MONDAY 7th OCTOBER, 2019
' No.105783
‘Hope for youth, women’ …President promises more women, youth involvement in government …says his next administration will work towards 50% target
SEE STORY ON PAGE 03
FINALS HERE WE COME! Members of the Guyana Amazon Warriors team do a lap of honour to the thousands of adoring fans at the Guyana National Stadium after defeating Barbados Tridents to extend their unbeaten run in this year’s CPL Tournament and book their place in in the finals slated for Saturday at the Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago (Adrian Narine photo)
274 Indigenous entrepreneurs receive cash grants
Guyana joins Cuba in denouncing terrorism
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…at memorial of 1976 Cubana Air victims 09 PAGE
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Homecare service launched
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
‘Reflect and revisit your humble beginnings’ …PNCR members urged at Linden church service
THE spirit of worship and thanksgiving permeated Coop Crescent, Mackenzie Linden, on Saturday morning, as churches from across the town, joined representatives from the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), and Lindeners at large, as they offered up praise and glory to God for enabling the party to reach 62 years. The flag-breaking and thanksgiving celebration started off with a moving worship session led by Bethel Worship Leader, Ronnel Gonsalves and Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell. The songs of praises had the crowd on their feet, completely taken up in the thanksgiving spirit of the moment including Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Annette Ferguson; Minister of Public Health and Chairman of the PNCR, Volda Lawrence and Minister of Social Protection and General Secretary of the PNCR, Amna Ally. This song and praise session was complemented with worship dances and spoken-word poems. After this moving episode of thanksgiving, a passionate message was delivered Reverend Selwyn Sills, who encouraged the party, to keep the church involved in everything that they do and commended them for keeping such a programme, as it is a good thing to give praise onto the Lord. He urged them to use this time to reflect and revisit its humble beginnings and where it is now. "Look at your beginning, look where you have started, maybe under a bottom house, maybe at somebody fence, may be at a street corner, but look where you are today, he has brought you a mighty long way." Despite its progress, Sills encouraged the members to do introspection to see whether there is still relevance and to resolve to do better. "Resolve to do better,
resolve to serve, remember the people who you pledge to serve and don’t be self serving," he affirmed. More importantly he preached that as it moves forward, the party should not forget the Church
of the PNCR, Volda Lawrence, described the 62nd anniversary celebrations as a glorious and historic day and the party reflects how it has grown in stature and resilience to position Guyana
PNCR Chairperson, Volda Lawrence giving remarks
dous efforts to sustain it over the years, especially during its founding years, which she described as a critical time in the history of our country. "We originated as a working class party, out of fierce
The PNCR is a democratic organisation that continues to oppose discrimination, racism, intolerance and oppression, Lawrence said. She commended Lindeners for playing an integral role
A section of the audience engaging in worship
A children’s choir performs at the church service
as they are coming against powerful dark forces. Glorious and Historic Day In her address, Chairman
solidly on the international map and to change the developmental trajectory of Guyana. This was only made possible through the tremen-
struggle and protest against colonialism and imperialism to fight for national independence and self government," she said.
in guiding the party through overwhelming adversaries and challenges and even deciding to name the town after the founding leader, Lin-
den Forbes Sampson Burnham. "So comrades, we must hold that line of battle, may our arms lift in unity, stronger and ready to charge the haughty enemy, we must never let our founders down," she said. In reflecting the role party played in the development of Linden, Lawrence alluded to the construction of the Linden Highway, the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge, the Wisroc Housing Scheme and the construction of the Christianburg Wismar Secondary School. Many Lindeners were involved in the feed, clothe and house yourself programme geared towards people empowerment as well as the National Service Programme, founded by the PNCR. Linden youths benefitted from free education, from nursery to university as founding member, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, held education as the chief cornerstone for development. Several Cooperatives were also established in Linden, she reflected, which was deemed a vehicle to make the small man, a real man. In order to serve the nation more effectively, the PNCR engaged in partnerships, thus forming the APNU Coalition and then the APNU-AFC. This enabled the PNCR to return to Government. Lawrence urged Lindeners to stay the course as the party will continue on the path of development for Linden. "We must not be laid back and take things for granted, the well known adage also reminds us that God helps those who helps themselves, comrades, let us make no mistake, oil is real, oil is here, the revenues are enormous, persons are salivating, persons want to put those fingers on those revenues, comrades I wish to remind you, that the stakes are high...brother, sister, friend and comrade, rally to the PNC."
‘Hope for youth, women’
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
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… President promises more women, youth involvement in government … says his next administration will work towards 50 % target By Lisa Hamilton
THE next David Granger Administration will work towards equating the ratio of women to men representation in parliament and the advancement of youth involvement in government.
– Minister Amna Ally – what is struggling is the fact that there exists no guarantee that gender equity will be achieved in the National Assembly because since 1966 the average women representation has been below 20 per cent. It’s hearting to know though that at this 11th Parliament there was
to elect six women and four men that is their choice. So, there will always be a collision between democracy and equity.” That aside, the President advised that members of the voting population must consciously seek women of quality to
President David Granger
People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairman, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence greets youths on the corridor of Parliament Building On Thursday on the Guyana Chronicle’s Vantage Point, the Head of State first spoke to the efforts of the coalition government thus far towards the advancement of women. He reminded that both the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Chairman, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence and General Secretary, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally are high ranking females in the party. He also noted Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams and several other junior ministers of government who are female. “It’s not up to 50 per cent as yet,” the President acknowledge, adding: “The next David Granger Administration will see us moving to and hopefully achieving that 50 per cent target.” At a workshop last Wednesday organised by the Women and Gender Equality Commission in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley shared the same sentiments. “Even as we celebrate that both government and opposition Chief Whips are women and the present longest serving member of the National Assembly is also a woman
31 per cent or 22 women members of the 65 elected members and, for the first time since independence, this government has seven women ministers and a total of 14 women MPs,” she said. Sarabo-Halley assured women in Guyana that they have the government’s full support towards working to address these issues and a great place to start is in the National Assembly. THE PEOPLE’S DECISION Even with these intentions, the President explained that the ultimate decision of which gender is elected into the House of the National Assembly lies in the vote of the people. “The question will always arise as to whether you appoint a person because she’s a woman or because she’s efficient and I would like to see, naturally, efficient women. Just as I appoint men, I don’t appoint them because they are males I appoint them because they’re efficient,” the President said. “Politics could be a very tricky game because if you give electors or members of any group the option they will elect who they want to elect. There’s nothing in their head that says we must elect five men and five women. If they want
elect them to higher office. Added to this, he assured that it is the interest of his Party and government to continuously work to overcome existing obstacles YOUTH INVOLVEMENT Meanwhile, regarding youth involvement, the President noted that most of his junior ministers are women who, in the course of time, will graduate to higher positions. He reminded that it wasn’t for some
20 years, that the PNCR -- as a part of the coalition --- was re-elected into government. As a result, the exposure of eligible members of the Party was limited during the period of 1992 to 2015. “I took trouble since 2015 to appoint a significant number of junior ministers who are younger and who are female. So, it is not something that I have not addressed my mind to and, in the fullness of time, you’ll see more young people and young women taking positions of leadership in the government,” he said. Added to this, the government and its various ministries continue to host annual Youth Parliaments which give youths an experience of debating in the National Assembly in Parliament. The activity boosts the students’ morale and develops and hones their debating and leadership skills while inspiring them to become the future leaders of their country.
Scenes from a recent youth parliament
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 6, 2019
Second whistleblower in Trump-Ukraine Iraqscandal protests: Death toll nears comes forward: lawyer100 as unrest enters fifth day
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A second whistleblower has come forward with firsthand knowledge of President (BBC)Trump’s he death toll from Donald attempts to anti-government protests get the Ukrainian president Iraq has risen to almost toininvestigate a political ri100, says thefor country’s parval, lawyers the official liamentary human rights said on Sunday. commission. Lawyer Mark Zaid said The unrest entered its thefifth person, also an intelligence day on Saturday, with at official, haspeople direct knowledge least five killed in the oflatest someclashes of the inallegations the capital involving Baghdad. the initial whistleblower complaint, which The security forces are triggered impeachment again reported to have proused ceedings against the Republilive rounds. Demonstrators say they can president. The emergence takingprotected a stand witness against ofare a second complicates efforts by Trump and his Republican supporters to dismiss the complaint as politically motivated hearsay and may strengthen the Democrats’ case against him. The complaint, filed with the inspector general on Aug. 12, cited information received from half a dozen U.S. officials expressing concern that
Trump was using the power of his office to solicit interference from a foreign country as he seeks re-election to a second unemployment, poor public term in 2020. services corruption. It alsoand alleged that Trump It is the$400 deadliest unrest leveraged million in since so-called Islamic from State aid to secure a promise was declared defeated in Iraq Ukrainian President Volodyin 2017. myr Zelenskiy to investigate It is seen as the first maajor Democratic rival, former challenge to Prime MinVice Joe Biden, and isterPresident Adel Abdel Mahdi’s his son Hunter Biden, who sata fragile government, nearly on the board of a Ukrainian year since he came to power. energy “I have can conThecompany. authorities been firm thattomy firm the and promy trying control team testsrepresent through multiple curfews whisand a near-totalininternet blackout. tleblowers connection to the An emergency session of underlying August 12, 2019, disclosure to the Intelligence Community Inspector General,” Andrew Bakaj, a second lawyer, said on Twitter. Bakaj declined further comment. Zaid said the whistleblower had spoken with the inspector general as part of an initial examination of the whistleblower complaint. An interview with the inspector
general affords protection publican member of the Senate against reprisal. Confirmation Intelligence Committee, said of another whistleblower fol- on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” lowed stirrings of discontent “I don’t imagine that’s within Trump’s own Repub- what he was doing. Certainly lican Party after he called on we shouldn’t expect the ChiBeijing on Friday to inves- nese, the Russians or any of tigate Biden’s son, who had our national security adversarbusiness dealings in China. ies to be helpful in any way.” Advertisement Trump has alleged that Hunter Republican U.S. Senators Biden profited in his business Mitt Romney, Ben Sasse and dealings in both Ukraine and Susan Collins have expressed China from his father’s posiconcerns about Trump reach- tion, although there has been ing out to foreign countries to no evidence of any wrongdohelp him in his 2020 re-elec- ing. Advertisement tion bid. Protesters do not appear“The Biden to have any family clear was However, otherleadership Republi- atPAID OFF, pure and simthe moment cans stood firmly in go support ple!” Trump exclaimed on parliament failed to ahead Baghdad was lifted on SatofonTrump on afternoon. news shows on urday, Twitterand on Sunday. Saturday smaller groups Sunday, echoing the presi- of protesters began to renew What’s the latest? The daytime that curfew in their DO-SOMETHING action. dent’s insistence there was nothing wrong with his DEMOCRATS Ukraine call and dismissing The president also railed his entreaty to China as a joke, against the “do-nothing” even though Trump continues Democrats’ impeachment to raise the issue. “I doubt with a string of retweets if the China comment was from supporters, touting his serious to tell you the truth,” high approval ratings among U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, a Re- Republicans. The telephone call with Zelenskiy, a summary of which was released by the White House, and the whistleblower complaint prompted House of Representatives
Speaker Nancy Pelosi to launch an impeachment inquiry on Sept. 24. Trump’s attempts to solicit foreign The city’sjeopardized Tahrir Square interference U.S. has beenintegrity the focaland point of election threatprotests, but it was blocked ened national security, she on said.Saturday, according to localDemocrats news agencies. said any findThe violence has also afing that Trump withheld taxfected majority Shia Muslim payerinmoney, already apareas the south, including proved by Congress help Amara, Diwaniya andtoHilla. Ukraine Russian A numberfight of deaths were agregression, in exchange for a ported on Friday in the southfavorcity from would ern of Zelenskiy Nasiriya, about strengthen case against 320km (200 the miles) away. him.A total of 540 protesters haveTrump been arrested, of whom has maintained nearly 200 no remain in pro custody, there was “quid quo” the human rights commission in his request of the Ukrainian said. It also than president, butsaid textmore messages 3,000 had beenleadinreleasedpeople by committees jured. The demonstrators do ing the inquiry have shown not appear toThe have any clear otherwise. committees leadership at the moment, released the texts involving and their anger in increasingTrump’s Ukraine Kurt ly radicalising theirenvoy, demands, Volker, after he testified on says the BBC’s Sebastian Thursday. Thebeen committees Usher. What’s the reacthis week expect Prime to hearMinfrom tion? On Friday, several other U.S. to diplomats, ister Mahdi vowed respond including Ambassador to to protesters’ concerns but warned there was no “magic the European Union Gordon solution” problems. Sondland,to aIraq’s committee ofHeconfirmed said he had given ficial on Sunday. his full backing security Sondland worked to closely with forces, insisting they were Volker and Trump’s personal abiding by “international standards” in dealing with protesters. Iraq’s most senior Shia cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, urged the government to respond to the demands for reform, saying it had “not
answered the demands of the people to fight corruption or achieved anything on the ground”. The UN and US have expressed concern over the violence, and urged the Iraqi authorities to exercise restraint. Why is this happening now? Corruption, unemployment and poor public services are at the heart of the discontent U.S.byPresident faced young IraqisDonald today. Trump Young The unrestattends began spontaBlack with Leadership Sumneously no formal leadmit at the White House ership in mostly Shia areas in in Washington, U.S., Octhe south, and quickly spread. tober 4, 2019. REUTERS/ Iraq has the world’s Yuri Gripas fourth-largest reserves of oil, but 22.5%Rudolph of its population lawyer Giuliani ofon 40the million were living on less Ukraine effort. than Former $1.90 (£1.53) a day in U.S. Ambassador 2014, to the World Marieaccording Yovanovitch, disparBank. in six households aged One by Trump and abruptly has experienced some form recalled from Ukraine, was ofscheduled food insecurity. to give a deposition The unemployment rate to congressional committees was 7.9% last year, but on Friday. House Democrats among young people it was also continue to press the double that. And almost 17% administration active for docofTrump the economically uments relating to Ukraine. population is underemployed. Thecountry head of the strugHouse The is also Foreign Affairsafter Committee, gling to recover a brutal war against the Islamic State Eliot Engel, told CBS on group, seized control Sundaywhich that Secretary of State ofMike large Pompeo swathes of thenot north has yet and west in 2014. come into compliance after a Living deadline conditions re-on subpoena passed main dire conFriday. He in saidmany discussions flict-affected areas, with were ongoing. The White insufficient services.
