.

(Caribbean360 News)

Masayo Goto

Antigua Parliament Passes Bill to Allow Possession of Small Amounts of Ganja ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament has given the nod to a Bill decriminalizing the possession of up to 15 grammes of cannabis.

The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Bill, passed yesterday by the Lower House, will also allow a household to have up to four plants.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said cannabis is used by a large section of the population, and decriminalization is a form of rebalancing as authorities look to deal with the issue directly.

He also disclosed that a poll con-

ducted before the decision to move to decriminalization had indicated that 70 per cent of the population was in favour of going that route.

“The use of marijuana is now socially acceptable. It is, in essence, a part of the culture of the country…

“I want to make it abundantly clear that my government is not advocating the use of cannabis; we are against anything that is smoked. We do accept, though, on the other hand, that marijuana utilized in different forms has significant medicinal benefits and certainly we’ll move pretty quickly to ensure that we legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes,” Browne said.

He also indicated that there would be a public education campaign to sen-

sitize people about the dangers of abusing the drug.

The Bill has to be passed in the Senate and gazette before becoming law.

(Caribbean360 News)

System for Reporting Substandard, Falsified Medicines in the Region Launched PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS) has launched VigiCarib – a voluntary regional system for CARICOM states to report adverse drug reactions (ADRs), suspected substandard and falsified products.

Medicines safety and monitoring systems are often limited in the individual small states of CARICOM, and the rationale for a regional approach is that with pooling of resources, sharing of information, and coordination of activities, there will be efficiencies of scale that can lead to stronger systems overall.

The programme will help to protect patients and bolster their confidence in health care, as well as send a signal to manufacturers and distributors that their products are being monitored for safety and quality.

VigiCarib is endorsed by CARICOM Ministers of Health. It allows health professionals, members of the public, and other stakeholders to report to the CRS for regulatory analysis and action. Through this system, CRS may share information about problematic products with CARICOM states, pool data to identify signals, and make recommendations to governments about regulatory actions.

The CRS is an initiative of CARICOM and is managed as a regulatory unit by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in close partnership with the Pan American Health. (Caribbean360 News)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

11

Ease The Tension — Enjoy A Laugh MOURNING

FISH CAKES Ingredients: cient egg to bind it together.

1 4. Turn on to a floured board. Shape ⁄2 lb fish (either salited or fresh) 1 1 into a neat roll and cut into 6 ⁄4- ⁄2 lb. yam or potato mashed 1 equal portions. ⁄2 oz. margarine or butter 1 tbsp. chopped eschalot and celery 5. Reshape the slices into neat flat round or oblong cakes. pepper and salt to taste 6. Coat the cakes with beaten egg or lemon juice batter and bread crumbs. pinch or nutmeg or mace 7. Fried in deep or shallow fat, drain 1 egg (for coating) well.

1 egg to bind 8. Serve with pickles or garnished 1 1⁄2 tbsp. dried breadcrumbs Method with fried parsley.

1. Remove skin and bones from the fish and break it up finely.

2. Add the yam or potato, eschalot, celery, salt, pepper, lemon juice and nutmeg.

3. Add butter to mixture with suffi-

A

man placed some flowers on the grave of his dearly departed mother and started back toward his car when his attention was diverted to another man kneeling at a grave.

The man seemed to be praying with profound intensity and kept repeating, “Why did you have to die? Why did you have to die?”

The first man approached him and said, “Sir, I don’t wish to interfere with your private grief, but this demonstration of pain is more than I’ve ever seen before. For whom do you mourn so deeply? A child? A parent?”

The mourner took a moment to collect himself, then replied “My wife’s first husband.”

HELL IN THE WEST INDIES

A

man dies and goes to hell. He discovers that there are different hells for each country. First he goes to the German hell and asks what they do there. First, they put you in an

IT’S A FACT

by JAMES SYDNEY

DRACUNCULIASIS The Dreaded Guinea Worm Disease

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uinea worm disease, an ugly infectious disease, characterized by the emergence of a long ugly worm, has been endemic for centuries in much of Africa, India and Pakistan. Its suitably ugly scientific name, Dracunculiasis, Latin for “affliction with little dragons,” attempts to capture the picture of a searing, fiery pain caused by the emergence of the worm.

Researchers say that the first recognized mention of Dracunculiasis comes from ancient Egypt. A1500 BCE papyrus includes names for the disease and instructions for treating swellings and removing the worms from limbs.

The worm also turned up in at least

Extracting the Guinea Worm

one Egyptian mummy. Scholars speculate that these worms were the Bible’s “fiery serpents” that attacked the Hebrew people near the Red Sea after the Exodus from Egypt. Mention of the worms is also present in Assyrian, Greek and Roman texts.

Guinea worm infestation begins when people drink stagnant water containing small crustaceans of the Cyclops species.

After digestion in the stomach, the larvae move into the small intestine and then to the abdominal wall and thorax.

Male and female worms mate inside the body. The male worm later dies and is absorbed by the female. The pregnant female lives on for another 10-14 months taking up residence just under the skin.

There may be several such worms in a patient. At this stage, each worm may be carrying as many as three million embryos.

For about one year after infection, there are no symptoms. Then the mature female worm forms a painful blister, typically in a lower extremity such as a leg, ankle, or foot. The blister is usually accompanied by rashes, feelings of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness.

The patient develops edema because

of a build-up of excess body fluids in the lower limbs and feet. Skin, muscles, tendons, and joints, may be affected and may interfere with locomotion and use of limbs.

The skin then bursts exposing a painful open blister. After a few days, the blister ruptures, draining toxic fluids and thereby relieving the patient of general malaise symptoms. The adult worm is exposed in the ruptured blister as a quivering string of flesh and can then be slowly removed.

The Guinea worm, possibly three feet long by now, begins its agonizingly painful emergence through the blister. To hasten the process, the worm can be given assistance.

There are no drugs that can kill the Guinea worm. The protruding worm is removed slowly to minimize inflammation.

This is done by winding a few centimeters of the worm each day onto a stick for a period of several days or even weeks. Attempting to extract it all at once can cause it to tear.

Because bacterial infection can develop along the tunnel occupied by the worm and add to the damage inflicted by the disease, antiseptic or antibiotic ointment is often used as removal is done.

electric chair for an hour. Then they lay you on a bed of nails for an hour. Then the German Devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day. The man doesn’t like this so he moves on.

He goes to the U.S. Hell, the Canadian Hell, and the U.K. Hell, and discovers that they are all the same.

Finally, he comes across a very long line of people waiting to get in and asks, “Which Hell is his?” “Someone tells him, “Oh, this is the WEST INDIAN Hell.”

“What do they do in here?” he asks.

“Well, first they put you in an electric chair for an hour, then they lay you on a bed of nails for an hour, then the Guyanese Devil comes in and whips you for the rest of the day!”

“But that is just like all the other Hells.

Why is the line so long?” the man asks.

“Cause inna de West Indian hell, the electricity always lock off, the electric chair nah wok, sumbady tief di nail dem, and di West Indian Devil a public servant, so he cum in an’ punch him time card, den go a Rum Bar fi play domino fi di rest a di day!”

At this time, the patient experiences intense burning sensations and has a powerful urge to step into water to relieve them.

If the patient were to do this, the worm would contract and release thousands of larvae into the water, thus contaminating the water and restarting the cycle of infection.

Guinea worm disease has significant economic consequences. Though the disease rarely causes death, the pain and debilitation it causes generally results in lost work time for adults and missed school days for children. Many patients continue to have pain and immobile joints for up to two years after removal of the parasite.

Thanks to eradication programs led by the WHO (World Health Organization), Dracunculiasis is now only endemic in 14 sub-Saharan African countries — mainly Sudan, followed by Ghana and Nigeria.

The results have been spectacular.

Since the establishment of WHO community-based programs in 1986, there has been a 98% reduction in Guinea worm disease worldwide. These programs stress measures to combat the disease to affected populations.

They are taught to filter drinking water through a tightly woven cloth to remove the parasite, thus breaking its life cycle; to boil drinking and cooking water to kill the larvae; and to avoid water sources while the worms are emerging from their bodies.

In 1989, the disease afflicted a reported 3.5 million people in 23 countries in Africa and Asia. The Commission for the Certification of Dracunculiasis Eradication, a body of scientific experts created by WHO, has declared 180 countries as Guinea worm-free since 1995 and expects to totally wipe out the disease.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

Liann Aris-Henry’s 16th Birthday Celebration

n Friday, February 2nd, trance of Liann’s father, mother and aunt, the elegant Jloft Lounge followed by the teenager of the moment, at 1055 East 45th Street Liann. She entered the lounge to a welcoming standing ovation of the attendees, in Brooklyn was transformed she wore an exquisite blue gown with silinto a Winter Wonderland at- ver trimmings and a silver crown (matchmosphere to celebrate the 16th ing the décor of the arena) resembling a birthday of Liann Aris-Henry, princess, looking beautiful as ever, stepwho attends a Turkish school — ping majestically to the sounds of RiBrooklyn Amity School — and is hann’s “Diamonds in the Sky”. Most of

O

By STAFF REPORTER the daughter of popular businessman Edgar Henry and Dian Aris.

Approximately 150 guests comprising of Liann’s classmates, teachers, family and friends were in attendance.

Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening was Liann’s godmother, Nicole Bertram, —Auntie Bridgette — who kept the invitees lively, she was ably assisted by the popular DJ Perry, who played a wude variety of music.

The program kicked off with the en-

the guests cheering loudly, while others with cell phones in hand took souvenir photographs and video recordings of her elegant graceful gait. When seated, a prayer by her aunt Elaine Henry, set the stage for a wonderful evening.

Some of the highlights of the program were the serenading of Liann by one of Guyana’s top musicians Erwin Edwards “King Souflantis”, leader of the popular “Ninja Band’, who is also a volunteer teacher at the Guyana Arts and Council Association, sponsored by the Guyana Cultural Association, he serenaded her with two fantastic selections on the saxophone. This guest appearance was a huge surprise to Liann because it

Liann with her mother Dian Aris and father Edgar Henry (at left is a part of the beautiful shrine).

was not stated on the program. Other delights were her mom changing her earrings and shoes a significant gesture, and her dad changing her necklace and dancing with her to Luther Vandross’s “Dance With My Father Again,” which surely brought moments of joy and happiness to the evening.

During the “Lighting of the 16 candles” Liann identified and called organizations and individuals and presented one candle each to those who played important roles and contributions in her life.

This was followed by a special Hip Hop dance with her classmates which created

a different dimension of talent to the evening’s program.

The cuisine consisted of a mixture of Guyanese, Jamaican and Turkish dishes, representing her father, who is Guyanese, her mother Jamaican and the Turkish school she attends. While the guests were enjoying their dinner, a photographic slide display of Liann’s life from a baby to the present assembled by Michael De Abreu Luthers was shown.

The beautiful evening ended at about 11 p.m. and all the guests left with their birthday cake boxes and favors to commemorate this spectacular occasion.

Liann being serenaded by Erwin Edwards “King Souflantis”.

Liann with her special guests after they lit the candles.

Guyana New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018 GuyanaChronicle Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

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13

TABLE TENNIS CHAMP CLEMENT HARPER LEFT A LASTING LEGACY

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enerations of the Harper family turned out to pay tribute to former Table Tennis champion and coach, Clement Demonfort Harper, during an evening of loving tributes at his Home-going Service at Brooklyn’s Full Gospel Assembly, on February 6.

oters.

