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Carter Centre NEWS says election preparations on track

Thursday Edition

AIETEUR

February 27, 2020 - Vol. 13 No. 08

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Finding right pace of development for oil resources must be part of national discussion - Industry Expert p.

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OAS Chief of Mission arrives to observe Elections p. 9

Chief of Mission, Orette Bruce Golding (at left) makes a point to GECOM chair Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh, other senior Officers and Commissioners. Also in photo are OAS observers. (OAS photo)

in custody Drones grounded for Driver after Coverden Election Day - Aviation Authority hit-and-run Lawyer begs Magistrate Linden cops probe Coronavirus spreads to allow alleged ‘stop suspected murder faster outside China, and frisk’ robber to vote of “scammer” stoking global fears p.

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Fireworksp. tragedy… 8

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Injured soldiers to receive psychological care

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 27, 2020

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PAGE 03

Finding right pace of development for oil resources must be part of national discussion - Industry Expert

By Kiana Wilburg

F

inding the right p a c e o f development for the more than eight billion barrels of oil and gas resources in the Stabroek Block is an important issue that must be properly addressed by the relevant authorities, but it cannot be done in isolation, says Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel.

According to the Petroleum Governance Expert, the question of how fast or slow Guyana wants to develop these resources needs to be the subject of a national discussion.

Dr. Marcel made this assertion during an interview she had with Kaieteur Radio on one of its programmes called, Guyana's Oil and You. There, she was asked to speak on the importance of Guyana having a depletion policy.

She was keen to note that the topic is a very contentious one while showing that different countries have varying approaches to it.

In Uganda, for example, the Petroleum Industry Expert shared that the authorities there have taken things very slowly in terms of how they handled discoveries and move towards development because they wanted to make sure they had everything in

place on their side to be able to oversee it most effectively.

Dr. Marcel said, “But there have been criticisms also of Uganda's slow pace because investors have not been happy to wait so long monetize their discoveries and also the government has had to wait much longer for

new production revenue, that's a legitimate reason to go quicker as well. I don't have the answer but it is an important issue to discuss though,” the industry expert said.

D r. M a r c e l a d d e d , “...You know companies always want to go quick because they want to

“

...You know companies always want to go quick because they want to monetize their discoveries (but) governments have to remind themselves that they can take measures to slow the pace if they need to, and there are different ways of doing that without leading the investors to leave the country or to decide not to invest...

production revenues.”

As for Ghana, the Chatham House Associate Fellow noted that development of resources found in the Jubilee Field moved very quickly and it was lauded as well run process.

With hindsight however, Dr. Marcel pointed out that the officials in Ghana have said that mistakes were made and they could have probably done it better if they had slowed it down.

“But there is the urgency of development needs sometimes that pushes government to go quicker.

And you know, you have a very small government budget and the prospect of

”

monetize their discoveries (but) governments have to remind themselves that they can take measures to slow the pace if they need to, and there are different ways of doing that without leading the investors to leave the country or to decide not to invest...”

AFTER ELECTIONS The Energy Department Director, Dr. Mark Bynoe has said that Guyana will have to wait until the March 2020 General and Regional Elections are over to have a Depletion Policy in place.

In the meantime, Dr. Bynoe said Depletion Policy Guidelines were completed since December last and submitted to the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) which funded the exercise.

It was in early 2016 that talks emerged about the need for Guyana to have a depletion policy. Trinidadian Energy Expert, Anthony Paul would have cautioned in a previous interview that if Guyana wants to lengthen the life of its oil industry, then it urgently needs to put this policy in place.

In the absence of this crucial document, ExxonMobil and its partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN, are steaming ahead with plans to extract Guyana's oil as

Industry Expert and Chatham House Associate Fellow, Dr. Valerie Marcel quickly as possible from the Stabroek Block.

In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that ExxonMobil would

be introducing five Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSOs) into the Stabroek Block, by 2025.

The first FPSO, Liza D e s t i n y, h a s b e e n i n operation since December 2019. The second FPSO, Liza Unity, is projected for hook up by 2022. The FPSO for Payara has a 2023 deadline.

The IMF noted that a fourth FPSO would be in Guyana's waters in 2024 with the fifth vessel hooked up in 2025.

In a special report prepared for Guyana's authorities, the IMF said that bringing five oil production projects on stream in five years is “unprecedented.”

It said that if this were to be realized, Guyana would reach one of the highest ratios of oil daily production per capita in the world.

Thursday February 27, 2020

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Kaieteur News

An ounce of prevention is better than The system is failing our children DEAR EDITOR, jumped from the rail into the place at the public schools to Can Winston Jordan confirm that a deposit a pound of cure As of recent the problem yard saying he want to die. deal with bullying and counhas been made and if so how much? And if DEAR EDITOR, The Cap Phillipe did not come at night and leave with Guyana’s profit-oil before dawn, it is, after all, an Oil-tanker not a pirate ship, but for all that we know and have gotten for our profit-oil, it may as well have been Blackbeard’s Revenge.

We know that Dr. Mark Bynoe will not tell us what has been paid for our profit-oil or indeed, to whom it has been paid.

Shell Western Supply and Trading Limited, however, can; and must do so, especially if they want to avoid international criminal charges for its directors and blacklisting of the company.

In May of 2010, Guyana committed to implementing Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and we became EITI Candidate country in October 2017. The involvement of the EITI is intended as a safeguard of our resources; can EITI (Guyana) tell us who received the payment from Shell Western? Then there is the Natural Resource Fund Act complete with the New York bank account, has there been a deposit into same?

none has been made, why not? With all the assurances of transparency offered by David Granger and associates before the oil was pumped into the Cap Phillipe, it is astounding to see how opaque details surrounding the very first lift have become; it begs the question of what exactly is at play.

The sight of the Tedorin Obiang’s 90 Meter yacht moored in Trinidad for carnival celebrations as a conviction and three-year jail term in France for its owner outstanding, speaks to the murkiness of international law when it comes to recovery of stolen state assets.

Pressure from every possible source must be brought to bear for a declaration (before Election Day) of what has been paid by Shell Western and to whom. Failing this, our Commissioner of Police should consider a lengthy no-fly list until clarity on where over Thirteen Billion dollars from the first lift has gone; when it comes to heists, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

The PPP/C is going into the elections with a clear and distinct advantage DEAR EDITOR, It will take a miracle for the APNU-AFC administration to be returned to power in a free and fair elections. And since I do not believe in miracles, the likelihood of the APNUAFC being re-elected to office is almost zero.

The APNU-AFC has no one but itself to blame for the political quagmire it has found itself in.

It has done everything within its power to erode whatever political goodwill it may have enjoyed in the past election cycle. Both the APNU and the AFC, individually and collectively, have betrayed the confidence of their respective political constituencies which now renders them extremely vulnerable in terms of regaining political office.

The opposition PPP/C on the other hand is making maximum capital on the failure of the APNU-AFC to deliver on its campaign promises and is clearly gaining political momentum as could be seen from the large attendance at political rallies and public

meetings. The PPP also has the advantage of superior mobilization capacity on the ground which is an enormous asset in terms of voter turnout on elections day.

At a more fundamental level however, the APNUAFC has the disadvantage of incumbency characterized by broken promises and its failure to deliver on the promised ‘Good Life’.

Whatever benefits were doled out during its term in office paled into insignificance when compared with the solid achievements of the previous PPP/C administration. Its refusal to honour the Constitution following a successful no-confidence motion has left an indelible stain on the national fabric.

The outcome of this elections will be determined on two main considerations, namely trust and performance.

The PPP/C and the APNU-AFC are the only two parties that can be judged on the basis of performance in government and deliverables on campaign promises. With

Guyana now officially a petroleum state, the governance element has now gained added prominence and could be a critical variable from the standpoint of voting behaviour.

The PPP/C is going into the elections with a clear and distinct advantage over the APNU-AFC and is poised to emerge victorious in this historic March 2 poll.

Hydar Ally

of bullying in schools is rising. The video that circulated with the teen being stabbed in her back brought tears to my eyes.

Bullying should stop!

Innocent children are being hurt because of bullies, and I speak to a series of recent events at a primary school.

I am a single mother of five children and work very hard to ensure my children have all necessary resources to attend school.

My youngest son, a grade four pupil at the primary school, complains daily about children taking away his things, hitting him and a child even threatened to kill him. As a mother it hurts and I am scared, I don’t think my child is safe at that school but I pray daily for his protection.

Upon visiting the school I learnt that my child was not the only child that was threatened by this child.

Several other children were threatened and have great fear of the child who usually tells the children he will kill them.

I also heard that the weapons he brings to school were seized which ranges from pieces of wood with nails in them, sharp metals, nails, glass.

The child that tells the children he will kill them attempted to commit suicide in the school one afternoon. He

The police were called to the school and the children were left traumatized.

I think it’s unfair to the other children who endure the bullying from this child and the attempted suicide.

Children should not be exposed to things like these, especially in school. Schools should be a safe haven for children not a place where they are exposed to danger.

Parents should be able to be relaxed during the day knowing that their child is safe.

Systems should be in

selling should be available for children who are victims of bullying, one effect of bullying is suicide when not the bully but the victims of bullying commit suicide, even though each child deserve a right to education, children should be receiving education in child friendly environment.

Sorry is not a word no parent wants to hear if something happens to their child.

Please protect our children.

Yours respectively, Concerned parent

Kudos for a well-run...

From page 4 political impact on the election? These are perhaps the worst acts in Guyana’s election history. Another low point in the campaign is the beating up of opposition supporters that was carried out by a few rebels who did it on their own.

Some rate the campaign as a draw. One side will win. The coalition and PPP have Joe Harmon and Bharrat Jagdeo to thank respectively. May the best side win!

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram, PhD

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The constitution and the courts did not protect citizens from this violation DEAR EDITOR, “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by and under this Constitution” declares Article 9 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; and Article 50 establishes that the “supreme organs of democratic power in Guyana” are the Parliament (consisting of the President and National Assembly), the President and Cabinet. Of these bodies, only the President is elected directly by the people (art.

91). Every person entitled to cast their vote in these elections understands clearly that their vote will elect David Granger, Irfaan Ali or one of the other Presidential Candidates representing the nine contesting political parties, as well as determine the size of their support in the National Assembly, and does not determine the election of individual Members of Parliament. Members of the National Assembly are elected indirectly on the basis of popular support for the Presidential Candidate and the Party List he/she represents and are extracted to satisfy the Party’s complement of seats allocated to it following the election and can be recalled, removed or replaced if the Party that elevated him/her loses confidence in the ability of that member to faithfully represent its interests.

My mind and purpose has been clear ever since the No-Confidence Vote (NCV) of December, 2018, with inimical purpose and contempt for certain sections of the population, set out to dismantle citizens’ right to elect the President of their choosing, and their trust that Members of Parliament would honour and pursue their, and their Party’s, interests above personal and ulterior considerations.

If Charandass Persaud felt that he could no longer respect the choices of those who entrusted him with their vote he should have resigned from the National Assembly, and if he wishes to demonstrate his support for the PPP/C he should present himself at the polling station and cast his vote for that party; he is entitled to exercise his franchise but not to pervert and abuse the choices of others he may disagree with.

The constitution and the courts did not protect citizens from this violation and abuse of their democratic rights and now supporters of APNU+AFC, and the progress it represents under the leadership of President David Granger, must reclaim the power of their vote and their dignity by delivering an overwhelming Charandass-proof majority to the coalition on March 2, 2020.

Sincerely, Oscar Dolphin

It is now more than who the West wants to Kenya option is likely to be employed in rule Guyana Guyana and it is an excellent buffer. Then there DEAR EDITOR, If you haven’t read it, read Henry Jeffrey’s “Who does the West want to rule?” (Feb.12/ 20 in another newspaper) Read it several times.

Then read it again. This is a powerful analysis with which I agree on many fronts. Jeffrey is right that the PPP and APNU have tainted the voting register to make it easier to rig an election. That destruction of our electoral system got far worse since the no-confidence vote.

The recent GECOM moves are blatant. Shockingly, some of these authoritarian antics have occurred after ABC advisors with strong electoral backgrounds in democratic ABC elections were implanted in GECOM! And these moves have also been met by mostly silence from the West. The latest voter suppression tactic is to shrink and change the number of polling places with days to the election! Again, this is with Western advisors with potent democratic history embedded in GECOM and with another round of ABC silence! Thankfully, that was reversed.

