TUESDAY 19th March, 2019
No.105581
SEE INSIDE FOR NATIONAL GRADE SIX ASSESSMENT MATHEMATICS AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE WORKED EXAMPLES
‘Tone down the rhetoric’ …Nigel Hughes says ill-informed political discourse adding tension to society
No racial bias in 18 49 hinterland youths hiring of GECOM DCEO get full scholarships …PPP failed to provide evidence to support claims to attend UG SEE STORY ON PAGE 9 PAGE
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‘Let the courts decide’
…PM warns against persons trying to influence judiciary
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Gov't, Carter Center discuss political situation SEE STORY ON PAGE 3
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams (second right), with (from left) members of the visiting Carter Center team, Davis J. Caroll, Brett Lacy and Jason J. Carter
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Gov’t, Carter Center discuss political situation
A TEAM of representatives from the Carter Center on Monday visited Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams SC and discussed the current political situation in Guyana in light of the passage of the no-confidence motion. A statement from the Attorney General Chambers did not provide the details of the meeting. Last week, Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, had said that he held talks with the centre. He too had declined to divulge details of his talks with the organisation. Among the Carter Centre officials who met with the AG are: Davis J. Caroll, Brett Lacy and Jason J. Carter. Last Friday, President David Granger assured that his government was not unconstitutional and that there is no legal impediment that restrains it from exercising its functions or requires it to assume only ‘caretaker’
functions. In an address to the nation, the Guyanese leader said notwithstanding the passage of the motion of no-confidence in the National Assembly on December 21, last year, the current political situation “should not be a cause for alarm and anxiety.” To this end, he said he is prepared to do his part to ensure credible elections are held as he underscored the importance of political cooperation at this critical junction in the country’s history. “I am prepared to do my part to ensure credible elections within…the shortest time possible this year. The decisions which have to be made and the actions which need to be taken, however, are not mine alone,” President Granger said. His address had come days before the expiration of the three-month constitutional deadline for the holding of early of elections, which were triggered by the December 21, 2018 vote of
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams
no-confidence against the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government. Pending the outcome of the Appeal Court’s decision on the validity of the motion, the government needs the support of the Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to extend the time
for the holding of General and Regional Elections. According to the Constitution, a two-thirds majority of all elected members of the National Assembly is needed to extend the deadline for elections. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has long indicated that it lacks the technical and financial capability to hold the elec-
tions within the three-month timeframe, and is now in the process of preparing a plan of action for the holding of elections within the shortest possible time. “I rely on the commission’s readiness, the provision of funds and the expansion of time by the National Assembly to conduct credible elections. I rely on the outcome of legal challenges by the Court of Appeal. I rely, also, on public confidence in the institutions responsible for executing these processes. They demand political cooperation, not confrontation,” the Head of State told the nation. President Granger said it is his desire that credible elections be held in the shortest possible time, and assured the nation that his government’s actions are consistent and are in compliance with the Constitution. “I urge everyone not to be intimidated by incen-
diary insinuations aimed at instigating disaffection which could affect preparations for elections. I assure everyone that the government will spare no effort to protect your fundamental rights and freedoms. Guyanese, I am confident that the path we have chosen is the best for the nation,” the Head of State told the nation. In recent days, the government has had cause to condemn statements made by the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, that President Granger ceases to be President after March 21, 2019. Jagdeo has also called on Guyanese to “chase out” the President and his ministers. The government has deemed Jagdeo’s utterances as malicious. It is believed that his remarks are intended to create confusion amongst the populace.
‘Tone down the rhetoric’
…Nigel Hughes says ill-informed political discourse adding tension to society …making racial climate more difficult, challenging
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW Nigel Hughes says that while some in the political realm are suggesting that a constitutional crisis will ensue in Guyana come March 21, 2019, the real “crisis” would be for the country to experience contrasting decisions in an electoral and judicial process. “Assuming, in the middle of this present appeal, there were by some miracle to have an election on March 22 this year and there is a result of that election that is contrary to the result that we have in 2015, and then sometime in April we get a ruling from the Caribbean Court of Justice that say’s the no-confidence vote was invalid…but you’ve got a new president. What is the consequence of that,” Hughes reasoned. “They are going to say that the new President was validly elected in office and one side is going to say ‘what are you talking about? The President only got elected by virtue of a no-confidence vote
on the assumptions that it was valid’. In my view, it is less than careful to put the country – looking at the extreme position – in that crisis…think about the social disruption that will take place. It would be irresponsible to allow the country to get there.” Hughes was speaking at the time on the ‘Facing the Nation’ programme hosted by Press Secretary and Television Anchor, Malika Ramsey last week. Since the ruling of the High Court on the passing of the December 2018 no-confidence motion, the government has challenged the decision which is up for ruling in the Court of Appeal this week. Oral arguments for the Conservatory Orders and Stay of proceedings are expected soon. Hughes said that as in any other court case, a party that is not in favour of a particular ruling has the right to appeal the decision until all their options of appeal are exhausted. While the opposition has
criticised the government for challenging the validity of the motion, the President has reminded the public that the Speaker of the National Assembly, in declining to reverse the December 21, 2018 decision, recommended that settlement be sought through the court. Hughes stated that presently there are several interpretations of the Constitution regarding the passing of the no-confidence motion and it is in the best interest of the country for the conflict to be resolved once and for all by the court. He also addressed the opposition’s cries of a looming “constitutional crisis”, as being promoted as an “acute political rhetoric with the intent of creating an atmosphere of instability”. “I don’t think we have social instability. I certainly don’t think there’s anything unstable about where we are. Institutions are functioning, there’s no social unrest, it’s not as if there’s a strike; it’s not as if law and order is un-
der threat; it’s not as if there are certain sections of the population that feels that they are being targeted,” he assessed. “What we do have is a very acute and thrill political conversation taking place between two major political parties that has added to the tension of the society and has, I would say, made the racial climate more difficult and more challenging,” Hughes said. “I don’t think in that sort of environment that anybody…should add to anything that may acerbate those difficult circumstances. At the end of the day we’ve identified a problem and therefore I think, as people, we must be able to identify a solution and we must pursue it in some sort of a rational way.” At the recent memorial held by the opposition for the late former President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, at the Babu Jaan community, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had urged supporters to “chase” government members from
their communities come March 21, 2019. “When the ministers or Granger or Nagamootoo come here after the 21st of March, say to them, walk behind them and chase them out; they’re gonna be illegal,” he said. APPEAL TO THE BEST IN US However, commenting on the current political climate, Hughes said: “Our political leaders cannot continue to appeal to the worst in us. We can’t chase anybody out; we can’t decide we’re putting people there [in power] because they’re loyal to us or they look like us. We have to appeal to the best in us and really say to the country, ‘this is how we begin to build a nation’.” He later added: “Shouting at each other doesn’t solve it. At some stage you’ve got to come to the table to talk. I hope, in Guyana’s case, the examples throughout the world [will prove] that even in the worst of wars; the worst of social crisis; in the worst of civil uprising; at the end of the day you have to come to the table and talk.”
Indeed, according to Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, an extension of March 21, 2019 deadline can be extended by “not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly”. However, it has been noted in the media that should the High Court’s decision be upheld that the no-confidence motion was validly passed and in the absence of the twothirds majority, the Appellate Court has the power to extend the timeframe. Leaving his opinion on the current political debate and contrasting it to Guyana recent discovery of oil, Hughes said: “If we only think about the sort of transformational effect that could take place as a result of this bonanza in oil – if used properly, transparently etcetera – then really we should be working together as to how we’re going to create strong democratic institutions that will give everybody equal opportunity…we have this fantastic opportunity and we’re spending it fighting each other.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Haitian government collapses
PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, Mar 18, CMC – Six months after he was sworn into office, the government of
Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant was forced out of office Monday after the Lower Chamber of Depu-
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
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ties voted overwhelming to remove it from office. The move came as Prime Minister Céant had gone to the Senate for a meeting only to find 13 Senators present. The Senate, citing the recent arrest of five armed Americans last month and their subsequent release with the help of the State Department, had summoned both Céant and his justice minister to its chamber on Monday. Senate President Carl Murat Cantave tweeted that due to the lack of a quorum, the prime minister’s session is being rescheduled for
Wednesday However, in the Lower Chamber of Deputies, where 104 Deputies, were present, they voted by a wide margin to censure the Prime Minister. The agenda of the session was adopted by 88 deputies, 12 against and 4 abstentions and without the prime minister present, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies announced the continuation of the interpellation. “The results of the session will be communicated to him,” said Deputy Gary Bodeau. In the vote to remove the government, 93 law
04:00hrs.-05:30hrs. 14:30hrs.-16:00hrs.
08, 13, 19 21, 25
7, 0, 4
4, 4, 3
makers voted in favour of the motion, six against and three abstained. A letter will be sent to the President Jovenel Moise regarding the appointment of a a new prime minister. “The Government of Jean Henry Céant received a motion of censure from the Chamber of Deputies with 93 votes in favour, 6 against and 3 abstentions,” the Chamber of Deputies announced just after midday on Monday. “It was illegal. It was unconstitutional,” said Deputy Sinal Betrand, who was among the six who voted against the government’s censure. Political observers said that in the absence of a quorum in the Senate on Monday morning, Prime Minister Céant could not benefit from a six month stay by way of a vote of confidence. Céant later told the Miami Herald newspaper “the decision is illegal and was outside of the constitution, It is unacceptable.” He said that the justice system needs to shed light. The Senate is trying to fight Céant’s ouster. Céant and his 21-member cabinet will remain in office as caretakers until a new prime minister is named by President Moïse. Under Haitian law, a caretaker prime minister and government can only oversee the country’s day-to-day affairs, and cannot enter into any new
contracts. Céant, a lawyer had replaced Jack Guy Lafontant, as prime minister following a series of street demonstrations over fuel increases. But in recent weeks, President Moise has been under pressure from opposition parties to step down over his handling of domestic affairs as well as the use of funds under the PetroCaribe an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment. Moise has already indicated that he does not intend to step down in favour of armed gangs and drug traffickers, acknowledging that the “the crisis we are going through is very serious”. Last month, CARICOM leaders at their inter-sessional summit in St. Kitts-Nevis “expressed deep concern about the situation prevailing in Haiti during the past three weeks characterized by violent protests jeopardizing the political, economic and social stability of the country’. “Heads of Government call upon all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue as a means to address peacefully and meaningfully all relevant issues and to create the conditions for lasting political stability essential to the sustainable economic and social development of Haiti.”
01, 07, 08, 11, 17 15, March, 2019
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
May’s Brexit deal in chaos …as Speaker sparks ‘constitutional crisis’ LONDON (Reuters) Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit plans were thrown into further turmoil on Monday when the speaker of parliament ruled that she could not put her divorce deal to a new vote unless it was re-submitted in fundamentally different form. In comments that blindsided May’s office, Speaker John Bercow said the government could not bring forward proposals for a vote in parliament that were substantially the same as had been defeated twice before, in January and last week. Brexiteers seeking a complete break from the
European Union saw a “nodeal” exit as now more likely, but the government made clear it would seek to put off Brexit beyond the March 29 departure date, if the EU approves. One of the government’s senior law officers, Solicitor General Robert Buckland, said: “We’re in a major constitutional crisis here.” He told the BBC one way to bring May’s deal back for a vote in the House of Commons could be prorogation - ending the parliament session prematurely and starting a new one. According to precedents stretching back to 1604, parliamentary rules say that substantially similar
proposals cannot be voted on in the House of Commons more than once during the same session of parliament. ADVERTISEMENT Bercow said his ruling should not be considered his last word and the government could bring forward a new proposition that was not the same as those already voted upon. The pound fell to its day’s low against the euro and the dollar on Bercow’s statement, before recovering when the government said negotiations on a deal were continuing with lawmakers from Northern Ireland, who prop up May’s minority government and
have opposed her withdrawal accord so far. “This is my conclusion: if the government wishes to bring forward a new proposition that is neither the same, nor substantially the same, as that disposed of by the House on the 12th of March, this would be entirely in order,” Bercow said. “What the government cannot legitimately do is to resubmit to the House the same proposition or substantially the same proposition as that of last week which was rejected by 149 votes.” The ruling was welcomed by eurosceptic lawmakers in May’s Conservative Party because it appeared to in-
crease the likelihood of Britain leaving the EU without a deal. May’s Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with the EU last year was seen by Brexiteers as leaving Britain too closely aligned to the EU while depriving it of voting rights in the bloc. “May I say how delighted I am that you have decided to follow precedent, which is something I am greatly in favor of,” said Jacob Rees-Mogg, chairman of the European Research Group of eurosceptics in parliament. However Kwasi Kwarteng, a Brexit minister, told parliament the government intended to seek an extension to the Brexit departure deadline, which he expected the EU to decide on at a summit this week. The head of the 2016 referendum
Speaker John Bercow
campaign to leave the EU, Matthew Elliott, said he expected lawmakers to “see sense” and pass May’s deal by March 29. SURPRISE Bercow’s pronouncement appeared to take May’s Downing Street office by surprise.
