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ISSUE NO. 488

WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020

See stories inside

... Jagdeo says ‘hope will be restored after March 2nd’

Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali with his wife and son during one of the previous party’s rallies. Former President and General Secretary Dr Bharrat Jagdeo is at Ali’s left

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Guyanese in Washington DC, diplomatic community celebrate 50th Republic Anniversary

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Dr. Riyad Insanally, Ambassador of Guyana to the United States of America and other officials at the event

n Saturday, February 22, 2020, Dr. Riyad Insanally, Ambassador of Guyana to the United States of America and Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS) and Staff of the Embassy of Guyana in Washington, DC, wel-

comed members of the Diplomatic Corps, members of various private sector bodies and scores of Guyanese nationals residing in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, to the Hall of the Americas, at OAS Headquarters in Washington, DC, to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary.

According to a release from the Guyana Embassy in Washington DC, Ambassador Insanally, in his address, stated that the theme, Reflect, Celebrate, Transform, “could not be more appropriate given the juncture in our history as which we find ourselves”.

A m b a s s a d o r

A section of the gathering at the event

Insanally said, it “was a time for reflecting on how far or how little we have travelled as an independent nation and as a republic; on our collective achievements and our collective failings; on the process of finding our way in a not always friendly neighbourhood and world; and on where we are about to go, now

that we are officially a petroleum producing state.”

In this regard, he reminded the gathering that even as Guyana celebrated 50 years as a Republic and, with the country on the cusp of a massive economic and social transformation, it was a time for the “renewal of efforts to build

a more prosperous and equitable country”.

A m b a s s a d o r Insanally also read a message from President David Granger.

Those attending the reception enjoyed true Guyanese hospitality, tasty Guyanese cuisine, world famous El Dorado rum and a truly festive atmosphere.

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EDITORIAL

An opportunity for a new beginning

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n Sunday, Guyana commemorated 50 years of being a Republic, having cut all governance ties with Britain, which had ruled us for almost two centuries. Those who agitated for the rupturing of those ties went to great lengths to reveal and explain their exploitative nature, which left us so underdeveloped that after four centuries of the Dutch and British using our human and physical resources for producing raw sugar, only this year we are finally proposing to refine that sugar for our own consumption rather than importing our sugar which was refined in Britain and resold to us at a premium.

And so it was in almost every other field of economic endeavour where expatriate firms exploited the resources with which we were blessed – bauxite, gold, diamonds, timber. Only with rice, which was totally indigenously founded, expanded and maintained, were we in control and ended up with the revenues generated by our sweat and blood. With the declaration of our Republican status in 1970, the then PNC regime, with the support of the then Opposition PPP, embarked on the nationalisation of “the commanding heights of the economy” in an effort to retain a larger percentage of the profit from our resources.

Burnham and the PNC’s effort failed miserably for any number of reasons, not the least being that they staffed the upper echelons of the nationalised industries with only “yes men” from the PNC. The expression “square pegs in round holes” resonated in all areas of national life. After 28 years of independence and 22 years of Republican status, we were left just barely above Haiti in the Western Hemisphere, when free and fair elections were finally returned through local sacrifice and foreign pressure, especially from the United States.

Under the PPP from 1992, our economic and social health was slowly rehabilitated so that by the first decade of the new millennium we had moved from being a “Highly Indebted Poor Country” (HIPC) to a High Middle Income Country with a very sustainable debt load. However, even though this progress was demonstrated through empirical World Bank studies which showed that poverty had been reduced equally in all ethnic groups on the coast, the Opposition PNC accused the PPP government of “racial” discrimination in its programmes.

The first decade of the new millennium, ironically also witnessed the PNC’s violent “slow fyaah; mo fyaah” street protests against the PPP, segue into armed attacks against the state and purported supporters of the PPP by bandits ensconced in the village of Buxton.

Armed groups sponsored by drug traffickers, businessmen under attack and even the state fought the bandits to eventually eliminate them but unfortunately undermining key institutions of the state and leaving hundreds dead. The political cleavages consequently increased even though the economic situation improved for all groups – with the Indigenous Peoples unfortunately still lagging even though the government gave them special attention.

Today, Guyana is being offered an opportunity for a new beginning with the discovery of oil – a new resource – off our shores. Learning from our experience with the nationalisation of industries, we must accept that private industry – which works on the “profit principle” must be allowed to take the lead in developing and running the industry. But since the oil resource is the property of the people of Guyana, the government of the day must ensure that the sector is properly regulated and overseen so that we will share equitably in its monetisation.

The present PNC-led government stumbled badly, as pointed out by the IMF and a welter of NGOs. when it did not bargain as hard-nosed as it could have, in the award of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the International Oil Companies (IOCs). This must not be repeated in all future negotiations. The elections of March 2, offers the Guyanese people the opportunity to choose a government that will best represent their interest to finally use our resources to make us a prosperous people and republic.

We believe the PPP/C has earned our nod.

A scene from Guyana's 50th Republic celebrations in Georgetown, Guyana

Some useful advice for the next government Dear Editor, General Elections are now very near. Given the troubled history of elections and their aftermaths in Guyana, Guyanese at home and abroad may be worrying. I share their concern and I make a call for all to keep the peace. There should be a firm commitment not to resort to violence.

A number of new parties have sprung up. That can only be good for democracy, so I wish them well. However, the trend so far has been that, come Election Day, mini-parties evaporate like drops of water on a hot ‘tawa’. Will that pattern hold? We will soon find out.

The elections might not be perfect but should be free and fair. No cheating. The will of the people must be respected.

On all sides, there are good, well-meaning and patriotic people. Inevitably, one side will win and the other will lose.

There will be jubilation on one side and disappointment on the other. That’s the way it is.

The coalition has support, no doubt, but, from what I can see, the PPP has the momentum and is poised to return to power. Should there be a change of Government, all parties need to accept that graciously. The ABC countries, Europe, the Commonwealth and the Caribbean should assist and encourage Guyana, not only with the elections but, in the event of a change, to facilitate a peaceful and smooth transfer of power.

There have been calls for constitutional reform. Some time ago, former Attorney General Mr Anil Nandlall, one of Guyana’s leading lawyers, stated that, given the many changes made to the Constitution, it can no longer properly be described as the 1980 Burnham Constitution. He also stated that, while there is room for further improvement, the issue is

not so much constitutional reform as it is constitutional compliance – or words to that effect.

I agree. How do you legislate integrity? How do you legislate conscience and the human heart? After a valid and successful No-Confidence Motion, the current caretaker Administration has clung to power for over a year. I know of no precedent for that. The regime, therefore, qualifies for a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Some advice for whoever wins. Do not discriminate. Do not witchhunt your political opponents. Take the road less travelled; treat them with kindness.

Guyanese do not elect kings, they elect servant-presidents.

It is a sacred trust. Be humble and be honest. Remember, “Who steals my purse steals trash…” Governing a plural, multicultural country like Guyana requires fairness, inclusiveness, empathy, sensitivity and a high level of emotional intelligence. Have a ‘Guyana First’ outlook. From the time you form the new Government, be mindful of the next election.

Do not squander the goodwill of the electorate; it is your political capital. Actions and policies which please the citizens and make their lives better increase that capital. Actions and policies which are wrong and make their lives harder deplete that capital. Listen to the public. There is at least one big suggestion box. It is called “Letters to the Editor”. Read those and, where valid and doable, take criticisms and suggestions onboard. Freely acknowledge and give credit to the originators of ideas and suggestions, and act on them.

You can even have a public “problem, solution” programme, in which citizens would identify a problem, suggest the solution and work with the Government

to solve it. In this way, there would be ‘co-governance’ with the entire electorate, including – indeed, especially – those who did not vote for you. Do not tax people to death and spend like there is no tomorrow. Do not overburden the country with loans and do not deplete the treasury. Diversify the economy. It is good that oil revenue is on its way but Guyana is basically an agricultural country.

Use most of the oil money to uplift the poor. Be firm on crime, even severe when warranted.

Create an Internal Security Force (ISF) with Police powers; village-based and staffed by paid professionals as well as volunteers. Domestic abuse and violence are huge and serious issues.

Build at least one women’s shelter in each county, staffed by qualified personnel and made secure by guards.

Televise the first half-hour of your first Cabinet meeting. Let us hear the President laying out his vision and telling his Cabinet Ministers what he expects of them. Live stream it.

So what if this has never been done in the Caribbean and further afield? Think outside the box! Keep cricket (of course!) and bring baseball to Guyana.

Do not spurn the Guyanese diaspora. Welcome them.

I cannot close without mentioning a young, bright and rising star; Susan Rodrigues, host of the “Making the case” TV programme. Her parents must be so proud of her. In my opinion, she has the makings of a future President of Guyana. For now, it is Dr Ali’s turn.

We only occupy these human bodies for a short while.

While we are in them, let us do the best we can.

Yours faithfully, Sieyf Shahabuddeen

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PPP/C confident of sweeping polls ... Jagdeo says ‘hope will be restored after March 2nd’

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eneral Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo has told supporters that his party is very confident about sweeping the upcoming polls and once elected, would work very hard to ensure that Guyana is put back on the path of development after almost five years of “APNU/AFC stagnation”.

Jagdeo said that based on the party’s track record, when compared to the APNU/AFC, he is certain that the PPP/C will perform extremely well as all members and supporters are mobilized to ensure victory is achieved.

He said that one of the highest priorities of his party, if it returns to office at the March 2 General and Regional Elections, is to ensure that the displaced sugar workers are re-employed. He said hope will be restored in communities across the country that have been stagnated due to “bad economic and social policies by the Coalition Government”.

Some 7000 sugar workers were placed on

PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

the breadline after the incumbent APNU/AFC Administration downsized the industry and shut down four estates across the country.

Many of those workers have not been able to secure permanent jobs and remain on the breadline more than two years later.

However, speaking

at a public meeting in Enmore, which housed the East Demerara Estate – one of the four estates closed by the incumbent coalition – Jagdeo noted that the APNU/AFC Administration claimed it does not have money to inject into the industry but has been spending billions lavishly

when thousands of sugar workers remain on the breadline. “[They] increased food in Government by G$1.6 billion, over G$1 billion for ministerial domestic travel, another G$1 billion to rent buildings. That could’ve kept Enmore and Wales [Estates] open. They needed only G$5 billion

to keep the sugar industry open and save not only 7000 jobs but 11,000 jobs because there are 4000 people who depended on the 7000 sugar workers’ income for a job. Eleven thousand Guyanese could’ve been working, feeding their families,” he posited.

According to the Opposition Leader,

there are parents in areas such as Wales, West Coast Demerara (WCD), and Canje, Berbice, who are struggling not only to provide food for their children but also send them to school. In fact, he noted that because of their financial troubles, many kids are forced to drop out of school.

He went on to outline that the sugar workers, like many others in the various sectors, believed the promises made by the APNU/AFC in 2015 but got nothing except for increased taxes and charges.

“So today all the promises were broken to the sugar workers. Right here at Enmore, many people believed that too.

They believed that is 20 per cent increase they will get in salaries,” he posited, adding that instead, sugar workers got no increases for the past four years and now in the final year, Government is offering one per cent during the elections period.

The PPP General Secretary added too that the coalition also cancelled the Annual Production Incentive TURN TO PAGE 8

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Granger’s five years in power has revealed a man of poor judgment, weak leadership and low achievement Dear Editor, That I supported David Granger and the APNU/AFC coalition in the 2015 elections is a matter of public knowledge. Neither conscience nor logic nor reason allows me to do so again.

As a leader with a nought point one three per cent, and a oneseat majority in a hugely bifurcated society, instead of fostering national healing and reconciliation, Granger has been more divisive than disappointing. Instead of policies and strategies to bring the communities closer, he, his Government and several high-level appointees have shown, at best, an insensitivity to ethnic concerns and at worst, a tendency towards narrow ethnocentric policies. For a still poor country, the pattern of public spending during the period and accentuated in this campaign season, is nothing short of reckless. Where competence is required, he has preferred loyalty. While laying claim to integrity and decency, he has shown that he is as willing to engage in cheap posturing and politics as the most opportunistic politician around. Most of all, Granger has shown contempt for and continues to display arrogance and superiority for the country’s Constitution and

the rule of law.

His grand vision has been breakfast, bicycles, boats and buses, the sort of things you leave to local authorities, or a reasonably funded charity.

He has no problem with his picture on flags financed by unaccounted and possibly tainted money, taking up public space, abuse of State resources to campaign for re-election on a platform of integrity, taking the bully’s position when the courts rule against him, and breaking written promises and pledges.

His Administration has retained all the Afro Guyanese Permanent Secretaries inherited from its predecessor while removing almost all the rest. The result is that Indo-Guyanese are barely represented among PS’s and in the public service as a whole. Of the scores of senior positions in the State sector, less than ten per cent of the most senior positions represent the other community. Granger personally relieved two prominent active persons – Cecil Kennard and Prem Persaud – because of age while unconstitutionally/unlawfully appointing two individuals – James Patterson and Professor Clive Thomas – with even more pronounced characteristics. The professional and business class of Guyana can

fend for themselves but the treatment of sugar workers has been nothing short of cruel and inhumane.

Taking advantage of the media’s softness and silence, Granger’s Government has shown a stubborn refusal to disclose the full details of a number of projects including the D’Urban Park project, the Sussex Street drug storage facility, the Mazaruni Prison reconstruction, contracts without proper approval and money for politicians, their family, friends and supporters.

For all the taxes his Administration has raised and tons of money spent, Granger’s five years in power has revealed a man of poor judgment, weak leadership and low achievement. He did show cunning on his belittling of the AFC whose greed for power guaranteed that nothing could cause them raising off their knees. And in his appeasing of the WPA, which, for years, grumbled about bad faith and breach of trust. Having broken the promise of free collective bargaining in the public service, stood aloof of the struggle between an oppressive foreign employer and its employees, and ignored the labour movement as a whole, he has managed to have the President of the TUC on

his party list – unprecedented in Guyana.

Mr Granger now singlehandedly appeals to the same electorate to ignore his grave violations of the law and several broken promises because this time his promises represent a sacred contract. Having failed them in the past, he seeks to entice them in the present. Granger now talks up the agriculture and gold-mining sectors as shining stars while not too long ago, he listed them among curses. Having thrown thousands of sugar workers to the ranks of the unemployed and the desperate, his Administration scurries to distribute sugar lands to his friends for peanuts. He and his party now fly to visit the hinterland appealing for votes from the Indigenous people who were described by his party functionaries as “greedy”.

Mr Granger shares a special relationship with Raphael Trotman, the man directly responsible for the biggest giveaway this country has ever seen and who is now Co-Chairman of Granger’s re-election campaign. He appointed the largest Government in the history of this country which just happens to be the most incompetent. Think of former Attorneys General such as Burnham

himself, Ramsahoye, Ramphal, Shahabudeen, Fred Wills and Keith Massiah and the contrast with the incumbent is clear. As Ministers of Finance, think of Peter D’Aguiar, Ptolemy Reid, Frank Hope, Desmond Hoyte, Bharrat Jagdeo and Ashni Singh: again the contrast is striking. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has been largely a sinecure and warrants no comparison while Khemraj Ramjattan, whose portfolio has been halved, has performed several times as bad as even his more ordinary counterparts, let alone Fenton Ramsahoye, Ptolemy Reid, Desmond Hoyte and Stanley Moore.

Granger cannot be blamed for the incompetence of others. But he cannot escape responsibility for appointing and retaining what is at best mediocrity. A measure of the low rating which Granger places on the national interest is his appointment of a single unsuitably qualified person to head the petroleum sector instead of pursuing the Petroleum Commission which his Government tabled and then allowed to die with the dissolution of Parliament.

But Granger’s greatest danger is his contempt for the Constitution and our laws, with threats of

more to come. There has been no Judicial Services Commission or fully constituted Procurement Commission for some time, while many of other constitutional bodies were appointed inordinately late. He unconstitutionally appointed James Patterson to head GECOM and never relented until the CCJ forced him to; he defied the National Assembly’s No-Confidence Motion – not because he believed that the majority of 65 is 34 but because as he told his supporters “they elected him for five years and he would be President for five years”.

And now he threatens to remove the National Assembly’s power to have a motion of no-confidence, and warns people of his constitutional power to strip them of their citizenship.

The recitation of all the above, which is only part of the story, leaves one to wonder whether he as President will ensure free and fair elections, elections that are free from fear and intimidation, and whether he will obey the will of the electorate. There is no evidence for me to have those same fears about the other parties contesting these elections. I am as fearful in 2020 as I was hopeful in 2015.

Sincerely, Christopher Ram

Billions spent but Guyana faces medicine and medical supplies shortage Dear Editor, Unbelievable – APNU/AFC has no plans to address the broken medicine and medical supplies disaster that Guyana faces today. Hundreds of thousands of Guyanese have suffered from the lack of availability of medicines and medical supplies and APNU/AFC has totally ignored this life and death issue in their manifesto, not a single word.

Two days ago, I met a woman struggling with her walking stick outside of the Leonora Hospital.

She complained she just left the pharmacy where she was told there is no metformin, a critical medicine for diabetics.

Such shortages of critical medicines and medical supplies have become daily experiences for citizens across Guyana the

last five years.

Her husband died last year of kidney failure.

He often could not get his medicines for high blood pressure and diabetes.

They could not afford to buy their medicines from private pharmacies.

This seventy-five-yearold woman explained to me she has voted in every election since 1968 for the PNC (now APNU/ AFC). She decided not to vote this year.

Not finding any reference under health sector in the APNU/AFC manifesto, I looked under disaster management for proposals regarding the procurement, storage, distribution, the overall supply chain in the health sector because medicine and medical supply in the public health sector over the last five years have been

disastrous.

But not a word in their manifesto addressing one of the major lives and death issues facing citizens in Guyana.

Medicines and medical supplies in the public health sector has been an unequivocal failure for APNU/AFC. They have been forced to acknowledge this failure.

One would have thought, therefore, APNU/AFC ‘s manifesto would address this matter frontally.

Instead, APNU/AFC has totally ignored this matter, not a word on it.

APNU/AFC spent in five years as much as the PPP did in 23 years on medicines and medical supplies, G$36.7B vs.

