MONDAY 12th November, 2018
Electorate vote today No.105456
–– in second local gov’t elections in 24 years –– candidates confident of doing well, talk up community development –– employers urged to release staffers to vote PAGES
03,08,09 & 14
War veterans honoured
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The surviving local World War veterans who participated in the Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Cenotaph at the junction of Main and Church Streets, Georgetown, on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)
City Hall prepared
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
–– if garbage contractors strike during Christmas season, says acting town clerk By Telesha Ramnarine THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has said that while it is not ruling out a strike by garbage contractors for the Christmas season, the time of year when their services are most needed, emergency plans are in place in the event this materialises. A few weeks ago, Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine had told the public, via a news conference, that the two main garbage contractors – Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management Inc. – that a part payment was soon going to be made to them. However, acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry on Friday told the Guyana Chronicle that no such payments could be made because at this point in time, finances are hard to come by. However, she offered that the contractors have acquiesced in allowing the M&CC some more time before payments are made. “We have not made any payments but I’ve been in discussions with both of them and we have a temporary agreement, whereby they are awaiting payments. This period at council is a little tenuous with the CoI and everything else. Finances are very hard to come by right now, so it is agreed that they will facilitate us some time until we can actually make payments,” Harry stated. She informed that the M&CC is expected to meet with the two contractors sometime this month.
Asked if the municipality is worried about strike action, Harry responded: “We have learnt here at council not to rule out anything. Discussions are not final agreements and even agreements are broken. I have learned that you must always plan for whatever eventuality, because there’s no such thing as can’t or wouldn’t.” Harry said any manager would be concerned at this critical time of the year. “At the Christmas time is when they are most needed and the impact [of a strike] of course would be very consequential to residents; but it would be remiss of me not to have contingency plans in place just in the event something like this should happen.” FRUSTRATED Representatives of both companies said last month that they are frustrated by the M&CC’s inability to make timely payments to them. “We are in negotiations with the city but we have not done anything concrete as yet; we are still trying to get something done,” said Business Development Officer of Cevons, Morris Archer, in an invited comment. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cevons, Morse Archer, in a follow-up to what was said by his colleague, noted that the company cannot continue to work without being paid and that at some point, they will have to stop. “We are at a close breaking point… we had a meeting with
Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry the City Council and they promised to meet again to discuss payments; but it is annoying and frustrating, it is a consistent cycle,” said Archer. “The non-payment is affecting our working capital, but we have not made a definitive decision as yet as to the way forward,” the other contractor Puran had said. Despite attempts to maintain the professionalism with the M&CC, the companies said they are frustrated and might even resort to industrial action. “We have not said that we will strike, but we are contemplating it,” said Puran, explaining that in the past they had put faith and investment into the system, with the hope that the situation would improve. The contractors had opted to pull their services in August 2017 when the City Council had racked up more than $400M in debt to the two companies. Although the companies had agreed to wait for payments for the years 2015 and 2016, the municipality was not even keeping up with its current balances for 2017. Government stepped in and paid the contractors all of the outstanding balances and even went further to create a special arrangement to cover services up to the end of that year. During that time, the contractors had anticipated that the City Council would make some effort to contact them on a new system beginning 2018.
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‘Allow your workers time off to vote’ GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
– Private Sector Commission urges employers
THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) is calling on employers to allow their staff the time off to cast their ballots in the Local Government Elections (LGEs) being held today Monday November 12, 2018. Today marks the second consecutive occasion in decades that Guyana will see the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE), with approximately 573,000 eligible voters expected to vote. In time for democratic process, resumed after a 23year hiatus, was the establishment of four new towns and several new Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) that are set to broad-
en the reach of the democracy in the country. Quite a number of political parties are contesting in this year’s elections including the country’s three main political parties: A Partnership for National Unity (APNU); the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) and the Alliance For Change (AFC). Meanwhile, several voluntary groups and individual candidates are also contesting today. Set to observe the democratic process are groups such as the European Union (EU); the British High Commission; the Canadian High Commission; the Embassy of the United States; the
Embassy of Chile; the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC). In a release on Sunday, the PSC urged employers countrywide to allow their employees, as citizens, to exercise their right to vote today. “The Private Sector Commission, in consideration of the importance of the imminent Local Government Elections to our democracy, wishes to urge all employers to release their staff so that they may exercise their franchise and cast their votes in these elections,” the release stated. The commission further urged all eligible Guyanese to make use of the opportu-
nity, to decide on the leaders they believe will best improve their communities. “The Private Sector Commission also urges all Guyanese to go out and vote for the candidates of their choice. The right to vote is a privilege for which our forefathers fought and paid dearly. Let us not waste their sacrifices,” it stated. In addition, members of the Disciplined Forces which consist of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF); the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) voted on Friday, November 2, 2018. Their ballots will be added to the total. Chief Elections Officer,
Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Keith Lowenfield, has assured that the declaration of results will not go beyond November 13, 2018. This may be even sooner for smaller Local Authority Areas (LAAs). Apart from this, GECOM has advised that there are a number of election offences that voters should be wary of as they cast their ballots today. Actions relating to voting which are illegal include: voting more than once in the same election; voting or attempting to vote if you are not qualified to do so and voting in the name of another person. Also prohibited is: can-
vassing for voters or interfering with a voter within 200 yards of a Polling Station; removing or defacing a lawfully displayed official electoral notice or election campaign materials; and deliberately obstructing or interfering with the work of an election official. Those found guilty of an election offence can be fined; imprisoned or both and even disqualified from voting in future elections. Meanwhile, as a registered voter, you have the right to vote as your conscience tells you and to expect an orderly and peaceful election, free from fear, violence or intimidation.
LGE fever evident at Mabaruma –– as electorate prepare to vote today PARTY candidates over the weekend continued campaigning on the ground as tension between supporters of each political party was noticeable on social media and during interactions in communities in the town of Mabaruma. Today, voters will go to the polls in the second successive Local Government Elections for the first time in 45 years. Candidates for the coalition parties, the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change
held rallies over the weekend at the town of Mabaruma. These rallies attracted dozens of supporters. On Saturday, busloads of APNU and AFC supporters joined a caravan which tramped through the villages, including Kumaka, Hosororo Hill , Wanaina and the constituencies at Mabaruma including Mabaruma Settlement and the Mabaruma Compound, as they drum up support while giving persons reasons their candidates should be elected to run the council. For this year’s elections,
the two major parties have introduced several new faces to the electorate. Among those vying for positions on the Town Council for the APNU are first- time candidate Gary James, seasoned campaigner Cleveland December and the young Rehana Thomas. The opposition People’s Progressive Party is also contesting in the six constituencies at Mabaruma. Their candidates, which include first timer Chris Phang were introduced at a rally last weekend at Mabaruma. Noticeably, campaigning by
A member of the public makes a last- minute check of the list of voters outside the Hosororo Primary School, North West District, on Sunday afternoon
the major parties has been heating up in recent weeks. At the last LGEs in 2016, the government and the opposition were able to score the same number of seats -- six each -- which saw the body being unable to function because of the stalemate. The opposition later took the matter to court. Later, the two sides managed to agree on projects such as infrastructural works around the town. Eligible voters who support the two parties, told the Guyana Chronicle over the weekend that they are hoping for a favourable result to further development of the town.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
Leaders of France and Germany in poignant show of unity 100 years after WW1 COMPIEGNE, France (Reuters) - One hundred years after the guns of World War One fell silent, the leaders of France and
Germany held hands and rested their heads against one another in a poignant ceremony to mark the signing of the Armistice
Monday, November 12, 2018
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peace agreement. President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel inspected troops from a joint Franco-German Brigade before unveiling a plaque paying tribute to the reconciliation and renewed friendship between the foes of two world wars. More than three million French and German troops were among an estimated 10 million soldiers who died in the Great War of 1914-1918. Much of the heaviest fighting was in trenches in northern France and Belgium. A German delegation signed the Armistice before sunrise on Nov 11, 1918, in a private train belonging to the commander of French forces, Ferdinand Foch, parked on rail track running through the Compiegne
Forest. Hours later, at 11.00 a.m., the war ended. In a powerful show of unity, Macron and Merkel sat inside the reconstructed teak-lined rail wagon in which the peace charter was signed and looked through a book of remembrance. After each signed the book, they held hands a second time. CLOSER EUROPE The last time French and German delegations had sat in the same place was when Nazi Germany’s Adolf Hitler forced the surrender of French authorities after invading in 1940. Since World War Two, France and Germany have driven tighter European cooperation and the European (EU) Union has become the world’s largest trading bloc.
The leaders of France and Germany held hands and rested their heads against one another in a poignant ceremony to mark the signing of the Armistice peace agreement. (Reuters photo )
Macron, 40, an ardent defender of a closer Europe, has turned to Merkel to help him forge deeper economic integration within the EU’s single currency bloc, as well as more collaboration on matters such as defense and immigration. For years, Merkel, 64, had waited for a French leader with Macron’s zest for Europe. But the fragility of her governing coalition and her own weakened leadership, as well as misgivings over aspects of Macron’s vision for renewal, have
meant she has not moved as quickly as Macron would have liked. This past week, the French leader has toured sites that once lay along the western front, from the battlefields of Verdun in the east to the imposing Thiepval memorial overlooking the Somme valley. There, he and British Prime Minister Theresa May together laid a wreath on Friday. Along the way, he has warned of the rising threat to Europe posed by a resurgence in nationalism.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
President still in Cuba
PRESIDENT David Granger is still recovering in Cuba following an intensive series of tests by specialist doctors immediately after he arrived in that country two weeks ago. This means the Head of State will not be here for today’s Local Government Elections. It is unclear whether he has appointed a proxy to vote for him. Both the President and his wife, First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger are in Cuba. In a statement last week the Ministry of the Presidency said the President is resting comfortably at
an official residence and is receiving treatment at the Centro de Investigaciones Medico Quirugicas (CIMEQ) in Havana. Accord-
President David Granger
ing to the ministry, clinical analyses are still incomplete and it is expected that the Guyana Embassy in Havana will issue a statement when enough evidence is available, the release added. “The Head of State has responded satisfactorily to medical interventions over the past week, however, and is recovering well. President Granger wishes to assure all citizens that he is receiving the best possible medical advice and attention. The President wishes to thank Guyanese for their expressions of concern,” the release stated. On October 30, 2018,
President Granger and First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger departed Guyana for Cuba where he was expected to undergo a medical investigation. Speaking at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri before his departure, the Head of State said that recently he travelled twice to Trinidad and Tobago and had done his annual medical check-up in May when he had been given a clean bill of health. “If I take you back over the last six months, I went to Trinidad and Tobago to do my annual medical examination which is normally done in August. I went in
May because of the Congress of my party and the impending Local Government Elections,” he said. However, on his return to work, the President said that he started to experience certain symptoms which were persistent, and took the decision to travel back to Trinidad to revisit the tests that were done in May. “At that time, they discovered some symptoms which needed further investigation, so I just agreed with that diagnosis and made arrangements to go to Cuba for further investigations. At this time, there is no clear indication of disorder
or what the nature of the disorder is. It is a question of investigation and I think I can get the best advice in Cuba,” he said. While he does not suffer from a particular ailment, President Granger said that out of an abundance of caution, he took the decision to travel to the Republic of Cuba to have the relevant medical investigation done. “The Guyanese public should be assured that once those investigations are complete they would be kept abreast with the health of the President of the Republic,” he said.
