Guyana Chronicle E-paper 03-15-2019

FRIDAY 15th March, 2019

FRESH CONTROVERSY

No.105577

–– Opposition walks out of GECOM meeting

–– Gov't commissioners says vote on house-to-house registration carried 03 Jagdeo’s flawed 15 PAGE

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interpretation

–– President Granger remains President until another President is sworn in

Child rapist imam gets 45 years PAGE

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Muslim scholar Nezaam Ali

Lights on! Multimillion-dollar entertainment complex and shopping centre MovieTowne Guyana, at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara officially opens on Thursday. (More in Saturday’s edition of the Guyana Chronicle) (Carl Croker photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Gov’t condemns claims by Jagdeo –– rejects claims of President Granger colluding with GECOM to delay elections

THE Ministry of the Presidency has condemned allegations made by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo that impugns the integrity of President David Granger. The opposition leader at a press conference on Thursday accused the President of pressuring government-nominated commissioners of GECOM into stating that GECOM is unready to host General and Regional Elections. He also opined that there was collusion to state that house-to-house registration is necessary to sanitise the current Official List of Electors so as to delay the elections. The Ministry of the Presidency in a release noted that on March 8, President Granger, after consulting with the chairman and commissioners of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to examine ways and means of having credible elections in the shortest possible time, as well as to seek guidance on

the commission’s needs, said while there exist differences among the GECOM commissioners, he did not believe those differences were irreconcilable. He said much attention was focused on the list of electors at the meeting, given that it is central to elections. “We feel that elections are a normal part of democracy, but we don’t want any citizen to feel disenfranchised and it is evident from the evidence provided in the meeting this morning that the list is bloated… given the size of our population. Much attention is focused on sanitising that List,” the Ministry of the Presidency said. SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME The Head of State had made it clear that government did not receive the sort of guidance needed to enable him as President to make a proclamation. As such, he has asked

GECOM to return to the drawing board and present him with a work programme in the shortest possible time which would inform him of the commission’s readiness for elections. Jagdeo, on Thursday, once again accused the Head of state of unlawfully appointing GECOM’s Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson on October 19, 2017. The Ministry of the Presidency said government wishes to reiterate that Justice Patterson was appointed in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana. Article 161 (2) of the Constitution states that “the Chairman of the Elections Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such Judge, or any other fit and proper

person, to be appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President, submitted by the leader of the opposition after meaningful consultation with the non-governmental political parties represented in the National Assembly. “Provided that if the leader of the opposition fails to submit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge.” UNFOUNDED Jagdeo’s suggestion that the appointment was abnormal or deviated from the Constitutional provisions is unfounded, the Ministry of the Presidency said.

The opposition leader submitted three lists containing the names of 18 nominees for consideration, all of which were found to be unacceptable by the Head of State. President Granger made every effort to ensure that the opposition leader understood the requirements of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution and even provided him at his [Jagdeo] request, a list of criteria or characteristics that would make the listed persons acceptable. Failing which, President Granger appointed Justice Patterson. Subsequently, in June 2018, Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, upheld Justice Patterson’s appointment as GECOM Chair following a challenge by the opposition, People’s Progressive Party. “I hold that there is nothing before this court to permit a finding that the President acted unlawfully or irrationally in resorting to the proviso to Article 161(2), or to rebut the presumption that Justice Patterson is

qualified to be appointed to the post of Chairman of GECOM,” Justice George said in her ruling. Based on the aforementioned, the Government of Guyana outrightly rejects Jagdeo’s continual iteration that the GECOM Chairman’s appointment was abnormal, the Ministry of the Presidency said. The Ministry of the Presidency maintains that President Granger’s consultation with the chairman and commissioners of GECOM last week was in keeping with his commitment to meet with officials on matters of national importance, and deplores Jagdeo’s repulsive suggestion of malfeasance. The opposition leader’s characterisation of this engagement as a “charade” reflects his poor understanding of the purpose and usefulness of that engagement as it contrasts starkly with his leadership style, the Ministry of the Presidency said.

Opposition walks out of GECOM meeting

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

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–– gov’t commissioners say vote on house-to-house registration carried THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is expected to deliver a work programme to President David Granger even as there are major disagreements as to whether the matter was properly ventilated when the commission met on Thursday. Opposition-nominated commissioners walked out of the meeting just as the commission was in the middle of voting on the motion of whether house-to-house registration should be included in the setting of an election time period. Government-nominated commissioners contended that the motion was carried, noting that the opposition-nominated commissioners left in the middle of the process which is considered a vote by absentia. Considering the divide, it is unclear whether the President will accept the presentation of the work programme or will request that the commission once again, iron out the issues with a clear decision. The meeting on Thursday was called days before the expected statutory meeting on Tuesday as the previous March 12, 2019 meeting ended in stalemate with the walk out of opposition commissioners. This most recent meeting marks the fourth consecutive time that such has occurred even as the President, on Wednesday, had re-emphasised the need for the commission to come to decision to facilitate his naming of an election date.

Coming out of the meeting, the opposition-nominated commissioners stated that talks on house-to-house registration followed by a motion in its favour triggered their walk out. Prior to the act, Commissioner Bibi Shadick was presented a document which detailed how new general and regional elections could be held before April 30, 2019, when the current voters’ list expires. However, contention arose when the two sides could not agree on the content of the proposal or on how such would be financed. According to Commissioner Charles Corbin, the opposition-nominated commissioners argued that the financing should be based on their proposed reduced timeline. Meanwhile, the other commissioners were in favour of each process required for elections being viewed singularly and, based on the shortest time in which they can be conducted credibly, a price would be attached. “For instance, if you are going to ship our sensitive materials, normally what it would cost [was presented] and if you wanted the fastest possible expedited shipment, what that would cost [was presented]. When we went through that, that was what in effect we were debating,” Corbin said. Around the period of these discussions, the motion was moved by Commissioner Vincent Alexander that house-to-house

Opposition commissioners walk out of GECOM’s statutory meeting on Thursday for the fourth consecutive time (Samuel Maughn photo)

GECOM commissioners Desmond Trotman and Charles Corbin interacting with the media registration be included in the process of determining an election time period. WILL NOT AGREE “We decided that we would not sit there and be in the same position as the Chairman Justice Retired Patterson; Commissioners Alexander, Corbin and Trotman. We will not sit there while they violate the Constitution,” Commissioner Benn told media operatives outside. Commissioner Shadick added: “For me, as a commissioner, to sit there and to agree to any plan that takes us beyond April 30 would be me suborning the Constitution and that’s not something I will do.” With motion being moved; seconded and the three commissioners already casting their vote prior to the departure of the other commissioners, Corbin and his colleagues agreed that the motion was carried. “The vote was to proceed to elections with a list that is the basis of a house-tohouse registration,” Corbin said. “To quote Commissioner Shadick [she said] ‘I will not be voting on this question’… the chairman will have to communicate to the President what has occurred.” House-to-house registration is expected to take an average of six months while the GECOM chair has previously indicated that elections preparations can be conducted simultaneously. In addition, the GECOM Secretariat is to prepare a comparative financial document on what it would normally cost to facilitate elections versus what it would cost when this time is shrunk. Giving an example, Corbin said the routine cost of shipment of sensitive material between 5-7 days is US$39,000 while to ship the same within 3-5 days it would cost

between US$150,000 and US$200,000. “Those are the decisions which we have to make,” Corbin said. “That goes in to the other question of how we spend the nation’s resources… we will present the two options and then there will be decision on that.” The commissioners also discussed the scenario of the possibility of the opposition leader and the President agreeing to a date prior to when GECOM would have been scheduled to provide a new list through house-to-house registration and after the current list would have expired on April 30, 2019. However, Corbin said that the fact remains that GECOM cannot be expected to hold elections within an impossible timeframe and with a flawed list. While claims and objections can be used to provide a new list during this period, Corbin said it does not have the desired cleansing effect because of the inability of some persons to provide the death certificates. Added to this, he stated that the last Official List of Electors had 633,156 persons and, while past efforts have been made to extract dead persons from the list, when the commission put forward an excess of 28,000 persons they received feedback on less than 1,000. The commissioner stated further that whoever controls the “ghosts” on the list would in turn control the number of seats secured in the National Assembly, considering that the balance now rests at a one-seat majority. At this time it is unknown whether when the commission meets again if it will continue beyond these matters or, perhaps, attempt to resolve the newly arising differences.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Senate Republicans revolt against Trump over border

Rebel members of President Donald Trump's party have helped pass a vote to reject his declaration of an emergency on the US-Mexico border. Twelve Republican Senators broke party lines to side with Democrats, passing a proposal to revoke the declaration by 59-41. The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives last month backed the measure. Trump earlier acknowledged he would "probably" have to veto the resolution. Congress needs a two-

thirds majority of both chambers to override a presidential veto, which is viewed as unlikely in this case. Nevertheless, the defeat will be seen as an embarrassing loss for the president on his signature domestic issue. It comes just a day after the Senate rebuked him on foreign policy by approving a bill to end US support for the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The Republican rebels on Thursday were Mitt Romney and Mike Lee of Utah, Marco Rubio of Florida, Roy Blunt of Missouri, Lamar

President Trump says the situation on the southern border constitutes a national crisis

Alexander of Tennessee, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Rob Portman of Ohio, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Roger Wicker of Mississippi. Thom Tillis of North Carolina changed his mind minutes before the vote and said he would oppose it. The Republican president

declared the emergency on 15 February after Congress refused funding for a wall on the US-Mexico border, a key campaign pledge. He aims to circumvent Congress and build his long-promised barrier by raiding military budgets. It could free up almost $8bn (ÂŁ6bn) for the wall, which is still considerably short of the estimated $23bn

cost of a barrier along almost 2,000 miles (3,200km) of border, but far more than the nearly $1.4bn begrudgingly allotted last month by Congress. Earlier on Thursday Trump called Democrats "border deniers" and said any Republican opposing him would be casting "a vote for Nancy Pelosi". He says the barrier is

needed to combat illegal immigration on the southern border which he has described as a "crisis". Democrats say the declaration is unconstitutional, Trump has manufactured the border emergency and a wall would be a boondoggle. The resolution to revoke the declaration passed the House by a margin of 245-182 in February. Thirteen Republicans sided with Democrats. Lawmakers used a provision from the National Emergencies Act to overrule the president. Most Republicans supported Trump's decision and accused Democrats of ignoring an emergency at the border. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says the declaration is "the predictable and understandable consequences of Democrats' decision to put partisan obstruction ahead of the national interest". (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Brazil school shooting ‘was planned attack’

Police investigating a school shooting in Brazil in which eight people were killed say the two young gunmen had planned their attack long in advance. The pair, aged 17 and 25, killed five pupils, a school administrator and a teacher near the city of São Paulo. Earlier, they had shot dead the uncle of the 17-year-old. A state official said the 17-year-old gunman "had never shown any problems" at school, but his mother said he had been bullied. Seventeen-year-old Guilherme Taucci Monteiro and 25-year-old Luiz Henrique de Castro arrived at the Raul Brasil school in Suzano at 09:30 local time (12:30 GMT) in a white car stolen from his uncle's car rental agency. A recording from a CCTV camera at a nearby house shows the passenger, Monteiro, getting out of the car and putting a rucksack on his back before calmly walking through the school gates. Castro follows him at a much faster pace 30 seconds later, also with a rucksack on his back. Neither is masked or hooded at the time. As it was break time, many pupils would have been in the school yard. The school has about 1,000 students aged between 11 and 16. Twenty seconds after Castro runs through the school gates, pupils can be seen fleeing in panic. CCTV footage recorded inside the school entrance hall shows Monteiro wearing

a baseball cap calmly walking into the building. He briefly turns his back to a group of pupils who are milling about before pulling a gun from his trousers. The footage shows him pointing the gun at pupils' faces. Investigators think the first person to be killed inside the school was Marilena Ferreria Umezu, the educational co-ordinator of the school. They think the gunmen next headed to school yard and then to the school's language centre, where some pupils and teachers had barricaded themselves in a classroom after hearing gunshots. Footage recorded inside the school corridors shows a number of victims lying in pools of blood on the floor. Police arrived at the scene eight minutes after the shooting started. By the time they arrived, the two gunmen were dead. Monteiro shot dead Castro at close range before turning the gun on himself in an apparent suicide pact as the police officers could be heard approaching. Before Monteiro and Castro went on their killing spree at the Raul Brasil school they stopped at a car rental agency owned by Monteiro's uncle, 51-yearold Jorge Antonio Morais. Morais had reportedly given Monteiro a job washing cars at his rental agency two years ago, but had sacked him after only two months. Mr Morais' parents did not say why their son had fired Monteiro, but some media have speculated about

Woman died from head blow in Guatemala A woman who went missing in Guatemala died of a blow to the head, a post-mortem examination has found. Catherine Shaw, 23, from Witney, Oxfordshire, was reported missing after she left Hotel Mayachik near Lake Atitlan on 5 March. Her body was found between four and six days after her death, the National Institute of Forensic Sciences of Guatemala told local media. She was found on Monday near the top of the Indian Nose hiking trail. The Lucie Blackman Trust, which supports British nationals in crisis overseas, said on Tuesday that "foul play was probably not involved". The preliminary report, released by the institute, said she was found naked, facedown and with visible blows to her body. Miguel Angel Samayoa, the doctor who performed the examination, told AP there were no visible gunshot or stab wounds.

