Issuu

FRIDAY 21st February, 2020

' No.105917

Joint services vote today …GECOM assures all systems in place

SEE PAGE 03 &09

…Carter Center hails preparations, says GECOM adhering to procedures, legal provisions

Ramphal House recommissioned

SEE PAGE 03

…President Granger hails distinguished service of Sir Shridath

President David Granger looks on as Sir Shridath Ramphal and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings unveil the plaque recommissioning Ramphal House

‘Do nothing to 05 impair our destiny’ PAGE

…Sir Shridath urges Guyanese ahead of elections, ICJ hearing

First Bauxite 36 Nurney/Kildonan opens operations residents receive PAGE

…over US$100 million invested in new bauxite mining company

land leases

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Ramphal House recommissioned …President Granger hails distinguished service of Sir Shridath SIR Shridath Ramphal, a distinguished Guyanese Diplomat, was recognised for his stellar contribution to the development and advancement of Guyana’s Foreign Service, when the Ramphal House was recommissioned on Thursday in celebration of the country’s 50th Republic Anniversary. The multimillion state-ofthe-art edifice, which houses the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Protocol and Consular Services Departments in addition to the Foreign Service Institute, was recommissioned by President David Granger in the presence of Sir Shridath; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; and members of the Diplomatic Corps. Ramphal House was originally commissioned in 1983 and reconstructed between 2017 and 2019. “Sir Shridath Ramphal, affectionately called Sonny, is Guyana’s most distinguished global statesman. His stewardship and service to the citizens and homeland, his role as an inveterate integrationist are incontestable,” the Head of State told the distinguished audience. Forty-eight years after he became Minister of Foreign Affairs (1972), Sir Shridath continues to serve Guyana with distinction. The former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth formed part of the team that successfully argued Guyana’s case before the Tribunal of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and today, he leads the legal team representing Guyana at the International Court of Justice in the 1899 Arbitral Award case involving Venezuela. Guyana, President Granger said, is eternally grateful for his inestimable contributions to nation-building. “The Cooperative Republic of Guyana considers it fitting that this Institute, dedicated to educating our country’s diplomats, should be named after Shridath Ramphal, one of the

architects of Guyana’s foreign relations,” the President said. Meanwhile, in turning back the pages of history, the Head of State noted that the foundations of Guyana’s foreign policy were laid in the early years after Independence. Guyana, having attained its Independence in May 1966, began the process of establishing a Foreign Service. “The young state facilitated

involved in the Non-Aligned Movement – championing the cause for the end of apartheid in South Africa. “The Republic, by the second decade of the life of Independence, could boast of being a founder of the Caribbean Community; of having hosted the first meeting of foreign ministers of Non-Aligned states in the western hemisphere; of

Sir Shridath Ramphal presenting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings, with a rare commemorative copy of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana, in the presence of President David Granger (Photos by Elvin Croker)

ly ceaseless series of crises. The unsuccessful efforts of the four newly-independent Caribbean States to avert the secession of

The Ramphal House

the entry of some of the best minds into the Foreign Service directed by Prime Minister Forbes Burnham who held the portfolio of Minister of External Affairs, and superintended by Sir Shridath Ramphal, the Minister of State for External Affairs and supported by a team of capable public servants and diplomats. This talented team not only built a foreign service from scratch but, also, crafted a foreign policy which enabled the young state to ward off the early challenges to its territorial integrity and sovereignty,” President Granger detailed. Guyana’s Republican status in 1970 saw the extension of relations with other countries including socialist states, the recognition of the People’s Republic of China and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba. The country was also integrally

being elected to the Security Council twice; of having its acclaimed sons elected to the President of the General Assembly, the International Court of Justice, as Secretary General of the United Nations, President of the United Nations Council for Namibia. Guyanese, much later, would assume Chair of the Group of 77 and the West Indian Commission. Its Heads of State have chaired the Caribbean Community and the Rio Group,” the President detailed. However, he noted that months after Guyana celebrated statehood in May 1966 it was faced with the ominous report that the Venezuelan National Armed Forces had occupied the Guyanese portion of the Island of Ankoko in the Cuyuni River, in what is now the CuyuniMazaruni Region. This, he noted, was just the start. “There followed a seeming-

the island of Anguilla from St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla in 1967; the issuance of the Venezuela decree (known as the Leoni Decree after the Venezuelan President Raúl Leoni Otero) reasserting its claim to the Essequibo and its maritime zone in 1969; the attempted secession of the Rupununi District and the defence of the New River Zone in 1969 and other bruising international encounters reached their bloody climax on 6th October 1976 when the Cubana de Aviacion flight CU 455 was blasted out of the air killing eleven Guyanese over the Caribbean sea,” he chronicled. Noting that much has been written on the roots of Guyana’s diplomacy, President Granger said it is imperative that cadets and diplomats be schooled on the lessons of the past during their stint at the

Foreign Service Institute. Reference was made to literatures by Forbes Burnham’s In defence of National Sovereignty and Peace; Shridath Ramphal’s Development or Defence: The Small State Threatened With Aggression; Rashleigh Jackson’s Safeguarding the Security of Small States; and Cedric Joseph’s Anglo-American Diplomacy and the Re-opening of the Guyana-Venezuela boundary controversy. President Granger said the Guyanese Diplomats have a duty to protect the interest of the country while fostering regional integration. “The national interest demands the preservation and protection of our territorial integrity and respect for its sovereignty. Guyana’s ambitions at independence were not dissimilar to that of any other newly independent state. Forbes Burnham, the first Prime Minister, summarized those ambitions in the words: “We want to preserve our newly-acquired independence, to develop our resources with our own energies and the assistance of friends,” he said. Cognizant to threats to its territory, Guyana, the Head of State noted, sought the protection of the international community, and today enjoys the support of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Commonwealth, Non-Aligned Movement and from friendly states. “Guyana placed its trust in international law in its relations with other states based on mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” President Granger emphasised. Venezuelan’s challenge

Meanwhile, Sir Shridath noted that the challenge posed by Venezuela was in fact to be the making of Guyana. “As we saw it, our very existence was on the line. We needed the international community. We needed their understanding, their support; we had to find our feet quickly, we had to win friends and above all, we had to earn respect. We had a cause to pursue. This cause was existential,” he said. That aside, Sir Shridath recalled that once Guyana had achieved independence, he had the honour of participating in a process that resulted in the Constitution being amended to establish Guyana as a Republic. It was at that point, that the distinguished Guyanese Diplomat presented Minister Cummings with a rare commemorative copy of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana. In her remarks, Minister Cummings noted that Ramphal House is one of three buildings associated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The other two are the edifice of Dutch architecture on Carmichael Street, where the Ministry started in 1966 and the Takuba Lodge. Since 1966, she said the Foreign Affairs Ministry has evolved, and Guyana has to thank Sir Shridath Ramphal, Rashleigh Jackson, Rudy Collins, Cedric Joseph, Dr. Barton Scotland, Justice Duke Pollard and Clement Rohee, and Carl Greenidge – all of whom have provided yeoman service.

Joint services, non-residents go to polls today OVER 10,000 members of the disciplined services and 83 non-resident electors are set to cast their votes today at ahead of the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. Members of the disciplined services included members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) last reported that all systems were ‘go’ for the voting process which will take place from 06:00hrs to 18:0hrs today. Around 8,000 members of the joint services are eligible to vote. When it comes to the ballot distribution, 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. The ballot officers for the disciplined services are Roxanne Ramdyhaw Lewi for the GDF; Nardeo Persaud for the GPF; and Onicia Bynoe for the GPS. Meanwhile, the CEO said the ballots will be extracted and posted to the non-resident electors, who will then

be notified to return those ballots by a particular date. GECOM, in a breakdown of information on the non-resident electors, said there are two non-resident electors registered in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); four in Region Three (Essequibo-Islands-West Demerara); 71 in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); three in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice); and one each in Regions Six

(East Berbice-Corentyne), Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice). Both groups will cast their votes in the presence of agents appointed by political parties contesting the elections, as well as individuals from international and local observer missions. GECOM has informed members of the

disciplined services that at an appointed day before March 2, 2020, all disciplined services ballots will be sorted accordingly in the presence of party agents. In order to protect the secrecy of the votes of the votes cast, the ballot papers will not be stamped with the official six-digit stamp until Election Day and intermixed with the votes of others for counting.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

NICIL announces world class agro-industrial park at Wales Estate By Jared Liddell

NATIONAL Industrial & Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), in collaboration with Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Incorporated (CMEI), launched its US$2M Agro-Processing Centre, at Wales Estate, East Bank Demerara. The centre comes as an initiative to create a job market for the sacked sugar workers of the Wales estate, as well as promote, process and package locally-grown agricultural products. Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Valarie Patterson-Yearwood, said that since the closure of the estate in 2017, NICIL has leased lands to former sugar workers, which they use for agricultural activities. She said that this project is the perfect opportunity for those famers, since it is geared towards providing significant employment for former sugar estate workers. “It is obvious that several of the former sugar workers who have secured lands are interested in cash crops where they plant mainly passion fruits and citrus, while some are doing cattle rearing, as they seek to continue creating employment for themselves.” The minister noted that the decision to close the estates, beginning with the Wales Estate, was one that

Friday, February 21, 2020 04:00hrs to 14:30hrs

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture with responsibility for Rural Affairs, Valarie Patterson Yearwood

CMEI Principal, Mike Elliott (Adrian Narine Photos)

that GuySuCo – the previous

A section of the gathering at the announcement for the staging of a world-class agro-industrial park at the Wales Estate

the government had made due to the fact that the industry was not sustainable. She said that persons were not aware

owners of the land that made up the Wales Estate, were in severe debt. She stated that the coalition government had to find some additional billions of dollars of bailout money to keep the sugar industry afloat. Considering the turmoil in the sugar industry, government had to also take drastic measures which included reducing the labour capacity at the various sugar estates. She further stated that government has since embarked on a project to restructure the industry through innovation and prudent investments, this agro-processing centre, she noted, would be one of the major projects the government will roll out in order to accomplish that. Operations at the new processing facility will include, sorting, grading, washing, chilling, drying, packing and cool-storage of several staple crops such as eddoes, cassava, sweet potato, yams, plantain and breadfruit, and a

19-02-2020 10 15 16 22 26 28 27

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variety of local fruits. NICIL’s Business Development Officer, Rachael Henry, said that as part of NICIL’s vision to change the way things are done in the agriculture sector and to support forward-thinking agro-processors, the organisation has had its ears on the ground as well as observing the anomalies in the value change system. NICIL has invested in advanced and quite contemporary agro-processing equipment which will be used to facilitate agro-business in the new agro-industrial path. NICIL has submitted 200 acres in the Wales Estate to the establishment of the path. “This project represents NICIL’s vision to change as we utilise those same lands, which were once demarcated for sugarcane, to produce something else, something tangible as well, something that expresses revolutionary and transformative change for the people of Guyana.” Henry said that as custodians to the land depository, our plan is to address the constraints that are present in the current value chain, one such value strain has been the sustainability – NICIL has made two foot prints on this constraint. Caribbean Marketing Enterprises Incorporated Principal, Mike Elliott, said that his company, through the public-private partnership with NICIL, looks forward to the opportunity to be involved with the agriculture sector, as it is a channel to not only provide jobs for the people of Guyana, but also to market and share the diverse products Guyana has to offer. “We are happy to bring a few different products to the market. We would certainly use the products throughout the region, products that you guys have in the country are vast, and there is a huge demand for those products, and it is our job to figure out how we, as a team, come up with the best plan to get your products to market. We’re gonna work with local and international companies to hire and create jobs to get these products to market.” Elliott said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

‘Do nothing to impair our destiny’

…Sir Shridath urges Guyanese ahead of elections, ICJ hearing

By Svetlana Marshall AS Guyanese prepare for the much anticipated General and Regional Elections, distinguished Diplomat, Sir Shridath Ramphal is urging citizens to remain peaceful– warning that nothing should be done to hinder the country’s progress as it gets ready to defend its territory before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Approximately three weeks after the March 2 Elections, Sir Shridath, an internationally recognised legal luminary, will lead a battery of lawyers to the ICJ to defend Guyana’s position that the world court has jurisdiction to adjudicate on the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899 that established the boundary it shares with Venezuela. The public hearings will be conducted from March 2327, 2020 at the Peace Palace in The Hague – the seat of the Court, and it is Sir Shridath’s hope that Guyana will let peace prevail during this critical period. “The closing days of a national elections and the days after it when it pronounces its democratic decision, those days are fractious ones in any democracy and Guyana is not immune from this but we do have a greater need than usual to demonstrate to the world that our national motto [One People, One Nation, One Destiny] does describe us…The proceedings on the 23rd of March at The Hague will be about that destiny. It is my plea to all fellow Guyanese that between now and then, we do nothing to impair that destiny,” Sir Shridath implored. At the time, the former Guyanese Foreign Affairs

Minister and Commonwealth Secretary-General was delivering an address during the re-commissioning of the Ramphal House, which was named in his honour as Guyana’s foremost diplomat. The building houses the Protocol and Consular Services and the Foreign Service Institute. It was in a decrepit state prior to the coalition government taking office and was torn down soon after and the state-of-the-art structure was constructed. THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING In the presence of President David Granger; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings; members of the diplomatic corps including Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Luis Edgardo Diaz Monclus, Sir Shridath said that “the eyes and the ears of the global community will be upon us in a few weeks-time” as the country defends its position that the Arbitral Award of 1899 remains intact. Without any sign of uncertainty, Sir Shridath said Venezuela’s claim to twothirds of Guyana’s territory – both land and maritime areas – is “baseless.” “On this matter, all of Guyana will be united in our quest for justice and this Ministry [the Ministry of Foreign Affairs] will be at the forefront of that quest…,” he told the distinguished audience. He noted that the advancement of the age-old border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela to the ICJ is as a result of the efforts of Guyana’s Governments. “…We will be in The Hague next month to the credit of all our governments – past and present,” he noted.

