Issuu

MONDAY 17th February, 2020

’ No.105913

PPP unfit to manage Guyana’s security 03&12 PAGES

–– President tells Guyana Veterans Legion –– appeals to joint services for support ahead of elections

CH&PA to 09 offer Guyanese approx. 1,600 housing solutions PAGE

–– To soon hand over 70 acres of land to Joint Services

New political parties differ on free 08 tertiary education PAGE

–– but agree that funding for expansion of tertiary education is Narine a keyphoto) Partners and media operatives signing the banner to indicate their commitment to joining the campaign to bring awareness to road safety (Adrian Jumo Primo ‘Trample Dem,’ and reclaimed his title as Guyana’s Soca King when the curtains came down on the 592 Soca Monarch Competition in the wee hours of Sunday morning. See stroy on page 15 (Photo by Elvin Croker)

Police defend title as Pan Champs 15 PAGE

–– Bishops’ High, ‘D’ Division dominate in other categories

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

PPP/C unfit to manage Guyana’s security

–– President Granger tells Guyana Veterans Legion

By Lisa Hamilton “THERE is no way the PPP should be allowed to control security in this country again,” President David Granger said on Sunday as he recounted with members of the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) the grave atrocities which plagued Guyana under the leadership of the former administration. The President had ventured to meet

minister in the acquisition of a computer to track the telephone communication and location of adversaries targeted for elimination. The decade was a time of arbitrary arrests; of disappearances and of torture of young men; of the surge in armed robberies, narco-trafficking and gun-running. During that first deadly decade of this millennium, there were 1,431 murders and 7,865 armed robberies,” the President said. He said that the decade was a time

there will remember the atrocities which took place, but now also have the responsibility of ensuring that Guyana never returns to such a dark period. As members of the Legion participate in Guyana’s upcoming 50th Anniversary as a republic, he urged them to remember what the country was like, the changes made and the changes yet to be made to make Guyana a better place for future generations. However, he said that improving on the past is “a job that never ceases” and the most relevant way that they can ensure that improvement continues in Guyana, is by casting their vote in support of the current administration. “I read this [statement] to you not out of nostalgia, but to let you know that there is no way the PPP should be allowed to control security in this country again,” he said. RESPECT FOR SERVICE President Granger assured the gathering that his administration will continue to support the GVL as it has in the past and build on these efforts in the future. One past effort he noted was the ordering of a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the living conditions of veterans and

President Granger had moved a motion in the National Assembly on November 21 calling for the establishment of a National Veterans’ Commission. Although it became Resolution No. 60, it was not assented to by then President Donald Ramotar. It was under the current administration that the National Veterans Commission was convened in 2016 with instructions to look into the living conditions of veterans and make recommendations for improvements. Added to this, at the Legion’s Remembrance Ceremony in November 2019, when the President donated $1M to the welfare of the GVL, he made the pledge that the Veterans Act would be enacted in 2020. The Act would see to it that benefits due to veterans will be placed on a sound, legal basis. He also promised that a Veterans’ Trust will become an established means to save resources for the purpose of education, training and the re-settlement of veterans in society. “There are many things that we have to do for the people of Guyana and I am committed not to a decade of decadence, not to a decade of death but to a decade of development,” the President said.

President David Granger speaks to members of the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) on Sunday with the veterans ahead of the coming General and Regional Elections. There, he acknowledged that several of those present, including himself, knew many of the persons who were murdered during the “decade of death” under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), also termed “ The Troubles.” The President told the veterans his main concern with the GDF was its management under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) between 2000 and 2010, when many innocent Guyanese were killed in the decade of “The Troubles.” “The ‘Troubles’ will be remembered as the darkest hour in our history. It was a time of the uninvestigated assassination of a minister; of the investigation into the alleged implication of another minister into the direction of a ‘death squad’; of the alleged implication of yet another

when the PPP/C Administration rejected a £4.1 million Security Reform Programme by the United Kingdom; a time when now Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo invited felon Bernard Kerik to run security in the country and when recommendations of a security reform report were rejected. The Head of State told the veterans that evidence of the impact of “manmade crisis” is still visible in the demoralisation of the public and security forces and the erosion of public trust. “I cannot put that man in charge of the GDF again! I cannot allow him to manipulate the security service as he did. Right now I’m still trying to clean up the mess at the Police Force,” the President said, as loud cheers erupted from the audience. He said those in the Legion who were

Members of the audience at the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) acting on the forthcoming recommendations. It examined the conditions and circumstances facing veterans of the GDF, the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service (GNS). As Leader of the Opposition in 2013,

“But the question facing us is a question that we all have to answer. What type of country did we join the GDF to protect, to serve and defend? What type of county do we want our children and grandchildren to inherit?, he questioned.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 17, 2020

Coronavirus: Forty infected Americans among cruise ship evacuees

(BBC) Forty Americans being taken off the quarantined cruise ship Diamond Princess are infected with new coronavirus, a US official says. They are among 400 people from the US leaving the vessel docked in Japan. Most are due to depart for the US on two government-chartered aircraft. But those carrying the virus will be admitted to Japanese hospitals. Meanwhile, China has tightened restrictions on

movement in Hubei province, the centre of the outbreak. What is happening on the cruise ship? The Diamond Princess has been quarantined in Japan’s port of Yokohama with some 3,700 passengers and crew on board since 3 February after a man left the ship in Hong Kong and was found to have the virus. It has the largest cluster of coronavirus cases outside China. The Japanese authorities on Sunday said the number of new cases on board the

ship had risen by 70 to 355. The 40 Americans who are infected will receive medical treatment in Japan, Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases told Face the Nation on CBS. “Others are going to be evacuated, starting imminently, to Air Force bases in the United States,” he said. “If people on the plane start to develop symptoms, they’ll be segregated within the plane.” Those entering the US will undergo a 14-day quarantine - on top of the time they have already spent confined on the ship. “And the reason for that,” Dr Fauci added, “is that the degree of transmissibility, on that cruise ship, is essentially akin to being in a hotspot.” Some of the Americans have declined to be evacuated by plane, preferring to wait until the ship quaran-

tine comes to an end on 19 February. Passenger Matt Smith, a lawyer, said he would not want to travel on a bus to the plane with possibly infected people. Other evacuation flights will repatriate residents of Israel, Hong Kong and Canada. What are the new Hubei measures? People in the province of 60 million have been ordered to stay at home, though they will be allowed to leave in an emergency. In addition, a single person from each household will be allowed to leave the building every three days to buy food and essential items. On housing estates, one entrance will be kept open. It will be guarded to ensure that only residents can enter or leave. All other businesses will stay closed, except chemists, hotels, food shops and medi-

cal services. There will be a ban on the use of private cars, but vehicles used for the delivery of essential goods are exempt. There will be a ban on the use of private cars, but vehicles used for the delivery of essential goods are exempt. “The effects of epidemic prevention and control in various parts of the country can already be seen.” The commission’s daily bulletin also reported 142 more deaths nationwide, the vast majority in Hubei. However Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that along with a drop in infections within Hubei there had been a rapid increase in the number of people who had recovered. The proportion of infected patients considered to be in a “serious condition” has dropped nationwide from more than 15% to just over 7%, according to China’s

State Council. Taiwan has now reported a death from the illness - a taxi driver, 61, who had not travelled abroad recently but had diabetes and hepatitis B, Health Minister Chen Shihchung said. The minister said many of his passengers had come from China. Outside China, there have been more than 500 cases in nearly 30 countries. Four others have died outside China - in France, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Japan. Meanwhile, a plane carrying 175 evacuated Nepalis, mostly students, has arrived in Kathmandu from Wuhan. It is the latest country to fly its citizens out of Hubei province. The virus is a new strain of coronavirus and causes an acute respiratory disease which has been named Covid-19.

Uganda’s Queen of Katwe star Nikita Pearl Waligwa dies aged 15 (BBC) An actress who starred in the Queen of Katwe, a Disney film about a chess prodigy from a Ugandan slum, has died aged 15, Ugandan media report. Nikita Pearl Waligwa had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. The 2016 film was based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess aged nine despite not being in school and went on to compete in international tournaments. It starred Lupita Nyong’o as her mother and David Oyelowo as her chess teacher. Waligwa played the role of Gloria, a friend of Phiona who explained the rules of chess to her. She was first diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2016 and Queen of Katwe director Mira Nair reportedly mobilised people to help fund her treatment in India, with Ugandan doctors quoted as saying they did not have the necessary equipment. She was given the all-clear in 2017 but last year was found to have another tumour.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 17, 2020

‘City of Women’: A refuge for Colombia’s displaced (BBC) During Colombia’s more than half-century armed conflict, bloodshed between left-wing guerrillas, right-wing paramilitaries and the country’s military forced nearly eight million people to flee their homes. Women and Afro-Colombians in particular faced greater levels of violence in the conflict and would often arrive in far-off cities with nothing and no-one. In an impoverished neighbourhood in the sweltering coastal city of Cartagena, a group of displaced women decided to do something about it. They formed the League of Displaced Women and in 2003 began to construct their own community brick by brick: The City of Women. The City, in the nearby municipality of Turbaco, is made up of 100 houses the women built with their own hands. During Colombia’s armed conflict, sexual violence and targeting of women were used to sow fear. Many of the women in the City are survivors of that violence. It offers refuge to the women and their families who faced killings, rapes, threats and other violence both in their homes and during their displacement. All of the crimes against them remain in impunity. That struggle has pushed

them together and given them the power to push back against things like machismo, societal norms and stigmas against displaced people still prominent in much of the country. “The war had taken our homes from us, it cut you from your customs, your dreams, your land.” “It was only a matter of time until it happens to you,” she said. “I left out of fear.” With her daughter she runs a restaurant out of the home she built. They are preparing mondongo, a Colombian soup. “Being a part of the League of Displaced Women has helped me a lot because they have taught me how to move on. “ A plaque reading the “La Ciudad de las Mujeres” says that it turned the women’s dream of a life with dignity into reality. Women in the City have fought to get justice for the crimes committed against them, but all 159 cases of gender-based violence and displacement remain unresolved. Alneris Orozco Caupo, 47, poses for a portrait in a mirror in her home in the City of Women. Originally from the north-western region of Cesar, she was forced to flee with her two young children more than 20 years ago due to the territorial conflict between paramilitaries and Farc rebels. She proudly displays pho-

The women say they are like sisters. “We protect each other, we care for each other,” says leader Lubis Cardenas (centre).

tos of her children graduating from high school and university, something she was never able to achieve due to the violence. Elvia Bautista, 53, from the Córdoba region in Colombia shows a tiny hat she made out of fibres from the plants by her house. Before she was forcibly displaced, she used to weave large traditional Colombian sombreros, but the plants from her home in Cordoba do not exist in the dry plains near Turbaco, so she does her best to weave and sell the small ones. Erika Maria Gamarra Caro, 42, is from El Carmen de Bolívar and fled to Cartagena after members of her family

were murdered during massacres carried out by right-wing paramilitaries as they fought left-wing Farc rebels. She says that she was repeatedly sexually assaulted during her displacement but the League has helped her to recover. “I realised I was a woman and that I had rights, and I began to demand them,” she said. “Now, I’m not a shy woman, I’m not a woman unable to speak because of fear or the feeling that as a woman I’m not worth anything.” While building the homes, members of their community were killed, raped and threatened, but they say their finished city stands as a symbol of peaceful resistance. Carmen Beluas, 45, fled

from her home in Copey in the late 1990s after her husband was murdered by paramilitary forces who accused them of being affiliated with the guerrillas. She left with her three children and arrived in Cartagena without knowing anyone. She says she will always remember how her husband was taken from her. “It’s something that will never go back to normal. I know I have my children, but there are still things I’ll never forget.” Despite its name, the City of Women also has male residents. The women, often heads of household, created the city for their children and partners to live in and the community has grown as members started

having their own families in the City of Women. The husband and son of community leader Eidavis Montes care for her baby in the living room of her house. Seven-year-old Shayla Monterlaza, the granddaughter of a displaced woman, studies in front of the community’s school with her family. The community is completely self-sufficient and has its own school, stores, restaurants and community centre for children like Shayla. Eidavis Montes and fellow community leader Lubis Cardenas say the City has changed women’s roles and outlook on life. “Oftentimes women in the countryside are timid, they care for the children, tend to their husbands. If you don’t know anything else you’re always going to be in that role,” Eidavis Montes says. “This life we have created has taught me that I am a women with rights, that we can do other things.” As Colombia struggles to emerge from more than a half-century of armed conflict, the women in the city plan to tell their stories and seek justice before the country’s transitional court system. “This life we have created has taught me that I am a women with rights, that we can do other things, “ Ms Montes adds.

African dictator’s son in town for Carnival (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) Four days after a court in France upheld a three-year suspended jail term and imposed a fine of US$33 million against the flamboyant vice president of Equatorial Guinea, he arrived in TT. Teodorin Nguema Obiang and his delegation docked outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, in Port of Spain aboard a 90-metre superyacht around 1.47 pm on Friday and several people on board were seen later that evening on deck during a barbeque.

Luxury yacht Ice with an Augusta Westland helicopter on board anchored at Hyatt Regency waterfront, Port of Spain on Saturday. Reports are that Equitorial Guinea vice president Teodorin Nguema Obiang arrived on the vessel for Carnival. The French court recently fined Obiang US$33 million on corruption offences. PHOTO BY JEFF K MAYERS - JEFF K MAYERS

Obiang, 50, the eldest son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema, is reportedly here to enjoy the revelry of TT Carnival after being smitten last year. The yacht itself has attracted scores of curious onlookers, not only by its sheer size, but it also carries an Augusta Westland helicopter on board.

