THURSDAY 31st JANUARY, 2019
CANADA BLOCKS IRFAAN No.105534
PPP presidential candidate Irfaan Ali
SEE STORY ON PAGE 3
…Canadian High Commission 'advises' Irfaan Ali not to travel to Canada …cites multi-million dollar fraud charges
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
CANADA BLOCKS IRFAAN
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…Canadian High Commission 'advises' Irfaan Ali not to travel to Canada
…cites multi-million dollar fraud charges THE presidential ambitions of Irfaan Ali has hit a snag with the Government of Canada blocking his travel to that country owing to the 19 criminal charges against him for his role in the sale of lands in the notorious Pradoville 2 Scheme. This development is viewed as a major blow to Ali, whose controversial selection as the People’s Progressive Party’s presidential candidate was roundly condemned by rank-and-file members. Ali was scheduled to travel to Canada for a round of engagements commencing from today. He was to be accompanied by Canadian citizen, Gail Teixeira. In a release, Ali said he has noted what he described as “mischief being peddled on the social media in relation to my visit to Canada.” According to him as was publicised, “I have a series of meetings and events with the diaspora planned in Toronto, Canada. I was scheduled to leave Guyana, on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at 10:20am, via Caribbean Airlines BW 0600 flight.” Ali said on Monday, January 28, 2019, at 4:05pm, he received a correspondence from the High Commission of Canada, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, advising him of a report in relation to the 19 charges by SOCU. “In the correspondence, they
advised me not to travel and gave 30 days to respond to the correspondence,” Ali’s statement read. According to him, contrary to social media reports, “I am in possession of a valid passport and visa to Canada. I have also since contacted the Canadian High Commissioner, in Georgetown, Guyana, who is looking into the matter. As I await the outcome, I assure all Guyanese in the diaspora of my utmost respect and regard for them and the circumstances surrounding my travel to Canada at this time is beyond my control,” Ali said. CHARGES BY SOCU Back in November last year, Ali was slapped with 19 charges for alleged conspiracy to defraud the state of some $174M for his role in the notorious Pradoville land-sale scandal. He had appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan and was released on self-bail, claiming that the charges “… have made me stronger.” Ali, 38, of Sea-spray, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, was not required to plead to the indictable charges. The charges read that between the year 2010 and 2015, Ali conspired with persons unknown to defraud the Government of Guyana when he acted recklessly in presenting the value of 19
sham Singh; former Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Chief Executive Officer Rajendra Singh; former president of the Caribbean Development Bank, Compton Bourne; Andrew Bishop, former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; former Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) Shaikh Baksh, Safraaz Khan and George Hallaq.
PPP presidential candidate Irfaan Ali
plots of state land situated at Plantation Sparendaam and Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara and sold the said lands at a grossly undervalued price without first obtaining a valuation to determine the true value of the lands. Ali is accused of defrauding the state of over $174M after selling the land at an undervalued price. The former minister of housing is accused of selling the lands to former President Bharrat Jagdeo; former Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon; and former ministers Priya
Manickchand, Dr. Jennifer Westford, Robert Persaud and Clement Rohee; the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, and former army head Gary Best and Fortune Developers Inc., Guyana. He also sold lands at the locations to former General Manager of the Guyana Gold Board and daughter of former President Donald Ramotar, Lisa Ramotar; former President of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo; the son of former Labour Minister Dr Nanda Gopaul, Dr Ghan-
Fraudster on $250,000 bail
A 33-year-old taxi driver was on Wednesday taken before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty, having been charged for defrauding Speed Talk Mobile Operation, Inc of $3.7M worth in Digicel phone 'top-up'. Frankie Dickson, a former employee of the company, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that between June 1, 2018 and August 31, 2018, at Georgetown, while being
solely entrusted by the Mobile Company, he collected $3.7M worth in Digicel ‘Top-up’ and promised to sell same and return the proceeds, but converted same to his own use and benefit. Police Prosecutor Ceon Blackman strongly opposed the releasing of Dickson on bail, citing the amount of money involved. However, Magistrate McGusty overruled the prosecution’s objection
and released Dickson on $250,000 bail. The matter
was adjourned until February 13, 2019.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY Two weeks ago Ali was chosen as the PPP’s presidential candidate, beating out the likes of Anil Nandlall, Teixeira, Dr Frank Anthony and Dr Vindyha Persaud. Immediately after the announcement, social media exploded with an avalanche of criticisms. On popular social media platform, Naresh Singh, a known supporter of the PPP, said he no longer has faith in Guyanese politics. “Can you imagine Irfaan Ali being PPP presidential candidate??? Like damn!!! Seriously!!!” Those were the immediate thoughts of Singh as he made a bold call for Ali to step down in an effort to increase the PPP’s
chances of winning the elections. In response to the Facebook post made by Singh, Jaipaul Persaud said: “Do you see what I see? This is the end of the PPP/C. I am in a state of shock. I never voted in Guyana, but I feel sorry for the PPP/C supporters.” Celrose Caravaio, a relative of the former Minister of Local Government under the PPP regime, Norman Whittaker, questioned why Ali was elected over former Culture and Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony and other candidates who have cleaner slates. “So many of us PPP/C supporters were feeling a sense of optimism at an early election, even non- supporters who were willing to support us. But now you drop this Bomb! Irfaan Ali??? Seriously??? The bad outweighs the good when it comes to this individual and to use your supporters desperation for a change from the government by making Irfaan their alternative choice is just sick to me!” she wrote.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Three in custody for Charlestown drug bust
THREE persons are currently in custody at the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) headquarters assisting with investigation following the $44.6M worth of cannabis and cocaine bust at a St Stephen’s Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, home on Tuesday. In custody are Courtney
Demonick, 58, of 82 St. Stephens Street, Charlestown; Ebony Craig, 23, of 17 Lamaha Springs, Sophia; and a route 42 minibus driver. On Tuesday, January 29, 2019, Demonick and Craig were arrested after CANU ranks swarmed the St Stephen’s Street, Charlestown home and found 89.23 ki-
lograms of cannabis and 20 grammes of cocaine. The other accomplice was taken into custody on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
Chronicle had earlier reported that the lawmen suspected that the drugs might have originated from Colombia. According to reports,
pick-up was arrested by law enforcers from the narcotics agency. Deputy Head of the agency, Leslie Ramlall, had confirmed that the house has been under the watch of the agency following intelligence received. He called on members of the public
to keep the momentum up in informing the agency of any concrete or suspicious activities that may be taking place in their communities, and especially if they believe that those might be drug-related. The operation was witnessed by a number of residents.
Courtney Demonick
A release from CANU stated that the entity is on a mission to tighten its grip on narcotic distributors throughout the country. The Guyana
Ebony Craig
earlier that day, suspicious activity was observed on the premises and added to that, there was information which reached CANU, suggesting that the house was being used to store narcotics. CANU ranks reportedly were able to monitor a pickup transaction on Tuesday, but there have been no reports as to if the person who made that
The seized cannabis and cocaine
Wednesday, JAN. 30, 2018
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Dozens meet with Minister Patterson at Public Day meeting SEVERAL persons on Wednesday flocked the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI) at its Wight’s Lane, Kingston office, to meet with Ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson during the Ministry’s Public Day. Many came in groups to represent their community. Issues ranged from a call for electricity installation to the
improvement of roads and allround community infrastructure development. Persons travelled from as far as the Rupununi and Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Both Patterson and Ferguson saw in excess of 20 persons each. Ferguson noted that aside from those persons with issues involving infrastructure, she also saw persons with housing matters, and persons seeking
The four-person group of (from left) Linden Sutton, Berverley Sutton, Isaac Sarju and Claxton Thomas from the West Bank Demerara Free and Easy community on Wednesday visited Minister David Patterson to have him look into the issue of the road in the community (Delano Williams photo)
Beware of GECOM impersonators The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is cautioning citizens not to divulge their personal information to persons claiming to represent the Commission as it is not currently conducting any field exercise around the country. The call comes as the GECOM announced that residents in a number of regions have reported that persons have been visiting their homes under the pretense of GECOM representatives. “Several persons from Regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in particular have contacted the GECOM Secretariat to query the nature of the exercise after being visited by persons purported to be from the Commission. “Please be advised that the Commission is not engaged in any such field exercise and is therefore urging citizens to be extremely cautious and not to provide any information those persons as their motive is unknown and can be potentially harmful,” the Commission said in a release on Wednesday. Citizens are also being asked to make contact the Commission’s Public Relations Officer on 223-9653 should further clarification be needed.
employment. Meeting with Minister Patterson were four persons from the Waikabra United Group (WUG) who came out to further their appeal for electricity to be installed in the small community; another four-person group from the Free and Easy village on the West Bank Demerara came out to renew their call for the road in their village to be upgraded.
ity in an area like Swann, which you have to carry the powerline two miles into the village and we are 200 feet away from the powerline on the highway and we can’t get current. Eight year’s now we’re trying. GPL did a plan since 2016 and on to now we can’t get electricity; we want to find out now what’s the reason,” Peters explained. The group explained that
Several persons turned up at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure on Wednesday to meet with Minister David Patterson at his Public Day meeting (Delano Williams photo)
Speaking for the WUG, Burston Peters, explained that the community has been pleading for some eight years now to see a stable electricity supply brought to the community, with the lack thereof severely affecting the residents. Peters was accompanied by Jennifer Samaroo, Mandisa Williams and Mangru Singh. While some residents have generators and solar panels, they noted that this is not enough as the solar panels are not enough and the gasoline for the generators is expensive. Peters said the issue is all the more frustrating because the community is in proximity to power lines while communities farther away have already been furnished with electricity from the Guyana Power and Light (GPL). “The problem is we are just 200 feet from the power line and they have been running electric-
some years back the residents were introduced to a gentleman who said he could assist them in obtaining the electricity. The group does not remember the man’s name but believes that they have been defrauded as they handed over some $200,000 to the man, but still remain without electricity. Peters noted that the group has since written President David Granger, as well as senior officials at GPL. From Free and Easy were Beverley Sutton and her husband, Linden Sutton, along with their neighbours, Isaac Sarju and Claxton Thomas. Though the community in
recent years has seen much improvements, having received water, electricity and an Information Communication Technology (ICT) Hub, seeing the road upgraded is something the residents believe would go a long way in improving their way of life. Beverley says she has been living in the community for some 12 years now and even before that time residents have been yearning to see a paved road running through the community. Linden Sutton had met with the minister mid last year and was there to get an update.
because there are lots of elderly people there that have to come out, to go for pension and whatsnot. It’s kind of painful to see these folks operating under really difficult conditions; when the rainy season comes it gets really bad. It’s something that needs to be addressed,” DeFreitas said. “There are many improvements that have happened. For example, the road from Kurupakari to Lethem, I can tell you, that road is a wonderful change.” DeFreitas also commended the initiative of the minister meeting directly with citizens.
