Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 2-29-2020

SATURDAY 29th February, 2020

' No.105925

‘4% hike in NIS pension’ …increase to benefit persons receiving above-minimum rate

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---GM Greaves says scheme working to improve collection of contributions, targeting O&G sector Mahaica 10 Police outpost recommissioned PAGE

…Min. Ramjattan urges cops to respect citizens’ human rights

Fire destroys

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'Raj Yoga Centre'

54 screened for

Coronavirus

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-18 being monitored, as Guyana continues to guard against the disease

SEE STORY ON PAGE 02 This composite photo shows APNU+AFC Presidential Candidate, President David Granger and his main challenger at Monday’s polls, PPP Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali signing the Code of Conduct on Friday at GECOM headquarters

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

President leads signing of GECOM Code of Conduct …as parties commit to free and fair elections

NINE political parties contesting the General and Regional Elections signed a Code of Conduct on Friday, established by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to guide their actions before, on and after elections day. The code was signed at the commission’s boardroom in the presence of the full commission and a number of international elections observers. Those signing the document included President David Granger of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC); Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Irfaan Ali; Presidential Candidate of The Citizenship Initiative (TCI), Rhonda-Ann Lam; Presidential Candidate of The New Movement (TNM), Dr. Asha Kissoon; representative of A New and United Guyana (ANUG), Jonathan Yearwood; representative of the People’s Republic Party (PRP), Timothy Norton; representative of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Deborah Chung; representative of Change Guyana (CG), Abedin Kindi Ali, and

a representative of the United Republican Party (URP). Following the signing, each party present was allowed brief remarks regarding their commitment to the code. “The A Partnership for National Unity

drafting this code and it commits to abide by the values and standards enshrined in the code,” President Granger said. PPP/C’s Ali stated that his party is pleased to be a part of the signing, as the Code of

main committed to the values of the Code of Conduct and we also remain committed to ensuring that there is free and fair elections and elections that is also free from fear,” he said. However, Yearwood criticised the commission for waiting until the ‘eleventh hour’ for the signing of a code. “I think it’s extremely late in the game for this to be done now. We’re two-three days before elections; this should actually have been done two months ago probably…it has very little

effect between now and elections,” he said. “I do appreciate that you tried to get it out there and [being] that it is out there now we will abide by it.” Meanwhile, Lam commended GECOM for the initiative noting that its absence earlier did not deter the party from acting in accordance to what can be considered as ethical behaviour. “I urge all members of political parties here as well as all Guyanese to ensure that they commit to not only that Code of Conduct moving forward, but as we await the results,” she said. Dr. Kissoon said that the

Code of Conduct is important as it demonstrates unity amongst the parties to work towards peaceful elections. “We do intend to uphold this Code of Conduct and to go forward in unity as one people, one nation, together,” she said. Norton also thanked GECOM for the provision of the code noting that the party has long decided that all its actions will be in keeping with that of clean and fair elections. “[We will participate in] no mud-slinging to hurt anyone but just present to the nation how we intend to take this country forward, God bless,” he said. Chung told the gathering that the LJP is pleased to be a part of the signing and is looking forward to acting in accordance with the code. Ali from Change Guyana stated that his party supports the code and will abide by the Constitution for free and fair elections. In her remarks, GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret'd) Claudette

President David Granger of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) places his signature to the Code of Conduct established by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM)

+ Alliance For Change Coalition would like to commend the elections commission on

Conduct forms a very important part of elections. “We have committed before and we re-

GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh hands over a copy of the code to representative of the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), Deborah Chung

Presidential Candidate of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Irfaan Ali, signs the Code of Conduct

GECOM Chair, Justice (Ret'd) Claudette Singh hands over a copy of the code to Presidential Candidate of The New Movement (TNM), Dr. Asha Kissoon (Adrian Narine photos)

Singh, thanked the political parties for their presence and signing of the code. TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

NIS hikes above minimum pension by 4% ---GM Greaves says scheme working to improve collection of contributions, targeting O&G sector

By Navendra Seoraj ABOUT two months after announcing an increase in old-age pension, the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) has said persons, who receive pensions above the “minimum pension,” will receive a four per cent increase. This was according to General Manager of NIS, Holly Greaves, during a telephone interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday. In January, NIS had announced that its old-age pension was moving from $32,100 to $35,000 because according to the law, the minimum pension must be 50 per cent of the minimum wage for public servants. Government had increased minimum wage to $70,000 from $64,200, in 2019. While those persons who

benefit from the “minimum pension” would have gotten an increase, persons who receive above that amount did not receive an increase since 2017. Greaves said the last increase was two per cent. “This new four per cent increase will take effect from March 1, 2020…this new increase will cost the scheme $32M per month,” said the general manager. In addition to paying out $32M a month to those above the minimum level, the minimum pension has been costing NIS $91M per month. When asked if NIS would be able to sustain these payments, Greaves said: “in the short run we will be able to sustain it, but we are hopeful that the recommendations from the ninth actuarial report will be implemented so that it will help in the sustainability of the FROM PAGE

President leads ...

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She stated: “It shows that they are dedicated to uphold the code of conduct. I thank them for their presence and their efforts made to be here at short notice.” She reminded political parties to request of their supporters that they desist from crowding polling stations on E-Day, especially during the tabulation of votes, and to keep a distance of 200 yards away from polling station. It is known that there is no canvassing allowed by political parties and others in the confines of the polling station and within 200 yards thereof. The Chair also spoke to the issue of the wearing particular colors on E-Day, noting that the Commission cannot prohibit a person from wearing a specific color shared by a specific party on E-Day, but can speak against party branded wear, flags and other paraphernalia. This too goes for political candidates who may visit polling stations from time-to-time. “I do not expect them to come with flags or slogans etcetera but I cannot tell somebody ‘you must not wear a red shirt or you must wear a yellow shirt’. It’s up to that individual but I expect the person not to come and influence anyone around the polling station. Everyone must be free to vote for the party or the candidate of their choice,” Singh said. Ethnic infringements of the code will be relayed to the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), while the police will be made aware of any act by persons in breach of the law. The code requires signatories to ensure that their leadership, candidates, agents, members and supporters reject all forms of violence, intimidation, threats, the promotion of racial and ethnic tension, illegal practices and unlawful conduct. It also calls on the parties to “refrain from coercing other party agents to join our party with promises of substantive remuneration” and to “pledge to ensure that no bribes, whether monetary or compensatory are paid to perspective voters.” The signatory parties must forbid its supporters and members from defacing, damaging or altering political posters; spreading false rumours about elections activities and from directly or obliquely intimidating the media. Upon the declaration of the official results by GECOM, they must also advocate that their supporters and members “exhibit graciousness relative to the elections results” and demonstrate modesty and decorum amongst several other guidelines.

scheme. “In addition to the recom-

an effort to collect those outstanding contributions.”

General Manager of NIS, Holly Greaves

mendations of the report, we have been increasing efforts towards compliance…we have a desk management unit which is looking into people who owe the scheme and we are making

The NIS, which has a mandate of paying benefits and collecting of contributions, has been making consistent efforts to collect contributions. These efforts have even

reached the oil and gas sector, said Greaves, adding that they have also been targeting the mining sector. Considering the improved efforts and initiatives, the NIS has been able to see improvement in “contribution income.” “We are still faced with problems where people are non-compliant and are taking contract jobs to not pay contributions, but we are working on that,” said Greaves. Back in 2016, NIS had said that delinquent businesses and employers collectively had owed the scheme $1.3B. During the presentation of the 2016 Budget, Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, had told the National Assembly that the NIS had faced several challenges over the years, including lack of compliance by both employers and employees, combined with unprofitable

investments. Jordan said then that the management of NIS will work diligently to ensure greater compliance through the enforcement of the laws. “This year (2016), management will be targeting delinquent businesses and employers, in order to recover the $1.3B in arrears owed to the Scheme,” he declared. In addition to increasing its revenue stream, Greaves said the scheme has been working on boosting its customer service aspect by opening its doors from 6:00hrs during “pension week” and even establishing help desks at various locations. Persons can also reach the scheme on its website at https://www.nis.org.gy/, and leave a message in the “live chat.”

54 persons screened for Coronavirus -18 being monitored, as Guyana continues to guard against the disease AS part of continued efforts to guard against the Coronavirus (COVID-19), which has plagued China and other countries across the world, 54 persons, with travel history from ‘high risk’ countries, have been screened for the virus. The coronavirus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China in December, 2019, and has since spread to many other countries, including some in the Americas. And as a result, local authorities have been actively monitoring the ports of entry, since January 18, 2020. According to information from the Department of Public Information (DPI), since January 18, 2020 to Friday, of the 54 persons who were screened, 51 of them arrived from mainland China or Hong Kong. It was stated that 37 of those persons were Chinese Nationals; 12 were Guyanese - 10 Students, one tourist and a child; and one each from Finland and the United States of America. Two Ukrainians and one Singaporean travelled from Singapore through Europe to Guyana and were also cautiously screened and cleared for entry to Guyana. “Fifty-three persons were contacted with daily telephone calls from the Ministry of Public Health. One person, the female traveller from Finland, was not contacted and on further investigation was found to have left Guyana the day after arrival for Suriname,” said DPI. Additionally, four persons, when contacted during the process, indicated that they were not feeling well and were visited by medical teams from the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the Linden Hospital. All four persons were examined and temperature

checks done. All were diagnosed with other medical conditions and cleared as suspects for COVID-19. After careful monitoring of each visitor, 32 persons did not show signs and symptoms of the infection after the 14-day evaluation period, and were declared free of the virus. The public health authorities, however, placed 18 persons under “home monitoring,” and will keep them under close surveillance until the 14-day incubation period is over. According to DPI, The Ministry of Public Health continues to maintain a high-level vigilance for the COVID-19 and will expand capacity to detect, diagnose and treat any suspected case of COVID-19. As part of the capacity-building exercise, GPHC has established a 14bed unit, and the Diamond and West Demerara hospitals have also created units to isolate and manage cases of COVID-19. The Isolation areas are equipped and personal protective equipment including N95 masks, gloves and sanitisers, along with essential medicines and other supplies, are in stock. Seven private hospitals also have the capacity to isolate suspected cases until diagnosis can be confirmed. “In our efforts to shore up surveillance monitoring, eight additional medex have been deployed to Port Health Authorities. Training of all categories of staff has intensified and over 500 persons, inclusive of doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff, have been trained, in an effort to heighten awareness on COVID-19…training is ongoing at Ogle, CJIA, Moleson Creek, Lethem and is currently taking place in Bartica,” said the ministry. Immigration and customs officers have been sensitised about what to look

for, and additional supplies have been dispatched to all workers at critical points. The ministry in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) had recently developed capacity to test locally for the Coronavirus along with testing for Influenza A and B which present similar symptoms to the COVID-19. PAHOs virologist had trained staff of the National Reference Laboratory to do tests. Additionally, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) remains available for the testing of COVID-19. According to CARPHA, Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, coughs, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Some persons who recently returned to Guyana from China, were placed under “home monitoring,” but have not shown symptoms of the Coronavirus. Since the outbreak, port health authorities at the main, official points of entry had commenced screening of all travellers from high-risk countries. Among the menu of measures put in place by the MoPH officials, was to conduct follow-up assessments via telephone calls and through daily visits over a two-week period on all persons who travelled from China to Guyana over the last month to check on their state of health.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 29, 2020

Global downturn looms as countries struggle to contain coronavirus outbreak

GENEVA/BEIJING (Reuters) - The coronavirus spread further on Friday, with cases reported for the first time in at least six countries across four continents, battering markets and leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise its impact risk alert to “very high.” Hopes that the epidemic that started in China late last year would be over in months, and that economic activity would quickly return to normal, have been shattered. World shares were on course for their largest weekly fall since the 2008 financial crisis, bringing the global wipeout to $5 trillion as supply chains were disrupted, travel plans postponed and major events canceled. [MKTS/GLOB] The WHO said it was raising its assessment of the global risk to

