Guyana Times Friday February 14, 2020

General and Regional Elections

Persons with disabilities lobby for more conducive laws P16

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 4196

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

“Marriott” name touted without franchise granted for Ogle hotel See stories on pages 3 and 7

– Govt sells prime GuySuCo lands for under $70M to TT firm ...deal duplicitous, lacks transparency, elections gimmick – Opposition Leader

12-year-old attacked, robbed of cellular phone …suffered fractured skull Page 8

PRICE

$80 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE: Integrity Commission

Non-declaration of assets P17 lawlessness – Mark Phillips

GAWU rejects GuySuCo’s 1% pay rise offer P9

Tomb-raiders caught redhanded in Le Repentir Cemetery P16

Unidentified woman killed in Linden – Soesdyke P16 Highway accident

Marcus Bisram PI

People's Progressive Party/Civic Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali shares a photo moment with excited residents of Leguan, Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) on Thursday where he held a public meeting to discuss the Party’s plan for the development of Guyana

With only 17 days until elections

Political parties sign pact to campaign without hate speech, violence See stories on pages 7 and 17

…ERC must enforce penalties for breaches – Jagdeo

Witness takes evidence stand as crossP18 examination goes into evening Berbice P18 teacher robbed during home invasion

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3 “Marriott” name touted without franchise granted for Ogle hotel NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, February 14 – 09:00h – 10:30h and Saturday, February 15 – 10:00h -11:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, February 14 – 08:10h – 09:40h and Saturday, February 15 – 09:05h – 10:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine will prevail throughout the day. There will be clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 20 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 1.34 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 08:20h and 20:47h reaching maximum heights of 2.61 metres and 2.51 metres.

Low Tide: 01:53h and 14:18h reaching minimum heights of 0.61 metre and 0.62 metre.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2020

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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…Govt sells prime GuySuCo lands for under $70M to TT firm

O

ver two acres of prime lands that were owned by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) have been sold for less than $70 million to a Trinidad-based company that will be constructing a new AC Marriott Hotel in Guyana.

Since the announcement of US$75 million deal, there have been many questions raised about the project, details of which were unknown. However, at the sod-turning ceremony for the construction of the hotel at Plantation Ogle (past the Eugene F Correia International Airport), East Coast Demerara, on Thursday, officials sought to defend the project but were not able to offer clarity on pertinent aspects of the deal.

Privatisation Specialist (ag) at the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), Racheal Henry, told reporters that the GuySuCo lands were vested to NICIL in 2017. 2.61 acres were sold to Triniyuana Investment Inc last year at the cost of $26 million per acre. According to Henry, the land was valued by Government evaluators.

Meanwhile, Head of NICIL, Colvin HeathLondon, told reporters that the lands were advertised in 2017 for investment opportunities. He, however, did not provide details about how many investors expressed interest and what process NICIL used to make its decision to go with Triniyuana Investment Inc. However, Chief Executive Office of Triniyuana Investment Inc, John Aboud, said he did not know that the lands were for sale. He explained that his investment firm had submitted an expression of interest (EoI) to construct a hotel here last year and was pitched the location at Ogle.

The use of the GuySuCo lands for this infrastructure project comes on the heels of the incumbent APNU/AFC Administration promising displaced sugar workers leased lands for agricultural use since most were unable to find employment.

According to the Trinidadian businessman, discussions for the project with NICIL started in March 2019. However, he noted that the local company, Triniyuana Investment Inc, was not incorporated until July 2019 after they were guaranteed the realisation of the project.

“It made no sense forming the company when you had no business, so once we established the fact that there was a real opportunity of doing something, we decided to form the company,” Aboud noted.

Duty concessions

He went on to say that

we’re going through now with them,” the Triniyuana CEO said.

No geotechnical study

NICIL Head Colvin Heath-London, Business Minister Haimraj Rajkumar and Triniyuana Investment Inc CEO John Aboud turn the sod for the construction of the US$75 million AC Marriott Hotel at Ogle as GMSA President Clinton Williams looks on

they have already submitted all of their applications, including those for concessions from the Guyana Government and are now awaiting responses. Aboud said that they are looking to get import duty concessions on the equipment and raw materials needed for the construction as well as income tax concessions.

No franchise agreement

Responding

to

ques-

tions about building under the Marriott brand, Aboud further noted that the AC Marriott Hotel has a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Marriott International Inc and they are currently negotiating the financial terms.

“The LoI is signed off, it’s just a question of, before you actually sign the franchise agreement, how much commission you have to pay them, what are the royalty fees – those are the things

He explained that part of the problem of not finalising this as yet is because they are awaiting the geotechnical study, which is yet to be done, in order to understand and determine what kind of structure they will build.

With the necessary applications already submitted, Aboud related that once the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives a ‘goahead’, they will commence works to develop the land – land grading and filling – before actual infrastructural construction starts.

The Triniyuana Boss further posited that he is hoping to have Guyanese labourers work on the project since it would be cheaper than bringing in persons.

However, in cases where they have to bring in specialists, they will be working along with Guyanese to build capacity here.

TURN TO PAGE 18

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Hypocritically taking credit

I

t has become almost laughable to see the Government firmly embracing some infrastructural projects which were envisaged and commenced by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with any government continuing developmental projects and policies started by previous leadership. As a matter of fact, as long as these are sound and beneficial to the populace, very little argument can be made against their continuity. In many cases, the citizenry expects just that. What therefore makes the current situation different?

The answer will gradually unfold, but first, the context must be reminded of. During the PPP/C’s minority government of 2011-2015, many major transformational projects were already on the table with some at different stages of implementation. These include the Amaila Falls Hydro, the expansion and modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), expansion of the East Bank and East Coast thoroughfares and the Specialty Hospital.

These visionary endeavours, like the Berbice Bridge, the National Stadium and the Marriott Hotel, were not only designed to further advance the country’s then ongoing unprecedented development but to better position it to meet new demands faced by every developing nation. Having witnessed Guyana’s transformation from a highly indebted poor country to a developing one within the tenure of the PPP/C Administration, Guyanese, whose lives were positively impacted and many of whom eventually only familiar with modernity, were expectant of further advancement.

Who would not have wanted a state-of-the-art airport with protection from the elements? Who would not have wanted reliable, cheaper and cleaner electricity which would have reduced manufacturing costs redounding in cheaper local products? Who would not have wanted the services of a modern hospital with treatment in specialised areas? The only set of people who appeared to not have wanted these projects is the current Government when in Opposition. It, therefore, begs the question of why 33 people would have then not wanted their motherland to further progress?

While the mere thought of asking the question is in itself mindboggling, the reality is that a set of Guyanese lawmakers squashed those transformational projects under the Donald Ramotar Administration. One may objectively not want to deny their concerns of reportedly high costs for obvious reasons. But despite being afforded all the information regarding feasibility studies, recouping revenue and benefits to the nation, even interaction with major players as in the case of the Amaila Hydro, they refused to see the value in these undertakings.

A flabbergasted nation was at pains of trying to come to grips with what played out, then resulting in the scuttling of the Amaila Hydro and the Specialty Hospital. Many analyses were attempted to unearth some rationality in their decision, but none was forthcoming. It may be because the answer lay in politics rather than in objectivity, rationality and concern for Guyanese welfare. Politically, the power of the combined one-seat majority was ruthlessly wielded to demonstrate the belief of who controls the seat of power. Unfortunately, it wasn’t just about whom, but about the assumed power itself, and the brandishing of it with scant regard if it compromised the future.

But what has changed since? Why would the same set of people officially in the seat of power now boast of some of these projects which they had previously blanked? How now some of these projects make sense when just a few years ago they did not? Again, politics seem most plausible; a time for noise and a time for silence; don’t support fearful the then Government looks good. If this were to hold true, then the transgression into the realm of hypocrisy cannot be discounted.

Therefore, it is difficult to dismiss the audacity to now take credit and boast of someone else’s idea and vision as an unbridled display of hypocrisy. This obviously is in the context of once killing and burying it and now raising its flag in adoration.

One positive is that Guyanese can eventually benefit from what was originally intended if these projects are executed as designed.

It appears another confirmation of the boundless potential for hypocrisy.

A Singapore Air Force F-15SG fighter jet participates in an aerial display at the Singapore Airshow (AFP)

China reports big rise in coronavirus deaths, WHO sees no “tip of iceberg”

T

he Chinese province at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak reported a record rise in deaths and thousands of more infections using a broader definition on Thursday, while Japan became the third place outside mainland China to suffer a fatality.

The epidemic has given China’s ruling Communist Party one of its sternest challenges in years, constrained the world’s second-largest economy and triggered a purge of provincial bureaucrats.

With China’s streets, restaurants and flower markets bare, a miserable Valentine’s Day was expected on Friday.

Japan confirmed its first coronavirus death - a woman in her 80s living in Kanagawa prefecture near Tokyo – adding to two previous fatalities in Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Japan is one of the worst affected of more than two dozen other countries and territories that have seen hundreds of infections from the flu-like sickness.

The Japanese woman fell ill in January but only later showed symptoms of pneumonia and was hospitalized, with coronavirus confirmed after her death and the contagion route under investigation, the health minister said.

However, the big jump in China’s reported cases reflects a decision by authorities there to reclassify a backlog of suspected cas-

Women wear masks and plastic raincoats as protection from coronavirus at a subway station in Shanghai, China, as the country is hit by an outbreak of the novel coronavirus

es by using patients’ chest images, and is not necessarily the “tip of an iceberg” of a wider epidemic, a top World Health Organization official said on Thursday.

Mike Ryan, head of WHO’s health emergencies program, said that more than 14,000 new cases reported in Hubei province overnight came after a change to include results from quicker computerized tomography (CT) scans that reveal lung infections, rather than relying just on laboratory tests to confirm cases.

“We’ve seen this spike in the number of cases reported in China, but this does not represent a significant change in the trajec-

tory of the outbreak,” Ryan told a briefing in Geneva.