House has also been subpoenaed. Vice President Mike Pence has been asked for documents as well. The investigation could lead to the approval of articles of impeachment - or formal charges - against Trump in the House. A trial on whether to remove him from office would then be held in the U.S. Senate. Republicans who control the Senate have shown little appetite for ousting Trump.
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Demonstrators continue to call for Moise’s removal, urges UN intervention PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti, Oct 5, CMC –Thousands of opposition supporters took to the streets here on Friday demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moise and the lack of a response from the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, to their calls that the international community withdraw political support for the embattled head of state. Violent clashes took place between protesters and police in several cities where economic activities and traffic were paralyzed by barricades of burning tyres. Schools and most businesses and public institutions kept their doors closed. Units of the Haitian National Police (PNH) armed with bullet-proof vests, shields and water cannons, and supported by members of the Intervention and Maintenance Corps (CIMO) manned several roadblocks even as demonstrators were able to torch government buildings. Media reports said that at least one person was shot dead in Cap-Haïtien on the north coast of the island, while demonstrators were wounded in Jeremie, the capital of one of the 10 departments in
the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country. Police have so far given no report of injuries or deaths as a result of the demonstrations on Friday, when several opposition politicians travelled to the headquarters of the UN mission seeking a response to an earlier letter sent to Gueterres on the political situation here. Opposition Leader in the Senate, Evalière Beauplan, told the crowd that the letter had been sent to the UN Secretary General on Wednesday calling on the international community to withdraw political support for President Moïse. “They have 24 hours to decide the fate of Jovenel Moïse. No diplomatic mission can tell us what to do. We do not recognize diplomats who request negotiations. The time has passed,” the letter noted. It warned of possible civil war, noting that “during various street demonstrations to demand his resignation Jovenel Moïse ordered a systematic crackdown on peaceful citizens who only peacefully defend their inalienable rights. “There are more than 100 demonstrators who were murdered, thousands injured and crippled,
and some arrested illegally. The country has been totally dysfunctional for weeks, the doors of public and private companies, commercial banks, schools, among others, have remained closed. Haitians are clamouring for the resignation of President Jovenel Moïse,” the letter added. The United Nations has already expressed concerns over reports of violence and arson in Haiti and earlier this week, UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said that the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, known by its acronym MINUJUSTH, had been calling on everyone to “refrain from the use of violence”. In June, the Security Council approved a resolution to create a UN “Integrated Office” in Haiti to support the government in strengthening political stability and good governance. The UN said it will be run by a Special Representative, who will assist the Haitian government with planning elections; human rights training for police as well as responding to gang violence. Using the French acronym BINUH (Bureau Intégré des Nations Unies en Haïti) the Office will replace MINUJUSTH on October 16, “putting an end to 15 years of
peacekeeping presence in the country,” the UN said. Apart from demanding Moise’s resignation, opposition supporters have been taking to the streets in recent weeks as a result of a deepening economic crisis along with chronic food and fuel shortages. In a radio and television broadcast last week, Moise said that he wanted all stakeholders to come together to deal with the problems facing the country. “I extend my hand to all the forces of the nation to form together a Government of National Unity, able to address the urgent problems of the country,” he said, adding that all actors should be involved in the initiative. In August, Moise had called on Parliament to approve the nomination and government of Prime Minister Fritz William Michel, describing him as “a brilliant civil servant who has devoted his entire career to serving the people of Haiti”. Michel, a former executive in the Ministry of Economy and Finance, became the fourth prime minister of this French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, since President Moise became the head of state in 2017.
Agreement signed for Calypso to be taught in schools PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Oct. 6, CMC – An agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Education and Trinbago Unified Calupsonians Organisation (TUCO), for Calypso to be taught in schools as part of the visual and performing arts curriculum. “It is incumbent upon us that we ensure that all our youths are exposed to all aspects of our cultural heritage, notably the steelpan and calypso which gave birth to so many sub-genres that we enjoy today,” Education Minister Anthony Garcia said after a meeting with TUCO president Lutalo ” Brother Resistance” Masimba on Friday. During the meeting, there were discussions on
the use of calypso as a tool for teaching and learning. The minister said calypso can be used to teach children to better understand poetry, essay writing, and even mathematics. TUCO – which is observing Calypson month, will work alongside the ministry in teaching the art of writing and singing calypsoes from the level of early childhood care and education to primary and secondary schools. “People must be aware of their culture, and culture has to be transmitted from one generation to the other,” Garcia said. The education ministry, he said, is doing everything to assist TUCO in ensuring that calypso is kept alive. At the meeting, a cross-functional team was formed which will
comprise of representatives from TUCO, the Curriculum Planning and Development Division, Multicultural Music Programme Unit, and the Laventille/Morvant Schools’ Improvement Proj-
ect. “ The objective of this partnership with TUCO is to assure the sustainability of calypso as an artform well beyond the carnival season,” Garcia said.
Monday, October 13, 2019 - 13:00hrs - 14:30hrs
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Caring for the seniors
GOLDEN oldies is the description that is given to that segment of a nation’s very aged citizens. We accept this category as perhaps beginning in the 60s age range, but becoming established from the biblical three score and 10 chronological measure. It is a bar which as humans many of us will cross, providing that we live. Thus, age is inevitable, for it is a natural progression of all living things. But, is it a blessing to be aged, or is it a burden for these very special persons? Are they really appreciated as still an accepted and loved part of the family, or are they treated shabbily, abused and despised because of their infirmities, and can no longer contribute as they used to do? Last week Guyana joined the rest of the world in observance of International Day of the Elderly. It is an occasion during which there is much debate about the status of our aged, and particularly how they are treated as part of our society. It is hoped, too, that relatives who still have the care of their aged seniors, will redouble their efforts to offer better care, comfort, and love for the remaining days of their elders’ lives. We have seen over the years elderly persons living alone being attacked and robbed—some are even killed. For the past decade, there have been at least five cases of
women who apparently chose to live alone, having had their lives ended in a cruel and unfair manner. And since it is among the family that most of our seniors do live, we now direct our attention to the families of these venerables. Are they doing enough for their aged family members? Do they show the love and humane care that are so vital for their mental and physical survival in their twilight years? We concede that there are still many families that have senior members, many with either both diminished mental and physical capabilities, or one that gives absolute priority to their loved ones. And this is without prejudice to social class. It is commendable to observe the affection shown, such as wheelchairing that aged family member in the National Park or in the Botanical Gardens, walking them out and even taking them out to dinner with the household. But these instances are apparently few or diminishing, based on what are empirically observed and reported in the media. But there are numerous instances in this nation of families that can do better, abandoning aged family members on pretexts that are as hollow as a pipe. The well-known citations as reasons: “He/she wants to have their own way”; “He/she is too disgusting /
troublesome” and many more of this usual refrain. However, these reasons, even if authentic in some instances, should be understood against the known, proven geriatric landscape of diminished mental capacities cum weakened physical resistance. There are even peaceful and manageable types, for the sake of debate, who are accorded this treatment. In fact, many a mentally and physically secured senior citizen, who would have once been considered active, are within a short while of retirement. For example, those abused/ coerced into submission by very close relatives, including their children, especially if a property or other valuables are up for grabs. Pensioners often complain of their pensions being forcibly taken from them and even being locked into their rooms, without meals for the desired end. Even those aged who are still able-bodied, and going about their daily businesses, are at times discriminated against by public transportation owners by being refused entry into vehicles and made to wait longer in stores and other commercial places before being served. But it is commendable, particularly in corporate Guyana, where there are special facilities for the prompt and speedy attention of our senior citizens.
There is no situation as referred to above, as cause that should lead to cruel neglect/abuse of the aged by their natural families, in which unfortunately, most of the cases of abuse of the elderly, do reside. There are too many reports aired in the media, of the old continuing to suffer horrendously at the hands of family members, and even the public. It is an abomination and does reflect mainly a family that has lost its sense of values, in terms of understanding the building blocks of what constitute a strong family –respect, love, care and compassion. At times, many in this category are heard commending persons who have become centenarians. That the latter had attained such was because of a great sense of duty, care and devotion by such families that assisted this special arrival at such a golden gate. For those who perpetrate such crimes -- and they are many – they are unworthy as humans, since they are sickening examples to the younger family members. Let them be reminded that the clock is also ticking time on their lives, and will eventually march them to the threshold of the aged. Will they remember what they did to their mothers/fathers/aunts/ uncles, etc? We must love our seniors and be kind to them, because they first loved us.
Campaign on issues not race
Dear Editor
WITH the signing of the proclamation, the die has been cast; the “constitutional experts’’ and other types who would have consistently labelled this government ‘illegal’ and in breach of the Constitution, have all been silenced. The fact that must be re-emphasised here, as well as reminded, is that all that has taken place leading up to this very important and decisive juncture had been part of a process that commenced with the no-confidence motion (NCM), its aftermath involving the principals, and not an exclusionary position for any of the main political actors, as somehow had been conveniently and dishonestly peddled. In this milieu, that has come about for reasons which are now all too very well known, and which occupies a place of ignominy in our nation’s page of political infamy, but which will not be repeated -- the constitutional role of the Guyana elections Commission(GECOM) has been upheld, despite the unfair demands and efforts from those who sought to force it into actions which were
contrary to its constitutional mandate of being allowed to prepare the nation in accordance with its statutes, for elections. It was even astonishing that the attacks on this electoral body could have commenced just after the chairperson had been sworn in. How could this have been, when this constitutional body had to await a new chairperson? One can even ask, how could this constitutional body have been expected to prepare for a national election in three months, in the wake of an NCM, when its electoral mechanism did not cater for such a legislative fallout and some commissioners were continually walking out, further stymieing the commission’s work programme? But GECOM has stayed the course, adhering to its constitutional dignity, and supported by a government, determined that the national body’s independence is safeguarded and upheld. The rest is history. GECOM has set the national electoral process, by no means completed, in motion. And so, attention must now be focused on the election campaign, carried out by all the parties, inclusive of the two traditional principals.
It has already been said that this is the “mother of all elections,” since it is about oil and gas, the biggest prize in the nation’s political history, and that which party succeeds at the polls will be tasked with the responsibility as to how its proceeds will be transacted for the benefit of the country and its people. Be it as it may, there ought to be a proper election campaign, one which both major political groups, the incumbent coalition government and the PPP/C, in addition to the others, whoever they may be, must be able to present manifestos with realistic and sensible programmes for the electorate to consider. In other words, it is emphasised that the forthcoming national elections, because of the high stakes which are involved, must witness a higher quality of electoral appeal, which must capture the imagination of constituents, sparking debate among them. This means, rather than seeing race, constituents must be able to discern issues and be informed by them before gleaning the facts for consideration. And this must come from political leaders and not the demogogues whose forte of appeal to race brings nothing of national worth/value to an election campaign, except
further division for a country that needs to be united for the benefit of all. It is very well understood that these elections are being held at the most challenging time and against the backdrop of a deeply divided society. It is for this reason that we caution those political leaders with a known history of appealing to ethnic fears and other related insecurities as a means of garnering support, to desist from such narrow, parochial, dangerous and unenlightened tactics which can only add to an already undesirable and incendiary environment. Such political persona, reckless, self-serving, and filled with portents that agitate ethnic hate, cannot claim to be a national political leader of any kind. No country that is on the verge of its greatest national economic moment must allow the iniquity of race to be part of its electoral hustings, for the grave danger that it can/will pose for the meaningful utilisation of such proceeds towards offering the good life for all. Regards ROVIN SINGH
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
This was what a ‘Return to Democracy’ Oct 5 meant during the PPP/C regime Dear Editor FOR a greater part of its 23 horrible years of governance, the former PPP/C regime used to describe October 5, 1992 as the date when democracy returned to Guyana. For me, this date had indeed been significant, since it ushered in a new government, replacing the Burnham-Hoyte PNC administrations after 28 years in office. Editor, surely, any political talk of returning a country to democracy should mean for those who elected it to office--and the nation in general--a system of government and governance that would have significantly been improved; and one where their practical human rights as citizens are observed and respected; where there is no discrimination towards any section or category of society; where there is respect for the principal institutions of state and the rule of law duly observed. Let us say for the sake of debate, that these key areas are stated as being in need of change for the
better, because of the understanding that is derived from the PPP/C slogan of a ‘Return to Democracy.’ It was nothing but a slogan and the biggest political con job that can only be second to the NCM hoax and the Charandass treachery, to have been heaped on this country by the PPP/C. It perhaps explained why such a deceptive shibboleth ceased being mooted by the party and its former regimes. So, let us look at what was the PPP/C administrations meaning of a return to democracy for Guyana, during its years in office: * The fostering of a criminalised state and the systematic cultivation of an equally criminal clique, who shamelessly pillaged and plundered the material assets of the state in all forms. * The rise of transnational crime, and the institutionalisation of corruption, in which the narco economy flourished, and money laundering became the leading methodology of hiding the ill-gotten gains.