Colombia’s Cano Limon Parris to repay $4.43M pipeline hit by new bomb attack
BOGOTA (Reuters) - Colombia’s state-run oil company Ecopetrol said on Saturday it was mounting another cleanup operation after a bomb attack on the Cano Limon pipeline. The attack is the 78th this year on the 485-mile (780-km) pipeline, which has been out of service for much of 2018 because of bombings and illegal taps. The pipeline, which can transport up to 210,000 barrels per day, was not functioning at the time of the attack. It was also bombed on Thursday. The latest bombing took place in Toledo municipality in Norte de Santander province, Ecopetrol said on Twitter. The company did not say who it held responsible, but military sources have blamed previous attacks on the pipeline on fighters from the National Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group. The ELN, considered a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union, has about 1,500 combatants and opposes multinational companies that its leaders accuse of seizing natural resources without benefiting Colombians. Colombian President Ivan Duque has demanded the group free all its hos-
tages and cease criminal activities before he will consider restarting peace talks that began last year under his predecessor, Juan Manuel Santos.
NATION NEWS (B’DOS) - A major case related to the collapse of CLICO has finally been settled, releasing millions of dollars for the benefit of policyholders. In a victory for the attorneys of the judicial manager,
Deloitte Consulting, acting through Patrick Toppin, former CLICO boss Leroy Parris and his company, Branlee Consulting Services Inc., have consented to the repayment of $4.43 million they had received from Clico
International Life Insurance Limited (CIL). This includes the $3.3 million that was paid to Parris based on a controversial invoice issued by his attorneys, Thompson and Associates. The judicial manager alleged that this was false invoicing issued by late Prime Minister David Thompson and this was why the deceased leader’s estate was also a party to the proceedings. The monies were held in an account at the Bank of Nova Scotia and there was a garnishee order based on
the action taken on behalf of CIL by the judicial manager in 2015. However, on September 7, in an Order by Consent before Justice Cecil McCarthy QC, it was agreed between Parris and Branlee’s attorneys, Hal Gollop QC, and Steve Gollop; for CIL, Ramon Alleyne QC and Shena-Ann Ince of Clarke, Gittens & Farmer Attorneys-at-Law; and for Scotiabank, Nicolas Jackman of Chancery Advocates Attorneys-at-law to bring this matter to closure.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
Deepening the process of local government
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HERE is a criticism that has been appearing in the media, which is deceptively couched in the form of attacks on the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government successfully reintroducing Local Government Elections. Undoubtedly, its chief architect would be the opposition People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), but using its supporters to disseminate to the public repeated falsehoods about local government since 2016. There is no doubt that this political opposition’s refrain, which seeks to denigrate and malign this pivotal democratic exercise, is intended not only to deny government the credit it richly deserves for working assiduously to encourage citizens to be participants in a process that can revolutionise and improve their communities; but also to mislead that it has been a useless effort since 2016, because of minimal results. Immediately, this is the well-known traditional reaction of fear of change being exhibited by the PPP/C. But, concomitantly also must come the question: by what figment of the imagination have these critics arrived at their deceptive conclusion? Does it need to be reminded that prior to 2016, there was an absence of Local Government Elections for the entire period of PPP/C governance; and that this resulted in an entire system--which is essential to the involvement of citizens in the decision- making process of their communities-- becoming stagnated, and virtually non- existent? Do these mouthpieces need to be reminded of their political party-- and of whatever representational ideology-- as to the parochialism, and unenlightened mindset that such spawned as friends, cronies, and political affiliates as municipal heads and NDC chairpersons, brought no vision to their communities for upliftment, except to further their own personal agendas, and that of their affiliated political party? The gist of such a scenario, offers a local government sys-
tem that was not about the people that it had been established to serve. As a result, there could have been only one result: degraded communities with abysmal environments, that could not have been comforting to either the collective mental or spiritual well-being of communities; this is in addition to being unable to offer any material benefits to the many citizens. Significant in this undemocratic governance was the fact that communities that were perceived to be supporters of the then parliamentary opposition, were deliberately denied much-needed social amenities such as proper roads, street lighting, and sanitation services, because of their ethnicity/ political support for the then opposition. This was the untenable, shocking, and failed legacy of PPP/C local government administration for 23 years, against which David Granger as leader of the parliamentary opposition consistently campaigne; and which he inherited when he became president, and immediately set about to change. It is this change, with its vision of restoring the rights of the people who must become the daily managers of their respective communities, by deciding what is in their best interests, by having the best of their members elected to leadership positions, irrespective of ethnicity and race, and party affiliation, that is threatening the political opposition’s traditional control of their communities. It is this new dispensation of people’s democracy and the power derived from it to effect meaningful change in the manner of local governance that the Jagdeo-led opposition fears. It is this fear of returning power to the grassroots level that has been the catalyst for the deceptive attempts at misleading and misinforming communities and their citizens about the positive changes that have already begun to emerge, throughout the many regions, municipalities and NDCs. If the historic return of Local Government Elections in 2016 is what can be described as building the platform for resuscitation of its infrastructure that will allow for the cen-
tral function of citizenry participation, then the second stanza of this seminal vehicle of socio-economic development at the community level, on November 12, is the deepening of this process, ready to develop and expand the concept of Capital Towns which is the vehicle for the socio-economic growth and development of regions. The further creation of new municipalities would have already set this vital process in motion. This can only redound to the benefit of the many communities and their citizens. The new dispensation of local government is a work in progress and so often, in this particular opinion page, it has been emphasised that its eventual success lies in the hands of the communities and its citizens, joining hands across the lines of ethnicity and the racial divide, pooling their talents to work for the development of their communities. However, it would be self-delusionary and politically wicked, for any opposition party especially, to have their supporters believe that there ought to have been fulsome improvements within all municipalities and NDCs since 2016, especially their physical state, prior to 2015. As an aside, many of these communities, that are known PPP/C support bases, are currently enjoying amenities such as improved roads, community lighting, water services, improved sanitation, and the installation of ICT hubs, which were non-existent during their party’s period in government. This is a reflection of the coalition government’s understanding of governing an entire nation in the best interests of its people, regardless of constituency support or not. Of course, there is room for improvement, since we do believe that better can be done, and much more can be achieved. Therefore, citizens must be reminded that the time has come for them to take charge of affairs within their locales, by having the courage to reject the selfish ends of political leaders whose only vision is to control and dictate who should govern their communities. This is not what local government is about.
PPP wrong about ‘quid quo pro’ culture for local governance L Dear Editor,
OCAL Government Elections (LGEs) are once again here for the second time in three years of the coalition government in office. It’s a remarkable feat for a new government to hit the ground running with consistent local elections which empowers communities to chart the course for their own development. What is being done twice in three years by the APNU+AFC government was avoided in 22 years under the People’s Progressive Party. Local governance under the PPP’s rule was diminished by the despotic rule of top-down management and the installation of IMCs in opposition PNC strongholds. The locals had no say in their development trajectory, but were subjected to Jagdeo’s enforcement of a quid quo pro culture. The PPP never wanted LGEs, but now in their quest for power and bragging rights they are suddenly claiming they will better serve localities. However, examining the PPP 2018 campaign one will see them being wrong about the true intention of LGEs and yet they strongly believe that the quid quo pro culture is better on the
basis of a few core beneficiaries in their strongholds and in other localities they tried to convert. A point to note here is that even in PPP strongholds everyone had to pledge and prove allegiance to “Masa Jag”, often requiring them to say or do outlandish things. In this election season however, the PPP’s political ploy is given life as they exploit the fragility of the coalition partners. Imagine a party which ruled a country for 23 years with an iron fist and got booted out of office due to rampant corruption, murders, deprivation and mass suppression etcetera, has the gall to tell present voters they have what it takes to better our communities. The “Jagdeoites” are saying they are against any increase in municipal taxes; and yet the PPP gave little subventions to all municipalities, blocked revenue streams such as the Linden bridge tolls and other local initiatives. In many localities, residents in underserved areas are begging councils to include them in their tax bracket. The PPP are also falsely telling voters that the government is not doing anything to improve local organs, yet they instructed elected leaders in their strongholds to be non-cooperative and boycott capacity-building and other development programmes organised by the Ministry of Communities. This
instruction by “Masa Jag” left his own leaders frustrated and many are working quietly with the coalition in the interest of their communities. The APNU+AFC government has proven to them that service to communities go way beyond party allegiance and is equally serving all local authority areas without bias. It is also clear that having local leaders who are non-partisan or have relationships with regional and central governments is the best model for development in the interest of the people they represent. Leaders should put people before party and the “Jagdeoites” are afraid of such. Finally, I believe the negativity displayed in this campaign season has discouraged many, but the wiser thing to do is to go out and exercise your democratic right as a voter. Elect the people who will best serve your community’s’ interest and that certainly is not the PPP which got LGEs wrong, avoided it and now intends to take Guyana back to the quid quo pro culture. Regards Carwyn Holland Former Mayor of Linden
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
City Hall is falling apart How I ready Dear Editor,
GO to Georgetown about five times a week and I pass near City Hall constantly.A very close look at that building tells me clearly thatthat building can collapse at any moment. The posts and ceiling that hold up that building are very weak and rotten; the constant vibration from heavy-duty trucks and many heavier vehicles is constantly eroding and weakening the foundation of that building. If something is not done about City Hall instantly, I am afraid it will soon collapse and many innocent lives will be lost. To maintain these buildings seems to be of no interest to the past or current administration. Royston King, the current town clerk on leave, in an interview on television said it will cost 0.9 Billion dollars to rebuild City Hall; actually a billion dollars or more has been estimated. I give below a brief history of City Hall From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:
The Georgetown City Hall is a 19th-century Gothic Revival building located on the corner of Regent Street and Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, Guyana. The building was designed by Reverend Ignatius Scoles –an architect-- in 1887 and was completed in June 1889. The building houses the offices of the mayor, the City Council, and the city engineer. The Georgetown City Hall is often described as “the most picturesque structure” and “the most handsome building in Georgetown”, as well as “one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Caribbean.” In 1995, the Government of Guyana proposed the Georgetown City Hall as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building currently occupies the status of “tentative listing.” From that brief history I have quoted I learnt that City Hall is 129 years old and during that period of time, nothing has been done to restore and rehabilitate the pristine beauty of this
