Guyana Chronicle E-paper 9-1-2019

1st SEPTEMBER, 2019

No.105747

‘Don’t scare investors’ …US envoy warns against aggressive local content posture …says local business leaders should be concerned about financial transparency, environmental protection See story on page 3

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The killing of Shaka Blair and the decade of the ‘troubles’

…relatives still search for answers, justice

Pensioner killed crossing road See story on page 9

$3.5Billion CDB loan for new water filter system

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Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Speaker of the National Assembly Barton Scotland joined with Indigenous leaders during a religious service to kick-start Indigenous Peoples’ Month, 2019. (See story on page 11)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

The killing of Shaka Blair and the decade of the ‘troubles’ …relatives still search for answers, justice

By Svetlana Marshall AT just 33, Shaka Blair was executed by the Guyana Police Force’s Target Special Squad (TSS) on April 6, 2002, though it had no evidence to corroborate its story that the father of three had guns and ammunition stashed in his Middle Walk, Buxton, East Coast Demerara home. His execution would later set in train the unrest and violence that engulfed that East Coast Demerara village and the subsequent decade of the extra-judicial killings and mass murders. Referring to this period as the “Troubles”, President David Granger had told the

Back in 2003-2006, convicted drug-trafficker, Shaheed Roger Khan, had set up a criminal network here which included active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time protecting his narco-trafficking interests. He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname Rudo and Dziwonu Blair (Photo by Adrian Narine)

Parliament back in October 2016 that it was the “darkest hour” that was characterised by drug-driven chaos and bloodshed. Bharrat Jagdeo was President of Guyana during that period during which there were three massacres: Lusignan where 11

people were killed; Bartica where another 12 were killed; and Lindo Creek where seven miners were slaughtered. Besides, there were countless extra-judicial killings, with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro-Guyanese males were gunned down.

Shaka Blair and one of his sons in happier times

in 2006 while fleeing local police, and was later handed over to U.S. authorities. Although the PPP Government had sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker had stated publicly in an advertisement in local newspapers that he had been fighting crime on behalf of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government. Khan had also implicated former Health Minister, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a sophisticated wire-tapping device were produced in U.S. courts during Khan’s trial. The police account Testifying before Coroner Brassington Reynolds in August 2002, then Police Constable 17561 Sean Belfield alleged that Blair had fired the first shot, and the police merely responded. Belfield, according to reports during the inquest, told the coroner that then Senior Superintendent Steve Merai, after securing a search warrant, proceeded to Shaka’s home upon receiving information that the father of three was allegedly carrying arms, ammunition and explosive

devices. Belfield then alleged that after being told to open his door, Blair opened fire on the squad led by Merai, and it was during the crossfire that the 33-year-old was killed. But Blair’s family rubbished the allegations levelled against him, stating that he had no gun and had been killed in cold blood. In fact, forensic tests on Blair’s hands showed no evidence of him having fired a weapon. Today, 17 years and four months later, Blair’s family position has not shifted. On Friday, Rudo and Dziwonu Blair sat down for an interview with Guyana Chronicle, a short distance away from where their brother had been gunned down by the Target Squad, commonly known, at the time, as ‘the Black Clothes.’ “He was very friendly, outspoken and active,” Rudo said as she reflected on the life of her brother. Shaka, she added, was well respected in his community and had a deep love and appreciation for music. In fact, he owned a sound system (stereo-set) called ‘Merciless’ and would seize every opportunity to display his deejaying skills. They had lived on the same Turn to page 9 ►

SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

‘Don’t scare investors’

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…US envoy warns against aggressive local content posture …says local business leaders should be concerned about financial transparency, environmental protection

By Rabindra Rooplall BUSINESS leaders in Guyana were challenged to visualise the country’s future in the next 10, 20 and 30 years and decide if there will be balanced and broad sustainable growth that is resistant to external shocks. Guyana is on the cusp of tremendous change with oil on the horizon. The challenge was issued by US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch during her remarks at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) for The American Chamber of Commerce of Guyana (AMCHAM GUYANA) at the Marriott Hotel on Saturday. “You are responsible parties and the decisions made today by all stakeholders will shape Guyana’s future. Guyana is already showing its commitment to future generations through efforts as the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, and we in the international community and the private sector each want to play our part to help the country on the path to prosperity,” the US envoy told the gathering. She said in order to maintain such as path, government, along with organisations like AmCham, needs to encourage more foreign direct investment. Adding that foreign direct investment brings in capital and employment opportunities, Ambassador Ann-Lynch said it also introduces international standards that local companies need to reach global competitiveness. “International investors require sub-contractors to accept clauses from standard international contracts, including audit requirements. This is good for Guyana’s businesses, as Guyanese companies adopt best international standards in ISO certification, inventory management, and logistics planning; they will reach a point where they can compete with, and beat, the larger players,” the ambassador said.

AmCham President, Zulfikar Ally

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah Ann-Lynch

Such a process, Ambassador Ann-Lynch said is central to AmCham Guyana’s mission to create a greater appreciation for the value of more liberal investments and competitive business. LEADERSHIP ROLE AmCham Guyana, she said, should ponder its leadership role in pursuing a strengthened investment and trade relationship with the US in support of the shared vision of a sustainable prosperous Guyana. “As in most policy matters, such a vision requires that we avoid undermining our own objectives. Some recent suggestions of a Local Content Policy in Guyana may send a signal that some investors, and the employment of know-how benefits they bring, are not welcome,” the US envoy said. The ambassador continued: “At a time of increasing integration, especially in a globalised energy sector, focusing on who owns a firm is counterproductive. Rather, the emphasis should be on whether firms are following international best practices on matters such as financial transparency and environmental protection and otherwise acting in a manner that contributes directly to Guyana’s overall sustainable prosperity.” Further, she said Guyana should look at foreign investors as partners in growing the economy, rather than adversaries. “The U.S. Embassy is prepared to, and very much

the network of the chamber’s channels.

A section of the gathering at AmChan’s first AGM

“At a time of increasing integration, especially in a globalised energy sector, focusing on who owns a firm is counterproductive. Rather, the emphasis should be on whether firms are following international best practices on matters such as financial transparency and environmental protection and otherwise acting in a manner that contributes directly to Guyana’s overall sustainable prosperity.” want to work with AmCham to connect your leadership with U.S experts who can provide guidance on these key issues,” the US envoy noted. Meanwhile, President of the AmCham, Zulfikar Ally said the chamber’s mandate is different from all oth-

er private sector chambers since the main objective is to promote and deepen growth between the US and Guyana. He said AmCham will also facilitate and guide U.S investors on investing in Guyana, and as such, locally-registered Guyanese companies have been included in

FOUNDATION LAID He said the organisation is an information hub and the ground work has been laid by fostering a culture of cooperate social responsibility that is structured, impactful and synchronised. He said strategic alliances were formed with private sector organisations such as the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) and the Private Sector Commission (PSC), in addition to the US Embassy. AmCham, he said has echoed the calls of the local private sector for strengthening of policies, most notably the Natural Resource Fund Act and the recent draft of the Local Content Policy. Over the year, Ally

said AmCham has hosted 24 events which offered its members prime networking opportunities with each other, along with key stakeholders. He noted that Ambassador Sarah Ann-Lynch, according to AmCham bylaws, is an honorary member and co-chair of the board of directors. He explained that an AmCham app was created solely for members. It will serve as a portal for all things business and persons will even be able to vote on various topics, using the app. AmCham currently has 61 members as the body aims to promote the transfer of skills and technology among the membership and private sector as a whole. “The values of AmCham Guyana are not different from the values we all share in a democracy. We are aware that for business and investments to prosper, the tenets of democracy, respect for the rule of law and for human rights will automatically lead to stability, predictability and ultimately private sector growth. We stand firmly committed to advocate and promote these values and to play our part in ensuring all businesses and investors can rely on and enjoy such an environment,” he explained.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 1, 2019

Parliament suspension: Thousands protest across the UK (BBC) Demonstrations have been taking place across the UK against Boris Johnson's decision to suspend Parliament in the run-up to Brexit. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in cities including Manchester, Leeds, York and Belfast. Parts of central London were brought to a standstill, as people chanted: "Boris Johnson, shame on you."

A small group of counter-protesters, marching in support of the prime minister, also arrived in Westminster. Mr Johnson's plan to prorogue Parliament prompted an angry backlash from MPs and opponents of a no-deal Brexit when he announced it on Wednesday. If the prorogation happens as expected, Parliament will be closed for 23 working

01 September, 2019 - 05:30hrs ~ 07:00hrs

Police kept a watchful eye on protesters as arguments broke out in Westminster

days. Critics view the length and timing of the suspension - coming just weeks before the Brexit deadline on 31 October - as controversial. Protests were held place in more than 30 towns and cities across the UK, including Edinburgh, Belfast, Cambridge, Exeter, Nottingham, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham. In London, demonstrators stopped traffic in Whitehall and the West End. They also staged a sitdown protest in the roads around Trafalgar Square, before marching to Buck-

ingham Palace shouting: "Whose democracy? Our democracy." As of just before 19:00 BST, the Met Police said it had made three arrests but gave no further details. NHS pharmacist Bridie Walton, 55, said she had never been to a demonstration before, but joined the protest in Exeter to oppose Mr Johnson's plan. "These are the actions of a man who is afraid his arguments will not stand scrutiny," she said. In Liverpool, Paula Carlyle said she was "proud" to stand alongside protesters

"who voted both Remain and Leave". "We will not be silenced," she said. "Without us you have no power and we will continue to show ours until Mr Johnson is stopped." In Oxford, crowds holding banners gathered outside Balliol College, where Mr Johnson studied at university. Named "Stop the Coup", the protests are organised by anti-Brexit campaign group Another Europe is Possible. Small protests also took place in Amsterdam, Berlin and the Latvian capital Riga. Speaking at a rally in Glasgow, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the protesters' message to the prime minister was: "No way do you take us out without a deal." "Demonstrations are taking place everywhere because people are angered and outraged about what is happening," he added. Shadow chancellor John McDonnell and shadow home secretary Diane Abbott both addressed crowds

in London. Speaking from a stage near Downing Street, Ms Abbott told protesters: "We cannot allow Boris Johnson to shut down Parliament and to shut down the voice of ordinary British people." Meanwhile in Bristol, former Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams said by suspending Parliament, Mr Johnson had left MPs "with about four days to make the most important decision of any of our lifetimes". Chancellor Sajid Javid, speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, defended the prime minister's decision to suspend Parliament. He said: "It's quite usual this time of year for Parliament to go in to a recess. It's perfectly correct and appropriate to prorogue Parliament. "I think it's absolutely right that this prime minister and his government get the chance to set up their agenda."