G$36.4B, but shortages at hospitals and health centres have become routine. Children in need of insulin must purchase

from the private sector.

Hypertension and diabetic patients frequently are told no medicines are available in the public sector. There have been too many instances of HIV, TB and Malaria medicine unavailability.

Operating theatres have been closed because of lack of supplies. Port Mourant Ophthalmology Center has remained largely closed for five years because cataract kits were unavailable. There have been instances of blood bag, HIV test kits shortages.

Laboratory tests have often been referred to the private sector because reagents are not available. Vaccines have been in short supply. This is just a short list of the litany of medicine and medical supplies horror story over the last five

years.

All three ministers – George Norton, Karen Cummings and Volda Lawrence – forced to acknowledge procurement and distribution disasters, promised to fix the problem. As elections loom, there are major shortages in the sector.

What makes the shortages annoying is that APNU/AFC spent more than G$36.7B in the last five years, compared to G$36.4B the PPP spent in 23 years in government.

APNU/AFC ‘s track record of squandering taxpayers’ money has no better example of squandermania than the procurement, storage and distribution of medicines and medical supplies.

One of the most corrupt deals in the last five years was the drug bond scan-

dal which started under the then Ministers, George Norton and Karen Cummings, and continued under Volda Lawrence.

An old house on Sussex Street was rented for G$12.5M but was actually G$15M per month because the government paid for security, air conditioning, electricity, water and VAT on behalf of the client. They expended more than G$400M on this so-called drug bond and throughout the whole period, all that was stored there were expired condoms and an old CT machine.

APNU/AFC granted a number of contracts that flouted all the laws of Guyana. There is the example of an emergency order for G$605 M for medicines which Guyana CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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‘Every vote counts’ – Jagdeo tells supporters

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PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

eneral Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Bharrat Jagdeo told supporters at Success Village, East Coast of Demerara (ECD) that they should not be intimidated by various attempts to disadvantage them at the upcoming General and Regional Elections.

Speaking at a pub-

lic meeting, Jagdeo noted that traditionally, the PPP/C has gotten huge support from the East Coast corridor – something which the party will be looking forward to at next week’s polls.

“The East Coast has stood strongly with the People’s Progressive Party. If we get a high turnout here in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), the elections

Billions spent but...

FROM PAGE 6

had procured before 2015 at a cost of about G$200M and which at the International Reference Price Index at the time of the G$605M procurement was G$191M. As examples, GPHC paid G$6,880 for Aciclovir injection when the average price was G$614, and G$1,175 for Cefotaxime injection, when the average price was G$125, paying ten times more.

Why did the government pay ten-times more for emergency supply that then arrived more than six months after?

Right at this moment, the Regions are playing “follow-the-leader”. These regions are violating tender laws and have been procuring medicines for between 20 and 100 times the actual cost. There is a medicine, for example, that one can buy at the private pharmacy at a cost of G$13 per pill; the Region 6 health department paid more than G$300 per pill. In the auditor general’s latest report, he has documented examples after examples of overpayment for medicines.

Violation of the tendering laws, over-priced medicines and medical supplies explain why Guyana has spent five times what it used to spend on medicines

and medical supplies, but receive less. In addition to the sordid procurement of medicines, a system that raises suspicion of rampant corruption, there is the total mismanagement of the warehousing of medicines and medical supplies and the collapse of the distribution system.

The international standards established at one of CARICOM’s largest medical supplies warehouse, the one located at Diamond, built by the PPP, has collapsed. The development of a full-scale dedicated GPHC warehouse which started under my term as Minister and which gradually evolved came to a halt in 2015.

The money spent on the Sussex Street drug bond could have catapulted the development of the GPHC warehouse. The New Amsterdam Medical Bond has essentially collapsed. None of the other Regional Medical Storage facilities has benefitted from any investment. So where is the money, G$36.7B? Something smells and it stinks all the way to Timbuktu. Yet not a word in their manifesto.

Regards, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

are over with. In Region Four alone we can take it. [The coalition will] have no way of recovering… we can even it out right here in Region Four. So, Comrades, we have a tall order, don’t let them intimidate you,” he stated.

According to the Opposition Leader, every vote will count next week and as such, he urged persons to ensure they turn up to vote and mobilise as many people as they can in their communities to go out and cast their ballots.

“I’m counting on you to assist, every one of you will have to be a campaigner… Every single vote counts and you have to ensure that not a single vote is missing in your area. That is what we need. This is your chance to fight back… [against] the assault on our freedom and democracy,” he stated.

Jagdeo further noted that it is the energy and courage of supporters that kept the party intact and motivated to continue to fight for the rights of Guyanese. He noted that the party is paying attention to what is going on leading up to Monday’s polls.

The PPP/C General Secretary went on to say that the party has already overcome hardships and bullyism under the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the leading party in the APNU fraction of the incumbent coalition – and with that experience, has been able to expose all of the attempts aim at compromising the elections.

“So they don’t demoralise us and they should not demoralise you. No amount of bul-

Supporters at the public meeting on Wednesday

lyism should intimidate you on that day… [They will] try to scare you on elections day not to come out but don’t worry about that… You stay strong!

Sun, rain – we not moving from the line until we vote,” he implored.

Meanwhile, former Attorney General Anil Nandlall adding to this, pointed out that one of the recent attempts to disenfranchise PPP/C

the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) agreeing on Tuesday to correct this and add 12 more polling places in those areas such as Mon Repos, this has not been done as yet.

“I spoke to the [Returning Officer] today, I spoke to (Chief Elections Officer Keith) Lowenfield last night and up to now, they have not appointed the new

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall

supporters was the reduction of polling places in the party’s stronghold areas.

He noted that despite

polling places… He has not even signed our candidate badges, he has not signed our supernumerary agent badges as

yet. I say that to you, Comrades, so you understand the nature of the struggle. So you understand the value of your vote,” he stressed.

Nandlall told supporters that the PPP/C has put lots of efforts and hours into ensuring that Guyanese are not denied the opportunity to vote on Monday. He added that it is now up to the people to play their part by ensuring they vote for the party that has consistently fought for their rights.

“The agony they put you through must not go in vain… we have to show them that never again they must take the eyes pass the people of the East Coast of Demerara. So on March 2, we are going to teach them a lesson right here,” he stated.

Additionally, PPP’s Constituency Representative, Shyam Nokta, rallied residents of Success and surrounding communities to show their solid support of the party, something which they have continuously maintained over the years, by ensuring that the PPP/C returns to office next month.

8 NEWS

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High-level Commonwealth team in Guyana to observe polls A high-level delegation from the Commonwealth Secretariat, led by former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur, has arrived in Guyana and is urging all participants in the upcoming General and Regional Elections to be true to their commitments for free and fair elections.

This is according to a statement released by Arthur on Monday, announcing his arrival as the Head of an Observer group team of 11 persons from across the Commonwealth. This includes Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe and the Pacific.

“They bring a wealth of experience from across the social and political spectrum with expertise in the fields of politics, election management, law, the media, gender, civil society and human rights,” Arthur said in his statement, going on to urge stakeholders to

demonstrate their commitment to free and fair elections.

“We are aware of the significance of these elections to the people of Guyana and we call on all stakeholders to demonstrate commitment to a peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive election. On behalf of the group, I wish the people of Guyana well as they go out to exercise their right to vote on Monday.”

According to Arthur, they arrived on Sunday and began briefings on Monday. He further explained that over the next few days they will meet with key stakeholders including the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), political parties and civil society.

A previous Commonwealth team of staff had arrived in advance on February 19 with the objective of observing the Disciplined Services voting on Friday. It was explained

Former Barbados Prime Minister Owen Arthur is in Guyana as Head of the Commonwealth observer team for the General and Regional Elections

that from Friday, February 28, observers will be deployed across the country in small teams to observe polling day preparations and meet stakeholders.

“Our mandate is to observe and evaluate the electoral process independently and impar-

Pork-knocker to face Judge, jury for beheading brother-in-law

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t the next sitting of the Demerara High Court Criminal Assizes, 27-year-old Andrew King is expected to face a Judge and jury for beheading his brother-inlaw, Justin Peterkin, back in 2018.

King was committed to stand trial late last week by Magistrate Faith McGusty at the conclusion of a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into Peterkin’s murder.

The murder accused

was charged in November 2018, and was not required to plea.

Reports stated that on November 5, 2018, the man gruesomely murdered Peterkin, his sister’s husband, at about 08:20h at the family’s Lot 1323 Block Y, Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home.

The now dead man of Paradise, East Coast Demerara (ECD), had visited the area on the day in question when the incident occurred.

Neighbours recalled spotting King holding a hammer, which was subsequently followed by a “knocking” sound.

One neighbour related that upon checking, he saw Peterkin lying motionless on the ground, being hammered and chopped about his body by his brother-in-law.

After committing the act, the suspect reportedly left the yard and proceeded towards the street with the two weapons in his hands.

tially. We will assess the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post-election period and consider the various factors impinging on the credibility of the electoral process as a whole.”

Arthur, who is Chairing the group, further explained that after elections, they will report on whether the elections were conducted in accordance with the law and Guyana’s regional and international commitments to democracy.

“On Election Day, we will observe the opening, voting, closing, counting and the results management processes. We will issue an interim statement on our preliminary findings on 4 March 2020.”

“A final report will then be prepared and submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary General, and

subsequently shared with relevant stakeholders and the public. The group will depart Guyana on 9 March 2020,” the statement said.

Arthur also explained that the observer group was constituted following an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in November 2019. Arthur was Prime Minister of Barbados from 1994 to 2008, making him the longest ever serving Barbadian Prime Minister.

This year’s elections, which are due on March 2, 2020, has been called the “Mother of all elections”, for the importance in which it is regarded. For one, whoever wins the elections will be put in charge of administering Guyana’s newfound oil wealth.

The elections are expected to be watched intently, with a number of

international observers and technical advisors in the country to oversee the process. For instance, it is the first time that the European Union will be deploying a fully-fledged team of observers on the ground for Guyana’s elections.

The Carter Center is also involved, with it being announced that former Prime Minister of Senegal, Aminata Touré and Chairperson of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, Jason J Carter (the grandson of former US President Jimmy Carter) will co-lead the Carter Center’s international election observation mission in Guyana.

Other overseas-based observers expected to participate in overseeing the election include teams from the Organisation of American States (OAS), as well as the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

GECOM is also getting assistance from a number of technical advisors who were provided by other countries and international organisations.

Canada, for instance, is providing GECOM with Jean-Pierre Kingsley, a Canadian elections expert.

The Commonwealth is also providing the services of its senior technical advisor, Dr Afari Gyan, who arrived in Guyana last month. In addition, Dr Syed Nasim Zaidi, an elections advisor from India, has also joined the team.

PPP/C confident...

has been in place for 70 years even under the Forbes Burnham-led Administration.

The API is a form of deferred earnings premised on annual sugar production.

“So today, if anyone wants to talk about broken promises, the sugar workers have lived it. They’ve seen the true nature of the Government and people like (Prime Minister Moses) Nagamootoo and (AFC Leader Khemraj) Ramjattan, who came into these communities and lied to people blatantly,” he asserted.

Jagdeo pointed out that the incumbent coalition has no vision or plans for the development of Guyana and its people, hence it continuously drags the PPP/C. However, the Opposition Leader noted that the PPP/C’s plans

for the country are about fixing the doings of the incumbent Administration and high on that list is the creation of jobs for the approximately 30,000 persons who became unemployed within the past five years.

“The first act is to create back jobs. Put people back to work. How will we do that… by reopening the sugar estates right across the country… We have to do that to put those sugar workers, especially in Berbice – they have to go back to work,” Jagdeo contended.

But the same vein, the PPP General Secretary explained that they will encounter issues with this because of the massive giveaway of the sugar lands, particularly along the East Coast, by the APNU/AFC to its cronies.

FROM PAGE 5

Last week, officials of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) disclosed that approximately 800 acres of prime real estate lands (former sugarcane lands) are available for developmental projects. Already sod has been turned for the construction of two hotels at Plantation Ogle but the deals have raised questions.

Jagdeo outlined, however, that if the PPP/C gets into office then it will find all of the secret land deals and try to get back the lands so that it can be used for housing allotments for Guyanese.

The two main parties are expected to hold their last major rallies on Saturday as they make their last pitch to win the hearts and minds of voters.

NEWS 9

WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

Sugar workers step up protest action over retroactive pay hike H undreds of sugar workers mounted a peaceful protest outside of the Ministry of the Presidency on Tuesday, calling for their salary increases to be retroactive as of January 2019.

This comes in light of a deadlock between GuySuCo and the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) with regards a consensus for sugar workers’ salaries to be retroactive.

At the protest line, GAWU’s General Secretary Seepaul Narine stated that the Union wants the increase offered by GuySuCo to be retroactive from January 1, 2019.

“We had the meeting with them on Friday and it was Friday that GuySuCo told us that they have made some representation and this is a matter that needs to be addressed by the Government.”

He further stated that “this is a matter we have been talking with them not now for three weeks we have been talking and at our very first meeting, we have indicated that whatever we agreed to this is a continuation of

2019 and not 2020. They agreed with us and from what I can gather from the GuySuCo management, they seem to be in sympathy but like I said, they said to us this is a matter that needs to be addressed by the Government.”

The Union, during the protest, reiterated its call for an agreement on an acceptable period of retroactivity, but the Sugar Corporation is unmoved.

“In the first instance, the increases had to be addressed by them and they had to be conscious that whatever we are talking, we are talking

about 2019, we haven’t even submitted our proposal for 2020 but GuySuCo wants to do another thing or wants more in a wake of discrimination and disrespect to say that it is 2020 and not 2019,” Narine underscored.

The workers’ bargaining agent further highlighted that GuySuCo has agreed to pay a five per cent increase in wages from March 1 – one day before the workers head to the polls to cast their ballots for a party of their choice. In fact, during the protest, GAWU was greeted with tight security which they

Court throws out Ferguson’s application to muzzle Guyana Times

Justice Gino Persaud

Minister Annette Ferguson

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

ustice Gino Persaud on Tuesday denied an application by Government Minister Annette Ferguson to muzzle Guyana Times and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo.

The Minister had sought an injunction from the High Court to prevent Jagdeo from making statements regarding her acquisition of lands and to restrain Guyana Times from reporting or further publishing anything on the matter.

The unsuccessful injunction was filed in January.

In handing down the

ruling, Justice Persaud noted the importance of leaving freedom of speech unfettered especially in an elections period.

Additionally, he pointed out that only in the rarest of libel cases are interim injunctions granted.

“The claimant has failed to persuade the court that this is such a rare or exceptional case…In coming to this conclusion, I’m conscious to the need to ensure the free expression of opinion by those who put themselves in the democratic process for election to the population at large,” he ruled.

In her lawsuit against the Opposition Leader, Minister Ferguson is seeking damages in excess of G$50 million for libel she claimed he committed on separate occasions – December 5 and December 12, 2019 – during weekly press conferences.

On the other hand, in excess of G$10 million is being sought for damages from Guyana Times.

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall in association with Manoj Narayan represented Jagdeo while Attorney Devindra Kissoon appeared on behalf of Guyana Times.

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believe is to silence them on the road to justice and fairness.

“We saw what transpired as yet another attempt to still the workers’ voices who have confronted assault after assault by the incumbent Administration. Indeed, in our view the large security operation was not required since at no time did the protesters pose any threat whatsoever and, therefore, the extraordinary and excessive measures were uncalled for altogether.”

In November last, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder said that the sugar workers may

not be benefiting from any wage increases due to the financial situation at GuySuCo. Additionally, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan had stated that any pay increase must come from the Board of GuySuCo. However, the unionist is contending that the Finance Minister along with Government did nothing to improve the lives of the sugar workers but did more harm than good.

“The Minister is known for talking, but that is all he is good for because he has never match action with words.

We had no increase in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, this is part of the negotiations for 2019 and the decent thing one would have expected is that we would have settle off in 2019 and clear this scorecard,” Narine stated.

The workers at the picketing exercise stated that the President has the authority to issue the retroactive salary and as such, they are calling on him to do so since they are in dire need of it.

“We are out here protesting for retroactive payment for 2019 January. Sugar workers have not been paid wage and salaries increases since 2014 – five years now we have not received a wage increase,” Rambeer said.

Another cane harvester, Anil Sammy, who is employed at the Blairmont Estate, echoed the same sentiments.

“Since 2014 we don’t have a wage increase – five years now we haven’t had a wage increase, so they decide to give us five per cent for first of January 2020 so we are protesting here for it to be retroactive as of January 2019.” Sammy outlined.

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‘Our track record speaks for itself’ - Minister Cummings tells Region 1

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esidents of the Barima -Waini Region 1 turned out in their numbers in support of the Coalition rally in the Mabaruma Township, on Wednesday.

In her remarks Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings said that the Coalition is the only viable option to continue moving Guyana forward.

“Our track record in just five years speaks for itself. The many achievements were realised through the hard work, dedication and commitment of a government that truly cares for the wellbeing of all Guyanese,” she noted.

Of major significance the Minister said, is that Guyana has jumped 34 places upward on the Transparency International (TI)’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2019.

Guyana is now ranked

85th out of a total of 180 countries surveyed by TI. It is now ranking alongside regional counterpart Trinidad and Tobago, and Kuwait among others. According to the TI report, only 22 countries over the last eight years, have significantly improved their CPI scores. These include Greece, Guyana and Estonia. Further, Guyana ranked 124th out of 175 countries surveyed by Transparency International.

She pointed out that major strides were also made in major sectors in Guyana including health, education and public infrastructure.

The Government invested billions in the education sector since taking office in 2015 and has significantly increased the annual budgetary allocation from of G$40.3Billion in 2016 to G$43.1Billion in 2017, G$44.1Billion in 2018

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Karen Cummings addressing the Mabaruma rally

and G$52.3Billion in 2019.

Constant improvements in the Public Health sector has seen the availability of the best quality health care being offered at public health facilities nationwide, Dr. Cummings said.

Roads and bridges were constructed in

Army ranks injured in Coast Guard explosion recuperating

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he soldiers attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Artillery Unit who were injured in last Saturday’s fiery explosion at the Coast Guard Wharf are showing signs of improvement.