magnificent architecture. It is imperative that we preserve what we have or we will lose it.The High Court is another shabby-looking building that needs a facelift and some beautiful paintings; a close look on the outside of the statue of Queen Victoria enables one to see that one of her arms is missing; maybe it missed our politicians’ eyes. The GPOC building is another eye sore to Georgetown, full of vagrants sleeping and living around it and it’s extremely stink from urine and faeces. I see some rehabilitation work is being done on St. George’s Cathedral over a year now, but it seems that it will take a lifetime and members of that congregation put their lives at risk at the mercy of God because that building can collapse anytime. The Bank of Guyana needs to be painted over and many more prominent buildings in the city have become perpetual eye sores. My father used to tell me: ‘’When a man don’t work to build something he will never value it.’’ The truth
History has a selective memory Dear Editor,
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ESTERDAY we commemorated the sacrifices of soldiers in world wars and rightly so. We have similar commemoration for the six million Jews who died in the holocaust and rightly so. But apparently history has a selective memory. What about the three million Bengali Indians who were allowed to starve to death under Sir Winston Churchill’s rule? British India was still their colony, but their plight was completely ignored in preference for the Greeks. What about the ten millions Africans murdered in Congo under King Leopold of Belgium rule? What about the over 10 million African slaves who died in the slave trade and
millions more raped and dehumanised? What about the millions of African slave descendants who were murdered in Argentina in the quest to make Argentina the only pure white state in South America? African slave descendants once made up 50% of Argentina, but now they represent only 0.3%. Ever wondered why Argentina never had a black international footballer despite being a South American country? Answer. They were all erased from the country. In the world war millions of blacks died. Their history was whitewashed from the history books. They were not allowed the human decency and respect as their white counterparts during the wars. They were good enough to sacrifice their lives but
not good enough to sit in the same barracks as their white colleagues. They were placed in the frontlines to be killed, but still were not good enough to be promoted and recognised. Have things changed? No. The racism towards blacks have just taken a more covert and subtle form. Institutional racism, the euphemism. When I think of our history I am angry. Angry for the pain we have gone through and continue to go through. As we celebrate the lives of our brave soldiers, remember that millions of blacks died also. Remember that the world wars and the holocaust were not the only times of millions of worldwide fatalities. Regards Dr Mark Devonish
in that can be clearly seen at the collapsed state of City Hall and no one seems to care about it. It’s about time these buildings be restored to their former glory by our current administration. The problems I have seen with this country is a very lackadaisical and lethargic one; we wait until something is completely destroyed, then we try to pass a budget of billions to fix it and to fill the pockets of unscrupulous engineers when we could have easily spent thousands to maintain it. I paint my church twice a year and do maintenance so the building is in top shape. We try to dig trenches and drains when we are already into floods. We try to fix leaks on the roof when the rains don’t stop and we try to fix our vehicles when the engine ceases to function. We don’t plan to fail, we fail to plan, thus, we have no plan in place when disaster comes suddenly upon us. Please permit me editor a few more lines about the East Coast road. This road
construction is getting from bad to worst daily; hours of long lines of traffic in the mornings and afternoons. Citizens go to work late our kids to school late. I am contemplating if these engineers really know what they are doing, they break and dig up everywhere in front your homes; you can’t even drive out your own yard with make- shift bridges for the old and elderly. In my opinion, if they were building this road by 1000 metres length in stages, the job would have been long completed; but the engineers dragging this work for billions of dollars for very poor quality work and the rainy season is already here. I am calling on the Ministry of Public Works to get this East Coast work completed by a deadline. It’s time we maintain these historic structures we have or we will lose them soon and many lives will be lost by an imminent disaster. Regards, Rev. Gideon Cecil
are they? Dear Editor,
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HE news headlines say the electoral body is ready for LGE 2018. How ready are they, when the online version of polling places gives different information to that published in the newspapers of Saturday, November 10, 2018? I am at a loss now as to which place I should present myself to cast my vote. Regards Shamshun Mohamed
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
Barticans in the LGE spirit –– AFC wants transparency; PPP calls for accountability; APNU says ‘look and see’
By Gabriella Chapman CANDIDATES of the three contending parties in Bartica, the PPP/C, APNU and the AFC are all geared and ready for today’s Local Government Elections. The constituency candidates as well as their re-
points to a lack of transparency and accountability at the local government level and the town needs persons who are concerned about the day- to-day needs of the people. As such, the AFC believes that they should contest separately, so as to fill those voids for the people of Bartica.
made reference to a poster that was plastered on the municipality’s market. She stated that when the decision was made to have that poster done, the council was not a part of the decision-making process. To date, they still do not know the cost for that extravagant poster and it was rumoured
The Alliance For Change Bartica Team waving their flags on the last lap of the Local Government Elections campaigning spective supporters paraded the streets of the small town on Saturday evening, waving their flags and expressing their anticipation and confidence of doing well at the polls. The Guyana Chronicle spoke with representatives from all three of the contending parties in the “green” town, who articulated their party’s plans for Bartica. AFC’s Juretha Fernandes said a majority of persons in Bartica still do not understand what local government is all about. She said their most asked question is why is the AFC going by itself, why not together with APNU? This, she contends,
Giving an example of one such activity that lacked accountability and transparency, Fernandes
that it cost more than $3 million. “Consultation was lacking. We cannot ad-
here to and encourage a system with persons who believe that they do not have the responsibility to be accountable to the people. We cannot continue to empower a body of people who do not know the first thing about local governance,” Fernandes said.
promising the people of the town accountability. “We are saying to the people that we are going to support accountability. We have accountability to the people. We believe in consultations; going in to the various communities, listen to their problems, before we formulate our
the Barticans like that. They will be able to determine what is important,” Warde expressed. CONFIDENT APNU, however, is still confident that they will outrun the other parties today, despite the allegations thrown their way.
APNU supporters line the streets of the town on Sunday
PEOPLE PARTICIPATION Holbert Knights, another staunch member of
A section of the People’s Progressive Party supporters in Bartica, listening to their leaders, giving hope the AFC, said consultations played a major part in their campaign. They are most concerned with what the people want, than what they want to do for the people. Involving the people is what local governance is all about, he said. He added that the AFC is confident that they will be elected by the people since their approach is quite different and involves the people. The PPP/C expressed similar sentiments. Their campaign manager Edward Skeete said his party is
budget at the end of the day,” Skeete said. He also pointed that since his party is not in power, it is at a disadvantage as it relates to their ability to execute various projects. “You see, we are not in government so we cannot promise anything big, but what we can promise is that our drains and irrigation system within the community are going to improve. In addition to that, our waste management and waste disposal system will also be improved,” he said. The party’s candidate for Constituency Three, Ewrin Alexander Warde, also repeated the transparency mantra. “We are promising that we will let the whole idea of the constituency system work, in comparison to how it is currently being carried out. We have planned to activate a system of holding meetings in the constituency first, before it comes to the council. That’s the only way you can have proper representation. Consultation is necessary. We believe that before a project comes on stream, we should have the community involved. The community should determine what the need is; we wouldn’t just bring something and put it to
Former Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford, who is also a member of APNU, told the Guyana Chronicle that the party hopes to carry the same momentum that secured their win in 2016, into the 2018 elections. “We stand on our achievements and we are saying to the people, judge us from our works and we have so many things that have been done. Bartica has been transformed under the APNU leadership. We are basically saying to people, you can listen yes, but you have eyes to see and you can judge for yourselves. And based on that, we are confident going into these elections, that our people are not foolish. We were starved of development under the previous administration and since our new leadership, we have made tremendous strides,” Bradford said. He believes that the APNU is going to win by a vast majority again and continue to bring development to the town and its people. He said every Bartican can say they have benefited from their projects, and the party has other projects in the pipeline, which are all part of the good life President David Granger has promised.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
Vote for community development –– AFC urges Berbicians
THE Alliance For Change (AFC) wrapped up their Local Government Elections (LGEs) campaign with a march and public rally at the hometown village of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo on Sunday. Addressing the crowd at Whim, the prime minister who is performing duties as Presi-
dent, called on the residents to turn up in their numbers and vote today for the development of their communities. “We want educated, young, smart people to run your village… it is your chance to select leaders you honestly feel can run your affairs, not running for a few friends to give away lands to
A section of the gathering at the AFC rally at Whim, Corentyne, Berbice
friends, not to giving away shrimp land to friends, not to give away to contractors or to give away contracts to their friends; you want people who are friends for the villagers, not those who scrounge after the village, not parasites who suck your blood after receiving your rates and taxes, and money from the government and do nothing for you; you have a choice to make,” he said. The prime minister continued that the residents should be wary of those who try to create division by intimidation and fear mongering. “Do not be turned away because of racism or hatred… throw away your fears, throw away this prejudice that they are trying to feed you on, it is not in your interest, it is to keep you away from electing good leaders… this is not about Whim, this is about people, this is not about party, this is about a village, you want to do better in this village… you
have to get rid of the wicked people who try to hold you down, to keep you down, ” he urged. Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan in addressing the importance of local democracy, said local government elections help to teach people how to govern themselves at the local level, and gives rise to better rounded individuals who can move on to the national level and be better politicians. “It teaches people how to govern themselves at the lower level, at the ground level, at the local level at the municipalities. It brings social cohesion… and when that happens we look for good character rather than ethnicity and racism,” he said. The party’s local candidates for the area and other party members encouraged the residents to turn out in their numbers and vote for the “fit and proppa” candidates today.
M&CC gets ready for Christmas rains THE two pumps that have been non-functional for quite some time now are expected to be back in operation this week, City Engineer Colvern Venture has assured recently. Furthermore, the Council is also hoping to resume works on the Avenue of the Republic canal this week, Venture disclosed. “Our guys are working assiduously to have one of the pumps up and running by this week. We had some hiccups in terms of our finances in getting certain things done. “The other pump… we had to outsource that project because the magnitude of the work will take us quite a while and the component that we had to get, we would have had to purchase it from the supplier; so we would have had to give the authorised dealer of that pump the component, so that they will look it after for us. So we are hoping that both will be up by this week; that will put us in a position to say that all our pumps are working in preparation for the rainy season,” Venture explained. Works on the Avenue of the Republic canal had to be halted, but Venture said the council is hoping to resume such works by this week. “The Avenue of the Republic canal is a critical canal, taking into consideration the economic area it’s in. We had some issues in terms of finances to pay some of the contractor who are working with us on that project, but we are hoping to get those sorted out this week so that those works can continue.”