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 1, 2019

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New lunar Islamic year begins

THE Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) has announced that the new moon for the sacred month of Muharram (the first month in the Muslim Lunar Calendar) was sighted on the evening of Saturday August 31, 2019. This marks the beginning of the new lunar Islamic year. The CIOG’s Central Executive Council, in a statement, has congratulated the Muslim community

and called on all Muslims to begin this New Year with extra acts of devotion and remembrance of Allah and a renewed commitment to obeying the Lord in accordance with the standard set forth in the Noble Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). “It is only through strict adherence to the way of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which is the very way of all the previous Prophets from Adam to Jesus (peace

be upon them all) that people will achieve purity of faith and freedom from vice and corruption. Any other course will result in lusts such as greed, animosity and prejudice, which only induce men to indecencies and vileness. We, therefore, remind ourselves and all Muslims in Guyana and indeed all Guyanese that it is our duty to learn and live that Prophetic way in all aspects of our lives without exception. “And we pray to Allah that in

this new lunar year He forgives us our faults from the previous years and rectifies our hearts and actions and make us among those who are firm and well established in faith so that we can live amongst each other in peace, love and harmony.” The message from the CIOG concluded with the following statement by Umar Ibn Al Khattab (R.A.D), who said thusly. "Richness isn't found in wealth, as wealth can diminish. Nor is it

found in beauty, for beauty fades with age. It's found in good character and kind hearts. So treat people in such a way and live amongst them in such a manner that when you die, they make supplication for you, and when you're alive, they benefit from you and they thank Allah, the Most High, for having you in their lives."

Brazil agents raid illegal miners in Amazon as environmental enforcement ratchets up (REUTERS) ALTAMIRA, Brazil - Federal agents in Brazil exchanged gunfire with illegal miners in the Amazon state of Para on Friday, according to Reuters witnesses, in a dramatic example of how Brazil has stepped up environmental enforcement in the wake of rainforest fires. Federal police and agents with environmental enforcement agency Ibama were carrying out a raid on illegal wildcat miners near the Ituna/Itatá indigenous reserve, which crosses into several municipalities including the city of Altamira, according to two Reuters witnesses. “They (the miners) hid in the forest and shot at the team,” said Hugo Loss, Ibama’s national coordinator of enforcement operations, who accompanied the mission. The agents returned fire, but all of the miners escaped into the woods

and no suspects were apprehended. No-one was injured, according to the official. Ibama and the federal police destroyed two backhoes and three other pieces of mining equipment. Ibama had largely rolled back its field operations in Para state so far this year, over failure to reach an agreement with police at the state-level to offer support, according to Loss. State police generally accompany Ibama on potentially dangerous operations. That came on top of

efforts by the government of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro to weaken Ibama, including prohibiting agents from destroying machinery used to commit environmental crimes and grounding the agency’s special forces unit used on riskier raids, according to a Reuters investigation. But news broke last week that fires in the Amazon surged to their highest level since 2010 and provoked international criticism that Brazil was not doing enough to protect

the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Following several days of public outcry, Bolsonaro authorized the military to support firefighting efforts, with his justice minister further issuing a decree allowing federal police to support environmental operations. That federal support allowed for Ibama-organized raids such as the one on

Friday to be carried out, Loss said. The raid was not directly related to the fires. “Only now with the recognition of alarming deforestation and fire data and with the (justice minister’s) decree, did we have conditions allowing us to operate in this area,” he said. “In this area we had operations planned for June and July, but we weren’t

able to execute them... because of lack of support.” Illegal mining contributes to overall deforestation in Brazil, with roughly 10% of the area of the indigenous reserve near the raid having been deforested this year alone, Loss said.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 1, 2019

PPP destruction of the sugar industry A

FTER repeating lies for a lengthy period, the peddler comes to believe his lies—they become normative. This is the case with the PPP when it comes to the Guyana sugar industry. Every day you read in the media the lamentations and charges that the current government has destroyed sugar and sugar workers. But at some point, the PPP needs to start telling the truth about the reasons for the less than healthy state of Guyana’s sugar industry. Having presided over the country and the industry for twenty-three long years, the PPP, within the first year after losing power, launched the narrative that it was the new government that had destroyed the industry. This must be the most barefaced lie that has been concocted in the history of this country. Despite evidence to the contrary, the party continues to preach this narrative to its supporters. In other words, it destroys the industry and then uses its destruction as a mobilization tool. This is the kind of cynicism that has driven political discourse in a country that is divided along ethnic lines. The outcome is the further polarization of the country as the mainly Indian Guyanese sugar workers are inundated with this false narrative from the PPP. Sugar was profitable up to the early 1980s when its gradual decline began. However, it was under the PPP government that the destruction

began. The long and short of the matter is this: The PPP destroyed the sugar industry through a combination of reckless and ill-advised economic initiatives and partisan political considerations. The party did nothing to improve productivity, to close the gap between production cost and market prices and ultimately to put the industry on an economically sustainable footing. Anyone who has been following the news would know that when the Coalition came to office in 2015, the sugar industry was in terrible shape. Production was at its lowest. In 2013, for example, production had fallen to 186, 807 tons—the lowest in twenty-two years. This was way below Guysuco’s minimum production rate of 232, 000 tons that was needed to meet its local and international commitments. This was part of a trend that had taken root under the PPP government as far back as 2005 and was confirmed by the report of a Commission of Inquiry set up by the Coalition Government in 2015. According to the report “From the years 2008 unto 2014, annual sugar production continued to be under 230,000 mt with its revenue base declining from G$32.l bn in 2008 to G$23.2 bn in 2014. Not surprisingly, for the said period there were losses each year and this loss position worsened from G$5.2 bn in 2008 to that of G$17.4 bn in 2014. That unacceptable level of performance required Government's

intervention by way of subsidies in the years 2011 to 2014.” This huge subsidy to Guysuco under the PPP was grounded more in politics than economics—the PPP was more concerned with retaining the political loyalty of the sugar workers than about the economic health of the industry and well-being of the workers. While the industry was sliding down the road of destruction, GAWU and the PPP kept making unreasonable demands for increased wages. Between 2010and 2014, for example, employment costs rose by 43% or 6.3 billion dollars even as the industry was posting huge losses. Since Guysuco could not afford this bill, it had to depend on government subsidy. In other words, the PPP was undermining the profitability of the industry and ultimately destroying it for political reasons. Another contributory factor to bringing the industry to its knees was the so-called modernization plan in the form of the Skeldon estate. It was an ill-advised move that eventually cost the company US$72M and another $US7M for corrective work. That this project could not sustain itself is now well known. According to the 2015 CoI report: “Given the forewarning by the European Union that preferential prices would be reduced starting 2006 and continuing in the following years, it seems, in retrospect, that from a business and economic standpoint, the decision to pursue

the Skeldon modernization project may not have been logical and based on sound considerations.” The stunning effect of the Skeldon saga on the decline of the industry cannot be overstated. In this regard, the conclusions of the aforementioned CoI are worth quoting. According to the report: “This had a debilitating effect with very limited resources thus inhibiting its ability to provide funds for essential works needed on other Sugar Estates. Those estates from Uitvlugt to Albion suffered as a consequence. The effect was not only evidenced in declining yields and reduced factory efficiencies but led to a demotivated and demoralized staff at all levels. With the earlier exodus by way of migration of staff, especially those knowledgeable managers, and the sending off of experienced staff, upward mobility and re-designation of persons led to a lack of needed skills at various levels in the industry. The quality of leadership at all levels was compromised. Commitment, dedication and motivation so vital for performance were eroded and this situation was even worsened by what past and some present staff described as "external/political interference". Such interventions are not new in State-owned entities in Guyana but may have varied in frequency and intensity. It is part of the landscape of State-owned entities. With a debt burden of G$82B, comparatively poor yields, poor cane quality, unusually high labour

costs estimated to be 65% (of total expenditure), unrealistic demands by unions. shortage of labour in some areas, underutilized factories and having high "out of cane" periods and the unavailability of vital inputs due to lack of funds, all led to the critical state of affairs facing Guysuco” There were other contributory factors to Guysuco’s decline, but one of the most ridiculous was a scheme to siphon off monies to GAWU. Under the PPP, sugar workers were mandated to attend training sessions in Marxism Leninism and Jaganism at GAWU’s Trade Union College. Between 2011 and 2015, the annual cost to Guysuco was $4M and the loss of 5, 890-man days. It meant, therefore, that the union and party, which were supposed to look after the interest of the workers, were ripping off the ailing company. In the end, it was this government that halted the rapid decline of the industry. Despite the PPP’s rhetoric, the industry was saved. That thousands of sugar workers still have their jobs is testimony to the foresight of the government. There were some hiccups and errors in the process of rightsizing the industry that led to some justified dissatisfaction by some sugar workers. But there can be no doubt that the APNU+AFC coalition saved the industry that was brought to its knees by the PPP.