Further tests are still being carried out to find out more about the circumstances in which she died. On Tuesday the chief executive of the Lucie Blackman Trust, which has been helping Ms Shaw's family, said speculation that she was raped and murdered was "incredibly unhelpful, distressing and unnecessary". Matthew Searle said Ms Shaw had been fasting and she may have passed out or fallen "due to her lack of intake of food and fluid". He added: "She was very much a nature lover and adored sunrises, so it seems quite conceivable that she went up the mountain to greet the sunrise, shedding clothing as she went." In a statement her parents, Ann and Tarquin, thanked those who helped find her or sent messages of support. "Catherine just loved mountains and sunrises," they said. "She died doing what she loved." (BBC)

The two gunmen killed eight people, seven of them at the Raul Brasil school

whether the boy may have still been angry over the incident. Morais had also encouraged Monteiro to return to school after he had stopped going at some point last year. An eyewitness said Monteiro walked into the car wash, called out the name of his uncle, who was speaking on the phone at the time, and shot him dead. The second person to be killed was Marilena Ferreria Umezu, who has been described as one of the most popular staff members by her former pupils, who said she

was always smiling. Umezu, who was 59, opposed a recent change to Brazil's laws which makes it easier for people to buy firearms. On her Facebook account, she shared a cartoon reading: "We support the carrying of books, because they're the best weapon to save the citizen and the education [system]." Another school official, 38-year-old Eliana Regina de Oliveira Xavier, was the third adult to be killed. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

SAFE DISPOSAL OF ELECTRONIC WASTE

WHEN one thinks of waste disposal, the Guyanese mind usually runs on the ongoing confrontation between the Georgetown City Council and the various local authorities and the householders and businesses. The local authorities have never been able to fulfil their mandate of regular and clean waste disposal and the Central Government has had to intervene with injections of large sums of money to keep the city of Georgetown tolerably clean. The kind of waste which generates the contentiousness we mentioned is usually household waste or cardboard boxes discarded by shops. Over the last 50 or so years, a new type of waste has appeared, not only in Guyana but worldwide. This waste is known as 'electronic waste' or e-waste and it consists of discarded electronic equipment of every kind including computers, musical instruments and players, television sets, mobile telephones, calculators, refrigerators and so on. This waste is different from traditional household waste, since it could be dangerous to life and health. When such waste began to ac-

cumulate in the developed countries more than half a century ago, they had not worked out ways of dealing with it and they resorted to dumping it in the developing countries by paying officials or even governments to receive it. Africa became a free and unchallengeable favourite dumping ground until one incident unexpectedly stymied the practice. In Nigeria, during the Ibrahim Babangida presidency, the captain of two ships laden with electronic waste paid off officials to permit them to dump the waste in a sparsely populated part of the coast. In the meantime, environmentalists had quietly gotten word to the President of the wrong which was being done. After the ships had successfully dumped their garbage and were about to depart, Babangida had the ships seized and the crews imprisoned. The European nations from which the ships and crews had originated tried to obtain their release, but Babangida was resolute that they had to pick up every piece of waste and reload the ships before he would let them go. After paying a fine, they were released. All Africa now became aware of the dangers of electronic waste being dumped

on their territory. Such discarded electronic equipment consist of cathode ray tubes and other toxic materials such as lead, zinc, nickel, flame retardants, barium and chromium. Lead, for example, if released in the environment can cause damage to human blood and kidneys as well as to the central and peripheral nervous systems. Further, when e-waste is warmed up, toxic chemicals are released into the air, poisoning the atmosphere. When such waste is thrown into landfills, their toxic material seeps into the ground water, affecting land and sea animals. In developed countries, they are now dealing with the problem of e-waste by recycling. Some parts of the discarded equipment or machines are still in very good condition and could be used in assembling new products. Other parts could be reduced to metals and can be reused in applications as varied as construction, flatware and jewellery. In Guyana, we could avoid the rapid accumulation of e-waste by proper maintenance of equipment, ensuring their longer life. We could also donate or even sell discarded equipment to others who may still

be able to use them as they are or with minor repairs. Guyana still does not have any specific or modern laws relating to the disposal of e-waste. Yet there are a number of positive actions which could be taken pending the passing of such legislation. Such actions could include widespread education on how to properly use electronic equipment so as to ensure that they would have a longer life-span. Along with such education could be the dissemination of the knowledge of the dangers of e-waste and how to treat such waste. There is no e-waste recycling company in Guyana and Go-Invest and other such agencies should try to attract investment in such companies by offering as liberal concessions as possible. Some computer and cellphones sellers and importers have been doing some recycling in an informal way and these could be the bases of the recycling companies. Many of these persons who do the recycling are tradesmen and therefore Go-Invest and the Small Industries Bureau should assist them in formulating business plans. In many jurisdictions, sellers of electronic equipment are compelled

by Law to accept the discarded non-functioning equipment a consumer would have purchased from them. Such sellers are usually able to dispose of such equipment without loss. Pending this procedure becoming Law, the business community and government could take the initiative of establishing such a custom. One scrap metal company, Eternity Investments, has been licensed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to collect and deal with e-waste. Other dealers, say in Berbice and Essequibo, could likewise be encouraged to enter the trade. Guyana has signed on to the Basel Convention which deals comprehensively with e-waste and we understand EPA is formulating legislation based on that Convention. We hope they would be successful in having Parliament pass this non-controversial legislation with some urgency. E-waste disposal is now a worldwide problem and Guyana could place itself in the mainstream of dealing with it.

Close to 200,000 dead and non-resident Guyanese still being on Voters’ List

Dear Editor,

THERE has been ongoing reportage on the GECOM imbroglio. The commissioners’ interviews and press conferences have been significant sources of the reportage. As a commissioner, I am hereby taking this opportunity to pen my views on the matter of GECOM’s preparedness, rather than leave it to what is culled from interviews, to convey my thoughts on this critical matter. In doing so, I would essentially critic the joint sub-

mission of Commissioners Shadick, Gunraj and Benn to GECOM, which is dated March 8th 2019, and was dispatched to me by the Chief Elections Officer, on March 11th 2029. The first proposition of those Commissioners is that Nomination Day should be 40 days prior to the elections. I challenge those Commissioners to show how all that is required, in preparation for elections between Nomination Day and ‘E’ Day, can be achieved in 40 days, including the preparation of the ballot templates; the dispatch of

the templates and the printing of the ballot papers overseas; the shipment and receipt of the printed ballot papers from overseas; the packaging of the ballot papers for in excess of 2200 polling stations; and their dispatch to those polling stations, not to mention that the Discipline Services balloting has to be done in advance of E Day and time has to be set aside for the correction and re submission of the nominations after they would have been scrutinized. I also note that that proposition does not cater for any form of claims and objections

which has always been an integral exercise in the preparation for elections, a position that Commissioner Benn has previously championed. Their second proposition is that parties, new and old, be given ten days to do candidate identification, documentation and submission. Their third proposition is that the training of polling day staff should be undertaken in 42 days, including the advertisement for and the recruitment of potential staff for training. They have also suggested that the teachers who are the majority of such potential

staff, should be taken off of their jobs for training, albeit that many of those teachers are currently involved in the preparation of their pupils / students for Grade 6 and CXC examinations. They had previously suggested that the teachers could have been trained during the Mashramani period when they were supposedly not meaningfully engaged since their assignment to supervise the children`s engagement, the celebration of the anniversary of the Republic was frivolous and time- wasting. I reserve my comment

on their proposal that the procurement procedures be waived as GECOM undertakes the multi-billion dollar exercise. I also note that they have suggested that GECOM`s Public Relations office undertake the civic and voter education function, even as they refuse to facilitate the appointment of a civic and voter education manager. On the matter of financing, they selectively quote the law and distort the constitutional provisions that specifies Turn to page 7

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

PSC commends Guyana Police Force on enhanced professionalism Dear Editor A delegation from the Private Sector Commission (PSC) met Wednesday with the top brass of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) during which the Commission expressed its appreciation at the enhanced professionalism in the work of the Force and the growing public confidence it has been enjoying in recent months. The two organiza-

tions have agreed to quarterly consultations in the future and the PSC has agreed to assist with the staging of a meeting with the business community to discuss strategies for improving security, including the movement of bank deposits and payroll. Police Commissioner Leslie James, in response to queries about the maintenance of law and order after From page

Close to 200,000 dead ...

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“Each entity shall manage its subvention in such manner as it deems fit for the discharge of its function subject only to CONFORMITY with the financial practices and procedures approved by the National Assembly to ensure accountability.” (Author`s emphasis). The Fiscal Management and Accountability (Amendment) Act no. 4 of 2015, section 7 states: “The Annual budget of a Constitution Agency approved by the National Assembly shall not be altered without prior approval of the National Assembly.” It is this provision that nails their misinformation and misrepresentation, to wit that GECOM can and must use the monies allocated for house-to-house registration to conduct the elections. In furtherance of this ill-founded position, they further postulate that the Finance secretary’s last paragraph of his response: “Accordingly, the Office of the Finance Secretary has no ‘locus standi’ in the matter” to mean that he has rendered no advice. What the Secretary simply meant, after referring to the relevant provisions of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, was that his office was not a point of intervention in the process, for example, his office could not direct that the funds be redirected from house-to-house registration to elections. While it is true that there is a live list, it is also true that the life of that list, as already pinpointed above, will not provide adequate time for the processes that are essential for the conduct of elections, more so credible elections. It should also be noted that the said list was intended to be subjected to a claims and objections exercise, commencing December 2018 and was, therefore, never intended to be used in its present form, albeit live. Thus, its use without claims and objections would be tantamount to the disenfranchisement of those who became 18 years of age subsequent to October 2018, which was the qualifying date for inclusion on the current list. It is anticipated that this would affect at least 7000 registrants, plus others who would have attained the age of 18 after October 2018. It should also be noted that no regard or attention is being paid to the bloated state of the list with close to 200,000 dead and non-resident Guyanese still being on it, a state of affairs that is intended to be corrected by house-to-house registration, which is overdue by two years, was not conducted in two years for the want of funds, which funds have now been allocated in the 2019 budget. Ironically, those commissioners did not avail themselves to discuss their own proposal, since they choose to leave the last meeting of the Commission before that agenda item, under correspondence, came up for discussion. They, however, proceeded to tell the Nation that all that was being discussed was house-to-house registration. Suffice to say that house-to-house registration is not antithetical to the holding of elections as provided for in article 106(7) of the Constitution. In the meantime, their cry is that a crisis is looming, which crisis seems to be engineered either by their machinations or intent. Regards Vincent Alexander Commissioner GECOM

March 21, made it clear that the GPF “is committed to ensuring the maintenance of law and order and peace and is prepared to deal with any eventualities which constitute violations of the law.” The PSC delegation welcomed the assurances given, pointing to the need for a safe and stable environment to be

maintained. The meeting also discussed a range of other issues including the blocking of public thoroughfares during industrial action; the citizens security program; traffic, including the movement of wide load containers; effective monitoring of the influx of an increasing number of

Venezuelans into Guyana to address possible security threats and trafficking in persons; and areas of possible collaboration in the future between the business community and the police. Joining Commissioner James were his deputy commissioners and commanders of the GPF’s

various divisions. The PSC delegation was led by its chairman, Desmond Sears, and included Capt. Gerry Gouveia, Eddy Boyer, Wesley Kirton, Devon Seeram and Hadiyah Clarke. Regards Private Sector Commission

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

AG, Nandall differ on access to Contingency Fund

THE Contingency Fund could only be accessed in cases of emergencies

when the Parliament of Guyana is dissolved, Attorney General Basil

Williams told the Court of Appeal on Thursday. His position was a

direct response to contentions by Attorney Anil Nandlall, that in the absence of a Cabinet, government could tap into the Contingency Fund to finance General and Regional Elections. In his oral submissions in the constitutional cases – Attorney General v Christopher Ram and others, and Attorney General v Speaker of the National Assembly and others, Nandlall, the attorney representing the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, turned the court’s attention to Article 220 of the Constitution. According to Article 220 (1) “Parliament may make provision for the establishment of a Contingency Fund and for authorising the minister responsible for finance to make advances from that Fund if he or she is satisfied that there is an urgent need for expenditure for which no other provision exists.” Nandlall surmised that finances could be sourced from the Contingency Fund for the holding of elections

as a matter of urgency and national importance. In response to Nandlall, the attorney general told the Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, that the Contingency Fund could only be accessed in cases of emergencies such as natural disasters. Such, he emphasised, must be “unforeseen.” Rhetorically, the attorney general questioned whether the no-confidence motion, which triggered the need for early elections, was unforeseen. Williams told the court too, that it is the finance minister who is mandated to determine whether the requisite requirement is reached for accessing the Contingency Fund. He also submitted that the fund ought to be accessed only when the Parliament is dissolved. The attorney general was, however, reminded by Justice of Appeal Gregory that the position

was not supported by an affidavit, and as such, it would not be taken into consideration. In response, the attorney general explained that he was merely responding to the contentions made by Nandlall in his deliberations. On Thursday, oral submissions were also made by Roysdale Forde, the attorney representing the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) representative Joseph Harmon; Queen’s Counsel, Dr Francis Alexis, and Attorney Maxwell Edwards, all of whom are supporting the government’s position that the no-confidence motion was invalidly passed. Kamal Ramkarran, Christopher Ram’s Attorney, also made submissions. Senior Counsel Rafiq Khan, who is representing the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, has long indicated that his client will abide by the ruling of the court. Decision in these two cases, will be handed down within days.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

QC, Nandlall ‘clash’ on interpretation of majority … Court of Appeal to set date for ruling soon

By Svetlana Marshall IN what could be considered a battle of words, Grenadian Queen’s Counsel, Dr Francis Alexis, and Attorney-at-Law, Anil Nandlall, ‘clashed’ over the definition and interpretation of the word ‘majority’ in their closing arguments in the Court of Appeal on Thursday. In the coming days, the Appellate Court will determine whether the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/C (PPP/C) had acquired a majority as determined by the Constitution for the passage of a no-confidence motion to allow for the defeat of the government. In the High Court on January 31, 2019, Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire upheld the declaration made by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government was defeated by a majority in the National Assembly. The government has filed two appeal cases – Attorney General v Christopher Ram and others, and Attorney General v The Speaker of the National Assembly and others – challenging the High Court’s ruling, which also indicated that the government ought to have resigned immediately after the passage of the no-confidence motion. The government is maintaining that the opposition needed 34 or more votes to effect a defeat and not a mere 32, as was the case on the night of December 21, 2018. As arguments continued on Thursday before Chancellor of the Judiciary, Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and Justices of Appeal, Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud, Nandlall, the legal representative of the Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo (the mover of the motion), urged the court to uphold the decision of the chief justice on the grounds that a majority was obtained. He told the Appellate Court that the word ‘majority’ is not defined in the Constitution, and in the case of Article 106 (6) , which laid out the requirements for the defeat of a government, the word ‘majority’ is not preceded by a prefix. As such he argued that there is no such thing as a “simple majority” or “an absolute majority” as suggested by the Attorney General, Basil Williams and his battery of lawyers, representing the interest of government. Interjecting early in his presentation, the Chancellor, Justice Cummings-Edwards said the records from the High Court suggest that all parties in the court proceedings had agreed that an absolute majority was needed for the passage of

tional treatment. The Queen’s Counsel, Dr Alexis, who appeared in association with the attorney general, and Attorney-at-Law Maxwell Edwards, cited a number of cases to support government’s position that the no-confidence motion could not have been validly passed because its passage was not in accordance with the special requirements laid out in Article 106 (6). That article provides for a defeat of the government by the vote of a majority of all elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence. Dr Alexis argued that unlike Article 168, which allows for a simple majority – a majority of the votes of the members present and voting, Article 106 (6) sets Grenada Queen’s Counsel, Dr Francis Alexis the motion. But according to Nandlall, he has always maintained that a majority was the simple requirement. “If we want to attach a prefix, we do so at our own peril and it does not change what the requirement eventually boils down to,” Nandlall told the court. In the absence of a definition in the Constitution, he turned to the dictionary for the definition of majority. Citing a number of dictionaries including Blacks’ Law Dictionary and the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, Nandlall concluded that a majority is more than half or the greater number. “On a vote of 65 elected members, there can be no doubt that 33 votes are greater than 32. On a vote of 65 elected members, there can be no doubt that 33 votes are more than 32 votes…On a vote of 65 elected members, there can be no doubt that 33 votes are more than 50 per cent of the total votes,” he submitted while noting that there is no ambiguity. Nandlall urged the court not to fall into error by inserting “simple” and “absolute” into the Constitution. According to him, the Constitution does provide for any special requirement. “If the framers of the Constitution wanted this procedure to be clothed with any form of additional constitutional treatment, then your honours they would have done so. The judiciary as the institution charged with the interpretation of the Constitution must not fall into error and attempt to rewrite a Constitution that is not there,” he told the court. He called on the Grenadian Queen’s Counsel to point to an iota of evidence that would suggest that a no-confidence motion in the context of Guyana’s Constitution requires an excep-

Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall out a special requirement – a majority of all elected members. He emphasised that such, provides for a higher requirement by way of an absolute majority. Referencing to the Constitution again, the Queen’s Counsel turned the court’s attention to Article 66 that made reference to a special procedure, noting that the framers themselves used the expression. In the case of Article 106 (6), he said the framers of the Constitution specifically stated that a vote of the majority of all elected members of the National Assembly was required – a special requirement. “That’s why in the case of the Attorney General v Cedric Richardson, the President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the highest court of this land, made the point…that the requirement of a majority of all the elected member is an absolute majority and the honourable chief justice accepted that, that is a proper equivalent,” Dr Alexis told the court.