The biggest cluster of infections outside China is on a cruise liner now quarantined off a Japanese port and a further 44 cases were reported on board on Thursday, raising the total to 219. But authorities said some elderly people would finally to be allowed to disembark on Friday.

“Outside the cases on the Diamond Princess cruise ship we are not seeing a dramatic increase in transmission outside China,” the WHO’s Ryan said.

He added that the main UN health agency expected the rest of a special WHO team to arrive in China

over the coming weekend to investigative the epicentre of the epidemic.

US President Donald Trump praised China over its response and said Washington was working closely with Beijing.

“I think they’ve handled it professionally, and I think they’re extremely capable,” Trump said in a podcast broadcast on iHeart Radio.

But Trump’s top White House economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, was more critical. “We’re a little disappointed in the lack of transparency coming from the Chinese, these numbers are jumping around... there was some surprise,” he told reporters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

GAWU does not share Energy Dept cannot Lincoln’s views continue to play Guyanese public for fools Dear Editor, Guyana gets oil from Liza 1. See the oil tanker. See the oil tanker collecting one million barrels of oil. Look at the oil flow.

Look at the oil tanker go.

Go oil tanker, go! This is the Department of Energy’s information for Guyanese in a nutshell; delivered in ‘Dick and Jane’ style— fit for consumption of toddlers only.

Guyanese expected information in keeping with minimum standards of accountability and transparency.

The Government of Guyana refuses to be shamed, cajoled or otherwise forced into revealing the Shell Western Supply

and Trading Limited contract or its important terms.

ExxonMobil has received Brent Light Sweet plus a USD 6 Premium from the first lift. The first few lifts from a well are known to contain higher levels of salinity, sediments and other impurities. Guyanese should have been informed of the quality of every lift

by Bynoe’s DoE. Guyanese should be informed of the price assessed and attained for each lift, we would have been able to see the improvement in quality and price and have a basis for expectation of revenue inflow to the Natural Resource Fund.

Based on information avail-

able, one would expect to see a deposit of USD 66-67 million (depending on the Brent Crude daily price).

The actual first lift and sale of ‘profit oil’ will happen on the 18th of February.

The Department of Energy cannot continue to play the Guyanese public for fools.

A day of reckoning beckons and the ‘David G’ is a bus that has already run over the integrity of many. I would not like it to become another edition of a ‘Dick and Jane’ reader. This is Mark. Mark is in court. See Mark sweat...

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Opposition must be watchful and vigilant Dear Editor, The letter by Robin Singh entitled “Open letter to all Guyanese and foreign observers” which was featured in the Guyana Times edition of February 11, 2020, is appropriate, timely and revealing. There are other incidents to draw to the attention of the electorate, the public generally and the observer missions.

At the vote count at the close of the poll, Opposition scrutineers must be fully aware of ballots that are deemed spoilt.

At the national and re-

gional elections in 2011, at a polling division in West Bank Demerara, the Returning Officer deemed a vote whereby the voter’s X protruded marginally outside the box although it was undoubtedly indicated that it cast for the party next to the box. The vote is therefore valid, yet the Returning Officer deemed it spoilt despite the convincing representation by the scrutineer.

At last, the young brave female scrutineer requested a recount of the votes.

The exercise was done about two days later at the

Central Office of GECOM at Vreed-en-hoop, West Bank Demerara.

As the Presiding Officer went through each ballot, the young lady identified the vote which the Presiding Officer instantly declared valid. Opposition political parties must, therefore, be watchful and vigilant.

Certainly, there will be a large number of spoiled votes in the elections and through this way, rigging would be addressed.

Yours faithfully, Liebert Alleyne

Dear Editor, The GAWU has seen and considered Mr Lincoln Lewis’ letter titled “Good sense prevailed in the sugar workers’ struggle for better wages” which appeared in the February 13 Guyana Chronicle.

Contrary to Mr Lewis’ postulations, we are not discomfited by Mr Jagdeo’s advocacy on behalf of the sugar workers. We believe that the Leader of the Opposition has indeed recognised the plight of the workers and has spoken out, on several occasions, in their defence. While Lincoln may believe that Mr Jagdeo could have done more, that is his opinion and one which he is entitled to but one we cannot see eye-to-eye with him at the same time. Mr Lewis says that Mr Jagdeo did not, in his view, address the industry’s long-term sustainability. Again we must differ with Lincoln. We have pointed out before to the many tangible expressions of initiatives to engender the industry’s well-being.

While indeed some did not turn out as expected, we cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater and argue that nothing was done.

Lincoln speaks again about the EU monies for sugar. Previously, we had shared with him how those monies were utilised and it appears he has ignored what was said. We don’t believe we need to repeat this again. Reference is also made to the closure of an estate during the tenure of President Jagdeo. We sur-

mise Lincoln may be speaking about Diamond, though again we demonstrated that this estate was closed long before Mr Jagdeo ascended to the Presidency.

Both bleating repetitions have been answered and clarified before, yet they appear over and over un-meritoriously in our view.

We find it disturbing that Lincoln would see to invoke that our responses to his missives are somehow politically motivated.

One could argue that his missives are similarly inclined, though we do not believe this is the case. While we may not agree on issues, we want to advise Lincoln that we have no political motivations and rather all we seek to do is offer clarity and put matters in perspective. He, of course, is free to disagree as he is now.

While, of course, we have the right to consider or not consider what the World Bank said regarding Skeldon, at the same time, should we have ignored the promising potential as was demonstrated by the empirical evidence. Regarding the bond, isn’t wages one of the issues which comprise the day-to-day operations of the industry? While we are not saying that wages should be exclusively met from bond proceeds, at the same time, the bond is intended for investment, isn’t investment in the workers also worthwhile? But putting aside day-to-day operations, for the time being, Lincoln, quoting ostensibly the Trust Deed, says that the proceeds are intended

to finance “…the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s longterm project and capital expenditure to acquire two co-generation plants to upgrade existing factories to produce plantation white sugar, to build storage and packing facilities…”. Well, we are approaching the half-way point of the bond and not one of the projects referred to has broken ground but interest and principal costs are accruing while the bond proceeds lie idle somewhere. The point is even the investment contemplated, which expectedly will bring about betterment for the industry and the workers appear nowhere on the horizon.

Should the workers continue to languish?

We also wish to inform Lincoln that he was misinformed. Our Union and the GuySuCo have not reached an agreement regarding pay rises. What has happened is almost on the eve of General and Regional Elections, the Corporation has made a proposal regarding pay rise which our Union and the workers are examining. We endorse Lincoln sentiments when he says “…persistency and proof that nothing is given to workers, they have to struggle to achieve better conditions of work…”

Indeed this is a case in point as it is the workers’ struggles that have borne fruit.

Yours faithfully, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

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helves brimming with teddy bears and boxes of chocolate are typical Valentine’s Day fare, but not every country turns to greeting cards and heart-shaped candies to declare love. Some exchange wooden spoons and pressed flowers, while others hold a special holiday for the loveless to mourn their single lives over black noodles. Here is a look at how 10 countries celebrate Valentine’s Day. Denmark Although Valentine’s Day is a relatively new holiday in Denmark (celebrated since the early 1990s according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark), the country has embraced February 14 with a Danish twist. Rather than roses, friends and sweethearts exchange pressed white flowers called snowdrops.

Another popular Danish Valentine’s Day tradition is the exchange of “lover’s cards”. While lover’s cards were originally transparent cards which showed a picture of the card giver presenting a gift to his sweetheart, the term is now synonymous with any card exchanged on Valentine’s Day. On February 14, men also give women gaekkebrev, a “joking letter” consisting of a funny poem or rhyme written on intricately cut paper and signed only with anonymous dots. If a woman who receives the gaekkebrev can correctly guess the sender, she earns herself an Easter egg later that year.

France Paris is considered one of the most romantic cities in the world.

With a reputation as one of the most romantic destinations in the world, it’s little wonder France has long celebrated Valentine’s Day. It’s been said that the first Valentine’s Day card originated in France when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love letters to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415. Today, Valentine’s Day cards remain a popular tradition in France and around the world.

South Korea Valentine’s Day is a popular holiday for young couples in South Korea, and variations of the holiday are celebrated monthly from February through April. The gift-giving starts on February 14, when it’s up to women to woo their men with chocolates, candies and flowers. The tables turn on March 14, a holiday known as White Day, when men not only shower their sweethearts with

chocolates and flowers, but up the ante with a gift.

And for those who don’t have much to celebrate on either Valentine’s Day or White Day, there is a third holiday: Black Day. On April 14, it’s customary for singles to mourn their solitary status by eating dark bowls of jajangmyeon, or black bean-paste noodles.

Wales You won’t find the Welsh celebrating Saint Valentine – instead, people in Wales celebrate Saint Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, on January 25.

One traditional romantic Welsh gift is a love spoon. As early as the 17th century, Welsh men carved intricate wooden spoons as a token of affection for the women they loved. Patterns and symbols were carved into these love spoons, each signifying a different meaning. A few examples include horseshoes, which stand for good luck; wheels, which symbolise support; and keys, which symbolise the keys to a man’s heart.

Today, love spoons are also exchanged for celebrations such as weddings, anniversaries and births.

China The equivalent to Valentine’s Day in China is Qixi, or the Seventh Night Festival, which falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month each year. According to Chinese lore, Zhinu, a heavenly king’s daughter, and Niulang, a poor cowherd, fell in love, married and had twins. When Zhinu’s father learnt of their marriage, he sent his queen to bring Zhinu back to the stars. Upon hearing the cries of Niulang and the children, the king allowed Zhinu and Niulang to meet once a year on Qixi.

During Qixi, young women prepare offerings of melon and other fruits to Zhinu in hopes of finding a good husband. Couples also head to temples to pray for happiness and prosperity. At night, people look to the heavens to watch as stars Vega and Altair (Zhinu and Niulang, respectively) come close during the starcrossed pair’s annual reunion.