This naturally brings us to Jeffrey’s point about foreign observer missions that cannot be trusted when their geopolitical and geostrategic interests are directly involved in the very election they’re observing. Oil comes first and democracy be damned. But here’s the bottomline, when the electoral machinery is not credible and the stage is set for consternation and conjecture around the election result, this is where these powers and missions want to be in order to play their geopolitical and geostrategic hand. How can you blame them? They are looking out for their people and their interests. They did not start the meddling with the electoral machinery to make it malleable to all manner of interference. Blame Jagdeo and Granger for that. Blame the PPP and APNU for that. They deliberately broke the electoral machinery and then refused to fix it knowing oil would render us into a geopolitical target. In doing so, the PPP and APNU handed the fate of this country over to foreigners.Is there any hope in what is increasingly an election result that the West may have to call? Jeffrey points to the Kenya example as a buffer to this serious risk where Kenya’s highest court last year overturned the contentious election result even after foreign observer missions validated the election. The

Thursday February 27, 2020

Kaieteur News

is the reality that the West’s position can change depending on who holds power in America. A Democratic administration may view democracy and geostrategy differently.

Even the unpredictable Trump may take a different position. The world is not as open to despotism as before. A massive Guyanese expat population in these ABC countries clamouring for democracy at home would not help. However, the most significant development will be the reaction of Russia and China.

Jeffrey did not discuss this angle. Latin America is no longer America’s backyard.

Russia and China have made that known with Venezuela. They are here and aren’t backing down. The West is deeply aware of Russia after Crimea, Europe, the Balkans, Iran and Syria in recent times. Electoral mayhem, real or contrived, is a serious problem in this landscape as it opens the door to the real possibility of superpower geopolitical meddling.

Once that door is open, it cannot be closed.

Will democracy prevail or will geostrategic inclinations dominate? Right now, Shuman is the party spoiler and the West’s best bet to secure a stable democratic future that safeguards the West’s massive investment.

Shuman will win a few seats unless cheated.

This means a minority government again. It is easier to control a minority government than a majority one, legal or illegal. It is a safer bet to invest in democracy in Guyana’s current context and work with a kingmaker like Shuman to force constitutional reform that delivers a stronger democracy that in turn provides bulletproof investment protection than to risk it all on propping up a government with shaky democratic credentials. Particularly in a country where the consensus, despite the deep political divide, is that the oil deal with the West is an unfavourable one. Install any kind of puppet regime in that environment with a formidable opposition and with activist superpowers sitting next door itching for expansionism and we literally have a match thrown into a barrel of crude. Who does the West want to rule Guyana? Who does the courts? Who does the democratic international community? Who does Putin or Xi? Who does Guyanese?

Yours faithfully, M. Maxwell

Maybe NICIL can help the sugar workers too DEAR EDITOR, I noticed in a February 26, 2020 article published by another newspaper that the state-owned NICIL covered the salaries for the workers who were/are linked to the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) for the month of February, 2020.

From the article, I learnt that the workers received their pay following a request by the workers union to the Government.

This, undoubtedly, was a most helpful gesture by the Coalition which obviously recognizes the straits the BCGI workers have found

themselves in.

Though heartened by this development, I also noticed the same newspaper reporting that sugar workers again picketed the President’s Office on February 25, 2020.

The workers, I gather, were also calling on the Government for assistance for them to benefit from retroactive payments for 2019.

Those payments I see would amount to some $400M and would be a one-time affair.

I believe given the apparent benefactory role the APNU+AFC has seemingly embraced over the last few days, I would want to think

that the Government could also assist the sugar workers who themselves are facing difficulty.

Certainly, like it did for the BCGI workers, the NICIL could be the vehicle for such assistance. I believe NICIL support can be justified considering I have been reading that hundreds of acres of sugar lands are being sold-off for the touted City of Ogle. Undoubtedly, the sugar workers should also benefit from the windfall NICIL says it’s enjoying for the sugar lands it said it has sold.

Yours faithfully, Liebert Alleyne

GUYANA NEEDS REAL CHANGE DEAR EDITOR, THE GUYANA UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY, the GUD Party for a Better Guyana (for together We are Better, and Together We are Stronger, and We put Guyana First), having been formed on August 21, 2019 in Bel Air, Georgetown wishes to make public our endorsement of and support for ANUG. We ask all Guyanese who wish to see the change so many are asking for to vote for ANUG at the upcoming March 2, 2020 National Elections. As Gandhi said, “be the change you want to see.”Change begins with each of us.

The new parties that have been formed is indicative of this desire and need for change in the historical racist political control exercised by the entrenched party-paramount aristocracies. Voting for any one of the two will not bring about the change that

is needed in Guyana.

ANUG, like the GUD Party, has identified the change that is needed in Guyana.

The current divisive Constitution needs to be changed.

It is this current Constitution that was designed to divide to rule that continues to divide to rule.

The colonial lords may not be present in person to unfairly benefit from the sweat, blood and tears of Guyanese but they have created two equally voracious monsters who have no interest in the welfare of Guyana or Guyanese.

When the PNC was in political control and the PPP was in the opposition, the PPP called for Constitutional change and publicly promised that, if it gets in power, it will change the Constitution. The PPP was in power for some 22 years with the majority in Parliament but it did NOT change

the Constitution as it promised.

If ANUG gets into Parliament, it will serve as a pressure force to bring about the real and the needed change – a change of the Constitution that is responsible for the current chaos, crime, corruption, and dictatorship with party paramountcy.

It is in the interest of Guyana’s future that a political party like ANUG get into Parliament in March 2020.Guyana needs a new and better future and so old racist politics and selfish political aristocrats must not be allowed to dominate in the political affairs of Guyana. Now is the time for us to make a change by changing our old voting habits and vote for ANUG and for a new Constitution.

Roopnarain Persaud, Founder & General Secretary, The GUD Party

Short-sighted party manifestos will the promises of an oil ber of legal scholars. As a renot cut it despite boom. sult economic and financial DEAR EDITOR, Over the years I have followed with keen interest the political manipulation of the major political parties and that of the fledgling minority parties. As a result of their manipulations Guyana has been lagging behind in many ways.

Unless drastic policies are implemented, this trend will continue for decades to come

One area stands out - constitutional reforms - which both major parties have been pussyfooting around.

After national elections, I suggest that the new government focus part of its energy on updating the country’s legislation. Without going into specifics, many of the laws are antiquated according to a num-

systems cannot be modernized easily.

It is also time that the experts come up with a robust medium and long term development plan incorporating the emerging oil industry to move Guyana into the modern world. The short-sighted party manifestos will certainly not cut it.

Dhanraj Bhagwandin

Incompetence still permeates City Hall DEAR EDITOR, Kindly allow me to respond to your story published in your 25-2-2020 issue titled: “Time is running out on City Hall – Trust Fund launched to help save historic buildi n g ” .

Should the blame for the crumbling City Hall be laid squarely on Mr Hamilton

Green who served as Mayor for some 25 years? The former Garden City has become a big rubbish dump. Needed repairs have not be carried out on this historic building.

Where was the Chief Engineer, Mr. Colvern Venture, who told Kaieteur News “about the urgency with which the plan to save the

iconic structure must be treated.” Where was he during all these years that he only now seeks to do a study on the building that Kaieteur News highlighted. This is the incompetence that still permeates City Hall. Kaieteur News should be congratulated for this story.

Sultan Mohamed

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 27, 2020

PAGE 07

39 Community Health Workers complete six-month programme

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence (sitting, centre) with other officials and the graduates

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ith the aim of i n c r e a s i n g knowledge in matters based on health, and functioning at optimum levels in health facilities in communities, the Ministry of Public Health yesterday accredited 39

Community Health Workers (CHWs) at the Regency Hotel in Georgetown.

The CHW 2019-2020 class commenced training on August 5, last, for a period of six months.

The training was primarily

based at the West Demerara Regional Hospital in Region Three.

The first five months of this training programme focused on theoretical training accompanied by practical sessions which included topics

such as Communication, Introduction to Health, Environmental Health, Anatomy and Physiology, Maternal and Child Health, Clinical Procedures, Personal Hygiene, Basic Nutrition, Growth Monitoring, Common Illnesses, Integrated Management

of Childhood Illnesses, Healthcare Systems, Pharmacology, Vector Control and Health Promotion.

These graduates will join other CHWs who have been trained by the government to lend support to the country's health sector.

Bus driver in custody after Coverden hit-and-run

T

wo persons are now hospitalised nursing multiple injuries about their bodies following the reckless actions of a speeding minibus driver on the Coverden, East Bank Demerara Public road on Tuesday evening.

The victims were identified as Subrina King of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara and Jermaine R a m c h a r r a n o f Albouystown, Georgetown.

The two persons were travelling on a motorcycle at the time of the accident.

According to the R e g i o n a l C o m m a n d e r, Superintendent, Kurleigh Simon, the driver was nabbed hours after.

But this would have not been possible without the assistance of a public citizen who captured the entire accident on a dash cam.

In the video seen by Kaieteur News, the duo was proceeding in the left lane on the public road at 8:08pm while the red minibus, bearing registration number BTT 2981, overtook the driver who captured the accident, and headed straight into their lane.

Seconds later, the bus was attempting to overtake

again but instead, he barreled straight into the victims, sending their bodies flying off the motorcycle and onto the road.

The driver of the minibus, instead of stopping to render assistance,

seemed to not even blink at the fact that he caused an accident, but continued his journey, speeding along the roadway.

The video showed King's body rolling several times before coming to a stop.

The rider was in a better position to get up and seek assistance from passing

cars.

They were picked up and rushed to the Diamond

Diagnostic Centre and later transferred to the Georgetown Hospital.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 08

Fireworks tragedy…

Injured soldiers to receive psychological care

T

he members of the Guyana Defence Force's Artillery Unit who were injured in the fiery explosion at the Coast Guard wharf, will soon be receiving psychological care.

The GDF in a release yesterday explained that the Force will be partnering with the University of Guyana to facilitate the care.

According to the release, Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Patrick West and a team from the Defence Headquarters as well as members from the Force's Welfare department met with the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Philanthropy, Alumni and Civil Engagement (PACE) Dr. Paloma Mohamed, following an offer from the university to be a part of the rehabilitation intervention.

B r i g a d i e r We s t w e l c o m e d t h e o ff e r, expressing that the support was timely. He explained that the force is committed to ensure that the injured ranks receive the appropriate intervention, noting that while most are out of physical danger, such a traumatic event can have long-lasting psychological effects.

Dr. Mohamed stated that the injured soldiers will interface with a psychologist during an initial group meeting, and then following evaluations, they will undergo further attention.

Thursday February 27, 2020

Press Assoc. slams GECOM for slow response on critical elections matters

T

Dead: Corporal Seon Rose

In the long term, the university will also be working along with the force to build the internal capacity of their welfare department to deal with trauma.

This will also include special programmes to further enhance the capabilities of the officers to deal with other welfarerelated incidents.

The team lost Corporal Seon Rose in last Saturday's explosion. Rose took the brunt of the blast and suffered severe burns to 90% of his body, along with trauma injuries. He also suffered a heart attack while receiving treatment.

The psychological care will not just only focus on the injured ranks, but will be extended to the wife and family members of Corporal

Rose.

The fiery explosion occurred at the Coast Guard Base wharf in Ruimveldt, while a twenty-one member team was offloading fireworks from a pontoon onto a nearby truck.

The pyrotechnics were to be used for the 50th Republic Anniversary Fireworks display that evening. But, according to information received, while the men were unloading the explosives, a spontaneous ignition occurred, resulting in the massive explosion.

The ranks were forced to jump in the nearby Demerara River to escape the blaze as the explosion sent debris flying several metres in the air. The ranks were said to have all been trained to handle the explosives.

he Guyana Press Association (GPA) has blasted the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its slow response on matters critical to the elections.

In a statement disseminated to the press, the G PA e x p r e s s e d i t s dissatisfaction with the lack of timely information from the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and slow response to matters of national interest relative to the pending General and Regional Elections.

According to the GPA, to date, key and critical questions have gone unanswered by the designated spokesperson, Ms Yolanda Ward. Even questions for planning and administrative purposes remain unanswered.

The Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield and the Chairman, Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh are for the most part inaccessible.