Minister Annette Ferguson met with citizens at a Public Day meeting held at her office on Wednesday
“We saw the minister [last year] and he said he would look into the issue. He looked into the issue and sent some guys. They come in and see the road and they said they would give us a follow-up back. So we here for the follow-up,” Linden Sutton said. Sixty-four-year-old Charles DeFreitas travelled all the way from North Rupununi to highlight the plight faced by residents of Yakarinta, where he said occupants are grateful for the major road works done in the area over the past few years but there still remains so much more that needs to be done. “We are basically asking that the village road be done
“This is a very interesting and excellent thing because you can have direct contact with the minister. You’re meeting the minister one-on-one and he’s able to focus on what you’re saying and you on him. It shouldn’t be underestimated because people who really care about what concerns them in public infrastructure have an opportunity to interface directly with the minister,” DeFreitas said. A group comprising Gregory Mentore, David Dazzle and Clarence Johnson came to rally for upgrades and improvements in the community of Paradise on the East Coast of Demerara.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
The necessity of govt’s GSDS
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HE APNU+AFC government’s implementation of the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) is not just one of the best frameworks within which national development may be pursued; instead, it is in fact, the only developmental path that ensures that future generations of Guyanese have a viable country to inherit. The GSDS is the concrete manifestation of the overarching innovative vision under which specific policy initiatives will be undertaken, that is, all developmental enterprises will be consistent with the GSDS framework. In turn, The GSDS--a strategy tailored to local needs--will itself be aligned with the internationally adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The GSDS, according to its guiding document, “Will guide Guyana’s economic and sociocultural development over the next 15 years [into 2030]. It will lay His Excellency President David A. Granger and the new coalition government’s principle [sic] foundations for inclusive green economic and social growth, provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable development goals and related targets, and outline a long-term vision for a prosperous and equitable future. The objective of the strategy is to reorient and diversify Guyana’s economy, reducing reliance on traditional sectors and opening up new sustainable income and investment opportunities in higher value-adding and higher growth sectors.” THE GUIDING DOCUMENT STATES: Seven ‘central themes’ are identified with considerable potential to contribute to the transition to a “Green” State: 1. “Green” and Inclusive Structural Transformation: Diversifying the economic base, accessing new markets and creating decent jobs for all
2. Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and Expansion of Environmental Services: stewardship of natural patrimony 3. Energy – Transition to Renewable Energy and Greater Energy Independence 4. Resilient Infrastructure and Spatial Development 5. Human Development and Well-being 6. Governance and Institutional Pillars 7. International Cooperation, Trade and Investment The necessity for this developmental route is obvious, since: climate change will have a huge impact on Guyana, particularly as the majority of Guyanese live on the coast; therefore, we must prepare for its effects and make efforts to mitigate them; we must embark on a course of sustainability to safeguard Guyana’s future; we must aim for self-sufficiency to reduce any negative effects of external and internal instabilities, whether foreseeable or not; we must strengthen democratic institutions; and, we must prepare to participate, and lead, in global development. President Granger underscored that point; he said, “Guyana, on the basis of our geographic location and resources, has an obligation which we acknowledge and a commitment that we have made to be meaningfully involved, if not, to take the lead role in this development.” President David Granger elaborated, he said that, “The Government of Guyana envisions that the Green State Development Strategy will be based on sustainable use of biodiversity and a decarbonised approach that endeavours to provide an inclusive and better quality of life for all Guyanese within the ecological limits of our country’s natural resources, and with the relevant, physical and human capital.” President Granger’s visionary path to Guyana’s develop-
mental goals has been widely recognised and commended. In May 2018, the World Bank’s Country Director for Caribbean Countries and Latin America, Ms. Tahseen Sayed, said there was much that herself and colleagues at the World Bank can learn from what Guyana is aspiring to achieve. Upon extending an invitation to President David Granger to make a presentation on Guyana’s GSDS at the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C. Ms. Sayed remarked, “A presentation on the aspirations of Guyana would be beneficial for both parties.” Smart Guyanese will recognise that our country is unique: our people are ethnically, culturally, religiously, linguistically, and politically diverse; Guyana’s geography is widely varied; and, our assorted natural resources are asymmetrically distributed; therefore, a detailed and locally relevant developmental framework is required. At the same time, such a strategy must consider global realities, and be consistent with internationally accepted best-practices. Fortunately, Guyana now has a government that also recognises the fact of our country’s distinctive nature, and a president who is intellectually capable of conceptualising and establishing that strategic framework. Since all Guyanese will benefit from the GSDS, all citizens, being stakeholders, should work with government towards its fruition. It is most unfortunate, though, that the leader of the opposition apparently does not share the majority-view; in July 2018, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo said, “In all likelihood we will scrap [the GSDS] as soon as we get into office, because it makes no sense.” Mr. Jagdeo’s statement – likely politically motivated – is saddening, since all smart Guyanese would admit that the well-being of all citizens, and the prospects of national development are far more important than anyone’s personal, political ambitions.
Analysing the Jagdeo-era:
The ‘dossier’ must envelope the criminalising of the state Dear Editor,
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HE dossier is a testament to the death toll of over 400 citizens, men and women and children, not all who died are included, whose lives were cut short by a system of lawlessness and a callous disregard for human life and rights by above-the-law ‘friends’, of a specific leadership of the PPP. Friends that enveloped a sinister nouveau riche who were aware that they were immune in the pursuit of illegal gains. In a state where no morals, principles, or procedures could be collaborated between any two ministers because no conduct was established by enforcement where the basic character of the state was intact enough to demand explanations and redress on any issue bordering on the violations of civil rights and behavioural conduct, accepted as right against wrong by the most unlearned citizen, this was the PPP’s state over which Jagdeo presided and had existed before. I presented ACDA’s contribution to the Disciplined Forces CoI in 2003, and contributed to the dossier compiled and presented in 2009. Though the majority of persons executed and disappeared were Afro-Guyanese, the document did not fail to include all other Guyanese who were victims of factors that represented the criminalisation of the state. That also included the compromising of the police force, judiciary, the Georgetown Hospital, public procurement, the tender board, housing and all institutions that presented services and employment were micro-managed by the PPP not as managers, but as political overseers with impositions to determine the right to survive and exist, to empower those they claimed, and to marginalise who refused to confirm as pawns or exhibit any air of independence,
race became the first assessment marker. The mismanagement of the state was enforced by repression, first was used the PPP stacked policing groups who were responsible for several killings, and the ‘Black Clothes police’ who were above the law. It must be noted that a large percentage of these extrajudicial killings were committed before the 2002 jail break. From 2000 to 2015 Guyana was plagued by youth unemployment of 40% cited by the CDB. By 2003, the World Bank had declared that Guyana was suffering a ‘crisis’ of governance. The drug trade, backtrack and smuggling were firmly fixed, the megalomania of Bharrat Jagdeo and Roger Khan were the domineering custodians of all so-called opportunities. The influx of drugs dominated accountants, lawyers, bribed public servants and bankers. Reversed established values and empowered mediocrity. By 2005 protest letters ‘Marjuana infiltrating secondary schools’ by Mark Nigel James B,Sc., Dip Ed were common, by 2011 ‘Drugs have ravaged this 14 year old and other teens of No. 78 village’ by Eric Khadaroo; both letters among dozens of others- Stabroek News. Contractor Gazz Sheermohamed was gunned down because from a source, he would not make his business available for money laundering, Chowmein a mechanic [not a drug dealer or criminal] of Barr Street, Albouystown, was killed along with his client whose scooter he was fixing by gunmen in a car targeting a third person [the pillion rider on the scooter] who escaped, two of the state’s gunmen known as the Phantom, came out and riddled the bodies who were on fire from exposed gasoline Feb 22,2003. Max Pereira an architect and Malis Archer his reputed wife were gunned down in front of his home [Max was a leading influence in cycling, a source indicated that he was against drug dealers trying to use travelling cyclists as couriers, this was not confirmed Oct 3,
2006]. Dorothy Williams was leaving a friend’s home when State –Phantom gunmen in pursuit of someone fired wounding her, the police prevented any one from offering her assistance, she bled to death, Nov 5, 2002. Thus, the dossier envelopes the working of a malevolent philosophy of lawlessness and racial repression. There were proposals to build an access road for the Diamond Scheme, the rejection of it was based on the fact that the most obvious path of that road would have to pass through Mocha village, an Afro-Guyanese village which would be enhanced by such a road. The best location for the Berbice Bridge was not its present location, but because the best suited areas were Afro-Guyanese villages they were ignored and the ferry service that served New Amsterdam was terminated to punish that town, that is not a PPP enclave, thus the letter Oct. 17 letter in Kaieteur News by Raj Lakeram, “The PPP is killing Berbice to spite the Coalition Government.” The dossier must be viewed as a template but must never be presented as a conclusion onto itself, as it does not include the bribery of Charrandass Persaud, an obvious financially entrapped gambling addict that for a moment posed as legitimate among the highest levels of the APNU+AFC, to condone such an act would have been bending knees to all the dossier embodies. We have not yet purged the possibility of foreign mafia finances in the current affairs of our politics, I commend Ruel Johnson’s letter ‘There is no spin to be placed on reign of terror under Mr. Jagdeo’s regime’ Stabroek January 25,2019, I do hope this letter adds to the perspective. Regards Barrington Braithwaite
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
‘Guyanese counting on you’
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…Top Cop tells new ranks citizens expect professional service A POLICE officer must be impartial in his or her inquiries and investigations since citizens expect professional service and protection from persons wishing to do them harm or engage in criminal activities. This was the message to over 91 police recruits by Commissioner of Police Leslie James during his feature address at the graduation ceremony of Felix Austin Police College recruit courses 370, 371 and 372 held on Wednesday at the Tactical Services Unit, Eve Leary, Georgetown. Ninety-one ranks graduated after nine months of training. The police chief told the ranks that they must be ready to protect citizens, their homes, schools and businesses. He explained that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is engaged in a reformation programme aimed at enhancing professional development and service delivery in keeping with international best practices. He told the ranks that they are embarking on an
exciting and equally serious career as police officers and they must never forget the rules, laws, regulations, procedures and tactics, while remembering the oath of office. Noting that the challenges of life in today’s world will have to be faced on a daily basis, the commissioner said those who failed to graduate from the training college must realise that it is no walk in the park. “This job prepares you for the challenges which lie ahead in our communities, it is not easy and it is not a job for everyone. Being a police officer requires a lot of things, it can be very much exhilarating at times; you must display exemplary conduct, excellent turnout and bearings, nimbleness of intellect likened to a sharp mind, honesty, trustworthiness and confidentiality; once you do this job right, it can be a rewarding career,” James told the new ranks. He continued: “You will know when you have been rewarded; you will feel it in your heart. I urge that you
Commissioner of Police Leslie James inspects the parade before the formal ceremony. (Delano Williams photo)
quell your anxieties, be patient, be confident of course, be assertive in the execution of your duties.” The police chief told the graduates that they must remember their goals and aspirations, while operating
with courage and integrity during their interaction with members of the communities. Force Training Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, said the courses commenced on
the 25, April, 2018 and included practice for self-defence, first aid, stress and anger management, communication skills, English Language, human rights, domestic violence, community and tourism-oriented
policing. The assistant commissioner explained that the policemen were also subjected to teachings in crime and traffic duties, along with information technology. “You have completed the transformation from civilians to law-enforcement officers, you have passed the hiring segment, survived the physical and mental training by sacrificing the past 36 weeks, you have arrived at this moment in your life,” he told the new recruits. Noting that they are now embarking on their career journey, Hicken told the police ranks that they should not forget the oath taken from the point hired onto retirement. “You will be in the public eyes, subjected to intense scrutiny, this is just the facts of life for law-enforcing officers. Remember this is a service profession, discipline is paramount, always maintain a high standard of ethics and conduct yourself in a professional manner,” he concluded.
Ithaca farmers benefit from Caricom Development Fund project THE Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development programme (RAID) aback of Ithaca, West Bank Berbice in Region 5 (Mahaica/ Berbice) was off to a running start on Wednesday with the presentation of planting materials to farmers. A visit to the location was made by the Ministers of Finance and Agriculture, Winston Jordan and Noel Holder, respectively, to encourage the beneficiaries to make full productive use of newly developed lands. The project comprises clearing of 150 acres of land aback the village, construction of secondary drainage and irrigation canals and control structures, rehabilitation of access dams and the establishment of farmlands and pastures for members of the Ithaca Agricultural Land Development Coop Society. The project to open up these unused fertile lands aback of Ithaca for agricultural production was made possible under a loan granted to the Government of Guyana by the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF). The CDF was established under Article 158 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas “for the purpose of providing financial or technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors.”
Buxton, Triumph and Mocha villages are three smallscale farming communities in Region Four which are benefitting from similar drainage and irrigation systems and agricultural support under the scheme.
(West Demerara/Essequibo). He said: “This project here at Ithaca is close to my heart. I, as Minister of Finance, fought hard for a project like this specifically for those communities which were ignored, fallen into the cracks, lost in
One of the three 50-acre plots cleared and ready for further development for farming.
During the visit, the Finance Minister disclosed that the loan for the RAID project had been obtained from the CDF 2015-2020 funding cycle by his ministry after Guyana had qualified for Country Assistance Program (CAP) in the second cycle of the Fund. He disclosed that the CDF’s first funding cycle went towards a major road programme to improve access to farms and expand agricultural production by bringing new lands under cultivation aback of Parika in Region 3
translation, or what have you.” “We approached the CDF and were able to persuade them to fund these projects for neglected communities and so agricultural infrastructure for the backlands of Ithaca, Buxton, Triumph, and Mo-
cha became possible,” he said. He said that he believed that cooperatives are still the way to go and his ministry would give the Ithaca Co-op whatever support it could because he, personally, wanted the venture to be a success.
Minister Winston Jordan on site aback Ithaca yesterday.
Agriculture Minister Noel Holder hands over planting materials to Chairman of the Ithaca Co-op, Desmond Weekes.
