Guyana Chronicle E-paper 11-18-2018

18th November, 2018

No.105462

Injured Fly Jamaica passenger dies 09 PAGE

Respect Arbitral Award –– US urges Guyana and Venezuela 10 PAGE

Palms 12 resident threatens to kill nurse PAGE

200 graduate from UG 14 Berbice Campus PAGE

These dancers captivate a gathering at the official residence of the Prime Minister at an event titled ‘Love, Light and Music’ held on Saturday (Delano Williams photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

11 homeless after Guyhoc blaze By Svetlana Marshall

A FAMILY of 11 is now homeless after an early morning fire completely destroyed their three-bedroom home at Guyhoc Park, Georgetown. The incident occurred at around 04:00hrs on Saturday. The fire reportedly started in one of the three bedrooms of the one-storey wooden building, located at Lot 85 Guyhoc Park. At the time, eight persons were at home including five schoolaged children, and three other teenagers, the eldest being 19. Their mother, father and two-year-old baby sister were not at home at the time of the fire. When the Guyana Chronicle visited the scene, more than 90 per cent of the house was reduced to ashes. The eight children and teenagers, who had sought refuge at a

relative’s home, had returned to the scene to assess the situation. Natasha Cadogan, their mother, broke down in tears as she came face-toface with reality. The family lived in the house for the past 15 years. Her 16-year-old daughter Edodia Cadogan told the Guyana Chronicle that she woke up to fire in her bedroom, which was located at the back of the house. “I wake and see the fire in my room and I start a screaming,” she recalled. Edodia, who will soon turn 17, said her loud screams alerted the other occupants of the house, and even the neighbour, who wasted no time in calling the fire service. Her eldest sister Ashel said upon realising that the house was ablaze, they quickly escaped the inferno, running unto the main public

Cadogan’s Lot 85 Guyhoc Park home after the fire. In the yard, Natasha Cadogan (in grey and pink), along with her children and neighbours watch in disbelief (Delano Williams photo) road. She said while the fire tenders took approximately 20 minutes to arrive at the scene, they did their best to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby buildings. “They come with nuff

water but they tek long. They wuk reasonable but they tek long,” she posited. Ashel, along with her parents and siblings will seek shelter at relative’s home. The fire left them with noth-

ing. Their father, a miner, was in the interior at the time of the fire. It is unclear at this stage what caused the fire. Minister within the Ministry of Natural Re-

sources Simona Broomes, upon learning of the fire, visited the victims and offered words of encouragement. She also made a monetary donation to the family.

Guyana’s GDP could increase 1000% by 2025 3

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

– country could be richest in the world, says outgoing U.S. Ambassador

OUTGOING U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway has said that Guyana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could increase by 1000 per cent by 2025 with the advent of the oil-and-gas industry. Guyana recorded a GDP of US$3.6 billion in 2017, a figure which translates to approximately US$4,900 per capita. The ambassador said based on the calculations and oil finds of U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil, the economy could grow rapidly within the space of five years. “Guyana could experience that level of growth by 2025…that would be about 300 years of growth,” said Holloway. According to reports, Guyana is set to become a significant petroleum producer with proven reserves

in excess of four billion barrels. The first phase of petroleum production is due to begin in 2020. The country would not be just the richest country in the western hemisphere but, Ambassador Holloway believes that it could be the richest country in the world in per capita terms. His advice to government is to spend the newfound riches on education, healthcare and creating a secure living and working environment for Guyanese. ExxonMobil has made nine discoveries of oil offshore Guyana. The wells which were successfully drilled are Liza, Liza Deep, Payara, Snoek, Turbot, Ranger, Pacora, Longtail and Hammerhead. Those previous discoveries led to the announcement of an estimat-

ed recoverable resource of more than four billion oil-equivalent barrels discovered to date; and the potential for up to five floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels producing more than 750,000 barrels per day by 2025. The Stabroek Block, where the operations are ongoing, is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Nexen Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 per cent interest. Government had called on all stakeholders to act responsibly and patriotically as Guyana continues

its thrust into this new sector and as news and events continue to unfold about the extent of the oil reserves offshore and the manifold opportunities and benefits for the Guyanese people. Late in December 2017, the government released the full petroleum agreement with ExxonMobil at a high-level forum held at the Ministry of the Presidency. During presentation of the contract, it was disclosed that Guyana stands to gain some US$7B over a 20-year period from the LIZA Phase One well alone. U.S. Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

France fuel protest: One dead in ‘yellow vest’ blockades (BBC) One protester has died and more than 200 were injured as more than a quarter of a million people took to the streets of France, angry at rising fuel prices. The female protester who died was struck after a driver surrounded by demonstrators panicked and accelerated. The “yellow vests”, socalled after the high-visibility jackets they are required to carry in their cars, blocked motorways and roundabouts. They accuse President Emmanuel Macron of abandoning “the little people”. Mr Macron has not so far commented on the protests, some of which have seen demonstrators call for him to resign. But he admitted earlier in the week that he had not “really managed to reconcile the French people with their

leaders”. Nonetheless, he accused his political opponents of hijacking the movement in order to block his reform programme. What has happened so far? Some 280,000 people took part in protests across France, the interior ministry said in its latest update. It said 227 people were injured during the day, seven seriously, with 52 people arrested. Most of the protests have been taking place without incident although several of the injuries came when drivers tried to force their way through protesters. Chantal Mazet, 63, was killed in the south-eastern Savoy region when a driver who was taking her daughter to hospital panicked at being blocked by about 50 demonstrators, who were striking the

roof of her vehicle, and drove into them. The driver has been taken

est point since the early 2000s, AFP news agency reports. World oil prices did rise

A driver forces a car through a group of protesters in Donges, western France

into police custody in a state of shock. In Paris protesters approaching the Élysée Palace, the president’s official residence, were repelled with tear gas. Why are drivers on the warpath? The price of diesel, the most commonly used fuel in French cars, has risen by around 23% over the past 12 months to an average of €1.51 (£1.32; $1.71) per litre, its high-

before falling back again but the Macron government raised its hydrocarbon tax this year by 7.6 cents per litre on diesel and 3.9 cents on petrol, as part of a campaign for cleaner cars and fuel. The decision to impose a further increase of 6.5 cents on diesel and 2.9 cents on petrol on 1 January 2019 was seen as the final straw. Speaking on Wednesday, the president blamed world oil prices for three-quarters of the

price rise. He also said more tax on fossil fuels was needed to fund renewable energy investments. How big is the movement? It has broad support. Nearly three-quarters of respondents to a poll by the Elabe institute backed the Yellow Vests and 70% wanted the government to reverse the fuel tax hikes. More than half of French people who voted for Mr Macron support the protests, Elabe’s Vincent Thibault told AFP. “The expectations and discontent over spending power are fairly broad, it’s not just something that concerns rural France or the lower classes,” he said. The BBC’s Lucy Williamson in Paris says the movement has grown via social media into a broad and public criticism of Mr Macron’s economic policies. Are opposition politicians involved? They have certainly tried to tap into it. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who was defeated by Mr Macron in the second round of the presidential election, has been encouraging it on Twitter. She said: “The government shouldn’t be afraid of French people who come to express their revolt and do it in a peaceful fashion.” Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the centre-right Republicans, called on the Macron govern-

ment to scrap the next planned increase in carbon tax on fossil fuels in January to offset rising vehicle fuel prices. Mr Castaner has described Saturday’s action as a “political protest with the Republicans behind it”. Olivier Faure, leader of the left-wing Socialist Party said the movement - which has no single leader and is not linked to any trade union - had been “born outside political parties”. “People want politicians to listen to them and respond. Their demand is to have purchasing power and financial justice,” he said. Is there any room for compromise? On Wednesday, the government announced action to help poor families pay their energy and transport bills. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced that 5.6 million households would receive energy subsidies. Currently 3.6 million receive them. A state scrappage bonus on polluting vehicles would also be doubled for France’s poorest families, he said, and fuel tax credits would be brought in for people who depend on their cars for work. Protesters have mocked the president relentlessly as “Micron” or “Macaron” (Macaroon) or simply Manu, the short form of Emmanuel, which he famously scolded a student for using.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

78 Cubans in T&T court Trinidad: Landslide cuts –– Charged with obstructing free passageway (Trinidad Newsday) THE 78 Cubans who were arrested yesterday after camping outside UN House, at Chancery Lane, Port of Spain, for the last three weeks, say they fully intend to defend the charge that they obstructed the free passageway. The group of asylum seekers appeared before Port of Spain magistrate Sanara Toon-McQuilkin just after 4 pm ­– some two hours after they were taken to the St Vincent Street courthouse in two police buses. They appeared in two groups and all pleaded not guilty. Although police prosecutors objected to bail since none of them were working here and very few could give an address at which they are staying, Toon-McQuilkin granted them each $5,000 bail to be approved. She explained to them, through an interpreter, that someone will have to sign their bail as they could not do so themselves. In his application, their lawyer Wendell Louis said the 78 were well-known to the public and were running from political prosecution and oppression. “They are seeking a better life,” he said, reiterating that the charge against them was a minor one which carried a fine of $200 or one month simple imprisonment. He had asked that they be granted their own bail. Prosecutors sought the magistrate’s permission to have the charge read to the entire group rather than individually. There was no objection from the defence. This process was repeated when the second batch appeared just before 5.30 pm. The magistrate called each of their names, and they all entered a not guilty plea, after acknowledging that they understood the charge. Among the group were a couple of the eight who were arrested in December last year on the same charge. The eight were freed by Toon-McQuilkin after prosecutors said they were not ready to proceed with the case although trial dates had been set on two occasions. Since it is unlikely the 78 will access bail until their next court appearance on Tuesday, sources said they will be held at the Immigra-

off Lady Young Road

LET US STAY: Cuban asylum seekers symbolically sealed their mouths and tied their hands to the fence outside the United Nations’ office in Port of Spain yesterday, after 78 of their fellowmen were arrested and charged with obstruction the passageway at Chancery Lane. PHOTO BY SUREASH CHOLAI

tion Detention Centre until then. Port of Spain Task Force police, Immigration Division and official Spanish translators, went to Chancery Lane at 5 am, and removed the willing asylum seekers from the location. They were taken to the Belmont station in police buses where their legal status in TT was being determined by immigration officials. Their personal belongings were also removed from the area where the were camping, police said in a statement. The operation was coordinated by acting ACP Joanne Archie and Snr Supt Floris Hodge-Griffith and executed

by Insp Lawrence Pooran and Sgt Walker, of the Port of Spain Division. They were charged by PC Devon Bristol who was told by the magistrate to ensure that his file is submitted to the prosecution by the end of November. Also yesterday, at least ten other Cubans, who managed to avoid being arrested by police since they went to use nearby bathroom facilities, continued their silent protest outside UN House, shortly after their countrymen were taken to the station. They said they were afraid they too will be arrested.

(Trinidad Newsday) DRIVERS are being warned to stay away from the Lady Young Road following a landslide early this morning. Officials of the Ministry of Works and Transport told Newsday that the work to clear both lanes near the Port of Spain lookout will be completed by 5 pm today. According to residents, the landslide took place around 2 am. Ministry officials were on site as early as 8 am assessing the work needed to be done and one hour later trucks from contractor, Coosals, arrived and began clearing the road. Access along the road is only possible between the Eastern Main Road and St Francois Valley Road, Belmont. Ministry officials said after clearing the dirt and trees that came tumbling down this morning, they have to trim trees on top the mountain

Part of the blocked Lady Young Road

and clear loose dirt to prevent further slippage. Today’s landslide is one of many for the rainy season that has cut off drivers. In February, former PNM St Ann’s East MP Joanne Thomas narrowly escaped when her car got caught in a landslide along Lady Young Road, also near the lookout.

The falling rock and dirt pushed Thomas’ car to the edge of the road which runs along the mountainside from Port of Spain to Morvant. Former PP government minister Devant Maharaj was proceeding along the road and stopped to help Thomas when the landslide happened.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

Continuing the fight against domestic violence THIS publication has repeatedly highlighted the need for initiatives and programmes to fight the pervasive social malady known as gender-based or domestic violence. The Government of Guyana, which obviously shares the concern, continues to work towards eradicating the problem. First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger has expressed the view shared by government and experts on the subject; the First Lady said, “It is critical that empirical research is conducted into the root causes of violence in our society, and particularly gender-based violence, so we can analyse and determine how it may be addressed and eliminated through government-stakeholder action.” Following up on this approach to the problem, a new initiative is set to begin on November 25. The campaign called, ‘16 Days of Activism’ is a collaborative effort among the government, the non-governmental organisation known as The Caribbean Voice and the United Nations Women’s Initiative. The campaign which aims to reduce acts of gender-based violence in Guyana, will conduct education,

sensitisation and solution-oriented sessions during the 16 days of planned activities. Gender-based violence is a major problem in Guyana, with incidents of violence against women having increased by some 14.2 per cent over the last six years. Statistics show that there is a geographic component to the problem, with the highest number of crimes being committed in Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Demerara-Mahaica, and the East Berbice-Corentyne regions. Those three regions alone account for three quarters of all reports. In August 2018, at the opening of the 20th biennial convention of the National Congress of Women, President Granger said, “Unless we take concerted action to eliminate violence against women, we will never remove the scourge of inequality. People will not find it even necessary to consider providing equal access for girlchildren to go to school. We need to deal with this problem of violence against girls and women. It is not easy; it is not just sexual violence. It is physical violence as well. It is chopping and killing, murder…It is the daily

subjugation and suppression of women…” In addition to short-duration programmes such as 16 Days of Activism, Guyana’s government also recognises the need for longterm approaches and international cooperation and collaboration, as part of a comprehensive, holistic methodology. In March, the UK’s National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security 2018-2022 was launched in Guyana. This international strategy seeks to reduce and eventually eliminate gender-based violence – particularly against women – by employing scientifically sound approaches, as part of the UK’s efforts to meet its declared international objectives and obligations in Guyana. The five-year National Action Plan is built on four pillars: prevention of conflict and all forms of violence against women and girls in conflict and post-conflict situations; participation with women equally with men with gender equality being promoted in decision-making processes on peace and security at all levels; protection and promotion of women’s and girls’ rights

in conflict situations; and relief and recovery with women and girls’ specific needs met. At the launch of that programme, First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger lamented, “It seems not a single day passes without a report of someone being raped, brutalised, or murdered, usually by an intimate partner or previously intimate partner.” In his remarks at that event, British High Commissioner to Guyana Gregg Quinn said that, “globally, one in three women are beaten or sexually abused in her lifetime.” He commented that, “beating your wife or girlfriend does not make you a man; it makes you a coward.” Domestic violence is a persistent and major problem throughout the world and its effects are known. According to the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action (CAFRA), “Domestic violence damages the prospects for economic and social development of every country, not just the lives of the victims.” Regarding the major cause of domestic violence, CAFRA said, “domestic violence has been described as “systemic and structural,

a mechanism of patriarchal control of women that is built on male superiority and female inferiority, sex-stereotyped roles and expectations, and economic, social, and political predominance of men and dependency of women.” CAFRA noted, “The 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and the 1994 Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (Convention of Belem do Pará) were developed to explicitly guarantee women’s right to live free from violence.” Considering the fact that Guyana is known to have a major domestic-violence problem, and being signatories to numerous international treaties and conventions to eradicate the scourge, and most importantly, knowing that gender-based or domestic violence is a crime against the humanity of women, the initiatives, programmes, and various undertakings should not only be continued, but expanded and intensified.