Man remanded for assaulting policemen, robbery
ORIN Ridley, a 26-yearold resident of 173 Campbell Street, was, on March 18, hauled before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for four offences, allegedly committed between January 31, 2019, and March 12, 2019. Particulars of the first charge alleged that, on March 12, 2019, while being armed with a gun, he robbed Sunika Ramkalan, in the vicinity of Albert Street, Georgetown, of one BLU Cellphone, a bag and an umbrella, all valued at $24,000. The second charge read that on January 31, 2019, at Albert Street, he allegedly robbed Akash Ramkalan of
Accused: Orin Ridley
a pedal cycle valued $18,000 while being armed with a gun. He was also charged for assaulting Police Constable Nigel Reid who attempted to apprehend him at his Camp-
bell Street home on March 12, 2019. The last charge read that on March 12, 2019, at his 173 Campbell Street home, he also allegedly assaulted Police Constable Clive Mark with the intention to hinder the police from arresting him. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges read to him by the magistrate and, in his attempt to prove his innocence in the matter, he proffered
that the charges were a set-up and swore that he was not a part of any wrong-doing. The miner was refused bail following Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield’s objection to the bail application, noting the seriousness of the offence. The magistrate subsequently remanded the accused to prison until his next court appearance on March 25, 2019.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Investigation into medical mistakes
WITHIN days of each other, three small children who were undergoing treatment for leukemia at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) died. The tragedy immediately caught the attention of the media, especially since the implication was that something had gone horribly wrong, thereby causing the general public to sympathise with the bereaved parents. From time to time, over the years, at both the public and private hospitals, there have been many complaints of mistreatment from the relatives of patients who had either died or been incapacitated by treatment. But this is the first time in many years, almost outside of living memory, that a thorough investigation of mistreatment has ever been conducted by the hospital’s administration, the Ministry of Health, and later the Guyana Medical Council. The findings of these investigations have been published, and the relatives of
the children been involved and informed. The investigations broke new ground and brought Guyana into the ambience of what obtains in the Developed Countries, since the Guyanese public had come to believe that all medical mistakes resulting in death or disability would be quickly swept under the carpet and no redress, even a word of sympathy or regret would ever be forthcoming. Dr Karen Gordon-Campbell, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, was the spokesperson for her Ministry. She explained that the drug which had to be administered to the children was vinercristine, and the correct dosage was indeed administered, but it was the methodology of the administration which caused the disaster. According to Dr Gordon-Campbell, the drug at reference should have been intrathecally administered, but was instead done intravenously. The Ministry’s investigations also found
that medical protocols the doctors should have followed were never adhered to. The findings of the investigations carried out by the GPHC’s Board of Directors,chaired by Ms Kessaundra Alves and the Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr Jeffrey, were similar to those of the Ministry of Public Health. Ms Alves mentioned that the death of the children was due to “human deficiencies,” and that “systematic challenges contributed to the demise of these three children.” The Ministry of Public Health said much the same thing, but in much less guarded language. Ms Alves mentioned the process of the investigation: “As part of its remit, this Committee from the Public Health Ministry conducted a fact-finding, through the review of each patient’s chart, interview with relevant staff members of the GPHC, and also with the parents of the patients. The Committee’s Preliminary Report was sub-
mitted on February 22, and the final Report was submitted to the CMO on February 28, 2019.” Ms Alves went on to say that officials of the Ministry as well as the GPHC administration interacted with the relatives of the three children, and informed them of the findings of the investigations. The Guyana Medical Council had already requested the findings of the investigations, and these have been sent to them. In these Investigation Reports, there were always some suggestion as to how to avoid recurrences of this unfortunate nature. The three doctors who were treating the patients have been sent on administrative leave. Before this issue is finally settled, there are a few things that have to be done, and these include the suggestions of improving the system and avoiding recurrences; compensation for the relatives of the children who died; and the taking of disciplinary action against
the young doctors who were involved. This newspaper is of the view that the young doctors should be in constant contact with the more experienced specialists, and that if there are not enough specialists in the various fields at the public Hospitals, retired specialists should be engaged as consultants to the young doctors. Contact between the young doctor and specialist can be done electronically by way of, for example, the use of such gadgets as the Ipad. In the past, specialists were always on call by their younger colleagues for their guidance and opinion. And, on the ground, a specialist should always be involved with younger doctors in certain types of cases. In the past, training was usually done in the United Kingdom, where it was rigorous and thorough. A system of exchanges could be organised between known medical schools and Guyana, so that younger Guya-
nese doctors could be given wider and in-depth exposure. Today, in many cases, medicine is treated as a commercial or money-making activity. The humanitarian side of the profession needs to be resuscitated, and young doctors should always be reminded of their Hippocratic Oath. In this regard, the Medical Council and professional organisations could be of help. In the United States, there are a variety of insurances for both patients and doctors. The American system, as it turns out, can be very costly. Therefore, Guyana should avoid adopting any model or system which would increase medical costs. The ground which has been now gained should not be lost, and the medical authorities should always be prepared to unfailingly investigate complaints of medical mistakes and mis-treatments. If this is done, it would be a notable step in improving our health service.
GB&GWU will wage battle valiantly –at all times, to protect workers Dear Editor, THE Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) notes that despite the apparent statements of solidarity and calling on the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI/Rusal) to reinstate workers, etc. there is a greater effort to sow seeds of discord between the Union and the workers, and as such the statements made by Sherwin Downer, President of the National Mine Workers Union of Guyana (NMWUG) are seen as duplicitous, some may say treacherous. They are unwelcomed for they lack the true spirit of brotherhood and solidarity which true unions are noted for, and which was demonstrated in the support that was received
from many in public space. The entity known as NMWUG is best known as ‘the union’ that BCGI sought to foist on the workers at Aroaima as it sought to displace and derecognise the GB&GWU. The NMWUG has no bargaining rights anywhere, and has never represented workers in any company or industry. It will hereafter be referred to as ‘the entity’. During the struggles of the GB&GWU, when organisations, trade unions, groups and individuals came out in solidarity, ‘the entity’ and Downer were silent, but seeks now, at this juncture, to undermine workers’ confidence when the GB&GWU is sitting at the bargaining table with BCGI in an atmosphere of cordiality and mutual respect. To question the motive of bilateral discussions between BCGI and the GB&GWU is a subtle and devi-
ous way of undermining the confidence of the workers in their Union. Downer has always been on the opposite side of the workers and their Union in BCGI and along with others of the same mindset to destroy the GB&GWU. There is no doubt in this instance he is seeking to continue in this capacity, and in this regard he remains consistent. For Downer, trade union course 101 would help him to understand that when the company sits directly across the table and treat with the union, it is a strong signal that the management has accepted the union as the sole bargaining agent for the workers employed. Further, when the Labour Department or Ministry of Social Protection invites the union and company, it is the Department and ministry’s meeting. When either the union or company request of the other to have a meeting, it becomes a meeting of the two parties, with neither of the two speaking through an intermediary. These meetings are usually held on the premises
of the employer. There isn’t any collective agreement in any organisation that excludes bilateral engagement or determines the place of meeting. He is reminded that the strength of the GB&GWU, the commitment and trustworthiness of its leadership, is not threatened by where any meeting is conducted, nor by who chairs or who is present. GB&GWU, as an experienced recognised union with approximately 47 years of workers’ representation, stands true and firm in all its deliberations. Of the 500-plus workers employed by BCGI, it is instructive that Downer chose to make a case from, as he claims, one worker who said the meeting between BCGI and GB&GWU of March 15 was done in secrecy. Where were Downer and the ‘employee’ he hides behind when the GB&GWU made it public that it was meeting with BCGI, and of the planned content to be discussed. TURN TO PAGE 7
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
If the APNU+ AFC Government will be “illegal”, who then will be the legal government?
Dear Editor,
Hitherto I had restrained myself from commenting in your letter column on this No Confidence motion matter. I am aware that there is a considerable readership that wants to read my views. But I am a member of the Attorney General’s battery of Lawyers. So, I conceived it right, and proper, not to comment by letter as the matter is sub judice. Not anymore. Comment I must. There is an overriding public interest that compels a lettered response to the nauseaus inciteful misconceptions of a Senior Counsel in Ralph Ramkarran’s Sunday Column “The Court of Appeal can shine a legal light on the way forward” (SN, Sunday, March 17, 2019). Editor, with an accustomed degree of reckless disregard for constitutional intricacies, and preference for political expediencies, Mr.Ramkarran writes thus “... by the Government’s failure to fix a date for elections before March 21, the Government becomes illegal on March 22 .... President Granger blithely ignores the nation’s right to elections and relies on the invented veto which he has accorded to the Elections Commission ... On the morning of March 22, all Guyanese will awaken to the existence of a Government that is a usurper .. HAS NO AUTHORITY OVER THE SECURITY FORCES ... what happens next. If the Court of Appeal does not wish to abandon the nation to constitutional darkness, as some would say is its duty it would have to give us the answer and appropriate guidance ...” Readers are entitled to be
educated and made aware that there is no express wording in the constitution which provides that the Government will be “illegal”. Nor has the Chief Justice (ag) ruled that it will be. Even the most ardent and gullible supporter of the opposition must ask Mr Ramkarran this question: if the APNU + AFC government will be “illegal”, who then in law, and fact, will be the legal government? On the morning of March 22 can the Court of Appeal exercise some jurisdiction to impose another government to replace the supposed “illegal” one? Politicians wishing to inflame would use the word “illegal”; but for the jurist, the only issue is, whether the government will be constitutional, or unconstitutional; and that issue defies the simplicity of notions of “illegal”, and brings into sharp focus the intricacies of our Constitution. Readers here are the constitutional truth. CONSTITUTION First and foremost, the 7th Parliament which purported to introduce no confidence motion regime into the Constitution in 2000, some twenty (20) years AFTER the constitution had come into force on 6th October 1980, could not, and is not permitted by the Constitution, to use a less valuable or significant provision / article of the Constitution to interfere with rights and duties created by the framers / makers of the Constitution by, and in, provisions / articles that are much more valuable. Nor could the 7th Parliament by such less valuable article foist on a President, duties or limitations different from those provided by the more, or most, valuable articles. This you might think is pure com-
mon sense or constitutional logic; and it is supported by our highest judicial authority, the Caribbean Court of Justice in Cedric Richardson case. (the reader would observe that I have in the interest of simple reading avoided the use of legalise such as “inconsistent” and “inconsistency”) Second, whether deliberately, unwittingly or otherwise, Mr Ramkarran ignores or disregards this intricacy of the attribution of differential value and writes, you might think, as if the no confidence motion carries a higher value, in the constitutional scheme of things than GECOM’s power over elections [even a power to POSTPONE a date proclaimed / appointed by the President – article 162 (2) (a)] Not at all. And this is one of the curiosities of our Constitution. The Constitution attributes to article 106 (the no confidence motion article) the LEAST OR SHALLOWEST VALUE; it attributes to GECOM’s provisions the second highest level of value. And guess what readers? Stop and pause and think on this: it attributes to the PRESIDENCY THE HIGHEST OR DEEPEST LEVEL OF VALUE. This was done by protecting articles directly relating to the Presidency such as 51, 89,99 with the best and strongest security by requiring a REFERENDUM for any change or impact whatsoever on them. And what cannot be done directly cannot be done indirectly by sterile arguments about illegality of government. But Ramkarran would not tell you about such intricacy. Third, the 7th Parliament could not by votes alone in the National Assembly (even all 65) and the President’s assent, and without also a ref-
GB&GWU will... Where were they when, following the meeting on the same day (March 15) a press statement detailing the progress of the meeting and discussions held were made public. The public knew about this meeting before and after, and also the Union’s branch leaders of BCGI were at the meeting.