A vexatious litigant Dear Editor

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or Anil Nandlall to announce another High Court challenge to the existence of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government, as a result of the NCM, is beginning to assume the situation of an abuse of process.

Editor, this matter has been twisted and distorted so many times by the PPP/C and their legal representatives that it has become shapeless, and void of any discernible ground for further debate. In fact, Nandlall has again resorted to the effect of 106(6), but without reference to 106(7). Nandlall is aware that the government is in ‘interim’ mode, which it has

acknowledged, and is acting in accordance. For Nandlall to be referring to 106(6), in his announced intention to approach the High Court, amounts to cherry-picking, as the learned Chief Justice some time ago reminded another “constitutional expert” in a failed attempt to have her overturn a CCJ decision that it would not be making

political decisions for Guyana, since such is clearly out of its remit. It is very difficult to understand this latest action by Nandlall, of course on behalf of the PPP/C, as it would mean asking the court to rule on a matter which had already been done by the CCJ. It is therefore Res Judicata, with Nandlall becoming a vexatious litigant.

This latest legal tactic is another in the line of devious political strategies, seeking to pressurise GECOM in hurrying its preparations for national and regional elections, with the main target being the post-house-to-house procedure of merging the latter results with the NRR, for the extraction of a new register, which it hopes to

have aborted. One also, should not doubt the party’s worried eye on the possible trial of its presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, and his conviction, which would effect a crushing blow especially on his political handler’s grand dream. Regards Earl Hamilton

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 1, 2019

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A job is not done until it is finished Dear Editor,

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or the better part of two years the main road leading to the Charity Wharf or to be more precise the last one hundred and fifty meters has become a one way road and this decision was made primarily to accommodate vendors on both sides of the road and quite recently the mini bus and car park that was constructed has been given to the

vendors to ply their trade so as to facilitate infrastructure work at the extreme end of the road. The above actions and decisions are understandable, although for some, it is not welcomed by some operators of these buses and hire cars and also some commuters who have to walk some distance to meet the water front with luggage sometimes. They are two diversions one on each side of the public road that

would also lead drivers to the extreme end of the public road where persons living and travelling to the Pomeroon River and also to Region One would embark and disembark. But these very important roads which I do believe comes under the direct control of the Charity Usara Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) has been totally neglected and are allowed to become close to impassable due to the deplorable state it is currently in, when we look

at the amount of vehicular traffic and persons living in that area that have to use these roads daily. It is beyond the comprehension of any reasonable thinking person, why this (NDC) singularly or collectively with the Regional Administration cannot have these roads fixed. The Regional Administration and the NDC in question have so much to gain and not thing to lose by having these roads fixed. It would be remiss of me not

to say that on Monday August 19, 2019, I visited this NDC Office and was shown a quantity of crusher run that was purchased sometime back for the repairs of these roads mentioned, but the person I spoke with was not sure why the work was not yet started. A job is not done until it is finished. Regards Archie W. Cordis

Suspect voters’ lists are prelude to national crises Dear Editor,

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espectfully, please permit a response in accordance with Shawn James, “We need a clean list”, in the Guyana Chronicle of August 30, 2019. Of course, I fully support James’ position that such voters’ list is an absolute for any national elections, inclusive of Guyana, and irrespective of the glaring dishonest claims and fraudulent arguments against the methodology for achieving same. So much has been written in your pages, ad nauseum, about such a necessity that it may have perhaps, taken on a monotonous tone. However, since it is an issue that is consistently being twisted and distorted in all strange directions to suit deceptive mental securities. Shawn James has quite rightly referred to a Nutana Singh’s letter that has been published in the Stabroek News of August 26, 2019, making what are not only “erroneous’’, but deliberately twisted claims to suit the current PPP/C disgusting lies being peddled.

Nutana Singh must be reminded that such responsibilities of the state, in terms of protecting the “just rights’’ of its resident citizens overseas, as represented through its consulates, certainly cannot include non-resident Guyanese, meaning persons not resident in Guyana at the time of house-to-house registration for voting purposes, or when such verification is being done, as James has correctly underlined. It would seem that Singh believes that her scenario must fit Guyana into the category of a State that has overseas territories, in which its citizens are entitled and allowed to participate in the mainland electoral process. Unfortunately, Guyana is not in that category, as a State with overseas territories, such as France, or the United States. This is another PPP/C concoction, being publicised through one of its supporters, as Singh undoubtedly is. It is another crooked example of attempting to twist the law to suit her groundless case. In fact, Nutana Singh is here reminded that there are provisions for the Chief Immigration Officer to inform GECOM of those citizens who have departed

Guyana for periods of more than six months, and that their names be removed from its list. The reason is simple – they are no longer in Guyana, and cannot be part of any national electoral process; and this extends to deceased persons. Why should such a category of Guyanese not be removed from the national electoral list, especially when they are dead, is best understood by the dishonest minds who do not support a clean voter’s list. A suspect voter’s list is a prelude to very serious national crises, with untold consequences, and it is only those imbued with the intentions to support rigged elections would espouse such groundless representations for its existence. It would be a national tragedy if the Nutana Singhs are allowed to have their way. Regards Carla Mendonca

We in South America should be concerned about the burning of the Amazon forest Dear Editor,

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he Amazon rain forest is on fire. It has been reported that as much as 20 per cent of that rain forest is burning. Several respectable scientists reported that glaciers around the world are melting at an accelerated and alarming rate. With the new focus on Greenland in the news, we are seeing pictures of rivers of melted glacier waters flowing toward the ocean. Over 96 per cent of climate scientists tell us that the environmental crisis is real, and is caused by human activity, but climate change deniers continue to ignore the evidence that is all around us.

The thing that really confounds me is how executives of the fossil fuel industry can continue to discard the scientific evidence knowing that they are devastating our planet. Don’t these people have children and grandchildren? When the bill for the insatiable greed comes due, they won’t be able to build the walls around their gated communities high enough to escape the unfolding disaster. You cannot eat money! The incumbent US administration officials has announced a serious $16 trillion plan to combat climate change. I’m sure the rightwing media is having a field day with this. But what cost can you put on having fresh air to breathe and clean water to drink? What cost can

you put on having food to eat? Scientists tell us we only have a few years to turn this around, and I personally think their appraisal is optimistic. I’d had hope of living out my life on this earth before things started really getting ugly, but now I’m not so confident about my timeline. When he announced withdrawal of US troops from Syria last year, the incumbent President of the UNITED STATES expressed regret over war spending, its futility, high cost, and loss of economic opportunity for the nation. The United States administration spent $7 trillion in the Middle East over 17 years, and got nothing out of it. That sum could be used to fight the

climate change phenomena currently plaguing most of mankind. Although fact-checkers exposed the $7 trillion figure as much exaggerated, indicating $1.8 trillion or $3.6 trillion as more correct. Withholding these staggering funds from vital domestic needs and saddling future generations with massively swollen national debt deserves presidential disapproval and lament. The President took pains to note the lack of results from this military spending. “We have nothing — nothing except death and destruction a horrible thing,” he reportedly stated recently. The United States continues the plans for new warheads and modernisation of nuclear weap-

ons arsenal, inherited from the Obama Administration., The Union of Concerned Scientists had then strongly criticized this plan. We now also learn that the current US administration planned to spend an estimated sum of $1.2 trillion on new weapons of war. The current climate is a threat to all mankind and leaders of all nations must give it their best undivided attention. We in South America should be concerned about the burning of the Amazon forest and share our deep concern with all our incumbent national administration. Regards Rooplall Dudhnath

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

QUANDO, QUANDO, QUANDO?

WITH over 340,000 persons registered, as the countdown to the final hour of the house-to-house phase got underway yesterday, the word on the lips of many Guyanese is “when”. When will these fresh names merge with the existing database, which is called the National Register of Registrants (NRR)? When will a preliminary voters list be extracted from the national register for open scrutiny during an extended period of claims and objections? When will the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) inform President David Granger that it is ready to conduct elections? And, when will these elections be held?

CREDIBLE ELECTIONS Guyanese voters last went to the polls on May 11, 2015. In what was described as open, free and credible elections, they elected, as a government for a five-year term the APNU+AFC Coalition, under the Presidency of David Arthur Granger. The Coalition won those elections by one seat over its nearest rival, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). However, just over three and a half years after the elections, on Friday, December 21, 2018, the PPP moved a motion of no-confidence in the Coalition Government. The passage of that motion was secured with the defection of an MP from the government benches. Because he held dual citizenship, his action primarily cast a long shadow of doubt over the legality of the vote and resulted in marathon legal

proceedings. Fresh elections, which should follow a successful confidence vote within ninety days, were put on pause. But it appears, now that the major constitutional challenges are over, that the tape is again rolling, and in the direction of early elections. GETTING READY The Elections Commission under its new Chairman, Madam Justice Claudette Singh, is getting the voters list ready. This will involve several stages of verification to ensure that the final list of voters is credible. The fresh names have to be merged with the existing data, which will then be sanitised to eliminate duplicate registrants, before a preliminary voters list is extracted. The preliminary list would be disaggregated according to polling districts and polling places, to receive claims and objections. This is expected to be for an extended period to further clean the list. The “when game” which started a while ago, has entered a new level. But, as the mirage of “whens” swirl in my mind’s eyes, I feel enchanted by the melodious voice of Engelbert Humperdinck, (born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu as Arnold George Dorsey), as he sings his version of “quando, quando, quando”: “I can’t wait a moment more Tell me quando quando quando…” The delay over when these elections could be held stemmed not only from

the judicial processes, but also from a need for a credible voters list, for which GECOM is the sole constitutional agency.