England On the eve on Valentine’s Day, women in England used to place five bay leaves on their pillows – one at each corner and one in the center – to bring dreams of their future husbands.

Alternatively, they would wet bay leaves with rosewater and place them across their pillows.

In Norfolk, Jack Valentine acts as a Santa of sorts for Valentine’s Day. Children anxiously wait to hear Jack Valentine knock at their doors, and although they don’t catch a glimpse of Old Father Valentine, children enjoy the candies and small gifts left on their porches.

Philippines While Valentine’s Day celebrations in the Philippines are similar to celebrations in Western countries, one tradition has swept the country and led to thousands of couples sharing a wedding day on February 14. Mass wedding ceremonies have gained popularity in the Philippines in recent years, leading hundreds of couples to gather at malls or other public areas around the country to get married or renew their vows en masse.

Italy Originally, Italians celebrated Valentine’s Day as the Spring Festival. Mostly the young gathered outside in gardens and such to enjoy poetry readings and music before taking a stroll with their beloved.

Another Italian Valentine’s Day tradition was for young, unmarried girls to wake up before dawn to spot their future husbands. The belief was that the first man a woman saw on Valentine’s Day was the man she would marry within a year. Or he’d at least strongly resemble the man she would marry.

Today, Italians celebrate Valentine’s Day with gift exchanges.

One of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts in Italy is Baci Perugina, which are small, chocolate-covered hazelnuts wrapped with a romantic quote printed in four languages.

Brazil With Carnival held sometime in February or March each year, Brazilians skip the February 14 celebration and instead celebrate Dia dos Namorados, or “Lovers’ Day,” on June 12. In addition to the usual exchanges of chocolates, flowers and cards, music festivals and performances are held throughout the country. Gift giving isn’t limited to couples, either. In Brazil, people celebrate this day of love by exchanging gifts and sharing dinner with friends and relatives, too.

The following day is Saint Anthony’s Day, which honours the patron saint of marriage. On this day, single women perform rituals called simpatias in hopes that St Anthony will bring them a husband.

South Africa Like many parts of the world, South Africa celebrates Valentine’s Day with festivals, flowers and other tokens of love.

It’s also customary for women in South Africa to wear their hearts on their sleeves on February 14; women pin the names of their love interest on their shirtsleeves, an ancient Roman tradition known as Lupercalia. In some cases, this is how South African men learn of their secret admirers. (huffpost.com)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2nd Marriott in Guyana

Deal duplicitous, lacks transparency, elections gimmick – Opposition Leader

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

O

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has called out the David Granger-led Government for its “hypocrisy” as well as lack of transparency surrounding a deal undertaken to construct a new Marriott Hotel in Guyana.

While the APNU/AFC were in opposition, they had heavily criticised the PPP Administration for pioneering the current Marriott hotel; however, on Wednesday, it was announced that the caretaker APNU/AFC Administration made a secret move with the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) to facilitate the construction of another hotel under the same brand.

On Thursday, Jagdeo addressed the matter at his weekly press conference, stating that while investors are welcomed in Guyana, the secrecy of the arrangement was surprising.

He pointed out that there are many aspects of the deal which have not been revealed.

Calling the deal, a “campaign strategy” and an elections gimmick by the coalition Govt, the Opposition Leader stated that it is uncertain whether permission was given from Marriott to use the name – a compa-

ny which manages a string of hotels worldwide. This was confirmed by the investor later on Thursday who admitted that there is no franchise agreement in place.

“We welcome investment in new hotels and we welcome investors to Guyana but what was surprising about this is the secrecy through which the whole arrangement or deal was struck. And so we sought to get some answers about what the land deal was all about, how many land

Flashback: Minister Ronald Bulkan confronts a Police Officer during a protest in 2015 during the opening of the Marriott Hotel (Stabroek News photo)

Director-General Joseph Harmon protesting outside the Marriot Hotel project while in Opposition

deals were given to the investor and what price; not just for the hotel but for the surrounding areas,” the Opposition Leader informed.

He added, “From what I gather too, no environmental permit has been issued so the Government talked about this project starting next month is designed for campaign purposes because there is no environmental permit as yet. We’ve also sought to find out if Marriott has officially approved this because it’s a laborious process that we had to go through to get Marriott to agree to use their brand in Guyana”.

Moreover, Jagdeo reminded that when the PPP/C Administration had embarked on construct-

ing the current Marriott Hotel, it faced intense levels of scrutiny from the public as well as heavy criticism from the then APNU/AFC Opposition. In fact, the applicants were even taken to court to have the construction of the hotel blocked.

The APNU/AFC held several protests in front the Marriott and on the day of its opening its members including some who are now ministers turned up in front of the five-star hotel and confronted Police who attempted to calm the situation.

During the 2015 elections campaign, the coalition party had talked about selling off the multi-million-dollar tourism flagship project as well as making it into a hospital facility.

While in Opposition during the 10th Parliament, the APNU and AFC had criticised the construction of the Marriott Hotel and other major projects undertaken by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

They had conducted picketing exercises in front of the hotel from the inception of its construction in 2011. In 2012, Khemraj Ramjattan had introduced legislation to block the PPP’s move to construct the Marriott.

AFC General Secretary and now Public Infrastructure Minister among protesters at the opening of the Marriott in 2015 (News Source photo)

Worthy investment

Reflecting on the highly criticised project, the former President contended that it was a worthy investment.

“You will see some of the very players in Government, how duplicitous they have been…Now this is one of the most profitable Marriotts in the world. The one that we have here in Guyana. It’s covering all its costs and it’s doing extremely well. This just shows you the level of scrutiny and hurdles that we had to overcome to get

that Marriott built and the same people who are saying that it’s a ‘choke and rob’ operation…now NICIL has secretly done this and sprung it on us just yesterday (Wednesday)”.

In a statement on Wednesday, NICIL’s acting Privatisation Specialist, Racheal Henry, disclosed the agency and the CEO of Triniyuana Investment Inc, John Aboud, held discussions before arriving at the decision to construct the hotel.

Code of Conduct

ERC must enforce penalties for breaches – Jagdeo

A

fter mounting calls for the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to produce a Code of Conduct for the elections, the document was finally signed on Thursday.

Hours after, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, welcomed the move by saying that said his Party will abide by the framework and speakers found guilty

of breaching the document would be denounced.

“We intend to abide by the provision of this Code of Conduct. We’ve made it clear that people should refrain any speaker who speaks about people’s gender or their race and religion on the platform. Any PPP speaker will be sanctioned by our Party, publicly denounced,” he stated.

While sharing that position, he indicated that the other parties, particu-

larly the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, should also enforce these principles.

Jagdeo referred to activities organised by the PPP in communities, which were disrupted by supporters of other parties. The most recent at that time was an incident on Wednesday night in Golden Grove, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

TURN TO PAGE 17

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12-year-old attacked, robbed of cellular phone …suffered fractured skull

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grade seven student attending the West Demerara Secondary School is now suffering from severe head injuries after he was attacked while riding his bicycle on his way home from school.

The injured lad (name withheld) hails from Pouderoyen Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Reports are that on Monday, between 15:30h and 16:00h, the lad was ped-

alling his bicycle through the Coglan Dam Street, the route he used to get home after attending classes when a male pedal cyclist rode behind him.

The perpetrator then used a heavy object to hit the boy behind his head, rendering him unconscious, while making good his escape with the youth’s cellular phone.

Persons in the street noticed the child lying on the

roadway and quickly called his aunt, who lives nearby. Contact was made with his father who transported the unconscious child to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH).

Speaking with this publication, the child’s father said that the boy was admitted at that health facility and a battery of tests was conducted, including a Computed Tomography (CT) scan.

The CT scan revealed he

had suffered a fracture to his skull and there was internal bleeding.

According to the disturbed father, his son has regained consciousness. The father related that a report of the incident was made to the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Station, WBD, no one was arrested. He said that he is hopeful that Police catches the culprit and justice is served for his child.

All talk…

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…and no action

pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo made what might seem to be an obvious point about Granger and his PNC outfit at the PPP’s meeting in Alexander Village, Georgetown: they just can’t translate their plans into reality. They had a manifesto chock-full of plans for Guyana, didn’t they?? They even had a “strategy” for development – the Green State Development Strategy.

But did they go beyond painting everything that didn’t move, green?!!

But behind Jagdeo’s simple statement of fact lies a profound assessment of the politicians in the PNC and other parties of their ilk. These are people who are most perceptive and perspicacious observers of our Caribbean scene dubbed, “Mimic Men”!! Old codgers like Granger would’ve observed from the outside how they thought the British ruled Guyana: dining at the Georgetown Club after they had Public Servants draw up all sorts of elaborate plans to implement policies, formulated in London. And that’s how they conceive of “governing”!!

They would’ve never gone out into the field to observe what it took to actually put those plans into effect – effort, hard work and dedication. So what they and their younger protégés do is read books and stuff their heads full of ponderous theory about “WHAT IS TO BE DONE!”. Like their manifestos, these all sound good on paper – but sadly that’s the end of it. The few concrete accomplishments (no pun intended) – CJIA expansion, the East and West Coast Demerara Highways and the Mandela-Sherriff bypass are all inherited from the PPP – funding and contractors!! And even those they managed to screw up with poor monitoring, or graft, or both!!

Granger and crew like to sit in their air-conditioned offices and press buttons, expecting things will get done at the other end. And now their only cry is “Give David more time”!! In five years, apart from handouts to their “constituency”, what exactly have they accomplished from their manifesto?? Their handling of the oil contract is a perfect example of the “mimic men” syndrome. Reading in some book that lawyers handle contract negotiations, and Trotman was a “lawyer”, they sent him in to face the battery of Exxon’s lawyers in Houston!! Of course, they chewed him up and spit him out!