All obeah, witchcraft must be rejected Dear Editor ALL forms of obeah, black arts, fortune-telling/healing, psychic and occult practices must be rejected in their entirety. I am appalled when I look at the Guyanese and Caribbean newspapers in New York and see so many ads for such services. They claim that they will fix a marriage that is on the rocks; will land you a better job; will bring good fortune; will nullify the black spell of an envious neighbour; will cure your ailment; will bestow added spice and enjoyment to your love life; and bring happiness and peace all around. And all these and so much more they will procure for you, when you just consult with them and place your faith and trust in them ….and of course part with some of your hard-earned cash.

ALL OF THIS IS SO MUCH NONSENSE AND RUBBISH; and yet even educated and talented people fall for their charm and spell and become willing victims of their lies and deceit. Obeah men, fortune tellers, astrologers, psychics, card readers, practitioners of the occult and black arts, ARE ALL CON MEN AND WOMEN AT HEART. They are out to get your money…. this is the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Our priests and pandits must speak out fearlessly against these people and their evil practices. But some of them will never do so because they are also inextricably involved in some of these practices. I recall that in a neighbouring village where I lived in Guyana, a very well-known, educated and respected pandit used to openly practise obeah and removing “jumbie” from people. When

educated people give credence and support to such nefarious practices, then it is not surprising that quite a lot of people will think that they are authentic and may be even a part of the tradition and religion. It is also shocking that so many in the Hindu community in New York, and in other parts of the Guyanese diaspora are taking to obeah and “jumbie” removal. A lot of homes have been broken and good friends, families and neighbours have become deadly enemies, because of the words and suggestions from these pandits and obeah people. All forms of obeah, witchcraft etc. are ROOTED IN FEAR, DARKNESS AND EVIL, AND A LACK OF GENUINE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING. They are a great impediment to the growth and flowering of a healthy and wholesome mind. And they are the very antithesis of

knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. They can find no place in the heart of a man or woman who genuinely adore and worship God, and who is ever striving to walk the path of TRUTH, GOODNESS, AND BEAUTY. No healing, no good effects, and nothing lasting and wholesome can issue from the practice of obeah, etc. In fact, knowledge and all good traits are gradually taken away from those who believe in such dark practices. They eventually become completely enveloped in a world of darkness and fear…which is nothing but a living hell. Even if there is some temporary healing and betterment, it is not worth the lasting damage that is done to the mind, the heart and the soul. Regards Cecil Ramkirath

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

Despite increased disclosures child sexual abuse remains under-reported Dear Editor,

sons understand that there are additional acts that often form part of the abuse and grooming THERE has been a notable increase in re- process. For example, the report stated that ports of child sexual abuse over the past five some offenders made the children feel as if years: in 2013 there were 670 reported cases they were in a romantic relationship. When (80 boys and 590 girls). In 2017 there were those offenders initially approached children, 841 reported cases (119 boys and 722 girls), they often presented the sexual activities as which indicate that there has been a 25% games, simple affection, hygiene routines, or increase or an additional 171 children com- ways to have fun. Over time, the sexual abuse pared to five years ago disclosed the abuse becomes increasingly intrusive. Some victims that has been taking place against them. reported manipulation by offenders that made Although the increase must be a cause for them feel “special,” and as if they were his/her public concern, it must also be seen that “girlfriend or boyfriend,” even when there was children, their families, communities, the a difference in age of 10 or more years. Some CPA, the police, the judiciary and civil so- children reported that they did feel like the ciety are listening to children’s cries and are abuser’s girlfriend, because they had become responding and helping children and their intimate or had developed feelings for the families to report child sexual abuse. The person; or because she had believed they (the increase in the number of reported cases of offender) loved her (the victim), or because child sexual abuse must be seen as empow- the offender was nicer to the victim than most erment of children to reveal abuse. It must other people. however be noted that despite the increase, Perpetrators of child sexual abuse also used child sexual abuse cases remain under-re- fear to intimidate and manipulate children into ported for many reasons, inclusive of fear subjection. In a report received at the Child of the offender, fear of shame and manipu- Advocacy Centre (CAC), the grandmother lation of the family to blame the child or not and aunt of a teenaged victim were aware of believing the child. In an article published the abuse; the perpetrator was the victim’s on March 3rd, 2018, in the Kaieteur News, aunt’s husband. The women protected the Mrs. Ann Green, Director of the CPA offender while the victim lived in fear because stated that “The figures recorded for last the grandmother and aunt threatened to poison year are high. They do not present the true her if she disclosed the abuse to anyone. Ofpicture of child abuse in Guyana, since it is fenders also told victims that they would get often a hidden crime. For this reason many into trouble or get a beating and their parents cases go unreported.” would be angry if they revealed. Children who ChildLinK’s report “Cries in The Dark” are afraid of a beating are less likely to tell – Child Sexual Abuse in Guyana Today, their parents or any adult about abuse, because indicated that many children did not identify they are afraid they will be further punished. the abuse they endured as sexual abuse. Many Children who feel loved, appreciated and well adults and children are unable to identify sex- cared-for at home are less likely to succumb to ual abuse, especially if it does not involve pen- an offender’s manipulation and intimidation. etration. While penetration is a more invasive In some instances, perpetrators used threats form of sexual abuse, it is important that per- of violence to subject the child to prolonged

LGEs a people’s victory Dear Editor IT was never the APNU+AFC coalition’s message during its campaign for Local Government Elections (LGE), that “winning” is what matters. Its daily pronouncements throughout the 10 administrative regions were unambiguously clear: that local government belongs to the people; they must use its facilitation of an election to elect the best citizens within their communities, who together with them will advance the best interests of their locales. This message had been sustainably clear to all citizens/constituents. Thus, the APNU+AFC government’s objective of ensuring that it carried out the constitutional dictate of allowing Guyanese citizens to exercise their democratic rights, within the stipulated time frame has

been met; for this, the coalition must have our unequivocal commendations. They have ensured the continuing advance of a democratic process, which the PPP/C ignored for the last 23 years, even as it had installed 38 Interim Management Committees across (IMCs) the administrative regions for the undemocratic ends of its former government. This has been and still is the unenlightened position of this political dinosaur of a party. The recently held LGEs have been a people’s exercise, irrespective of low voter participation. It is a victory for the people and not any political party. Further, it is democracy that has won. This must be a reminder to the power obsessed/hungry leader of the political opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo. Regards Observer

sexual abuse. Perpetrators used threats of physical violence and financial abuse to deprive the victim if the victim is in their care and also may threaten to harm a family member or someone that the victim cares for. For example, a victim reported that her step-father who physically abused her mother, threatened that if she does not have sex with him he will continue to beat the mother. The report found that many offenders threatened the children implicitly by demonstrating their power in a variety of ways. Some children reported that the abusers also issued specific threats to make them comply with the abuse and keep it a secret. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse (CSA) gain the trust of potential child victims and their caregivers by methodically “grooming” them. This process begins with identifying potential victims and their trust, and breaking down their defences. After gaining access to children by receiving their trust, the offender initiates some kind of contact that s/he finds sexually gratifying. Shame is another reason children may not disclose sexual abuse. Like any victim who experienced sexual abuse, it is a violation of his/her body and private space. Many victims reported low self-esteem, lack of self-worth, humiliation and distress, as a result of the abuse to which they were subjected . Children may even experience shame and become confused, due to being aroused during the sexual act and may believe that because their bodies responded to the stimuli in a natural way, that they liked or consented to the act. In cases that involved incest (abuse by a family member), the child may believe that it is his/her fault, or they must have done something to arouse the family member which resulted in the sexual abuse. Many victims of child sexual abuse reported that they felt dirty and unworthy, because their bodies and personal space were violated.

Child sexual abuse will continue in an environment where children are manipulated through threats, grooming and made to feel that the abuse is their fault and are ashamed to tell where there was a trusting relationship. Other reasons include children being treated better by the potential offender that their family members. It is important that as an adult we are aware of how to respond to disclosure of child sexual abuse. Parents, caregivers, family and community members/leaders should always keep an eye out for children. Where there is a suspicion, ask questions carefully and not scare the child into telling, they most likely may not; and educate the child about sexual abuse and sexual violence. Should a child disclose, we must listen to the child and get medical care immediately, especially if the abuse has taken place within the last few hours; make a report to the police and CPA. Child sexual abuse is a crime and it’s against the law to keep it a secret. You are supporting the offender when you keep it a secret. We must acknowledge the fact that as parents and society at large, the kind of relationships that we develop with our children play a crucial role in protecting them from child sexual abuse and all other forms of abuse. Parents must seek to have an open line of communication, so that their children can disclose abuse or express their feelings without victimisation. This will give offenders less power to manipulate their children and will aid in preventing child sexual abuse and directly encourage reporting and disclosure of child sexual abuse. Yours faithfully, Shaquita Thomas Communications Officer ChildLinK Inc.

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ARRIVAL OF AMERICAN AIRLINES

THE arrival of American Airlines (AA) on Thursday last on its inaugural flight was clearly the biggest expression of confidence in Guyana. This was affirmed by Robert Wirick, AA’s Managing Director of International Government Affairs, when he stated: “We are committed to this market.” It is elementary knowledge that foreign companies as huge as American Airlines would not commit themselves to a market unless they have confidence that the host country has a safe and rewarding investment climate. The image of Guyana as a stable, peaceful, orderly democracy has been returning gradually since 2015. But it has taken tremendous efforts to beat back the spectre of political gangsterism that had once made Guyana into the Caribbean’s “killing fields”. Under the previous regime, favoured drug lords and death squads had driven fear into Guyanese here and abroad, and undermined confidence in our leadership and governance system. PREFERRED DESTINATION Today, Guyana is fast becoming a preferred destination, with international passenger traffic reaching 664,624 last year, which, according to Minister Annette Ferguson, was the highest in recent times. Guyana was at one time notoriously branded the graveyard for airlines. Many dubious companies, some headed by crooks with high connections, had started fly-by-night operations. They ripped off passengers and left them exposed to price gouging from companies that survived. But confidence in Guyana has now gone past operations in a single sector, be it airline or petroleum, and underlined the reason for the formation of Guyana’s first American Chamber of Commerce that provides networking for US businesses in the Caribbean. It has also resulted in the relaxation of barriers to Guyanese visiting the United States of America on non-immigrant visas. According to Terry Steers-Gonzales, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, the Georgetown Consulate has in recent times issued some 86,133 such visas, which represent one-half of all visas issued since 2000. ILLICIT DRUGS A key factor in the restoration of this confidence is the resolve by the APNU+AFC Coalition Government to suppress illicit drugs, and the use of Guyana as a transit point for the trafficking of cocaine. Our new government has spared no effort to dismantle the evil empire that had thrived under the previous regime.

Since 2016, the Coalition invited the presence in Guyana of the Drugs Enforcement Agency (DEA), and has allowed some 1,128 professionals in the judicial, security and defence sectors to receive special training, which, together with new equipment, cost some US$4 million. This information was provided Friday evening at a farewell ceremony for Ambassador Perry Holloway, who has been the driving force behind the enhanced cooperation between the United States and Guyana, especially in the past three years. LOCAL DEMOCRACY The growing confidence in Guyana is also due to the consolidation of democracy. Last evening, Ambassador Holloway reminisced that when he arrived in Guyana, as an American, it was hard for him to understand how you could have a democracy without local government elections. It is now common knowledge that since 1997, the post-Jagan PPP refused to hold local government elections. It had chosen, instead, to replace broken councils with hand-picked Interim Management Committees (IMCs). As the Ambassador observed: “We’ve seen two consecutive local elections; something that hasn’t happened for some time in Guyana. And the one the other day, I went out and did some observing; it looked like a very free and fair and credible election. No matter what you say about the turnout, I would say democracy was the big winner…” But after noting that macro-economic growth started under the previous government, and continued well under the Coalition, he painted a dazzling picture of Guyana by 2020. The Gross Domestic Products, he said, will grow by 300 per cent. “This means that in one year, the country will produce what it took 300 years to produce. This is gigantic; you will be the richest country in the hemisphere, and perhaps the richest country in the world on a per capita basis.” As he made that projection, I was watching around to see if there was anyone around who would unleash a “feral blast”, as the Ambassador’s predecessor had experienced, in his own yard, at a similar farewell party. But I was relieved that over these past years, there has been no repetition of that type of public obscenity by government officials. Holloway spoke his mind, and did so openly.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION I have chosen to look at the new Guyana democracy in the wake of the plagiarised, 10-word, No-Confidence Motion that was hastily submitted to the National Assembly last Thursday. Under the Constitution, if approved by a simple majority of the House, the government has to resign and call new elections. So, it is not a trivial matter. I recalled my own Motion which was submitted to the National Assembly on July 9, 2014, the day before the National Assembly went into recess. The Motion was slated for debate when the House resumed by October 10, but the Ramotar regime refused to summon Parliament then, but did so for November 10, 2014. We were in Parliament waiting for the session to begin, only to learn that the government had prorogued parliament, which is, that there would be no further sittings for six months. The PPP did that to avoid a debate on the Motion. It feared imminent defeat, as the combined opposition had a one-seat majority in the House. It then dissolved Parliament, announced new elections, and suffered defeat at the polls. But on this occasion, the Opposition does NOT have a majority of MPs in the House. There is no rational basis for arguing that the Motion could succeed. So, why did the PPP table this Motion? In the first place, as I noted, it was insensitive to do so, knowing that the President is ill, and is out of the country. The Opposition Leader has argued that since the prime minister is performing the functions of the President, he should not sit in the House, or vote. This is childish, since the prime minister is an ELECTED MEMBER of the House. Acting as president does not take away his right to vote. So, the Motion has to be tabled for some other reasons, which is that the PPP is afflicted with a dangerous type of political madness that, titillated by the coming oil wealth, the Opposition would do everything to create disaffection or rebellion in the State. It would step up its campaign to stir ethnic and political discord, in naked obsession with putting their hands on our new oil wealth. I am confident that the Guyanese people will protect the family treasure from the political hordes of yesteryear. The arrival of the American Airlines, and the vibrant democratic and investment climate have imbued in us all the full confidence we should have in our government.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

Understanding Energy

Investing in Guyana’s Future EARLIER this month, the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Kamla Persad-Bissessar addressed the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association Awards Dinner on the lessons that Trinidad and Tobago has learned from its own experiences with oil and gas revenues. In her speech, Persad-Bissessar urged Guyana to think long-term by spending on infrastructure, education, health care, and specialised skills training, as well as oil exploration and electrification. On the issue of a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), she cautioned against using the money to fund recurring budgetary expenses instead of investing it in specific programmes to help develop human capital. Experts estimate that Guyana will receive hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars per year starting in 2020, likely rising into the billions per year by the middle of the decade. Given that rapid timeline, it’s critically important for Guyana to strategise now about how to responsibly put a portion of that money towards long-term development. And, in order to maximise business development both within and outside of the oil-andgas industry in Guyana, government regulations and processes must be transparent, predictable and not bureaucratically onerous to attract and retain businesses.