Inspirational testimonials, like that of Saundra CummingsWilliams, a close family friend, who through sobs, recounted the great attributes that made Harper a gem during his lifetime.

A charmer — who loved Armani cologne, and whose granddaughters Daneisha and Breann, jokingly said grandad randomly found persons on the street to help fetch home groceries, much to the horror of grandma Miggie — he was also punctual, disciplined, and stayed connected to relatives.

Praise, and love for Clement Harper poured from many other relative and friends during an evening of scripture readings, and singing of healing hymns.

In his message, Pastor Gary Bob, called on mourners to forgive each other, and love each other, while praying for Clement Harper, whom he said has served his time on earth.

Clement Harper leaves to

Clement Harper, who was the beautiful times she spent with born in New Amsterdam, Berbice, her father. “Dad, my love is strong to David and Cordelia Harper, lived and deep for you. My list of wonderto age 85, and was married to ful thngs you did for me is endless, Mignan “Miggie” Harper nee Kirton adding, you married the most generous and phenomenal woman named

By SANDRA CLARKE Miggie. We will take care of her. We THE LATE CLEMENT HARPER know you will be looking over us.” mourn, daughters: Debra and Cherfor 49 of those years. The titleholder “Daddy, in laughter, in sorrow rily; granddaughters: Daneisha, was called a humorous person, who in sunshine through rain, I know you Breann, Miracle Star and Bethany; kept the family entertained, and ac- are watching over us. Until we meet son-in-law: Bernard Campbell; sibcording to nephew Gordon Harper again. Missing you is a heartache lings: David aka Ozzie, Aubrey, and Jr., left a legacy, of great values. that would never go away,” said Shirley Harper; (Leon, Otilia, Jean, “Whenever I lost a table tennis Cherrilyn.

Gordon and Gloria — deceased); inmatch, and smashed my racket, my Referred to as a skilled leftlaws: Esther Harper, Valerie Lashuncle would get me another one so handed tennis player, Harper who ley, Winifred Kirton, Montague that I could continue to play the led Guyana’s Tennis team to China Kirton and Linda Harper; others relgame. He also taught me to play in 1973, was lauded for grooming atives include: Gordon Jr. Carol, cricket, this is the reason, I still to some of the country’s best, like HoBrian, Beverly, Errol, Kay, Roxthis day play these sports, said Gor- race Benjamin, Bruce Edwards, anne, Donna Lindon Stacey, and don Harper Jr., pointing out stal- Mike Christophe, Denise Chowah, many others relatives and friends. warts of Table Tennis in the and Barbara DeAbreau, among congregation, whom he said mastered the game back in the 50s and 60s with Clement Harper.

Gordon Harper then gave a poignant rendition of the hymn, How Great Thou Art, in tribute to his uncle.

Clement Harper, a former student of Tutorial High School, migrated to the United States 35 years ago, after servng his country as a sportsman, and working as a manager at Swan Laundry and Dry Cleaners in Georgetown.

His daughter Cherrilyn Front from left: Daughters Cherrilyn and Debra, wife Mignan 'Miggie' Harper, and other extended “Cherry”, tearfully reminisced about family members.

Detectives yet to locate missing station weapon

DETECTIVES at Police ‘A’ Division Headquarters are yet to locate a service revolver which went missing Saturday night, moments after it was reportedly booked out by a police constable.

While a number of ranks who were on duty

at the time were questioned and statements taken, there has been no indication as to where the weapon has gone.

Detectives were told by the constable that he booked out the weapon and shortly before heading for the road, he rested it on a desk, turned his back to

uplift a key and when he turned around the weapon was nowhere to be seen.

The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the police are mulling the option of treating the disappearance of the weapon as a criminal probe. They are preparing a file to be sent to

the legal adviser of the Guyana Police Force for recommendation and advice on the way forward.

Saturday night into Sunday morning, the police locked down the compound and launched an aggressive search for the weapon.

The .38 revolver was

signed out by a male constable attached to the impact base. However, several sources within the police compound said that after signing out the weapon, the constable went to several different areas within the compound. They are contending that he may have

put the weapon down and forgot where exactly he did. There are those at the station who have seen the statement of the young man and heard his account of what transpired and have drawn the conclusion that the story is not adding up.

With the weapon

missing along with six live rounds of ammunition, it is unclear if same was picked up by either a member of the public, who might have been in the station on other business or if a colleague found it lapsing and rather than having it secured, took it for himself.

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Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

Over 400 lots available at ‘Remigrants Scheme’ GUYANESE in the diaspora and local young professionals were urged to cash in on the remaining house lots at the “Remigrants Scheme” at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The scheme was established five years ago by the past administration to provide a North American style

of living for Guyanese but persons were unsure how to access the lands. “We have recommenced allocation of the house lots there so if Guyanese living overseas and young professionals are desirous of owning their own home they can apply to us for a house lot,” said Lelon Saul, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central

CH&PA’s Director of Operations, Denise King-Tudor

Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) during an interview with members of the media on Tuesday.

The Authority’s Director of Operations, Denise King-Tudor at the same time explained that there are four categories of lots within the area and the cost of those lots are $4 million, $4.5 million, $5 million and $7 million.

She said in addition to those there are a few bigger lots with each category that will be sold at a higher cost which would be calculated based on its dimensions.

Tudor believes that many persons could cash in on the deals once they apply early. She noted that there were 538 lots but 127 were already allocated.

Broad, Lombard sts squatters to be moved by October

-likely to take up residence in Cummings Lodge, says Saul FOR over a year the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has been searching for a proper location for the Lombard and Broad Streets squatters and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CH&PA, Lelon Saul believes that they will find a solution by October this year.

Efforts to relocate the squatters to Mocha Arcadia last year were met by resistance from the residents of the village and Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) of the community.

The NDC had contended that they were not consulted about the CH&PA’s decision and the land which was allocated to the squatters

CEO of CH&PA, Lelon Saul (Photo by Delano Williams)

was ancestral land.

President David Granger has since launched a Commission of Inquiry (COI) into ancestral lands.

“The president had asked that we put the relocation of the squatters on hold, pending the outcome of the COI,” said Saul in an invited comment on Tuesday.

Subsequent to the contentious period, CH&PA had explored the possibility of relocating the squatters to

Barnwell on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE) but Saul said the area was deemed inappropriate because of the poor soil condition.

He said the ministry still intends on providing proper accommodation for the squatters since $43 million was allocated by the CH&PA last year to have 72 houses erected for the people of Broad and Lombard Streets.

The project was a collaborative effort between

the Government, Food for the Poor Guyana and private citizens.

“We are still working to find a suitable location for the residents and as soon as we identify it the project will be implemented,” said Saul, adding that they believe it would most likely be Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown.

The squatters are being forced to move as a result of court action filed by the rightful

Guyanese engineers undergoing training in deep-water subsea operations in Brazil GUYANESE engineers are currently undergoing training in neighbouring Brazil and will be working along with ExxonMobil’s contractor offshore Guyana in the production of oil.

This was noted on Wednesday by Lisa Waters, Vice-President of ExxonMobil Development Company during her presentation at the inaugural Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

Waters told the gathering that manufacturing work has begun on the Liza subsea equipment in Brazil; the equipment will be used to transport oil on the seafloor during production to the floating production storage offshore (FPSO) unit.

She said the Guyanese engineers were recently hired by Exxon’s sub-contractor, Technip FMC, and

they are undergoing training and working in Brazil on the projects. She lauded the efforts of the engineers thus far in their quest to gain knowledge and experience, noting that the skilled workers will work with Exxon throughout the installation phases of production.

She told the gathering that the oil discoveries to date provide the foundation for world-class oil development that will bring substantial benefits to Guyana and these include new sources of revenue that will improve the overall quality of life.

She said that Exxon will undertake meaningful and sustainable community projects, which have the potential to positively impact the livelihoods of all Guyanese.

Waters said that based on consultations with stakeholders and a community needs assessment,” our support in

Guyana is directed towards education and training the environment and economic empowerment.”

She said that as an example, that Exxon was happy to initiate a partnership with the Iwokrama International Centre for rainforest conservation and development. Exxon plans to relaunch the centre’s science programme and last November on the occasion of World Science Day , the company pledged a sum of G$62M in that regard.

“So you can see the Liza development can bring significant benefits to Guyana,” Waters noted, adding that the revenue earnings for Guyana begin from the very first day of production.

Waters said that Exxon is proud to be a part of the Centre for Business Development, noting that the South Road facility is already assisting small and

Lisa Waters, Vice-President of ExxonMobil Development Company, during her presentation at the inaugural Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit and Exhibition (GIPEX) on Wednesday at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston. (Delano Williams photo)

medium-scale businesses in terms of capacity-building and the general improvement of competitiveness.

She said that in the first five months of operations,

many persons have been taking part in activities at the centre .

“Local suppliers are very important to the success of these projects and to the

growth of operations in Guyana,” Waters said. She noted that the centre is an investment in the people and the future of the country.

Waters said Exxon is committed to working with the authorities in the development of the country’s resources in a safe , responsible and mutually beneficial manner. She said that the company has an overriding commitment to safety and environmental excellence in everything it does, noting that it is a core value of all its employees and partners. “To ensure that today we protect the environment for tomorrow and the future,” Waters told the audience.

She said Guyana can be proud to be a part of the solution to meeting the growing demand for energy.” Guyana will be helping to fuel economic growth around the world.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018 14

15 GUYANA CHRONICLE, Thursday February 8, 2018

750 new houses to be built --single units at Onderneeming taking shape

By Navendra Seoraj CHIEF Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Lelon Saul, has said that the authority will soon form a joint venture with private investors to construct 750 houses across the country.

Saul made the disclosure during an interview with reporters after a tour of the housing solutions at Onderneeming, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on Tuesday.

The CEO said more details about the project will be provided by Minister

within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams, at a later date, but highlighted that the authority is moving apace to complete their target of 247 homes for the year.

“Houses will be constructed in Bath/Experiment on the West Coast of Berbice, Perseverance, Onderneeming and Cummings Lodge,” said Saul.

Construction of single-unit houses has already commenced in Perseverance, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and Onderneeming on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD).

Construction has also started on 10 of 19 houses in Onderneeming.

Project Manager at Onderneeming, Deron Mckinnon, said the new housing solutions comprise elevated two-bedroom houses.

Mckinnon explained that four contractors were hired to construct the 10 buildings, which are being built using the same method of construction. The houses are made of reinforced concrete and timber floors.

“We are making sure that the beneficiaries get their money’s worth… so we did testing specification and Project Manager at Onderneeming, Deron Mckinnon, inspects one of the houses at Onderneeming, West Bank of Demerara,where work is ongoing (Delano Williams photo)

Some of the houses under construction at Onderneeming (Delano Williams photo)

even carefully considered the placement of the house,” said the engineer, who added that persons will have an additional five feet in front of their homes to extend forward and a lot of space at the back and sides.

Beneficiaries will have ample yard space, because the lots are all 46 x 100.

The engineer explained that there was no specific reason

for building elevated houses, but those will be the new style going forward.

Construction of the houses was expected to be finished by March, but due to inclement weather, they are now expected to finish

by May. Director of Operations at the CH&PA, Denise King-Tudor, said the houses cost $8 million, with $7.5

million being the cost of the house and $500,000 the cost of the land.

She explained that interested persons could apply for those houses through the normal application process.

“Nine more houses will be built in the area… some will be two-bedroom and three-bedroom, but those will be flat houses,” said Tudor.