Instagram photos show Obiang posing with cricket legend Brian Lara at his Lady Chancellor home and on top of a music truck at the Socadrome as Yuma masqueraders paraded last year. There was no response to a message sent to Obiang seeking comment about the purpose of his visit.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 17, 2020

Mashramani remains ours MASHRAMANI is a sort of Christmas for Guyanese. Marching around the corner just after the December festivities, Mash brings with it a certain excitement that gets the Guyanese in high spirits. Indeed, Mashramani serves as Guyana’s very own Carnival and is mixed with Guyanese elements that make it unique to our home. The steel pan, mixed with masquerade, mixed with vibrant colours and Guyanese music all culminate to create an event that Guyanese can certainly call “we own”. Part of the flair of the Mash season comes from the Calypso Competition, and though Calypso has its origins in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana has adopted this art form and made it her own as local calypsonians fuse social commentary and satire, unique to our homeland, with the Guyanese accent to create a one-of-a-kind finished product. The annual Adult Calypso Competition has also seen its share of legends over the years. This list includes the late Malcolm ‘Lord Canary’ Corrica, Geoffery ‘Mighty Rebel’ Phillips and Camille ‘Lady Tempest’ Goliah. It is this competition that has given life to many memorable tunes by these and other local legends, which still enjoy airplay to date. And while Calypso is seen as a dying art, the annual hosting of this event sees its continued share of ardent supporters. Moreover, with the renewed sense of nationalism witnessed by Guyanese in the last four years, there has also been a revamped appreciation for its local artistes’ music

and this dying art. Next on the list is the Steel Pan Competition, which continues to be kept alive through the annual hosting of Republic Bank’s Panorama during the Mashramani season. In recent years, Panorama has grown in popularity and the level of competition has been increasingly sharp with emerging talents such as the GBTI Buxton Pride Steel Orchestra, Jovanka Williams and the Pan Wave Academy. Most impressively, this is a competition dominated by the youth whose skill and talent speak volumes and continue to wow its increasing number of spectators every year. Our children have been the stars of Mashramani for years and the Children’s Mash Competition has made sure of that. Ranging from dramatic poetry, to masquerade, to a costume competition, school children are encouraged to take part in this annual extravaganza. It is here we also see the talent of our children as they are thrown into the creative world and made to bring out their best performances. Needless to say, it is the continued engagement of our children at a young age which persons believe helps to preserve our culture, increase their interest in the arts and keep the spirit of Mashramani alive altogether. Yet, it would be remiss to speak of this season without mention of the local artistes. In a music industry where artistes believe that not enough attention is given to their music, it is this time more than any other when local music is given much air-play.

This year, Guyanese music was given prominence on local radio stations, with many of the songs reaching international standard. Most recently, Mashramani has also attracted some interesting features. For the party-goers, the Trinidadian custom of J’ouvert has gained popularity on local shores and now adds to the Guyana Mash Fever. These events all lead up to the big day, which begins with the annual flag-raising ceremony followed by the float parade where designers shine in their creativity and people come out in their numbers to either join the revelling or watch on. There have been criticisms over the years about the size and lack of creativity of the floats and costumes, but Guyanese designers continue to bring out their best while showcasing key themes and symbols of Guyana’s patrimony through art. But regardless of criticisms, regardless of route, or need for improvement, these are the vital elements of our Mashramani, and it is the continued promotion of our culture at this time of the year that helps us to reflect and celebrate all at the same time. More importantly, it is embracing these elements and helping to keep them alive that will see continued innovation that will induce new springs of creativity. We may not have Trinidad’s Carnival status or flair, but what we have is Mashramani, and regardless of comparison or critique, Mash remains ours.

We must never forget the decades of death and destruction Dear Editor, WE must never forget the Two Decades of Death and Destruction under previous administration, as we prepare for the Decade of Development under the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana As His Excellency the President Brigadier David Granger unveils the Decade of Development and we go to the polls on March 2nd, 2020, we must never forget the embarrassment and atrocities that plagued this nation for 23 years. Do you remember? When Guyana was blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) and the European Union Anti-Money Laundering Task Force. The previous administration had refused, for several years, to implement anti-money laundering regulations that required banks and other agencies to apply increased checks to financial procedures, from high-risk countries and to identify suspicious money flows into these institutions as they found evidence of laundered money funding terrorist organisations. Guyana was cited as, “sleepwalking, step by step, into narco-statehood, fuelling gang warfare, a transit point for drugs and extra-ju-

dicial killings throughout Guyana. It is through the vision of His Excellency and the Coalition team, that Guyana was officially removed from the blacklist in 2017, when parliament officially crafted a policy and passed same, instituting the laws required to ensure better banking practices and increased safeguards against funding of terrorism. Do you remember? When the rights of women were trampled upon, as the Minister of Health, Bheri Ramsarran threatened to slap and strip a female rights activist in a heated confrontation that was caught on tape; this was merely because she was telling him about making racist statements and expressing to him that women and children were dying under the PPP’s watch. It is with the vision of His Excellency The President and the Coalition team that we now see 10 women in Cabinet; for the first time in the history of this country, that we now see a parliament with over 30% representation of women on the government’s side. We now have a President who honours women; who accepts their contributions to the development of Guyana and who respects them and who accepts them as equasl. Do you remember? The incidents of 2012 in Linden, Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice, where Lindeners, Guyanese, peacefully protested against an im-

posed electricity tariff hike of over 600%; as a result of this peaceful protest, the government turned its guns on a large crowd, killing three men: Shemroy Bouyea, 18, Ron Somerset, 18 and Alan Lewis, 46, and blamed the opposition for the violence. On Sunday 12, 2012, as early as 5 am, the violence continued as un-named, un-numbered police ranks fired rubber pellets, live rounds and tear gas at protesters. On that morning, there were scenes such as those in war-torn countries; scenes never before witnessed in this country. After the inquest was done and the ruling was made, most of the agreements were never honoured, and no other than the prime minister refused to apologise to the people of Linden. It is with the vision of His Excellency the President and the Coalition team, that we have seen the television station finally being handed over to the people, the Linden Broadcasting Network; that we see a Martyrs’ Monument being constructed at Wismar to honour the dead; that we now see economic development like never before in Linden. Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice had been stifled for 23 years, because of our unwavering support for the People’s National Congress Reform, now a part of the Coalition; Linden has now witnessed true socio-economic and political growth under the Coalition Government. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic cannot campaign on their track record, because

their track record is riddled with embarrassment, deceit, death, death squads, destruction, extra-judicial killings, crime, terrorist funding, verbal abuse of women, the main narco-transit point to the rest of the world, most corrupt country in the hemisphere and blacklisting; on the other hand, we have a leader in President David A Granger who has inculcated class, integrity, honour, belief, reduction in crime, reduction in narco-trafficking, reduction in murders, respect for all races, respect for women, accountability, a decade of development, an improvement on the most corrupt country’s index and so many other positives. On March 2nd, 2020, it is with the attributes that were listed above, that in the best interest of all, to continue, “The Good Life” that we go to the polls and vote solidly for the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change and re-elect His Excellency David A Granger, as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Moving Forward Together, Don’t Stop the Progress. Regards Douglas Charles Gittens Candidate Geographic List of Candidates A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change Upper Demerara-UpperBerbice

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 17, 2020

Lethem now a ‘fit and proper’ town

– education touted as driving force needed for development

PRESIDENT David Granger was credited for being the visionary behind the transformation Lethem saw over the last three years as well as for being the driving force behind similar developments occurring across the hinterland. He was touted as the man behind the developmental growth experienced in the entire Rupununi and, therefore, calls were made for his re-election to office, so that more development can take place. Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, made these calls at the Lethem rally on Saturday, which was held at the Tabatinga Sports Complex. She took residents down memory lane to when Lethem was just a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), ran by an Interim Management Committee (IMC), and its development was basically stagnated. In less than four years, the

rhetoric of Lethem being the little dull and dusty village has changed and the entire outlook of the township has been transformed, since Lethem was declared a town in October 2017. To loud screams of approval, Minister Hastings-Williams reminded residents of the first-time achievements of Lethem. These include its very own radio station; which is not the only station in Region Nine, as stations were also commissioned in Annai and Aishalton, along with a new fire station, magistrate’s court and a one megawatt solar farm. “As I was circling in the airplane before we landed, I saw a transformational change at Lethem, you have lights on the streets, you have better roads, you have better bridges, your children enjoy the hot-meal programme, you have bicycles, you have buses on the road taking children to school,” Hastings-Williams said.

She also spoke on how this development was triggered in other parts of the Rupununi. She boasted about the spanking new maternity waiting ward at Annai, the Hinterland Green Institute that was commissioned only a few days ago, a total of eight wells in villages across the Rupununi, smart classrooms at various schools across the region which was part of the $10.3B budget for education that benefitted Region Nine in four years, amongst other things. She told residents that education is the driving force behind development and for the first time students have benefitted from an improved education system. Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sidney Allicock, told residents that for the first time the Indigenous People of Guyana are given the recognition and respect they deserve. Using himself as an

example, the minister, who is also a vice president, said it is the first time an Indigenous citizen has been given such high office in the country. The transformation of Lethem is also testimony that President Granger cares for the Indigenous population, as Minister Allicock said it is no longer a dusty and shabby town but a ‘fit and proper’ town. He urged the residents to not be undecided with their votes but to take it seriously since the future of their villages and their region is in their hands. “We are moving and we need you to come together to continue to move this country. You have a role to play,” Minister Allicock said. Action speaks louder than words Rupununi resident, Vincent Henry, said he is throwing his support behind the coalition because of the actions they portrayed over the last four years, to move the region in the right trajectory.

Minister Dawn Hastings addressing the large crowd at the Lethem rally

It is like a ‘new breeze is blowing across Lethem’ and it is felt by all and sundry as even the undecided have made up their minds on which party to throw their support behind. Many of these Toshaos and their villagers journeyed for miles, even days, from the North to the South to the Deep South, to attend the rally and throw their support behind the coalition. The addresses were also translated in the various Indigenous dialects for the native Amerindian residents to understand.

Presidential candidate’s performance during interview was poor Dear Editor, IN the USA, the United Kingdom and most developed countries there is the concept of fact-checking. This is more evident during an election season, but the fact is, it is also available outside of the prescribed election period. The rationale underpinning fact-checking is to hold the politician to account without which they may not do their homework or more concerningly, they may intentionally distort the truth. In Guyana, some politicians literally walk out their beds and turn up at interview studios without any preparation or research. This is concerning when one considers that young impressionable children may be looking at those substandard interviews and may wrongly believe that this is the level to aim for-- ankle-level low. Also of concern is the fact that if they cannot effectively manage their time, then how can they manage a country? Of greater concern is the fact that the electorate would have been deprived of invaluable information-- due to the tardiness of the politician -- in making an informed choice on polling day. Rhonda-Ann Lam was on Mark Benschop radio last week. She was being interviewed by Melissa Davy. There were no forensic questions; there were no entrapping questions. In essence, there were bread-andbutter questions. Questions that I would have been able to answer without any preparation. Unfortunately, Mrs Lam mumbled and fumbled through the interview and in the process made erroneous and misleading statements. Those erroneous statements were many, but I will focus on the three I found most concerning.

Ms. Davy put to Mrs. Lam that there is massive improvement in internet access across the country. The question was asked of Mrs. Lam about her views on the improved internet access, even in the hinterland regions. Mrs. Lam’s first response was to downplay this achievement by stating that the the United Nations stated that everyone should have free internet which is presently not the case in Guyana. Ms. Davy subsequently asked Mrs. Lam who will pay for the free internet access. I am quite sure Mrs. Rhonda-Ann Lam has relatives overseas and should know that no country in the world provides internet free to all its citizens. That alone should have alerted her that something was wrong with her response. Unfortunately, her thoughts were jumbled and she responded that the state will foot the bill. The fact is that the UN never declared what Mrs. Lam stated-- far from it. What the UN stated is that internet access is a human right and everyone should have access to it. They were referring to countries where internet connection may not be available in the rural areas. Moreso, they were referring to countries such as China, where the state controls citizens’ access to the internet. By making internet access a human right, it becomes mandatory that governments provide internet access or face sanctions. Clearly, Mrs. Lam, as someone with an English degree, you must know that access is not synonymous with “freeness.” The government has a responsibility to make the internet available(access) and the citizens decide whether they will purchase. The second blunder was in relation to Ruel Johnson. She was asked of Ruel’s repeated actions of writing damaging statements on social media about the government

of which he was a part. Her response is consistent with the response of all the TCI members. In her attempt to defend Ruel Johnson’s actions, Mrs. Lam’s response was that when Ruel was critical of the PPP government, members of the opposition APNU+AFC were happy, but when he was critical of the APNU+AFC Government, they were not happy. It was shocking to hear such a fallacious argument when on multiple occasions I have corrected members who hold that view. Clearly, Mrs. Lam must have anticipated that question. Clearly, she should have realised that an informed answer was required. The fact is, when Ruel was critical of the PPP Government he was a regular citizen, hence he was entitled to that. When he repeatedly wrote damaging statements about the government, he was their employee, hence his damaging comments were covered by employment law. All companies, businesses or governments have their brand to protect. Because of this, laws are in place to protect their brand where employees cannot take it upon themselves to publicly write or utter damaging statements which can damage their brand. The law is not there to protect only the employers, it is also there to protect the employees and provide them a medium to ventilate their grievances indoors, via the established mechanisms. As a result, it is mandatory that employers have an internal grievance procedure that employees can follow if they have grievances. Any employee who ignores this established internal grievance procedure and choose to ventilate their grievance publicly and in the process damage their employer’s brand can be fired. When Ruel chose to write damaging information about the government, he was employed as an adviser, he was damaging their brand. He was

in breach of his contract to not damage the government’s brand. Most employers would have terminated his contract with immediate effect. The fact is that any student of politics must have seen what advisers and ministers do when they do not agree with a government’s policies. They simply resign then they can be critical of the government if they so wish, providing what they disclose are not state-sensitive secrets. Look at the many employees of the Trump administration who resigned because they did not agree with his policies. None of them went public to attack him or his administration when they were part of it. Look at the four prosecutors who were involved in the Roger Stone case, who resigned recently because they were not in agreement with Trump’s action. Look what has happened under Boris Johnson, before and after BREXIT. Look at his Chancellor of the Exchequer Sajid Javid who recently resigned because Boris Johnson wanted him to change all his advisers which he did not agree with. He did not hold onto his job, enjoy the massive pay then go venting his anger on social media and as a result damaging the government’s brand. What I have described is standard procedure that has been around for centuries. Ruel Johnson refused to adhere to it since he is weak in his conviction and wanted to have his cake and eat it. Someone who has a strong conviction in his/ her belief is prepared to give up their government position for it and not be collecting a monthly income while biting the hand that is feeding them. That’s the issue Rhonda-Ann Lam that made many Guyanese distrust Ruel Johnson. He attempted to damage the government’s brand and in the process he has irreparably damaged his own.