The recent conviction and jailing of the now known case of the cash jet pilot Khamraj Lall, on money-laundering and narcotic charges, is just the tip of the iceberg of the tragedy of Guyana as a criminal state, a fact warned of and written extensively on by the distinguished Dr Clive Thomas, from as early as the opening years of the new millennium. * The institutionalisation of racism as policy, and related acts of discrimination and marginalisation against sections of the nation; the shocking ignoring of the rule of law, during which death squads and extra-judicial killings became prominent features, as well as other excesses of rogue elements of the state security; the detention of persons without recourse to legal representation, and even beyond the statutory period of 72 hours of being detained. This must also include interference in the nation’s judiciary and the appointment of acting judges, which threatened their security of tenure. * The open and glaring system of so-
cio-economic discrimination that favoured one section of the nation, which facilitated the shifting of the national resources to the latter; the denial of social amenities/basic infrastructure to certain communities on the basis of perceived political affiliation and ethnicity. * The denial of local democracy, through the refusal to hold local government elections for 20 years, which resulted in stagnation and corruption at the local government level. This was a trenchant disregard for a system of governance that has always been key for citizens’ grassroot participation in the affairs of their communities. These are, what one can consider as some of the main incidents of criminal, politico-governance, and which the PPP/C fraudulently represented as the return to democracy, which really was Freedom House democracy! Regards Earl Hamilton
Time for youths to advance their cause Dear Editor THE much-anticipated announcement of the date for national and regional elections, occasioned by the passing of the December 21, 2018 no-confidence vote, has been made. Now the long election campaign season, maybe one of the longest in our history has begun in earnest. As usual, we have come to expect lots of barbs to fly, lambasting each other, mudslinging, personal attacks, fierce
rebuttals and huge spendings on transportation, advertisements and rallies. What is equally much anticipated is the presentation of the manifestos of the political parties that will be contesting these elections. Of great interest, no doubt, will be to see the plans parties have therein for the management of and consequential matters arising from the petroleum resources. Already we have heard of investments in education and infrastructure. We should be reminded also that during the last four years, much was said about the
abandonment of youths. Over 40 per cent of the voting-age population in Guyana are youths, a significant demographic by any measure. It would be interesting therefore to see what plans the parties have to address the issues concerning this cohort of voters. There is some consolation that the National Youth Policy was passed by the National Assembly in 2016. However, the document was returned to Cabinet and it is yet to be published. There is also the National Strategic Youth Development
Action Plan 2019-2024. Obviously, nothing worthwhile could have been achieved in that. It is therefore now opportune for the youths to advance their cause to catch the eyes of the movers and shakers of the political parties as they craft their manifestos. Greta Thunberg got the attention of the world leaders. Remember? And so has Malala Yousafzai. Regards Bernel L.H. Wickham
My arguments against cash transfers Dear Editor THE issue of cash transfers is very topical. I do not think, or rather I know I am not qualified to argue cash transfers with Prof Thomas. Having said that, I do believe that should not deny me the right of an opinion. I have written and spoken, ad nauseam, about my impoverished background. Five orphaned boys being brought up by an unemployed 22-yr-old aunt. Many days we hadn’t food to eat. Ragged clothes. Our house had fallen with no water or electricity. I studied under a shop light. At that tender age I could not comprehend why I was experiencing this harsh life. Now I do understand. It was a preparation for who I am today. When I was experiencing the harsh re-
ality of poverty, if I were given the option of cash transfer or a good education, that would have been an easy choice; I would have chosen a good education. So that is my position, rather than providing households with large wads of cash, I would argue for investing in education. Have equality in education regardless of the state school you attend. Increase teachers’ pay -- a liveable wage -- so that they do not need to have extra lessons; invest in technology in schools; discard blackboards; have electronic white boards; have computers, comfortable benches and tables; air- conditioned classrooms; free healthy school lunches and snacks for all; take education out of the class; conduct class trips to national sights to consolidate the in-class lessons learnt. Invest in education, so that education
takes place at home. Single and poor parents who have to do two and three jobs can have financial subsidies, since they will now spend less time working; then they can spend that time with the kids, revising their school work, supervising them and keeping them off the streets. Invest in vocational education and give it equal status with academic education. Some of us are gifted with our hands; utilise their gifts. Give them the tools to take Guyana forward. Excellent builders. Excellent electricians. World-class plumbers. Par excellence painters. Guyana needs them to build our Dubai-like skyscrapers. I think you get the drift of my argument. From an impoverished orphan, I am now an established medical consultant at one of the top teaching hospitals in the UK. What got me here? Not cash transfers. That passport
to freedom that Malcolm X spoke of-- an education. Again, I will say when it comes to the field of economics, I am not good enough to tie the lace of Prof Thomas’ shoes; that I do recognise, but I also recognise that I’m entitled to an opinion. This is what I have just articulated. Give a man a fish and you will have to give him a fish every day; give him a hook and you have empowered him to be his own man. I’m for empowerment and not dependence. Regards Dr Mark Devonish MBBS MSc. Med. Ed. FRCP(Edin) FRCP(UK) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
David Hinds is Straight Up wrong, dead wrong with
Mark Benschop
DR. David Hinds is a friend and someone who, whenever he visited Guyana during the dark PPP years, would join us in the ground struggle, fighting against the tons of human rights violations that were perpetuated against Guyanese. Thus, my public disagreement with him on the issue of direct cash transfers from the oil revenue being distributed to every household across Guyana should be seen as constructive criticism, and not in any way firing off personal shots at someone who participated in the fight to rid Guyana of the corrupt and brutal PPP regime. In fact, it is a widespread view that his suggestion on the issue is a bit too premature from a business perspective, lacks any sound economic foundation, and exposes Hinds as attempting to score some cheap and unnecessary political points in order to resurrect the WPA from its tomb. As a word of advice to him, such resurrection would take more than just soundbites about an issue that Hinds and the few members of the defunct WPA are attempting to force down the throats of the Guyanese people without any holistic or comprehensive approach. However, before moving on to break things down in simplistic terms for the goodly professor Dr. 'Comrade' Hinds, here's a quote that comes to mind, especially since he’s
venturing into areas of obvious limited understanding. In the words of Murray N. Rothbard: “It is no crime to be ignorant of economics, which is, after all, a specialised discipline and one that most people consider to be a ‘dismal science.’ But it is totally irresponsible to have a loud and vociferous opinion on economic subjects while remaining in this state of ignorance.” Interestingly, Dr. Hinds attempts to play the poor man's role, by jumping on the top of the Kaieteur Falls bawling out: "I was born poor and lived among the poor..." This rhetoric is just an attempt to use reverse psychology on poor people, even though he's been out of that category for decades now. Nevertheless, he sought to remind us that he was brought up in an economically poor and impoverished environment, using that outdated cry, in order to solicit emotional support for his position. But, the truth is, apart from the cash transfers being unfeasible, the very poor people that David purports to be speaking on behalf of are not buying into his political gimmick. Hence, the poor man/ woman cry has already been seen for what it is – old, sad political tunes, with no real rhythm to it. According to a solicited quote from Dr. Mark Devonish on the issue, especially with his experience of growing up 'dirt poor' he opined:
'When I was experiencing the harsh reality of poverty and if I were given the option of cash or a good education, that would have been an easy choice. I would have chosen a good education. Have equality in education regardless of the state school you attend, increase teachers' pay, a liveable wage, so that they do not need extra-lessons. Invest in technology in schools. Discard blackboards. Have electronic whiteboards, computers, etc.' Indeed, what Dr. Devonish has expressed (and many others privately) is exactly what President Granger has always alluded to when confronted on the issue. His objective is and has been quite clear and particularly fair and well reasoned. Thus, there's no evidence that he's zig zagging on the issue, as alluded to by David Hinds, who believes that everyone is now jumping onboard and singing the WPA nursery school economic soca tune. Here is what the President wants for the country, which includes the very poor people many seem to be bawling out about. Spending monies from oil revenues must be done with wisdom. Thus, His Excellency President Granger will focus his attention in the following areas: Education – building more schools, modernising existing ones, improving labs, increasing teacher pay, etc; Healthcare – more hospitals, health centres, highly paid doctors and
nurses, and equal access to better services for everyone, irrespective of class. Infrastructure – better roads, bridges, etc. Salary Increases – for all Public Servants, teachers, police, prison guards, judges, magistrates, and workers in every public agency. Judiciary – increasing the number of magistrates and judges. Social programmes within all administrative regions, that will better serve citizens in every capacity. Sports facilities – better basketball courts, cricket grounds, soccer fields, track and field, and improved treatment of our sportsmen and women, etc. Yes, those are just some of the things that our oil monies can be spent on, that will improve the standard of living of all citizens in every corner of Guyana. And, instead of direct cash transfers, citizens will see a better and improved country, where their lives can be lifted to higher grounds through better government services. Also, I am certain that there will be a huge increase in old age pension, and access to financial services through the Ministry of Social Services. And, maybe President Granger and his government should consider the rebirth of the Guyana National Cooperative Bank (GNCB) where low interest loans will be available to small business owners, such as vendors and others
who are seeking to expand their businesses, etc. In closing, keep in mind that, as we are approaching elections season, political parties (whether dead or alive), or those little groups that are trying to remain relevant, will be attempting to find some form of political hot topic as it brings them in the limelight. Hence, the gaff about cash transfers. Yep, it's just political gaff, minus any meaningful substance, or any plans with positive long term results. And fortunately, people's eyes are not shut, they are not politically blind, and neither are they so gullible. Thankfully, this time nah long time, when people didn't have the option of other viewpoints via social media platforms and others. So, with these new platforms and modern political pundits on the scene, the people in Buxton, Alness, Whim, Linden, Lethem, Parika, Bartica, Ituni, etc, are more informed of situations around them, and most importantly, they know when they are being bowled with a cork ball. So, I'm sorry Dr. Hinds, people are not buying into this political gimmick and sad songs about direct cash transfers. Gosh, so glad the WPA is not in control of Guyana. Come on, David Hinds, don't try to be an expert on everything.
Fielding future champions --$33M in upgrades of Reg. 4 community grounds to be completed by November
HAVE you ever wondered where the next Carl Hooper or Shivnarine Chanderpaul will emerge from? Well, the government, through the National Sports Commission (NSC), has invested a whopping $60M in the rehabilitation of several community grounds across the country. The move is aimed at fostering sporting talent at the community level, and giving young people the motivation to excel at sports. On Friday, October 4, a team from the NSC, led by Director of Sport Christopher Jones, visited community grounds at Enterprise, Vryheid’s Lust and Sparendaam on the East Coast Demerara, St. Pius, in West Ruimveldt, and St. Stephens in Charlestown. According to Jones, the on-site visits were done to
assess the ongoing construction at various grounds. These upgrades, he noted, are all part of the NSC’s Community Grounds Rehabilitation Project. “There is construction presently ongoing on the East Bank of Demerara, and these are Agricola and at Grove,” he said. “And the overall cost to cover the area in Region 4 is approximately $33M. Some of the grounds are 90 per cent complete, and we are expecting full completion by the end of November.” He said that several Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) community grounds were completed in 2018, and are awaiting the installation of electricity by the end of this year. “These community grounds slated for electricity are Central Mahaicony; Ithaca Basketball Court; Ithaca Pri-
mary School [and] Hopetown; Bath Settlement Community Centre.” Also, on the NSC’s agenda are visits to several community clubs throughout Guyana to ensure that the facilities are properly outfitted with sport gear. In other developments, the Sport Director also disclosed that the Gymnasium and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall are slated for their own rehabilitative works. “Persons will soon see the construction of the front fence of the Gymnasium, and the reopening of the southern gate to the facility enabling free traffic flow. This is all part of a 3D plan that we submitted in 2016, which will utilise all the space at the Gymnasium. At the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, there will also be a facelift of the basketball court,” Jones explained.