Critical pump stations to be ready by mid-march -- over 114,000 households to benefit from better drainage, irrigation

By Navendra Seoraj THE construction of three critical pumps along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) at Lusignan, Buxton/Vigilance and Hope/ Enmore are expected to be completed by mid-March, said officials of the Agricultural Sector Development Unit (ASDU).

“Works on the three pump stations are more than

90 per cent completed at all three locations and it is expected to be completed before the actual project completion deadline,” project coordinator, Dhaneshwar James said during an interview with Guyana Chronicle.

The project is being funded by a line of credit from the World Bank at a cost of $2,378,000,000.

Construction of the pump stations is part of the Gov-

ernment’s Flood Risk Management Project which is expected to end by January 2019.

According to the officials, the remaining work on the pump stations includes landscaping, fencing and construction of access roads to the respective sites.

The project will also see the rehabilitation of a portion of the North Eastern section of the East Demerara Water

The access road to the Enmore/Hope pump station taking shape

The massive pump station at Enmore/Hope that will soon be fully operational

Conservancy Dam, James said.

In addition to the three state-of-the-art pump stations at Lusignan, Buxton/ Vigilance and Hope/Enmore, the ASDU will rehabilitate approximately four km of the dam from the Hope intake structure to the Enmore intake structure.

The pump stations, he

said, once completed will have the drainage capacity of three m/s³ while the pump station being constructed at Buxton will have the drainage capacity of 2 m/s³.

“Additionally, we commenced rehabilitation works to the dam in February 2017 and have completed 31 per cent of that aspect of the project,” said James.

Once completed, the pump stations are expected to bring much needed flood relief and improved drainage to farmers and residents along the East Coast of Demerara. James said approximately 114,000 households along the East Coast of Demerara are expected to benefit from better drainage and irrigation.

16

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

The Handel Andrews Column

T TH HE E H HI IS ST TO ORY RY PA PAG GE E

History of political parties in Guyana

T

he first political party in Guyana was the Popular Party (PP), which was established in 1926. It was formed by a group of middle class black nationalists led by Nelson Cannon and Anthony R. F. Weber.

The party ran on a platform of economic and constitutional development. It won 12 of the 14 seats in the 1926 general elections.

In 1928, the British Government introduced a new constitution for British Guiana. The Legislative Council would comprise the Governor, as President, 10 official, 5 nominated and 14 elected members. The Executive Council would consist of 12 official members, 6 nominated and 6 elected. The British Government continued to control defense, foreign affairs, internal security and budget matters through the Governor.

Historians speculate that the new system was introduced to prevent legislative power falling into the hands of nationalists, who were making steady political gains.

The Popular Party protested the new constitution, especially the section that denied legislative power to elected representatives.

In March 1943, the British Government introduced constitutional changes to address the Party’s demands. The 1943 constitutional amendment reduced the number of official members in both the Legislative and Executive Councils. In the new Executive Council, the official members were now the Governor, the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney General, the Colonial Treasurer and three elected and two nominated members.

The new Legislative Council comprised the four official members of the Executive Council but continued to have 14 elected members. The nominated members were increased to 7. The Governor nominated Ayube Edun and Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow to fill the two new nominated positions as representatives of the workers.

The British have always had a method of nominating the less effective representatives of the people. Edun and Critchlow were well-intentioned men, but the better choice would have been Cannon and Weber.

Notwithstanding, the 1943 constitution and the 1944 Franchise Commission, which had been set up to examine qualifications for members of the Legislature, was a step in the right direction. The Commission recommended: 1. That women were to be eligible to vote on equal terms with men.

2. That ministers of religion should not be disqualified from becoming members of the Legislative Council, if they possessed the qualifications of earnings and property.

3. That the financial qualification for a member of the Legislative Council should be reduced from an income of $2,400 to $1,200 annually. The member must also possess property valued no less than $1,000. (previously, a member had to own

property valued more than $5,000).

4. That members of the Legislative Council must pass a literacy test in English and must have residence of one continuous year before nomination.

The Commission also recommended that a person would qualify to vote only if he/she fulfilled the following: 1. Owned, occupied, or rented, at least three acres of land.

Dr. Cheddi Jagan

further the interests of his colleagues.

WOMEN’S ECONOMIC ORGANIZATION

Brief mention must be made of the first recognized women’s organization in Guyanese history, Women’s Economic Organization (WEO). It was founded July 12, 1945 by Janet Jagan, Winifred Gaskin, wife of legendary Guyanese cricketer Berkley Gaskin and Mrs. Frances Stafford, wife of Joseph Van B. Stafford, a distinguished

Ashton Chase

2. Owned land valued at $150. (the previous value required was $350).

3. Rented property valued at no less than $48 per year. This was reduced from $900. Additionally, the voter must pass a literacy test in any language and show proof of annual income of no less than $120. This was reduced from $300. The Government accepted the recommendations for the 1947 elections, which the PP did not contest.

The Party must be remembered as paving the way for the parties that followed.

A. C. Canon and A. R. F. Weber should be made Guyana’s National Heroes.

BRITISH GUIANA LABOUR PARTY

This party was formed in June 1946.

Its leaders were Jung Bahadur Singh, J. A. Nicholson, Ashton Chase and Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow.

In the historic 1947 elections, it won five seats, the MPCA won one and the remainder went to independents.

In December 1947, British Guiana Labour Party sent a resolution to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, requesting that persons who had been defeated at the polls should not be selected for nomination to the Legislative Council. The Trade Union Council (TUC) and the East Indian Association (EIA) supported it.

The request resulted from the Governor’s nomination of S. J. Seaforth, an executive of the Sugar Producers' Association (SPA) and head of Bookers, to the Executive and Legislative Councils, although he had been defeated in the elections of 1947.

The Governor defended his action claiming that Mr. Sea forth “was best qualified to represent the sugar industry, based on his considerable knowledge and experience in that industry.”

The Secretary of State did not reply to the resolution and Mr. Seaforth took his seat in the Legislative Council and continued to

L.F.S. Burnham

local solicitor.

WEO was really a social organization furthering the interests of women. However, its platform championed most interests of Guyanese in general.

PEOPLES ACTION COMMITTEE

PAC was formed on November 6, 1945, by Cheddi Jagan, Janet Jagan, Jocelyn Hubbard, then General Secretary of the TUC and Ashton Chase, then Secretary of the BGLU. Some young stars that joined its ranks were Boysie Ramkarran, Sydney King (Eusi Kwayana), Rory Westmas. Martin Carter, Eric Huntley and Lionel Jeffrey.

The bulletin examined issues of wages, taxation, workmen compensation, cost of living, landlord-tenant relations, land reform, health and education. PAC called for universal adult suffrage without literacy qualifications and self-government for the colony. The expatriate ruling class, the local elite and the business community found these ideas subversive and called PAC leaders communists.

The PAC distributed thousands of booklets it received as donations from progressive movements around the world The Committee did not contest the 1947 elections. However, three of its members, Dr. and Mrs. Jagan and Jocelyn Hubbard, ran as independents with its support.

Dr. Jagan was the only one to win.

The 1948 Enmore strike provided invaluable organizational experience for the PAC. By holding meetings with workers in various parts of the country, it saw the increasing need to bring and keep all the ethnic groups under its umbrella. In 1949, the membership also decided to accelerate plans to organize a disciplined political party.

Members and friends of the PAC met regularly to discuss converting the party into such an organization. It was decided to call it the People’s Progressive Party, after the pro-militant Progressive Party, formed

Part 1 of 2 part series

by Henry Wallace and Paul Robeson in the United States. Cheddi Jagan would be its leader, Ashton Chase its Chairman and Janet Jagan its Secretary.

While these discussions were underway, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham returned to Guyana from England, where he was studying. The PAC leadership sent him to Jamaica to study the operations of the People’s National Party (PNP), then led by Norman Manley.

Based on his report, the Committee decided that the new Party would pattern its constitution after the PNP’s. Its members decided that Burnham would become the new Party’s Chairman, instead of Ashton Chase, as had been earlier proposed.

The PAC dissolved itself on New Year’s Day 1950 and formally announced the establishment of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

Its first headquarters was Dr. Jagan's dental surgery at 199 Charlotte Street, Georgetown. The PAC bulletin became Thunder, the first issue of which was published shortly after the Party's launching.

I cannot mention Thunder without praising Claude Christian for his effective organizational work with the paper during its early years and its brilliant editor, Ranji Chandisingh.

The PPP’s aims were in keeping with its socialist principles. It stood for self-government, economic development and the creation of a socialist society. It also pledged itself to the task of winning total independence for British Guiana.

PRE-1953 PPP

The PPP contested three seats in the 1950 Georgetown Town Council elections.

Its candidates were Dr. Jagan, Mrs. Jagan and Forbes Burnham. Mrs. Jagan won the Wortmanville- Werk-en-Rust ward. Dr. Jagan and Forbes Burnham lost.

FIRST PPP CONGRESS

The first Congress of the PPP was held in Georgetown on March 31 and April 1l, 1951. It adopted the Party's constitution and elected the following officers: Leader — Cheddi Jagan, Chairman — Forbes Burnham, First Vice-Chairman — H. Aubrey Fraser, Second Vice-Chairman — Clinton Wong, General Secretary — Janet Jagan, Assistant General Secretary — Sydney King, Treasurer — Boysie Ramkarran and General Council Members — Ashton Chase, Rudy Luck, Frank O. Van Sertima, Ivan Cendrecourt, May Thompson, Hubert Critchlow, E. Kennard, Theophilus Lee, Ulric Fingall, Jainarine Singh, Sheila La Taste, Dr. J. P. Latchmansingh, Cecil Cambridge, Fred Bowman and Pandit S. Misir.

Three months after the PPP Congress, Dr. Lachmansingh was expelled from the party for heading a steering committee to establish a rival party. He was readmitted in 1952.

SECOND PARTY CONGRESS

The Second Party Congress was held in the Auditorium at Charlotte Street,

(continued on page 25)

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

17

Jagdeo rejects nominees for top judicial posts …finds favour with candidates for Integrity Commission

OPPOSITION Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has rejected President David Granger’s nominees for the two top judicial appointments here, saying that after requisite due diligence, he is unable to offer his support to either candidate. He has, however, found favour with the four nominees put forward to sit on the Integrity Commission. The nominees for this constitutional body have not been made public.

President Granger had nominated Justice Kenneth Andrew Charles Benjamin as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Madam Justice Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards as Chief Justice following recommendations from a panel of eminent jurists who had conducted interviews with a number of candidates for the posts. The Guyana Constitution provides for full agreement between the President and Leader of the Opposition for the appointment of both the Chancellor and Chief Justice.

Notwithstanding Jagdeo’s rejection, President Granger can still go ahead and appoint them to act in the positions as provided for by the constitution or maintain the status quo-with Cummings-Edwards as acting chancellor and Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire as acting Chief Justice.

The Opposition Leader has said that he is committed to continuing the search for suitable nominees.

Jagdeo’s office on Wednesday released three

letters which were dispatched to the Ministry of the Presidency; one of which dealt with the appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice in accordance with Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. In his missive the opposition leader said: ”Pursuant to our meeting held on January 3rd 2018, I have duly considered the two (2) nomi-

lected and recommended to the President by a panel comprising former Justice of Appeal, Claudette Singh; Justice James Patterson and Professor Harold Lutchman. The President had written to the Opposition Leader, informing him of the two persons to be appointed as Chancellor and at their last engagement back in January, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had informed President David Granger greets Opposition Leader, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo upon his arrival at State House at their last meeting (MoTP)

Justice Kenneth Benjamin

nees for whom you seek my agreement for appointment as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice, respectively, in accordance with Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.” He added: “As promised, I have done the requisite due diligence. It is with deep regret that I inform you that I am unable to offer my agreement to the appointment of Mr. Justice Kenneth Andrew Charles Benjamin, as Chancellor of the Judiciary and Madam Justice Yonette Decina Cummings-Edwards O.R., as Chief Justice.”