According to Regional Commander, Sub-Division A, Edgar Thomas, Staff Sergeant Otto Row and Corporal Isaiah Gordon are no longer in the Burns Unit of the Georgetown Public Hospital. “…today another one was released from the Burns Unit or special care. That is all the information that I have.

In terms of the investigations, that is a special aid investigation, after that investigation, the matter will be handed over to the Police,” he said.

Also, it was reported that Corporal Gordon Cornette, one of the two soldiers who were severely burnt in the explosion, is recovering well.

One day after the explosion, Corporal Seon Rose succumbed to his injuries. The 32-yearold resident of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), had sustained third-degree burns about his body.

He reportedly suffered a heart attack and died while receiving medical attention on Sunday morning.

The explosion oc-

communities for the first time, especially in the hinterland.

“Look at the Kumaka Market Square. Look at the Kumaka Bridge.

Look at your Airport.

These things were not done during the previous 23 years. They happened under the united Coalition Government,” the minister underscored.

“Lethem, Mahdia, Mabaruma, Bartica, Paiwomak, and Orealla all have their own radio

stations. Yes, people living in the hinterland regions of Guyana have access to their own local radio stations in 2020,” she added.

The opposition she notes had 23 chances and failed. Today Mabaruma is much improved and continues to improve Minister Cummings said.

Ronald Cox, a resident and community leader in Mabaruma, also spoke of the transformation realised not

only in Mabaruma but the entire Region One over the last four years.

Radio Mabaruma he said has contributed to the social development of the residents in the township. The soon to be commissioned solar farm in Mabaruma, will see each home receiving 24 hours of electricity.

This project was executed at a cost of over G$225Million.

The Kumaka Bridge that previously blocked the drainage system and flooded the Barabina road, was replaced with a brand-new concrete structure. The roads from the Brooms Airfield to Kumaka were upgraded to concrete structures at a cost of some G$110Million.

“President David Granger’s vision is for inclusive development…

You cannot ask investors to come and you do not have roads, electricity and water. This government has upgraded infrastructure and we will now see investors coming,” Cox underscored.

Guyana steps up Coronavirus surveillance …as neighbouring Brazil reports first case

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One of the injured ranks after Saturday’s explosion at the Coast Guard Wharf

curred at the GDF’s Coast Guard Headquarters, Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

It was reported that 21 soldiers were offloading fireworks from a truck onto a pontoon at the Coast Guard Wharf when the explosives went off.

They were preparing for Saturday night’s fireworks display to usher in Guyana’s 50th Republic Day anniversary, which was subsequently called off.

The explosion caused some GDF ranks to jump into the Demerara River

to avoid the blast.

Seven of the eight ranks hospitalised following the explosion are said to be in stable condition.

Meanwhile, Chiefof-Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Patrick West had indicated on Saturday that a Board of Inquiry (BoI) was ordered into the incident.

He had explained to reporters that the rehearsals for the fireworks display were conducted on Friday evening without any hiccups.

he Ministry of Public Health in Guyana has increased its surveillance for the Novel Coronavirus at ports of entries, following the recent report of a case in São Paulo, Brazil, the Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported.

Giving an update to media personnel on Wednesday, Minister of Public, Health Volda Lawrence noted that systems are in place to deal with anyone who enters Guyana with coronavirus.

“We have identified sites for the housing of patients should we need to do that. Just this morning we had another review of the systems in place, and we have made some recommendations.”

Additionally, the ministry has increased the human resource personnel at ports of entries namely the Moleson Creek Crossing which connects Guyana to Suriname, the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Cheddi Jagan International Airport and at the GuyanaLethem border. Increase surveillance has also been put in place at ports in Georgetown as well.

Minister Lawrence

Minister of Public, Health Volda Lawrence

also laid to rest the concern that Guyana may already have a suspected coronavirus case.

“What I know is that there was a patient with symptoms, and it turned out that person had nothing whatsoever to do with coronavirus, they were suffering from other illnesses. That person has been treated and that matter has since been closed.”

She explained that persons presenting themselves with symptoms would be isolated and undergo tests to verify whether they are a carrier of the virus.

Measures recommended

by PAHO/WHO would then be followed.

The minister also reminded the media that just last week training was completed at the

National Public Health Reference Laboratory to ensure Guyana was prepared to test for the coronavirus.

Also, Health Ministers from CARICOM countries are meeting to share information on what is being done in the Caribbean to heighten awareness and deal with any occurrence of the virus in the region.

The Public Health Minister said her office would be sharing prompt updates on the virus.

“It is in the evenings that we get the official reports from PAHO or WHO so we are awaiting that. That will outline where we are, how many persons have come to our countries from high-risk countries and what we have done,” the minister explained.

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020| GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

US implements new laws for Caribbean green card holders The United States has implemented new laws for Caribbean and other foreign nationals who are permanent residents or green card holders, according to a CMC report.

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), green card holders who failed to admit that they are immigrants, when filing their income tax returns, or who failed to report some of their income, could result in deportation.

Caribbean men, between 18 and 25, who also failed to register with the US Selective Service, could also be deported, USCIS said.

According to CMC, on Monday, USCIS began implementing the

US Supreme Court's February 21, 2020 decision to stay the statewide injunction preventing implementation of the Final Rule issued

by US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, USCIS will now apply the final rule to all applications and petitions postmarked (or submitted electronically) on or after February 24, 2020,” said USCIS in a statement.

“For applications and petitions that are sent by commercial courier, the postmark date is the date reflected on the couInadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule, denying green cards to Caribbean and other immigrants who may need US government assistance.

“In light of the

Duo remanded over 27kg cocaine hidden in boat

Press body flays GECOM over slow release of information

GECOM PRO Yolanda Warde

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Latchman Sankar, aka “Jack”

Muneshwar Dusrajh, aka “Bonny”

wo men who were recently intercepted and arrested by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) with some 27 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a boat’s bow were arraigned at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

Thirty-five-yearold Latchman Sankar, known as “Jack”, and 47-year-old Muneshwar Dusrajh, known as “Bonny”, denied the charge when they appeared before Magistrate Crystal Lambert on Wednesday.

Particulars of the charge stated that on February 22, 2020, at Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), they had in their possession 27.866 kilograms of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

The men’s legal counsel, Attorney Siand Dhurjon, told the court during a bail application that the men had no knowledge of the narcotics.

CANU Prosecutor

Konyo Sandiford objected to bail being granted to the men on the grounds of the quantity of the drug and the penalty the offence attracts.

Based on information, the CANU ranks intercepted a fibre-glass vessel at the Parika Backdam on Saturday.

Upon inspection of the darkly-painted vessel, 25 parcels of cocaine were found stashed inside the bow.

The illegal substance amounted to a total of 27.866 kg.

Sankar and Dusrajh were immediately arrested following the search of the “Go-fast” vessel.

The men were remanded and were slated to return to court on March 13, 2020.

Meanwhile, CANU is on the hunt for a third suspect, Ryan Pemberton, commonly called “Sancho” of Alberttown, Georgetown.

He reportedly threatened to kill the CANU ranks after the bust on Saturday.

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rier receipt,” it added.

USCIS said “the final rule, published on August 14, 2019 and originally scheduled to go into effect on October 15, 2019, prescribes how the Department of Homeland Security will determine whether an immigrant is inadmissible, and ineligible to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident in the United States because he or she is likely at any time in the future to become a public charge pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act”.

he Guyana Press Association (GPA) criticised the slow manner in which information of public concern pertaining to elections is being released by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to the media.

In a statement on Wednesday, the GPA, which is headed by journalist Nazima Raghubir, noted that GECOM must be held accountable for not clarifying misinformation and accusations made with the urgency it requires.

“The GPA is dissatisfied with the lack of timely information from GECOM, and slow response to matters of national interest relative to the pending General and Regional Elections.

To date, key and critical questions have gone unanswered.”

The Association added that even questions for planning and administrative purposes remain unanswered. “The Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield, and the Chairman, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, are for the most part inaccessible,” the GPA’s statement added.

According to GPA, the several elections observer missions in the country ought to take

GPA President Nazima Raghubir

notice of this issue. The Association also urged that the concerns raised be addressed in a timely manner by GECOM. “The GPA calls on all election observation missions to take note of the disservice being meted out to the populace

by GECOM by allowing claims, accusations and rumours to fester. If not addressed with a sense of urgency and professionalism, GECOM must regard itself as a willing participant in any unfortunate reaction.”

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

Soldiers unable to vote

On February 21, 2020, the day the Disciplined Services went out to vote, a number of soldiers from Eteringbang were unable to vote. The incident was alluded to by A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/ AFC) in a statement on Wednesday in which it urged GECOM to ensure these soldiers are able to vote.

The incident was only

confirmed officially by GECOM to the media on Wednesday, several days after. According to Public Relations Officer Yolanda Warde, a total of 43 Disciplined Service members were indeed unable to be transported out of Eteringbang.

However, she noted that provisions are being made for them to vote on Election Day, March 2.

“The pilot advised that he could not land there and return to Georgetown,” Warde explained. “35 Police Officers and 8 Soldiers did not vote. GECOM would be transporting those persons from that location to their respective polling stations to vote on E-day.”

Perhaps one of the most contentious issues in the run-up to the elections has been GECOM’s drastic reduction of polling places. The parliamentary Opposition had accused GECOM of discrimination since most of the reductions are in People’s Progressive Party (PPP) strongholds.

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo consequently met with GECOM on Tuesday and was given assurances that at least 12 additional polling places would be added. Asked for an update on this on

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield

Wednesday, Warde said that some adjustments are to be made. Though she could not say definitively if they would be to all 12 places. She promised, however, to update the media when confirmed.

Tabulation

Another issue addressed by Warde following the release of the statement is the tabulation process.

International observer group Carter Center had called on GECOM to clarify the process, noting that the procedure has not been made clear to stakeholders.

In her comments on the issue, Warde noted that the tabulation process is enshrined in the laws. She explained that tabulation and declarations are done at two levels, the Returning Officers (RO) and the Chief Elections Officer.

She explained that the Statement of Polls (SoP) are transmitted from the Presiding Officers at each polling place to the deputy returning officers (DRO).

The DRO then transmits this data to the RO, who keeps one copy of the SoP and transmits the other to the CEO.

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

You got the ‘good lie’ from the coalition Government

– Phillips tells Parika farmers

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esidents of Parika and surrounding communities on the East Bank of Essequibo were on Monday informed of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) plans to revitalise the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) economy.

While at the same public meeting held in Parika, Prime Ministerial Candidate Mark Phillips reminded supporters of the draconian measures put in place by the incumbent coalition. He noted that in 2015, the APNU/ AFC promised to support farmers but instead raised the taxes and fees for land and irrigation.

“How can you help farmers by increasing the money that they pay, and then turn and tell them you’re giving them ‘the good life’… You got the ‘good lie’ from the coalition Government,” Phillips stated.

Stream of measures

To this end, the Party’s Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali, outlined a stream of measures that would return the vibrancy of the Region’s economy in the various sectors.

“The market that was once vibrant, today, when you go there in the evening on Sundays, you

see farmers with tons of produce that they have to take back home and dump… All of this because the Government has taken out of your pockets and stripped you of your disposable income with the more than 200 taxes they applied and G$91 billion they took out your pockets. On “March 2, we must fix this by removing those burdensome taxes and putting back the $91 billion in the pockets of the people,” Ali stated.

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate pointed out that the incumbent coalition has failed to respond to the challenges facing the region.

Ali noted that the coalition, though in office for five years, controlled the Parliament for eight years with a one-seat majority and during that time, reduced money for critical things such as support for farmers, drainage and irrigation, farm-to-market access roads, healthcare and education, among others – all things that would have improved the lives of residents.

He pointed out that during its time in office, the PPP/C had undertaken many projects to make life easier for the people of Region Three and this will continue if

the party returns to office.

Small and medium-scale farmers

“That was just the beginning; because after March 2, we are not going to rest until we complete every farm-tomarket road across this region. So our rice farmers don’t have to go and beg after every crop for a machine to go and grade the dam. We must end that and after March 2, we will end this when [you] elect the PPP/Civic to make these investments,” he asserted.

The Presidential Candidate stressed that voting for the PPP/C will also support other small and medium-scale farmers such as the cash crop farmers. He noted that the party will not allow these farmers to continue to borrow at very high interest rates and in order to help, a PPP/C Administration will create special development fund (a grant and loan facility) that will see them expanding production and opening new lands for their use.

Additionally, he shared the Party’s vision to make Parika the export hub for all the agricultural products by investing in a state of the art agro-process packaging facility that will be

Guyana’s history not welldocumented – UG Chancellor

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ow that Guyana is at the cusp of transformation, its unique history must be well preserved.

This was according to Chancellor of the University of Guyana Edward Green, who added that documentation of the country’s history is carelessly recorded.

Greene said that it is important that Guyana’s education system is well-grounded in an authentic archive that will expose persons to the country’s culture.

He said: “The National Archives is seriously underfunded, the archives that we go to find out what happened in the past. To tell you, I went to the archives to make sure that they had recordings that I was one time a pannist and I couldn’t find a record, it doesn’t exist”.

The former Caricom Deputy Secretary General elucidated that those working at the National Archives should be more careful with how to take care of

Chancellor of the University of Guyana Edward Green

the country’s records.

“But more importantly, the records don’t exist because of carelessness as a part of those who keep the records. For example, recordings of former artists… the people who keep those records are recording things over the records; so, you don’t have a record of what existed”, he explained.

The former WHO/ PAHO adviser on

Health and Human Development suggested that history be a compulsory course at every institution so that students will be knowledgeable about Guyana’s history.

Meanwhile, the National Archives of Guyana is a repository of official State records and local publications, including newspaper publications from Guyana.

PPP/C Prime Ministerial Candidate Retired Brigadere Mark Phillips

linked directly to US$B Caricom (Caribbean Community) markets.

“This is the development, this is the support we will bring to you – the farmers – by creating wealth, opening up new markets and ensuring that you get fair prices in a market that have higher possibilities,” the Presidential Candidate stressed.

Ali further pointed out that over the past five years, many businesses in Parika have downsized and some even closed because of the declining state of the region’s economy.

He noted that the sawmills which were once blooming are now on the

verge of closing or have already closed because the forestry sector has declined.

“When forestry is on the decline, Parika will be on decline – the boat operators, the tugs, the barges, the sawmill owners, the guys who go in as operators, all of them are affected and when they are affected, their families are affected and when their families are affected, the economy of Region Three is affected.

So the dent on the forestry sector has caused enormous hardship on the economy of this region, on the people of this community,” he contended.

The PPP/C, he noted,

will fix this by getting back investments for the forestry sector, by returning the incentives on machinery and equipment and by helping operators to recapitalise themselves so that they can open up back operations and thus provide jobs for people in the region.

Moreover, Ali underscored the importance of the mining sector to the region’s economy, especially at Parika. He explained that speedboat operators and taxi drivers are merely some of the operators who benefit from the sector but this has been on the decline with more dredges closing.

PAHO chief calls on Caribbean countries to intensify COVID-19 preparedness

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he Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Carissa F Etienne, on Wednesday urged Caribbean and other countries in the Americas to intensify their plans to prepare and respond to COVID-19, given the appearance of cases of new coronavirus disease in the region of the Americas.

According to PAHO, the Ministry of Health of Brazil confirmed the country's first case of COVID-19 on February 26.

The patient is a 61-year old man who recently returned from travel to Italy, where an outbreak of the virus has been ongoing since last week.

To date, COVID-19 has already affected 81,109 people in 38 countries of the world, 78 191 of them in China, according to the World Health Organization.

“For several weeks, countries in the Americas have been preparing for the possible importation of cases of COVID-19. There are measures in place for detecting, diagnosing and caring for patients with disease,” said Etienne.

“A strong emphasis on stopping transmission continues to be an important objective while recognising that the situation may vary from country to country and will require tailored responses,” she added.

“A multisectoral response to ensure strengthened surveillance, health service readiness, preventing spread and maintaining essential services are key

Director of PAHO Dr Carissa F Etienne

interventions to slow transmission and save lives.

“Countries of the Americas have already been working on these areas since 2009 as part of their pandemic influenza plans,” Etienne continued.

“PAHO stands ready to support countries in rolling out these plans.”

COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person through droplets and in contact with contaminated surfaces.

The disease is spread primarily by people who already show symptoms.

Current information suggests that a single infected person can infect between one to four close contacts. (CMC)

WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020| GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

NEWS IN PHOTOS 13

Scenes from PPP/C campaign

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020| GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

Guyana still in dark on price for crude sold to Shell A t his first press conference for the year on February 10, Head of the Energy Department, Dr Mark Bynoe had referred the media to the Extractive Industries Transparency Index (EITI), when asked for the price Guyana agreed with Shell on.

EITI itself was scheduled to have a meeting with the Energy Department subsequent to Dr Bynoe’s press conference, where it was expected that the matter was dealt with and the Department would share the pertinent information.

When this publi-

The CAP Philippe has come and gone with Guyana’s oil and the country is in the dark as to what price was agreed on

gas…all the information about who is operating where, when they ap-

Energy Department Director, Dr Mark Bynoe

cation made contact with EITI National Coordinator, Dr Rudy Jadoopat on Wednesday, he explained that the Energy Department is cooperating. However, he noted that they were not provided with the price.

“That is what the GYEITI is all about, to inform the public, what is happening in oil and

plied for concessions, the process, did they satisfy the criteria, what criteria did they satisfy. How much did they pay, who they paid it to…what is the price, how was the price determined?”

“We didn’t (get the info at that meeting).

That is a work in progress. Because the oil is just shipped, they have to get all the documen-

tation. When you sell something internationally, you have to get certain details from the buyer. We’re looking forward to receiving that information,” Jadoopat said, adding that it won’t happen right away.

According to him, there is no definitive timeline on the table.

The first lift of a million barrels of oil from the Stabroek block, part of Exxon’s share, took place last month.

Guyana’s first share of crude was lifted by the tanker Cap Philippe, which departed with one million barrels of crude.

It was only recently that the Ministry of Finance compiled and released its first report on the Government’s management of the oil sector since first oil started in December, revealing among other things that no revenues were earned by the Government for that month.