City Engineer Colvern Venture According to Venture, works are also being done in certain “problematic” areas in preparation for the rainy season. “We have works ongoing in the south of the city at the North Ruimveldt canal, which persons also call the Front Road canal. These works started last week and
about 14 contractors are working on this canal,” Venture informed. Drainage works are also ongoing in Wortmanville and in Charlestown. Meanwhile, Deputy City Engineer Kenson Boston reported last month that of the city’s four pumps, two are down at the moment. In fact, the Princes Street pump has been down for the past two months. The other one down is the pump at Riverview. He had also said that issues are being encountered at both locations because the canals that run alongside them cannot be efficiently cleaned. This is because persons are continuing to live on city reserves. While he said City Hall does not envision any major flooding during the impending rainy season, he said the municipality remains concerned about the amount of garbage that residents continue to dump in the various canals.
Just last May, the City Council reported that two of its pumps developed an oil leak and were out of working order. The Riverview koker and the JP Santos koker were the ones down at that time. Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen had noted that the May/June rainy season had come and that residents depend heavily upon these two pumps. Councillor Bishram Kuppen added that because there will always be rainfall, the City Council ought to look at acquiring more pumps. “They previously said the two pumps were out and here I am finding out again that they’re still down. But the planning here is not very good. They should have had back-up pumps that you could hook up to a trailer, so that if certain areas have problems, you move them there. But of the four critical pumps we have, two are not working.”
Works on the Avenue of the Republic canal had to be halted, but the Council is hoping to resume such work this week
Acting President Moses Nagamootoo at the final AFC rally and march on Sunday
Family of former fisherman calls for justice THE lifeless body of fisherman Radesh Narine called “Bunga”, 43, of School Dam, First Street, Alness Village, East Berbice, Corentyne was brought to shore three days after he was forcefully taken at sea to work. Crew members informed the family of Narine that he “jumped overboard while suffering a seizure (fits)”. However, relatives are contending that Narine had never suffered from seizure and, that he had stopped working on the high seas two years ago and had no intention to return. They are of the opinion that foul play was involved in his death and are calling on the police to launch a full investigation. According to information received, Narine was at a shop at Allness on Tuesday last when he was confronted by two men, who were part of the fishing crew. “Them catch am by he shirt and collar he and carry [he] all to the way to Bush Lot shore, and beat he from there and put he on the boat,” an eyewitness recalled. The eyewitness recounted also, that even though “Bunga” resisted and held out that he did not want to go to sea, one of the men reportedly told him, “This is the last time you (Narine) gon see shore.” A relative, identified as “Indi”, said Narine lived with her for seven years and he never experienced any seizure. She also noted Dead: Radesh Narine that if he jumped overboard as the men claimed, they would not have been able to recover his body at the said time due to the current and depth of the water in the area they were. She also said that Narine was an excellent swimmer. Meanwhile, Jaidarie Narine called “Aboy”, a brother of the dead fisherman, said when he received the news of what occurred, he did not believe his brother suffered a seizure. Jaidarie said that even though his brother had not ventured to the high seas for over two years, he was an experienced fishermen having worked for over 19 years in Suriname and the Corentyne River. “If a man gon beat you and force you fuh go work, wha da mean? Meh brother tell them he nah want go but them still carry am. Them had to do something to he,” Jaidarie told the Guyana Chronicle. Narine was described as a willing, caring, honest and hardworking individual. He did odd jobs in the Alness community since he left the high seas. His relatives are peeved that police have released the crew members who were held for questioning. The men have reportedly since returned to sea.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
Adults can help teenagers to grow
(Names have been changed to protect identities) TEENAGE love is certainly unlike any other. For the young men and women who are on the verge of adulthood, it is a brand new experience that heightens every aspect of their everyday existence.
It is not surprising then that so many of them decide to fall into relationships and they end up having children. This is usually done without proper knowledge of the requirements of motherhood or fatherhood; and even more importantly without the youngsters having knowledge of their
true selves or which direction they would like to take in life. It can be an unreliable, unstable foundation that some young people choose to begin their parenthood journey. Salome is in her mid-40s and lives in Alexander Village; this is her story. A group of us, boys and girls, grew up in the same village and knew each other through primary and secondary schools. I knew Lance from seeing him around and to be honest, I thought he was handsome and was a year or two older than me. At home, there was always some form of drama and my mother seemed unconcerned when I moved out, aged 17 and went to live with my older sister. I was studying accountancy part time, because I was good with numbers but had no real idea of what type of career I wanted in the future; and then Lance happened. We met casually in the street one day and started talking: our relationship progressed from there and we fell in love. His mother encouraged me to visit and even allowed me to stay over
degree? It is possible, you have the potential. You can embark on a career whereby you could travel the world helping people; you like helping people and children, let’s talk about you. Do you realise you have so much time and many opportunities ahead of you? Why make such a life-changing commitment now? If I had heard those words I might have listened and they might have changed my decision; or they might have had no bearing on me at all, because I was already under the spell of first love which is extremely strong. But I was never given the option; I had no list of probabilities and the only future I thought mattered at that time was the one I had conjured up with Lance. That was back then and now, 30 years later, I realise we tried to build our future on our teenage romance. That romance was all we had, no role models, no guidance, no prospects, no security and definitely no forward vision for ourselves or the two children we brought into the world. Even-
on occasions, so it wasn’t long before a pattern emerged and I felt appreciated and loved in my new-found home. Soon Lance and I were so sure of our love that we decided that we wanted a baby. I was 18 years old now and technically an adult, old enough to make my own choices. I had a man who loved me and a home where I was happy. So we went ahead and started trying for a child. Looking back on my story, if there had been an intervention in my life while I was with Lance and just before we had made that decision; or if someone had offered me some words of wisdom I would not have started a family. When I imagine the words that I would have needed at that time to change my intended course of action, they would have been words like these…at your age, you can achieve anything you set your heart to, what is it that you’ll like to have for your future, work towards that now? Have you ever thought of studying and achieving a
tually we separated and are happy with our current partners. The message from my story is for everyone, because I believe that if you are a grown-up you should help young people to have ambition. You should be the listening ear that helps them to make sensible decisions; don’t turn your back on them, guide them and give them a chance in life. For the young people I would say, give yourself more time and space to mature into adulthood; don’t fall into the trap of taking on responsibilities that you are not ready to handle. It is a tough world out there, so take all the time you can to prepare yourselves well. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the Childcare and Protection Agency’s hotline number 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail. com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
Relief for Stabroek Market vendors
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–– City Hall approves immediate construction of stalls THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has finally started signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with vendors of the Stabroek Market Wharf. This means that the vendors can immediately begin construction of their stalls at the relocation site. Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday that the signing started on November 7 and continued through the 9th. M&CC officers are already on the ground, so that once vendors identify themselves and their spots, they can start construction.
Hall heard was that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure was going to start works in the first quarter of 2018. No word has been forthcoming since then. City Engineer Colvern Venture told this publication Friday that he is aware that the said ministry is currently engaging the consultant, who will be doing the feasibility study for the stelling. The relocated vendors are expected to construct the stalls at their own expense and will be paying a rent of $6,800 monthly. It is estimated that one stall will cost some $400,000
Town Clerk (ag) Sharon Harry (at centre), updated the Guyana Chronicle on the signing of the MoU, along with Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis (at left) and Deputy Clerk of Markets, Sharon Smith Deputy Clerk of Markets Sharon Smith reminded that the vendors have agreed to purchase the materials for their new stalls with their own money. According to her, approximately 135 vendors are constructing stalls at the relocation site, which is west of the Public Building where Parliament is held. As for repair works to the Stabroek wharf, the acting town clerk said the M&CC has no idea when those works will start. The last City
to construct. Additionally, the M&CC has also promised to look at drainage works, sanitary facilities and security lighting, among other things. The vendors will have to adhere by building the stalls to the standard dimension of eight feet x 10 feet, and a maximum height of 13 feet. At this dimension, a total of 82 stalls are expected to fit in the designated relocation site.
Assistant Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick and Deputy Clerk of Markets Sharon Smith signing the MoU with vendors last Friday
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War veterans honoured
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo performing the duties of President, pays his respects to the lives lost in World War 1 (Samuel Maughn photo)
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N observance of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day which ended the First World War, members of the government, the diplomatic corps and the disciplined services paid homage to those fallen at a Remembrance Day service on Sunday. Scores of persons, including 15 Guyanese veterans who participated in the great conflict, attended the ceremony held at the war memorial (Cenotaph monument) in Georgetown. In his remarks, Prime M i n i s t e r M o s e s N a g amootoo, performing the duties of President, said that through the bravery of men and women who fought during the Great War, many across the globe can now know peace. “We assemble at this War Memorial on this Sunday of Remembrance, to call to mind the sacrifice of all those gallant men and women who gave their lives in two world wars. We are
Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge performing the functions of Prime Minister, places his wreath at the Cenotaph (Samuel Maughn photo)
Fifteen of the remaining Guyanese veterans who participated in the Great War (Samuel Maughn photo) forever indebted to them for world at peace, with justice thank those who continue to their supreme sacrifice in the and prosperity for all peo- defend our territory and our cause of peace and freedom. ples,” he said. patrimony throughout our “We also recall with He urged all citizens to country. gratitude,those who through never forget the sacrifice “We, the citizens of the the years have made sim- made and to devote them- Co-operative Republic of ilar personal sacrifices in selves to ensuring that such Guyana, on this solemn occontinuing the struggle for peace continues. casion, rededicate ourselves human dignity, social justice He stated: “Let us re- to the search for peace and and freedom from all forms member also, these Guy- well-being of our beloved of oppression. Their exam- anese who since Indepen- country.” ple strengthens our resolve dence have died in the serWreaths were laid at the to maintain our efforts for a vice of our nation. Let us Cenotaph monument by the
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
Acting Chief- of -Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Colonel Trevor Bowman honours the memory of lives lost in the wars (Samuel Maughn photo) Prime Minister and Acting President; Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge who is performing the duties of Prime Minister; Acting Chief- of -Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Colonel Trevor Bowman; Commissioner of Police Leslie James; President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) George Gomes; Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Green and Regional Chairperson, Region Four, Genevieve Allen. Members of the Diplomatic Corps, including representatives Venezuela, India, Brazil, Canada, the United States of America, Cuba, Chile, Suriname, Mexico, China, Malta, the European Union, New Zealand, Russia; Great Britain and others, also paid homage by laying wreaths. Also paying tribute were the Guyana Red Cross Society; the St. John's Ambulance Brigade and the Scouts Association of Guyana. The assemblage fell si-
Scenes from the parade on Sunday (Samuel Maughn photo)
lent for two minutes in respect and honour for those members of the armed forces who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. The initial two-minute silence was held in 1919 when King George requested it so that “in perfect stillness, the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead.” Poppies, which were the first flowers to grow on the battlefields of World War One and now serve as a symbol of hope after the conflict, were also worn by those in attendance More than 65 million men fought throughout the entirety of World War One which began in 1914 with the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The war ended on November 11, 1918 when a general armistice was agreed to by both sides, and it is estimated that between 15 million and 19 million persons lost their lives during the period.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
Veterans secure pledges … assured of government’s continued support of over $2.1M THIS Remembrance Day, the Guyana Veterans’ Legion was able to secure over $2.1M in pledges of support which will go towards the welfare of Guyana’s remaining 15 veterans who fought in World War Two. On Sunday, November 11 at 11:00hrs, the legion joined in with the rest of the world in observing the 100th year since the end of the Great War through a wreath-laying and remembrance ceremony. After laying the wreaths, each decked with 100 poppies, the Veterans Legion congregated at its headquarters where they honoured the men who fought bravely in the war. The veterans are all in their 90s with one, Benjamin Durant, expected to celebrate his 100th birthday in the coming week. Attending the function was Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge, who is performing prime ministerial functions. Minister of State Joseph Harmon, along with representatives of the diplomatic corps, was also present In his feature address, Minister Harmon stated that countries, having lived through what can be described as one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, should now strive for peace above all things. “For us, Remembrance Day should be a moment of reflection on the ravages and futility of wars, along with the colossal waste of human resources and materials and its many negative social and economic consequences. “It is also a day when we reaffirm our commitment to a world free of conflict; a world where differences are settled peacefully and without resort to threats or use of force,” Harmon said.