Ongoing construction at the St. Stephens Community Ground
Construction site at the Vryheid’s Lust Community Ground, East Coast Demerara
The Community Ground Enhancement Project is aimed at ensuring
sports facilities/grounds across the country’s ten administrative regions func-
tion effectively, and provide a platform for the development of athletes. (DPI)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Guyana joins Cuba in denouncing terrorism …at memorial of 1976 Cubana Air victims THE Cuban Embassy in Georgetown in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, on Sunday hosted the 43rd commemorative ceremony in remembrance of the 73 victims who perished in the 1976 Cubana Air Disaster. The ceremony was hosted at the Cubana Air Disaster Monument at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. In attendance were Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; Charge d’ affaires of the Cuban Embassy, Ricardo Lamas Camejo; Attorney General, Basil Williams; Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; Junior Minister of Social Protection, Keith Scott; members of the medical and educational brigade of Cuba; relatives of the victims and other members of the diplomatic corps. On the tragic day of October 6, 1976, an act of terrorism resulted in the loss of lives of 73 people on board Cubana Flight 455 en route
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton delivers brief remarks (UG Library photo)
Charge d’ affaires of the Cuban Embassy, Ricardo Lamas Camejo lays a wreath at the monument (UG Library photo)
from Barbados to Jamaica. The flight was bombed, killing 48 passengers and 25 crew, including 57 Cubans; five North Koreans and 11 Guyanese. Amongst the dead Guyanese were six medical students, the wife of a Guyanese diplomat at Guyana Embassy in Cuba and four others. Of the 57 Cubans were
24 members of the 1975 national Cuban Fencing Team who had just won all the gold medals in the Central American and Caribbean Championship, many of them teenagers. In brief remarks, Minister Norton said that Guyana has and will continue to reject the use of force to settle controversies between states
and abhors the crime of international terrorism. “Today, Guyana reassures the world of its commitment to making the Caribbean a zone of peace,” Minister Norton said. “It was the first time that Guyana, Cuba and the region had experienced such a tragedy. The four Caribbean States: Guyana, Barbados,
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago established diplomatic relations with Cuba in December 1972, four years prior to the tragedy.” He assured the attending that the memory those who lost their lives in the tragedy will never be forgotten. Also addressing the attendees, Charge d’ affaires, Camejo said that the people on board Douglas-DC-8 plane were assassinated in one of the most brutal terrorist actions masterminded by those against the Cuban Revolution. “The champions of the fencing team of Cuban did not know that behind their swords, sabers and foils, imperial demons were hidden
to destroy all their efforts and dreams,” he said. “This horrendous crime claimed the lives of young innocent Guyanese with the dream of studying medicine in Cuba and returning to their beautiful country as true professionals…Koreans, who by chance boarded this plane, were visiting Latin America countries on a friendship trip.” He stated that though terrorist actions like the Cubana Air Disaster have occurred, the peoples of each country remain steadfast and wish eternal glory to the martyrs. Following remarks, the officials laid floral tributes at the monument.
Marics launches new Honda products MARICS and Company Ltd on Friday launched two new additions to their Honda power product range. According to the company’s Marketing Manager Anjie Hackett, the company is adding a range of outboard engines --- 5HP, 15HP, 20HP, 30HP, 40HP and 80HP. The engines are equipped with four-stroke motors to ensure that users do not have the burden of mixing their fuel. In addition, the company is also including the new Honda UMK450T Super Brush Cutter. The brush cutter has new features that allow for better performance and 50 per cent less fuel consumption. The brush cutter also has a new shoulder belt changing pad and a bigger bar – blade which cuts a wider area. The company’s General Manager Anand Kalladeen, said that the company which has been a part of Guyana’s Market for over 50 years, aims to leave blue skies for children, to pass on the joy
General Manager of Marics & Co.LTD., Anand Kalladeen, with the new Honda UMk450T brush cutter (Adrian Narine Photo)
of living life fully on a clean, beautiful planet. “At Marics, we offer quality products and exceptional customer service. Honda products are known to be [of] high quality and eco-friendly. Today we are extremely
happy to add a new brush cutter and wide range of outboard engines to our Honda portfolio. As a company, we will continue to provide the best aftersales service to our customers. We believe in the ‘HON-
DA power of Dreams’ experience. At Marics, we strive to ensure that all customers feel that experience, whether they purchase our quality product or need aftersales service, or even visit our store for information,” said Kalladeen.
Customers taking a look at the new outboard engines (Adrian Narine Photo)
In addition to the two newly added products, the company has also started its Christmas Promotion ‘6 Fuh 6,’ whereby customers of the company will have the opportunity to win one of six HONDA brush cutters,
or one of 6 HONDA generators. Customers who shop $6000 are eligible to participate in the promotion, which begins on October 4. There will be two draws every two weeks, up until December 31, 2019.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
50 students receive bicycles under President’s PETS initiative PRESIDENT David Granger last week presented bicycles to 50 students as part of his Public Education Transport Service (PETS). The presentation was made at the Baridi Benab, State House Compound. The Head of State told the recipients, who were all secondary school students, that his government wants to ensure that every child attends school. The President referred to the three 'A's: Access, Attendance and Attainment emphasising the importance of not only having access to schools, but attending and being able to matriculate. PETS was launched in 2015 to provide boats, bicycles, buses, breakfast and books to schoolchildren across Guyana. More than 4,000 bicycles have been distributed across the country through PETS while there are 29 buses and 14 boats taking children to and from school across the country free of charge. The bicycles were donated by members of the business community.
President David Granger (Centre) with beneficiaries
Some beneficiaries stand next to their new bicycles
The bicycles which were presented to the school children through President David Granger’s PETS programme
Kwakwani youths get briefed on oil and gas sector DIRECTOR of the Department of Energy Dr. Mark Bynoe on Friday encouraged over 110 persons, particularly young people, assembled in the Kwakwani Workers’ Club for an Interactive Oil and Gas session to invest in education in order
to secure their futures. This is the third session that the Department has hosted in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). Residents from the neighbouring communities of Ituni and Aroaima also attended the session, where Dr. Bynoe reiterated
that young people need to utilise the Internet and devices such as their Smartphones to
nues from the oil sector will be invested in education so that the Guyanese workforce
DoE Dr. Mark Bynoe
Some of the attendees at the DoE session at the Kwakwani Workers' Club
At the Oil and Gas session in Kwakwani on Friday
research the necessary skills and certification that they need to secure employment and/or to become entrepreneurs. He also reminded them that President David Granger has given his word that reve-
can be equipped with the requisite skillset that would allow them to remain relevant and competitive in the fast-paced global marketplace. The Dr. Bynoe further encouraged the youth to remain
focused on their education, and to make the necessary sacrifices now that would allow them to have an enhanced quality of life later. He also advised the group to maintain their integrity, and to cultivate a good work ethic. Chairperson of the Kwakwani Democratic Council Ms. Elsie McPher-
son; Councillor Shellburn Kesney of the Kwakwani Development Council; Senior Officer at the Council for Technical and Vocational Education Training Mr. David Glasgow, as well as staff from the Department of Energy and the Ministry of the Presidency also attended the session.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
If you work with children, read this
WORKING with children is a big responsibility; almost the same as being a parent. Children spend the best part of their conscious day in your care, and, just like parents, you are meant to teach, guide and support them to the best of your ability. Children don’t care whether you are having a good day or a bad day, or whether your husband, partner or teenager is stressing you out at home. All they care about is the communication, the interaction, and the interest you portray to them while doing your job. Everyone who works with children has the responsibility of guiding their behaviour in a positive, supportive way. This may be easier with younger children when the care worker is dealing with small issues that can be easily addressed, such as sharing, pushing or hitting another child. Older children may need guidance, too, but it can be more difficult and time-consuming to support older children, especially when they are influenced by their
family members and home environment. Working with a particular child, who has problems or who needs extra help, may seem like an uphill battle, however, this is the time when you must be patient, stay calm, and not give up. Children rely on adults, whether they are cognisant of this fact or not; they need adults to give them an extra push in the right direction. They need adults to take the time to talk to them, and to guide them towards their true potential. It is an adult’s ‘duty of care’ to be able to do these things, along with all the other elements that make up their job description. While the caring for, and teaching of, children may be far from a ‘walk in the park’, it does have its own rewards. Children always remember those who made a positive input in their lives, and when it comes to nation building, once you have something positive to offer, you, too, can be an educator. Sometimes it may seem as if there are not enough hours in a day to take on all the little things that
need attention or need to be put right. In addition, contending with less than cooperative parents can be a deterrent from going the extra mile. But, bear in mind, children do not ask to be born into any given circumstance, and they simply comply with whatever they are given. If you are able to instill one positive attribute in a child’s life per day, you have done plenty; remembering, of course, that you do not always see the fruits of your labour immediately, or receive overnight results. Sometimes it takes a little time for the penny to drop, especially with behavioral change. When you work with children, from time to time, it is good to do some introspection. None of us are perfect and above board; there is always some room for improvement. When care workers or teachers say demeaning things to a child such as, ‘You does proper fret me’ or ‘You’s a disgusting child; what I gan do with you?’ it does not help. Some children are told enough derogatory things at home without care workers
jumping on the bandwagon and being insensitive during the day. Some people who work with children fail to recognise the special role they play in a child’s development and, therefore, their life. You may hear them say things like, ‘Me ain’t like he; that child is a cross’ or ‘Me spirit ain’t tek that child at all’. Care workers or teachers who feel this way are failing the child in their care. due to their personal hang-ups. Whatever a child does wrong can be corrected, and whatever attribute a child lacks can be nurtured. Children are a work in progress, and each one has potential. When possible, it is best to concentrate on turning negatives into positives. Instead of saying, ‘Don’t run in the corridor’, you could say, ‘Take your time and walk’, and instead of shouting at a child, talk to the child. There is a big difference between ‘talking at’ and ‘talking to’ a person: The latter shows tolerance and respect. Children watch everything their care worker or teacher may do, so set a good example;
they are aware of how you cope with frustration and anger. They see your interaction with others, and know whether you are pleasant and polite or whether you are rude and short-tempered. Always be aware that some children may not be growing up in the best circumstances, and every day they are being exposed to, or coping with undesirable events over which they have no control. Most adults have the intelligence, the experience, and the opportunity to assist children; even more so those who work with them. Working with children is a big responsibility. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION
Caribbean sugar problems for November COTED meeting The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) has ended a weeklong series of meetings in Belize on Friday last on issues ranging from trade, agriculture and fisheries among other matters. Speaking at the end of the deliberations late Friday, Belize’s Agriculture Minister, Godwin Hulse, who chaired the deliberations, told a news conference that among the main decisions taken at the meeting related to a call by the Caribbean Sugar Association (CSA) for the sustainable future of the sugar industry in the region. Hulse said that the sugar issue will be further discussed at the next COTED meeting in November with the hope that Belize and other CSA members will be able to get white plantation sugar sold on the CARICOM market. “We came away with three, I thought, very important issues. One was a declaration on sugar, which for Belize is terribly important, which puts it on the agenda for the full COTED sometime in November. It is
a matter that the Caribbean producers have been seriously interested in for years to get it on the agenda so some determinations can be made for the way forward for marketing sugar within the region and that is plantation white,” Hulse said. He said the recommendations from the sugar ministers meeting on Thursday, which was attended principally by the ministers from the producing countries, Belize, Guyana, Barbados, Suriname and Jamaica, will be forward to COTED “because it is a trading issue not a production issue. “It will be fed into that meeting in November, which hopefully decisions are taken to adopt the recommendations.” Hulse said the recommendations are basically three; one is to ensure that brown sugar, which is already protected by the Common External Tariff (CET) continues to be protected within the region. “There are some allegations of leakages and we didn’t get into that in detail but it is to ensure that brown sugar continues to be sold in the region because
there is really no reason to buy brown sugar from out-
Godwin Hulse
side the region outside of the price, must pay the duties. “The other aspect was a monitoring mechanism, some mechanism to be developed to monitor this process and ensure compliance. But the more important one is to ‘include refined white sugar on the commodities list for ineligible conditional duty exemption.” “It is a long statement, but it simply means it is not an automatic waiver you will need to apply if you wanted to get refined white sugar and that is the issue around
which this whole thing turns. The good thing is we got it on this meeting and the issue moves forward now to the COTED meeting in November at which time the ministers there will take a final decision,” Hulse added. He told reporters that another issue discussed during the COTED meeting here was the region’s recommendation on how to approach the African swine fever, a virus that spreads rapidly, is resistant to heat and chemical treatments and can kill large volumes of domestic pigs. The virus has spread in parts of Asia and Europe, killing more than 50 per cent of the pigs in China. Considering that the virus has a lifespan of more than 25 years, the meeting acknowledged that it poses a risk to small economies like the Caribbean and as a result, the recommendation is for the development of a national plan of action for prevention and early response to the African swine fever, as well as stakeholder engagement and awareness, and other measures to be taken. “Coming out of the meeting also was a declaration on
African swine fever, which is a disease we understand can devastate the pig industry, the pork industry, if it gets in the region. As we understand, it is not yet in the region and definitely not in our sub-region but we have to be very vigilant because it could affect the industry here in Belize,” Hulse said. “So, there will be specific precautions taken, bio-security measures here in Belize to prevent it from getting into Belize, should it reach the region,” he said, noting “our borders are porous so it is at times difficult but clearly at the official points of entry we can begin to manage this process there”. Hulse said that there are “some significant studies already in the CARICOM mechanism which we will look at adaption to prevent that from Belize. “We are very strict in terms of med fly and other quarantine points and we manage them rigidly, so we intend to do that. But it is important that the public hears so that if we have to spray them down at the airport or anywhere they know we have that do that it, they
will understand we have to do that to protect our industries and there will be no exception.” The COTED meeting also discussed and put forward recommendations for the region to monitor the soil fungi that devastates crops like bananas, plantains and related species. The fungi called the Fusarium T.R.Four can wipe out fields and can remain active in soils for more than 20 years. “In the case of the race four, which is a banana disease, the implementation has already begun at the farm level where farmers are instituting their own bio-security measures. To make it simple for the listening public, it is spraying down your truck, spraying your shoes, dipping it in whatever solution etc, because it is a soil borne disease making sure you don’ t take it on to the farm. If we can maintain that we can be fairly ok,” Hulse told reporters.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
President plugs ‘education nation’ at Linden rally By Svetlana Marshall
INTRODUCED as the undisputed President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier David Granger, amid loud cheers during PNCR’s 62nd Anniversary Celebrations, challenged the thousands of Guyanese who swarmed Co-op Crescent Public Road in Linden to educate and mould the minds of the nation’s children to become leaders and custodians of the country, its environment and rich resources. “My brothers and sisters, we need to ensure that the next generation is educated, so that they could take control of this beautiful country,” he charged the large crowd of People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) supporters as they waved their party flag in affirmation. The current leaders, he made clear, are only the trustees of Guyana, and it is the upcoming generation that
will have to take up the mantle as the country continues to realise its potential. “We have to prepare the next generation to take over from us. We can only ensure that what we pass onto them is more than what we inherited from our parents and fore parents,” the President who is also Leader of the PNCR emphasised. Cognizant of the important task ahead for the upcoming generations, President Granger said his Government – the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) – has invested heavily in the country’s Education Sector. Since taking office in May, 2015, the Government has injected $170B into the Education Sector with major focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and already hundreds of educational institutions including schools and vocational centers have been digitalized while 9,000
teachers have been recipients of laptops under the One Laptop per Teacher initiative. A significant portion of the financial resources is being used to bridge the educational gap between the Hinterland and the coast. In 2019 alone, Government allocated $52B to the Education Sector, a significant increase when compared to the $31B in 2018. Greater plans are in store for the Education Sector, he said. “We will ensure that the education budget continues to grow,” President Granger pledged while underscoring the importance of having every single Guyanese child attend school from nursery to secondary. His Government, he made clear, will settle for nothing less. To ensure access to schools, the Government, he pointed out, launched the Public Education Transportation Service (PETS) – a project originated out of President Granger’s B’s ini-
A section of the thousands of PNCR supporters present at its 62nd Anniversary Celebrations.