Rather, the report states that all petroleum from December will go towards profit oil, of which the Government will be entitled to half.

Moreover, the amount will be credited into a

special account called an under-over lift account.

Back in December, the Energy Department had announced that Guyana’s first three lifts of one million barrels of oil each will be sold to Shell. Shell was chosen ahead of companies like Exxon, CNNOC, Hess

and BP, all of which bid for the oil. But since the oil would be sold on the spot market, there have been questions as to whether Guyana would earn less money for the oil.

This news was immediately criticised

by Opposition Leader

Bharrat Jagdeo, who has also said that companies participating in this process could be barred from doing business in Guyana should his party be elected next year. In addition, Auditor General Deodat Sharma had said in sections of the media that his department would look into the transaction.

In defending the decision, the Department had said that at the end of the process, Shell had the most competitive yet secure pricing.

The Department had also claimed that Shell’s global trading reach, Latin America interests and willingness to share refinery info were factors in the decision. In addition, they had reported that Shell was ready to support the Energy Department in operating the cargoes.

TT: Woman beaten to death in El Dorado, Guyanese man held

P

olice are investigating the circumstances surrounding the murder of a woman in El Dorado, Trinidad on Sunday afternoon.

They said they received reports of a domestic disturbance at Eastern Main Road, El Dorado around 15:50h.

On arrival, they saw a man covered in blood in the doorway.

The man was speaking incoherently and pointed to a room where they found the bloodied body of Nicole Hackshaw on a bed. She had several wounds to her face.

A piece of wood, be-

lieved to be the murder weapon, was found next to her.

Police arrested the man, believed to be a Guyanese national.

Homicide investigators were called to the scene and a district medical officer declared Hackshaw dead. (TT Newsday)

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Caricom supports Guyana in border controversy case

T

he 31st InterSessional meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in the Caribbean Community (Caricom), concluded on Wednesday last in Bridgetown, Barbados, with several decisions pertaining to Guyana being taken at the meeting.

One of the most important ones was the decision for Caricom to reaffirm its support for Guyana and its recourse to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve its border controversy with Venezuela.

“Heads of Government noted that the International Court

of Justice has scheduled a hearing for the week of 23 March 2020, at which Guyana will submit its oral pleadings as to why the Court was properly vested with jurisdiction by the United Nations Secretary General for a final resolution to the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.”

“Heads of Government reiterated their full support for the judicial process that is intended to bring a peaceful and definitive end to the long-standing controversy between the two countries. Heads of Government further reiterated their firm and unswerving support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana,” a communique issued after the meeting states.

In a recent notice, the Hague, Netherlandsbased ICJ informed the parties of the schedules for the upcoming public hearings to determine whether the Court has jurisdiction to preside over the matter. The first round of oral arguments will be held on March 23, 2020, and Guyana will be presenting its pleadings on that day.

The following day is awarded to Venezuela.

Hearings on both days will commence at 10:00h and run until 13:00h (Netherlands time).

Meanwhile, the second round of arguments is slated for March 25 when Guyana will be presenting from 16:30

to 18:00h. Venezuela will then present on March 27 from 10:00h to 11:30h. The sessions will be streamed live on the Court’s website.

Guyana filed its case with the World Court on March 29, 2018, seeking a final and binding judgment that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between the then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and that Guyana’s Essequibo region belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela as is being claimed by the Spanishspeaking country.

The case was filed following a decision by Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, in January 2018, that the controversy between Guyana and Venezuela should be decided by the ICJ. The Secretary General made the decision by exercising the power vested in him in the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela and the United Kingdom to decide how the controversy should be settled.

However, Venezuela

has claimed, in a letter to the World Court, that the Secretary General exceeded his authority under the Geneva Agreement, and therefore, the Court lacks jurisdiction to adjudicate the lawsuit filed by Guyana.

Meanwhile, another decision was made for a prime ministerial sub-committee that will review the work of previous inter-sessional meetings and the implementation and financing for previous decisions.

Guyana, according to the communique, will form part of this sub-committee which will be led by the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines. In addition to Guyana, the Heads of Government of Barbados, Belize, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago will also be included.

It was further explained that recommendations will be submitted by the sub-committee during the meeting of the conference in July.

Guyana was represented at the inter-sessional meeting by Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Karen Cummings.

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Teen miners accused of stealing gold, cash from boss

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wo teen miners appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann Mclennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday charged for stealing a quantity of gold and cash belonging to their em-

ployer.

Cadeem Baily and Malcolm Payne, both 19 years old, were remanded to prison on a charge of breaking and entering and larceny.

Baily, of Shell Road, Kitty, Georgetown,

and Payne, of Houston, Greater Georgetown, pleaded guilty and not guilty respectively when the allegation was read to them.

Police stated that on February 23, 2020, the duo broke into the dwell-

Cadeem Baily and Malcolm Payne entering the court compound

ing house of Kennard Dhanraj and stole a

quantity of gold amounting to over G$1.1 mil-

lion, G$123,000 in cash and a gold band valued G$30,000.

Facts presented stated that Dhanraj secured his house on the day in question and went to transact business. Upon his arrival back home, he was greeted by a ransacked house and upon checking, he discovered the articles were missing.

A police report was made and the teenagers were later arrested at Mabura checkpoint, Region 10. A quantity of the stolen items was recovered.

In an explanation to the court, Bailey shared that he was employed by Dhanraj, who refused to pay him for his labour after the mining dredge was shut down.

The defendant added that he is the sole breadwinner for his family, and would be met with violence whenever he approached the victim for his money.

As such, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.

Both defendants were, nevertheless, remanded to prison until March 5, 2020.

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NEWS IN PHOTOS 19

Scenes from APNU/AFC campaign

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GECOM finally agrees to increase polling places

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fter much criticisms, and following a meeting with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and a team from the People’s Progressive Party, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is backtracking on its unilateral decision to reduce the number of polling places.

This was communicated at the conclusion of the meeting on Tuesday.

Jagdeo, together with People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate Dr Irfaan Ali, former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall and the party’s chief scrutineer, Zulfikar Mustapha, met with the Commission including its Chair, retired Justice Claudette Singh; Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and foreign advisers Dr Syed Nasim Zaidi and Dr Afari Gyan.

When Jagdeo addressed the media outside of GECOM, he informed that they raised concerns about specific areas such as Mon Repos and Foulis on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and Chesney village on the Corentyne.

According to him, at least 12 additional polling places will be required.

Discriminatory

“We demonstrated how the changes has been made in a discriminatory manner. We pointed out that there are large numbers of polling places in APNU strongholds, both urban and rural areas and that the proposal that went

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo alongside PPP Presidential Candidate, Dr Irfaan Ali; former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and the Party’s Chief Scrutineer, Zulfikar Mustapha, during their meeting with GECOM’s full Commission

to the Commission in January that was shared with the parties, had private residences.”

“And then these were adjusted by the CEO. He claimed that he had instructions from the Commissioners to reduce as many private polling residences as possible.

So how is it they just reduced Polling Stations in PPP strongholds?”

Jagdeo questioned.

According to Jagdeo, they provided GECOM with examples such as Golden Grove on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), which he said has six private residences with 2000 voters. In the case of Mon Repos, however, over 7000 voters only have two polling places.

“So, we said, they have to increase the number of polling places in these areas by four to six. We said we’re not telling you where to

choose, but there has to be more polling places in Mon Repos to end the congestion that would inevitably happen.”

He explained that GECOM was also apprised of a situation whereby 2600 voters from Foulis have to go to the old Regional Democratic Council (RDC) compound in Paradise and the Paradise Primary School to vote. According to him, they need at least four more polling places in Foulis.

“It can be anything, they can even put up tents. But people have a right to vote in their own communities. This is discrimination, they have to move over two miles to vote in another area. And then, in two other areas, he said he [Lowenfield] didn’t see a problem with making the adjustments.”

“Friendship to Kildonian, one polling

place there. And one on Chesney rather than moving them to another private residence all the way in Albion. So, the CEO was saying he could make all the adjustments with the Commissioners and then [GECOM Commissioner] Vincent Alexander said we cannot make that decision here, we have to discuss it.”

The decision After Jagdeo and team left, the GECOM Secretariat continued with their meeting. At

the end of that statutory meeting, GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj informed the media that a decision was taken to find ways to increase the number of polling places in these locations.

“I’m happy to report we took decisions that will resolve all those issues. I paid a visit to the Mon Repos Primary and Nursery Schools over the weekend. And you had a total of 18 Polling Stations in a fairly small place. Logistically, that

would have created a nightmare.”

“In Mon Repos, additional polling places are being implemented [by GECOM]. There will not be that congestion. They will be moving some of the Polling Stations from those two schools to other locations,” Gunraj said, though he could not say if private residences or tents would be used.

According to Gunraj, these new locations will be determined by the CEO and will take into consideration the logistics of the area and the distance from which voters will have to travel.

He confirmed, however, that all 12 additional polling places will be established.

“I am hoping and it is my personal belief, that the CEO can do that within 24 hours,” Gunraj said.

Since it was announced that GECOM would be reducing the number of polling places and specifically, private residences, the prevailing concern has been that instead of GECOM facilitating a smooth and easy process, the Secretariat’s decisions will make voting so difficult for voters that they will stay home.

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Political parties share views on sex education, bullying in schools

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olitical parties vying for a chance to govern the country for the next five years recently shared their positions on a number of issues relating to rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) community.

Among the issues that took centre stage on Monday were legislative reforms and faults in the education system.

The town hall-style meeting was organised

by Guyana’s premier gay rights organisation – the Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD) — and the Guyana Press Association (GPA) and saw the participation of almost all the political parties contesting the upcoming polls.

Sex education

One of the questions asked concerned the introduction of a sex education programme in schools to which the representative of the incumbent APNU/AFC coalition, Cathy Hughes, said the decision is not one for a political party to make, but rather, for the “experts” to determine.

But representative of the PPP/C, Priya Manickchand disagreed, saying that the political leaders have to make the decision, and then the experts can make the decisions thereafter.

According to her, introducing a sex education programme in schools is “necessary”; however, it has to be “age-appropriate”.

“It does not necessarily mean that we will be teaching seven-year-

ate the “realities” of the modern world.

According to Manickchand, teachers need to be trained on how to deal with children who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Lamenting that, to this day, the school system still teaches that ‘daddy goes to work’ while ‘mommy stays home’, Manickchand said there is a dire need for the curriculum to be revised so students can understand modern “realities”.

Principle or popularity

AFC's Cathy Hughes

old boys that we can be girls, that is so far away from what sex education really encompasses,” Manickchand explained, noting that studies will have to be conducted to determine how to roll out such an initiative.

She explained that the same programme used in other countries like the United States, may not be suitable for Guyana.

LGBTQ+ bullying

Another question posed to the politicians concerned bullying against LGBTQ+ students, and how their respective parties plan to tackle the social issue.

Hughes, who is currently the Minister of Public Telecommunications, explained that the situation has to be addressed holistically, not just bullying against LGBTQ+

students, but bullying in general.

“Once you have children with problems that are not being addressed, those problems will just be transferred from the home into the school environment,” she explained, noting that, like with many other issues, education can help.

She suggested the implementation of an aggressive educational campaign in the form of animated productions and mobile applications.

Manickchand, a former Education Minister, agreed that educating the nation will help. But she went further to explain that teachers need to be trained at the level of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the school curriculums need to be revamped so both students and educators can understand and appreci-

Meanwhile, the politicians were also grilled on whether they make decisions based on principles or popularity, especially in the context of the demands from the LGBTQ+ community.

Both APNU/AFC and the PPP/C admitted that while each individual is entitled to their fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution, political parties are in the business of getting votes from the populace.

“Political parties are in the business of securing votes of as many people as they can get. Very few political parties will tell you that they will do something that is highly unpopular, if they think they have a chance of winning,” Manickchand posited.

However, she noted that what needs to be done by all stakeholders is to ensure that the unpopular position becomes popular.

Moreover, she explained the challenges of moving to support an

PPP/C's Priya Manickchand

“unpopular” position.

“We can’t be unrealistic in what we are saying…oh this is the right thing to do…what makes your view righter than their view,” Manickchand pointed out, noting that while she has her own opinion on issues, she is not governing for herself.

When it comes to making concrete legislative changes to support LGBTQ+ rights in Guyana, the former Parliamentarian explained that the PPP/C “is not, at this stage, prepared to say that samesex marriage will be promoted or allowed…”

However, she said the Party is insistent that no law will be passed or implemented in a way that discriminates against the LGBTQ+ community.

Similarly, the APNU/

AFC representative explained that political parties are made up of a group of individuals who each have their own views on these issues.

“A part of the challenge is that political parties themselves are made up of individuals… individuals bring to the table their own personal beliefs, whether it is based on religious norms [or morals],” Hughes said, suggesting that in cases like these, allowing a conscience vote in the National Assembly would be the best solution.

Meanwhile, the other political parties that participated in the forum are A New and United Guyana, The Citizenship Initiative, The New Movement, The Liberty and Justice Party and Change Guyana.

Sri Lankans fined for entering Guyana illegally

F

our Sri Lankans were placed before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to answer the charge of illegally entering Guyana.

They appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday.

Anthony Jeyaraj, Thambirasa Jan, Siriran Senthusaan and Sebamlall Dias all pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that between January 18, 2020, and February 22, 2020, at Springlands, they entered Guyana by sea and disembarked without presenting themselves to the nearest Immigration Office.

The Sri Lankan nationals claimed they are tourists who came to Guyana on a Surinamese

boat.

According to the facts presented in Court, the defendants boarded a minibus destined for Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), which was later stopped by Police ranks at the Mabura checkpoint. Upon inspecting the passengers, the four defendants were asked present their travel documents where it

was discovered that the documents bore no travel stamps.

They were arrested and taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary and later charged for the offence.

The Chief Magistrate after listening to the facts fined the men G$40,000 each or eight weeks in prison.

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‘Ferguson knew she was about to do something improper’

…Cops should be called in to investigate alleged bribery – Nandlall

F

ormer Attorney General (AG) and Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP) Executive Member, Anil Nandlall, believes that Chief Elections Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, must immediately lodge a complaint with the Guyana Police Force against Minister with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson.

Nandlall made the damning charges on Ferguson and said this must be done with a view for the Police investigating and instituting charges against the sitting Minister for breaches of the Representation of Peoples Act. He was referring to reports that Minister Ferguson in her capacity as Minister had breached the law when she, days before, promised house lots to selected members of the Joint Services just days before the servicemen and women cast their ballots for the 2020 General Elections.

Prominent Attorneyat-Law, Sanjeev Datadin had a day earlier ac-

cused the Minister of being guilty of the corrupt practice of bribery.

In a clip making the rounds on social media, Minister Ferguson could be heard clearly inducing the servicemen and women at a meeting.

The Minister is heard saying if re-elected to office and she is allowed to retain her portfolio as Minister then the ranks could be assured of house lots.

The Minister is being accused of using the occasion to knowingly breach the law.

Under the statute, every person who directly or indirectly, by himself or by any other person on his behalf, “gives or agrees to give; or lends or agrees to lend, or offers or promises; or promises to procure or promises to endeavour to procure any money or valuable consideration to or for any elector, or to or for any other person, in order to induce any elector to vote or to refrain from voting” is guilty of the corrupt act of bribery.

The attorney noted that the issue must be viewed in context and

Minister with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson

pointed to the Minister’s stated request for the individuals present in the room at the time to turn

off their cell phones.

Nandlall—himself a practising Attorney and former Minister

of Legal Affairs—said it was Lowenfield who must make a report to the Police for them to investigate and institute charges.

He did express dismay at any progress being made in the matter in the judicial system and pointed to recent cases of litigation brought against Government and Government officials.

Nandlall drew specific reference to the case where Finance Minister Winston Jordan had been found to be in contempt of a Court Order but before any action could have been taken the President intervened.

He pointed out too that incumbent Attorney General Basil Williams is on record publicly interfering in the duties of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) where he called on her to withdraw a case—a case she later decided to Nolle prosequi or terminate pursuit of the litigation.

Nandlall said while private criminal action could also be filed by affected parties, again saying he did not have faith in the system and

alluded to the imminent March 2 General and Regional Elections as the ultimate answer in rebalancing the independence and autonomy of constitutional bodies such as the DPP. Datadin is adamant the Minister clearly knew what she was about to do was improper saying, “why would she ask them to turn off their cell phones, clearly she was well aware that what she was going to do was improper”.

The attorney was adamant that by meeting with a select group of servicemen and demanding that they turn off their cell phones from the inception, the Minister wanted the affair to be kept secret and, in the context, knew that it was improper and unlawful.

He said in the circumstance of just meeting with a selected few persons in a room, asking them to take off their cell phones, those persons had been identified for special treatment and that the Minister knew what she was doing was not only wrong but unlawful.

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GOLDEN JUBILEE: G

uyana is a melting pot of cultures and every celebration takes on some part of that melting pot. It is no different with Mashramani since it is a time to showcase our unity as a people and truly live as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”.

This year, Mashramani is being observed under the theme, “Guyana Together; Reflect, Celebrate and Transform.”

Mashramani is an Amerindian word which means “celebration after hard work”, and is usually observed on February 23 in observance of Guyana’s Republic status, which was achieved on that date in 1970.

Mashramani, commonly referred to as “Mash”, is the most colourful, dynamic, inclusive, cultural and energetic of all the festivals in Guyana.

Each year, since 1970, Guyana has observed its Republic anniversary by hosting a series of activities. These activities usually culminate on Republic Day, February 23, with a grand display of costume bands, accompanied by Caribbean music, watched by thousands of spectators who either line the routes along where the revellers pass, or occupy the grass verges with their families and friends to picnic while they enjoy the festivities of the day.

Over the past years, the street parties have continued well into the night. The flag-raising ceremony, which takes place on the eve of the Republic celebrations, is attended by the President, Prime Minister and other Government officials, as well as Members of Parliament, the Judiciary

and the Armed Forces. Later in the day, around 09:00h, the day's main feature, the "Mashramani Float Parade", begins.

The celebration came out of the Junior Chamber of Greater Mackenzie, which was already celebrating Guyana’s independence in Linden with a similar event since Independence in

1966.