PADDED LIST There are legitimate beliefs that the existing voters’ list is contaminated with names of deceased persons, Guyanese who have long migrated and, possibly, it is padded with the names of aliens or phantoms. There are suspicions that the Opposition PPP has benefitted from the padded list. Minister Ronald Bulkan shared with me some interesting statistics on the voting patterns during elections between 1997 and 2015. At the 1997 elections (the last during the Jagan era), the PPP received 220,632 votes. However, in the post-Jagan period, it started to lose votes between 2001 and 2011, as follows:In 2001, its votes fell to 210,013 or by 10,619; In 2006 its votes again fell to 183,988 or by 26,025; In 2011 its votes fell to an all-time low of 166,340 or by 17,648. The cumulative loss between 2001 and 2011 was 54,292 votes. But, inexplicably, the PPP polled 202,694 votes at the 2015 elections, or an increase by 36,354 votes over its showing in 2011, during which period the government had wallowed in corruption and had sunken to an all-time low in popularity. Key leaders, including former Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran and myself, left the party; other “Jaganites” were alienated.

It must raise much more than curiosity that when the list stood at 475,496 voters in 2011, the PPP lost 17,548 votes to the then opposition parties. Combined, the APNU and AFC polled 175,011 votes as against the PPP’s 166,340. The latter won on a plurality of votes, but with a minority of parliamentary seats – 32, against 33 for the APNU+AFC. However, in 2015, when the voters’ list jumped upwards by a whooping 107,948 voters, the PPP

romped home with 202,694 votes or 36,354 more than it had received in 2011. It is evident that the padding of the list benefitted the PPP and, without more, the “phantoms” came out to vote for this party. Now allegations are surfacing about some possible reasons for the padding, with several persons in at least one location found to be in possession of faked birth certificates and national identification cards. The headline news, “Probe launched into fake birth certificates”; “Region 9 residents tie PPP to alleged racket”, were met with the PPP’s rebuttal that these claims are a “political ploy”. MORAL COMPASS Over many years while I was closely associated with Cheddi Jagan, he repeated

that the PPP was “cheated not defeated”. He would quote from a Sunday Times article, “As coups go, it was not expensive: over five years the CIA paid out something over 250,000 pounds. For the colony, British Guiana, the result was over 170 dead, untold hundreds wounded, roughly 10 million pounds worth

vised businesses not to open, and its supporters not to come to the city on that fateful December 21, 2018 – sensing a “PPP Black Friday”.

damage to the economy and a legacy of racial bitterness.” (West on Trial, p. 380). What happened on the night of Friday, December 21, 2018, was a repeat of the 1964 “coup” against a legitimate government. It didn’t cost much, but it has stripped the PPP of its moral compass. It is no longer the victim of injustice. With 32 seats, the PPP tabled a motion of no confidence, knowing that it could not win as against 33 on the government’s side. On the weakness of its minority, it could not secure a majority decision. It had to calculate for a cross-over to effect the coup against the lawfully-elected government. Failure would have carried a deadly cost, so it ad-

bit to enlist someone who had questionable loyalty to his country; someone who had closed his legal practice, sold his property, and had made reservation to quit the country after the vote. They enlisted someone who, though broke, was soliciting the purchase of one million United States dollar worth in gold, and negotiating for its export to a foreign country. But the PPP pulled off the greatest political coup in post-independent Guyana. Now it must wait and sweat it out until GECOM says “when”. The people are also waiting on judgement day for those who conspired against our democracy!

JUDGMENT DAY It was a dangerous gam-

A critical mind during elections season …Social Media manifestos and promises

IN Ancient Greece, there was the creation of a law that compelled citizens to participate in democracy by voting; those who refused to vote were publicly labelled ‘idiot’. The word idiot has made its way into our modern lexicon as a generic reference to someone who is stupid or lacks basic intelligence, someone prone to making foolish decisions. Today, this label can be self-imposed if citizens do not arm themselves with information which is easily accessible in this information age. In modern democracies, non-participation in the voting

process is becoming fashionable; voter apathy is regrettably being glorified, especially in countries that are devoid of legislation that punishes those who refuse to exercise their franchise. The solution ought not to be to withdraw from the process; citizens should seek to develop critical minds. The simple ability to question information being received can arm citizens with a powerful weapon that can protect them from snake oil salesmen, demagogues and charlatans. Social media is ground-zero for electioneering and campaigning in the modern era. Citizens walk head down in

zombie-like fashion, focused on the coloured screens with videos, pics and message. This opportunity is seized upon by political parties. Information can be manipulated; there are fake videos, fake pictures, fake news articles, fake websites and a host of manipulative manoeuvres designed to trick. In 2018, social media was used to influence elections in at least 18 countries, according to the democracy advocacy group, Freedom House. This civil society organisation documents how Russia and China have created virtual internet armies with ‘Bots’ and ‘Algorithms’ that are programmed ‘opinion

shapers’. This means these countries can design programs that can scout the internet activities of citizens from any country, create fake profiles that are computer-generated and these can comment and post, based on the issues being highlighted from a particular geographic area. The best defence against this is to keep an open mind and question every bit of information being received. A manifesto is public declaration, intentions, views, vision and plans by a political party. The word Manifesto is derived from the Italian word, Manifesto, which has its etymological roots in the Latin word, Manifestum. It is that beautifully designed

document with grandiose plans and proposals that set out to entice voters. Few read them but they are amplified through social media and other channels of communication, snippets and punchlines appear on posters. For example, a Manifesto may say: ‘we will create 50,000 jobs in our first 100 days in office’. The words are there to razzle and dazzle, the critical mind ought to ask for a clear plan and road map to these jobs. In most cases, demagogues cannot back up these claims and when they are pressed by thinking people, the responses are usually verbal somersaults to get out [of]a difficult situation. The good old promise. From time immemorial,

ever since the art of politics appeared in Athens, the politician has relied on the spoken word to ignite the imagination of the people. Based on the fact that the Guyana elections will be the most important in our modern existence, expect the promises to be unprecedented. Voters must know, promises are only as good as the track record and the character of those making these promises. This is all the critical mind needs to consider.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

Juveniles at Sophia Centre score big at CSEC TWO students from the Juvenile Holding Centre, exceeding all expectations, achieved Grades One and Two at this year’s Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination in English A. This is significant as they are the first to sit the examination out of the holding centre. This was disclosed by

Juvenile Corrections Teacher, Robert Bourne. The identity of the students cannot be revealed because of their age. However, Bourne said that the students showed dedication and determination despite their circumstances and having only two hours of class time per day. “Those two youths along with two others for the 2020 May/June exams will be

writing and this time around we will be sending up four juveniles. One of whom will be writing six subjects, another four subjects and the other two will be writing a minimum of two subjects each,” Bourne stated. He noted that it was the success of the first two that gave the others the courage to take up the challenge to write the examinations

Juvenile Holding Centre

next year. The students will be sitting subjects such as English A, English B,

Mathematics, Principles of Business, Principles of Accounts, Social Studies

and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM). (DPI)

Pensioner killed crossing road A 71-year-old pedestrian was killed on Friday after motor car, PKK 6734, crashed into him on the Garden of Eden Public

Road, East Bank Demerara. Dead is James Augustus of Second Dam, Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara. Police confirmed that they

are investigating the fatal accident which occurred about 22:30hrs Friday night. Reports indicate that the car was proceeding north

along the western carriageway when the pedestrian allegedly ran from East to West into the path of the motor car. Augustus was taken to the

Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The driver, a 26-year-old resident of Sarah Johnanna,

The killing of Shaka Blair and the decade ... land but in different houses with Rudo’s two-storey house overlooking Shaka’s single flat house which was situated behind her’s. He had lived in the house with his common-law wife, his son, and foster son. Life for the Blairs’ was pretty much normal until disaster struck just after midnight on Saturday April 6, 2002. “I was sleeping and I heard him screaming,” Rudo recalled, adding that she then jumped out of her bed and peered through her window. With the lights on around the two houses, she had a good view – the Black Clothes had surrounded her brother’s house. With the Target Squad kicking at his front door, Rudo said her brother, using his landline phone, called the Vigilance Police Station to inform the police there that the ‘Black Clothes’ were at his home. “I could have heard him because he was very loud…I don’t know what the police (at Vigilance) said to him but he came off the phone,” Rudo related. The loud banging on the door had awakened Shaka’s family, and the thought of heavily-armed policemen outside their home had plunged the little boys and their mother into a state of fear and panic. “The children were up, they were screaming, everybody was screaming,” she recalled, noting that before the Target Squad gained access to the house, her brother enquired why they were at his home at that hour. But it was not long after that the Black Clothes police managed to kick down the door to Shaka’s home. Allegedly holding Shaka at gun point, the Target Squad separated him from his reputed wife and children. “They had a kind of scuffle with his wife, because from where I was, I saw them grabbing her, exposing all her breast and they carried her with the children to the back of the house,” Rudo recounted.