‘very high’ from ‘high’, which its head of emergencies Dr Mike Ryan said was intended to put national authorities on full alert. “I think this is a reality check for every government on the planet - wake up, get ready, this virus may be on its way and you need to be ready,” Ryan said. The latest WHO figures indicate over 82,000 people have been infected, with over 2,700 deaths in China and 57 deaths in 46 other countries. Mexico, Nigeria, New Zealand, Lithuania, Belarus and Azerbaijan reported their first cases, all with travel history connected to epicenters in Italy and Iran. Mexico is the second Latin American country to register the virus, after Brazil. The Nigerian case, an Italian man, is the first in sub-Saharan Africa. The man traveled through the capital and other parts of Nigeria for almost two days before he was isolated and quarantined, authorities said, underlining the difficulties already overstretched health services will have in containing the disease. Potentially making it even harder to eradicate, a growing number of discharged coronavirus patients in China and elsewhere are testing positive again, sometimes weeks after being allowed to leave the hospital. In addition to stockpiling medical supplies, some governments ordered schools shut and canceled big gatherings to try to halt the flu-like disease. Switzerland canceled next week’s Geneva international car show, one of the industry’s most important gatherings. The New York Stock Exchange said it had “robust contingency plans” to allow it to continue operating if its floor had to close. SURGING OUTSIDE CHINA The outbreak appears to be easing in China, where it first emerged late last year in an market illegally trading wildlife. Main-

Saturday, January 29th, 08:00hrs - 09:30hrs

land China reported 327 new cases in the last 24 hours, the lowest in the country in more than a month, and China’s three biggest airlines restored some flights. But the virus is surging elsewhere. Countries other than China now account for about three-quarters of new infections. South Korea, with the most cases outside China, reported 571 new infections on Friday, bringing the total to 2,337, with 13 people dead. The death toll in Italy rose to 21, with nearly 900 testing positive. Cafes and schools have been closed as daily life has ground to a halt. The WHO’s Ryan said Iran’s outbreak may be worse than realized. Its toll of 34 dead is the highest outside China, although there are reports of much higher numbers. A WHO team is expected to be in Iran by Sunday or Monday. In the United States, the outbreak of the new coronavirus and efforts to prepare for its possible spread have become political in a presidential election year. Federal government health officials told lawmakers the country had insufficient testing resources, a source said, and Democratic presidential candidates slammed the government’s response. But the White House played down the coronavirus crisis and called the high level of news coverage a ploy to hurt U.S. President Donald Trump. The Trump administration plans to use defense legislation to boost production of protective gear like masks and gloves, the health secretary said. Online retailer Amazon.com joined other companies in implementing travel restrictions for its employees. Japan is scheduled to host the 2020 Olympics in July but Ryan said discussions were being held about whether to go ahead. Organizers will decide next week on the ceremonial torch relay, due to arrive on March 20 for a 121-day journey. Confirmed cases in Japan have risen above 200, with four deaths, excluding more than 700 cases on a quarantined cruise liner, Diamond Princess. Six people from the ship have died, including a man who was reported on Friday as the first British person to die from the disease.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

Sod turned for Windsor Estates East Coast development

JUST weeks after the announcement of a number of multimillion-dollar hotel projects in Ogle, yet another sod-turning ceremony was held last Thursday for the establishment of a US$83M new housing scheme, a project by Navigant Builders Inc, developers of Windsor Estates. Spread across 30 acres of land and branded, “Windsor Estates East Coast”, the project is expected to be a hallmark in Guyana’s progressive development, promising a unique blend of sophisticated suburban living, which will include features such as a commercial zone to include banks; medical facilities; a shopping area and restaurant. Recreational facilities will include a swimming pool, multiple tennis courts, a basketball court, and a 7500 square feet club house equipped with game rooms, a large screen movie room with theatre seating and a gymnasium. The company will be undertaking to develop a manmade lake to enhance the external aesthetics of the community, with even much more still in store. The company has also committed to invest $100M in corporate social responsibility projects in Guyana. Turning the ceremonial sod to mark the initiative of the ground breaking project was Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited(NICIL), Colvin Heath-London; Demerara-Mahaica Regional Chairman, Genevieve Allen; and Navigant Project Manager, Mark Thomas. Delivering remarks at the event, Heath-London said the realisation of the project represented NICIL’s efforts to foster a good investment

climate in Guyana. “We continue to have massive projects rolled out within a short space of time. Many are eager to get their hands on Guyana, the message is clear they like what they see. NICIL will pursue investment aggressively but only in the country’s interest,” Heath-London said.

Guyanese. “The breath of Mr. Sawh’s vision is what encouraged us to allocate him 30 acres,” Heath-London expressed. The land was sold to Sawh at $26M per acre, according to Rachel Henry, Head of Business Development.

The sod-turning for the Windsor Estates East Coast. From left are: Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence; Head of NICIL, Colvin Heath-London; Navigant Project Manager, Mark Thomas; and Demerara Mahaica Regional Chairman, Genevieve Allen (Delano Williams photo)

He further shared of how impressed NICIL was of the proposal put forth by CEO of Navigant, Danny Sawh, and overseas-based

Windsor Estates East Coast, will complement Sawh’s first project Windsor Estates East Bank, which was built in Eccles on the East

Bank Demerara. Navigant Project Manager, Thomas explained that Windsor Estate East Coast is a long-awaited project for Sawh, who has been pursing, for over two years, land on the East Coast Demerara for the project. “Conceptual designs for the proposal that Navigant is about to embark on started in 2017 when our CEO practically submitted proposals to anyone who was selling land on the East Coast, NICIL, Go-Invest, and GuySuco,” Thomas shared. Delivering the feature address, Minister Lawrence, commended the project and vision of Sawh. “I want to acknowledge Mr. Sawh’s choice to invest in his homeland. I can visualise that this is just the beginning of many more things such as this to happen all across the length and breadth of this country. This is a joyous occasion when dreams turn into reality, I am elated to be a part of this ground-breaking ceremony,” Lawrence said. Lawrence commended the inclusion of the recreational facilities and ‘green’ spaces envisioned for the community, and the hopes that the occupants of the community will use them to stimulate healthy lifestyles. Regional Chairman, Allen, noted that the project will go a long way in enhancing the prospects of the Demerara-Mahaica Region. “RDC applauds this initiative within our region and express our appreciation to all of the persons and agencies involved in this project. We look forward to continuing to work with all the national agencies for the development of our region,” she expressed.

Miners sensitised on alternatives to mercury -GGDMA says it is the beginning of a process to stamp out mercury

REDUCING the use of mercury in mining has been on the front burner for the past few years, and as part of continued efforts to ensure that miners move away from the practice, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) conducted a mining symposium. According to a press statement from the GGDMA, the mining symposium, which was held on Friday, focused on the use of alternative technologies and techniques for better recovery and the reduction in the use of mercury in Guyana. The one-day mining symposium was held at Park Rayne and was attended by officials of the GGDMA, local and overseas-based manufacturers, fabricators and equipment suppliers, Conservation International, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. President of the GGDMA, Andron Alphonso, said the activity was part of association’s goals for 2020, which is to, thoroughly and transparently, explore all options available for miners to reduce the use of mercury in mining operations and to place miners on the path of reduced mercury use. The main aim of the symposium was to help miners

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, addressing miners at the opening ceremony of the mining symposium

gain knowledge on how some of the available technologies work and to explore how the GGDMA can help to streamline operations and improve efficiency of mining. Alphonso said many critics have accused the GGDMA of purposely resisting the reduction of mercury and explained that this is not true, rather the association prefers to have solid, proven advice on what works and not be sold equipment by people who only have a “sales agenda.” The current technology, which has been used by miners for the last 50 years, must be allowed to evolve and has to be considered when implementing new methods and equipment. “The purpose of the symposium was to demonstrate to miners what can work in Guyana and what can be

practical and beneficial. The GGDMA has partnered up with Conservation International and The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to explore all options available to miners and the GGDMA welcomes the strengthened collaboration,” said Alphonso. He urged miners to appreciate that this is just the beginning and miners must recognise that the world has changed and miners have to change with it, and, as such, need to transition to use less mercury if they expect to sell gold easily on the global market. The President of the GGDMA also took the opportunity to remind miners to vote for the political party that supports mining. He said miners, by now, should have been exposed to the plans of the various parties and

miners should use this information to make an informed decision to vote for the party that will support and sustain the mining industry. “The Guyanese public is looking forward to peaceful, transparent, free and fair elections and urged all political players to ensure that they deliver on this,” said Alphonso.

Government had recently moved one step closer in its approach to regulating the use of mercury in the mining sector, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the management of the importation of mercury into Guyana. Signatories to the MoU were the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Geol-

ogy and Mines Commission (GGMC). The purpose of the MoU is to coordinate and enhance the procedures for management of the importation, storage, distribution, use and disposal provisions for cleanup in the event of an accident or spill of mercury, which is a known toxic chemical used in Guyana’s gold mining industry. TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo EARLIER this week, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo visited his home village of Whim, where he thanked residents and his supporters for standing with him for the 59 years he has been in politics. When the political history of the first two decades of the 21st Century will have been chronicled, the name Moses Nagamootoo would loom large. He, more than anyone else, was the pivotal factor that triggered the beginning of the transition of political power from the then seemingly unbeatable People’s Progressive Party (PPP) to the coalition of parties that eventually took office in 2015. His dramatic departure from the PPP, of which he had been a devoted member for five decades, created a decisive rupture in the party’s mass base that had the effect of changing the power dynamics in the country for the first time since 1992. Nagamootoo would take that support into the AFC, which was instantly transformed into a viable ‘Third Party’, and a serious contender for office. The rest, as they say, is history. As we go to the polls in a few days, it is in order to reflect on Nagamootoo’s place and contribution to the politics of now. His roles as Minister with responsibility for Public Information, as Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, and as the government representative responsible for constitutional reform would no doubt be engaged by the historians in

due course. We want to reflect on his role as a statesman over the last five years, largely because it is an area that is often overlooked by the scribes and commentators. It is also an aspect of political practice that can be easily misinterpreted as undue deference. Nagamootoo has served as Prime Minister of Guyana from 2015 to the present. Above and beyond everything else, he would be remembered as the first Prime Minister in a new era of Guyanese politics; the era of Coalition politics and governance. The rise to power of the group of diverse parties and leaders in 2015 was itself a monumental achievement, given that some of these forces had a long history of confrontation and acrimony. Nagamootoo and others within the AFC’s leadership had spent their political life in the PPP, which had, since 1955, been locked in an intense competition for power with the PNC, which was now the senior partner in the ‘Coalition’ government. It would therefore take enormous skill and compromise by the leaders to navigate the challenges that came with a government of relatively strange bedfellows. There was no better person to lead that drive than Moses Nagamootoo. Throughout his political life, he was an ardent devotee of Cheddi Jagan. His ideological outlook was shaped by a mixture of orthodox Marxism, Jaganism, and a fair dose of the Caribbean Radicalism of the 1960s and 1970s. In that

regard, he was somewhat different from the typical PPP activist, who, for the most part, tended to be very doctrinaire. One always got the sense that Nagamootoo was ideologically grounded, yet politically flexible. Maybe because he was, in his early years, a journalist, he could reach across the aisle with less difficulty than others. Maybe it was an interesting mix of Hinduism and Christianity, brewed in a Guyanese context that allowed for a more tolerant approach to politics. Or maybe it was a stronger grounding in Caribbean Radicalism and all that came with that. One remembers Nagamootoo as the only PPP leader of that time willing to mount a platform with the radical Walter Rodney, a historical fact that may shock many of the younger generations. It is also not always remembered that he was the only PPP leader after 1992 that embraced Power Sharing with the PNC, as the immediate and ultimate solution to Guyana’s problems. There is a praxis of political flexibility and tolerance that informs Nagamootoo’s outlook. It was this praxis that would serve him well in ‘the Coalition’, which, as was hinted above, was not without its moments of strain and stress. Coalitions, by their very nature, are not seamless formations; the struggle for unity in diversity often clashes with the culture of zero-sum competition. But Nagamootoo played the role of senior statesman, and used his office as second-in- command as a bridge between contending forces, and

as a symbol of restraint and reason. That the Cummingsburg Accord survived and blossomed was due in no small way to the leadership and example of Moses Nagamootoo. Often, the intangibles of politics are not readily discernible to the naked eye, but history has a way of flushing them out in the fulness of time. And history would be kind to Prime Minister Nagamootoo. A critical element of the Nagamootoo example these last five years was his ability to place the wellbeing of the Coalition and the country above personal and partisan interests. He bears the scars of struggle of the heady days of political conflict, but he never lets the obvious bitterness that accompanies such experience guide his thought and practice. He was the incomparable statesman who understood his role as Prime Minister. Clearly, he did not walk away from the political crassness of the contemporary PPP to replicate it within ‘the Coalition’. So, as he vacates the office of Prime Minister, he has left a model for others to follow, should ‘the Coalition’ be returned to office. Some would disagree with his non-confrontational approach to coalition governance; others would bemoan his seeming inability to always take the rest of the AFC with him. But none can doubt his integrity and commitment to leave something better for others to build on. Thank you, Moses.