It proved so successful that by 1972 it was declared a national event, and the following year, it was held nationally for the first time and annually ever since, in the capital city of Georgetown under the auspices of the Government, although there are events held in Berbice and Linden.

It is a time of revelry and dressing up in costumes and joining the float parades and has evolved in terms of creativity over the years.

Many activities are held prior to the main event on February 23; these include the children’s parade, Panorama, Chutney Soca Monarch competition

Resolution

Second Parliament of Guyana First Session 1969 and other cultural activities.

Mash origins

The origin of the word Mashramani has been a source of some dispute that has in the past led to various efforts to clarify the term.

According to historians, the word Mashramani was borrowed from the Arawak word to describe their celebratory period of feasting and dancing after a successful preparation and planting season; meaning, “celebration after hard work”, though other coinages include “celebration of a work well done”, “a venture”, or “cooperative effort”, and “a celebration after a harvest”.

However, it has also been said that the word is not directly an Arawak word, but sounds similar to a word used to describe a festival such as one when the village gets together to celebrate a young couple’s approaching marriage.

Regardless, the term Mashramani was officially chosen in 1972 to symbolise the celebrations of the new Republic’s birth.

The first national celebration was described as a “a riot of colour, gaiety and scintillating pan music in the streets of Georgetown for over six hours … as a number of floats, costumes and steel bands in Carnival style tramped in the city and suburban areas to highlight the Mashramani celebrations in Georgetown,” by the Guyana Graphic on Saturday, February 24, 1973.

Resolution NO XXVI

WHEREAS the Constitution of Guyana makes provision in paragraph (5) of article 73 thereof whereby Guyana may become a Republic and accordingly cease to be part of Her Majesty’s dominions pursuant to alterations to the Constitution set out in the Second Schedule thereto; AND WHEREAS such provision requires a resolution of the National Assembly, upon a motion introduced by the Prime Minister, that Guyana shall become a Republic and that the said alterations to the Constitution shall have effect on such day after the passing of the resolution as may be specified therein; AND WHEREAS by virtue* of such provision notice of such a motion may be given on or after 1st January, 1969, but not less than three months before the National Assembly upon the motion; AND WHEREAS in fulfilment of the processes of National Independence it is fitting that Guyana should become a Republic pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution; AND WHEREAS the twenty-third day of February in each year commemorates the revolt of enslaved peoples on that day in the year one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three in the then Colony of Berbice – being the first significant blow struck for freedom in the territory now comprised in the State of Guyana; RESOLVED by this National Assembly in pursuance of paragraph (5) of article 73 of the Constitution of Guyana that on the twenty-third day of February in the year one thousand nine hundred and seventy Guyana shall become a Republic and accordingly cease to be part of Her Majesty’s dominions and that for that purpose the alterations to the constitution of Guyana set out in the Second Schedule to the said constitution shall have effect.

Passed by the National Assembly this 29th day of August, 1966 MB Henry M B Henry, Acting Clerk of the National Assembly

Golden Jubilee

This year’s celebration is exceptionally special for Guyana because it marks 50 years since the attainment of Republican status. Guyana have significantly grown over the years and underwent significant transformation.

Today, Guyana can boast of being one of the world’s newest oil producing countries with significant reserves. In addition to that, it can boast of being one of the most diverse nations in the country. It is the very diversity that makes Guyana different from every other nation.

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One, one…

A

…SNAFU build rigging nyone with the slightest familiarity with Guyanese elections – starting from the one that led to independence in 1964 – would know that even so-called “rational” changes in elections arrangements can be Trojan Horses for gaming the said elections. The 1961 elections had been supposed to deliver independence, but the winning PPP wasn’t approved by the West. So, the FORM of the elections was changed from “first-past-the-post” to “Proportional Representation” to ensure the latter’s ouster!!

Changes to accommodate a national register and the overseas vote in 1968 led to the first PNC rigged election, setting the pattern till 1992. So, after witnessing the series of unfortunate SNAFUs: selecting a GECOM Chair – who holds the casting vote in that institution; the compilation of the Official List of Electors and now with the locations for voters to cast their ballots, Guyanese would have to be absolutely bonkers not to figure out that the PNC-led caretaker government is returning to form. They’re busy “cocking” the works to get back into power.

Even the most fervent PNC supporter knows this, but as Burnham convinced them back in the day, if they “allowed” the PPP back into office, they’d never be able to get back in. And the PPP was their mortal enemy!! Allowing for the specific reasons as to why the PPP weren’t to be ‘allowed’ back in today, Granger’s and the PNC’s rationale for messing with the voting arrangements remains the same.

So, Granger was excused for unilaterally appointing Patterson as GECOM Chair. He was excused for claiming that 33 wasn’t a majority of 65 – and all those who snicker about “voodoo mathematics” should remember that it allowed the PNC to remain at the helm for another year. Patterson also served his purpose to secretly order a “House-to-House” registration, which offered a host of new variables to not only delay the elections, but also to introduce a residency requirement for voting.

The incredulous decision by the then new Chairwoman to truncate the H2H but yet integrate the data created a cascade of SNAFUs in the PLE, the RLE and finally the OLE, which were never completely straightened out and will certainly work to disenfranchise some voters. And we arrive at the latest SNAFU – drastically reducing the number of Polling Places – especially in Opposition strongholds – and creating hardships that may dissuade their supporters from exercising their franchise.

After each SNAFU was brought to the Chairwoman’s notice, efforts are promised to rectify – but NEVER returning the status quo ante. Based on what we’ve experienced, we can expect at least one new SNAFU. We mightn’t know “how”, but we know it’ll be to tilt the scale for the PNC!! …meeting builds friendship President Donald Trump – from the pioneering democracy of the USA – is on his first visit to India – the most populous democracy on planet earth. The two countries themselves have a lot more in common – having both been former British colonies – but for most of the 20th Century they’d been estranged because of Nehru’s Congress party’s leftist tilt.

Modi and his BJP, however, are a horse of another colour and have already carved out a new relationship with the superpower. Their common concern about China is, of course, one factor, but there are also the ideological commonalities in the integration of nationalist sentiments into the Liberal paradigm.

Trump has received a welcome such as he’d never seen before because of the widespread sentiment that he has not accepted the almost reflexive disdain for India from his predecessors. Then again, there is the Indian fundamental stance that a “guest must be treated as a god”!!

But most of all, there is the chemistry between Trump and Modi.

It demonstrates the importance of the human factor in international affairs!! …reward for anti-democrats After the Mash 5 prison escapees branded themselves as “Liberation Fighters” based in Buxton, Eusi Kwayana wrote about the “political sophisticates” who taught them “race hate”.

One of them just received a national award.

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FEATURE 33

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Mash Costume and Float Parade: O

Explosion of colour and creativity

ur culture, our language, our history, and our values are vital to uniting us as a nation, as a people, and as the melting pot that we are. Nothing unites us more than a celebration of everything that is in that pot and one such celebration is Mashramani.

Mashramani translates as “celebration after hard work” and it is a time where we as Guyanese take the time to go out into the streets and celebrate everything that truly makes us unique as a people. It is a time when we forget race, politics and everything else that divides us daily. It is truly a celebration of harmony and unity.

The annual Costume and Float Parade is the main attraction of Mashramani. It is a time when people deck themselves out in extravagant costumes, join large bands or flock the streets that are part of the parade route just to get a glimpse of the glittery costumes depicting different messages.

The stage is usually set for the large parade with the commencement of the Children’s Mashramani activities. As has been the tradition for some time, the Children’s Mashramani activities are among the most anticipated, and schools from the various regions participate in various activities, including dramatic poetry, dance, and calypso.

The young generation of revellers proudly represent their schools and regions with enthusiasm, drive and creativity.

The Children’s Mashramani activities officially became the responsibility of the Education Ministry in February 1992. The Unit of Allied Arts within the Ministry was tasked with implementing programmes to showcase the talents of children in Guyana. The Unit is the centre for coordination and integration of the Expressive Arts – Dance, Music, Physical Education and Visual Arts – in sequenced modules into the school system of Guyana.

Because of its mandate, the Allied Arts Unit expanded the scope of the Children’s Mashramani activities to include competitions of Dance, Dramatic Poetry, Calypso, Costume, Steel Pan, Physical Education, and Masquerade for children. The objectives of the programme are to promote the Expressive Arts through a National Event; encourage schools, parents and communities to work together in a creative artistic manner;

provide an opportuni-

ty for the display of talent by students and to foster a sense of pride in our national identity.

The competitions are held at the regional and national levels for primary and secondary schools.

Children at the nursery level also participate in some of the activities, but only at the regional level. What a joy it is to see the nation’s youth embracing the occasion.

The finals of these competitions are held in Georgetown and all Regional Education Districts participate.

These activities usually run for a period of three weeks in the month of February and the outstanding performances are recognised and rewarded at all levels.

The Children’s Costume Parade was introduced in 1996.

It is a spectacular colourful activity that showcases the talents and creativity that exist among young people.

This parade culminates the series of activities and involves approximately 4000 children from schools and youth groups throughout Guyana. It is a collaborative effort of the Education Ministry, the Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Over the last weekend, the children took to the street for their aspect of the revelling. Hundreds

of children and their parents lined the streets to get glimpses of the parade as the revellers, decked in their colourful costumes, danced along the parade route.

The children pranced and danced from Parade Ground, east into Middle street, north into Camp Street, east into Lamaha Street, north into Albert Street and then into the National Park.

Observers of the event were amazed at the cultural displays that were coordinated by school teachers and students. Patrons were heard cheering and shouting words of encouragement as they saw their little loved ones in their costumes Some of the ensembles that captured the onlooker’s intention were from Regions Three, Eight, and Four who gracefully depicted Guyana’s transformation.

The main (adult) parade is on February 23, which is also the date Guyana achieved Republican status. It is usually a plethora of colours as the revellers in the various bands snake their way through the streets of

Georgetown. It is usually a tough competition as the revellers battle for top prizes.

It is also a time where local designers are given a chance to exhibit their creativity and show exactly what Guyanese are capable of.

They are given the theme by the owners of the band and they let their creativity run amok to come up with breath-taking pieces.

The vibe on Mash Day with loud music and masqueraders gyrating through the streets of the capital city is one that cannot be experienced just by sitting and watching the parade on the television, rather you have to be in the midst of the crowd and feel it to experience it.

So this Mash Day, grab your friends and go out on the road to experience true unity and celebrate our rich Guyanese culture.

34 FEATURE

By Utamu Belle

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he Mashramani celebration started when the Junior Chamber – Jaycees – of Mackenzie (a community that now constitutes part of Linden), who had been organising the country’s Independence celebrations since 1966, sought to have a ‘carnival-like’ festival to commemorate British Guiana gaining its Republican status in 1970.

Chaired by popular West Indies cricketer the late

Basil Butcher, the Jaycees Republic Committee was formed. It included members such as Jim Blackman, who was named Deputy to complete the task owing to Butcher being selected to the WI team about to tour Australia; resource personnel Adrian Thompson; Wordsworth McAndrew and Arthur Seymour.

Following the formation of the Committee, its members then began consultations so that a relevant name could be chosen for the festival, which was intended to celebrate the much-anticipated “Birth of the Republic.”

It was Butcher, who then made the suggestion that an Amerindian or Indigenous name would be best suited. After the members of the Committee agreed, they contacted several Amerindians, including Allan Fiedtkou, an employee attached to the Geological Department of the then bauxite company, Demba.

Fiedtkou suggested a name which he learnt from his grandfather that was used by Amerindians when they gathered to commemorate an auspicious event.

As Fiedtkou explained, the celebration would last over several days, sometimes even up to a week. The men would go hunting and the women and children would gather materials to make a benab. Refreshments would be made and a feast would ensue.

According to Fiedtkou, the term for the celebration sounded like “Muster Many” or “Mashirimehi”, and it sounded like “Mashramani” in Arawak.

After several authorities were consulted, there were no doubts or confirmations regarding the term. Mashramani became known as an Amerindian term for celebration after hard work or a cooperative effort or the celebration after a job well done. As such, the Committee decided to call the festival Mashramani, with the aim of hosting a na-

WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

tional observance. As such, on February 23, 1970, Guyana’s first Republican festival was staged at Linden.

The Jaycees, then headed by Jimmy Hamilton, had appointed the team to successfully organise the celebration, which was deemed a successful one. It featured three exciting days of competition and fun, attracting huge crowds from across the other administrative Regions.

The celebration eventually managed to secure sponsorship from the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). Guyanese were said to have welcomed the observances with as much splendour as they welcomed the status of becoming a Republic nation. There were activities such as ‘the Revolt dance’, a jouvert-like observance which became known as “Fo Day Mawnin Jump Up”; the Cde Mashramani contest; a calypso contest called the “Shanto” contest; a steel band contest and an extravagant float parade. Pageantry, in those days, was also a main attraction of the event, with the first winner of the Mashramani contest in 1970 being Hazel Figueira of Mackenzie, Linden.

In 1971, then Home Affairs Minister David Singh declared the celebrations in Linden open and decided that he would take a proposal to Cabinet to make the celebration a national one. With the assistance of the Jaycees Committee, the Minister travelled across the country to inform residents of the celebration.

Since then, various activities were shifted to various areas across Guyana.

Enjoyed by many, Mashramani’s popularity quickly grew as it became a national observance. In 1972, it was taken to the capital city Georgetown, following Singh’s intervention and then President Forbes Burnham granting permission. That year, the bauxite company in Linden sent a 500-strong contingent to Georgetown to participate in the parade.

The move also saw the event being held in Linden, Berbice and Georgetown, but Linden failed to garner much sponsorship to sustain the costume and float parade.

Eventually, it was centred in Georgetown and as the years went by, other areas across Guyana joined in. Throughout the decades, the celebrations have evolved. As a witness to the celebrations in those days recalled, it was somewhat different from the “bacchanal-style” prancing down the streets these days.

These days, lots of sponsorship is pumped into the celebrations. Each year, thousands line the streets, with hundreds participating in the annual float parade held in Georgetown.

The parade is usually an annual competition, with big bands participating. Additionally, many new activities have been incorporated into the celebrations, including the Children’s Costume Competition, the

Junior and Senior Calypso and Chutney competitions, Chutney dance competition, duck curry competition, folk evening observance, Bands Concert and National Art exhibition.

Traditional activities have remained, including the steel band concert and Panorama as well as Masquerade Jamboree.

However, many long for the return of the Mashramani pageant, which was hosted back in those days. While a few pageants were hosted over the years, it has not been on the annual calendar of events.

As for the community of Linden where it all started, the celebration is held approximately a week after the grand float parade in Georgetown. Costumes are usually sponsored by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and a few businesses.

However, the float parade in the mining town can be considered miniature to that of the capital city. There is also a “Mash Bash” social and cultural event hosted in the community on February 23.

It is believed, by many Lindeners, that more should be done to preserve the history of the floats.

They are advocating for a place where samples should be kept, as a reminder to youths of our rich, cultural heritage.

Over the years, Lindeners have longed to see the return of the celebration to the town.

With all that has changed over the years, few things have remained. These include flamboyant costumes; beaming faces; people dancing to the sounds of masquerade bands, calypso and steel pan music; hundreds lining the streets to get a glimpse of the spectacle and delicious Guyanese cuisine.

Over the years, these features, which mark the observance of Guyana becoming a Republican nation back in February 1970, have never failed to delight Guyanese and visitors.

Looking back over the years at the celebration of Mashramani, a festival with its origin in the bauxite mining town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), one would note that it has undergone many unique and interesting transformations.

This year marks 50 years of Guyana becoming a Republic nation, and approximately 46 years since the birth of the celebration.

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Guyana on the World Stage ...An Evening of Reflection and Thanksgiving

A section of the audience, including (front row right-left) Hon. Oral Holder; Hon. Barbara Atherly; H.E. Riyad Insanally, C.C.H.; Bishop-Elect Dr. Cheryl Ault-Barker; Pandita Devi Lakhnauth; Arsalan Mohamed and Ras Zebulun

T

he theme, “ G u y a n a Together: Reflect, Celebrate, Transform”, came alive on stage in the NYC H+H/Queens Hospital Auditorium, New York on Sunday, February 16, 2020, when Guyanese in the Diaspora, Inc. under the auspices of the Honorable

Barbara Atherly, Consul General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana launched its Republic Golden Jubilee celebrations, with a spectacular “Evening of Reflection and Thanksgiving”.

The program commenced with the singing of the National Anthems of the USA

and Guyana and an Ancestral Invocation was delivered by a representative of Guyana’s indigenous peoples who was joined by two representatives of the indigenous peoples of the United States. The majesty of our major religions; Christians, Hindus and Muslims, was on full display when

The auditorium of the NYC H+H/Queens Hospital was packed to capacity

religious leaders performed side by side with other faith groups, such as the ‘Spiritualist’ and ‘Rastafarians’. This was a rather unique and colorful aspect of the evening because it signaled the first time in New York that Spiritualists and Rastafarians were formally recognized to perform alongside the three main religious groups and so prominently celebrated as Guyana showcased itself on the world stage.

Master of Ceremonies, Former Radio Announcer and Talk Show Host Hugh Hamilton, introduced the procession of flag bearers – Members of the Guyana ExPolice and ExGuyana Defence Force Soldiers, Members of the Jubilee Choir and Band, Members of the Consular Corps and other dignitaries as they processed into the auditorium to the rousing music of the gospel song, “Every Praise”,

by Hezekiah Walker.

This set the tone for a seamless and very intricate multi-religious and multi-ethnic mosaic of Hymns, National Songs, Rastafarian chanting and the spoken word, Christian, Hindu and Muslim interpretive dances, an Interfaith Unity Dance

by International Dancer Zaman, gospel singing, Hindi devotional songs and Bhajans, Tabla drumming, as well as, African drumming and Libation.

Special thanks were extended to the Queens Events Auditorium by Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christopher Roker, New York City H+H/ Queens Hospital

Auditorium which hosted the event. The representative, Mr. Cleon Edwards, presented remarks.