A lot of people were fooled by the fancy jargon Granger and his myrmidons spewed on the campaign trail in 2015. But this time, as the old people say, folks know the difference between “moutar and guitar”!!

The PPP, on the other hand, speak simply but deliver what they promise: rescuing Guyana from PNC’s destruction and producing the best growth figures in the region – and money in everyone’s pockets.

Beware of the Mimic Men on the campaign trail!!

…when mout’ open!!

From all the way in England, Ramjattan finally blurted out to confirm what most people here in Guyana already knew: while there’s a possibility he may inherit the castrated Prime Ministership position created for Nagamootoo if the PNC were to “win” the elections (by rigging), and Granger were to step down, he doesn’t step into the presidential shoes!!

Now since this was an “open secret”, why did Granger and Ramjattan play so coy about it?? Well, we know the answer to that, don’t we?? These jokers think Guyanese are fools and want to still have us believe that they’re in a “coalition” – which means the PNC’s “sharing power”!!

All that Ramjattan and the other coalition “partners” with the PNC are doing is to offer the latter a fig leaf for their excesses. We know that Ramjattan has supported Granger’s authoritarian moves from Patterson’s appointment to the sugar estates closure.

Could he mention a single policy the AFC championed being supported by the PNC??

Constitutional change, anyone?!!

…and no teeth

Of what use is even the weakened Local Content Policy (LCP) when there’s no legislation in place to enforce the few stipulations that may benefit Guyanese??

Look where counting on “good faith” got us on the oil contract!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GAWU rejects GuySuCo’s 1% pay rise offer GAWU said the day after picketing, an invitation was extended for the Union to meet with GuySuCo officials and during the engagement, the proposal was made.

During the campaign trail leading up to the 2015

A section of the Guyana General and Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) representatives during the meeting between the Union and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) on Wednesday

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he Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has rejected the meagre one per cent wage hike offered by Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The Union on Thursday rejected the proposal after engaging in discussions with hundreds of sugar workers at the various Estates.

The workers collectively cited that they could not accept such a paltry increase from the GuySuCo, especially after being denied increases in almost five years to date.

According to the GAWU, during discussions between its representatives and those of the sugar company on Wednesday, the Union informed that it could not see “completely eye-to-eye” with the offer that the Sugar Corporation made.

“Our response took account of the consultative engagements with the sugar workers of Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt Estates.

Bearing in mind that the discussions are still on-going, we do believe it is prudent to disclose where the par-

ties have convergent and divergent views,” a statement from GAWU on Thursday said.

The Union contended that there are some fundamental issues which must be “borne in mind” and considered favourably.

It pointed out that thousands of sugar workers do not want to be exploited and that their situations should not be used to their disadvantage.

“They urged that a settlement should not come at any expense. They recognised and are convinced that their consistent struggles, which were manifested in several forms since 2015, have finally borne fruit. They are also convinced that they deserve, like all workers, a fair and just rise-in-pay and that is all they simply desire,” GAWU said.

“Vote-getting exercise”

Meanwhile, the GAWU noted that the sugar workers believe that the pay rise offer at this time, less than three weeks from national elections, is another “vote-getting

exercise” and they lamented such opportunistic tendencies.

“They have been ignored since 2015, but, it seems they are suddenly important as their and their families votes are now considered pivotal. The engagement concluded with the Corporation’s team undertaking to take the Union’s position into consideration before offering a response. The GAWU and the workers are looking for good sense to prevail and that the workers to be justly rewarded for their dedicated efforts.”

Both the GAWU and GuySuCo will be meeting next week where it is expected that the sugar company will inform its position on the Union’s counter-proposal.

Last week, GuySuCo offered the one per cent increase in wages to workers on the sugar belt – something which they have been calling for over the years.

It came just days after workers staged a picketing exercise outside the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday last, calling for pay hikes.

In an earlier statement,

Elections, the APNU/AFC coalition promised sugar workers 20 per cent wage hikes together with a “good life”.

But after securing the votes from the sugar belt to get into office, the coalition instead downsized the

industry to just three sugar estates, shutting down the Wales, East Demerara (Enmore), Rose Hall and Skeldon factories which resulted in over 7000 sugar workers being placed on the breadline.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Enmore man on bail for ganja trafficking

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20-year-old was hauled before the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for allegedly trafficking 435 grams of cannabis.

Michael Persaud, of Lot 59 Logwood, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), denied the charge when he appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson. It is alleged that on January 21 at Lethem, Central Rupununi,

Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), he had in his possession 435 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Persaud was represented by Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva, who, in

a bail application, requested bail for his client, noting that Persaud was willing to adhere to any condition imposed by the court.

However, the Prosecutor objected to bail being granted on the grounds of

the prevalence of the offence and the penalty it attracted. The defence’s submissions were upheld, and Persaud was released on $100,000 bail. The case will continue on February 20, 2020.

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rape trial ends in 2nd hung jury L

eslie Castello walked out of the Georgetown High Court on Thursday after a 12-member jury could not arrive at a verdict for two counts of rape of a child under age 16 after deliberating for more than two hours.

Castello is currently out on bail and will have to face a retrial at the Demerara High Court after a jury could not come to a verdict for the second time. His first trial in 2018 also ended in a hung jury. On Thursday, it was dĂŠjĂ vu as the jurors de-

liberated, but were unable to arrive at a unanimous decision or even accept a proportionate verdict.

It is alleged that between November 1 and November 30, 2012 in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual penetration of a girl child under the age of 16.

Justice Jo Ann Barlow presided over the matter while the State was represented by Tiffini Lyken, Abigail Gibbs, and Narissa Leander and Castello was represented by Attorney Folio Richards.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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General and Regional Elections

Tomb-raiders caught Persons with disabilities lobby red-handed in Le Repentir Cemetery for more conducive laws

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aws need to be put in place to ensure that every person living with a disability in Guyana is not disenfranchised or prevented from exercising their right as it relates to casting a ballot during elections.

This is according to the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) Programme Coordinator Ganesh Singh, who on Thursday said that after elections next month, the organisation would be lobbying for legislative change to properly cater for persons living with disabilities.

“Legislative changes to provide a legal framework, so that systems for elections in Guyana can be more inclusive and accessible for persons with disabilities. In the future, we don’t want to have, not every election we must be doing these things. We don’t want to have to do this again at a national election where we are lobbying GECOM to implement sensors for blind voters to vote independently…we want it to be there in legislation,” Singh told the gathering at the National Library on Thursday at the launch of a Voters Education Campaign for Persons with Disabilities.

GCOPD Chairman Cecil Morris reiterated the importance of such laws, stating that this would be a “very important and very necessary step”.

“Over the years, persons with disabilities have not been getting the kind of recognition, the kind of observance that they should be having when it comes to elections and things of this matter … we want our people to take note of what is happening so that they can take their

A section of the gathering at the launch of the Persons with Disabilities Voters Education Campaign on Thursday at the Guyana National Library

rightful position as persons with disabilities in the basic need to understand what is happening, so that they can play their part when it comes to elections and things of this matter,” he explained.

Meanwhile, GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh said that the purpose of voters’ education was to disseminate balanced and objective information on what citizens need to know in order to exercise their right to vote, but necessary legislation to assist persons living with disabilities was lacking.

“It is important that voters understand their rights and duties under the Constitution as well as the election laws, namely the Representation of the People Act, Chapter 103, so that they can meet their obligations in a responsible way. Presently, there is no provision in our legislation for persons with disabilities to vote with Braille. The Representation of the People Act, Chapter 103, does not make provision to enable a person who is blind or physically incapacitated to vote independently,” she noted.

Justice Singh added that while GECOM was “sympathetic” to the persons with disabilities, there was need to have the necessary legislation implemented.

Additionally, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, who was also at the launch, noted that although there were sensitisation programmes and initiatives countrywide to ensure that all voters were aware of their rights and how to successfully cast their ballots, more needed to be done for persons with disabilities.

“Members of the Council believe that the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM’s) own extensive public relations campaign to the general public simply isn’t always able to reach some persons with disabilities. So, just as voting rights are unmarkable without access, accommodations are ineffective if many of those who would benefit are unaware,” the Ambassador said.

General and Regional Elections are slated for March 2, 2020.

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man and his female companion are now in Police custody after they were caught red-handed by cops attempting to raid a tomb at the Le Repentir Cemetery, Georgetown. Police are also searching for two male accomplices who spotted the Police and managed to escape.

Reports are that on Thursday, someone noticed the quartet breaking into the tomb and called 911.

A Police patrol was dispatched to the area and upon arriving, ranks noticed the four persons were breaking the concrete structure.

When the four perpetrators realised that the cops were approaching them, they dropped their tools and began to flee in separate directions which prompted the Police Officers to give chase.

However, the male and female were apprehended but their two accomplices escaped into nearby bushes.

Police Commander of Region Four (Demerara-

Unidentified woman killed in Linden-Soesdyke Highway accident

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n unidentified woman was killed after being struck by a car along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway on Wednesday evening.

Reports are the accident occurred about 23:30h in the vicinity of the Moblissa Public Road.

According to Police, the woman was walking along the roadway when hire car HD 119, which was driven by a 50-year-old man of Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, struck her.

The driver reportedly told

Police that he was heading to Georgetown, proceeding west along the southern side of the roadway when he saw the woman crossing the road from north to south in his path. He claimed that upon realising that he might hit her he applied brakes, but despite his efforts the right front of his car struck the woman.

She was reportedly tossed onto the bonnet thence to the front windscreen before hitting the road surface. The woman, said to have received injuries about her body, was

The car that was involved in the accident

picked up in an unconscious state by ambulance. She was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

The car has since been impounded at Amelia’s Ward Police Outpost and the driver has been in Police custody, assisting with the investiga-

tion. Police said a breathalyser test conducted on the driver found that he was below the legal limit.

The woman’s body is presently at the Upper Demerara Hospital Mortuary at Wismar, Linden awaiting a post-mortem. An investigation is in progress.