The third misstep by Mrs. Rhonda-Ann Lam was when she was asked which voters she would be targeting. She said she would be targeting swing voters, but in the process of explaining swing voters she was actually describing undecided voters. As a result, I would now briefly describe the three. Decided voters as the name suggests have already decided and likely to have been voting for their party for years. It makes no sense targeting that group. Undecided voters have not determined which party they will vote for. In some situations, their votes can determine the outcome of the elections then they are considered swing voters. Swing voters are generally undecided voters, but what differentiates them from the standard undecided voters is the fact that their votes can potentially determine the outcome of an election. As a result, politicians invest heavily in this group. On many occasions after the American elections you would observe that the reporters are eager to determine who won the “swing states,” since that may give them an indication, before the other states have declared their votes, of who is likely to win the election. Also, exit polls are useful in this regard. Please permit me to close on the issue of semantics. Mrs. Rhonda-Ann Lam, being popular is not the same as being well known. You kept repeating that Ruel Johnson is the most popular member of TCI, nationally. You actually meant he is the most well known. For future reference, popular means well liked, while well known is self explanatory. You have a degree in English, use it. Regards Dr Mark Devonish

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

New political parties differ on free tertiary education –– but agree that funding for expansion of tertiary education is a key

By Svetlana Marshall AT a time when the major political parties in Guyana –- the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) and the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) –- are touting the reintroduction of free tertiary education, some of the country’s new political parties are divided on the issue, but have agreed that substantial amount of funds must be pumped into the University of Guyana to bring it on par with regional and international institutions. Article 27 of the Constitution of Guyana states: “Every citizen has the right to a free education from nursery to university, as well as at non-formal places where opportunities are provided for education and training.” However, presidential candidate for A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Ralph Ramkarran, said he would caution against promising Guyanese free tertiary education. “I would be very cautious in promising free education at the University of Guyana at this time. We had free education and we saw where it led us, so we need to be cautious in how we approach that and approach it when

LJP presidential candidate Lenox Shuman resources are available,” the ANUG presidential candidate said. Ramkarran was among presidential candidates of five political parties that participated in a debate organised by the University of Guyana unions, and Move on Guyana, Inc. The Citizenship Initiative (TCI), The New Movement (TNM) and the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP) were the other political parties that participated in the debate at the University of Guyana Education Lecture Theatre on Thursday. The ANUG presidential candidate, however, said that the University of Guyana should be repositioned to meet the demands of the petroleum sector and the environmental sector. Should ANUG be elected to the National Assembly at the March 2 General

TNM presidential candidate Dr. Asha Kissoon and Regional Elections, it would ensure that the capacity of the country’s premier tertiary institution is enhanced to cater to the needs of the petroleum and environmental sectors. “I would be interested in advancing and enhancing the resources at the University of Guyana,” Ramkarran said, while noting that though subjects such as History, English, and Sociology are important, the future of Guyana will depend on scientific studies. But for TNM, Guyana with a population of less than one million people, education from nursery to university must be free. Its presidential candidate Dr. Asha Kissoon said she has seen the plight of the Guyanese people. “I have seen many times that there are youth out there struggling,

ANUG presidential candidate Ralph Ramkarran asking for grants, asking for scholarships and they can’t get it, so with such a small population, The New Movement would prioritise [education], and say, it needs to be free,” Dr. Kissoon said. That aside, she said TNM strongly believes that the University of Guyana needs to be brought on par with international standards, and in doing so, lecturers should receive better remuneration, and more branches should be established, particularly in the hinterland. “That would benefit our students and also open the door for research and development. We have students right here who are developing electronic arms but because of lack of funding, nothing is being done for them,” she posited. Dr. Kissoon said to complement the

programmes offered at the university, other training facilities ought to be put in place. Lenox Shuman, LJP presidential candidate, in his remarks alluded to the fact that the constitution provides for free education from nursery to university. “Article 27 of the Constitution of Guyana talks about free education, I think Article [27] (1) says education must be free for all children from nursery to university or any institution that they choose to go,” he pointed out. In creating provisions for free education, Article 27 addresses the need for a curriculum that is diverse. Article 27 (2) states: “It is the duty of the State to provide education that would include designed to reflect the cultural diversities of Guyana and disciplines that are necessary to prepare students to deal with social issues and to meet the challenges of the modern technological age.” As such, Shuman said for LJP there is no reason to “reinvent the wheel,” but rather to operationalise the provisions already in the constitution. Like the TNM’s presidential candidate, Shuman agreed that providing free education should be a priority for any government or parliament. Meanwhile, Change Guyana presidential can-

didate Robert Badal underscored the importance of ensuring that the University of Guyana is adequately funded. Badal said based on interactions with students, it would appear that basic amenities such as fans and AC units are lacking. As the country advances, he said it is important to upgrade the university. Like Ramkarran and Dr. Kissoon, Badal said it is also important to invest in science and technology. “Science and Technology are areas that a Change Guyana government would focus significantly on because when you look at experiences of countries all over the world, it is science and technology that have caused them to leap forward,” Badal said. He too underscored the importance of research. “That area is significantly lacking, there is no government programme to stimulate research, there are no private sector grants to direct research,” he posited. For the TCI presidential candidate Rondha-Ann Lam, while STEM --- Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics –- is important, programmes such as Arts and Culture have suffered for too long in Guyana, and as such, TCI would direct its focus there, with respect to tertiary education

Five in custody for head teacher robbery THE Police in ‘B’ Division have made a major breakthrough in the robbery case in which a Berbice Headmistress was robbed of more than $2M in cash and jewellery. According to reliable sources, three suspects were arrested on Saturday evening, while another two were detained

on Sunday. Thus far, one has admitted to police investigators that he committed the act while directing information towards the alleged masterminds and getaway driver. On Thursday, around 04:45hrs, 48-year-old Shereen Ali of Lot 764 Lancaster Village, woke up to loud

sounds and was confronted by two masked men armed with a gun and cutlass. The bandits demanded cash and other valuables. She was subsequently relieved of over $2M worth of jewellery and cash. During the ordeal, Ali was held at gunpoint and was told that she would be

killed if she screamed. The headteacher complied and a bag containing a quantity of jewellery that belonged to the entire family, as well as her late husband, was handed over. Her entire house was also ransacked as the bandits searched for more valuables.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

CH&PA to offer Guyanese approx. 1,600 housing solutions

–– To soon hand over 70 acres of land to Joint Services

By Svetlana Marshall IN its quest to meet the high housing demand in the country, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) will be providing approximately 1,600 housing solutions to Guyanese for 2020, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lelon Saul has said. Of that number, approximately 400 house lots, totalling 70 acres, will be allocated to the Joint Services – the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Prison Service. Appearing recently on the Guyana Chronicle’s online programme Vantage Point, Saul disclosed that the CH&PA is finalising plans to hand over lands to the Joint Services for housing. “In the coming weeks, we will be making available to the Joint Services approximately 70 acres of land which will be used for housing by the Joint Services. At the Central Housing and Planning Authority, we are in

house lots and built units, will be developed, and allocated to applicants during 2020. It was noted that between 2015 and 2019, a total of 6,541 house lots were allocated to citizens across the country, in addition to 444 built units in Regions Three, Four, Five and 10 – amounting to approximately 7,000 in total. The built units included duplexes, upper elevated two-bedroom houses, single flat two and three-bedroom houses. “Notwithstanding the solutions that were made available, we still have a very huge demand for housing,” the CEO noted, while pointing to the fact that there are approximately 60,000 active housing applications within the system. He said the demands are for single units and house lots, and the authority will provide a composite going forward. “We will be taking two approaches: one, we will make available house lots for those who prefer house lots; also, we will make available built units so there will be two approaches as we go forward,” Saul iterated.

A number of the 444 built units that were built by the CH&PA the process of completing the design layout for that scheme and we will hand over the land to the Joint Services, and that is the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service and the Guyana Fire Service,” Saul told this newspaper. He disclosed that the 70 acres of land, to be handed over to the Joint Services is located at Little Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD). Saul further detailed that an additional 1,200 housing solutions, comprising both

Zooming in on the huge housing deficit, the CEO said of the 60,000 applications within the system, approximately 30,000 are as a result of a qualitative deficit while the other 50 per cent is quantitative deficit. “It therefore means, many persons who approached the agency for a housing solution in some cases, what they actually need is a subsidy to fix existing buildings that they are living in,” Saul said as he explained the qualitative need. However, there is often an issue of own-

CH&PA CEO Lelon Saul ership when finance is sought for renovation, the CEO further posited. Nonetheless, he believes that the issuing of subsidies can help to bring down the numbers. “We believe that granting subsidies to those who satisfy whatever criteria, it would help to reduce the qualitative deficit,” Saul said. Cognisant of the need, the CH&PA will be accelerating its US$27M Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme, which will see approximately 2,000 subsidies being distributed and a number of core houses built. The Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme comprises three components – Affordable and Sustainable Housing; Consolidation of existing Housing Schemes; and Support and Institutional Strengthening. It is under the Affordable and Sustainable Housing component that US$5M has been earmarked for a Home Improvement Subsidy Programme that will see 2,000 persons accessing as much as $500,000 to rehabilitate their homes. Under this component as well, another US$5M has been budgeted for the construction of 250 core homes. According to Saul, very soon, CH&PA will commence the disbursement of the subsidies and the construction of 50 of the 250

core homes. “In terms of the subsidies, we are currently going through the beneficiaries’ selection process for home improvement subsidies and core houses…and very shortly we will disburse subsidies for home improvements and about 50 core houses [will be constructed] in the Sophia area,” the CEO disclosed. The programme, which targets low-income households, spans from La Bonne Intention (LBI) on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) to Georgetown to Great Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and Parfaite Harmonie on the West Bank of Demerara (WBD), and is being implemented by the Ministry of Communities through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) with funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Meanwhile, President David Granger said once re-elected, his administration will establish a National Squatter Resettlement Commission to provide adequate land and housing for those currently living in ‘slums.’ This commission, according to him, will be established on March 15, 2020 should the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition return to government. Since taking office in May 2015, the Granger administration has placed major emphasis on the housing sector. In January, 20 families received keys to their new homes at Prospect, on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) after squatting on Broad and Lombard Streets in Charlestown for decades. The houses were built by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and the NGO, Food For The Poor (FFTP) Guyana. Back in 2017, some $43M was allocated by the CH&PA to have a total of 72 houses erected for the squatters. The 20 houses, valued at $36M, form part of Phase One of a two-phase project. Since 2015, the CH&PA has initiated a number of settlement regularisation plans for Guyana, in an attempt to address the sore issue of squatting. Last December, it noted that some squatting areas would be regularised and converted into housing schemes, while others such as ‘Plastic City’ would be relocated. Some 173 squatting settlements are being targeted.

GTA launches Guyana Rum Route at Rum Festival 2020 THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) launched its official Rum Route in collaboration with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). Capitalizing on Guyana’s rich agricultural traditions, local cultural heritage and cuisine, the Guyana Rum Route is a 200-kilometre journey which blends the past and present into one exhilarating experience. Guyana is the first Caribbean country to establish a heritage route as part of a regional product development thrust being championed by the Caribbean Tourism

Organisation. According to the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Brian T. Mullis, rum flows serve as a melting pot that connects the diverse culture of all Caribbean countries. “Set along the vibrant coast, the route offers a sensory experience of the role of rum and sugarcane in Guyana’s economy and its indelible mark on the landscape and people… Rum flows throughout the Caribbean, connect us culturally, and is known to heighten the Caribbean experience,” Mr.

Mullis stated. Neil Walters, Acting Secretary General & CEO of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation stated that, “Guyana’s official Rum Route is part of CTO’s regional Heritage Routes programme. This programme is centred on creating thematic routes or trails that tell the story of a destination through indigenous and local goods including foodstuff like sugarcane, cocoa, spices and other tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage.”