In her welcome and introductory remarks, Consul General Atherly highlighted the importance of Guyana’s religious diversity and religious tolerance in our multi-religious, multiethnic and multi-cultural society. She urged the excited audience which packed the auditorium, that, as they reflect and give thanks, to find personal inspiration from the evening’s religious experience. She noted that Guyana’s Republic celebration was named ‘Mashramani’, which is an Amerindian word that means ‘Celebration after hard work’. “There is much to celebrate and much to look forward to in the future,” she declared.

Special 50th Republic Anniversary greetings were delivered by The Honorable Oral Holder, Consul General of Barbados and Chairman of the 15 member CARICOM Consul Corps in New York. He congratulated Guyana and noted the significance of the CARICOM Headquarters in Guyana and the pivotal role Guyana played as one of the four original signatories to the Treaty of Chaguaramas which established CARICOM in July 1973. He also spoke of Guyana’s natural and human resources which he said will be of critical importance to the Region in the future.

It was and honor and privilege for His Excellency Riyad

Insanally C.C.H., Guyana’s Ambassador to the USA to bring greetings on this auspicious occasion. He declared that “these are exciting times for Guyana”. He announced ExxonMobil’s 16th deepwater Oil discovery off the Guyana Coast with an estimated 8 billion barrels of recoverable crude in the very lucrative Stabroek Block. “This means”, he noted, “that Guyana could become one of the biggest per-capita oil producer in the world and is set to become one of the world’s fastestgrowing economies”.

Religious Leaders took the audience down memory lane with reflections from their religious perspectives.

Araslan Mohamed (Pradeep Kumar) reflected on the origins of four religious national holidays in Guyana: Deepavali, Phagwah, Eid-ul-Adha and Youman Nabi. He said he is very happy to know that Guyana still observes those holidays. Hindu Pandit Naro Bali and Pandita Davi Lakhnauth read from the Bhagavad Geeta and the children played the tabla and sang Hindu devotional songs.

Bishop-Elect Dr. Cheryl AultBarker spoke on Transformation and took the audience on a journey from her childhood to present. She prayed for peace, love and unity in Guyana and asked everyone present to hold the hand of the person next to them while she prayed. She asked the Lord to intervene TURN TO PAGE 38

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REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS DPI photos

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REPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATIONS DPI photos

Guyana on the...

and to ensure that the transformation that is taking place in Guyana be divinely blessed.

This was followed by an inspiring and uplifting Praise Dance performed by Impressions Dance Theatre to the song,” We’ve come a Mighty Long Way”.

The Jubilee choir led the audience in singing national songs such as the song of the Republic, “From Pakaraima’s peaks of

pow’r to Corentyne’s lush sands”. There was a distinct air of patriotism and national pride as the predominantly Guyanese audience sang along lustily with the Choir as they sang, Salute to Guyana, My Guyana El Dorado, To Serve my Country, O beautiful Guyana and Song of Guyana’s Children.

The Evening’s program came to an end with a big thank you to

FROM PAGE 36

everyone by the Master of Ceremonies, for coming out in their large numbers to celebrate Guyana’s 50th Republic Anniversary. The flag bearers once again led the procession of dignitaries out the auditorium to the very popular national song,” Let us Cooperate for Guyana”.

This was followed by a reception in the Atrium.

(DPI)

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Man found dead hours after boasting about being rich

P Fatal flaw…

D

…of Granger avid Granger, now vying for a second term as President, is first and foremost a military creature. But most pertinently, he imbibed his view of the role of the military from Forbes Burnham, who plucked this policeman from the Queen’s College Cadet Corps, sent him to military school in England, and then pushed him to play a leading role in the Disciplined Forces formed by the dictator. Granger has been honest in insisting that his role model is Burnham, whose legacy it is his mission to complete.

Even though some British-trained officers (like Col Price) were retained by Burnham after Independence, they were shunted aside for juniors like Granger, who jumped to the commands of his master’s whims. Burnham was a creature of his times when some saw the military as a “modernising” force for underdeveloped and developing countries. But in treating modernisation as a variable, Burnham had a very confused and naïve apprehension of what were the factors to accomplish it.

The name he chose – “Disciplined Forces” for his military outfits, the Army (GDF); Police (GPF); Reserve (People’s Militia); National Service; etc – revealed his view of Guyanese society and what it would take to “modernise” us. We were “undisciplined” and the “Disciplined” Forces would INSTIL the necessary “discipline” into us. Burnham explicitly rejected the British view of a “professional” military: he announced he wasn’t looking for any “abstract” loyalty…but the military must swear personal fealty to him!!

Burnham built up the Disciplined Forces to 23,000 – one of the highest army-civilian ratio in the world, 1:35!! All of this fell apart like everything else Burnham touched, of course, but true-believers like Granger are always ready to blame “others” who “sabotaged” the “vision”!! Granger has increased the armed forces from 6800 in 2014 to 10,226 in 2020 – and we have military officers in leadership positions in EVERY state institution in the country!! Including the public hospital!!

He doesn’t accept that for a democracy, discipline – to produce, or create, or invest – cannot be imposed.

Like the totalitarian leader he is, he’s willing to create a North Korean-style military-controlled society to give life to his hero’s vision. If you, Dear Reader, think the analogy is over the top, don’t forget that Burnham actually visited North Korea and brought “discipline” into youths by importing their “Mass Games” for our schoolchildren!!

Granger inherited Burnham’s imperial presidency created by his 1980 Constitution, which increased the Executive control of the legislature. He has shown that he has scant regard for the Judiciary. On this Republic Day, reflect on the dangers of putting him back as President of our Republic on March 2.

Let us protect democracy on OUR ides of March!! …of expatriate enclaves There’s been quite a bit written about Equatorial Guinea and how its ruler and his son have siphoned off the billions and billions of (US) dollars from the country’s oil revenues. Imagine US$700 million deposited in the Riggs bank in Washington DC, was just the tip of the iceberg!! The average citizen who’s been left wallowing in poverty and misery after decades of oil production is also only the tip of the iceberg of the consequent deformation of the society.

One that’s been well hidden was suggested by the PNC Government’s announcement of the one-squaremile plot of GuySuCo’s land at Ogle being identified for a “city” – starting with two brand-name hotels, golf course, and exclusive shopping etc.

In Guinea’s capital of Malabo, there are several enclaves that cater to the expatriate community that run the oil extraction process. These enclaves totally sequester the ex-pats from the grim reality of the lives of ordinary Guineans – and anaesthetizes their sense of outrage.

Guyanese should insist on distributed development to integrate ex-pats with Guyanese. …in democratic campaigning Another sign of the march into dictatorship by the Granger crew has been their blatant use of state resources during the present campaign. Now, of course, all incumbents play this game, as Ramjattan ejaculated.

But there are clear rules for caretaker regimes!!

olice in Linden have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of an unidentified man who was discovered on Monday evening at the Prosville Squatting Area, Wismar, Linden.

Initial reports indicated that the man, who was of Indian descent, was found in an unconscious state and was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) where he subsequently succumbed. He was reportedly bleeding from his nostrils at the time of the discovery.

Enquiries disclosed that at approximately 17:00h on Monday, the now dead man visited a

food shop situated in the Prosville Squatting Area where he requested a roti which was given to him.

Reports indicate that he then took out three cellular phones from his pants pocket and began boasting that he “got money”.

He was reportedly

asked to pay for the roti he ordered, after which he left.

Police have confirmed that upon examination, ranks discovered that behind his head was swollen.

The body was photographed for identification purposes and is

presently lying at the LHC awaiting a postmortem.

The cellphones which he reportedly had in his possession are yet to be located. According to Police, persons in the area were questioned but no useful information was obtained.

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ECD man found guilty of murdering fisherman in 2014

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ollowing a lengthy deliberation by a 12-member High Court jury on Tuesday, it ruled that a Blossom Scheme, Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man is guilty of murdering Chetram Bharrat while wounding his reputed wife, Lomattie Ramdat, and stealing some G$370,000 from their home in 2014.

The accused, Errol Khan, was slapped with two separate indictments when he made his first High Court appearance before Justice Brassington Reynolds.

Khan, who was represented by Attorney Ravindra Mohabir, denied the indictments which detailed that on May 2, 2014, he hacked Bharrat, a fisherman, to death, feloniously wounded Ramdat and stole the aforementioned amount of cash during a

Dead: Chetram Bharrat

robbery at the couple’s Haslington, ECD home.

The now convicted man will be sentenced on March 13, 2020.

It was reported that Khan entered the home of Bharrat and began

hacking away at the man and his wife with a cutlass.

During his appearance at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court in 2014, Khan admitted that he was sharing a re-

lationship with the dead man’s wife and they had a problem.

He said she defected to her husband, which caused him to get upset and jealous.

During the attack, the woman reportedly attempted to go to her husband’s aid but was chopped several times by the attacker.

After the incident, Ramdat claimed that she and her husband suffered the fate as a result of a robbery but was forced to change her story after residents who are familiar with her relationship with the now accused man began speaking about it, expressing the view that it was Khan, her lover, who committed the act.

State Prosecutors Abigail Gibbs and Sarah Martin are representing the State.

Convicted murderer: Errol Khan being escorted out of court

India Govt offers scholarships to Guyanese

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he Indian High Commission has announced the opening of scholarships for Guyanese, offered by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations arm of the Indian Government under the Commonwealth Scholarship Scheme.

The courses range from undergraduate, postgraduate and other programmes for the academic year 2020-2021.

The nine scholarships will cover airfare, tuition as well as accommodation.

“Nine scholarships are available under this programme, with return international airfare, tuition, stipend, contingent grant, house rent allowance, accommodation, thesis and dissertation expenses covered by the Government of India,” the Indian High Commission in Guyana indicated.

While courses are offered in a number of fields, the Council does not offer admission in medical or paramedical areas such as nursing, physiotherapy and anaesthesia or fashion courses,

The Commission said that guidelines can be viewed at http:/a2ascholarship.iccr.gov.in/ assets/site/docs/applicant-guidelines before applications are completed.

Applications are to be filled online at http:// a2ascholarships.iccr.gov. in/home/register.

“A recent passport size photograph not more than 3.5×4.5cm (25kb) should be uploaded on the application form.

Copies of all academic qualifications, certificates and mark sheets, including those relating to school-leaving examination along with a certificate of physical fitness in the prescribed form, recommendations/ character certificates from existing school and certified copy of bio-data page of applicant’s valid passport are to be uploaded also,” it was disclosed.

A printed and signed copy of the application must be submitted along with copies of all uploaded documents to the High Commission of India not later than February 25, 2020. Meanwhile, for PhD courses deadline is

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Desmond Trotman recants “Massa” claims against PSC Chair

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oalition representative on the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Desmond Trotman, has recanted racist statements made against Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia, with a “Massa” tirade that he had publicly made against the PSC member.

The public spat which saw its genesis involving correspondence between Captain Gouveia and GECOM Chief Elections

spearheaded by Retired Justice Stanley Moore.

As Chairman, the Sub-Committee was mandated to “establish the facts of what transpired and why”.

Following the announcement of an amicable settlement, Trotman in a statement on Wednesday said, “I erred in identifying Gouveia’s ancestry as one of Plantocracy and slave-owning class and, therefore, mistakenly attributed their traits to him”.

PSC Chairman Gerry Gouveia

Officer Keith Lowenfield had seen a swift condemnation by Trotman in a public missive, which had caught the attention of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC).

The body, however, on Wednesday reported that it had concluded its investigations and that the two public figures had come to an amicable settlement.

The complaints stemmed from a July 24, 2019, letter which was written by Trotman to Captain Gouveia, in his capacity as Chairman of the PSC. The Commission subsequently appointed a special Sub-Committee to investigate the complaints and that was

The coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Commissioner on GECOM said, given that at the time Lowenfield had already responded to the PSC representative over concerns raised at the time, “there was no need for a response from me, inclusive of the mistakenly attributed reference to him and his forebearers, which references offended him as if they were the Massa and all that is attributable to Massas…I therefore unreservedly withdraw all such assertions”.

Meanwhile, Gouveia in weighing in on the now-concluded raciallycharged statements, said

ERC’s CEO resigns

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thnic Relations Commission Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Langevine has resigned from her position at the constitutional body.

In a brief interview on Wednesday, Langevine confirmed her resignation but declined to give further details. Guyana Times International understands the resignation took effect on February 25.

Chairman of the Commission, Reverend John Smith, in also confirming the resignation indicated that Langevine did give the constitutional body the customary

three months’ notice.

This means, according to Reverend Smith, that the resignation letter would have been submitted to the body some time ago and only took effect on Tuesday last.

He told this publication that the body will be meeting today, at which point the resignation will be discussed extensively by the Commission.

According to Reverend Smith, the general population will more than likely be provided with an update subsequent to that meeting, by way of a public missive.

he respects the right for all and sundry to make their views known and that he accepts the withdrawal of the remarks

by Trotman—“remarks associating me and my Portuguese forebearers with the misdoings of Massa during the period of slavery and indenture in British Guiana”.

The ERC had been called in to probe the matter after a formal complaint was lodged with the constitutional body after the letter surfaced from Trotman responding to one written

by Captain Gouveia.

Among other things, the PSC Chair at that time had called for GECOM to suspend the then House-to-House Registration.

Trotman, in his re-

GECOM Commissioner Desmond Trotman

sponse letter dated July 24, 2019, to the PSC Chair, argued that he felt that Gouveia’s let-

ter was riddled with inaccuracies and moreover aimed at disgracing Lowenfield’s character.

Trotman further charged at the time, “what I found most disconcerting is the tone you adopted— a tone consistent with that of a white slave owner, who, in the presence of his overseers, is penalising a delinquent slave for failing to carry out the instructions of ‘Massa’.

When I read that part of your letter I was filled with anger and I imagined the treatment of my forefathers by yours, as they were beaten…”

The PSC later condemned the racist attack of the Governmentappointed GECOM Commissioner saying, “…this disgraceful, extremely offensive and defamatory behaviour has no place in GECOM or a democratic society”.

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Jamaica adds travel restrictions to four more countries amidst coronavirus spread

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Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton

he Ministry of Health and Wellness announced a short while ago that it is expanding travel restrictions to four more countries, as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread outside of China, with increasing cases of in-country infections.

Making the announcement at the ministry's New Kingston offices, portfolio minister Dr Christopher Tufton said the decision was based on the risk assessment and the most recent World Health Organization situation report on the COVID-19.

The countries added as of today are Italy, where there have been 322 confirmed cases and 11 deaths; South Korea,

where there are 1261 cases and 12 deaths; Singapore, which has 91 cases; and Iran, with 95 cases and 15 deaths.

Dr Tufton said the majority of cases in those countries have been due to in-country transmission.

He said the situation with Japan where there are 164 cases and one death is being reviewed and the authorities will advise whether that Asian country is to be included in the list of restricted territories.

According to the WHO, there are now 81,109 confirmed cases; 2718 deaths, and the virus has spread to 37 countries outside of China, which accounts for 78,191 of the total number of cases.

India Govt offers...

August 21, 2020.

Back in September, New Indian High Commissioner, Dr K J Srinivasa had announced plans to increase the numbers of scholarships offered every year.

According to the diplomat, these grants provided in various fields were offered with the hope that more Guyanese grasp the opportunities to benefit from quality education from India. He had indicated that the scholarship initiative is executed in good faith by strengthening the bilateral relations that it already shares with Guyana.

Added to that, he shared that education is a vital part of propelling any nation forward and it is with this in mind that his country is positioning itself to assist

more Guyanese students with the chance of securing this much-needed form of development.

“We are ready to extend that co-operation and we are trying to increase the slots for Guyana. Secondly, we are also going to work on the culture front wherein we can give people to go to India and learn the rich heritage and culture…. we have to work to build the skills and education for the youth of this country. As you know, India is progressing tremendously and it is growing at a rate of 7 per cent annually at the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) level, this is all thanks to the impetus that the forefathers of Indian nation gave to education,” Dr Srinivasa was quoted as saying.

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Commonwealth Bunty Singh is Jubilee Observer Mission calls Chutney Monarch on President Granger A

President David Granger greets Head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission and former Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr. Owen Arthur at the Ministry of the Presidency.

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resident David Granger, on Wednesday, received a courtesy call from Head of the Commonwealth Observer Mission currently in Guyana, and former Prime Minister of Barbados, Mr. Owen Arthur at the Ministry of the Presidency.

President Granger expressed confidence in the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

in its preparations for Monday's General and Regional Elections.

"I have every confidence that the elections will run smoothly," the President said.

Mr. Arthur, who was accompanied by Mr. Martin Kasirye, Dr. Tres-Anne Kramer and Ms. Sonali Champion, said the Commonwealth Observer Mission is pleased with the stage of preparations.

"The team is pleased.

We have been meeting stakeholders, civil society, GECOM...," the former Barbadian Prime Minister said.

President Granger was accompanied by Director General, Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon and Political Advisor, Dr. Mark Kirton.

fter 10 incredible performances, the score sheets saw Berbician, Bunty Singh gaining the lead to once more ascend to the throne of Chutney Monarch.

The final of the 2020 Republic Jubilee Chutney Monarch competition was hosted in front of an energetic crowd at the Better Hope Community Centre Ground on Saturday last.

As the first contestant to take the stage, Bunty’s performance sizzled with creativity and brilliance.

The charming delivery of his hit song, “She want me to be she Raja,” managed to set the bar quite high for his fellow contestants.

None of them were able to raise that proverbial bar, and so, the former two-time Chutney King was able to reign for a third time, copping the first prize of G$1.5M. Last year, Bunty was dethroned by Steven Ramphal, and placed second in 2019 Chutney

Chutney Monarch 2020, Bunty Singh

who came in second place, with Bunty copping the coveted title as Monarch.

At the time of competition, Steven defied his doctor’s orders and took to the stage with an injured voice. Despite his weakened condition, Steven dished out a gripping performance that continued his call for unity and love among all Guyanese. By end of that performance however, the singer’s body had

Second place finisher, Steven Ramphal

Monarch Competition.

This year, it was Steven

worsened along with his voice, and he had to have

been lifted off the stage.

Meanwhile, newcomer, Tony Cuttz placed third with a thrilling performance of his song, ‘Neighbour Roti’. The young Barber put on quite the show with his ‘Michael Jackson-like’ dance moves, cut tastefully with some ‘waistpelting’ and “screw-bulbing” The newcomer said he was inspired by persons like Bunty Singh to be part of the competition and that placing third has motivated him to work harder towards the title.