He then submitted to the court that in order to arrive at absolute majority in a National Assembly with an uneven number of elected members, the half plus one formula must be utilised, which in this case, calls for the rounding up of the fraction. “Rounding up is always necessary to arrive at a majority in odd number assemblies,” Dr Alexis told the Appellate Court, clarifying that when a simple majority is the requirement, the process stops at the “rounding up.” However, in the case of an absolute majority, he submitted that the two-fold phase must be used. According to him, that entails dividing the total number of members by two, rounding up the fraction and then adding one to arrive at the absolute majority. Alluding to the case of Kilman v Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu, the Queen’s Counsel explained that the case treats with a provision in the Constitution which requires that a motion to unseat the prime minister must be supported by an absolute majority of the Members of Parliament. In that case, the court ruled that an absolute majority of the Members of Parliament is half the members plus one. Alexis told the court that Nandlall has lumped simple and absolute majority together, and has effectively confused the process. “Everything lumped into one but it doesn’t work like that,” he told the court, while emphasising that there is a clear distinction between a simple majority and an absolute majority. In his earlier arguments, the Queen’s Counsel said while the principle has not yet been demonstrated in any case binding on the Courts of Guyana, it however, has been applied in cases which the Courts of Guyana may properly consider to be of persuasive authority. These cases include Hughes v Rogers, Kilman v Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu, H M Rajapappa v Director of Agricultural Marketing and Agricultural Producer Marketing Committee, Ganesh Sukhdeo Gurule v Tahsildar Sinnar & Ors-Civil Appeal, Biraj Misti v District Panchayat Raj Officer 1998 and Fakrun Nessa Choudhury v The State of Assam. Dr Alexis, like the attorney general, urged the Appellate Court not to be misled, and called for the setting aside of the chief justice’s ruling. Upon the conclusion of the oral arguments on Thursday, the chancellor indicated that notices will be sent soon with the date for the ruling.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

US envoy, Minister Greenidge discuss oil and gas, political climate AMBASSADOR of the United States of America to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, Sarah Ann Lynch, on Thursday paid a courtesy call on Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge at his office. During the meeting, the Foreign AffairsMinister and the Ambassador discussed Guyana’s oil and gas sector, the current political and economic situation, and the Guyana-Venezuela controversy. Further, Ambassador Lynch expressed her hope to deepen existing relations between Guyana and the United States. The two countries have maintained a high level of bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations on August 15, 1966. Present at the meeting were Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Terry Steers-Gonzalez; Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Audrey Jardine-Waddell; and Foreign Service Officer, Ms. Asake Lee.

Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge and Ambassador of the United States of America, Sarah Ann Lynch

Talks commence on ‘teachers’ terms and conditions’ THE Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) have commenced the negotiation process for the union’s proposal on terms and conditions for teachers for the period 2019 to 2023. According to a press release from the ministry, the process began on March 13 and the initial meeting was chaired by Permanent Secretary (ag), Adele Clarke. “[The meeting] is considered an introductory meeting where discussions were held on how the process will move forward,” the release noted. Both parties were required to submit additional information within specified timelines which will aid the negotiation process. The government’s representatives at the meeting were Adele Clarke; Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson; Human Resource Manager,

Jacqueline Simon; Ministerial Planner, Ministry of the Presidency, Jason Fraser; Senior Personnel Officer, Department of the Public Service, Gail Williams; Director of Budget, Ministry of Finance, Sonya Roopnauth and Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communities, Jaigobin Jaisingh. GTU President, Mark Lyte; GTU General Secretary, Coretta Mc Donald; Treasurer, Sumanta Alleyne; First Vice-President, Lesmeine Collins; Second Vice-President, Julian Cambridge; Regional Vice-President, Berbice, Donnette D’Andrade; Regional Vice-President, Essequibo, Carmel Williams; Regional Vice-President, Demerara, Collis Nicholson and Field/ Administrative Secretary, Lancelot Baptiste, were the union’s representatives. The next meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2019.

Man fined for driving under the influence

CLIFTON John appeared before Principal Magistrate, Judy Latchman, at the Providence Magistrate Court, on March 14, charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. It was alleged that on Sunday March 10, 2019, Clifton drove his minibus BTT 6162 along the East Bank Public Road whilst under the influence of alcohol. He was stopped for a routine check and when tested by ranks at the Providence

Police Station, was found to have above the permitted level of alcohol in his system. When the charge was read to him by the magistrate, the defendant pleaded guilty and offered an explanation. He stated that he is not a drinker but he was with family earlier in the day and he took a drink. However, Magistrate Judy Latchman fined him $7,500 or an alternative of 14 days in prison.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

GECOM no longer has trained pool of Election Day staff ... says would not sacrifice credibility for expediency

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has rubbished claims by its former Deputy Chief Elections Officer that elections could have been held within the 90-day period, saying that it no longer has a pool of trained election day staff as this policy was scrapped in 2016 and that it will not sacrifice credibility for expediency. Vishnu Persaud, former DCEO was quoted as saying in a Stabroek News article dated 14th March 2019 under the caption “GECOM was in position to hold polls in 90 days.” According to GECOM, Persaud even pontificated that the elections could have bene held and there was even time to spare in that 90 days period. However, in a sharp response GECOM said “It is incomprehensible and mystifying that Mr. Persaud spent more than 16 years at the commission and has now resorted to peddling inaccurate information in the public domain.” The commission said while it had explored the possibility of having a pool of trained persons who could have been used for elections whenever the need should arise, that policy decision was thrown out after the 2016 Local Government Elections. “GECOM fully advertised in 2018 extensively and trained persons countywide. The need for rigorous training cannot be over emphasised. Conducting elections is not equivalent to running a cake shop,” the commission said in a statement responding to Persaud’s claims. According to the electoral body it ought not to be blamed for human error and creating any avenue for the results of the elections to be discredited. “GECOM did not utilise a pool for the 2018 Local Government Elections. Extensive advertising was done and also intense training, but yet there were shortfalls. The commission had to re-advertise and many areas were revisited for a second round of training. The success resulted in a cadre of trained persons who delivered with excellence,” the commission’s statement read. It emphasises that Local Government Elections is different from General and Regional Elections, noting that while some methodologies are the same at polling stations, persons must be properly trained to understand context and deliver within the legal framework (Chapter 28:03 and Chapter 1:03). “In our quality assurance analysis, it was determined that the magnitude of content to be presented by the trainers would be strenuous for two persons. Even participants get tired. Training teams function best in groups of three. The GECOM Secretariat has

presented work plans to the commission with all the possible options available for the conduct of General and Regional Elections. Training is the longest activity in all options. It is that critical,” the statement added. According to the commission, it had previously recognised that the conduct of elections would require at least 180 days, noting that former Chairman, Dr Steve Surujbally, in correspondence to former Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon on October 17, 2014 under the caption “GECOM?s Commitment to Satisfying its Constitutional Mandate” wrote “Further, it must be noted that the commission has publicly stated that when the decision to hold Local Government Elections is officially communicated to us, a period of six (6) months is required to allow our secretariat to complete essential prerequisite activities to ensure GECOM’s compliance with all related legislation and regulations, and satisfying the necessary administrative requirements as has(sic) been established.” The electoral body said while it is cognisant that the Constitution dictates 90 days for elections following the successful passage of a motion of confidence against the government, it can only deliver within a timeframe that is practical and within the confines of the legal and procedural requirements as outlined in Chapter 1:03. “As the old proverb said, ‘Once bitten twice shy’ Chief Election Officer, Keith Lowenfield was right when he declared publicly that he was awaiting the commission’s instruction to move into operational mode.” The commission said Persaud’s reasoning of the CEO’s capabilities to “mobilise in the sense of beginning training” since 22nd December, 2018 lacks merit. It said guidance should be sought from the Representation of the People’s Act on the commission’s roles and responsibilities to the secretariat. Article 161A (2) of the Constitution states, “The Elections Commission may, by directions in writing and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, delegate any of its powers under paragraph 1 to any one or more members of the commission, or by such directions and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, delegate such powers to such officers of the commission as the commission may determine.” “It must be reiterated, that this commission has never backed down from executing its Constitutional mandate and does not intend to do so now. All legal and procedural mandates must be implemented for the delivery of free, fair and credible elections.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Tomb raiders Region 5 schools to benefit from $124M strike in Berbice in improvements and rehabilitative works

POLICE have launched an investigation into the vandalising of a tomb at the Number 66 Cemetery, Corentyne, Region Six on Wednesday evening. The family of the late Roopnarine Kowelasar, 60, who died on February 23 after prolonged illness, was shocked to find his tomb vandalised and his decomposed body tossed outside of his grave. The perpetrators, from all indications, believe Kowelasar was buried with valuables.

The man’s wife, Tarwattie Persaud, related that her husband was not laid to rest with valuables and the situation has left her deeply distressed. On Thursday morning, workers near the cemetery were alerted by a strong stench. Upon investigating the source of the smell, they found the vandalised tomb of Kowelasar and quickly informed family members. Around midday on Thursday, the tomb was rebuilt and the body was laid to rest once again.

The tomb that was vandalised on Wednesday (Photograph courtesy of Teddy Sukhdeo)

By Clifford Stanley SEVERAL schools in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) are set to benefit from improvements to the tune of some $124M this year, the Regional Administration has disclosed. The funds will be used to construct new roofs, replace windows, sanitary facilities, concrete tarmacs, guard huts and sanitary facilities for security staffers. The institutions slated for infrastructural works include the Rosignol Secondary School ($12M), Liberty Hall Primary School ($14M), Lachmansingh Primary School ($11M), Belladrum Secondary School ($24M), Novar Secondary School ($10M), Mahaicony Secondary School ($14M) and Bygeval Multilateral School ($14M). Concrete tarmacs will be constructed at Number Eight Village Secondary

School ($8M), Waterloo Village Nursery School ($7M), Woodley Park Primary School ($5M) and Woodley Park Secondary School ($5M). The sum of

neglected for many years according to Superintendent of Works of the Regional Administration, Delton Benjamin. The school, located at Chelsea Park Ma-

Bygeval Multilateral School at Chelsea Park Mahaica $3.5M is allocated for construction of sanitary blocks for security guards at the aforementioned schools. The Bygeval Secondary School is a notable beneficiary since it had been

haica, is the largest educational facility in the region with a student roll of six hundred and ninety with a staff of forty-five. In 2018, the school’s sewerage system malfunc-

tioned. This led to classes being cancelled on several occasions. The sum of $14M was expended to address this problem last year. An additional $14M will be used rehabilitate the roof and some of its buildings, Benjamin said. He explained that some of the schools’ improvement projects have started. These include the construction of tarmacs, which are external to the buildings, as this does not disrupt the normal school program. Some internal works are being done on the weekends while others deemed major will be undertaken during the school holidays, the official stated. In December 2018, Region Five was allocated approximately $4B to execute public infrastructure projects and improvements and upgrades within the healthcare, education and agricultural sectors.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Lands and Surveys opens $37M New Amsterdam office

MINISTER of State, Mr Joseph Harmon on Wednesday reaffirmed government’s commitment to decentralising and improving access to government services for every Guyanese when he officially declared open the

vice. He said that he is happy to note that the commission has taken this element seriously and incorporated it into the new office. “When I looked at this building when I arrived, I recognised that the GLSC has taken the question of service to the

Mr Trevor Benn, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission makes a point to Minister of State, Mr Joseph Harmon as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Ms. Paulette Henry looks on Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission’s (GLSC) spanking new $37M office in New Amsterdam, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). At the simple ceremony, Minister Harmon said government has a responsibility to ensure that all the services of the State are available to all citizens, regardless of geographic location, political affiliation or any other factor. “What this represents is government’s commitment to providing quality services to the people of Guyana, irrespective of where they are; on the coast, hinterland or anywhere. The quality of service we provide must be the same everywhere and that’s a commitment we made to the people when we assumed office. We said that there would be no distinction between the coast and the hinterland and so… what is happening here today is part of a process that has been undertaken by the government. We have made that commitment to this country that we will look after the ordinary man and to the extent to which government services would be provided to as near as possible to people where they live,” Minister Harmon said. During the sod turning ceremony in 2018, the minister of state had given the charge that the new building should not be about the office space for the staff and convenience, but more importantly, it should represent the quality of service which the people of Guyana have a right to expect from the public ser-

They have been asking for more and we have to give that to them. We know that there is more that needs to be done and we are working to ensure that we can improve the delivery of services to the people,” she said. Manager of the Land Administration Division of the GLSC, Mr Michael Hutson said that the agency is positioning itself not only to better serve the members of the public, but also to better provide 21st century land administration, mapping and surveying services. “We have been occupying the Regional Democratic Council’s office for the past couple of years but with us moving here now, we will be able to better serve the needs of the public. We are also embarking on the upgrading of our facilities to ensure this happens and so far, works have been done on the office in Georgetown, which is the largest customer base as well as revenue, and