The GB&GWU has stood up, and will continue to stand up and represent the interest and wellbeing of workers, and to work steadfastly to ensure the workers maintain their trust and confidence in their willingness to so do. The Union will wage battle valiantly, at all times, to protect workers. And even in event
erendum, purport to subvert, impair, dilute or water down rights or powers conferred or invested in the Presidency under articles 89,99. By this most valuable article 89 itself, the President (for the time being) is the “Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces of the Republic “ Only by a referendum can that power which President Granger extantly has, be interfered with. The no confidence motion carried by 33 votes is certainly NOT a referendum. On the morning of March 22 President Granger by article 89 of the Constitution will be the Commander – in – chief and have ABSOLUTE authority over the GDF. No amount of sterile, inflammatory, politically expedient argumentation about “illegal” can change that. (Again for simplicity of reading. I have deliberately avoided such constitutional legalise or nomenclature as entrenchment, guarantee, supremacy etc) GECOM Fourth, President Granger has not “invented veto” for GECOM. The Constitution itself has invested GECOM with veto power. The Nation is credibly and reliably made aware of GECOM’s is position of its practical unpreparedness or inability to conduct, now, general and regional elections. It is an open question of interpretation, on which presently there is no authoritative judicial ruling, whether postponement, or, postponeability of elections within article 162, permits a President to take notice of GECOM’s publicised position of unpreparedness (a fact that can be deposed to by Affidavit) and act on that virtual certainty of a postponement, and defer appointment of a FROM PAGE 6
of any losses, as there is likely to be at some times throughout the world of trade union struggles, workers will always be reassured that their battle is one that will be well fought. Regards Leslie Gonsalves President GB&GWU
date for election. The President cannot be expected to capriciously and whimsically appoint a date no later than March 21 and face the virtual certainty of postponement, and so act in VAIN. Vanity is not excused by what the purveyors of elections now may presume to be the President’s duty. And if Courts do not act in vain, our jurisprudence cannot expect the Executive to. The law of elections is not some abstraction, nor is it to be applied as if we exist in some classic utopian void. The Constitution is not asinine as to require a President in the face of indications of unreadiness by GECOM, to appoint a date before GECOM is ready and has has indicated its readiness. That is pure and simple, a necessary implication. And readers must be told (one does not expect the Ramkarrans and Rams to do so) that to ensure the impartiality and independence of GECOM, the Constitution itself (article 226 (1) & (7) has prohibited GECOM from being directed or controlled directly by any authority (including the President). This is the constitutional truth and reality; the “invented veto” argument is misleading nonsense. I am convinced that upon a true interpretation of the constitution, GECOM’s state of readiness is, and must be, a relevant and material consideration in the exercise of the President’s functions to appoint a date for elections and dissolve Parliament in which event the President’s legislative capacity (article 51) ceases but his Executive capacity
(articles 89 and 99) persists and continues until a swearing in of the elected President happens. I can conceive of no reason in constitutional theory that will preclude Gecom from disclosing its incapacity. Why should such incapacity be some matter of secrecy? It is plainly delusional to expect a President to ignore such didclosure. And if Gecom by a majority decides its incapacity, it is settled law that the Courts has no jurisdiction to entertain any question as to the validity of that decision [ article 226 (6)]. Ramkarran ignores this truth. I end with this: the Rule of law requires that the Executive, the Parliament and Judiciary alike respect and obey the Constitution. Those who, rightly, preach obedience, owes it to their congregation to tell them that like George Orwell’s “Pigs”, some provisions in the Constitution are by the Constitution itself more valuable than others. And that any interpretation that trivializes the most valuable provisions and accords to the least valuable ones more importance is self-evidently unsound and wrong. That absurdity is what Ralph Ramkarran preaches. The no confidence motion Frankenstien that he as a member of the Constitution Reform Commission helped to create in 2000, cannot be permitted to devour our Constitution; nor one of its most valuable tenets – the Presidency. Regards Maxwell E. Edwards
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
CDC capacity boosted by 30 trained volunteers - CDC, UG sign MoU for collaboration
By Paul Mc Adam
THE Guyana Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has boosted its capacity with the addition of 30 skilled volunteers. On Sunday, March 17, the agency in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Guyana Defence Force and the University of Guyana, hosted a closing ceremony for the launch of its one-year Voluntary Response Team Programme (VERT) Camp Madewini, Timehri, East Bank Demerara. The programme was for volunteers drawn from various sectors and exposed
them to initial training over the weekend; it is aimed at building a cadre of trained personnel to provide key emergency preparedness and response services in communities countrywide. They were, and will be, exposed to basic concepts and key terminologies of community-based disaster risk management, understanding local risks by geographic regions, team-building exercises, disaster risk management cycles, concepts and principles of volunteerism, gender considerations, self-management, emergency response and networking. CDC Director-General (ag) Lt Colonel Kester Craig, emphasised that, “Disaster risk management is
multi-disciplinary and requires engagement from a wide range of skilled and professional individuals. As such, a significant extent of disaster management is driven by people who are willing to volunteer and contribute to the social good in their communities and country.” He added that the CDC recognised that volunteers can play a critical role in the achievement of its mandate, hence its official launching of its Volunteer Corps in October 2012. VERT, he said, builds on that initiative. The CDC head explained that volunteers have the closest contact with the hazards and other issues communities face, “They are also the ones best placed to identify
the needs, the vulnerabilities and the coping capacity of at-risk communities. Most importantly, volunteers are often the first to respond in emergencies and disaster.” “Recognising the importance of volunteers and the gaps that exist in communities, our regions, our country and the wider Caribbean,” Craig stated that the “CDC partnered with ExxonMobil Guyana, the Caribbean Disasters Risk Management Agency (CDEMA), the University of Guyana, and the Guyana Defence Force to design and implement a comprehensive Voluntary Emergency Response Team (VERT) Programmme in the true context of Public/Private Partnership,” as he congratu-
lated the volunteers. ExxonMobil’s Senior Director of Public and Government Affairs, Deedra Moe, also thanked the participants for getting on board. She said their actions showed, “tremendous dedication and a clear commitment to helping others.” She pledged ExxonMobil’s continued support, noting that her company understood the need to manage risks, adding that the volunteers, “would be part of that critical process.” It was highlighted, by University of Guyana Professor Michael Scott, that whilst Guyana possessed vast resources such as minerals and agriculture, it lacked the human aspect. This, he noted, is where volunteerism is
critical. The volunteers were also challenged by the UG professor and Deputy ViceChancellor responsible for Academic Engagement, to be ready, creditable leaders, embracing new ideas, technologies and methodologies. The conclusion of the ceremony saw the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration between the CDC and UG. This will see those volunteers, who successfully complete the one-year training, being certified by the tertiary institution in disaster risk management. There are plans to expand, over the next few years, and possibly offer regional organisations certified training.
Use of force is sometimes a necessary part of the police’s job
Dear Editor,
I RECENTLY read an interesting letter in the print media under the caption, “Police need to use non-lethal force,” submitted by Karan Chand, a Region Two resident. In the missive, the writer mentioned that it was reported recently that the police in Berbice shot and killed an intoxicated security guard who did not comply with their orders and approached them wielding a cutlass. The writer posited what he classified as seven non-lethal approaches that law enforcement officers can apply before they shoot and kill someone: Pepper spray; rubber bullets; collapsible batons; tasers; grenade sting; grenade flash and technical communication. I will comment on them in another article. There was another balanced letter written by Tacuma Ogunseye entitled, “These articles of brutal force have demonstrated how challenging is the task of re-
forming the police force”. The letters have titillated me to put my fingers back on the keyboard of my computer after a self-imposed break from writing letters to the editor. I do not have sufficient facts in issue or facts relevant to the facts at issue in relation to the fatal shooting and the alleged beating of Shamar Tanner. Hence, it would be remiss of me if I attempt to pronounce on whether or not the police’s actions were justified. However, please permit me to repeat some issues I raised in a previous letter to the editor, and introduce some new concepts as I join in the conversation: Use of force, including deadly force, by law enforcement officers. According to the doctrine of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, “A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence, and will only use such force in the discharge of duty as is reasonable in all circumstances. Force should be used only with the great-
est restraint, and only after discussion, negotiation and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective. While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from applying unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering, and will never engage in cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment to any person.” The IACP defines force as, “that amount of effort required by police to compel compliance by an unwilling subject.” This includes physical, chemical, impact, electronic and firearm force. The IACP defines excessive use of force as, “the application of an amount and/or frequency of force greater than required to compel compliance from a willing or unwilling subject”. Use of force is sometimes a necessary part of the police job. Use of excessive force has always been difficult if not controversial at times, but determining what is reasonable force is highly subjective. The landmark case in
the United States of America in use of force is Graham v Connor (1989) in which the Court held: “ The calculus of reasonableness must embody allowance for the fact that police officers are often forced to make split-second judgements - in circumstances that are tense, uncertain and rapidly evolving-about the amount of force that is necessary in a particular situation.” Use of force expert Nowicki (2000) explains, “The standard, according to this decision, is the ‘ reasonably objective officer.’ “ Use of Force Model used by the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) is very instructive. It has five levels. Level one is the Compliant Level where no use of force is usually reasonable. Level two is the Resistive (Passive) Level where the subject does not follow the officer’s commands. Force options here including guiding or directing the subject through hands-on techniques. Level three is the Resistive (Active) Level, which occurs when a subject
actively resists arrest. Level three force options include joint manipulation or restraints, leverage techniques, pressure points, even OC (pepper) spray, with a warning given first under proper circumstances. Level four is the Assaultive (bodily harm) Level, a direct physical attack on the officers or others. Appropriate force options at this level include strikes with the hands, fists, elbows or knees; kicks; baton strikes; and forcefully directing the subject to the ground. Level five is the Assaultive (serious bodily harm or death) Level, where appropriate response would be deadly force. Rosenbaum (2001) suggests, “They are tools available to police managers who want to be proactive in the area in the use of force in order to help guide officer behaviour, to teach proper use of force, to correct it when it is on the borderline, to deal with it through discipline when it crosses over the line. One of these tools is clear policies regarding the use of force. “
Grossi (2002) contends, “A policy that is tactically sound allows for contingencies. As most officers know that use of force is a reactive process. We react to a suspect’s action. So a good use of force policy has built-in contingencies.” He suggests that force policies must also be tactically sound and administratively feasible. Nowicki (2002) opions “There are three rules relating to the use of force by an officer. Rule number one is you go home the same way as when you went to work: ALIVE. Rule number two is that you don’t go to prison. Rule number three is that you keep your job. If your use of force is reasonable, you protect yourself, your agency, the community, and even the assailant. But, when in doubt, always remember rule number one.” Yours faithfully Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
‘Let the courts do its work’ …PM warns against persons trying to influence judiciary
PRIME Minister Moses Nagamootoo has warned against persons trying to influence the judiciary by constant commentary on the no-confidence vote matter which is currently before the Court of Appeal. He said such influence should neither come from the executive nor the parliamentary political opposition. His remarks come also against the background of calls by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, for President David Granger to call elections by April 30, 2019 despite the Guyana Elections Commission indicating that it is not ready to conduct the polls. The President has instead opted to rely on the advice of the GECOM to determine the shortest possible
time in which the commission is capable of holding new elections. “I rely on the commission’s readiness, the provision of funds and the expansion of time by the National Assembly to conduct credible elections. I rely on the outcome of legal challenges by the Court of Appeal. I rely, also, on public confidence in the institutions responsible for executing these processes. They demand political cooperation, not confrontation,” the Head of State told the nation on Friday. In his weekly column ‘My Turn’ which is published in the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, the prime minister added his analysis to the matter, stating: “Our constitutional judiciary has to
GAP launches Regional Executive Committee in Linden THE Guyana Action Party (GAP), one of the smaller parties in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) coalition, has launched a Regional Executive Committee in the mining town of Linden, as its membership would have soared within months. The committee has 13 executive members, led by its chairman Kevon Lorrimer. Lorrimer noted that the entire membership of the party stands at about 110 persons in Linden. Some of these were PPP members who left the party, citing discrimination and verbal abuse. The mandate of the party is to forge ties with the other members of the coalition government, to create a stronger presence in the Town, ensuring that a landslide victory is achieved at the next regional and general elections. “We are all working towards one common goal and therefore we are looking to work closely with the APNU and AFC to achieve this goal of development and empowerment for residents,” Lorrimer noted. While GAP was formed out of Lethem and one of its founders being Minister of Indigenous People’s
Affairs, Sydney Allicock, Lorrimer said that the interest of the party does not solely lie with representing Indigenous Peoples, but also residents of Linden and Guyana at large. “Therefore the party would have divided its team to work in the Indigenous communities on the outskirts of Linden and in communities in Linden. They will be prioritising in youth and community empowerment. We are not about promises, we are about delivering, we have an agenda and we will be working towards achieving this agenda,” Lorrimer said. Relative to the current political climate in Guyana, Lorrimer says that GAP stands in solidarity with the government and President Granger, whom he says, will remain president, until another president is sworn in. “The government still has its duties, the government still has a national budget to deliver, which was passed in the National Assembly by both the government and the opposition. The President stated clearly that GECOM has to advise him on its readiness before elections are called and we TURN TO PAGE 10 ►
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo
carry out its mandate without pressure from the executive or the parliamentary political opposition party. It has to protect the Constitution by giving to its provisions purposive interpretations, and to render clarity to its intentions within the ambit of broad, acceptable, democratic principles.” Since the ruling of the High Court on the passing of the December 2018 no-confidence motion, the government has challenged the decision and the matter is awaiting judgement at the Court of Appeal. While the opposition has also criticised the government for seeking legal challenge, the President has reminded that Speaker of the National Assembly, in declining to reverse the
December 21, 2018 decision, recommended the settlement of the issue by the court. The prime minister further emphasised the need for this process to be allowed its due course as he referenced former acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh’s address to Commonwealth Magistrates and the Judges Association Conference. “Guyana’s Constitution provides that all courts and all persons presiding over the courts shall exercise their functions independently of the control and direction of any other person or authority, and shall be free and independent from political, executive and any other form of direction and control,” Singh was reported stating in 2016. He noted that similar
support for a “constitutional judiciary process” came from new American Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, who he deemed as having a remarkable understanding of the unfolding of local events. Even as these processes run simultaneously with the ongoing legal matters, Nagamootoo reminded: “The President has invited the Elections Commission to advise him on these matters. It requires cooperation for consensus, and realistic expectations that elections could be held this year once the constitutional judicial, parliamentary and electoral processes are concluded.”