Once the woman and children were at the back at the house, Rudo said the Target Squad took her brother to the “hallway” and shot him. “He kept asking them ‘what I do, what I do’, and they pulled him out and into the hallway, I heard two gun shots, and his wife started screaming even harder,” Rudo told this newspaper. PUT THE GRENADE IN HIS HANDS According to her, once her brother was shot, the Black Clothes Police then dragged him out of the house. “They pulled him out of the house by his legs, down the steps, he was still alive but he was groaning, and I heard the policeman said, where the grenade, take the grenade and put it in his hands,” she contended. Shaka was reportedly dragged from the house to the road and then thrown into the ‘police’ van before the squad sped away. Rudo told this newspaper that throughout the ordeal, not once did she hear the police enquired about guns and ammunition being at the house, nor did they conduct a search for such weapon or explosive devices as contended during the coroner’s inquest. Nonetheless, Rudo said once the police left the premise, she ran down to Shaka’s reputed wife and children to get greater insight into what had happened. By which time, hundreds of Buxtonians had been alerted of the extra-judicial killing of her brother – Shaka Blair. “People started coming out and they started to make noise, and some guys started screaming, walking around the village ringing bells, they wanted to alert everybody, everybody started coming, and in fact no one slept that night because it was chaos in the village after then,” Rudo recalled. “It was complete chaos in Buxton; the country was in a state of

unrest, the entire country because he was a nice guy,” Rudo added. In January 2003, Stabroek

Rudo Blair recapping how Shaka Blair’s reputed wife was grabbed by Target Squad (Photo by Adrian Narine)

News, in an article headlined ‘The Year in Review 2002,’ painted a graphic picture of the scenes that followed the brutal slaying of Shaka. “Already angered by TSS tactics in the village which Buxtonians claimed were intended to terrorise them, residents dug up the Embankment road and blocked it with debris (April 7,8). On April 9, thousands took part in a PNCR-organised march through the streets of Georgetown protesting the killing (April 10). Towards the end of April, WPA executive member Eusi Kwayana, in his private capacity, initiated criminal action against Senior Superintendant Steve Merai of the TSS for the murder of Shaka Blair. However, this was set aside on the order of the then Director of Public Prosecutions, Denis Hanomansingh. Kwayana subsequently moved to the court to quash the DPP’s decision to stop the murder charge (April 23-26; May 24),” the

Stabroek News chronicled. It noted, too, that Blair’s funeral, on April 15, had “degenerated into chaos, with persons in the procession throwing missiles at the police, who first fired in the air, and then at the hostile assembly.” The police again had contended that the residents had first fired shots at them but Rudo said it was the police who aggravated the already angry citizens. According to the Stabroek News, after the police dispersed the gathering, some persons returned with implements and dug up the road, and were subsequently dispersed with a combination of tear gas, pellets and live rounds. Mark Nelson was among those injured in the ordeal. NEVER A GUN MAN Dziwonu Blair, who was sleeping at the time his brother was killed by the police, refuted claims that Shaka had in his possession guns and ammunition, and was wanted for a robbery. “For me, he was never a gunman; I can’t remember ever seeing him with a gun,” Dziwonu told this newspaper. He also trashed the reports given by the police that Shaka had opened fire on them. “Nobody likes to be shot, and when you pelt shots at anybody, whether police or soldier, they does look for cover, and the way that place was situated, the first shot anybody would have hear, they would have looked for cover, and if Shaka did shoot at them, he would have run away, he would have gotten away because nobody know this place more than us,” Dziwonu reasoned. He said Shaka could not have shot at the police because he had no gun. Dziwonu pointed out that there was no evidence to suggest that there was a “shootout” in Shaka’s house besides the shots fired by the police. To date, the reason behind Shaka’s murder remains a mystery for

East Bank Demerara, is in custody assisting with investigation. A breathalyser test was conducted and no trace of alcohol was found.

From page 2 ►

the masses. Dziwonu, though not certain, said it could have been linked to an incident that occurred on April 1. He explained that the escapees from the February 23, 2002 jailbreak had reportedly hijacked Army Officer Christine King’s car in Golden Grove and had abandoned it Buxton. “That very night I rode up on a bicycle and I met the car right out on the four corner here and I asked what this car doing here like this? Shaka turned and tell me, you could have come and hear a man get ****,” Dziwonu recalled. He said his brother would later explain that the escapees, upon abandoning King’s car, hijacked another man’s car. Shaka, according to Dziwonu, jokingly tantalised the young man about the incident. The young man reportedly told his foster father (a big businessman) and mother about the incident. The businessman, according to Dziwonu had “police links.” Rudo had actively participated in the inquest, though studying at the Cyril Potter’s College of Education (CPCE) but was forced to stop after she was threatened – the first time by a teacher, whose husband was part of the Target Squad. “I didn’t say anything (when she threatened me) but the night when I was on my way home, a guy came out of a vehicle and threatened me with a gun; he was the police guy,” she recalled. After reporting the matter, Rudo took a decision to stop participating in the inquest. She had also quitted CPCE but rejoined years later. Rudo said it would be great to see justice served but said she is fearful for her life. “I would really like to see it reopened but I am scared,” she told this newspaper.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

Understanding Energy

Next steps to First Oil

THE floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, Liza Destiny, arrived off the coast of Guyana last week, completing its trip from Singapore. The ship will be anchored in the deep waters of the Stabroek Block at the future site of the Liza Phase 1 project. When it comes online in early 2020, it will be the first well to produce oil offshore Guyana. FPSOs, like the Destiny, are commonly used in extreme deepwater operations like the Stabroek Block, where a permanent platform attached to the seafloor would not be practical. Many of them are already in use around the world, particularly off the coasts of Brazil and West Africa. While located offshore, FPSOs often create a surge

of jobs on land. They require multiple full crews to help them operate round-the-clock and they are resupplied by boats from shore bases like the one in the Houston District, East Bank Demerara. The Liza Destiny will serve as the primary production platform for Liza Phase 1 operations. That means that preparing the ship and the undersea components of the oil production facility to operate safely and effectively will be a critical focus for the oil companies and their contractors over the next few months. Even though the Liza Destiny has arrived, there are still several steps that have to be completed before production can start next year. First, it will have to be securely moored. The mooring system has to keep the

ship relatively steady in all weather conditions over the duration of its work. The steel cables of the mooring system will attach to the sea floor in multiple places to help keep the ship in place. Once the Liza Destiny is on site, it will be attached to the risers—a system of flexible pipelines that attach the ship to the control systems and wells on the ocean floor. For Liza Phase 1, there will be three production risers to carry oil up to the ship, two water injection risers to help extract the oil and one gas injection riser to help maintain pressure and aid the extraction process. The risers are part of the “SURF” system, which stands for subsea umbilicals, risers and flowlines. All these complex underwater systems are attached to the sea floor

where they are mostly installed by remotely operated robots, due to the enormous depth and water pressure. They will all need to be completed before the Liza Destiny can start production. The SURF system includes the command and control systems for the wells themselves as well as a vital “umbilical” that carries cables for control, monitoring, and data analysis back up to analysts, engineers and geologists on the ship. Once the oil is fed onto the ship, it will be measured at several different points, supervised by auditors. All off loadings from ship to export tankers chartered by the buyers will be monitored by government official, witnesses, and measurement specialists onboard, and as a further protection, also independent

witnesses hired to validate the volumes on behalf of the buyers and sellers. Under the terms of the production-sharing agreement, Guyana will get 50 per cent of the profits from that oil, as well as an additional royalty based on total production. Meanwhile, on the deck of the Destiny, technical specialists will be busy continually optimizing the flow and pressure of the oil, monitoring equipment for safety and analyzing the geologic conditions of the reservoir. Within five or so years, there could be as many as five of these ships operating at similar sites across the Stabroek Block, and that doesn’t include any major future discoveries on the block or neighboring blocks. In August, Tullow Oil announced a major find on the Orin-

duik Block that could be the centre for a cluster of future discoveries and eventually a production project of its own. After a testing period, the FPSO should reach its full production capacity of 120,000 barrels per day. But that will only be a small part of the 500,000 to 750,000 barrels of production per day that are expected to be produced in Guyana by the mid-2020s. Exxon and its partners have stated publicly that they expect to produce at least half a million barrels per day on the Stabroek Block alone. Already, plans are moving forward for other projects with their own FPSOs at the Liza Phase 2 and Payara sites.

Over 100 students participated in GPF work study programme OVER 100 students from 15 public schools and seven private institutions concluded a work study programme on Friday at the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The work study was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The GPF apprenticeship programme, which commenced on June 19, placed the students in various departments/branches within the Force. The Force, in a release, said students performed excellently during their apprenticeship. On Friday, the GPF provided incentives to a total of 107 students which amounted to over $1.6M upon completion of their work study. Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Paul Williams briefed the students on good conduct and dis-

Senior GPF officers (seated) flanked by students who completed their work study programme

cipline. He motivated them by saying “winners don’t quit and quitters don’t win” and

“the race is not for the swift but for who can endure it to the end”. The deputy commis-

sioner encouraged all the students to qualify themselves and to take criticisms positively.

Present were Assistant Commissioner Training, Clifton Hicken; Finance Officer, Senior Superin-

tendent, Michael Sutton; and Public Relations Officer (ag), Superintendent, Shivpersaud Persaud.