In its Memorial on Jurisdiction, which it submitted to the Court on November 19, 2018, Guyana maintained that the

versy through peaceful means, the Governments of British Guiana, Venezuela and the United Kingdom concluded

Distinguished Guyanese Diplomat and Icon, Sir Shridath Ramphal

boundary was established by the Arbitral Tribunal acting pursuant to a treaty concluded by Venezuela and Great Britain in 1897. The unanimous Arbitral Award was accepted by Venezuela. However, decades later, in anticipation of Guyana’s independence, the Spanish-speaking country stopped recognising the Award’s validity and binding nature. Nonetheless, to ensure a final resolution to the contro-

the Geneva Agreement, Article IV, which authorizes the Secretary-General of the United Nations to decide which of the means listed in Article 33 of the United Nations Charter should be employed. Article 33 states, among other things, that the International Court of Justice has jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter with the intention of resolving the controversy. In agreeing to Article IV, Venezuela consented to the

Court’s jurisdiction in the event that the Secretary-General decided that the controversy should be resolved by the Court. It was in keeping with Article IV that the UN Secretary-General António Guterres on 30 January 2018 chose adjudication by the Court as the means for resolving the controversy with finality. Guyana commenced proceedings before the Court on March 29, 2018 in accordance with the Secretary-General’s decision. Venezuela, however, believes that the ICJ has no jurisdiction, and has long indicated that it will not participate in the court proceedings. Declining to submit a Memorial, Venezuela on November, 2019 instead sent the ICJ a Memorandum and issued a public Communique in support of its argument that the Court has no jurisdiction. Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge, in presenting on the controversy at the University of Guyana late last year, made it clear that Venezuela’s absence will not affect the case. “Whether or not Venezuela participates, I wouldn’t

put it as being immaterial, but it does not frustrate the work of the court. The work of the court will proceed, whether or not they participate,” Greenidge told the students. Greenidge’s position is one held by the ICJ. According to the international court, if there are preliminary objections challenging its competence to decide on the merits of the case on the basis that it lacks jurisdiction or the application is inadmissible, it has the responsibility to decide on the way forward. “Failure by one party to appear does not prevent the proceedings from taking their course, although the court must first satisfy itself that it has jurisdiction,” the ICJ explained. Greenidge said the Government of Guyana is confident of a win against Venezuela in both cases – the jurisdictional matter and the substantive matter treating with the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Celebrating our history ON Sunday, Guyanese celebrate our 50th Republic Anniversary. Some will be part of the Mashramani parade as participants, observers, or engage in the commerce of the day, while others will stay at home or use the day to pursue other interests. The history of Guyana, irrespective from whence our ancestors came, is rich with so many experiences. There is so much to learn about this nation, its evolution, and the contributions of its diverse peoples. But what Guyanese have not been very good at over the years is documenting our history, where present and future generations can benefit. The proliferation of ignorance – promoted or cultivated – about our history can never be to our collective best, ignored. For where some fail to know or deliberately peddle misinformation, for one reason or the other, it can never serve to the good of the nation. In Guyana’s case, where mythology, mistrust of the other, and the divide-and-rule debased thinking still intertwine in the daily mosaic, getting our history right is so important. Knowledge is

power and that power enables and presents the possibility to look at issues through an objective lens. There is much each can learn from the other and cultivate respect for the other, when the truth is told. The good/bad binary, based on a group or individual, that has held sway has not served us well, and to some extent has retarded our intellectual development and outreach to each other in the spirit of brother and sisterhood necessary to welding and building a nation. There are some who have called for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to deal with our political past, most notably the 1970s-1980s. Whereas such a call could play an important role in helping to bring understanding to a period in this nation’s political life, if such never materialises, it is hoped the players of that period, at least find the time to recount what they know, and the roles they played. It is not uncharacteristic to have persons tell their stories (oral or written) and request that such be made public after their death. Though this has not been a feature of our society, it may help if those who

have lived through certain periods – though disinclined to speak now – at least leave a recount to be told after their passing. Our history is much longer and more complex than the politics that has shaped it and all needs to be told. There are walking historians and historical movers within our midst who, in sharing their stories as participants or as observers, can help the nation’s archival repertoire. It may help if the Ministry of Education, examines the feasibility of directing or supporting such a project whereby persons record events from our oral historians. This newspaper carried a story on the origin of Mashramani, titled, “Jimmy Hamilton: The man who helped coin the word ‘Mashramani,’” (February 19, 2016). Our reporter, Rabindra Rooplall, was accorded a rare moment in our society to interview this legend who played a major role in the event becoming mainstream, likewise, how the name was arrived at and the role the government of the day played. The late Hamilton was a treasure, and undoubtedly there are others around like him. We need to search out these persons, talk with them,

and record their stories. It helps to have engagement when they are among us. There are many gaps in our history and these can be credibly filled, getting to the right persons and documents, source and secondary. When this is not done, it creates a vacuum and allows others to peddle misinformation, innocently or deliberately. At this stage of the nation’s development, it helps for our past to be honestly told. The majority of the nation’s population are 40 years and younger and given this, have the benefit of examining history less emotionally. Over 50 years after independence and exactly 50 years of republican status, it is time our history be chronicled honestly, with all its blemishes and beauty. It is our history and when told it not only presents opportunities to learn from it, but also creates better understanding of the nation’s evolution and growth, and what is needed to avoid pitfalls. History is prologue and serves as the premise from which we can move forward. It helps when our steps are sure-footed.

Hats off to Joey Jagan

Dear Editor,

NO surprises of any kind, at the attacks on the person of Dr. Cheddi ‘Joey’ Jagan by the PPP/C social media trolls, consequent to his public endorsement of President David Granger as his choice to lead Guyana, and support for the coalition, A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC). His appearance on two recent campaign rally platforms would have further cemented his public declaration. Reading some of the social media postings, their rantings, in terms of what they intend to convey, of the younger Jagan’s decision/action, only reminds one of all the reasons why the PPP/C is led by Bharat Jagdeo; how he has single handedly been allowed to desecrate the revered memory of party founder, Dr. Cheddi Jagan Snr., by un-Jagan–like actions among the other political obscenities he has perpetrated on Jagan’s party. Editor, for such shocking ignorance which portrays a mindset, steep in ethnic tribalism, which can only lead to total obliteration of the will to think outside of the

box, their political party will continue to be doomed to self-miasmic inundation. To accuse the son of the party’s founder, of not being the ‘real Jagan’, begs the question as to whether these political retards, first, know who the grand man was, and what he stood for. Concomitantly also, it automatically asks another question – did they ever believe in his principles? Or was it a case of only the ethnic/race cleavage? Given that such an accusation has been levelled against the younger Jagan, then one will have the right to assume that these dark minds of social media did not certainly understand what the senior man represented. However, if they truly did, then why did they allow his party, subsequent to his death, to change course, hijacked and bullied by a new leader who obviously had an agenda that departed from the known principles for which Jagan had been known and respected. More revealing was the fact that virtually all the senior leaders of the party, with very few exceptions, willingly embraced the party’s new leader, his style of governance, which inflicted all forms of political, social and economic criminalities on the nation. And this includes the wanton pillage that underlined

the self-enrichment ideology that introduced the new morality of governance, as to its meaning. In fact, this became the benchmark for personal material advancement among friends and cronies of the PPP/C. The late president Jagan eschewed such a lifestyle, for his frugality and honesty were well known. Certainly, Editor, one does not recall any public utterance of concern, or reprimand about a runaway society with an internationally known brand for corruption that had been annually highlighted by the reports of international agencies, such as the World Bank and Transparency International, that had been led by the PPP/C regime. Surely, these reports were widespread in the local media, so there can be no claim to ignorance, on the part of those who seek to denigrate the person of the younger Jagan. It was this kind of sordid governance, inclusive of racism and trenchant discrimination; authoritarian politics and anti-democratic practices, such as death squads which the younger Jagan would have rejected; severing links with the party his father had founded. His father would have definitely condemned the endemic corruption, for which his party, and the Jagdeo and Ramotar’s regimes

became notorious. One must recall the late Dr. Jagan’s daughter who plainly said that her late father would have frowned upon the ostentatious lifestyle of some party members. Indisputably, Dr. Joey Jagan is on the right side of political morality and history, by removing himself from a party, although founded by his father, that descended into a political cesspool with its corrupted smell. Moreover, he is exercising his right of political affiliation. Those who now seek to condemn him for narrow and vile ends, are the ones who are guilty of betraying the senior Dr. Jagan, for they FAILED MISERABLY IN THEIR REFUSAL TO OBJECT TO THE DIRECTION IN WHICH HIS PARTY WAS BEING DRIVEN, MORESO, ITS GOVERNMENT AND THE PAIN INFLICTED ON GUYANA. They are the ones who HAVE NOT BEEN the real followers of Jagans. It is a matter of observation that the PPP/C so far in its election campaign, has not invoked the name of its founder. How can they, when they have betrayed him? Hats off to Joey Jagan! Regards, Carla Mendonca

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Golden Anniversary of Guyana’s Republic Dear Editor, A lot has been achieved since the country attained republican status five decades ago. It was not as easy a road – there have been numerous problems, in fighting and other setbacks during the period. We have seen eight Presidents: Forbes Burnham, Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan, Sam Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, and David Granger. In 1980, Burnham moved from Prime Minister to Executive President following his rigged controversial referendum which changed/ amended the Constitution, giving the Head of Government sweeping powers. Appeals to the Privy Council were also abolished and as a result, there was only one appellate court – the Guyana Court of Appeal – for over 35 years, until the Caribbean Court of Justice was inaugurated. British awards such as knighthood, CBE, OBE, MBE Queens Counsel were replaced by local honours. Although the Constitution was severely criticised by the opposition at the time, when the PPP won the elections in 1992, no step was taken to amend the Constitution in order to remove some of the wide Presidential powers despite a personal request to Dr. Jagan by Eusi Kwayana, an elderly statesman who is respected by all. Credit should be given to Forbes Burnham for initiating CARIFTA,

the forerunner of CARICOM, and CARIFESTA… the festival of arts and culture. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) was also the brainchild of the Guyanese leader, but came into fruition on April 16, 2005. On February 23, 1970 Guyana became the first co-operative republic and Trinidad and Tobago became a republic six years later. Dominica is known as the Commonwealth of Dominica and has a President as Head of State and not a Governor General. I had the honour to be among the few who journeyed to Magdalendenberg up the Canje Creek with the then Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham (now deceased), to the area where the national hero, Cuffy, struck the first blow of freedom in 1763 and was also in the committee planning the republic celebrations in the Berbice area. Although the 1978 referendum was boycotted by 76 per cent of the electorates, Burnham claimed that his party/government has copped more than 90 per cent of the 91 per cent of the electorates who voted in favour of the referendum, and he invoked the change which gave the President wide ranging powers. The 1980 Constitution was referred to as the Burnham Constitution, and the horse back rider, Forbes, was installed as the Executive President at a lavish ceremony. Mashramani was then introduced. It started at Linden by the Jaycees under

the chairmanship of Basil Butcher, a former test cricketer. It is very unfortunate that the powers to be had/have not seen it fit to honour Butcher for his sterling contribution as a cricketer and the original organiser of Mashramani which is now a national event celebrated every year on February 23. Race played an important role in Guyana’s politics since 1957 when the two leaders, Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham, parted ways after opening the eyes of the populace about the disadvantages of colonialism and the need for nationalisation of the bauxite and sugar industries and controlling the commanding heights of the country. Burnham, as Head of Government, ensured that competent Guyanese are placed in key positions. He brought Shridath Ramphal from Jamaica to be Attorney General, and Kenneth Stoby from Barbados to be Chancellor of the Judiciary. Lionel Luckhoo was named as High Commissioner to the UK. The University of Guyana, which was the brainchild of Cheddi Jagan, was developed by Burnham which laid the foundation for tertiary education and as a result there are thousands of graduates from UG. It is unfortunate that the country is still divided along racial lines especially at election time. Afro-Guyanese dominate the police force and the army, as well as the public service and to some extent, the teaching profession,

while the Indos dominate agriculture, trade and commerce. The main economic activities are the production of rice and sugar, bauxite and gold mining, fishing and minerals. The country is hopeful to move from “rags to riches”, since massive oil has been discovered and exploration is now underway by foreign oil companies, but there are complaints that Guyana will not get affair share from the oil boom since the Guyana government has signed an agreement which is more favourable to the giant oil explorers ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC. General Elections will be held on March 2 and the political parties are now in high gear campaigning. They all want to have full control of the windfall from the oil, but they should work in harmony in order to ensure that the country is not fleeced by the giant oil companies. Guyana boasts of producing hundreds of intellectuals and professionals in numerous fields. Many of them held high positions in the field of medicine, engineering, law, accountants, trade and commerce, university professors and other fields in all parts of the world. Space does not permit me to explore more. Best wishes to all. Regards, Oscar Ramjeet

Election monitoring needs to progress Dear Editor, Election monitoring in Guyana has its origins in the Referendum of 1978 which paved the way for the current Constitution. That entirely domestic monitoring exercise robbed the intended Constitution of any legitimacy by recording a voter turn-out of 14.01 per cent. The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) was formed from this civic resistance to fraudulent elections and organised the first combined team of domestic and international election monitors for the 1980 elections. In 1990 a second decisive civic intervention – the Guyanese Action for Reform and Democracy (GUARD) – in conjunction with the work of President Carter, secured a new electoral list and the first free and fair elections in the independence era. However, domestic involvement in monitoring has waned in recent years as electoral monitoring has become something of a club dominated by donors. International elections monitoring by the Commonwealth, CARICOM, OAS, the EU and the Carter Centre has settled into a familiar routine, focused on mechanics of voter registration, exhortations not to behave racially and monitoring the count. Each mission culminates in reports whose recommendations – all valid – have not

varied for the past four or five elections, but remain routinely ignored by successive governments. Election monitoring, as an instrument for progressive improvement in Guyana’s electoral performance, has effectively run out of steam and needs re-invigorating if it is to be relevant. The GHRA is calling on international observer missions to adopt a more vigorous stance. In particular, the GHRA recommends that observer missions promote reforms available to contesting parties which do not require changes to laws. For example, observers could usefully enquire of contesting parties their position on the following issues: 1. Names on party lists should be ordered according to the manner in which seats will be allocated, not alphabetically. The fact that the Constitution of Guyana calls for voters to know ‘as clearly as possible the persons for whom they are voting,’ renders this proposal a virtually legal requirement. It is ignored because it undercuts the power of party leadership to require personal loyalty from those accorded seats. 2. The requirement of one-third of female names on party lists should be raised to one-half voluntarily by contesting parties. The same proportion should be applied to the allocation of seats won by the parties. 3. If the above recommendations were accepted, the electoral lists would read

alternately male/female. 4. Announcement of election results should aim to be completed within a day or two of voting. Every polling station publicly announces its results by the end of polling day, with the Statement of Poll signed off by all political parties monitoring the count. The practice of GECOM then keeping the nation in suspense for a week or more is utterly indefensible in such a small State. International monitors could usefully scrutinise these procedures and comment publicly on them prior to elections day, in order to improve the quality of national elections and rid the process of some of the tension and rumours delays encourage. Election observing is as much about the electoral climate as it is about the count. The current elections were always going to be dominated by the fact of Guyana becoming an oil producer. What was unexpected was the extent to which external interests would attempt to influence them. 5. The Report “Signed Away” launched by Global Witness, a UK-based lobbying organisation, has saturated electoral comment on Guyanese social media, political platforms and the national press. The aim of the report is to project the signing of the Exxon contract as done in haste by the current Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and suggesting corruption

on Trotman’s part. The report, a catalogue of speculation and innuendo, is best understood in terms of election influencing. This was noted by Chatham House, a reputable UK institution, both for the report’s lack of factual evidence and its timing. Despite the innuendo, Global Witness is forced to state that it “has no evidence that Trotman was unduly influenced by his lavish Texas meeting,” and that “Global Witness is not suggesting that Trotman’s trip violates US or Guyana’s anti-corruption laws.” Prior to the release of the report, Global Witness had been advised by Policy Forum Guyana, a local network of NGOs, that the timing of the report, regardless of what the content might be, was ‘odious,’ and requested they postpone publication until after elections. In small, unsophisticated societies like Guyana, reports originating in developed countries are accorded an inordinate degree of respect and publicity with little understanding of the use of innuendo rather than evidence. Addressing concerns such as those raised above would significantly re-vitalise the role and purpose of monitoring missions in Guyana. Regards, Executive Committee, Guyana Human Rights Association