49 hinterland youths get full scholarships to attend UG FORTY-NINE Indigenous youths who will be attending the University of Guyana (UG) during the new academic year beginning September 2019, have received full scholarships. This was facilitated through by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Public Service Department. During a recent visit to the village of Kato in Region Eight, Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock explained that in 2018, a total of 67 students from several villages in the hinterland regions applied and were accepted into the UG. Of this amount, 49 were granted full scholarships, while the others, due to unforeseen circumstances, did not follow through. The minster was at the time addressing the Regional Development Conference in Kato. According to Minister Allicock, the students will be housed at the soon-to-be-commissioned $186Million Hinterland Student Dormitory located in Liliendaal. The 16-apartment complex will accommodate some 120 persons attending the Government Technical Institute (GTI), Carnegie School of Home Economics, the
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock
Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) the Guyana Industrial Technical Centre (GITC) and the University of Guyana. This scholarship is in addition to the hundreds of grants the government provides yearly to hinterland students who excel at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Those students who are awarded schools in Georgetown are housed at the Hinterland Students Dormitory, while those awarded schools in their respective regions are housed at the respective school’s dormitory. “We provide accommodation, allowances for guardians, purchase books and
uniforms. So, we have full support for young people, and we are very happy to say that over the last two years there has been an 83 per cent pass rate at the hinterland dorms which is very encouraging…These young people attained five or more subjects at CSEC and are applying for tertiary education,” Minister Allicock explained. Additionally, the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme provided training for 4000 hinterland youths and would lead to the creation of almost 2000 small businesses. Some of the youths opted to further their studies at higher institutes of learning on the
coast. “HEYS is not going to interfere with the mainstream education programme, as a matter of fact, the intention is to support the education programme… the idea is to give young people an opportunity to play a more meaningful role in their community, Minister Allicock told the village leaders. He further added, “some of the businesses are doing well and communities have been calling for this initiative to continue. They have even requested an adult programme.” The students under this one-year programme received a $30,000 stipend each month. Minister Allicock explained, “So, for example, if we have 20 students from each community, each month there will be $600,000 going back into that community and about $7M per year.” He added that this year, some $100M has been set aside to further support those successful businesses created under the HEYS programme. These initiatives are part of the coalition government’s efforts to ensure equal access to education to students regardless of their location. (DPI)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Moruca residents to reap benefits of ground coffee project TOSHAO of Santa Rosa in the Moruca sub-region, Whanita Phillips, says that a coffee cultivation project being undertaken in the area will provide multiple benefits for farmers and the economy of the communities there. According to a release from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the farmers are caring for approximately twelve thousand coffee seedlings on an effective rotation basis in a nursery which was established in the village. Phillips lauded the government’s efforts saying, “this is big for us, this is awesome and something that I’m very excited about and I can see this project prospering. It will be massive I know that, and the farmers are very excited too.” Several farmers noted the significance of the initiative which is now being realised. “This is something really good and a good start in helping us in getting something from agriculture, I’m happy about it, because I have my sons and they will help me look after this thing. We here never expected this would happen and it will come as a great help,” farmer Solomon Abrams noted. Earl Rodrigues, who is a teacher and the youngest farmer cultivating the bean,
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe (second from left) during a tour of the Santa Rosa Ground Coffee project at Moruca last Friday
related that the project is one of the better ones he has seen in the area. “I feel that as this project goes on, we the farmers will look forward to continued support from the ministry in whatever area. In the next five years, I would like to see this project double because farmers will have a better idea how to do it better,” he said. A senior villager and a farmer, Roy Atkinson, noted
the importance of coffee to the people of Moruca. “ Minister Lowe and Dr. Santiago had this vision for the people of Moruca which will benefit us well into the future. No other government has ever given us such a project and it is very interesting and even the youths are being drawn to agriculture,” he said. According to Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Rennita Williams, the project
can be deemed the revitalisation of the cultivation of coffee .She said many residents view the project as something beneficial to the area. “For me it’s a plus. Long now agriculture was down and now it’s back and on its way we could see clearly,” she said. Minister Garrido-Lowe, who engaged farmers last Friday, told the farmers that they will be proud when the time for harvesting comes
around. “I am very proud of you the farmers, and I will also be proud when the coffee trees start bearing and you start producing and packaging ground coffee and of course supplying not only here, but the Caribbean, and that is what this will do. This right here is history for you,” she said. Shortly, farmers will be caring for their own seed-
lings after collectively deciding on a way forward. The group also collectively decided on security arrangements at the facility which is critical at this stage in the life of the plants. Some fifteen farmers have been selected to execute the project. Moruca’s fertile lands has long been known for its ability to produce coffee, however, this venture will ensure farmers receive triple dividends for their efforts, since approximately twelve thousand seedlings will be planted by fifteen farmers, reaped and processed to supply both the local, regional and later, international markets. "The APNU+AFC government, I am proud to say, will continue to support ‘green’, sustainable, income-generating projects that will benefit the Indigenous and hinterland peoples,” Minister Garrido-Lowe said. The Santa Rosa Ground Coffee project, as well as other projects that are being implemented by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, is in keeping with Guyana's ‘Green’ State Development Strategy. From page 9 ►
GAP launches ...
are standing firm with the coalition government on this and that is to follow the right procedure for free and fair elections, which is house to house registration,” he posited. Regional Chairman of the PNCR, Region Ten Chapter, Jermaine Figueira said that GAP is welcomed to collaborate with the PNC and the work begins in campaigning to ensure a landslide victory at the upcoming elections. “We in this community respect the constitution which provides for any person or group of persons to form a political party to participate in the democratic process of an election. GAP is a friend of the PNCR in this coalition family that forms the government. They are welcome and we will work
together to ensure that we win these upcoming regional and national elections under the leadership of David Granger for the benefit of all Guyanese.” Similar sentiments were echoed by AFC Region Ten Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford who said that GAP is also welcomed and he has been calling for the presence of not only GAP but the other members of the APNU, when meeting with the AFC, which includes members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). GAP’s launching he said, is a statement that the coalition is stronger when each and every party is involved. “That is why it is a coalition,” he said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Quinn calls for political leaders to find a constitutional way forward
–– to end political challenges By Navendra Seoraj AMIDST political fallout over the passage of a no-confidence motion against the government last year, British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, has called for the political leaders to get together and agree on a constitutional way forward. “We support democracy and good governance… my predecessors have been outspoken about the importance of free and fair elections…I said the same thing in 2015 and again on December 21 last year… I will continue to say the same thing going forward,” said Quinn during his remarks at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, March 18. According to Quinn, the constitution is the supreme law of Guyana and it is not his role to interpret it but, he opined that the “clock is
ticking” following the December 21 vote. Although the validity of the vote is being challenged in the court, he noted that, “the clock has not been stayed so the political leadership need to get together, and agree on a constitutional way forward.” “It is imperative this happens. If no way forward is found, I fear there will be a further harmful impact on business and investment in Guyana. None of us in this room want that”, he emphasised. The UK official reminded that all political parties have a responsibility to act honestly and truthfully for the betterment of every citizen. “Voters also have a responsibility, to hold their elected officials to account for what they have done or are doing, to not blindly follow one party because that has been what the family has always done. It is time to look to whomever has the best policies and best
plans”, posited Quinn. President David Granger recently assured that the government continues to function within the constitution and there is no legal impediment that restrains it from exercising its functions or requires it to assume only ‘caretaker’ functions. In an address to the nation, the Head of State said notwithstanding the passage of the motion of no confidence in the National Assembly on December 21, last year, “the current political situation should not be a cause for alarm and anxiety.” To this end, he added that he is prepared to do his part to ensure credible elections are held, underscoring the importance of political cooperation at this juncture of the country’s history. “I am prepared to do my part to ensure credible elections within…the shortest time possible this year. The decisions which have to be made and the
Gold miner charged for ganja possession A 34-year-old gold miner of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, on Monday, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, on a charge of possession of narcotics. The court heard that, on March 15, 2019, at Vulture Boat Landing, Bartica, Alex Thomas had in his possession 1035 grams of cannabis, for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and told the court that he was at the landing waiting for a truck. He was not aware of what was going on and was charged for a crime he did not even commit. He also noted that he and the rank who arrested him had problems in the past and the lawman took the opportunity to appre-
hend him wrongfully. According to Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question, ranks went to the landing based on information received. When they arrived on the scene, a GT Beer box was next to Thomas and a bag on his back. When a search was conducted, nothing was found in the bag, but in the box two parcels containing stems, leaves and seeds were recovered. Thomas was subsequently arrested and taken into police custody. He denied that he owned the substance. Bail was granted to the defendant at the sum of $110,000 and he will make his next court appearance at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court on April 11, 2019.
British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn speaking at the GCCI’s AGM on Monday (DPI photo)
actions which need to be taken, however, are not mine alone”, President Granger said. He has also reminded that his proclamation of a date rests solely with the Guyana Elections Commission, which is still to give a timeline for the completion of preparations to conduct same. The President also reminded that GECOM is a constitutional body and its operations cannot be interfered with, in anyway, by himself or any other body.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Guyana zeroes in on oil spill readiness …CDC says National Oil Spill Contingency Plan to be completed before year-end
By Vishani Ragobeer STAKEHOLDERS within the local energy sector are working to advance Guyana’s oil spill readiness through the creation of the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, as the country prepares to become an oil-producing nation next year. On Monday, a three-day workshop was opened at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre that focuses on contingency planning and implementation of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC Convention). Here, stakeholders from the Departments of Energy and the Environment; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); the Civil Defence Commission (CDC); inter alia will be
Stakeholders involved in the Oil Spill Contingency Workshop underway at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. In photo is Director General of the CDC, Lt Col. Kester Craig [fourth from right] and Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe [fourth from left] [Delano Williams photo]
working on refining the draft of the contingency plan and engage in capacity-building in this area. “Evidently, as Guyana advances to becoming an oil-producing country, the risk of an oil spill is very likely,” Director-General
(ag) of the CDC, Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, said at the opening of the workshop. The director-general shared that it is the vision of the CDC to coordinate and facilitate a sustainable disaster risk management system for Guyana that is
primarily aimed at reducing risks and enhancing the country’s resilience to the impact of both natural and man-made hazards. “What we have recognised is that this vision cannot be attained with a business as usual approach, as such, we have to be dynamic and take into consideration the new and dynamic hazards that are likely to affect our country,” he said. And the workshop, which aims to advance the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, has been crafted in recognition that this plan is in itself an effort of disaster reduction and management, according to Craig. “The contingency plan is intended to mitigate both direct and indirect impacts of oil spills, which may occur on our environment,” he highlighted. Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe also related: “We are cognisant that additional capacities are needed as we hasten towards first oil. This workshop is testimony to the efforts being made to build a more robust sectoral framework.” The workshop is being held in conjunction with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO); the United Nations Regional Coordinating Unit for the Caribbean Environment Program UNEP-CAR/ RCU; and the Regional Marine Pollution Emergency, Information and Training Centre (RAC/REMPEITC) – Caribe. “Having a well-defined plan is key to an effective response, and over the next few days
we will go over the steps to take to develop and revise such a plan,” workshop facilitator, Matt Richards highlighted. Importantly, according to him, is that Guyana has made significant strides in its preparation over the past few years; this includes displaying a dedication to protecting the environment while undertaking responsible resources extraction NATIONAL PLAN The CDC director-general further opined that the presence of the stakeholders at the workshop is an indication that there is the highest level of commitment to show that the development of this sector is one which must be achieved strategically, and cooperatively. At present, he shared that there is a “working draft” of the national contingency plan which has received input from the local stakeholders. This draft includes, mainly, the key roles and responsibilities of all the stakeholders and also a structure which can be further enhanced to deal with oil spills – both onshore and offshore. “The efforts of these agencies have better positioned the country to finalise our national oil spill plan before the end of this year, and ensure full implementation by the time oil production commences in 2020,” Craig underscored. Dr. Bynoe also related that subsequent to the Liza discovery in 2015 and the impending oil production, a need was recognised for the
development of this contingency plan. He explained that even though the government has emphasised prevention as the key in oil spill related activity; there is need for Guyana to safeguard against any mishap. “We are aware, however that ... accidents do occur and the Cooperative Republic of Guyana has to be prepared for all eventualities,” Bynoe stressed, while adding that this would involve a tiered response to mitigate risks, inclusive of working closer with the operators and contractors, and ensuring that adequate risk transfer methods are in place. The director also indicated that it is essential for wells to be properly designed, for there to be established procedures and protocols which are developed and followed, equipment is regularly inspected, and training and safety become integrated in all sections of the operators’ modus operandi. These are standard procedures geared at safeguarding against accidents. Let there be no illusions however,” he said, “A zero-risk environment is not practical.” This plan, of which various drafts have been completed, is expected to become Guyana’s blueprint at the various scenarios of what can occur, according to Bynoe. It is expected that the final document will look at the various possibilities and must, at the minimum, contain: hazard identification; a vulnerability assessment; risk assessment; adequate response methods; and the application of technology. Prior to the formation of the Department of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources had purchased oil spill response equipment for use in training and in responding, should the need arises, to small oil spills in Tier One instances. According to a document: Trinidad’s Oil Spill Contingency Plan, published by the Ministry of Energy and Energy Investments in that country, Tier One Spills are oil spills where in-house response capability is adequate. The impacts of these are low and inhouse clean-up response is mandated.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Guyana improves significantly in trade facilitation …surpasses several countries in TFA compliance