Minister of State Joseph Harmon delivers remarks on Remembrance Day (Ministry of the Presidency photo) Delivering greetings from President David Granger, Harmon assured the Veterans’ Legion that they are not alone in their quest for the improved welfare of veterans. He reminded the audience that proof of this is the President’s appointment, through the National Assembly, of the National Veterans Commission to examine the circumstances facing veterans in Guyana. He added that the government will soon make known its position on the recommendations coming out of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI). Government intends to set up a National Veterans’ Trust in the near future, Minister Harmon disclosed. Speaking to the latter, he said: “[It] will be protected by law to ensure that it is not subjected to the whims and fancies of anyone. I want to assure you that our words, comrades, will continue to match our deeds on the issue of the welfare of veterans.”
Harmon then commended the Guyana Veterans’ Legion on their level of leadership displayed over the years in promoting the welfare of veterans. “This is also a day for us to be reminded of our duty and obligation as a grateful nation to ensure meaningful support and a life of dignity for our military veterans. In this regard, the Guyana Veterans Legion should be resolute in ensuring that the welfare of veterans receives its justified, maximum attention,” he said. The minister of state was sure to announce, too, that the President’s pledge of support will come shortly in addition to the over $2.1M in pledges secured on Sunday. Brief remarks also came from Greenidge who urged citizens to remember the cost of war and those who bear the cost. “We need to be reminded that somebody pays the price. It is not a process by which we glorify any country
Mr. Benjamin Durant is surrounded by some of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
or any set of individuals; it has a cost in terms of lives destroyed. And so, in participating in this act of remembrance, I think that it is important that we remember that and weigh very heavily the ways we utilise to resolve conflicts,” he advised. Remarks from the diplomatic community were made by Canadian High Commissioner Lillian Chatterjee and British High Commissioner Greg Quinn. Chatterjee said that she was esteemed to speak at the ceremony and even more so as her father, too, fought as a gunner in World War Two. “Today, we remember our duty to the cause of liberty, democracy and diversity; and the men and women at the frontiers defending those values so that we may enjoy them. We are gathered here today to say that 100 years may have passed, but the torch is ours to carry on…we will continue to sacrifice for the best possible future for
He announced that the UK Government through the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League will be providing additional assis-
the media the importance of Remembrance Day. He expressed his hopes that more veterans, should they be physically able,
Guyana’s oldest veteran Mr. Benjamin Durant (Ministry of the Presidency photo)
Guyana’s 15 veterans who fought in World War Two were honoured at the headquarters of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion on Sunday (Ministry of the Presidency photo) our people. We will continue to stand by our allies; but most of all, we will continue to strive for peace,” she said. Meanwhile, Quinn remarked: “In being here we do not honour war or death, but rather we commemorate those who have given their lives in the service of our respective countries...their bravery was key in securing the allied victory. These men fought thousands of miles from their homelands for a country they have never been to, but for a purpose they believed in.”
tance to 7,000 veterans and their widows in 30 commonwealth countries, including Guyana. Quinn said: “Our servicemen and women continue to protect us in difficult and dangerous situations. Many of us here have lost friends, colleagues and family members in service and it is important that we honour their memories. They have not died in vain.” Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Veterans’ Legion retired Lieutenant- Colonel George Gomes explained to
would be given the opportunity to lay wreaths during the national ceremony commemorating the day. At the end of the ceremony, the dignitaries greeted the veterans with special greetings extended to Benjamin Durant ,who will become a centenarian on Thursday, November 15, 2018. Durant has some 30 children and twice as many grandchildren and great grands, some of whom turned out to the Veterans’ Legion headquarters in a show of support.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
2,612 registered to vote in Lethem
AT 06:00 hrs today, the eight polling stations in Lethem will be opened for persons to cast their votes for political parties or individual candidates whom they believe will best represent their constituencies at the local government level. Some 2,612 registered voters are expected to make their way to those polling stations to cast
their votes at this year’s Local Government Elections (LGE), which is the second since 1994. Residents were as enthusiastic about the LGEs as the staff of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). One of the officials of GECOM’s Lethem office, Gomatie Jurdodhan, said the eight polling stations were vetted and are ready
for today’s elections. “We had a briefing this morning with the presiding officers (POs) and the keys to the polling stations were handed over to them… everything is well on track for today,” she said in an invited comment. She added that the systems and procedures are now better because of the advent of technology. Each polling station
One of the polling stations vetted and ready for the LGE today
Former Mayor of Lethem Carlton Beckles will have four primary staff and one back-up. She said the staffers were not only able to get prepared for “D-Day” but, they had also educated the voters about LGEs. Jurdodhan said more persons have started to ask questions about the elections, a feature which was absent from the previous LGEs in 2016. “GECOM had employed a number of programmes which were geared at sensitising persons about LGEs… in that case we are expecting a higher voter turnout but it is still up to the parties to get their supporters out to vote,” she said. Residents were evidently more aware about the elections, given that there was a buzz about it at every corner. One resident, Janel Fredericks , said she was not inclined to vote the last time because she did not fully understand what LGEs were. The resident of Central Lethem lauded GECOM for its sensi-
tisation programmes and even commended the political parties for campaigning intensely throughout the elections season. Former Mayor of Lethem and representative of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Carlton Beckles said voters have started to realise the value of local government and in years to come they will understand it even better. Beckles said APNU has done its best to sensitise and mobilise its supporters, so much so he was confident that they would win all five constituencies that comprise Lethem. The former mayor was confident that his party has proven itself over the last three years since there have been better roads, refurbished and new leisure parks, provisions for education in the form of transportation, bursaries and many more. Beckles believes that LGEs are a step in the right direction and APNU is contesting in all five constituencies. The party has five constituency representatives and 25 Proportional Representation (PR) candidates. The Alliance For Change (AFC) has 15 PR candidates and three constituency representatives; the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has 24 PR candidates and five constituency representatives. In 2016, the APNU+AFC coalition which contested the LGEs together got, 662 votes while the PPP/C secured 457 votes, giving the parties three and two seats respectively.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
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Most Fly Jamaica passengers reunited with their luggage
SOME three days after the Fly Jamaica Toronto-bound flight skidded off the runway during an emergency landing in Guyana, the airline has reported that most passengers have been reunited with their luggage save for four outstanding bags. The incident which took place Friday last at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) had left some passengers injured, others shaken and a few others in a quest for their luggage and other items misplaced during the evacuation. On Sunday, Director of Fly Jamaica Roxanne Reece told the Guyana Chronicle that the airline has been in constant contact with passengers in person and by e-mail since the incident. In addition, she stated: “Our Reservation and Call Centres are open 24 hours and our customer- care team is attempting to deal expeditiously with all queries. We are working with the Guyana Police Force to recover any missing passengers’ assets.” On Sunday Davanan Sukhram, a passenger who received injuries during the landing and evacuation confirmed to this newspaper that he had received his luggage, but still awaits his duty-free bag and a pouch with jewellery. “They said they haven’t located it yet, but they’re trying to locate it,” Sukhram relayed, adding that he was discharged from the hospital yesterday. Meanwhile, Reece said that arrangements are still being made for passengers in Guyana to be placed on outgoing flights as soon as possible. “Our team will be contacting the passengers over the coming days regarding plans for their travel,” she said. She stated, too, that is no secret that Fly Jamaica’s 767 is on a “scheduled maintenance ‘C’ check.” A ‘C’ Check is performed on planes approximately every 20–24 months per a specific amount of actual flight hours (FH), or as defined by the manufacturer. It is an extensive maintenance check and requires a large majority of the components of the aircraft
to be inspected, putting the aircraft out of service until completed. Regarding compensation for the injured or inconvenienced passengers, Reece stated: “An international air carrier’s liability to compensate is governed by the Montreal Convention 1999 and the quantum depends on the circumstances of each case.” She added that on the airline’s part, since the incident passengers have been accommodated in hotels, many local passengers returned home while some chose to stay at the airport to collect their bags. “It was not our intention that any passenger not be accommodated. We apologise for any such incident,” she said. She further commended the efforts of several parties to render assistance during the challenging period: “Fly Jamaica, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport; the Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Police Force all have accident protocols in force in the event of an accident, and responded accordingly.” Meanwhile, a media release on Sunday from the airline mentioned that while it is still too early to comment on the cause of the accident, Fly Jamaica commends the patience and bravery of the involved passengers. “Following Friday’s accident at Georgetown, Fly Jamaica wishes to acknowledge the courage of all occupants aboard flight OJ256, in particular those who suffered injuries during the evacuation…we are cooperating fully with the investigative authorities in their endeavours to find all the answers. “Meanwhile, our immediate focus is on the safe repatriation of all of our passengers,” the document stated. Additional words of appreciation were given out to the airline’s loyal customers, the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson; Junior Minister of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson and the New Timehri Handling Services.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 12, 2018
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
Resurgent Real maintain winning run under Solari at Celta
Celta Vigo’s David Junca concedes a penalty against Real Madrid’s Alvaro Odriozola REUTERS/Eloy Alonso
VIGO (Reuters) - Real Madrid notched a fourth straight win under interim coach Santiago Solari by winning 4-2 at Celta Vigo on Sunday to move to within four points of La Liga leaders Barcelona. Karim Benzema gave the European champions the lead in the 20th minute with an irresistible piece of control and finish after a pinpoint pass from Luka Modric. The Frenchman was then instrumental in doubling the lead early in the second half, firing a shot which squirmed under goalkeeper Sergio Alvarez and over the line off Celta defender Gustavo Cabral. Real’s lead was far from
comfortable, though, and Hugo Mallo pulled the home side back into the game with a well-taken volley on the hour mark which preceded a spell of heavy pressure from Celta. Madrid managed to ride it out and killed the game off as a contest with a late ‘Panenka’ penalty from captain Sergio Ramos and a thunderous strike from Dani Ceballos in stoppage time, although Brais Mendez struck a late consolation goal for Celta. While Real have yet to make a marked improvement in overall performances under former midfielder Solari, they have enjoyed far better fortunes than in the final weeks under Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked two weeks ago after the humiliating 5-1 defeat to Barcelona. That loss left Real seven points adrift of Barca but the win over Celta saw them climb to sixth on 20 points from 12 matches in a jam-packed La Liga table, closing the gap after the leaders were left on 24 points with their 4-3 home defeat by Real Betis. The Spanish football federation’s regulations mean Solari will go from interim
to permanent coach if Real do not appoint a long-term successor by the end of Monday, which would result in the Argentine being unable to resume duties as coach of their reserve side, Castilla. Solari would not reveal whether he has been given any indication of what decision president Florentino Perez will take in the next 24 hours, however. “The most important thing is to do whatever is necessary for the good of the team, nothing else matters,” he told reporters when asked if he expected to be given the job. Solari also heaped praise on Karim Benzema, who is so often the scapegoat whenever Madrid are struggling but who has been in fine form, having scored twice in the 5-0 drubbing of Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League in midweek. “They have all shown great personality, but especially Karim,” he added. “His first goal was spectacular, so typical of him, and the second is all down to him. He also made the team play, he created space, he defended. It was a complete performance from him.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
Miller and Du Plessis hit tons Sri Lanka skipper out of second as South Africa seal ODI series Test due to groin injury SYDNEY (Reuters) - David Miller and Faf du Plessis scored sparkling centuries in a partnership of 252 runs as South Africa beat Australia by 40 runs in a one-day international in Hobart on Sunday to win the threematch series 2-1. The Proteas skipper contributed 125 to South Africa’s 320 for five but it was Miller’s 139 that really caught the eye, a 108-ball assault on the Australian bowlers that featured 13 fours and four brutal sixes. Dale Steyn kept up the momentum by dismissing Chris Lynn with the first ball of the Australia innings, and his fellow pacemen Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi soon sent Aaron Finch and Travis Head on their way to reduce their hosts to 39-3. Shaun Marsh (106) steadied the innings in a fourth-wicket stand of 107 with Marcus Stoinis (63) but once he departed four balls after recording his sixth ODI century, home hopes of only a third win in 14 one-dayers this
year faded. Steyn (3-45) returned to remove Alex Carey for 42, leaving Glenn Maxwell (35) as the last recognised batsman, but he was unable to score quickly enough to challenge the South African tally and Australia finished on 280-9.