SUNDAY CHRONICLE, September 1, 2019

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Religious service sets tone for Indigenous Peoples' Month

THE Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs on Saturday hosted a religious service to launch Indigenous Heritage Month 2019 being observed under the theme, “Maintaining Our Traditional Practices while Promoting a Green Economy.” The religious service began with a prayer, song and dance, which were performed by religious leaders from the Alleluia Faith as well as Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland. The religious observance was done as a means of worship to the creator and Mother Nature and to show gratitude for all that the country is blessed with. It is said to be a way of being positive towards life, and giving thanks for the many successes and the many things that persons are given while they are

Persons participating in the symbolic worship dance

alive, and to bring people together to celebrate all that life has blessed them with. The rhythm of the dance was specifically chosen to represent the sound of a beating heart, to show unity and to show oneness with the universe and each other. Minister Allicock said that he was happy the Indigenous Peoples had the opportunity to showcase how they live in the hinterland.

He explained that there is a lot of knowledge that can be used for the betterment of the entire country from the Indigenous Peoples, and that that information now needs to be brought to the rest of the country. “Well I must say that this is an opportunity for our people to be able to share with the rest of Guyana how we live in the hinterland and what it means to our people living in a natural environ-

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, along with persons during the religious service

ment. And if you understood what they were saying, it was giving praise to the Almighty, to the great creator for all the things that would be provided including good governance and everyone in

Guyana along with not only the people, but the natural environment.” The entire ceremony was conducted by a group of Patamonas in the Akawaio Indigenous Language. After the ceremony,

persons in attendance were given the chance to sample varying Indigenous foods and drinks in an effort to facilitate interaction, love and unity.

City residents contributing to rats, mosquito infestation

– Public Health Officer THE Public Health Department of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has lamented the manner in which residents continue to dispose of their garbage, citing the harmful effects that result from such practices. Head of that department, Suzette Reynolds told this publication on Friday that residents continue to do a number of things that worsen their environment and cause the breeding of rats, mosquitoes and other harmful insects.

“Persons are being careless about how they dispose of their garbage. No one should be sweeping dust and garbage into the drains. Instead of having flowing water, this contributes to stagnant water,” Reynolds pointed out. Reynolds said she finds it alarming that there are already more than 30 cases of leptospirosis reported for the year. “Just recently, I saw a patient who was hospitalised for leptospirosis and he related that he was almost certain that his home environment

Head of M&CC’s Public Health Department Suzette Reynolds

contributed to it. He said in his community, persons would throw rice and garbage around,” she recalled. Rats, she noted, carry Hepatitis B and C which has no cure and which can ultimately lead to death. While the City Council is doing a lot of spraying and other works, Reynolds said citizens too also have their role to play. Meanwhile, after waiting six months, the department has finally been granted the tools and chemicals needed by the Vector Control Department to keep the City clean and rid it of mosqui-

toes. Last January, the M&CC held a press conference at which they reported that the intention was to conduct massive cleaning exercises and do additional works in an effort to keep dengue at bay. Fearful of a dengue outbreak, the City Council had said it wanted to spray the City more often for mosquitoes. The chemicals and tools needed were however lacking. Reynolds had subsequently reported that the materials needed were finally with her department. She had reported that there have been numerous

reports of increased mosquito activity, especially with the changing weather. “The mosquitoes like to lay their eggs in the water and the low lying areas would have a high rate of mosquitoes breeding happening,” Reynolds told this newspaper that the City Council does not have the manpower to effectively cover the entire City, as she pointed to the fact that there are only three vector control staff members. However, she noted that the three officers, all ladies, are doing an acceptable job.

$3.5B CDB loan for new water filter system

WORKS are in the pipeline for the approval of a more than $3.5B loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) for the purchase of a new and improved water filter system. GWI’s, Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles, told the Department of Public Information (DPI) that following thorough researching and testing it was decided that the

new filter system would change Guyana current water system. “Where there is high iron and hydrosulphide, those filters will clean the water and all of the water produced will be in total compliance with the World Health Organization [WHO] standards. We are all compliant with respect to microbiology with the exception if there are breakages in the distribution system,” Dr. Van-West Charles explained.

He further added that the terms of reference are presently being prepared and part of the loan will also look at the feasibility of using water from the Hope Canal, located on the East Coast of Demerara with the aim to provide more water availability for the population on the coast. “Our aim at GWI is to erase the consumption of unhealthy water and boost supply. With these filters, persons will not have reason to complain

about rust, their clothes or tiles been stained when using the water for domestic purposes,” he said. The initiative is also in keeping with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #6 which ensures access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030, investment in suitable infrastructure, sanitation, facilities, and hygiene at every level.

GWI’s, Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

Nurses hailed for selfless service … as association urges more investments in their development

PRESIDENT of the Guyana Nurses’ Association (GNA), Cleopatra Barkoye, on Saturday, challenged the government to invest more in the development of nurses here. Speaking at GNA’s Annual Awards Ceremony, Barkoye said though nurses and midwives are the largest group of healthcare workers in the world, investment in their development is lacking, although essential for the maintenance of a healthy population. “An investment in

achieving Universal Health Coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); develop nursing and midwifery leadership through investment; and advocate for an enabling practice environment. In keeping with the 2018 International Centre on Nurse Migration Policy, the GNA President made a pitch for the nurses and midwives to be better compensated through professional development, manageable working hours, and fair pay. “Therefore we as an as-

ing profession. When you perform your duties with excellence, you are making a contribution to the common good; you are encouraging high standards among all of your peers, and setting an example for those who will come after you. And most importantly, when a nurse performs with excellence, he or she is making a real impact on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number three – ‘good health and well-being,’ Alves told the health personnel present. She posited that while

world leaders agreed to the SDGs in 2015, the government, in keeping with its commitment, initiated a number of policies; it is the healthcare workers who would help in the realisation of Goal Three in Guyana, and in other parts of the world. While alluding to Florence Nightingale, Alves urged the healthcare personnel to remain committed to the delivery of high levels of healthcare. Meanwhile as part of a tradition which started since in the 1980s, GNA gave out more than 20

The 2019 Guyana Nurses’ Association (GNA) Awardees who were recognised for their stellar performance in the fields of nursing and midwifery Guyana’s nursing and midwifery workforce would drive the economy of Guyana not necessarily oil and gas,” the GNA President said, while pointing out that the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in May 2008, acknowledged during a meeting in Geneva Switzerland, that nurses and midwives are significantly contributing to the push towards universal health coverage and strong economies. At that meeting, national associations, Barkoye recalled, committed to increase recognition of the roles of nurses and midwives in strengthening primary health, and

sociation raise our voice to propel our government to favor methods of retention to keep the best of the best and receive first our own Guyanese nurses,” Barkoye said to loud rounds of applause. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Kesaundra Alves, said the Public Health Ministry is cognisant and appreciative of the invaluable contributions nurses and midwives make to the country’s healthcare system. Alves urged the nurses and midwives present to continue to serve with distinction. “The individual performance of each nurse contributes to perception of and regard for the nurs-

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Kesaundra Alves, presenting Michelle Pompey with the Nurse Leader of the Year Award

President of the Guyana Nurses’ Association Cleopatra Barkoye awards. The Gwen Tross ReThe prestigious Glo- search Foundation Award ria Noel Award was pre- went to the team with the sented to Maria Francois. best research proposal – Noel, the first Principal “Knowledge Attitude and Nursing Officer of Guy- Practices of Accident and ana, establish an award for Emergency Registered quality nursing care. In the Nurses towards Suicidal case of Francois, she was Patients at GPHC.” That awarded for consistently team comprised of Abedemonstrating care and na Elliss-Boston, Andrea concern for patients while Andrews and Lacrisha maintaining professional Thompson. standards. Added to that, The second best reshe has displayed technical search proposal went to excellence in nursing care. Naddine Saunders, KenShaundell Saul was nesha Harding, Latoya Jopresented with the Anges seph and Nicketta Drakes. Van-West Charles Award T h e i r p r o p o s a l t i t l e d while Deyon Vancooten ‘Prevalence of Recurrent copped the Rhoda Clarke Pregnancies among teen Award. Clarke, a former mothers in Region Four Public Health Nurse Tutor Georgetown between 2013 and President of the GNA and 2017.’ died in October 2017 Bursaries were also at 88. Her relatives, in presented to children of her honour, instituted an members of the GNA. award for Quality Nursing Some 18 children were Care. awarded for their excepM i c h e l l e P o m p e y tional performance at this copped the Nurse Leader year’s National Grade Six of the Year Award while Assessment (GNSA) exHermantram Jagdeo was amination and at the Caribpresented with the Gil- bean Secondary Education lian Butts-Garnett Award. Certificate (CSEC) examShuanna Hubbard was ination. presented with the Rising The awards ceremoStar Award. Fifteen other ny was held at GNA’s nurses and midwives were Headquarters in Georgepresented with awards, the town under the theme majority for quality nurs- “Nurses: A voice to lead ing care. – Health for all.”