By Telesha Ramnarine EVER since the establishment of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which kicked off on February 22, 2017, Guyana has been doing exceptionally well in its level of compliance, well ahead of a number of developing countries. Acting President and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, made the observation on Monday when he opened a five-day workshop intended to address capacity building on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The workshop, a result of ongoing engagements between the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Government of Guyana, is being financed by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting via Her Majesty Revenue and Customs, United Kingdom. It will provide an opportunity for discussion on strengthening Guyana’s competitiveness, increasing exports and growing the economy. According to Greenidge, Guyana is on schedule to fulfill its notification requirements on an ongoing basis and has, according to the WTO Committee’s assessment, a current rate of implementation of 73.1 per cent, which places the country well ahead of a number of developing countries, including CARICOM countries, whose average rate of implementation was 59.1 percent. “Guyana has taken a number of steps to modernise its customs administration and promote trade
Acting President Carl Greenidge (second, left) opened the five-day workshop on Monday. With him, from left, are UNCTAD Facilitators Pamela Ugaz and Bismark Sitorus and UNCTAD Programme Manager Terence Leonard. (Adrian Narine photo)
facilitation. These include the Ratification and Notifications requirement – Guyana ratified the TFA on Nov 30, 2015 and submitted five requisite (categories A, B, and C) notifications to the WTO during the period 2016-2018, including those on its transparency commitments, and contact points for offices responsible for coordinating donor support,” Greenidge informed. In a similar vein, UNCTAD Facilitator, Pamela Ugaz, told this publication that the workshop will be seeking to collaborate with stakeholders, especially the private sector, to look at how Guyana is performing under the agreement. “Your level of compliance is really high. You are really very advanced,” Ugaz stated, adding that the workshop will therefore seek to reinforce the work of the
National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) to ensure that everyone has an even level of knowledge about the trade facilitation agreement and how Guyana is performing. The Minister said he was pleased to see the wide representation of the regulatory agencies of Guyana’s NTFCs at the workshop, thus proving that the agencies understand their role in facilitating implementation of the agreement. A number of trade facilitation experts from UNCTAD will be on hand to share their expertise and experiences, and to provide support to the National Trade Facilitation Committee with respect to developing a national facilitation roadmap; sharpening the skills necessary to effectively implement reforms under the WTO TFA; and sustaining
the work of the national committee. The FTA, Greenidge noted, was meant to contribute to the simplification, modernisation and harmonisation of export and import processes. In essence, it should ensure that global trade grows faster, is cheaper and more predictable. The TFA especially matters for Guyana as the country is expected to be the biggest beneficiary from implementing the TFA’s provisions. “Trade facilitation reforms are important. They will allow us to improve the efficiency of our systems and will bring numerous spillover benefits which include reducing transaction costs associated with importing and exporting goods, boosting our export competitiveness, helping to sustain our economic growth, improving our
attraction to foreign investors, facilitating easier entry into foreign markets, improving revenue collection, contributing to job creation, improving the business climate, and facilitating more efficient and transparent delivery of public services,” Greenidge expressed. “It is precisely because of the anticipated gains that Guyana expects that it embraces the TFA, and through the national trade facilitation committee, facilitates inter-agency cooperation for the purpose of implementation,” he added. WAY FORWARD Minister Greenidge observed that the focus for the National Trade Facilitation Committee should be to look at elements of the WTO TFA that can be mainstreamed into
existing national or sectoral policies and initiatives to ensure the maximum benefits to small businesses, as well as to ensure trade and investment opportunities are fully taken advantage of. Focus, he said, should also be placed on seeking technical assistance and capacity building support under the WTO TFA and its newly-launched project preparation and project implementation grant programmes in order to foster effective implementation of the TFA. “I wish to urge the committee to also look at support programmes available from other development partners, bearing in mind that the provision of support, whether financial or technical, is often a demand-driven process,” he said. He added that successful implementation of the TFA will require collaboration in all directions; between the public and private-sectors; and within the public sector and between Guyana and its development partners. “There is also need to ensure active and continued dialogue within our National Committee to address new and ongoing trade facilitation issues and to ensure the overall effective implementation of the agreement. I trust that we will all embrace the TFA as an opportunity to drive the reforms to make Guyana an even more prosperous place to do business.” The next event is tentatively set for September 2019 to further build on the key outputs of this workshop.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Legal aid providers get training
OVER 78 legal aid providers have been trained by the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB) to better represent persons who cannot afford representation and are on remand for minor non-violent offences. The two-day training workshop was made possible through Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, and his team from the Support for the Criminal Justice Pro-
gramme. The training recently took place at the Regency Suites Hotel and focused on the substantive and procedural issues for legal aid services. Specific emphasis was placed on the responsibilities of legal aid providers during investigations, arrest, pre-trial detention, bail hearings, trials, appeals and other proceedings to ensure that human rights are protected. According to a release from the Legal Affairs
Ministry, several agencies were represented at the training programme. They included Probation and Social Services, the Ministry of Social Protection, the Prison Service, the Ministry of Public Security, Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, Guyana Legal Aid Clinic, Nation’s University and the Department of Law at the University of Guyana. “The Ministry intends to adopt a pro-active approach
A number of the attendees at the two-day training workshop hosted in collaboration with the Inter- American Development Bank (IDB); the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams and his team from the Support for the Criminal Justice Program
in providing support for those persons on remand for minor non-violent offences who cannot afford representation. This training is the first of many programmes to strengthen representation skills among aid providers,” the release stated. Meanwhile, the Ministry announced that soon Guyana will see the setting up of a Community Service Order programme. It will become an option of the court when it has decided that an offender is remorseful enough and that he/she is suitable to make restitution by constructive unpaid work in the community. The release stated: “The objectives of community service, or, what a community service order hopes to achieve, involve the reintegration of the offender into the community by enforcing the discipline of positive and demanding unpaid work, ensuring that the work provides reparation to the community, making good the damage done by offending. Moreover, a community service order may achieve a reduced risk of recidivism or repeat offending, and an increased chance of rehabilitating the offender to acceptable social standards.” Meanwhile, 2019 promises to be a year of major improvements under the Legal Affairs Ministry. PROBATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES In 2018, the Ministry completed an assessment of the Probation and Social
Services Department and developed an action plan for strengthening this arm of the justice system. In 2019, it will be refurbishing the Probation Office in Cornhill Street, and providing office equipment and technology for a fully functional office. Furthermore, the provision of safety equipment and regularisation of the organisational structure of this unit are priority. Then, by August 2019, another training programme will be undertaken to develop staff of the Probation and Social Services Department to deal with individual cases and to provide the oversight required. These reforms are intended to align the Probation and Social Services Department with international best practices. “The Ministry is starting its work for the implementation of case management systems in the Probation and Social Services Department, Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and Police Prosecutors, the Restorative Justice Office and Magistrates courts,” the document said. “The Ministry is looking to have these systems connected to the High Courts, the Prison and Police. The vision of the Ministry is to allow agencies to be communicating so that decisions can be made speedily. This operation will allow for greater productivity. The Ministry hopes to complete these systems implementation by mid-2020.”
This year too, the ministry will be reviewing the draft Restorative Justice Act, guidelines for operations, and Policies and Procedures for Restorative Justice Practices. This will be coupled with a number of training activities for Restorative Justice Officers, various sensitisation activities and the initial setting up an office for Restorative Justice. “Through the Support for the Criminal Justice Programme, the Ministry is championing the implementation of other interventions in its comprehensive work plan for the year 2019,” the Ministry said. The Ministry is working on various pieces of legislation which will allow the proper use of alternative sentencing in Guyana. By the end of April, it will complete the review of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act Chapter 8:02 which will make provisions for wider use of alternative sentencing and, by the end of 2019, a Bail Act will be drafted. Coming, too, are training activities on alternative sentencing, training for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution and Police Prosecutors, training for Probation and Social Services Officers, training for Restorative Justice and Leadership training. It stated: “These initiatives are all part of the Support for the Criminal Justice System’s effort to reduce the number of inmates on pre-trial detention and to increase the use of alternative sentencing.”
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Gov't gauges country’s readiness for UN forum on SDGs “A multi-agency collaboration is required for the achievement of all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan said on Monday at the opening of a workshop on achieving SDGs performance targets, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. Addressing permanent secretaries and various high-level ministry and agency officials, Minister Jordan said that, as Guyana prepares to undertake a Voluntary National Review (VNR) later this year, government has set out to ensure all sectors are well prepared. Guyana will present the results of its efforts to attain 17 SDGs, at a United Nations’ (UN) forum on sustainable development, scheduled for July. The minister noted the interconnectedness of the goals within any development framework, with the aforementioned multi-agency collaboration, to achieve SDGs. He said, “While we invest in the inputs of schools - dormitories, blackboards, white boards, books and trained teachers - we must ensure, equally, that our children are receiving the nutrition and health care they need to thrive; that the infrastructure to ensure they can access both schools and health facilities is available; that economic activities do not threaten sustainable communities and family structures; and that necessary laws are in place and enforced to ensure their safety and security. In short, a holistic approach is mandatory, if we are to achieve our national and international commitments.” According to the minister, the government has adopted programme budgeting techniques, which have strengthened its ability to measure performance of the sectors. He recalled, “Over the course of my over four decades of working life, most of which have been in government, I have observed that the approaches adopted to achieve the national development priorities of our country have, in many instances, suffered from several gaps of evidence-based decision-making.” He explained that proposals are often-times made for capital investments without thought about cost of maintenance, “projects are proposed for implementation without the benefit of feasibility studies and people are trained for job readiness, funds requested to train more without understanding if those trained previously were actually in jobs.” “Should we undertake
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan
reforms without diagnosing what is causing the problems? I should think not!! But, to diagnose, we must gather data and analyse what information is presented. And the analysis that is required must be based on facts and evidence, not mere conjecture, opinions, feelings and beliefs”, the minister informed. In 2018, the Finance Ministry, the minister further noted, advanced the process through the conduct of a mapping exercise to help agencies identify which specific targets, within each SDG, could be their responsibility, to accelerate the SDGs’ localisation. The workshop, Minister Jordan added, was needed after requests for Budget Agencies to submit, by the end of January 2019, the indicators that they are utilising to measure their progress towards meeting the SDG target, “did not happen in a timely manner and, in some cases, not at all.” He pointed out that the workshop follows several outreach sessions the previous week to support agencies in the completion of this task. He described the submissions thus far as varied in quality. He added that “through the working sessions, today, on selected goals, we hope to advance the data collection process further, to put us in a better position to undertake our Voluntary National Review, for which the final draft has to be completed by the end of May 2019”. In closing, the finance minister anticipated that the proceedings would deliver the outputs enabling the accelerated preparation of Guyana’s VNR, but, more importantly, the strengthening of data systems. This he further explained would ensure national performance commitments, including the SDGs, are measured and sectors are accountable for delivering the services they were charged to so do. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals include: to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, promote sustained, inclusive
and sustainable economic growth, reduce inequality within and among countries, take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts and promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The theme for the July 2019 High Level UN Political Forum on Sustainable Development and this round of VNRs is “Empowering People and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality.”
Participants at the workshop
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, March 19, 2019
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Child abuse perpetrators must be charged within 72 hours
...Director of Child Protection Services er, can only be accomplished through effective intervention and interagency collaboration, the CPA has begun meeting with the above mentioned stakeholders to discuss ways to collaborate to better tackle child abuse. CPA’s objective is to
Some of the stakeholders at the meeting
DIRECTOR of Child Protection Services, Ann Greene, has called for perpetrators of child abuse to be charged within 72 hours of their commission of the crime. This she affirmed during a recent meeting with stakeholders, including Guyana Police Force, probation officers, health and education officials, on-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other agencies. She urged police officers to move with greater alacrity on these charges thus preventing perpetrators from fleeing, the jurisdiction. “You must be proactive; all police stations should strive for cases to go before the court in 72 hours. Sexual abuse is a crime and the police can’t work out an arrangement with people at the police station. The issues
cannot stop at the police station; if it happens there it is corruption. Police have to charge and there is reluctance with the police sometimes to get persons charged,” Green stressed. Some police officers present at the meeting related that they experience difficulty in obtaining evidence during child abuse cases. Greene responded that parents should be held accountable. She explained that the police can get a statement from the child and use it in the case. She advised that the statement can be taken in the presence of a probation officer. Greene added that there is also reluctance with probation officers to hasten child abuse cases. She reminded them that their first responsibility and duty is to the
child. Therefore, they must do their best in child abuse cases to ensure that the child is free from the abuse and the perpetrator is locked away. “The sympathy should be to the child. We will take a stand to hold parents accountable. Too many times these sinister acts go unreported which can cause a child to become self- destructive if the appropriate measures and counselling are not taken seriously. We also need the churches and youth groups; the education Sector; the health sector and the judiciary system to work together to put a stop to child abuse.” The stakeholders’ meeting is part of the mandate of CPA to prevent, reduce and alleviate the effects of abuse and neglect of children. Recognising that the task howev-
City men remanded for shooting at woman, son TWO men were, on Monday, arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court before Chief Magistrate Ann Mc Lenann, after they allegedly shot and robbed a woman in West La Penitence, Georgetown. Both Devon Wills, a 26-year-old resident of 64 West Ruimveldt, and 26 year-old Andre Scott of 18 Punch Trench Road, were accused of firing a loaded gun at Anastacia Rodrigues with the intention of causing actual bodily harm. It was also alleged that, on March 8, 2019, at the said location, they discharged the firearm at her 13-year-old son. The duo was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson who pleaded for his clients to be granted bail. However, such efforts failed. According to Prosecutor Gordon
Mansfield, on the day in question, the defendants went to the home of Rodrigues, and enquired of the whereabouts of her nephew. After their interrogation, the two men shot at the woman and her son. As a result, the juvenile was injured on his right hand. Scott was also charged with robbery under arms. It was alleged that, on March 10, 2019, being in the company of another person, he robbed Grace Bishop of seven penny-weight of raw gold valued $90,000 and $50,000 cash. The defendant claimed that he was unaware of any such robbery. Prosecutor Mansfield objected to bail based on the serious nature of the offences and the facts that guns were used in the crime. The Chief Magistrate remanded the perpetrators until April 8, 2019.
work and collaborate with other agencies such as the Guyana Police Force, judiciary, health and education sectors, probation, national and governmental departments, churches, youths and community groups and NGOs to protect chil-
dren and stop child abuse. This year’s theme of ‘Every Child’s Life is worth preserving” sets the pace for the agency to protect children. In 2018, 481 cases were reported to the agency, with 134 thus far, for 2019.