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

What has Badal ever done for the poor of this country? Dear Editor, For this 2020 general and regional elections – Guyana’s ‘silly season’ – many candidates have come out of the woodwork putting themselves up as presidential candidates, who promise to work for the good of all the citizens if elected. One such presidential hopeful is hotelier, Robert Badal. Let me side track a bit, why do politicians have the tendency to resort to the numbers game, the reference to numbers, in efforts to give credibility to their particular point? That they do, is to sound impressive, with the aim of convincing their audience, hoping to attract their sympathy and support, especially if it is an election campaign – their votes. But often, these numbers are ‘blahed blahed’, without any credible explanations or proof to support their actual existence, or intended, if it be the latter. Linden has had the dubious honour of attracting a certain number, that of “2000”, the number of jobs to be created in that ‘then-depressed’ township, that former PPP/C president threw as a sop at a campaign rally, during his 2011 presidential campaign rally. DID IT OCCUR? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Editor, this was plainly an act of a grievous political insult, intended to play on the economic emotions of a people, African – Guyanese, whose bauxite-producing township, once the epicentre of the highest wages paid in this country, with the largest concentration of the nation’s highest skilled and technologically-trained personnel, was deliberately reduced to beggardom by Bharat Jagdeo, during his presidency, when he closed the industry down. Of course, Ramotar had an opportunity to make good on his “2000’’ promise. But what did Lindeners receive in return? State repression, replete with bullets and dead bodies, as the townspeople protested against his government’s intent to bring the town into the normal electricity grid that they could not have afforded, because of the then-existing high unemployment. Fast forward, to 2020, year of another national election, and it is a certain Badal gentleman, leader of a newly-formed political party, Change Guyana, and contestant in the imminent national elections, who has also held out the offer of ANOTHER “2000” jobs, to be offered to the townspeople, pointing out that the town’s potential has never been fulfilled. Without any apologies, this is yet another

piece of glaring political fraud that like Ramotar, in 2011, is seeking to garner votes. Though it is normal for such promises to be made on an election campaign trail, in this instance it has to be seen as different, given the socio-economic state of affairs of the township and its people, during the pre-2015 brutal years of the PPP/C regime rule, and the reduction of this township to beggar status. One wonders whether Badal, with all of his multi-millions, did ever consider investing in business in Linden then, when Lindeners were asking for their dried tongues to be wet with just a little water from the thirst of a then crippling economic depression. Did he sound his voice when Lindeners were pleading to the then government for assistance? Or was he the among the numerous business voices who were condemning the protesting townspeople, as terrorists, and as endangering their business prospects, and hindering their transit route via the township? This extends appropriately into his recent appearance at the University of Guyana, where he accused the coalition government of “not doing enough for the poor.’’ Editor, this claim, spurious and without any foundation, must first begin by examining Badal, in terms of the saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected,” and his corporate responsibility, as well as an employer – a hotelier, and maybe other businesses. If Badal had any consideration for the welfare of his hotel workers, there would not have been repeated complaints and industrial protest, for better working conditions, led by their union within the premises of his hotel. Further, with a hotel which more than commands a super view of the entire Georgetown and its environs, one is certain that Badal would have been aware of persons living in shacks, not too far from his internationally-known business. Would it not have been a humane and kind gesture, for him even to partner with, say, Food for the Poor, to build homes for some of those squatters? Did he ever consider offering employment to any of these poor persons who may have approached his Human Resource Department? Again, with his former office as chairperson of the Guyana Power and Light(GPL), proximal to one of the city’s depressed areas, has he ever held a Christmas party for the poor little children, or distribute kites to them at Easter? The answers to those questions are A RESOUNDING NO, and the reasons are not difficult to understand – the Badals of this country are about themselves. They do not comprehend the poor as part of the socio-economic landscape as contributors, partakers, or benefitting from the national pie. As a matter of fact, the latter category is seen entirely as expendables, to be taken advantage of because of their socio-economic circumstances. It is the same approach which Ramotar would have used in 2011 when he promised his “2000” jobs. In fact, had he and his government truly been genuine about turning around the fortunes of the bauxite town, they would have first, given the townspeople the right of choice of television channels, rather than deliberately confining them to the then PPP/C government-controlled Channel 11.

It took the coalition government to give that democratic right to Linden. If Badal is truly realistic about his accusation of the coalition government not doing enough for the poor, then he must commence at the 1992-2015 period of the PPP/C governance which not only criminally discriminated against a specific section of the nation, but which also evidenced the socio-economic resources being transferred to one side of the nation, with all the brutal consequences for this segment, and other poor, that such entailed. Now, even though there has been a change of government, how could it have been possible for an all solutions, to remedy the grinding dislocation which persons, outside the pale of PPP/C governance consideration, would have suffered? But, despite the challenge of an economy that had depended on narcotics for its daily sustenance, portraying a false front, the government has been able to wean the nation from this criminal veneer, and enact programmes of empowerment for the less fortunate. For example, in the major regions, there have been on-going programmes for at-risk youths, that will remove them from the possibility of falling prey to sub-social acts, while our womenfolk have been seeing the light of day because of the socio-economic impact on their lives of such government-sponsored endeavours. Never before, has there been so much enthusiasm and hope among formerly-perceived non-hopers, as they grasp the opportunities that are being offered. But I will put it in a nutshell: the government’s programmes, of an on-going nature, of socio-economic empowerment is designed for young people especially, but also cater for other chronological categories, which will set them on the course of entrepreneurship, as have been rapidly occurring, thereby making them and their families self-sufficient, thus removing them from the known tradition of rapacious employers. One only has to look at the magnificent HEYS programme, which have so far benefitted over 3000 young people from the hinterland, who are now businesspersons in their own right. Badal is here reminded, that most of this number – not from his nebulous 2000 – were once paid by the former PPP/C regime, to spy on their own communities. The Badals can fool no one but themselves. At least not Lindeners, who fully understand from which direction their salvation, hope and renewal have been flowing, since May 2015. As a matter of fact, Badal have been known to complain of only receiving a reported 53 per cent of the concessions requested from government for the expansion of his Le Meridien. In other words – he wanted the whole hog. Has he stopped to consider what such a percentage, had he had to pay the actual sum, would do for the poor of this country, in terms of further initiatives for this category which he has suddenly embraced? How can the Badals profess such great love and concern for the poor and unfortunates of this country, when they display such gross selfishness, of a dangerous opportunistic kind? Regards, Earl Hamilton

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Carter Center hails preparations for polls …says GECOM adhering to procedures, legal provisions

THE United States-based Carter Center has hailed preparations here for the upcoming general and regional elections, saying that the Guyana Elections Commission are adhering to the established timetable and things are being conducted in a professional manner within existing legal provisions. The Center’s assessment thus far is a rebuke to the opposition that has been on a crusade of trying to discredit the work of GECOM. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has even gone as far as suggesting to supporters at a rally on the West Coast Demerara recently that the electoral body would not conduct free and fair elections. The Carter Center also warned against the elevation of rhetoric on the campaign trail and possible inflammatory language. It said, too, there remains an unclear stakeholder understanding of tabulation procedures. The Center acknowledges that the 2020 election is very significant to Guyana as it comes at a time when many are hoping for economic transformation from the discovery of oil. It noted, too, that the country’s main political parties and leaders have a responsibility to collaborate across the National Assembly and the broader political spectrum to ensure transparent management of this resource for the benefit of the people. The March 2, 2020 election, therefore, is the closest deciding factor on which leaders will be tasked with the management of the country’s resources which affect the future of every Guyanese. SMOOTH PREPARTION PROCESS

President David Granger (centre right) back in January last year met with representatives of the Carter Center at State House. Also present were Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, and Minister of State, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams. The Carter Centre was represented by Ms. Brett Lacy, Associate Director of Democracy Programmes; Mr. Carlos Valenzuela, Senior Adviser and International Electoral Expert; Ms. Anne Marlborough, Legal Analyst and Mr. Nicholas Jahr, Political Adviser

In its observation to date, the Center described the proceedings on Nomination Day in January --which resulted in 11 political parties being approved -- as “festive and peaceful”. “The nomination process went ahead without any glitches. Although some new parties raised concerns about the order in which parties were received by GECOM, all parties were given an opportunity to correct defects in their lists and were able to do so in the time allotted,” the Center stated. It noted that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Commissioners had raised allegations that three candidates were dual citizens and should be removed from the candidates list but the matter was eventually resolved equitably. The report indicated that since then electoral preparations have been on track and in adherence to the established timetable, both in Georgetown and in the regions. This includes the printing

of ballot papers under the supervision of two members of GECOM; the arrival of these ballots ahead of schedule and the finalization of appropriate polling stations. Regarding the Official List of Electors (OLE), The Carter Center put on record that its development “has been more complex than in the past” as GECOM has had to deal with two different sets of registration data. These include the National Register of Registrants (NRR) and data collected from the truncated house-to-house registration. “While The Carter Center has not reviewed all changes made to the voter register, it is satisfied that preparations have been made in a professional manner within the existing legal provisions. The Center hopes that all the work undertaken will ensure the utmost accuracy in the list to ensure a smooth polling day,” the report said. The Carter Center also

noted that preparations are underway for early voting by the disciplined forces and diplomats and their families today.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT Even so, the election observer mission stated that it has taken note of some

avoidable expressions made by political parties along the campaign trail. “The Carter Center notes with concern an elevation of rhetoric on the campaign trail, including the use of language that some alleged is inflammatory. The Center encourages political parties and candidates to refrain from the use of provocative speech to help guarantee a peaceful polling process,” the report stated. On this note, the Center welcomed the introduction of a code of conduct by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and encouraged contesting parties to comply with the Representation of the People Act and the Racial Hostility Act by refraining from the use of words or engaging in actions that might stoke tension or be offensive. TURN TO PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

First Bauxite opens operations

…over US$100 million invested in new bauxite mining company By Tamica Garnett OVER US$100 million has been invested by the privately-owned Guyana Industrial Minerals (GINMIN), a subsidiary of American mining company First Bauxite (FBX), which, on Thursday officially launched bauxite mining and processing operations at its Bonasika Bauxite Project, Sand Hills in Region Three. The company is set to inject over US$387.35 million into

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman (fourth from right) cuts the ceremonial ribbon marking the opening of operations at the GINMIN, a subsidiary of First Bauxite. Also in the picture (from left) are GGMC Commissioner, Newell Dennison; Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan (Delano Williams photo)

the local economy over the next 15 years; this includes a projected US$50 million that will be indirect payments to the government. The company has already delineated approximately 13 million tonnes of bauxite for mining over the next 15 years. The company’s processing plant has the maximum capacity of processing approximately 300, 000 metric tonnes of washed bauxite a year. Officially declaring the mines and processing plant open was Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, who said that “we are headed for great things". “The positive impact of mining on the development of Guyana is undeniable. The mining sector generally, and bauxite and gold in particular, have played prominent roles in our economy alongside our forestry and agricultural sectors,” Trotman related. First signing a bilateral mineral agreement with Guyana in November, 2011, GINMIN is one of three foreign-owned bauxite mining companies in Guyana. The other two being the Chinese owned Bosai Minerals Group Guyana (BMGG), and controversial Russian-owned Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), a subsidiary of aluminum giant RUSAL. Unlike BCGI and BOSAI however, the government does not have any shares in GINMIN. GINMIN commenced pilot operations at the site in June 2018, spending the past year conducting “scale up” trials to test the market for the bauxite supplying approximately 20, 000 tonnes so far. Thursday’s opening marked the company’s commencement of commercial production. GINMIN has licences for mining operations at Bonasika One, Two, Five, Six and Seven, with the company's mining area stretching across approximately 19000 acres. It is currently mining at Bonasika 7, which has approximately 4.9 million tonnes of high grade bauxite. Though the operation is said to be the smallest of Guyana's three, the bauxite at the mines is praised for being not only the highest grade in Guyana, but the highest in the world. “Very good deposits, flat high grade and everything the industry needs, unique to Guyana,” explained Senior Geologist, Neville Clementson. Also present at the opening ceremony were Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan and Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Newell Dennison. At Thursday’s opening ceremony the company was commended for its investment in social corporate responsibility, environmental best practices, as well as its good

employee and community relations. Highlighting these areas was Minister of Finance Winston Jordan. “When I first came here I was absolutely blown by the sheer organisation, the respect for the environment and the A-grade for safety I saw here. I was happy to hear that you don’t have any labour relations problem and we hope you keep it that way. I wish you great success and look forward to seeing it grow,” Jordan told the gathering that included several GINMIN employees. FBX President and CEO, Bill Rice, pledged that the company will remain committed to these values. “We want to ensure that we are supporting Guyana to meet your goals and objectives. That is our commitment and we want to not just say it but we want to walk the walk. We feel confident as we start these steps of our journey that we have started on the right foot,” Rice said. Rice highlighted that respect and value of contributions and views, and the highest standard of safety will be the order of the day at the company. “We want to make sure we are conforming to treat everyone we work with, with respect and value their contributions. That will manifest itself in our commitment to safety and the safety culture we want in our business,” Rice said. Rice thanked the employees, surrounding communities, local contractors and government for all being on board to see the realisation of operations at the mines. The company has committed to ensuring that over 96 percent of its workforce will be Guyanese, a pledge it has thus far lived up to. Of the 95 permanent employees and 130 contracted employees only eight of the staff are expatriates. The company has also begun to tangibly show its commitment to its social corporate responsibility to the communities, investing US$92,000 for a new school building at Sand Hills Primary; building a teachers’ quarters and providing materials to the school; contributing US$45,000 to a new church building; providing electricity and potable water to the communities; and promising US$54,000 in scholarships and student assistant for children in the community across the 15 years. Rice also thanked FBX’s financier and parent company, Resource Capital Fund VI LP (RCF VI). The company expects that it will process and ship approximately 200, 000 tonnes of bauxite by year end, aiming for a maximum capacity of approximately 320, 000 tonnes annually.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