Over the decades, Guyana’s Rum has made waves worldwide, whether as a bulk commodity used by different countries to blend with their local rums to produce unique flavours or by the bottle. Guyana’s rum is winning awards around the world

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

Giving cellphones to babies MOBILE phones or cellphones, whatever you choose to call them, it makes no difference to the fact that they are all the rage right now and even the poorest of people tend to have one; in some cases, even the latest or more expensive models. People spend hours per day consulting their phones; they whip them out to look at them, through habit rather than necessity. They spend hours swiping through them as an everyday pastime and let’s face it, phones have more or less become an integral part of most of our lives, especially for the younger generation. Babies are smart, they are picking up on how often adults use their phones. They can see the role that phones play in our lives, so they want to imitate their parents and inadvertently, their parents comply. It is hardly surprising then that one of the latest trends that parents are using to keep their toddlers quiet is rapidly becoming the mobile phone. Toddlers are swiping and playing games on their parents’ phones--while their parents queue in the supermarket, or sit in waiting rooms or health facilities--as a source of entertainment. This disengages parents from

their children while the child becomes mesmerised by things on a screen that captivate his or her undeveloped mind. Most parents are not aware that this exposure can be harmful to their babies. There has been some concern over the neurological effects and the developmental disability effects that cellphones can have on babies due to their thin skulls and their still rapidly developing brains. Experts worry that the thinness of babies’ skulls might make their brains more susceptible to the radiation emitted by cellphones, if they play with them regularly. Apart from the fact that giving books to babies will always be a more viable asset to their development than handing them cellphones, hardly any human attribute can be experienced through an inanimate object such as a cellphone. Books are a good way of spending quality time with babies; reading to babies encourages bonding, closeness and gives a child a sense of security, love, confidence and self-assurance. The objective of cellphones no doubt is to make our lives easier, but that does not mean parents should neglect their ‘duty of care’ towards their infants and give them a device

as a distraction. During the early years (0-3 years old), positive parental inputs are crucial to building a solid foundation for children. Therefore, parents should be engaging with their infants in a communicative, caring, encouraging and loving way, instead of palming them off with a cellphone or any other similar electronic device. Parents should be aware of the fact that research into cellphone radiation effects on children is on-going. Because children are at a stage where their bodies are growing and changing all the time the effects will be different from that of adults. Children under the age of 16 have yet to develop the correct bone density and protective tissue for the brain. This makes them vulnerable to the effects of cellphone radiation. Cellphones are still a fairly new phenomenon in our society; yet we rely on them and seem lost without them or panic if we forget them at home. But while we adults are grown and able to hold our own, we must protect our children from elements that can be detrimental to their future health and well-being. We must allow them to grow naturally and expose them to positive and beneficial experiences

that will enhance their lives and potential outlook. The World Health Organisation recommends that children below the age of two should not be allowed to sit and watch television or any other type of screen activity (e.g. video games, cartoons). From the age of two to four years old, one hour per day or less is suggested. It is more than likely that many babies and children are already spending far too much time in front of one type of screen or another, rather than experiencing wholesome, regular interaction with their parents or caregivers. Parents must connect with their children and stay connected. They must use opportunities to nurture their infants throughout their early years, their primary years, during their adolescence and even beyond. They are our children and we must protect them. 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

Modernisation of curriculum among APNU+AFC’s plans for education –– commits to providing technological tools, increasing duty-free allocations for teachers By Navendra Seoraj EDUCATION has been high on the agenda of the incumbent A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition over the past four and a half years, and they have again committed to enhancing the education sector with a number of plans which include modernisation of the existing curriculum. Subsequent to being elected to office in 2015, the coalition administration had started a National Curriculum Reform, which was conducted under the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project (GESIP), with the aim of re-engineering success in education at all levels of learning. The objective of the programme was to improve Guyanese students’ achievements in basic education, to create a balanced 21st century Guyanese curriculum and to strengthen the Guyanese teaching and learning process. Curriculum reform had become one of the highest priorities in the APNU+AFC government’s sector development programme, and if the coalition is re-elected at the upcoming General and Regional

Elections, it has promised to modernise the curriculum and equip teachers with the technological tools to create workers and professionals for the future. The coalition, in its manifesto, has promised to emphasise science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), which are key elements of a modern curriculum. Part of this also includes a plan to establish an Institute of Information and Communications Technology. “STEM education has reached unprecedented heights during the first term of the Coalition Government. Numerous schools have been constructed and we have improved the salaries, allowances and stipends of our teachers,” said APNU+AFC in its manifesto. In addition to the academic and technical programmes, the coalition has also committed to improving national schools of Dance, Drama, Music and Art and increasing support for the Critchlow Labour College. “Education is the key to economic development and social transformation. Any nation that wishes to stake a credible claim to development must possess a highly developed education system,” said the APNU+AFC coalition.

The coalition has committed to establishing a “first-class” education system which will transform the life of every citizen. The incumbent coalition believes that the creation of an education nation will ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend school and receive a quality education. Easy access to quality education is an entitlement and is essential to attaining the ‘good life’ for all the people, and the coalition believes that it is through education that young people will be better positioned to make impactful contributions in the world by being creators and innovators. “Our energies and resources will be invested in the creation of an education nation, affording all children, regardless of socio-economic backgrounds and where they live, similar opportunities to attain their full potential,” said the APNU+AFC. While the coalition believes that investments in academic and vocational education are important, it also feels that there should be increased measures to ensure that children are encouraged to attend school. Among the planned measures is the expansion of the Public Education Nutrition Service (PENS), so that all eligible students

receive three meals at school on a daily basis, and an expanded Public Education Transportation Service (PETS) to provide increased support for students and disadvantaged persons. The coalition also plans to ensure that there is equitable and universal access to quality education in rural and hinterland communities. In line with this plan is the proposed establishment of a senior secondary (6th Form) school in the capital town of every region. There are also plans to improve, expand and establish a system of regional technical institutions in all capital towns. APNU+AFC also plans to encourage students to undertake courses of study in fields which are critical to the petro-chemical industry, in order to increase local participation in the oil and gas industry from the early stages and ultimately reduce dependence on foreign nationals. The increased attendance in school is important, but there needs to be an adequate number of teachers to guide and teach these students. So, in recognising this, the coalition See page 11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

Government to launch Public Education Assistance Scheme –– to benefit school-aged children up to 15 years old

THE Government of Guyana is preparing to launch its Public Education Assistance Scheme (PEAS), which will see parents being rewarded with cash grants for ensuring their children attend school regularly. This money will benefit parents of school children up to 15 years old. This announcement was made by President David Granger, on Saturday evening, at the A Partnership for

the cash grant programme President Granger recently announced, which will be funded by proceeds from the Oil and Gas Industry. The aim is to ensure that there is maximum school attendance and that parents will be rewarded monetarily for ensuring their children attend school. “This will be a reward to parents who keep their children in school. If parents could show that their child, their children have a high attendance record, they

said that the monies will go to the homes of families with school-aged children. “We don’t want to put oil money into the hands of rich people. We want to put money into the hands of your homes, your households and that is why cabinet has deliberated. We are going to ensure that every family that gets children to school, get a cash grant to keep that child in school. The money will be coming to you. It’s your money, the President

already benefitting thousands of children across Guyana, will be expanded and strengthened until every child in Guyana becomes a beneficiary. To date, 1,088 students benefitted from the Public Education Scholarship Programme, 882 alone from the hinterland regions. Under the Public Education Transportation System (PETS), 30 buses were distributed countrywide. In Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Esse-

A section of the thousands of supporters that attended the APNU+AFC Rally in Lethem, Region 9 National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) rally in Lethem, as he highlighted the plans in store for the transformation of Guyana into an ‘Education Nation,’ during the Decade of Development (2020-2029). PEAS forms part of

will be paid for every day that child goes to school, up to the age of 15,” the President said. The announcement of cash transfers for school children was made at the APNU-AFC rally in Essequibo, where the President

had said. PEAS is an added feature to the school’s public provision system which includes transportation, meals and scholarships. President Granger said that during the Decade of Development, these programmes that are

quibo), many villages have been recipients of school buses. These include Annai, Aishalton and Sand Creek. Over 5,000 bicycles were presented to students, and one dozen boats were handed over to riverine communities. At the rally on Sunday,

President David Granger bicycles were presented to children will be fed at school. students from far-flung comIt is for these reasons, the munities in the district, help- President urged parents at ing to make their commute to the rally, to re-elect the coaschool easier. lition government, to ensure “That is what the Public their children benefit from an Education Transportation upgraded education system, Service is doing and during which will guarantee them a our next term of office, we bright future. will provide more buses, more “So we are working for boats and more bicycles to you....so you see what we get children to school, that are doing for education and is what we are going to do. young people, my brothers Every child must go to school; and sisters, this APNU+AFC every child must find a place Administration is working in school, so the Public Edu- hard, not just for re-election cation Transportation Service but to enable Guyana to reach is working for you. This is the same standard of developnot an election promise, it has ment by 2029, the end of the been working since the 15th Decade of Development,” he July, 2015 and it will continue further assured the people. to work, until every Guyanese Another plan in store for child will go to school with- education during the Decade out having to paddle a canoe of Development is the estabor walk four hours a day to lishment of technical instischool, that is what is going tutes in every region. to happen in this country,” The first Hinterland President Granger assured the Technical Institute was residents. commissioned a few days In addition, hundreds of ago at Bina Hall, North students, particularly in the Rupununi. Free education hinterland, are greeted with a from nursery to university hot meal at school upon their will also return, in addiarrival. President Granger tion to the establishment said while the programme of smart classrooms across now targets particularly hin- the region and the establishterland communities, it will ment of regional branches of be extended to the coastland the Cyril Potter College of and other areas, so that more Education (CPCE).

Modernisation of curriculum among APNU+AFC’s plans ... From page 10

has promised to train more teachers in order to improve student-teacher ratios. This will be done by expanding the existing Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) campuses and building new campuses in capital towns. Teachers and education administrators will also be encouraged through increased allocation of duty-free concessions. It was reported that spending in the education sector had moved from 14.8 per cent of the national budget in 2014 to 17.0 per cent in 2017. And, in 2019, government had invested G$52.2 Billion into the education sector, 15.6 per cent more than

in 2018. In 2019, President David Granger had said that the government is supporting an education policy which is based on the three As – access, attendance and attainment. The overarching educational princi-

ple of our education policy is Every Child in School (ECIS). He had explained that access to education means that sufficient institutions of learning must be available and equipped to impart quality education to everyone, including the visually and physically challenged. “ I would like to see a school in every village, so that children do not have to travel long distances to attend school,” he said. Additionally, the President said every Guyanese child must have easy access to school by road or river. “I would like to see the villages take greater responsibility for ensuring that every child is enrolled in

school; every child attends school regularly; every child graduates from school; and every child is supported in his or her education,” he said. “I encourage all children to continue to attend school. I believe that through education we can transform our communities and our country. We are on the right path in education. Real change takes time and I am confident that through the investments which the government, the families and the communities are making in education, we will be able to bequeath to future generations a richer legacy than we inherited,” President Granger said.

‘Give us your support’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 17, 2020

...President appeals to joint services ahead of elections

IN an open letter to members of the Disciplined Services, President David Granger assured them that the improved quality of life and work experienced under his administration will continue on an upward trajectory with the coalition in power. In the letter penned on Saturday, the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces reminded the Disciplined Services that the political party elected to government will have authority over them at the most crucial point in Guyana’s post-independence history. He urged the men and women in uniform to therefore choose the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change’s (APNU+AFC) administration, which has acted in their best interests and will work to “unleash the full potential of the Disciplined Services.” “On February 21, 2020, you the members of the Disciplined Forces will go to the polls to cast your vote. This is a vote that will have significant impact on the future of your respective organisations, your careers and generations to come. A vote for the continued development, considerations and progress of the Disciplined Forces must be a vote for the APNU+AFC, an administration that has worked assiduously to keep promises made five years ago; an administration that has allowed members of the Disciplined Services to enjoy improved quality of life through increased wages that will continually be evaluated and increased,” the President wrote. He stressed that Guyana needs a well-commanded, well-trained, well-equipped defence force with the core capabilities of keeping citizens safe and securing the nation. In the open letter, President Granger pledged to continue implementing the ‘Total National Defence’ policy, which he had initiated in October 2015, along with “millions more” for soldiers to properly execute their mandate to protect citizens from domestic and foreign threats. BETTER SALARIES Detailing some of the improvements to expect, the President pointed to further increases in salaries and allowances and affordable housing for all members of the Disciplined Services --- with priority to lower ranks. Members of the Disciplined Services are among those who have benefitted from an overall increase of 77 per cent since the APNU+AFC took office in May, 2015 and a nine per cent increase in the minimum wage for 2019. While it took the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration nine years to move

while prison facilities will continue to be improved to ensure the comfortable execution of duties by prison officers. Contracts worth millions were only months ago awarded for the upgrading of several police stations, while works have commenced on the expansion of the Mazaruni Prison with 12 living quarters for prison staffers already completed, even as plans for portable steel cells at the Camp Street Prison are moving apace.

President David Granger inspects the guard of honour ahead of the opening ceremony for the Police Officers conference on January 30, 2020

GDF ranks undertaking Exercise Greenheart in the swamps in 2019

the minimum wage from $26,070 in 2006 to $39,570 in 2015, the current administration increased it from $39,570 in 2015 to $70,000 in 2019 – in less than five years. BETTER EQUIPPED The Head of State has maintained that the GDF is better today than five years ago as under his administration, funding to the GDF has increased from $8B in 2014 to $13.9 billion in 2019. “These improvements will continue over the next 10 years,” he promised in January 2020 during his address at the GDF Annual Officers Conference at State House.

Apart from salaries, the President said that members of the Disciplined Services can expect millions more to be invested in equipment, infrastructure, protective gear, training, technology and transportation. Over the last few years the force’s technical corps has been improved; the Air Corps’ fleet acquired light reconnaissance aircraft; the Engineer Corps received equipment to enhance the force’s agility and improve its responsiveness to eliminate climate hazards; the force acquired drones for border surveillance; the Technical Corps was upgraded and equipment recapitalised; the Safe

City system was implemented; the Guyana People’s Militia was reformed and the Guyana National Cadet Corps (GNCC) was resuscitated. Added to this, traffic ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have been trained to respond to suspected cases of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and domestic violence; new police divisions have been created in several regions and there is improved security in the hinterland President Granger also pledged that under an APNU+AFC government, the upgrading of police stations with modern conveniences and technology will continue,

DULY RECOGNISED In his letter, the retired Brigadier also stated that members of the force can expect intensification of the professionalisation of the Disciplined Services with a merit-based system for promotions. History was made in 2019 when Immigration Officer Towanna Crandon-Primo, was recognised for her brilliance as a Joint Service member of the GPF annual Christmas Award Ceremony. It was the first time a Joint Services member was recognised and Crandon-Primo was the immigration officer who documented a forged ID card of Benvolio Valenski, a wanted man in Canada, back in September 2019. Meanwhile, some 35 officers of the GDF were promoted with effect from January 1, 2020, after approval was given by the President and another 783 other ranks also received promotions. Under an APNU+AFC administration, members of the force can also expect the recruitment of more personnel for the Disciplined Forces. “You must be reminded that the next government will be afforded the opportunity to exercise authority over the Disciplined Services through a period of Guyana’s rapid economic transformation. I respectfully ask for your vote to be in a position to guide our country through the commencement of its biggest developmental experience since our independence,” the President told the Disciplined Services. Members of the Disciplined Services will cast their votes in the 2020 General and Regional Elections on February 21, 2020, to ensure their availability on E-Day, March 2, 2020. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) last reported that plans are moving smoothly to facilitate voting with a total of 10,226 ballot papers already extracted. There will be 47 ballots for Region One; 282 for Region Two; 1,482 for Region Three; 5,324 for Region Four; 976 for Region Five; 1,328 for Region Six; 61 for Region Seven; 17 for Region Eight; 29 for Region Nine; and 680 for Region 10.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