Jagdeo said that he re-

mains cognisant of the fundamental importance of securing substantive appointments to these two high constitutional offices. ”As a result, I am committed to continuous engagement with your Excellency until there is due compliance with Article 127 (1) of the Constitution.” Jagdeo however, has offered no objection to the four persons who have been identified for appointment to the Integrity Commission in accordance with section 3 (4) of the Integrity Commission Act Cap. 19:12, Laws of Guyana. “I consider the totality of our engagement on this issue to be in satisfaction of the requirements of “consultation “as contemplated by the letter and spirit of section 3 (4) of the Integrity Commission Act Cap. 19:12, Laws of Guyana,” the Leader of the Opposition said in a letter to the President. It has not been revealed who are the nominees for the Integrity

Commission.

Meanwhile, observers say the Leader of the Opposition’s rejection of the judicial nominees is significant, given the enormous pressure that has been brought to bear on the lack of a substantive appointment of either posts over the years. Justice Benjamin had served as a magistrate in Georgetown in 1980 and 1981, and subsequently as an Assistant Judge Advocate for the Guyana Defence Force. The Guyanese scholar has served 17 years as a High Court Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Court (ECC). If appointed chancellor, Justice Benjamin will replace Justice Cummings-Edwards, who has been acting in the post since March, 2017. Justice Cummings-Edwards has previously acted as the chief justice.

The nominees were se-

Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

that the Opposition requested more time to conduct their own due diligence regarding the two nominees.

“He requested a month to do due diligence which the President graciously agreed to…and we expect to meet again on February 7, when we will have that matter finalised,” the Ministry of the Presidency quoted the Minister as saying. Article 127 of the Constitution of Guyana states that the Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President acting after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the

Opposition; it is as a result of this constitutional provision that President David Granger is bound to meet with the Opposition Leader on the matter.

It was expected that at Wednesday’s meeting, the Opposition Leader would have indicated his position on the nominees put forward by the President.

Guyana has been without a substantive Chancellor since 2005, when the then Chancellor, Desiree Bernard, retired and took up the post as judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) the same year.

The non-appointment of a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice is a result of the government and opposition sides not agreeing to the candidates for the post. Should the Opposition Leader reject the initial nominees of the head-ofstate, he (the President) may very well have to return to the drawing board and make additional nominees.

Meanwhile, during his press conference in December, President Granger said every effort is being made to have the appointment made.

President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, during the Bar Association dinner in November, had underscored the importance of having a substantive chancellor of the judiciary and chief justice in place soon.

CDB projects 2% growth for Caribbean …but resilience-building measures needed

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is projecting regional economic growth of 2% in 2018. This follows a return to positive figures last year, during which the Region experienced overall growth of 0.6%--despite the devastation caused by the Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Director of Economics at CDB, Dr. Justin Ram, says that all of CDB’s Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) are expected to contribute to the positive movement. “This

is mainly driven by the return to growth in Trinidad and Tobago and a 2.3% uptick in Jamaica, which accounts for about a fifth of regional GDP. The highest growth rates are anticipated for Anguilla and Dominica as they rebuild from the damage caused by the 2017 hurricanes. Antigua and Barbuda and the Turks and Caicos Islands are also expected to have strong growth.”

Dr. Ram was speaking at during CDB’s Annual News Conference on Wednesday.

He noted, however, that al-

though a return to growth is encouraging, the Caribbean still lags behind other small developing states. In the Region, growth has averaged 0.8% since 2009, compared to an average of 4.8% in other country groups.

The Director of Economics said that in order for Caribbean countries to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth and development, measures to improve resilience are needed. During his presentation to media, Dr. Ram recommended a framework

that could help countries build resilience. It is built on four pillars: macroeconomic resilience; productivity and competitiveness; human development; and environmental resilience. “Any blueprint for building resilience in the Caribbean must take into account all of the key elements identified in the four pillars.

In addition we must ensure that we consider regional integration and gender equality—cross-cutting themes that support and reinforce the four elements. It is important

that we build resilience in all four areas, which are interconnected,” said Dr. Ram. With respect to specific policy actions, Dr. Ram noted that at the macroeconomic level, fiscal rules that encourage governments to save should be implemented; and debt-to-GDP limits should be introduced. The Director also recommended that countries adopt reforms that make it easier to do business, thus setting the environment for private-sector-led growth. Resilience at

the environmental level will mean stricter compliance with stricter building codes, and the development of indemnity insurance markets, he said. “We believe that all of this can be strengthened if there is greater gender equality particularly within the labour market. Regional Cooperation will also reinforce this for example, free movement of labour and capital which could assist with overcoming diseconomies of scale associated with small size,” added Dr. Ram.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

18

Emphasis on Real Estate, Taxes and Business The Edgar Henry Column

O

f course not! Some of us may have had tragic experiences in the past and we seem to shun any idea that confirms or subscribes to networking procedures. In today’s world, one should take the necessary steps to evaluate current programs, with an open mind before making a judgment call.

Recently I had reason to visit a network marketing meeting at Carl Guilliam’s place of business on Nostrand Avenue in Brooklyn where a motivational speaker Lynette Melchor was conducting a seminar on a networking program What grabbed my attention the most, derived from her passion, dedication and commitment that was vividly spelt out in the presentation.

Her compelling voice mingled with articulate examples of the selling ideas, won my innermost feelings. Whenever one addresses networking groups, one should focus on a single aspect of the business at each meeting. Remembering at all times that a successful goal in the networking process should be to train a sales force, and not necessarily to close a sale. In other words there is a method to the madness, or rather a means or process and stages to the end.

Hence, each time you have an opportunity, focus on a specific product or service you offer and then train people how to recruit or refer potential individuals or groups to the program. A system of this nature will allow potential sales recruits to gravitate easily to the networking process.

I had another opportunity to meet someone that influenced my innermost feelings as it related to network marketing. Like everyone else I had some traumatic past experiences in the then so-called network marketing arena. In recent months I have been keeping a close eye on this program and I have come to the conclusion that “Your Travel Business” “YTB” is here to stay.

Clayton Sizmore and his team made a

Is All Networking Marketing A Pyramid Scheme?

Meet clientele away from the general networking session, to deepen the relationship and to add a personal touch and confidence with your networking THE ONE ON ONE APPROACH

TRAINING IS KEY

stunning and impressive presentation a few months ago. He too, embraced the idea of training via power point and other visuals to demonstrate the importance of education training in the network marketing effort on a long term basis as opposed to a quick sale.

Networking presentation calls for specifics and details outlining them one at a time.

Too often managers and instructors try to cover everything in one introduction. When you have the chance to be in front of the same group of folks regularly, capitalize on the moment.

Sometimes businesspeople say they have a “one stop full service” business.

Full service doesn’t really mean anything to people who don’t understand the details of all the services you offer.

Introduce the hot spots and the advantages to attract attention. This will certainly set you apart from the competition.

NETWORKING SUCCESS TIPS

partners, to really maximize the energy of the partnership you're forging with your referral sources. It’s critical to spend time with them. Just attending a social function or sitting side by side at some type of conference or networking event isn’t enough. Perhaps it is not convenient at the then time. Simply slip a business card to the person and set up an appointment. You have to be face to face, talking and exploring commonalities and complimentary aspects of each of your businesses to be a powerful referral source.

In our increasingly fast-paced society and business climate, it's important to take time to get to know your referral sources and cultivate long-lasting and mutually profitable relationships. Although "time is money," remember “time is also of the essence.”

To conduct a one-on-one is to share something in each category with your referral source. As a result two seemingly disinterested people could become very close and develop the type of networking relationship that most people perhaps only dream about.

Basically networking is as much a mind-set as it is a skill set with a strong focus on the three R's of networking namely Relationship, Reliability and Referrals in the same order.

1. Relationships: In order for word-of-mouth marketing to work for you, you first have to build a strong foundation with the people you hope will refer you to others.

Word-of-mouth is about "relationship marketing." If you approach the first step of your involvement in a networking group with the sole motivation of getting to know the other

members well, you are way ahead of the game. It is not really what you know or who you know; rather, it's how well you know them that really count.

People do business with people they know and trust. There exists on the internet for a nominal fee, names of persons who have been previously successful in network marketing that are open and available to entertain new concepts and to broaden your base recruits. This is a perfect way to capitalize on them and interface with facebook and skype to enhance your business.

2. Reliability: Your referral partners are testing you, checking you out and making sure that you deserve to have their valuable clients and contacts turned over to you. Therefore, you must be credible to the other professionals with whom you hope to network. Bear in mind, that this is a two way street.

Before you risk your reputation with your clients by referring them to someone who takes less care of them than you would want taken, you must be very sure that the person to whom you refer them is also reliable.

3. Referrals: After cultivating relationships and proving yourself to be reliable, you will receive referrals as the end result. In order for someone to receive, someone else has to give. This holds so true with referrals and reminds me of the Latin phrase “Damus petimusque vicissim” “We give in order that we may receive” To digress a bit, one of the world´s rarest and most valuable 1 cent stamp issued by British Guiana in 1856, The Black of Magenta contained an error whereby the motto on the stamp read: Damus Petimus Que Vicissim – instead of: Damus Petimusque Vicissim.

However giving and receiving is a natural progression and one that can't really be rushed or pushed. Therefore if you are patient and apply these techniques, word-of-mouth and internet connection marketing will work for you in a colossal way.

“It is always better to have information and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

To have all your real estate questions answered — FREE CONSULTATION — call: Edgar Henry @ (718) 930-9526

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

19

THE CASE AGAINST BHARRAT JAGDEO

(from page 4) fied in the Federal District Court in Brooklyn that after the shooting of Ronald Waddell, Khan and his group, including Vaughn, gathered at the Blue Iguana night club and from that location, Khan called the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy and instructed Ramsammy to order the doctors at the Georgetown Public Hospital to let Waddell die. Vaughn testified that he had met Ramsammy at Khan’s carpet cleaning office in Bel Air Village, and that he went to Dr. Ramsammy’s office on behalf of Roger Khan. He further testified that after Khan was arrested by the United States, Khan’s group expected Dr. Ramsammy to provide assistance to them.

6. Collusion Between the Government of Guyana and the Roger Khan Gang.

On May 12, 2006, Roger Khan, in an amazing display of hubris that was “breathtaking in its audacity,” took out a full page ad in the Guyanese media, which stated, in pertinent part, that “I worked closely with the crime fighting sections of the Guyana Police Force, and provided them with assistance and information at my own expense. My participation was instrumental in curbing crime during this period.” Notwithstanding his patently absurd claims of public service and altruism, Roger Khan’s statement of May 2006 was an implicit admission that he was working at the behest of, and in collusion with the Jagdeo government. Another person who was concerned about this collusion was the US Ambassador to Guyana, Roland W. Bullen. Bullen stated that, in his cable to the State Department, ‘most respected commentators believe that Guyana had already become or is well on its way to becoming a narco state. If Guyana is a narco state, then Khan is its leader.’’’”