He assured the beneficiaries that government will assist with marketing; all they had to do was make full and productive use of the land and ensure that the project remains viable long after the funds have been disbursed. Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, various agricultural agencies and other agencies in Region 5 (Mahaica/Berbice), including the NDIA, the GLDA, NAREI, the MMA/ADA and the Regional Democratic Council of Region 5 were
among those present at the event yesterday. H. NAUTH and Sons General Engineering Contractors had won the $148M contract for constructing drains, canals, access dams and hydraulic structures for the Project. Additionally, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture had purchased tractors and a bulldozer and excavation equipment which were used in the establishment of the drainage and infrastructure network and the access dams to and from the farm area. The equipment will be kept by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and the farmers will be able to access their use on formal request to the NDIA. The National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) are also offering technical advice to the beneficiaries on what to grow and what to rear. Minister Holder, who helped to distribute planting materials to the farmers, disclosed that the other RAID projects at Mocha, Buxton and Triumph were proceeding satisfactorily for imminent use by beneficiaries in these formerly neglected villages.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Ministers, councillors in city walkabout
SEVERAL ministers of the government participated in a walkabout and information-sharing activity around downtown Georgetown on Wednesday, when they were also able to listen to the concerns of residents. The team included senior and junior ministers of Social Protection Amna Ally and Keith Scott; Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; Minister of Public Affairs, Dawn
each, in the company of supporters of the coalition, took to the streets. “We’re out here to hear the concerns of the people, but this is the first time we did it in a group. As ministers, we work in our own constituencies and do our own work, but they were surprised to see us in a group,” said Minister Sharma after the walkabout. “What we shared basically was information about budget 2019,” he added. “The book
were given a list of the President’s qualities and accomplishments, so that they can weigh for themselves his record
that such interactions with the public are necessary for the City Council to better understand the people they want to serve.
Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan invites persons to take a look at the flyers being shared (Delano Williams photos) Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine meets vendors in the Stabroek Market
Junior Minister of Finance Jaipaul Sharma responds to the concerns of parents
Hastings-Williams; Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson and Junior Minister of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma. The ministers assembled at the Parliament Building and
was an excerpt of the budget and, along with that, there was a flyer with President David Arthur Granger showing some of his qualities as the President of Guyana.” Sharma said that persons
against the other options presenting themselves. Also on the walkabout were Mayor of Georgetown Ubraj Narine and Deputy Mayor Alfred Mentore. Narine said: “The exercise this afternoon was fantastic. I love the people and I interacted with them and I found that there are a lot of issues; but we’re going to regularise things and they pledged to support the council and to work with the council.” He added that many of the persons were excited to meet their new mayor. Meanwhile, Mentore said
“This is not the first of the walks, we had one last Friday. We went to the Bourda area and we were able to figure out a number of the issues that are affecting the various vendors and the various people within the market,” he said. “Most of the people who have met the mayor and met myself in general, they are very welcoming. They like the fresh approach, they like the freshness of us coming out and bringing the council to them rather than them coming to the council. So we want to
reach them, we want to have that kind of relationship; that one-on-one and we want to be able to engage them a lot more, so that we can have a greater collaboration moving forward.” Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Minster Scott agreed that the presence of the mayor and deputy mayor had indeed excited the interest of the people. “It was very good and I was very impressed with the reception that the Mayor of Georgetown got, because everybody was happy that he interacted with them; they were very free in giving their observations and their complaints as well. He’s a young
man with a very good future,” he said, adding: “They were very free with us also and told us their concerns and complained about the treatment they got at the last City Council. They said that this time around they’re prepared for betterment. They also said that they are very resolute in their support for the APNU+AFC and they are resolved to ensure that not only they are registered, but that their families are also registered. They are very happy to get the flyers and they are happy, also, that they’re seeing us on the ground and we promised that we’ll always be close to them.”
Death in police custody…
'Whoever is responsible will face sanctions' – Top Cop
“WHEREVER the chips fall we will pursue and
whoever is responsible will face sanctions,” these were
the words of Commissioner of Police Leslie James as he
Dead: Kallicharran Sawak
answered questions about the death of an inmate in the Sparendaam Police Station lock-up. The police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) will be conducting an investigation into the death of Kallicharran Sawak called “Danny”, who suffered injuries to his head while in custody at the Sparendaam Police Station. Sawack, of Lot 3, La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara (ECD), died on January 28, 2019, while a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). An autopsy on his
Commissioner of Police Leslie James
remains, which was done on Wednesday, gave the cause of death as multiple injuries due to blunt trauma about the body. This indicated that Sawak was beaten about the body, something which coincides with relatives accusations of police brutality. It is alleged that the 39-year-old LBI resident was beaten in the lockup, and due to the severity of the beating, the father of one was warded at the GPHC where he succumbed. According to relatives, Sawak was arrested on January 17, 2019, after he was
misbehaving while heavily intoxicated and a report was made at the Beterverwagting Police Station. He was subsequently transferred to the Sparendaam Police Station where he remained in custody while awaiting his time to be placed before the court. Sawak was due to appear in the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court on January 22, but when the matter was called and he was not there, it was put aside. It was on the second calling of the case that relatives were informed by the magistrate that the prisoner had been hospitalised. The man’s mother, Ramdai Sawak, 68, told this publication that her son was a welder and worked with a construction company, and her son met his demise under questionable circumstances, and as such, she would like the relevant authorities to conduct a full investigation.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Services of small contractors end February month-end -- M&CC writes AG office for second opinion THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has written to the Attorney General’s office in its quest to obtain a second opinion regarding the recent pullout by the two main garbage contractors. The first advice received from lawyer Roger Yearwood was that the contractors – Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management Inc. – breached their contracts with the M&CC by opting to pull their services from the City last November. According to the M&CC, the contractors could have instead opted to take the municipality to court instead of withdrawing their garbage collection services. Since then, City Hall has hired a number of smaller contractors for services up to January 31, 2018. At the most recent statutory meeting, however, the M&CC agreed that the private contractors will continue to work until February 26, 2019. In the meantime, the M&CC is awaiting word from the Attorney General’s office so it can decide on the way forward with both sets of contractors. General Manager at Purans, Kalesh Puran, told the Guyana Chronicle on Wednesday that the M&CC has asked that his company come back on board to clear Groups seven and nine, which encompasses areas that usually feature a heavy buildup of garbage, such as Albouystown and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The company did not want to refuse the work and, hence, has to put up with the conditions set out by the municipality, such as clearing the areas once a week instead of twice, as happened before. Mr Puran said the M&CC also wants to alter costs, which he finds hard to understand in view of their existing contract which is valid until next year. Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan had announced that the government was going to provide 100 per cent bailout to the M&CC. According to Puran, $50M each was paid over to them and Cevons in December, and the companies continue to wait on word from the ministry on the payment of the remaining balances. Proprietor of Cevons, Morse Archer, said the last thing he heard from the City Council was that they were seeking a second opinion, which has been quite some time back. He said the M&CC’s attempt to change up the contracts is not good for business. Both contractors had said that it was not a case where they wanted to stop working, but that their current financial positions could not permit them to continue working without pay. Representatives of both companies had said they were frustrated by the M&CC’s inability to make timely payments to them. “We are at a close breaking point… we had
Gov’t. fixing damaged ramp at Leguan Stelling THE Public Infrastructure Ministry said it is taking appropriate steps to fix the ramp at the Leguan Stelling which has become inaccessible. In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry said it was brought to its attention that piles from the Leguan Stelling low ramp broke on Monday, causing the ramp to be inaccessible to passengers. A team of Transport and Habour Department engineers have been dispatched to the location and are assessing the damage incurred. “This matter is being treated with extreme urgen-
cy as materials are currently being sourced and repairs are expected to be completed within seven (7) days,” the minister said. Leguan residents and passengers alike are advised to use the high ramp as the operations of the stelling will be maintained. However, passengers are encouraged to use the stelling with caution as the engineers facilitate repairs to the broken piles on the low ramp. The Public Infrastructure Ministry said it regrets any inconvenience caused.
a meeting with the City Council and they promised to meet again to discuss payments, but it is annoying and frustrating, it is a consistent cycle,” Archer had said. The contractors had opted to pull their services the previous year, in August 2017, when the City Council had racked up more than $400M in debts to the two companies. Although the companies had agreed to wait for payments for the
The M&CC agreed at its last statutory meeting to extend the services of smaller contractors until the end of February
years 2015 and 2016, the municipality was not even keeping up with its current balances for 2017. Government stepped in and paid the contractors all of the outstanding balances and even
went further to create a special arrangement to cover services up to the end of that year. During that time, the contractors had anticipated that the City Council would make some effort to contact
them on a new system beginning 2018. However, the identical situation repeated itself in 2018. The way forward in the matter will depend on the second set of advice received by the City Council.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Should Cabinet resign immediately? …chief justice to deliver ruling today in landmark case
By Svetlana Marshall THE government cannot operate without a Cabinet, such would be a recipe for chaos, Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams maintained, as he argued that the insertion of sub-sections 6 and 7 into Article 106 of the constitution, which provides for a no-confi-
Attorney Kamal Ramkarran
Attorney General Basil Williams
Attorney Anil Nandlall
dence motion, leads to an ambiguous interpretation and absurd construction of the Article. The attorney general and Attorneys-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran and Anil Nandlall returned to the High Court on Wednesday to answer a question posed by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire in the constitutional case – Christopher Ram v The Attorney General and Leader of the Opposition. Ram has asked the court to rule that the December 21 vote of no-confidence was validly passed, and that Cabinet must resign. Ahead of her ruling, which is scheduled for today, the chief justice asked the attorneys to answer the following question: “Whether, if the government is defeated on a no-confidence motion, the resignation of Cabinet takes immediate effect?” The question was asked on the basis of Article 106 (6) of the constitution, which states that “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.” Responding in the negative to the question posed; the AG said there was no timeframe stated in Article 106 (6). He told the court that the functions and responsibilities of Cabinet are not only clear, but necessary to the effective functioning of the government. In laying the foundation for his arguments, he pointed out that Article 106 provides for the establishment of a Cabinet including its composition, duties and functions. It was contended that subsections (6) and (7), which were inserted into Article 106 by Act 17 of 2000, are inconsistent with the purpose of the Article. Using Article 106 (2) as an example, he pointed out that Cabinet’s functions are to aid and advise the President and give guidance
to the government. It is also collectively responsible to Parliament. “It is respectfully submitted that the effect of Article 106 (2), is, once there is a government, there must be a President and Cabinet and once there is a Parliament there must be a Cabinet. “It is further submitted that Article 106 (6) in so far as it purports to sever the connection between Cabinet and government is in collision and is inconsistent with the provisions of Article 106 (2),” Williams told the court. He further contended that upon creating Article 106 (7) of the constitution, the framers must have intended to avoid a directionless, uncontrolled and uncoordinated government to be in office even for three months. That article allows for the government to remain in office until a new President is sworn in. “A government without a President and Cabinet with 27 ministers acting individually is a recipe for chaos,” the attorney general said, while contending that there will be no coordination if the gonstitution were to be interpreted in a narrow and legalistic way. What will happen in a case of a natural disaster or public disorder, he questioned, while asking too whether the ministers would be in breach of the law if they were to meet on such events. “It is respectively submitted that the framers could not have intended such bizarre consequences and since no time period is mentioned in Article 106 (6), the word “notwithstanding” connects Article 106 (7) to Article 106 (6) and provides the time frame for the resignation of the Cabinet, which, being part of the government, exists as long as the government exists and would accordingly resign when the government resigns,” he argued. He put to the court that had it been the intention of the framers to treat the government separately and apart from Cabinet, they would not have used the word “notwithstanding” in Article 106 (7). Attributing to the work of Professor Helen Xanthaki, the AG said in Thorton’s Legislative Drafting, 5th Edn, it was stated that where one provision is inconsistent with another provision in the same law or other law, the drafter ought to make it clear which provision is to prevail. The AG told the court in this case, Article 106 (7) overrides the Article 106 (6). The former articles states “notwithstanding, its defeat,
the government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.” NANDLALL FLIPS This argument, he posited, was once supported by Anil Nandlall – the former Attorney General under the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) government, who is now attempting to strip the current government of its powers. While providing the court with supporting evidence, the AG said Nandlall in a letter dated February 4, 2015 and addressed to the then Finance Minister Ashni Singh answered a question posed by Country Representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Sophie Makonnen. In that letter Nandlall said: “As indicated above, the said proclamation is unnecessary. In any event, under the Westminster Constitutional model, an Executive Government continues in office with unaltered powers until a new Executive Government assumes office. This principal of continuity of the Executive remains unaffected by the dissolution of Parliament. Therefore, dissolution of Parliament does not affect the authority of the Government to enter into a new loan or grant agreements, unless of course, the agreement expressly requires the input of the Parliament.” However, Kamal Ramkarran, who is representing the interest of Ram, told the court that Cabinet must resign immediately upon the defeat of government by a vote of no-confidence. Zooming in on the word “if” in Article 106 (6), he said it specifies the conditions upon which Cabinet must resign. He said because the conditions laid out in Article 106 (6) were met, the resignation of Cabinet ought to have been immediate and automatic. Ramkarran provided the court with a list of definitions for the word “if.” It was pointed out that Wednesday marked 40 days since the no-confidence motion was declared passed by the Speaker of the National Assembly, TURN TO PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
‘We can heal from the wounds of the past’ -- Min. Bulkan MINISTER of Communities Ronald Bulkan, has said that Guyanese must focus on building respectful relationships across ethnic lines and value each other’s lives. He was addressing guests and residents of Lusignan village, East Coast Demerara (ECD) on the 11th death anniversary of the Lusignan Massacre. According to Minister Bulkan, Guyanese must also focus on ways through which they can heal from the wounds of the past. “We mourned together as a nation, in spite of our differences. Race, religion and politics were irrelevant as we lovingly embraced and comforted each other. We all condemned this evil
action and those responsible for inflicting such pain on our nation… We are one people -- Guyanese. I believe that when we are united as a people, we [would be] better able to guard against evils of such nature in our society. There is strength in our unity.” The minister of communities said the nation needs to focus on building trusting, intergenerational and diverse community relationships that better reflect our common humanity. He noted that the government’s policies and programmes are geared to promoting inclusivity. He said the administration has boosted and will continue to strengthen the capacity of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to make communities safer.