Mahaica) Sub-division A (Georgetown), Assistant Police Commissioner Edgar Thomas, when contacted on Thursday about the incident, said that the tomb that the quartet vandalised was recently constructed.

He stated that the tomb has a female whose body was laid to rest about two weeks ago.

Commander Thomas noted that when relatives of the deceased were contacted about the situation, they visited the scene immediately and confirmed that while the concrete structure was damaged, the wooden casket was still intact.

Tomb-raiding continues to be executed throughout the country sporadically and in some cases, the perpetrators even remove the corpse or skeletal remains from their resting place.

Last year, in the month of April, the tomb of the wife of a popular businessman, Victor Warner, who was brutally murdered in 2011, was broken into and several of her body parts have disappeared when robbers recently invaded the La Belle Alliance Cemetery, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

A cattle farmer had noticed the vandalised tomb and raised an alarm.

A visit to the scene revealed that the tomb-raiders used a mobile cutting torch to open the steel grill before opening the tomb.

In March 2019, US$300 was stolen from a coffin which was buried at a cemetery at Number 65 Village in Berbice.

The tomb of Roopnarine Kowlessar – who was 60 at the time of his death – was dug up and raided. He was only buried some two weeks earlier and had to be re-buried.

Two days prior to this, less than one day after the body of a 58-year-old man of Zeelugt on the West Coast of Demerara was laid to rest, his coffin was removed from the tomb and several items were stolen. A wristwatch and $2000 were removed from the coffin.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

With only 17 days until elections

Political parties sign pact to campaign without hate speech, violence

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ith elections just over two weeks away, the political parties contesting the upcoming polls have signed a Code of Conduct which will govern the way they operate on the campaign trail.

The Code of Conduct, which was prepared by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), was signed on Thursday by all 11 parties contesting the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

The signing of the Code of Conduct comes at a time when there are mounting concerns about the provocative language being used by political leaders at public rallies as they contest ahead of the March 2 polls.

Among other things, the Code stipulates that political campaigns must be free of harassment, hate speech, intimidation, and violence.

Representatives from each political party, members of the Diplomatic Corp, the Private Sector, elections observers and ERC officials share a photo on Thursday after the signing of the Code of Conduct

According to the Chairman of ERC, Dr John Oswald Smith, even as the event was ongoing, the Commission was engaged in sending letters to parties, warning them of creating and inciting racism at their rallies.

“As a Commission, we are heartened at the re-

sponses from the Parties involved and happy that the Code of Conduct is being signed today (Thursday).

However, internal reports compiled from monitoring public meetings and the traditional and non-traditional media, including Facebook, are major cause for concern,” Smith underscored.

The Chairman further noted that the signing is a historic proportion for the Commission while noting that Code will help to promote harmony and good relations through its political platform.

“This is also a historic moment for the ERC. It is the first time since its estab-

Integrity Commission

Non-declaration of assets lawlessness – Mark Phillips

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eople’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial Candidate, Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips has said that it is lawlessness that many ministers and senior officials within the incumbent APNU/AFC Administration have failed to declare their assets to the Integrity Commission.

“Many of them are talking to lawyers now before they talk to the Integrity Commission. It’s the Integrity Commission they have to go and talk to declare their assets, they talking to lawyers… All of them should march to the Integrity Commission and declare their assets now because the fact that they are not doing that is lawlessness. That is not integrity, that is not honesty, that is not decency [but] lawlessness,” Phillips stated during a public meeting in Alexander Village on Wednesday evening.

The PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate noted Guyana can only go forward when it has leaders of integrity and leaders who are honest.

Earlier this month, the Integrity Commission published a list of a number of public officials who failed to declare their assets last year and among those are a number of ministers and former Government parliamentarians.

According to the Gazetted list, as of January 2020, a total of eight ministers failed to declare their assets between July 2018 and June 2019.

These included Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams, Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, and Culture Minister George Norton.

Other Ministers include Foreign Affairs Minister

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate, Retired Brigadier General Mark Phillips

Dr Karen Cummings, and Public Service Minister Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, as well as Junior Minister of Agriculture Valarie AdamsYearwood and Minister Simona Broomes.

Additionally, a num-

Barton Scotland and Clerk Sherlock Isaacs, were flagged.

Chairman of the Integrity Commission, Kumar Doraisami, had told Guyana Times that the Commission has to meet and decide on a way forward.

“We’re having a meeting to decide on that…because the next step is supposed to be prosecution,” Doraisami had stated.

The Integrity Commission Act states that those in default “shall be liable, on summary conviction to a fine of $25,000 and to imprisonment for a term not less than six months nor more than one year”. But according to Duraisami, prosecution should be the last resort, as the Commission’s

state newspaper, Guyana Chronicle, for publishing an article titled “Do the right thing and resign…. Jagdeo, Ali, among public officials who failed to file 2018 asset declarations”.

Attorney Anil Nandlall said that the publication was designed to defame and damage his clients’ reputation and tarnish their character.

“The said publications are blatant and gross untruths intended to tarnish the character and reputation of my clients and to cause their status to be lowered in the estimation of right-thinking members of society,” Nandlall said.

According to the attorney, the malicious political publicity “gimmick is clearly intended to detract

PPP/C PM Candidate Mark Phillips at a public meeting in Alexander Village

ber of former Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Government’s side were also included on the list.

Permanent Secretaries and technical officials from a number of State agencies and ministries were also among the delinquents, while staff of the National Assembly, including both Speaker of the House Dr

duty is “to get them to comply”.

“If they don’t, we will have to enforce the law,” Doraisami had stated.

Only on Sunday, PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo and Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali, through their lawyer, threatened to sue the

attention from a long list of Government’s Ministers and officials, including the Attorney General, for committing the criminal act of failing to file the relevant declarations with the Integrity Commission, in accordance with the Integrity Commissions Act”.

lishment it would have endeavoured to have a Code of Conduct for an election. As a Commission, we believe that constitutional body birthed out of political discord and one that is entrusted with the promotion of harmony and good relations, among the responsibilities that befell, such an endeavour becomes unavoidable.”

Concerns have been raised by persons and the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo regarding the signing of the Code of Conduct since political parties have already begun campaigning and are in the final stages of campaigning.

Nonetheless, Dr Smith is urging them to be more professional during this session as it is known to be the “mother of all elections” for the country.

“With behaviour and utterances not helpful to the efforts of promoting harmony, we urge all to work towards eliminating such public displays through a more responsible approach in an effort to ensure that the remaining period of the campaign is free of ethnic division, discrimination, hate speech, incitement and provocation.”

Breach

Parties that breach the Code will be subjected to legal action by the Commission, who has deployed a Rapid Response Unit to deal with the infraction.

Following the signing,

each parties’ representative was invited to give brief remarks.

“Let me congratulate the ERC on putting together this Code of Conduct and I hope that all the parties that have signed here are committed because I want to make it clear that our party is committed to the signing [of] the Code of Conduct,” Zulfikar Mustapha from the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic added.

The governing party, A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) was represented by its General Secretary, Joseph Harmon, who noted that his party is “happy to be here to sign this important agreement.”

According to the Code of Conduct, failure to adhere to the code will render parties liable for breach of the agreement and necessary actions and sanctions may be implemented against the parties by the ERC. The ERC’s mandate is to provide equality of opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups and to promote harmony and good relations between such persons and provide the elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity. It is also required to discourage and prohibit persons, institutions, political parties and associates from indulging in, advocating, or promoting discriminatory practices on the ground of ethnicity.

ERC must enforce...

“This [Code of Conduct] speaks about the use of threatening language, disrupting other parties’ activities, tearing down their flags etc. Just last night (Wednesday), we had many leaders of APNU who urged people in Golden Grove to break up a meeting that we had. Even when they’re signing these, last night that was an organised activity to break up the meeting,” he shared.

Part of the document also speaks about the conduct of public services agencies; in that, it should be free from political influence. For this, he urged the Commission to enhance its monitoring and enforce sanctions for any entity found guilty of breaching these principles.

“The first article quoted in this Code of Conduct is public service to be free from political influence…I hope that APNU has signed onto it, that we will see a change in the State media and secondly, that the ERC will now start calling out the State media for what they’ve been doing, for taking openly partisan positions,” he asserted.

For many weeks, the PPP had called on the Commission to have parties sign on to the Code of Conduct to free the election of discriminatory remarks

FROM PAGE 7

or actions. Jagdeo had even stressed that the document was even more important at this time, rather post-elections. He explained that during events leading up to Elections Day, there is a possibility that inflammatory statements may surface.

Last month, Chairman of the ERC, Dr John Smith, had disclosed that the Code of Conduct was sent to all parties contesting the elections. After a second draft was issued, the interest was lacking from many political parties contesting the 2020 polls. In fact, for the first draft, only the Opposition – PPP/C— had signalled its support.

The constitutional body was empowered to recommend the banning of political parties from participating in elections if it is found guilty of breaching laws dealing with ethnicity. However, over the years, no action was ever taken against groups or individuals for breaching such laws.

The Code of Conduct seeks to address the conduct of politicians in all public forums, including political rallies.

The pledge warrants politicians to ensure that the messages delivered to supporters are free of all forms of discrimination.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Marcus Bisram PI

Witness takes evidence stand as cross-examination goes into evening

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Dead: Fayaz Narinedatt

vidence by the lone witness, who has been mandated to take the stand and give evidence in the Marcus Bisram trial for the murder of Fayaz Narinedat, a Corentyne carpenter, commenced on Thursday and went into the evening at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Chaman Chunilall is the

lone witness who Magistrate Renita Singh is allowing to give evidence from the docks during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI).

The other seventeen witnesses will have their statements tendered during a paper committal.

On Thursday, Chunilall took the stand and led his evidence stating what he saw and heard as it relates to Bisram’s involvement in the death of Narinedat.