Based on her experience in Trinidad, Persad-Bissessar recommended that a national vision for spending oil revenues was key--including spending on physical infrastructure such as roads, railways, hospitals, and electrification and funding specialised education in the oil-and-gas industry for Guyanese. Her ideas broadly fit with what many international experts from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Resource Governance Institute and others have recommended to Guyana. Her words also echoed what some other countries with successful SWFs have spent their money on, though different countries prioritise different areas. The stage of development a country finds itself in when oil production begins is particularly important. Countries such as Norway and the United Kingdom were already advanced economies with modern markets, infrastructure, education, and healthcare when they struck oil. While both carry excellent lessons for Guyana, they may not always offer the best example for Guyana’s first few years of oil development. Norway, for example, used funds to invest in local businesses. But this is something with which Guyana must be careful. As an advanced economy, Norway could obtain minority stakes in Scandinavian businesses through es-

tablished and regulated stock markets. Guyana has few publicly traded companies and so would need to invest more directly—something that must be done responsibly and transparently to avoid accusations of favouritism or corruption. The early stages of oil development in countries such as Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are probably a better guide for Guyana, when it looks for ways to most effectively turn oil revenues into lasting development and improved living standards. Both were relatively undeveloped when oil revenues began, but now have comparatively high standards of living and human development. Malaysia now boasts the second best physical infrastructure in Asia, according to the Global Infrastructure Investment Index. Its literacy rate, life expectancy, and rates of electrification and access to healthcare also far outpace its neighbours, according to figures from the United Nations. Its healthcare system in particular has been recognised as a successful system of universal care that is funded in part through oil revenues. Its Sovereign Wealth Fund also has a largely successful track record of investing in Malaysian companies to encourage diversification outside the oil industry and into heavy industries and technology. Other nations, like the United Arab

Emirates, have invested aggressively in diversifying their economies into finance and other industries and built infrastructure and prestigious universities. Many also finance specialised education abroad for promising students as a way to build human capital. Both Malaysia and the UAE planned out strategic long-term development strategies and then used income from their respective sovereign wealth funds to help achieve the goals—in line with Persad-Bissessar’s suggestion that Guyana outline a national vision and use oil revenues to help achieve it. Persad-Bissessar also recommended investing in further oil exploration, while advising that Guyana avoid the creation of a state oil company. She noted that state-owned companies find it “very difficult” to modernise and innovate and can lead to stagnation and entitlement. Though Trinidad’s experiences are not entirely applicable to Guyana, they should not be discounted out of hand either. Guyana is endowed with a large amount of resources per capita, and the potential is great to meaningfully improve Guyanese citizens’ daily lives. On the cusp of oil production, it’s more important than ever that Guyanese look around the world and learn from the mistakes and successes of other countries.

Injured Fly Jamaica passenger dies AN 86-year-old woman is the first fatality of the Fly Jamaica flight that made an emergency landing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on November 9th, 2018. Rookia Kalloo, who suffered a head injury while exiting the crash-landed Fly Jamaica aircraft, succumbed on Friday. Fly Jamaica on Saturday said it was saddened to learn of the death and requested that the media respect the family’s privacy at this time. “We are deeply saddened to learn that Mrs. Rookia Kalloo, one our passengers aboard Fly Jamaica flight OJ256 which suffered a runway excursion on Friday 9th November, has died. All of our thoughts and sympathies are with Mrs. Kalloo’s family and loved ones at this time,” the company said in a press statement. Fly Jamaica continued: “Whilst Mrs. Kalloo is not recorded as having been treated in hospital for any injuries as a result of the accident, we are investigating the position further and lending all possible assistance and support to Mrs. Kalloo’s relatives as

they come to terms with their loss. We kindly ask the media to respect the family’s privacy at this sad time.” Kalloo, who had suffered a fractured skull, passed away at the Georgetown Public Hospital after initially being treated at a private hospital. Mrs. Kalloo reportedly struck her head while exiting the emergency ramp. The elderly woman, her daughter, and granddaughter were among the passengers on the Canada-bound aircraft. Fly Jamaica flight OJ256 had departed CJIA at 2:10 a.m. for Toronto, Canada. About 15 minutes into the flight, passengers said that the pilot reported that the Boeing 757 was experiencing problems with its hydraulic system and needed to return to CJIA. In total there were 35 Guyanese, one Trinidadian, 82 Canadians, one Pakistani and 11 American citizens on board. The pilot, Captain Basil Ferguson, is being credited with averting a major disaster after stopping the plane inches from a steep drop at the end of the runway.

The Fly Jamaica plane that crashed

Respect Arbitral Award 10

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

– US urges Guyana and Venezuela

By Navendra Seoraj

THE US has called on both Guyana and Venezuelia to respect the 1899 Arbitral Award on the ongoing border controversy between the two nations. Early this year, the US had called for a timely resolution to the controversy. Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Guyana, Terry Steers-Gonzalez said outgoing US Ambassador Perry Holloway had motivated the US to adopt its current position. “Ambassador Holloway logged this win before he arrived here in September 2015… this was done while he waited in Washington for confirmation by the US Senate,” said Steers-Gonzalez at a farewell ceremony for Holloway on Friday. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who also spoke at the reception, described the US’s position on the border controversy as significant. “It is an extremely strong and significant statement,” said the minister, adding that it was the Treaty of Washington in 1897 which led to the 1899 Arbitral Award. The border controversy arose after Venezuela contended that the Arbitral Award of 1899, which settled the country’s border, was null and void. In an effort to bring an end to this age-old controversy, on January 30, 2018, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, in keeping with the 1966 Geneva Agreement, announced that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) would be the next means to be used for resolution of the controversy. On March 29, 2018, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge filed Guyana’s application with the ICJ but Venezuela has declined to participate in the court action filed by Guyana. “The Venezuelan delegation has informed the president of the court, through a letter signed by the President of the Republic, Nicolás Maduro Moros, of its sovereign decision not to participate in the procedure that Guyana intends to initiate, since the court manifestly lacks jurisdiction over an action unilaterally proposed by the neighbouring country, which does not have the consent of Venezuela,” a communiqué issued by the People’s Power Ministry for Foreign Affairs said after meeting with ICJ’s Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf. Nonetheless, the Government of Guyana has reportedly submitted its memorial to the ICJ in keeping with an order dated

But though Guyana has moved to the ICJ to resolve the age old controversy, it has long called for the 1899 Arbitral Award to be respected. Since 1962, Venezuela has been contending that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which had given more than 90 per cent of an area to then British Guiana (now Guyana), is null and void, although it had originally accepted the award. The final judgment handed down by the ICJ will bring an end to this long-standing territorial controversy, and Guyana is well equipped to prove that the award remains valid.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge June 19, 2018. The ICJ had fixed November 19, 2018 and April 18, 2019 as the respective time-limits for the filing of a Memorial by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and a Counter-Memorial by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela respectively although the latter objected. While on the international stage during the 73rd Regular Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 73), Minister Greenidge told world leaders that there was still time for Venezuela to participate at the level of the ICJ to resolve the age-old Guyana/Venezuela Border Controversy. Under Article 53 of the Statute of the Court, “whenever one of the parties does not appear before the court, or fails to defend its case, the other party may call upon the court to decide in favour of its claim.” The vice president said Guyana firmly believes that adherence to the cardinal principles of the sovereign equality of States, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and the peaceful resolution of disputes are the most effective guarantees of peace. “As a responsible member of the global community, Guyana seeks peace not only in our Region, but throughout the world where the scourge of war and conflict are an obstacle to development. They divert attention away from the pressing problems of development and the enhancement of human well-being,” Vice President Greenidge had said.

THE FACTS The Guyana/Venezuela Border controversy started during the second half of the 19th century between Venezuela and Great Britain over the location of the border between its colony of British Guiana and the Spanish-speaking country. This continued until an Arbitral Tribunal was empanelled in 1897 to determine the borders and issued an Arbitral Award on October 3, 1899. Following this, a joint commission with representatives from both countries delineated the borders in 1905. For half a century Venezuela honoured this agreement in word and deed. In 1931, a boundary commission made up of representatives from Great Britain, Venezuela and Brazil agreed on the specific point on Mount Roraima where the boundaries of British Guiana, Venezuela and Brazil meet. A concrete marker was erected soon after. The matter was permanently settled. Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Esteban Gil Borges in 1941 agreed that the frontier with British Guiana was well defined and was a closed issue. However, in 1962, Venezuela unilaterally and without any basis or evidence announced that it regarded the Award of 1899 as null and void. By November 1965 a meeting in London between Venezuelan and British representatives and a representative from British Guiana was held. A joint Communique stating that both sides should work to “find satisfactory solutions for a practical settlement of the controversy which has arisen as a result of the Venezuelan contention,” was issued. In February of 1966, the governments of British Guiana, Great Britain and Ven-

Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy in Guyana, Terry Steers-Gonzalez ezuela, in Geneva, Switzerland, signed an agreement by which a bilateral commission was appointed to seek “satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom, which has arisen as the result of Venezuela’s contention that the arbitral award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela is null and void.” A mixed commission was established out of the Geneva Agreement. However, from the beginning, Venezuela ignored the main role of the agreement under which the commission was established to deal with Venezuela’s contention of nullity in the 1899 award. That mixed commission was unable to fulfil its mandate largely because Venezuela declined to deal with the question of its contention of the nullity of the 1899 Award. The Geneva Agreement does not state or imply that there is a territorial controversy between the countries or that there is a matter where the border between the two countries is unsettled. What it recognises and seeks to resolve is Venezuela’s contention that the Award of 1899 is null and void. Venezuela, however, has worked feverishly over the years at turning the controversy about its contention of invalidity of the arbitral award into a dispute about territory.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

Gov’t ready to defend track record –– Min. Lawrence

THE government has confirmed that it is armed and ready with the facts to defend its track record and remains unfazed by the no-confidence motion tabled by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo in Parliament on Thursday. “The idle rantings by Mr. Jagdeo will not scare any member of the coalition,” Minister of Public Health and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairperson Volda Lawrence said firmly on Friday.

“I want to indicate to him (Jagdeo) that this coalition, what we have shown, is that we are willing to investigate any matter which comes before us in regards to discrepancies or for which anyone would have broken the law. And we have shown that in the several Commissions of Inquiry (CoI) that we have had,” Lawrence, who was at the time speaking at a coalition press briefing, said. She added that in comparison, under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration, there was none.

“We can point to many, many instances of corruption. As a matter of fact, under the Jagdeo Administration, corruption was the bread and butter of this country.” Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson said the move by the opposition leader is simply a “delaying tactic” intended to find fault with the coalition’s track record. “This government will never prorogue parliament. We got here by hard work and we will stand and defend our record every single day,” he said.

Leaders of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance For Change (AFC) at the joint press conference at Congress Place on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

Banks DIH honours long-standing employees BANKS DIH Limited has honoured 19 employees in recognition of their 20 years of service to the company at its Annual 20-Year-Club Luncheon held on Friday at Thirst Park. Chairman/Managing Director Clifford Reis presented gold pins with the company’s emblem to the recipients. The feature address was delivered by Business Development Executive, Ramesh Dookhoo, who remarked that the inductees should value their contribution to the company by sharing the culture of hard work, dedication, creativity,

respect, good employment conditions and charity. He paid special tribute to Reis and Executive Directors George McDonald, Michael Pereira, Andrew Carto and Shabir Hussein for their continued stewardship of the company. The over 200 employees who are members of the 20-Year-Club attended the luncheon. The 19 employees honoured were Anand Charran (Accounts); Dexter Mayers (Beverage Warehouse); Colvon Sam, Michael Murray and Rawle

Williams (Soft Drink Plant); Quincy Thomas and Neil Parris (Materials Handling); Patricia Blackman (Main Street Qik Serv); Francine De Abreu (Linden Indoor); Persaud Ramdhanie (Vehicle Workshop); Germine McKoy and Garth Ralph (General Workshop); Henry Merchant (Trisco Administration); Bernard Johnson (OMG), Romesh Persaud (Liquor Sales/Beverage Supervision); Maurice Payne and Godfrey Searles (Tropical Mist Plant); Stephen Gulliver (Beer Bottling Plant); and Julian Jordan (Bakery).