“Against this

President of the GPA, Nazima Raghubir

GECOM PRO Yolanda Ward background, the GPA has come to the conclusion that “GECOM is complicit in and must be held responsible for imbalanced coverage, especially in instances where there are serious accusations and claims being made by the election commissioners, political parties and other stakeholders.”

The GPA therefore calls

on all election observation missions to take note of the disservice being meted out to the populace by GECOM by allowing claims, accusations and rumours to fester.

If not addressed with a sense of urgency and professionalism, the GPA says GECOM must regard itself as a willing participant in any unfortunate reaction.

Additionally the GPA has “appealed at the highest level of GECOM for these concerns to be addressed and remains hopeful that corrective measures would be put in place to facilitate easier access to information and timely responses”.

Lawyer begs Magistrate to allow alleged 'stop and frisk' robber to vote “Your Worship, my client is in jail for a very long time and I believe that he should be released, because if he is kept in prison his constitutional right to vote will be denied.”

This was the statement made by attorney-at-law, Paul Fung-a fat, in defence of his client, Alvin David, who is charged for simple larceny.

David yesterday made another court appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

The court was informed that during last month the

defendant was caught by ranks that were on patrol in the vicinity of Regent Street, Georgetown, moments after he reportedly robbed a man of his cellular phone valued $30,000 and $1,360 cash.

According to the police p r o s e c u t o r, a f t e r t h e defendant was arrested he admitted that on the day in question he stopped two persons and asked them for money. However, neither of them had any money to give him.

David subsequently met with the virtual complainant some distance ahead, but instead of asking for money,

he proceeded to search the man and relieve him of the cell phone and cash.

After the lawyer renewed his bail application for his client to be released on a reasonable amount of bail, the prosecutor maintained his grounds of objection based on the fact that the defendant is known to the police and has similar matters pending.

Fung-a-Fat then stated that it is new to him that prisoners are not allowed to vote. The Magistrate then further remanded David and the matter was adjourned to March 11.

Linden police investigating suspected murder of “scammer”

P

olice in Linden are investigating the details surrounding the death of an unidentified male whose body was discovered in a clump of bushes in the Prosville Squatting area, Wismar, Linden on Monday evening.

According to information received, residents passing through the area, saw the man's body and alerted the authorities. He was found with a large wound at the

back of his head while blood was seen running from his nose. According to police sources, the dead man was clad only in a white and grey tshirt and sporting red pants.

The victim is said to be medium built and of East Indian descent with two gold teeth. He also has tattoos on both arms and appears to be in his early 40's.

His body was taken to the Linden Hospital. An autopsy is expected to be conducted

soon.

Kaieteur News was informed that man is a known “scammer” and would often get into trouble with residents in the area.

Sources disclosed that several persons were questioned in the area but no substantial information was obtained. Using the description listed, anyone who can positively identify the victim is asked to make contact with police in Linden.

Thursday February 27, 2020

Kaieteur News

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Coronavirus spreads faster outside China, stoking global fears SHANGHAI/SEOUL (Reuters) - The number of new coronavirus infections inside China - the source of the outbreak - was for the first time overtaken by fresh cases elsewhere yesterday, with Italy and Iran emerging as epicenters of the rapidly spreading illness.

Asia reported hundreds of new cases, Brazil confirmed Latin America's first infection and the new disease - COVID-19 - was also detected for the first time in Pakistan, Sweden, Norway, Greece, Romania and Algeria.

U.S. health authorities, managing 59 cases so far mostly Americans repatriated from a cruise ship

in Japan - have said a global pandemic is likely.

U.S. President Donald Trump, seeking to calm markets and an increasingly worried public, said in a live broadcast that the United States was “very very ready” to face the virus threat and that Vice President Mike Pence would be in charge of the national response. It was one of just a handful of times that the president has appeared in the White House briefing room.

Stock markets across the world have lost $3.3 trillion of value in four days of trading, as measured by the MSCI all-country index.

Wall Street reversed earlier gains yesterday

afternoon and oil prices dropped to their lowest level in over a year, spooked in part by health officials saying dozens of people who had been in China were being monitored in suburbs of populous New York city although no confirmed cases have been found.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio urged the federal government to tighten testing for visitors from a range of countries where the virus has been spreading, adding that its eventual detection in the city was “100% certain.”

The virus that can lead to pneumonia is believed to have originated in a market selling wildlife in the central

Dem boys seh...

Guyana got nuff stupid people

T

his world got some people who does only think about de good when dem deh in trouble. A man who going in somebody house to steal never think about getting ketch. He never think about de consequences.

But as soon as he get ketch he does remember that he got li'l children and how he is de only breadwinner.

Then he mother does remember how he was a good bai going to Sunday school.

Dem boys pass by de court yesterday and dem see a man who everybody know as de stop and frisk bandit.

He does come up to you and ask you fuh a raise. When you tell him you don't have

he does back you up and search you. He does tek wha he find. He end up in court fuh this same habit and de magistrate tell him she gun send him to jail.

Up comes he lawyer and he tell de magistrate that if she send he client to jail he can't vote on Monday.

Dem boys want to know if de courts got to tek a break and let people get away wid whatever dem doing so dem can vote on Monday.

In this case de magistrate just watch de lawyer and send de stop and frisk bandit to jail. Dem even got more stupidness. One of de commissioners pun de elections commission write a statement talking how GECOM ain't consider

voting arrangements fuh sick people and prisoners.

All over de world prisoners don't vote. From de time dem get lock up dem don't have no rights like ordinary people. If that was de case dem would have had polling booths in de jail. So, because dem don't have any, this commissioner blaming GECOM. And Guyanese is some strange people. Everybody thinking bout coronavirus, Guyana thinking bout elections.

Dem boys don't blame dem. People must only worry bout something when it confront dem. Is like a man start to worry about death.

Talk half and avoid dem stupid people.

Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. It has infected about 80,000 people and killed more than 2,700, the vast majority in China.

While radical quarantining measures have helped slow the rate of transmission in China, it is accelerating elsewhere.

Germany, which has around 20 cases, said it was already impossible to trace all chains of infection, and Health Minister Jens Spahn

urged regional authorities, hospitals and employers to review their pandemic planning.

T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organization (WHO) said China had reported 412 new cases on Tuesday, while there were 459 in 37 other countries.

However, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advised diplomats in Geneva on Wednesday against speaking

of a pandemic - which the WHO defines as the worldwide spread of a new disease.

“Using the word pandemic carelessly has no tangible benefit, but it does have significant risk in terms of amplifying unnecessary and unjustified fear and stigma, and paralyzing systems,” he said. “It may also signal that we can no longer contain the virus, which is not true.”

As panic increased, Mexican authorities barred a cruise ship from docking at (continued on page 24)

OAS Chief of Mission arrives to observe Elections

O

AS Chief of Mission, former Prime Minister of Jamaica Orette Bruce Golding, arrived yesterday in Guyana to observe the March 2 General and Regional Elections. His first activity was the signature of the Agreement on Electoral Access with the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield.

The Mission, which is composed of 17 international experts of 13 nationalities, began its field work in the country on February 21. The team will deploy to four regions: regions 2, 4, 6 and 10.

The Chief of Mission and experts will

meet with electoral and government authorities, political leaders, candidates and representatives of civil society, among others, to discuss the different aspects of the electoral process.

The Mission will analyze issues related to the voters list, electoral organization and technology, the political participation of women, political party financing and electoral justice. This will be the sixth Mission that the OAS has deployed to the General and Regional Elections in Guyana, having observed the electoral processes of 1997, 2001, 2006, 2011 and 2015.

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Thursday February 27, 2020

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

African Guyanese and me: Well…

T

he no-confidence vote (NCV) of December 2018 has taught me something about the collective psyche of this nation that I knew many moons ago, but still it keeps stalking me. I am not surprised at its appearance, but it won't go out of my head. It makes me ask the question repeatedly and continuously - why are humans so flawed? That question will continue to be queried thousands of years

from now.

A government that in essence and in reality was controlled by an Indianoriented party was in power from 1992 to 2015.

I opposed the type of governance I saw from Cheddi Jagan in 1992 until his party fell from power with the Ramotar presidency. My opposition was based on one determinant – as a philosophically-driven person, I could not agree

with the exercise of power that was racially based, had frightening incestuousness about it, and was not democratic in the essential meaning of the term.

I grew up in a multiracial district in south Georgetown, where in primary school (poverty prevented me from having the opportunity to attend high school) you could have counted the number of Indian students on your fingers. I grew up on

D'Urban Street where you could have counted the number of Indian residents on your fingers. Four of my siblings married African spouses giving birth to children that looked like African-Guyanese, with the last name Kissoon.

Race never existed in me.

It exists in only twisted minds. But it is there in Homo sapiens, and it is destroying many countries including the UK, the US, Guyana among others. I didn't care about the ethnic make-up of the PPP under Jagdeo and Ramotar.

They were terrible presidents, whose governance was not conductive to a stable Guyana, and whose hold on power weakened a placid future. I almost lost my life twice denouncing this Indian regime. My wife suffered too.

I campaigned vigorously (still think I spoke at more meetings in 2015 than anyone from PNC or AFC; maybe wrong) for the Indian-oriented party to lose the 2015 poll it did. I welcomed the new dispensation. But the dreams of countless Guyanese died after 2015. I didn't care if the new kids on the block lost power. Their practice of power didn't show much difference from the PPP. After 2015, I saw racial preferences, incestuous administrative culture, corruption and terrible governance. A government which won the election by zero point three percent,

behaved as if it owned the Guyana. I had a conscience that drove me to protect the future of my country. My struggle for a better Guyana continued with my open, consistent and determined criticism of APNU+AFC. More emphasis was placed on the depravity of the AFC, because I saw them as more evil than APNU's mandarins.

Then came what I saw as the beginning of a new horizon. The NCV opened up endless possibilities for power-sharing, end to the domination of the political culture of the PPP and PNC, and a chance to change our constitution to dissolve fear and insecurity that dominated Guyana since the Burnham/ Jagan split in the 1950s.

The reaction to my support for the NCV and Charrandass Persaud included chagrin and anger in African-Guyanese, who saw me as abandoning APNU+AFC. They began to see me as moving towards the PPP. I expected this. This is sad, tragic Guyana, where people's minds are morbidly closed.

My good friend, David Hinds wrote that he would encounter people who now see me as racist?

And why? I quote David; “And guess what, Freddie.

Many prominent and not so prominent Africans who serenaded you when you were pounding the PPP, are now labeling your antiAPNU+AFC advocacy as racist bigotry. They see you

Frederick Kissoon as the Indian who cannot be trusted, even though you do not advocate for Indianism. I don't bother to “defend” you, because I know the simplistic origins of that narrative.”

Everywhere I go in Guyana, African-Guyanese I knew from my struggle against the PPP and those I don't know and never met, are not happy with my criticism of APNU+AFC. I haven't met an Indian who doesn't support my critical analyses of the APNU+AFC regime. I am not on Facebook. I do not have any connection with any form of social media. But people tell me how African-Guyanese are denouncing me.

But there is a strange twist to this anti-Freddie Kissoon narrative that David Hinds encounters and that my friends tell me about. These anti-Freddie Kissoon African-Guyanese never ask why this Indian guy campaigned to bring down an Indian government and now “their people” are in power.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper)

Thursday February 27, 2020

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Thursday February 27, 2020

Tullow eyes 11 new leads on Orinduik Block for light, sweet crude

By Kiana Wilburg

A

fter making two discoveries of heavy oil on the Orinduik Block, UK E x p l o r a t i o n C o m p a n y, Tullow Oil, is eyeing close to a dozen new leads that could hopefully lead to finding commercial quantities of light, sweet crude.

This was noted yesterday by one of Tullow's partners on the block, Eco Atlantic Oil and Gas Limited.

In its most recent market update, Eco said that 22 prospects have been identified on the Orinduik Block and 11 of them are in the Cretaceous play. Next door to the Orinduik Block, ExxonMobil's subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) has chalked up 16 discoveries with 11 being in

the Cretaceous play.

The said discoveries are light, sweet crude and their subsequent development is poised to be a multibilliondollar venture for the parties involved.

Tullow which is the Operator of the Orinduik Block has proposed a further fine tuning analysis of the upper cretaceous reservoirs.

Kaieteur News understands that leads in the Cretaceous section are estimated to contain approximately 3.9 million barrels of oil equivalent resource.