REFERRAL TO THE DPP AND ICC I would propose that, if the COI finds that Roger Khan and members of the Government, such as, Ronald Gajraj, former Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, former Minister of Health,

and Floyd McDonald, former Commissioner of Police, have committed crimes, the COI should forward their files to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for criminal prosecution. Since Bharrat Jadgeo enjoys immunity from prosecution under Article 182(1) of the Constitution of Guyana. Bharrat Jagdeo

cannot be criminally prosecuted in the courts of Guyana. However, since his actions constitute a violation of international law, specifically, Article 6 of the Rome Statute of the ICC, which defines the crime of genocide as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.” It is my contention that the killings by the Roger Khan group, and the extra judicial killings by the TSS (The Dr. LESLIE RAMSAMMY

Death Squad) had a disproportion- paign of drug trafficking, money ate impact on the Afro-Guyanese laundering and violence in which population. Over 90% of the casu- about 400 Guyanese were executed.

In 2002, former Secretary of alties were Afro-Guyanese.

State, Colin Powell, described CONCLUSION Guyana as a “narco state.” By this During his 12-year tenure in he meant, Guyana had become the office, between 1999 and 2011, the main transshipment point in the exJagdeo government had established port of narcotics to the United States and the movement of cash and guns into Guyana.

During the Jagdeo years, the Guyana government established criminal relationship, not only with Roger Khan, but with the Gambino and Bonanno crime families in the United States, and the Endraghete crimes syndicate in Sicily.

During the Jagdeo years, Guyana became one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The Transparency International Corruption, Perception Index (TICPI) FLOYD McDONALD ranked Guyana 136 out of 177 countries, 121 places behind Barbaan unenviable record of criminality, dos, the least corrupt country in the corruption, human rights abuse, Caribbean. malfeasance and non-feasance, inThe United Nations office of competence, abuse of power, obdrugs and crime listed Guyana’s struction of justice, and constihomicide rate of 18.4 per 100,000 tutional violations. people as the fourth highest murder Between 2002 and 2010, the rate in South America, Amnesty InJagdeo government, in collusion ternational and the State Departwith Shaheed Roger Khan, a conment listed Guyana’s human rights victed drug dealer and accused record between 2001 and 2010 as murderer, orchestrated a vicious one of the worst in the world. c a m -

20

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

129 hinterland youths benefitted from gov’t scholarships in 2017 IN 2017, a total of 129 hinterland students were granted scholarships to pursue secondary and tertiary level education on the coast.

Seventy-six of these scholarships were granted to secondary aged students, while 53 were granted to individuals desirous of pursuing tertiary education.

According to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, the secondary students are housed at the Hinterland Student Dormitory (HSD) at Liliendaal. There are also students attending secondary schools in their respective communities and those attending the residential President’s College on the East Coast Demerara (ECD) who are boarding there.

Tertiary students under age seventeen (17) are also housed at the dormitory, while those from 17 years and over reside

with a guardian or at the Indigenous Residence in Georgetown.

These students are pursuing their studies at institutions such as the Government Technical Institute (GTI), the Carnegie School of Home Economics, Burrowes School of Art, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Guyana Industrial Training Center (GITC) and the University of Guyana (UG).

The government is in the process of constructing a new $183M dormitory. Once completed, the facility will include sixteen apartments, each housing six students. The apartments will contain a kitchenette, toilet and bath area and also a study area, while the dormitory itself will also have a cooking area, a library, and a play room. It will house 120 students in total.

Minister Garrido-Lowe noted that the hinterland residents are enthusiastic about the new dorm

which will also be located at Liliendaal. “The parents are happy to know that they can send their children to a safe and comfortable environment,” she said. Secondary aged students are granted scholarships through the government’s Hinterland Scholarship Programme (HSP). To qualify for a regional scholarship, students are required to obtain 470 marks at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA); while at the national level they must obtain more than 480 marks, to be awarded schools in Georgetown and its environs. Scholarships for the tertiary students are obtained through the Public Service Ministry.

In recent years, an estimated 600 hinterland students have benefitted from scholarships to attend tertiary institutions on the coast, while under HSP over 2,000 students have benefitted. (DPI)

GRA launches eServices to cut time in filing tax returns

THE Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has launched some of its long awaited electronic services (eServices) platform to enable individual taxpayers and companies to submit tax returns with the click of a button.

The way was paved, following the amendment to Section 3 of the Income Tax Act Chapter 81:01 which gives jurisdiction to the Commissioner-General to “authorise the use of electronic technology” and also “require electronic, documents and electronic signatures.”

After signing up to enable user access, monthly and yearly Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE), Individual Income Tax, Corporation Tax, Individual Company and Property taxes, and Value Added Tax (VAT) returns can be filed via the website https://eservices. gra.gov.gy. The launch comes at an opportune time as employers who are required to submit Employers Returns/Form 2 (a list of their employees’ names,

payments, allowances and tax deductions) before February 28 can do so online and simultaneously make use of a utility capable of converting the said content into accurately completed income tax returns for each employee in bulk “pdf” format.

Employees can thereafter uplift the forms from their employers, include other sources of income, if any, affix their signature and thereafter submit to the GRA using the drop box system.

Taxpayers in all categories, particularly individuals with multiple sources of income, those who have been approved for Mortgage Interest Relief (MIR) and others who file returns on their own volition, are encouraged to sign up to eServices in order to file with ease and convenience. Sensitisation sessions have commenced to ensure employers are fully au-fait with this revolutionary approach to tax compliance. The GRA will also be partnering with the E-Governance Unit to provide

assistance to various taxpayers at Information Communication Technology (ICT) hubs across the country.

Taxpayers are being reminded that Income Tax Returns must be true and correct and to ensure that their emolument (7b) slips are attached and a current email address is provided when submitting.

The GRA is also encouraging taxpayers to make use of the online fillable forms that are available on its website.

The filing of Income Tax is a requirement of Section 60 of the said Act which states that “Every person shall on or before the prescribed day in every year deliver to the Commissioner-General a true and correct return of the whole of his income from every source whatsoever for the year immediately preceding the year of assessment, and shall if absent from Guyana give the name and address of an agent residing therein.”

Four ‘illegal’ Venezuelan women to be deported CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Wednesday fined four Venezuelans for entering Guyana illegally.

Maria Brito, 23; Edis Herrera,21; Yisneidi Sidian, 23 and Sinai Herrera, 22, were separately charged for entering Guyana illegally on February 2nd ,2018 at Eterbang, Cuyuni River.

The women, with the aid of an interpreter, pleaded guilty to the charges and told the court that they

The four Venezuelan women

were being prostituted in the Bartica Mines by a man named "Junior."

The Chief Magistrate fined them $30,000 each or, in default, eight weeks’ imprisonment. The magistrate further ordered that the women be deported after paying their fines or serving their sentences.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

New York Chronicle Horoscope

21

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

ISSUE 87 CROSSWORD ANSWER

ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Outbursts of passion may cause arguments with your mate. Visit friends or relatives you don’t get to see very often. A new you could help your attitude. You can take advantage of opportunities if you are quick to make a move. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- May 21) Avoid getting involved with married individuals. Unexpected bills may set you back. Don’t let siblings put pressure on you. Find ways to make extra cash. Start making things or reusing rather than buying ready made.

Your luckiest event next week will occur on Monday.

GEMINI (May 22 - June 21) You should be able to tie up loose ends this month. Praise will be yours if you have been pursuing your goals. Don’t let friends convince you that you should contribute to something you don’t believe in. Go over their important documents and take the time to suggest alternatives. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Thursday.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22) You will be accident prone if you aren’t careful this month. Don’t press your luck with your loved ones. You can spend a passionate evening with someone you cherish if you make your plans early. Sign up for courses or join fitness clubs. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Wednesday.

LEO (July 23 - Aug 22) You will feel tired and rundown if you have allowed yourself to get into a financial mess. Do not borrow or lend money or belongings to friends or relatives if you wish to avoid any hassles. You’ll be angry if those you live with aren’t pulling their weight. Your outgoing nature will win hearts.

Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) Loved ones may be annoyed if they feel restricted. Anger may cause you grief; control your temper and try to sit back and calm down. Someone you work with may be withholding valuable information. Compromise if you wish to have any fun at all. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) Problems with skin, bones, or teeth may mess up your schedule. Your temper may erupt if you have allowed others to cost you too much money. Younger relatives may seek your advice. False information from someone trying to start problems is likely. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Tuesday.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Concentrate on your job. Take a second look; another person’s philosophy may be extremely different from yours. Delve a little deeper if you really want to know the score. You can come up with ways of earning extra cash.

Your luckiest event next week will occur on Sunday.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 - Dec. 21) You will get upset over trivial matters. Find a way to consolidate. So smile!

Don’t bang your head against a wall. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts. Just be yourself.

Uncertainties about your living arrangements may be unnerving. Travel opportunities must be taken advantage of. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Get together with friends for some competitive physical activities. You can prosper if you invest in property or mutual funds. Relatives may play an important role in your personal life. Residential moves will be in your best interest. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Friday.

PISCES (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Social functions will bring you in touch with new lovers. Put your energy into learning new skills or picking up valuable information. Past partners are likely to reappear. Think twice before you speak. Your luckiest event next week will occur on Saturday.

ACROSS 1. Six-pack muscles, informally 4. Strategy 8. Wordsworth work 11. Piglet’s pal 13. Just okay (hyph.)

14. Negative prefix 15. Strict guideline 16. ___ pay (2 wds.)

18. Guide 20. Clamping device 21. Flaxen material 23. Painter Salvador 27. Magazine employees (abbr.)

30. ___ Gatos 31. Computer game format (hyph.)

32. Garden worker 34. Stop talking (2 wds.)

35. Buffing board material

W O R D F I N D

O G F R O B U I P R S D S

5. Bread bundles 6. Invite to enter (2 wds.)

7. Denials 8. Artist Yoko 9. DeLuise or DiMaggio 10. Compass pt.

12. Common blister location 36. Sot’s offense (abbr.)

17. “___ Gabler” 37. Measures of length 19. TV’s Chester ___ (abbr.)

22. Scand. country 38. Kelly of morning TV 24. Military branch 39. Put up 25. Blatant 41. Short skirt 26. Naughty children 43. Safari clothing 27. Water jug material 28. Ashton’s ex-wife 47. Picks on 29. Soak through 51. Correct copy 31. Snappy sound 52. ". . .___ mouse?”

33. Broadway production (2 wds.)

34. Performer’s signal 53. Mystical glow 36. Helpers with the dishes 54. Becomes entangled 39. Happen 55. Opp. of pos.

40. “Let ___ eat cake” 56. ___ Point 42. “___ What You Did” (2 wds.)

57. “Tell ___ story” 44. Sixth-day creation (2 wds.)

45. Sky sight in March DOWN 46. “___ girl!” (2 wds.)

1. Showery mos.

47. Sweetums 2. Competition 48 “___you kidding me?”

3. Shoe’s bottom 4. Attention-getting hiss 49. Car washing aid 50. Used a stool

BAZAAR

FLOCK

BROOD

HUDDLE

BEVY

BRACE

HERD HOST

CHARM

MURMURATION

CONGREGA-

PEEP

COLONY

COMPANY

OSTENTATION PARLIAMENT

TION

PITEOUSNESS

ANCE

SIEGE

COVER

FLAMBOYFLIGHT

RAFT

SEDGE

UNKINDNESS

ISSUE 87 WORDFIND ANSWER

22

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

GDF Instructors complete courses

(Seated Center) Inspector General Colonel Nazrul Hussain flanked by senior GDF officers and soldiers who benefited from the Instructors course (GDF Photo)

THE Guyana Defence Force’s graduates of the Force Method and Instruction (FMOI) Course are now better prepared to function as Instructors following their successful completion of several course modules designed to enhance their ability to teach others.