were excellent,” Du Plessis said at the presentation. “It was a great game.” Australia, who bounced back from losing the series opener in Perth by six wickets to beat the Proteas by seven runs in Adelaide on Friday, won the toss and sent the tourists in to bat at
Faf du Plessis and David Miller added 252 for the 4th wicket after South Africa were reduced to 55/3.
“From the batting point of view we were good today but I thought from a ‘death bowling’ point of view we
Bellerive Oval. Mitchell Starc and Stoinis combined to remove the first three batsmen for 55 runs but
that only served to bring Du Plessis and Miller together for their record stand — the highest for the fourth wicket by a pair of South Africans. Miller benefited from a DRS call that overturned an lbw decision when he was on 41 and made the most of what looked like a fortuitous reprieve as he and his captain plundered 130 runs off the last 10 overs, 75 in the last five alone. Du Plessis’s 114-ball innings included 15 fours and two sixes and was his 10th in international one-dayers, while Miller’s vindicated his elevation up the batting order. The same could not be said of Lynn’s promotion to opener and Australia still have plenty of question marks over their batting ahead of their defence of the World Cup in England next year. “Once you get ‘in’ you can really cash in the back overs here,” said Australia skipper Finch. “Maybe we mis-executed a little bit but they also batted extremely well.”
Messi returns with double but Barca lose at home to Betis By Richard Martin
BARCELONA (Reuters) Lionel Messi scored twice on his eagerly-awaited return but La Liga leaders Barcelona were still left shellshocked by a scintillating Real Betis side, who beat them at their own game of possession football to win 4-3 at the Nou Camp on Sunday. The club from Seville began the match in 16th place but produced an irresistible performance in becoming the first team to win at Barca’s home in any competition since 2016 and the first to score four goals there in 15 years. Barca’s defeat, at the hands of a team that had lost three of their previous four league outings, was compounded by the sending off of their midfielder Ivan Rakitic after 81 minutes. They are now just one
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point clear at the top of La Liga on 24 points after 12 games, one point clear of Atletico Madrid, Alaves and Sevilla, who came from behind in the second half to beat Espanyol 2-1 at home with an 89th-minute goal from Wissam Ben Yedder. Betis’s livewire winger Junior gave the visitors a deserved lead in the 20th
minute, finishing off a hugely impressive counter-attack that had started in their own penalty area. Captain Joaquin then doubled their lead in the 35th after another venture down the wing from Junior. Messi, back in action after a three-week absence with a broken arm, pulled
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Barca back into the game by converting a penalty midway through the second half. Yet Betis restored their two-goal cushion through Giovani Lo Celso with the help of an uncharacteristic error from Barca’s usually reliable goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who fumbled the shot into the net. Arturo Vidal quickly responded with a goal down the other end but Barca were suddenly left with 10 men when Croatian midfielder Rakitic was dismissed for a second booking. Former Real Madrid forward Sergio Canales soon made it 4-2 to Betis, sliding to the floor to knock in a pas Messi scored from close range in stoppage time but Betis hung on to clinch a first league win at the Nou Camp since 1998.
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Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal
(REUTERS) - Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out of the second test against England in Kandy due to a groin strain, with the uncapped Charith Asalanka called up to the squad as a replacement on Sunday. Batsman Chandimal suffered a tear in his groin on day one of the first test in Galle and is also a doubt for the final Test in Colombo, which begins on Nov. 23. Pace bowler Suranga Lakmal will captain the side for the test, which starts on Wednesday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. England lead the series 1-0 after winning the first test by 211 runs inside four days.
Rain rules in Dubai as Pakistan and New Zealand share series PAKISTAN and New Zea- from 59 deliveries before he land were left frustrated by the weather as their one-day series decider was ruined by rain in Dubai. The Black Caps were 35-1 after 6.5 overs in reply to Pakistan’s total of 279-8 when play was halted, with no further action possible in the third and final match.
was fooled by a Lockie Ferguson slower ball, lobbing a catch out to George Worker at deep square-leg. Trent Boult scuppered Babar’s hopes of a ninth international century in the 50over format with a well-disguised slower delivery of his own, though the left-arm
Babar Azam top-scored with 93 to take Pakistan to 279/8.
Babar Azam top-scored with 92 as Pakistan - who recorded a six-wicket triumph on Friday to draw level in the series - posted a competitive score. Right-hander Babar hit four boundaries and a solitary six in his 100ball knock, sharing in a third-wicket stand worth 108 with Haris Sohail after opener Fakhar Zaman departed for 65. Haris gave the innings some impetus by making 60
seamer ended with expensive figures of 1-80 from his 10 overs. Ferguson was the pick of the New Zealand attack, the paceman claiming three wickets in an eventful 50th over to finish with 5-45. The tourists lost Colin Munro for a duck to the fourth ball of their innings, though Worker (18 not out) and Henry Nicholls who finished unbeaten on 15 - were rebuilding when rain intervened.
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Lewis Hamilton took advantage of Max Verstappen’s collision with Esteban Ocon to take victory in Brazil Credit: (AFP)
By Marcelo Teixeira SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton saw victory fall into his lap at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday as his Mercedes team clinched the constructors’ title for the fifth year in a row. The win was Hamilton’s 10th of the season and 72nd of his career. The Briton had already won the drivers’ title for a fifth time. Hamilton started on pole position but was no match for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who led until a collision with the Force India of already-lapped Esteban Ocon sent him into a spin, putting the
champion back in front. Verstappen finished second, still seething, while Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen took third. “That’s it. That’s the double, mate. MercedesAMG are the world champs,” Hamilton was told as he took the chequered flag at Interlagos after a race fraught with concerns about his tyres and engine. “It’s been an incredible journey with them. This is what everyone worked for, for the whole year,” said the ecstatic 33-year-old as the celebrations started with one race to go. “I’ve always told you how much of an honour it is to drive for them. Today was the
GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
Hamilton wins in Brazil as Mercedes take fifth F1 title best style that we could do it because we were struggling, we had problems to the end. We were a sitting duck at one stage.” Only Ferrari have previously managed to win five championships in a row, taking six in succession during the Michael Schumacher era from 1999 to 2004. Ve r s t a p p e n , w i n n e r in Mexico two weeks ago, stepped up next to him on the podium but the Dutchman knew it should have been the top step. The collision was the talking point of the day, with arguments on both sides and angry scenes in the paddock afterwards.
Ocon was handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for causing the collision but that came as no consolation for Verstappen, whose colourful language over the radio was largely bleeped out for television viewers. When the Dutchman found Ocon, at the post-race scales, matters became more physical with the Red Bull driver confronting the young Frenchman and giving him a push. “You do everything well, you go through the field, we had a great car and then by such an idiot you get taken out while he’s being lapped. I have no words,” said Verstappen.
City win Manchester derby, Liverpool go second above Chelsea
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan scores their third goal REUTERS/Darren Staples
By Steve Tongue LONDON (Reuters) - Premier League champions Manchester City stayed two points clear at the top on Sunday with a dominant 3-1 win in the derby against Manchester United. Liverpool, having beaten bottom club Fulham 2-0 at Anfield, will go into the international break in second place after receiving a favour from neighbours Everton, who held Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile Arsenal had to come from behind to extend their unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions with a 1-1 draw at home to promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers. Man City moved on to 32 points from 12 games, while Liverpool have 30 and Chelsea 28, with all three teams retaining their season’s unbeaten record in the league. City were on top from the start against a United team missing the injured Paul Pogba. David Silva scored the first goal after 12 minutes and Sergio Aguero added a second soon after halftime.