“The safety and security of all Guyanese is [sic] of paramount importance,” he assured the residents. On the morning of January 26th, 2008, the nation woke to the dreaded news of a massacre of 11 persons including five children, in the closely knit community. Rooplall Seecharan, Shazad Mohamed, Ron Thomas, Vanessa Thomas, Dhanrajie Seecharan, Shalem Baksh, Raywattie Ramsingh, Clarence Thomas, Seegobin Harilall, Seegopaul Harilall, Mohandan Gourdat, were murdered by bandits. The perpetrators were later tried for the crime. (DPI)
Men remanded for stealing lingerie PRINCIPAL Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, remanded two men to prison for stealing a quantity of female lingerie and slippers. Collen Desouza and Patrick Huntly both denied the charge which alleged that on January 23, 2019, at the Stabroek Market Wharf, they stole a number of brassieres, 30 pairs of slippers and 10 panties, all valued at $391,000, property of Mondale Rogers. Desouza, a 41-year-old labourer of Hadfield Street,
Patrick Huntly and Collen Desouza
Georgetown, and Huntly, a 39-year-old porter of East La Patience, were both unrepresented. Prosecutor Ceon Black-
Should Cabinet ... Dr. Barton Scotland. Rebutting the arguments put forward by the AG, he said Article 106 (7) which addresses ‘government’ does not and was not intended to override Article 106 (6) nor is Cabinet and government the same. Nandlall, representing the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, also responded in the affirmative, noting that there should be an automatic operation of the law. He said when a government is defeated by a majority in the House it cannot be business as usual. While Article 106 (6) does not specify a timeframe, Nandlall said the court is not authorised to ignore the expressed clear language of
the constitution. “One must read the constitution with the acceptance that the framers intended exactly what it said,” he said, while noting that only when the expressed language leads to absurdity that the court can offer a different position on it. According to him, there is a clear distinction between the Cabinet and the government and the resignation of the former will not result in catastrophic events as suggested by the AG. Maintaining that Cabinet should resign, he said while Williams has argued that the government cannot function effectively without Cabinet, it is the permanent secretaries and other public officials who execute the
man strongly opposed the release of the duo on bail, citing that the defendants were on the run from the police since committing the crime. Blackman noted that the two defendants’ alleged accomplices, Harry Mowanie and Leslie Ferdinand, were recently charged and remanded to prison by another city magistrate for the same offence Magistrate McGusty remanded Desouza and Huntly to prison until February 13, 2019. FROM PAGE
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work of government. “Your honour more than one month has passed since this no-confidence motion was passed by the National Assembly. There is no order of any court stopping time from running and indeed, there can be no such order, but the Cabinet has not resigned in complete defiance of the constitution,” Nandlall told the court. But the AG, who rebutted the arguments of both Ramkarran and Nandlall, said that Article 106 (6) and Article 106 (7) ought to be comparable with the provisions of the constitution that existed prior to 2000, and must conform to them.
Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan with other attendees including PPP MPs, Juan Edghill and Priya Manickchand at the Lusignan massacre remembrance.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Condolences pour in for Horace James -- described by Lindeners as reservoir of information
By Vanessa Braithwaite AT 04:10hrs on Wednesday morning, the bauxite horn, as Lindeners know it, blew repeatedly. It was the official announcement of the passing of a Linden stalwart, a well-respected and honourable man, whose selfless service to the town of Linden for decades left an indelible mark in the lives of almost every Lindener who rubbed shoulders with him. News of the passing of Horace James, who was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), spread throughout his hometown and the gloomy atmosphere that permeated the town, was evidence that a true son of the soil, had fallen. James died at his Linden residence on Wednesday after a battle with prostate cancer. In a statement, President David Granger said he was saddened at James’s passing. He also expressed sympathy to James’s relatives, friends and colleagues. The Ministry of Natural Resources also
expressed condolences to James’s relatives and friends. As is known wide and far in Linden, the release stated that James had a wealth of knowledge on the history of Linden and bauxite mining. It was his belief that there are numerous opportunities and scope for further development of the bauxite industry. “The Ministers of Natural Resources, though saddened by this loss, are thankful for the significant contributions that he has made to the natural resources sector. Their thoughts and prayers, and that of their staff, go out to
the relatives and close friends of Mr. Horace James,” the release said. Region 10 officials were equally saddened at the passing of James and described his death as a great blow to the town. Throughout his life, James served as the top official for several entities. He was the first regional chairman of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC), chief executive officer (CEO) the Linmine Secretariat for 16 years, CEO of the Linden Electricity Incorporated (LEI) and CEO of the Linden Bauxite Company.
to Linden, but the entire Upper Demerara-Berbice Region. He described James as always a smiling, cordial person who never allowed his passion to get the better of him. Arindell said James significantly impacted the lives of many in the township of Linden.
Horace James
MAN OF INTEGRITY His close friend and former colleague, former Region 10 chairman Mortimer Mingo, described him as a professional with unbridled honesty and sincerity, who stuck to the rules of the institutions he served and displayed high morality in his duties. These rare qualities enabled him to receive continuous promotions in the bauxite company and where ever he served. He moved from being a project manager to CEO at LINMINE. Mingo, who worked alongside James, said he is deeply saddened by his passing as they were friends for over 35 years. He said what he admired about James the most is his quiet, humble and respectable demeanour which left an indelible impression on him. “Despite [the fact that] many challenges would have confronted him, he went about calm in his daily tasks and executed those tasks very quietly, thoroughly and very respectfully; he was particular to the rules as it related to his organisation and he will be remembered by me for those qualities. I think anyone with high moral standing would like to emulate him,” Mingo said, while expressing condolences to his wife, son and other relatives. James’s successor at the Linmine Secretariat, Emit Alves, said the secretariat and LEI have made strides over the years, because of the significant inputs of James. While James had a challenging task of overlooking both entities, he did it with passion and distinction. “Everyone was saddened by his passing at the secretariat, a very good human being has passed on, he was a mentor to all of us, a father figure to many, to others he was counsellor and his role within the community was quite significant,” Alves said. Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira said James was a gem to the Linden community and will always be hailed as person who put the interest of Linden before his personal gain. Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Mayor of Linden Waneka Arrindell also hailed James as a stalwart in the Linden community. Morian said that his death is not only a loss
A WALKING HISTORY BOOK With the many hats that Mr. Horace James held, one of the most significant is that he was the point person on history, geography and statistical facts of Linden. He was more so the source of these facts, after the fires destroyed the Linmine Secretariat and the Christianburg Court, where the bulk of historical records of Linden’s history was stored. In fact, James revealed to this publication during an exclusive interview in 2016, that he cried bitterly after the fires, knowing the majority of Linden’s history was destroyed. He then embarked on a campaign to restore some of that history through a soft copy data base. He was in possession of photos, letters, documents and records dating back to 100 years when bauxite mining in Linden started. He was so passionate about safeguarding Linden’s history that he collaborated with others, to establish a Linden museum, where Linden’s historical facts, especially that pertaining to bauxite mining, can be kept and displayed for the edification of especially the youths of Linden. James also chaired the Bauxite Centennial Committee which spearheaded the 100 years of bauxite mining celebrations, the construction of the Centennial Arch, the Centennial stamp and the industrial museum. Horace James was one of the first scholars of Linden, who returned as a mining engineer from the United Kingdom, to serve in the bauxite company. He had related that he had no legal commitments to do so, but felt it was his heartfelt duty. He was initially appointed project engineer, and was later appointed senior engineer and deputy CEO of LINMINE before becoming the CEO in 1998. He served one-year, in 1980, as regional chairman, but because his heart was in the bauxite company, he returned in 1981. He became CEO of LEI in 2003. James had also served as a Director of the Linden Technical Institute (LTI) and the Linden Community Development (LCD), which started in 1970. The purpose of the LCD was to change the town from company-owned to residents-owned. Horace James leaves to mourn his wife, son, siblings and other relatives and friends.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Gov’t welcomes Goldfields underground mining project GUYANA Goldfields Inc planned underground mining project is a welcome initiative, the government said on Wednesday. The project is one of the flagship projects in Guyana’s natural resources sector for 2019. The other flagship projects are bauxite mining at Bonasika in Region Three and manganese mining at Matthews Ridge, Region One. The government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency, is expertly reviewing the company's plan to
advance the underground exploration to potentially upgrade and expand the current resource and unlock the Aurora deposit’s full potential. In a statement on Wednesday, the Natural Resources Ministry pointed out that the Aurora Mine has a total gold resource of 6.25 million ounces of gold in the measured and indicated categories, as well as an additional 1.79 million ounces in the inferred category. It was explained that the prospective underground operations are aimed at extracting more than 2 million ounces. The mine plan has since been approved by the
‘Mango Man’ murder trial opens …caution statements admitted into evidence THE main trial for the alleged murder of Kumar Singh called “Mango Man” started in the Demerara High Court before Justice James Bovell-Drakes on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, when the caution statements for both accused were tendered and admitted as evidence in the trial. The caution statements of murder accused Mark Royden Williams, called 'Smallie' and Sherwin Nero, called 'Catty' were read out in open court by police witness, Detective Inspector Singh on Wednesday morning. The witness testified that it was alleged that, on August 30, 2007, the two accused, seated in the prisoner’s box, murdered Kumar Singh called 'Mango Man'. According to the indictment, the duo was among four gunmen who, back in 2007, invaded Kumar Singh’s Cove and John, East Coast Demerara home during which Singh was shot and killed. Both accused have retained the services of defence attorney Nigel Hughes while the State is being represented by Tameika Clarke and Tiffini Lyken. During his evidence-in-chief, Singh told the court that he recorded the caution statements of both accused after they elected him to write same. He had put the allegation of murder to the duo, who indicated they wanted to make a statement. According to the police witness, Williams told him, "Me ain’t went in the man (Singh) yard. ‘Coolie Boy' and ‘Junior’ went in the yard. Me ain’t had no gun. Me been a lookout. Them boys go in the yard and spent five
to seven minutes.” Inspector Singh, reading from the caution statement of Williams, said “I hear gunshots and 'Coolie Boy' tell me that he shoot the man. I didn't ask he why he shoot the man. I get $20,000 and the next day I hear that the man that get kill name 'Mango Man'. Me ain’t know he right name." In relation to the caution statement given by Nero, Inspector Singh recalled that the murder accused told him that he did not go into the yard of the deceased on the night in question and stated that it was his co-accused, 'Smallie', ‘Coolie Boy' and ‘Junior’ who were there. According to Inspector Singh, Nero told him that the three of them had guns and he heard shots being fired. "This is all me know about this wuk. Me later learnt that the man name 'Mango Man'", Inspector Singh said that is what Nero told him while he penned the caution statement. The trial will continue before Justice James BovellDrakes in the Demerara High Court where more witnesses are expected to testify. The two accused have been behind bars for almost 12 years for the murder of businessman, Kumar Singh, called “Mango Man”. The trial has had several delays, including the fact that ‘Smallie’ had once escaped from prison. However, the case was finally called about a week ago with heavy police presence in and around the court after which they were in a lengthy period of voir dire (a trial within a trial) to determine the admissibility of the evidence.
Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; however, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has asked for an updated Environmental Impact Assessment to ensure an underground mining operation of world-class specifications. “All indications are that this review process is proceeding well,” the Natural Resources Ministry said.
However, it said government has taken note of the internal issues within the company, and is concerned about the negative impact on the company's production and overall operation. The government has placed on record its expectation that the internal matters will be resolved soonest and in the best interest of all. “The government contin-
ues to recognise the great role mining plays in our nation’s social and economic development. In this sense, the GoG will continue to promote the sustainable use of our country’s natural resources, noting that it will aid in the creation of jobs and enhance sustainable investments in all aspects of our society,” the ministry said. The announcement of
government’s support for the underground mining project was made at a time when Guyana Goldfields has taken a decision to strengthen its presence here in Guyana and restructure its country office. To date, over 700 Guyanese are employed within the company with 60 recently promoted to key positions, including to the managerial level.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Lawyer files constitutional motion against chief justice LEADER of the National Independence Party, Saphier Hussain, has challenged the chief justice’s decision to refuse his application to be joined as an interested party in the Fixed Date Application filed by Compton Herbert Reid in respect of the no-confidence motion.