Venezuela has long stymied development in Guyana– Greenidge –– but ExxonMobil has weathered the storm By Lisa Hamilton

discover on the shelf today in the petroleum sector could have been discovered in the 1960s if companies were not afraid of working in Guyana’s waters…there’s been an income loss experience by us over these four or five decades,” Greenidge reasoned. He stated that the issue is “significant” as Guyana has long been recognised as a developing country which ought to have long benefitted from its resources to ensure its citizens and future generations a better life. “So, it is foolish and I would use as strong a term as that --- undiplomatic--- to be saying to the public ‘Guyana was okay and therefore whatever was decided in 1999 when Exxon was granted a licence by the PPP Administration, that was wrong’. The circumstances were peculiar and whilst the PPP gave, in the eyes of many, an excessive concession to Exxon, I have no difficulty with it and I have no difficulty not because Exxon pays

THERE was nothing typical about Guyana’s situation and the renegotiation of its oil contract when one considers the decades-old threat of Venezuela and its negative influence on business in Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). As a guest on the Guyana Chronicle’s online programme, Vantage Point, Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge detailed the numerous threats of Guyana’s Spanish-speaking neighbour and how the country – through its leaders --- put earlier developments in Guyana at risk. A REAL THREAT EXISTS Though some might want to believe that the threat against Guyana by Venezuela is a mere idea, Greenidge informed the public that the neighbouring country has shown its true colours to the world on numerous occasions and these do not favour the best interest for Guyana. “The impacts of Venezuela’s claims are not cerebral. It’s not something that just exist in people’s minds or on the part of some wicked political party. We have a situation, since 1962, in which Venezuela has tried to prevent Guyana from utilising the resources that have constituted its boundaries,” he said. In December 2018, Guyana’s territorial integrity was violated when a Venezuelan Navy corvette – the Karina PC-14 – made a hostile incursion into Guyana’s EEZ. The incursion took place at approximately 144 kilometres (km) from the boundary which separates Guyana from Venezuela and saw attempts by the Navy corvette to land a helicopter on the unarmed oil survey ship. In a firm statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Venezuela’s aggression as a violation of the Charter of the United Nations and general international law. Some years ago, in 2013, a petroleum exploration vessel – RV Teknik Perdana –conducting a survey in the Roraima Block offshore, was intercepted by a Venezuelan Navy frigate and ordered to cease its activities. Greenidge also noted that Venezuela has also utilised its military to exclude Guyana from its half of the Ankoko Island and have even fired at Guyanese in the Cuyuni River, killing them. The issue dates back to the Arbitral Award of 1899, and in March 2020, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hear arguments on whether it has jurisdiction to adjudicate over the validity of the award even as Venezuela remains uncooperative. HINDRANCE TO BUSINESS Though ample time was given for other

ana Limited (EEPGL) and its partners, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited (Hess) and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC). EEPGL is a subsidiary of Exxon which is the largest US oil and gas company closely associated with the interests of the US government; Hess is a major US oil and gas company whose interests are likely to be protected by the US government and CNOOC is China’s third-largest state-owned oil company. The Foreign Secretary said that while persons are entitled to their opinion: “The assumption that any old company has Exxon’s capacity technically or Exxon’s resolve to continue when they are pressured --- as they have been by neighbours--- is foolish.” The Clyde & Co report completed on January 30, 2020 concluded that “the 2016 Agreement was negotiated and orderly executed in accordance with the [Petroleum] Act

Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge methods of resolution, Greenidge said that the court must now decide as there is no other peaceful resolution on the horizon based on the actions of the Spanish-speaking neighbour. He explained: “[It was decided in 2015] that notwithstanding 50-odd years of work on this; 50-odd years of attempting a diplomatic resolution, a last attempt should be made at the diplomatic level and that last attempt failed.” In the meanwhile, Venezuela’s threat to Guyana is hindering business and development in its maritime zone. “Venezuela has had the effect of restricting the exploration work being done on our shelf and since that time Exxon and the other operators, Anadarko, have not ventured beyond the line where their vessels were intercepted by the Venezuelans,” the Foreign Secretary pointed out. “It means that a resource belonging to us, recognized as ours by the world, could not be Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro brandishes the front page of a Sunday Chronicle at a high-level meeting at Milaflores, in Caracas. The lead story is exploited by Guyana,” he added. He also informed the public that Venezue- titled, ‘Maduro’s Gov’t wants to ‘beat its chest’ on Essequibo claims’. la wrote to businesses which were either contemplating or were in the process of investing me or I’m looking after Exxon’s interest, but and the Regulations.” in Guyana threatening them with military and because that has turned out to be in Guyana’s Meanwhile, Greenidge urged Guyanese civil actions. interest,” the Foreign Secretary explained. not to get caught up with the sensationalism Giving an example, he stated that in In an independent investigation into the in the media by looking at Guyana’s royalty the 1980s, Canadian company, Home Oil, government’s signing of the 2016 Petroleum alone but to look at the bigger package. explored the Takatu Basin and found some Agreement with ExxonMobil by UK-based Apart from 50 per cent profit oil and 2 oil but before it could proceed further the global law firm, Clyde & Co, it was brought per cent royalty, the government will also company was taken over by Hiram Walker, to the fore that the signing was influenced, in receive withholding taxes. It has already a business with interest in a variety of places part, by the government’s intent of maintain- secured US$18M signing bonus, while over including in Venezuela. ing a strategic relationship with ExxonMobil 1,900 persons are directly employed in oil “For reasons I have yet to understand and its partners as the country’s territorial and gas sector to date. Additionally, there other than political reasons, the well activity integrity was at threat by Venezuela. has been over US$300M in foreign direct was completely close,” he said. The contract was renegotiated and signed investment to date and over 700 service “It means that what we’ve been able to with Esso Exploration and Production Guy- providers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday February 17, 2020

Jumo Primo dethrones Harding, reclaims title as Guyana’s Soca King

WITH an electrifying, inimitable performance of his entry ‘Trample dem’, Jumo Primo was declared the 592 2020 Soca Monarch in the wee hours of Sunday morning. The tightly packed crowd at D’Urban Park was roaring as Primo took the stage with his creative stage set and role play. Second to none was his performance and crowd response, giving the judges an easy breeze to select him winner of the $2 million prize. The finals saw 15 exceptional performances. The competition started with heat, when Kady Kish performed ‘Soca my Religion’, with her remarkable vocal ability. From beginning to the very end, the contestants maintained the heat. However, defending champion, Brandon Harding, whom everyone was targeting to take the title, and in whom the crowd had much expectation, did not deliver. But he managed to secure the People’s Choice Award. The competition this year did not cut him any slack, as everyone came with their ‘A’ game. Coming in fifth place, and also taking the best newcomer prize of $100,000, was 17-year-old Relon Sumner, who is also the Junior Soca Monarch. Fourth place went to police officer, Osbert Cain, who goes

by the stage name ‘Vintage’. He walked away with $250,000. Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts copped the third-place prize of $500,000 after her energetic and colourful performance of ‘I am 592’. Maintaining his second-place spot, Steven Ramphal delivered once again and walked away with $750,000. After winning the Soca Monarch three times, and also winning the title of road march king in 2014, Primo, last year, went into the competition and got fourth place. This year, he came back with vengeance and spared no man. He told the Guyana Chronicle that last year’s experience is actually what inspired his 2020 ‘Trample Dem’ entry. In fact, he said it wasn’t long after the competition last year that he sat and wrote this year’s entry. “What happened last year, created what happened this year. All the trials and struggles from last year helped me create this song. Last year, I wasn’t expecting all that happened, from the technical difficulties to the breakdown with the band; I had a plan and it fell through. But I took the struggle and everything that happened, and through prayers and everything I was able to write and deliver ‘Trample Dem’. And a lot of people

can relate to it,” Primo said. Additionally, just a few weeks before the finals, he was in crutches. He said that he had injured his leg in an accident a few years ago, and coming close to competition night, his calves were paining severely. This forced him to walk with crutches to ease the pressure on the leg. All these experiences, he said fueled his fire to deliver the performance he did. From his stage play, he mimicked the healing and deliverance by the hands of God, and incorporated dance performances from a group of differently-abled persons. This won the hearts of the people as they were screaming deafeningly. Primo said that the song was written for people with trials, and speaks to prayers and belief in one’s self, to help overcome anything and achieve success. That is why he portrayed the message he did through his performance. He said that he is now entering the Road March competition and is hoping to win that as well. Apart from that, he is looking to create other avenues, through his studio ‘592 Recording Studio’, for artistes to perform other than just around Mashramani time.

Fourth place, Osbert Cain aka Vintage

Soca Monarch 2020, Jumo Primo Secondplace winner, Steven Ramphal Third place, Melissa Vanilla Roberts

Police defend title as Pan Champs

THE Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra did not disappoint their supporters on Sunday at the Panorama Steel Band Competition held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). With a massive performance of Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts ‘I am 592’ soca song, the Police band outplayed their other two competitors and was unanimously voted champions yet again. In the presence of the Police Commissioner, Leslie James, they basked in the victory as the entire crowd was on their feet. CASH was packed to capacity and the gates were eventually closed and no one else was allowed entry. Several government officials and

prominent individuals were in attendance. The competition saw three categories; Small Youth Bands, Large Youth Bands and the Large Bands. The Small Youth Bands saw a close competition among eight bands, but Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division band secured the top spot with their rendition of Timeka Marshall’s ‘Perfect’. President’s College and Patentia Secondary secured the second and third places, respectively. The Large Youth Bands were even more exciting. Just four bands were in this category, but they played their mallets off. They were energetic and incorporated creative role plays to entertain

Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra bringing the heat

the audience. Ramps Logistics’ West Demerara Secondary came through with an imitation of President Granger that had everyone on their feet. At the end of it though, The Bishops’ High School was declared the champions with their rendition of the calypso song ‘Woman is boss’. Following closely behind were GBTI Buxton Pride in second place, and West Demerara got third. By this time, it was an exuberating atmosphere all through the sports hall; the most anticipated category of the evening, and everyone was at the edge of their seats. The Large Bands category, as per normal, had three bands: Na-

tional School of Music Steel Orchestra, Caribbean Airlines Parkside Steel Orchestra and the Champions. National School of Music Steel Orchestra and Caribbean Airlines Parkside Steel Orchestra played the same song, ‘Calling Meh’, but Parkside outplayed School of Music by 15 points, a repeat of last year’s results: National School of Music – third, and Parkside - second place. As energetic as all these performances were, no one brought the energy like the Guyana Police Force, and they continue to be Guyana’s Pan Champions.

Large Youth Bands champion, The Bishops’ High School

6,000 persons to access better healthcare

IN keeping with the government’s vision of ensuring that everyone, everywhere benefits from primary healthcare, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has commissioned a $30 million health centre at Eccles, which is expected to benefit some 6,000 people. Persons within the catchment area of the Eccles-Ramsburg Neighbourhood Democratic Council

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

… as gov’t commissions $30M health centre at Eccles (NDC), on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), will no longer have to travel miles to access primary healthcare services, since the newly commissioned facility is well equipped and staffed. This was according to Minister of Public Health

Volda Lawrence during her remarks at a ceremony to commission the health centre, on Wednesday. “The presence of this facility means that they don’t have to leave the catchment area to access healthcare elsewhere…gone are the

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence joined officials of the Region Four RDC, health officials, staff of the Eccles Health Centre and students to cut the ceremonial ribbon as part of the commissioning of the health centre (Carl Croker photo)

days when you had to find transportation to access primary healthcare,” said Minister Lawrence, adding that this is the first health centre to be established in Eccles. Prior to the establishment of this facility, persons had to travel to Mocha-Arcadia, Agricola, Herstelling or Diamond to access primary healthcare. Describing the establishment of the health centre as a ‘milestone’ for the community, Minister Lawrence said: “It is an important aspect of the ministry’s mission for advancement of primary

ered right here, so none of you can say the health centre is far away...persons will even be able to be treated for more than one illness at the same time, because we have the skills and expertise there,” said Minister Lawrence. The provision of various health services at the health centre adds to the broader vision of the MoPH, which entails ensuring that persons live to their fullest potential. In that regard, Minister Lawrence encouraged residents to ensure that they place their health at the top

One of the state-of-the-art rooms at the health centre (Carl Croker) healthcare…this is long overdue, but it has been realised and residents have a new, well-equipped facility.” The minister assured residents that when they visit the facility they will meet a core of trained healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and even community health workers. And, in order to ensure that there is optimal medical care, the MoPH has even stationed a family medicine specialist at the facility. Among the services offered at the health centre are testing for chronic diseases, STDs, and other illnesses, as well as child and adolescent health, and Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT). “The package of healthcare services will be deliv-

of their list of priorities. Persons were also advised to eat healthy, exercise and utilise the new health centre to get medical check-ups. “Prioritise your personal health and focus on preventative measures to avoid getting ill…you must be cognisant of the risk factors of unhealthy practices and use the health centre as a back-up for good health. Use it in a positive way to improve your life,” said Minister Lawrence, adding that good health is the passport to a good life. She challenged the community leaders to utilise the health centre for activities such as “men day” testing, which will attract persons See page 20

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

Wales Market remains active despite closure of estate

NOT WITH STANDING the closure of the Wales Estate in December 2016, the village’s weekly market, held every Friday, remains an active commercial zone. The market, located along the main corridor on the West Bank of Demerara, serves as a convenience for the residents of Wales and neighbouring communities. Consumers can get just about any commodity at the market, from groceries and meats, to clothing and hardware supplies.

the West Bank of Demerara, was shopping items for her birthday celebration. She has been visiting the market since she was a child. The market is located next to the Wales Police Station and stretches all the way to the former ‘pay office’, where workers of the estate once came every Friday to uplift their wages. Over the years, as the operations of the estate declined, so did business at the market. Nonetheless, many of the vendors have remained

gan vending clothes at the market. “We shortly come here. It’s reasonable but maybe because of the elections and so on, things are a bit slow sometimes, but it does pick up at some points,” Seegobin shared. The couple similarly vends at the Parika, Zeeburg and Vreed-en-Hoop markets, and hope to expand, and perhaps one day open a store. “We have to start from small because we can’t get it like that, we have to work hard to get it,” Seegobin

Haimraj Budhram at his stall at the Wales Market settle on being a vendor after a number of other jobs. “I used to work for a sewing company, before that strip broom, anything you hand catch as [a] hustler you do,” Munroe said. Haimraj Budhram, from Patentia, has been selling at the market for over 20

years. He sells household items, groceries and hardware products. “I bought a canter and started doing drive-andsell. Then I started to come at the market and started to sell. I sell from Patentia up to Vive La Force School,” he told this newspaper.