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No racial bias in hiring of GECOM DCEO …PPP failed to provide evidence to support claims By Lisa Hamilton THE Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has concluded that there is no evidence to support that racial bias was involved in the appointment of Roxanne Myers as Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The report on an eightmonth investigation by the ERC’s Sub-Committee was presented to the media by the full Commission on Monday at its head office. The investigation came following the 13 July, 2018 request of Opposition-nominated Commissioners Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn, to conduct an inquiry into the practice of GECOM regarding the appointment of Myers. At the time, both Myers and former GECOM DCEO, Vishnu Persaud, were contending for the position and although the latter scored higher marks at the interview,
Myers was ultimately granted the position. The report noted that it was the first time, under the Commission, that a candidate with a lower score secured a position, but also detailed the reasoning provided for such. The interviewing panel in reference consisted of two government-appointed Commissioners and two Opposition-appointed Commissioners. During the interviews, they were guided by a score sheet with questions allotted a scale of quantitative scores for which Persaud received 76 points and Myers, 72. However, Persaud’s character was a matter of contention which saw the interviewing panel taking their disagreements to the full GECOM Commission where a vote of 3-4 broken by the Chairman saw Myers being appointed. Noting the single instance in which he had cause to cast his vote in an employment-related matter, former GECOM Chair, Dr
Members of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) (Adrian Narine photo)
Steve Surujbally said it was in relation to the renewal of Gocool Boodhoo’s contract as CEO. According to the report, “work-related performances and questionable integrity” were critical factors that had informed his decision. Surujbally served the Commission from 2000 to 2017 and when questioned on Persaud, described him as an “excellent scribe for the Commission for 12 years”
and as having “wisdom and honesty”. Persaud first met Surujbally when they both worked at the Ministry of Agriculture. Prior to being appointed as GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) in 2001, he had no formal education in the post but due to him having worked with Surujbally at the ministry in a similar capacity, his appointment was “initiated by Surujbally” and approved by GECOM.
During his time there, he also functioned as the fulltime Personal Assistant (PA) of Surujbally; as Logistics Manager in 2004; led the civic and voter education programme in 2006 and applied for and secured the position as DCEO in March 2014. When his contract expired, Persaud reapplied for the position but lost out to Myers. Questioned as to whether he believed ethnicity was a factor, Persaud said in the report: “I don’t think so”. Relaying their account of the matter, GECOM Commissioner Charles Corbin said that the GECOM sub-Committee/interviewing panel had reported to the main Committee after it experienced a “deadlock” on the selection of Myers or Persaud. Corbin told the ERC Sub-Committee that the GECOM Commission was “misled by his qualification” while Persaud was qualified, Myers had “superior qualifications” evidenced in her transcript which “showed better grades”. Meanwhile, GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander said that Persaud “in the first place, did not have the required qualifications for the PRO job” and that “on his MBA that he presented for the DCEO job, he has a pass whilst the other candidate has better grades.” In addition, both Commissioner Alexander and Desmond Trotman had agreed that while Persaud had claimed success for the civic and voter education programme, it was a “failed project”. The report also noted that “the issues that led to his [Persaud’s] elevation were seen as acts of favoritism” by the three Commissioners, adding that in 2014, 50 per cent of Commissioners had voted against Persaud as DCEO “not on the grounds of ethnicity, but on the absence of merit”. “There can be no doubt that with the arrival of the new Chairman, the same Commissioners spoke against Mr. Persaud’s appointment on the same grounds. However, the Chairman’s mind was so clouded with doubts that he agonised over that issue for three weeks before making a controversial decision…” it said. In his report to the ERC Sub-Committee, GECOM Chairman Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson stated that Persaud seemed “shifty”. The Committee pointed out, however, that by the end of the report, the Chairman did
not provide documents to corroborate the claim. In the report, Patterson had recounted: “…informed by the documentation of each of them and there [sic] was some evidence of one of the particular candidate lying; not being faithful to the truth. That’s what I recall, I think he said one thing which wasn’t true and he admitted to it and had some excuse for that.” Given these circumstances, the report indicated that the scores achieved by each candidate were not the only considerations taken into account with the casting of the vote by the three government-appointed Commissioners and the GECOM Chair. Questioned on whether the scoring system was decisive or a single element in a mix of considerations, GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield had clarified that the “scores provide the basic guiding principle as far as selection is concerned”. NO RACE Meanwhile, regarding the claims of the Opposition-appointed Commissioners that the decision to appoint Myers was based on race, the report did not support such. “On the issue of racial bias, there was no evidence of any widespread complaint of racial bias through the years until the issue involving Mr. Vishnu Persaud and Ms. Roxanne Myers,” the report stated. It later concluded: “The unavailability of key personnel did not allow for extensive deliberations to arrive at a more informed conclusion. As such, from the material placed before us, it cannot be said that there has been any evidence of deliberate hiring of Guyanese of one ethnicity rather than of another.” The ERC Sub-Committee highlighted the failure of GECOM’s Human Resource Manager to assist in the investigation but noted, too, that “the onus is on those who complain to provide evidence and no such evidence was presented.” Those comprising the investigative ERC Sub-Committee included: Justice (Ret’d) Stanley Moore; Human Resource Consultant, Jairam Petam and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Ret’d) Lloyd Smith. Meanwhile, representing the ERC were ERC Commissioners, Major General (Ret’d) Norman McLean and Norris Witter.
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UG Council supports
conciliation for wage dispute By Vishani Ragobeer UNIVERSITY of Guyana (UG), Pro-Chancellor Major General (retd) Joseph Singh said the UG Council supports the administration’s call for the wage dispute with the workers’ unions, to head to conciliation. The University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA) had agreed to recommence negotiations into the wage dispute with the UG Administration and meet with the UG Council, at the behest of the pro-chancellor. The meeting was held on March 7. “Even though the council was prepared to facilitate a process that will enable a return to the negotiating table by the unions and the administration... the unions have demonstrated their lack of trust and interest in such a process,” a release by UG related. It added that Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, indicated his preference for the impasse to be referred to the Ministry of Labour for conciliation. “The council, now recognising that the facilitating role it has initiated has not been met with the desired response from the unions, has no option but to acknowledge and support the decision by the vice-chancellor and his administration to return to the Ministry of Labour’s conciliation process,” the release quoted the pro-chancellor as saying. However, the unions indicated their displeasure at the meeting held on March 7 through a joint statement. SIDELINED According to the unions, this meeting’s agenda essentially sidelined the matters being raised by the workers by leaving these issues for last. “We must ask how committed those who prepared the agenda were to actually discussing the worker-related items and deciding upon them,” the unions bemoaned. The unions also indicated that no decision was made on the matter of the forensic audit, no response was given to the unions’ question as to whether the council would
meet with staff, nor was there a response given to the request from the unions to have a special sub-committee set up to deal with human resources issues at the university. The matter of this sub-committee, according to the unions, has been deferred to the next council meeting, which they contend may be held in April. “The decision was made to circulate the report for comments from the administration and the unions,” the unions said. As part of the meeting too, the unions asked about the contractual situation of a number of senior administrators, including when the contracts of a number of senior administrators would end. And given that some contracts might be nearing an end, the unions indicated that they wanted them to be evaluated as part of any contract renewal process. However, the release from UG indicated that the pro-chancellor expressed his regret at the course of action taken by the unions to distort the outcomes of the council meeting held on March 7, 2019, at which the unions’ representative was present and participated fully in the discussions and decisions of the council. The pro-chancellor is also chairman of UG Council. At the meeting, the council was informed that formal communication was received from the vice-chancellor expressing an interest in the renewal of his contract of engagement upon its expiration later this year. “In considering this matter, the council established a committee to recommend to the council the following: the criteria to be utilised in the evaluation; recommendations for the composition and terms of reference of the Evaluation Committee that will be appointed to conduct the evaluation process; and that the recommendations of the committee be presented to the council for its consideration by April 15, 2019,” the UG release noted. BRIEF DISCUSSION The UG release indicated that during the meeting, the council noted communication from the unions dated January 30, 2019, which detailed the unions’ concerns
and had a brief discussion on the content of the letter, in spite of the absence of a quorum. It was however made known that some of the issues were substantially discussed as part of other agenda items of the meeting. “However, the chairman directed that full consideration be given to the issues raised in the unions’ letter at the upcoming meeting of the university’s Finance and General Purposes Committee on March 20, 2019,” the release said. In January, the unions protested against the imposition of a three per cent increase in salary for UA (academic) staff, and a four
per cent increase for UB (support) staff, imposed last November and retroactive to January 1, 2018. The university stated that it cannot afford further increases. Through the protest, the unions highlighted their desire for a forensic audit to be done on the institution, since they believe that funds are being misappropriated instead of being used to develop the teaching space. They also registered their concerns about the university having a “bloated senior administration”. The unions also accused the pro-chancellor of showing bias during the engagement on March 7.
UG Pro-Chancellor, Major General (retd) Joseph Singh
“The manner in which this meeting was conducted affirmed that while the individual members of the university’s council may possess interest and enthusiasm, that is not enough to galvanise council into
action,” the unions related. According to the unions, Major Singh made remarks in favour of members of the administration while allegedly expressing that he “did not think highly” of the unions’ leadership.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
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FROM BACK PAGE
Afghanistan claim historic first Test win AFHANISTAN earned their first Test win after Rahmat Shah’s 76 and Ihsanullah Janat’s 65 helped them earn a seven-wicket victory over Ireland. Starting day four on 29-1 chasing 147 for victory, the duo’s 139-run partnership ended any hopes of an unlikely Ireland fightback in Dehradun. After hitting 98 in Afghanistan’s first innings, Shah was out for 76 just three short of the victory target. Mohammad Nabi quickly departed but the Afghans were not to be denied. ‘Historic day for Afghanistan’ Hashmatullah Shahidi smashed the winning boundary to trigger
celebrations in the Afghanistan dressing room. “It’s a historic day for Afghanistan, for our team and our people,” said the winning captain Asghar Afghan, who made 67 in the first innings. “We have been playing for a while, we have been playing first-class cricket, so we have that composure. “The bowlers were very good, Rashid (Khan), Yamin (Ahmadzai). Now we’re going to South Africa for World Cup preparation. We will try our best to play good cricket.” Ireland ‘outplayed’ admits Porterfield Ireland were on the back foot from the opening day
when they were they were bowled out for 172 at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium. Afghanistan responded with a total of 314 to secure a 144-run first-innings lead and despite Ireland’s improved second-innings total of 288, helped by Andrew Balbirnie’s 82, the Afghans were still in a strong position going into the penultimate day. Ireland captain and opener William Porterfield, who managed only nine runs in the contest, admitted that the Afghans “outplayed us”. “We had to capitalise in the first innings. If we’d done how we’d done in the second innings, it could
have been a completely different game. But credit to Afghanistan.” Both Ireland and Afghanistan were playing their second-ever Test since being awarded a full member status in 2017. The Irish side’s home debut ended in a five-wicket defeat by Pakistan in a hard-fought contest last May, while Afghanistan succumbed inside two days against top-ranked India a month later in Bengaluru. Prior to the Test, Afghanistan won a Twenty20 series 3-0 at their adopted home in Dehradun before Ireland rebounded to earn a 2-2 draw in a one-day series.
FROM BACK PAGE
Three debutants in Golden Jaguars...
Currently a regular goal scorer in the Conference National for Dover Athletic, Anthony will add a new dimension to Guyana’s Forward line. Keanu Marsh-Brown, brother of Ronayne MarshBrown, is a 26-year-old seasoned forward in the English Football League, playing at Newport County. A product of Fulham’s Academy, Keanu has played for MK Dons, Oldham Athletic, Yeovil Town in England and Dundee in Scotland. Among the seasoned members of the squad re-joining the team are Warren Creavalle, Emery Welshman, Samuel Cox, Walter Moore and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson. This selection follows the Guyana-based team’s preparation, which has been in training for approximately eight weeks and which has had five training matches during this time, the last of which was held on Saturday at the Pierkhan Stadium, Nickerie, Suriname, where the ‘Jags’ went down 3 – 1. Tickets for the match are being sold at $1500 at the following locations: Andrews Supermarket - Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt; The Guinness Bar Durban Street, GT; West Indian Sports Complex, Robb Street; Nice Restaurante; below Space Gym, 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; The Fashion Box-- Vendors Arcade, Bartica and at Giftland Mall. Fan jerseys are also available at the GFF Secretariat, the Guyana Pegasus and Giftland Mall at a cost of GY$5,000. Match time is set for 18:30hrs. GOLDEN JAGUARS SQUAD: Goalkeepers – Alex Murray, Sese Norville and Akel Clarke. Defenders – Sam Cox, Elliot Bonds, Terence Vancooten, Reiss Greenidge, Ronayne Marsh-Brown, Walter Moore and Kevin Layne. Midfield – Neil Danns, Clive Nobrega, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Anthony Jeffrey, Kadell Daniel, Warren Creavalle and Trayon Bobb. Forwards – Sheldon Holder, Gregory Richardson, Pernel Schultz, Marcel Barrington, Emery Welshman and Keanu Marsh-Brown.