The leader of the National Independence Party set out four grounds on which the decision should be declared void, a release from the party stated. The lawyer claims that the chief justice’s statements: “Small parties are springing up all over in the country”
was prejudicial and the decision was in violation of Article (10) of the constitution, whereby the right to form or become a member or leader of a political party is guaranteed. Also, the constitutional lawyer claims that the decision of the chief justice was in violation of Article 149 of the
constitution, which pertains to discrimination on the basis of difference of political opinion. Also, Hussain alludes to prejudicial treatment with respect to appointment of senior counsel and refusal to tax costs awarded him in the Petition of Esther Perriera as previous adverse decisions.
Most of all, Hussain claims that if he does not have locus standi as a leader for a political party which has contested general and regional elections since 1997, the decision is contradictory or Compton Herbert Reid who is an elector has no locus standi to bring the action. The law-
yer quoted passages from the Caribbean Court of Justice in the cross-dressing decision case to support his contention. The matter will be heard on Monday, January 4, 2019 at 10:00hrs before the Honourable Justice Madam Priya Sewnarine-Beharry.
Chief constable upset over ‘victimisation’ report By Telesha Ramnarine THE Public Relations Department of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has called on the media to call the department and officers in charge for clarifications before publishing information that it said can damage the reputation of the City Council. A case in point is the article that was published recently in the Kaieteur News, whereby a number of allegations were published without the agency first contacting Chief Constable Andrew Foo or his deputy Laurel Gittens for comments. The newspaper reported that Corporal Quacy Baveghens, the officer who last year witnessed a notorious sex act on a minor in the City Constabulary, is being victimised after he had testified at the recently concluded Commission of Inquiry into the operations of City Hall. It spoke about a number of deplorable conditions that Baveghens has to endure at the Princes Street incinerator and store depot, where he has since been posted. Chief Constable Andrew Foo on Wednesday told reporters at City Hall that the duties of those who are stationed at the Regent Street outpost, including Baveghens, tend to rotate. He said the information that was fed to the media was intended to create mischief and bring the council into disrepute. Foo said Baveghens was asked to check in at City Hall, so that it can be ascertained whether or not he was the one who spoke to Kaieteur News; and that if he is indeed the one, departmental action can range from a warning letter to suspension.
Foo explained that at every two weeks, the officers are rotated and that this time around, it was simply Baveghens turn to go to the Princes Street location. “Each rank spends two weeks at each location. Everyone has to go there and everyone has their fair share.” The chief constable also noted that if it was in fact Baveghens who complained to the press, then it would mean that he breached the channel and systems in place at the municipality. Instead of talking to the media, he should have first consulted with Foo or his deputy. Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis offered that the officers at City Hall should have been contacted on the matter. “They should have called me or the chief constable to seek clarification. I’m asking that in future; please contact us.” Assistant Superintendent, Administration, Peter Livingstone reminded that the Regent Street outpost has responsibility for security at the Princes Street incinerator and store depot. He offered that if Baveghens is guilty of speaking with the press, then it means that he is being vindictive “and has some axe to grind with the chief constable,” he said. Livingstone said Baveghens was not asked to do anything strange; but that he wants to be allowed to do as he pleases. Contacted on Wednesday, Baveghens told the Guyana Chronicle that he does not have the authority to speak with the press and hence denied ever speaking with Kaieteur News.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Broomes commissions ‘Green’ space Lisa Hamilton RESIDENTS of the Meadow Brook and Lodge Housing Schemes are overjoyed with the transformation of a shared space in their community into an environmentally friendly “green” space. The location, once unsightly with high bushes, was beautified over time, thanks to the help of Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes and a team of residents from the neighbourhood. Yesterday ( Wednesday, January 30, 2019) the minister commissioned the location between Jamoon Drive and Princess Street, as a “green” space, with the planting of 25 coconut palm trees. Several community members came out to assist in the self-help initiative, the brainchild of Minister Broomes – a project that she has been spearheading since she moved into the community a year ago. The community members also decorated the area with the colours of the national flag for the upcoming Mashramani celebrations. Leading up to the commissioning, Broomes and team maintained the area twice monthly, through weeding, painting the roots of trees and visiting neighbours to invite them to be part of the change. She told the newspaper: “I do go house-to-house and reach out to my neighbours and introduce myself and tell them about what I’m doing; and so we’re moving to a place where we’re looking
Resident, Morris Haynes, assists with the planting.
Junior Minister of Natural Resources Simona Broomes, (centre), stands along with other residents of the community after the tree- planting initiative.
to, at the end of every month, have everybody weed in front of their lawns and parapets, so that we have this ambience maintained.” Broomes took the opportunity to encourage other communities to follow the example set. “If you’re a leader in your community, you can lead in different ways. People think that you have to be a minister to be a leader; no, you can be your own community leader and come out and motivate your neighbours and have initiatives like this one,” she said. This call was echoed by residents such as Christine Frantzen, who said that prior to the transformation, she had practised only planting in her yard. “I’d like to see the community very clean and tidy and I hope other neighbours come out and put in a hand, so that we can always be clean,” she said. “If everybody comes out and does what they got to do,
this place would be beautiful, there’s no doubt about that,” another resident, Morris Haynes, added. Others in the area assisting on Wednesday told the newspaper that the ‘green’ space is definitely an upgrade from what the community once was. Businessman Steve Rambarran, who has been living in the area for the last 48 years, said: “All here was all jungle and bush and now it’s really beautiful. I feel more relaxed, more stress-free in the environment here. It’s a great change. It has upgraded the value of the property and the area.” Another resident, Rhonda Greaves, added: “I am 54 years old, so that’s how long I’ve been living in Meadow Brook Gardens. Before, these bushes were really tall, almost growing up to half way of the coconut trees. There wasn’t any room to walk really, so we’re very happy that this has been done and I’m hoping that we can come
together and do the other parts also.” Minister Brooms said that one of her motivators to upkeep the area related to the schoolchildren who traverse the area to and from school. They can now feel safer utilising the “green” space as opposed to the busy roadway. She specially thanked Mr. Dexter Austin who, previously, spearheaded the team every fortnight in weeding, cleaning of the drains and more. “I have a wonderful neighbourhood,” Broomes said. “We really want to thank the neighbours who would always come out to a call. We’re discussing now and looking to form a committee, because while I’m one of the persons maintaining it, I’m not the only person living here. I want it to be our space, the community’s space.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Over 700 Guyanese employed at Goldfields …company reduces its expatriate workforce by 30 per cent in major revamp
AMID a major restructuring of the company, Guyana Goldfields Inc has announced that it now has in its employ some 729 Guyanese with two recently appointed to key managerial positions at its Aurora Gold Mine. The promotion of Guyanese employees forms part of a decision of the company
to strengthen its presence here in Guyana and restructure its country office. Guyana Goldfields announced the restructuring of its country office in a statement on Wednesday while providing an update on the progress made in employee development. “As part of the ongoing restructuring programme launched on July 30,
2018, the company has promoted 60 Guyanese nationals [sic] into senior roles, and, of significance, has promoted Guyanese national [sic], Mr. Jermaine Critchlow, as Sustainability Manager for Guyana, a role previously held by an expatriate. Further, the company has named another Guyanese national, Miranda LaRose, as Corporate Social
Responsibility/Sustainability Coordinator for Guyana,” Guyana Goldfields detailed. It was explained that the 60 Guyanese who were recently promoted are taking on critical positions in management, senior operations leadership, technical, administrative and exploration. According to Guyana Goldfields, the move to el-
President and Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Goldfields, Scott Caldwell
evate Guyanese within the company demonstrates its commitment to develop its Guyanese workforce through the continuing transfer of skills and technology, while reducing the use of foreign nationals in the operation of the mine, mill and support services. Guyana Goldfields also reduced its expatriate workforce by 14, representing approximately 30 per cent of the total expatriate staff. Total employment post-restructuring consists of 729 Guyanese nationals [sic] –representing approximately 96.4 per cent of the overall workforce--and 27 expatriates. The Aurora Gold Mine is one of the largest employers in Guyana. “These transformational changes, which are consistent with our Aurora Gold Mine strategic plan established last summer, will strengthen our presence in Guyana and further enhance our operations,” said Scott Caldwell, President and Chief Executive Officer. He said that the restructuring efforts complement recent initiatives undertaken to strengthen the management team, refocus exploration efforts and advance corporate governance. Weighing in on these new developments, René Marion, the Non-Executive Chairman, said “the company remains focused on a continuous improvement process that the board initiated in the second half of 2018.” He added that “the process started on July 30, 2018, with termination of the company’s Executive Chairman Patrick Sheridan and the elimination of an ineffective dual reporting structure under which Mr. Sheridan was responsible for government relations and exploration in Guyana.” Under this new arrange-
ment, the operations of Guyana Goldfields and Aurora Gold Mine in Georgetown will be managed out of a single office in the country. This, the company said, will increase synergies and efficiencies while reducing costs. The second office located at North Road will be closed with immediate effect. Also, the Country Manager Violet Smith will depart the company now that her position has become redundant. The company, in the statement, thanked Smith for more than 20 years of service. On January 3, Guyana Goldfields announced that Perry Holloway, former U.S. Ambassador to Guyana and career diplomat, was appointed Senior Vice-president, Strategy & Corporate Affairs. In fulfilling its corporate and social responsibilities, the gold company purchases goods and services from more than 250 companies and individuals in Guyana. It maintains parts of two major interior roads leading to the mine site that are also used by the local miners, loggers and others for personal and business activities. EXPLORATION REFOCUSED During the second half of 2018, the company’s management made a strategic decision to refocus exploration efforts on the high-quality near-mine brownfield targets, which will potentially provide the greatest opportunities for near-term growth. “This resulted in the net reduction in the total exploration team of 45 employees (of which seven were expatriate geologists), as the company temporarily closed distant field camps at Iroma, Wynamu and TURN TO PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Iconic woman entrepreneur laid to rest trailblazer, whose business is entirely in keeping with government’s food security policy… our country is all the poorer for the demise of this strategist whose enthusiasm, energy and selflessness transformed the family business into a thriving business entity, and in so doing, helped to take Guyana’s seafood
US President John F. Kennedy, who in his inaugural address, said ‘Ask not what your country can do for you … ask what you can do for your country’, observed that Allison’s awesome love for Guyana and absolute commitment to country lived this mantra. Despite what she achieved while living in East
A family member delivers a tribute in honour of Butters-Grant
By Shirley Thomas THE body of fallen business icon, Mrs. Allison Butters-Grant was on Tuesday given a hero’s farewell, beginning with a moving Thanks Giving Service at the St. Phillips Church, Smyth Street, Work-enRust, after which it was taken to the Memorial Gardens, Le Repentir Cemetery for cremation. Mrs. Butters died on January 13, in the United States of America after a prolonged battle with a terminal illness. She was 53. Grant was Chief Executive Officer of Global Sea Food Distributors, a sea- food processing and packaging entity for local distribution as well as export to the Caribbean and the USA. The facility, founded by Mrs. Grant some four years ago, is located at West Ruimveldt. There were many glowing tributes in her honour both at a Night of Reflection held at the Malteenoes Sports Club on Sunday, as well as at the Church where hundreds congregated to join the bereaved family members in paying their last respects. Among those offering tributes were Minister of Pub-
lic Health, Volda Lawrence, who also offered words of support and condolences on behalf of His Excellency, President David Granger; President of the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA), Eric Phillips; and Ramesh Dookhoo of the Guyana Manufacturing Services. Representatives of the Guyana Association of Trawlers and Seafoods Processors; the Private Sector Commission; St. Roses High School Board of Governors. A letter of condolence from a Congressman of East Orange, USA, to which Grant was affiliated prior to re-migrating to Guyana from the USA, was also read . Minister Lawrence stated that the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Leader of the PNCR, David Arthur Granger, was saddened by Allison’s passing. Said Minister Lawrence: “President Granger has asked that I publicly express his admiration and respect for her sterling attributes of service to country, spirit of entrepreneurship and foresight that characterised her vivacious personality.” He went on: “Allison will be remembered and respected as a female entrepreneur and
Over 700 Guyanese ...