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Harmon delivers on promise to La Retraite Primary pupils, teachers -playground, school feeding programme get boost Head Mistress of the school, Mrs. Rosanne Alleyne, in an invited comment, said that both the initiative and the donation were welcomed, since all her students will now benefit. “I am very pleased. It was something that has burdened the teachers for the longest while because we were, in our own little way, responding to the needs of our children but when Mrs. Waldrond came on board, we were extremely pleased and today, we are even more overjoyed for the gas stove. Thank you very much for the kind gesture and the children are really responding to this initiative. We are pleased that from now all the children will be able to benefit instead of only the 30 we initially catered for,” Mrs. Alleyne said. Meanwhile, Mr. Deoroopie, who has volunteered to conduct the works on the playground, said that he is motivated by President David Granger’s ‘Boats, Buses and Bicycles’, which has now

Director General hands over stove

DIRECTOR General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Mr. Joseph Harmon, on Saturday, returned to the La Retraite Primary School where he delivered on a promise, made three days ago, to provide a gas stove for its school feeding programme and to rehabilitate the school’s playground. The Director General also ensured that the gas bottles, fittings and other materials needed for the setup were procured as well. Mr. Harmon said he hosted a community meeting in the area on Wednesday, where parents and a former student of the school made a request for the soggy and weed-infested playground to be upgraded for the students in time for the new school year. They also asked for a gas stove to be provided to the school, for its feeding programme, which is sponsored and supported by residents. Mr. Harmon said the residents are coming together to assist the pupils and to ensure that there are no hindrances to the access to education and he felt compelled to respond to their request immediately. “I know a very strong case was made at the outreach for the children of this school and I am very impressed with the fact that the residents had taken up the responsibility of ensuring that these children have a meal when they come to school. I recall in my time; someone had done a study of children in rural communities and the reason why they weren’t doing as well as the children in the city. He found that many children were coming to school hungry. Since then, we have invested heavily in education. From 2015 to now, every year we have increased the allocations to the education sector and if you look at the results of the National Grade Six Assessment and the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examination, you will find a difference in the results. Our children are performing better and it is because of initiatives like these that allow them to learn in a better environment. So I am happy to respond to this request,” he said. With regard to rehabilitating the playground, Mr. Harmon said that pupils must become well-rounded individuals who are able to incorporate some leisure time in their academic activities. The playground is an important component in allowing students access to recreation and sports. “Our children must be able to learn and play. Too many of our children are just going to school and then they go home and study and the go back to school. They have no break. They are not involved in any extra curricula activities and so this facility is important for them to learn and play. It helps to contribute to a better learning environment and I am happy to help in this process of providing a better environment for them to learn and be in the school feeding programme,” the Director General said. Mrs. Maureen Bruning-Waldrond, a former student of the school, who requested Mr. Harmon’s assistance at the community meeting, said that she is pleased and pleasantly surprised that the request was fulfilled in such short time. “I have to say big thank you for this prompt response. Words cannot express how we feel. We certainly didn’t expect it so soon but we are overjoyed and grateful for this,” she said. She noted that about six months, she received some reports that several students were going to school hungry and she, therefore, decided to act. While the programme initially catered to the neediest students, she said that from September, a meal will be provided for each of the 90 pupils. “A year ago, it was brought to my attention that the pupils were going to school hungry and it struck a chord within me. I could not sit and see this happen so I decided to send a contribution ... so that they can take care of the pupils who were most in need and that went on for a few months. But I wanted to do more for the children so I called up my family and friends and I shared the vision with them and we did some fundraisers. We were able to raise enough for the rest of the new school term for every child,” Mrs. Bruning -Waldrond explained.

evolved into the Public Education Transport Services (PETS), and how it has improved the lives of children. “I thought it was necessary for me to respond because I have the equipment and the know-how and I think that it will bring benefit to the community because we are probably the only community over here, which does not have a proper playground. So I have made myself the goal to make it one of the better grounds in the region. We will clear it, harrow it and level it, roll it and fill it with sand so that they can have access in the rainy and dry season. The President has done a lot to improve access to education with the ‘Five Bs’ programme and so it is important that we connect to that and help to better the lives of these leaders of tomorrow,” he said. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Straight Up with

Mark Benschop

By Mark Benschop IT really strains me to talk about someone like Anil Nandlall, since I have zero respect for him as a politician, a lawyer, and a human being, for a variety of reasons. Hence, it came as a total surprise to me when he was appointed as Guyana's Attorney-General, under President Donald Ramotar. But, then again, the PPP was notorious for selecting certain type of individuals in key positions. My first unfortunate encounter with Anil was during the course of the politically- staged Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the trumped-up treason charge against me. I may have met him before, but was obviously too inconsequential to have been on my radar. However, it was at the PI that it became increasingly obvious that he and his side-kick, Sanjeev Datadin, would have used my case as a platform to force his way into the upper echelons of the dreaded PPP. Indeed, the trial was a complete

mockery, but Anil quickly became the laughing stock as he strenuously attempted to present himself as some sort of legal luminary, by parroting the PPP's dishonest and evil contention that there was some kind of plot to 'overthrow' the then increasingly tyrannical and corrupt regime. The mockery of the trial, and miscarriage of justice, will remain in my memory for as long as I live, and my view of Anil and his sidekick, Sanjeev Datadin, will remain the same. Surely, Anil's 'chatree' style as a politician and public figure is no secret. And, had it been a democratic country in those dark and dangerous days, he would have lost his licence to practice law, been kicked out of the Attorney-General's office, and banished forever in a little hut way up Monkey Mountain, into a well- deserved political wilderness. Many of you would recall his barefaced arrogance when he used taxpayers’ money to fund a private medical bill for someone close to him as

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Anil Nandlall is a political dead weight if it was the obligation of the State to take care of his domestic issue. After the matter was exposed, Anil swiftly, having absolutely no other choice, decided to repay the millions of dollars. At least, that's what he said publicly. And, in a leaked recorded conversation between himself and a newspaper journalist, a voice resembling that of Anil said; 'I told, I told Glenn (Lall) I sit down and talk with him. I use some money from the government and Glenn mek an issue of it. I pay back de f***ing money long before he even mek de issue and he know about it,' Kaieteur News, 2014/10/28. Mind you, he has not refuted the leaked recordings. And that particular aspect of the conversation revealed the mindset of Anil, which suggests that by virtue of his political position, he is entitled to utilise taxpayers’ dollars for his personal gains. But, that was just the tip of the

iceberg of that conversation, most of which would make Ronald Reagan's conversation with Richard Nixon look like 'rice pop.’ I am almost certain that most Guyanese would recall the contempt and obviously criminal nature in his alleged threatening words directed to the reporters and staff of the Kaieteur News; “No, hear nah, you know how it gon stop? Somebody gon go into Kaieteur, you see everybody nah gat as I told Adam today. I said Adam, everbody don’t joust.. everybody, wait hold on… everybody doesn’t have a newspaper to use as a weapon. I told Adam, I said Adam, people got weapons right, is not newspaper they gonna use as a weapon they got weapons and when you continue attack people like that and they have no way of responding, they gon just walk with their weapon into that same f**king Saffon Street office and wha come suh do and innocent. Peter gun gah pay fuh f**king Paul in deh one day, me ah tell you innocent, me a tell you honestly man to man that will happen soon..."

Again, he has not refuted the contents of the tape recording. Unfortunately, the conversation with the reporter continued: "I think that you should, my first advice to you is that you should move out of there... it is a dangerous f**king place to work, is a dangerous place because that, I am telling you, read between the lines this thing not going to go on for long, people not going to tek this thing just so is a lot of powerful people that this man, wait ,nobody never used to bother with he before right, and he used to getaway, get through with all wha he publishing but people get, people get sensitive now, they were chatree coolie rass, you know what is chatree…" Yes, those were the days when Anil thought that he was on top of the world, and as is evident, he behaved as though he was above the law, and someone that was untouchable. Again, this was how the then President and members of the Cabinet ran the country,

as if it was their personal plantation. In closing, one cannot forget the name Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was killed a few blocks from his home while urging folks to vote for the APNU/ AFC coalition in the then 2015 General and Regional Elections. Controversial Information Laison Officer to the President, Kwame McCoy and the then driver/ bodyguard of Anil (Rajput) were questioned in relation to the killing. However, there has been no concrete (or any other) evidence linking them to the killing of Courtney. Oh and before I go, let's not forget the taxpayers' law books that are still in the possession of Anil, who barefacedly claimed that it was gifted to him by then President Ramotar. It is just another case of Anil believing that there's some sort of entitlement by virtue of his position. Thus, apart from his obvious arrogance, I wish to say this loud and clear; Anil Nandlall is a political dead weight – an unruly horse.

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Close to 400,000 registered …as GECOM wraps up H2H registration

CLOSE to 400,000 persons have been registered as the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), on Saturday, wrapped up its house-tohouse registration exercise. The Guyana Chronicle was told that a number of persons were registered in the final week of the exercise. The commission last week decided to shorten the period of the registration to cater for an extensive period of claims and objections. It will also merge the data gathered from the exercise with that of the National Register of Registrants to arrive at the Preliminary Voters’ List. GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yolanda Warde, told the Guyana Chronicle on Friday that no one will be left out in the cold in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, which were triggered as a result of a no-confidence motion passed against the government last December. Warde, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, explained that Guyanese, who have been registered and were unable to do so during the period allotted for house-tohouse registration, will be given an opportunity to have their names added to the National Register of Registrants Database during the claims and objection Period. “If you will be 18 years old by October 31, and you have never registered, you will have that opportunity to do so during the claims and objection exercise,” the GECOM PRO said. She explained too that in keeping with the August 14 ruling of the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, the Elections Commission will not remove anyone from the National Register of Registrants Database with the exception of those who would have died (once the required documents are provided) and those who have become disqualified. As

lengthy duration to merge the National Register of Registrant Databases (NRRDs)’. In response to the concerns raised, Justice Singh explained that in her capacity as GECOM’s Chairperson, she will be doing everything possible within her remit to ensure that the ruling of the court is honoured and the elections are held within the shortest possible time. She added that, such, names of Guyanese who have registered in the past will remain on the national register. “If you are on the current database, and you might have had name change, you would have had transferred or relocated from one address to the other, and the team may not have reached you as yet, then you have an opportunity to do that change during the claims and objection exercise which would be office-based. So rather than we going to you, you will come to us, and then we will do a verification of that,” Warde explained. However, the period for claims and objection has not been set. Warde noted that at this stage, GECOM is soliciting information on how it could effectively carry out fingerprint cross matching as the data from the national registration is merged with the National Register of Registrants Database. “GECOM has been engaging a company for a long time that has been doing fingerprint cross matching for us, however, that company has given us a little longer timeline than we would want particularly at this juncture which we are trying to deliver with expediency. So what we have decided is that Jamaica has that expertise, in terms of fingerprint cross matching, so that technical team was in Jamaica to see what system they have, the functionality of the system, and to really see how best