Kishan Budhu, from La Grange, has been selling dry goods at the market for about eight years, and though business has fluctuated over the years, he nonetheless persevered. “The people, they’re friendly and cooperative and joyful,” he said.

Thirty-one-year-old Ramona Seegobin (sitting) and her partner, David Smith at the Wales Market “It’s always a bright place. I come here every Friday,” 26-year-old Mondai Edwards told Guyana Chronicle during a recent visit to the market. At the time, Edwards, who hails from Sister’s Village – one of many communities on

and the market has even begun to attract a few newcomers. Travelling from Stewartville on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD), 31-year-old Ramona Seegobin, and her partner, David Smith, recently be-

said. Forty-two-year-old Mary Munroe has been a more longstanding feature at the market place, where she sells pork from her livestock farm, and other groceries. A single mother of four, Munroe decided to

Vendor Mary Munroe

Former Linden Mayor urges Canadian diaspora to go with the coalition this election CANADA-based Guyanese were not to be left out of the 2020 election campaign as a number of supporters of the APNU-AFC Government successfully staged a Town Hall Rally and Fundraiser at the Fusion Restaurant and Lounge in Scarborough, Ontario. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, former Mayor of Linden and President of the Guyana Association of Municipalities, Carwyn Holland, implored the sizeable gathering that “this election is one of Guyana’s most important election as it boils down to a corrupt few led by a dishonourable former President Bharrat Jagdeo versus a people’s movement led by an incorruptible, decent, visionary President David Granger”. In articulating his point, Holland told the receptive gathering that Jagdeo is seeking a third term by having current PPP/C presiden-

tial candidate, Irfaan Ali, masquerade as the frontman but he is the one calling the shots as they try to hijack Guyana for nefarious reasons. He further posited that the PPP/C is no longer a ‘Jagan Party’, which was once touted as a party for the working class, because it is now a power-craving gang of corrupt folks seeking to turn Guyana into an oligarchical state. “They are not satisfied with all the underhandedness they had done to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers, they don’t care about sugar workers whom they fooled for decades by bribing them for their loyalty; they don’t care for Berbicians whom they denied infrastructural development and treated as a lower class. They don’t care about our nation’s youths as hundreds were abused and murdered under their watch and, most recently, tried to deny young people the right to vote by vehemently opposing new house-to-house

registration. They don’t care about Buxton which they flooded and wanted to turn into a burial ground; they never cared for region 10 and other places that are against their biased leadership and where they committed economic deprivation and stifled development,” Holland noted. The first Linden-born mayor also called out PPP/C presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, for vehemently opposing the 2019 region 10’s budgetary allocation which aided much development and now returns hypocritically to the region seeking their support to make him President. On the other hand, according to Holland, President Granger is leading a people’s movement as Guyanese prefer and embrace his vision of a good life for all. This election he opined, gave rise to a people’s movement which aims to keep Jagdeo, Ali and their corrupt loyalists from getting access to the

nation’s coffers which has rebounded from being ‘in the red’. Holland affirmed that Guyana has grown since the coalition government took over and is expected to make giant leaps with our new-found oil wealth. The main panelists for the event were Dr. Lawrence Benjamin, USA-based James McAllister and long-time PNC member, Allan Zakir, who made riveting presentations. Video messages from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, prime ministerial candidate and AFC Leader, Kemraj Ramjattan, PNC Chairwoman Volda Lawrence and Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency and APNU General-Secretary, Joe Harmon were also played. There was also no shortage of entertainment as several international recording artistes and dancers from India performed to the satisfaction to those in attendance.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

Child beaten in racially charged assault

A 12-year-old was brutally beaten two weeks

ago by a resident of Canal Number One on the

West Bank Demerara (WBD), in what appears

to be a racially motivated attack, and the child’s

parents and family are calling on authorities to ensure justice is served. Jonathan Forrester, of Lot 2 Public Road Stanleytown, WBD, sustained a swollen eye, and was left bleeding through his nose, and vomiting as a result of the assault by a young man, who allegedly made racially charged remarks. Head of Public Education and Awareness at the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Rene Chester, said he would encourage the parents to make an official report with the Commission, as well as to the Rights of the Child Commission. “Definitely, I would advise them to come to make a report about the matter and even encourage them to have a discussion with the Rights of the Child Commission. The racial aspect of the slur that was used would fall under our ambit but the fact that it involves a child, the Rights of the Child Commission would have to get involved in that,” Chester noted. The child said he had never had any prior encounters with the alleged perpetrator, but the person was known to him as he lives in the vicinity of the L’Aventure Secondary School, which Forrester was attending at the time of the assault. The assault occurred a few doors away from the school. Forrester has not returned to school since the incident, and his parents have since transferred him to the Vreed-en-Hoop Secondary School. “We couldn’t send him to school because he’s scared, he couldn’t even sleep good in the night,” the child’s mother, Simone Forrester, related. According to the child, on February 7, he was walking with some friends when the alleged attacker was having a political conversation, and subsequently began

Jonathan Forrester’s face after being assaulted on February 7 harassing some female students he was with. Jonathan said when he defended the young girls, the young man turned his wrath on him. “He did troubling the girls them and I said don’t trouble the girls and after then he [made the racially charged comment] and then he start beat me up,” the child recounted. Jonathan said no one came to his aid during the assault, and afterwards he visited the nearby health centre where a nurse contacted his mother. The child and his mother made a report at the La Grange Police Station, and he was subsequently taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital for a medical checkup. The police went in search of the suspect but he was not found. Regional Commander, Simon McBean, said that while the police have been having difficulties locating the suspect, they have been actively searching. “Efforts are being made to arrest the suspect, and the parents are being updated on the police action, it’s not that we’re not making efforts. The address we have for him, he’s not there. We were even told about an alternative residence; we checked their on several occasions and he’s not there,” McBean explained.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

PPP/C rallies Herstelling –– Ali promises to invest in community

–– outlines strategic plan to provide jobs on East Bank corridor PRESIDENTIAL Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Irfaan Ali, said should the PPP/C be elected to Government come March 2, 2020, it would invest in communities along the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and create much-needed jobs. At the time, Ali was delivering the keynote address during the PPP/C rally in Herstelling, EBD on Friday.

sector to bring and ensure that every single one of you, every single Guyanese fulfils their aspirations of owning their own homes,” he said. The former Housing Minister noted that the party will not only give residents house lots but will also seek to provide even more jobs by collaborating with the private sector. “We are not only going to give you house lots, this is a promise by the People’s Pro-

The PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali, addressing the gathering at a rally held in Herstelling on Friday Noting that the EBD corridor is going to be a strategic location for development, Ali said the PPP/C will construct a highway from Diamond to the Eugene F. Correia International Airport in Ogle, East Coast Demerara (EBD) – a project already initiated by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition. According to the PPP/C presidential candidate, the multimillion-dollar project will see employment skyrocketing for youths in the area, since many hands will be needed during the construction phase of the highway. Additionally, Ali noted that the PPP/C will also invest in the housing sector to provide better and affordable housing for residents on the EBD corridor. “We are going to work with the [commercial] banks and work with the construction sector to ensure that you have affordable homes, that you have homes that you could afford, homes that the government will support in ensuring that you have low interest rate and ensuring that the cost of the house lot is affordable and subsidized by the government,” the former Housing Minister told the residents. He said the PPP/C’s plans will reduce the cost of living for residents, provide jobs and enhance the quality of life for not only those on the East Bank corridor but for every Guyanese. “I want to assure you that after March the 2nd, we are going to re-invest in the housing

gressive Party/Civic; we will be supporting partnership with the private sector, partnership with the financial institution, we will be removing the VAT on building materials, we will be opening up manufacturing opportunities, industrial opportunities, wear housing and logistics,” Ali told the gathering. Ali told supporters at the rally that the PPP/C will open lands to give residents a chance to build and expand businesses. “We will be opening up land so you could expand your businesses and get jobs right here on the East Bank, we are going to ensure we build sustainable communities, communities that will provide you not only with a housing, but where you will have social economic issues sorted out in these housing schemes,” he stated. Ali further stated that should the PPP/C be re-elected, it will work along with the private sector to make the East Bank corridor a tourism hub, by constructing hotels in the area. “I assure you, [you] will see more hotels, you will see more job opportunities as a result of the investment of more hotels, right here on the East Bank, but we have to ensure that when we allocate land for warehousing, mechanic shops, woodworking. We have to ensure that you-- the people-- also benefit from those allocations,” Ali told the gathering. He was among speakers that addressed the PPP/C supporters last Friday in Herstelling.

A section of the gathering at the rally on Friday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

New signage erected at Brian Sucre Junction at Mahdia

SIGNIFICANT beautification work at the Brian Sucre Junction in the Mahdia area has been completed. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, with the assistance of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Ministry has been able to provide the area with signage, lights, and fencing, therefore improving visibility and overall aesthetics of the area. The Brian Sucre Junction is known to be a popular resting spot for hinterland travellers and is named after a former Commissioner of the GGMC. The ministry said it was pleased that it was able to complete the beautification, noting that it follows a request by the residents of

The signage at the Brian Sucre junction near Mahdia. Mahdia and hinterland travellers. “Further, gratitude is extended to the GGMC and the several individuals who played a meaningful role in bringing this project to completion,” the ministry noted. The ministry said that over time it has been able to give support to over fifteen areas, through the provision of bins, streetlights, seedlings and fruit trees, and garden and cleaning tools. “This has promoted the overall green agenda of the Government,” it added. It was noted that the significant achievements included the restoration of the Ca-

shew Grove Park in Lethem and the Esplanade Park in New Amsterdam, the Golden Grove clean-up efforts, and the cleaning of Bartica and Port Kaituma Waterfronts. The Ministry of Natural Resources said that it is committed to the develop-

ment of all areas whether through infrastructural development or beautification, and will continue to contribute towards ensuring that all Guyanese experience the good life the Government of Guyana offers.

6,000 persons to access better ... From page 16

and encourage them to get themselves checked for various ailments. The MoPH plans to replicate this effort and open other health centres across the country, as government continues to work towards attaining equity in health. The ministry intends to do this through continued partnership with the Ministry of Communities, and according to Chairperson of the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four, Genevieve Allen, the establishment of the Eccles Health Centre is testimony to the RDC’s commitment to ensuring

that there is universal health coverage. She said the idea of constructing a health centre in Eccles was conceptualised in 2017 and formed part of the regional work programme in 2018, but the facility was completed in 2019. The health centre had started delivering services on a small scale in September last year. Residents of Eccles who were present at the ceremony said the commissioning of the facility is timely and will indeed relieve them of the burden of having to travel far away for medical attention.

An external view of the new, modern Eccles Health Centre (Carl Croker)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

Magnificent Morgan guides Police athletes dominate two divisions at Jubilee Relays England to T20 series win

─Running Brave ladies sizzle of 5:39.48, with GDF A just By Faizool Deo

England are ranked number three in the world following this series

PRETORIA (Reuters) - Captain Eoin Morgan scored a brilliant unbeaten 57 from 22 balls as England chased down a massive victory target of 223 to win the final Twenty20 International against South Africa on Sunday and secure a 2-1 series triumph. South Africa won the toss and posted 222 for six in their 20 overs, but man of the match Morgan crashed seven sixes in a 21-ball half-century to equal his own England record for the fastest fifty in Twenty20 cricket. The visitors reached 226 for five with five deliveries to spare, the ball sailing through the Highveld air as 28 sixes were hit in the match, 15 by England, as they completed the fourth highest successful Twenty20 International run chase. South Africa won the first match by one run and England claimed the second by two runs in a tight series ahead of the World Cup in Australia in October.

“It was a hell of a game, you have to commend both sides’ bowlers as it is not easy to bowl on a wicket like that,” Morgan said at the post-match presentation. “When any side posts 222 it is a tough ask, but going back to the 2016 World Cup with this group of players, we chased down 230 against South Africa in Mumbai, so there was always that belief. “It’s a nice note to leave this tour on, we have loved every minute of it. The cricket we have played has been so close between the sides and it has been hugely productive for us.” South Africa’s innings was boosted by a powerful 66 from 33 balls by Heinrich Klaasen, before he picked out Ben Stokes at mid-off from the bowling of the impressive Tom Curran (2-33). Opener Temba Bavuma, with 49 from 24 balls, gave the home side a fast start and David Miller (35 from 20) provided a strong finish. England lost Jason Roy

in the second over of their reply, but Jos Buttler (57 from 29) and Jonny Bairstow (64 from 34) put on 91 in 49 balls as the tourists kept up with the required rate. Once they fell, Morgan, who also earned the man of the series award, took up the mantle, dealing only in sixes in a brilliant display of skill and power hitting, and making up for not seeing his side home in the first match in east London. He was supported by Stokes (22 from 12) in adding 61 from 27 balls before the all-rounder was out with victory in sight as England completed their second highest Twenty20 chase. “When we got here and saw the wicket we knew it would be high-scoring, we are just disappointed we didn’t get over the line. We felt our score was just over par,” De Kock said. “As we get closer to the World Cup we are clearer in our plans and about who is putting up their hands.”

Joshua Cheptegei smashes 5km road world record in Monaco UGANDA’s world 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei has broken the 5km road world record by 27 seconds in Monaco. The 23-year-old ran 12 minutes 51 seconds to smash the previous record, set by Kenya’s Rhonex Kipruto en route to victory at January’s Valencia 10k. “I had sub-13 minutes in my mind so when my legs felt good I decided to really go for it,” said Cheptegai. France’s Jimmy Gressier finished second in Monaco with a European record of 13:18. Nick Goolab finished third in a new British record of 13:27, the Belgrave Har-

rier bettering the mark held jointly by Mo Farah and Rob Denmark by three seconds.