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Arangoy, which have been placed on care and maintenance,” it said. Guyana Goldfields also disclosed its intention to resume its greenfields exploration in the first half of 2019. As part of the restructuring efforts to focus on brownfields exploration, the seven expatriate geologists were replaced with two new expatriate hires. The remaining 32 members of the exploration team are Guyanese nationals [sic] (94%) in keeping with the company’s commitment to source skilled Guyanese. The team consists of seven geologists, one data technician, 12 core technicians, and 14 drill contractors. For the 2019 campaign, Guyana Goldfields expects to hire an additional three geologists, six technicians and two data clerks. The company has ap-
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pointed a Guyanese, Boaz Wade, as Exploration Leader effective January 1, 2019. Under Wade’s direction, it has already made considerable advances in the appreciation of the geology and gold mineralisation at the Aurora Gold Mine. Additionally, Guyana Goldfields continues to execute its four-point strategic plan for Aurora, which includes: (1) Health, Safety, Security & Environment; (2) Licence to Operate; (3) Engaged People, and; (4) Operational Efficiency and Optimisation. The company expects that this new, focused strategy developed in the fourth quarter of 2018, and the restructuring will deliver significant benefits for Guyana Goldfields, its shareholders and the people of Guyana.
Bereaved family members and friends of Butters-Grant at the Thanksgiving Service on Tuesday
industry into a remarkably high plateau. “Global Sea Food Distributors Limited has become a well-known and much talked about enterprise, thanks to Allison’s initiatives and matchless entrepreneurial skills,” the head of state concluded. And for her part, the public health minister opined: “I am certain that in developing this business career, Allison would have encountered challenges of different proportions, but yet she pressed on… no challenge was too great for her to overcome; no defeat could dampen her creativity and self-esteem; her will and resolve to achieve great heights and to place her country on a sound economic pedestal in the sphere of the seafood industry.” Meanwhile, Minister Lawrence, in quoting former
Orange, New Jersey, USA, her passion for the fishing industry and the Guyanese culture never waned.” Coming from a background where her parents in Charlestown, Guyana were owners of fishing trawlers, gold mining and farms, she was ideally poised to venture out into the seafood processing and distribution industry. Described as a hero, always bringing out the best in persons, she used this venture, not with self in mind, but as an opportunity to assist in the development of small fisherfolk from whom she made purchases. “She left her home in America to assist in the development of Guyana, and has turned out to be a major driving force in the fishing industry in Guyana,” one contributor said. During the tributes, Grant was eulogised as a phenome-
nal woman; a business icon and entrepreneur; a person with lots of energy and drive beyond comprehension; and an avid lover of young people, which naturally led to her starting the Victoria Youth Development Organisation. She was also instrumental in the development of the Victoria Fishing Industry and lead personality in the African Business Round Table. She was remembered as being always positive, always on the go. Beyond her entrepreneurial spirit, the Obituary read, Allison also served in various capacities within several organisations in the USA and Guyana. She was Commissioner on the Zoning Board of East Orange and Orange; board member of the Caribbean American Busi-
in Guyana, she was a member of the University of Guyana Council; Member of the African Business Round Table; the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association; and the Guyana Women Miners’ Association. Allison Butters-Grant has made sterling contributions to both the local and international arena. Her favourite quote to her children was: “The sky is the limit” and she lived this throughout her life. Nothing was too daunting for her to accomplish. Allison was an inspiration to many and she has left a legacy that can be upheld and admired by all. Allison Butters-Grant
The body of Allison Butters-Grant lying in the Anglican Church (Adrian Narine photos)
ness Association (CABA), member of the Caribbean Medical Mission and the Guyana Medical Mission; and member of the East Orange Chamber of Commerce and the Guyana American Heritage Foundation which she co-founded. Meanwhile,
leaves to mourn her husband, Kerwin Grant; daughters: Tiffany Sobers-Smith and Tricina Sobers; son-in-law Sherwin Smith; sister-in-law Simone Butters; grandmother Declan Sobers and many others.
City Hall to issue standard receipts THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has taken a decision to have one generic receipt issued to all those doing business with the municipality. At the most recent statutory meeting of the City Council, the problem of different receipts being issued, at times without the necessary revenue stamps, was brought up. Currently, different departments of the M&CC have been issuing different receipts for businesses conducted. There have been complaints that customers are not certain on some occasions whether the receipt they have been issued is from the City
Council or from private individuals. The decision was also taken in view of the fact that some revenue collectors may have resigned or may be out of the system, but this may not be known to customers. The Procurement and Rates Department is expected to look into the matter of procuring one standard receipt book for all departments. Meanwhile, in the interest of greater transparency and accountability, the M&CC had decided that beginning March 1 last year, all casual and itinerant vendors would pay their rent and other fees at special booths and no longer through revenue collectors.
“No monies would be collected by anyone other than persons officially assigned in those booths to do so,” former Town Clerk Royston King had said about the new system. The new initiative was rolled out first at Bourda Market and was intended to be taken to the other municipal markets. The revenue collectors, though, were not pleased with the new system and had started to complain. “There have to be changes in all the departments of the City Council. As long as you are in the system, you have to work with the guidelines. We are your employers. If we change a procedure, and you don’t want
to do it, then the choice is yours,” former mayor Patricia Chase-Green had said. In keeping with the change, the town clerk had explained that they will now be verifying officers in place of revenue collectors. “They, along with staff from the City Treasurer’s Department and Internal Audit, will check and verify receipts. Those who are not in possession of official council receipts would not be permitted to sell or carry on business. The objective is to allow the vendors to make a livelihood in a clean and safe environment,” King had said.
‘Gov't legit’
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A correspondence between former Attorney General Anil Nandlall and representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Sophie Makonnen in 2015, has revealed contradictions with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) current push for the Cabinet to resign. In a letter written on February 4, 2015, to former Min-
ister of Finance, Ashni Singh, Nandlall detailed to his colleague the communications he had with Makonnen in response to her questions on how the state of the then government would affect their relations with the bank. The communication took place around the period when the Opposition [now government], had moved a no-confidence motion against the
then PPP government which, instead of debating it, prorogued the Parliament. Makonnen had questioned whether the Constitution and Laws of Guyana required a formal proclamation dissolving Parliament in order to announce new General Elections and, if so, what would be the required timing of such a proclamation. To this, Nandlall respond-
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
…according to Nandlall’s 2015 advice
ed: “The short answer is ‘no’. Article 61 of the Constitution provides ….that an election of members of the National Assembly shall be held on such day within three months after every dissolution of Parliament, as the President shall appoint by proclamation…’”. Although Nandlall came to this conclusion just a few years ago, these are not the sentiments now shared by his
Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP), Anil Nandlall.
party leader Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo has widely been reported in the media as demanding that Cabinet resign while stating that the government should take up the role of a “caretaker government”. Also, Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran, when the first of three constitutional cases was heard by Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire on the no-confidence motion on January 23, 2019, had argued for the same on behalf of his client, Christopher Ram. However, Attorney General Basil Williams rebutted the arguments, stating that Articles 106 (6) and 106(7) of the Constitution ought to be interpreted together and to do otherwise would be a “recipe for anarchy”. He submitted to the Court that, in the two Articles, ‘Cabinet’ and ‘government’ were used interchangeably and, as such, the government must continue to govern the country without limitation as failure to do such would result in chaos. “There is no chaos because the government remains in office. The President remains the President and the ministers remain ministers of government,” he reasoned. Further contradictions have been exposed in Nandlall’s letter in which he ac-
knowledged that provisions of Article 106 (7) of the Constitution which state that, under the current political circumstances, elections should be held within three months “or such longer period as the National Assembly shall, by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly, determine”. This contradicts Nandlall’s arguments to the court on recent occasions that the government could continue to function as caretaker save for the Cabinet. In the letter, he wrote: “Therefore, while the dissolution of Parliament must precede the elections, there is no requirement which mandates the dissolution of Parliament to precede the announcement of the date for those elections. In other words, the announcement of the date for elections can be made at any time, however, Parliament must be dissolved within three months of that date.” His correspondence to Makonnen also answered the question of whether the dissolution of Parliament would affect the government’s authority to enter into new grant and loan agreements with the Bank. Consistent TURN TO PAGE
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Nations opens for evening, weekend classes -- full resumption of school on Monday, says CEO
SCHOOL of the Nations partially opened its doors to students on Wednesday and from all indications, the New Market Street, Georgetown school will have a full opening on Monday. On a visit to the school on Wednesday, security on patrol was evident and some students were present for classes. Nations Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dexter Phillips, told Guyana Chronicle that following the implementation of a number of security measures, the school has reopened for evening and weekend classes for the time being. Education Minister Nicolette Henry has said that the Guyana Police Force has deployed police officers to all city schools commencing from Tuesday, following the threats to the school and the shooting of its director, Dr Brian O’ Toole by an unknown person last Sunday. The decision to beef up security at Nations follows a high-level meeting involving Minister Nicolette Henry and key technical members of her staff with a high-level team from the Guyana Police Force on Tuesday. The police team was headed by Commissioner Leslie James, who was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner (Operations), Maxine Graham; Assistant Commissioner and ‘A’ Di-
be returned to normalcy in the shortest possible time. “Both at the level of government and the Ministry of Education, we have requested support from the police
Nations CEO, Dr Dexter Phillips
vision Commander, Marlon Chapman; and Senior Superintendent and Deputy Crime Chief, Michael Kingston. The meeting was held at the ministry’s Brickdam headquarters. The commissioner did confirm that investigations are ongoing to determine the level of threat and where they are coming from, but asked that the investigators be allowed to do their work. James said that the meeting with the minister was cordial and while he would not wish to speak much on it since it was called by the ministry, he did speak on the security aspect of things. Meanwhile, Minister Henry told Guyana Chronicle that the meeting with her team and the school, as well as the police, was very necessary and that it focused on the safety, security and wellbeing of all teachers and students at the school, and the need for the situation to
‘Gov't ...
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with his previous response, Nandlall denied that such would occur. “As indicated above, the said proclamation is unnecessary. In any event, under the Westminster Constitutional model, an Executive Government continues in office with unaltered powers until a new Executive Government assumes office. This principle of continuity of the Executive remains unaffected by the dissolution of Parliament. Therefore, dissolution of Parliament does not affect the authority of the government to enter into a new loan or grant agreements, unless of
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course the agreement expressly requires the input of the Parliament,” he said. The former minister also went on to assure that the status of the Parliament, at the time, would not affect the government’s authority to request and receive disbursements of resources related to budget support, investment loan operations, investment grants and non-reimbursable technical cooperation operations. Justice George has committed to ruling on the legal challenges of the no-confidence vote today, January 31, 2019.
force in terms of providing coverage of all secondary schools in Georgetown at this point in time and it’s neighbouring environs because we would really like to
prevent similar occurrences at this particular time. So, we do have police presence at schools beginning today (Tuesday) and there are also patrols to ensure that the
safety and security and wellbeing of the teachers and the students are maintained at this point in time,” Minister Henry told the Guyana Chronicle.
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Thursday, January 31, 2018 - 2:00hrs & 14:30hrs
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Buoyant Windies eye ... After making 289 in their first innings, they produced a stunning performance with the ball to bundle the visitors out for a venue-low 77. Opting not to enforce the follow-on, they piled up 415 for six declared in their second time at the crease, with Holder smiting an extraordinary unbeaten 202 from only 229 deliveries. England then folded for 246 in pursuit of 628, after being 134 for two at lunch on the fourth day. “I’ve tried to focus more on what we need to do and we just need to be consistent. It’s just a matter of us to continue to build that in the side,” Holder continued. “We have seen glimpses that this team can perform and beat the top sides in the world and we’ve had personal success so it’s good to see we’re bringing it a bit more together as a side, and hopefully we can continue in that vein and the guys can continue to be hungry for success.” West Indies depended heavily on Roston Chase’s part-time off-spin to earn them victory, with the
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26-year-old snaring a record eight-wicket haul in the second innings. His performance complemented Kemar Roach’s stellar five-wicket haul in the first innings, and Holder pointed to the balance of the Windies attack as key to any success. “Sometimes up front we expect the fast bowlers to do the bulk of the work in the first innings. As the pitch becomes it bit more worn and breaks up, our spinners can come into effect,” said Holder. “It was really good to see even though our seamers didn’t get any wickets in the second innings that we were able to build pressure from one end and allow Roston to really express himself as things were happening for him.” West Indies have had mixed results at the Vivian
Richards Cricket Ground. In their last outing there, they thrashed Bangladesh by innings last July but lost to India by an innings two years prior. When they last met England here four years ago, the match finished in a tense draw, with Holder hitting his maiden Test hundred to save the game.
Holder said he was not expecting any surprises from the pitch. “The last time we played here it was a pretty good wicket against Bangladesh although the game didn’t go the distance, it was still pretty good,” Holder noted. “The Test match before that against India was also a pretty good wicket so
I don’t expect anything different. There’s some grass on the wicket which is encouraging. Hopefully it holds together and it can be a good cricket wicket.” SQUADS: ENGLAND – Joe Root (captain), Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Ben Foakes, Sam Cur-
≤ from
bacK Page ran, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson, Jack Leach. WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican.