The spanking new $37M Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission’s New Amsterdam office people seriously. They did not provide a building where it is air-conditioned only for staff and the public is seated in the hot sun; the staff and public will enjoy the same level of comfort,” he stated. Ms. Paulette Henry, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the GLSC, in her remarks, said the commission is pleased that the government has been progressive-minded since its assumption of office and it is under this guidance that expansion is taking place. “I am happy to be serving under a government that is progressive and looks towards the development of every area of service. Minister Harmon, I thank you for the contribution and support that you continue to give us at the commission. I am also happy that we can see this type of progression in Berbice. It signals the kind of service that we want to offer to the citizens and it is a commitment to what we want to give to the people.

so on that basis, first thought and action was given there. Region Six is the largest acreage portfolio so attention was then placed here,” he explained. Mr Hutson further noted that construction for an office in Crane, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three) has begun while plans are in train for a Centre of Excellence to be built in Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven). An area has also been surveyed in Kwakwani, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice (Region Ten), for a new office while one is awaiting commissioning in Port Kaituma, Barima- Waini (Region One). Mayor of New Amsterdam, Her Worship, Ms Winifred Heywood, said the Town Council is pleased that the government is undertaking initiatives, which will improve the lives of residents in that area. “I want to thank the Government of Guyana for seeing the need to have the Lands and Surveys department in their own build-

ing where they have their own space to perform more effectively and efficiently. It is also improving the aesthet-

ics of the oldest town in this country,” she said. The building is solar powered and has been de-

signed to ensure ease of access for persons with disabilities. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Elderly woman’s house defaced with faeces

POLITICAL activist, Malcolm Haripaul has claimed that his mother’s house at Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, was defaced with faeces by a suspected supporter of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). Harripaul, in a Facebook post, said the suspect threw the faeces at his 75-year-old mother’s window on Thursday. “He lives next door and had just got home from the rumshop and started cursing and rambling about chase them out,” said Harripaul. He confirmed that a police report was made but the police have not been able to

apprehend the suspect. In 2017, Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman sentenced Freedom House operative, Jason Abdulla, to six months’ imprisonment for throwing faeces on newspaper columnist and social activist, Frederick Kissoon, after finding him guilty of the charge. According to a report, Kwame McCoy, former Liaison Officer to the President, during the tenure of the PPP/C, and Sean Hinds, had the matter against them dismissed after the magistrate found them not guilty of committing the offence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Haripaul’s mother’s house at right and the suspect’s house at left

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Jagdeo’s flawed interpretation –– President Granger remains president until another president is sworn in

THE Government of Guyana strongly condemns the continued misinformation being peddled by Opposition Leader, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, that President David Granger will cease to be President after March 21, 2019. At a press conference held on Thursday, Mr Jagdeo reiterated that President Granger will no longer be president after March 21. While responding to questions about his telephone conversation with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, he said, “I prefer to keep a little quiet on the content at this point in time until I hear back from him as to whether he has spoken to President Granger, who will by the way, be Mr Granger from the 21st.” The Government of Guyana deems Mr Jagdeo’s utterances as malicious and intended to create confusion amongst the populace. His statement is patently flawed and must be rejected outrightly. There is no provision in the Constitution of Guyana which requires the President to resign or demit office following the passage of a no-confidence motion. Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George, on January 31, 2019, in the case of Attorney General v the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition, declared that while the no-confidence motion against the government prompts the resignation of the Cabinet and the hosting of elections, it does not dissolve the Parliament, which comprises the National Assembly and the President. In fact, Article 106 (7) of the Constitution specifically states that the government remains in office and the National Assembly may pass a resolution to extend the time for elections beyond the three-month period within which elections are required to be held. “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.” The aforementioned article is clear that there must be continuity in government and there are no legal barriers restricting the government from exercising its functions. The President therefore, remains president until another president is sworn in. It should be noted that there are four processes which are running concurrently: The Legislature, Judiciary, Electoral and the Executive. Article 62 of the Constitution of Guyana states that: “Elections shall be independently supervised by the Election [s] Commission in accordance with the provisions of Article 162.” The Constitution of Guyana states unequivocally that GECOM is an independent, autonomous body responsible for the hosting of free, fair and credible elections. President Granger cannot interfere in GECOM’s work. He has to be advised by the commission of its readiness to host elections. The President has repeatedly, over the past few weeks, said that he is committed to holding credible elections in the shortest possible time, this year. “It is not for anybody to give the commission instructions as to when elections are to be held. Once the commission says it is ready, I will announce a date and I hope that date is as early as possible,” President Granger said last week following consultations with the chairman and commissioners of GECOM. The Government of Guyana is concerned that the leader of the opposition continues to peddle misinformation in the public domain with the intent to confuse and create panic among citizens. It views as reckless his statements and calls on him to act respon-

sibly during this very sensitive period in the country’s history. On Monday, March 11, 2019 the government condemned Mr Jagdeo’s inciting remarks, which he had initially made at a memorial ceremony held at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, Corentyne, East Berbice-Corentyne (Re-

gion Six), noting that they could lead to a breach of the peace and public order. Mr Jagdeo again today indulged himself in reiterating these remarks at the press conference, seemingly without any consideration of the possible confrontational outcomes that they could engender which may jeopardise the

safety and security of the sitting President and his ministers. The government reiterates that the irresponsible call by Mr Jagdeo to “chase” President Granger, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and government ministers out of their communities is dangerous and unacceptable, particularly

in an election year. The government therefore encourages the public to exercise good sense and to desist from disorderly behaviour as the law enforcement agencies will treat condignly, any disorderly conduct. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Nurses and Midwives Bill being revised

THE General Nursing Council (GNC) has started the process of revising the new Nurses and Midwives Bill to ensure it is consistent with laws in the Caribbean and Latin America. The new bill provides for the establishment of a Nurses and Midwives Council which will make provision for the registration and regulation of nurses, midwives, nursing assistants and specialist nurses. GNC Chairperson, Linda Johnson, said the council will be reviewing the clauses within the bill to ensure the regulations are optimum. “The bill serves to define nursing and midwifery,” said Johnson during the commencement of the twoday deliberation process at Brandsville Hotel on Thursday. She said the bill will be

thoroughly reviewed by the 15-member GNC team. The bill stipulates that the functions of the council are to enroll, register, certify and license nursing personnel; establish standards of education, training, conduct and performance for nursing personnel, and to ensure maintenance of those standards; promote the interests of nursing personnel; advise the minister on matters related to nursing personnel; and perform any other functions as may be conferred on it by its Act or any other law. The council will also have the power to determine the requirements which shall be satisfied by persons applying for training as nursing personnel. It will also determine the qualifications and any other

Exercise restraint, practise responsible politics –– CIOG urges

SAYING that Guyana is on the cusp of an “economic metamorphosis” unparalleled in our nation’s history, the Central Islamic Organisation (CIOG) is urging political leaders to work together to safeguard the state. The body reminds all across the political divide of the Prophetic Narration: “Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you will be questioned about those under his rule: the ruler is a shepherd, and he will be questioned about his subjects; the man is a shepherd in his family, and he will be questioned about those under his care; and the woman is a shepherd in the house of her husband, and she will be questioned about those under her care… Thus, every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for those under his care.” (Al-Bukhari) “CIOG calls on our country’s political leaders to exercise restraint and to practice responsible politics. Guyana is under our care and we need to safeguard our country, our resources, and our people,” the body said in a statement on Thursday. According to the religious body, Islam places great emphasis on the dignity of human beings regardless of their gender or race or status. “The Quraan says: “We have bestowed dignity on the children of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of our creation.” (Quran 17:70) The CIOG said dignity comprises rights and implies duties. “Human beings have a right to life, right to freedom of religion, right to freedom of lifestyle, right to labor, right to security and right to family; these rights are secured. The Quran says that all human beings are created equal by the One Creator, and we are all shepherds of our families, our communities, and our country. A momentous opportunity has been provided for our politicians (and their followers) to behave responsibly with morality, dignity and integrity, to be the guardians of honor and truth and right, to communicate with respect and in good faith. In so doing, they will demonstrate that they have put Guyana first and have raised the standard of political discourse in our country, and set an example for the entire world and generations to come. Let us cooperate, unite, love, and respect. This is the teaching of Islam.”

requirements necessary for registration, enrolment, and certification or licensing of nursing personnel. The council, like the GNC, will consist of 15 members appointed by the minister of public health. According to the bill, a person shall not practice nursing or midwifery in Guyana unless the person is registered and holds a valid licence issued under the

proposed Act. The bill also stipulates that a person, when registering as nursing personnel, shall apply to the council in the prescribed form and the application shall be accompanied by an application fee; proof of identification; and proof of ability to read, write, speak and understand the English Language, among other things.

GNC Chairperson Linda Johnson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Disabled closer to house-lot ownership OVER 150 Persons With Disabilities (PWD) were able to complete or begin the process towards owning a house lot following a public day hosted by junior Communities Minister, Valerie Adams-Yearwood and team on Thursday. The hall of the Guyana Society for the Blind on High Street, Georgetown was filled to capacity during the informative meeting. The process was facilitated by officials from the ministry and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Commissioner on the National Commission on Disability (NCD) Ganesh Singh and Chairman of the Guyana Council of Organisations for PWDs, Cecil Morris. Singh told the attendants

Minister of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Valerie Adams-Yearwood interacts with a member of the disabled community during an outreach at the Guyana Society for the Blind, High Street, Georgetown on Thursday (Samuel Maughn photo) that the meeting follows an weeks ago. At that meeting, opportunity to have a house engagement with Minister it was highlighted that a lot or house of their own. Adams-Yearwood some two number of PWDs had the “I said to them, I am

aware that many of your members have disabilities and it may be difficult for them to come to the office at Brickdam, so I am going to come to you and I am going to bring my staff and we’re going to come here and serve you, because we are servants of the people,” the minister said. A few years ago, Adams-Yearwood was a member of the Society For the Blind and Chairperson of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Committee for Welfare for 11 years in Region 10. “So, I have been associated with many organisations and many people who I consider disadvantaged because, for some reason or the other, you’re never placed on the front burner of any activities. Sometimes it appears as though you’re forgotten people, so, today you’re on the front burner,” Adams-Yearwood said. Most of the persons present were interested in low-income house lots which lie between the prices of $92,000 to about $150,000 and the minister provided free application forms for those applying for the very first time. The lots available are at Mon Repos and Good Hope, East Coast Demerara while before year-end, spots will be made available at Cummings Lodge, Annandale and Foulis. Adams-Yearwood explained that just a few days ago, the ministry was in a position to provide house lots at Catherina, Cornelia Ida and Edinburgh, West Coast Demerara. As such, another location is being looked at and is expected to be made available by next week after which sub-division and allocation

will take place. The minister made it clear that there are no house lots available in Georgetown and no low-income house lots on the East Bank of Demerara. However, she encouraged persons to take advantage of the many lots in Region Three. “While they are saying to me that they have difficulties with getting to and fro because of the traffic situation on the harbour bridge, your government is going to be building a spanking new state-of-the-art bridge in a short while from now and eliminate all the traffic congestion.” PWDs applying for the first time were able to hand in their applications, were interviewed on the spot while those who brought their documents were issued a letter acknowledging that they have applied and now qualify for a house lot. Following her remarks, many individuals thanked Adams-Yearwood for the special focus on PWDs. “As persons with disabilities, we are really grateful for the attention and the kind of opportunity that we have been afforded here. We have never experienced this before; it’s the first of its kind. We’ve had visits from ministers before, but not from this magnitude,” Morris said. “Having a house/a house lot gives you a sense of independence. As a person with disability, if you have a house lot and you could probably construct a house on it or have somebody do it for you, it gives you that sense of ownership. It tells you that as a person with disability, you can still achieve if you only work towards your goals.”

Trial of three accused of killing ‘Fabulous’ continues AS the Preliminary Inquiry into the murder of America Street money-changer, Shawn ‘Fabulous’ Nurse, continued before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Providence Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, the magistrate commenced a voir dire (a trial within a trial) based on caution statements given by the three accused. On remand for the capital offence are Kacey Heyliger, 25, of Shell Road, Kitty; Kerwin Dos Santos, 24, called ‘Buffy’; and George Hope, 24, called ‘Gregory.’ It is alleged that the trio murdered 47-year-old Nurse during a robbery at America Street. According to reports, on Sunday, February 4, 2018, Nurse was shot in the head after he refused to comply with the suspects’ demand that he turn over whatever cash he had. The police were able to make the arrests after reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding buildings. In 2017, Nurse was also robbed and, later, was able to identify two of the persons who had allegedly committed the offence. The voir dire will continue on March 20, 2019, at 10:00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Muslim scholar gets 45 years for raping boy … still facing eight other counts By Clestine Juan THE controversial Muslim scholar who allegedly raped nine boys back in 2011 was on Thursday jailed for 45 years on one of the counts. The other eight charges are still before the court. The sentence was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh at the Demerara High Court. Nezaam Ali was found guilty by a 12-member jury for sodomising a 9-year-old boy. After deliberating for almost two hours, the 12-member mixed jury returned a unanimous verdict, convicting Ali on the charge of sexually penetrating a child under the age of 16 by abusing his position of trust. Ali, 38, also known as ‘Mufti,’ an Imam of Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, was charged with committing the offence between December 5, 2011 and December 31, 2011, at the TurMuslim scholar keyen Masjid. Nezaam Ali The defendant, during his defence, denied committing the heinous act and told the court that he suffers from erectile dysfunction. The man’s attorney, Stanley Moore, told the court that the virtual complainant received no physical injuries or psychological trauma. However, Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy told the court that while there are no physical scars present, the act left emotional scars on the victim and that the accused betrayed the victim’s trust by taking away his innocence. Justice Singh, in passing down his ruling, said that he took into consideration the geographic location where the act was committed and that Ali took advantage of an under-privileged child. “There is nothing I can tell you that can mitigate these types of crime,” the judge said to the accused. Justice Singh also said that whilst the victim tried to identify Ali in court during the trial, the accused smiled at the young man. Ali stood emotionless in the prison docks and declined to address the court before the sentence was handed. There is currently eight similar charges against Ali awaiting hearing at the High Court. Ali is accused of engaging in sexual activity with the eight boys between December 2011 and January 2012, while he was the teacher attached to the Turkeyen Masjid. He was granted bail in the sum of $1.3M at the time. The acts were allegedly committed while Ali was in a position of trust, being a religious teacher, and knew, or could reasonably expect to have known of the trust in relation to the boys. The boys had been attending Arabic and Koran classes at the time.