‘Crime-solving rate highest in years’ …Min Ramjattan talks up investment in technology, training of ranks

By Lisa Hamilton THE Government can boast of a much higher rate of serious crime cases being successfully “cleared up” thanks to its investment in technology and training. Serious crimes which affect Guyana are identified as murder, robbery, robbery under arms, robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, larceny, break and enter and larceny, rape, burglary, kidnapping and piracy. On Thursday, Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, stated that in 2015, the number of serious crimes reported stood at 3,900 and this figure was reduced to 2,373 by 2019. The statistics show that there was a 29 per cent cleared-up rate of these crimes in general. Some of these by percentages include: robbery under arms – 37 per cent; robbery with violence – 47 per cent; murder – 77 per cent; larceny – 21 per cent; rape – 53 per cent. “These people have been identified, they’ve been charged [and] some charges are still pending,” he said. Both Ramjattan and Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, said, on Thursday, that one of the key initiatives which has dealt a big blow in serious crimes is

the Smart City Programme. The security project has already seen over 100 Close Circuit Television (CCTV) high-technology security cameras being installed around the country, particularly the capital– Georgetown. The cameras have been credited with solving a number of criminal activities around the country. Ramjattan said that

MORE REPORTS BEING MADE Meanwhile, Minister Hughes said that the system is now being used by many persons to make reports to the police based on the criminal activities they were affected by and the fact that a camera was there to record the act. “Because of the network that we’ve created, we are

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes

in hotspot areas, crimes such as robberies, pick-pockets and larceny, have reduced. The high-tech cameras are able to zoom to better identify a person and this has significantly increased detection rates. “The fellas out there know that they got a camera out there and they’re shifting… the Smart City Programme has had a deterrent effect,” he said.

able to track incidences that take place in many areas,” she said. “This is a real example [of someone who told me] that ‘I parked my car on the bridge, I woke up the next morning, the car was gone’. The police are able, because of the network, to see where that car left, that it went across the Harbour Bridge at whatever time.” Ramjattan used the occasion to debunk the position

whereby some have tried to link the reduction in serious crimes to a reduction in reporting. Instead, he told the media: “The report rates have increased because of the fact that we are catching them and this thing about them not being reported and people are not reporting them because the police is doing nothing, that’s not true. More and more crimes have been reported now because of the fact that we are catching the criminals.” A WELL-EDUCATED FORCE When it comes to the men and women employed, Ramjattan said that the government is desirous of a Police Force which is advised and managed by professionals. In 2018, 31 members of the GPF graduated from the University of Guyana (UG) while another 24 graduated in 2019; 2 of whom received Master’s Degrees. This year, the Ministry of Public Security is looking forward to the graduation of 30 more officers. Bolstering their personal efforts is the government’s encouragement of GDF officers to participate in training opportunities which, the minister said, was not conducted at the present high rate in the past. In 2015, a total of 2,364 received scholarships and/or

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan

in-service training through the local Justice Education Programme sponsored by USAID. In 2016, the number increased to 2,600; in 2017, it rose to 3,400 and in 2019 the figure stood at 4,100. “That shows that we want improved quality of service from each rank and file member and also officers,” the Public Security Minister said. “You make the contrast; you make the contrast. Our Administration has been far superior and that superiority has also been reflected with a decline in serious crimes and homicides rates in this country.” He reminded that mov-

ing from 150 murders in 2015, the government reduced this to 111 by 2018. While the figure went up to 121 in 2019, Ramjattan said that almost 35 per cent of those were domestic homicides as a result of interpersonal violence. The Minister said: “We have done very well and we want to keep that decline in the crime rate further going downwards and it could only, in my opinion, be if we continue what we have started in 2015, namely ensure that more and more academics are now in our police force.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

‘Choose David Granger as your Commander in Chief’ …APNU+AFC urges servicemen

THE A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) has affirmed itself as the best party from which there is a fit Commander in Chief to manage the security of the country and the well-being of the disciplined services. At a press conference at the party’s headquarters on Thursday, Retired Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Edward Collins, was one of the most recent

former members of the Force to appeal to the joint services to place their votes with the coalition government today. He underscored to the men and women that the elections at hand will determine which government manages Guyana’s future resources and how these will be allocated in the best interest of Guyanese. “I am requesting from the members of the joint services their vote for the coalition,” he said. “It’s a decisive day; a

day when you will decide on who you want to be your Commander in Chief. Who you want to manage the proceeds from your oil resources… that decision begins with you and how you cast your ballot would be necessary to determine the path this dear land of Guyana will be going for the next five years.” Reminding the joint services of why they should vote for the current Administration, Collins said that the GDF is no

longer plagued by limited and unserviceable resources; also, more ranks have been professionally trained and their salaries have been increased to the same level of public servants. While the Opposition has promised a return of the annual one-month bonus, he stated that such would rob the law enforcement officials of a larger pension when one considers the government’s strategic move to raise their salaries. The former Chief of Staff also pointed out that the GDF is equipped with better

quality protective gear; better allowances and are now under better leadership. He said that no amount of propaganda or promises from the coalition’s main contender can change the facts. Meanwhile, Minister of Public Security and APNU+AFC Prime Ministerial Candidate, Khemraj Ramjattan, urged the joint services to vote for the David Granger-led coalition which is the only party equipped to take care of the country’s national interest and sovereignty. He said that the disciplined services have every good reason to vote the government back into office as they now have increased access to training; the advancement of gender equality and the removal of officers compromised by corruption. The Minister said that over the past four and a half years the current Administration has also worked to incorporate the use of technology in fighting crime; collaborated with international

orgnisations for improved management; increased salaries by 20 per cent for the police force and army and rehabilitated police stations. One of the main plans of the government moving forward is to ensure that each member of the disciplined service can own their own home for an improved quality of life. Meanwhile, Ramjattan said that he has pushed for the marine unit of the police force to get the additional boats they require in the 2020 budget. Similar plans are being put in place for the GDF’s aviation unit. “With all that has been done over the years that we have been in government, you make the comparison, you make the contrast. Our Administration has been far superior,” he said. “Colleagues, cadet officers, members of the disciplined force, this is what we have done over the four years; this is what we’ll continue to do.”

Carter Center hails ....

FROM PAGE

Despite the concern, the Center’s Long Term Observers (LTOs) in the regions have observed 23 campaign rallies and events and reported no “major incidents” during the period and commended the “strong participation by women and youth”. The report indicated: “Campaigning has largely proceeded peacefully, although observers have heard allegations of isolated incidents of harassment of supporters of both the ruling coalition and the opposition, as well as of destruction of campaign posters.” Meanwhile, the Center has recommended that GECOM’s Secretariat publicise and distribute existing procedures on the tabulation of results which it deems as an integral phase of the electoral process. The Center stated that it would appear the “procedures have not been made clear to key stakeholders” and advised that this information be shared with all political parties, civil society organisations, media, and electoral observers, in order to clarify any misunderstandings and avoid disputes over the process.

TOWARDS SUCCESUL ELECTIONS Altogether, The Carter Center encourages Guyana can set a global example of inclusive democratic governance, renewed commitments to fighting corruption, and efforts to ensure that all citizens benefit from what promises to be a bright future. It also encouraged the government to pursue constitutional

reform to reform of the “winner-takes-all” election system and encouraged all eligible voters to exercise their right to vote and to contribute to the consolidation of sustainable democratic institutions. “The Center calls on all political leaders to work together to ensure full respect for the electoral process, in which all eligible voters – no matter their ethnicity, gender, age, religion, or other facet of their identity – are able to express their preference for the country’s future. The Center encourages all parties to act in a responsible manner during and after the announcement of the results. It is the Center’s hope that the upcoming election will be peaceful, inclusive, and credible,” the Center stated. The Carter Center first became involved in Guyana in the early 1990s at the invitation of President Desmond Hoyte and has since been dedicated to the advancement of democracy in the country. The 2020 General and Regional Elections mark the fifth that The Carter Center has observed in Guyana since 1992. Following an invitation from the government, the Center’s Mission was formally launched in early January. The Center deployed a team of four electoral experts and 6 LTOs. The Center’s observation mission will provide an independent and impartial assessment of the electoral process and will issue periodic statements and reports to the Guyanese people and the international community.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Top cop meets members of victorious GPF Steel Orchestra

From left seated: Director of Music, Senior Superintendent, Charmaine Stuart; Deputy Commissioners, Nigel Hoppie and Paul Williams; Commissioner of Police, Leslie James; Deputy Commissioner, Maxine Graham; and Commander of Berbice, Senior Superintendent, Calvin Brutus with the winners of the GPF Steel Orchestra

IN recognising the exceptional performance by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Steel Orchestra last Sunday, Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, met with the winners on Thursday at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU), Eve Leary, Georgetown. The GPF Steel orchestra won the Large Bands title in this year’s Panorama Steel

Band competition while the GPF Berbice Division Youth Band Orchestra won in the Small Youth Band Category. The GPF’s orchestra version of local soca tune ‘I am 592’ was an instant crowd-pleaser. From the eight groups competing for the Small Youth Bands’ title, it was the GPF B Division that landed the top spot with a total of

239 points. Coming smartly behind in second place with 230 was President’s College while the Patentia Secondary School was adjudged third. Director of Music, Senior Superintendent, Charmaine Stuart said she coordinated the event and did the logistics to ensure the competitors understood the importance of their participation. “The GPF Georgetown

band was the winners of the Large Band Category last year, and we retained the crown this year. The Berbice band actually entered the competition for the first time and this band was formed by Deputy Commissioner, Linden Alves and from then to now it has progressed under the leadership of Vernon Paddy and Commander Brutus,” the director of music said.

She said the performers put in a lot of work during their rehearsals and their hard work paid off. Leader for the Berbice Band, Vernon Paddy said his team was made up of students from various primary and secondary schools. Noting that the band started 15 months ago, Paddy said it was the first time that band entered the competition and it

is a good feeling to win. Commissioner of Police, Leslie James interacted with the participants and related that their good works should be maintained as the GPF recognised their efforts in securing the top stops. Panorama first began in 2009 with three bands and has grown over the past 12 years into a major event on the Mashramani calendar.

Gunmen kill Cuban national on Cummings Street POLICE are hunting for two gunmen as investigation commenced into the murder of a Cuban national, on Thursday morning, on Cummings Street, between Middle and Quamina streets, Georgetown. Dead is Otredis Duarte Gonzales, 34, a butcher employed at Ros-

ignol Butchery, located on Church Street. Gonzales resided at Lot 321 East Street, Georgetown. Investigation revealed that the victim left his home about 06:30hrs, walking to his place of work and while on the western parapet proceeding south on Cummings Street between Middle and Quamina

streets, he was confronted. The two suspects were on a red and white XR motorcycle which came from the opposite direction. During the confrontation, the pillion rider discharged three rounds at the victim, causing him to receive injuries to the right wrist, upper chest and under the chin, before

fleeing the scene. The victim was rushed to the GPHC where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The body is at the hospital’s mortuary awaiting a post-mortem. Police are yet to make an arrest as they continue their investigations.

Otredis Duarte Gonzales

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Gov’t commissions four-door sluice, farm-to-market road in West Berbice

MINISTER of Agriculture, Noel Holder, on Thursday, commissioned two major agricultural infrastructure projects in Region 5 (Mahica/Berbice) and assured beneficiaries that the Government of Guyana will continue to place heavy emphasis on the development of regional agriculture and the boosting of village economies. The beneficiaries were residents of West Bank and West Coast Berbice and the two projects are: a massive four-door drainage sluice at D’Edward Village, built at a cost of $445M and an extension of the Onverwagt Farmto-Market Road (OFMR) done at a cost of $100M and was done by Contractor, Shereaz Bacchus.

The farm-to-market road at Onverwagt was commissioned on Thursday

Construction of the fourdoor sluice at D’Edward started in 2016 while works on the OFMR with an as-

phaltic concrete surface was done in the latter half of 2019. During the commissioning of the sluice, Minis-

ter Holder re-emphasised that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Agriculture remains committed to flood-risk management for the economic and social wellbeing of the Guyanese people and gives its assur-

Saul; the General Manager, Curbette Victorine; and his senior staff, Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA, Mr. Frederick Flatts and his senior staff, staffers of Regional Administration of Region 5, including Region-

disclosed that the sluice, in conjunction with other coastal sluices and the drainage pump at Trafalgar, also in West Coast Berbice, will provide drainage for an area of over 48,000 acres of agricultural and residential lands in West Berbice. He said:” The sluice has a drainage capacity of over 6,000 gallons of water per second, so when we talk about attempts to reduce/eliminate flooding in West Berbice, this is the real deal.” Mr. Flatts had earlier disclosed that the OFMR will provide ease of access to an additional 40,000 acres of agriculture aback of Onverwagt, another step in making agriculture even better and more profitable in Region 5, he said. He said that he would gladly envisage a road

The new four-door sluice

ance that it will continue to implement aggressive plans and civil works to undertake investments maintenance and future planning in drainage and irrigation. He described the extension of the OFMR as another example of government’s commitment to agriculture and agricultural development not only in Region 5, but countrywide. The commissioning of the road was done near the Intermediate Regulator (IR3), about four miles inland on that roadway while the commissioning of the sluice was done at D’Edward, just west of the Berbice River Bridge. The formal openings were done in the presence of Senior Officials of the MMA, including Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kelvin

al Executive Officer, Ovid Morrison; Region 5 Member of Parliament Hon. Jennifer Wade, and representatives of other agricultural agencies including GUYSUCO; and representatives of the contractors who had built the projects and interested members of the public. The attendees were welcomed by recently-appointed General Manager of the MMA/ADA, Mr. Curbette Victorine who said that the MMA was committed to the objectives of agricultural development for Region 5, conceptualised in 1962 and put into effect in 1982 with its establishment. Speaker at the Sluice Commissioning, Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority, Mr Frederick Flatts,

of the same quality leading into the MMA conservancy some thirty miles inland. Mr. Ovid Morrison said that the projects exemplified the caring nature of the government towards all of its people. He told the beneficiaries that they should appreciate the projects for what they were and should accordingly make the right decisions on who to vote for on March 2nd, 2020, so that the progress will continue. The sluice was designed by SRK Engineering at a cost of $13.9M. The work was supervised by E&A Consultants at a cost of 16.7M and construction by Courtney Benn Construction Company Limited at a cost of $414.7M.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Gov’t provides boat, engine to Santa Mission A $2.9M-worth emergency service boat and engine were provided to Santa Mission by the Ministry of Public Health, on Thursday, and will help to improve access to healthcare services for some 300 residents and reduce the village’s maternal mortality rate. The initiative forms a part of the Ministry’s $1.6B Maternal and Child Health Project launched in 2017 which sees the distribution of transportation, equipment and other relevant materials to reduce maternal, perinatal and neonatal death rates. It was made possible through a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). At the small ceremony, Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawernce, said that the Ministry continues to work assiduously to ensure that Guyanese, no matter where they reside, have access to quality healthcare. “This is going to help in terms of bringing out our maternal cases to the higher institution of service which would be the Diamond Diagnostic Center for them and it will

Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawernce (center) sits in the boat along with other representatives from the Ministry. (DPI photo)

assist in providing other services for other patients within the area,” she said. Santa Mission is a tiny Arawak community on the Kamuni River in Region Three where residents gain an income primarily from

logging and farming. Minister Lawrence said that the government and the Ministry have increased their efforts to prevent maternal deaths, having acknowledged, a few years back, that the

high figures could not continue to climb. The boat donated is just one example of measures that have and are

being put in place to ensure that the maternal deaths are brought to zero. The boat donated

comes with floatation devices such as life jackets and other health-related apparatus.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Five towns benefit from waste management equipment

FIVE municipalities have received tractor-trailers to assist them in waste management and the promotion of the Green Generation Guyana imitative, which encompasses the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, handed over the trailers on Thursday to

municipal representatives from Anna Regina, Lethem, Linden, New Amsterdam, and Rose Hall. “The motto of the ministry is to develop, cohesive, empowered and sustainable communities. In this regard, the sanitation of our towns and communities and in particular solid waste manage-

ment is an important aspect of that mandate,” Minister Bulkan stated. He added that the central government had invested in capacity building and upgrading the municipalities’ equipment in all five of its previous budgets. “The example of Haags Bosch […] provides evidence

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan (sixth from left); Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell (fifth from left); Lethem Councillor, Ubol McDonald (second from right); Anna Regina, Town Clerk, Diane Critchlow (sixth from right); Head of Sanitation Management Unit, Gordon Gilkes (second from left); and Emil McGarrell, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communities with other officials (DPI photo)

of the emphasis that is being placed by this administration to ensure that these eyesores that we previously had – which where dumpsites – are converted into modern and proper sanitary landfills.” Head of the Sanitation Management Unit (SMU), Gordon Gilkes, said the equipment was a significant boost for his unit, since waste management is essential for a greener and cleaner economy. “We are encouraging the municipalities to up their waste management programmes in terms of reducing, re-using and recycling and, if possible, to look at energy recovery from the waste before they have final the disposal,” Gilkes said. In the future, SMU plans to work on developing more sanitary landfill sites and capacity building by equipping the municipalities and promoting the three Rs. They

One of the tractor trailers that was handed over to the municipalities (DPI photo) will also visit various municipalities to train personnel in solid waste management.

The ministry had previously donated tractors to the municipalities. (DPI)

Duo to stand trial for murder

KEVIN Rose, 23, and Shemar Moore, 24, were on Thursday, February 20, 2020, committed to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of 21-year-old Patrick Matthew Fraser, called ‘White Boy.’ The duo were before Principal Magistrate Faith

Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, the men murdered Fraser during the course or furtherance of a robbery. Rose, a labourer of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara and Moore, a fish vendor of Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, were released from prison only in April 2019. The Guyana Chronicle was informed that Rose and Moore are known to each other, since they had served a sentence together for escaping from the Providence Police station lockups years ago. Patrick Fraser, called ‘White Boy,’ was gunned down at Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank

Kevin Rose McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, where the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was conducted. When the PI concluded on Thursday morning the Magistrate ruled that a sufficient case was made out against the two men and committed them to be tried at the High Court for the offence. Particulars of the charge stated that, on Thursday, May 9, 2019, at Norton

Shemar Moore

Dead: Patrick Matthew Fraser, called ‘White Boy. Demerara on May, 9, 2019; he was reportedly shot in the foot and abdomen. Reports indicate that the men implicated in the murder are known to ‘White Boy.’ Initially, the police had stated that, although the young man was shot twice, they retrieved, from the scene, only one .32 spent shell and one warhead, along with a pair of slippers and a blood-stained Polo hat.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

First Bauxite builds new school for Sand Hills’ pupils

THE 15 pupils and four teachers at the Sand Hills Primary School will now be able to enjoy an air conditioned, sound proof school building, thanks to a US$92,000 investment by Guyana Industrial Minerals Incorporated (GINMIN), a subsidiary of the American-owned mining company, First Bauxite (FBX). The school is part of the company’s pledge to give back to the surrounding communities in the vicinity of its bauxite mining operations at the Bonasika Bauxite Project at Sand Hills in Essequibo Islands, West Demerara Region. The school was officially commissioned on Thursday by Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who emphasised the importance of education when he made remarks during the commissioning ceremony. “You can now grow to become anything you want to be in Guyana or in the world because you are educated,” Nagamootoo said as he spoke to the audience that included the nursery and primary students. Accessed by boat using the Demerara River, Sand Hills is a small community of approximately 75 persons spread across 12 household. At the school, the classes’ average between one to three students per level, so teachers teach multiple grade levels. Because of its small size, the community only has school levels from nursery to Form Three; beyond that students must travel outside of the community. However, there are currently no secondary school level students in the community. Headmistress of the school, Gem Bowman, could not stop showering praises on those who supported the realisation of the new building, which is located next to the old building. “I am so happy I am out of words. I want to thank all of you for having

an input in this building. We trust by god’s grace we satisfy and fulfil the goals of this

A native resident of the community, Bowman recounted tales of overcoming

idents. “Sand Hill is a community where we do not value

ter place and make Guyana a better place,” she said. Bowman noted that the

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, is helped by the young pupils in cutting the ceremonial ribbon to mark the opening of the Sand Hills Primary School (Delano Williams photo)

The new and fully air-conditioned Sand Hills Primary School building (Delano Williams photo)

building, to make not only Sand Hills better but to make Guyana a better country,” Bowman expressed.

her own struggles and challenges to ensure she received an education, something she hopes to see for all the res-

education that much, so I am just trusting that with all of this investment, we can come to grips and make here a bet-

new sealed building was needed to save against the children being affected by the dust and any noise that may

come from the mining operations. She commended the company for its benevolence, noting that the company is always willing to give back to the school whenever a request is made. The company has also, in the past, donated school materials, sports equipment and Christmas presents to the school children. Expressing remarks on behalf of FBX was President and CEO, Bill Rice, who noted that it is an honour to help the community grow and create new opportunities. “One of the things we’re really happy and anxious to do during our operations is to re-grow plants wherever we move earth. But more importantly than growing plants is growing the people, so one of our goals is that we want to give everyone here opportunities to reach their fullest potential. And that starts very early on, so one of the things that we’re very happy to do is to build this new facility for you to ensure you get your education,” Rice told the excited students. The school building is parcel to a package of social corporate responsibility investments that the company in making in Sand Hills and other communities within the vicinity of its bauxite mining. The company has also invested another US$34, 201 in solar panels, computers and scholarships to the school, in addition to building a teachers’ living quarter located next to the school. The company also provides portable water and electricity to the company, and commits to dispursing a further US$54, 000 in secondary school and University scholarships for the students of the community over a 15-year period.

Accused Port Kaituma drug trafficker granted bail

A 33-year-old Water Front, Port Kaituma businesswoman was, on Thursday, February 20, 2020, released on $70,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for cocaine trafficking. Naudia Hossain, denied the charge which alleged that, on Tues-

day, February 18, 2020, at Water Front, Port Kaituma, she had 3.2 grams of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking. The attorney of the defendant requested that Hossain be granted reasonable bail. The attorney told the court that the accused had never been charged nor was ever

convicted of any offence. The request for leniency in bail was based on the fact that the alleged narcotic was not found in the home nor in the yard of the defendant, but outside of Hossain’s fence. However, the police prosecutor objected to bail being granted to

Hossain. The police prosecutor provided the court with information stating that, on the day in question, the defendant, Hossain, was seen by police ranks throwing a bottle containing the narcotic through her window. It was also mentioned that Hossain was 4 feet in distance away from the bottle.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan granted Hossain $70,000 bail with the condition that she reports to Port Kaituma Police Station at 9:00hour until the end of trial. The matter was adjourned until May 7.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Remote communities can now make free satellite calls DOZENS of Guyana’s remotest communities have, in recent years, been benefitting from free government Wifi Internet hubs, allowing residents to surf the World Wide Web, students to complete research assignments and sports lovers to follow events around the world, just to name a few benefits. Now, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) is outdoing itself again, by adding a brand-new telephone platform system, allowing thousands of residents, in remote areas, in all four corners of the country, to make free Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) calls.

The NDMA is a department of the Public Telecommunications Ministry. It is collaborating with Chinese high tech giant, Hauwei Technologies on the project. The platforms are being placed at area hospitals, schools, police and other State locations so doctors, police men and women, nurses, and villagers in general, can place free real time VOIP calls to relatives and friends in other hinterland villages and even to the Indigenous Affairs Ministry in the City. Similar calling outlets are also in the pipeline for the Amerindian Hostel in Princess Street and the brand new, recently-commissioned

$186 million hinterland dormitory at Liliendaal on the East Coast.

provide internet services to the remotest of areas and it is now adding the free phone

tem, for instance, is that you don’t get such a service when you are away from the Wifi

Wifi and Satellite systems and this would open a whole new technological world of

National Data Management Authority (NDMA) General Manager, Floyd Levi (seated, left) joins the remote community of Masekenari in celebrating access to telecommunication through VOIP calls (DPI photo)

The soon-to-be-commissioned National Data Management Authority (NDMA) Earth Station at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown (DPI photo)

“The NDMA has sought to optimize the VSAT system by providing a phone service to what we refer to as areas which are un-served by the two big networks- Digicel and the GT&T. The Government is doing this for free to some of the remotest areas in Guyana, like Gunn’s Strip, the southernmost village in Guyana. For example, we called Wiruni Village in the Berbice River from Gunn’s Strip on the southern tip of Guyana. This is a glorious day in the hinterland, for all the residents in the hinterland,” NDMA boss Floyd Levi said yesterday. The NDMA has been using satellite technology to

services to more than 70 such communities. Levi said doctors in those areas can, for example, make real time calls to medical consultants in the city to get assistance during emergency surgeries and other procedures. Teachers can also conduct remote classes from the City and other districts using this technology as well. By the end of this year, more than 200 communities across the Republic will be connected to the system. “People no longer have to travel long distances and walk for several days to meet relatives. They can now connect in real time. The problem when you are using Wattsapp on the Wifi sys-

serving area but this system will allow for real time calls within villages, to the police, the military and Government in Georgetown using the satellite system”. He said that the hinterland telephone system can be connected to the national networks of both Digicel and GT&T in the near future, but noted that Government would have to pay for the rates for this service. “All this is part of a plan by Government to bridge the digital divide, to close the technology gap between people in urban areas and the hinterland.” Levi said that the day will soon come when live video would be added to the

opportunities for residents and State agencies. He argued that the connectivity system in the hinterland also has benefits for security, as residents, village leaders and Joint Service representatives can report illegal overflights in real time, monitor migrant activity, illegal mining and timber activities, gun smuggling and criminal activities in general. “The interior is no longer far. For residents, home is also no longer very far away as students at the Dorm on the East Coast can call home to the interior every single day for free Levi said.” (DPI)

MRI and dialysis services for all regions GUYANESE are currently experiencing a boost in the health care system throughout the country, now that the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Public Health, is investing heavily to make essential health services available to the sick. This was declared by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, during her address to Essequibians at the launch of the Community Health Worker (CHW) programme in the Pomeroon-Su-

penaam region. Minister Lawrence said that the coalition government continues to make a difference in people’s lives and is ensuring that whatever services are available in the city are also available in other regions. She told the audience that only last week six persons, two from Bartica and four from New Amsterdam, in Region Six, were trained and are now certified CT competent. The technologists are trained to effectively use

Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence speaking about government’s investment in the health sector at the launch of the CHW programme in Region Two

the machine and diagnose conditions, allowing physicians to prescribe appropriate treatment. The minister said residents of Bartica are already benefitting from the service of the Computerised Tomography (CT) scanning machine that was recently installed. In addition to those services being available at Bartica, Minister Lawrence said that dialysis is now being offered at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation free of cost. The minister said

her ministry will be working to get such services available in all regions. Previously, these services were only available at private hospitals at exorbitant fees. In 2016, the Public Health Ministry decided to place two CT scanners donated by RAD-AID International at the Bartica and New Amsterdam hospitals. The RAD-AID volunteers had overseen the installation as the services were made available to residents.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Essequibo Mash parade lights up Queenstown Colourful and creatively designed floats were on display at this year’s Children Mashramani Road March hosted by the Department of Education in Region Two on Thursday. A unifying atmosphere was created as the dancers from the various schools made their way to the Queenstown Community Centre Ground. The parade commenced at 10:00 hrs from in front of the Imam Bacchus Supermarket, then made its way to Taymouth Manor where primary school revellers joined and then at Queenstown where the nursery children joined the procession. As the children made their way to Taymouth Manor, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and iridescent colours as scores of Essequibians paved the streets to view the spectacular display put forward by the schools. Children were colourfully dressed with glittering faces, setting the pace for the Mashramani celebration in the region. Some of the participating primary schools included Tapakuma, Bettany, C.V Nunes, Akawini, Hackney, Mainstay, Riverstown, 8th May and Sparta Primary Schools. The participants in the Secondary School Category were drawn from Abram’s Zuil, Cotton Field,

Aurora, Anna Regina Multilateral and Charity Secondary Schools. The children displayed costume which harmonised with this year’s Mash theme “Guyana Together- Reflect, Celebrate and Transform.” The parade was led by staff from the Department of Education. The children's Mash parade is one of many activities planned by the Department of Education to celebrate the country’s republican anniversary. The regional administration will be continuing its celebration on Saturday night, February 22, with a colourful cultural presentation at the Queenstown Community Centre

Revellers from the Department of Education, Region Two

ground before the Golden Arrowhead is hoisted at midnight. A large crowd is expected to attend the flag-raising

ceremony. On Mash day, the celebrations will begin at 10:30 hrs with a colour-

ful float parade from Affiance in the south of the coast.