The hearing was held in camera.

Attorney Sanjeev Datadin told reporters after the hearing concluded on Thursday evening that Chunilall was the only witness the defence wanted to cross-examine.

“We crossed-examined him and it went very well.

We were saying all along that there was no evidence. I

Berbice teacher robbed during home invasion

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Corentyne, Berbice Head Teacher was robbed on Thursday when armed bandits invaded her Lancaster Village home.

Head Teacher of Kildonan Primary, Shereen Ali, was asleep at about 04:45h on Thursday when she was awoken by a noise coming from the lower flat of the two-storey house.

Before she could get up, she was confronted by two masked men – one armed with a gun and the other with a cutlass.

One of the bandits placed the gun at her neck and demanded money and jewellery.

The woman told this

newspaper that she told the bandits that she did not have any money or jewellery but one of the men held her at gunpoint while the other ransacked the upper flat of the house. She said after ransacking her home, the bandit eventually found a bag containing a quantity of gold jewellery valued $2.3 million. She said that the men also took a cellular phone valued at $100,000; an electronic tablet valued $12,000, and some alcoholic beverages. She said that the men gained entry by opening a window in the lower flat. The Police have since been notified and an investigation launched.

statements submitted to the Police.

The defence has made a request to cross-examine a second witness. According to Todd, if that witness is made available, then the defence will proceed to cross-examine that witness.

The matter comes up again on Thursday when the Court is expected to visit the alleged crime scene and then all statements to be used as evidence will be marked and tendered as evidence.

Bisram is accused of ordering the death of Fayaz Narinedatt, a carpenter of Number 70 Village

Corentyne, on November 30, 2016.

His death was initially reported as a suspected hit-and-run accident. It was later reported that Bisram made sexual advances to Narinedatt, who objected to the advances. Bisram was initially charged here in absentia, while five others: Orlando Dickie, Radesh Motie, Diodath Datt, Harri Paul Parsram, and Niran Yacoob have also been committed to stand trial for the murder of Faiyaz Narinedatt. That case is listed for the February session of the Berbice Assizes.

Minibus driver fined for traffic offences

Murder accused Marcus Bisram leaving court on Thursday evening

think today (Thursday) will vindicate us that there was none.”

Meanwhile, Attorney-atLaw Dexter Todd, who also forms part of the defence team, said they were successfully able to put forward the defence’s case.

“I think it is commendable that the court took this first witness for the prosecution. The Magistrate did take her time in giving both the State and the defence to be finished with this particular witness so that we don’t have to come back on another occasion to complete this

witness.”

This, Todd said, is crucial in light of what has been happening. He commended Magistrate Singh for her approach and conduct during Thursday’s hearing.

The State has 18 witnesses to prove its case that Bisram did order the death of the carpenter back in November 2016. However, last week, Magistrate Singh ruled that the prosecution will only be allowed to call Chunilall to the witness stand. The evidence of the other witnesses will be accepted by way of their

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Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) minibus driver was fined $32,500 by Magistrate Annette Singh when he appeared at the Linden Magistrate’s Court and admitted to several traffic offences.

Jason Bowen, of Lot 96 Blue Berry Hill, was slapped with three charges –driving under the influence of alcohol, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, and dangerous driving.

Bowen pleaded guilty to the driving under the influence of alcohol and the uninsured motor vehicle. He was sentenced to a fine of $7500 or one week’s imprisonment and a fine of $25,000 or three

Jason Bowen

months’ imprisonment respectively.

Further, he pleaded not guilty to the dangerous driving charge and was placed on $30,000 bail. The case will continue on February 27, 2020.

“Marriott” name touted...

FROM PAGE 3

Of recent, the incumbent coalition administration has been heavily criticised, particularly by the Opposition People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, for undertaking major projects while being an illegal government following the December 2018 passage of a No-Confidence Motion against it.

Asked about doing business here in the current political situation, Aboud contended that he was not interested in Guyana’s politics but the development opportunities here stemming from the country’s oil and gas sector.

It was noted that the construction of the US$75 million AC Marriott Hotel is just part of Triniyuana’s development plans here and that there will be another phase afterwards.

Asked about those future plans, Aboud told Guyana Times that, “Phase Two is a continuation of the development in Phase One, a lit-

tle bit more elaborate. But I don’t want to let the cat out the bag as yet”.

No financial role

Meanwhile, the NICIL Head told reporters that they are satisfied with their due diligence that an AC Marriott Hotel will be constructed by the company.

Heath-London further pointed out that while the State has no financial role in this project, there are other projects lined up in which the Guyana Government will seek to have a stake in.

In fact, it was announced that next week, a similar exercise will be held for another hotel project at the same Plantation Ogle location.

The construction of the AC Marriott Hotel comes against the backdrop of incessant criticisms by the incumbent APNU and AFC while in Opposition of the existing Guyana Marriott Hotel, which was constructed by the previous PPP

Administration.

APNU/AFC blocked Marriott

While in Opposition during the 10th Parliament, the APNU and AFC had individually criticised the construction of the Marriott Hotel and other major projects undertaken by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

They had conducted picketing exercises in front of the hotel when construction started in 2011 and also when it was being opened in 2015.

In fact, during the 2015 elections campaign, the coalition party had talked about selling off the multi-million-dollar tourism flagship project as well as making it into a hospital facility.

Having abandoning those plans, the APNU/AFC had recently come under criticism for attempting to block the realisation a casino centre at the hotel.

The US$58 million Guyana Marriott Hotel was completed in 2015 and was accepted as a state-of-theart, energy-efficient edifice, complete with hotel, casino and entertainment complex.

APNU and AFC had threatened to charge the then Chairman of NICIL Winston Brassington and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh for their role in securing lands in Kingston for NICIL’s subsidiary AHI to construct the hotel. The spotlight will now fall on the current NICIL Head for securing lands for a private developer without funds being transferred into the Consolidated Fund.

In fact, Marriott’s financing structure had depended on a casino and entertainment centre to make enough money to repay up to US$30 million in debts to the banks and other creditors. Currently, the Kingston Marriott is generating a profit and is consistently fully booked.

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Mikey Spice to be featured at Golden Jubilee Mash Village A partnership between Hits and Jams and the Social Cohesion Ministry’s Mash Committee will give Guyanese yet another opportunity to be a part of the pre-Republic Day excitement at the Golden Jubilee Mash Village, where Jamaican reggae singer Mikey Spice is expected to put on a thrilling performance.

The Mash Village will commence tomorrow at the D’Urban Park and run until February 18, packed with a number of events.

The Village is expected to bring enlightenment on regional mash activities while showcasing a craft market, fashion district, and fun park.

Director of Hits and Jams, Kerwin Bollers, during a press conference on Wednesday, shared that the entertainment group will add four special events to the mash calendar.

This includes a super concert featuring Mikey Spice on Thursday evening, a Soca campfire on February 18, a Republic night concert and pool party on February 24.

“As part of the festival village, HJ is going to be partnering with the mash committee to bring four events to you. Four events of real excitement starting with Mikey Spice,” Bollers said.

Meanwhile, Popular Jamaican reggae singer Michael Johnson, well known Mikey Spice, expressed excitement in being a part of the counJamaican singer Michael Johnson, called “Mikey Spice” try’s Jubilee celebration, while promising to bring a thrilling performance.

“It’s really a privilege, I feel very honoured. I’m humbled that you chose me and so far, I’m willing enough to give you everything, I took everything with me and I’m going to try my best outermost best to make sure I do not disappoint,” Mikey expressed.

SNF to spread ‘love’ in 50 schools

“Wine of Love” for this Valentine’s Day T

h i s Valentine’s Day, say “I Love You” with a bottle of Bottega Petalo Il Vino dell’ Amore, the Wine of Love. This floral and fruity, white sparkling wine possesses a delightful sweetness, with a delicate mouth-feel and a pleasant hint of sage in the finish. This fresh and fragrant wine pairs well with celebrations and special events, like Valentine’s Day. Crafted from Moscato grapes grown in

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Cayla Kumar

generations is the genesis of this humanitarian movement.

Through this philanthropic initiative the SNFCA proposes to actively mobilise youth and galvanise creative energy to actively make a difference in the lives of communities, in particular, and the lives of our citizens, at large.

The Love Revolution is clearly about nation-building integrity and national identity strengthening to

animate compassion for fellow-man and to inculcate environment-friendly intention. A Love Revolution pin was given to everyone for them to share with others with the message of love.

The background music all evening sent positive messages about how effective love can be in any society when exhibited. Sonia Noel Collection for the 50th Anniversary was displayed and part proceeds will be going to this mission.

Italy; Bottega Petalo Moscato’s floral aromas are derived from the wild roses, like the one depicted on the bottle, that grow among the Moscato grapes.

The Bottega Il Vino Dell’ Amore Petalo Moscato is sure to put the perfect romantic feel to your special cele-

bration of love.

The Bottega Petalo Il Vino Dell’ Amore is available at major supermarkets countrywide.

Guyanese-American eyes Miss NY Teen USA 2020 title

T

he Love Revolution kick-started its momentum of proactive engagement with a celebration at Palm Court on Tuesday last.

Under the auspices of the patron, Sonia Noel, of the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA), the organisation paid tribute to the Golden Jubilee Anniversary Celebrations of the Republic status of Guyana, with a mission of ‘love’ as the catalyst for youth empowerment, social transformation and sustainable development.

The main objective is to target fifty schools across Guyana.

At the launch, Noel said: “I am passionate about love for humanity and I am intentional about making a positive contribution to my country and the world. We are lacking compassion and need to urgently go back to caring more for each other and the environment.”

Dr Raquel Thomas Caesar spoke about the importance of the rainforest and wildlife. Shawn English and Joann Forde thrilled the audience with their amazing performances.