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King’s ton in vain as Scorpions lose final match of Regional 4-day season BRANDON King slammed a second first-class hundred, but it failed to ignite the Jamaica Scorpions second innings batting as Trinidad & Tobago Red Force completed a season sweep over them to bring the curtain down on the 2018-19 West Indies Championship with an 85run victory on Sunday. King lit up an otherwise mundane final day of the rescheduled first-round match at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy with an impressive 133, but the Scorpions, chasing 338 for victory, were bowled out for 252 in their second innings inside the first hour after tea. King struck 18 fours and four sixes from 119 balls in
three hours at the crease and was one of only two Scorpions batsmen to pass 20, as he dominated half-century stands with his captain Paul Palmer and Kennar Lewis which brought some respectability to the batting. Rookie WINDIES opener John Campbell made 25, but King held the innings together, before he fell to veteran leg-spinner Imran Khan, whose 3-48 from 13 overs made him the pick of the Red Force bowlers. Familiarity bred success for Jamaica-born, Red Force fast-medium bowler Odean Smith, who supported Khan in the demolition of the Scorpions’ batting with 3-56 from 15 overs. The result meant that
Brandon King struck 18 fours and four sixes in his 133.
Red Force gained 21.8 points to end in fourth place
in the Championship on 112.4 and Scorpions col-
lected 8.6 to finish fifth on 97.2.
Earlier, starting the day on 282 for nine, Red Force were bowled out inside the first half-hour for 295 in their second innings. WINDIES international Jason Mohammed remained not out on 110, but WINDIES strike bowler Shannon Gabriel, his overnight partner, gave a return catch to Scorpions first innings bowling hero Nicholson Gordon to bring the innings to a close after they frustrated the visitors by extending their last wicket stand to 38. Gordon ended with 2-55 from 14.4 overs to follow his first innings seven-wicket haul, but Mohammed pipped him for the Player-of-the-Match prize.
Smith, Warner meet with ICC rules out complacency on World Cup security after New Zealand shootings Australia team as bans near end
ICC chief executive David Richardson
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - There is no question of being complacent with security at this year’s World Cup following a mass shooting at two Christchurch mosques last week, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has said. Members of the Bangladesh cricket team narrowly avoided being caught up in the shooting, which killed 50 people, by a suspected white supremacist last Friday. Their third Test against New Zealand that had been scheduled to start on Saturday at nearby Hagley Oval was subsequently cancelled and it also prompted calls from Asian cricket officials and politicians to step up security for touring teams. ICC chief executive David Richardson said security was always an issue for his organisation and ensuring the May 30-July 14
World Cup in England and Wales was safe would be a priority. “It has always been the case that we’ve had to make sure that we keep security absolutely priority, not only for the players but also for the visiting media, fans, spectators and everyone who attends the event,” Richardson was quoted as saying by cricket website Cricinfo. “Something happening in New Zealand probably took a lot of people by surprise and it emphasised the need not to be complacent, especially going into the World Cup. “I know the work done already by the security director together with all the security agencies in the UK, they are leaving no stone unturned, and if the threat level should rise in any way we will (further upgrade) the plans in place.” Cricket teams have previously abandoned tours because of security fears but most had been in South Asia, including Bangladesh which Australia decided against touring in 2015. Sri Lanka’s team bus was attacked by gunmen in Lahore during their tour of Pakistan in 2009. Six members of the team were wounded, while six security personnel and two civilians were killed. Pakistan still host nearly all of their international matches in the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing security concerns. New Zealand abandoned their 1987 tour of Sri Lanka following a bombing near their hotel in Colombo in which more than 100 people were killed. They also abandoned a tour of Pakistan in May 2002 following a suicide bombing outside their hotel in Karachi.
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Steve Smith and David Warner have met with their Australia team mates in the United Arab Emirates to smooth the ground for their return to international cricket when their bans expire at the end of the month. The former Test captain and vice-captain were suspended for 12 months for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last March and have not been allowed to play top-level cricket since. While Australia have struggled without their two best batsmen, questions have been raised over how easily they would re-integrate into the squad for the one-day World Cup and Ashes tour of England. Coach Justin Langer appeared to have no such qualms after meeting with the pair ahead of the one-day series against Pakistan that starts on Friday in Sharjah. “They have been received really well,” Langer said. “They have gone through a really tough time, a 12-month suspension ... it’s great to have them back in the team. “They’re excited and ... as a coach when you have got two guys with as many runs and experience as they’ve
David Warner (left) and Steve Smith
got coming back into a team that’s playing well, that’s very exciting.” While the bans end in time for the pair to play the final two matches of the Pakistan series, neither was included in the squad as they are both recovering from recent elbow surgery. Langer said the duo had been briefed on the new team ethos that was put into place after independent reviews identified a “win-without-counting-the-cost” mentality in Australian cricket. “We just had a look at how we are going with those values and how we can use our values and behaviours to keep moving the team forward on and off the field,” Langer added. Both players said they felt comfortable being back
around the team environment. “It’s almost like we never left,” Smith said. “It has been great to be back around the group. They have been really welcoming.” Smith added that he was making a good recovery from his elbow surgery and should be available for the Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition, which starts next week. “I’m really excited about playing again,” said Smith, who did not confirm when he would be able to return for the Rajasthan Royals. “The elbow has been tracking really well. “I’ve been batting for two weeks and been able to play all the shots. I’ve got my power back and I’m just excited to be back playing again.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi called up to England squad from Under-21s
CHELSEA winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has been called up to the England squad for the first time for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro. The 18-year-old was due to be part of the England Under-21 squad. Hudson-Odoi played 19 games for Chelsea this season, scoring five times, but is yet to start a Premier League match. Luke Shaw has joined John Stones, Fabian Delph and Ruben Loftus-Cheek in withdrawing from the squad. Earlier on Monday, Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse was called up as a replacement. Hudson-Odoi’s Un-
der-21 call-up was his first at that level but the winger has previously represented England from Under-16 to Under-19 level, winning the Under-17 World Cup in 2017. “It’s been a crazy experience but I’m delighted to get the call and it’s a nice feeling to be here as well,” Hudson-Odoi said. “I thought the manager [Under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd] was joking. “I was shocked and then when I heard that I actually had to go over [to England’s training base at St George’s Park], I couldn’t believe it. I was delighted. “It’s a dream come true. Now I’ve got to work hard, enjoy every moment and
keep working to just hopefully make an impact when I get the opportunity.” Hudson-Odoi has only made 23 first-team appearances in his career and would become England’s eighth youngest player if he makes his debut against either the Czech Republic or Montenegro. Theo Walcott is England’s youngest international. He was aged 17 years and 75 days when he made his debut against Hungary in 2006, having not played in the top flight. Eleven of Hudson-Odoi’s 19 appearances for Chelsea this season have come as a substitute with his starts all coming in cup competitions.
Hudson-Odoi has scored five goals for Chelsea this season
Unhappy with his playing time, Hudson-Odi handed in a transfer request in January after he was the subject of a £35m bid from Bayern Munich but Chelsea
refused to sell. Earlier this month, Blues manager Maurizio Sarri said it was “dangerous” to put too much pressure on the teenager, adding he would only be a “top” player aged 22 or 23. England host the Czechs at Wembley on Friday, 22 March and are away in Montenegro on Monday, 25 March. England squad Goalkeepers: Jack Butland (Stoke City), Tom Heaton (Burnley), Jordan Pickford (Everton) Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Leicester City), Michael Keane (Everton), Harry Maguire (Leicester City), Danny
Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), James Tarkowski (Burnley), Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Chelsea), Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton), Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea) Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Callum Wilson (Bournemouth). (BBC Sport)
Ronaldo faces Jailall plunders century in Young disciplinary hearing Guns win over Bacchus Bulls Junior over goal celebration
Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick with Emre Can and Moise Kean REUTERS/Alberto Lingria
ZURICH (Reuters) - Juventus forward Cristiano Ron-
aldo is facing disciplinary action for his celebration after one of the three goals he scored in last week’s 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. UEFA said the Portuguese would face a hearing on Thursday for “improper conduct” during the last-16 second leg match, where Juventus completed a 3-2 aggregate win. Ronaldo made a similar gesture to Atletico coach Diego Simeone, who celebrated his team’s opening goal in the first leg by turning to the crowd and putting his hands on his trousers. Simeone was fined 20,000 euros (17,124 pounds) for the incident but escaped a touchline ban for the return match. Juventus face Ajax Amsterdam in their quarter-final.
THE Forbes Daniels-sponsored 15-overs-a-side two innings cricket festival continued last Saturday with Young Guns taming Bacchus Bulls Junior by 9 wickets at the Golden Fleece ground. After winning the toss and batting, Young Guns amassed an imposing 2014 from the compulsory 15 overs first innings, with commanding half-centuries from Orlando Jailall 86 (12x4s and 4x6s) and Wesley Roads 73 (8x4s and 5x6s). The Bulls then replied with a meagre 73-8 in their 15 overs, giving Young Guns a lead of 128. In their second strike, Young Guns then rattled up 204-6 with Orlando Jailall continuing his rich form with a magnificent 120, containing 20x4s and 2x6s. With an overall target of 332, the Bulls reached 115-8 from their 15 overs, losing by 217 runs. At the Reliance ground, Eagles United clawed their way to a 3-wicket win against Essequibo Technical Institute who were inserted to bat and made 132-7 from their 15 overs. The Eagles were then restricted to 101-7 from their 15 overs.
With a lead of 31, Essequibo Technical Institute gathered 105-6, setting a target of 136. The Eagles faltered early in their innings but an unbeaten 43 from former national under 17 batsman, Rovendra Parasram steered them to safety, reaching 137-6 in the 14th over. Meanwhile, in an invited comment after the match, Essequibo senior coach, Forbes Daniels, disclosed that he was motivated to have such a competition since he is of the opinion that youth cricket is not being played consistently on the Essequibo Coast, especially on Saturdays. He further explained that the format of the competition is to present different game match scenarios that will provide an opportunity for the players to express themselves while enjoying the game. Four teams are competing for trophies with the composition of the teams being primarily Under-19 players with each team having the choice of selecting two older players in their eleven. The competition will continue on Saturday at the Golden Fleece and Reliance grounds respectively. (Elroy Stephney)
Orlando Jailall
Region 2 to kick off post ‘Mash Street football fury’ on Friday REGION 2 will conclude its Mash 2019 calendar of activities with an explosive 5 A Street Football tournament slated for Friday at the Anna Regina Car Park, under lights. The tournament billed ‘Essequibo Mash Street Fury’ will attract teams from across the Essequibo Coast including Henrietta United, Essequibo Technical Institute, Supenaam, Queenstown S.C, Suddie S.C, Dartmouth
S.C, Mainstay Gold Star, RDC 2 Super 5, Charity Extreme, Good Hope S.C and Anna Regina Fire Station, among other teams. Over $200,000.00 in cash incentives and trophies, compliments of the Regional Administration, will be at stake with the winner pocketing $100.000. Kick-off time is 18:00 hrs and teams are encouraged to register by calling telephone numbers 698-3447, 6253714, 673-2339 or make contact with Coor-
dinator Rawl Pearce. Regional Executive Officer Denis Jaikaran (snr) is expected to give brief remarks and kick the first ball to commence the competition. Other officials will include Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Yvette Hastings-Tafares; Information Officer, Farouk Basir; chairperson of the Essequibo Tourism Authority, Maria Lord; president of the Essequibo Football Association, Maxine
Steward; Social Cohesion Officer, Audrey Garraway; Sports Organiser Debra Daniels, and Youth Officer Herald Alves. Admission is free and keen rivalry is anticipated among the participating teams who will have among them exciting players such as Chris Gordon, Sheldon Collins, Devon Romeo, Junior Holder, Albert Belfield, Morrison Bowen and Rawl Griffith.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Quetta Gladiators cop their first PSL title KARACHI, Pakistan, (CMC) – West Indians Darren Sammy and Kieron Pollard made little impact as their Peshawar Zalmi went down by eight wickets to the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final here Sunday. After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, the Zalmi were restricted to 138 for eight in their 20 overs, with Pollard scoring just seven while skipper Sammy made 18 from 16 balls. Umar Amin’s knock of 38 was the topscore of a disappointing batting performance, which saw just two other batsmen score 20 or more. Mohammad Hasnain was the pick of the Gladiators’
bowlers, finishing with 3-30 from his four overs, while fellow West Indian Dwayne Bravo snared 2-24, including the wicket of Sammy. The Gladiators made light work in chasing the below par total, as they eased to 139 for two off 17.2 overs. Ahmed Shehzad was the main destroyer, stroking an unbeaten 58 from 51 balls and he was well supported by Rilee Rossouw who made an unbeaten 39 and Ahsan Ali who blasted a quickfire 25. Shehzad and Rossouw shared an unbroken 73run partnership for the third wicket to lead the Gladiators to their first ever PSL title with 16 balls to spare.