Students dancin

g at the parade

Pupils from Cotton Field Nursery in their costume

Students from the Anna

Regina Secondary School

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

36 Nurney/Kildonan residents receive land leases

THIRTY-SIX residents of Nurney/Kildonan, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), were overjoyed on Thursday when they received new land leases from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) freeing them from almost a decade-old wait. The leaseholders will now have access to state lands aback Nurney/Kildonan, known as third and fourth-depth. They were presented with their documents by GLSC Commission-

applications for the residents. “Unfortunately, we were not able to deliver to everyone who made a claim. We had to verify these claims, we had to go through the system to understand what is going on on the ground and so on, but I am happy that for most of you, we are able to give you some hope for your future,” he said. Benn told the residents that the Commission’s expectation is that the recipients will now put their lease to economic use. Meanwhile, Henry said that she is pleased that the Commission was able to address the concerns of the majority of the residents in such a short space of time. “I know many of you had the issue of not having your leases and access to your land, but we are very pleased that we were able to fix this for you. I am urging you to kindly start working the land to ensure that it is properly utilized, this is the President’s vision,” The Board Chair said. In acceptance of the leases, the new leaseholders expressed gratitude to the Commission for addressing their issues after years of waiting. First-time leaseholder and farmer from Kildonan, Compton Collins, said it was an emotional day for him. Collins said he had

First time leaseholder, Compton Collins (centre) receiving his lease from GLSC Commissioner and Chief Executive, Trevor L. Benn (left) and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Commission, Paulette Henry been waiting to be a landowner to expand his business. “I feel so happy right now, I cannot explain how I feel to have my lease for the

Ms. Marphy Albert receives her lease from Mrs. Paulette Henry er and Chief Executive, Trevor L. Benn and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Commission, Paulette Henry. The Commission first engaged the residents in 2016 after letters were sent by them requesting the Commissioner to look into their concerns. “Most of the residents have been waiting for their applications to be processed under the previous land tenure regularization programme during the early 2000s,” the Commission stated in a release. Delivering remarks to the new leaseholders, Benn said after several rounds of consultations to verify the claims made by the residents, the Commission began to process

Some of the new leaseholders pose for a photo with GLSC Commissioner and Chief Executive, Trevor L. Benn (left) and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Commission, Paulette Henry and Mr. Durwin Humphrey

very first time,” he related. Another first-time leaseholder, 84-yearold Marphy Albert was elated to receive her lease for the very first time. The woman said she is into farming but will pass the baton to her children and grandchildren. “The plan for the land is that the young ones can make use of it, work the lands and feed the family and make a living,” she said. “I am the old one and I fight to get it, so now it is for the younger ones to make use of it.” One resident, Michael Patterson, said he feels that he was well-rewarded having gone through the process to get his lease. “There were lots of uncertainties involved along the way but I am satisfied and I feel elated to know that we are now recipients and guardian of our ancestral lands.” At the handing-over, Benn announced that a similar exercise is planned for the neighbouring village of Limlair, in the near future.

GEA unveils first gov’t-owned electric car CITING the coalition administration’s push into the era of the Green Economy, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), on Thursday, unveiled the first government-owned, fully-electric car.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma and CEO of the GEA, Dr Mahender Sharma inspect the vehicle

The car, a 2019 Nissan Leaf Electric Vehicle (EV),which was procured following budgetary allocations in 2019, was displayed to members of the media on Thursday at the National Culture Centre tarmac. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Junior Minister, Jaipaul Sharma, were on hand to witness the promotional event. CEO of the GEA, Dr Mahender Sharma, who has been testing the vehicle’s operability in recent weeks, told reporters that when compared to the Suzuki Vitara, the former is more economical when used on the roadway. He explained that the Suzuki Vitara costs some $50 per km while the EV costs around $10 per kilometer. Sharma said that the vehicle is fully electric and has a 40kWh battery. This provides about 150 driving miles which is almost 240 km on a single charge.He said that the vehicle is charged at ports at the GEA where solar power is provided for re-charge. He said the body intends to lobby for post to be placed strategically around the country and, according to him, there is already a hybrid model

The 2019 Nissan Leaf operated by the GEA to the Nissan Leaf on the country’s roadways. Minister Patterson noted that the acquisition of the vehicle by the GEA is the commencement of a process which will include data collection to determine the costs of operation, general operation among other information. He said that this will determine how feasible it is to convert more of current

government fleet to EVs. He said this can also lead to the use of EVs in the public transportation system. As regards cost of the vehicle, Sharma explained that the Nissan Leaf’s overall landed cost after posting value-added tax (VAT) was about $10.6M. He pointed out that the vehicle does not require muffler, oil and filter changes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

$38M Linden passport office commissioned By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Linden Passport Office has issued 2,623 passports since August 2019 when it commenced services, causing residents to save approximately $7869000 in transporta-

sustainable communities as a priority and will continue to decentralise pertinent services. This was relayed to those at the official commissioning ceremony of the passport office, on Thursday, by Director General of the Ministry of the

various regions. The first step was the return of LGEs, then the establishment of capital towns, which was followed by decentralisation of government services. “Within the context of decentralisation of government services, this passport

passport offices so that people can have access to these facilities,” Harmon said. Decentralisation was further manifested with the ‘Government Comes To You Initiative’, which saw all regions benefitting from a wider spectrum of services under pop-up tents. This, he said, is a realisation of the President Granger’s vision to ensure the desires of all Guyanese, irrespective of residence, are prioritised and they benefit from equity in services. “It was at one of the ‘Government Comes to You initiative’ in Linden, it was realised that the desire of Lindeners were to bring citizenry services closer to them. Every part of this country which you go, you can see that manifestation where the country is being developed

same. In 2017, the process to identify a land commenced, followed by the procurement process. In December 2017, the sod was turned for the new passport office in Retrieve, Linden. In July 2017, the building began testing its equipment which was bought to the tune of US$3.5M. Since then, 2,623 residents of Region 10 benefitted from services at the office. “May this edifice continue to serve the residents of Region 10 with dignity and pride and with greater ease for residents, as government continues [to provide] a better life for Guyanese,” Minister Felix posited. Currently, another passport office is being constructed in Region Nine and other regions will benefit from a passport office under

and for some of us, actually sleeping in Georgetown. That is no more,” Bethune said. Moving forward, he urged residents to be the vanguard for the edifices that provide these services, ensuring they are cherished and maintained. Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, commended central government for seeing development as a holistic process and ensuring communities benefit from the bounty of development. “The impact of just having this building here creates in our minds that this government is taking us in the right direction.... I have never seen so many things being built all across this nation and I am happy that residents can now come and access the services here

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix; Director-General, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings, and other officials at the unveiling of the plaque at the new passport office tion and other expenses to travel to Georgetown to access citizenry services. This money would have been filtered back into the communities, therefore, making them more sustainable. The coalition government has the promotion of

Presidency, Lt. Col., (ret’d) Joseph Harmon. Harmon said one of the basic elements of local democracy is the decentralisation of public services and with the advent of Local Government Elections (LGE), the government ensured that every other tier of local democracy is achieved in the

office forms part and the passport office here is just but one element in that decentralisation of government services. We have decentralised the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission, we have decentralised the Guyana Revenue Authority, we have decentralised the A section of the audience at the commissioning ceremony

The interior of the Linden Passport Office

in an equal and equitable manner. No community is left behind... and so that development which started in 2015, is spread all across this country,” Harmon said. It was in August 2016 that citizenry services were established in a temporary office in Linden. Minister with responsibility for Citizenship, Winston Felix, in his overview, said that the efficiency in the service, removed the hassle of Lindeners having to travel to Georgetown to access

the coalition government, including Regions One, Two, Seven and Eight. Deputy Mayor, Wainwright Bethune, in expressing appreciation on behalf of the residents of Linden, said the passport office is another testimony and manifestation of government’s promise of a good life. “For many years, many residents of Linden and by extension Region 10, if you wanted a passport, that meant waking up at three and four in the morning

rather than come to Georgetown,” Morian said. In addition to processing passport applications, the office also processes other documents such as birth and death certificates. Also present at the opening ceremony were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings; former Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira; and senior ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Immigration Department.

Police seeking legal advice in Venezuelan biker’s death THE investigation into the death of Venezuelan motorcyclist, Veijay Jesus Idrogo, who died Sunday last in a vehicular accident on the De Kenderen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) is ongoing as police seek legal advice into the matter. This is according to Regional Commander, Assistant Commissioner, Simon McBean. An autopsy done on the body, on Wednesday, revealed Idrogo died from multiple injuries. Idrogo, 39, of Meten-Meer-Zorg,

West Coast of Demerara (WCD), who collided with a car, died one day after at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. According to the police, on Saturday, about 03:00hrs, motorcar PWW 8179, driven by a 39-year-old resident of Leonora, WCD, was proceeding west along the southern carriageway of the road and was negotiating a turn when the accident occurred. On the turn was motorcyclist, Veijay Jesus Idrogo, riding CJ 4677, which was proceeding east along the northern

Dead: Veijay Jesus Idrogo

carriageway. He reportedly lost control and collided with the right side front of the car. One doctor noted that based on his findings, a vehicle rolled over the mid-section of Idrogo, resulting in severe damage to his body. Police said the driver, who passed a breathalyser test, was, on Sunday, released on station bail. Idrogo’s sister, Ammy Idrogo, said her brother’s body was badly damaged and most of his internal organs were crushed in the accident.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

‘Education is the great equaliser’ … President tells Bishops’ High School at 150th Anniversary celebrations

–– gives school $1M donation to expand science education By Naomi Parris CELEBRATING their 150th Anniversary, the students, teachers and board of governors of the Bishops’ High School made sure to roll out their golden carpet as they welcomed another historic milestone on

President David Granger presenting the Principal of the Bishops’ High School, Ms. Marilyn Gibson, with a cheque for one million dollars to expand the school’s science department

created a tradition of academic excellence where students are exposed to extracurricular activities which stimulate the social and cultural lifestyle of its students. Noting that the school has an exemplary reputation, the President said, “Bishops was always attractive because it always possessed an aura of gracefulness and social life and aura of decorum … the words of the school hymn, at least the last stanza, tells of the quality of life, the quality of loving and tenderness.” The President noted that the school has survived for a century and a half because of its ability to adapt to the changing times. The school, as we know, he added, began as a small fee-paying institution with a cohort of only 26 students. It catered originally for the children of British Guiana’s elite in those days, in colonial times; government officials, managers

of the sugar plantations and ministers of the church, mainly the Anglican church who were mainly of British descent. AN EDUCATION NATION Meanwhile, underscoring that Guyana is currently entering a new era, as an education nation and a green state, the President stated that the public education system must be realigned to the needs of our rapidly changing country. “First of all, Guyana is in transition to becoming a green state, an education nation and it has now become a Petro-state; these transformation processes have far- reaching implications for the public education system because it’s the students who graduate from institutions like BHS who will purple these states,” he noted. Petroleum production will boost economic growth creating opportunities for employment and generating increased revenues, social investment, especially in education. Guyana has embarked on a green path of development and the President of this country has all of the attributes which predispose it to be a green state, with more than 80% of it still covered by forest. He alluded to the country’s diverse eco systems-- habitats of some of the world’s rarest species of flora and fauna and also blessed with spectacular natural attractions. “Guyana is the net carbon sink, its forest absorbs more carbon than the countries activity generates, the green state will emphasize the protection of the environment, the preservation of the countries bio-diversity, the promotion of the generation of energy from renewable sources and the implementation of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.”

Thursday. Commemorating the event, the school unveiled a plaque to mark the momentous occasion and held a prize-giving ceremony where his Excellency, President David Granger made a tangible donation of one million A student of the Bishops’ High School dollars to the school’s science department. DIGITAL STATE During his address, the Guyanese leader presenting President David Granger with Guyana, the President added, is also noted that the Bishops’ High School has come a token of appreciation a long way since its establishment in 1870 as an all-girls school. “The Bishops’ High School is a pioneer in education particularly for girls; the schools 150th Anniversary is an occasion to look back with pride on its numerous accomplishments, it’s an opportunity also to look forward to the future,” he stated. The Bishops’ High School, the President noted, had reshaped the face of education for girls, it had provided girls with a solid foundation of knowledge values and standards, and it has continued to provide quality education for both boys and girls over the past 45 years since the introduction of co-education. The President added that the Bishops’ High School is part of a sorority which he refers to as the six sisters of secondary education. Queens College, St Roses, St. Stanislaus, the Bishops’ High, St. Joseph’s High and the Berbice High School are six sisters which are the most desirable destinations for all successful National Grade Six Examination President David Granger, along with a few members of the board of governors, students and the Principal, Ms. Marilyn Gibson, of the Bishops’ High School (NGSA) students. The school has earned a reputation and during the unveiling of the school’s plaque to mark its 150th Anniversary

His Excellency, President David Granger, addressing a gathering of students, teachers and alumnus at the Bishops’ High School 150th Anniversary (Samuel Maughn photos) developing into a digital state, with the government placing increased emphasis on the information and communication technology sector, which aims to eventually connect every household, every nieghbourhood, every community, every village, every municipality, every region and every government agency. “ICT will integrate the country completely, not only internally, but also with the Caribbean and the world at large.” GREAT EQUALISER With Guyana still fighting to address inequalities between the coastland and the hinterland and between urban and rural areas, the President said education is a great equalizer and gateway to greater economic opportunities that can help to lift people out of poverty. Education, the President stated, is essential to ensuring that our citizens can benefit from the countries transformational processes, it is the principal means of producing a corps of highly trained citizens who will drive the agenda for a green state, a digital state and pursue the development of a Petro state…” Appealing to the students present at the ceremony, the President urged them to take advantage of the opportunities that may present themselves with the emerging petroleum sector in Guyana and to aim high for the better development of themselves.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