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Leaders Liverpool stumble, Chelsea collapse to 4-0 defet By Martyn Herman
LONDON (Reuters) - Premier League leaders Liverpool failed to fully capitalise on Manchester City’s defeat the previous night as they were held 1-1 at home by Leicester City on Wednesday while below them the topfour fight took another twist. Juergen Klopp’s side had a gilt-edged opportunity to open
up a seven-point lead over City with 14 games left but despite taking an early lead through Sadio Mane they ran out of steam. Harry Maguire equalised just before halftime and Liverpool, inspired so often this season, failed to raise their game after the break as Leicester claimed a deserved draw. Klopp’s side have 61
points from 24 games with champions City, beaten at Newcastle United on Tuesday, on 56. Chelsea dropped to fifth place after a 4-0 drubbing at mid-table Bournemouth — Joshua King scoring twice as the hosts netted all four goals in the second half. In a week that saw Manchester United held at home by Burnley, third-placed
Tottenham Hotspur looked as though they were also about to stumble but came from behind to beat Watford with late goals for Son Heung-min and Fernando Llorente at a sparsely-populated Wembley Stadium. After going out of two cup competitions in quick succession, Tottenham have put themselves back in the title race as they are seven
points behind Liverpool and two behind Manchester City. They have 54 points, seven ahead of Arsenal who moved above Chelsea by virtue of scoring more goals. Southampton and Crystal Palace remain too close to the relegation zone for comfort after a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s in which Palace had goalscorer Wilfried Zaha sent off. James Ward-Prowse secured a point for Southampton with a 77th-minute equaliser.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp speaks with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk after the match (REUTERS/Phil Noble)
Brighton ban three supporters for life after FA Cup game (REUTERS) - Brighton and Hove Albion have banned three supporters for life for being involved in “serious disorder” during their goalless FA Cup draw with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, the Premier League club said. Brighton added that Sussex Police would also investigate and seek to prosecute the three individuals, who have had their season tickets cancelled with immediate effect. The three individuals were involved in three separate incidents, including “assault on a female crowd doctor, assault on a club steward and threats to stab, and assault on a visiting supporter,” the club said in a statement on its website. Brighton are also investigating other incidents that occurred during the match, which could result in further bans and criminal proceedings. “A small group of so-called supporters initiated a very cowardly attack on unsuspecting West Bromwich Albion supporters as they made their way along Station Approach,” Brighton CEO Paul Barber said in the statement. “Another individual assaulted a steward and then threatened to stab him in full view of other fans including several children. Just as shockingly, another chose to assault and abuse a female crowd doctor, while she was tending to him. “For our part, we are sick and tired of issuing warnings. All three incidents are now being investigated by Sussex Police, and we will fully support any criminal prosecutions they may bring.”
Rupununi FA announces final 18-member squad for Brazilian U-17 League THE Rupununi Football Association (RFA) has announced the final 18-member squad for the U-17 Copa Das Cachoerias (Waterfall Cup) in Manaus, Brazil which kicks off tomorrow, February 1.
Orville Daniels
Following a two-week encampment which drew players from across the region, the final 18 was selected last weekend.
Among the final 18 are impressive young talents Wayne Da Silva, Orville and Naidison Daniels. The head coach is Ken Grant while former national player Franklyn Parks is the fitness consultant with Vaughn Duncan managing the team. Meanwhile, local business, Cindy’s Bus Service, has sponsored the kit for the Rupununi Eagles U-17 team. The RFA expressed profound gratitude to Shaliza Yarde for partnering with them in this venture. The squad reads: Leston Smith, Eric Peter, Wayne Da Silva, Alexander Davidson, Howard George, Stephen McDonald, Naidison Daniels, Orville Daniels, Junior Rodrigues, Carlos Dos Santos, Dereck Mentis, Ofancy Winter, Cyril Miguel, Anthony Rudolph, Joram Thompson, Victor Hernandez, Ken Salvador and Cleon George. Head Coach: Ken Grant Fitness Coach: Franklyn Parks Manager: Vaughn Duncan
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SCA president discloses restructuring plans at AGM … Yunis Motara lone newcomer among executive body By Frederick Halley AS part of its restructuring plans for the new season, Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) will, among other things, introduce a T20 league. The season will also see only the Elite, Premiere and First Division teams compete in 50-over competitions. Teams in the Second Division will play 40 overs while those in the Third Division will don colours in 30 overs. The women’s division, which has seen a growth over the past few years, has been increased to 30 overs, upped from 20 since its introduction. Previously, all the men’s divisions were played over 50 overs. Among the other disclosures made by incumbent president Shiv Persaud at last Sunday’s Annual General Meeting were plans for the SCA to play representative cricket against other associations/leagues that are members of Cricket Ontario and across Canada. According to the Guyanese-born Persaud, playing against other associations/ leagues will provide much needed exposure for the junior, women and senior cricketers to grow and improve their cricketing skills and the
SCA intends to subsidise this initiative. “We are working on initiatives that can make this possible and are well supported by Cricket Ontario who has shown a keen interest for junior and women cricketers from Scarborough to be exposed at the Provincial and national levels.” Persaud pointed out that the SCA is proud to have several of our junior players representing Cricket Ontario and its Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Vish Jadunauth serving as the manager. “We applaud Cricket Ontario for the work they are doing and look forward to be a vital member in working with them to achieve their shortterm and long-term planning goals.” Persaud, who was recently appointed secretary of Cricket Ontario, said his focus has always been and will continue to be about advancing the sport of cricket rather than on positions or recognition. “I will continue to ensure that cricket is the priority and not political motivations.” Touching on the growth of the SCA, Persaud alluded to the fact that “over the past season, we have seen a record number of teams and it is rapidly growing leading into the 2019 season. This particularly bodes
well for the growth of cricket and we are proud to be leading this upward trend. “As a result of the growth we are experiencing, there is a larger proportion of newer clubs and managers
although there were more successes than challenges in 2018, “we feel that there are many areas in which the association can do a lot better. Throughout the year, our executive body made sure that our plans were
work ethic and expertise of our executive body. “Our executives are key contributors to the growth of our organisation and I would like to applaud them for their continued commitment. I
SCA executive members: Front row (from left) are Vish Jadunauth, Yunis Motara, Shiv Persaud, Bisham Singh, Eon Gunraj. Back row (from left), Abhinav Kavuru, Deo Samaroo and Mathew Francis. Missing are Abigail Rajkumar and Arslan Khan.
are adapting quickly to the standards, constitution and playing conditions. We understand that this will take some time and effort, so we kindly ask that you be patient with us as well.” Persaud mentioned that
executed successfully. For example, we were able to run off the SCA T20 Bash on the Canada Day long weekend. However, I strongly feel that there are a lot of greater things that can be accomplished with the special talent, intelligence,
strongly believe we can do a lot better to function more efficiently and effectively, so I am anxiously looking forward to a stellar 2019.” Speaking specifically on women’s cricket, Persaud said “we got a breakthrough on
one of our major hurdles in 2018 and that was giving our women cricketers the opportunity to play a higher level of cricket and hopefully represent Canada. I was able to serve on the Cricket Ontario Women’s Committee that was responsible for organising training camps, trials and a Cricket Ontario Canada Cup tournament which eventually led to Cricket Canada Nationals.” Based on the SCA’s constitution, only four posts were contested at Sunday’s meeting with Bisham Singh (vice-president), Mathew Francis (assistant secretary/ assistant Chief Finance Officer) and Arslan Khan (Public Relations Officer/Marketing) retaining their positions. The lone newcomer was Yunis Motara who replaced Fareed Mohamed as the assistant grounds coordinator. Persaud (president), Eon Gunraj (secretary), Vish Jadunauth (Chief Financial Officer), Abigail Rajkumar (registrar/ statistician), Deo Samaroo (grounds coordinator) and Abhinav Kavuru (webmaster) posts weren’t up for grabs. Rajkumar holds the distinction of being the lone female on the executive body. Meanwhile, the 2019 season is set to get underway on May 11.
EBFA preparing for warm-up match with Golden Jaguars Quintin de Kock bludgeons Proteas to series win over Pakistan
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) Quinton de Kock scored a rapid half-century as South Africa defeated Pakistan by seven wickets at Newlands to claim the five-match oneday series 3-2 on Wednesday.
EBFA Academy coach Levi Braithwaite (right) conducting the Beep teat last Sunday at the GFF training facility at Providence.
WITH preparations in train to ensure that the Golden Jaguars are in tip top shape for what is anticipated to be a historical match against Belize on March 23 here, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has sent out a directive to its member associations to get their senior teams in shape to engage Golden Jaguars in a number of practice matches. East Bank Football Association (EBFA) has already commenced preparation of its team who will engage Golden Jaguars. Technical Development Officer Devnon Winter has disclosed that the association has already had two days of trials which saw over 40 players attend on both days at the GFF training facility, Providence, East Bank Demerara. “The first day we invited players we did not see Timehri, Mocha and Soesdyke - but that changed on the second day which was last Sunday. The second day we had a full turnout and we assessed them doing a beep test. We then had a full 11-a-side 20-minute field exercise to assess their technical and tactical abilities.”
Winter also stated that 30 players have been shortlisted – 30 players who will continue training this Saturday and Sunday from 16:00hrs at the same venue. “For now fitness will be our priority as we continue to observe how they play in the scheduled sessions and bond with one another in the way we would like them to play. Of course discipline towards every session will be key because the staff is made up of the Academy coaches so it’s a zero tolerance when it comes to indiscipline.” Winter stated. He commended the clubs for the response to the association’s call and opined that in two weeks’ time he would have a unit ready to take on the Golden Jaguars. “We want to put together a team that will provide tough challenges for the Golden Jaguars, who we want to see excel on March 23 and propel Guyana into history. So we are urging the players to come out and give of their best and you never know, if they are up to the standard, they might very well be pulled in to the national team. We want the EBFA to represent well.”
Quinton de Kock moved to a punchy half-century. (Getty Images)
Opener De Kock bludgeoned 83 from 58 balls as South Africa chased down their victory target of 241 with 10 overs remaining for a convincing win that will be a boost to their confidence four months before the World Cup in England. The home side won the toss and elected to bowl, restricting Pakistan to 240 for
eight in their 50 overs, with Fakhar Zaman the only batsman to register a half-century as he struck 70 from 73 balls. Imad Wasim (47 not out from 31 balls) laid on a vicious assault late in the Pakistan innings to get the side to what looked a competitive total, but one that was easily picked off by the hosts. A rampant De Kock led from the front, belting three sixes and 11 boundaries during his entertaining knock. The run spree continued with valuable contributions of 50 not out from both captain Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen, who has made a strong claim for a World Cup place with 241 runs in the series at an average of 120.50 after making his debut in the opening game. Both sides have been using the matches to give their players the opportunity to put themselves in the frame for the global showpiece tournament, but now turn their attention to a three-match Twenty20 series that starts in Cape Town on Friday. South Africa open their World Cup campaign on May 30 against hosts England at The Oval, while Pakistan are in action a day later against the West Indies in Nottingham.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
BCB appoints Naidu as new PRO
West Indies Women arrive in Karachi for T20I series
A 13-MEMBER West Indies women’s squad led by Merissa Aguilleira with a support staff comprising eight members landed in Karachi yesterday for the first visit to Pakistan by a non-Asian women’s team in 15 years. West Indies women are scheduled to play three T20Is in Karachi and the series is being seen as another important step towards the resumption of international cricket in the country. The squad was received by officials of the PCB women’s wing and was accorded special VVIP security protocol, with over 500 policemen escorting the team from the airport to the hotel. Traffic on the roads en route to the team hotel was held up for brief period to create an empty pocket and ensure a smooth drive, as the team travelled on the bul-
let-proof buses owned by the Pakistan board. “The security system is top class,” West Indies captain Aguilleira said. “There was security on both sides of the roads and these things show that everybody has put things in place and we are really lucky to be spending time here. :We are not playing ODIs here but eventually it will happen. I’m pleased that we as a team took the initiative to come over here. I am so thankful that we can contribute to bring back cricket to Pakistan. “I really urge other teams to come back to [play in] Pakistan because the people here love cricket, which is the most important part.” West Indies are without their regular captain Stafanie Taylor who opted out of the
T20Is due to security concerns and will return for the subsequent ODIs in Dubai. Aguilleira, who led West Indies until 2015, was appointed captain for the T20Is instead. Among the support staff, the full-time physiotherapist Marita Marshall has not accompanied the side and has been replaced by Dr Oba Gulston. That is the only change to a support staff led by coach Hendy Springer, assistant coach Augustine Logie, team manager Augena Gregg and strength and conditioning coach Shayne Copper. The side is also accompanied by a selector Courtney Browne and a security officer. West Indies women had last toured Pakistan in March 2004 for a seven-match ODI series, making them, at the time, only the second wom-
Lewis retains Flying Ace Cycle Club presidency
Balram Narine copped FACC’s top cyclist of 2018 award.