Joshua Cheptegei won 10,000m gold at the World Athletics Champions in Doha in 2019

In December, Cheptegai ran 26:38 to break the 10km road world record, which had stood for almost 10 years, but

that mark was bettered last month by Kipruto, who set new records at both 5km and 10km in his victory over the latter distance in Spain. Cheptegei’s record-breaking time is subject to official World Athletics ratification procedures, as are Kipruto’s. The Ugandan beat the most recently ratified 5km record of 13:22, set by Robert Keter in Lille on 9 November, and also the fastest time ever recorded for the distance, Sammy Kipketer’s 13:00 in Carlsbad, USA, in 2000. The 5km only became an official world record event in November 2017. (BBC Sport)

THE POLICE Progressive Youth Club were able to dominate the 15-and-under division and pip the Guyana Defence Force in the senior events during the one-day Jubilee Relay Meet, which was held yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora. Although there were no overall trophies, the clubs and schools still battled for prizes and pride in the event sponsored and organised by the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport and the Athletics Association of Guyana. In the 15-and-under division, Police finished with 54 points with Tutorial High School and Mercury Fast Laners tied for second with 30 points, while DeChallengers finished just behind on 28 points. In the 19-and-under division, Hopetown Flames finished with 48 points, while Mercury Fast Laners finished with 43 points, Police Progressive Youths placed third on 40 point and Mackenzie High School on 33 points. Meanwhile, in the 20 plus age group (seniors), Police finished on 56 points, while GDF finished with 52 points, the University of Guyana on 33 points and Running Brave on 30 points. DOMINANT RUNNING BRAVES Despite the overall results, bragging rights and cash incentives were up for grabs in the senior division and for the females—Running Braves

were unstoppable. Ruth Sanmoogan, Shoquane Daniels, Shequita Marcus and Alisha Fortune were able to win the 800M sprint medley, the 4X100M relay and the 4X200M relay. In the 800M sprint medley, with Sanmoogan anchoring, the ladies clocked 1:48.77 on a wet track under overcast conditions. Police athletes (Cassie Tixie, Kenesha Halley, Alita Moore and Cassie Small) placed second in 1:49.68. In the 4X100M relay, 45-year-old former Sportswoman of the Year, Fortune anchored the side to 48.80s, to pip Police who finished in 49.64s. The Guyana Defence Force A (Eureka Williams, Aniquah Powley, Nikita Joseph and Tonya Rawlins) finished a fraction behind in 49.67s. GDF had a chance to defeat Running Brave in the 4X200M race. Shaquane had given the eventual winners a good start, but Fortune was outpaced by Rawlins, which carried the soldiers ahead by the halfway mark. Marcus though ran down Maria Urquhart and medical student Sanmoogan made no mistake as she anchored the side to victory. Running Brave finished the 4X200M in 1:44.55, while GDF clocked 1:45.66 and Police Sports Club 1:45.71. In the senior male division, Police (Samuel Lynch, Royston Fordyce, Quacy Morian and Cleveland Thomas) won the Distance Medley (2400m) event in a time

behind in 5:39.50. GDF sprinters avenged their middle distance runners and took both the 4X100M and the 4X200M races. In the 4X100M relay the team of Yannick Williams, Leslain Baird, Brian Roman and Akeem Stewart powered GDF to first place in 41.46s, just ahead of Police (Stephon Boodie, Linton Mentis, Titus Webster and Davin Fraser) who finished in 41.57s. Hopetown Flames A clocked third in 44.38s. Meanwhile in the 4X200M relay, Stewart stormed GDF into the lead, and Roman and Michael James kept the pace, which left national javelin record holder Baird to seal the win in 1:27.86s. Police finished second in 1:28.37s, while the University of Guyana ‘A’ team placed third. The two top clubs split the mixed relays. Police won the 19-and-under 4X400M. The team of Deniro Persaud, Donna Lowe, Courtly Bobb and Odessa France clocked 3:55.87, ahead of Hopetown Flames A (3:58.00) and Mercury Fast Laners (4:26.39). In the senior 4X400M mixed relay, Police experimented by anchoring with Alita Moore, the hope was that their other athletes would have given her the lead that she needed, but that was not the case and Michael James was able to chance her down and surge ahead. GDF finished in 3:55.57, while Police clocked 4:11.63 and UG 4:25.55.

All-Star MVP Award named in honour of Kobe Bryant By Brendan O’Brien CHICAGO (Reuters) The National Basketball Association All-Star Game MVP Award has been permanently named for the late Kobe Bryant, league Commissioner Adam Silver said on Saturday. Bryant, an 18-time AllStar who won a record-tying four All-Star Game MVP awards, his 13-yearold daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Jan. 26. He was 41. “His loss, together with his daughter and those other seven people on the helicopter, is unspeakable,” Silver said at a news conference before the All-Star Saturday Night event at the United Center in Chicago. “As the father of a child ... that’s the unimaginable.” The Kobe Bryant MVP Award will be presented on Sunday to the most

valuable player at the end of the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. “Kobe Bryant is synonymous with NBA All-Star and embodies the spirit of this global celebration of our game,” Silver said in a statement. “He always relished the opportunity to compete with the best of the best and perform at the highest level for millions of fans around the world.” Bryant made his NBA All-Star Game debut in 1998 at age 19 – the youngest player to ever play in an All-Star Game. His 18 All-Star selections are the second most in NBA history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, at 19. Silver said the decision to name the MVP award in honor of Bryant was made collectively by league officials and some players. “To all of us, it seemed like the appropriate way to bring honor to him,” Silver said.

Silver also spoke about the loss of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, who oversaw explosive growth in the popularity of the game during his 30-year tenure. Silver said that Stern, who died in January, and Bryant had a lot in common. “They were both determined to win,” he said. “They could be difficult at times because they prioritized winning, and often, they didn’t have time for some of the niceties around personal relationships because it was about winning.” Moments after Silver’s news conference ended, the packed United Center stood and cheered as the game clock was wound up to 24.2, in honor of Bryant’s No. 24 jersey number and the No. 2 that Gianna Bryant wore when she played basketball at her father’s Mamba Sports Academy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

‘Hikers and GCC Tigers storm to outdoor hockey titles

THE PEPSI Hikers and the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) GBTI Tigers claimed exciting overall victories on Saturday afternoon in the Bounty- and Antonio’s Grille-sponsored Guyana Hockey Board One-Day Outdoor Tournament, which was held at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence. Seven male teams and five female sides battled in the 25-match event, which culminated in fading light. Seasoned players and skippers of both side, Robert France and Sonia Jardine, led from the front in the championship clash. In the male final, the Hikers were able to dominate against Bounty GCC-- the Sequel. France scored in the seventh and 18th minutes of the clash to seal the game, but it could have been by a larger margin with the top club attacking in waves, which forced their opponent to defend with large numbers. On the other pitch, the older Tigers were able to outlast the younger GCC GBTI Spartans. As she has done over the years, Jardine made the difference. Collecting the ball just over the halfway spot, the 40-year-old turned on her marker and then beat two other

defenders before she faked the goalie to push the ball into the uprights. Although there were several attempts by both sides, the fifth-minute first-half goal proved to be the decider.

ilar margin in their semi-final clash. Princessa Wilkie scored in the 6th and 12th minutes before Jardine sealed the game in the 17th minute of play. Both male semi-finals

Old Fort Carriers also battled to a draw (0-0), but the former were able to surge ahead in the shootout. Tigers’ Trisha Woodroffe was named the Most Valuable Player of the tour-

The female semi-final clashes were both one-sided affairs. After a 0-0 first half, the Spartans dominated Saints in their final-four battle. Abosaide Cadogan scored in the 14th and 18th minutes, while Diana Charles converted in the 16th minute. Meanwhile, the Tigers were able to get past the GCC GBTI Spice by a sim-

went to penalty flicks. The Hikers had a tough battle against the Bounty GCC Pitbulls. The eventual overall champions had to play catch up after Kevin Spencer had scored in the opening minute, but Aroydy Banford answered in the second half to take his team to the shootout, where they triumphed. The Sequel and YMCA

nament, while the Spartans’ Sarah Matthias was adjudged the Most Promising Junior Female player. In the male division, Shaquon Favourite, from the YMCA Old Fort Warriors, was voted as the Most Promising Male player, while Rayon Brandford from the Hikers won the MVP award.

McArthur’s hat-trick fires Guyana 6 – 0 past Montserrat …Guyana to battle St Vincent and the Grenadines today

A hat-trick from Nicolas McArthur and a goal each from Omari Glasgow, Dorwin George and Ravon Bailey, handed Guyana a 6

Windies Women want to ‘spoil the party’ for Australia - Anisa Mohammed WEST Indies won the Women’s T20 World Cup title in 2016, beating Australia in the final, but ended on the wrong side of the result in 2018 as Australia beat them in the semi-final, that too on home soil. Anisa Mohammed hasn’t forgotten that, and wants to “spoil the party” and “return the favour” when the next chapter begins in Australia in less than a week.

Anisa Mohammed has turned the heat up on Australia (Getty Images)

The Pepsi Hikers took the male title

– 0 win against Montserrat and a perfect start in the CONCACAF U-20 Qualifiers in Nicaragua. Playing in their open-

ing Group A match, Coach Wayne Dover put their pre-tournament troubles behind them to hit the ground running to record a state-

Nicolas McArthur (second from right) scores one of his three goals for Guyana during their 6 – 0 win over Montserrat in the CONCACAF U-20 Qualifiers

ment-win in the Central American country. Guyana got off the mark in the 31st minute, thanks to Glasgow. George, five minutes later, doubled the score to put the men from the Land of Many Waters in a full control with a 2 – 0 lead at half time. Upon the resumption, McArthur scored immediately and then completed his hat-trick with strikes in the 78th and 84th minutes. Bailey, in the 87th minute, put the icing on the cake for Guyana who would next play St Vincent and the Grenadines, today, at 16:30hrs. In other Group A results, host Nicaragua trounced the US Virgin Islands 8 – 0. Only the winner of the Group will advance to the June 20 – July 5 CONCACAF U-20 Championship.

“We’ve come to win this World Cup and take it back from Australia,” Mohammed, whose 118 wickets make her the most successful bowler man or woman - in T20Is, told ICC. “It would be nice to spoil the party. They spoiled ours, so it would be nice to return the favour. “Australia have been doing really well. They recently played in the tri-series [against England and India] and came out on top, but we’ve been working hard ourselves. “The final in 2016 was a really special day. That was probably the biggest highlight of my career - winning a World Cup is something I’d love to do again. As a team, we know what it’s like to win and what it’s like to lose. Winning is definitely better, so we want to win this time.

“Australia are known as the top team in the world. All teams will be gunning to beat them.” Back in 2016, West Indies beat Australia, the favourites, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the final, with Hayley Matthews’ career-defining 45ball 66 and Stafanie Taylor’s 57-ball 59 taking them to the target of 149 in the last over of the chase. In 2018, Australia’s bowlers were at the top of their game, finishing West Indies off for 71 for a 71-run win in North Sound. More recently, the two sides met in a bilateral series in the Caribbean in September 2019, where Australia blanked the home side 3-0 in the T20Is - they won the ODIs by the same margin. “We have some history with Australia,” quick bowler Shakera Selman said. “Since the last series, I’ve noticed a lot of the girls have built some sort of friendship and some sort of camaraderie. “They’ve beaten us a few times. They were hurting after we beat them in 2016 and they came back to beat us two years later. It would be a big game if we faced them in the semi-finals but we’ve got to take each one as it comes.” At the 2020 edition, four-time champions and favourites Australia are in Group A, while West Indies are in Group B, along with England, Pakistan, South Africa and Thailand. The tournament begins on February 21 with the opening clash between hosts Australia and India in Sydney, followed by West Indies v Thailand on February 22. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Aleseha Jackman to compete at Ronald Wilson Memorial boxing tournament JUNIOR Caribbean Champion, Aleseha Jackman, will leave this weekend for Barbados to participate in the

Aleseha Jackman

Ronald Wilson Memorial tournament. Her participation is part of the Guyana Boxing Association’s plan to promote and develop its nursery. Jackman is scheduled to fight Canadian Chole-Jenkins when the four-nation tournament punches off on Friday evening. Jackman is undefeated in international bouts and collected gold at the last Caribbean Championships in Trinidad and Tobago. The 15-Year-Old resident of East Ruimveldt will be accompanied to Barbados by Coach Sebert Blake.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

Red Force slump to historic defeat to give Pride their largest win in over a century

Action from the Leopold Street [black] and Rio All-Stars encounter at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in the 3rd annual Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Futsal Championship

Bent Street and Rio All-Stars to contest Magnum Mash Cup final

FORMER champions Bent Street and emerging force Rio All-Stars will contest the grand finale of the 3rd annual Magnum Tonic Wine Mashramani Futsal Championship on Saturday February 22 following semi-final wins on Saturday at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue. Bent Street justified their tag as tournament favourite with a 5-3 win over dark horses Kingston. Colin Nelson led the way with a first half double in the third and 18th minute. He was assisted by the trio of William Europe, Sheldon Holden and Adrian Aaron who scored in the 11th, 24th and 26th minute respectively. For the loser, Stephon Reynolds once again solidified his status as a star of the future with his third consecutive hat-trick in the knockout round. Reynolds scored in the 10th, 31st and 38th minute. Meanwhile, Rio All-Stars bat-

tled past Leopold Street 3-1. In what was a rematch from the earlier group round which ended scoreless, Rio All-Stars upset Leopold Street led by a double from Kelsey Benjamin in the 19th and 35th minute. Adding a goal in the ninth minute was Trayon Bobb. For the loser, Delwyn Fraser found the back of the net in the 25th minute. The losing finalists will face-off in the third place playoff. Winner of the event will pocket $600,000 and the championship trophy, while the second place side will collect $400,000 and the respective trophy. On the other hand, the third and fourth place unit will receive $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding trophy. Among the other sponsors of the event include the National Sports Commission and MVP Sports.