Company officials with the long-standing employees who were honoured on Friday

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

GECOM investigating proxy voting at Mabaruma

By Svetlana Marshall THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has launched an investigation into the conduct of Local Government Elections in Mabaruma, Region One. Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield said there is a strict three-tier system that allows voting by way of a proxy; however, reports have surfaced that in Mabaruma the system was breached. At a press conference at the GECOM Secretariat on Friday, Lowenfield said he learnt of the issue through the press. He told reporters that while he was not aware of

the issue in which persons reportedly paid others to vote in particular way, he is aware of proxies approved using the wrong methodology. According to GECOM, a voter is entitled to vote by proxy in an election if he or she is unable to go to the polling station where he/she is listed to vote on Election Day; this may be because of illness, work in the case of those working in the security forces, at GECOM or the Transport and Harbours Department. Lowenfield said once an application for proxy is filed with GECOM, an investigation is conducted to determine whether the applicant is eligible. It was noted that the return-

Woman, others arrested for bar shooting

ing officer for the Local Authority Area (LAA) or the deputy returning officer and agents of political parties and civil groups are involved in the verification process. In Mabaruma, Lowenfield said GECOM is uncertain if the correct procedure was followed, but noted that the investigation will determine this. It is expected that the investigation will be completed before the commission meets next Wednesday. On Wednesday, it is expected that a full report on the allegation will be tabled before the commission. A family at Kumaka, the town’s business hub, told the Guyana Chronicle

that they were disturbed that a male relative of theirs managed to vote by proxy for two of his nephews; this, although the two siblings had authorised their mother to vote on their behalf by proxy. According to a family member, when the woman turned up at Kumaka to vote on her sons’ behalf, she was told that the boys’ uncle had already voted for them. She explained that the boys had sent their identification cards to Mabaruma with their uncle from Georgetown where they work and study. Reports are that the boys’ uncle obtained a letter of recommendation which was signed by an

opposition-aligned regional official, who is a Justice of the Peace. The woman became annoyed when she found out that the letter was drafted without her sons’ consent; and she became worried when she was told that the her sons’ occupations were erroneously listed as laymen in the fictitious letter. The allegations were reported to the returning officer at Mabaruma, but the family told the Guyana Chronicle that the official was not very helpful. Based on the official results declared by GECOM, the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) won four of the six constituencies in the town of Mabaruma; the gov-

GECOM CEO Keith Lowenfield erning A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) managed to score wins in the remaining two constituencies in the First-PastThe-Post component of the elections. In the Proportional Representation (PR) component, a total of 1808 votes were cast in the area; of that number, the PPP scored 1006, while APNU grabbed 653. The PPP as a result picked up another four seats, while APNU gained two.

Palms resident allegedly threatens to shoot nurse

The seized pistol with live rounds THREE persons have been arrested in connection with the discharging of a firearm in front of a popular entertainment bar at Charity, Essequibo Coast, on Friday morning. Police said ranks found a 9mm spent shell at the scene. Based on information received, three persons, including a female have been arrested. A spent shell, a 9mm pistol and 10 live rounds were found in their homes. The suspects are in custody assisting with the investigation.

The Palms where the incident occurred AN ex-prison officer who is the holder of a licensed firearm, is now in police custody after he allegedly threatened to shoot a nurse at the Palms on Friday evening. The 79-year-old resident of the Palms, Brickdam, Georgetown, and a nurse had a misunderstanding earlier in the day and the nurse reportedly walked away from the ward, where the septuagenarian was and proceeded to another area.

This angered the pensioner and dissatisfied with the service he had received, he collected his licensed firearm and confronted the male nurse on the stairway, threatening to kill him. The police said the nurse managed to disarm the pensioner and contact was made with the police who promptly arrived at the scene and took possession of the firearm. The 79-year-old was arrested and an investigation has been launched into the incident.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

Ninth Caribbean Bee-keeping Congress 2018 launched THE Guyana Apicultural Society (GAS) will be hosting the Ninth Caribbean Bee-keeping Congress in Guyana at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) from November 19th to 23rd, 2018. The theme for the Congress is: “Natural Bee-keeping for a Green Caribbean” and will provide a forum for the regional bee-keeping community to address the challenges and opportunities facing this agricultural subsector. The event, which is co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, is being held in collaboration

with the Association of Caribbean Bee-keepers’ Organisations (ACBO). It is a bi-annual event, which is being held in Guyana for the second time; the fifth such congress was convened in Guyana in 2008. The ACBO was established on September, 2002, during the Third Caribbean Bee-keeping Congress in Jamaica by a resolution of that congress. SERIES OF CONGRESSES This series of congresses began with the staging of the first one in Tobago in Novem-

ber, 1998. The congress was then held in Nevis in 2000 and Jamaica in 2002; in 2005 it was once again held in Trinidad; Guyana in 2008, then in Grenada in 2011; the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2013; Tobago in 2016 and now in Guyana once more. According to the ACBO, its goal is to ensure the sustainability of the Caribbean Bee-keeping sub-sector, while developing its competitiveness. Regional and International participants “We are anticipating attendance by approximately 100 regional

Joint Services member arrested for motorcycle theft POLICE arrested three persons following the recent theft of a businessman’s motorcycle CJ 5990 at his residence in East Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Reports indicate that police recovered

the motorcycle at one of the suspect’s home in West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown. The suspect is also a member of the Joint Services. The three men are assisting police with investigations.

Shotgun, live rounds found in shack POLICE are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of an improvised 12-gauge shotgun and 10 live cartridges. Police said on Friday that about 08:15hrs, a party of officers from ‘E’

Division (Linden-Kwakwani) acting on information, went to Mango Landing, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice conducted a search of an abandoned shack and found the weapon and ammo.

The shotgun that was found

and international participants, and 150 local participants. For Guyana, the key benefits for hosting the Ninth Caribbean Bee-keeping Congress includes the immediate exposure of 120 new persons to bee-keeping, as well as 30 existing local bee-keepers to international best practices. “In addition, Guyana will be poised to discuss regional challenges to Api-trade in the Caribbean to develop export potential. At the same time, the country will be in a position to promote local Api products to Caribbean visitors to boost the local bee-keeping businesses,” GAS stated. The programme will include country papers from Caribbean islands and countries; an introductory programme for new bee-keepers; advance

sessions on honey standards; trade and fake honey risks for professional bee-keepers, and the use of social media marketing to build new brands and communication with customers.

COUNTRYWIDE INVITATION Chairman of GAS local organising committee, Mr. Neil Grant, stated that participants and sponsors will be welcomed to be a part of this Ninth Caribbean Bee-keeping Congress. “We believe that this would be a wonderful opportunity for you or your organisation to advance visibility to an emerging sector of the economy and to extend your reach and market share.” According to the GAS, there is a limited

number of sponsorships of congress fees to prospective bee-keepers who are unemployed and have a strong desire to start bee-keeping as an enterprise for their development. The registration details are available on the acboonline.com website and on the Guyana Apicultural Society Facebook page. The cost for local registration will include all events, sessions, meals and a tour. There are also sponsorship options designed to assist desired participants in finding the right level for their budgets and time. The GAS stated that if a sponsorship level stated is not feasible, they would be happy to negotiate and encourage would-be participants or sponsors to make early contact.

Pork-knocker confesses to killing lover THE paramour of a 23-year-old woman has admitted to killing her in Eye Lash Backdam, North West District (NWD) between October 1 and November 15, 2018. Dead is Patricia David, 23, of Eye Lash Backdam, NWD. Her decomposed

body was found in a shallow grave by investigators. Police said the 27-year-old pork-knocker of South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who was sharing a common law relationship with the victim, is now in custody.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

‘D’ Division Commander beefs up security for Christmas season

DIVISIONAL Commander of ‘D’ Division (West Bank/Coast/East Bank Essequibo) Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper recently unveiled the division’s Christmas Action Plan which will see an increase in community and neighbourhood policing in the region to tackle crime and traffic congestion. The meeting held at Vreed-en-Hoop, saw the Commander and ‘Admin’ team ensuring that members of the community understood the nature of

the security operations, while also engaging in a walkabout within the businesses situated in the area. He said that the operations mode for the division during this Christmas period is one that is conducive for partnership and members of the public were asked to come on board. The senior superintendent speaking on behalf of his division,detailed the various areas of focus where ranks will be deployed to ensure that the action plan works effectively to tackle crime and

traffic. He said emphasis will be placed on hotspots and roadblocks where there is need for attention. Some of the hotspots identified by the commander are the Jetty squatting area, Best Village, Crane Housing Scheme, and La Parfaite Harmonie. The commander said patrols will be done on a rotational basis at Vreeden-Hoop, Tuschen, Zeeburg, Anna Catherina, Parika, Zeelugt, Cornelia Ida Housing Scheme and other areas.

A section of the gathering that attended the launching of the division’s Christmas Action Plan.

Commander Edmond Cooper (third from left) with his deputy and President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce Halim Khan (second from right) with other officials at the meeting. Underscoring that more ranks are to be placed on foot patrol in both uniform and plainclothes to ensure safety of commuters during the Christmas season, the commander said that roadblocks will be intensified to make sure that persons who are wanted are intercepted. Urging persons to cooperate with the roadblock officers, the senior superintendent said that raids will be conducted on the basis of intelligence they receive from the

public and the business community. The commander said that specific arrangements will be put in place to monitor the traffic congestion and crowd control within the villages that usually become very populated, more so within the context of Christmas. He said that monitoring of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, gas stations and commercial banks would be a priority during the Christmas season. Anti-crime patrols will be on

a 24-hour rotation. This, he maintained, will be achieved by boosting the additional ranks with those stationed in office. President of the Region Three Chamber of Commerce Halim Khan thanked the commander for listening to the business community, noting that there will be a need for ramping up of all aspects of patrolling to net anyone who is bent on breaking the law and making citizens’ lives uncomfortable.

200 students graduate from UG Berbice Campus

THE University of Guyana Berbice Campus on Saturday conferred degrees and diplomas to 200 students at that institution’s convocation. The university also graduated 15 students from the newly introduced programme in the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation. Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, in his short address, referenced a famous quote by Sir Shridat Ramphal, “We have learned that education, when it is not geared to the needs of real development and when it is not accompanied by progress can lead more to despair than to development, more to frustration than to fulfillment”, On that note, he urged the graduating class of 2018 to celebrate an education fulfillment. “A fulfillment enabled by the university, a fulfillment that would enable you to

A section of the University of Guyana Tain Campus 2018 graduating class on Saturday continue to begin real development for yourself, for your family, for your community and for the nation”. Delivering the keynote address at the 17th Convocation Ceremony was Dr. Bibi Areefa Aladdin, Pediatrician attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corpo-

ration (GPHC). She is also the principal tutor for pediatrics and lecturer in the Post Graduate Pediatrics Programme. Dr. Aladdin, in an inspirational speech to the 200 students, spoke of her personal life story which was filled with loss, grief and challenges but she successfully defeated

all those barriers and become a successful individual. Her story touched not only the students, but the entire audience as they left with inspiration and motivation to persevere in spite of the challenges faced in life. The Republic Bank Award for the best graduat-

ing student was copped by Jamesha Stuart who earned her degree in Agriculture and Forestry. In her address to the gathering and her fellow graduating class, Stuart said given that this is the first time a student from the Agriculture faculty made valedictorian,

it is a significant honour and a testimony to the evolving world where a science once dominated by men is now equally participated in by women. She noted during her years of studies, she was respected and embraced by her fellow male classmates. “These were positive signs of a changing world, a changing attitude among Guyanese male students in the science. These were signs that both male and female students were recognising the pivotal role of agriculture for the development and sustainability of our country”. The young lady posited that the knowledge gained will now enable them to push boundaries to make this world a better place. On that note, she encouraged the graduating class to, “Keep moving forward, keep following your dreams”.

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‘Northwest is my home,’ says Lynk, 83

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

By Alva Solomon

MEET 83-year-old Princess Lynk. Originally from Beterverwagting, East Coast of Demerara, she moved to the Mabaruma sub-region since in her early 40s and has never returned to the coastland. During the bustling morning hours at Kumaka, a minibus driver calls out for a drink. Another customer calls for a serving of pholourie. Someone would then request the price of her bananas. And given the location of her stall close to the centre of business activities at Kumaka, Lynk’s days as a vendor seem very busy. She told Guyana Chronicle during a recent trip to the area that she lives in the Hosororo Stretch, a section of the roadway between Hosororo Hill and Kumaka, the business hub of the town of Mabaruma. “I like this place man, since I come here I never went back home,” she said, adding that “North West is my home” as it is a very peaceful place. Lynk is convinced she will never return to the coastland. She said that earlier this month her granddaughter was robbed in the city, and this she noted, is one of

several reasons she will stay in Mabaruma. The elderly woman said when she lived in the capital city one could have walked around without fear of being robbed. For decades, she said, she has never witnessed or heard of an armed robbery at Kumaka. Lynk’s daughter has been trying to convince her to visit Georgetown, but according to the elderly woman, she continues to wish her good luck. “Me ain’t want to see town, I know what Georgetown look like,” she said as she recalled her days in the capital city. “The theatre used to have shows. The four o’clock, one o’clock and other times I used to go, all the shows I use to go watch,” Lynk said. She said the lifestyle in the North West is vastly different. “I like here because its

Princess Lynk sells a lemonade beverage to a customer

Princess Lynk as she recalled life in the city prior to her relocation to the North West District (Alva Solomon photo) quiet you know; some people said they can’t live here but for me, I rather live here,” she said. Lynk had moved to Venezuela and lived there for a few months but soon after returned to Kumaka where she continued selling food and snacks to passers-by.

She said her grandson assisted her in re-starting her current business, and according to her, she will continue to sell to secure her well-being. “This is what I have to do, so I’ll do it by God’s grace,” Lynk said with a smile.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

Essequibo one-day Circuit Trip – excitement of several days in one package

THE tourist experience in Guyana has now been taken to new heights with the introduction of the Essequibo Circuit tour by the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG). The new one-day tour package includes visits to several historical sites and resorts along the Essequibo River which will be facilitated by Old Forts Tours. During the fun-packed, mind-blowing trip, visitors will make stops at Fort Island which has the Court of Policy and Fort Zeelandia, Hurakabra Resort, the Municipality of Bartica, Aruwai White H2O Water Resort, BK Quarries, Sloth Island and Baganara Island Resort. The package costs just $13,500 which is inclusive of lunch and snacks

throughout the day. Members of the media were among a group of sightseers who were given a firsthand experience of the trip which left them wanting more. Even though many have visited a few of the local resorts before, all said the experience being offered was like no other. THAG President Mitra Ramkumar is encouraging Guyanese to take advantage of the package which he says is very affordable. According to Ramkumar, there is no need to spend several days visiting the various locations when it can be done in one day and visitors will leave with the same feeling as if they spent several days at the tourist sites. “The beauty of this is that it is within the reach of Guya-

Dr. Richard Yates nese and that is what we want to showcase. We want local participation. This is a blessed country and we need to show-

case that, we need to see the beauty and sell it to the world” Ramkumar stated. Popular Mathematics teacher, Dr. Richard Yates who was a part of the tour, said that it is a tour that needs to be experienced by all Guyanese and persons who come to visit Guyana. “I say to the people, Guyana, know your home. This tour has been more than an eye-opener. It gave me the opportunity to actually experience what it is like to see areas in Guyana that we were not aware of or given the opportunity to see,” Dr. Yates said. He added that “I have learnt so much and cannot wait to share it with folks not only on social media but also on my education programme called Graspmatxy.”