Along with further fine tuning, Tullow has announced a plan to incorporate the Carapa well data from the Kanuku Block into Orinduik's existing geological models and technical analysis over the coming period.

The partners also plan to

integrate the discoveries at Jethro and Joe on the Orinduik Block with the Carapa discovery along with the rest of the regional data now available and incorporate this data into a reprocessing of the 3D seismic already shot on Orinduik.

The intent is to provide further definition to the Cretaceous interpretation and target selection for drilling.

Kaieteur News understands that geological modeling, prospects m a t u r a t i o n a n d t a rg e t selection on the Block are ongoing, and the joint venture partners are working closely to agree the best work programme to further explore the prospectivity of the license.

In addition to this, multiple prospects are

currently being reviewed with high-graded candidates under consideration for the next drilling programme.

ORINDUIK JV PARTNERS In January 2016, Eco signed a Petroleum Agreement and is party to a Petroleum Licence with the Government of Guyana and Tullow Oil for the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana.

Tu l l o w O i l a s t h e Operator of the Block, paid past costs and carried Eco for the first 1000km2 of the 2 5 5 0 k m 2 3 D S u r v e y.

Further, Tullow contributed

an extensive 2D seismic data set and interpretation.

The Company's 2550 km2 3D seismic survey was completed in September 2017, well within the initial four-year work commitment the Company made for the initial 1000km2.

In September 2017, Eco announced that its subsidiary, Eco Atlantic (Guyana) Inc. entered into an option agreement on its Orinduik Block with Total, a wholly owned subsidiary of Total S.A. Pursuant to the option.

Total paid an option fee of US$1 million to farm-in to

the Orinduik Block. An additional payment of US$12,500,000 was made when Total exercised its option to earn 25 percent of Eco's working interest in September 2018.

Following the exercise of the option by Total, the Block's working interests became: Tullow – 60% (Operator), Total – 25% and Eco – 15%.

In October, last, the Government approved of the To t a l f a r m - i n o n t h e Orinduik Block, which has the potential for almost three billion barrels of oil equivalent.

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Thursday February 27, 2020

Another Windsor Estates... this time for Ogle

A

fter setting the standards with his Floridastyled gated community, Windsor Estates, on the East Bank of Demerara, developer Danny Sawh, is set to construct another one on the East Coast.

The National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), which handles investments on behalf of the state, has reportedly secured 30 acres around the Ogle area, where a bypass road linking the East Bank to the East Coast is supposed to land.

The lands were once under sugarcane cultivation.

Over 800 acres between Ogle and Lusignan has been opened for upscale development, NICIL has announced.

Already, a Trinidadbased Syrian developer, John Aboud has signalled his intention to build an AC Marriott Hotel, while another group has secured 21 acres and planning to construct two hotels including Hilton-branded one.

Sawh's East Bank project was seen as ambitious initially, but today is home to lawyers, businessmen, and retirees.

Sawh, according to NICIL, said that Windsor Estate East Coast Demerara project will cost US$83M and take a period of five years to develop. It will include high-end business offices, restaurants and condominiums, among other things.

Sawh said that he is pleased with the economy as

The Windsor Estates project on the East Bank it relates to real estate and the current business climate. He revealed that he got started in business in 1990, and while the Windsor project was established in 2013, there has been a crazy rush for homes.

Sawh insists that he is a trendsetter whose company motto is 'Experience a New Way of Living'. Currently, there is a waiting list for Windsor homes.

Sawh, who is based in New York, disclosed that the percentage of persons who are seeking homes in Guyana has passed some 1200 percent.

The challenges on the

first project were many.

Officials sought bribes, and when he refused, he was delayed in several of his requests.

H e , h o w e v e r, commended NICIL and its team for what he said has been their very high professional standards, adding that being someone who is firm on doing business above board, he was pleasantly surprised to see the level of professionalism that was extended to him.

“NICIL deserves congratulation as they sought to ensure that as a Guyanese I benefitted from

all and any opportunities that were available. I am truly impressed with the people at NICIL and would like to state my appreciation on record,” he said.

He added, “I am a fighter, I grew up seeing my mother not giving up even to when things seem very difficult and it was that kind of spirit that kept me going as I refused to give up”.

Explaining his company Navigant's objective, he noted that this is to introduce a new quality of living in Guyana.

The Windsor Estates East Coast Development will present a futuristic

premium residential community, providing a superior living environment parallel to the elegance of any other residential gated community in North America.

Shaw stressed that Navigant's principals have noted that the Windsor Estate East Coast Development will target affluent nationals, foreign nationals as well as business executives that will be relocating to Guyana or professionals that would take up residence in Guyana for an extended period. This market segment includes high-income professionals (continued on page 24)

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Sri Lankans fined for illegal entry- Businessman pays fine FOR RENT Lower unfurnished 3 bedroom home in Eccles. Spacious & Parking available $150,000/ USA $750. Contact Ajai #6297132/ USA# 281-739-6550 SERVICES

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Graphics, Photo & Video editing software sale. Graphic designing, photography & Video Production done easywww.markchand.com/6467494

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Contact Pacific Development Inc. 223-6035/ 604-4909 Golden Grove, EBD, 4 bedroom upstairs, Kitchen, Dining room downstairs.

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24 Light St, Alberttown, Top & bottom flat. Contact Dwight Morgan #617-2961/Priscilla Morgan #653-3049 2 bedroom apartment for rent at Peter’s Hall. #698-5800/6481391 Two bedroom apartment 14 Better Hope Railway ECD Tel# 617-3001 between 8am5pm

WANTED LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres, Lot 15 Public Road #2 Village W.C.B/ce 5 mins from B/ce bridge.Contact#686-4818/6487109.

Prime residential house lot 100ftx50ft 20ft reserve, light, water, blaze internet. New Road $5M. Tel#627-0573 TO LET

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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, G R A D U AT I O N , W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Decent working couples, One bedroom apartment in Georgetown, Parking & Telephone $45,000. Tel# 623-8759/ 675-7842 LEARN TO DRIVE N.Outar Driving School, Learn to Drive the right way @ Cuffy Square.Affordable Package.Call#644-5166/6912561/681-2808.

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Maid. Requirements: person must be living on the East Bank. Contact# 600-6887 Live-in Domestic, must know to cook 30-50 yrs, Salary $25,000 weekly. #648-7866

Siriran Jan Senthusaan Four Sri Lankan nationals were yesterday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The defendants, Anthony Jeyaraj, Tambirasd Nirajan, Siriran Jan Senthusaan and Sebamlall Dias, were represented by attorney-at-law Paul Fung-afat.

The men pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that between January 18, 2020 and February 22, 2020 at Springlands, Corentyne, Berbice, they entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without the consent of an immigration officer.

According to information, on February 27, 2020, the defendants were in a mini bus

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Sebamlall Dias (front) and Tambirasd Nirajan that was en route to Lethem, when they were stopped by ranks at the Mabaruma Police Outpost.

A search was then conducted and it was discovered that the defendants did not have any entry stamp in their passports. They were arrested and later escorted to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, where they were interviewed, and they told the police that they entered Guyana by boat and that they came from Suriname.

A doctor from the Georgetown Public Hospital, who worked in Guyana for the past 4 years, was used as the interpreter to translate from English to Tamil. With the aid of the interpreter, the court was able to communicate with the defendants.

Attorney-at-law Paul Fung-a-fat told the court that the businessman who hired him to represent the defendants was willing to pay their

Anthony Jeyaraj fines and to pay for their tickets to return to Sri Lanka. The businessman was present in court during the hearing of the matter.

After listening to the facts of the charge and the attorney, Chief Magistrate McLennan fined the defendants $40,000 each or in default eight weeks’ imprisonment.

Thursday February 27, 2020

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Carter Centre says election preparations on track As Guyana heads towards General and Regional Elections, the Carter Centre has noted that preparations are on track and adhering to the established timetable in all ten of the country’s Administrative Regions.

According to the Centre’s report “ballot papers were printed under the supervision of two members of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and arrived ahead of schedule, on February 7th.

Arrangements for identification of appropriate polling stations have been finalized. For this election there will be 2,352 polling stations, a slight increase from 2015.”

REGISTRATION With regards to voter

registration, the Centre has stated that “the 2020 election process has been more complex than in the past, as GECOM has had to deal with two different sets of registration data: one from the existing National Register of Registrants (NRR) and the other from a truncated houseto-house registration exercise conducted by the commission in 2019. While the Carter Centre has not reviewed all changes made to the voter register, it is satisfied that preparations have been made in a professional manner within the existing legal provisions.”

CANDIDATE NOMINATION Nomination Day constitutes the first step for

the political parties to secure a spot on the ballot paper.

The 2020 election will have the largest number of contesting parties in Guyana’s history.

The representatives from the Centre who were present at the nomination ceremony indicated that the process was smooth. “Although some new parties raised concerns about the order in which parties were received

by GECOM, all parties were given an opportunity to correct defects in their lists and were able to do so in the time allotted. GECOM eventually approved lists from 11 of the 13 political parties that applied for a place on the ballot.”

CAMPAIGNING

Three still hospitalised after vehicle collision with utility pole Three men are still hospitalised after the car they were in slammed into a utility pole at Number 52 Village last Sunday morning.

Nursing injuries and hospitalised are Jimmy King, 19, of Lot 90 Number 50 Village, Shalindar Deonauth, 22, of Lot 17 Number 50 Village and the driver of the car Calvin Johnson, 19, of Lot 90 Number 50 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Reports are that the car with license plate number PTT 4102, and owned by Indrawattie Deonauth of Number 50 Village, was heading north along the western side of the Number 52 public road when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

The vehicle subsequently collided with a utility pole located on the northern parapet.

As a result of the collision, the three occupants received various injuries.

Johnson and Deonauth were rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital and were admitted, while King was taken to the Port Mourant Hospital and later referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital. He suffered a fractured foot.A breathalyzer test was carried out on Johnson and read 0.95, over the legal limit.

The mangled car wrapped around the utility pole.

Long-Term Observers (LTOs) from the Centre have observed 23 campaign rallies and events and reported no major incidents during this important and sensitive period. Campaigning has largely proceeded peacefully, although observers have heard allegations of isolated incidents of harassment of supporters of both the ruling coalition and the opposition, as well as of destruction of campaign posters.

The Carter Centre noted that there has been an increase in rhetoric on the campaign trail.

“The Center is encouraging political parties and candidates to refrain from the use of provocative speech to help guarantee a peaceful polling process. The Ethnic Relations Commission introduced a code of conduct that drew on the existing legal obligations of parties to comply with the Representation of the People Act and the Racial Hostility Act. The code calls on all parties to refrain from using any words or engaging in

actions that might stoke tension or be offensive.”

TABULATION The Carter Centre has been discussing the tabulation procedures with GECOM’s secretariat and feels that the procedures in place appear to follow the legal provisions. However, there are concerns that the procedures have not been made clear to key stakeholders. The Centre encourages GECOM to publicise and distribute existing procedures as widely as possible, including to all political parties, civil society organizations, media, and electoral observers, in order to clarify any misunderstandings and avoid disputes over the process.

According to the Centre, it conducts its election observation missions in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and Code of Conduct for International Election Observers that was adopted at the United Nations

in 2005 and has been endorsed by more than 50 election observation groups.

The mission assesses the electoral process based on Guyana’s national legislation and its obligations for democratic elections under both regional and international agreements.

It first became involved in Guyana in the early 1990s.

The 2020 elections will be the fifth that the Carter Centre has observed in Guyana since 1992. Shortly before polling day, Aminata Touré, former prime minister of Senegal, and Jason Carter, chairperson of The Carter Centre Board of Trustees, will join the mission to serve as co-leaders of the observation delegation. They will be accompanied by Centre staff from Atlanta and additional short-term observers, who will observe polling, counting, tabulation, and the announcement of results.

The Centre will remain in Guyana in the weeks after polling to observe the resolution of any electoral disputes.

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CARICOM hosts sensitization on Prison Officer threatens to burn non-conforming trade measures victim, remanded The Office for Trade Negotiations of the CARICOM Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday conducted a one-day sensitization session to inform key officials on how to identify and catalog existing non-conforming trade measures (NCMs).