Delivering closing re-

marks at their recent event at Camp Ayanganna, Inspector General Colonel Nazrul Hussain reiterated the importance of professionalism, correct attitude and dedication. He noted too, that as time went by there was always room for improvement, and that they ought to continuously seek to widen their knowledge

and skills with regard to their anticipated roles as Instructors.

Referencing the GEC acronym used by (Retired) Major General Norman Mclean, he outlined that theirs was now the task to provide: Guidance – “You have now been equipped with better knowledge to guide, so you now have a responsibili-

ty to lead and guide your students down the correct path: Example - "You must lead by example in your dress, deportment and demonstration of good qualities.” and, Control – “In order that a desired level of discipline is achieved, control is important. Continue to learn and instill the Force doctrines and policies in order to bet-

ter control the outcomes.”

The FMOI is a course which is designed to empower selected troops with the knowledge and help them to develop the skills necessary to function as Instructors.

As such, the participants of this FMOI, like the previous students of the course, learned how to prepare and develop Lesson Plans, Aims

and Objectives and Course Content.

They also gained insight into various methodologies used to deliver academic and other course content to students, various modes of evaluation, and how to prepare and present reports regarding the conduct of the courses they teach.

REGION Two Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson has announced

that a new structure will be built to replace the old dilapidated Charity Market

Wharf.

He made this disclosure during a press conference

held with media operatives Tuesday morning at the Regional State House. Hopkinson said plans are in the pipeline to construct a new structure for vendors. He said that the construction of the new wharf falls directly under the Regional Administration and as such an engineer’s estimate for the project was also submitted.

He said the structure would require extensive works and asked vendors to vacate since it is unsafe for them to continue to vend on the “obsolete” structure.

Hopkinson said that several conversations were held with vendors to move and as such a request was made for another area for them to relocate. He said he will be visiting the Charity area to identify the spot Tuesday evening.

“As it is it is not safe for vendors to continue, it’s a threat to their lives and they must abide, we at the Regional Administration are doing everything possible to ensure

that things are put in place to sustain vendors’ livelihood,” Hopkinson said.

In January Region Two Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt had raised his concerns regarding the condition of the wharf in the media calling for the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to pay attention to the structure. However, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson had said that it is the responsibility of the Regional Administration to construct same.

Ramdatt during a prior interview on the matter had said last year August that the Region had communicated with the Ministry about the structure and the urgency for remedial work to be conducted. At the moment the pillars of the greenheart structure are rotted and are currently shaking.

Meanwhile a report presented by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Engineer at the recent Works Committee meeting revealed that the structure had dropped

6 inches into the water and the marketing centre itself has numerous cracks. The engineer’s findings also revealed that most of the piles beneath the structure can no longer support it. The solid concrete wharf is sitting precariously on a few remaining piles that are likely to collapse. The structure is 32 years old and requires urgent attention as over 30 persons utilise it to earn a living by vending.

During interviews conducted with vendors they said they have accepted the decision to move but they questioned where they will go. Many vendors related that they depend on vending to support their family and call on relevant authorities to take that into consideration. Guyana Chronicle understands that the Charity/Ursara Neighborhood Democratic Council had placed bars in an effort to block vehicles from traversing on the structure.

New structure for Charity wharf- REO

— WANTED — ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES

The New York Edition (Guyana Chronicle, Inc.) is looking for motivated sales representatives to join our team, selling print and online advertising to an established account list.

The New York Edition of the Guyana Chronicle is a weekly newspaper, carrying news, views and comments from the Diaspora, Guyana and the Caribbean. It is circulated every Friday in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, as well as on our webpage (www.guyana chronicle.com).

Do you have experience meeting and exceeding sales goals, anticipating challenges and continually seeking new customers. If you are goal-driven, we want to talk to you.

EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO: DENNIS NELSON @ dennisnelson.nychronicle@yahoo.com or call: (917) 379-6590 to schedule an interview.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

Unpatriotic

By Svetlana Marshall

DESCRIBING the move as unpatriotic, senior ministers of government on Wednesday slammed the masterminds behind a paid advertisement, which appeared in two local newspapers, discouraging investors from investing in Guyana.

The ad was published in the Kaieteur and Stabroek newspapers on Wednesday February 7 – the same day hundreds of international, regional and local investors were converging at the Marriott Hotel for the opening of the Guyana International Petroleum Business Summit (GIPEX 2018) – a first for the country.

On the sideline of GIPEX 2018, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, though expressing disappointment, said Guyana is nonetheless on the move.

“It is disappointing that the Opposition would sink to [a] new dark depth by placing an advertisement to discourage investment in Guyana, when the world's top industries are in country seeking part-

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan

ners. Thankfully, they are not fazed and things are moving. Guyana's time is now!”

Finance Minister Winston Jordan, who was also among ministers of government present at the GIPEX 2018 opening ceremony, told reporters that boundaries were crossed.

“If we have a difference in the family, I am sure we can solve it, but when you bring it nationally so as to bring harm and put our country into disrepute, I think everybody, every right-thinking Guyanese, should be able to say no, we have our differences but no, we don’t need to carry

it this far,” Minister Jordan said in response to the ad.

He said Guyanese should reject any move to destabilise the country. Minister Jordan said while there is provision for freedom of speech, the ad and the authors of it went beyond the boundary and should not be tolerated.

“Anything that can damage the economy as opposed to damaging oneself or even a narrow group, is cause for concern,” the finance minister posited.

But like the Natural Resources Minister, Minister Jordan believes that the paid ad will not stop Guyana from progressing.

“I don’t think it is going to hurt us essentially... really don’t think that they (the investors) are going to be worried about it,” he posited, while adding that the country “will not lose sleep over such a thing”.

Minister Jordan said GIPEX 2018, which creates a platform for networking and partnership opportunities for local, regional and international investors at a time when Guyana is gearing up for production in early 2020, creates a winwin situation for all.

WIN-WIN “It is a win-win for all of us. We are winning here, because of the fact that we have so many people in Guyana at this time, adding to our growth, adding to our GDP, helping us create jobs. We are winning in the sense, because we are getting part of the proceeds to educate, so that [we] can make Local Content a reality and also ownership in terms of the revenues and the management of those revenues.

“And the participants are winning because they are getting an opportunity to

Girl rescues brother from burning house A 12-YEAR-OLD girl is nursing a broken ankle after she heroically rescued her seven-year-old brother from a burning building.

According to information, at approximately 21:30hrs on Monday evening, Kisson and Kyle Henry, aged 12 and seven were home alone at their Glasgow, New Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice residence when a fire started in the upper flat of the building.

The young girl on seeing the smoke, quickly alerted her brother, safely covered him in a sheet, made a sling and gradually let him out through a window.

Realising her little brother was safe, Kisson called out for help before jumping from the same window to the ground, injuring herself in the process.

After hearing cries for help, neighbours rushed to the scene and alerted the

The house Kisson Henry rescues her brother Kyle, seven, after it caught fire on Monday

Guyana Fire Service which arrived promptly and was able to partially save the building.

Residents explained that the children would be left alone unattended on numerous occasions because their mother would be gone for long hours in the nights.

The fire is alleged to have started from a burning candle in the upper-flat of the building. That section of the

house was destroyed.

Meantime, both of the children were taken to safety by the members of the Guyana police Force and the Guyana Fire Service. The seven-year-old is currently a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

According to a source, the whereabouts of the mother who was identified as Timela Henry was up to late Tuesday afternoon still unknown.

23

-- Gov’t slams anti-investment ad

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

showcase what they have to Guyana, to the Caribbean and to the rest of the world. So it is a win, win all around and this is what I call a partnership,” the finance minister explained.

He noted that this is the beginning of greater things to come, and the government will put the necessary systems in place to maintain an enabling environment for citizens, investors and business operators here.

“We will continue to do what it is we have to do, which is try to create a stable political environment in Guyana, try to stabilise the macroeconomics of the

country, try to as far as possible bring about some level of social cohesion... they [investors] are looking for political maturity and stability, they are looking for an economy that is growing and that has promise and they are looking for people who appear to be united, if not united, that the country is socially stable,” Minister Jordan further noted.

In a separate interview at the Guyana Marriott, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters that in spite of the “negative vibes” that are coming from certain quarters, the government in partnership with the private sector is moving with full force to develop Guyana to its true potential.

“Some people their comments are becoming irrelevant to the development of Guyana. We as a country, we will continue to press on. The government, the private sector, all of the stakeholders, we will continue to press on to develop the resources of this country for the benefit of all of our people, including those who have negative comments to make,” Minister Harmon stated.

He warned that the world is looking at Guyana.

Businessman shoots teen found in coconut tree AN East Coast Demerara businessman was up to late last evening assisting the police with their investigations into the shooting earlier in the day of a teenager he found allegedly trespassing on one of his properties.

Injured is 17-year-old Afzel Fazal of Strathspey, East Coast Demerara, who was reportedly shot once in the upper chest by the businessman, Surendra Persaud, a licensed firearm holder.

The incident reportedly occurred sometime during the day, when Persaud arrived at the premises and found the lad in his coconut tree, picking the nuts and throwing them down to a friend.

When confronted, Afzel, who was armed with a cutlass, allegedly threatened to do Persaud harm if he dared touch him.

Persaud told detectives that he had no time to fire a warning shot, as the youngster was not only armed, but allegedly asked if he wanted to die, and threw the cutlass at him.

Afzel, after being shot, report-

edly refused to dismount the tree for fear Persaud might have shot him again. It took the intervention of the police, and the use of a scaffold to get him down, and taken to the hospital, where he was immediately taken into surgery.

When the Guyana Chronicle arrived at the scene later in the day, a “crocus bag” laden with coconuts was still on the ground beneath the tree, as were some freshly-cut coconut branches.

Meanwhile, the donkey the two lads had used to take them to spot stood patiently in the broiling sun, waiting to make the return journey.

Persaud, who operates an auto mart at another location, said he was at work when he received a call saying that there were two persons trespassing on his property. Also at the scene were Afzel’s relatives, who expressed alarm that he was shot “fuh just stealing li’l coconuts.”

The police have since taken possession of the businessman’s firearm, while Afzel’s friend has been taken into custody.`

24

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

VENEZUELA MUST RESPECT GUYANA’S SOVEREIGN AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY

Its claims are an attack on international law and world peace

The ALBERT BALDEO Column

“W

e are a peaceful people . . . Struggling we struggle . . . And we don't look for trouble . . . Just ask around, But when outside faces . . . From foreign places . . .

Talk about taking over . . . We ain't backing down.

We ain't giving up no mountain . . . We ain't giving up no tree . . . We ain't giving up no river . . . That belongs to we; Not one Blue Saki, Not one rice grain, Not one Kuras, Not a blade a grass.

Our fathers came here . . . And they lived and died here . . . And we ain't moving nowhere . . . Make no mistake.”

— Dave Martins & Tradewinds — “Not a blade of grass”

Guyana is being tormented by a dictator, who is trying to seize over 3/4 of its territory, as per the attached map.

He is Venezuela’s “President,” Nicholás Maduro. Mainstream media has described him as that despot, especially following his suspension of the recall movement that was directed against him. Following the 2017 Venezuelan Constitutional Assembly election, the United States sanctioned Maduro, freezing his U.S. assets and prohibited him from entering the country, deeming him

what he is — "a dictator."