Let’s not play with the future of Guyana Dear Editor, IT is no secret that the March 2020 elections will be the determining factor for the onward trajectory in which our country is headed, fueled by the onset of the oil-andgas industry. For this particular reason, I believe, a colossal effort is being made by all political parties during their respective campaigns, whether at rallies, small meetings or on social media, to convince voters as to why each is the best choice. This election, however, brings out a different side of campaigning never before seen in Guyana. I have been following the campaign of both major political parties since it started in January, and as the road to the polls becomes narrower, I’m sure many persons reading this will agree, the re-election campaign of President David Granger has moved from the usual

stop-here-stop-there fashion of campaigning into a full-blown political movement; a movement that has evolved, from its inception in January, to one that has seen the mobilisation of youths, women, men and people from all walks of life, regardless of ethnicity or race joining the effort to ensure David Granger is re-elected to the presidency. Editor, I beam with pride when I see the many pictures plastered on social media displaying young people of all races attired in creative outfits displaying their clear choice as to who they trust to run this country. While a gloom-anddoom picture is being painted of the future by some, many are well aware of the progress made under this government in less than four years, and many have shown that they want it to continue. Editor, while no government can ever be perfect, I do believe that the David Granger administration deserves an A+ for the efforts

placed in making Guyana a better country, both at home and on the global stage. From 2015 to now, we have a cleaner city, better infrastructure, better healthcare, and, of course, less corruption in public offices. Investors now have confidence in the fiscal management of Guyana, and this is clearly seen in the many foreign companies that are coming in by the droves to set up their operations. Very soon, Guyana will be the hub of economic activity of the Caribbean, but we can only achieve that if we place the reins of this country in the right hands. For me, I cannot imagine no better person than President David Granger. This is why, Editor, I support this administration for another term; this is why many youths, like myself, will continue to join the movement to re-elect the President for a second term. While the Opposition continues their tradition of cuss-down and cuss-out campaign-

ing, a breath of fresh air comes in the form of this movement that, come March 2, will result in a resounding victory for the APNU+ AFC coalition. We are no longer a country in which only a few have access to information; Guyanese all over can see the progress made under this government. And that is why we are no longer a set of people at a rally; this is a “movement” of people who believe in honesty and decency, who believe in giving the Presidency to someone who is legitimately qualified to sit as President for the next five years. Let’s not play with the future of Guyana; let us ensure, come March 2, that Guyana continues to breathe freely with a leader who is capable of taking us into further economic prosperity. Regards, Pandit Yogesh Mathoo

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

Good parenting starts with a good relationship with your child Dear Editor, CHILDLinK has recognised that children who are separated from their parents experience a lack of physical interaction which contributes to lost opportunities of forming and strengthening the emotional bond necessary for a loving parent-to-child relationship. This lack of bonding places a strain on the relationship, and makes it difficult for the child to trust and connect to the parent at the parent’s availability. In many Guyanese families, there are many concerns on the issues of children’s separation from their parents. Parents themselves are separated (mothers and fathers), and the child grows up with one parent, missing often times a dad and the somewhat new norm we have discovered in recent times, the mom leaves the children with the father or in an extended family setting – more children are missing a mom. Many children grow up with grandparents, and miss this interaction with both parents altogether, and more and more children are growing up with aunts and extended family members. Some children are hardly likely to form this bond of emotional attachment to an adult in these settings, and find it difficult to experience love and care. Adults, every time we interact with a child, we need to listen, observe and learn. We need to take the time to understand to make sure we know how to help and provide an experience or interaction with that child that shows that we care. A study into the epidemiological characteristics of depressive symptoms in children and adolescents whose parents migrate in China found that children who remain behind when their parents leave their countries of origin are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other emotional and mental-health problems. Children are particularly

affected when their mothers leave. A study into the “Executive functions and child problem behaviours are sensitive to family disruption: a study of children of mothers working overseas”, also indicate that children from transnational families are more likely than their peers to exhibit behavioral problems. As a result of not being able to deal with what seems like rejection or lack of care from their parents many children may become rebellious. In some of these cases, parents resort to abuse when handling these difficult situations with their children due to the lack of knowledge on how children are affected by the separation. Of course, abuse or violence is never the way to resolve conflict and will only make situations worse. In the reintegration of children back to family based care particularly for children living in orphanages, ChildLinK and the Childcare and Protection have focused their efforts on working with parents who have found parenting their children difficult or stressful and would abuse as a form of discipline and correction. ChildLinK, with resources from the European Union, and through its parenting skills education programme, has been working directly with parents whose children are at risk of being removed from an abusive family, to help them learn better parenting styles, how to resolve conflict with their children and how to build better and more loving relationships with their children. One such case is Samantha (name changed to protect identity) is a parent who lived abroad with her young daughter Amanda. When Amanda was five years old, Samantha had to leave the country and return to Guyana. Samantha returned to Guyana and decided to leave Amanda with her best friend to live abroad, while she came back to Guyana. She kept in contact with her daughter via telephone calls. Amanda, at five years old, was separated from her mother, and lived overseas

away from her mother for close to a decade. During that period, Samantha had two children. Amanda felt neglected, being away from her mom and two siblings. She felt as though her mom had moved on with her life without her, and she was not as important as her two siblings. Samantha eventually made provisions for Amanda to return to live with her and her siblings. This was not an easy transition, and because she did not know how to cope with her emotions, she would stay out late after school, and would be rude towards her mother and would tell her “You’re not my real mother,” and would refer to Samantha’s best friend (who was her primary care giver) as her mother. Samantha, in an effort to cope with Amanda’s behaviour and not recognising that there was a broken bond between her and her daughter, would verbally and physically abuse her, thinking that it is discipline. She would beat her, and would then often blame her daughter for her abusive behaviour. “My daughter is the reason why I beat her”, another frequent remark was “if she stop being disobedient, I won’t have cause to beat her”. What Samantha was unaware of was the loss of the bond she shared with her daughter resulted in poor communication and damaged their good relationship where she used to be able to communicate with her daughter and where her daughter would seek her guidance. Samantha, however, in an effort to be a good parent, contacted the CPA for help. In response, the CPA scheduled counselling for Amanda, and referred Samantha to ChildLinK’s parenting skills education (PSE) programme. CPA officers counseled Amanda on how to adapt to her home, and how to rebuild an attachment with her mother. Samantha attended six weeks of parenting skills education sessions facilitated by ChildLinK’s Parenting Officer. These sessions helped her to understand the psychological

and emotional effects that the separation in her early childhood have had on her daughter. The Parenting Officer helped Samantha to develop a new approach to parenting which included practicing alternative methods of discipline. Samantha and Amanda started bonding after the intervention and she noted that “my ways of doing things have changed”. The intervention helped both mother and daughter to understand each other, have better communication and a better relationship. Physically abusing a child is not discipline; it only does more harm than good. There are many parents that are struggling with parenting their children and must recognise that good parenting starts with a good relationship with your child which comes from an attachment; a bond of love, care and respect. Parents encountering challenges can reach out to CPA or ChildLink to assist in building healthy relationships and safer families for their children. Having a strong and healthy relationship with your child is key to successful parenting and teaches children many values. ChildLinK is a not for profit organisation that is working to create a Guyanese society where every child is growing up in a loving, safe and secure family and community. This article raises many questions about parenting. Please write us with your comments, questions and how you would like to get involved in protecting children in your own communities at admin@childlinkgy.org. Report child abuse by calling the CPA on 227-0979, the closest Police station or ChildLinK on 233-3500 or email: admin@childlinkgy.org. Regards, Shaquita Thomas Communications Officer ChildLinK

Would you hire a presidential candidate with questionable academic qualifications Dear Editor, CONSIDER for a moment, what would happen if this candidate submitted his resume containing academic qualifications with obvious spurious information to a potential employer. The candidate would never be hired by a reputable business seeking high quality employees. Surely, there would be curiosity and lots of questions about the authenticity of the academic qualifications, and how they were acquired. However, rejecting this candidate is about the importance of job applicants having integrity. Expectations are a successful job candidate would be honest and trustworthy. In the next couple of days, Guyanese citizens will go to the polls to elect a president to lead the country. In effect, the citizens are hiring a Chief Executive to run the country for the next five years. For some time now, one presidential candidate has been under pressure to explain questionable information about his academic qualifications. The candidate has not given a satisfactory explanation to the discrepancies because there appears to be no explanations to obvious fabrications. The

question for each Guyanese citizen is whether they should hire a presidential candidate who has demonstrated no integrity with his questionable academic qualifications; a candidate who would never be hired by a reputable business where merit and moral character are valued. His selection as the party’s presidential candidate provided a head-scratching moment. Discrepancies surrounding his academic qualifications were widely reported in the press before the party’s selection process; additionally, he was already facing prior corruption charges in the Pradoville corruption scheme. As former Minister of Housing, he apparently signed off on party elites, and the well-connected, acquiring prime real estate lands below market prices. From all accounts, the candidate’s selection is unpopular with the party base. Party rank-and-file members were disrespected by his selection, and once again taken for granted. Supporters are being asked to hold their noses and vote for a candidate with serious baggage, his selection may be the final indignity for party supporters. There have been non-existent public testimonials on behalf of the candidate. A newspaper opinion writer, who has his

finger on the scale for the opposition party, compared the incumbent president with the deceased President Cheddi Jagan from over 20 years past, obviously unable to find any redeeming qualities about the opposition party’s candidate to compare him with the incumbent president. The candidate was selected to be the party’s Dimitry Medvedev, who had the title, President of Russia while Russian dictator Vladimir Putin ran the country behind the scenes. He never steps forward as one would expect of a leader; **his countenance reflects an uneasiness, always in the background, acquiescing to a Putin like figure who is the force behind his selection. The candidate will be controlled by the party elites; the Pradoville corruption scheme demonstrated he is a pliant tool. His candidacy does not represent any change from the party’s past governance rejected in the 2015 elections. The party cabal is ready to resume their assault on the country’s norms and values. Every citizen should reflect on what emerged from his party’s governance i.e. threats to journalist and the media, political persecutions and assassinations, selling state assets below market price and handing out

contracts to the well connected, condoning organised drug trafficking and unexplained wealth accumulation by the elites and the well connected. Moral leadership matters to a nation. Moral leaders set the correct tone for subordinates and shape the right culture for the nation. A moral leader’s attributes of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion inspire and motivate us to support them and root for their success. The issues highlighted of the candidate’s academic qualifications and involvement in the Pradoville corruption scheme were not from behaviours and attributes associated with moral leadership. The candidate is asking us to forget the past when he says his government will have no corrupt ministers. Past history has been a good predictor of the future. This candidate has shown us who he is. A famous literary writer reminded us, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” This candidate does not represent our values and has no moral authority to lead our nation. Regards, Deryck Daly