tiatives. Under PETS, over 4,000 bicycles have been distributed to children right across Guyana. Added to that, a number of boats and buses have been distributed to areas where access to schools has been proven to be difficult, and had resulted in many of the children either walking or paddling miles to reach their classrooms. “These boats, these buses, and these bicycles, are meant to get children to school, so that they can become ‘A’ students, they can attend school, and they can achieve a high level of attainment in those schools. We will build more schools, so they can get access to schools but every child must be in school,” the PNCR Leader said. Looking ahead, he said when Oil and Gas production commences in Guyana, and the revenues begin to stream in, his Government, which is confident of a second term in Office come March 2020, will restore the Constitutional provision of free education from nursery to university, giving every Guyanese a chance to acquire higher education. This massive transformation in the Education Sector, he explained, will take place during the ‘Decade of Development’ which will be launched in 2020. “In this decade, we will give top priority to education. We want a school in every village…even if it is just a nursery school. They must be in a family and familiar setting right there in the village,” he said. The Decade of Development will focus on education, including hinterland educa-
Leader of the PNCR and President of Guyana, David Granger addressing the thousands of PNCR supporters on Co-op Crescent. tion through improvements ister of Legal Affairs, Basil in schools’ infrastructure, Williams; Minister of Eduincluding accommodation cation, Dr. Nicolette Henry; and transportation; invest- Minister within the Minments in better teaching and istry of Communities, Aneducational tools – books, nette Ferguson; Minister of educational kits information Social Cohesion, Dr. George communications technolo- Nortson; Minister within gies, laboratories, learning the Ministry of Agriculture, resource centres, scholar- Valerie Adams-Yearwood; ships and smart classrooms; Director General of the and increases in the number Ministry of the Presidency, of schools so that children Joseph Harmon; Member would not have to travel long of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira; Regional Chairdistances to attend school. Chairperson of the man Rennis Morian; RePNCR and Minister of Pub- gional Executive Officer, lic Health, Volda Lawrence; Orin Gordon; and Mayor Vice President and Minis- of Linden, Waneka Arrinter of Indigenous People’s dell were among the offiAffairs, Sydney Allicock; cials present at the grand Attorney General and Min- anniversary celebrations.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Gov’t recommits to comprehensive housing solutions …as Guyana observes World Habitat Day MINISTER with responsibility for housing, Annette Ferguson, has joined in the observance of World Habitat Day and said she supports UN-Habitat’s mission towards transformative change in cities and human settlements – to leave no one and no place behind. World Habitat Day observance is critical because it places the spotlight on an issue that is of great significance to families, Ferguson said in a statement. She said the observance recognises the importance of shelter. “It calls on all of us to reflect on the state of human settlements and people's right to adequate shelter and is aimed at reminding people that “they are responsible for the habitat of future generations; that we all have the power and the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns.” According to Ferguson, each year World Habitat Day features a theme that seeks to bring attention to UN-Habitat’s mandate to “promote sustainable development policies that ensure adequate shelter for all.” The theme for this year is: “Frontier Technologies as an innovative tool to transform Waste to Wealth,” and seeks to “promote the contribution
of innovative frontier technologies to sustainable waste management to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 11: inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities. Going beyond solid waste this includes all waste produced by human activity (solid, liquid, domestic, industrial and commercial), which continues to have a devastating impact on climate change, public health and the environment.” World Habitat Day also embodies the clarion call for all levels of government and all relevant stakeholders to: “reflect on how to implement concrete initiatives to ensure adequate and affordable housing . . . “As we contemplate today’s observance, I wish to focus my attention on a key element of this year’s theme, that is, ‘to transform waste to wealth.’ And I am truly delighted to note that here in Guyana, and more particularly, the housing sector, those efforts are well under way.” Minister Ferguson said in 2018 the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice, unveiled a housing initiative that transforms bauxite overburden, which is normally considered a waste product, into valuable blocks for the construction of houses for
low-income families within the community. The blocks to be used in the construction of these homes are made by Linden Bricks, a company in Amelia’s Ward, and utilises laterite as its base material. This laterite is the top of the earth’s surface that was stripped away during the mining phase, but is of no value to the actual bauxite production process. In the words of my colleague Minister, “this project demonstrated, among other things, “innovation” which transforms useless bauxite overburden into valuable building blocks to provide homes for families at a reduced cost.” Similar sentiments were echoed by the Chairman of LEN, who also highlighted the project’s ingenuity, and noted that “what is considered waste product is now being used to construct homes.” The first model home was erected at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, at a cost of approximately $3.5 million. Additionally, the initiative promises to bring together stakeholders from various sections of society to collaborate and provide adequate and affordable housing for some of our more vulnerable families. In this regard, LEN will seek to collaborate with other
entities, and leading banking institutions to provide financing to potential homeowners. When the United Nations General Assembly instituted World Habitat Day more than 30 years ago, it was driven by the view that “everyone deserves a decent place to live.” I use this opportunity to ask us to reflect on President Granger’s vision for housing in Guyana and to see that he shares the same view, and is committed to making it a reality. Ferguson said President David Granger has clearly articulated this commitment when he declared, back in May of this year: “Every citizen should enjoy the right to housing” and that he would like to [demit office] … “when there is not a single homeless Guyanese. Every Guyanese must have a roof over his or her head.” His government aims “to create in Guyana, a community of free citizens who own land, who own houses. We are trying to abolish homelessness; we are trying to abolish destitution.” Ferguson said President Granger embraces the notion that decent housing has an important role in “removing barriers to opportunity, success and health that might have been part of a family’s
Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for housing
life.” Hence his declaration that: “Land must not be the subject of speculation by a few rich people; it must be the subject of settlement by many poor people.” She noted that the President has committed to ensuring that resources are made available for “holistic community development [going] beyond the provision of house lots and housing units. It will cater to the needs of residents including education, electricity, fire-protection services, health, worship, human safety, recreation, roads, sanitation, street lights and water.” “On this World Habitat Day, I, along with the staff of the Department of Housing, join with concerned citizens – here and abroad – to raise awareness, to educate, and call for the mobilising of individuals and communities to take action on the present housing crisis. As the President has said, “shanties, slums and squatter settlements” are “three types of undesirable housing” which “must be ended.” His vision
is that: “Squatters who reside on reserves need to be relocated and resettled and affected persons must be provided with the option of acquiring government housing. Our children must grow up in communities. Every child, every family should have a roof over his head.” “This World Habitat Day, all of us – government, businesses, and other members of civil society – must unite and rededicate ourselves to recognise the basic right to adequate shelter. We must all lift our voices, and our hands where possible, to help people in need of decent and affordable housing. I urge us all on this day to use our imagination to devise ways and means of turning waste into wealth, so that every family would be provided with decent, affordable and adequate shelter,” Ferguson said.
Fire Prevention Week 2019 kicks off with church service OVER the next few days the Guyana Fire Service will be carrying out a number of activities in celebration of the 45th Fire Prevention Week, which commenced last Sunday with an Observance Church Service” at the Theatre Guild, Kingston. An international observance, Fire Prevention Week 2019 is being celebrated from October 6 – 12. In Guyana it is being celebrated under the theme, “Save lives, protect property, strive towards a greener environment,” and activities will culminate on Friday, October 11, with a “Fire Safety Fair and Exhibition” at D’Urban Park. It will conclude on Saturday, October, with the commissioning of a fire boat.
Present at Sunday’s service was Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, who noted that while the GFS continues to see its challenges in fire prevention and safety, small strides are still being made. Gentle noted that the fire service has seen an increase in outdoor fires, which brings with them a number of environmental risks. Notwithstanding continuous inspections and fire-safety recommendations, in Guyana the GFS continues to find it challenging for businesses to get in line to be compliant with general fire safety. As such, Fire Prevention Officer Sheldon Sauns, explained that there will be many activities aimed at fireprevention awareness and sensitisation, with a particular
Fire Chief Marlon Gentle
focus on businesses. “You have some businesses who are not fully au fait with respect to the rules and regulations to general fire safety, more so the Fire Prevention Act 22:01. So it’s more like sensitising these persons on the dos and don’ts and to keep them abreast
Fire Prevention Officer Sheldon Sauns
with the standards and rules and regulations that govern [fire safety]; in particular, persons who store flammable liquids or petroleum products, especially those who are unlicensed,” Sauns noted. He adds: “We have person or persons who aren’t compli-
ant with the law that governs fire prevention and safety, and this basically comes from the business community. From time to time we do go out to conduct inspections, and send recommendations, but these persons still do not comply with what is recommended. It’s because of one of two things: it’s either they’re adamant in not doing so, or they are just negligent in their approach towards general fire safety.” In addition to businesses, Sauns said as much as is possible will be done to try and get the message out to the general public. “We’re doing inspections to government buildings and private businesses. We’re also visiting and doing lectures at schools, we’re doing commu-
nity outreach programmes, focusing on hinterland regions, places like Mahdia, Lethem, Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, and so on,” Sauns said. “We also have a walk in aid of Fire Prevention Week. We’re also going to be doing some radio and television programmes; this will also deal with sensitising the general public as to the dos and don’ts with respect to general fire safety. Also slated to have a cleanup campaign around the general Stabroek Market area, coordinated by ourselves and some private stakeholders.” Sunday’s church service saw performances by the GFS Choir, local singer Cherlyn Maloney and a sermon was delivered by Pastor Wilbert Lee.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
274 Indigenous entrepreneurs receive cash grants OVER the last three years, $650M has been invested in 1,378 youths from Region 1, Barima-Waini through the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme. This had led to the establishment of 710 operational businesses ranging from grocery shops, snackettes, poultry rearing and fuel depot among others. This was revealed by Ministerial Adviser and
Member of Parliament, Mervyn Williams who was speaking at a stimulus grant distribution exercise in Moruca on Saturday. During the event, 274 young entrepreneurs received close to $14M in grants to boost their businesses. Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Minister within the Ministry, Valerie Garrido-Lowe were also at the event.