Maduro manipulated the corrupt Supreme Court, which now systematically bows to him, to bar the opposition coalition from fielding a candidate under its banner, and banned several prominent opposition figures from participating, tactics designed to engineer a second term for him.

While many welcome the United Nations initiative to refer the protracted territorial controversy between Guyana and Venezuela to the International Court All Guyanese, and the world, must unite to stop Venezuela’s dictator Maduro from stealing Guyana’s territory indicated on the map. of Justice (ICJ or World Court), who be resurrected?

The UN Secretary General may will re-adjudicate this long standing international dispute, and determine a have erred in his decision to send an albinding judicial decree only if ready adjudicated matter to the World Venezuela consents, we are mindful that Court, especially since Venezuela’s conMaduro will reject, delay and/or under- sent is necessary for their decision to be mine this process. International pressure binding on it. Guyana, like dozens of must be brought on Maduro to accept smaller countries, does not have the miland respect the ICJ’s decision, and pre- itary capability nor the war mongering mentality to defend itself or pick fights vious agreements.

The UN, and Maduro, must be against international bullies like mindful that a quick legal synopsis high- Venezuela.

Moreover, Venezuela’s belated lights the fact that Maduro’s claims have no merit, and is an attempt to sabotage 1949 claims has its genesis in a dubious the due process of international law. The memorandum written by Severo Mallet“full and final” 1899 Arbitral Award Prevost, one of the lawyers who prekept Guyana intact, and is binding on sented the Venezuelan case before the both parties, and their successors, which arbitral tribunal in 1899, and who includes Maduro. The matter is there- claimed that the award which settled the fore “res judicata” or judicially settled boundary between Venezuela and and completed since 1899 in Guyana’s Guyana in 1899 was a result of a “politfavor. Indeed, Venezuela had accepted ical deal” between Great Britain and the 1899 award as a final settlement of Russia, where a Russian Judge was the the border dispute even as late as 1941, Chairman of the five-member arbitral when the Venezuelan Minister of For- tribunal, and was somehow manipueign Affairs, Esteban Gil Borges, agreed lated.

Worse yet, Severo refused to make that the frontier with British Guiana was his memorandum public and instructed well defined and was a closed issue.

Venezuela’s belated claim is there- that it should not be published until after fore moot, null and void in law, and can- his death, which belies the accuracy of not be reopened, especially since it the document, already bereft of reliabilwaived its rights to any relief therefrom ity, and compromised by the fact that the for over 50 years, while Guyana most senior lawyer who argued the strengthened its prescriptive rights, and Venezuelan case, former US President it cannot now unilaterally pronounce Benjamin Harrison, in none of his writthat the award was “null and void.” Can ings, mentioned any of the Severo alleyou imagine our world where centuries old conflicts and rivalries are allowed to (continued on page 25)

GuyanaChronicle ChronicleNew NewYork YorkEdition Editionweek Week-ending February9,9,2018 2018 Guyana ending February

25 25

History of political parties in Guyana (continued from page 16)

Georgetown on 29 and 30 March,1952.

Delegates passed resolutions condemning apartheid in South Africa and the unpopular Undesirable Publications Bill introduced by Lionel Luckhoo.

MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

charges against the People’s Party. Paul Persaud (a.k.a. Paul O’hara), a popular newsman, sent wires to foreign news organizations denouncing the PPP as communist and “exposing” their conspiracy to convert

In December 1952, the party contested Georgetown municipal elections. This time Forbes Burnham won the Bourda ward, but Mrs. Jagan failed to win re-election, losing to Claude Merriman, a popular funeral home proprietor and native of the ward.

THE 1953 ELECTIONS The Legislative Council was due to be dissolved on November 29, 1952. However, the British Government extended its life to April 2, 1953. This action was taken to put into effect arrangements of the new Waddington constitution under which the new general elections were to be held.

The PPP contested these elections against a backdrop of media and church bias. The news media peddled many absurd

of Commerce Journal as its editor, to whip up hysteria about PPP plans to transform the country into a Communist state.

Whether these two brilliant and well-respected journalists were driven by personal

GODFREY I NEED A PICTURE OF WINIFRED GASKIN

The Anglican and Catholic churches were overaggressive in their opposition to the PPP. One of their chief reasons was the party’s stated goal to end “dual control” of schools. In 1953, there were 297 schools, of which 19 were government controlled, 19 government-aided and the remaining 269 church- controlled. The Churches felt that if the schools were removed from their management, their influence on the education system should be greatly reduced.

The Sad’r Islamic Anjuman, the Muslim League, the Maha Sabha and the Pandits' Council and leading Muslim and Hindu organizations also opposed the PPP policy statement on education.

1953 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Janet Jagan British Guiana into a communist state.

Percy Armstrong, Forbes Burnham’s brother-in-law, used Guiana Times, as publisher/writer and the Georgetown Chamber

Winifred Gaskin greed (hoping to receive or were receiving money from the CIA) or a genuine philosophical difference with the PPP, is unclear.

The general election, held under the first “past the post" system, took place on April 27, 1953. The results of the historic election show that the PPP won 18 seats and obtained 51 % of the overall votes. The NDP won 2 seats, while independent candidates won 4. (part 2 next week)

VENEZUELA MUST RESPECT GUYANA’S SOVEREIGN AND TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY gations.

(from page 24)

Additionally, the 1899 agreement is corroborated by the ratification of the Treaty of Washington back in 1897 by the Venezuelan Congress, and Maduro’s present actions contravene his country’s own legislative history.

These outrageous claims were already rendered moot when Dr. Marcos Falcon Briceno, Minister of External Relations of Venezuela, conceded at another meeting of the UN Special Committee on November 12, 1962, that his country was not asking the UN to pass judgement on the substance of his country’s claim, but was merely putting on record the reasons why Venezuela could not recognize the 1899 Award as valid.

The “Geneva Agreement”, the basis of the UN Secretary General’s decision, was hammered out in negotiations on February 16-17, 1966, between Britain, Venezuela and British Guiana, and it basically negated Venezuela’s claim from advancing. Venezuela’s government must have the decency and maturity to accept the 1899 agreement, more so because this course of action was mutually agreed to by both countries, and was already settled by arbitration in Guyana’s favor.

The fact that the Geneva Agreement was signed in February 1966, even before Guyana became independent, further negates Maduro’s claims as an affront to the sanctity of independent nations and emancipated countries.

Guyana entered the agreement as a sov-

ereign and independent country alongside the United Kingdom and Venezuela. This case is of paramount importance and international significance, and the future of world peace depends heavily on its outcome.

Maduro’s regime and predecessors have hounded the territorial and sovereign rights of Guyana for too long, increasing their acreage of land with each successive claim. His outrageous claim is only matched by his apparent insanity and greed, and his desperate attempts to deflect his own incompetence while inflicting immense hardships, food shortages, economic recession and poor economic policies on Venezuelans by his regime.

The recent discovery and exploration of more offshore natural resources in commercial oil and gas in Guyana’s territory has only fueled his avarice and illicit devices, contrary to the Geneva Agreement that “no new claim, or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in those territories, shall be asserted while this agreement is in force. . .”

All Guyanese, the Commonwealth, the Caribbean, the United Nations and all countries, wherever and however situated, who treasure and respect the rule of law, peace and democracy, and the sanctity of all nations, however small or large, must unite and fight Maduro and his demented agenda to steal part of the Land of Many Waters and Six Peoples.

The issue is bigger than all of us, and has already been determined in accordance with the dictates of interna-

tional law and binding arbitration. The ICJ is the foremost forum to adjudicate territorial and maritime issues between nations, and will follow precedent in international law that all countries’ independence and rights must be respected.

In any endeavor, Guyana has a winning case, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Guyana’s diplomats will be severely challenged.

Meanwhile, Maduro must provide his suffering masses with the basic necessities of food and water, rather than picking fights and mongering war.

Venezuela is now impoverished, despite being a major oil producer, is suffering, food and medicine shortages brought on by the recent period of low oil prices, declining production, corruption and economic mismanagement. It is being pillaged by hyperinflation and teetering on the brink of outright default.

Maduro’s policies have also increasingly isolated the country internationally, the US and European Union have imposed sanctions on him and his officials, and Washington has unreservedly categorized him as a tyrant.

With reference to the tenets of international law, the ICJ can only rule that Venezuela is acting disgracefully, arbitrarily and illegally. If Venezuela and Maduro cannot abide and respect the decision of the World Court, then they must bear the consequences of being deemed thugs and outlaws, and brought into line with international norms and consequences, not least in deeming Maduro a war criminal.

Venezuela’s ousted Chief Prosecutor, Luisa Ortega, has already called on

the International Criminal Court to capture President Nicolas Maduro and charge him for crimes against humanity.

After breaking with the Maduro government, she appeared at The Hague where she filed a complaint, based on the 8,290 deaths she says took place between 2015 and 2017 at the hands of officials who received instructions from his government.

Venezuelans must hold him accountable, and send him packing. Maduro, 70% of your people want you gone! Although your country has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, with oil and related products constituting three-quarters of Venezuela’s exports to the European Union, you ran Venezuela into the ground.

Your constituents crave a better standard of living than another country’s realty.

They want food, not land. The writing is on the wall. Simultaneously, Guyanese, inside and outside of Guyana, and its allies, will be united against your evil agenda, and will defeat you.

Cc: World Court, UN, EU, President of the USA, ICC.Note: Albert Baldeo is a civil rights activist and community advocate, and his political battles placed previously ignored minority communities like Richmond Hill and Ozone Park firmly on the political and economic map.

As the President of the Baldeo Foundation and Liberty Justice Center, he has continued to fight for equal rights, dignity and inclusion in the decision making process. He can be contacted at the Baldeo Foundation: AlBaldeo@aol.com or (718) 529-2300.

26

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition week ending February 9, 2018

Gov’t to establish Guyana Youth Service -to consolidate youth programmes, organisations

PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday convened a ministerial meeting to discuss the establishment of the Guyana Youth Service (GYS), the body that will be responsible for consolidating all youth programmes and organisations, to offer a standardised education and training curriculum and is expected to significantly improve youths’ marketability and prospects for gainful employment.

The ministers who attended the meeting at State House were Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr Sydney Allicock; Minister of Social Protection, Ms Amna Ally; Minister of Education, Ms. Nicolette Henry; Minister of Public Affairs, Ms Dawn Hastings-Williams and Minister of Social Co-

hesion, Dr George Norton, under whose responsibility the GYS will fall.

President Granger said that at the end of the training offered by the GYS, a graduate must be able to employ him or herself, as well as be qualified to find employment in any organisation. He noted too, that while the GYS will fall under the purview of the Social Cohesion Ministry, there will be formal and informal liaisons with ministries that are currently involved in implementing youth programmes.

Some of the youth programmes to be consolidated include the Hinterland Employment and Youth Services (HEYS), the Youth Entrepreneurship and Skills Training Programme (YEST), the President's Youth Choice initia-

President David Granger meeting with his ministers at State House to discuss establishment of the Guyana Youth Service

tive (PYCI), the President's Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG), the Youth Apprenticeship

and Entrepreneurial Programme (YAEP), the Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Develop-

ment (SLED) Initiative, the Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) and the Guyana

Youth and Social Entrepreneurship Programme (GYSEP). (Ministry of the Presidency)

Mangal not authorised to speak for President

THE Ministry of the Presidency has put on record that Dr Jan Mangal, Presidential Adviser on Petroleum, is not authorised to speak on behalf of President David Granger or the Government of Guyana.