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

A critical review of the PPP Presidential Candidate Dear Editor, TODAY I will attempt to do a forensic examination of Presidential Candidate of the PPP, Irfaan Ali. Sadly, Irfaan Ali has been hidden from the electorate, like the evidence the SOCU operatives have been struggling to find to prosecute the corrupt PPP officials. Does he have respect for women? Not much to go on, since Irfaan Ali has been in prolonged hibernation since selected by the Champion of Oil, hence avoiding the analytical radar. What I do know as fact is that Irfaan Ali, as Housing Minister, was very disrespectful of many that went to his office. What I also know as fact is that many were forcibly and humiliatingly ejected from his office. Sadly, these included many of our vulnerable women. What is also fact is that he verbally abused our Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings. What is also fact is that she was so scared that she locked her car windows. What is also fact is that based on his hand gesticulation and facial expression, he would have caused her serious physical harm. What is also fact is that when he recognised he physically couldn’t get to her, he tried to turn-turtle her vehicle. What is also fact is that his mentor, Bharrat Jagdeo’s ex-wife made serious allegations of domestic abuse against him. With this type of sordid information, I will have to give Irfaan Ali a ‘Severe fail’. RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE Quite frankly, we do not know Ali’s position on religion. He has never communicated that to us in word or action. As a result, I will grade him: ‘Not Applicable’. RESPECT FOR ALL RACES This I find very concerning about Irfaan Ali. Here are my concerns. From 1992 – 2015, Afro-Guyanese were very much a part of Guyana. The PPP, as a party, excluded them from their party, apart from a few window dressers. It is deplorable that for 23 years, the PPP never had an Afro-Guyanese overseas ambassador, since, in their estimation, none was suitable. Along with that, Afro-Guyanese were denied contracts, scholarships, Fellowship’s or any opportunity for upward social mobility. Hundreds of blacks were murdered by the PPP ‘Phantom Squad’. Blacks were incarcerated for treason. Their crime was to vocalise the concerns of many blacks. The PPP did this because the demographics favoured them, hence there wasn’t a need to be civil towards Afro-Guyanese. Irfaan Ali was a part of the government and didn’t speak out against this injustice. Now the demographic has changed due to migration and change in support, the PPP

now recognises they need the votes of other races if they are to win a majority. They now conveniently identify with the said Afro-Guyanese group. They have gone on a campaign of paying Afro-Guyanese for endorsement and votes. They have gone on a campaign of “hug a random Afro-Guyanese and take a photo.” They are running many advertisements with Afro-Guyanese. They are paying their way for voter suppression in Afro-Guyanese communities. Afro-Guyanese were in Guyana for centuries. Is it only now PPP became aware of them? Also more concerningly, during this election campaign, Jagdeo said to an Indo-Guyanese audience, “We are taking back our country.” What he meant is clear. This is Irfaan Ali’s campaign, and I find this very concerning. Irfaan Ali’s grade is: ‘Severe fail’. RESPECT FOR POLITICAL OPPONENTS Irfaan was part of a protest group which placed the President’s life in danger by their illegal actions. Irfaan Ali, during a violent protest, endangered the life of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Irfaan Ali and his campaign have branded the President illegal and unconstitutional. Irfaan Ali and his campaign have attacked the President’s health in the most disgusting way. As mentioned above, Ali verbally abused a Minister; he wanted to assault her. He tried to turn-turtle her car with her inside. Again, Irfaan will get a severe fail. TRUMPED UP TREASON CHARGES Unfortunately, Irfaan Ali was part of a party and/or government which incarcerated three innocent Guyanese for treason. One spent five years in solitary confinement. A husband-and-wife spent nearly two years in jail. Irfaan Ali had many opportunities to apologise but never did. Their basic human rights were denied. Again, a severe fail NARCO-STATE Irfaan Ali was part of a PPP Government that reduced Guyana to a Narco-State. The United States was so concerned about Guyana being a transshipment point for drugs that they wanted to have the DEA in Guyana. The PPP Government, which Irfaan Ali was a part of, vehemently resisted it because they wanted to protect their friends. Roger Khan, a convicted drug dealer confessed that he was doing his illegal acts with the full knowledge of the PPP Government. Roger Khan was caught in Suriname with over 150kg of cocaine. The Suriname authorities could have simply

A PRESIDENT TO LEAD NATIONAL UNITY To unite a country requires honesty and integrity which Irfaan Ali and his mentor Bharrat Jagdeo lack. Irfaan Ali has 19 criminal charges, persona non grata in Canada, facing serious allegations of academic fraud, faced credible allegations of fraud when he was the Minister of Housing and his conduct during political protest was far below the standard expected of a President. His mentor, Bharrat Jagdeo is not much better. Under his watch the phantom squad murdered hundreds, Guyana was a narco-state, corruption was pervasive, basic human rights abused with three innocent persons being locked away for trumped of charges of treason and press freedom was denied. Also to lead national unity, one must be able to lead. Irfaan Ali cannot even lead his own destiny in his Presidential campaign, so how can he lead a country? Whatever he says is dictated to him and he is instructed when to talk about personal matters and when to be quiet. He has zero leadership skills and would struggle to lead a girl guides group of two. Finally to unite a country the leader must be a great uniter. Bharrat Jagdeo is the most divisive figure in Guyana and Irfaan Ali is number 2. All in all, a severe fail for Irfaan Ali

placed under my political microscope, during which time he endured his most detailed examination yet. All flaws present would have been detected, if not naturally, would be under flaw enhancing agents to reveal any leadership limitations. During this microscopic political examination, I had covered all facets of Irfaan Ali’s professional and personal life. Unfortunately during this initial assessment, Irfaan Ali’s performance was concerningly way below the standard expected of a lead protester much less a President. I desperately wanted to see him succeed so I proceeded to the enhance level of the assessment, hoping that he will do better. In this enhanced assessment Irfaan Ali was found to have the confidence of a toddler who is in a completely new environment. He struggled to inspire himself to have a healthy diet and exercise, therefore it was no surprise that he has struggled to inspire Guyana. Irfaan Ali does have great commitment and passion but to do the wrong thing-corruption. He lacks any for the country where we all buried our navel string. Further, anyone who is facing 19 criminal charges and still tried to assault a sitting Minister and turn turtle her vehicle, cannot be considered rational and decisive in his decision making. Irfaan Ali is the worse Presidential candidate in Guyana’s history and possible the world. He has so much baggage, and I am not referring to his bodily weight, that it would be a complete surprise if anyone would waste their vote on him. Even if we were to ignore his baggage, something that many will find difficult to do, then simply examining the team he is surrounded by, will reveal that they were the same shady characters that reduced Guyana to a narco-state, the murder capital of the world, a corruption haven resulting in us being blacklisted and making Guyana a very divided country. It is these unchanged and unrepentant politicians that will be guiding a corrupt Irfaan Ali. Finally, this election is being viewed by the PPP as an avenue to strong-arm the judiciary to drop the criminal charges that many of them are rightfully facing. The executive should not interfere with the work of the judiciary. At least that is how the framers of our constitution set it out to be. An election of Irfaan Ali and the crime evading PPP family would serve as a permit for them to usurp the judiciary. The PPP will take Guyana back into the darks days when everyone was fearful of speaking out or they will be charged for treason or assaulted since the executive controlled the judiciary. As a result Irfaan Ali is unfit to be President and the PPP unfit to ever be in Government.

CONCLUSION Mohammed Irfaan Ali has now been

Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish

deported him back to Guyana. The Americans wanted him, but they did not trust the PPP Government. As a result he was transported to Trinidad and subsequently extradited America. Completely keeping the untrustworthy PPP Government, which Irfaan Ali was a part of, out of loops. It is only with this Government and the work of DEA, who are now in Guyana that the major drug traffickers are being caught. Assessment grade for Irfaan Ali is a severe fail. HONESTY AND INTEGRITY Irfaan Ali has 19 criminal charges. He has credible allegations of academic fraud against him. He is persona non-grata in Canada. Within two years of becoming a government minister he was able to build a multimillion US$ mansion with swimming pool. As housing minister, there were allegations of him accepting bribes. Hundreds of land applicants were waited for years for a piece of land. They trusted him to do his job but he did not. The application list was mountainous when this Government came into power. Irfaan Ali was not a man of honesty and integrity then and he is not a man of honesty and integrity now. Severe fail is his grade.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 29, 2020

‘Spoil…reportedly child’ allegedly killed girlfriend faked scenario of being attacked

IN the aftermath of the death of a Linden woman at Amelia’s Ward on Thursday, investigators are following leads that her boyfriend, notorious gunman, Teon “Spoil Child” Allen may be the one who actually shot and killed her. Initially, police thought the motive for the shooting was gang-related. The mother of two, Colissa Hunte, 27, of Rainbow City, Mackenzie succumbed to gunshot wounds she sustained to her upper right arm. The incident reportedly occurred around 13:00hrs at Lover’s Lane, where Allen and Hunte were residing at the time. Police had initially believed that unknown gunmen had surrounded the flat one-storey concrete house and opened fire through a window, hitting both Allen and Hunt before making good their escape. Allen would later show up at the Mackenzie Hospital seeking medical attention for the gunshot wound he purportedly sustained during the shooting, but has since been detained by the police, and is currently under heavy security. According to sources, while questioning Allen, police became suspicious after noticing that his current wound was exactly in the same spot as a wound he had previously sustained. Meanwhile, the Linden community has been plunged into a state of mourning after word of Hunte’s demise spread. Her mother, Youlanda Johnson, explained that she’d often warned her daughter to get out of the relationship, since Allen was known to have had several brushes with the law, but she never listened and was bent on staying with him. The deceased has been described by

Dead: Colissa Hunte

family members as a quiet, easy-going young woman who focused on her children. Allen, on the other hand, is no stranger to law enforcement, as he has been before the court on numerous occasions for various matters. As recent as November 2019, two men had been slapped with a joint charge that was instituted by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after being charged separately for the attempted murder of Allen. The two accused, 23-year-old Renard Caesar and 22-year-old Lashawn Lewis were read the new charge, which stated that while being in the company of others on October 5, 2019, at

Teon “Spoil Child” Allen

the La Penitence Market, in Georgetown, they discharged several rounds in Allen’s direction, with intent to commit murder. According to the prosecution’s case, Allen was at the East La Penitence Market making a purchase when the accused, along with others, exited a car and opened fire on him. Allen returned fire, injuring Lewis in the process. This resulted in the men retreating. On September 19, Allen was charged for discharging a firearm with intent to commit murder and appeared at the Linden Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Wonda Fortune. Allen was charged for the offence after

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video footage surfaced showing him carrying out the act. Allen was released on $50,000 bail. In late September, a cousin of his, one Ean Williams, was shot to death by “gang members” while he was at Lovers’ Lane, South Amelia’s Ward, Mackenzie, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) with his girlfriend. It was reported that on September 28 at about 20:30h, the alleged gang members of a Cayanne-based Guyanese group allegedly opened fire on a car in the vicinity of Lovers’ Lane, South Amelia’s Ward, Linden. Williams and Antigua were the only two occupants. Williams received several gunshot wounds about his body and died on the spot while Antigua was rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex. It was further reported that the car belonged to the now dead man’s cousin, Teon Allen, who was the suspected target. Meanwhile, Allen’s car was reportedly torched by a bystander who witnessed the ordeal with the women. The act was suspected to be carried out by members of a Cayenne-based Guyanese gang. In August 2017, Allen was charged with harbouring wanted men Mark Royden Williams and Uree Varswyck – who had escaped from the Camp Street Prison on July 9, 2017. Also in January 2017, Allen was charged along with three others for possession of an AK-47, along with matching ammunition. The men were arrested during a Police raid at a John Street, Campbellville, Georgetown house. Allen was also previously charged for a number of other offences including robbery under arms.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

Mahaica Police outpost recommissioned …Min. Ramjattan urges cops to respect human rights of citizens

POLICEMEN must ensure the human rights of every citizen, including suspects, are upheld and this should be a policy of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) while all police stations should enhance their community development practices. This is according to Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan, during remarks on Friday at the re-commissioning of the Number 10 Police Outpost, Mahaica East Coast Demerara (ECD). Minister Ramjattan said that the police outpost was refurbished at a cost of $2.5M and the monies were provided under the funding of the Citizens Strengthening Security Programme (CSSP). Ten police stations have been completed under the programme along with counterpart funding. “I want people within the area to also ensure that their sons and daughters join the police force…I have been pleading with many people to join,” Minister Ramjattan said. He said when crimes are committed, society depends on the police and as such, members of their respective

communities should support the operations of the GPF by joining and contributing to the development of a better society. The minister said that policemen salaries have been increased along with the assets they use to execute their functions. “Don’t feel anyway negative about the police force, you can join and help provide the services that you on occasions want to be provided with…policemen should come from your community,” Ramjattan told the gathering at the recommissioning ceremony. He said that the commissioning is part of a number of infrastructure projects done to enhance the wellbeing of police ranks countrywide. Adding that it was only on Thursday that a new Police Station was commissioned at Aurora, Essequibo Coast, Minister Ramjattan said at the very beginning of the administration, the need to ensure comfortable circumstances for police ranks countrywide was noted. “Decrepit buildings and surroundings created an environment in which you are not going to get the quality of

services from the policemen, and it was important then that we started the allocations of monies for these projects, outposts and major police stations like in Linden and Aurora, and depending on the circumstances, we had to ensure that we rebuild brand new stations,” Ramjattan said. In addition to circumstances of infrastructure, Minister Ramjattan said in far-flung rural areas, additional assets must be provided such as furniture, ATV’s, bicycles, speed boats and other modes of transportation suitable for the terrain. “I want to urge the users of this building to ensure that they maintain it properly and I want also that they build extremely cordial relationships with the community. We do not want to see policemen as bullies in the community, we do not want rogue elements as policemen, we want you to be respected by the community because of your big brother attitude since you have tremendous powers under the Police Act, and this must be utilised towards the service of the community,” Ramjattan noted.