These measures refer to any law, regulation, procedure, requirement or practice, which do not conform to certain obligations under international trade agreements, particularly, those concerning national treatment, mostfavoured-nation (MFN) treatment, market access, performance requirements and senior management and boards of directors.

The project, which is being executed by the CARICOM Secretariat and financed by the 11th European Development Fund, aims to develop a database of NCMs across the region.

The seminar was led by Trade Policy and Legal Specialist, Dr. Chantal Ononaiwu, and Programme Officer-Trade Information, Marsha Drakes.

“We want our officials like yourselves who are on the

frontline of regulating economic activity, and know better than anyone else why your sectors are regulated the way they are, to be the ones that constitute the teams that will review their country’s own measures and document the extent to which these types of restrictive measures are used,” Dr. Ononaiwu said.

In 2016, CARICOM ministers at the Forty-Third Meeting of the Council on Trade and Economic Development (COTED) endorsed the undertaking of a project to establish a database of NCMs that are the subject of liberalization commitments in regional trade agreements.

The database will also capture sectors, sub-sectors or activities for Member States that wish to reserve the flexibility to adopt or maintain non-conforming measures.

“Our experience negotiating a comprehensive trade and development agreement with Canada a few years back made it very clear to us that this is an exercise that was long overdue and we wanted this exercise to be one that was led and heavily driven by our countries’ own officials,” Dr. Ononaiwu explained.

Over the course of the project, a team of officials within each CARICOM Member State will review laws, regulations, rules, procedures, decisions, administrative actions and other measures in order to identify and compile a draft list of the country’s existing NCMs. National consultations will be held to verify the draft list of NCMs. The information gained through this process will guide CARICOM in future negotiations to better represent its policy interests while taking into account the specific interests and requests of future negotiating partners.

Among those attending the session were representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Business, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana Energy Agency, GO-Invest, the Private Sector Commission, the Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association, Guyana Rice Development Board, Guyana Revenue Agency, Maritime Administration Department and the Guyana Coalition of Service Providers.

George Selman, a member of the Guyana Prison Service, yesterday threatened to burn the alleged victim in his case if granted bail, while he was downstairs at the prisoners lock-up at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The defendant yesterday made his second court appearance before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty for allegedly breaching a protection order and using threatening language.

After it was reported to the Magistrate what the defendant had said while he was downstairs, the Magistrate further remanded the defendant to prison until March 11, 2020.

Selman, 43, of 42 Hinck Street, Charlestown, had denied both charges after they were read to him.

The first charge alleges that on February 2, 2020 at Hinck Street, Charlestown, he used threatening language towards Donella Andrews.

It was further alleged that on the same day and at the same location, he contravened a protection order made on July 16, 2018, in relation to Donella Andrews by coming within 50 feet of her and hold-

Remanded: George Selman ing her hand.

Selman is now being represented by attorney-at-law Patrice Henry.

Objections were made by Police Prosecutor Delon Sullivan for bail to be granted to the defendant based on the prevalence of the offence, and that the defendant showed no regard for a protection order that was granted by the court in his presence.

On October 15, 2017,

Selman was charged for assaulting a 17-year-old girl in the presence of her mother on the 44 mini bus park, that matter was dismissed.

During that same month, Selman appeared in court and was charged for assaulting police constable Rodriguez, who was acting in accordance with his duties on August 7, 2017 at Camp Street Prison, Georgetown.

44 years since GAWU recognised as Coronavirus spreads faster outside China... bargaining agent for sugar workers Today, February 27, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) is observing 44 years since it became the recognised union on behalf of the thousands of workers who toil in the fields and factories of the sugar industry.

The appending of the formal agreement between the Union and the then Sugar Producers Association (SPA), the forerunner to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), marked the culmination of 30 years of struggle by the workers and the GAWU to be accorded bargaining agent status.

According to the union, the struggle can be traced back to 1946 with the establishment of the Guiana Industrial Workers Union (GIWU).“Over the three decades of struggle, workers took part in several battles as they championed their call for the GAWU to be their representative union. It was a struggle that was intense, at times, and saw the plantocracy, with the implicit

and, at times, explicit support of the state, seeking to crush the workers’ resolve and desire.”

According to the union, the sugar workers and the union faced difficult times as intimidation, outright threats and even incarceration on the flimsy excuses were used to daunt the workers and diminish their spirits.

“The struggle also bore martyrs as well as workers and others felt the full, unbridled, wrath of the plantation owners and their proxies.

Despite what were clearly obstacle after assault perpetuated against the workers they remain committed and dedicated to their task and struggle, and ultimately won the right to choose a Union of their choice – the GAWU.” However, since 2015, the workers and the union have been engaged in an ongoing battle to safeguard their gains, protect their advancements and maintain their way of life. GAWU noted that in that period, the Coalition Government has

sought to perpetuate several assaults against the sugar workers and the industry.

“The Government which preached, prior to its ascension to office, about the importance of the industry and committed to safeguarding workers’ jobs has in the short, but eventful, period closed four sugar estates and put some 7,000 workers out into the breadline.

Apart from that, long-standing workers’ benefits are being disregarded and the wage increases have been withheld until recently.”

The union said that while it has been a difficult period, the contemporary workers, like the generations before them, have demonstrated their militancy.

“They have not allowed the powers-that-be to cower or compel them into submission. They have stood up proudly and staunchly as they defended their livelihoods and protected what is so near and dear to them. They have caused others to stand up and take note and to speak up in their defence. While it has not been an easy road, over the last few years, the workers remain committed to their justified and principled struggle. Our Union, as in the past will continue to stand by them and to provide guidance and leadership.”

From page 9 one of its ports over what the ship's company said was a single case of common seasonal flu.

The WHO says the outbreak in China peaked around Feb. 2, after measures that included isolating its epicenter Hubei province. It said only 10 new cases were reported in China on Tuesday outside Hubei.

There is no known vaccine for the virus. U.S. pharmaceutical firm Gilead Sciences Inc said yesterday it had started two late-stage studies to test its experimental antiviral drug remdesivir in humans.

FIRST LATINAMERICAN CASE As the cases have rippled outwards, the effects on large gatherings have increased. In Japan, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called for sports and cul-

tural events to be scrapped or curtailed for two weeks as concern mounted for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, while sources told Reuters the International Monetary Fund was considering whether to make its April meeting in Washington virtual.

Latin America's first case was confirmed in a 61-yearold man in Sao Paulo, Brazil, who had recently visited Italy, a new front line in the global outbreak.

The diagnosis coincided with the carnival holiday, a peak time for domestic travel.

Brazil's stock index fell over 7%.In addition to Brazil, Italians or people who recently visited Italy have tested positive in Algeria, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Italy itself has reported more than 400 cases, centered

on the industrial heartlands of Lombardy and Veneto.

A hotel in Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands was locked down over cases linked to Italy.

In France, a second person died - a teacher who had not visited any country with a known outbreak.

There have been nearly 50 deaths outside China, including 12 in Italy and 19 in Iran, according to a Reuters tally.

While Iran has reported only 139 cases, epidemiologists say the death rate of around 2% seen elsewhere suggest that the true number of cases must be many times higher.

Cases linked to Iran have been reported across the Middle East. Iraq imposed travel bans to affected countries and barred public gatherings.

Another Windsor Estates...

From page 18 seeking a technologically advanced environment for living and recreation.

The Windsor community will offer a recreational and commercial park that will be built to support the development and the commercial zone will include banks, medical facilities, a modern shopping area and exquisite restaurant offerings.He expressed the firm view that the overall business outlook is very strong, as Navigant maintains a proven track

record in its Windsor Estates East Bank Development, and many returning Guyanese as well as offshore workers have been requesting similar type residential facilities.

The Guyanese businessman said that some 500-odd persons would be involved in the construction stage at any given moment, adding that their employment would last for a minimum of five years, as it is the period for the construction. He said that construction is expected to begin in a few weeks, declaring that

Guyana is open to business by locals as well.

“I am a Guyanese and just like the foreigners I sought to invest in my homeland, I have no regret as I firmly believe that in the very near future, Guyana can be seen as little Dubai with the enormous developments and advancements that would be taking place,” Sawh opined.

A sod turning will be held today at Ogle and will see Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, delivering the feature address.

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Turtle conservationist Peter Pritchard dies at 76 Florida zoologist Peter Charles Howard Pritchard, whose turtle and tortoise conservation brought international acclaim, and whose persona was of a dashing and ceaselessly curious academic, died Tuesday night in hospice care at age 76.

Pritchard has been hailed by the Guyana Marine Conservation Society as playing a pioneering role in the country’s sea turtle conservation program, with Shell Beach protection also a testimony. In fact, his wife is G u y a n e s e .

According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Pritchard’s Chelonian Research Institute in Oviedo contains one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of its kind. The University of Florida doctoral graduate had been named a Hero of the Planet by Time magazine and a Floridian of the Year by the Orlando Sentinel.

While ill during the past few years, Pritchard was visited by a steady stream of his former students traveling

from around the world for a last conversation with their mentor.

“Chimpanzees have Jane Goodall. Mountain gorillas had the late Dian Fossey. And the world’s turtles and tortoises have Dr. Peter Pritchard,” wrote University of Southern California biological anthropologist Craig B. Stanford in his 2010 book “The Last Tortoise, A Tale of Extinction in Our Lifetime.”

A 2008 Orlando Sentinel story characterized Pritchard and his wife of nearly 50 years, civic activist and volunteer Sibille Hart Pritchard, as a Central Florida power couple.

The story described Pritchard as “6-foot-4, an Oxford-educated Brit raised in Ireland, who became an international conservationist accustomed to living on nuts and berries during expeditions” and his wife as “5-foot-3 and a native of Guyana, though one friend describes her as a ‘onewoman United Nations.’ Her family tree includes Portuguese, Chinese, East

Peter Pritchard became internationally renowned for work with turtles and tortoises.

- Original Credit: Pritchard family and institute. (Peter Pritchard / Courtesy photo) Indian, Arawak Indian, African, Jewish and Texan ancestors.”

Sibille Pritchard on Wednesday cited her husband as her “strength and my soulmate.”

“The influence he’s had on colleagues, students and friends is a testament to his brilliance as a scientist and his kindness as a man. The lives he touched and the difference he made in the world of environmental conservation

Man found guilty of hacking fisherman to death A mixed twelve-member jury on Tuesday unanimously found 44-year-old Errol Khan guilty of killing fisherman Chetram Bharrat.

Khan called ‘Vinod Maraj’ or ‘Bruk Up’ stood before Justice Brassington Reynolds and the aforementioned jury at the High Court in Demerara.

His lawyer, Ravindra Mohabir, asked for a probation report prior to sentencing. The request was granted

by Justice Reynolds, who set the matter down for Friday, March 13 at 9:00 am.

Abigail Gibbs and Sarah Martin represented the State.

Khan was indicted for murder, simple larceny and felonious wounding.

The court had heard the allegation that on March 2, 2014, at Haslington, East Coast Demerara, Khan murdered Bharrat.

It was further alleged that on the same day at the same location, he wounded Lomattie Ramdat, Bharrat’s reputed wife, with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or cause her grievous bodily harm.

It was also alleged that on the aforesaid date, he broke into the dwelling house of Ramdat and stole $370,000.

According to previous reports, on the day in question, Khan stormed into the couple’s home and began chopping Bharrat. Ramdat intervened and she too was chopped several times about her body. Ramdat had reported the killing to the police

Guilty: Errol Khan

Dead: Chetram Bharrat

as a bandit attack. She however changed her story.

It was reported that the killing occurred after a relationship between Khan and

Ramdat went bad. Based on previous reports, Khan and Ramdat would usually meet at her home when her husband was away at sea.

made our home here in Florida a global gathering place where people from all over the world became part of our lives.

Together, we’ve had an amazing journey, raised three incredible men and shared experiences of a lifetime,” she said.

In the 1960s, Pritchard earned his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Florida.

While there, he studied with the late Archie Carr, whose legacy in sea turtle research and conservation was recognized by the naming of the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge in Brevard and Indian River counties.

Pritchard went on to work with the World Wildlife Fund, spending four years there before joining Audubon Florida in 1973 as assistant executive director, senior vice president and acting president.