Twin tons propel Bangladesh to 303-5 MOMINUL Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim shared a record partnership with centuries apiece to put Bangladesh in a strong position in the second Test against Zimbabwe in Dhaka on Sunday. Mominul made 161 while Mushfiqur added an unbeaten 111 as Bangladesh reached 5-303 at stumps on the opening day at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Mominul and Mushfiqur shared 266 runs in their fourth-wicket stand, helping Bangladesh bounce bac from 3-26 to cross the 200-run mark for the first time in their last nine Test innings.Mominul faced 242 balls and hit 19 fours in his seventh Test century, while Mushfiqur smashed nine fours for his sixth Test hundred. They surpassed Bangladesh’s previous record high for a fourth-wicket stand of 180, shared by Mominul and Liton Das against Sri Lanka earlier this year. After some early success, Zimbabwe had to wait for the second new ball to break the partnership, when Tendai Cha-
tara forced Mominul to give a catch at gully to Brian Chari. Kyle Jarvis removed nightwatchman Taijul Islam for four in the penultimate over of the day to give Zimbabwe a boost before stumps.
seamers and were rewarded early. The visitors hammered Bangladesh in the morning session as paceman Jarvis removed openers Imrul Kayes and Liton while Donald Tiri-
etkeeper Regis Chakabva took the catch. Imrul, who faced 16 balls, was unable to open his account. Fellow opener Liton picked out the midwicket fielder Brendon Mavuta after he flicked Jarvis in the bowler’s next over. Liton earlier was reprieved on nought as the third umpire Rod Tucker
overturned a caught behind dismissal following a replay. Mominul and Mushfiqur joined together after Mithun poked Tiripano at slip for a catch off Taylor. Chari dropped Mominul on nine at the backward point off Chatara before the left-hander eased the pressure with some positive strokes and put Bangladesh in command slowly.(AFP)
SCOREBOARD
Mushfiqur Rahim(left) and Mominul Haque raised a double-century stand to flatten Zimababwe. (Getty Images)
Zimbabwe, buoyed by their 151-run victory in Sylhet – their first Test win in five years – applied pressure in the first hour through their
pano handed debutant Mohammad Mithun a duck. Jarvis forced an inside edge form Imrul Kayes to earn the first breakthrough as wick-
BANGLADESH 1st innings Liton Das c Brandon Mavuta b Kyle Jarvis 9 Imrul Kayes c Regis Chakabva b Kyle Jarvis 0 Mominul Haque c Brian Chari b Tendai Chatara 161 Mohammad Mithun c Brendan Taylor b Donald Tiripano 0 Mushfiqur Rahim Not Out 111 Taijul Islam c Regis Chakabva b Kyle Jarvis 4 Extras: 9b 5lb 3nb 0pen 1w 18 Total: (90.0 overs) 303-5 Fall of Wickets : 1-13 Kayes, 2-16 Das, 3-26 Ali, 4-292 Haque, 5-299 Islam To Bat : Mahmudullah, Haque, Miraz, Rahman, Ahmed Bowling: Kyle Jarvis 19-5-48-3,(1w 1nb) Tendai Chatara 18-10–28-1, Donald Tiripano15-3-33 1,(2nb) Sikandar Raza 12 -1 -63 -0, Sean Williams 8 -0 -31-0, Brandon Mavuta 16 -0 - 79 -0,
Jose Mourinho’s side barely threatened until substitute Romelu Lukaku came on to win a penalty that Anthony Martial converted just before the hour mark. But despite City largely controlling the game, it took a late third goal by their substitute Ilkay Gundogan to ensure there could be no repeat of United’s dramatic comeback to win 3-2 in the same fixture last season. United remain eighth and are 12 points behind the leaders. There was controversy at Anfield after Liverpool took the lead against struggling Fulham just before halftime. The London side felt that their Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic should not have been given offside as he headed home and that goalkeeper Alisson took the subsequent free kick when the ball was moving. Less than 15 seconds later from a lightning Liverpool break, it was in the net at the other end, put there by Mo Salah. Xherdan Shaqiri scored a fine second goal, after which the heart seemed to go out of a Fulham team who remain bottom of the table with only one win from their 12 games. “In this country, normally you cannot show disrespect to the referee and this is a problem because it’s shown disrespect to my team, myself and Fulham supporters,” said their manager Slavisa Jokanovic. Chelsea’s manager Maurizio Sarri set a record in the Premier League era by completing his first dozen games without a defeat, but he would have expected more than a goalless draw from the home game with Everton. His team failed to score for only the second time in the league this season against a well-organised Everton, who stayed ninth in the table. “Of course, I prefer the three points today than the record,” he said. In Sunday’s other game Arsenal fell behind to Wolves with a first half goal by Portuguese international Ivan Cavaleiro and did not equalise until four minutes from time through Henrikh Mkhitaryan. The draw left Arsenal, fifth on 24 points, three points behind fourth-placed neighbours Tottenham Hotspur, who beat Crystal Palace on Saturday.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
Federer falls flat against Nishikori, Anderson off to flyer
Ali’s century lifts UG to big win over GYO By Martyn Herman
Christopher Deonarine led Gandhi with 111 runs.
A MAIDEN century from Ershaad Ali and aggressive stroke play from several other batsmen propelled the University of Guyana to a 164-run win over home team the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) when action continued yesterday in the New Building Society (NBS) 40-over Second-Division Cricket competition. The home team did not roll over when they batted, as Christopher Deonarine spanked a century of his own, but with little support at the other end, Gandhi succumbed for 206 in 27 overs chasing
371 for victory. GYO won the toss and asked the visitors to take first strike, but the university players were up to the task. Openers Keon Roberts (30) and Godfrey Thakurdin (36) carried the side to 79 for the opening wicket, while middle order batsman Ali took over when he went to the crease. The 20-year-old blasted 17X4s and two sixes in a score of 103 and added 62 runs for the fourth wicket with Omesh Danram (24) and an 85-run fifth wicket partnership with Almando Doman
Ershaad Ali scored 103 runs for UG.
(30 5X4s, 1X6). UG batted deep as lower order batsman Linden Austin stroked 70 runs (13X4s). For the eight-wicket, he added 91 runs with Lloyd George (28) to push the visitors to 370-9 from their allotted overs. Left-arm spinner Trevon France finished with 4-49, while off-spinners Darshan Persaud and Divesh Ramjattan supported with two wickets each for the home team. Deonarine and his opening partner N. Persaud started positively. They added 73 for the opening wicket with Per-
saud hitting seven fours in his 32, but when he fell, wickets began to tumble and none of the other batsmen supported the 32-year-old left-hander. In the 27th over, Deonarine misjudged the pace of a ball from Danram. The slower ball knocked back his middle stump. Danram then picked up two other wickets from the three remaining balls in the over to finish the game. The medium pacer finished with figures of 3-19, while off-spinners Doman and Dennis Heywood finished with 4-45 and 2-51.
Australia thrash hapless ... displaced India to occupy the top position in the Group B points table. Ireland in choosing to occupy the crease first were choked by the relentless Australian bowling attack. Each and every bowler chipped in. There was some turn for the spinners and the inexperience of the Irish women showed. Only four
batters reached double figures with Kim Garty’s 26-ball 24 being the best. Not to forget, the penalty runs against Laura Delaney which meant Australia started with a cushion of five runs on the board. Ireland openers, Clare Shillington and Cecelia Joyce gave their team a good start, putting together
30 for the first-wicket, but a mix- up between the duo in the 7th over resulted in the dismissal of Joyce for 10. Shillington then went for an 18-ball 19, being bowled by Perry with the score at 33. Perry was in celebration mood again, when she bowled Eimear Richardson for one, and by the half-way stage, Ireland
reached 35-3. Ireland then suffered the loss of Isobel Joyce and Garty at the back end of the innings. In the run chase Healy and Beth Mooney then took the game completely from Ireland, with an opening stand of 71 in 5.4 overs. The tournament continues in Guyana tomorrow with two matches.
Raj leads India to second ... 56 from 47 balls to help India surpass Pakistan’s total of 133 for seven in their 20 overs, as they finished on 137 for three with six balls remaining. Pakistan also contributed to their loss, dropping five catches in a dismal fielding display, while they were also penalised 10 runs for Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar continually treading on the danger areas of the pitch despite both being warned by the umpires.
But it was Raj and Smriti Mandhana’s opening stand of 73 which completely swung the game in India’s favour as they chased a below par total. Mandhana was the first to go for 26, but Raj continued to lead the assault striking seven boundaries during her stroked filled innings. By the time Raj was dismissed India was already well on their way to victory
with only eight runs needed from 14 balls. The talking point of Pakistan’s innings would have been the 10 penalty runs which umpire Sue Redfern imposed on them. Both Maroof and Dar, who scored half-centuries and rescued their side from peril during a 93-run fourth-wicket partnership, were guilty of constantly running down the centre of the pitch.
From page 23
From page 23
Maroof who made 53 and Dar who blasted an aggressive 52 from just 35 balls came together with Pakistan in dire trouble at 30 for three. However, once they were dismissed within six runs of each other, the middle and lower order struggled to score runs in the dying overs, with India’s bowlers striking at crucial moments.
LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer was handed the Sunday night prime time slot for the opening match of his 16th ATP Finals but fluffed his lines in an error-strewn 7-6(4) 6-3 defeat by Kei Nishikori. After Kevin Anderson had beaten Dominic Thiem in the day’s supporting act, the crowds packed into the O2 Arena and settled in for another Federer masterclass. What they got instead were 34 unforced errors flying off the Swiss great’s frame as his timing fell apart, and the sight of a tetchy Federer falling out with the umpire.