Zack Chow, who also participated in the tour, said he enjoyed every part of the trip, pointing out that it would be impossible to choose a favourite destination since they all had their own uniqueness. He is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the package being offered. “It is not all about work, you should come out here even for just one weekend to enjoy this because it is really nice” Chow stated. The Essequibo Circuit Trip is one of the many special getaway packages and other exciting activities that are being launched during November for Tourism Awareness Month 2018. At the official launch of the month’s calendar of activities in late October, Director

of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Brian Mullis said the organisation is partnering with the private sector to provide trips for locals and foreigners to explore Guyana. “We are working with the tourism private sector on new management and pricing strategies so that they can offer some specials. These will not only be available during the month of November; some will be available year-round. And as the number of participants in the packages increases, the price per participant decreases,” Mullis said. Tourism Awareness Month 2018 is being observed under the theme “Promoting sustainability and celebrating diversity”. (DPI)

The Court of Policy on Fort Island (DPI photo)

Fort Zeelandia is also located on Fort Island (DPI photo)

Inside the Aruwai White Water Resort (DPI photo)

A view of Hurakabra beach front (DPI photo)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

Playground for ‘A’ Field Sophia

By Svetlana Marshall

THE dream of having a sports ground and resource centre in ‘A’ Field, Sophia is becoming a reality now that Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, has teamed up with several stakeholders and residents there. The Georgetown Mayor and City Council, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service have cleared vegetation from a plot of land which was set aside for the playground. Recently, Minister Broomes, while traversing through the community of Sophia, encountered a group of young men playing football on the main public road which separates ‘A’ Field and ‘B’ Field Sophia. She subsequently gifted a football and two goal posts to them, and the youngsters then capitalised on the interaction with the minister, asking for her intervention. Royston Borges was among the young men who explained that a plot of land

up the challenge to get the ground cleared and enlisted the support of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and even the residents. On Saturday, they pooled their manpower together and started clearing the heavily vegetated plot of land. Following the debushing, the group is expected to fill the area with sand. In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Minister Broomes said she was moved by the request of the youngsters, and opted to organise the project. “I believe in us as a community coming back to that place that even if we have a council, and aside from the work government is doing, that we as a community has to be involved… so they could make a difference in their communities,” she explained. The minister said Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, a resident of Sophia, quickly bought into the initiative. Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe, in a sep-

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes speaking to one of the many children who would be able to play in a safe place when the ground is completed

in ‘A’ Field Sophia was set aside for a playfield but the area was neglected. He explained the many challenges and risk when playing on the streets of the community. “We play on the tarmac out there on the culvert, but it is not so confortable because of the traffic and the game would be stopping ever so often; it don’t be so enjoyable,” he explained. He said the establishment of the ground is a stepping stone to where the community sees itself in the not so distant future, and would create a safe space for the children of Sophia. Minister Broomes took

Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Williams greeting one of the residents of Sophia upon his arrival in the area on Saturday

The acting town clerk said she was more than happy to partner with Minister Broomes and the Guyana Police Force to execute the project. She posited that sooner rather than later, the Georgetown Municipality will bring Sophia into its remit, and provide it with the necessary services. Deputy Commissioner of Police Paul Williams, who also visited the location on Saturday, told this newspaper that that project forms part of a larger initiative. He explained that over the years, the Guyana Police Force has been working with youths through different programmes, including the Guyana Police Force Scouts Group to direct the actions of young people away from

delinquent behaviour. This new initiative, he said, will take it one step forward. “What we have recognised is that there are a lot of now developing schemes, and indeed within the plan of these developing schemes, there are highlighted places for playgrounds, but they are underdeveloped. “So this administration of the Guyana Police Force has decided to embark on locating those places and have them developed. So the commissioner and the administrative team will now task commanders and the sub-divisional officers directly where these underdeveloped playfields find themselves, and we will develop them,” he explained.

Williams noted that the Guyana Prison Service has offered its full support in addition to the other stakeholders, including the residents, in the execution of the current project. A prison officer and 12 prisoners from Lusignan, who are on the verge of completing their prison sentences, assisted in clearing the land. Moving forward, the deputy commissioner said that the Force would partner with other stakeholders to establish resource centres within the Sophia community, noting that there is still a place for reading books in today’s technological world.

arate interview, told Guyana Chronicle that the development of the playground would allow the children and young people of the community to better engage in positive activities. MEANINGFULLY OCCUPIED “You know the young people have a lot of energy, so rather than that participating in activities that are not deemed to be acceptable, if you have somewhere you can actually work and play, it would be a better thing than to just be liming on the road corner and things like that,” Harry-Munroe said.

The prisoners assisting in clearing the land identified for the playground in ‘A’ Field Sophia

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

‘Ambassador Holloway was instrumental in bolstering security sector’ —PM says at annual Love, Light and Music event

PRIME Minister and acting President Moses Nagamootoo along with his wife, Sita Nagamootoo, hailed the sterling contributions of retiring U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, in bolstering the local security sector.

The couple hosted their annual Love, Light and Music event at their official residence on Main Street, on Saturday night. According to Mrs. Nagamootoo, this event is an annual one which is a time to celebrate love and friendship.

Children from the ‘Let’s Dance’ dance studio show off their moves

Retiring Ambassador Perry Holloway [left] enjoying the cultural show with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo [right] and his wife Sita Nagamootoo [second from right] [Delano Williams photos]

“We want all of us to come together regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion [or] whatever,” she highlighted. The prime minister expressed similar sentiments, sharing how the celebrations transcended from a kinship event in his own yard to a grand celebration at his official residence. And though he shared that it is an affable event, he could not help but mention the contributions of Holloway. “As we got into government, one of the first things we wanted to do was dismantle the drug syndicate in Guyana. It was hurting us,” Nagamootoo related. And it just so happened that a few months after the coalition government took office, Holloway—who has an expansive amount of experience in anti-drug efforts across Latin America—was accredited ambassador, Nagamootoo reminded. The prime minister shared that additional training of security personnel, judicial officers and law enforcement personnel was fostered through the ambassador. During this three years in Guyana, the ambassador welcomed 73 Peace Corp Volunteers and opened the first Drug Enforcement Administration Office (DEA) in the country, which to date has provided crucial support to Guyana’s law enforcement agencies. This was part of the efforts to combat transnational organised crime under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), created by Former US President Barack Obama. And these strides made in security reform have contributed tremendously to the “rebuilding of confidence in Guyana”, PM said too, adding that this translated to greater confidence in the government. Aside from Holloway’s assistance in security reform, the acting President also highlighted the outgoing ambassador’s contribution in developing the first Guyana/ American Chamber of Commerce to boost business opportunities and the very recent introduction of American Airlines, to aid the transportation sector. “In all my years in involvement in political life, I have found him [Holloway] to

be one of the nicest fellows I’ve ever met,” Nagamootoo highlighted also. The evening of entertainment aimed to spread warmth, according to Mrs. Nagamootoo but not a second passed without concern and consideration for President David Granger who is in Cuba receiving medical attention and First Lady Sandra Granger, who accompanied him. While persons feted to the lively songs and dances indicative of Guyana’s rich, multi ethnic culture, they kept the President in their hearts. Among those in attendance were government ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and friends and family of the prime minister.

This woman shows off her dance routine as she performs for the gathering of friends and family of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo along with other dignitaries

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

APNU apologises to media for heckling at press conference THE A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) party has apologised to the membership of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) for the conduct of its supporters during its most recent press conference. In a statement on Friday, the GPA expressed concerns over the continued intimidation of media workers who attend press conferences held by APNU at Congress Place, Sophia. Last Friday, reporters’ questions were drowned out by loud heckles of supporters of APNU who sat through the press conference. “We can only assume that this behaviour is a feature endorsed by the party and its leaders since it happened during today’s event with PNC Chairperson Volda Lawrence and senior APNU members and the party’s last press conference held by PNC Leader, President David Granger,” the association stated. The GPA reminded political parties that media workers have the right to conduct their duties without fear of intimidation, warning that it would not hesitate to call on its members and media houses to boycott press events if this unacceptable behaviour continues. One day after the statement was issued by GPA, the APNU on Saturday said it took note of the concerns raised by press body and apologies for the discomfort caused during the recent press conference. “As a political partnership and coalition partner of the government, the APNU does not condone nor endorse any conduct that serves to intimidate and hinder duties of media workers. In fact, the APNU values media workers’ role in building our democracy,” the APNU said. It has pledged to ensure a more welcoming environment at future press conferences and engagements with media workers.

LGEs were free, fair and credible –– outgoing US ambassador

THE just concluded Local Government Elections (LGEs) were free, fair and credible, said outgoing Ambassador of the United States of America (USA) to Guyana, Perry Holloway. Holloway, who served as an observer for the elections, said the process was good despite the low voter turnout. “There would have been a low voter turnout but at the end of the day, democracy won,” said the ambassador during his remarks at a farewell reception for him on Friday evening. The diplomat commended the government for holding two consecutive LGEs after there would have been none for some 24 years. Holloway said local government elections are important because it is a foundation for leaders, and the USA for example, is built from the local government level. “Most of our leaders come from the local government system,” said the ambassador, adding that it could be the same here once the system is maintained. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) reported a 36 per cent voter turnout at the recently concluded LGEs. Last Monday, 573,923 persons were deemed eligible to vote across 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs), but according to GECOM, only 208,534 persons, or 36 per cent of the voting population, exercised their franchise to elect their local leaders. During the March 2016 LGEs, the first in 22 years, approximately 507,633 persons were registered to vote in the mixed system of Proportional Representation (PR) and First-Past-The-Post (FPTP), but only 43 per cent voted. But low voter turnout aside, GECOM officials said the elections were conducted in a free, fair, transparent and efficient manner. The commission also thanked the staff at its secretariat who contributed to the smooth hosting of the elections.

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‘Stop accidents before they stop you’ –– this year’s watchword for road safety week TRAFFIC Chief, Mr. Linden Isles on Thursday touched on a subject that everyone seems to avoid like the plague, which is the serious and long-lasting socio-economic impact even the simplest of accidents can have on a family. “Many times persons may become lame; they cannot provide for their family and therefore many times families are left to suffer as a result,” he said. “In addition, it can put an additional burden on the state; people are hospitalised in the public hospital and have to be cared for and there are many other situations,” he told the Guyana Chronicle. The occasion was a meeting on Thursday morning organised by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) at the Kitty Roundabout to discuss national road safety matters. The other subject Mr. Isles touched on, albeit briefly, was the dangers of overloading, saying that commuters need to report these matters whenever they occur, especially when schoolchildren are involved, so as to help stamp them out.

“Further, parents need to know what their children are doing; they need to communicate with their children because, if a child is going to school, the parent should know how the child is going and coming from school,” he said. As to the preference among schoolchildren these days for the minibuses with the loud music and a propensity to overload, Mr. Isles said that little do they know the danger they are courting, since the vehicles at reference were built to only carry a certain amount of weight. And when it exceeds that weight, it can become difficult to control, especially in cases of unexpected situations. He also made a point that no one thinks about in the heat of the excitement, which is that the insurance does not cater for such situations as overcrowding and the unexpected, and therefore in the event of an accident, not only would persons not be compensated, but they may end up in situations their families are not able to handle. In the circumstance, he is urging parents and guardians to get more involved in their children’s

Traffic Chief Mr. Linden Isles lives, especially those that are at an age where they are still attending school. The meeting was being held under the theme, “Stop accident before it stops you; be alert, accident hurts”, while the sub-theme, courtesy of the GNRSC, was: “Stop the tears; slow down. Drive cautiously”.

Deputy Traffic Chief, Mr. Dennis Stephen (second left), and other police officers along with members of Impressions and members of the GNRSC

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

Over $500,000 given to sugar workers’ children

SILWFC Chairman Allan Munroe; Sattie Basdeo, Principal Assistant Secretary and Administration Manager Kavita Bishun with the bursary recipients

SILWFC Chairman Allan Ewart Munroe presents a bursary cheque to the child of a sugar worker at the presentation ceremony

THE Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Fund Committee (SILWFC) recently disbursed more than $500,000 in bursaries to children of sugar workers in Demerara and Berbice for the year 2018. At a simple ceremony held in the SILWFC’s Board Room last month, Chairman, Allan Ewart Munroe made the presentations of $35,000 each, to some 15 keenly enthusiastic and appreciative students who excelled at this year’s CSEC and National Grade Six Assessment Examinations. The chairman challenged the recipients of the bursary to stay focused and always aim high in their academic pursuits. “I urge you to always aim for the sky because we are living in a very competitive world which is technolog-

ically driven and if you are not on top of the game, you will remain lagging behind,” Munroe said. Noting that the new economic flagship of Guyana will be the oil and gas sector, the chairman added that “young persons will now have to align themselves with careers in this new and emerging sector”. He also admonished the recipients that after fulfilling their academic pursuits, they should serve Guyana, so as to further aid its development. This is the sixth year since the commencement of the granting of bursaries to children of sugar workers. For more than six years, SILWFC has been contributing to the education of sugar workers and their children.