The renaissance of the overarching concept of love as a means to resolve conflict, to negotiate through uncertainty and to determine the wellbeing of future

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philanthropic seventeen-year-old hailing from Queens, Cayla Kumar has accomplished more in her young life than many adults have – this includes being the founder of The Gold Ribbon Project and winner of Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen 2018 (NYOT). This beauty is taking a shot at the Miss New York Teen USA 2020 crown and title. The Miss New York Teen USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state of New York in the Miss Teen USA pageant.

An aspiring paediatric oncologist, Cayla’s passion for finding a cure stemmed from the loss of her great grandmother to breast cancer. With several years of schooling ahead of her, this

high school senior has shown an unwavering commitment to her future career by volunteering countless hours to a variety of charities and hospitals hoping to put an end to paediatric cancer.

An eight-time honouree of the Presidential Volunteer Service Gold Award and a semi-finalist for the prestigious Prudential Spirit of Community Awards in 2019, Cayla has dedicated more than 5000 hours to her community. Most notably, Cayla was named the first official Youth Ambassador for the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as having attended Cure Fest in Washington, DC, lobbying Congress to provide additional funding for paediatric cancer research. In April of 2018, Cayla was recognised on the floor of the New York Senate for her efforts.

When Cayla is not advocating for The Gold Ribbon Project, she can be found in the classroom. She currently attends Archbishop Molloy High School on a full scholarship where, in addition to a challenging course load, she is a Peer Group Leader, Spirit Leader, and a member of the Broadcasting and Newspaper Club.

Her other interests include dancing; Cayla has trained for the past thirteen years in both classical and Bollywood styles of Indian dance as a student at both the Sadhanalaya School of Dance and Natraj Center.

She is on her way to start training for her Rangapravesam, which will be her debut as a classical dancer. As a first-generation American, Cayla treasures the connection to her culture found while performing traditional Indian dances such as Bharatanatyam, Khatak, and Kuchipudi styles.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

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GCB/Dave’s West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-County Tourney commences Sunday

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he Guyana Cricket Board/Dave’s West Indian Imports 2020 U-15 Inter-County Tournament is set to commence this Sunday, February 16, at the Lusignan and GCC Grounds.

The opening round will feature Demerara battling Essequibo at Lusignan, with the President’s XI facing the Berbice team over at GCC, beginning 09:30h.

Round two has Essequibo competing with the President’s XI at Everest, while Demerara face off with the Berbicians at Lusignan on Tuesday, February 18. On Thursday, February 20, the tournament will move to round three when Demerara get the opportunity to clash with the President’s XI at GCC, and Essequibo simultaneously engage the other team in contention at Lusignan as each team vie for a position in the final, where the two teams with the highest aggregate points battle for the title at GCC.

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Essequibo squad: Benny Persaud (Captain); Shazif Mohamed; Ragindra Ramblin; Bruce Vincent; Ijihad Kadir; Gladwin Henry; Mohandas Ali; Akeem John; Gulcharran Chulai; Tekeshwar Nankoo; Adesh Dass; Ramesh Seeram; Davendra Lall and Kehav Deonarine.

Coach – Anthony Adams and Manager – Vickram Ramnarine.

Berbice squad: Rampertab Ramnauth (Captain); Avishkar Persaud; Zadeem Larose; Sanjay Algoo; Rashaad Gafur; Nyron Hicks; Damion Cecil; Kevin Kisten; Salim Khan; Matthew Pottaya; Kumar Deopersaud; Lyndon Simon; Aaron Craig and Shiv Harripersaud. Manager – Ameer Rahaman; Coach – Leslie Solomon.

Demerara squad: Josh Alves (Captain); Romeo Deonarine; Riyad Latif; Sachin Balgobin; Joshua Alves; Nityanand Matura (Vice-Captain); Reziekel Renee; Reyad

Part of the action in last year’s tournament

Latif; Dhanesh Persaud; Wayvell Allen; Bramanand Rabindranauth; Alex Datterdeen; Nicholas Sheopersaud and Hemraj Harriprashad.

Coach –Latchman Yadram;

Manager – Omar Hussain.

President’s XI: Stephon Sankar (Captain); Tulsiram Ramkarran; Arun Gainda; Sohail Gangaram; Tularam Chitamani; Yodesh Sumitra; Deonarine Dindyal; Andrew

De Santos; Afazul Kadir; Aftrz Ali Budhoo; Jeremiah Singh; Tariq Walters and John Persaud. Manager – Yeuraj Khemraj; Coach Ryan Hercules.

Dey vows to elevate the standard of rugby in Guyana

ugby has much potential, and if takDisco/Night Club W.B.D Turnkey en under the right Operation for rent. Contact: Gafoor leadership, can soar : 628-8619 to higher heights.

But alas the sport FOR SALE has had to suffer Lot 14 – 10,204 SQ FT. Price = $17M. as a lack of fundPH: 264-2948/615-2270 ing causes a conOne (1) Greenheart Wooden stant bother when Building to remove. $220,000- Price it comes to sending Negotiable Contact 501-3706 the team abroad for Transported Land- 11.6 Acres, Lot 15 c o m p e t i Public Road, #2 Village, West Coast tions.

Berbice. 5 mins away from Berbice But, River Bridge. Contact # 648-7109 with a Toyota Corolla, left hand drive Good new leader in the form of condition- $360,000 neg Call or Ryan Dey at the helm, his visions and initiatives can Whatsapp 680-3863 take the sport to the next New Model Toyota Picnic. Very good condition, Leather Interior. Price level.

In the recently-conNegotiable. 627-6828 cluded Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) VACANCIES Annual General Meeting, Office Assistant - Maths and English Dey went toe to toe with required, knowledge of Excel and the other contender, Earl Quickbooks would be an asset.

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21

GRFU President Ryan Dey

grow and people will not seek interest. We want to decentralise the sport, we need to go into the far-reaching areas to find better players in areas such as Linden and B e r b i c e a n d bring rugby to them.

The GRFU will aim to implement rugby in schools around Guyana, individuals will also see the implementation of women rugby.

In terms of structure in bringing rugby back to the regional level, I think what was lacking is the cooperation of youth into the structure of the sport. We want to have a cohesive body where senior players can mentor the younger and upcoming players with the sporting and dietary aspect of the game.”

Dey noted that the coaching was also very important for the sport.

He disclosed that the coaches were excellent in Guyana, b u t

there was a lack of cohesiveness.

He stated that with the inclusion of cohesive-

ness in the sport, it can be taken to a new level. The new GRFU boss also said that being a former player

meant he was better suited to tend to the needs of the team based on his experiences as a player.

Eagles U-23 win pre-season series against Trojans

The Eagles won the U23 matchups 2-1

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he Eagles U-23 in their bid to better their chances at any upcoming basketball competition in 2020, defeated the UG Trojans U-23 side and swept the 3-match series, 2-1, by winning the final game 73-65, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The night before, the senior Eagles squad levelled their three-match series against the Trojans 1-1.

Riding on the back of determination and inspiration, the Eagles U-23 unit dug deep and flexed their mus-

cle against an unfortunate Trojans to take the series.

From the opening quarter, the Eagles signalled their intent by outscoring the opposition 18-8. In their previous two games, both first quarters were closely contested, however, the final game saw a more confident Eagles squad emerging.

The Courtenay Taylorled side continued down the same lane in the second quarter and outscored Trojans 13-8. At half time, the Eagles led 31-14.

In the third quarter, the

Trojans made a few necessary substitutions that somehow managed to pay off as they won that quarter 3019, to bring the game back in the balance.

Eagles still held the upper hand with the score at 50-44 when the final quarter commenced.

It seemed as though the Trojans gave their all in the third quarter, since a charged Eagles side comfortably took the last quarter 23-21 to end the series on a high note.

22

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Following the official march past and opening

56-team Champions League season begins in RFA

GFF President Wayne Forde, RFA President Ryan Farias and Lethem Mayor John Macedo join representatives of male and female clubs for a photo at the opening of the RFA 2020 season

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ncouraged to stick together to achieve greater heights in the sport, the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) kicked off its 2020 season in style with the opening of the fifth edition of the Champions League, on Sunday evening at the Culvert City Sports Ground.

The geography of the vast Rupununi prohibited many of the teams from turning out for the opening, but those present were reminded of the encouraging progress the Association has made over the past few years and what was in store for them.

Sharing the moment with the teams and fans were Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, Lethem Mayor John Macedo along with GFA President Ryan Farias and executive members.

In his feature remarks, President Forde commended President Farias and his executive team for the excellent work they have been doing; he also expressed gratitude to Mayor Macedo for improving the Culvert City ground which he had committed to do one year ago.

“I think when you consider where football infrastructure was four years ago when I began to visit this region strictly for football business, there has been tremendous improvement over those four years. As I understand it, most of the grounds are not lit, there are goals being constructed, there are plans to do work and improve the surfaces; so, all of this will impact on improving the quality of football.”

Forde commended the players in particular for their commitment which has allowed the RFA to set itself apart from almost every other association in this country.

“You guys have played football at every level, both male and female, and that is a testimony to the commitment of your president and his executive committee, but more so to you the players, because as I understand it, it is not easy for many of you to travel from the long distances that you live to come and play. I also understand today that it’s a huge cost associated with travel to get to the various venues. We are examining the possibilities

of sourcing some means of transportation which will reduce the huge cost associated with team travel across the region. My message here today is clear – you do, we do.”

Forde also informed the gathering that very shortly, a new phase of the Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme will be introduced.

This new phase will see the transition of ownership of the ATC to the Association.

This strategy it was said will improve oversight, accountability, performance and ensure greater return on the investment we are making into this ground-breaking programme, which has already impacted the performance of our youth national teams.

“We will continue to fund the programme; we will train the coaches; we will pay the coaches; we will provide all the necessary materials and resources, but the programme will be operated by the RFA Executive Committee and their appointed members. So, I’m trusting that President Farias will do an excellent job in identifying the coaches that we will train over the next couple of years to deliver the quali-

ty of coaching that will have a long and lasting impact on football development across the region.”