“I grew up learning from Peter in the early 1970s,” said Audubon Florida’s advocacy director Charles Lee. “He was a scientist’s scientist with heart and mind focused on protection of the natural world. He developed an innate sense of practical innovation to save species on the brink. While his primary expertise was turtles and tortoises, he was a respected adviser on panthers and birds

Conservationist Peter Pritchard, and wife Sibille Pritchard (right) with well-known local conservationists Annette Arjoon-Martins and Romeo De Freitas. as well. A true Renaissance man of the biosciences,” Lee said.

In 1997, he founded the Chelonian Research Institute in Oviedo. The institute’s collection of more than 14,000 specimens spans nearly 95 percent of all living turtle and tortoise species.

According to institute records, Pritchard traveled to more than 100 countries for field work with turtles in all continents and many remote islands. Several species of turtles are named after him and his lists of writings, including 14 books, speaking engagements and leadership roles are extensive.

In addition to Pritchard’s many honours, he was recognized as a Champion of the Wild by the Discovery Television Channel.

Pritchard developed and

emphasized an approach of “conservation without confrontation.”

The zoologist also made his mark in having expertise with sea turtles, tortoises and freshwater turtles, resulting in Pritchard being the only person earning the John Behler Award for turtle conservation and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sea Turtle Society.Pritchard’s fame grew largely from his worldwide research and conservation efforts. But his Florida work was deep and technical, including working with Audubon’s famed and now-late Herbert W. Kale on bird research in the state.

Along with his wife, Pritchard is survived by two sons, Sebastian and Cameron, and was preceded in death by son, Dominic.

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Heather Knight hits century as England crush Thailand BBC Sport - Captain Heather Knight hit her first Twenty20 international century as England crushed Thailand by 98 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup at Canberra.

Knight’s unbeaten 108 from 66 balls, and Natalie Sciver’s 59 not out, helped England recover from a dreadful start that saw them fall to 7-2.Knight and Sciver’s unbroken 169-run stand - the highest partnership in T20 World Cup history - helped England motor to 176-2 from their 20 overs.

Thailand collapsed to 787 in their 20 overs as they suffered consecutive losses in their global tournament debut.This was a good win for England after they lost their opening Group B match

to South Africa.It will also help boost their net run-rate, which could be crucial as the tournament develops.

England, now top of their group, play Pakistan on Friday, while Thailand face South Africa on Sunday.

Knight leads from front Knight is now the only female player - and the first England player - to hit a century in Test, one-day and T20 cricket.It was a real captain’s innings, leading from the front when her side tripped up after being asked to bat first.

Amy Jones fell to the second ball of the innings, stumped as she came forward to Nattaya Boochatham, before Danni Wyatt hoicked her first delivery to the cover fielder.

But Knight and Sciver, so

often England’s key players, were composed at the crease.

Sciver counter-attacked first, driving beautifully, before Knight hit out.

She hit 13 fours and four sixes - the highlight a thunderous sweep over fine leg and she and Sciver rotated the strike well to keep the runrate accelerating.

Knight brought up her century with three balls remaining, raising her arms to the ground in celebration, before slapping the next delivery over long-on for yet another six.

For Sciver, it was a third half-century in four innings.

For Knight, it was a statement of intent about what she expects from herself during this World Cup. Pressure tells on Thailand

Thursday February 27, 2020 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're finally setting in motion some longstanding goals of yours, Aries. Good for you! But even though everything is in place and you're ready to go.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Beware lawyers, bankers, and stockbrokers today, Taurus.

One of them is likely to try and mislead you with some inaccurate information.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A family member or other loved one may not be telling you the truth. In this person's defense, he or she likely thinks they're protecting you by shielding you from the truth.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) You have an active mind and an even more active imagination, Cancer. Today you risk short-circuiting your brain as you struggle to keep up with all the ideas and information swirling inside your head.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your career may be sidetracked by petty gossip, rumor, and office politics. It's likely that someone is pushing forward his or her agenda without any thought or concern for its impact on others.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Some bad news about your financial situation may not really be as bad as it first appears. Even so, it throws you for a loop. Doublecheck the information before spiraling into a panic, Scorpio.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) In an unpleasant situation, your inclination is to protect your loved ones from the truth. This would be a mistake, Sagittarius.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may be feeling tired and a bit wrung out today, Capricorn. Although you're a workaholic by nature, even you are forced to admit that this is a day to stay in bed.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) If a family member is in a bad mood but not confessing why, it's up to you to step in and help. He or she is carrying that big black cloud around, casting shadows everywhere they go.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There could be a missing person very much on your mind these days. Is it possible that the relationship is over and you're the last one to know?

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) If a friend or colleague seems to be in trouble, you may not want to interfere for fear of being too intimate.

But this isn't a time to hold back, Virgo.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Misinformation is likely to spread like wildfire today, causing a lot of unnecessary upset either among your neighbors at home or your colleagues at work.

It was ultimately a routine win - Thailand never really got going with the bat - but England’s fielding, in particular, was improved from their opening loss to South Africa.

The wickets were shared around, with 3-21 for seamer Anya Shrubsole, and Sciver claiming 2-5 from her two overs.

The batting was where the gulf between the two sides really showed. Thailand could not find the boundary or rotate the strike, getting bogged down by the spinners, and the pressure ultimately told.

For England, there will be sterner tests but, after a chastening opening loss, runs for Knight and Sciver will be a

Heather Knight struck her maiden T20I century, completing the feat of scoring a century in each international format. (Getty Images) welcome boost for the side.

Scores: England 2 for 176 (Knight 108*, Sciver

59*) beat Thailand 7 for 78 (Chantam 32, Shrubsole 321) by 98 runs.

Windies hand Pakistan victory with...

From page 31 penultimate over, holing out on the mid-wicket ropes off Nida Dar. In reply, Pakistan started strongly with Javeria Khan and Muneeba Ali posting 58 from 44 deliveries for the first

wicket, capitalising on ordinary bowling to rack up 48 runs in the first power-play.

Javeria struck six fours before she was hit in front to Taylor’s off-spin in the eighth over and left-hander Muneeba followed in the

12th after counting three fours, chipping a simple catch to cover off leg-spinner Afy Fletcher.

But any hopes of a comeback were dashed as Bismah and Nida Dar added a crucial 50 in an unbroken third wicket stand to see off the Windies challenge.

Bismah carried the fight with in a measured knock and drilled Taylor to the cover boundary for the last of her four fours to bring up victory for Pakistan.

Scores: WEST INDIES 124 for seven off 20 overs (Shemaine Campbelle 43, Stafanie Taylor 43; Diana Baig 2-19, Nida Dar 2-30, Aiman Anwer 2-32).

PAKISTAN 127 for two off 18.2 overs (Bismah Maroof 38 not out, Javeria Khan 35, Muneeba Ali 25).

Pride and...

From page 30 Jangoo, Jeremiah Louis, Jaison Peters, Kian Pemberton, Kieran Powell, Ross Powell, Devon Thomas, Terance Warde. IN–Louis, Pemberton; OUT–Colin Archibald, Damion Jacobs RED FORCE (from): Yannick Ottley (captain), Bryan Charles, Cephas Cooper, Joshua da Silva, Ter-rance Hinds, Akeal Ho-sein, Imran Khan, Jason Mohammed, Uth-man Muhammad, Anderson Phillip, Khary Pierre, Isaiah Rajah, Jeremy Solozano. IN–Cooper, Khan, Phillip, Pierre, Rajah; OUT– Yannic Cariah, Kissoondath Magram, Denesh Ramdin, Kea-gan Sim-mons, Daniel St. Clair UMPIRES: Nigel Duguid (Guyana), Verdayne Smith (Jamaica) MATCH REFEREE: Stewart Rawlin RESERVE UMPIRE: Bernard Joseph

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Thursday February 27, 2020

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Pride and Volcanoes clash Concacaf Next Play Pilot features in season reboot Project concludes with Festival ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – More intense rivalries are expected with the chasing teams eager to close the gap before it’s too late, when the second half of the 2019-20 West Indies Championship begins today.

The Championship resumes following a two-week break with chart-toppers Barbados Pride on 84.2 points – 23.4 clear of nearest rivals and five-time defending champions Guyana Jaguars, heading into the sixth of 10 rounds in the four-day competition.

The feature match of this weekend’s play takes place at Kensington Oval, where Pride face a slippery challenge from Windward Islands Volcanoes.

A fierce battle is also expected at the Trelawny Multipurpose Complex, where resurgent home team Jamaica Scorpions meet the Guyana Jaguars.

And, fireworks are also expected to fly, when strugglers Leeward Islands Hurricanes host Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Warner Park.

Scorpions vs Jaguars in Florence Hall, Jamaica Scorpions have surged into third place in the Championship table following two wins, including a sevenwicket victory over the Jaguars on the road in the fourth round. The Jags’ defence of their title hit a further snag, when a strong second innings batting performance from Volcanoes held them to a draw in the previous round.

This sets up the battleground for an intense contest between the two sides with the Scorpions eyeing a third successive win to keep their surge on course and the Jaguars seeking to get back on track. Scorpions’ will to win is enhanced by the reality that they have won their last two matches against the Jags, including this corresponding fixture last season, when they clinched an eight-wicket triumph.

They will be hoping the change of scenery from Sabina Park in the Jamaica capital of Kingston does not affect the trend and that they can complete a season sweep and stop the Jaguars from returning the favour of a defeat on home soil. Both teams have been forced to make changes to their line-ups, but the Scorpions appear to be the hardest hit. Hardworking pacer Derval Green has been sidelined with injury; offspinner Peat Salmon, the hero of the previous match between the two sides, has been suspended from bowling by CWI because of a suspect action; and Guyanese lefthander Assad Fudadin,

whose intimate knowledge of the opposition could be useful, has been omitted because of poor form.

Jaguars have brought spinner Gudakesh Motie and Akshaya Persaud into replace Test leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo and Shimron Hetmyer, who has flown to Sri Lanka to be part of the West Indies Twenty20 International squad for their imminent series against the hosts. This will be a memorable match for Jaguars left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul, if he plays. He will be appearing in his 100th match in the Championship for the visitors, becoming only the sixth player in domestic West Indies firstclass matches to have achieved this landmark. A number of other players stand on the threshold of personal milestones which could be accomplished in the match, if they play: Squads: SCORPIONS (from): John Campbell (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Gordon Bryan, Dennis Bulli, Nicholson Gordon, Patrick Harty Jr, Jamie Merchant, Marquino Mindley, Paul Palmer Jr, Denis Smith, Alwyn Williams, Oraine Williams.

IN–Bryan, Bulli, A. Williams; OUT–Assad Fudadin, Derval Green, Peat Salmon JAGUARS (from): Leon Johnson (captain), Christopher Barnwell, Anthony Bramble, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Chanderpaul Hemraj, Keon Joseph, Veerasammy Permaul, Akshaya Persaud, Raymon Reifer, Kevin Sinclair, Vishaul Singh, Nial Smith. IN–Motie, Persaud; OUT–Devendra Bishoo, Shimron Hetmyer.

UMPIRES: Christopher Wright, Leslie Reifer Jr (Barbados) MATCH REFEREE: Denovan Hayles RESERVE UMPIRE: Collin Bryan Pride vs Volcanoes in Bridgetown, Barbados For a number of reasons, both sides are keyed up for this contest. Pride will be facing the only side that has beaten them this season and hoping that home advantage will count again, as it has twice already. But Volcanoes will be looking to bring their newfound stability into play and look to complete the season sweep against their hosts.

Pride ended the first half of the season with four wins on the trot and a fifth over a side that from time to time has been their bogey would be welcomed. Volcanoes have drawn three of the four matches they have played

since that opening victory and will be keen to give more proof of their resilience.

Squads: PRIDE (from): Kraigg Brathwaite (captain), Shamarh Brooks, Shane Dowrich, Dominic Drakes, Justin Greaves, Keon Harding, Chemar Holder, Kyle Mayers, Shayne Moseley, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Kevin Stoute, Jomel Warrican. IN–Warrican; OUT–Camarie Boyce.

VOLCANOES (from): Kavem Hodge (captain), Alick Athanaze, Roland Cato, Keron Cottoy, Andre Fletcher, Ryan John, Ray Jordan, Desron Maloney, Preston McSween, Shane Shillingford, Devon Smith, Emmanuel Stewart, Josh Thomas. IN–John, Thomas; OUT–Shermon Lewis, Bhaskar Yadram.