In the Moruca sub-region, $203M was invested in 419 youths under HEYS; and to date, 274 businesses are operational. At event, some of the young people spoke about the impact of the programme on their lives. MP Williams encouraged them to develop a positive attitude in whatever they aim to achieve in life. “Once you develop a positive attitude, like the young lady who is living with a disability and is now an entrepreneur,
you will rise, like the sister with three children, you will rise, like the sister who is no longer a dependent housewife, you will rise.” He reminded that the HEYS programme is the initiative of His Excellency, President David Granger as part of the Ten-point Plan for Hinterland Development; that was presented to the National Toshaos Council in 2015. The objective of which is to provide educational,
Ministerial Adviser and Member of Parliament, Hon. Mervyn Williams handing over a certificate to one of the beneficiaries
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock handing over the grant to HEYS beneficiary, Michael Atkinson
HEYS participants.
entrepreneurial, vocational & technical training opportunities that will lead to empowerment, job creation, employment whilst improving livelihoods and ultimately poverty reduction. During his remarks, Minister Allicock reminded that the ultimate intention is to remove the disparity between the Hinterland and coastland and noted that education is the key to achieving this. For this reason, the Coalition government created HEYS targeting some 4,000 hinterland youths to be trained and certified. The minister further reminded that when the Coalition came into office in 2015, it resuscitated a programme that had been cancelled by the previous administration - a Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship programme - which recruited Indigenous persons as Community Support Officers (CSO). However, there was no form of training offered. This was immediately replaced with the HEYS programme that ensured persons are trained and certified and make a meaningful contribution to their community and country as a whole. “This is the approach of our government. We want to give you the opportunity
to become businessmen and women and earn and live a good life…you don’t have to depend on anyone, you are your own boss and that is the aim of HEYS. We have seen many young people who are trying and need a little push and that is why we are giving further support to those young people.” He encouraged the young entrepreneurs to diversify; to look at the needs of their communities and pursue other business ideas. Minister Garrido-Lowe said that the programme saw approximately $10M being invested in all of the villages targeted. This translates to $410,000 being expended on each beneficiary, and an additional sum into the facilitators which was recruited from the respective villages. “The APNU+AFC Government has invested in our youths because we believe in our Indigenous Peoples. We believe that if we give them a chance to develop, they will take that opportunity and run with it and rise and shine.” Over the last three years, the APNU+AFC Government invested more than $2Billion in the programme; $1Billion in 2016, $991Million in 2017 and $982Million in 2018. (DPI)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
GBTI Hurricane Fund musters close to $2M for Bahamas Relief THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited has generated almost Two Million Dollars through the GBTI Hurricane Relief Fund – Bahamas which was initiated shortly after Hurricane Dorian ravaged sections of the Bahamas early in September. The Bank immediately committed a substantial three million dollars and encouraged its customers, staff and members of the public to join the relief efforts by donating to the Fund. The FUND was closed on October 1 and the funds
raised were, last week, handed over to the Civil Defence Commission which is coordinating the national support efforts here. Meanwhile, GBTI donated its three million dollars directly to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of the Bahamas to also aid their relief efforts. GBTI expressed its gratitude to all those who contributed to the Fund and also expressed hope and best wishes to the Government and People of The Bahamas for a speedy return to normalcy.
PPP welcomes opening of toshaos conference THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has welcomed all toshaos, councillors and other representatives of Amerindian villages and communities who have travelled from the coastal, riverine and hinterland regions as they gather for the annual conference of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) in October, 2019. In a release the party said it continues to recognise and uphold the National Toshaos Council as the legitimate collective voice of the Amerindian peoples of Guyana. “We continue to believe that this annual conference is an
important national consultative body representing all Amerindian peoples, their leaders and communities. This became an important and highly anticipated event by both the NTC and successive PPP/C governments to address concerns, remedy weaknesses, make proposals and take decisions on the spot. This practice reflected successive PPP/C Governments’ and the NTC’s determined efforts to engage with each other on issues of Amerindian rights and community development, as well as matters of national importance.”
In Photo, GBTI Executive Director Mr. Richard Isava presents the funds raised from the GBTI Hurricane Relief Fund-Bahamas to Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Col. Kester Craig at the CDC's office
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Ariel launches bigger Christmas giveaway promotion
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019 The Vehicles up for Grabs in the Ariel’s Fourth Annual Christmas Promotion.
… three vehicles up for grabs
ARIEL Laundry Detergent on Saturday launched its annual Christmas giveaway promotion. The annual promotion sees the company giving its customers the chance to win various items, including cash, hampers, knife sets, pot sets, and the grand prize of a car. This year’s promotion has been made bigger as the company has decided to give away not just one, but three cars as part of its Christmas giveaway. Business Unit Head of Procter and Gamble, the sole distributor of Ariel laundry detergent in Guyana, Padma Kunjbeharry, spoke about the promotion advising customers on how they could be eligible for the promotion, saying: “So you just have to buy your Ariel detergent, 95 grammes and over, but the 95-gramme packet is exempt, because
you can see today we gave away loads of 95 grammes, so it won’t be fair for you to give me back what I gave you free, but you can go in the supermarket and buy from as low as $190 dollars you can get a pack of Ariel soap powder, and as you can see behind us there are three vehicles being given away this year. “We have started this promotion four years now; we’ve already given away Toyota Rush, Juke, a brand new Suzuki, and this this year we’re giving away three. We’re not just giving one or two persons the opportunity to walk away with a car, but three persons this year,” said Kunjbeharry. Kunjbeharry further went on to state that along with the grand prizes, customers would also have the chance to win consolation prizes of cash and hampers. This, she said, would be done in fortnightly draws, which will start
from October 26, giving everybody a chance of winning something from this year’s Ariel Christmas Promotion.” Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Corporate Communications Officer Treiston Joseph stated that the company decided this year to extend the promotion to give away three cars as a way of enabling many more of its loyal customers to be winners of such grand prizes. “So the promotion starts today, its three 2016 Toyota Vitz, just in case you’re wondering what cars are being given away. The promotion starts today at all
supermarkets around Guyana, Bounty, DSL, Jaigobin’s and Mattai’s. You could go out anywhere and probably find the boxes; just get your labels, get your packages, and put it inside, and of course the draws will be in December for the three cars,” said Joseph. Joseph further encourages all customers to get themselves involved in the promotion and give themselves the opportunity, so that they could be one of the persons walking away with a brand new 2016 Toyota Vitz, or one of the many other prizes up for grabs.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
National Dance Company celebrates 40th Anniversary
Members of the National Dance Company performing at the company’s celebration of 40 years of dance in Guyana. (Samuel Maughn photo)
THE National Dance Company celebrated 40 years of dance in Guyana on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre with the hosting a thanksgiving service.
Several persons attended for a reflection on this milestone which was made beautiful with numerous performances of dance by the youths who are a part of the
company The National Dance Company was founded on October 1, 1979 under the Direction of Cuban Professor Geraldo Lastra.
Its members have performed in Cuba, St. Lucia, Dominica, Barbados, Trinidad, Canada and more having been trained over the years by Cuban, American and
Guyanese Instructors/Choreographers in classical, modern, contemporary, Indian, African and Caribbean dance. Linda Griffith and Vivienne Daniel, present Direc-
tor of the Company were members of this first group. The dancers continue to perform exceptionally at various local and international events.
New NDC working to ensure development efforts reach the people
JUST over ten months after being established, the Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in the North Rupununi has achieved much in terms of reaching out to villagers. On November 12, 2018, the new NDC village participated in the Local Government Elections (LGE) where APNU candidates emerged winners at the three constituencies. Virgil Harding, Chairman of the Aranaputa/ Upper Burro Burro NDC, said though just under a year in existence, the council has worked to ensure that the village “experienced tremendous progress” in different
areas. Firstly, the NDC sought to harness the youth population through sport. In this regard, young people have been encouraged to utilise a playground which has been newly fenced. This ground is the venue for regular community games such as football and cricket. It is expected that floodlights will be installed to facilitate night games. In addition to this, the Chairman said, “with the $5M subvention we received from the government, we have implemented a farm to market road, we are creating a children’s play park with a monument to salute our status and we are also building a
bus stop which is very important to our villagers and also preparing a place for our NDC’s administration.” The new NDC Chairman emphasised that the responsibility of the council is to take charge of the well-being and livelihood of the residents. Therefore, systems have been implemented for school children and the elderly to benefit from free transportation provided by the NDC. “For our school children, their parents were finding it difficult to find finances at the end of the week to pay for the children to go to school. We can now subscribe to our children’s education by taking them to school free of cost …”
Chairman of the Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Virgil Harding
Harding added: “We also provide the elderly with free transportation when it is time for them to uplift their oldage pension at the beginning of the month or if they are going for a medical check-up, if they have to go shopping we put them in groups and we take them there free of cost.” The NDC controlled village is known primarily for its main agriculture activity which is peanut farming. This is supported through interventions such as free ploughing and preparation of farmlands especially for senior citizens who are involved in farming. Chairman Harding noted, after the village was presented with
two John Deere tractors, “we were able to plough and prepare the areas for farming at a very cheap cost, almost one-third of the usual price.” Before, large sums of money would have been expended to hire machinery to do the necessary work for farming. After the Local Government Elections in 2018, Harding committed to fulfilling “big plans” of developing the village. The Aranaputa/Upper Burro Burro Village in North Rupununi, Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is the newest NDC created under the Coalition. (DPI)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Homecare service launched
“NO Guyanese family with a sick relative should feel that sense of hopelessness, desperation and anxiety that comes with having a sick relative dependent on them.” This is the view proffered by Cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen, at the launch on Friday evening of a much-needed post-hospital patient-care service. Caring Hands Healthcare Inc., located at the Strategic Recruitment Solutions building, is the brainchild of Dr Carpen and Dr Rhonda Joseph, a dental surgeon and registered nurse, both of whom disclosed that it is the realisation of a life-long vision . The home-care service, which will relieve family members of the burden of aftercare of a relative after they have been discharged from hospital, has an all-Guyanese staff comprising staff doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, patient care assistants, physiotherapists and other health professionals, For Dr Carpen whose wife is also a doctor, he related that in 2015 he was faced with a daunting challenge while seeking to access a proper home-care service for his mother, who had suffered a stroke and was discharged from hospital. Noting that the situation served as an eye-opener, the doctor said “I can imagine, and I know how difficult it is for people who have absolutely no idea how to deal with sick relatives.’’ With homecare lacking in Guyana, Dr Carpen said he perceived putting together a service that can now help transition patients from hospital back to a functional state. The aim of Caring Hands Healthcare Inc. is to create a service and protocol that cater to patients being able to move freely, seamlessly and with as little stress as possible from hospital to home, while noting that the service will allow patients to stay out of hospital for a longer period. He said that research has proven that patients who receive more care outside of the hospital setting are less likely to be patients in the hospital. On this note, he spoke of how invaluable it is to have professionals help patients at home -- especially those who suffered heart failure
-- with what to eat, how to eat, how to exercise, how to take your medication, when to take them, when to check your weight, how much fluid
medical doctor, the mission of the health organisation is to become the premier staffing and homecare company in Guyana, with the empha-
Dr Ayeaha Wilburg, Medical Director, Mercy Hospital
and according to that institution’s Medical Director, Dr Ayesha Wilburg, the institution is committed to working together with Caring Hands to provide an exceptional continuity of care and help
leads to concern about the potential for fragmentation of care. Caring Hands will play an essential role in the coordination of care for the patient after discharge from our hospital. Together we
Dr Rhonda Joseph, dental surgeon, registered nurse and Dr Mahendra Carpen, Cardioligist, whose dream it was to establish Caring Hands, at the launch on Friday evening
Dr Rhonda Joseph is flanked by some of Caring Hands nursing staff.