ARAB EMIRATES RACING TIPS Jebel Ali 08:30 hrs Leading Spirit 09:00 hrs Etisalat 09:30 hrs Rayig AMERICAN RACING TIPS Aqueduct Race 1 Da Berg Race 2 Cover Photo Race 3 Ridolfo Race 4 Empirita Race 5 Prince Of Pharoahs Race 6 Business Cycle Race 7 Fierce Lady IRISH RACING TIPS Dundalk 12:55 hrs No Trouble 13:30 hrs Sheisdiesel 14:00 hrs Flower Garland 14:30 hrs Shawaf 15:00 hrs Kokura 15:30 hrs Munfallet 16:00 hrs Kinch 16:30 hrs War Hero ENGLISH RACING TIPS Lingfield 09:50 hrs Brooklyn Boy 10:25 hrs Agreed 10:55 hrs Fair Warning 11:30 hrs Fuente 12:00 hrs Chocco Star 12:30 hrs Perfect Symphony 13:00 hrs With Virtue EXETER 10:15 hrs Springfield Fox 10:47 hrs Danny Kirwan 11:20 hrs No Rematch 11:50 hrs Kilconny Bridge 12:20 hrs Ice Cool Champs 12:50 hrs Martha Brae 13:20 hrs Sheldon WARWICK 09:25 hrs Lieutenant Rocco 10:00 hrs Grand Roi 10:30 hrs Little Ginge 11:00 hrs Deseray Girl 11:35 hrs Kilcrea Bridge 12:10 hrs Midnight Tune 12:40 hrs Springton Lake 13:10 hrs Ballycallan Fame SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:45 hrs Sir Frenchie 09:25 hrs Giacomo 10:05 hrs World Radar 10:42 hrs Rosalina

Wilder v Fury II predictions

Former world champions pick their winner in Vegas IT’S the puncher versus the boxer except this time the boxer says he will become the puncher. Tyson Fury’s rematch with Deontay Wilder in Las Vegas tomorrow night has the Briton stating he will switch from his elusive, cunning style to beat the American knockout artist at his own game. Wilder, 31, risks his WBC world heavyweight title and the bookmakers make him a favourite by the smallest of

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

Guyana to face USVI today ...

is always in shape and that he will use his speed and power to get the job done. Manny Pacquiao: Never bet against a puncher, particularly one like Wilder. I look at him like I do at a Mike Tyson, another puncher. I see Wilder winning this rematch by 10th-round knockout. Anthony Joshua told Pep Talk UK: I hope Fury wins. I think the man that nearly did it the first time won’t get it wrong the second time. He came so close, to the

Wayne Dover From back page their second day out at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium, stormed to a 3-0 win over St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Meanwhile, Dover warned both players and members of his coaching staff of being overconfident, stating that “we’ll play USVI in our third game. Is time for the players to come back to earth to refocus on the mission ahead; USVI isn’t a walk in the park, and no game is easy”. According to Dover, “We have to ensure no complacency steps in where the players and staff start thinking the team is easy to beat and we achieved already. We have to approach the game with a level of seriousness and confidence. We have to be disciplined and play hard like in the previous games to continue with the good results achieved.” Nicaragua, who opened the tournament with an 8-0 thrashing over the US Virgin Islands, blanked Montserrat 4-0 in their second game and edged St Vincent and the Grenadines 2-0 in the other. The results meant that Guyana, with a total of nine goals, are five goals behind Group A’s host nation. With only one team advancing and both Nicaragua and Guyana showing that they are the most superior teams in the four-team group, it will likely come down to either goal difference, or the outcome of their meeting on February 23.

Captains ready ahead ... Sparks fly as Deontay Wilder (left) and Tyson Fury face off in their final news conference in Las Vegas before tomorrow’s WBC world heavyweight title fight. margins for tomorrow’s highly anticipated Las Vegas rematch. So, after the undefeated pair fought to a stunning draw in Los Angeles in 2018, will Fury, 31, become a world champion again? “We have saved the 5 Live Boxing team’s predictions for today’s big-fight preview but we want you to send yours to #bbcboxing after reading insight from 10 fighters who all became world champions. POWER, SMOKESCREENS AND A FANS’ WIN David Haye: I’ve played it over in my head so many different times. My heart and gut just sway to Wilder’s punch power. I think that knockout shot will land on Fury. Carl Froch: I’d say Fury on points. I do not like the talk of him knocking Wilder out. He would have to stand in range, and to do that you can get clipped on the chin. If you do that with Wilder it’s lights out. I think Fury’s talk of taking Wilder on at his own game is a smokescreen. Sugar Ray Leonard: I know that Fury has excellent boxing abilities and a tremendous chin from the way that he got up from the two knockdowns in their previous fight. In the end, I think that Wilder

point of a draw, so I think Fury will come back and win. Larry Holmes: Wilder will knock out Fury in the seventh or eighth round if he does what I know that he can do, which is, stay on the outside, use his jab and throw that right hand over the jab. Paulie Malignaggi: I feel like it’s going to be Fury on points, but it’s a fight between the two best fighters in the weight class. I do think Fury has to be careful with getting careless in spots, but Wilder can’t just fight believing he can land one shot and get him out of there. Carl Frampton: Wilder can win by knockout at any moment but push me and I’d say Fury on points. Evander Holyfield: I’m picking Wilder based on his confidence and the fact he does all of the right things to remain in great shape, and that he’s committed to his craft. Wilder’s not just a big guy with a right hand, he’s also become more calculated in his approach. Shawn Porter: I have not had this hard of a time picking a winner of a fight after dissecting every component in a very long time. It’s razor-thin until the end. I’m picking Wilder to win by KO, Fury by points, or Fury by KO. This is a 50-50, I’m picking the fans to win. (BBC Sport)

From back page representing Guyana in such a capacity is a true honour. The stylish West Indies left-hander will be one of the biggest draws given his immense talent and international buzz as a T20 mega-star. “It’s a pleasure to be a part of the anniversary celebrations. I’m looking to enjoy the match and represent my country because it’s a special way to commemorate the anniversary. We will try to play some good cricket and may the best team win,” ended Hetmyer. The softball opening match which bowls off at 14:00hrs will serve as an appetiser for the main bout which bowls off at 18:00hrs and both Bharat and Persaud were excited to be involved in such a monumental tournament. The pair, on behalf of their teams thanked the GCB and Government of Guyana for allowing them to showcase their talents at the National stadium among the big stars - as Guyana begins her Jubilee celebrations. On behalf of the Government, Tyndall

said the first event which came to mind was cricket. He explained that the government recognised over the years that cricket unifies us and for the celebrations they want to help spread continued unity among Guyanese. Tyndall also thanked additional tournament sponsors Caribbean Airlines, who covered the travel cost for the 2 overseas players; Rayad Emrit and Lendl Simmons. Sanasie closed by thanking all the sponsors, players and Government through the Ministry especially, for teaming up with the GCB to help bring Guyanese closer together through cricket. He closed by confirming that replica team T20 Bash shirts will be on sale at the GCB office and at the stadium. Winners of the main event between Rutherford and Hetmyer’s respective teams will pocket $1M. The winners of the softball match will walk away with $200 000. Also, lucky fans will win prizes through the day, with gates opening at 13:00hrs. Tickets to the stadium are $2 000 for any stand and can be purchased also at the GCB head office.

Pollard believes Windies ... From back page all-rounder said Wednesday at a meet-thepress session where the series organisers and sponsors staged the official unveiling of the trophy. Head coach Phil Simmons added that one area to be monitored closely is the bowling in the middle overs. “As long as we have visibly improved, we will be happy at the end of the series. However, based on what we would’ve shown against India, I think an improved performance would see us coming out as winners. We have placed

specific focus on improving our bowling, which I think we have been able to achieve and we are eager to test that theory against a strong Sri Lanka team,” he said. The first ball of the opening ODI is delivered at 00:30hrs. local time (12 midnight Eastern Caribbean/23:30hrs. Friday Jamaica). SQUAD: Kieron Pollard (captain), Shai Hope (vice-captain), Fabian Allen, Sunil Ambris, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

GFF Elite League clubs participate in pre-season technical preparedness session IN preparation for the restart of the GFF Elite League, Season 5, scheduled for March, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) held a one-day refreshers workshop for referees, and the Technical Department held an information session for head coaches/representatives of Elite clubs. The referees’ refresher course was held last Saturday at the National Track And Field Centre, Leonora and there were 21 referees in attendance. Among the areas covered in the session, which was facilitated by Member Association Instructors Ingram Johnson, Abdullah Hamid and Tyrone Tyrell respectively, were changes to the Laws of the Game, Understanding the Offside and Misconduct Rules and the Importance of Fitness. Meanwhile, the Technical Department held a session with the head coaches/representatives of the Elite clubs on February 7, which addressed the importance of a pre-season programme. A strong pre-season programme is geared towards ensuring the players are in the right shape to maximise their chances of avoiding injury when the season starts. Injury prevention work is

crucial and should form a large part of club training, especially early in the pre-season. In an invited comment, Technical Director, Ian Greenwood, said the head coaches were briefed on the types of high-intensity interval training and workouts that challenge players to perform short, sharp explosive actions like sprinting, jumping and shooting, repeatedly. For the players, this kind of work enables them to do their job with the same level of efficiency in the 90th minute, as they do in the first. “Pre-season is a great opportunity to overload the players to give them a superior base of fitness; you have six weeks to get everyone in shape. Each individual is different so they need bespeak training plans and diets that progress at the right pace,” said Greenwood. “Running that extra yard during a game could be the difference between winning and losing. A poor pre-season could see a team make a slow start because they won’t be up to speed fitness-wise,” Greenwood added. “Successful managers set expectations and clarify their vision during pre-season,”

10/10 hard ball competition set for Sunday at Reliance ground FUN galore is anticipated as four teams compete for prize money and trophies, when the Reliance Grounds Committee coordinates the second Shekar Deonarine 10/10 Memorial knock-out hardball competition on Sunday at the Reliance ground. According to the Chairman of the Committee, Trevis Simon, keen rivalry between Reliance Hustlers, Cotton Field Strikers, Affiance SC and Sparwin will be the highlight of Republic celebrations in Essequibo. Several of the top players will be in action including former National Under-17 batsman Rovendra Parasram, Narendra Mandolall, Mark Austin, Rajiv Ramkissoon, Jamal Wilson and Sanjay Rajkumar. The competition is sponsored by the parents of the late Shekar Deonarine who was an avid sports fan and resident of Reliance. The winners will receive $50 000 and trophy while other prizes will be presented for outstanding performances. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Reliance Grounds Committee. The Chairman disclosed that further developmental work will be done on the ground, with electricity already installed. Plans are also in place to establish a children’s park since they too will have an opportunity to enjoy the facilities available. Simon also disclosed that the ground will be upgraded to first-class standard so that future matches can be hosted for youth players there and which will boost the sport in the Region. The first match is scheduled for 10:00hrs with Deva Dass and Wazeer Dhanraj officiating. BBQ and other food items will be on sale and patrons are encouraged to witness the matches free of cost.

Pre-season training conducted by Coaching Education Officer Lyndon France. Greenwood continued. “It’s an opportunity for them to establish relationships and build understanding so when the going gets tough, everyone understands his job and has a solution to combat and overcome. All of this provides a road map for future success,” he

concluded. Developing a strong pre-season culture in Guyana is vital to improve the quality on and off the pitch of the Elite League. The overall product of senior men’s football starts here.

Mix Up win Ryan Rambalak Aggregate dominoes tourney THE curtain came down last Sunday as Ryan Rambalak celebrated his birth anniversary with a 15-team, three-round, aggregate points system dominoes tournament. Teams participating were In Time, Mix Up, Transport Sports Club, Masters, All Seasons, Top Strikers, Providence Sports Club, Gold Is Money, TNT, Spartans, Renegades, Phantom, Big Boss Girls, On Point and F&H Printery. The aggregate system that was employed saw the team that brought first being awarded 5 points while second-placers were given 3 points and third-placers managed one point. Mix Up, Top Strikers, Spartans, Phantom and All Seasons blazed the first round with maximum 5 points each. The second round also saw Mix Up, Phantom, Providence, In Time and Transport Sports Club with 5 points. The game was wide open, and Mix up went on to win maximum 5 points in the third round

Winners Mix Up receive their first prize trophy and cash from Ryan Rambalak thus cementing their dominance and outright win. Second place was awarded to Spartans with 15 points while Phantom were edged into third position with 14 points. Prizes were as follows: First prize of $150 000 and trophy was sponsored by Ramps Logistics, Second prize was $75 000 and trophy, sponsored by Auto Color, and third prize was $45

000 and trophy, sponsored by Essential Supplies Inc. June Watts and Martin Premaul received hampers compliments of Dynasty Sports Club after being adjudged Most Valuable Players. Other notable sponsors included Parts Plus, Wizard Electronics, Dynasty Sports Club, Builders Lumber Yard, Regency Suites, Cell Phone Shack, A & M Jewellery & Pawnshop, Strikers Sports

Club, Tent City, Tony’s Jewellery, Bel Air Lions Club, Faye Joseph, Mac’s Auto Parts, and All Seasons Racing Service & Pawn Shop. Mr Orrin Boston, who had the responsibility of organising the games, in his closing remarks, thanked all participants, sponsors and was impressed with the cordial manner in which the game was played in a cohesive manner.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

de Kock has moved on from Warner altercation ahead of T20 series By Nick Said JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) - South Africa captain Quinton de Kock says both he and Australia batsman David Warner have moved on from their altercation two years ago in a ferociously contested Test series that culminated in the ‘Sandpapergate’ scandal. de Kock and Warner were involved in a fierce verbal exchange in which Warner had to be restrained in a stairwell as the players left the field at tea on the fourth day of the first Test in Durban in March 2018. Warner said at the time that de Kock made “a comment that was vile and disgusting and about my wife,” but his role in the fracas that followed earned him a $13 500 fine and three demerit points. It was in the next Test in Cape Town that a fired-up Warner was the alleged mastermind behind a plot to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper, for which he and captain Steve Smith were banned for a year by Cricket Australia, and Cameron Bancroft for nine months.

thing will happen, we will just carry on with the way we need to go about things. “If a player on either side decides to take an opponent on, then maybe that fierceness from both teams will reignite. But we will both continue to just play the game hard.” de Kock has replaced Faf du Plessis as captain across all three formats of the game, but is pleased to have the experienced batsman back in the side after the latter was rested for the T20 and One-Day International series against England this month. South Africa’s Quinton de Kock in “It’s great to have him back, he is action v England - Third T20 - Su- excited about going forward now,” de persport Park, Centurion, South Kock said. “He understands he has a Africa - February 16, 2020 big role to play for us, is still seen as (REUTERS/Mike Hutchings) a leader among us and is one of our But as they prepare to meet again senior players in the team.” de Kock’s schedule has been rein the first of three Twenty20 Interlentless for South Africa in the last nationals in Johannesburg today, de Kock says he harbours no bitterness few years, but he says he is not ready for a rest. towards Warner. “The captaincy has kept my en“We haven’t had any conversations, but I think both of us have ergy up, in time I will get the chance moved on,” he told reporters yester- to sit down, I’m sure. But for now day. “We both just love to play the there is a bigger picture on hand for game really hard. I don’t think any- myself,” he said.