Minister Khemraj Ramjattan assists a school child from the district to cut the ceremonial ribbon to recommission formally, the Number 10 Police Outpost in Mahaica, ECD. Also looking on are Commissioner Leslie James and Divisional Commander Superintendent, Yonette Stephens

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, leads his team in the inspection of the recommissioned Number 10 Police Outpost in Mahaica, ECD

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, said currently the GPF is implementing five pillars of its strategic plan. “Parts of those pillars speak to partnership, it speaks to building capacity

and today is another illustration of capacity building of infrastructure,” the Top Cop said. Underscoring the realignment of police divisions, James said the recommissioned building will serve the ranks, who

in turn will serve the community professionally. Also in attendance were senior officers and police ranks of the GPF along with villagers and members of the community policing group.

22-year-old Victoria resident placed on $80,000 bail

ON Friday, February 28, 2020, 22-year-old, Nailasie Johnson, of Victoria, East Coast Demerara, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, charged with fraudulent imitating of identification mark. The charge alleged that, on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at Regent Street, Bourda in Georgetown, Johnson imitated identification mark PYY1220 on registered motor vehicle HB928. Johnson denied the charge. According to reports, on November 30, 2019, about 08:30hours, the son of the registered owner of the motor vehicle, PYY1220, was driving East along Regent Street, when he saw a dark

blue 212 bearing the said number, PYY1220. He then summoned the police who arrested the driver of the said car and took him to Brickdam Police Station. While there, the driver admitted to changing his number plate HB928 to PYY1220 so that he could drive. Further investigations were carried out, which resulted in Johnson being charged. The prosecutor told the court that the penalty for the offence was $1 M and two years in prison. According to the prosecutor, persons who commit such offence would have the intention to commit a robbery and other unlawful acts. The prosecutor then proceeded to object to bail and requested that Johnson be remanded. When Johnson was asked

by the court to explain himself, he stated that, on the day he bought the vehicle from the dealer, the dealer told him that he would tend to the vehicle’s documents. Johnson also mentioned that the vehicle was already fixed with the plate number PYY1220 and that he had sprayed the car over from yellow to dark blue on the said day. After hearing the case, Magistrate Leron Daly granted $80,000 bail to Johnson, with the conditions that he reports to the SO (Supervising Officer) at the Alberttown Police Station on Monday, at 09:00 hours and lodges his passport. The matter was adjourned until Friday, March 27, 2020.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

Workshop puts spotlight on marine biological diversity

STAKEHOLDERS in Guyana are learning about the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity existing beyond the country’s national jurisdiction, with the aim of contributing to the development of legally-binding instrument to be adopted by the United Nations (UN). A national stakeholder workshop in this regard was held on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which was well-attended by invited participants. Members of the UN are currently negotiating an international legally-binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation of marine Biodiversity of areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (the BBNJ Agreement) It was explained that this deals with the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in international waters. International waters are often referred to as ‘the high seas’ meaning the open ocean which is not within any country’s jurisdiction. It includes focus on Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs); Environment Impact Assessments (EIAs); Areas

Based Management Tools (ABMT) including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology (CBTT). An Intergovernmental Conference on marine BBNJ is scheduled for March 23-April 3, 2020 at the UN Headquarters where it is expected that these issues will be explored and treaty subsequently adopted. Such a treaty should fill the gap in existing international ocean laws and regulate activities in international waters. The Ministry explained that it is critical that Caribbean Community (CARICOM) stakeholders in particular have their priorities and perspectives addressed in the negotiation of this treaty. As such, Guyana’s stakeholder involvement on the country level will later be merged with other countries of CARICOM to form a CARICOM negotiating team. The workshop is also an effort of the ministry to sensitise local stakeholders on the role of Guyana as Chair of the G77 and China as it negotiates on behalf of the 135 Member States the development of the legally binding instrument

Participants in the national stakeholder workshop (Carl Croker photo)

Fire destroys Kingston’s Yoga Centre A FIRE of unknown origin gutted the two-storey Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre in Kingston, Georgetown, while two devotees of the organisations were meditating in the wee hours of Friday morning. According to Fire Chief Marlon Gentle, in the aftermath of the fire, the building was severely damaged. He explained that the Fire Service received the fire report at 04:34hours and four trucks were dispatched to extinguish the fire. Gentle added that investigations continue as firemen have not yet been able to ascertain the cause of the fire. Reports indicate that the centre was also destroyed by fire several years ago. The building made mostly of wood was used as a center for spiritual and meditation exercises while courses on personal development were also offered. At the scene, fire fighters initially had

problems with accessing sufficient water but managed to contain the blaze to one building. The two occupants who were in the building at the time of the fire were identified as “Usha” and Parbattie Singh. They explained that there was a power outage before the fire started while they were meditating and when they realized it was a fire they grabbed what they could and ran to safety on the roadway. Singh noted that they didn’t take it serious at first but minutes later a blaze was seen from the rear of the building. According to the security guard at the building, the fire started in the northern side of the building and “all I hear was a crackling sound and I see smoke later then when I check it was a fire.” Also at the scene were members of the European Union (EU) election observation mission, whose operations are located in a nearby building.

The damaged Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre

Director of the Department of Multilateral and Global Affairs, Troy Torrington speaks to the gathering at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ramphal House as several experts on the Ministry’s team watch on (Carl Croker photo) on conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. In remarks to the gathering, Director of the Department of Multilateral and Global Affairs, Troy Torrington said that the stakeholder consultation was especially important as it will help Guyana in its fight against climate change even as the country seeks to meet its individual and international obligations. “By having areas beyond national jurisdiction adequately managed, it places us in an advantageous position to be able to respond to several of the global challenges we now face,” he said. “It is a continuing interface with stakeholders so that Guyana can indeed have its best contribution to the process.” The Ministry has several experts on its team which will be working to sensitise stakeholders and spark discussions on key areas relating to MGRs, EIAs, ABMT, MPAs

and CBTT. These include: Fisheries Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Department, Randy Bumbury; Legal Officer at Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Saeed Hamid; Deputy Commissioner at the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Odacy Davis and BBNJ Advisor, Dr. Patrick Chesney. They each presented an overview of their objectives at the session while there were several small workgroups throughout the day. At the end, the participants were expected to become aware of the BBNJ process and issues and how these are relevant to their rights, responsibilities and interests; give feedback on their perspective and priorities to support CARICOM negotiators and build ownership of the BBNJ process for implementation of the agreement produced.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

Oil wealth will help fuel ‘green energy’ agenda ----President Granger

GUYANA will use its resources gained from the oil-and-gas industry to propel itself into an energy-efficient country primarily reliable on the use of sustainable, ‘green’ energy. As a guest on VYBZ 100.1FM on Thursday, President David Granger said that the country is well on its way towards achieving this objective, which would ensure that it is not affected energy-wise by future fluctuations in global oil prices. “Oil won’t last forever,” the President said. “Eventually oil revenues will plateau out, but we need go on living; we need to have food; we need to ensure that we can generate energy in the hinterland, and the idea is that we walk on two legs.” With plans like Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy (GSDS): Vision 2040 and the government’s ‘Decade of Development: 2020 -2029’ which commenced this year, the president intends boosts the country’s progression towards a ‘green’ economy within the

above set timelines. He explained: “We will continue to use petroleum revenues, and while doing so, we will develop energy sources [such as] hydropower, solar power, particularly, and wind power, particularly in the hinterland and other places, so that at the end of the day, we will be able to sell that oil for good money, and at the same time have energy which will propel the industry, manufacturing, and households and hospitals and everything else.” Already, countries like India have begun to laud Guyana’s transition towards a ‘green’ economy, even before oil, noting that such acts will set the country apart in the near future. Just last month, India’s High Commissioner to Guyana Dr. K. Srinivasa said that the transformation is very much possible, as Guyana is bountiful when it comes to renewable resources. He told the newspaper that India understands Guyana’s intention, as the country of 1.3 billion people is

President David Granger as a guest on VYBZ 100.1FM on Thursday

energy-deficient, and has now consciously decided to adopt a strategy to move away from fossil fuels to “green” energy. Guyana, on the other hand, will be hitting the ground running, hoping to learn from the mistakes of others rather than make the same ones themselves. “It is evident that even in major oil- producing countries now, they have seen the wisdom of converting or changing over to sustainable sources [of energy] and they are going to continue selling

oil but they’ll make sure that when their oil runs out or oil prices collapse, that they still have sustainable electricity in their country,” the President said. In 2018, the Head of State signed the Framework Agreement of the International Solar Alliance,

through which he pledged the country’s commitment to cooperating with India in pursuit of its goal of becoming a Solar State, a key component of Guyana’s GSDS. Meanwhile, regarding the expected revenues from oil, which most Guyanese have set their sights on,

the President reminded his audience that there would be no “sudden wealth”, but that under his government, Guyanese can be assured of a comfortable life. The President said: “We want to ensure a high quality of life, where children can go to school; cities are going to be safe; there’s going to be equality among the ethnic groups [and] between the coastland and the hinterland; that young people have jobs. These are the things we’re aiming at. We’re not aiming at having a few people become very rich, and the mass of people remain poor. On the contrary, we want to see greater equality in the country.”

Man on fraudulent conversion charge ON Friday, February 28, 2020, Krishana Singh appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on a fraudulent conversion charge. The charge alleged that, on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at Water Street, Georgetown, Singh was solely entrusted with $10,500, the property of Bibi Thirteen, to

purchase three bags of garlic and deliver same; but, he used it for his own purpose. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge Magistrate Daly, gave the defendant an ultimatum. Singh was ordered to do two weeks of community service or be fined $5000 for the offence.

Man and his ‘childmother’ face assault charges 30-year-old Labourer, Sylvester Gouveia, and his 28-year-old ‘childmother’, of Barr Street, Albouystown, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly, on Friday, February 28, 2020, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, on two assault charges. The first charge alleged that, on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Barr Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, Gouveia unlawfully assaulted his ‘childmother’, so as to cause her actual bodily harm. The second charge alleged that, on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Barr Street,

Albouystown, Georgetown, the ‘childmother’ unlawfully assaulted Sylvester Gouveia. Both Gouveia and his 28-year-old child’s mother denied the charge thus, pleading not guilty. According to the report, Gouveia and his ‘childmother’ had been together for eight years and share a sevenyear-old child. On the day in question, Saturday, February 22, about 11:00hours, the two had an argument over a discussion the ‘childmother’ had with someone via the telephone. She would have mentioned to the person that Gouveia was a ‘low life and

a stinker’. She continued so as to annoy Gouveia who reacted by beating her to her face. Gouveia’s ‘childmother’ responded by picking up a perfume bottle and pelting him to his right side foot. Both Gouveia and his ‘childmother’ were arrested. Magistrate Leron Daly ordered both Gouveia and his child’s mother to be placed under bond of peace and had granted $20,000 bail to Gouveia and $10,000 bail to Gouveia’s child’s mother. This matter was adjourned until Tuesday, March 10, 2020 and was transferred to court 11.

Miners sensitised on ... The MoU outlines the adaptive criteria to which all importers, resellers and users of mercury will adhere. It also outlines the procedures to which the identified agencies will comply and also seeks to improve communication among the identified agencies with regards to mercury importation, storage, handling, resale and use in Guyana. “A journey to being mercury free is a long but necessary one. We started it

in 2013 after we globally expressed our national acknowledgment of the dangers and hazards of mercury. We made a commitment then towards the elimination of its use by signing the Minamata Convention,” said Minister Trotman in a recent report. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and release of mercury and mer-

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cury compounds. With mercury being a chemical, which is still widely used in the gold mining sector, Minister Trotman said government is still on a pathway to making mercury history in Guyana. He said the government is steadfast and will continue to preserve and maintain the momentum of creating a safe and clean environment, and to protect the lives and livelihood of the people by addressing the dangers of mercury.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

CARICOM observers satisfied with GECOM’s preparation for polls

EVEN as final preparations are still ongoing, the CARICOM Election Observer Mission (CEOM) said on Friday that it has been given all assurance that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) will be ready to facilitate new General and Regional Elections on Monday. Chief of Mission of the 17-member CEOM team Cynthia Combie Martyr gave this assurance on Friday at a press briefing held at the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters. Martyr said that despite Guyana’s unique challenges, her current observation is that the general preparation process thus far is not largely different from her observation of other elec-

occurred, and I can sympathise and empathise with them to a certain extent, because what has happened, I believe, was due, in part, to the CCJ ruling, and perhaps that could have influenced the ability to be prepared in the fullest extent. “They [stakeholders involved] are relatively satisfied that GECOM has done its best to prepare for that General Election, and I am satisfied that, as a CARICOM member, Guyana, through GECOM, will be ready for that General Election on Monday.” Already, Martyr has met with the Commission; representatives of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC); the People’s Progressive Par-

Members of the CARICOM Election Observer Mission (CEOM) during a training session on Friday at the CARICOM Secretariat toral processes in the Caribbean. “One can never expect that any electoral body would ever be 100 per cent ready; there will always be a little glitch here and there, and there will always be issues that arrive that you did not expect,” Martyr said, adding: “As it relates to GECOM, I can appreciate the issues that have

ty/Civic (PPP/C); The Citizenship Initiative (TCI); the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP); The New Movement (TNM); the United Republican Party (URP); Change Guyana (CG); A New and United Guyana (ANUG) and Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP).