President Forde also informed that funding was in the pipeline for the various tournaments, including the senior league and junior levels, that would be rolled out to the associations very soon.

“We’ve been very impressed with the manner in which the RFA has been utilising the funds that we have been making available to them and the extent to which they have been giving account for it. I want to ask you guys to give your executive committee every measure of support that they need to keep football alive and to cause it to continue on the positive path of growth that we have seen over the past couple of years,” he added Mayor Macedo, in his remarks, encouraged the RFA to continue the great work it has been executing, stating that it had the full support of himself and the Town Council. He said that he met with the GFF and the RFA and committed to work together towards the continued development of facilities

under their purview.

“I am proud to stand here today to say one year ago, what we have here, we hadn’t. We will continue to work with you to have the facilities developed; I know also that you need a ground where you can play high-end matches, where you can invite other senior teams to come and engage your teams.

I promise you that I will work together with your leaders to have such a top facility,” he said.

The search is on, Mayor Macedo said, to locate land that will accommodate such a high-end facility.

“I want to commend you for your efforts, for what you have been doing for football in this region.”

President Farias, while welcoming all to the opening, proudly pronounced that it was the continuation of bigger and greater things to come for the RFA. Farias, who is also an executive member of the GFF, thanked all the stakeholders for their continued commitment to the game, especially the players.

“We will continue to work with the relevant entities to ensure we are able to get

better playing surfaces for you which will have an even greater positive impact on the quality of players we produce here. We are committed to work with Mayor Macedo, the Town Council and the GFF to achieve better for you. Continue to play hard, play strong, listen to your coaches; we have a long football season ahead of us, keeping working hard and we’ll achieve greater heights.”

President Farias informed that the Champions League will see some 28 male teams and an equal number of female teams competing for the top place and bragging rights as the best in the RFA. It is scheduled to conclude on May 30, 2020.

The defending champions are Guyana Rush Football Club (male) and Paiwomak Warriors FC (female).

Meanwhile, recording wins on the opening night were Gladiators over Tabatinga by a 3-2 margin in the females’ encounter while defending male champs, Guyana Rush Saints FC commenced their defence on a positive note when they brushed aside Tabatinga 3-1.

Hetmyer Hurricanes, Rutherford Renegades clash in Golden Republic T20 bash

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udging by the names of the teams – the Hetmyer Hurricanes and the Rutherford Renegades, the Golden Republic T20 bash will hold all the fireworks that the 50th Republic celebrations need next week.

Next Friday, February 21, the National Stadium Providence will come alive to pay sports' respects to Guyana's Republic celebration.

The T20 event was made possible through collaborative efforts of the Guyana Cricket Board and the Ministry of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport.

Speaking to the significance of the event, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie highlighted Guyana's rich cricketing history and noted that it was important to chronicle the evolution of the sport over the past 50 years.

“When you’re looking back on 50 years as a Republic, how cricket evolved in the Republic during that time is very important. I would say, today we can say, at least in cricket, Guyana has produced so much talent that we’ve exporting that talent. So, that’s a simple notion on where we are now,” Sanasie explained.

Also onboard with the one-off event is the National Communications Network (NCN), whose Marketing Manager Dellon Murray shared what the media communications entity is bringing to the table on February 21.

“NCN’s role is not just an archiving role, but we’ll be bringing the live broadcast of the Jubilee cricket.

Persons will be able to hear it live on VOG Radio, Radio Essequibo. So, we’re giving persons national reach so that they can participate and experience the Jubilee

NCN’s Dellon Murray, GCB Secretary Anand Sanasie and Colin Stuart

celebration,” Murray disclosed.

According to the GCB, the celebrations next Friday will begin at 14:00h with a softball championship clash between Regal Superstars and Ariel Speedboat Team, which is a precursor to the headline event.

Thereafter, the T20

clash featuring the Hetmyer Hurricanes, the Rutherford Renegades and the best of Guyana's core cricket players is expected to bowl off at 18:00h (6pm).

However, cricket fanatics who plan on swarming the National Stadium will have more familiar faces to look forward to as GCB Secretary Sanasie disclosed

other regional players that have indicated their interest to participate.

“I would not like to go into that, but Carlos Brathwaite, Rayad Emrit and Chadwick Walton are all people we’re having ongoing discussion with,” Sanasie revealed.

The cash prize for the softball playoff is $200,000

while the winners of the main event will cash in on $1 million. Admission to the National Stadium will be $2000 for any stand in the ground. Fans can also get into the action with gate prizes up for grabs. Ticket sales will begin Monday, February 17 at the GCB's Regent Road, Bourda office.

(Jemima Holmes)

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

CONCACAF U-20 Championships

23

5 return home following immigration issues ever, 10 players with the exact vaccination date as the other five were permitted entry into the country.

The Under-20 Team Manager also complained about the hostile reception the team received from the Nicaraguan immigration authorities, who subjected the players and staff to several layers of security checks that lasted for hours.

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The Under-20 team during practice at Providence

uyana’s national Under-20 men’s team are now understaffed, as five Under-20 players were denied entry

into Nicaragua by the immigration authorities.

Upon arrival, the immigration authorities informed that a quarantine

period of 10 days was required for the yellow fever vaccine. The U-20 contingent did not satisfy that condition. Strangely, how-

This development has resulted in the reduction of the team to 15 players, one goalkeeper, two midfielders and two defenders being refused entry into the country and thus exiting the tournament.

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) will be making a formal complaint to CONCACAF once all the details are presented by the management team.

The GFF has since informed the parents/caregivers of the players in question about the situation, and has been in contact with the players throughout the ordeal to ensure their safe return to Guyana.

The CONCACAF U-20 Men’s Qualifiers will be held in Nicaragua from February 15 to February 23.

Guyana’s match schedule is as follows: MATCH 1: 15th February @ 17:30hrs – Guyana vs Montserrat MATCH 2: 17th February @ 17:30hrs – St. Vincent & The Grenadines vs Guyana MATCH 3: 21st February @ 20:30hrs – US Virgin Islands vs Guyana MATCH 4: 23rd February @ 20:30hrs – Nicaragua vs Guyana

MoPH to take hands-on approach to violence during Milo Tournament violence among young people,” Glen disclosed.

Action in the eighth Milo Schools’ football tournament will begin on

Saturday, February 15, when President’s College will take on Queenstown Secondary, the first encounter of 2020. Later on, Marian

Academy will lock horns with St Joseph High while East Ruimveldt go head to head with St Stanislaus College. (Jemima Holmes)

Pollard upbeat as Windies hit the ground running MoPH’s Lauren Bancroft, Cilandell Glen and Kewana Carrington are flanked by Petra’s Mark Alleyne and Troy Mendonca

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or yet another year, the Ministry of Public Health, through its “Stop Gender Based Violence” Campaign, will add some nobility to the Milo schools’ football tournament.

Just two days before the commencement of the eighth edition of the Milo Under-18 tournament, the Ministry has renewed its partnership with the tournament in a bid to bring awareness to gender-based violence and to mould the young men involved in the tournament.

The Public Health Ministry’s involvement in the tournament has become a staple over the years, and often sees the teams and their captains coming up with phrases as a stance against violence, which they recite before every game.

Highlighting that it is important to remember that women were not the only victims of gender-based violence, Senior Health Promotion Officer Lauren Bancroft examined the importance of reaching out to youths and schoolage children.

“We have seen, in our society, a surge of violence and we need to encourage young persons about the importance of having a healthy home, a healthy family environment, because overall

this will promote a healthier nation. So, the message of remembering that we’re all human and we all have purpose in life and cherishing life, we need to encourage not only the young men but the young women,” she

is able to provide a platform for the Ministry to join with to eradicate a social ill that we’re faced with, especially at the school level,” Mendonca stated.

Meanwhile, Adolescent Health Coordinator

MoPH Senior Health Promotion Officer Lauren Bancroft

explained.

Meanwhile, Petra’s CoDirector, Troy Mendonca shared that he was always elated that the tournament could be used as a platform for such a positive campaign, especially with the recent surge of violence in the nation’s schools.

“But I think now, with what we’ve seen over the past couple of months and maybe year, I think we should broaden it to stop violence in the whole.

I’m happy that the Petra Organisation tournament

Cilandell Glen explained the hands-on approach the Ministry would take during the course of the tournament to bring awareness to players and their peers.

“For this year’s competition, the Adolescent Health Unit will be setting up satellite tables at the games to disseminate information on sexual reproductive health, substance abuse and of course, gender-based violence. The reason why we’re looking at the first two is ‘cause these issues also contribute significantly to the

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fter 15 hours of flying from the West Indies to Sri Lanka, the Maroon Men beat the ills of jetlag with a gym session, as they hit the ground running with their first training session ahead of their two limited-over series against the Sri Lankans.

Following the flight and the gym in Colombo, the players made the bus trip from the team hotel to the Sinhalese Sports Club for nets on Wednesday.

According to the Captain, it has been a good start to their pre-series camp with all eyes fixed on the first match on

Saturday, February 22.

“The guys are looking forward to this tour, first away tour for 2020, and we have to build on what we did against Ireland (at home). We have something we have to improve.

Coming here early shows the importance of this tour for us to make sure we are prepared very well in all aspects,” Pollard told CWI Media.

West Indies have been showing steady improvement in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in recent encounters.

Last month, they beat Ireland 3-0 in the Colonial Medical Insurance series

in Barbados and Grenada.

Last December, they gave a huge effort, but went down 1-2 to India in a hard-fought series, while last November they blitzed Afghanistan 3-0 in Lucknow, India.

In the coming weeks, West Indies will play their ODI matches at Sinhalese Sports Club; the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota; and the Pallakele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.

The ODIs will be followed by two T20 Internationals in Kandy.

The squad for the T20Is will be named at a later date.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2020

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

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CONCACAF U20 Championships

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