UMPIRES: Johnathan Blades, Ryan Banwarie (Guyana) MATCH REFEREE: Stephen Proverbs RESERVE UMPIRE: Ryan Willoughby Hurricanes vs Red Force in Basseterre, St. Kitts Hurricanes will be seeking to quickly put the first half of the season behind them, having lost four of their first five matches. Red Force have gone off track with two defeats and a rain-marred draw, after an encouraging start.

Both teams, therefore, will be hoping that the second half of the season can bring them good fortune and they can finish strongly.

Red Force have dominated the contests between the two sides in the Professional Cricket League era of the Championship, winning six of the previous 11 matches, including an emphatic innings and 168-run victory in the second round of this season at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. The Hurricanes squad is practically settled and with the return of pacer Jeremiah Louis to the squad, they could assemble the firepower to put the Red Force under pressure, but it will require their batting, which has badly let them down, to come to life.

Red Force have made sweeping changes and hoping that the return of longserving leg-spin bowling allrounder Imran Khan, international left-arm spinner Khary Pierre and experienced pacer Anderson Phillip can spark a turnaround.

Squads: HURRICANES (from): Jahmar Hamilton (captain), Sheno Berridge, Rahkeem Cornwall, Nino Henry, Montcin Hodge, Amir (Continued on page 31)

Country Coordinator Brian Joseph hails project a success; seeking to expand Having fun at the Concacaf Next Play Festival yesterday at the GFF National Training Facility.

By Franklin Wilson The ten Primary Schools which formed part of the Concacaf Next Play Pilot Project were yesterday part of a grand festival at the GFF National Training Facility which brought the curtains down on the project here following the training of coaches last year.

Designed to foster the social values of respect, inclusion, teamwork and integrity, the programme saw the Teachers who were trained, working with the 10-selected students ever since and yesterday was the culmination of this phase of the project.

National Coordinator, Guyana Football Federation’s Brian Joseph speaking with the media yesterday, said that the programme kicked off last September and saw the Coaches/Teachers working with the students once weekly where they linked the football sessions with some of the social challenges being faced in their respective communities.”So today is just a culmination, just a festival where we brought all the schools back together to play

and have some fun and then we will use the opportunity to also remind them of some of the discussions they would have had over the weeks of the programme.”

Joseph shared that the feedback from the schools has been very encouraging as they have been asking for a continuation and expansion of the programme which he noted is in keeping with Concacaf ’s aim. ”When Concacaf started the programme, that was the idea that at the end of the initial phase, schools will see the need to continue working with the programme, so we’ve gotten that kind of feedback.

Also, we’re contemplating trying to include some other schools, the Concacaf programme is going to be extended beyond the ten schools that are here initially, and we can’t wait for that to get on board so more schools can participate.”

One of the overall objectives of the programme was to attract new players to the game of football and in this case, some 100 kids participated. ”And from a social aspect it’s

STSC 7-a-side football set for tomorrow South Turkeyen Sports Committee will be hosting a 7-aside football, Tapeball and softball competitions for school teams tomorrow at the Carifesta Sports Complex, starting at 10:00hrs.

Among the teams taking part are; Chase Academy, Queen’s College, Marian Academy, Kingston, ST. John’s, The Bishop’s and Lodge.

Meanwhile, I A overcame 1 B in their semifinal encounter of the Queen’s College Sports Committee Inter Class cricket competition played recently.

Batting first, I B scored 47 from their allocation of four overs With Shaquan Fullerton scoring 18. IA replied with 50 in four overs. Sachin Jones scored 26 not out.

more of trying to link football practices to some of the challenges that they may face at home, some of the social challenges, so I think it is a fantastic programme that was able to do that link so we have rounded kids growing up.”

Joseph noted that one of the tools used for the selection process was to identify players who were not involved in clubs and the game.

Each school received equipment to facilitate the training sessions which they would keep as they strive to keep the programme going. ”But from a football federation standpoint, we are also looking to expand this programme, provide more equipment, and provide more training so that the programme can continue.”

The participating Primary Schools from Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 were Blankenburg, Friendship, Victoria, Lichfield, New Amsterdam, Aidan’s, Coomacka, Sophia, Agricola and Tucville.

According to Concacaf, the Next Play programme aims “to inspire the love for our game and provide children with access to more opportunities to play football across our 41 Member Associations.

Through the sport, we are promoting values, leadership and healthy lifestyles. Our aim is to deliver an official Football and Education School Program to be implemented in the public school system by engaging in meaningful and sustainable ways with local communities and using football as a tool for education and positive social c h a n g e . ” GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood also attended yesterday’s activity.

Thursday February 27, 2020

W.D.C.A President’s T20 Independence B, A, CI,McGill, Belle Vue, Canal SC triumph Independence B, Independence A, Cornelia Ida, Mc Gill SC, Belle Vue and Canal Number Two SC registered victories when the latest round of matches in the West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) President’s T20 cup concluded on Sunday last.

At Joe Vieira Park, Sawpit CC took first strike and managed 103 all out in 12.3 overs.

Imran Khan scored 35 and Kevin Ragnauth 21; Terry Narine and Harrichand Persaud took two wickets each. Independence SC B responded with B 108-6 in 12.2; Quazim Yussuf made 39 and Aaron Sewpersaud 27; Andy Joe and Khan had two wickets each.

Independence A batted first and scored 151 all out in 19 overs against New Windsor; Safraz Esau made 40 and Vivian Beckles 32; Deo Deonarine took 3-32, Raj Rajroop 2-10. New Windsor were sent packing for 62 in 15 in reply. Ramesh Thakur made 30; Anand Bharat bagged 6-4 and Ricky Sergeant took 2-4.

At Meten-Meer-Zorg, Zeeburg made 132 all out in 19 overs, batting first. Yutesh Dhanpaul scored 39 and Malcom Hubbard 26; Vickesh Dhaniram grabbed 6-22 and Richie Looknauth 2-12.

Cornelia Ida made 135-1 in 15.1 overs, in reply. Arshad Azim led with 56 not out while Looknauth scored an unbeaten 50.

Mc Gill opted to bat and managed 119-6 versus Meten-Meer-Zorg. Azar Deen made 25, Kheshram Seyhodan 15, Troy Persaud 14 (3×4), Travis Persaud 12 (2×4); Sheldon Alexander snared 3-14 and Mahendra Nandkishore 3-15. Host Meten-Meer-Zorg responded with 81-8. Jermaine Maxwell scored 22 and Reaz Khan 20; Abdul Razack 3-25 and Daniel Basdeo 2-12.

At Belle Vue, Wales took first turn in the middle and managed 141-7. James Champayne scored 32 and Ryan Shan 31; Randy Ramrup claimed 3-14, Krishan Singh 2-23. Belle Vue replied with 146-4 in 16.3. Colin Boucher made 35, Anjula Bowman 27; Young Dayal took 2-31. Dynasty defeated Windsor Forest B. At Canal Number Two, Windsor Forest A made 1557. Deoram Chanderbir struck 80 and Avinesh Ganesh 27; Narendra Persaud captured 426, Seecharran Persaud 2-21.

Canal No. Two Sports Club

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Kaieteur News

Anand Bharat

Deoram Chanderbir

responded 159-2. Chabiraj Ramcharan made 81 while Taijnath Jadunath scored 28.

Deendyal Guyadeen had 2-14.

W.D.C.A - Beacon Cafe 50 overs At Belle Vue on Monday, All Youths B were bowled out for 61in 24.5 overs, taking first strike. Harrinarine Bissondyal grabbed 4-3 and Muhammed Wazidali 3-7. Cornelia Ida responded with 63-3 in 8.2 overs. Richie Looknauth got 26 and Richard Sukhdeo 18.

At Joe Vieira Park, All Youths A batted first and scored 155 all out in 30.1 overs. Ganesh Persaud made 40 and Ameir Imran 30; Ricky Sergeant 3-18 and Clevern Williamson 3-26. Independence A replied with 154 all out in 21.4 overs. Safraz Esau

scored 49 and Ricky Sergeant 30; Ganesh Persaud snared 419.

Chabiraj Ramcharan

Richie Looknauth (right) and Arshad Azim

Windies hand Pakistan victory with ordinary effort

Diana Baig is congratulated by her team-mates. (Getty Images) CANBERRA, Australia, CMC – Sloppy West Indies lost to Pakistan for only the second time in Twenty20 Internationals when they slumped to an eight-wicket defeat here yesterday, in their second match of the Women’s T20 World Cup. In a Group B contest at Manuka Oval, the Caribbean side could only muster 124 for seven off their 20 overs in a lacklustre effort, and Pakistan chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, to make a winning start to their campaign.

Captain Bismah Maroof stroked an unbeaten 38 off 37 balls while Player-of-theMatch Javeria Khan struck 35 from 28 deliveries and fellow opener Muneeba Ali, a breezy 25 from 26 balls.

West Indies did themselves no favours, however,

bowling loosely early on, conceding precious runs and missing a run out with untidy ground fielding before Chedean Nation put down Nida Dar (18 not out) late in the encounter off seamer Shakera Selman.

The result left the top four teams in Group B all on two points with minnows Thailand bottom after going winless in their two outings.

Sent in earlier, West Indies needed joint top scores of 43 from captain Stafanie Taylor and Shemaine Campbelle to get up to their eventual total.

They were tottering on 28 for three in the seventh over but the pair stitched up the innings in a 63-run fourth wicket stand to repair the damage.

Hayley Matthews was adjudged lbw to the first ball of the game from seamer

Diana Baig (2-19), with subsequent replays showing the delivery missing leg stump.

Her opening partner LeeAnn Kirby clobbered three fours in an 11-ball 16 before slicing Baig to point in the fifth over and Deandra Dottin spent 10 balls over one before holing out to long on off veteran off-spinner Nida Dar (2-30).

Both Campbelle and Taylor struck a couple of fours and sixes as they consolidated for West Indies but after only reaching 44 for three at the half-way stage of the innings, the pressure eventually told.

Campbelle perished lbw in the 17th over, missing a reverse sweep at left-arm spinner Anam Amin and being given out on referral while Taylor followed in the (Continue don page 31)

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 27, 2020

Fernando, Mendis tons help Sri Lanka clinch ODI series with Windies rout AFP - Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis hit centuries as Sri Lanka thrashed West Indies by 161 runs in the second one-day international to clinch the series yesterday.

Fernando, who blasted 127, and Mendis, who made 119, put on 239 runs in Sri Lanka’s highest third-wicket stand as the hosts amassed 345 for eight after being put into bat in Hambantota.

Wrist spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Lakshan Sandakan took three wickets each as Sri Lanka bowled out the visitors for 184 in 39.1 overs and take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after edging the first game by one wicket.

But it was Fernando and Mendis who made Sri Lanka bounce back from nine for two to record their highest ODI total against the West Indies. The island nation also recorded their biggest win in terms of runs against the West Indies.

Sheldon Cottrell struck twice on successive bals in the fourth over of the match to send back skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, for one, and Kusal Perera, for nought in his 100th ODI, before Mendis denied the bowler his hattrick.

Mendis got one reprieve on two when West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard dropped a simple chance at first slip off Jason Holder. He went on to score his second one-day hundred.

Mendis and Fernando, who hit his career-best ODI score in 123 balls, smashed 22

Shai Hope goes through the leg side © Associated Press

fours between them.

Fast bowler Alzarri Joseph finally claimed the centurions in the space of 14 deliveries, and then bowled former captain Angelo Mathews for one.

Cottrell dented Sri Lanka’s middle-order with the wickets of Thisara Perera, for 36, and Dhananjaya de Silva, for 12, to end with figures of 4-67.

But Hasaranga, 17 off 10, and Isuru Udana, unbeaten

17 off nine, put on 29 runs for the eighth wicket to make Sri Lanka finish with a flourish.

West Indies were never in the chase despite a 64-run opening stand between Shai Hope, who top-scored with 51, and Sunil Ambris.

Ambris, who was dropped

by Sandakan on seven off paceman Nuwan Pradeep, was the first to depart after being run out for 17.

Hope completed his 16th

Albion Community Center Cricket Club name subcommittees for 2000 The newly elected executive committee of the Albion Community Centre Cricket Club, under the presidency of Vemen Walter met recently and named the Club’s various SubCommittees, captains and vice-captains of the Club’s respective teams among for the year 2020.

The selection committee will be chaired by Walter and will include Vice President Orvin Mangru and Roger Mc Donald, along with the manager and captain of the respective teams.