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Katahar Curry Competition, Phagwah Mela set for March 17

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LL roads lead this weekend to the Reliance Veda Centre in East Berbice for the Rang Ke Rang-Phagwah Mela and Bazaar and Katahar Curry Competition. Special performances of popular folk and classical hits by the Golden Om Dance troupe, along with Berbice’s best artistes and musicians, and participants from Kala Ustav and

Emerging Voices fame. It will be an evening for the entire family, filled with chowtaal, games, and the most significant Bhakt Prahalad play. Patrons can expect to satisfy their cravings with delicious vegetarian snacks and samples from the much- anticipated fourth Annual Katahar Curry Competition. The current champion,

Ganesh Persaud secured the title in 2017 and 2018. Will he retain it yet again or will be dethroned? Participants are judged on aroma, appearance, flavour, originality and overall presentation. Lots of cash prizes and trophies are up for grab. Gates open at 3pm. No Alcohol allowed. The event promises to be an evening of colour, music and food, in the true spirit of Holi.

IT’S time for the weekend again people, and it’s time to keep you in the loop with what’s ‘buzzing’ in and around Guyana.

Today

Head down to the Pegasus poolside, Ignite Bar and Grill every Friday and Saturday for fun, food, and entertainment! On a $1000 budget? Tower Suites $1000 Poolside Happy Hour continues from 5:30pm to 7:30pm, with $1000 specials. Enjoy a Burger and Beer, any margarita, or beer specials for only $1000 at the Tower Poolside The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant and Lounge presents “Latin Night”. Get two Desperados Tequila Beers for $1000

Tomorrow

704 Sports Bar presents Saint Patrick’s Weekend. Enjoy Guinness Glazed wings and burgers, Irish shots, cocktails and car bombs along with great music, great food and a great atmosphere The premier all black is back. It’s “Black Sag: Legendary Edition” the official birthday celebration of Sean Major. Featuring DJ Puffy from Barbados, alongside Guyana’s Gully Ras and Diamond, DJ Country Boy and Mix Master Toney. Tickets: $3000 It’s time to show off your talent. Aracari Resort presents Karaoke and Dance this and every Saturday. Enjoy karaoke, dance and dinner, featuring Reyaz Rafeek and Group Aura Sky Lounge presents Seductive Saturdays! Doors open at 8pm!

Sunday

The Vintage Wine Bar, Restaurant and Lounge presents “Dinner with 70s and 80s music. Sundays were meant for 70’s & 80’s! Party Sundays continue at Club Privilege. Everybody free before 22:00hrs. Drink specials all night, free Bacardi shots on entry. Music by fusion DJs, Stereo Sonic DJs, Boom DJs and other DJs passing through

Selector Biggs: W

ho defines ‘entertainment’, better than a Disc Jockey? This week’s personality is a young DJ; 23-year-old Daniel Fraser, who goes by the alias ‘Selector Biggs’. Fraser brings the musical entertainment every morning to your airwaves, on the ‘Hang Out Show’ with Feliz Robertson, on 94.1 Boom FM. He told ‘The Buzz Magazine’ that his undying love for music, caused him not to pursue any other career. “What inspired me, is the love I have for music. It’s in me from birth, because I grew in church where I played the drums, so music is within me from a young age… Also, when I saw my fellow local DJ’s doing their job, I realized it’s something I can do and I took it into consideration and started to play music,” Fraser said. Selector Biggs, as he’s known, has been a DJ for about 7 years now, and has never done any other job other than music. However, Fraser said that he earned a certificate in Household Management from Carnegie School of Home Economics also one from the Guyana Police Force. “But my passion is entertainment. I love entertaining

‘The Buzz’ personality of the week

people, making them joyful and happy, and I get to do that through being a DJ,” he added. Sharing his funny story of how he got the alias “Selector Biggs”, the young man said that he first went by the name Selector D, but then found out that there was a DJ already with that name. “So in a little family conference with my brother and cousins, we were brain storming for a suitable name. And one of my cousins said I look like Biggie Smalls when he was a child, knowing I have a crossed-eye too, and my cousin said ‘your name is Biggs’. And that was the name I stuck with,” laughed Fraser. He aspires to be a people’s person, who anyone can feel comfortable to approach, because he wants to be able to continuously add joy to people’s lives, even with his mere presence. “I want to be a legend in music because you always remember a hero, but a legend never dies. So I want to be that person even when I’m not here, they can look back and say I am one of the greatest,” Fraser opined. Fraser admonishes others to aim to be better than their idols, and stick to what they love.

Daniel Fraser (Selector Biggs)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Freedom Family celebrates 5 years with appreciation party for fans and their friends

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o celebrate their fifth year in the entertainment fraternity, Freedom Family is hosting an appreciation party in Guyana for persons who have been continuously supporting their events over the years. The party is themed ‘FWB – Friends With Benefits’ and is slated for May 24 at the Demerara Cricket Ground (DCC), Lance Gibbs Street Queenstown. The CEO of the international promotion group, Marlon Jacobs, told ‘The Buzz Magazine’ that the concept behind the name stems from the concept of the whole party. “It’s basically an appreciation fete, where all my supporters can benefit from a pass that allows a plus one. A friend can benefit from your pass, so you can bring anyone of your choice,” Jacobs related. Jacobs said that he started promoting nine years ago as a freshman in college in New York. However, his company, ‘Freedom Family’ was formed on May 24th 2010, after along with a group of his friends from school held an event dubbed ‘Freedom’, inside Club Monaco.

Since then, Freedom Family has been hosting parties every year, not just in Guyana, but other Caribbean countries and states in the US as well. Jacobs, who is also known as ‘Freedom Boss’, explained that because of the love and support he gets every year from his Guyanese patrons, the anniversary celebration had to be one that gives back. “At friends with benefits 2019, patrons can expect a completely different line up of DJs, great ambiance, and lots of new faces. We are putting in the extra to ensure our fans feel the appreciation we have for their continued support they give us. They will also benefit from the drinks specials we have; buy one bottle of ‘henny’, ciroc, black label or grey goose and get a second bottle at half price,” Jacobs said. Those are but a few of the expectations persons can have for FWB, he added. The early bird tickets are limited for only $2000 and the VIP $10,000. Each ticket purchased, allows you in, and a friend can benefit as well.

Marlon Jacobs (Freedom Boss), CEO of Freedom Family

All set for ‘Rang Rasiya’ this weekend

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HE Arthur Chung Conference Centre is set to come alive tomorrow with “Rang Rasiya”, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Phagwah Mela, a prelude to Holi, the spring festival. The event will feature some of Guyana’s finest artistes on stage, such as Mona Gowkaran, Ganindra and Shivanad Singh. The much-acclaimed Dharmic Nritya Sangh of the ever-popular Naya Zamana fame will be performing vibrant and beautiful dances against a resplendent backdrop of colours. Children and adults alike can enjoy a delicious feast of sweets and savouries, Indian curries and more. Tickets cost $500 (adults), children under five are free. No alcohol will be allowed. The event is organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha to usher in the spring festival of Phagwah. The Sabha will be hosting its Holi Utsav on March 21 at the Everest Cricket Club. Admission’s free.

Flyer for the Rang Raisya show

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Empire Media Inc. rolls out ‘Lock De Scene’

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MPIRE Media Inc. will be hosting Guyana’s premier DJ competition, ‘Art of War 2019’, in July and, as they prepare to do so, they have partnered with XL Energy Drink to launch an inaugural DJ battle tournament called “Lock the Scene”. The objective of the DJ tournament, according to the organisers, is to bring young and unknown DJs on the dancehall scene. “It will run for two months, and at the end the winner will receive $100,000, a spot in ‘Art of War 2019’ and Ambassadorship for XL Energy Drink,” Empire Media said in a release. According to Empire,

since the start of the tournament, it has generated much interest, with patrons flocking to Swag City in West Ruimveldt (formerly Ballers Bar) to witness their favourite DJ do battle. Kicking off the tournament in Week One, DJ Derrick of Blazing Fire Sound out of Linden, was victorious over DJ Famous of Pier 1 Sound from Georgetown; with DJ Guy from Bartica conquering his opponents DJs Jameel & Hardcore out of Ricochet Sound in Georgetown. Week Two saw another Lindener, DJ Bandit of Spotlight Sound, being triumphant over DJ Hype of Roses International Sound

from Georgetown; and DJ Chappy out of Bartica vanquishing his opponents, DJ Lance & Rich of Dynamite Sound from the West Side. Up next on Monday, DJ Kevin of Royalty Vibes from the West Side will face off against DJ Red Man and Jermaine of TnT Sound; while Shocking Vibes Sound will do battle against Fabulous Sound from the East Coast of Demerara. The winners of each week will face off against each other, and the best two will go to the finals. The action starts from 10pm every Monday at Swag City in West Ruimveldt (formerly Ballers Bar.) Join in the excitement!

Lloyd and De Arts Production to host ‘March Montage’ tomorrow

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ITH the aim of promoting local talent, Lloyd and De Arts Production, in collaboration with Euphoria Dance Company, Re-Animation and Triple ‘A’ Production, will be hosting a spectacular series of stage performances tomorrow at the National Cultural Centre. According to the coordinator of the event, Lloyd Thomas, the performances will include a selection of dances, poetry, spoken-word and plays from famous and upcoming actors. Approximately 40 performers will light up the NCC this weekend. Thomas also noted that the show aims to create a platform for youths to grab the hidden message of various social ills that affect the younger population. It’s known to be a series of unrelated events, hence the name “March Montage”. “There’s going to be a lot of entertainment for both young and old. In addition to which the performances will definitely have the audience at the edge of their seats,” Thomas discloed. Tickets cost $1000; show starts 20:00hrs.

Performers from a previous event

Lloyd Thomas

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

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EGGAE Superstar Buju Banton is confirmed to perform in Guyana on May 25, 2019 as part of the Guyana Independence Carnival Celebrations. There’s been much excitement ever since a few popular social media personalities leaked information that Buju Banton is expected to perform here Guyana in May, and that frenzy went up a notch

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The ‘Gargamel’ returns!

- Buju Banton to perform at ‘I am Legend’ Concert on May 25 after it was officially announced that he will indeed be coming. After seeing how excited Guyanese were to see Buju, High Frequency Entertainment, in collaboration with King Leo Promotion and the Guyana Carnival Committee decided that it is a great opportunity to make Guyana a part of the ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ tour. Buju Banton, whose ‘Long Road to Freedom’

tour was announced late last year, had listed many countries in the Caribbean, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts, Suriname, Grenada and his home country, Jamaica. Finally, Guyana is on that list. Banton, who has always referred to Guyana as one of his favourite Caribbean countries he liked performing in, has not come here in over 12 years. However, he will return with his full band to give his Guyanese

fans a long overdue and highly-anticipated concert. The reggae superstar is known for hits such as ‘Untold Stories’, ‘Wanna be Loved’, ‘Champion’, ‘Deportees’, ‘Not an easy Road’ and much more. Tickets for this event are on sale Online at www.Iamlegendconcert. com. According to the organisers, General tickets are currently being sold at US$25, VIP US$150 and VVIP US$200.

Slingerz added to ‘Destination Badda Dan Clash’ K NOWN for their deep ‘dub box’, Slingerz Sound happens to be one of Guyana’s most popular sound systems, but, in the clash arena, they’ve gained some more popularity for coming up short when they’re always the favourite to come out on top. At the last ‘Armageddon’ clash, ‘Selector Cash Money’, during his round, did what is considered a ‘cardinal sin’ in the sound clash arena: He play back a tune. However, as faith would have it, Empire Media Inc., touted as the saviour of the sound clash industry in Guyana, presented an opportunity for Vergenoegen-based Slingerz to get some redemption with the announcement of ‘Destination Badda Dan’. As such, Slingerz will join Notorious International, Afrikan Vybz, Platinum Sound, Trinity Sound and Thunderbolt Sound to battle it out on March 30 at the Sports Hall Tarmac for a chance to represent Guyana at the ‘123 Badda Dan Clash’ in Switzerland. The ‘clash’, dubbed ‘Destination Badda Dan Clash’, will fall under the Empire Media Inc. Umbrella, the company popularly known for revitalising the ‘Sound Clash’ industry in Guyana with their hosting of ‘Armageddon; and ‘Art of War’. The ‘Badda Dan Clash’ is

the biggest sound clash in Switzerland, and one of the biggest sound clashes in Europe, where sounds from various countries compete to be crowned the `Badda Dan Clash Champion’. Popular sound systems such as ‘Luv Injection’ out of the United Kingdom, and ‘King Addies’ from New York, have dominated this event in the past. Founded in 2016, Empire Media Inc. hosted its first-ever Art of War DJ Competition, one which has consequently been of utmost success in the sound clash industry. ‘Art of War’ has, ever since, been known as the foundation for EMI and its events. T h e company then saw avenues to expand, and introduced its first Armageddon Sound Clash in 2017. With the invaluable support of fans and ‘clash’ lovers over the past years, EMI, having listened to its supporters and paid attention to the critiques, has continued to sit on the pinnacle of the Guyana sound-clash arena. Empire Media Inc. has continued to promote incident-free and fair sound clashes in the entertainment industry, which seeks to generally endorse and showcase the capacities of various sound systems across Guyana. ‘Destination Badda Dan’ Sound Clash 2019 when the smoke clears’ commences at 22:00 hours, and doors will be open from 20:00 hours. Ticket information will be produced at a subsequent date, the company has advised.

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Nailah Blackman lights up IWD celebration

Nailah Blackman during her emotional performance of “No Barbie”

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Local superstar, Carlvin Burnette as he was serenading the women

RINIDADIAN Soca artiste Nailah Blackman brought the curtains down on the local activities held to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2019 at a concert organised on Sunday last by the Canadian High Commission. For most of Sunday afternoon, hundreds of persons, particularly young girls and women, gathered at the Everest Cricket Ground for the activities organised by the High Commission as part of efforts to promote women’s empowerment and gender parity. The highlight of this event was the evening concert, featuring Blackman and other artistes. Before the vocalists could take to the stage, there were a number of cultural dances and presentations which helped the formalities segue seamlessly into the concert proper. But it was the ‘GUYANA’ singer, Poonam Singh, who would whip the crowd into a frenzy with her renditions of Gloria Gaynor’s “I will survive”, and Clean Bandit’s “Rockabye”. Then, just as day turned to night, it was evident that it was pore-raising time. And no, it was not the cool sea breeze whipping around the Everest Ground that caused the ladies’ pores to raise. It was the silky smooth Carlvin Burnette, who came with his reggae mix of Jah Cure, Chronixx and Tarrus Riley. ‘Mr. All White’ chose his songs carefully, so he could charm the women while paying homage to the Queens in the house, but really took it up a notch when he called one particular young lady on stage to serenade her. Canadian Reggae singer (who has Guyanese roots) Aretha Fraser came next and did her bit to warm up the crowd for Nailah’s appearance. The choice of Blackman was perhaps done to resonate with the largely youthful demographic present, and as she strutted on stage singing her 2019 “Iron Love”, seats were no longer needed. Of course, her Iron Love, Baila Mami, Sokah and Work Out renditions had to be well- received; they were the hype the Guyanese crowd (particularly the band of females at stagefront who had just been swooned by Burnette) needed. A plus for Blackman was that she was accompanied by her own DJ, who was, by the way, a female. Seeing another woman taking control of the stage was yet another refreshing part of Nailah’s show. But when Baddish- Nailah’s song with dancehall (and young female) sensation Shenseea- was blasted all those inner baddies came out in full force. It was evident that the women were ‘in their zone- baddish!’. Talk about promoting women emPOWERment. The 21-year-old singer also showed to her Guyanese ‘Nai Army’ how versatile she is at a singer, with her ‘No Barbie’ which she wrote as a teenager and promotes self-love. The crowd, that was just bouncing to the soca rhythms, had their cellphones out and flashlights on as they were swaying to Nailah sing that she isn’t a perfect, Barbie but is just a crazy girl with in love with her imperfect self. It was yet another refreshing addition to the women empowerment concert.