NEW DELHI: India will play a day-night Test during their much-anticipated tour of Australia later this year, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said on Sunday. This comes a month after captain Virat Kohli asserted that his team was ready to play a day-night Test anywhere in Australia. “Yes, India will play a Day/Night Test in Australia. A formal announcement will be made soon,” BCCI president Sourav Ganguly told PTI. Ganguly, a former captain, also said that the second Test of the next home series against England will be a day-night affair. He added that the Board will

spare. While the venue has not been finalised yet, the pink ball game is likely to be held in either Adelaide or Perth. Hosting the game in one of these venues makes sense given the better time slot for Indian broadcast audience. On the eve of India’s three-match ODI series opener at home against Australia last month, Kohli had said, “We’re ready and up for the challenge - whether it’s Gabba, Perth... it doesn’t matter to us. It’s become a very exciting feature of any Test series and we’re open to playing day-night Tests.” After India’s mauling of Bangladesh in their maiden day-night Test outing in Kolkata, Ganguly had said that they “will deal as per the request” of the host Board when on tour. India declined Australia’s offer to play a day-night Test in Adelaide in 2018-19, citing lack of experience. However, with daynight match seen as a possible answer to Test cricket’s dwindling attendances, Australia had been hoping that India will agree to play one game at the Gabba this

India to play day-night Test in Australia try to have at least one daynight Test in each series moving forward. India played their maiden day-night Test against Bangladesh last November at the Eden Gardens, winning the match quite comfortably with plenty of time to

BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

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ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

10 teams Thailand/Pakistan/England/South Africa TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Where and when was the first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held? (2) Who were the inaugural winners?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

year. A Cricket Australia (CA) delegation met top BCCI officials on the sidelines of a limited-overs series in January with the day-night Test figuring on the agenda. Meanwhile, it is also learnt that India is set to play three ODIs and three T20 Internationals in Sri Lanka after the IPL. (PTI)

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Feb 16, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago Red Force suffered a shocking collapse here Sunday morning to hand Barbados Pride their largest win in over a century, in their fifth round match of the Regional Four-Day Championship at Kensington Oval.

Fast bowler Keon Harding landsd impressive match figures of 10 for 76

Resuming the day precariously poised on 48 for four in their second innings, Red Force survived only 86 more deliveries before folding meekly for a paltry 77, to slump to a humiliating 299-run defeat, three-quarters of an hour before lunch. Twenty-three year-old fast bowler Keon Harding once again proved the visitors’ tormentor, wrecking the innings with his second five-wicket haul of the match. Without a wicket the previous evening, the right-armer snatched all but one to fall to finish with five for 19 and match figures of 10 for 76. Fellow speedster Chemar Holder added one wicket to his tally to end with three for 29 while Test seamer Kemar Roach finished

with two for 28. Opener Joshua DaSilva never added to his overnight 23 to emerge as the top-scorer while Akeal Hosein chipped in with 21, as Red Force lost their last six wickets for a mere 29 runs to crash to their fourth lowest total ever and the lowest against Pride at the historic venue. For Red Force, it was their worst ever defeat by runs – coming on the heels of their heavy 219-run loss to Guyana Jaguars in the third round – and extending their winless streak in the tournament to three matches. Harding struck with the first ball of the morning, gaining an lbw decision against DaSilva with a full length delivery which the right-hander played across. In his next over with five runs added, he removed Yannick Cariah after the left-hander had added just one to his overnight 12, caught behind trying to evade a short delivery. When Terrance Hinds (2) attempted an extravagant heave at Harding four overs later but managed only to sky a catch to wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich running around to gully, it was clear the innings would not last behind the first session at 56 for seven. The end then came swiftly with Bryan Charles brilliantly taken at leg slip by Shamarh Brooks without scoring off Harding, Hosein nicking one behind off Holder and Muhammad spectacularly losing his offstump to Harding for three.

Vantull belts unbeaten ton in UG’s victory over GDF DAMION Vantull belted 131 unbeaten runs to lead the University of Guyana Trojans to an 89-run victory against the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) when action in the GCA/New Building Society (NBS) Second Division 40-over cricket competition continued at the Queens College ground on Saturday. UG won the toss and opted to take first strike, but despite a fighting 31 (4x4s, 2x6s) from Ershaad Ali and 24 (3x4s, 1x6) from Daniel Samaroo, the Trojans were struggling at 98-8 in the 16th over, but some power hitting by Vantull, batting at eight, propelled them to 263 before they were bowled out in 31.4 overs. Vantull and Yekini Favourite put together 91 runs for the ninth wicket. The former blasted nine fours and 12 sixes in his knock,

while Favourite, who batted at 10, scored five fours in his 36.

(1x4, 6x3s), and although Andrews continued to find the boundary and moved up

Damion Vantull scored 131 unbeaten runs for the University of Guyana

B o w l i n g f o r G D F, Joshua James finished with 3-47. Needing to score at over 6.5 runs per over, captain Andrews and Martin Singh played a few shots early and managed to put up a quick 37 before Singh fell for 25

quickly to 29 (7x4s), wickets began to tumble. Despite a fight from the GDF’s lower order, the side still succumbed for 174 in 21.2 overs. Favourite and Ali finished with three wickets each for UG.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, February 17, 2020

Smith, Hodge hundreds frustrate Jaguars ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) – Superb unbeaten hundreds from veteran Devon Smith and captain Kavem Hodge dashed Guyana Jaguars’ hopes of a final day victory, as Windward Islands Volcanoes forced a draw in their fifth round match of the Regional Four-Day Championship here Sunday. Starting the day on 47 for one – still requiring a further 62 runs to erase their first innings deficit, Volcanoes were 273 without further loss in their second innings when rain ended the contest prematurely at the National Stadium, about 20 minutes after tea.

The 38-year-old Smith was unbeaten on 147 not out, a knock that spanned 261 balls, nearly 5-½ hours and included 12 fours and a six. Hodge, meanwhile, made exactly 100, striking 11 fours off 228 balls in a shade over five hours at the crease, after resuming the day on 17. Together the pair, posted 263 for the second wicket after coming together late on Saturday’s penultimate day to stabilise the innings after Roland Cato (2) fell cheaply.

Veteran opener Devon Smith was unbeaten on 147 at the close of play

On 16 at the start, Smith marched to 85 at lunch accompanied by Hodge on 41, as Volcanoes cruised to 147 for one. The Grenadian reached his 38th first class hundred but first of the season in the seventh over after the resumption, cutting seamer Chris Barnwell to deep point for a single. Unbeaten on 90 at tea with the hosts on 256 for one, Hodge raised his third first class hundred in the fourth over after the break with a top-edged pull for four off pacer Nial Smith, which narrowly evaded the fielder in the deep.

GCB/Dave West Indian Imports U-15 tournament…

Berbice, Demerara open round 1 with crushing wins By Clifton Ross

BERBICE skipper Rampertab Ramnauth narrowly missed a ton but his team still crushed the President’s XI team by a whopping 206 runs, as round 1 of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-county 50-Over tourney continues. Round 1 at the GCC ground, Bourda, bowled off with a decent crowd in attendance to see Berbice rack up a daunting total of 286-4 in their 50 overs, batting first. The highlight of the innings was the monumental opening stand of 179 between the skipper and match MVP Ramnauth who hit 94 from 98 with 10 fours and a pair of sixes. His partner at the top of the order, Avishkar Persaud (66) played the anchor role as he managed five fours in the process. Rashad Gafoor Berbice captain Rampertab Ramnauth (30) and Sanjay Algoo who scored 29 not out, accepts his MVP award from GCB were the other contributors. Administrative officer Selena Bacchus President’s XI had a tough time bowl(Clifton Ross Photo) ing to the Berbicians with just two of their

bowlers managing to make breakthroughs with a wicket each. The chase never seemed to be threatening as Afazul Kadir, the opener, was the top-scorer for his team with a run-a-ball 18. Vice-Captain Matthew Pottaya was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 10 from his quota of 10 overs. Support came from Shiv Harripersaud and Kumar Deopersaud, who bagged two wickets apiece to wrap up a one-sided affair. At Lusignan, Demerara opened their account with a crushing win over Essequibo by 7 wickets. All-rounder Nicholas Sheopersaud grabbed 3-11 while Sachin Balgobin also snared 3 wickets as Essequibo folded for 56, with Shazid Mohamed leading with 12. Demerara then made light work of their total as they cruised to 57-3 in 15.4 overs. They lost 3 wickets in the process including opener and top-scorer, Ryan Latif, who had 25. Sheopersaud returned in the end to see his team over the line with an unbeaten 13, copping Demerara’s Nicholas Sheopersaud was adjudged the Man-of-the-match trophy. match MVP for his all-round performance

Bounty Farm Handicap squash tourney

Louis Da Silva wins Open Category, Lajuan Munroe cops Category A THE 2020 Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament concluded yesterday at the Georgetown Club Squash Courts, with two of the youngest finalist ever in the history of the tournament contesting in the Open category. Twelve-year-old Louis Da

Silva (10) defeated thirteen year old Mohryan Baksh (0) 15 - 1, 15 - 10. The first game was over in a flash as Louis quickly won the five points to secure victory in the first game. Mohryan regrouped and came out more focused in the second game winning the first

four points to close to 4 - 10, but Louis won the next two points and at 14 - 7 match ball it seemed that it would only be a matter of time before it was all over. Mohryan won the next three points but the handicap was just too big and Louis secured victory on his fourth match ball 15 - 10 to clinch a memorable and historic victory. Lucas Jonas (2) had a close

match in the third place play off against Brian Edwards (9). Lucas won the first game 15 - 11 but Brian bounced back to win the second game 15 - 13. At 14 - 11 match ball in the third game Brian seemed to have staged a memorable come back but Lucas found another gear and clawed his way back to 14 all before clinching the match by the slimmest of margins 15 - 14. In the Category A final Lajuan Munroe (2) comfort-

ably won the first game in his match up with Rayad Boyce (5) 15 - 8. However the second game would be a thriller as both players battled back and forth and the game seesawed as firstly one player seized the initiative then it was the others turn to do the same. At 14 - 13 match ball Lajuan was almost there but Rayad won the next point to set up sudden death but Lajuan held his nerve to win the next point and the match

15 - 14. In the Category A third place play off Grant Fernandes (10) played Dhiren Persaud (3). Grant easily won the first game 15 - 5 but Dhiren bounced back to win the second game by the slimmest of margins 15 - 14. The third game was close throughout but Dhiren played the important points better and secured victory with a 15 - 13 third-game win.

Bonner the hero as Scorpions snatch tense win

Bounty handicap 2020 winners Lajuan Munroe (left) Louis Da Silva

Participants and respective winners and runners-up of this year’s Bounty Farm handicap Squash Champion

FLORENCE HALL, Jamaica, (CMC) – Nkrumah Bonner lashed three consecutive sixes off a Nino Henry over in a whirlwind unbeaten half-century as Jamaica Scorpions pulled off a thrilling run chase to beat Leeward Islands Hurricanes by five wickets in their fifth round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship here Sunday. Asked to chase 137 off 20 overs late in the final session of the last day, the hosts raced to their target with only 14 balls to spare amidst fading light at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium. Bonner pummeled a stroke-filled unbeaten 66 off just 47 balls, counting two fours and four sixes while Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood carved out 38 off 36 balls. The pair posted a crucial 73 for the third wicket after openers John Campbell (4) and Assad Fudadin (0) perished cheaply to leave Scorpions tottering on 12 for two in the third over. Test off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall kept Hurricanes in the game with three for 58 while seamer Henry supported with two for 47 but Bonner’s assault turned the result in Scorpions favour. With 25 runs required from the last three overs, Bonner smashed leg-side sixes from the first three deliveries of Henry’s over before drilling the fourth delivery to the long off boundary for four. He then scampered a couple with Paul Palmer off the next delivery, a no-ball, to give Scorpions their second straight

victory following their success in the last round over reigning champions Guyana Jaguars. With only 15 overs possible in the first session because of a wet outfield due to rain, the likelihood of an outright victory seemed diminished. But fast bowler Nicholson Gordon turned the game around with an excellent spell of five for 47 as Hurricanes collapsed to 294 all out in their second innings. Resuming from their overnight 134 for four and needing a further 24 runs to make Scorpions bat again, Hurricanes were lifted by Terrance Warde’s top score of 74 and captain Jahmar Hamilton’s 54. On 20 at the start, Warde struck 10 fours and a six off 179 deliveries in three hours at the crease, to register his second half-century of the contest. Hamilton, meanwhile, resuming on 12, faced 158 balls in just under 3-¾ hours and counted five fours and a six. Together, they extended their fifth wicket stand to 110 before being separated when Bonner, sending down his unpracticed leg-spin, bowled Hamilton with a full length ball – one delivery after the right-hander raised his half-century with a massive six over wide long on. Warde put on a further 38 for the sixth wicket with Cornwall (22) but once both fell to Gordon with one run added in the space of 23 balls, Hurricanes lost their last five wickets for 33 runs in a sudden collapse.

Police athletes dominate two 24 divisions at Jubilee Relays

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Leslain Baird celebrates GDF’s victory in the 4X200M race (Photos by Faizool Deo)

─Running Brave ladies sizzle

(L-R) Shoquane Daniels, Shequita Marcus, Ruth Sanmoogan and Alisha Fortune copped three wins at the meet to run away with over $100,000 in cash

Police Progressive Youth Club mixed 19-and-under 4X400M relay winners: (l-r) Odessa France, Courtly Bobb, Donna Lowe and Dinero Persaud

By Stephan Sookram IT was smooth sailing for several competitors as the first National Race of Champions got underway Sunday at the South Dakota Circuit, Timehri. Rameez Mohamed dominated the Starlet Class while Stefan Jeffrey dominated Group Three with Chet Singh leading the Group Two class when the event kick started. Chet was the dominant force in Group Two, charging to three dominant wins in the class. In the Starlet Cup event, Mohamed, who was re-elected as president of the club last week, dominated the starlet cup after defending champion, Motilall Deodass, dropped out with mechanical issues. On the bike end of things, Kevin Persaud recovered from a massive fall in race one to take races two and three. Details in tomorrow’s edition.

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Rameez Mohamed displays his chequered flag (GTRidez Photos)

h g n i S , d e m a h o M Jeffrey, R&SC National M star at G f Champions Race o Chet Singh leads the pack

All-Star MVP Award named in honour of Kobe Bryant

Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant won four MVP All-Star Awards and is the youngest player ever to appear in the game, aged 19

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2020