Imtiaz Bacchus, the Club’s Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer, heads the Disciplinary Committee with Prem Khanai and Karamchand Harripersaud being the other members.

Mangru will chair the Cricket Development Committee with Khanai and West Indies Leg-Spinner Devendra Bishoo making up

the reminder of that committee.

Treasurer David Brigbhukan is the chairman of the fund-raising committee which also comprises of Bacchus, Mangru, Khanai and Harripersaud. This committee will be allowed to incorporate other members.

West Indies left-armspinner Veerasammy Permaul was re-appointed as captain of the Club’s First Division Team with fellow West Indies spinner Devendra Bishoo as his deputy. In the event that both Permaul and Bishoo are unavailable, Gudakesh Motie or Anthony Bramble will lead the team.

Sharaz Ramcharran will captain the Club’s Second Division Team with Adrian Sukhwa as his deputy.

Wi c k e t k e e p e r / b a t s m a n Rayaad Karim will captain the Club’s U 21 Team with national Under 19 left-armspinner Kelvin Umroa his

vice-captain.Karim and Sarwan Chaitnarine are the captain and vice-captain respectively of the U19 team while Tameshwar Mahadeo will captain the U 17 Team with Damien Cecil his deputy.

Cecil is the Club’s U 15 captain with Kumar Deopersaud as the vicecaptain while Devin Lalbehari and Ritesh Natoor is the captain and vice-captain respectively of the Club’s U13 team.

The Club’s various teams will be managed by Omarnauth Outar with Khanai and Brigbhukan providing assistance.

Walter and Outar will represent the Club at the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) level with Outar and Mangru being the Club’s two representatives on the Albion Community Centre Council.

Brigbhukan was also reappointed the Club’s Public Relations Officer (PRO).

ODI half-century but soon fell to Mathews.

Hasaranga was spot on with his leg spin googly as he bowled Pollard for a first ball duck and castled Jason Holder for three.

A floodlight failure delayed Sri Lanka’s victory march by 15 minutes as Nuwan Pradeep, who took two wickets, and Sandakan combined to wipe off the tail.

The final match is in Kandy on Sunday.

As coronavirus looms over Olympics...

From page 33 said in parliament.

By mid-afternoon yesterday, Japan had close to 170 cases of infections from the flu-like virus, separate from the 691 reported from a cruise ship quarantined off Tokyo this month.

The disease that originated in China’s central city of Wuhan late last year has spread rapidly, infecting about 80,000 people globally and killing more than 2,700, the vast majority in mainland China.

Japan has shifted strategy in fighting the contagion, seeking to slow its spread and minimize the number of deaths.

Earlier yesterday the minister in charge of the Olympics sought to quell fears the event could be canceled.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound said the Games were more likely to be canceled than postponed or moved if the

virus threat forced a schedule change, the Associated Press said, with a decision needed by May. “The IOC is preparing for the Tokyo games as scheduled,” Minister Seiko Hashimoto said in parliament, when asked about Pound’s comment. “We will continue our preparations so that the IOC can make sound decisions.”

Last week Tokyo postponed training for Olympic volunteers, and on Wednesday, Toshiro Muto, chief executive of the organizing committee, said it would scale back the torch relay to limit spread of the virus.

Japan’s professional baseball organization said it would hold all matches scheduled until March 15 without spectators.

Separately the national sumo association told Reuters a board meeting on March 1 would discuss whether to proceed with a

spring tournament due to start in Osaka on March 8. Japan’s professional soccer league has already called off all domestic games in the first half of March.

The shadow over the Olympics grew as advertising giant Dentsu Group Inc, which is deeply involved in the Games, told employees to work at home after an infection at its Tokyo headquarters.

Its shares hit a sevenyear low amid the Games concerns.

Property developer Mitsubishi Estate Co said one of its skyscrapers in the Marunouchi business district had been visited by an infected person.

Three infections were confirmed on Wednesday in Hokkaido, while checks on an elderly person who died the previous day in the city of Hakodate confirmed a fourth, Governor Naomichi Suzuki told a news conference.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 27, 2020

GT bested by Suriname in over-40 Charlestown Secondary win NSC Al Sport Volleyball football

T

he goodwill over-40 three match series between Georgetown over-40 masters and Ratio Masters out of Paramaribo, Suriname, is now tied after Ratio Masters got the better of the GT men at home with a needling victory last weekend.

The match was contested at the mecca of football in city, Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and where Fineal Burgzorge found the back of the net in the 22nd minute, a strike which proved enough to sink the Guyanese.

Georgetown over-40 masters had toured Suriname for the first leg in December and the GT men had prevailed 2-0 with Gerald Wittington being responsible for both goals in the 10th and 23rd minutes of the match to

Omaly Massiah (left) and Dr. Jose DaSilva of Modern Optical (center) pose with Ratio Masters’ skipper for a photo-op. lead his side to victory.

GT Masters will now have to travel to Suriname this April where the series will be decided.

The sponsors of the last weekend’s match were Bounty Farm, Da Silva’s optical, Oasis Café and Sam Sittlington.

Charlestown Government Secondary boys take a photo to celebrate their victory.

Charlestown Government Secondary School captured the National Sports Commission (NSC) - AL Sport & Tour Promotions Inaugural “Hit It For 50” schoolboys Volleyball competition played at the National Gymnasium.

The event was organised by Sports Officer A. Munroe.

In the final, Charlestown defeated

Region 3’s Goed Fortuin Secondary 50-49 points to claim the title.

In results from other matches In the third-place playoff; Queenstown Secondary defeated Tucville Secondary 5032. Tucville Secondary 15 lost to Goed Fortuin 50, and Charlestown Government Secondary 50, beat Queenstown Secondary 38.

Mae’s Secondary record mixed fortunes As coronavirus looms over Olympics, Japan in FBF NSC Al Sport Windball cricket PM urges two-week curbs on sports events

M

ae’s Secondary recorded mixed fortunes in the Girls and Boys segments following latest results in the Forbes Burnham Foundation (FBF) National Sports Commission (NSC) AL Sport & Tour Promotions sponsored “Hit It For 50” Schools Windball Cricket competition organised by Sports Officer A. Munroe and played at the National Gymnasium.

In the Girls department Mae’s Secondary rattled up 123-0 with Christine Ramdial hitting 82 (6s-9) and

Tillaya Madramootoo 30, but lost to East Ruimveldt Secondary who responded with 126-0 with Yosonda Hoppie making 36.

University of Guyana scored 138 to beat L’Aventure Secondary who were held at 87-1 with Sarah Huges 24.

C a m i l l e ’s A c a d e m y batted to reach 112-2 with Stacy Flores 82(6s-14).

Charlestown Government Secondary overhauled the target reaching 113-0 with Althea Barnwell 56 and Donna Lowe 43.

University of Guyana 148-1 with Akaze Thompson

97 (6s-10) defeated Charlestown Government Secondary who made 57-3 with Shania Maglorie 30.

In the Boys department The Business School scored 106-3 with Jeffrey Blair 64. Mae’s Secondary responded with 107-0 for victory with Vikash Seeram 56 and Rickesh Singh 45.

East Ruimveldt secondary made 78-1, Ranaldo Baldeo 30; Charlestown Government Secondary 80-0 in reply with Myhien Khan 48 in the win.

More matches were set for yesterday.

Anna Regina Multilateral pays courtesy call on Director of Sport

Students in the NSC Board room along with Seon Erskine during the visit.

The Anna Regina Multilateral School, during their annual visit to Sports facilities in Region 4, also paid a courtesy call on Director of Sport Christopher Jones at his Homestretch Avenue Office.The visiting students and teacher had an opportunity to interact with the

Coaches and Sports Officer of the NSC.They also received a donation of sports equipment which was presented to them by Seon Erskine, Technical Development Officer at the NSC. Also present was the Region 2 Sports Officer Debra Daniels.

TOKYO (Reuters) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called yesterday for sports and cultural events to be scrapped or curtailed for two weeks, as two more coronavirus deaths heightened concerns the contagion might scupper the summer Tokyo Olympics.

Abe’s call came as Tokyo’s baseball league said it would hold games without spectators until March 15.

Two businesses in central Tokyo confirmed infections a day after the government told firms to get staff to work from home or stagger commutes.

An 80-year-old man who

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe (Kimimasa Mayama/ Pool via REUTERS) had not traveled overseas and had no known contact with an infected person died in a Tokyo hospital, media

reported, while the northern island of Hokkaido - the region most affected after Tokyo, reported a death, taking Japan’s total to six, including four from a cruise liner.

Hokkaido will close some schools from Thursday through March 4.

“Taking into account that the next one to two weeks are extremely important in stopping the spread of infection, the government considers there to be a large risk of transmission at sports, cultural events and large gatherings of people,” Abe (Continued on page 34)

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Thursday February 27, 2020

Thursday February 27, 2020

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Kaieteur News

Grassroots development priority on GRFU’s agenda National coaches selected

By Calvin Chapman he newly elected e x e c u t i v e committee of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) that is headed

by Ryan Dey has put grassroots development and decentralisation on the front burner for local rugby.

Speaking to Kaieteur S p o r t y e s t e r d a y, D e y explained that grassroots development is needed in order to improve and maintain a high level of competitiveness by the national ruggers throughout the years, while the decentralisation of the sport from Georgetown will allow for some fresh faces and legs to have the opportunity to represent the Golden Arrowhead.

Guyana enjoyed great spells of dominance at the Rugby Americas North (RAN) level in the past but recently there has been a decline in the level of competition expected by the ‘Green Machine’which the incumbent President believes is due to the small player pool.

“The GRFU has always been a democracy and I believe that we as a body have failed to have contingencies for the unavailability of our elite players which has costed us dearly in the recent past,” Dey mentioned.

He further added that, “ We h a v e g r a s s r o o t s

T

development officers that will do outreach programmes in schools and it is in our aim, by the end of our two-year tenure, to have Berbice and Linden-based squads to rival the Georgetown players for spots in the national setup.”

The new executive that was elected into office earlier in the year is currently putting together their calendar of events. Dey explained that there will be no ad-hoc ran rugby tournaments. All local tournaments will be contested within normal rugby season periods of February-May and AugustNovember.

In the pipeline are a 7s and 10s tournaments that will be played next month in conjunction with National training in preparation to play Trinidad and Tobago this April at home in a 15s fixture.

The bugbear of having sufficient rugby pitches available still lingers but the President is optimistic that the pitch in the middle of the National Park Athletics track will be available for the important fixture.

In other rugby news, a correspondence from the Public Relation department of the GRFU late yesterday, announced the names of the elected National coaches that will be leading Guyana’s ruggers, at every participatory regional and international level.

Ryan Dey - President of the GRFU. The names of the coaches and their assistants are listed below.

Under 19 Head Coach: Laurence Adonis Assistant Coach: Oslen Ollivierre Senior Men 15s Head Coach: Laurence Adonis Assistant Coach: Oslen Ollivierre Senior Men 7’s Head Coach: Theodore ‘Theo’ Henry Assistant Coach: Kevin ‘Buck’ McKenzie WomenHead Coach: Kenneth ‘Shane’ GrantStuart Assistant Coach: Sabola ‘Sabby’ Gray The coaches’ tenure will run concurrently with the two year tenure of the current executive.

Laurence Adonis Sabola ‘Sabby’ under-19 and men’s 15s coach. Gray - women’s coach.

Theodore ‘Theo’ Henry - men’s 7s head coach.

Competitive rugby returns next month with 7s and 10s tourneys that will be played concurrently.

Fernando, Mendis tons rt o p help Sri Lanka clinch ODI S GABBFF 2020 Novices series with Windies rout Windies hand Championships/Mr. Linden Classic Fitness Express and Samuel Pakistan victory Hardy arewith main sponsors ordinary effort p.28

P.30

Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis (left) and Avishka Fernando put on 239 runs against the West Indies at the Sooriyawewa Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota.

(AFP / Lakruwan Wanniarachchi)

Captain Stafanie Taylor gathers runs through the offside during her joint top score of 43.

Concacaf Next Play Pilot Project concludes Coordinator Brian Joseph with Festival hailsCountry project a success; seeking to expand

Participants from the ten primary schools that participated in the GFF leg Concacaf Next Play Pilot Project which concluded yesterday at the GFF National Training Center.

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