Vicadi Singh, with his song, the “Mousie and she tassa,” came in fourth position. The other contestants include former monarchs, Vanita Willie, Young Bill Rogers and Pooran Seeraj, along with Chris Ramphal, Arjit Singh and AW Lyrical.

As usual, Malcolm ‘Wickedee’ Ferreira did an excellent job as the competition’s emcee, showing off his knowledge of Hindi alongside the competition’s convener, Mrs. Roshini Boodhoo-Persaud. (DPI)

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WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

The day…

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…for the Disciplined Forces ell, your Eyewitness wasn’t surprised at how smoothly the voting by the Disciplined Forces went – after all they’re the DISCPLINED Forces, aren’t they?? If THEY couldn’t get their act together for a simple act of dropping a piece of paper into a box, then what are we spending all those billions of dollars every year for?? But what he was surprised about was that so many of them showed up to vote – 82%!! That figure’s certainly gonna better the civilian population’s showing come March 2!!

Maybe it was because they were voting so close to Republic Day and their patriotic fervour was aroused?

Or was it because word of Annette Ferguson’s promise to dole out houses and house lots if they voted for the PNC was transmitted far and wide via their communications channels?? You’d think with all these Observers around, the PNC would be a tad more circumspect with their illegal campaigning at voting sites, wouldn’t you?? But this is the PNC in action!

Granger set the tone for them when he donned his PNC Green Shirt to “view” the voting at Camp Ayanganna, coyly claiming he wasn’t campaigning but just “had a lot of green shirts”!! Of course, this wasn’t illegal – but it signalled to the rest of his campaigners that these were desperate times for them and it demanded desperate measures!!

The Disciplined Forces had always tended to give their votes to the PNC…so Granger’s gambit and Ferguson’s finagling betrayed their concerns that after the PPP’s stellar support for them and their annual bonuses, with the appointment of Brigadier Mark Phillips that equation might’ve drastically shifted!!

While it might seem to be a small gesture, that picture of a GDF rank according Phillips a ramrod-straight crisp salute when he showed up shows that he’s a living presence for the soldiers while Granger is an antediluvian figure from the history books!!

Your Eyewitness was looking forward to the Fireworks Display that was promised by the GDF and is saddened at the explosion that cancelled the event but moreso that those ranks suffered one fatality and seven injured. This unit is highly trained – as befits fighting men who’re always ready to defend our country through constant honing of their offensive and defensive military skills – and have demonstrated their Pyrotechnic Skills for years to the delight of their audiences.

But seriously folks, on this 50th Anniversary of our Republican status, it is hoped that our Disciplined Forces will not succumb to the blandishments of the PNC, which are based on what former PNC leader Desmond Hoyte called “kith and kin ties”. Even though David Granger described their shooting of civilians guarding ballot boxes in 1973 as “admirable”, they have since proven their professionalism.

We should salute them for their fortitude!! …when freedom was won Of great regret to your Eyewitness has been the role the PNC played since 1970 – when the Republic was declared – to destroy the feeling of pride in Republicanism in our people. After complaining of British Colonial exploitation for hundreds of years, surely you couldn’t blame the citizenry for expecting their lots would be improved after removing the British yoke??

But as we know, there wasn’t a sphere of national activity the PNC left unsullied by Burnham’s “Midas Touch” – as Walter Rodney sarcastically described it. Politically, we became a despised dictatorship; economically, we became a basket case looking for hand-outs; socially, our divisions deepened and became chasms; culturally, we became exemplars of the “picaresque” people described by VS Naipaul – low class and roguish, living by our wits.

It’s no wonder by the time they were ousted in 1992, many wondered whether we wouldn’t have been better off under the British!!

Their ouster demands repetition come March 2!! …on wining and grinding You, Dear Reader, would know by now your Eyewitness isn’t enamoured of the evolution of our commemoration of our Republic Day. While countries parade their achievement literally with their Disciplined Forces, we “wind and grind”.

Go figure!!

Reflecting on cultural obliteration

By Ravi Dev

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ne of the biggest festival in the Hindu calendar was commemorated this week– Maha Shivratri.

My family stayed up all night to offer the prescribed oblations to the “Shiva Lingam” (literally the “sign of Shiva”), which signifies his formless existence that pervades the entire creation.

And which will eventually subside into his being until it is projected into another round of creation, sustenance and dissolution lasting billions of years.

But what occupied my mind between the four sets of oblations (“praharas”) was how little even Hindus know about the significance of their practices. But this is not mere happenstance: it is a consequence of our Britain’s colonisation of India, from where we were brought. Our “Sanataan Dharma” – or “Eternal Way of Life” – was categorised by them as a “religion”, but given a name ending with “ism”, signifying it was an ideology: “Hinduism”.

Its “Dharmic” practices were appraised from the standpoint of Christianity – the emblematic “Religion”. That Hindus had dozens of sacred texts, millions of gods, and eight incarnations of God is his sustaining aspect, made their religion self-evidently nonsensical. As conquerors of India, the British had the wherewithal to create a “regime of truth” – one that provided the instruments to determine not only whether examined statements were true or false but also whether they had any meaning at all!

Performatively, these instruments or techniques as a mechanism of control can be seen as “disciplines” to give effect to the analyses in the lives of people – both the ruled and the rulers.

The beliefs and practices of Christianity (of the time in question – that those beliefs and practices had been constantly evolving and changing was studiously avoided) defined “normal” religious beliefs and practices. This constituted its “regime of truth”, with its specific language, symbols, modes of reasoning and conclusions. It was the duty of those in power, of course, to ensure that deviant beliefs and practices were

stamped out or at the very least, disapproved.

There are, then the ‘disciplinary” regime that is put into place to ensure “normal” behaviour.

We are now in a position to appreciate why, for instance, the British authorities in British Guiana prohibited between 1838 and 1957, the Hindu practice of cremating their dead.

Their belief that the human body had no permanent nexus with an eternal soul and could thus be hygienically and inexpensively burnt was obviously “madness” since it was self-evident that there was going to be a day when all bodies would be resurrected to be reunited with their souls. Cremation, unlike burial (never mind its ensuing decay) would evidently hinder the latter

process. The law prohibiting cremation was enacted and enforced and burial was compelled: the indentureds imitated the “normal” funerary patterns of the Christianised Creoles down to the institution of the “wake”.

Even when the disciplinary regime might have been intended to facilitate the maximisation of labour on the plantations and not necessarily to eradicate ‘deviant religious” behaviour, it produced changes in the “way of life” that was Hinduism. The immigrant was given one day a week off – but this day, Sunday, was not of his choosing – it was to facilitate Christian Church attendance.

Back in India, the immigrant knew of temples as places that would be vis-

ited on special occasions to make offerings to the deities. Dharmic observances might necessitate a visit to the local mandir but more likely was conducted in front of a makeshift shrine in the home.

The six-day workweek and the dawn to dusk workday– not to mention the lack of privacy in the logees -in Guyana impacted all of that. Hindus eventually started to construct Mandirs – initially shrines, such as the Shivalas they had in village India – where individual worship could be performed but very soon these were converted to larger structures for Sunday congregational worship a la Christianity.

The Purohit, who would have gone to the home of the devotee to conduct the periodic ritual (pujas), because each Hindu had his/her unique conception of the Divine, now became a “priest” or “Pandit” that led congregations in Sunday “services”. The philosophy behind the practices such as Shivratri were gradually degutted.

From the standpoint of the dominant Christian “beliefs” in Guyana, the festival is not even seen as worthy of comment. Only this newspaper reported on the event that was observed all across Guyana.

48 BOLLYWOOD

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n her 28th birthday Sanya Malhotra got a special message from Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe. Sanya, who turned a year older on Tuesday, shared a video of her friend Junaid Hussain Nahvi recorded with the Hollywood actor wishing her happy birthday.

“Hi there I am here with Junaid, Hello Sanya…

Happy Birthday…

Wherever you are hope

WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

you’re having a great day,” Radcliffe says in the video.

Sanya posted the clip on her Instagram story and captioned it with Rubeus Hagrid clapping gif.

The actor, who made her foray into movies with blockbuster Dangal, will next be seen in Anurag Basu’s Ludo alongside Aditya Roy Kapur. The film is scheduled to be released on April 24. (Indian Express)

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ilmmaker Neeraj Pandey says his upcoming feature film Chanakya, starring Ajay Devgn, is currently in pre-production, gearing to go on floors by October.

Ajay will essay the eponymous role in Chanakya, a historical drama on master economist and royal advisor to the first Mauryan emperor Chandragupta.

“The film is going on floors in October. Right now we are working hard on the project. I don’t have any expectations before starting a project as I believe in doing our best. That’s what the focus will be even with this film,” Neeraj told PTI. The project will mark the first collaboration between Ajay and Neeraj, who is known to helm acclaimed films, including

A Wednesday, Special 26, Baby and MS Dhoni.

“It is an out and out period film. This will be new for me. We are going back to the Mauryan

era, in the ancient India.

I hope it’s exciting and interesting for the audience. Work is on in full swing, we are right now prepping for it,” the film-

O

ver the course of his career of more than three decades, actor Chunky Panday says he has learnt that one shouldn’t try to replicate someone else’s success formula. Panday believes one has to create their own path and follow their instincts.

“Our industry is such that what may have worked for someone else won’t necessarily work for me. Also, never write anyone off. You never know someone who gave a dud before might end up giving a Rs 200 crore film. You can’t imitate what other people are doing,” Panday told PTI. “You have to create your own path, follow your inner voice. Many times work doesn’t come because you’re a great actor but also because someone else has refused it and no one else

is available to do it. You have to keep your eyes and ears to the ground,” he added.

The actor started his career in late ’80s and went on to feature in popular films like Tezaab, Vishwatma and Aankhen. After a lull phase in the ’90s,

Panday found his footing with character roles in Housefull franchise, Begum Jaan and Saaho.

The 57-year-old actor said he has no regrets as his low phase taught him a lot.

“I came at a time when multi starters were big. My first five

maker added.

There were also reports that the filmmaker will helm a biopic on Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Neeraj, however, denied on having any such project on the cards.

Neeraj is currently gearing up for Special Ops, an action-packed spy thriller series which he has co-directed with Shivam Nair.

Mounted on international scale, the Hotstar Special marks the digital debut of the director.

Based on events of national significance spanning a period of 19 years, the series features Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, Divya Dutta, Sana Khan, Vinay Pathak among others.

(Indian Express)

films were that. The moment Khans arrived, slowly from multi starters, it changed to solo hero films. I got caught in that because I was only known as a multistarrer hero.

“Then the work which was offered, I couldn’t get myself to do that. But these are phases. I don’t regret any of it. It’s my journey and no one can replicate it.”

Panday is now set to make his Marathi film debut with Vikun Taak and the actor said he was bowled over by his character in the film.

“I play an Arab in the film and even though it is a non-Marathi speaking character, he was such a crazy character…

It was a lot of fun.”

The film is directed

by Sameer Patil, who had helmed Poster Boyz.

(Indian Express)

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ilmmaker Rohit Shetty does not understand why his contemporaries take “years to make films”, while he directs movies, shoots for Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and still finds enough time for himself.

“I keep telling them to work faster. I have never felt doing a show has affected my film career,” says the filmmaker, who is currently promoting the latest season of the reality show post which he will jump into the promotions of his upcoming Akshay KumarKatrina Kaif starrer Sooryavanshi.

During an interaction with a group of journalists, Rohit dwelled on his fears as the host of a stuntbased show and as a filmmaker. He also described his journey in the industry as one that started with “hate but has become about love.”

Q. Do you think because you have gotten film actors to do great action, you understand different temperaments. Does this help you engage with the contestants?

You have to stay calm, whether it’s a film actor or a contestant. Staying calm is most important when one is doing a stunt.

Q. How do you keep the contestants calm?

You either do it or show them how to do it. You build their confidence. Also because I come from that world so the contestants think that if he is saying, it must be right.

Q. As a director, what’s your biggest fear?

There’s no fear.

My take about work – whether it’s films or Khatron ke Khiladi – is that honesty needs to

be there. Where films are concerned, some will do well, some will not. Nothing more will happen on a Friday.

Q. But there’s so much money riding on you. Doesn’t that create pressure?

I know. It’s a big responsibility. You try to take care. Be it a show or a film, you need to be honest. You can’t do more than this. But at the end of the day, it shouldn’t be that you feel, ‘Oh, I should have put in more hard work or should have been more honest.’

Q. Where does the show fit in your work, considering you make such big films back-toback?

It’s always been like this. In between my films, I have come back for this show.

Q. Doesn’t it affect your film career?

Not really. We have a lot of time. In fact, I keep telling other directors, young filmmakers to not have a gap of three-four years between their films and produce work faster. I have made five films while coming back for consecutive seasons of Khatron Ke Khiladi.

So, everything is manageable.

Q. Does that make you feel that you aren’t just a film director, but also a popular face?

We are lucky enough. Thanks to the media, people know us.

That’s how you start becoming a brand. Why are Karan (Johar) and I called brands? It’s because of the media.

Films have been in the making from before, directors have come before us but the difference is that today there is a face to the name.

This is because of television. And it helps. It becomes easier for us. I can’t deny that. (Indian Express)

HOLLYWOOD 49

WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

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isney CEO Bob Iger, who steered the company’s absorption of Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel and Fox’s entertainment businesses and the launch of a Netflix challenger, is stepping down immediately, the company said in a surprise announcement Tuesday.

The Walt Disney Co. named as his replacement Bob Chapek, most recently chairman of Disney’s parks, experiences and products business.

“Did not see this coming — Wowza,” tweeted LightShed media analyst Rich Greenfield.

Iger will remain executive chairman through the end of his contract on December 31, 2021. Besides leading the board, Iger said he will spend more time on Disney’s creative endeavors, including the ESPN sports network, the newly acquired Fox studios and the Hulu and Disney Plus streaming services. He said he could not do that while running Disney on a dayto-day basis.

“It was not accelerated for any particular rea-

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son other than I felt the need was now to make this change,” Iger said on a conference call with reporters and analysts.

Iger steered Disney through the successful purchases of Lucasfilms, Marvel, Pixar and other brands that became big moneymakers for Disney. Last year, the top five movies in U.S. and Canada theaters were all Disney movies, including two from Marvel and one from Pixar. With the December 20 release of the latest Star Wars movie, Disney had seven movies that each sold at least $1 billion in tickets worldwide last year.

Iger’s most recent coup was orchestrating a 71 billion dollar purchase of Fox’s entertainment business in March and launching the Disney Plus streaming service in November. That service got nearly 29 million paid subscribers in less than three months.

In a statement, Iger said it was the “optimal time” for a transition.

Pivotal Research Group analyst Jeffrey Wlodarczak said Iger had implied he would stay until his contract

eteran Hollywood actor Harrison Ford says the team of his iconic franchise Indiana Jones, will not start working on the muchawaited installment unless they have something new to offer.

The 77-year-old actor, who will reprise his role as the iconic adventurer in the new movie, said the team is currently facing some scheduling conflicts and is also finalising the script.

“We’ve got some scheduling issues, a few script things still to do but we’re determined to get it right before we get it made. I don’t really want to give them what they wanna see, I want to give them something they didn’t anticipate seeing.

“The Marvel movies are a

ended in 2021.

“On the other hand, they just successfully closed the Fox deal and had an unquestionably successful launch of Disney Plus so maybe he felt earlier was better to hand off the reins,” he said.

Colin Gillis, director of research at Chatham Road Partners, said the choice of Chapek seems solid because his parks division has had success.

Chapek said that while he has not led television networks or streaming services, his background in consumer-oriented businesses should help. Chapek and Iger both stressed that Disney would continue on the direction it had already been taking.

Disney is facing challenges to its traditional

media business as cordcutting picks up, meaning less fees from cable and satellite companies to carry Disney networks such as ABC, ESPN and Freeform. Disney’s own streaming services require the company to forgo money in licensing revenue, although the company is betting that money from subscriptions will eventually make up for that.

In the short term, Disney parks in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China, remain closed because of the coronavirus outbreak. In a CNBC interview, Chapek said the outbreak may be a “bump in the road,” but he said the company could weather it given “affinity for the brand.”

Iger told CNBC he had no plans to stay with

spectacular example of a success that worked the other way round – they killed it. We’re not going to make another Indiana Jones unless we’re in a position to kill it.

We want it to be the best,” Ford told HeyUGuys.com.

Indiana Jones 5 to be directed

by Steven Spielberg, was originally announced three years ago and has gone through various delays since then.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, released in 2008, was the last film from the beloved franchise.

Harrison Ford first played the part in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, which he followed up with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989).

(Indian Express)

Quentin Tarantino, wife Daniella Pick welcome their first child together

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ilmmaker Quentin Tarantino and his wife Daniella Pick have become parents to a baby boy.

A representative of the couple shared the news on Wednesday in a statement to Page Six. “Daniella and Quentin Tarantino are happy to announce the birth of their first child. A baby boy born February 22,” the spokesperson said.

The couple had announced Daniella’s preg-

nancy in August last year.

Tarantino, 56, and Pick, 36, met during the making of his 2009 feature Inglorious Basterds but it wasn’t until 2016 that they started dating. They got engaged in 2017.

The couple tied the knot in November 2018 in a ceremony which was attended by the filmmaker’s close friends like Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth and Eli Roth. (Indian Express)

Disney beyond next year.

Iger’s appointment as CEO in 2005 had been accompanied by controversy and protest from dissident shareholders Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold. But he has come to be seen as a golden-boy top executive, and even someone who could run for president.

Iger told Vogue in 2018 that he had started seriously exploring a run for president because he is “horrified at the state of politics in America today,” but the Fox deal stopped his plans. Oprah Winfrey told Vogue that she “really, really pushed him to run.”

Iger, a former weatherman, joined ABC in 1974, 22 years before Disney bought the network.

At ABC, Iger developed such successful programs as “Home Improvement,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and was instrumental in launching the quiz show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” He was also criticized for cancelling well-regarded but expensive shows such as “Twin

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ollywood veteran Liam Neeson has ruled out his return to superhero movies as the actor says he is not a fan of the genre.