The ministry’s terse statement comes hours after Dr Mangal on Wednesday made comments to the media at a forum at the University of Guyana on the oil contract with ExxonMobil. He stated that it is “natural” for contracts to be reviewed with the availability of new information, provided that there is agreement between the parties.

Dr Mangal was speaking on the sidelines of a forum on Guyana’s petroleum sector held at the University of Guyana. He was at the time responding to questions regarding the many concerns raised by civil society and other stakeholders on

Dr Jan Mangal, Presidential Adviser on Petroleum

the 2016 Petroleum Sharing Agreement (PSA) between the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited.

When asked whether the contract should be renegotiated, Dr Mangal said that this is a question the people of Guyana would have to

address. “I obviously have a view on it. I am not at a stage yet where I am sharing that view publicly, but it is under discussion,” he said.

Noting the shift in focus from the call for the contract’s release to the call for it to be renegotiated, Dr Mangal said the process is just starting, given that the information

was released just December 2017. “So it will probably take some time for people to do analyses,” he said.

Dr Mangal said that it is part of his remit to push for transparency. “We don’t want to be in a situation where information is withheld from citizens and then they develop further mistrust of the industry. We need Guyana and Guyanese to be comfortable with what they have and the direction they take…the way to do that is by putting information out there,” he said. “There is a lot of suspicion, but we need to get to [the] point where Guyanese are comfortable,” he stressed.

The petroleum adviser said that he is pushing to have reviews of the PSA done by multinational agencies such as the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Following the release

of the PSA, a number of stakeholders, including the media, have made their criticisms clear on several aspects of the agreement – from the percentage of royalty to the signature bonus and on issues such as local-content provisions among other issues.

Last year during an interview with the media, Mangal had stressed that there was need for Guyana to enforce legislation, policies and regulations in the emerging oiland-gas sector that cannot be easily influenced by politicians. Dr Mangal, who has a Doctorate in Offshore Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Edinburg, said, “You need legislation that can transcend political cycles, that will protect the industry from coming to a standstill when there is a change of

government.” He had pointed to Ghana as an example of a change of government, which saw experts in the oiland-gas sector aligned to the previous government being replaced. “That is not good for the industry. This industry is a long-term industry, it is a 20, 30, 50- year industry – we need regulations and management of the industry that transcends [sic] electoral cycles,” the petroleum expert added.

Mangal said too that since taking up his post as adviser, he has stressed the importance of transparency and reminded that without transparency, the oil-and-gas sector can quickly become unsuccessful. He believes that the independence of the commission is to have a consensus-based approach to management as opposed to decision-making being overly centralised.

‘Uncertainty’ surrounds CHS board

-- board members stage protest, call on Gov’t to clear the air THE Board of Directors of the Central High School is calling on the Ministry of Education to clear the air on the future of the school, since they were informed that the institution will soon be moved from its location at Smyth Street, Georgetown.

Officials of the school were informed that the ministry has plans to “phase out” the school but students and teachers were not told where they will be housed once the process commences.

“We had several meetings with ministry officials… last year we met with the current

Minister of Education but we have not heard anything positive as to where they are going,” said chairperson of the school’s Board of Directors, Ruth Howard on the sidelines of a protest on Wednesday.

Members of the school’s board and parents conducted a peaceful protest in front of

the Ministry of Education on Brickdam.

Howard said the protest is their last recourse in an attempt to get the attention of the ministry and other relevant authorities.

Howard told Guyana Chronicle that the board intends to protest every

Wednesday for one hour until the ministry makes a substantive decision on the future of the school.

She contended that the school’s performance at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) exam has been exceptional for the past few years.

“In addition, we have suggested to them to move us to the Enterprise Primary

School which was built for 1000 students but only has 200 students… that idea was rejected,” she lamented.

Howard said parents of the over 1000 students at the school are beginning to worry about the future of the school and their children. She urged the ministry to meet with them and talk about the plans for the future.

Guyana Chronicle New York Edition Week-ending February 9, 2018

27

Playing for Windies the ultimate goal: Sunil Narine

D

ismissing suggestions that he is no longer interested in playing for West Indies, off-spinner Sunil Narine has insisted that featuring for the Caribbean side still remains an `ultimate goal` for him.

Recently, the 29-year-old told the national selectors not to include him in West Indies' squad for 2019 World Cup Qualifiers as he wants more time to remodel his bowling action.

Currently, Narine is busy playing for Trinidad and Tobago in the Regional Super50, where he has been the second-highest wicket-taker with the best economy rate so far in the tournament of 2.10.His best figures was of five for 10.

Despite the same, Narine insisted that he does not want to rush back into international cricket and wanted to give himself time to get back on track.

"It's nothing like that [not wanting to play for West Indies]. I just don't want to rush back into international cricket and the 50-over game. I think I need to play some [domestic] 50-overs

cricket, get accustomed again [instead of] rushing back and making a mess of myself," ESPNcricinfo quoted Narine, as saying.

Narine, however, said that once he regains his form, he would be available for West Indies again.

"It's about my self-performance, and about self-belief, going out there and trying to perform for Trinidad and Tobago; once I can do that, I will be available for West Indies again," Narine said.

"I think playing for West Indies is the ultimate goal. I think you have to enjoy cricket, no matter where. So I will see how these [domestic] games go in the 50-over [format] and if I am comfortable and enjoying it, why not,"he added.

Narine played his last match for

West Indies against Pakistan in ODIs in October 2016 and since then he has been busy playing domestic T20

leagues while asking selectors not to chose him for ODIs. (ANI) (Caribbeannews.net)

SUNIL NARINE

Ireland confident of qualifying for ICC Cricket World Cup

W

ith only 24 days to go to the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup Qualifier, Ireland is gearing up and focused on qualification to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

Ireland has played 42 matches in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier from 1994 to 2009 and have won 26 of those matches.

The team is now travelling to Pretoria, South Africa, to participate in a series of warm-up matches against Netherlands and Hong Kong ahead of the Zimbabwe tournament, which takes place between March 4 and 25.

In the qualifier, Ireland will face Netherlands, PNG, the Windies and the winner of the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 in Group A. Captain William Porterfield, who will be playing his second World Cup Qualifier, is confident of his team's chances.

"We are very confident of our chances to qualify, we have been playing some very good cricket and we need to bring that from the start of the tournament and peak at the right time," Porterfield said.

Scoring 515 runs in 10 innings with a highest score of 104 not out in the final of the 2009 event against Afghanistan, Porterfield is focused

on the event in Zimbabwe.

He said, "We are focused on qualifying, it will be massive for Ireland if we qualify for the World Cup in England and Wales in 2019."

Kevin O'Brien, also competing

in his second qualifier with a top score of 101 not out against Oman in the 2009 edition, said, "I am looking forward to competing against some very good teams in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier and

hopefully qualifying for our fourth ICC Cricket World Cup." The 2018 ICC World Cup Qualifier is scheduled to take place in March in Zimbabwe (ANI) (Caribbeannews.net)

Ben Duckett set to miss start of season due to finger surgery

B

en Duckett will miss the start of the English domestic season after it was decided he would undergo surgery on a finger injury sustained at the end of the 2017 summer.

Duckett will have the operation on the ring finger of his left hand next Monday, with the recovery time estimated to be 12 weeks, after he carried the injury over the last few months.

The surgery means that Duckett has also been ruled out of the North v South one-day series in Barbados in late March.

It has been a difficult few months for Duckett, who played four Tests for England in late 2016 against Bangladesh and India, after he was caught up in controversy in Australia for throwing a drink over James Anderson in a Perth nightclub when the England Lions squad was alongside the main Ashes party.

Duckett was not sent home at the time of the incident - which came just a few weeks after the Jonny Bairstow headbutt affair at the same club - but was suspended and given a written warning at the time then omitted from the Lions squad which is currently touring West Indies.

Duckett's absence will stretch the Northamptonshire squad at the start of

BEN DUCKETT

their County Championship campaign.

A 12-week timescale takes Duckett's likely absence into May but his return could coincide with the start of the Royal London Cup. He will be replaced in the North's squad by Adam Hose, the Warwickshire batsman, who impressed during Birmingham Bears' run to the NatWest T20 Blast final.

A change has also been required for the South after England allrounder Liam Dawson signed for the Pakistan Super League as a replacement for Shakib Al Hasan, with Ollie Pope, the Surrey batsman, taking his place.

Dawson, who is currently with England's T20 squad for the tri-series in Australia and New Zealand, had also been set to play in the one-day leg of the Lions series against West Indies A. The selectors have yet to decide whether to replace him for that portion of the tour.

ESPNCricInfo (Caribbeannews.net)

Kensington Oval to host Windies' first day-night Test BARBADOS [West Indies] — The iconic Kensington Oval is all set to host West Indies' first-ever day night Test match during the Caribbean side's three-match series against Sri Lanka, beginning June 6 at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad.

The day-night fixture will be the third Test, which will take place on June 23 in Barbados.

Earlier, the third Test of the series was scheduled to be played at Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia while the second match was to be played at Kensington Oval.

However, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) suggested that there has been

KENSINGTON OVAL

shift in venues and that St. Lucia would now host the second Test from June 14, ESPNcricinfo reported.

It would also be the first time that Sri Lanka would play in the longest-format of the game at the Kensington Oval.

Meanwhile, it will be Lanka's first Test tour of the Caribbean island in 10 years, having played their last match in March 2008.

West Indies have already been involved in two of the eight daynight Tests played since the first one between Australia and New Zealand in November 2015 .(ANI (Caribbeannews.net))

Minister Norton wants swift resolution to cricket issues … in process of naming a new Cricket Ombudsman

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has not had a proper constituted or what many observers have labelled “free and fair” elections for the past ten years, and as a result the manner in which cricket is administered in Guyana has been the topic for much discussion.

However, Minister of Social Cohesion with the responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr George Norton, said while the current administration remains firm to bring a swift resolution to the current situation, staging of the GCB elections was faced with a major setback with the resignation of Guyana’s first-ever Cricket Ombudsman Dr Winston McGowan.

Dr McGowan was appointed in 2005 by then Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr Frank Anthony and his appointment was subsequently approved by the-then Cabinet.

He was previously charged with overseeing the elections of the various county boards and the GCB, in accordance with the Cricket Administration Act which was successfully passed in the National Assembly by the previous government in May 2014, and assented to by then President Donald Ramotar in August of that year.

However, Dr Norton during an exclusive interview pointed out that he is in the process of appointing a new Cricket Ombudsman who will eventually pave the way for the long overdue GCB elections.

“I have informed Cricket West Indies (CWI) of my intention. That is Mr Dave Cameron (president of Cricket West Indies), who acknowledged my letter, because I am trying to communicate with all the stakeholders, and I thought that CWI is an important stakeholder. The same thing was done

Former Cricket Ombudsman ,Dr Winston McGowan

to the president of the GCB. A letter was sent to him, and of course local stakeholders since I just want the cricket issues to be settled in the most appropriate way,” Minister Norton revealed.

This latest development by Dr Norton can be seen as a significant step towards regularising the administration of the sport.

The GCB has not held elections since 2009 owing to the numerous court injunctions.

However, Elections at the GCB level were made possible after the injunction against the Cricket Administration Act by the Guyana Cricket Board was quashed sometime in July last year.

That decision by the court had led a group of cricket stake-

Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport ,Dr George Norton

holders to mount a peaceful protest in front of the Attorney General’s Chambers last July 26, calling for government’s intervention in bringing some semblance of normalcy to the manner in which the game is managed in Guyana.

The group had unanimously called for free and fair elections to be held at the Guyana Cricket Board.