The Quetta Gladiators celebrating after capturing their first ever PSL title
Women’s sport needs more women to tell the story, says Asher-Smith By Alan Baldwin LONDON (Reuters) - British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, a triple European gold medallist, would like to raise the profile of female athletes and believes the best way of doing that is to have more women telling the story. The 23-year-old holds British records in the 100 and 200 metres, and won European gold in those distances and the 4x100m relay last year. “I was very fortunate to be able to go into track and field because I could see that as a woman I could make it to the top, I could be in the Olympics,” she told an Advertising Week Europe event on Monday. “If you don’t see it, you’re not aware that it’s there.” Her profile in track and field is growing fast but Asher-Smith believes the male-dominated sports media needs fresh voices and a broader perspective to tell stories that are not being told. “I do think it could do with being more diverse,” she said. “If you’ve only got one section of the population doing that reporting, there is only ever going to be one vision or one voice overall that comes through. The lack of diversity shapes everything.” Asher-Smith has signed up as a columnist for The Daily Telegraph, which announced on Monday a new editorial initiative to “transform the profile of women’s sport and its visibility in the media.” The newspaper promised “unprecedented investment” in coverage of women’s sport by a British
File Photo: Athletics - Diamond League - Birmingham Grand Prix Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Britain - August 18, 2018 Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith waves after finishing second in the women’s 200m Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo
publisher, with female reporters and prominent columnists including British tennis coach Judy Murray, mother of Jamie and Andy. HUGE OPPORTUNITY Britain’s Sports Minister Mims Davies told the event that women’s sport represented a huge opportunity for sponsors and businesses. “Equality is visibility. If you see it, you think you can get there and you know it’s worth trying,” she added of the need to raise the profile of women’s sport in the public consciousness. England have been doing a good job at that already, with Davies speaking a day after the Red Roses rugby team won the Six Nations with an 80-0 demolition of Scotland at Twickenham. That match was played in front of a record crowd for a women’s rugby match of 13,278. The England women’s soccer side this month won the She-
Believes Cup for the first time, a tournament hosted by world champions the United States, with this year’s World Cup in France the next big target for the Lionesses. England’s Toni Duggan scored for Barcelona in a 2-0 win at Atletico Madrid in a top-of-the-table LaLiga Iberdrola clash before a world record crowd for a women’s club soccer match of 60,739 at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday. The England netball team are also on a high after winning Commonwealth Games gold last year and with a home World Cup looming in Liverpool in July. Murray said investing in women’s performance in the same way as the men, through clubs or at national level, was the key and the results were coming through. “As soon as it’s watchable, it’s marketable, it’s sponsorable, it’s televisable and that generates bigger numbers who are inspired by watching it,” she said.
Central Essequibo T20 League.
Wins for Reliance Hustlers, Cotton Field Strikers and Affiance F.C THE sixth round of the Central Essequibo T20 league was played on Sunday last with host Reliance Hustlers imposing a convincing 8-wicket win over Queenstown S.C. After winning the toss and batting, the visitors posted 153 all-out in 19 overs, with former National Under -19 opening batsman, Herell Green striking 38 (5x4s), Jonathan Sankar 26 (3x4s) and Herry Green 22 (4x4s). Consistent bowling by the host saw 2 wickets each for Narendra Mandolall (2-14 off 4 overs), Pavindra Persaud 2-19 (4) and Anthony Ifill 2-23 (4). The Hustlers then wasted little time in reaching the target of 158-2 from just 13 overs with the in-form Mark Austin blasting an unbeaten 85, decorated with 14x4s and 3x6s, while Mandolall was also unbeaten at the end on 33 (5x4s). At the same venue, Cotton Field Strikers earned a 20-run victory against Ramkissoon’s XI after taking first strike to be all-out for 151 in the 20th over. Opening batsman Parmanand Persaud was in sublime touch with a colourful 55 (8x4s) being the principal scorer. Veteran off-spinner Naitram had impressive figures of 7-10 from his 4 overs. In reply, Ramkissoon’s XI, despite an entertaining 43 (6x4s and 1x6s) from Fenton Benneth, were restricted to 131-9 when their overs expired, to concede defeat. At the Affiance Number 1 ground, host Affiance S.C held their composure to clinch a 4-run win against Ravens. Batting first, Affiance S.C got off to a decent start with a half-century opening stand. Wickets then fell regularly after the breakthrough as Ravens struck back. Opener Sanjay Rajkumar played superbly for 60 (10x4s and 2x6s) to carry Affiance S.C to 153 all-out in the 20th over. Left-arm seamer Alvin Bacchus grabbed 3-14 from 4 overs while Jermain Anderson had 3-31 from his 4 overs. In reply, Ravens lost early wickets in their pursuit of the target. Not daunted by the situation, Jamal Wilson kept them in the hunt with an aggressive half-century. He belted 5x6s and 3x4s in a cameo 58. However, when he departed, Affiance S.C regained the balance and kept the pressure on the remaining batsmen. Despite a late flourish from former Essequibo senior inter-county batsman , Elroy Stephney 32 (4x4s and 2x6s) and a 6 from the final delivery, Ravens couldn’t cross the line, ending on 159-8 from the allotted 20 overs. Meanwhile, the competition will continue this week-end with the following fixture: Reliance vs Rebels XI, Bacchus Bulls vs Ramkissoon XI, Affiance S.C vs Reliance Hustlers and Queenstown vs Ravens. (Elroy Stephney).
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday March 19, 2019
Guyana looking to rebound against Jamaica today By Rajiv Bisnauth STUNNED by a firstround defeat on Sunday when they were beaten by Trinidad and Tobago by 69 runs, the Guyana senior female cricket team will today go in search of a win against Jamaica when both teams meet in round two of the Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup, at the Everest Cricket Club ground. The visitors will clearly start as favourites, taking into consideration their first-round win over the Windward Islands. However, the Guya-
nese are eyeing improvement with high hopes of rebounding. Coach Bharat Mangru urged improvement, especially from his batters. “I was really disappointed about losing because we wanted to start out the tournament on a winning note, but unfortunately ,it wasn’t to happen. Our batting performance was really poor and it’s an area we need to improve on,” Mangru said. In their run chase on Sunday, Guyana lost five wickets for only 18 runs, to collapse from the comfort of 72 for one to 90 for six. They were eventually bowled out
for 152. Meanwhile, other second-round games will see Barbados playing Windward Islands at Providence, while Leeward Islands clash with Trinidad and Tobago at Bourda. This year’s tournament, which will take the form of a double-format, featuring the Colonial Medical Insurance Women’s Super50 Cup and the Women’s T20 Blaze, will be played simultaneously. The Guyana National Stadium, Providence, Georgetown Cricket Club, Everest Cricket Club and Enmore grounds will host the Su-
The Guyana senior female cricket team will today go in search of a win against Jamaica.
per50 Cup with three matches, scheduled for each day for five rounds. Meanwhile, all five rounds of the T20 Blaze will be played at the Guyana National Stadium,
Providence. Guyana squad reads: Shemaine Campbelle (captain), Akaze Thompson (vice-captain), Tremayne Smartt, Erva Giddings, Sheneta Grimmond,
Plaffiana Millington, Lashuna Toussaint, Shebika Gajnabi, Cherry Ann Frazer, Mandy Mangru, Kaysia Schultz, Melanie Henry, Lafona Gilgeous, and Afruica Gentle.
Windies take aim at eighth Aqua Pur Water partners with GFF to spot ahead of World Cup keep players hydrated for CNL final clash
West Indies celebrate during the series against England.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (CMC) – West Indies’ sterling performance against England has seen them draw level with eighth-ranked Sri Lanka on points, ten weeks before they kick off their campaign at the ICC 50-overs World Cup. In the latest rankings released Sunday, West Indies remained ninth but gained four points to draw level with the Sri Lankans on 76. Their points gain was the best in the tables and came following a 2-2 draw in the recent fivematch one-day series against world number one England. West Indies lost the first match of the doubleheader in Barbados by
six wickets despite posting a first innings record 360, but hit back in the second game with a 26run victory. The third match in Grenada was abandoned due to rain and England then took a decisive lead in the series with a 29-run win, even though West Indies piled up a record 389 in pursuit of 419. West Indies then crushed England by seven wickets in the final ODI in St Lucia, after bundling out the visitors for a paltry 113. The series raised hopes of the Caribbean side’s chances in the May 30 to July 14 World Cup in England, following their lowly form in recent years.
In fact, the Windies have not won an ODI series in five years and were forced to play an ICC qualifier last year March in order to reach the World Cup, after their ninth-place ranking ruled them out of automatic qualification. England, meanwhile, remain top of the standings on 123 but lost three ratings points. Second placed India failed to capitalise, however, as they dropped two points to slip to 120. New Zealand lie third and only marginally ahead of South Africa while Australia have moved into fifth spot. Pakistan have dropped to third and Bangladesh remain seventh
CEO of Sureia Manufacturing Inc. Frank Sanicharra (4th left) with Golden Jaguars captain, Samuel Cox (4th right) and teammates, along with TD Ian Greenwood (right) and Head Coach Michael Johnson (left) during the presentation.
AQUA Pur Water, distributed by Sureia Manufacturing Inc., located at Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara yesterday committed to partnering with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to keep the Golden Jaguars hydrated during this week and on game day this Saturday in what will be the most historic day in Guyana’sfootball history. Guyana is set to face Belize in their final CONCACAF Nations League at the Leonora Track and Field Facility from 18:30hrs and a win for the home team would see them qualifying for the first time in the nation’s history for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the highest level in the Confederation. National captain Sam Cox yesterday reiterated the im-
portance of being hydrated not only for this all- important clash but always as he accepted the donation on behalf of the GFF and his colleagues. “We all know the importance and how vital it is to hydrate properly and the partnership with Aqua Pur is fantastic not only for the programme but it’s going to steer us in the right direction for this match. Everybody’s thrilled and we look forward to Saturday’s game against Belize.” Chief Executive Officer of Sureia Manufacturing, Frank Sanicharra in his remarks said he was extremely proud to be a part of the initiative to partner and support the Golden Jaguars on their journey to creating history. “Contributing to sports is always part of our corporate responsibility and more so, I am very proud to
see the Guyanese boys are here and ready for action. I feel encouraged and would have to be there on Saturday to support you guys on behalf of the Aqua Pur team; good luck to you and I encourage all of Guyana to come out and support your team.” Technical Director Ian Greenwood was also on hand and expressed thanks to Sanicharra and the Aqua Pur team on behalf of the GFF. “The Guyana Football Federation is very excited about this partnership with Aqua Pur, we know it’s vitally important that the players are correctly hydrated during the week. We are ninety minutes away from creating history on Saturday, so this partnership will definitely help the recovery and performance of the players.”
Three debutants in Golden Jaguars 23-man squad to face Belize HEAD COACH of the Golden Jaguars, Michael Johnson, has named three debutants – Jordan Greenidge, Anthony Jeffrey and forward, Keanu Marsh-Brown, in his 23-man squad to face Belize on Saturday, March 23, in country’s final, and what is considered as a most important qualifier for Guyana in the Concacaf Nations League, at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Greenidge, 22, is a 6 feet, 6 inches tall leftfooted Defender who can operate both as a Centre or Left Back. His technical development has been based at the English Premier League (EPL) team Arsenal’s famous youth Academy and has been playing professional football in Norway since 2017. Jeffrey is a 24-year-old rapid attacking player who can play as a Winger or as a main forward. A talent, also produced by EPL’s Arsenal’s Academy, Anthony has played in the English Football League for Stevenage Borough FC and Wycombe Wanderers FC. L-R – Golden Jaguars players Jordan Greenidge, Keanu Marsh-Brown, Stephen Duke-McKenna and Anthony Jeffrey, following their first training session together at the GFF’s Providence facility.
TURN TO PAGE 23
Afghanistan claim historic first Test win See Page 23
Surinamese expected for this weekend’s Drag race
WITH the days counting rapidly down to the much-anticipated first Drag racing event of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), international competitors are beginning to signal their interest. According to the GMR&SC, Suriname is interested in supporting the event with a contingent of cars wanting to come in on Friday morning. GMR&SC is in the process of getting the list from that body’s motorsport division, but has confirmed at least five cars are expected. The interest shown by international competition in Drag racing locally is now renewed with the installation of the launchpad for drag racing. That, coupled with the fact that
the strip is being extended from 1000ft to 1320ft or a quarter-mile, the Surinamese will be eager to finally unleash the full power of their machines. The icing on the cake was the fact that last week, one of the fastest Nissan GTR’s in the world was recently cleared at a port in Georgetown. The EKanoo/Magnus GTR, which will compete on Sunday under the Team Mohamed’s Enterprise banner is something that fans and other racers are most interested in seeing. In addition to that, the 1000ft strip record-holder, Goliath, the team’s other Nissan GTR, will also be in action. The event is sponsored by Mohamed’s Enterprise, BM Soat Auto Sales, Motor Trend Ser-
The first one - the Afghanistan players celebrate their maiden Test win (AFP)
Surinamese competition has been a big feature at local drag races (GTRidez Photo)
vice Centre, Delco Ice Factory, Trans-Pacific Motor Spares, Supreme Ventures, Air Ser-
vices Limited, PowerLine Auto, Cyril’s Taxi, Omega Brokers, E-Networks, Prem’s Electrical,
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Miracle Optical, Choke Gas Station, Top Brandz and Super Bet. TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019