All hands were up for Nailah [Vishani Ragobeer photos]

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Harding destroys Hurricanes for 90 to confirm Jaguars as champions NORTH SOUND, Antigua (CMC) – Thirty-eight overs was all it took for Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ already slim chances of winning the Regional Four-Day Championship to vanish completely. Starting their rescheduled fourth round match against Barbados Pride 23 points behind leaders Guyana Jaguars in second and needing every available batting and bowling point in order to top the stand-

ings, the hosts were bundled out for 90 in their first innings. Their batting demise confirmed Jaguars as champions for a fifth straight season, with Leon Johnson’s side now holding an unassailable lead with 154.2 points, following the completion of their complement of matches last weekend. For Hurricanes, opener Montcin Hodge was the only batsman to pass 20 with 24

as fast bowler Keon Harding ripped through the innings with five for 29, to record his second five-wicket haul in his 10th first class outing. Test seamer Miguel Cummins supported with three for 24 while Jamaican pacer Marquino Mindley picked up two for 19. In reply, captain Shamarh Brooks stroked an unbeaten 79 as Pride finished on 154 for four to finish the day with

a 64-run lead. Their highly-regarded top order failed to leave Barbados on 92 for four but Brooks and Test wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich, on 28 not out, have so far posted 62 in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand. Brooks, without a century this season, has faced 144 balls and struck 11 fours. Hurricanes had earlier lost Keacy Carty to the first ball of the encounter at the Vivian

Richards Cricket Ground, caught at slip by Jonathan Carter off Cummins, and never really recovered. There was no sign of the pending collapse when Hodge and Devon Thomas (11) put on 36 for the second wicket – the highest stand of the innings – but once Harding had Thomas caught at backward square, Hurricanes slipped into terminal decline.

Guyana Lottery Company/Let’s Bet Sports support Golden Jaguars Gold Cup quest THE Guyana Lottery Company, through its Let’s Bet Sports brand, yesterday announced its alliance with Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for the country’s March 23 game against Belize in the CONCACAF Nations

League qualifiers, at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. With a win, Guyana’s senior Men’s National team, Golden Jaguars, will qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time in the country’s history and follow the success of the women’s national team, Lady Jags, who had featured at the confederation’s showpiece in 2010. “Let’s Bet Sports is more than pleased to assist in whatever

way possible in encouraging everyone to rally behind the Golden Jaguars,” said Rawle Toney, the Let’s Bet Sports Brand Ambassador. Toney made a presentation of a quantity of jerseys and tickets to GFF’s Social Media Officer, Keeran Williams at the Federation’s Headquarters, and pointed out that “it’s imperative that we give Golden Jaguars the support they need because the spinoffs from

their victory on March 23 could be life-changing.” “At the Guyana Lottery Company and Let’s Bet Sports, we strive on being an entity and a brand that support sports and its development in Guyana, which is why with every lottery ticket and bet placed, a percentage of that ticket and wager will go towards the development of Guyana,” Toney pointed out. The jerseys, tickets and other

memorabilia, Toney related, will be given to lucky fans through a series of radio and television promotions by Let’s Bet Sports and GFF leading up to the important fixture against Belize. Football fans, 18 years and older, will be able to place a wager on the Guyana vs Belize game, and are encouraged to visit their nearest Guyana Lottery Agent and ask for ‘Let’s Bet Sports’.

Frost makes history with Grade One win at Cheltenham (REUTERS) - Bryony Frost shed tears of joy when she became the first woman to ride a top-level Grade One Cheltenham Festival winner aboard Frodon in the Ryanair Chase on Thursday. Frost, 23, was cheered by a crowd of nearly 70,000 after 9-2 shot Frodon’s front-running victory was secured by a length and a quarter for 10-times champion trainer Paul Nicholls. “He’s had his day. He’s Pegasus. He’s the most incredible battler,” she said of Frodon, a Cheltenham specialist, who held off 33-1 outsider Asos and Road To Respect. “He travelled, my God he jumped, and the moment he got overtaken two out most horses would have quit. He grabbed me by the hands and said don’t you dare give up. He’s unbelievable!” Nicholls, who has trained great horses including Kauto Star and Denman, called it “one of the best days ever”. A beaming Frost, who had

American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Causin’ Trouble Race 2 Blewitt Race 3 A Willaway Race 4 Champayne Race 5 Tequila Sunday Race 6 Inclunation Race 7 Stone Breaker Race 8 Blugrascat’s Smile English Racing Tips Cheltenham

a fall last year which sidelined her for three months, punched the air after the most high-profile victory by a female rider at the showpiece meeting.

In an interview with Reuters this month Frost said: “It’s The Festival and such a rare thing to win. “If you look at the top of the mountain, it’s a long

Bryony Frost celebrates on Frodon after winning the 2.50 Ryanair Chase as trainer Paul Nicholls (R) looks on REUTERS/Eddie Keogh

09:30 hrs Sir Eric 10:10 hrs Éclair De Beaufeu 10:50 hrs Lisnagar Oscar 11:30 hrs Native River 12:10 hrs Hazel Hill 12:50 hrs Magic Saint 13:30 hrs Getareason Fakenham 09:20 hrs American Tom 09:55 hrs Cap Du Nord 11:15 hrs Sideways 11:55 hrs Lazarus 12:35 hrs Come On Charlie 13:10 hrs Zeroshacesof-

grey Chemsford City 12:40 hrs Miracle Garden 13:20 hrs Time To Reason 14:00 hrs Atyaaf 14:30 hrs King Robert 15:00 hrs Assimilation 15:30 hrs Pheidippides 16:00 hrs Irish Times 16:30 hrs Sea Shack South Africa Racing Tips Fairview 08:10 hrs Masterful 08:45 hrs Lucky Lulu

way up but if you take it step by step then you will keep going up. “If you only make it half way, well you’ve still done well and if you get to the top, only then you can take in the view.” F ro s t w a s a F e s t i val-winning rider as an amateur in the 2017 Foxhunter Chase on Nicholls-trained Pacha Du Polder. The Devon-born jockey had chalked up her first Grade One triumph in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton in December with Black Corton. Lizzie Kelly became the first woman to ride a Grade One winner over fences on Tea For Two in the same race in 2015. Kelly also enjoyed success on Thursday by riding Siruh Du Lac to victory in the Grade Three handicap chase. Frost had ridden Frodon to three previous wins at Cheltenham on top of victory in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree this season.

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Beleaguered to buoyant, Australia stage timely turnaround By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - A beleaguered Australia resurrected their oneday fortunes in the most dramatic fashion in India and the timing could not have been better for a team who will be defending their World Cup title in England and Wales later this year. Aaron Finch and his men arrived in India as clear underdogs, having endured a wretched couple of years in the format during which they lost six ODI series in a row and were ravaged by a ball-tampering scandal. Even their 2-0 romp in the preceding Twenty20 series could not really alter perceptions about a team who had been beaten at home both in the Test and ODI series by Virat Kohli’s India earlier this year. With India racing to a 2-0 lead, a seventh consec-

utive series defeat loomed over Australia, who pulled off a remarkable comeback by winning three matches in a row for a morale-lifting 3-2 series victory. “The resilience and fight that we showed being down 0-2, it would have been easy

to roll over in those small moments in the game, just let them drift away and India win the series,” Finch said after Australia’s win in the series-deciding final match at Feroz Shah Kotla. “But the fight that we showed, we’ve had our

Usman Khawaja walked away with the player-of-the-series award with 383 runs from five innings.

Bacchus Bulls, Affiance SC remain unbeaten in Central Essequibo T20 League

THERE were contrasting victories for Bacchus Bulls and Affiance Sports Club in the latest round of the Central Essequibo T20 league. Playing last Sunday at the Imam Bacchus ground in Affiance, Bacchus Bulls staved off a spirited challenge by Queenstown SC to earn a 3-wicket win. On a pitch that offered pace and bounce, Bacchus Bulls did not hesitate to insert their opponents whose batting limitations were exposed. Fast bowlers Punraj Singh

2-9 from 4 overs and Lalbachan Narine 2-13 from his 4 overs made the early inroads before off-spinner Kulray Persaud 3-20 from his 4 overs demolished Queenstown for 108 in 14 overs. In their turn at the crease, Bacchus Bulls also struggled to accumulate runs. Bulls had to compile a face-saving innings through Mohendra Balbadar 27 (1x6, 3x4) and an unbeaten 22 from Navendra Persaud to guide them to 109-7 in 19 overs.

Seven GCA matches to be played this weekend THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) is taking full advantage of the current weather conditions with another packed weekend of cricket in the Capital City. A total of seven games have been planned with three games set for the Gise/Star Party Rentals/Trophy Stall first division two-day cricket tournament. GDF will host GCC at Camp Ayanganna, Malteenoes will play Transport at Eve Leary and DCC host GYO. Game-time is 09:30hrs on both days. In the Noble House Seafoods second division twoday tournament; Third Class will challenge Diplomats at GNIC while MYO host Ace Warriors. Game-time is 09:30hrs. Meanwhile, two matches are billed for tomorrow in the Noble House Seafoods Under-19 Generation Next (100-over) cricket competition. Bel Air RUBiS will come against Everest at Ogle while GYO will oppose ECO Champs at Malteenoes. Play starts at 09:30hrs.

Penetrative bowling from Randy Bridgemohan - 2-15 from his 4 overs and Kevin Martinborough - 2-10 from his 4 - was not enough to prevent defeat. At Affiance Number 1 ground, the hosts bundled out Rebels XI for a paltry 48 in 14 overs with extras top-scoring with 20. Accurate seam bowling by Devendra Narine, 3-1 from 2 overs, and Badesh Parsotam, 3-10 from his 3 overs, humbled the rebels. Affiance SC then raced to 53-2 in just 10 overs for a convincing 8-wicket win with Devendra Sookdeo remaining unbeaten on 22 (3x4). The round-robin league will continue on Sunday with Reliance Hustlers vs Queenstown SC, and Ramkissoon XI vs Cotton Field Strikers. Both matches will be played at Reliance ground. Bacchus Bulls will host Reliance SC at Imam Bacchus ground while Ravens will compete against Affiance SC at the Number 1 ground in Affiance. Rebels drew the bye to the next round. (Elroy Stephney)

backs against the walls for quite a while now so I’m really proud of the group. From 2-0 down to win 3-2 is pretty special.” His India counterpart Virat Kohli felt Australia played “exactly” how his team had played Down Under. “When they sensed they had a foot in the door, they made sure they did not let us close the door in the series,” said Kohli. “You have to give credit to them. They are a very young side, very inexperienced side but they showed more heart and more confidence in pressure situations. “They deserve to win. It’s good for their confidence.” What makes it even more special is Australia achieved it without batting duo Steve Smith and David Warner, who are expected to join the team after serving ball-tampering bans expire this month.

This was the first time Australia overcame a 0-2 deficit to win a five-match series, and they did it without their frontline pace pair of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. In their absence, Pat Cummins, who took a series-high 14 wickets, and Jhye Richardson formed a potent new-ball attack while Usman Khawaja catapulted himself into World Cup considerations with a stellar performance with the bat. The opener arrived in India seeking a maiden ODI century and returns with two of them against his name. He walked away with the player-of-the-series award, a no-brainer after his 383 from five innings. Khawaja’s red hot form, coupled with Finch’s inconsistency, will present a selection headache for Australia, who will have to make a call on who should partner Warner

at the top of the batting order in World Cup. A clearer picture will emerge after the ODI series against Pakistan in United Arab Emirates later this month, but the manner of their victory against India makes Finch confident of their title defence at the World Cup. “People have written us off for quite a while now,” said the 32-year-old. “We always knew that the plans and the style that we wanted to play are all there, can win us the World Cup, win us big series against great teams and India are definitely a great team. “It’s about ourselves believing we’re good enough and sticking to our game plan. “We did that for four of the five games and ... to get over the line in three of them was a great series all round.”

USA eye historic result in first-ever T20I By Peter Della Penna in Dubai TODAY, USA will become the 28th country to play a men’s T20I when they take on UAE at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Coming from a place where T20 has been touted as the only possible gateway to crack the broader domestic sports market, the build-up has been low-key for what on paper is a historic occasion. But that hasn’t kept USA coach Pubudu Dassanayake and his players from appreciating the significance of the new frontier ahead of them. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo on the eve of USA’s first T20I outing, Dassanayake is hoping the two-match series will provide the opportunity to lay solid groundwork for a successful T20 World Cup Qualifying campaign later in the year as well as a lead-in to their attempt at securing ODI status at WCL Division Two in Namibia next month. “Of course, it’s the first T20 International USA is playing, so we want to win, so winning is important,” Dassanayake said. “But having said that, at the end of this year there’s a big tournament coming up - the T20 global qualifier - and regional qualifiers. “So we want to see what is our best combination and best players for that version. We’re going to try a few combinations tomorrow and the day after and see what’s best for us. “When we are talking about T20 into the 50-overs, we want to improve our death bowling; we want to improve our power-hitting ability. So all

of these training tours, today, tomorrow and even the T20 games going into 50-overs, we’ve got to cover a few things for us to shape up in the 50 overs as well.” USA’s biggest obstacle might have less to do with the opponents on the field and more to do with the effects of jet-lag. The squad had staggered arrivals over the course of the previous day, while Roy Silva missed the team’s lone training session altogether after his flight didn’t come in late yesterday morning.

leading up to this tour - something Netravalkar says will be a key factor in their ability to hit the ground running. The biggest addition to the USA squad is the recall of former West Indies Test batsman Xavier Marshall, who debuted for his adopted home in January 2018 but was left out of USA’s last three tournament squads to round out 2018. But he has been given a lifeline to re-enter the squad and is expected to come charging hard at the top of the order after top-scoring in an intra-squad trial match last

Xaviert Marshall

However, captain Saurabh Netravalkar was upbeat about how the team has acclimatised to the 32-degree desert heat after coming out of the winter. Former New South Wales fast bowler Burt Cockley, who now lives in Kansas, has been working with the USA squad to lay out a strength-and-conditioning programme to improve their fitness through the winter

month during a warm-up tour in Antigua. “The calibre of the player, you have no second thoughts,” Netravalkar said of Marshall. “He has played Test cricket, and his quality is right up there. But the passion that we saw in him in Antigua, the intensity that he put in his training sessions every day, it’s not just in Antigua.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

Wiltshire, Alphonso contest heats up Georgetown Court

English quartet happy to remain in Europe By Martyn Herman

LONDON, England (Reuters) - With British politics still engulfed in Brexit chaos, at least England’s football teams are providing some much-needed clarity when it comes to their standing in Europe. For the first time in 10 years, four English clubs have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League - the continent’s blue riband club competition. Liverpool’s 3-1 victory at German giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday completed the full house, the night after Manchester City thrashed Schalke 7-0 for a 10-2 aggregate victory. Tottenham Hotspur had already made it through to the last eight with a 4-0 aggregate drubbing of Borussia Dortmund while United’s dramatic victory over Paris St Germain put them back in the last eight for the first time in five years. Not since Chelsea’s unlikely triumph in Bayern Munich’s backyard in 2012 has an English club lifted the trophy.