The 67-year-old actor had famously portrayed the villainous Ra’s al Ghul in Christopher Nolan’s critically-acclaimed The Dark Knight trilogy.

Talking to Entertainment Tonight, Neeson said that he is done with genre and has no desire to star in any superhero movie in the future.

“I’m really not a huge fan of the genre. I think it’s Hollywood with all the bells and whistles and the technical achievements and stuff — which I admire — but I have no desire to go into the gym for three hours every day to pump myself up to squeeze into a Velcro suit with a cape,” the actor said.

Peaks” and “thirtysomething.”

Since Iger became CEO, Disney’s stock price has risen fivefold.

Its stock fell more than 2% in extended trading following the announcement, on top of a broader market selloff on virus fears during regular trading.

Iger, 69, was the second-highest paid CEO in 2018, as calculated by The Associated Press and Equilar, an executive data firm. He earned 65.6 million dollars. The top earner was Discovery’s David Zaslav who earned 129.5 million dollars.

Susan Arnold, the independent lead director of the Disney board, said succession planning had been ongoing for several years.

Chapek, 60, is only the seventh CEO in Disney history. Chapek was head of the parks, experiences and products division since it was created in 2018. He was previously head of parks and resorts and before that president of consumer products. (Indian Express)

“I admire the actors and I know some of the actors who do it — and do it fantastically. It’s just not my genre, it really isn’t,” he added.

Neeson also said that he is not looking to return to the Star Wars universe as well because the films are “quite exhausting” to shoot. The actor had portrayed Qui-Gon Jinn in George Lucas’ 1999 movie Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.

“The first Star Wars, I was in that, that was 22 years ago, and I enjoyed that, because it was novel and that was new.

“I was acting to tennis balls, which were ultimately going to be little fuzzy furry creatures and stuff. That was interesting, acting-wise, to try and make that seem real, but that was the last. It’s quite exhausting,” Neeson said.

(Indian Express)

50 SPORT

WEEK ENDING MARCH 1, 2020 | GUYANATIMESINTERNATIONAL.COM

GBA seeks clarification after failing to meet Olympic Qualifiers deadline

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he Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has once again found itself fighting on the ropes as it failed to meet a February 24 deadline to pay for accommodation and meals for a handpicked team of eight to participate at the quickly approaching Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers in Argentina.

According to GBA President Steve Ninvalle, a request to the Government of Guyana (GoG) through the National Sports Commission (NSC) for support received a negative response while the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) had pledged US$5000 to assist in airfares back in January.

“The National Sports Commission (NSC) said it was unable to assist at this time, since it has no budget while President of the GOA, Mr K Juman Yassin, SC, AA had pledged $5000 USD for airfares,” Ninvalle told media operatives.

The cost of accommodation and meals for the team of eight (five boxers and threes coaches) in Argentina is just over

The team of male boxers: Keevin Allicock, Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam and Dennis Thomas

US$11,000. Meanwhile, airfare per person currently costs a whopping US$1800.

Earlier this year, the GOA and the GoG joined efforts to send a team of four boxers to Cuba for

a three-month preparation stint leading up to the Qualifiers. The team along with two boxers departed on January 4 and are still in Cuba.

The GBA boss added that he recently dis-

patched a letter to GOA President Yassin seeking clarification, after it

was revealed to him that sister Caricom countries had their entire trav-

el and accommodation costs relating to participating at the Olympic Qualifiers, footed by their respective National Olympic Associations.

“The boxing Presidents of Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia and the list goes on, have confirmed that they are participating based solely on input from their NOCs. In view of this recent revelation, I have asked for a clarification on why Guyana seems to be the anomaly,” Ninvalle disclosed.

The Olympic Qualifiers are scheduled for Argentina from March 26 to April 3.

The GBA has selected Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam, Keevin Allicock, Dennis Thomas and Canada-based Taveena Kum as the team of boxers to represent Guyana. The coaches accompanying the team will be Terrence Poole, MS, Sebert Blake and Francisco Roldan.

National Rugby Coaches elected

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U-19 and Senior Men’s 15s Coach Laurence Adonis

n February 25, 2020, the newly-elected body met, and nominations were opened for Head and Assistant Coaches for the Under-19, Senior Men’s 15s, Senior Men’s 7s and the women’s teams.

Below are the names of the elected: Under 19 Head Coach: Laurence Adonis Assistant Coach: Oslen Ollivierre Senior Men’s 15s Head Coach: Laurence Adonis Assistant Coach: Oslen Ollivierre Senior Men’s 7s

Women’s Head Coach Kenneth “Shane” Grant-Stuart

Head Coach: Theodore “Theo” Henry Assistant Coach: Kevin “Buck” McKenzie Women Head Coach: Kenneth “Shane” Grant-Stuart Assistant Coach: Sabola “Sabby” Gray The coaches’ tenure will run concurrently with the tenure of the executive – two years. The election of the coaches was done ahead of the Rugby America North (RAN) 15s competition, where the Green Machine will be first taking on rivals Trinidad and Tobago in Guyana, on a date yet to be affixed.

Senior Men’s 7s Coach Theodore “Theo” Henry

Guyana will then butt heads with the winners of the match between Barbados and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

SPORT 51

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Lady Jags win to play another stage

Teamwork between the goalkeeper and Guyana’s defence held off Puerto Rico as they looked to find the equaliser in the dying minutes of the game

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hat began as a frustrating encounter to watch for the Lady Jags turned out to be another check in the book and three points added to their tally, as a late surge from the Guyanese ladies resulted in the win over Puerto Rico.

While Guyana were dominant in the first half

of the game, their shot selection and finishing were off, as the Under-20 Ladies failed to find the back of the net. In seven clear chances at the goal for the first 45 minutes, Aubrey Narine found herself in one-onone battles with the goalkeeper in the 18-yard box at least four times, but could not convert for

Guyana’s first goal.

The ice was eventually broken by the most unlikely person in the second half, Puerto Rico’s goalkeeper Cristina Roque. Readying herself to scoop up a corner kick coming in from Jenea Knight, Roque made a grave mistake, allowing the ball to slip from her hands into the nets,

for Guyana’s first goal in the 54th minute.

Guyana’s strong defence made sure that Puerto Rico could not even the score in the following minutes as they sought to hold out for the remainder of the game.

However, A n a y a Guyana-based player Shamaya Daniels in action Johnson found herself within range of the goal, cemented their place in the 18-yard box, crossing the ball to Cimino got past the de- in the next stage of the Narine in the 81st min- fence and Guyana’s cus- competition.

This stage will see ute. Narine finally got todian, Anessa O Brien her redemption after a in the 88th minute for the top three finishers rocky first half, toeing Puerto Rico’s consolation in each group advancing to the knockout singlethe ball into the vacant goal.

The Lady Jags will match elimination stage. goal for Guyana’s second.

Despite being two come up against Mexico Thereafter, the finalists down, Puerto Rico re- today, February 27 in and third-place winners fused to give up as their final group encoun- will qualify to particiGabrielle Cimino had a ter. However, with the pate in the FIFA U-20 one-woman campaign in 2-1 victory over Puerto Women’s World Cup pursuit of a goal. Initially Rico and a 3-1 win over 2020. (Jemima Holmes) battling with Johnson Nicaragua, Guyana have

Ramdhani siblings receive awards in Canada

T

he Ramdhani siblings, Narayan and Priyanna, continue to take the badminton world by storm on and off the courts, and have now received prestigious awards over the weekend.

Each of these siblings has copped accolades from the Alberta Colleges and Athletic Conference (ACAC) in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the field of college sport in Alberta, Canada over the past few months.

The award comes as a direct result of Narayan and Priyanna being selected to participate in the ACAC 2019/2020 All Conference Badminton Team.

While this is the first time that Priyanna has received this prestigious award, it is her brother’s second time receiving.

The Guyanese siblings received their accolades on Saturday, February 22, at the Badminton Champion Banquet held in Alberta, Canada.

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) has hailed this achievement as great for both these Guyanese athletes, who have been performing extremely well and have maintained their respective spots in the top three positions in the Playoffs at the ACAC Tournaments 1,2 & 3 played from September 2019 to date.

West Indies fined for slow over-rate in ODI series opener

A

Narayan and Priyanna Ramdhani take a photo opportunity following the awards ceremony

lready bruised from their loss in the One-Day International (ODI) series opener on Saturday, West Indies were slapped with a fine for maintaining a slow over-rate in the match against Sri Lanka.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement Sunday that the Caribbean side will have to give up 40 per cent of their match fee for the infraction.

Javagal Srinath of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Kieron Pollard's side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time.

Pollard accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Paul Wilson and Ruchira Palliyaguruge, third umpire Marais Erasmus and fourth official Lyndon Hannibal levelled the charge.

West Indies suffered a narrow one-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in a tense opener of the three-

match series at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground here on Saturday, despite Shai Hope securing his ninth ODI hundred.

West Indies made 289-7 from their 50 overs while the hosts ended 290-9 in 49.1 overs.

The two sides will face each other again tomorrow in the second ODI at Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.

The third match is scheduled for Sunday, March 1 at Pallekele Cricket Stadium in Pallekele.

West Indies need to win the remaining matches in order to clinch their first-ever ODI series win on Sri Lankan soil. (CMC)

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Kohli, Bairstow, Gayle named for Asia XI v World XI matches V

irat Kohli is likely to be available for one match for the Asia XI side that will take on a World XI in the two-match T20I series in Dhaka next month as part of the nationwide celebrations to mark the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, often referred to as the father of the nation. Kohli is among six Indian players named in the Asia XI side, with KL Rahul also slated for a onematch appearance.

Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Shami have been included for both the matches.

BCB president Nazmul Hassan announced the names of the players in Dhaka on Tuesday, naming Faf du Plessis, Chris Gayle, Rashid Khan and Jonny Bairstow among the members of the World XI side.

However, although BCB said Kohli would play one game, ESPNcricinfo under-

Dhaka are slated for March 21 and 22, and the IPL starts on March 29.

Hassan also explained that the squads didn't include any Pakistan players because they would be busy with the PSL, with the tournament final scheduled on March 22.

"We have already received four names from

stands the B C C I is still waiting for the India captain t o

Chris Gayle

confirm his participation. Workload management remains an issue with Kohli in particular, with India having a packed schedule.

India's second Test against New Zealand is scheduled to end on March 4, and their threematch home ODI series against South Africa runs from March 12 to 18. The two matches in

India," Hassan said. "We haven't signed contracts but Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Shikhar Dhawan and Mohammed Shami are supposed to come.

They have said KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will play one game each, but that hasn't been finalised.

"Players like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have finalised with us, from

Afghanistan.

N e p a l ' s S a n d e e p Lamichhane will play while from Sri Lanka, we will have Lasith Malinga and T h i s a r a Perera. From Bangladesh, we will have Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur R a h i m , Mustafizur R a h m a n , Mahmudullah and Liton Das." "I don't remember all the names, but we will have three or four players from South Africa.

Definitely, there will be the same number of players from West Indies.

Australia and New Zealand will be playing but we will try to find some (players).

Bairstow is definitely coming. Ngidi is coming.

Chris Gayle is supposed

to play. Faf du Plessis.

We will have some of the best players around.

We are uncertain a b o u t

Virat Kohli

Pakistan since the PSL is will be

ongoing. We will invite some of the cricketing greats."

While Hassan named all the players linked with the Asia XI, it has been learnt that the BCB is also contacting Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Sheldon Cottrell, Brendan Taylor, Alex Hales, Andrew Tye and Mitchell McClenaghan, apart from the names mentioned already.

Tentative squads Asia XI: KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mustafizur Rahman, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Sandeep Lamichhane, Mahmudullah World XI: Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Nicholas Pooran, Brendan Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Kieron Pollard, Sheldon Cottrell, Lungi Ngidi, Andrew Tye, Mitchell McClenaghan.

‘A true West Indies hero’ - Sir Everton Weekes strides to 95 not out

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ricket West Indies, this week, sent happy birthday greetings to the great Sir Everton Weekes, who celebrated his 95th birthday on Wednesday. He is the oldest living West Indies cricketer – and a much loved and revered member of the West Indies cricket family.

Sir Everton Weekes continues to shine like a beacon in West Indies cricket.

A release from CWI stated, as a member of the Three Ws – alongside Sir Frank Worrell and Sir Clyde Walcott he paved the way for the success of West Indies cricket.

“He is a true icon of the game and is respected everywhere cricket is played or spoken about all around the world. As a batsman he was full of class and had an outstanding career. He has contributed immensely to this great game and is a true West Indies hero.

"We want to wish him a happy 95th birthday”,

CWI said in a statement.

Speaking from his home in Barbados on Wednesday morning, the great man said: “I want to thank CWI and the people in cricket for their kind words and well-wishes. I played my cricket for the people and it is very good to know they respected me. I hope I made people happy with the way I played.”

Sir Everton is one

of several West Indies greats in the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

In his playing days he made 4,455 runs in 48 Tests, at a remarkable average of 58.61 runs per innings, including 15 centuries.

He made his Test debut against England at Kensington Oval in 1948 and played his last Test match against Pakistan at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad in 1958.

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CONCACAF U-20 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIERS…

Bittersweet Sunday for U-20 national teams

O

n a day of mixed fortunes for Guyana, the male and female under-20 football teams contesting the CONCACAF U20 Championship Qualifiers went into action on Sunday and emerged with contrasting results.

Heartbreak was personalised for the Male Junior Jaguars, as they conceded a loss

The Male Junior Jaguars were in a good position to finish on top of ‘Group A’, even though they were cognizant of the fact that Nicaragua were a solid team and were capitalizing on their home advantage. However, a red card infraction put the Guyanese team at a disadvantage early in the

a stalemate, but Nicaragua were quick to earn a goal after play resumed in the second half, as nday dy Jags’ action on Su La 3-1 Ezequiel Ugalde the of et ipp A sn found the back of the net encounter, and a tight to hosts Nicaragua fol- defense restricted the in the 49th minute to lowing wins against Guyanese boys against give them the win.

Despite the loss, howMontserrat, St Vincent the eventual group winever, the Guyanese boys and the Grenadines, and ners. finished their qualificathe U.S. Virgin Islands.

The first half ended in

The Male U20 starting XI on Sunday

tion round in second position in their group, with 9 points to their credit.

Their Lady Jags counterparts also opened their Under-20 Championship campaign against Nicaragua on Sunday at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez in Santo Domingo.

However, the Lady Jags downed Nicaragua 3-1, as they took the lead by

way of an Aubrey Narine goal in the 19th minute, and held on to same until the second half of play, when Jade Vyfhuis pushed the score to 2-0 in the 49th minute.

Serena Mc Donald later pierced the nets in the 62nd minute to give Guyana a threegoal lead. And although Nicaragua attempted to spur a comeback fol-

lowing their consolation goal which was netted by Jaclyn Gilday in the 64th minute, the Guyanese defense would have none of it, and held on for a 3-1 victory.

The Lady Jags will continue their campaign today, Tuesday February 25, against Puerto Rico at the same venue from 16:00hrs.

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Cottrell bags 4 but defeat gives Sri Lanka series lead

ast bowler Sheldon Cottrell grabbed two wickets in a fiery opening burst and ended with the thirdbest figures of his ODI career, but West Indies did not sustain the momentum and lost the second match to Sri Lanka on Wednesday night. The visitors fell to a heavy defeat by 161 runs and surrendered the series 2-0 – with one match to play. They lost the first match by one wicket last Saturday the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

MATCH SCORES: Sri Lanka 345-8 off 50 overs (Avishka Fernando 127, Kusal Mendis 119;

Sheldon Cottrell celebrates a wicket

Sheldon Cottrell 4-67, Alzarri Joseph 3-57) West Indies 184 all out off 39.1 overs (Shai Hope 51, Nicholas Pooran 31; Wanindu Hararanga 3-30) The left-arm quick ended with 4-67 off his 10 overs but the visitors recovered from being 9-2 in the third over of the day to rattle up a record score on home turf at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in the southern town of Hambantota.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne went for a single and Kusal Perera fell for a “duck” in his 100th ODI. Mendis got an early “life” and went on to score his second ODI hundred. Mendis and Fernando, who hit his career-best score in 123 balls, smashed 22 fours between them.

They added 239 for the third wicket in 40 overs.

Cottrell continues to show improvement as a new ball bowler – his

best figures in his career so far have all come in the last 12 months – 5-46 against England in Barbados last March and 4-56 against New Zealand in Manchester during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

“It was the start we were looking forward to, getting two wickets early. But I put the catch of Kusal Mendis down, otherwise they would have been three down. We didn’t stick to our plans long enough.

Well bowled to them and well played to them. We weren't there in all three departments today.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The two teams will now travel to central town of Kandy for the third and final ODI on Sunday, March 1 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. First ball in the day/night match is 2:30pm (5am Eastern Caribbean Time/4am Jamaica Time) (CWI)

Sunrisers Hyderabad name David Warner captain for IPL 2020

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David Warner celebrates a half-century in his final IPL 2019 game

u n r i s e r s Hyderabad have announced David Warner as their captain for the upcoming IPL that starts on March 29.

Warner takes over from Kane Williamson, who led the side in 2018 and 2019. Williamson was named captain in 2018 after Warner had been barred from participating in that season of the tournament in the aftermath of Australia's balltampering controversy, which occurred before the start of the league that year.

Williamson led the Sunrisers to the final in 2018, where they lost to the Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai, and was the tournament's leading scorer with a tally of 735.

Last year, the Sunrisers lost to the Delhi Capitals in the eliminator, after finishing fourth on the points table.

Warner had earlier captained the side be-

tween 2015 and 2017, and had led them to the title win in 2016. Warner has led the Sunrisers in 45 matches overall, with 26 wins and a win-loss ratio of 1.368.

Williamson, in comparison, led the side to 14 wins in 26 games with a win-loss ratio of 1.272.

With Williamson not the captain anymore and Warner a sure starter, the Sunrisers have the option of rotating their overseas players for the other three slots in the XI. They already have match-winners Jonny Bairstow, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan in their squad and Mitchell Marsh, Fabian Allen and Billy Stanlake among the other nonIndian names. When Williamson was captain, they were forced to pick Warner and Williamson in the top order, leaving only two overseas slots open. (ESPNCricinfo)

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