Whim man fatally stabbed during argument A HANDYMAN of Whim Village, East Berbice, Corentyne was stabbed to death during an argument with a teen on Saturday. While the details of the incident are sketchy, the Guyana Chronicle understands the men who work together were imbibing when the argument started. The teen, whose name was given as “O Neal”, a former inmate of the New Oppor-

tunity Corps, reportedly during the verbal tussle, whipped out a knife from his pants pocket and stabbed his drinking partner called “Bull”. Following the act, the teen fled the scene. This publication was later informed that the suspect was arrested and is in police custody. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

Traditional Chinese medicine can contribute to a more sustainable world

TRADITIONAL Chinese medicine plays an important role in sustainable agriculture and food systems, in that it offers a holistic approach to prevent diseases while making use of organic and herbal products often grown by smallscale family farmers, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva, said. Speaking at the 15th World Congress of Chinese Medicine held in Rome, the FAO director-general noted that achieving

anced diets, more exercise, herbal remedies, and ways to reduce everyday stress,” Graziano da Silva said, underscoring that investing in prevention is important to mitigate the high impacts of health costs on national budgets. He pointed to how traditional Chinese medicine helps to promote sustainable agricultural development through growing demand for organic and herbal products in many parts of the world offering an interesting market for family farming.

hance the production, harvest and marketing of important plant species, with particular focus on supporting small family farmers,” offering potential for knowledge sharing and SouthSouth Cooperation, the FAO director-general said. “This Congress can certainly contribute to the development and fostering of traditional Chinese medicine to the benefit of more people in developing and developed countries,” the FAO director-general said. (FAO)

FAO Director-General Graziano da Silva addresses the 15th World Congress of Chinese Medicine held in Rome Zero Hunger is not just about feeding all people in the world by 2030, but it means nourishing people with the necessary nutrients for a healthy lifestyle. This, he added, also requires tackling the current obesity pandemic, which has resulted from an increased consumption of industrialised and processed food, with high levels of salt, sugar and other additives. “The globalised market of unhealthy products has contributed to making non-communicable diseases, like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, the leading causes of death worldwide,” Graziano da Silva said. “Traditional Chinese medicine calls on people to take more responsibility for their own health in a holistic and integrated way. It combines healthy and bal-

“Differently from largescale specialised farming, family farmers usually run diversified agricultural activities based on traditional knowledge. Over generations, they have developed many practices that help to avoid the use of large quantities of pesticides and chemicals. Family farmers also recover and preserve traditional crops, safeguarding biodiversity and contributing to healthier and more balanced diets,” Graziano da Silva said. He stressed that China has accumulated a strong foundation for identification and utilisation of medicinal plants, as well as an ecological agroecosystem management that can be applied and adapted to food systems elsewhere in the world. “A regulated and expanded traditional Chinese medicine system will en-

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Authorities clamp down on cancerous mosquito coil

THE Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control (PTCCB) Board has recently denied the registration of “Zenden Mosquito Coil”. This denial prohibits import, distribution, sale and use of the mosquito coil in Guyana. The illegally imported Chinese mosquito coils have been an area of focus for the authorities for quite some time. Smugglers of these products have made little to no effort to register the products which are suspected to be dangerous to human health and the environment. The process of pesticide registration allows the PTCCB to examine the toxicity characteristic of pesticide products to human health and the environment. It allows for more informed decision-making regarding the import, distribution, sale

This brand was also seized by the local authorities (DPI photo) and use of pesticides in Guyana. The PTCCB has spent years confiscating and disposing of these illegal “Chinese mosquito coils” through numerous

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

enforcement exercises. The PTCCB has been and continues to raise awareness on the illegality and possible risks to human health and environment. A recent registration submission for the “Zenden Mosquito Coil” revealed the product to be a Class 1A carcinogen. This means that the product is “known to cause cancer in humans”. The product also has potential to cause germ cell mutation in humans. It is also classified as a highly hazardous pesticide (HHP) and poses significant risk to human health and the environment. The human health risk to exposure to Zenden Mosquito Coil is high. Additionally, the registration data submitted had numerous other areas of non-compliances. Mosquito coil is widely known as an efficient mosquito repellent. When a mosquito coil is burned, the insecticides evaporate with the smoke, which prevents the mosquito from entering the room. Exposure to the mosquito coil smoke poses both acute and chronic health risks. The PTCCB began confiscating illegal mosquito coils in 2008 and to date has confiscated 4,435.08kg (4.4 tonnes) of these products; approximately, 778.80kg of those confiscated was Zenden Mosquito Coil.

Other illegal Chinese mosquito coils that were seized by the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (DPI photo) The PTCCB is committed to continued enforcement activities targeting importers, distributers and retailers of these illegal mosquito coils. This is in keeping with the PTCCB’s mandate to eliminate the importation, sale and use of illegal pesticides while reducing the availability of these unwanted products. The following brands of mosquito coils are registered for sale and use in Guyana and are therefore recommended for use by the PTCCB: Fish, Protox, Baygon, Raid, Vape and BOP. (DPI)

Illegal mosquito coils confiscated by the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (DPI photo)

SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 18, 2018

ARIES It’s not easy to be refused when you want or even need something badly. The prickly square between the pushy Aries Moon and stodgy Saturn likely mirrors your own frustration. If your boss has put the kibosh on a proposal, for example, think more about it from his or her perspective before you wallow in your own feelings about it. It’s possible that there are clear ways you can improve your work. There’s a similar message for rebuffs you receive from lovers or other dear ones. Rejection is also an opportunity for personal growth. TAURUS An unfortunate situation is testing your faith in something you’ve always taken for granted. However, you might not trust your judgment or your own abilities now, if you keep your beliefs too close to earth. Regardless of the object of your lost faith, you can rebuild it by first reclaiming your patience. Everything works out if you give it time. Be grateful for the potential in the midst of uncertainty; you’ll see progress soon enough when you accept responsibility for creating your future. Don’t struggle to climb out the window when the door is already open. GEMINI You may be an emotional anchor for others who can’t see the sea of possibilities that you do. Perhaps someone feels so overwhelmed that they need more than just a little pep talk today. Although you might not have all the answers, discussing concrete steps that will move folks toward their goals nudges them in the right direction. Fortunately, you possess enough curiosity and imagination to spark the insightful questions that will eventually lead to sustainable solutions. Be the friend you want to have, and watch the people around you bloom with confidence. CANCER Although you might feel isolated today, your sense of separation is of your own making. The good news is you can choose to unmake it. Maybe you slipped and let the Aries Moons pride get the best of you. But you also could allow the Moons courage to inspire you to reach out for connection, even if it’s to someone from whom you’ve been estranged. Warm and fuzzy emotions may be missing at first, but you can bridge what’s kept you apart with patience and a resolute focus on the present. Speaking candidly and from the heart inspires others to do the same. LEO It’s quite possible you underestimate your work or overestimate your abilities today. The phrase, “Easier said than done”, might seem all too true for tasks you thought would be a walk in the park. However, it’s more likely that even if you perfectly surmised what it would take to get things done, it still would be a test of your grit and stamina. Sometimes you must let the fire in your heart keep your hands warm while you do the cold, hard work ahead of you. There’s no other way around it. It’s best to get on with your day with as much cheer as you can muster. Perseverance defines character. VIRGO You could be so concerned about what you stand to lose that you miss out on taking a reasonable risk today. However, you don’t necessarily have to gamble the farm to invest in something that you already know will improve your life. Moderation is key. If you’ve done your research on an item before Mercury began its retrograde a few days ago, then there’s a good chance that you might score a good deal now. Too much hesitation and doubt will trap you in a paralysis of analysis. Act sooner than later for the best results. LIBRA An authority figure or someone you respect could jeopardize your esteem for them. Perhaps they overstep a boundary or speak unkindly, and you can’t quite decide how to address it. The current testy Aries Moon might make it seem that an angry confrontation is the best retort, but it’s not. However, the deference that keeps you in line is not the regard you have for the other person; it’s your own disciplined self-respect. It’s prudent to take time to figure out how to handle a thorny transgression with decorum and clarity. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. SCORPIO You’re likely overthinking a process that’s simpler than you’re making it now, because you believe that anything worthwhile must be difficult. However, this is only partially true. There are plenty of bad habits that were hard to learn at first, yet your mind and body adjusted. The real challenge is the work of unlearning something. This transformation requires more of a mind-set committed to growing rather than thinking you should just overcome an obstacle and move on. Stop trying so hard when you already have the answer within. SAGITTARIUS You are perfectly content to enjoy your own company today because the loner Aries Moon is ideal for a party of one. But you still feel like you must be on the move, even if at a slower and gentler pace. Thankfully, you don’t have to rush making connections. Think of your self-satisfaction and comfort with your own peculiarities as an exclusive event only for those who seek you out. As you grant access to others who invite themselves into your realm, you’ll find yourself happily opening up to them. CAPRICORN You might require some quiet time to figure out the source of any malcontent or malaise. Fortunately, your negativity won’t last that long nor will it run that deep. There’s also a good chance that your uneasiness has a practical solution. The action-oriented Aries Moon won’t allow you to settle for less. An adjustment to your sleeping arrangements or your eating schedule could help to calm your nerves. Denial won’t serve you well; your day will continue to improve if you consciously attend to your basic needs. There’s no point in trying to pour from an empty cup. AQUARIUS Your threshold for trivial conversation or gossip will likely be very low today, even if you normally enjoy it. You want to connect with people on a deeper level and know they mean what they say. In other words, you expect others to match your sense of integrity. Examine your own level of patience for sincere emotional vulnerability before you judge anyone else. Perhaps there’s no question that you’re brave enough to be open but stepping out in full view of another isn’t easy. Be gentle with others when they want to talk about everything except what truly burns in their hearts. PISCES You want to strengthen the fabric of your social circle now, because you fear its weakening due to recent neglect. You might have reason to be concerned about a friend today. Follow your intuition and make plans to spend some quality time together. Be insistent without twisting anyone’s arm to share their story. Maybe you’re also stirred to reconnect with others as a step toward helping and hooking more into your wider community. Ideally, you could enlist friends for a charitable project, as well. It’s up to you to get the ball rolling now and watch who joins in the game.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

ICC Women’s World T20 – Match 17

Leach takes four as England close in on series victory PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - England’s leftarm spinner Jack Leach led a strong spin-bowling display that put the tourists within three wickets of a series-clinching victory against Sri Lanka on an intriguing fourth day of the second Test yesterday. Chasing 301 to win on a turning Pallekele track, Sri Lanka reached 226 for seven when rain ended play for the second consecutive day with the hosts still needing 75 to square the three-Test series at 1-1. Combative half-centuries from former captain Angelo Mathews and opener Dimuth Karunaratne had set Sri Lanka up nicely in their chase, after Leach’s brilliant spell of spin bowling with the new ball had reduced them to 26-3. But off-spinner Moeen Ali and Leach, who has already taken a career-best 4-73 in an innings, brought England right back in the game by dismissing Mathews for 88 and Dilruwan Perera for two respectively in quick succession after the tea break. Sri Lanka’s hopes on the final day will rest on wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella, who was unbeaten on 27 at the close of play. Leach had given England

the ideal start when he lured Kaushal Silva out of his crease with a flighted delivery to be stumped for four. Dhananjaya de Silva was out to a smart catch by Keaton Jennings at short leg for one while Kusal Mendis was also trapped lbw for the same score, with England overturning the umpire’s not-out decision on review. Karunaratne made a dogged 57 and it was his fourth-wicket stand of 77 with the experienced Mathews that revived Sri Lanka’s chase. MISSED CHANCES England wasted chances to dismiss Karunaratne and Mathews with all-rounder Ben Stokes the guilty fielder and off-spinner Moeen Ali the unfortunate bowler on both occasions. Karunaratne, who made 63 in the first innings, was on 21 when his edge off Moeen flew past Stokes at slip and the batsman also successfully overturned a leg-before decision off Adil Rashid on review. Karunaratne was finally out to some brilliant fielding at short leg from Jennings, who anticipated a sweep shot from the batsman and moved smartly to his left to parry the ball to wicketkeeper Ben Foakes for a catch off

Rashid. Stokes missed a relatively easier chance when he dropped Mathews at slip with the batsman on seven. The right-hander made England pay dearly with another stand of 73 with Roshen Silva for the fifth wicket. England missed a chance to dismiss Silva, who had top-scored for the hosts with 85 in the first innings, on 32 when they failed to review a not-out verdict to an lbw shout off Moeen. Replays showed it would have been overturned in their favour. Moeen sent Silva back on 37 with England captain Joe Root opting to successfully review another not-out decision for a bat-pad catch. Mathews and Dickwella thwarted England further with an attacking 45-run stand for the sixth wicket before Moeen dismissed Mathews leg-before. England batted for about 20 minutes in the morning before they were all out for 346 for a lead of 300. Foakes followed up his debut century during the win in Galle with an unbeaten 65. Akila Dananjaya, who was reported for a suspect bowling action after the Galle Test but is free to play, notched up career-best figures of 6-115 for the hosts.

India Women down power-packed Australia by 48 runs

Scoreboard ENGLAND 1st innings 292 SRI LANKA 1st innings 336 ENGLAND 2nd innings Jack Leach lbw Dilruwan Perera 1 Rory Burns lbw Malinda Pushpakumara 59 Keaton Jennings c Dhananjaya de Silva b Akila Dananjaya 26 Joe Root lbw Akila Dananjaya 124 Ben Stokes lbw Dilruwan Perera 0 Jos Buttler b Akila Dananjaya 34 Moeen Ali lbw Akila Dananjaya 10 Ben Foakes not out 65 Sam Curran b Akila Dananjaya 0 Adil Rashid lbw Akila 2 James Anderson b Dilruwan Perera 12 Extras: (b-4, lb-9) 13 Total: (all out, 80.4 overs) 346 Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-77, 3-108, 4-109, 5-183, 6-219, 7-301, 8-301, 9-305. Bowling: Dilruwan Perera 20.4-2-96-3, Malinda Pushpakumara 27-1-101-1, Akila Dananjaya 25-0-115-6, Dhananjaya de Silva 4-0-7-0, Suranga Lakmal 4-0-14- 0. SRI LANKA 2nd innings Dimuth Karunaratne c Ben Foakes b Adil Rashid 57 Kaushal Silva stp. Ben Foakes b Jack Leach 4 Dhananjaya de Silva c Keaton Jennings b Jack Leach 1 Kusal Mendis lbw Jack Leach 1 Angelo Mathews lbw Moeen Ali 88 Roshen Silva c Joe Root b Moeen Ali 37 Niroshan Dickwella not out 27 Dilruwan Perera lbw Jack Leach 2 Extras: (b-5, lb-4) 9 Total: (seven wkts, 65.2 overs) 226 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-16, 3-26, 4-103, 5-176, 6-221, 7-226. Bowling: James Anderson 5-2-12-0, Jack Leach 23.2-2-73-4, Moeen Ali 15-0-65-2, Adil Rashid 17-1-52-1.