In this Adrian Narine photo, the intensity of night one in the Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level tournament is shown.

THE Toucan Distributors Junior Skill Level tournament began on Wednesday evening at Georgetown Club, Camp Street with top seed Shomari Wiltshire in excellent form against Michael Alphonso. In the only Category A match of the evening, a cool Wiltshire patiently rallied out an eager Alphonso for a 3-0 victory. Despite Alphonso’s outstanding retrieval, Wiltshire’s accuracy, timing and pace dominated the match for an 11-2, 11-4, 11-0 win. In the Category B matches, a much-improved Mohryan Baksh faced the talented Abosaide Cadogan in a close bout. After an 11-6 defeat in the first game, Baksh made an early bid in the second, pulling ahead, before Cadogan closed the gap; and in a point-for-point battle of exciting cross courts, drives and drops, he succumbed 12-14. Cadogan fought her way through the third to a 3-0 triumph. Lucas Jonas gave an impressive performance against Kirsten Gomes in a 5-game match where he dominated the T and played some magnificent cross courts. Gomes was outplayed in the final game after levelling up 2-2 earlier in the match and Jonas took the win 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8. Brothers Zachary and Lucas Persaud secured victories in Categories C and E respectively, while in Category F, Safirah Summer fought hard against Mathew Spooner in the second game reaching 13-15 but couldn’t hold on and Spooner earned his first win 11-6, 13-11. In Category H, good serves proved the game-changers for the younger players loke Tianna Gomes. Mathew Daby, Solomon Ince-Carvalhal and Shriya Persaud all finished the night without dropping a game. Matches continue tomorrow from 18:00hrs at Georgetown Club.

RESULTS FOR THE EVENING: ♦ Category A Shomari Wiltshire trounced Michael Alphonso 11-2, 11-4, 11-0 ♦ Category B Abosaide Cadogan defeated Mohryan Baksh 11-6, 14-12, 11-9 Lucas Jonas beat Kirsten Gomes 11-6, 6-11, 11-9, 9-11, 11-8 ♦ Category C Zachary Persaud whipped Shiloh Asregado 11-6, 11-3, 11-4 Rayad Boyce thrashed Aishani Persaud 11-2, 11-5 ♦ Category D Lajuan Munroe trounced Teija Edwards 11-4, 11-4, 11-3 Nathan Rahaman bettered Beau Fernandes 7-11, 11-2, 11-3, 11-6 ♦ Category E Lucas Persaud whipped Arvin Seelall 11-6, 11-3 Dhiren Persaud defeated Angel Rahim 11-7, 11-5 ♦ Category F Christiana Fernandes mauled Mailia Maikoo 11-2, 11-4 Matthew Spooner beat Safirah Summer 11-6, 15-13 Grant Fernandes thrashed Noah Rahaman 11-5, 11-8 ♦ Category G Romero Muniram mauled Abhinav Singh 11-3, 11-7 William Escarraga got the better of Brenno DaSilva 11-6, 11-2 ♦ Category H Tianna Gomes demolished Eli Gouveia 11-0, 11-3 Mathew Daby trounced Jnae Singh 11-3. 11-5 Solomon Ince-Carvalhal smashed Nicholas Sawh 11-3, 11-1 Shriya Persaud crushed Nicholas Sawh 11-2, 11-2

Top race horses for Kennard’s Phagwah race meet

TURFITES, get ready! The stage is set for the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) grand horserace meet which is scheduled to be run off on Sunday at the club’s track at Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne, Berbice. The annual Phagwah race meet has been one of the country’s traditions over the years and this year’s meet is being deemed the ‘biggest’ in recent years, according to club president, Justice Cecil Kennard. For Sunday’s event, the feature race is for horses F3 and Lower, and among the animals set to compete are Awesome Warriors, Sheriff, Miss Olympic, The Rock, Just In Time, Secret Flyer, Release the Beast, The Cash and Blue Eye Boy. The three-year-old Guyana-bred horses race will see the winner take home $250 000 and a trophy in the seven-furlong race.

The J&K Class will carry a race, which is over seven furlongs, and will see the first-place winner bag $200 000 and a trophy. The race classified for L Class open animals will carry a winning purse of $180 000 while the winner of the race for L Class non-winners will claim $150 000 and a trophy. There is also a race for L Class non-earners for a top purse of $130 000 and a trophy. According to Kennard, if fewer than five horses are entered for any event, the club reserves the right to cancel, or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money, after consulting with the horse owners. According to Kennard, five horses must start before a third-place prize is paid, while seven horses must start a race before a fourth-place prize is paid. Race-time is 12:30hrs.

Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus celebrates scoring their seventh goal with team mates.

(Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith/File Photo) Of the seven Champions League finals prior to that Didier Drogba-inspired win, only once was no English side involved. A slump followed though and in the six seasons after that there were only six English quarter-finalists while in 2012-13 and 2014-15 no Premier League sides made the last eight. Liverpool’s run to the final last year signalled a re-awakening and this season, with holders Real Madrid, Bayern and PSG all out, the odds are shortening on the first all-English final since United beat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow in 2008. Barcelona and Juventus remain formidable threats in today’s draw, but both will be hoping to avoid the English sides, in particular Manchester City and Liverpool who are engaged in the tightest domestic title battle in Europe’s big leagues. While Liverpool’s preference may be to win a first English title since 1990, City’s Abu Dhabi owners hired Pep Guardiola with the specific goal of reigning in Europe. “For the owners, the holy grail is the Champions League,” former City defender Danny Mills told Sky Sports. “They have won the Premier league, they have won the FA Cup, won the League Cup but they haven’t quite got the Champions League trophy.” Guardiola said it is “incredible” to have four English clubs in the quarter-finals after a decade of Spanish control which saw the country provide three of the last eight for six successive seasons until this campaign. With Barcelona the only survivor it is the worst showing from Spanish clubs since 2010 when Inter Milan beat Bayern Munich in the final - the last Italian club to win it. It is too soon to start talking of a return to English domination of the Champions League but the quality at the top end of the Premier League this season is unrivalled. Liverpool’s squad strengthening has allowed them to establish parity with a Manchester City side who ran away with the title last year in record-breaking fashion. Tottenham, until a recent slump, admirably kept pace with the leading duo while Manchester United’s interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has released the full potential of the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea and Arsenal are still battling for a return to the Champions League via top-four finishes, and both could be in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. The quality extends further down the Premier League table too with the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Watford and West Ham United all capable of keeping the big guns on their toes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

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Former national players give back to senior table tennis team FORMER national table tennis players residing in the USA have teamed up to support some of Team Guyana’s national players in their quest to bring Guyana regional honours at the 61st Senior Caribbean Table Tennis championships and Pan America Qualification events, scheduled for March 24-31 at Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Guyana. The idea to support the

national team with their rubbers and other equipment was suggested by former Caribbean men’s, and 11-time National champion and now ITTF Level Three coach Sydney Christophe. He thought it would be a great gesture to support key team members with the rubbers they use and to have the older stalwarts connect with and support the younger generation of Guyana’s

Former national player Sydney Christophe

national table tennis players. Based on this idea, Christophe engaged other former national stalwarts and they readily agreed to support the team’s effort with the provision of table tennis rubbers for their racquets for the championships In a novel gesture, the former stalwarts identified and twinned with their player of choice whom they wished to support. The players in turn expressed a desire to explore avenues similar to this gesture to provide and lend their support to future national team representatives. The players were pleasantly surprised by the gesture and expressed their gratitude for the support provided. DONATIONS: ● Michael Christophe donated to Chelsea Edghill (Butterfly Tenergy Red and Black) ● Michael Christophe donated to Shemar Britton (Tenergy Red and Black) ● Souvenir Ramdyhal donated to Joel Alleyne (Butterfly Rozena-Red)

Van Lange, Thomas named in Guyana’s Junior & Cadet table tennis teams THE Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has named their junior and cadet squads for the 2019 Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championship. Following the National Junior Table Tennis championship, which was played on the weekend of March 1-3 at the Cliff Anderson Sports

Jonathan Van lange

Hall, Guyana Table Tennis Association named Guyana’s national Junior and Cadet teams with a view of having Guyana represented at the Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championship, scheduled for April 11-13 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Caribbean Junior and Cadet Table Tennis championship engages players between 15 years and 18 years and under boys and girls. The championship will be used as the qualification event for the Pan American Junior and Cadet Table Tennis championship scheduled for June in Cancun, Mexico. Guyana’s most formidable challenge will emerge from the U-15 Boys team

who have an abundance of talent with young U-18 and U-15 champion Jonathan Van Lange as well as the immensely talented Kaysan Ninvalle, Isaiah Layne and Krystian Sahadeo. There are some challenges with which the association will have to navigate in the Boys’ U-18 category given that most of the players are in the examination cycle. The team will consist of 2018 U-18 champion Nickolous Romain, the talented and determined Jamal Nichols, Terrence Rausche, Niran Bissu and Yuedistir Persaud. Newcomer Crystal Melville will be participating in the U-15 category after some impressive displays at recent local tournaments.

TEAMS LISTED BELOW: Boys U-15 Girls U-15 ● Jonathan Van Lange ● Thuraia Thomas ● Kaysan Ninvalle ● Crystal Melville ● Isaiah Layne ● Nkechi Mc Crae ● Krystian Sahadeo ● Jasmine Billinghi Boys U-18 Girls U-18 ● Nicholas Romain ● Neveah Clarkston ● Jamal Nicholas ● Aneka Philips ● Terrence Rausche ● Niran Bissu ● Yuedistir Persaud

● Mark and Marion Cheong donated to Natalie Cummings (Butterfly Rozena-Black) ● Lester Cummings donated to Natalie Cummings (Butterfly Rozena-Red Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX and a pair of Double Fish sneakers) ● Mike Clarke donated to Priscilla Greaves (Butterfly Tenergy 05 FX) ● Shaun Abrams donated to Nigel Bryan (Butterfly Tenergy 25 FX black and a pair of Gewo sneakers) ● Sydney Christophe donated to Christopher Franklin (Xiom Sigma Pro Max - Red and Black) ● Andrew Gorsira donated to Jody Ann (Butterfly Rozena-Red and Black) ● Rondell Jordan donated to Nigel Bryan (Butterfly Tenergy 25 FX Red) ● Sydney Christopher donated to Elishaba Johnson (Xiom Vega Pro Red and Black) ● Gary Pratt donated to Trenace Lowe (Butterfly Tenergy 05 2.1) ● Matthew Khan donated to Vibert Williams (Gewo Balls for team training)

San Souci Jaguars and Zeelandia through to final SANS Souci Jaguars and Zeelandia will clash in the final of the Wakenaam Cricket Committee Farmers T20 Cup competition on March 24. Both teams recorded contrasting wins in their semi-final game which were contested last Sunday at Wakenaam Community Centre ground. Sans Souci Jaguars defeated Noitgedacht Sports Club by eight wickets. Batting first, Noitgedacht SC were bowled out for 96 in 19.2 overs. Matthew Cheong slammed five fours and one six in a top score of 43, while Neil Ramalho made 16. Siddiq Mohamed picked up 4-15 and Zameer Zaman 2-2.

Sans Souci Jaguars responded with 97-2 in 10.4 overs. Nokta Moses struck 31, Beesham Moses 28 and Zameer Zaman 25; Cheong had 2-10. Zeelandia upset Sans Souci by 18 runs. Zeelandia took first strike and managed 173-5. Jashpaul Gangaram struck four fours in scoring 43, while Navishaul Pooran made 37 with five fours and one six. Seon Venture took 2-12. Sans Souci threatened somewhat before they fell for 155 in 19 overs in response. Kamal Khan scored 47 including three fours and two sixes and Quacy Whyte 22; Ryan Atkinson grabbed 4-23 and Ajay Ghansham 3-24.