you should take; all of these things are part and parcel of how we manage patients at home so that they come less to hospitals. These are the kinds of services that we are striving to provide for our Guyanese population, he said, adding, that the service is also providing employment opportunities for Guyanese and can serve as a reason for qualified health staff to stay at home. Dr Carpen publicly thanked Dr Jospeh for being a stellar partner in the initiative through which they will strive to make healthcare in the country better. For Dr Joseph, who initially wanted to become a
sis being on providing the right care at the right time and in the most ethical and professional manner. Noting how proud she is about the team, Dr Joseph expressed appreciation for some crucial support from which they have benefitted. She shared with the audience that in 2014 she had a dream of starting such a service, which was then registered as a small business but it never got off the ground, even after she had developed . Caring hands Health Care Inc has partnered with the privately operated St Joseph Mercy Hospital to make available continuity of care to all of its patients
change the way post-hospitalisation health care is delivered in Guyana. According to Dr Wilburg, who hails from Mabaruma in Region One (Barima-Waini), “Continuity of care is a process that must involve the patient and all members of the health care team. Together with the Caring Hands team, St Joseph Mercy Hospital will work to manage all care delivered and will always strive for quality in delivery of that care.” She noted that in the delivery of health care, patients are seen by a number of providers for various types of encounters in many departments in our hospital, which
will embrace our role as a patient advocate and work closely with all members of the health-care team to ensure that each patient’s needs are met in a timely manner, she assured. Both of our organisations, she added, provide a multi-disciplined approach with every member providing a key role to ensure that exceptional health care is delivered. Our doctors and our nurses go beyond to ensure that we not only diagnose and treat patients, but also ensure continuity of care. Of the nurses, she said they are the eyes and ears of the health care programme, as they typically provide 24-hour care service daily,
seven day a week. For all patients, the initial intake encounter is the first opportunity for the nursing staff to identify both immediate and long-term patient needs. It is the nurse’s responsibility to communicate those needs to the appropriate doctor of the health care team and ensure that any care ordered is completed in a timely manner. “With the nursing care services Caring Hand provides for our hospital, we will continue to provide the highest standard of care to our clients and deliver an exceptional continuity of care that will change the way health care is provided in Guyana. After discharge from our hospital, every patient and their relatives will now have access to the knowledge and skills needed to ensure full recovery after hospitalisation. This not only applies to medical patients, but also to post-surgical patients who will not only rely on clinic follow-up, but also exceptional care between doctors’ visits in the comfort of their own homes,” Dr Wilburg added. The primary benefit of home care is that your loved one is able to stay in the place that is most comfortable and familiar to them. They can sleep in their own bed, use their own bathroom, and continue their daily routines. Home care enables your family to be a larger part of your loved one’s care plan. With a good homecare agency, you will have a direct line of communication with your loved one’s caregiver and a care manager will provide you with frequent updates regarding care. Relatives need to understand that home care teaches them how to help take care of their relatives, and too, empowers the patient on how to care for themselves, she added. Dr Zoe Perreira who chaired the simple ceremony noted that with healthcare being a big issue in Guyana, the service Caring Hands will provide, will help the St Joseph Mercy Hospital to upgrade its standards. Some of the nursing staff who will be assisting in providing the service on behalf of Caring Hands, were introduced to the audience.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Atasha Pantlitz takes the title
19
--at inaugural Miss Skeldon Heritage Resort pageant
AFTER some three hours of intense competition and sizzling entertainment, 19-year-old Atasha Pantlitz walked away with the inaugural crown of the Miss Skeldon Heritage Resort Pageant on Saturday night. The pageant, which was held at the Skeldon Heritage Resort, saw a large turnout of persons who came to witness eight ladies vying for the title. The pageant originally had nine ladies, but saw 22-year-old Chovesha Tahal years dropping out. The event got off to a late start due to technical reasons, but patrons were entertained and treated to a high standard of modelling by the young ladies, who ranged in age between 14 and 23. The eight contestants showcased their stuff as they all competed fiercely in an effort to have the distinction of winning the crown for the first time. Director-General of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Donald Sinclair said that he first learnt of the pageant via the media, and immediately contacted the organisers. Sinclair praised the organisers for what he said has been a creative, innovative and timely pageant. Noting how pleased his organisation to be associated with the pageant, he gave his word that come next year, the GTA will be a major sponsor; that they will be working with the resort on expanding and further growing the pageant. “After reading about this pageant, I said that I must be there, and I brought some additional persons to view the pageant, so that come next year, we can be better able to assist the organisers,” Sinclair said, adding: “I believe that such a pageant can really grow, and we at the Authority would allow the winner to be the face and voice for us in this part of the country. Certainly this pageant can grow, whereby it produces tourism ambassadors for Region Six; young ladies who are not only physically beautiful, but young ladies who can represent their region, their village, and say good things about where they grow up.” The event was hosted by the ever-popular Linden Murray, who is also its coordinator and Founder of Heart of Heart. The eight young ladies competed in Intelligence, Talent, Resort Wear and Evening wear.
INTRODUCTORY old Renee France, who hails very competitive and effec- went into a frenzy with her I n t h e i n t r o d u c t o r y from the Amerindian com- tive throughout the various response, and as MC Murray segment, Delegate One, munity of Siparuta but cur- categories, and the crowd ex- announced the results, it was 19-year-old Natoya Rawlins rently lives in Skeldon tem- pressed disappointment in her clear the judges’ job of idenspoke about her platform, porarily so she could attend answer as it was evident that tifying a winner was going which centred on teenage school, said she hopes to to be exceptionally difficult. she had ruined her chances of pregnancy. The ravAs such, it was no ishing beauty told the surprise when the screaming audience points that septhat if she were to arated the queen win the title, her foand her first cus would be to partrunner up was a ner with a number of mere one point. agencies and organMany patrons isers to implement a expressed satisnumber of projects faction with the and programmes to results and urged address the issue. the organisers to Rawlins stressed that ensure that such more needs to be done high standard for young girls who, of pageantry refor varying reasons mains, while inclusive of financial thanking them for and otherwise, are the way in how forced to drop out of L-R Second runner up, Renee France in yellow, the queen Atasha Pantlitz, the pageant was 1st runner up, Natoya Rawlins in red and third runner up Felicia Reece in school. judged. white surrounded by other delegates in the pageant Ishieka Nowrang, an 18-year-old, was THE PERKS Delegate Two, and her plat- one day return to serve her winning the crown. However, The queen took home form was mental health, community as a nurse. She when Pantlizt answered the $200,000.00, a weekend for while Delegate Three was also declared that should question, the crowd went two at the Watooka Guest 19-year-old Latisha Boyce, she be crowned the winner into an uproar, as they were House, a gift basket, one whose platform was unity. that night, she would devote excited with her sharp and year free entry to activities Her goal, Boyce said, was to her reign to raising greater classy answers. However, and events taking place at bring about increased unity awareness on Indigenous equally Rawlins supporters the resort, along with a oneamong people in multiracial Peoples, since she feels that communities, as there’s need enough is not being done to for greater togetherness. show appreciation for their Fourteen-year-old Lalita heritage and contributions Laljit of Skeldon Line Path to the development of the Secondary was one of two country. sisters that competed in the pageant, and the youngest of THE OTHER SISTER all the girls. The other sister in the Her platform was peer pageant, 15-year-old India pressure, something with Laljit a student at Skeldon which she is familiar as a Line Path Secondary said student, and her advice to the that she intends to use her audience was that they guard time to aid in addressing a against losing themselves number of concerns. The in their attempt to fit into very confident older Laljit, society. who, like her sister, was From the time Delegate competing in her first pagFive Atasha Pantlitz intro- eant, said she was doing it so duced herself, she immedi- she could gain some valuable ately had the crowd going. experience and exposure. The aspiring entrepre- And since her platform was neur said that she would like cultural diversity, she plans to assist the youths within spending time encouraging her community to better be- persons to appreciate it more. lieve in themselves. She was The ladies all gave a also brazen enough to say good account of themselves she was confident of taking in the respective categories, the crown that night. And, with a number of supporters take it she did! making it known who their D e l e g a t e S i x w a s favourite was. However, 16-year-old Felicia Reece, a only Delegates Rawlins, Fifth Form student of Skel- Pantlitz, Reece and France don Line Path Secondary. made it into the final round. Reece, whose platform had In answering the final to do with suicide, told those question, which was: What in attendance that she will be three things would they do writing seven subjects at next to market the resort, while year’s CSEC exams, and France did her best, the because Region Six has con- crowd was evidently was not sistently recorded the highest pleased with her response. suicide rate in Guyana, she And while Reece did attempt would like to use her reign, if a response, she seemingly she is crowned as the winner, lost track of the question and to address this major issue. struggled to answer. Delegate Seven, 15-yearHowever, she had been
year marketing contract with the resort, where she will be their spokesperson and facial image, the first runner up took home $100,000.00, second runner up taking $75,000.00 and the third runner up ending off the cash prizes with $50,000.00. The runner ups also each received a gift basket, one year free entry to activities and events taking place at the resort a weekend stay for two at the Berbice Inn Hotel, among other prizes. The best talent award was won by 1st runner up Natoya Rawlins, while the queen won the best evening gown award. Additionally, all the contestants taking part received a gift basket compliments of Ansa Mc Al Limited. The competition was sponsored in part by NICIL and Ansa Mc Al.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
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National Schools Novices, Elite Teams and Singles TT Championships billed for month-end THE Guyana Table Tennis Association will stage the 2019 edition of the National Schools Novices, Elite Teams and Singles TT Championships from October 25-27 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. The event is a collaborative effort between the governing body of the sport, the National Sports Commission and the Ministry of Education. According to information from the association, students from 35 schools participated in the last edition of the event. This year, the association is hoping to attract a similar or larger amount of schools as it looks to grow the sport. In total, there will be several categories over the
three-day championships. The provisional schedule indicates that action serves off on October 25 (Friday afternoon) with the Open Girls and Open Boys Novices Singles Championships (18-and-under championship). Concurrently, the Open Girls Singles (18-and-under championships) would also start on the opening afternoon from 17:00hrs. From Saturday (October 26), the Open Elite Team Championship will serve off, while the Open Boys Singles Championship and the Boys Novices Singles Championship will be played from Sunday. All categories will conclude on the final day. According to information from the association,
Flashback: Crystal (left) and Nicky Melville played unbeaten to lift Mae’s School to the Girls’ Novice team title, in the last edition of the tournament. prizes will also go to the Most Disciplined team (for ensuring good sportsmanship, ethics and camaraderie); the Best Dressed team
(for ensuring that schools play in uniform) and the Most Improved team. The GTTA will coordinate tournament fixtures
and will provide umpires, tables, balls among other resources to ensure the smooth running of the tournament.
Police defeat Everest in NBS Cricket to stay unbeaten A patient half century by Andrew Lyght Jr. propelled the Police Sports Club to a 14-run victory against home team, the Everest Cricket Club, one of their strongest opponents in Group B, in the New
Building Society (NBS) 40-Over Second Division Cricket tournament on Saturday. Both teams had stamped their authority on the competition, the week prior, with emphatic victories
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday October 07, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel-225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
(1) 2013 (2) 2015-1 (Chris Gayle-105)
Today’s Quiz: (1) Who has taken most wickets for the Patriots in all CPL cricket to date? (2) How many times Dwayne Bravo has captained TKR/ Red Steel in CPL matches to date?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
which had seen four centuries (two from each side) scored. Replicating that feat against better bowling was near impossible in their second clash; Lyght, however, managed to hold down his end and work his way up to a match-winning 91 (2x4s, 3x6s) after Police had batted first in a 35-over affair. The right-handed opener had five different partners. But only fellow century maker in Police’s opening clash, Kemol Savory (26 2x4s) and Pernell London were able to lend valuable support. London was key towards the end as his positive strokeplay propelled him to a quick 23 (2x4s) not out. Although Lyght played a few shots in the latter stages of his innings, it was not enough to carry him to three
figures. His wicket fell off the last ball of the innings, caught at midwicket after he had skied a ball attempting a big hit, which left Police on 189-5 from their allotted overs. Everest needed to score under 5.5 runs per over to win the clash. However, except for a fighting 55 (5x4s, 2x6s) from the in-form Amir Khan, 38 from opener Saheed Mohamed (3x4s, 1x6) and 27 (2x4s, 1x6) from middle-order batsman, Ronaldo Renee, none of the other batsmen were able to weather the storm, which resulted in them succumbing for 175 in 33.1 overs. Leg-spinner Vishal Jaigobin, who had Mohamed caught and bowled, finished with 3-47 from seven overs, while D. LaRose and Savory finished with two wickets each.
Andrew Lyght has been in top form in the GCA-NBS Second Division competition.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Mohammed Shami shows off a stump his delivery broke © Associated Press
Shami; Jadeja destroy South Africa (ESPNCRICINFO) - INDIA shot through South Africa on the final day, taking seven wickets in the first session before going on to win by 203 runs, their third consecutive Test win by a margin of greater than 200 runs.
Mohammed Shami was central to the collapse, accounting for Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis and Quinton de Kock - Nos. 4, 5 and 6 - to open up the lower order, who were softened by Ravindra Jadeja before Shami returned to take the last two wickets.
A 91-run stand between Senuran Muthusamy and Dane Piedt kept India out longer than they would have expected when they reduced South Africa to 70 for 8, but the pair’s efforts were not enough to undo the damage caused by
City fall eight points behind (BBC) - CHAMPIONS Manchester City fell eight points behind Liverpool in the title race after suffering a shock home defeat against Wolves. Adama Traore scored twice in the final 10 minutes as Wolves won in the top flight at Manchester City for the first time since 1979. Traore scored the first 10 minutes from time as the visitors capitalised on a mistake from Joao Cancelo. He added a second on the break deep into injury time. City have now dropped five points in their opening four home games of the season, having dropped just three in the whole of last season and seven the year before that. David Silva came closest for the hosts when he hit the bar with a second-half free-kick. Raheem Sterling also had a shot blocked in the scramble that followed. It was only the second time in 45 league games that City have failed to score. The last time that happened at home in the league was against Hudder-
sfield in May 2018, by which time they had already won their first title of the Guardiola era. Traore had not scored since September 2018 but the £18m man made no mistake as Wolves twice broke clear of the home defence. Raul Jimenez provided the assist on both occasions. It is 20 years since Wolves last beat City away from Molineux and 40 since they did so in the top flight. The impact of this victory could have a significant bearing on the title race, so fine are the margins in the battle between the champions and leaders Liverpool. City and Wolves had both been engaged in European combat this week - and the fact City were at home, rather than travelling 4,000 miles to Turkey and back - and had an additional two days’ rest, should have given them a clear advantage. That they failed to make the most of it was almost entirely due to their own failings.
the top-order collapse. South Africa began the day with a potential 98 overs to play out, through which they’d have to score at nearly four an over if they harboured thoughts of a win. In the spirit of positivity that helped them put up
431 in the first innings, they got seven off the first over the day, with Theunis de Bruyn picking up a boundary against Shami. In the next over, that approach - and a similar waft outside off to his first-innings dismissal - turned a relatively innocuous R Ashwin delivery into a wicket-taking one. It stayed low and this time the inside edge went onto the stumps. It was Ashwin’s 350th Test wicket, and came shortly after Aiden Markram had been put down by the wicketkeeper. The third wicket also came from a ball that stayed low, off the very next over, Shami sneaking a length ball under Bavuma’s defences and having him tumbling on the floor. Markram delighted with stylish boundaries through the off side and straight down the ground, and captain du Plessis looked comfortable once again. That was until he shouldered arms to an incoming delivery from Shami. To be fair to du Plessis, the ball had started well outside off stump. But Shami got the ball to dip back a long way and, with marginal help from
a crack in the pitch, hit the top off of an exposed off stump. India barely had to break a sweat or rely on cunning strategy for the next few wickets. Shami got another one to come back in, this time to Quinton de Kock, who was rooted to the crease as he looked to push through the off side on angle. With only the allrounders and lower order to come, at 60 for 5, Markram let loose, using his feet nicely and looking deliberately more compact in defence, having been bowled through the gate in the first innings. His preferred route was to loft the spinners, and that brought him two boundaries and a six over long-on. He was left open-mouthed soon enough, however, trying to drive Jadeja over his head only for the bowler to stick his left-hand up and time his jump to perfection to hold on to it. By the end of that over, Jadeja spun the ball past two batsmen’s leading edge, trapped them lbw in front of middle, nearly took a hat-trick and left the visitors on 70 for 8.