Boult leads Kiwis fightback against Pakistan on day two (REUTERS) - New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult claimed four wickets to spark a recovery as they restricted Pakistan to a fir-t innings lead of 74 on day two of the first Test in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Boult broke two half-century stands, while debutant left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel ripped through the lower order to dismiss Pakistan for 227. New Zealand, who collapsed for 153 in their first innings, lost opener Tom Latham for a duck when they returned to bat in the final session but recovered to reach 56-1 at stumps. Resuming at 59 for two, Pakistan’s overnight batting pair Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail made steady progress in the morning session to add 64 runs before falling in consecutive overs. Sohail (38) chipped a full-toss off spinner Ish Sodhi to mid-wicket before Boult forced an edge off Ali (22), which was matched with a stunning one-handed catch by wicketkeeper BJ Watling. Azam and Asad Shafiq batted with intent as they improved their scoring rate to reach 144-4 at lunch. Pakistan were threatening to run away with the game, having moved into the lead, but the run flow was choked by fast bowler

Neil Wagner, who at one point racked up four consecutive maidens. It was Boult who provided the breakthrough when Shafiq (43) could only chop a searing inswinger back on to his stumps. Patel, at the other end, was rewarded for his extended spell as he removed Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed through a mistimed sweep to square leg for his first Test wicket. The 30-year-old Indian-born Kiwi did not have to wait long for his second wicket, with Bilal Asif getting himself stumped off a flighted delivery. Yasir Shah showed signs of resistance but, after playing out 38 balls for nine runs, became the 150th Test scalp for Wagner. The Kiwis wrapped up the innings when Azam feathered a Boult delivery down the leg side to Watling. Azam finished with a gritty 62 off 109 balls to give the hosts a precious lead on a deteriorating surface, while Boult finished with an impressive 4-54. The visitors exuded calm in the final hour after losing Latham in the second over as skipper Kane Williamson (27) and Jeet Raval (26) trimmed Pakistan’s lead to 18 runs, negotiating a disciplined opening spell from in-form quick Mohammad Abbas.

Scoreboard

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings

153

PAKISTAN 1st innings o/n 59-2 Imam ul-Haq c Kane Williamson b Colin de Grandhomme

6

Mohammad Hafeez c Kane Williamson b Trent Boult

20

Azhar Ali c BJ Watling b Trent Boult

22

Haris Sohail c Tom Latham b Ish Sodhi

38

Asad Shafiq b Trent Boult

43

Babar Azam c BJ Watling b Trent Boult

62

Sarfraz Ahmed c Neil Wagner b Ajaz Patel Bilal Asif stp. BJ Watling b Ajaz Patel

2 11

Yasir Shah c BJ Watling b Neil Wagner

9

Hasan Ali c Ross Taylor b Colin de Grandhomme

4

Mohammad Abbas not out

0

Extras: (b-4, lb-4, nb-1, w-1)

10

Total: (all out, 83.2 overs)

227

Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-27, 3-91, 4-91, 5-174, 6-177, 7-195, 8-220, 9-227. Bowling: Trent Boult 18.2-6-54-4, Colin de Grandhomme 13-6-30-2, Ajaz Patel 24-4-64-2, Neil Wagner 18-5-30-1 (w-1, nb-1), Ish Sodhi 10-0-41-1. NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings Jeet Raval not out

26

Tom Latham b Hasan Ali

0

Kane Williamson not out

27

Extras: (b-3) Total: (22.4 overs)

3 56-1

Fall of wickets: 1-0 Latham. Bowling: Mohammad Abbas 6-4-5-0, Hasan Ali 4-1-12-1, Yasir Shah 8-1-21-0, Haris Sohail 1-0-1-0, Bilal Asif 3-013-0, Mohammad Hafeez 0.4-0-1-0.

By Rajiv Bisnauth AUSTRALIA Women endured a reality check yesterday, as they suffered a shock 48-run defeat to India in Match 17 of the ICC Women’s World T20 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. It has been a landslide victory, an absolute demolition of a power-packed Australian line-up. India remain undefeated in Group B and top the points table. What began as a battle of equals turned out to be a damp squib in the end with India strolling to a comprehensive victory.. Chasing 168 for victory, Australia reached 119-9 in 19.4 overs. Before the start of the chase, Australia were dealt a major blow with the absence of Alyssa Healy at the top - who was the in-form batter for the Southern Stars. India will now await the West Indies and England clash today and face the loser of that game in one of the semifinals, while the winner will face Australia in the other semi-final. At the start of the game it was the player-of-the-match Smriti Mandhana’s show which took the Indians to a more than competitive total of 167-8, the highest World T20 total by any side against Australia. Mandhana, the belligerent opener took the Aussie bowling apart with some vintage stroke-play, hitting a 55-ball 83 with nine fours and three sixes. It was a much-needed knock for her, a return to form, perhaps at the right time in the tournament. She found ideal support from Harmanpreet Kaur who produced a ballistic cameo, a 27-ball 43, with three fours and similar number of sixes, to provide the impetus to the innings. India won the toss and elected to bat, were in a spot of bother, losing the wickets of Taniya Bhatia in the second over of the innings, caught at midwick-

et off Ashleigh Gardner, and Jemimah Rodrigues off medium pacer Delissa Kimmince, at 49-2. However, seasoned campaigner Mandhana and Kaur then put on a superlative performance adding 68 runs for the third wicket which virtually shut down the Australians’ earlier dominance. Both batters hit some delightful strokes all-round the park. They repeatedly found the gaps on the offside and also hit some glorious shots on the on-side. The left-handed opener Mandhana brought up her first fifty of the tournament off just 31 balls, but Kaur’s blitz ended soon after. That dismissal did not hamper Mandhana’s attacking instinct, as she continued with her shots without much pressure. The back end of the innings didn’t go as per plan because India were primed for 180-plus at one point but Australia’s death bowling, Ellyse Perry (3-16), in particular, was superb. Australia made up for an erratic start with a rush of late wickets, which included Mandhana. As expected, spin proved to be the undoing of Australia. India needed their spinners to perform if they were to win this one and they delivered big time. Of course, they had the luxury of a competitive total to defend. They did begin their pursuit of 168 decently with Beth Mooney stepping on the pedal in the Powerplay. But once the Indian spinners were introduced, Australia hit a roadblock as the runs dried up and they lost wickets at crucial intervals. Ellyse Perry was the top scorer for the Southern Stars with 39 and showed some semblance of a fight. Anuja Patil was the pick of the bowlers for India with three scalps while Poonam Yadav, Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma claimed a wicket each.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

OMSCC president upbeat about the level of cricket By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – President of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Azeem Karamat Khan is upbeat about the level of cricket in the Masters league, pointing out that it has improved tremendously in 2018. Khan made the disclosure at last Saturday night’s 18th annual presentation, dinner and dance held at the Queen Palace Banquet Hall, Scarborough here. According to Khan, “I think we saw the most exciting semi-finals and finals ever and to me all 28 teams were winners. Think about it, the fact that you have a team in this league and enjoy your boyhood sport, add the competitive spirit – that’s what our league is all about.” Khan singled out the outstanding performance of the Royal Canadian Masters (RCM) team for special mention, recognising them

for being the first Canadian team to win an international tournament. The RCM accomplished the remarkable feat in only their second outing to international games, winning the Over-50 division in the New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL) tournament, last July. The OMSCC president also disclosed that the dates for the staging of Toronto Cup 3 have been finalised with the tournament set for August 30-31 and September 1, 2019. A significant change in the format will see the Masters division allowing for Over-40 players and not Over-45 as was played in the two previous competitions. Khan also expects the OMSCC to participate in the South Florida tournament, set for April 11-13, 2019. Touching on the Care Fund, which was established a few years ago, Khan said contributions were made to

a few needy organisations in Guyana, including the Shaheed Girls Orphanage at Ogle, East Coast Demerara, which was recently destroyed by fire. Other contributions will also be made shortly. Apart from congratulating all the participating teams, Khan saluted the Division One winners Warriors Sports Club and Division Two champions Ramblers for their splendid performances

Africa, put in to bat, made a bright start with 42 runs off the three power play overs. Skipper Faf du Plessis led the way in their innings with 27 off 15 balls but Australia’s bowlers, spearheaded by paceman Nathan CoulterNile (2-19), did a good job of containment in the last few overs to restrict the tourists to 108 for six. The fragility of Australia’s batting had been exposed by South Africa’s bowlers in the recent oneday series, which the Proteas won 2-1, and it was quickly evident again when the hosts

Ed Pestano, captain of the inaugural winning Over-60 team collects the Nascup, sponsored by businessman Nasser Baksh. At right is OMSCC president Azeem Khan.

went out to bat. South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris (2-12) struck twice in three deliveries in the third over to reduce Australia to 27 for three, the second a peach of a yorker which sent Chris Lynn back for 14. Glenn Maxwell fought a defiant rearguard with 38 off 23 balls but Australia never looked like avoiding a fourth straight Twenty20 defeat and they finished their allotted 10 overs on 87 for seven.

Thakurdin century, Ali five-for ... From page 29 Ali, who was the last bowler to enter the attack, got the wicket of Dick then cleaned up the lower order to finish with 5-46 from eight overs, while captain Dennis Heywood and Omesh Danram supported with two

wickets each. UG, in reply, raced to 340-7 in 49 overs by the end of the day’s play with the right-handed Thakurdin hitting an even 100 (12x4, 4x6). Support came from Danram who struck five

forward to their continued assistance in 2019.

Award, given annually to a worthy individual who

Division Two Most Valuable Player Matbar Bryan Singh is rewarded for his efforts.

South Africa beat Australia in truncated T20 SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - South African bowling once again dominated Australian batting as the tourists won a truncated one-off Twenty20 international by 21 runs on the Gold Coast yesterday. Carrara Oval’s debut as an international venue looked under threat when a violent storm brought torrential rain to the Queensland coast early in the evening. The match did finally get underway after a delay of nearly two hours with each side allowed half of their usual number of overs. South

in the playoff finals. Khan also pointed to the introduction of the first-ever Over-60 game, played during the staging of the Inter-county tournament and according to him there will be a few more games next year. The OMSCC president also acknowledged the contributions of his hard-working board members and the invaluable support from the several sponsors and looked

fours and four sixes in his score of 58 and Elroy Fernanda who is unbeaten on 47 (5x4, 3x6). Dick, J. Benjamin and Clairmont Duesbury have so far picked up two wickets each for GNIC.

The sponsors include Active Green & Ross (Errol Hussein), Starlite and Cabana restaurants, Kwik Staff Employment Agency, Trophy Stall (Guyana), Nirad Lall, Meadowbank Asset Management, Norman Sue Bakery, Nasser Baksh, and Nari Khan. The Norman Sue Spirit

has played a big role both on and off the field, was awarded to OMSCC treasurer Khem Singh by the late businessman’s daughter Kim Sue. Singh was, however, absent from the function because of ill health.

New champion to be crowned at 19th Diamond Mineral Water road race today

Flashback! Last year’s respective category winners

A NEW champion will be crowned today over in West Demerara when the 19th edition of the Diamond Mineral Water 46-mile road race pedals off from Schoonord to Parika and back to finish at the point of origin. With last year’s winner, Team Coco’s Jamual John, on the overseas circuit, there will be a new champion. The usual suspects are all in the hunt. Cyclists, such as Paul DeNobrega, Curtis Dey, Alonzo Ambrose and the vastly-improved Christopher ‘Chicken

Legs’ Griffith, will be looking to add this accolade to their trophy cabinets. Prizes for the first six seniors across the finish line, the oldest cyclist and the top three in the Junior, Veteran and Mountain Bike categories will be up for grabs. Eight primes (sprint prizes) will also be there for the taking throughout the race which will begin at 08:30hrs. The event is sponsored by beverage company, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), and is organised by National

cycling coach Hassan Mohamed. Last year’s winner in the senior category was Jamual John who finished in two hours 14 minutes. Curtis Dey (now in the senior category) took the Junior race while Paul Cho Wee Nam was the first veteran across the finish line, with Ozia McAully taking away the top prize for the Mountain Bikers. After the race, Larry Wills of DDL and other staff members will be on hand to present prizes.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

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DCC in control of Police in first division final

… Bishun nabs six, top order shine A FINE spell of left-arm spin-bowling from former Guyana U-19 player Totaram Bishun and solid batting by the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) top order propelled the defending champions to first-day honours in the final of the GISE/Star Party Rentals/ Trophy Stall First Division two-day cricket competition. At the close of play yesterday afternoon at Eve Leary ground, DCC had amassed a 70-run lead with seven wickets in hand. Captain of the side, Christopher Barnwell, was not out on 64 (3x4s, 2x6s) and middle order batsman Joshua Persaud was unbeaten on 16. Scores in the game: Police 170 all out in their first innings, DCC 240-3 in reply.

Bishun was also responsible for the dismissal of set batsmen Paul Tyndell and Kemol Savory. After DCC won the toss and bowled, Police had managed to take some control. The pair had added 94 for the second wicket. Barnwell had experimented with his medium pace, fast bowling

dismissed Chemroy Kendall (8) in his second over, nothing else was happening. There were chances, but it was not until Bishun was brought into the attack that wickets began to fall. Tyndell 53 (6x4, 4x6), who was looking to put everything over the rope had hit Bishun for a six over the wide

DCC captain Christopher Barnwell lifts Totaram Bishun after one of his dismissals.

BISHUN’S BRILLIANCE Although the batting had pushed the team forward, it was Bishun, who had wrested control for the Queenstown club. The 27-year-old nabbed six wickets for 35 runs from 13.2 overs. He unravelled the lawmen’s batting with slow wellplaced deliveries, one which bowled recognised batsman Andrew Lyght (1) behind his back.

Tevin Imlach led DCC with 67 runs.

of Qumar Torrington and left-arm spin of Ashmead Nedd, but although Nedd had

long-off boundary to bring up his 50, but a few balls later he held out to Torrington while

attempting another big shot. Savory looked solid in the middle, but he too became a victim of the left-arm spinner and was bowled for 50 (4x4, 2x6). Police never regained control after the loss of Tyndell and Savory, they moved from 108-1 to 155-9 before they succumbed at 170. Pernell London added 23 (3x4), while Raun Johnson smashed three fours in a quick unbeaten 13 towards the end. Dexter George supported Bishun with two wickets. When DCC batted, Trevon Griffith was ultra-aggressive and he favoured medium

pacer Kester Harcourt. The Police captain had the last laugh when he struck the opener lbw for 41. Sachin Singh was then joined by Tevin Imlach and the pair patiently batted themselves in. The experienced youngsters put together an 84-run second-wicket partnership before Singh fell for 41 (2x4, 3x6). Barnwell then joined the West Indies U-19 player Imlach and they added a further 85 runs. When Imlach fell for 67 (2x4s), via a top edge, DCC were already in control.