Liverpool aiming to steal a march on title rivals City By Martyn Herman

LONDON, England (Reuters) - Riding the crest of a wave after their superb victory over Bayern Munich, Liverpool have the perfect opportunity to edge back in front in a titanic Premier League title race at struggling Fulham on Sunday.

for his team - rather than hinder their domestic title bid. And the way they controlled the Bundesliga giants for a 3-1 victory will give them a massive surge of confidence. “It is a fantastic sign that we again set a mark for LFC, for this wonderful club, that we really are back on the landscape on international, top-

Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their second goal with Roberto Firmino. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers)

With leaders Manchester City continuing their audacious pursuit of a quadruple the previous day in the FA Cup quarter-final, Liverpool have the chance to sneak two points clear of Pep Guardiola’s side with victory at Craven Cottage. While City would then have a game in hand, points in the bag at this stage of a title runin, especially with big Champions League clashes looming on the horizon, can be a huge advantage. Liverpool boss Juergen Klopp said before Wednesday’s Champions League last16 clash in Munich that victory could “change the world”

class football,” Klopp said. The only slight concern was an ankle injury sustained by skipper Jordan Henderson that means the midfielder will miss the trip to Craven Cottage. Yet even without him it is hard to see a relegation-bound Fulham side beaten in nine of their last 10 Premier League matches causing too many problems. In the two games they have played under caretaker boss Scott Parker, their third manager of the season, they showed signs of life in defeats by Chelsea and Leicester City. They are, however, 13

points away from the Premier League safety zone with eight games left, and, along with bottom club Huddersfield Town who travel to West Ham United tomorrow, are now simply playing for pride. That leaves one from Cardiff City, Burnley, Southampton, Brighton and Hove Albion, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United to join them through the relegation trap door. Of those only Burnley and Newcastle are in action this weekend with Burnley, one place and two points above the bottom three, at home to mid-table Leicester City. After going eight league matches without defeat, Burnley have lost three in a row and can ill-afford a slip-up at home. When Newcastle United trailed 2-0 against Everton last week they looked like being sucked deep into the relegation mire, but a remarkable turnaround saw them claim a 3-2 win that kept them six points clear of 18th-placed Cardiff. Rafa Benitez’s side go to Bournemouth tomorrow, knowing victory will put them within sight of safety. Of the four clubs scrapping for third and fourth place, only sixth-placed Chelsea are in league action this weekend as they travel to Goodison Park on Sunday to face Everton. Victory for Chelsea would lift them level on points with fourth-placed Arsenal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

MCC leads push for revised Test rules … Cricket’s oldest format could be in for some radical changes ahead of the inaugural Test Championship

By Dave Middleton TEST cricket could be set for a radical shake-up under plans proposed by the influential MCC World Cricket committee that would see the introduction of free hits for no-balls, a countdown timer between overs and standardising the type of ball used in matches around the globe. The committee – an independent body made up of past international cricketers including Australians Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Rod Marsh – made a series of recommendations ahead of the impending introduction of the Test Championship, which begins with the Ashes series in July. The suggestions – which would need ratification by the ICC before they were included in the playing conditions for Test cricket – are primarily

geared towards speeding up over rates in the longest format. The MCC’s committee said it was concerned by recent ICC statistics that showed over-rates in Test cricket were the lowest they had been in the past 11 years. The recommendation to force all teams to play with the one brand of cricket ball around the globe has been met with mixed reviews. Warne said it was a bid to “level the playing field for the Test championship. “Whatever ball that is that everyone deems the best, that does something, it seams, it swings, it keeps its shape for the longest period of time,” Warne said after the committee meeting in India. “Whatever ball that is, especially with the Test Championship coming up, if everyone plays with the

... same ball, I think it’s a more equal playing field so you really do get (to find out) what is the best Test team in the world.” Currently, Dukes manufacture balls for Tests in England and West Indies,

Former Australia legendary players Ricky Ponting (left) and Shane Warne

Walter Moore, ‘Jackie Chan’ in Golden Jaguars squad to face Suriname tomorrow FINLAND-based and long-serving Golden Jagu a r s d e f e n d e r Wa l t e r Moore, along with Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson, was named in the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) 18-man squad that was announced yesterday. Golden Jaguars will play Suriname Senior Men’s National team tomorrow, as Guyana wrap up their training matches before their final CONCACAF Nation’s League Qualifier against Belize on March 23. The squad, while predominantly Guyana-based, includes two international-based players - Sheldon Holder and Walter Moore. The latter arrived in Guyana last Monday. The squad consists of two goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders and four forwards. Guyana-based assistant coach Charles Pollard explained the criteria used to select the 18 shortlisted players: “Selection was down to hard work. Over the eight weeks, the players have demonstrated dedication, willpower and good attitude towards the programme. “Fitness was one of the key areas considered. They rose from an amateur level to an almost professional level in this regard. Tactical awareness was also another element considered, which is one of the areas where there is still some work to be done, but the players have been showing great improvement towards the playing philosophy.” To m o r r o w ’s m a t c h ,

scheduled for the Pierkhan Stadium, Nickerie, Suriname from 16:30hrs or 15:30hrs (local time), will see the team play a stronger opponent following previous training matches with Regional Member Associations teams and one from an elite club. Pollard said while the results are not the key focus, “an overall good performance will be required”.

Walter Moore

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson

Among the technical squad are: head coach Michael Johnson; assistant coach Charles Pollard; goalkeeper coach Eon De Veira; team doctor, Dr Kojo

while the SG ball is used in India, and the Kookaburra is used in all other countries. The white Kookaburra is used for all ODI and T20 international cricket, while that manufacturer also supplies the pink ball used in day-night

Sandiford; physiotherapist Quacy Paddy; head of Sports Science, Wilson Toledo; head of Recruitment, Faizal Khan; Team Operations manager Rawle Adams; Equipment manager Trevor Burnett and assistant Equipment manager Levi Braithwaite. The training matches are part of the preparation for Guyana’s final CONCACAF Nations League qualifier against Belize at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Tickets for the match are $1500 at the following locations: Andrew’s Supermarket - Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, The Guinness Bar – D’Urban Street, GT; West Indian Sports Complex, Robb Street; Nice Restaurant, Status Hotel, Croal Street, GT; Pegasus Hotel Guyana; KFC Outlets - Regent Street & Mandela Avenue; Dad’s Fish Shop (Den Amstel), Patsy Food Court and Bar, Linden Soesdyke Junction and The Fashion Box, Vendors Arcade, Bartica. Fan jerseys are also available at GFF Secretariat and Guyana Pegasus at G$5 000. The squad: Akel Clarke and Alex Murray (GK). William Europe, Walter Moore, Quincy Adams, King Solomon Austin, Sherwin Skeete and Kevin Layne (defenders). Leo Lovell, Trayon Bobb, Vurlon Mills, Clive Nobrega, Kelsey Benjamin and Pernel Schultz (midfielders). Gregory Richardson, Delon Lanferman, Sheldon Holder and Delroy Fraser (forwards).

Test cricket. QUICK SINGLE The Dukes ball has been in use for the second half of the JLT Sheffield Shield in Australia for the past three seasons, including the ongoing one. It remains unknown how the Dukes ball would fare in the abrasive conditions of the subcontinent, and MCC will seek to trial it in that region before any decision on a preferred ball for the Test Championship would be made. The recommendation to introduce free hits to Test cricket would mirror a practice already ingrained in the limited-overs formats. The committee also wants a timer to count down from 45 seconds at the call of over, and if either side is not ready for the next over when the clock reaches zero, they receive a warning. Any subsequent infringements would see five

penalty runs awarded to the opposition. The countdown would be increased to 60 seconds for a new batsman on strike, and 80 seconds for a change of bowler. The committee found while the Decision Review System (DRS) was partly responsible for the delays, “more urgency needed to be shown by the players, who should play a brand of ‘ready-cricket’ with more forward planning.” In addition to the timer between overs, a timer between the fall of wickets would also be introduced “potentially with variable times, depending on the distance from the dressing rooms to the pitch”. They also recommended streamlining the DRS protocols to jump forward to ball-tracking data as soon as possible where it is relevant to the referred decision. (Cricket.com.au)

Mohammed hits unbeaten 89 in Red Force 338 for five on opening day TAROUBA, Trinidad (CMC) – Jason Mohammed struck his 14th first-class half-century and third of the season to spearhead a strong Trinidad and Tobago Red Force batting effort, on the opening day of their rescheduled firstround match in the Regional Four-Day Championship against Jamaica Scorpions here yesterday. Choosing to bat first at Brian Lara Stadium, Red Force finished the day on 338 for five with Mohammed eyeing triple figures unbeaten on 89. The right-hander faced 149 deliveries in just over 3-¼ hours at the crease and struck seven fours and three sixes. Openers Kyle Hope with 64 and Jeremy Solozano, 63, also chipped in with half-centuries while captain Denesh Ramdin struck 41 and Lendl Simmons 30. Speedster Nicholson Gordon, in his third first-class match but first in three seasons, bowled superbly to finish with four for 49. His effort was required after Red Force kept the visitors wicket-less in the first session as Hope and Solozano took their side to lunch at 116 without loss. All told, they added 127 for the first wicket before Hope was lbw to Nicholson early in the second session, after facing 100 balls in 128 minutes and striking 10 fours. His dismissal triggered a slide that saw Red Force lose three wickets for nine runs to slump to 136 for three, as Gordon ran through the top order in a devastating spell accounting for Joshua Da Silva (5) and Solozano.

The left-handed Solozano struck 11 fours off 126 deliveries in nearly 2-½ hours at the crease, passing 500 runs for the season in the process. Mohammed then arrived to anchor three successive half-century stands which propped up Red Force innings. First, he added 51 for the fourth wicket with Simmons, in a partnership which took the hosts to tea at 235 for four.

When Simmons played on to the first ball of leg-spinner Nkrumah Bonner’s first spell, Mohammed put on a further 87 for the fifth wicket with Ramdin who counted five fours in a 65-ball knock. Gordon returned to remove Ramdin to a catch at the wicket off one that lifted sharply but Mohammed and Khary Pierre, unbeaten on 26, have so far put on 64 in an unbroken sixth-wicket

Jeremy Solozano … passed 500 runs for the season.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday, March 15, 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: 33 wickets (30 matches) 37 balls

(1)

TODAY’S QUIZ: How many T20 Internationals Shiv Chanderpaul played? How many times he captained the WI in T20 Internationals?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, March 15, 2019

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WIPA, CWI truce no measure of player satisfaction: Shallow at the very last minute (retained for the T20 series), I can tell you that players all around the region on the weekend were wondering if they were going to be selected to play on Tuesday, for this T20 series,” Shallow told the audience. “At the very last minute after sacrifices, they are told ‘no, you’re not playing because we’re keeping this group of players’. That cannot help the relationship between the board and players because while the selected players would have been happy for the opportunity, these are the specialists who have made great sacrifices and who will be disgruntled and lose trust in the board.” West Indies subsequently suffered an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash, dismissed for historic lows of 45 and 71 in the sec-

CWI vice-presidential challenger, Dr Kishore Shallow, speaking at the cricket forum at UWI Cave Hill Campus

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Cricket West Indies vice-presidential candidate, Dr Kishore Shallow, is not convinced the improved relationship between the board and players union, WIPA, is as healthy as is being purported. Relations between the two bodies have been acrimonious in the past but in recent years have settled down, with CWI president Dave Cameron and WIPA president, Wavell Hinds – both Jamaicans – seemingly enjoying a productive relationship. But Shallow said the cessation of hostilities between CWI and WIPA was not necessarily indicative of the players happiness with the way the board was being run. “We’ve been misled somewhat to think there’s a great relationship with WIPA (because) of Dave Cameron and Wavell Hinds,” Shallow said during a cricket forum at UWI Cave Hill Campus here earlier this week. “We obviously know better. What is important is that we offer our players that sense of security.” Pointing to the recent move by the board to retain the oneday players for the Twenty20 series against England, Shallow said the decision had lacked transparency, proper planning and had not gone down well with several specialist T20 players. The board announced 24 hours before the opening T20 International on March 5 in St Lucia that the one-day squad would be kept together for the series, in order to further planning for the ICC World Cup in England later this year. “This recent decision to have players, our one-day players,

GABA/Let’s Bet Sports Knockout tournament starts tonight COMPEITIVE basketball returns to the Burnham Hard Court on Middle and Carmichael Streets tonight when the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) hosts its first tournament of 2019 with support from the Guyana Lottery Company’s sports betting division; Let’s Bet

Sports. The GABA is sponsoring the six-team under-23 division knockout while Let’s Bet Sports is the title sponsor of the first and second divisions. The Under-23 division which begins tonight will conclude on Sunday evening. This evening’s fixtures will pit Kobras taking Eagles in the first match at 18:30hrs

while the University of Guyana will clash with Sonics in the second game at 20:30hrs. Tomorrow, Pacesetters will play the winners of Friday’s first match at 18:30hrs while the winners of Friday’s feature game will play Plaisance Guardians in Saturday’s second game at 20:30hrs. For the 2nd division, it will be a five-team single elimination with Sonics and Vikings trashing it out for a stake in the final four which already has Guardians, Pacesetters and Eagles already in the semi-final stage. Their leg of the tournament starts on March 19 alongside the first division and will run for seven days. However, the most senior division will see eight teams trash it out for top honours. According to head of the GABA, Adrian Hooper, the top teams in the first and second divisions are set to receive lucrative cash prizes, thanks to the Guyana Lottery Company; something that has not been possible in the past years.

ond and third matches in St Kitts. Shallow, the president of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Association, said CWI’s decision-making needed to be of such that it promoted trust with players. “We have to start by being honest with the players,” Shallow contended. “We have to be consistent in our decision-making and we have to show that level of transparency in terms of how we make our decisions as a board.” Shallow will be up against incumbent Emmanuel Nanthan at the March 24 CWI elections in Jamaica, while running mate Ricky Skerritt is challenging incumbent president Dave Cameron.

Harding destroys Hurricanes for 90 to confirm Jaguars as champions Page

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Fast bowler Keon Harding destroyed Hurricanes with five for 29.

GFF Elite League season four starts tonight Guyana Lottery Company/Let’s WESTERN Tigers FC and Milerock FC will kick off the first double-header of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League Season 4 from 18:30hrs tonight at GDF ground, Camp Ayanganna while GDF FC and Police FC will be the featured matchup at 20:30hrs. This was confirmed following the technical meeting held with representatives of all Elite Clubs yesterday evening at the GFF Secretariat, where it was decided that the season will run for three months to June 2019. A march past of all clubs is scheduled for 17:00hrs prior to the official kick-off. Clubs will compete for a chance to win a grand total of $4.5M, where the winners will pocket $2M, second-placers $1.2M and third-placers $800 000. The team finishing fourth will go home with $500 000. The GFF Elite league is the highest form of competitive football played in Guyana and according to the Rules and Regulations of Season 4, the 10 clubs will play one round of football, resulting in the club acquiring the most points being declared the winner. Match-days will feature mostly double-headers at stipulated venues on Fridays and Sundays with a few match-days scheduled for Saturdays. The overall league Champion Club will be awarded an automatic qualifying spot at the CONCACAF/Caribbean Shield Championships.

Bet Sports support Golden Jaguars Gold Cup quest 30

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Agard officiating in Haiti championship

AIBA referee Ramona Agard

GUYANA’S lone AIBA one star referee Ramona Agard left for Haiti on Wednesday to officiate in the Haiti National Championship which punched off yesterday afternoon in St Marc. Agard’s participation was made possible following talks between Guyana Boxing Board (GBA) president Steve Ninvalle and the Boxing Association of Haiti. Ninvalle explained that the trip to the French-speaking island signals the commencement of a systematic international exposure programme for local boxing officials. This includes having a Guyanese Certified Two Star referee judge and an International Technical Officer (ITO) this year. Agard is expected to return home on Monday.

Let’s Bet Sports Brand Ambassador, Rawle Toney (left), presents the jerseys and tickets to GFF’s Social Media Officer Keeran Williams.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2019