Traore scored twice, having netted once in his previous 39 appearances
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Jamaica’s sprint relay team celebrates the capture of their world title in Doha.
Frazer Pryce helps Jamaica seal world title CMC – SHELLY-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s terrific second-leg sealed Jamaica’s third World title in five years as they dismissed the United States and Great Britain to win the women’s sprint relay at Khalifa Stadium on Saturday night. Jamaica’s sprint relay team celebrated the capture of their world title in Doha. The veteran 32-year-old, who picked up another 100 metres title here last Sunday, motored down the backstretch to create a crucial advantage for the Caribbean side, before quarter-miler Shericka Jackson brought
the baton home in a world-leading 41.44 seconds. Great Britain followed Jamaica across the line in a season-best 41.85 while the United States were forced to settle for bronze, also in a season-best 42.10. “I am really excited for Team Jamaica and our ladies. I think it speaks volumes especially going into [the] 2020 [Olympics],” Fraser-Pryce said after the blistering run on the penultimate day of the championships here. “There [are] so many things that can hap-
pen at a championship, so we want to make sure all our ladies are ready; no matter who you call on, we’ll be ready.” She added: “This success did not come without hardship and pain and sacrifices. There are so many things that have happened on this journey.” Natalliah Whyte ran a strong first-leg and handed over to Fraser-Pryce who then produced a scintillating run, after being pitted against Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith. Jonielle Smith, the 100 metres finalist, maintained Jamaica’s advantage on the third-
leg before Jackson sealed the win while being chased by Darryl Neita of Britain. Trinidad and Tobago’s team of Semoy Hackett, Kelly-Ann Baptiste, Mauricia Prieto and Kamaria Durant could only manage sixth. Jamaica also tasted success in the women’s triple jump when 27-year-old Shanieka Ricketts took silver behind winner, Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela, who measured 15.37 metres. Ricketts, eighth in London two years ago, leapt 14.92m.
Luiz scores as Arsenal edge Bournemouth
(BBC) - DAVID Luiz scored the only goal as Arsenal edged past Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium to move up to third in the Premier League. Luiz glanced home Nicolas Pepe’s ninth-minute corner for his first goal since his summer arrival from Chelsea. Bournemouth improved after the break and went close through Callum Wilson, but they rarely troubled Bernd Leno in the Arsenal goal. The Gunners move above Leicester, Burnley and Crystal Palace with the win, while Bournemouth stay 10th. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went close in the opening stages and hit the post late on, but those opportunities bookended a game of few chances. Bournemouth offered little as an attacking threat, but with Arsenal unable to kill the game off they were able to apply some pressure in the closing stages. Only a last-ditch tackle from Matteo Guendouzi prevented Joshua King from converting a low cross by Callum Wilson, who also fired straight at Leno in stoppage time. Though they were far from their best, a fourth win of the season means Arsenal go into the international break in the Champions League places having
Eleven of David Luiz’s 12 Premier League goals have been scored in London
lost just once in eight league games. But while Unai Emery must be pleased with the way his side battled to the win, he will know there is still room for improvement, with a fail-
ure to score a second goal meaning this game was a lot closer than it could have been after their first-half performance. Emery’s side began brightly
and went close inside the opening five minutes when Aubameyang fired just wide from the edge of the penalty area after good work by Dani Ceballos and Bukayo Saka.
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Patriots out, TKR secure semi-final berth By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Trinbago Knight Riders’ best collective bowling performance of the season resulted in St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots being knocked out of the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League. The defending champions eased to a six-wicket win in the first elimination playoff yesterday at the National Stadium, Providence, and are through to the semi-final on Thursday when they will meet Barbados Tridents for a place in the summit clash against the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Saturday. Crucially, that game for TKR will be on home soil at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, the same venue where they had won back-to-back titles in 2018, where they’ll have a huge home crowd behind them. The TKR looked heavy favorites at the innings break after they limited the Patriots for just 125-7, but were struggling midway through the chase with Denesh Ramdin (32* off 38 balls), in particular soaking up a high number of dot balls. However, Kieron Pollard played a blistering cameo, a 9-ball 26 to keep the three-time champions alive, reaching 128-4 in 18.4 overs in a calculated run-chase. Earlier, the Patriots hadn’t had its best start with the bat, after they were asked to take first strike under overcast con-
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Lendl Simmons on the go. (CPL T20 via Getty Image)
ditions, but they never let the Patriots’ batsmen got away, constantly keeping the pressure on them. Player-of-the-match, Sunil Narine, in particular, despite nursing an injured bowling finger, was nearly unplayable. He wasn’t 100% fit but gutted it out to take 2-10, including a phenomenal 19 dot balls. Chris Jordan ended with three wickets. Laurie Evans was the only batsman who could get going in ensuring the Patriots reached a respectable total. The 31-year-old Englishman struck eight boundaries in a top-score of 55 off 47 balls. There was indeed some moisture and openers - Mohammad Hafeez and Evin Lewis-- took little risk on what appeared to be a slow surface. Both struggled for timing and in the end, they fell cheaply. Hafeez was the first to go, miscuing an Ali-Khan delivery to cover where Akeal Hosein completed a sharp overhead catch for 11, while Shamarh Brooks (5), who also struggled for timing, was bowled through his defence by Chris Jordan. Sadly for the Patriots, Lewis went off a return catch to Sunil Narine for just nine off 17 balls, leaving the scoreboard at 3-30. Evans and Devon Thomas provided a mini recovery, but, Thomas’ dismissal, lbw to Narine for ten, proved to be a
Sunil Narine celebrates the wicket of Devon Thomas. (CPL T20 via Getty Image)
pivotal moment. Evans kept up some sort of momentum, but the TKR bowlers came back strongly at the death to restrict them to a sub-par total. The TKR was then reduced to 31-3 at the end of the powerplay overs on a pitch that seemed to have gotten two-paced by the time the defending champions began their chase. Narine (8), Colin Munroe (0) and Darren Bravo (1) went cheaply. However, Lendl Simmons was firm at the other end, despite only 43 runs being scored at the halfway stage of the chase. At that point, the Patriots’ bowlers then briefly made their total look bigger with clever pace variations and despite Simmons’ stop-start half-century-- his fifth this season -- Knight Riders fell behind the asking rate on a pitch where stroke-making was difficult. When Simmons, who struck three fours and a similar number of sixes holed out for 51 in the 16th over, TKR still needed 48 off 27 balls, but Ramdin, who was stuttering along, opened up against Sheldon Cottrell in the 17th over, in which 18 runs came, and then Pollard, who was braving an injury, took over and ensured that they didn’t fold. Pollard smashed Carlos Brathwaite for a hat-trick of boundaries to seal the victory
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, October 7, 2019
Sequel and Saints crowned outdoor second-division hockey champions
THE GCC Sequel (males) and Saints (females) were crowned champions of the Bounty Paper Towel Second Division Outdoor Development Hockey League, which concluded on Saturday evening at the St. Stanislaus College ground on Carifesta Avenue. The Sequel won their last game to stamp their authority on the competition (5-0 against SHC Savages); while in the female division, Saints drew 0-0 with the GB-
TI-GCC Spice in their last clash. Both winners had known their faith prior to the final day; the surprise was the spirited end of the Bounty GCC campaign after they won twice to snatch the second spot in the male league. Bounty GCC, who were out of contention with just 14 points, were able to secure two victories in their last game to put them on par in terms of points with SHC Savages, but ahead in terms of goal difference.
Champions of the 2019 outdoor second division hockey league, the Sequel.
Saints played unbeaten to the title.
They defeated SHC Savages 4-0 and previous third-place YMCA Old Fort Aces 11-0. Meshach Sargeant was on fire for the winners, blasting in all the goals against the Savages and scored eight times against Old Fort Aces, which saw him passing previous leading goal-scorer, Philip Fernandes (15) for a tally of 23 goals. According to the male division points table, Old Fort Aces finished fourth on 18 points, with SHC Shockwave and Hikers Cadets ended on 16 points each. Seven teams competed in the male division. Saints finished on 14 points with four wins and two draws in six games while the GBTI GCC Spice ended on 10 points with
three wins, one draw and two defeats. Bingo GCC Spartans ended on eight points and YMCA Old Fort Wild Cats on one. Along with the championship trophy, The Sequel also had the Most Valuable Player in Dwayne Scott. Bounty GCC’s Michael Hing was declared the Best Goalkeeper, while Sargeant was rewarded for his scoring exploits. Tekeisha De Leon was voted as the Most Valuable Player in the female division, while her Saints teammate Donyale Nurse was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the GCC Spice’s Princessa Wilkie finished with 10 goals, the most goals in the female competition.
Cometh the hour; Cometh the ‘KING!’ - Warriors win 11th straight
By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Guyana Amazon Warriors’ top-tobottom depth was too much for the Barbados Tridents as they reached the final of the region’s premier T20 tournament, the Hero Caribbean Primer League for the fifth time. Led by Shoaib Malik, the Amazon Warriors came out on top in all departments, but it was opener and player-of-the-match Brandon King, who clinched the limelight with a superlative innings which was the backbone for the Warriors 30-run win over the Barbados Tridents in qualifier 1, last evening at the National Stadium, Providence. The Warriors ended their campaign at home with their 11th straight win. The 24-year-old King, before this season, had one career half-century in 18 T20s, but is now the CPL’s leading scorer in 2019 after hitting the highest score in CPL history, as part of a record total at Providence. He smashed his maiden T20 century to power the Amazon Warriors to a commanding 218-3.
It was a batting masterclass from King as he remained unbeaten on 132 off 72 balls with his batting pyrotechnics. King was at his brutal best as he hit ten boundaries and eleven towering sixes to propel the Warriors to the big total after they decided to bat first. The Warriors had an opening partnership of 73 in 9.1 overs between King and Chandrapaul Hemraj that set the tone for the rest of the innings. Having been restricted to only eight runs in the first two overs, the right-handed King broke loose in the third over when he clobbered Jason Holder for a six and three consecutive fours. Hemraj then got into the act with a six and four off left-arm seamer Raymond Reifer but his brisk 27 ended soon after, caught and bowled off leg-spinner Hayden Walsh. Hemraj’s dismissal brought Shimron Hetymer to the crease, but again he failed to make any impact with the bat, caught on the mid-wicket boundary off Holder for just three.
After Hemraj and Hetymer fell in quick succession, King combined with Malik to punish the Tridents attack. King struck his seventh six en route to his century in just 59 balls while Malik surpassed 9,000 T20 runs in the process before he was bowled by Walsh for a 19-ball 32. Nicholas Pooran then muscled two sixes towards the close. At this stage, the Tridents had needed a miracle, since the run chase was up against the most in-form bowling unit this season. The Tridents needed someone in the top-order to play a significant knock. All got starts, but none converted it into an innings of some substance. Late cameos from Jonathan Carter (49), and Holder (29), only ensured that the margin of defeat wasn’t too heavy. Alex Hales contributed 36 at the top. It was a complete bowling from the Warriors with Romario Shepherd claiming 3-50 while Imran Tahir and Odean Smith had two wickets apiece. The Amazon Warriors now await the winner of the Tridents and Trinbago Knight Riders clash.
Brandon King was at his brutal best.
Brandon King acknowledges his teammates and fans after reaching his maiden T20 hundred. (Adrian Narine Photos)
Romario Shepherd celebrates with teammates after taking a wicket.
’ ! G N I K ‘ e h t h t e m o C ; r u o h e oC meth th straight h t 1 1 n i w s r o i r r a W – page 27 n o y r o t s e Se
Imran Tahir’s trademark celebration.
Imran Tahir (not in picture) bowls Alex Hales.
Police defeat Everest in NBS National Schools Novices, Elite Teams and Cricket to stay unbeaten Singles TT Championships billed for month-end
See story on page 23
See story on page 23
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2019