The Chief of Mission also met with Commissioner of Police Leslie James; representatives of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC); the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU); the Guyana Agriculture and General Workers Union (GAWU); the Private Sector Commission (PSC); the Guyana National Youth Council; the Society Against Sexual Orientation and Discrimination (SASOD) and members of other Elections Observer Missions.

SECURITY ASSURANCE Coming out of these meetings, the Chief of Mission was also assured by Commissioner James that security will not be an issue on Elections Day. “The Commissioner convinced us that the Force was prepared to deal with any incidence of violence or any security issues that may occur during the elections,” she said. “He also indicated that they would not be wearing arms -- no guns -- because he felt that that was not necessary. In addition, he indicated that it is unlikely that there would be any violence. He felt that the whole process would be free of violence [but] he said in any event he would be prepared to address those instances.” From some parties, she noted the concern of a lack of existing guidelines to deal with the seat allocation for parties involved in a joinder of list. However, Martyr said that the matter is being dealt with at the level of the Commission. “I have spoken to the Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield and he has assured me that he will endeavor to speak to the Commission and to get some sort of solution to dealing with the aspect of which we have the concerns…the leader of the parties wanted that information prior to Election Day,” she said. It is also the CEOM’s intention to meet with the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and stakeholders of religious bodies if time permits. To obtain a general overview of the political atmosphere and the level of preparedness for the electoral

Chief of Mission of CEOM Cynthia Combie Martyr process, the Mission will also attend final political rallies and continue to observe the pre-election period. On E-Day, they will observe the days activities which includes the voting procedure and count. At the end of the day, the CEOM will produce a preliminary statement outlining its initial assessment of the electoral process. Thereafter, a Final Report will be submitted to CARICOM Secretary- General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. “On behalf of the Mission I wish to express our gratitude for the warm welcome extended to the Mission by the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Mission looks forward to the successful conclusion of the electorate process,” Martyr said. The CEOM experts come from some 11 countries and were invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through LaRocque. Martyr arrived on February 24, 2020 while the remaining members arrived on Thursday and Friday. Discussions are still ongoing regarding the deployment of the team and which Regions and polling places they will either visit or be stationed at.

Labour Dept. still examining RUSAL’s payment to fired workers … probing electric shock of employees last year

CHIEF Labour Officer, Charles Ogle, said that the Department of Labour (DoL) had written to the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), a subsidiary of Russian company RUSAL, requesting additional information as the Department continues to analyse payments made to the 326 workers who were terminated by the company on February 2. Minister of Labour, Keith Scott, meanwhile, says “dialogue between the company and the Department continues”, while the Department is also still investigating the incident whereby two employees of the company suffered electric shock, last December, while on duty. The DoL had requested a spreadsheet with a breakdown of payments made to the 326 workers who were terminated by the company

to independently verify that the amounts paid were what they were supposed to be. Ogle confirmed that the

Minister of Labour, Keith Scott

DoL received the requested spreadsheet but now needs some things clarified. “We are doing the calculations still, but we had to send back. We had some queries and they wrote us telling that they will send a response,” Ogle related, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. In addition to their severance and other benefits, the employees were also due an additional one month’s pay, given that they were terminated without notice, as required by Guyana’s labour laws. The National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) the agency which is in charge of the government’s 10 shares in BCGI, earlier this month,

paid the dismissed workers their February salaries in light of ongoing discussions with RUSAL, which owns the other 90 percent shares in BCGI. The DoL has been continuously engaging with BCGI, and its employees’ union, the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GBGWU), for approximately one year to iron out issues between the two. On February 2, RUSAL announced that it had fired the 326 workers, transferred expatriates, and suspended operations at the Region 10 mines. The DoL in subsequent meetings had been pushing for the company to rehire the workers. The company has not made any commitment to the request

and was expected to consult their principals in Russian. The terminated employees, however, have long been convinced that the company was shutting down its operations entirely, and was attempting to ship as much as possible out of Guyana before doing so. In defiance, they have been maintaining, for over one month now, a blockade across a section of the Berbice River to prevent the company from shipping out any equipment or materials from its Kurubuka mines. In addition to rehiring workers the Union is calling for the company to address issues concerning salary increases and compensation for two workers who suffered electric shock. Minister Scott

Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle said the investigation into that incident has not yet concluded. “We’re ensuring we cover all the bases. We had to interview every single person, we didn’t want to miss out anyone so that is ongoing,” Scott said.

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GECOM gives greenlight for more party agents to accompany ballot boxes THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has made provision for additional agents of political parties to accompany Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) in their receipt and transmission of ballot boxes and Statements of Polls (SOPs) on Elections Day. Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield, said, on Friday, the decision was meant to ensure that there was full transparency at every step of the process. “The Commission, at its deliberation yesterday, agreed that there should be another layer of agents and these agents will be the ones who will specifically be accompanying the Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) from their offices as they uplift the

Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield Statements of Polls (SOPs) and the boxes from the POs,” Lowenfield said. “The Commission has agreed in its wisdom that there should be another layer of agents from the political parties who will accompany the DROs as they receive the boxes and statements for onward transmission to Returning Officers and the Returning Officers will ensure that those Statements received for the CEO are distributed to him in a timely manner.” PREPARATION ‘ADVANCED’ Meanwhile, he also stated that preparation levels at the Commission are “very advanced” for the commencement of polls on time on E-Day. At the time of his remarks he said that, in districts across the country, the contents of respective boxes were being counted by Presiding Officers (POs) and these boxes were being secured at their locations to be deployed as early as today (Saturday) based on how far these boxes must travel. During transportation to the various polling stations, the boxes will be accompanied by POs and security ranks and GECOM intends that every box will be at its station by the opening of polls on Monday. While there are challenges with regards to the present shallow waters in the Mazaruni region, the CEO said that, notwithstanding the state of the river, the Commission will make every effort to get to its locations on time. He said: “We’re aware of the fiscal challenges across Guyana and we have made arrangements to ensure our Presiding Officers accompanied by ranks from the Police Force depart early enough to ensure that we get there…to facilitate early commencement on the day.” The CEO said that the Commission hopes to produce an election result as soon as possible following the close of polls but factors such as a request/s of a recount of votes is out of the Commission’s control. Guyanese will go to the polls on Monday, March 2, 2020 to cast their ballots in the General and Regional Elections. Nine parties are contesting the General Elections and 11, the Regional Elections.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

‘We are not going back’ ‘Coalition’ wows womenfolk with plans to better their lives … promises more duty-free concessions for teachers

THOUSANDS of Guyanese women on Thursday showed their support for the ‘Coalition’ and its leader, President David Granger when the party held a massive women’s rally at the Parade Ground in downtown Georgetown. Legal Adviser in the Office of the Prime Minister, Tamara Khan was the first of several high-ranking female speakers to address the massive all-women rally, and her message was clear: Guyanese women will never return to the turbulent days under the PPP. Chorusing “David G and me, forward together for victory,” Khan said there could not be a better life for Guyanese than that which is offered by the APNU+AFC and President Granger. “Sisters, this is only the beginning; this beloved country of ours will become an educated nation. President Granger will lead us into the ‘Decade of Development’ with compassion; with vision and not with the self-interest we saw over the last 23 years. We have got to embrace where we are headed, and we cannot forget where we have come from. We will stay with David Granger,” she proclaimed. She recalled that when APNU+AFC took office, pensioners were receiving a mere $7,500 per month. “We are not going back to that,” she said. “In less than four years, pensioners have received almost 200 per cent increase.” Teachers and nurses and all public service salaries, she stated, have been increased by 70 per cent in less than four years. Sweeper/cleaners, under this administration, are now receiving the minimum wage of $70,000, up from $39,000 four years ago. University education, she reminded, will also be free again under President Granger.

Former Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Kamal Persaud

She spoke of the President’s Public Education Transportation Service (PETS) and the Public Education Nutrition Service (PENS), which continue to benefit thousands of children, and ease the pockets of parents countrywide. This easing of the financial burden on parents, she said, is enough to return the government to office. And on that note, she charged all women to ensure that everyone in their households, streets and communities go to the polls, come Monday March 2. MORE FOR TEACHERS Minister of Public Service Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, during his speech announced that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC)

Legal Adviser in the Office of the Prime Minister, Tamara Khan coalition government plans to increase the allocation of duty-free concessions for teachers and education administrators, if re-elected next Monday. The rally was held under the theme, “David G and me, David G and you, moving forward to victory”. Sarabo-Halley stated that since 2015, Guyana has been leading the Region with regards to women being in parliament, and women in the position of permanent secretary in ministries. She highlighted that under the APNU+AFC government, 12 out of 17 permanent secretaries are women; 22 out of the 65 elected Members of Parliament are women, and there are 11 female ministers. “Our President has recognised that with more women around the table, the greater the level

Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, Minister of Public Service of inclusivity and balance to finding the right developmental solutions,” Minister Sarabo-Halley said before announcing that the APNU+AFC plans increasing the student-to-teacher ratio by expanding the various campuses of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) to accommodate training more teachers, and by building new ones in townships. She noted that these undertakings are all a part of the APNU+AFC’S agenda to make Guyana a country where women and gender equality are being promoted. OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN Giving a speech to the thousands of APNU+AFC women supporters was former Deputy Mayor of Bartica, Kamal Persaud who stated that the government is encouraging women to be successful entrepreneurs, and will continue to implement programmes that will create opportunities for them to reach their highest potential, while eradicating poverty. “We will encourage greater entrepreneurship by women,” she said, adding: “We will provide micro-credit and small business loans; we will establish central business and training bureau for women, including hinterland women, to develop and grow their business. In this new term, we will establish the reintegration of learning centres for women of all ages, so women could develop their professional business and life skills, preparing them for successful careers and ‘the good life’.” She indicated that through the Sustainable Livelihood and Sustainable Entrepreneurial Development initiative, hundreds of millions of dollars would have been invested over the past four-and-a-half years to take hundreds of women out of poverty.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

Police assure PPP of readiness for E-Day

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…urge party to encourage supporters to act in compliance with the law A TEAM from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Friday met with Commissioner of Police Leslie James to discuss security concerns regarding the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections. The team comprised PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo; PPP/C Presidential Candidate Dr. Irfaan Ali; and Prime Ministerial Candidate Brigadier (rtd) Mark Phillips, the party said in a release. Commissioner James was supported by Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for Administration Mr. Paul Williams; Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for Operations Ms. Maxine Graham; Head of Special Branch Mr. Nigel Hoppie; and Acting Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for Law Enforcement Mr. Michael Kingston. Some of the issues discussed at the meeting included the Guyana Police Force’s operational readiness for Election Day activities, such as adequate transportation and personnel to provide security at Polling Places, the PPP release added. According to the PPP, it specifically raised, as a matter of concern, the risk associated with persons congregating in close proximity

to Polling Places after they would have cast their votes, or at the close of polls. “The Police Commissioner gave the PPP/C team his assurance of the Force’s readiness to provide adequate security measures for the 2020 General and Regional Elections. He informed, too, that ranks of the Guyana Police Force will be deployed to secure all polling places, as well as ensure security arrangements for ballot boxes,” the PPP release stated. He also assured that the Force will ensure that the provisions of the Representation of the People Act are enforced, relative to ensuring no congregation of crowds within 200 yards of polling stations; ensuring no unauthorised person obstructs or interferes with access to, or egress from, a polling place, and that no unauthorised person obstructs or interferes with the movement of ballot boxes and other material pertaining to Monday’s General and Regional Elections. The Police Commissioner raised the issue of political parties encouraging their supporters to act in compliance with the law. The PPP General Secretary made it clear that the Police Force can expect full cooperation on this from the

Minibus driver killed, Police Sergeant under close arrest THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) has launched an investigation into the death of a minibus driver, on Friday, after he was allegedly shot by a police sergeant. Dead is Cleon Gomes, 36, a driver of 111 Miles, Mahdia, Region eight. He was shot in the left shoulder, about 20:30hrs, on Thursday. Reports indicate that Gomes had an altercation with a 25-year-old miner of Mahdia at the number 72 Bus Park. During the process, the miner reportedly armed himself with a cutlass and was firing chops in a menacing manner at Gomes. The miner was warned repeatedly by a Police Sergeant who was armed with a Service pistol to desist from his action but he continued; the rank then reportedly discharged a

Dead: Cleon Gomes

round in the miner’s direction but it struck Gomes instead. The victim was taken to the Mahdia Public Hospital where he succumbed to his injury about 01:24hrs on Friday while receiving medical attention. The body is currently at Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy. The Police Sergeant has since been placed under close arrest. The miner was arrested.

leadership of the PPP/C. The PPP/C delegation thanked the Police Commissioner for the meeting and stressed that the Party is committed to a peaceful electoral process.