Japan’s Kei Nishikori celebrates winning his group stage match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer Action Images via Reuters/Tony O’Brien
Having dug in early on to stay with Federer, Nishikori ended up running away with the match to inflict a first straight sets defeat in the ATP Finals round-robin stages on the 20-time Grand Slam champion. To sum up Federer’s night, he received a warning from umpire Damian Steiner in the 12th game of the opening set when he bashed a ball into the crowd. “He thought I was angry. I wasn’t. Now I’m angry because I lost,” Federer, who will face Thiem on Tuesday in a match he will need to win to revive his hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the event for a 15th time. Thiem was outplayed by South African debutant Anderson in the first set of the opening match in Lleyton Hewitt group. The Austrian made a match of it in the second set and was involved in a gripping tiebreak but went down 6-3 7-6(10). Federer was far from his best but still looked to have
Nishikori where he wanted him during the early exchanges in a match dubbed the “Uniqlo derby” after his recent switch to the same Japanese clothing supplier as his opponent. It looked bleak for Nishikori when he served at 5-6 and fell behind 0-30 with a woeful volley but he wriggled out of trouble with the aid of one improvised backhand bunt that caught Federer on his heels and resulted in the Swiss hitting the ball high into the stands more in frustration than anger. While he played down the subsequent warning afterwards, Federer was not himself in the tiebreak, going down 6-1 with a flurry of errors before clawing back to 6-4. A netted forehand offered Nishikori the opener though. Nishikori double-faulted to hand Federer the first break of the match at the start of the second set but Federer gifted back the advantage in the next game when he again had words with the chair umpire after taking too long to challenge a call. Federer lacked his usual panache and dropped serve again to trail 4-2 and Nishikori calmly held at 5-3 for victory — his first over Federer since 2014. “I’m glad to win, it is never easy to play with my idol, it is always a big challenge against him, so it was great to win today,” world number nine Nishikori, who will face Anderson next, said on court. “I had to change something against him, I lost twice against him in two months. I played good tennis, using the forehand more and more aggressive and it came together in the second set.” Wimbledon runner-up Anderson was arguably the day’s most impressive performer as he became the first South African since Wayne Ferreira in 1995 to qualify for the ATP Finals. He repelled a fierce Thiem fightback, saving a couple of set points in the second set tiebreak before clinching a debut win with his 13th ace — celebrating by inviting the crowd to join in a verse of “happy birthday” to his watching wife Kelsey. The Gustavo Kuerten Group, featuring world number one and tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and American debutant John Isner, begins today.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
Benjamin inspires Guyana to 2-0 win over El Salvador in final CONCACAF U20 match
Guyana celebrating their 2-0 win over EL Salvador which was the team’s only vicrory in fice putings at the CONCACAF U20 Championship.
KELSEY Benjamin (45) and Jeremy Garrett (63) found the back of the net on Saturday night, as Guyana, in their final game of the CONCACAF U20 Championship, defeated Group H winners El Salvador 2-0. It was Coach Wayne Dover side’s only win the tournament in Florida, USA, from four outings at the IMG Academy as the Guyanese outplayed their Central American counterparts. Jermain Cumberbatch, Bevan Baker, Garrett, Benjamin, Cecil Beckman, Ryan Dowding, Raushan Rtich, Chris Macey, Job Caesar, Jalen Case and Leon Richardson were the starting team for Dover, and it proved to be the right combination for the deadlock-wearing Head coach.
After several unsuccessful attempts, Guyana got their breakthrough from Benjamin just before the stroke of halftime, when the Western Tigers forward made a crafty move between a few El Salvador defenders, and sent a rocket shot from just inside the ‘18’; a shot which El Salvador’s Rodrigo Artiga had no chance of stopping. In the second stanza, the 63rd minute to be exact, Garrett, who plays his football at the NJCAA level with the Louisiana State University (LSU) Eunice, climbed high to head home his only goal of the Championship from a ball which was sent in from a corner kick. Nicholas MacArthur, Kwai Marsh-Brown and Lionel Holder
Ryan Dowding battling his way during Guyana’s 2-0 win over El Salvador in their final game of the 2018 CONCACAF U20 Championship
replaced Richardson, Case and Caesar but Guyana would go down to nine men after Ritch and Baker picked up their second yellow card. Despite being down, the Guyanese players held off several challenges from El Salvador to hold on for their historic win. It was only Guyana’s second showing at the CONCACAF U20 Championship, having first played in 1984 and 1994. Up next for Guyana, besides the CONCACAF Nations League, will be the Olympic Qualification tournament next year. The CONCACAF U20 Championship this year, served as a qualifier for the 2019 U20 World Cup and Pan American Games.
Mexico completes Group B Windies go down in last-ball heartbreak in final T20I conquest in dominant fashion BRADENTON, Florida – Mexico has qualified for the 2018 Concacaf Under-20 Qualification Stage thanks to a 10-0 win over Aruba on Saturday that results in El Tricolor winning Group B. Heading into the match, Mexico needed to win by at least three goals to advance, and it proved to be no problem thanks to a dominating four-goal effort by Jose Juan Macias (11’, 14’, 42’, 45’), a brace from Daniel Lopez (21’, 27’) and scores from Misrael Dominguez (50’), Diego Hernandez (64’), Alexis Gutierrez (72’) and Efrain Orona (88’). Jamaica finished second in the group, level on points with Mexico (13) but a goal difference of +21 compared to Mexico’s +29. Nevertheless, the Reggae Boyz made El Tricolor work for its spot in the next round with a 11-0 triumph over Saint Martin. Nicque Daley (20’, 29’, 39’, 53’) scored four goals himself, while Leonardo Jibbison (16’, 27’) and Tyreek Magee (17’, 83’) had braces to go along with goals from Jamoi Topey (7’), Ricardo McIntosh (72’) and Maliek Howell (88’). Grenada also finished its CU20 on a positive note, collecting a 2-0 win against Nicaragua, with goals from Jesron Charles (34’) and Leon Braveboy (72’).
CHENNAI, India, (CMC) – The West Indies produced their best performance of the Twenty20 International series against India but still went down by six wickets, losing off the last ball of the innings in the third and final match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here Sunday. With India requiring one run off the last ball of the match, bowler Fabian Allen misfielded a drive from Manish Pandey, allowing the batsman to scamper through for a single for the unlikeliest of finishes. India had looked to be easing to victory in pursuit of the Windies’ total of 181 for three off their 20 overs, with Shikhar Dhawan and Rishabh Pant’s 130-run partnership for the third wicket carrying them within sight of a comfortable victory. The pair had carried their side to 175 for two, leaving India to get seven runs from 11 balls, before they both inexplicably gave their wickets away. After scoring his first-ever T20I half-century, Pant needlessly tried to reverse sweep medium pacer Keemo Paul and lost his middle stump. Then off the penultimate ball of the match and with only one run needed, Dhawan launched Allen straight into the hands of Kieron Pollard at long on to give the Windies a chance to tie the contest, where a super over would be
required to decide a winner. But Allen, arguably the Windies’ best fielder, was unable to gather the return with Pandey well short of his ground.
Man-of-the-Match Shikhar Dhawan smashed a career-best 92.. Denesh Ramdin and Darren Bravo then added 32 in four overs before Ramdin tried to give himself room to smash Sundar through the offside and was bowled. His dismissal paved the way for
Nicholas Pooran and the Trinidadian did not disappoint as he launched a savage attack on the Indian bowlers during a quickfire, unbeaten half-century. He pulled Kumar over long on for six and then lifted him over long off for another maximum off consecutive balls and then in the next over he reverse swept Chalal over cover for another huge six. Bravo wasn’t to be left out, hitting Pandya for a boundary and a six over long off. Pooran brought up his half-century in the last over of the innings, where he reversed swept Khaleel Ahmed for a boundary off the first ball and then punched him past long off for another boundary, pulled him for a six over square leg and then guided him behind third man for another boundary in an over that yielded 23 runs. He finished unbeaten on 53 from 25 balls with four boundaries and four sixes, while Bravo scored 43 not out off 37 balls. India lost two quick wickets in captain Rohit Sharma for four and Kannaur Rahul for 17 to slip to 45 for two early on. But Dhawan who scored 92 and Pant who made 58, took control of the contest and set their team on their way to victory as Windies’ captain Carlos Brathwaite’s
insistence on persevering with his fast bowler and medium pacers backfired. Oshane Thomas’ four overs went for 43 runs, Kieron Pollard’s three overs cost 29 and Brathwaite himself went for over 10 runs an over, with his four overs going for 41 runs. Dhawan’s 50 came off 36 balls, while Pant took just 30 balls on his way to registering his first T20 50. And although they both gave their wickets away, India was still able to hold on and claim a nail-biting victo As Pandey and Dinesh Karthik strolled off the ground into the waiting arms of their teammates, an inconsolable Allen was comforted by his colleagues as he stayed hunched over on the pitch. Earlier, the West Indies would have been satisfied with their eventual total, as they produced their best batting display of the series. New openers Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer gave them a good start during a 51-run opening stand in seven overs. Hope had looked like carrying on to a big total when he skied a delivery from Yuzvendra Chahal into the hands of Washington Sundar who took a good catch at long on to be out for 24. Hetmyer followed soon after, his mistimed drive picking out Krunal Pandya on the cover boundary as the Windies slipped to 62-2.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 12, 2018
Australia thrash hapless Raj leads India to second successive win Ireland by nine wickets
Hot Shot: Australia’s shot-maker Alyssa Healy on the go against Ireland in the Women World T20 Group B match at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence (Photo: Adrian Marine)
By Rajiv Bisnauth AUSTRALIA thrashed a depleted Ireland side by nine wickets last evening at the Guyana National Stadium as the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup continues. Australia, the World’s top-ranked T20 side, made it two in two in the tournament, bowling a tight line and length to stifle the opposition
batters who found it difficult to break the shackles. Deciding to bat first Ireland were restricted to 93-6. The total was built from a five-run penalty, after Laura Delany, was warned for running on the pitch. It was a complete mismatch, as the three-time champions raced to 94-1 in 9.1 overs. Alyssa Healy continued
her run-scoring-spree and came out firing on all cylinders, taking a toll on some insipid bowling from the Irish. Healy plundered the ball to all corners and recorded an unbeaten 56 off just 21 balls. She made sure she stayed until the end to seal the win for her team, which has now
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Woman Power: India’s veteran star Mithali Raj topscored with 56 as India overpowered Pakistan in the ICC Women World T20 Group B encounter at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence yesterday (Photo: Adrian Narine)
PROVIDENCE, Guyana, (CMC) – Mithali Raj scored her 15th T20I half-century to help guide India to vic-
tory over Pakistan for their second successive win in the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup here at Provi-
dence Stadium Sunday. Raj scored an impressive
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King is
... Ming, Truelove ignite the show
Andrew King with the chequered flag.
at South Dakota
Team Mohamed’s Lewis Richard Cooper leads Harry Truelove and Matt Truelove. (Samuel Maughn photos)
ANDREW King was ‘King’ on a day where track conditions were slippery at the South Dakota circuit, Timehri. King won two of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Group Four races, along with one second place finish, as the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) staged its Ignite meet. All eyes were on Kristian Jeffrey and his failure to show up in the first race meant it was wide open. King then stepped up to the plate, dominating the first and the second race. On the Group Three end of things, it was Kristian Boodoosingh who dominated in the Spartan Honda Civic while Shan Seejattan won all three of the Group Two events. Team Mohamed’s Enterprise, Matt Truelove, was able to take two of the three super stock races with Harry Truelove winning the third. In the Sr3 Radicals, Calvin Ming picked up two wins with Kristian Jeffrey winning the other. Details in tomorrow’s edition.
From left, Andrew King; Mark Vieira; Rupie Sewjattan and Quinian Lall head into the first corner
Calvin Ming leads Kristian Jeffrey into the first corner. In the back ground is Kristian Boodoosingh and Stuart Maloney.
Benjamin inspires Guyana to 2-0 win over El Salvador » Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2018