LONGSTANDING cycling administrator John Lewis was re-elected president of the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) for the third consecutive term when the club held its annual general meeting (AGM) recently at
the Skeldon Community Centre, Upper Corentyne. Meanwhile, club founder and coach Randolph Roberts is the first vice-president, while prominent Attorney-at-Law Murseline Bacchus is second vice-president.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, January 31, 2019)
COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2)
ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: 3 Tests, 5 ODIs & 3 T20s John Campbell (WI)
TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) How many players have now represented the WI in Tests? (2) Who has the distinction of scoring the first Test century for the West Indies?
ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE
Margaret Kuma retains her post as club secretary with Roberts doubling up as the treasurer, former national female cycling champion Marica Dick is assistant secretary. The committee members are Rawle Felix, Fizal Ally, Pearl Arokium and Neil Reece. Arguably Berbice leading cyclist, Balram Narine, was re-elected the club captain. The executives are expected to meet shortly to plan the list of activities for the new year. Among the club’s annual awardees is Balram Narine who is the top cyclist while Jeremiah Joseph is the top junior rider with Mario Washington the runner-up. Maria Carrington will be rewarded for her exploits in the female category while veteran rider Syborne Fernandes has been recognised as the best in his category.
THE Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) has appointed Simon Naidu as its new Public Relations Officer (PRO).
Merissa Aguilleira will serve as Windies captain as Stafanie Taylor pulled out of the tour due to security concerns.
en’s international team to tour Pakistan after Netherlands. Their current visit to Pakistan is the first by a women’s side since Bangladesh women toured the country in October 2015. All three of West Indies’ T20Is will be played at the Southend Club in Karachi from January 31 to February 3 before the sides travel to Dubai to play a series of three ODIs as a part of the ICC Women’s Championship. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Simon Naidu
Naidu, who is also the assistant/secretary of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, was appointed based on his outstanding work with the club. President of the BCB, Hilbert Foster, has described the 18-year-old Naidu as one of the smartest, visionary and progressive youth he has met over his thirty years at the club. As the PRO, Naidu is in charge of the promotion of matches, press releases, facebook accounts and
television programmes. He has also played a major role in BCB’s activities. He expressed surprise at his recent appointment but stated that he was totally dedicated to fulfilling his duties as part of a united team, in an effort to take cricket in the Ancient County at an even higher stage. Naidu has taken over the day-to-day operation of the RHTYSC, which undertakes over 700 activities/programmes annually. Naidu is directly responsible for all of the club’s assets, membership, reports, cricket matches, Say No/Say Yes Campaign and record-keeping among others. Over the last two years under his leadership the RHTYSC has completely dominated cricket in Berbice by winning over 16 titles. He is supported by a panel of experienced cricket administrators including Robby Kissoonlall, Keith Hicks, Sohan Harry and Tyrone Pottaya. The PRO hailed the unity and hard work of the RHTYSC management team as the main reason for all the successes over the years.
Guyana to host French Guiana this weekend in ‘Developmental Series’ THE Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will host a 58-member contingent from French Guiana for a one-day development tournament at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary, on February 2. French Guiana, according to the Newsroom, will arrive on February 1 for what is a return trip. The main aim is to foster the development of the budding talents in both countries. The categories to be contested are Under-17, Under-19 and Male and Female Senior Sevens. Guyana had sent an Under-15, Under-19 and
Senior Female team to French Guiana in March 2017. According to Troy Yhip, who heads the Union’s youth department, Guyana’s team will consist of players who were on tour in 2017 and this will help in transitioning them to the senior team. “This is the kind of development we want to transition the Under-19s into the senior team. Most of the guys who (were) Under-19 in French Guiana are vying for a spot in the senior team now,” Yhip stated in an interview with Newsroom.
Yhip continued that if Guyana is to truly see development of the game, there needs to be financial input, adding “we have new players coming through; it is just to garner the youth programme but that comes with a lot of funding so we can have coaches go into schools. These coaches, we need a salary. We don’t have fulltime coaches and that it something we are lacking.” The tournament is being supported by the National Sports Commission (NSC), Banks DIH Limited and Guyana Police Force.
Guyana’s Women Rugby Team during a recent outing against St Lucia
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 31, 2019
Frank Watson National U-15 tournament to kick off this weekend THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) teamed up with the Pele Alumni Inc., to once again host the ‘Frank Watson’ National U-15 Inter- Association Club Tournament, which will kick-off on Saturday at the GFF’s National Training Centre, Providence, featuring 10 teams in three clusters with the final set for February 16. Following the completion of the preliminary phase, 10 teams, drawn from the various Regional Member Associations, remain in contention for the coveted title. Tabatinga of Rupununi have drawn the bye for the final playoff. In highlighting the significance of the tournament, John Yates of the Pele Alumni spoke of the late Frank Watson’s vision for the sport. Watson founded Pele FC and was the first president of the city-based club. Watson, a pilot, died a plane
Representatives of GFF and Pele Alumni Inc. pictured at the launch of the ‘Frank Watson’ National U-15 Inter-Association Club Tournament
Jaguars looking to bounce back after rare defeat By Rajiv Bisnauth
AFTER suffering a devastating loss in the previous round, the Guyana Jaguars will be looking to kick-start the second half of the West Indies four-day championship season with a victory.
along with the return to the line-up of the West Indies trio of Vishaul Singh, Raymon Reifer and Chandrapaul Hemraj after their CWI President’s XI duties against the touring England side. They replaced Windies ‘A’ speedster Keon Joseph, opener Trevon Griffith and the injured leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.
Players give skipper Holder thumbs up ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Skipper Jason Holder has come in for praise from his players for the professional way in which he has handled himself and the team. The 27-year-old has led the Caribbean side in 28 of his 36 Tests and while success on the field has been limited, he has repeatedly gained plaudits for the integrity he has displayed on and off the field, and the work ethic he has created.
Test captain just months later. He is yet to preside over a Test series win over a team ranked higher than the Windies but his personal performances has laid down the gauntlet with his players. Last year in Tests, he was one of the leading bowlers in the world with 33 wickets, bursting into the top 10 in the ICC bowling rankings. Earlier this week, he became the world number one all-rounder.
on the field and Jason always gives a good account of himself whether we win or lose.” Last week in Bridgetown, he smashed a monumental maiden double hundred – an unbeaten 202 off 229 balls as West Indies crushed England in the opening Test by 381 runs. The landmark was his third triple figure score cementing his place as a genuine all-rounder, and Lewis hailed the Barbadian as the
Vishaul Singh
Chandrapaul Hemraj
The four-time defending champions who lost their fifth round game against the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Providence last weekned, will square off with the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force at Queen’s Park Oval, in Port of Spain, starting today. Judging by results of recent, this match is likely to have a winner, as all of the previous five contests between the two sides have ended in outright results. The Jaguars have won all five of the matches and this will be good news,
third position with 49.6 points while Windward Islands Volcanoes are in fourth position with 48.4 points. The Red Force are in fifth position with 33 points while the bottom-place team, Jamaica Scorpions, have 32.6 points.
crash in 1973. The club he founded later became the number one team in the country. The nine champion teams of the Regional Member Associations, along with Tabatinga will compete for the national title. Cluster One will involve Corriverton Lynx of Berbice, BV/Triumph United of East Coast Demerara and Santos FC of Georgetown, while Cluster Two will bring together Timehri Panthers of East Bank Demerara, Eagles FC of West Demerara and Milerock of Upper Demerara. Cluster Three comprises Dartmouth Dominators of Essequibo, Rising Stars of Bartica and Atkinson Brothers FC of Region One. A f t e r a ro u n d - ro b i n group phase, the winner of each cluster would advance to the final playoff to join Tabatinga.
Raymon Reifer
The remainder of the squad reads: Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Leon Johnson (captain), Anthony Bramble, Sherfane Rutherford, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Clinton Pestano, Veerasammy Permaul, Christopher Barnwell and Gudakesh Motie. After five rounds, Jaguars are 85.6 points, 25.8 points more than the second place Hurricanes. Barbados Pride are in
Meanwhile, twin-island franchise has made some changes with former West Indies fast bowler, Mervyn Dillon, replacing Kelvin Williams as coach of the T&T Red Force after their string of three losses in four matches. The Red Force lies second to last on the sixteam championship, and is expected to be strengthened with the inclusion of sen ior cricke ters in cludi ng Ravi Ramp aul, Rayad Emrit, and Lendl Simmons.
West Indies captain Jason Holder shares a laugh with teammates during final preparation for the second Test on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) We just had to compliment him [yesterday] in our team meeting,” team manager Rawle Lewis said. “All the boys recognise his professional approach and that he’s a talent as a cricketer so we’re very happy for him because he works very, very hard.” Holder was first appointed one-day captain ahead of the 2015 Cricket World Cup and took over as
“Jason is a special individual. To be in his company is extremely good. He’s so warm-hearted and a true professional,” Lewis continued. “What you see from Jason whether we perform well or not, is that he is very consistent in the way he does his duties. It’s not easy to face the media sometimes when you don’t perform too well
ultimate match-winner. “He’s a special player. He’s someone who can win the game for you with bat or ball,” the former Test leg-spinner said. “[Yesterday] we had a team meeting and we split the group in two and I asked him ‘which side are you going on?’ and he went with the bowlers. He could have gone anywhere.”
Second Test at Vivian Richards ground today
Buoyant Windies eye rare series win but wary of England backlash ST JOHN’S, Antigua, (CMC) – Driven by a crushing victory inside four days in the opening Test in Bridgetown, West Indies will chase a long awaited major series win when they clash with England in the pivotal second Test starting here today. No one could have foreseen the home side’s commanding performance at Kensington Oval which left the pre-series favourites shell-shocked and handed the Windies the upper hand in three-Test rubber. In fact, the series was supposed to be another whitewash with the home and visiting pundits having written the Windies off before a ball was bowled, especially with the build-up to the opening Test mired in controversy over the appointment of Englishman Richard Pybus as interim head coach. Last weekend’s victory completely transformed the narrative, with the Windies now in with a real chance of clinching their first series win over a higher-ranked side, since they swept New
Zealand in the Caribbean seven years ago. However, skipper Jason Holder told reporters here yesterday his side had already put last weekend’s heroics behind them and were aware they had to start from scratch in order to taste success again over the coming days. “Most of the guys are pretty focussed, they’re really hungry. We understood what we did in the last game but that’s gone – I said that to the guys,” Holder said. “That game is history, it’s just a matter for us to move on and understand what we need to do to continue being consistent. I always speak about consistency in the dressing room and I think in order to be consistent, we’ve got to be hitting all three departments every time we step on the field.” West Indies were the epitome of consistency during the opening Test, dominating all aspects and every day of the affair. Turn to Page 27 ≥
West Indies captain Jason Holder reacts during training on Wednesday ahead of the second Test against England. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)
Seventh Milo Schools football tournament to field twenty-four teams THE seventh edition of the Milo Schools Football tournament will see an increase of six teams from 18 to 24 teams when the tournament gets underway next weekend. In a provisional list revealed at the launching, several private institutions have been omitted from the tournament including multiple-time champions Chase Academic Foundation. According to co-director of the Petra Organisation, Troy Mendonca, this is due to the fact that they (private institutions) build teams by taking players from other schools instead of using their own talent Meanwhile, commenting on the increase in school teams from 18 to 24, Mendonca added that teams view the event as a fair playing-field where any team can emerge victorious. Beepats Distributors, through its Nestle Milo brand, is the title sponsor for the event for the seventh year running, and the product’s brand manager Shellona David noted that the Nestle brand is proud to be associ-
GFF technical officer Bryan Joseph (left) watches as Milo Brand manager Shellona David hands over sponsorship to Petra co-director Troy Mendonca. Jacquline Boodie and Sean Embrack of Petra look on. (Adrian Narine photo) ated with the event which is well-organised. She further stated, “We (Beepats) hope that the event continues to run smoothly as it has during
the past years and that all the teams come out with their usual competitiveness to make the event a bigger success.” Mendonca said, “The
contribution that Beepats has made in the revival of school football has been tremendous. On behalf of Petra, GFF (Guyana Football Fed-
eration), GTU (Guyana Teachers Union) and the players, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for the valuable contribution over the past six years. We
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(Petra) will work with all stakeholders to make this tournament bigger and better as we move forward.” The GFF’s technical department will be on hand to offer assistance to teams and help identify potentially talented youths during the tournament. Speaking on behalf of football’s governing body, technical director Bryan Joseph said, “The GFF is very pleased to be a facilitator of football development in any phase. The Petra group has done tremendous work in football development in Guyana and the partnership with Beepats is something the GFF has modelled for its various youth tournaments.” The tournament kicks off next Saturday at Ministry of Education (MoE) ground on Carifesta Avenue and will conclude on April 14. After two months of heated clashes in the group round-robin format/knockout format, the champions will pocket $500 000, second $300 000 and third place $200 000, all towards a project of the school’s choice. THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2019