Everest ready to compete in St Maarten Over-35 tournament LOCAL side Everest Masters have arrived in Sint Maarten full of confidence ahead of the Cricket Sint Maarten/Guyanese Association Over-35 Twenty20 three-day tournament which runs from February 21 to 23. The team, led by businessman and long-standing captain Rajesh Singh, includes former West Indies Under-19 batsman Hemraj Garbarran, former Guyana Youth fast bowler Ucil Armstrong, Sahadeo Hardaiow, Basil Persaud and

Everest Masters after arriving in Sint Maarten on Wednesday Safraz Sheriffudeen among other seasoned campaigners in Masters cricket.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday February 21, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (Tel: 683-9500) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) WI & IND (2) ENG TODAY’S QUIZ: (1) What was the result of the recent ENG/SA T20 International series? (2) Who was voted Man of the Series? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

The short tournament begins today with Everest Masters taking on hosts Sint Maarten at 14:00hrs in the only match of the opening day. Tomorrow there will be a doubleheader with the Guyanese side taking on Anguilla at 10:00hrs followed by the Anguillans returning to battle the hosts at 14:00hrs. The top two teams will meet in the final on Guyana’s Republic Day 2020, tomorrow at 14:00hrs while the third-placed team will take on a Selected Youth side at 10:00hrs in an exhibition match. All games will be played at Carib Lumber Ball Park, the only First Class venue in the constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Captain Singh said there

is a big hype about the tournament in and out of Sint Maarten and his players are equally pumped up. “We are here to compete and put on a good show. We are accustomed to playing against older players but we are focussed on our game and not age,” Singh stated. The winning team will collect a trophy and US$1000 while the losing s will walk away with US$500. Everest Masters: Rajesh Singh (captain), Anwar Rahaman, Basil Persaud, Satyendra Khemraj, Sarfaz Sheriffudeen, Imtiaz Sadik, Ucil Armstrong, Harry Yenkana, Raymond Rambaran, Hemraj Garbarran, Ronald Jaisingh, Sahadeo Hardaiow, Robert Pereira and Hafeez Ali.

Bakewell Topp XX, Coomacka to clash in Mash Cup final tonight ... to battle for $600 000 top prize THE battle for the $600 000 top prize and winners’ trophy to go with bragging rights will be between Bakewell Topp XX and Coomacka out of the mines area, when the Jermine and Family Store-sponsored Linden MASH Cup football final is played tonight at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. This final is a repeat of the Upper Demerara Football Association’s year-end championship where Topp XX prevailed over Coomacka by a scoreline of 2-1 in the final. In the first semifinal on Wednesday, Bakewell Topp XX earned their final spot with a 1-0 win over Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection in what could have gone either way, but the experienced Topp XX got the result to once again earn a chance to cart off another major trophy after some years in the doldrums. No doubt Winners Connection were without two top players, who have been transferred to Coomacka - Marmalaque Davidson and Shaquille Frank - but they played a tough game against their opponents. Topp XX’s best opportunity up to the 74th minute was when a Topp XX striker headed a chance that was held by the opposing Winners Connection goalkeeper. Once the darling of Linden football, Topp XX managed to come up with Coomacka’s Kellon a win, scoring in the 85th ‘Clean-Sheet’ Major minute after it was scoreless up to that stage. Striker Keon Hall would slap home a shot from the right side of the penalty box that pierced through, beating Winners Connection goalkeeper although he was guarding his near post, for a 1-0 victory. In the other game Coomacka came through following a nil-all deadlock which became unlocked via the sudden-death penalty route since both teams were locked on 3-3 after the five mandatory penalty kicks, following regulation and extra periods of scoreless play failed to produce a winner. Winners Connection must have counted this loss as they could have gained a clear advantage when Coomacka defender Damian Williams under pressure handled the ball. However, Coomacka goalkeeper Kellon ‘Cleansheet’ Major was there to bring off a brilliant save in the 55th minute and keep the game on an even keel, even though Winners Connection somehow looked nice in their display throughout the game. Coomacka had their chances also but could not find the back of the net. Marmalaque Davidson had a shot saved by the Botofago goalkeeper and Botofago had a chance to score also in overtime but Coomacka recovered to clear which net down the right inside the 18 yards box. In the end penalty kicks were taken and when the initial five kicks could not produce a winner it was in sudden-death that Coomacka got the better of their opponents and secured a chance to avenge their loss to Topp XX in the final tonight. The top prize is $600 000 and the winners’ trophy while the second-place team will collect $300 000. The third-place game between Botofago and Winners Connection from 19.00hrs has at stake $200 000 for the winners and $100 000 for the fourth-place team. There are also individual prizes for Top Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Most Goals, Youngest Player and the Most Valuable Player. The final starts at 21.00hrs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, February 21, 2020

CONCACAF hosts Mentorship Workshop for GFF executives IN its efforts to professionalise and strengthen the operations of its 41 Member Associations (MAs), the Confederation of CONCACAF has implemented an Executive Mentorship Programme (EMP) and last Saturday and Sunday GFF executives were the beneficiaries of the training at the Pegasus Hotel. The two-day EMP, which commenced last year, was facilitated by Jamaican Mr Howard McIntosh, who is also in charge of the One CONCACAF Programme and Special Projects within the Caribbean, and Mr David Sabir, General Secretary of the Bermuda Football Association. McIntosh, no stranger to these shores, informed that CONCACAF has been investing a lot in coaches education and referees training, which have a direct impact on the field of play; and the time is right for the focus to also

Members of the GFF Executive take time out for a photograph with facilitators Howard McIntosh and David Sabir. involve off-the-field hap- happy to be here. We’re do- the respective presidents penings where the level of ing it in all 41 countries in and secretaries of the MAs operations at the respective CONCACAF. Guyana is one only, but they have now inexecutive levels is more proof our very respected MAs dividualised the workshops fessional and in adherence and we’re happy to see the to meet with all the MAs, to the rules, regulations progress that is being made Executive Committee memand statutes of FIFA and with the GFF, in relation to bers or Board members to CONCACAF. football generally, and even spend time with them to ex“We designed this pro- in the areas of administration pose them to best practices gramme last year, which is and governance.” from across the region and now bringing about a foMcIntosh indicated the globe. cus on administration and that normally programmes The experienced McIngovernance and we’re very would have been held for tosh said that the response

Chase century lifts Windies to key tour win NEGOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Roston Chase struck an imperious hundred as West Indies warmed up for tomorrow’s opening One-Day International with a dominant six-wicket victory over the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI here yesterday. Playing in their final warm-up contest at FTZ Sports Complex, the Caribbean side easily chased down their target of 277 with 21 balls to spare, thanks to Chase’s 136 off 113 balls. Opener Shai Hope hit a typically composed 85 off 102 balls while Sunil Ambris saw the Windies over the line with an unbeaten 34 from 44 deliveries. The President’s XI had earlier posted 276 for eight off their 50 overs with wicketkeeper Minod Bhanuka stroking a top score of 69 from 88 balls and Ramesh Mendis, batting at number seven, chipping in with a near run-aball unbeaten 64. Asela Gunaratne carved out 47 off 56 balls in the middle order while opener Pathum Nissanka hit an enterprising 41 from 43 deliveries. The hosts rebuilt to reach 47 for one in the 11th over after captain and opener Lahiru Thirimanne fell cheaply for four in the eighth over, but off-spinner Chase (2-57) struck twice as three wickets tumbled for 27 runs. Stumbling on 74 for four in the 18th over, Bhanuka anchored two half-century stands to stitch up the innings and put the President’s XI back on course for a competitive total. A 24-year-old left-hander with a single ODI under his belt, Bhanuka, struck four fours and a six, adding 69 for the fifth wicket with Gunaratne and a further 83 for the sixth wicket with Mendis, whose knock contained five fours and a pair of sixes. Bhanuka was eventually sixth out in

garnered from the GFF is by no means a surprise to the facilitating team and, by extension CONCACAF. “It’s consistent with our expectations actually in terms of the GFF because of the significant progress that has been made on and off the field. We‘re looking forward to the follow-up that comes from it in terms of the various areas of administration, strategic planning and working with the Federation to ensure that the best practices are implemented in those areas where it may not be and continue to work with them in terms of improving the things that they have and, of course, the things that they may want to do in terms of the strategic objectives of the Federation.” It was also disclosed that the Executive is meant to educate and expose the other members of the GFF family to the knowledge they acquired. “But the hope is that

the information that would have been delivered at the workshop would be disseminated and communicated to the other members of the football family in Guyana. “It is important that we understand that good administration and good governance is fundamental to the success that we have on the field.” He also shared that it is important for the members of the GFF to understand their rights as members as well as their obligations to the GFF. “It is to bring about a better understanding within Guyana in this instance in terms of how football should be administered and how it should be governed.” The EMP would be done over a two-year period and it commenced in late 2019. McIntosh stated that they would be very aggressive this year in terms of the number of MAs that would be targeted. The next EMP for a MA would be in two weeks’ time.

Alves’ 6 for 1 stuns, as Demerara run roughshod over President’s XI at Bourda … Berbice wreck Essequibo by 10 wickets By Clifton Ross

Roston Chase (right) and Sunil Ambris partnered in a century-stand for West Indies. the 46th over, the second of seamer Keemo Paul’s two wickets. West Indies then found themselves in a spot of bother at 35 for two in the eighth over when the out-of-form Brandon King (7) and Darren Bravo (3) perished cheaply to catches at the wicket. However, Chase arrived at number four to turn the game in the visitors’ favour, inspiring two successive century stands, first with Hope and then with Ambris. He put on 133 for the third wicket with Hope who stroked 11 fours in his knock, and then added 108 for the fourth wicket with Ambris who counted a four and a six. All told, Chase hit 16 fours and a six before perishing with scores level, bowled by new-ball left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando (2-56).

DEMERARA top-order batsman Joshua Alves fell for a duck, but returned to capture mind-boggling figures of 6-1, as they inflicted a 117-run loss on President’s XI, to wrap up Round 3 of the GCB/ Dave West Indian Imports U-15 Inter-county tournament. It was a truly lopsided affair at Bourda ground as President’s XI, fresh off a win in Round 2, were

Salim Khan

stunned by spinners Alves, who accounted for majority of the top-order on his way to 6 wickets, and Riyad Latif who chipped in with stingy figures of 3 for 4. Demerara made 163 in their 50 overs thanks to Romeo Deonarine (20) and top-scorer Hemraj Harriprashad (29); who stood out as the primary run-getters in the innings. A combined effort from captain Stephon Sankar (2-18) and his deputy Tulsiram Ramkarran (3-29), kept a tight leash on the Demerara boys. Completely opposite to the approach in the last round, Alves removed the top four President’s XI batsmen for scores under 10, as no batsman managed double digits, in a pretty shabby batting display. The top-scorer Daniel Mohabir was removed for 9 runs by Latif, leaving Alves to claim two more scalps and Deonarine (10) putting the final nail in the coffin as Demerara romped to victory.

Joshua Alves At Lusignan, Berbice continued their dominance as they dismantled Essequibo by 10 wickets after successfully ending on 44-0 chasing 43 for victory. Vincent Bruce hit 14 but no other batter managed double digits, as the young spin wizard Salim Khan snared 7 wickets while his partner in crime, Matthew Pottaya claimed 3 wickets in a clinical effort. Berbice captain and opener Rampertab Ramnauth continued his run-fest, scoring 19 not out while Nyron Hicks (4*) held his wicket as extras did the rest to see them home. The final round bowls off tomorrow.

By Clifton Ross

Captains ready ahead of tonight’s Golden Republic T20 Bash … Hetmyer, Rutherford say both teams have much to prove

Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer share a friendly face-off ahead of tonight’s million-dollar match

ON the eve of Guyana’s 50th anniversary (Golden) Republic T20 Bash celebrations, captains Sherfane Rutherford and Shimron Hetmyer said both units were pumped up for tonight’s epic battle which bowls off under lights at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence. The final press conference, ahead of the celebratory T20 event held yesterday at the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) head office, Regent Street; featured the respective captains of the Rutherford Renegades and Hetmyer Hurricanes. Also present was GCB secretary Anand Sanasie, Ministry of Social Cohesion/Sport event coordinator Andrew Tyndall and representatives of the two softball teams who will play in the opening game - Ravi Bharat skipper of Ariel Speedboat XI and Parmanand Persaud, manager of the Champs Regal XI. Decked out in their specially customised uniform T-shirts, the pair of young West Indies players admitted that the occasion was too epic for either of the talent-laden sides not to bring out their A-game. Rutherford, the hard-hitting Windies T20 all-rounder, thanked the GCB for allowing him to be such a significant part of the match. “I want to thank the GCB for allowing me to help celebrate this special 50th anniversary occasion. I’m very excited and I just want us to play some good cricket and have fun; because the guys have a lot to prove tonight,” he said. His friend and teammate but opponent for tonight, Hetmyer said See page 32

Pollard believes Windies can overtake Sri Lanka in ODI rankings COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – With just one point separating West Indies and Sri Lanka in the ICC One-Day International rankings, the skipper of the Caribbean side is heading into their threematch rubber here with expectations of overtaking the hosts in the standings.

West Indies captain Kieron Pollard believes his team good enough to win the series, the first match of which will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club tomorrow. The two teams are closely locked on points in the ODI rankings. West Indies occupy ninth spot

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons (left) and captain Kieron Pollard (right), at a reception to officially open the ODI series against Sri Lanka, have expressed confidence in the squad.

on 80 points while Sri Lanka are in eighth with 81 points. West Indies head coach Phil Simmons (left) and captain Kieron Pollard (right), at a reception to officially open the ODI series against Sri Lanka, have expressed confidence in the squad. And West Indies will be looking to build on the good work started late last year in the subcontinent and carried on against Ireland at home last month, according to Pollard, who is entering his third series as skipper since taking over last November. “The squad have done a significant amount of work between the World Cup and this point. I think we proved in the Ireland series that we are a level above and we are now eager to see what the team can do against a more evenly matched opponent, in relation to standings. “Hopefully, at the end of the day, the team that plays the best and most consistent cricket will come out on top,” the 32-year-old See page 32

Omari Glasgow (centre) in action for Guyana during their 6-0 thrashing of Montserrat in Nicaragua. (Photo compliments – CONCACAF)

Guyana to face USVI today at CONCACAF U-20 Qualifiers ... Dover warns players, staff of complacency By Rawle Toney WAYNE Dover, coach of Guyana’s National U-20 team, is keeping his sight set on advancing to the June 20 – July 5 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Honduras. But, first, he will have to make it out of the qualifying tournament in Nicaragua, where they are currently

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in second place in Group A behind the host nation. Guyana will play the US Virgin Islands today and are keen on keeping their perfect record intact. After rallying to an impressive 6-0 win over Montserrat in their opening game, Dover’s men, in See page 32 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2020