PPP General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo; PPP/C Presidential Candidate, Irfaan Ali and Prime Ministerial Candidate, Brigadier (rtd) Mark Phillips

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, February 29, 2020

Family Life classroom commissioned at Leonora Secondary

STUDENTS, teachers and other stakeholders of the Leonora Secondary School, on Friday, proudly commissioned Health Hub and Health and Family Life Education (HFLE) classroom, considered the first of its kind in the Region and in the Country. The project cost approximately $846, 000 and received funding with a US$2500 grant from the USAID Small Projects Assistance grant, as well as funds raised by the school’s Parent teachers’ Association (PTA). Other sponsors of the project included the Peace Corps, Leonora Health Centre and NDS Furniture Store which provided custom made furniture for the room. A flat screen smart television and

DVD player were also donated at the commissioning by the Ministry of Health Adolescent Health Unit. The Unit also held a health fair at the commissioning of the classroom on Friday. The project was the brainchild of some of the Peace Corps volunteers currently stationed at the school. The room which is decorated with two murals painted by the students includes several posters and activity that focus on mental health wellness, and will be used specifically for the teaching of HFLE classes, which are scheduled for students at the school from Grades 7 – 9. However during break hours the classroom will be opened to all the 678 students of the school. “I really think it looks beautiful

and we hope it continues looking like this and we want to keep it this way,” commented 12-year-old Ciara McDonald, who is also president of the school’s Health Club. She thinks the improved classroom will go a long way in helping students to feel more encouraged during their HFLE classes, which McDonald credits for helping her in her own personal growth. “it has helped me open up to other people, it has helped me cooperate with my classmates, helped me talk a little more, get out of my comfort zone, and helped me feel better about myself,” McDonald shared. Thirteen-year-old Italia Ramsaroop, who is the Secretary of the Health Club, also complimented the

Students Italia Ramsaroop (left with pair of scissors) and Mohamed Rasheed cut the ceremonial ribbon marking the commissioning of their HFLE classroom as Headteacher, Fay Gittens (left); REdO Imanuel Bridgewater and Peace Corps volunteer, Elizabeth Quick (right) look on

Some of the students from the Leonora Secondary School Health Club in the HFLE Classroom, from left are, President, Ciara McDonald; members, Abasheik Dhriram; Dakimeel Saunders; Executive member Mohamed Rasheed; and Secretary Italia Ramsaroop

A section of the furnished HFLE Classroom at the Leonora Secondary school (Elvin Croker photos)

room, and spoke of how HFLE has been helping her. “I really love the subject because, in my life, I want to become a doctor and it helps me learn interesting things about body parts and about our emotions and so on. We get to play interesting games, we learn about a lot of things and if we don’t know the answers the teachers help us to figure them out and they give us clues about steps in our life. For example, they asked us about the addictive substance in cigarettes and we didn’t know the answer. We answered tobacco but the answer was really nicotine,” she explained. Making remarks at the commissioning ceremony, Chief Education Officer (ag), Ingrid Trotman, said the classroom was an important achievement, not only for the school, but the surrounding community “It ensures adolescents have a safer space to access relevant information on important issues that will result in positive change and choices regarding

their health and overall well-being. Against this premise this initiative is an important step,” Trotman said. Her sentiments were echoed by Regional Education Officer, (ag), Immanuel Bridgewater. “It’s a timely and significant intervention when we consider the high number of undesirable behaviour displayed by young children while in school and even when they exit the education system,” Bridgewater expressed. Headteacher of the school, Fay Gittens, extended the school’s gratitude to all those who supported the project, noting that it will go a long way in helping the students, as the needs of children expand way beyond just the fulfillment of academic goals. She relayed that the room will add to three other subject-focused classrooms at the school, which are the geography, mathematics and art classrooms.

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Residents elated over Mabaruma-Morawhanna road link RESIDENTS of Mabaruma have praised the authorities for re-connecting the town with the Barima River community of Morawhanna via a four-mile stretch of road which was overtaken by vegetation for several years, under the past administration. The vital roadway provided an economic link for farmers and residents of both areas for decades, but, for years, it was overtaken by the forest. Within the past several weeks, a contractor has been recapping the roadway to provide access once more to vehicles and persons are already making use of the roadway. On Thursday, the Guyana Chronicle travelled to the area and persons there noted that they were relieved that the once-vibrant roadway which was a paved, all-weather road, was being re-opened. “We use to come there and catch fish and crab with our vehicles in the early 1990s on this road which was paved but then the road was left for forest to take it over,” a Mabaruma mother noted. She said that, for almost two decades, vehicles could

not enter the roadway, adding that although the forest took over the road, many persons, including teachers, who work at Morawhanna, would walk to and from the riverside community to get to work from Mabaruma, along the track. On Thursday, a family pulled up in their car to venture down the road on a fish-catching expedition. ”This road was a little track, you can see the remains of the track further up where the road ends, but now we can drive till here and catch fish,” a woman in the group noted. It was noted that the area was also famous for crab-catching expeditions which usually occur during the annual ‘crab-march’ season during the August holidays. As such many residents are planning to venture into the area when that time comes. The contractor, International Export and Supplies, is expanding the width of the roadway and at the moment, the road is also being raised by at least two feet. In addition, revetment works will be undertaken to maintain the strength of the roadway. At the moment, residents

of the two areas are anticipating that the road will provide another option for families since they will now be able to tour the communities near Morawhanna. During the 1990s, Morawhanna’s infrastructure crumbled as a result of poor maintenance by the regional authorities, resulting in many families being forced to relocate as the waters of the Barima River flooded most of the community. As such maintenance of the roadway also fell by the wayside.

A section of the roadway which is being resurfaced.

This group of women from Mabaruma were heading to a spot along the roadway to catch fish. One of the women noted that for years the roadway was a mere track due to neglect

At the moment, fuel suppliers have made the

community a base and persons in the region are

Works being undertaken to raise the level of the roadway

hoping more attention will be paid to re-devel-

oping that once-vibrant community.

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Turffontein

12:32 hrs Article Fifty

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CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday February 29, 2020) COMPLIMENTS OF XTRA ENERGY DRINK – STABROEK BAZAAR (TEL: 683-9500) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD83 GARNETT STREET, CAMPBELLVILLE, GEORGETOWN (TEL: 225-6158) ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: (1) (2)

SA won by 12 runs Quinton de Kock (SA)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1 ) How many runs India’s Virat Kohli scored the first Test of the current IND/NZ series? (2)Name the NZ players with 100 Test appearances.

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 29, 2020

Sun Yang was a double Olympic gold medallist at London 2012 and won the men’s 200m freestyle title in 2016

Chinese swimmer Sun banned for eight years (BBC) - CHINA’S three-time Olympic champion Sun Yang has been banned for eight years for missing a doping test in September 2018. The 28-year-old was initially cleared of wrongdoing by FINA, the swimming federation, in January 2019. Following an appeal by the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the decision has been overturned. An eight-year ban was imposed on Sun because this was his second offence. He had served a three-month suspension in 2014 for taking prohibited stimulant Trimetazidine. Sun told China’s Xinhua news agency that he plans to appeal against the decision. He said: “This is unfair. I firmly believe

in my innocence.” FINA said it would implement the decision “notwithstanding any further legal action and as directed”. CAS said its decision can be challenged before the Swiss Federal Tribunal within 30 days. Sun had told an appeal hearing in November that he missed a test because testers failed to prove their identity when they arrived at his home. He also denied a vial containing his blood samples was smashed with a hammer. CAS said: “The athlete failed to establish that he had a compelling justification to destroy his sample collection containers and forego the doping control when, in his opinion, the collection protocol was not in

compliance with the ISTI (international standard for testing and investigations). “As the CAS panel noted, it is one thing, having provided a blood sample, to question the accreditation of the testing personnel while keeping the intact samples in the possession of the testing authorities; it is quite another thing, after

lengthy exchanges and warnings as to the consequences, to act in such a way that results in destroying the sample containers, thereby eliminating any chance of testing the sample at a later stage.” WADA welcomed the ruling, and added that it was “satisfied that justice in this case has been rendered”.

FIFA not ruling out postponement of International games over coronavirus Gianni Infantino has been speaking in Belfast before today’s annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board.

(BBC) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino has not ruled out next month’s international fixtures being postponed as the spread of coronavirus continues. England and Wales have friendly matches, while Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland play Euro 2020 qualifiers. “People’s health is much more important than any game,” said Infantino.

Players have contacted unions “out of fear” and are concerned about games in “highrisk environments”, says Fifpro. Yesterday, there were a number of other coronavirus-related developments affecting football: Infantino says he is hopeful next month’s international fixtures will go ahead, but added: “I wouldn’t exclude anything at this moment. “That’s why we have to look at the situation and hope that it will decrease rather than increase. At the moment it looks like it is still increasing. “If games have to be postponed or played without spectators until it is over, then we have to go through that.” Fifpro, a global union with 65 affiliated national associations, says there have been talks between “various football stakeholders” about rescheduling international dates.

In the Euro 2020 qualifiers on March 26 and 31, Scotland play Israel, Northern Ireland face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the Republic of Ireland meet Slovakia. England host Italy at Wembley at March 27, before Denmark visit London four days later. Wales have home friendlies scheduled against Austria and the United States. A number of World Cup qualifying matches in the Asian Football Confederation, including Australia’s home match against Kuwait and Hong Kong’s trip to Iran, are also set to be played at the end of March. China’s home qualifier against the Maldives has already been moved to Thailand and is set to be played behind closed doors. Asian Champions League matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua have also been postponed.

Five Italian Serie A matches will be played behind closed doors this weekend - including Juventus’ match at home to Inter Milan. “Fifpro is concerned for the safety of players who may be exposed to the coronavirus and the danger of football acting as a vehicle to spread disease,” said the global union, which works on behalf of more than 65 000 players. “Players have contacted our member unions asking for assistance out of fear they could be made to perform in high-risk environments. “While we understand the inconvenience this causes worldwide, the Covid-19 outbreak is bigger than football, and we applaud the willingness of competition organisers to take firm action in this delicate period.”

Bottas ends pre-season as fastest overall

(BBC) - Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas ended preseason testing with fastest lap - both on Friday’s final day and overall. The Finn’s performance underlined impressions that the world champions are in strong shape for the start of the new season in Australia next month. But rivals Ferrari and Red Bull both showed pace on the final day and Racing Point have impressed as well. Bottas’ time on Friday was 0.073secs quicker than Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The Dutchman was running tyres one grade harder than the other drivers in the list of top five fastest times, with Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo third, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. And it appeared as if Verstappen could have gone faster still when he was on a quicker lap at the end of the day, but slowed down in the final part of the circuit. On the final day of the second week of testing, noone got close to the 1:15.732 lap Bottas managed a week ago at the end of the first week’s test. Headline lap times in testing are notoriously

Bottas won last year’s Australian Grand Prix, which is live on 5 Live and the BBC Sport website on March 15.

unreliable guides to actual competitiveness because teams do not reveal the specifications in which they are running their cars, and fuel loads and engine settings can make a significant difference to performance. After an unconvincing first five days of testing, Ferrari finally showed some pace, on both short runs and long, as Leclerc added a strong race-simulation run in the afternoon to his improved one-lap pace. Hamilton said he was satisfied with his preparations for the season, but was concerned about the reliability problems with engines Mercedes had suffered. “We’ve had a good winter test,” Hamilton said. “It’s not been perfect and we’ve found that we’ve got plenty of problems that we are trying to iron out. I don’t know how long it will take to iron out but that’s never a bad thing necessarily to discover them through testing. “But otherwise I think our performance has been good in the sense of the amount of laps we’ve got, the mileage, and the actual processes and the things we’ve discovered along the way.