Historic KFC Mega Grand Prix on today

Thakurdin century, Ali five-for propel UG to first-innings lead

THE flag will drop on a historic moment today when the KFC company joins forces with GT Motorsports for the first-ever KFC Mega Grand Prix, which gets underway at the GMR&SC headquarters at Thomas Lands at 15:00hrs. Even more historic is that for the first time Guyanese will be treated to the North American style of karting, featuring qualifying, pre-heat and final race. Tradtionally, there has been one qualifying session, followed by three races gridded with the first race going according to time, the second being a 50% inverted grid and the third based on second fastest qualifying time. This time around, the North American style will be employed qualifying will determine a place in the pre-final and the pre-final will determine a place in the final. What it offers is racing conditions during both qualifying and pre-final in

A CENTURY from Godfrey Thakurdin and five wickets from leg-spinner Ershaad Ali propelled the University of Guyana (UG) cricket team to a first-innings lead in their Noble House Seafoods Second Division two-day cricket competition against GNIC. GNIC won the toss and chose to bat. David Dick and Ovid Richardson scored half-centuries to lead the side to 200 in 35.4 overs at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground. Richardson, who opened the batting, struck eight fours and a six in his score of 52, while Dick, who batted at number four, smashed a similar number of boundaries in a score of 75. Godfrey Thakurdin scored an

… Round two set for December 9 order to allow drivers to gain as much ground as they can moving forward. In essence, wherever competitors finish in qualifying, they will start the pre-race. Wherever they finish the pre-race that will determine their race positions. In addition to those rules, race lengths have been increased from 10 laps to 15, a factor that will be integral to determining a winner as fitness and concentration will be of paramount importance. The qualifying remains 5 laps with pre-final set for 10 laps. In another first, cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers; $40 000 for first place, $20 000 for second and $10 000 for third. Action is set today for the 125cc Juniors, 125cc Seniors, Easy Cup Rookie and 60cc Kids Cup.

TURN TO PAGE

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even hundred century for the University of Guyana.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

GBA’s Terrence Alli National Open C/ships

Defending champions GDF lose three of four fights on opening night By Michel DaSilva IT was sheer punches in bunches when Guyana Boxing Association’s (GBA) Terrence Alli National Open Championships got underway at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, on Friday night. Despite a late start, the few boxing enthusiasts that dotted the stands and ringside were treated from the start of the championships with some very entertaining bouts. It was, however, a sad night for the defending champions, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), as they could have secured only one victory from four fights in three weight divisions. There lone victory was an all-GDF affair in the welterweight division that saw Quincy Boyce secure a third-round technical knockout (TKO) win against his `squaddie’ Royden Grant. Earlier in the night, Forgotten Youth Foundation’s (FYF) Seon Griffith gained a unanimous points-decision win against GDF’s Julius Kesney in their lightweight

contest of the Elite Class and in the same weight division, Harpy Eagles’ Kevin Allicock secured a split decision win against GDF’s Kevin Isaacs. The other soldier to lose his opening-round fight was Kevin McKenzie, by a split decision to Police’s Dewani Lampkin in their junior welterweight contest. What could be arguable is the most entertaining fight of the evening was the McKenzie versus Lampkin bout which saw McKenzie (GDF) step forward from the first bell while Lampkin (Police) bided his time using counter-punches. McKenzie went into the second round even more aggressively but Lampkin countered well on most occasions and this caused McKenzie to adapt a ‘bulldozing’ attitude, but Lampkin was equal to the task, covering well with high guards, staving off the power of McKenzie’s shots. From the start of round three, McKenzie went out firing on all cylinders, but his punches landed on Lamp-

Harpy Eagles’ Kevin Allicock (left) connects to the head of GDF’s Kevin Isaacs during their flyweight contest at the National Gymnasium on Friday night.

kin’s guards and the latter continued to counter-punch to good effect. Nearing the end of the three-minute round, McKenzie appeared to be tiring and Lampkin took advantage of this and scored quite a few shots and in the end, Lampkin was declared winner of the contest. Another keenly contested

flyweight bout was between Kevin Allicock and Isaacs. Both boxers started off very aggressively and seconds into the opening round Allicock was clipped with a straight right to his chin and was given a standing eight-count. However, he slowed the pace of the fight and started to pick his punches, looking for the haymaker, but he

could not find his target. Allicock started the second round more cautiously and continued picking his punches, connecting to his opponent’s head and body with some clean right-hand shots. In round three, Isaacs started to use his longer reach to keep Allicock at bay, but the Albouystown resident,

who made a welcome return to the sport on Friday night, started a peek-a-boo style, got close to Isaacs and landed some telling shots to both his opponent’s body and head. Allicock won the fight by a split decision. There were two bouts in the Junior category and both were won by boxers from the Harpy Eagles Gym. In the opening encounter of the night, Colin Williams won by unanimous decision over Rose Hall Jammers’ Travis Sancho, while Williams’ gym mate Kevon Mullings also secured a points-decision win against Forgotten Youth Foundation’s Fitz Heywood. There were two exhibition bouts on the night’s card between Albert Thomas of GDF and Anil Chaitraj also of the GDF. The other exhibition involved Richard Howard of FYF and his gym mate Richard Subratee. The championships continued last evening at the same venue and will culminate this evening. Admission is $500 for stands and $1 000 for ringside.

Matthews powers Windies into Women’s World Cup T20 semi-finals GROS ISLET, St Lucia (CMC) – Hayley Matthews burst to life in a special Player-of-the-Match per-

formance as West Indies romped into the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup with a

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday November 18, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Deandra Dottin-112* (vs SA, St. Kitts, 2010) (2) 4 times (2010/2012/2014/2016) Today’s Quiz: (1) Which two of these teams have never hosted the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup? Sri Lanka, Australia, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand (2) Which are the five teams that make up ‘Group B’ in the current ICC Women’s T20 World Cup?

crushing 83-run victory over Sri Lanka here Friday night. Choosing to bat first at the Darren Sammy Cricket Stadium, the reigning champions stormed to 187 for five off their 20 overs – their highest-ever score in T20 Internationals and the third highest in a T20 World Cup. The 20-year-old Matthews was at the centre of the Windies domination, stroking a classy 62 off 36 balls while opening partner Deandra Dottin slammed 49 from 35 deliveries and captain Stafanie Taylor, an attractive 41 from 25 balls. In reply, Sri Lanka crumbled under the weight of the imposing run chase and were dismissed for 104 in the 18th over, with captain Chamari Atapattu top-scoring with 44 from 35 deliveries. Matthews, with her first bowl of the tournament, claimed three for 16 as Sri Lanka collapsed from 88 for four in the 13th over, losing their last six wickets for just 16 runs. The victory ensured the Windies remained unbeaten in three outings and also pro-

Opener Hayley Matthews goes on the attack during her top-score of 62 against Sri Lanka, Friday night.

pelled them top of Group A on six points. England who had earlier beaten South Africa by seven wickets, also secured the other semi-final spot in the group ahead of Sunday’s clash with the hosts. Having barely scraped past 100 in both their previous matches, West Indies turned

on the style in front a crowd of nearly 7 000, as they tuned up nicely for the all-important semi-finals next week. Matthews, with scores of six and eight in the tournament, found her touch in an innings that contained eight fours and two sixes. She was the catalyst of an exciting 94run opening stand off 58 balls with Dottin who lashed eight fours before barely missing out on a half-century. The right-handed Matthews reached her fourth T20I half-century off 25 balls – the second fastest of the tournament – before scooping pacer Oshadhi Ranasinghe to point in the 10th over. Dottin then took over, keeping the scoring ticking along in a 33-run, second-wicket stand with Taylor, who struck four fours and two sixes en route to passing 7 000 career runs in both T20Is and one-dayers. With a 10th career half-century in sight, Dottin was lbw playing across a straight one from left-arm pacer Udeshika Prabodhani in the 13th over, leaving Taylor to marshal the innings.

She did so with aplomb, striking four fours and a couple of sixes before holding out in the deep in the final over off off-spinner Shashikala Siriwardene. West Indies kept the pressure on from the outset of the Sri Lanka reply, seamer Shakera Selman bowling Hasini Madushika, leg stump for 10 in the third over and Kavisha Dilhari run-out for five at the non-striker’s end in the sixth over, following hesitation over a quick single. Taylor had Siriwardene hole out to Chinelle Henry at mid-off for six in the eighth over before Eshani Lokusooriyage followed for eight in the ninth over, bowled missing a heave at seamer Dottin at 56 for four. Atapattu kept hopes alive for her side, hitting seven fours in a breezy 35-ball innings as she added 32 for the fifth wicket with Nilakshi Damayanthi (11). However, Matthews claimed Damayanthi and Ama Kanchana (0) in successive deliveries at the end of the 13th over and triggered the final slide for Sri Lanka.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 18, 2018

Artificial turf to be laid on November 22 for Football Stadium … Forde projects work to finish ahead of schedule By Rawle Toney THE Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) National Training Centre, the home of the country’s first football stadium, is taking shape and with the laying of the artificial turf set for Thursday, November 22, president Wayne Forde is hoping to have the facility ready for use by December. Speaking exclusively with Chronicle Sport yesterday, Forde pointed out that preparation of the sub-base for the pitch was completed by Nabi and Sons which paved the way for Greenfields to lay the state-of-theart artificial turf. According to Forde, weather permitting, the turf-laying exercise should take less than a week to be completed. He stated, “FIFA and Greenfields want us to use the turf as much as possible so we will organise for the teams preparing for the year-end tournament to have some of their training sessions there.” Forde explained that apart from the laying of the turf, the first phase will also see the installation of tem-

subsequent approval by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in June 2017. During the tenure of the Clinton Urling-led Normalisation Committee (NC), the GFF on May 9, 2015, signed a 30-year lease with the Eccles/Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for the 8.5-acre Providence Community Centre ground on the East Bank of Demerara.

A Greenfields representative tests the ground where the artificial turf will be laid at the GFF’s National Training Centre. (GFF photo)

porary floodlights, since the facility will be integral in the GFF’s plans in 2019 for their National youth programmes. The GFF’s National Training Centre is the first of its kind under the FIFA Forward Project; formerly the FIFA Goal Project, which will seek to produce, among others, consistent levels of highly competitive and ex-

citing football, that is a force to be reckoned with regionally and on the international scene. Works on the long-awaited ‘FIFA Forward Programme’ at Providence, commenced last September after finally getting the confirmation of the lease of the land earmarked for the facility and

HISTORY OF THE FIFA ‘GOAL PROJECT’ IN GUYANA In 1999, Guyana, Belize, The Bahamas, Nicaragua and St Lucia were listed as countries to benefit from FIFA’s new initiative, the ‘Goal Project’. FIFA president Sepp Blatter visited Guyana in 2001 for what was supposed to be the historic turning of the sod for this country’s first football stadium on land under the control of the University of Guyana. However, Blatter stated that the building of stadiums was the responsibility of governments and subsequently revealed that FIFA would contribute some US$400 000 once the

Rolls of the state-of-the-art artificial turf which will be laid on November 22 in the first phase of the GFF’s National Training Centre. (Delano Williams photo)

GFF is able to acquire the necessary land. The GFF struggled for years to acquire a piece of land from the Government of Guyana until Moroccan Alami Binani made available to them a piece of land at Orangestein, East Bank Essequibo – a deal which was made under former president Colin Klass. After Klass was suspended during 2011 in the famous ‘Cash for Votes’ scandal, the project was shelved with only a land-clearing exercise ever conducted. Under Klass’ successor Franklin Wilson the GFF acquired US$500 000 funding

for the resuscitation of the project after initially being allocated US$400 000. Christopher Matthias, elected to the GFF top post in 2013, discarded the Orangestein land due to the uncertainty surrounding its ownership and the distance from the capital city. He (Matthias) then engaged the government in an attempt to acquire land behind the Leonora Track and Field Facility, but nothing came to fruition as the government allegedly offered less than four acres which was not approved by the world governing body.

Guyana fall to USA at America’s Curling Challenge Several teams register wins in Smalta Girls U-11 Football

GUYANA got off to a shaky start at the World Curling Federation (WCF) America’s Challenge, going down to home-side USA 2-13 on the opening day of the event which is being hosted at the Chaska Curling Center in Chaska, Minnesota. The Guyanese team is led by Rayad Husain, and also features Jason Perreira (Third stones, Blaine, MN, USA), Daniel Toolsie (Second stones, Vernon, BC, Canada), and Baul Persaud (Lead stones, Kleinburg, ON, Canada). As opposed to two players of opposite gender in Mixed Doubles, the team game is played with four players (men’s, women’s or mixed) and eight stones as opposed to five in mixed doubles. Games are also played at the international level over 10 ends rather than 8. The competition features three teams from the America’s zone of the WCF - Brazil and USA being the other two - and acts as a qualification event towards the 2019 Ford World Men’s Curling

Team Guyana captain Rayad Husain

Championship in Lethbridge, Alberta. The men’s world features 13 teams. Canada as the host coun-

try receives an automatic berth. The winner of the America’s Challenge will receive the second America’s zone berth (Europe receives 7 berths, Pacific-Asia with 2). This year, the runners-up will be invited to a new World Qualification Event, where the final two spots to Lethbridge will be determined. This 8-team event will be played in January in New Zealand. With three teams in the America’s Challenge, the event will be a double round-robin. Any teams tied with the same record will be ranked, based on their Draw Shot Challenge scores done prior to each game. No tiebreaking games are played. The Guyana team, due to geographic location and financial considerations, has only trained together for two days, and will be participating to gain experience and evaluate for future years. Thus there is no minimum goal that has been identified.

West Ruimveldt (blue and gold) were victorious over Enterprise (2-0) on the opening day of the Smalta Girls U-11 Football tournament. (Delano Williams photo)

FOOTBALL action in the Girls U-11 Smalta tournament commenced yesterday at the Ministry of Education ground with several teams registering wins. St Stephen’s were the first to register a win when their opponents Mae’s failed to show up. South Ruimveldt also registered a win

over Genesis via 2-0 margin, thanks to a brace from Feyon Harry (10th &12th). North Georgetown were also winners over St Pius, thanks to the decisive strike from Jadea Maison in the 25th minute. Smith Memorial were also 2-0 winners over St Margaret’s, compliments of Dellana Small (3rd) and Kellyana Alert (17th). Tucville blanked F.E. Pollard 2-0 thanks to Fantisha Prass (15th and 35th). West Ruimveldt netted twice to conclude the day with nine goals after Kenetta Abrams (3rd) and Shellon David (14th) downed Enterprise 2-0 Matches continue next weekend.

India had a lot of support in the one-sided affair yesterday.

ICC Women’s World T20 – Match 17

India Women down power-packed Australia by 48 runs

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Smriti Mandhana made an attacking 83. (Adrian Narine photos) Rachael Haynes is stumped off the bowling of Poonam Yadav.

Historic KFC Mega Grand Prix on today … Round two set for December 9 29 PAGE

125cc Juniors race is expected to be a firecracker. (GT Motorsports photo)

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2018