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(CMC) – Discarded Test left-hander Vishaul Singh was eyeing his ninth firstclass hundred as five-time reigning champions Guyana Jaguars took command of their sixth round contest against Jamaica Scorpions. The 31-year-old Vishaul closed yesterday’s day two unbeaten on 93 to steer the visitors to 287 for six in reply to Scorpions’ first innings of 216 at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium. Opener Chandrapaul Hemraj missed out on three digits when he fell for 83 while captain Leon Johnson got a start with 35 but failed to build.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 29, 2020

Left-arm spinner Dennis Bulli was the hosts’ best bowler with three for 84, accounting for the two wickets to fall in the final session. Resuming the day without a run on the board from two overs the previous evening, Jaguars lost the obdurate Tagenarine Chanderpaul cheaply for eight, with the score on 21, the left-hander squared up by seamer Alwyn Williams and he was bowled off-stump in the morning’s sixth over. However, Hemraj then anchored two successive half-century stands to pull the innings around and put Jaguars on top. First, he put on 60 for the second wicket

with Johnson, who faced 73 balls and counted four fours, as Jaguars reached 75 without further loss at lunch. When Johnson added just one run before going stumped, off Bulli, in the third over after the interval, Hemraj and Vishaul combined to put on a further 98 for the third wicket. Hemraj, also a left-hander, faced 173 balls in 3-¾ hours and struck three fours and sixes while Vishaul, who played three Tests against Pakistan three years ago, punched seven fours off 171 deliveries in a shade over 3-½ hours. Jaguars suffered a double blow with the score on 179, however, when Hemraj and Chris Barnwell (0) perished in the third over

before tea. Hemraj edged a booming drive at left-arm spinner Patrick Harty (2-67) and was taken by Jermaine Blackwood above head height at first slip and two balls later, Barnwell scooped an ordinary delivery to captain John Campbell at cover. On 183 for four at tea with Vishaul unbeaten on exactly 50, Jaguars flourished in the final session, as Vishaul posted 34 for the fifth wicket with Raymon Reifer (16), 32 for the sixth with Anthony Bramble (25) before adding 42 in an unbroken seventh-wicket stand with Kevin Sinclair (20 not out).

Jangoo denies Red Force with half-century (CMC) – TRINIDADIAN Amir Jangoo defied his countrymen with a compact, unbeaten half-century to lead a Leeward Islands Hurricanes fightback against Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. On the brink of total collapse at 60 for four, Hurricanes were revived by left-hander Jangoo’s unbeaten 72 to reach 147 for five at the close on the second day of their sixth round encounter at Warner Park here yesterday. The 22-year-old Jangoo, who made his first class debut for Red

Force three seasons ago, has so far faced 152 balls in just short of three hours at the crease and struck seven fours and a couple of sixes. Terrance Warde chipped in with 22 in an otherwise ordinary Hurricanes effort, as Uthman Muhammad spearheaded the visitors’ attack with two for 33. Earlier, Terrance Hinds had blasted an unbeaten 89 from 111 deliveries as Red Force, resuming from their overnight 161 for seven, were dismissed for a respectable 287 in their first

innings. Starting the day with a single run to his name, Hinds – already with a century this season – thumped 11 fours and two sixes to ensure Red Force’s tail wagged. Crucially, he put on an invaluable 106 for the eighth wicket with Khary Pierre who converted his overnight 15 into 35, made off 118 balls with four fours. In the end, Red Force lost their last three wickets for 27 runs in the last 49 deliveries

before lunch, leaving Hurricanes to begin their reply in the second session. The hosts’ reply was a weak one though, with Uthman Muhammad striking twice in quick succession to peg back the innings. Test opener Kieran Powell misdirected a pull and was taken at midwicket for 13 with the score on 26 and new batsman Devon Thomas perished for two with four runs added, top-edging to long leg. One run later in the very next

over, Montcin Hodge clipped fast bowler Anderson Phillip to Jason Mohammed at mid-wicket, as Hurricanes declined to 31 for three. Jangoo inspired the revival, putting on 29 for the fourth wicket with captain Jahmar Hamilton (9) before adding 39 for the fifth with Warde. Even then, Hurricanes were still struggling on 99 for five but Jangoo’s unbroken 48-run, fifth-wicket stand with Jaison Peters (11 not out), saw them to the close without further loss.

Logie urges more from ‘senior women’ (CMC) – Head coach Gus Logie has urged his senior to lift their performances, as West Indies find themselves facing a tricky path to the semi-finals of the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup. The Caribbean side have taken two points from their opening two games and need to win their remaining fixtures against England and South Africa in order to guarantee their place in the final four for the sixth straight tournament. West Indies beat minnows Thailand in their opener but then suffered a surprise defeat to Pakistan last Wednesday in Canberra, to create difficulty for themselves. Logie, a member of the legendary West Indies men’s side of the 1980s, said it was now the responsibility of the “big players” to carry the team. “Let’s hope we can pick ourselves up. I think we’ve done quite a bit of work over

the last few weeks and many players have expressed how confident they are in their own ability to execute,” Logie said. “It’s just one of those days (against Pakistan) we did not execute as we expected but we know we’re better than that. “Our big players need to step up. We’ve seen it throughout the tournament – the big players are stepping up and making runs and taking wickets. We have enough quality players in our team to step up and do the business for us.” Marquee opener Hayley Matthews has managed just 16 runs in two innings while veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin has scraped scores of two and one, in her first outing since a year-long injury layoff. Fast bowler Shamilia Connell has claimed a single wicket from six overs and veteran off-spinner Anisa Mohammed has failed to threaten, even though proving in-

expensive. West Indies’ biggest test will come tomorrow when they take on 2018 losing finalists, England, who lie second in Group B on four points. Unbeaten group leaders South Africa, on four points, lie in wait on Tuesday, and Logie said self-belief would be key to any Windies success in these fixtures. “We put this (Pakistan defeat) down to one of those bad days and we look forward to the next two games … and I’m hoping that the players continue to believe in themselves,” he stressed. “This World Cup is not over, we have two important games. We win the next two and we should be in the semi-finals.” Prior to last Wednesday, West Indies had only lost to Pakistan once in the T20s. However, a lack-lustre batting effort saw them muster only 124 for seven, a target which

their opponents chased down with 10 balls to spare and eight wickets in hand. Logie said despite the modest target, West Indies’ had backed themselves to defend it. “I think 120-odd was a par score. I think we were looking at one stage like 140, 150 but these things happen at the end of the day,” he pointed out. “We felt we’d been bowling well, fielding well and felt if we put Pakistan under a bit of pressure early on, 125 could have been difficult but unfortunately I think it was one of our most difficult days in the field. “Bowling-wise, we gave away quite a few extras and we just weren’t (on top of our game) as we expected to be.” West Indies won the T20 World Cup in 2016 in India but were knocked out at the semi-final stage when the Caribbean hosted the tournament two years ago.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 29, 2020

Soesdyke Secondary whip Brickdam Secondary in Forbes Burnham windball cricket A HALF-century from Tydell Lovell spurred Soesdyke Secondary School to a comprehensive victory against Brickdam Secondary when action in the Forbes Burnham Foundation/National Sports Commission/Al Sport and Tour Promotions ‘Hit it for 50’ School Windball Cricket continued recently at the National Gymnasium. Soesdyke Secondary batted first and scored 1351 with Tydell Lovell hitting a match-high 79 runs. Brickdam in reply were restricted to 67-2. In another male clash, an all-round performance from Laranzo Raganandan propelled St Joseph High School to victory against Camille’s Academy. Led by Rhan Jahman with 38, Camille’s Academy scored 85-5 batting first. Raganandan picked up 2-12 and then returned with the bat to score 40 to lead his school to 89-0. Meanwhile Cummings Lodge Secondary, led by Josh Alves, were able to register a win against the Business School in the other male battle. Business School were restricted to 60-4 with Josh Alves taking 3-10, while in reply, Cummings Lodge reached 63-0 with Alves hitting 37.

Tydell Lovell (left) with the bat and Raganandan with bat and ball were outstanding for Soesdyke Secondary and St Joseph High respectively.

Shekiera Williams smashed 56 for East Ruimveldt Secondary.

L e d by half-centuries from Shennon Baird (66) and Tenisha Hoyte (58) Soesdyke romped to 144-0. Tamica Simon and several of her other schoolmates played their part with the bat for Camille’s Academy who raced to 148-2. Simon finished with 44. East Ruimveldt Secondary defeated Charlestown Secondary in their battle. Charlestown batted first and scored 133-2. Donna Lowe led the attack with 64, while Marissa Brower added 45. East Ruimveldt in reply scored 136-1 with Shekiera Williams hitting 56 and Yosunda Hoppie 47.

FEMALE BATTLE In the female division, Camille’s Academy were able to beat Soesdyke Secondary in a high-scoring clash.

Lady Jags to play Cayman Islands tomorrow in Round-of-16 GUYANA will face Group H third-place side, the Cayman Islands, in the knockout stage of this year’s CONCACAF U-20 Women’s Championship, in the Dominican Republic at 19:00hrs. Playing in the tournament’s group stage, the Lady Jags’ only defeat came from defending champions Mexico, where

they were beaten 3-0. The loss saw them finish second in Group D behind the Mexicans. Leading up to the clash with Mexico, Dr Ivan Joseph, Guyana’s head coach, said that his side will not have featured some of the regular starter, since he would want to ensure that they’re well-rested for that first

round sudden-death playoff, and was not going out to play for a win at the expense of injuries or depleting the resources of his team. Cayman Islands narrowly made it out of their group which also featured Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and St Kitts & Nevis. In their first game against Haiti, Cay-

man Islands went down 8-0, followed by a 2-0 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago and they then edged St Kitts & Nevis 3-2 in their final Group H game. Guyana, on the other hand, eased past Nicaragua 3-1, downed Puerto Rico 2-1, before closing out against Mexico. (Rawle Toney)

East Bank gearing up for Sports Extra Inter-Village Tournament … Registration starts this weekend

VILLAGES along the East Bank corridor and Linden Soesdyke Highway will start getting their thoughts and aspirations together for the inaugural Sports Extra Promotions Inter-Village Tour-

nament which is expected to kick off in March. Sports Extra will be collaborating with the East Bank Football Association (EBFA). They have already met to discuss plans for the tournament. Registration will

commence this weekend. A release from the organiser states that the tournament would be played on a round-robin/knockout format with the fixtures set to be finalised at the end of the registration period, which

starts on March 1 and ends March 11. Prizes will be awarded to the top four villages and it is anticipated that this tournament would re-ignite the inter-village rivalry on and off the field of play.

Over $1M in cash and other incentives will be up for grabs along with bragging rights for the next year. A number of other initiatives that would benefit fans and students/players were also addressed when the organisers and association met and these would be disclosed in the coming days.

Each village would be required to register a total of 25 players and 3 officials and only players living in the respective villages would be allowed to play for the team. Interested villages can register by calling 682-3241, 621-3120 or 676-9256.

Lady Jags to play Cayman Islands tomorrow in Roundof-16 PAGE 35

Singh helps Guyana take control

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Jade Vyfhuis (#5) battles Mexico’s Jasline Montoya, who scored two of the three goals against Guyana. Left-hander Vishaul Singh

MILO schools football tournament

Triple header on today at Ministry of Education ground Action in the second round of the MILO schools U-18 football tournament continues today.

THREE matches are carded for today as the 2020 edition of the MILO Schools Football tournament resumes at the Ministry of Education ground. The second round of action commences this weekend with South Ruimveldt Secondary challenging St Joseph High from 12:00hrs and Annandale Secondary taking on East Ruimveldt from 13:45hrs. Lodge Secondary will play Carmel Secondary in the third game of the day which is carded for 15:30hrs.

Matches continue tomorrow with St John’s College opening the day against Golden Grove Secondary at 12:00hrs. Bishops’ High will face Tucville from 13:45hrs with Queenstown and New Central High doing battle in the last game of the day The tournament is also being supported by the Ministry of Public Health under its ‘Stop Gender Based Violence’ campaign.

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2020