they might be able to support us by giving us a shorter time that they can deliver those results than the other company,” Warde explained. Meanwhile, last week, Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Justice (ret’d) Claudette Singh, met with members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) to discuss GECOM’s state of readiness for the upcoming General and Regional Elections. The meeting was held in response to a request by the PSC to meet with the newly-appointed GECOM Chairperson. During the two-hour meeting which was held in the GECOM’s Boardroom, Chairman of the PSC, Mr. Gerald Gouveia, explained that there has been a fruitful relationship between the two agencies for more than 15 years. He outlined some of the specific areas of collaboration in particular, the PSC’s role as accredited observers during elections and expressed an interest in continued support and collaboration. However, the meeting focused extensively on the GECOM’s state of preparedness for the holding of the elections in light of the constitutional deadline, the CCJ’s ruling on the no-confidence motion and the recent ruling of the Chief Justice on house-to-house registration. Specifically, the PSC expressed concerns as it relates to what was referred to as ‘the possible

GWI to open sub-office in Paramakatoi ...water system operational, to be commissioned this month

THE Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is slated to commission a new sub-office in Paramakatoi, Region Eight by the end of September. This was disclosed by GWI Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van-West Charles in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI). According to Dr. Van-West Charles, the residents of Paramakatoi will soon benefit from easy access to potable water for the community following the completion of a project. The project began in 2017 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the GWI and the village council. It is now at the stage where testing of the water system has begun. “We are finalising the security of the system and everything will be completed no later than the end September, we have some very expensive valves in there because the system is around 3,000 feet with two layers of solar panels. So, we want to ensure that the system is secure,”

he explained. The managing director also said that residents in and around the community will be trained to operate and maintain the system. “The intervention of the new GWI sub-office will provide for those living in the region. It is important that they become responsible when it comes to sustaining water. So, this initiative will not only change their lives but generate income for the residents who will be employed with the company,” he emphasised. The water system is in line with the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) since it will be powered by two photovoltaic systems in the day with a generator to act as additional support to power the system. It is also in keeping with the UN Sustainable Development Goal Number six, which calls for clean water and sanitation for all people, and ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

based on her decisions taken at the last statutory meeting, the technical team is working to provide timelines to the commission. Also present at the meeting was Chief Election Officer, Mr. Keith Lowenfield, who provided details on the secretariat’s operational activities. Upon conclusion of the meeting, the PSC submitted a letter requesting accreditation

to observe the upcoming General and Regional Elections and pledged continued support and collaboration with the commission. The Guyana Elections Commission remains committed to engaging stakeholders as it works assiduously to ensure a credible list is established and elections are held within the shortest possible time.

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Far-flung communities welcome increased health outreaches JUST recently, several communities in Region One, Barima-Waini, have benefitted from several health outreaches. Among these are Kwebanna, Kumaka, White Water, Sebai and Four Miles. Other villages in the Matarkai sub-region have been earmarked to benefit from similar exercises. HIV testing was taken to the Waramuri village while vector control services were extended to Manawarin, both villages are located in the Moruca Sub-region. The Kwebanna Health centre is located along the regional border of the Waini River. In this area, residents welcomed the outreach and turned out in their numbers to access the services provided. One resident, Nesha Abrams, said outreaches such as these should continue in the interim until a doctor is placed at her village’s health centre.

“It is very difficult for people in the village to go out to Moruca and even to Suddie because of the financial cost. I think an outreach like this is simply essential.” Assistant Regional Executive Officer of the Moruca Sub-region, Renita Williams, explained that while there is a need for a doctor at the health centre, these scheduled outreaches capture those persons who are in poor health because they have not been practising healthy habits. Community Health Worker at the centre, Hilton Sampson, reiterated this point and added that the centre “usually gets a lot of emergency cases and we can’t look at them so they are referred to Kumaka District Hospital.” These services taken to these villages were determined to be necessary and range from dentistry to general medical check-ups. HIV Turn to page 19 ►

CARICOM lauds T&T’s

contribution to regional integration GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Aug 31, CMC – The Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque has lauded Trinidad and Tobago’s contribution to the regional integration movement and the United States has praised Port of Spain’s role in seeking to find a “peaceful solution” to the economic and political crisis in Venezuela. In separate messages marking Trinidad and Tobago’s 57th anniversary of political independence from Britain, CARICOM and Washington said they were looking to continue working with the oil-rich twin island republic in ensuring the further development of the region. In a congratulatory message to the Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, the CARICOM Secretary-General said the significant role the country continues to play in the Community was exemplified by its “very successful” hosting of region’s premier cultural showcase, CARIFESTA (XIV) from 16-25 August 2019. “The country continues to play a significant role in the advancement of a strengthened, integrated and resilient Community, not only through its leadership on regional security and energy

issues but also through its contributions in the areas of culture, sports, academia and diplomacy,” LaRocque said. He commended its progress as “impressive,” buoyed by the “creativity and ingenuity of its people”, United States Secretary of State, Richard Pompeo, in a congratulatory message said Washington regards Trinidad and Tobago as ‘a key partner in advancing the security and prosperity of the Caribbean region. “The United States particularly thanks the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago for helping to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela as we continue to support multilateral efforts to achieve a peaceful restoration of democracy there”. Washington is at the forefront of seeking to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office in Caracas and have him replaced with Opposition leader Juan Guaido, accusing him of human rights abuses among other allegations. “We look forward to working with Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthen regional law enforcement capabilities, as well as disaster response readiness under the auspices of the U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership,’ Pompeo said.

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Over 200 East Berbice children benefit from back-to-school drive OVER 200 children from the Bush Lot Adventure, East Berbice, Corentyne catchment area received backpacks, electronic tablets, a laptop computer, and stationery at the recent launch of the Brandon and Yvonne Kyte Foundation. The foundation also awarded prizes and certificates to 12 top performers from Kildonan Primary, who excelled at the recent National Grade Six Assessment. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, President of the foundation, Athene Kyte-Savory, said the aim of the foundation is to promote education. She explained that the foundation was formed in honour of their parents who were very staunch believers in education. Brandon and Yvonne Kyte want to continue along that path and at the same time give back to their community. Kyte-Savory further noted that she will continue

Founders of the Brandon and Yvonne Kyte Foundation

Some of the items distributed

the initiative annually and in the future will expand to other communities.

A section of the gathering at the launch of the foundation

In addition, she said some parents find it difficult to purchase all the necessary items for school and the foundation wants to help them. She said access to resources assist children tremendously as it is vital to their education. Meanwhile, top student

Far-flung communities welcome increased ... and Hepatitis B testing services were also available for residents to access free of cost. Children who may not have had vaccines also received updates on their clinic cards and were provided with the necessary vaccines, safeguarding the health of the nation. Most villages visited have a

health post where only one Community Health Worker (CHW) manages the facility. Often residents would need to benefit from the services of a doctor for varying illnesses which the CHW cannot treat. It is in cases such as these they would then have to incur costly transportation fees to reach the

nearest hospital. This has been recognised by the central ministry and is proactively narrowing the gap in healthcare delivery; as it carries out its mandate of creating access to quality healthcare. The ministry also collaborates with regional health departments occa-

sionally to execute outreaches in these areas. While some far-flung communities do not have a large enough population that requires the placement of a doctor; those available in the region would conduct scheduled visits to the villages. For the past four years, the Ministry of Public Health with

of Kildonan Primary School, Daniel Quintin, was awarded a place at the New Amsterdam Secondary School. He received a laptop computer, cash incentive and a certificate, among other items. Quintin was grateful for the recognition and encouraged other students to do their best in order to excel. The children were also treated to an afternoon of songs, feast and entertainment.

From page 18 ► stewardship from the coalition government has been committed to ensuring that persons in the hinterland and far-flung communities benefit from services as those on the coast. In most cases, specialists were deployed to conduct two-day outreaches to address health-related needs. (DPI)

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LED lights, photovoltaic systems and piloting of electric vehicles …making Bartica a ‘green’ town, one project at a time in the town of Bartica with funding from the Italian Government and the Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership (J-CCCP).

Head of the Office of Climate Change, Mrs. Janelle Christian, handing over the completed studies and audits from phase one of the Italian Government-funded project to Mayor of Bartica, Mr. Gifford Marshall

AS Guyana forges ahead with its Green State Development Strategy, President David Granger has envisioned Bartica, CuyuniMazaruni as the first ‘green’ town in Guyana and the Caribbean, leading in areas such as renewable energy, electric vehicles and environmental stewardship. One of the key drivers of this vision is the Office of the Climate Change (OCC), which is headed by Mrs. Janelle Christian. The OCC is determined to play its part and has been quietly doing that for the past two years

THE ITALIAN SUPPORT In June 2017, the OCC launched the first phase of the US$650,000 “Transitioning to National Energy Security” (TNES) project, which has seen the gathering and compilation of data on energy use to inform evidence-based decision making for the future implementation of projects and programmes. In simple terms, Mrs. Christian explained that the

Italian support was focused on gathering the necessary baseline data that was needed to inform the kind of actions or projects that were needed on the ground, which could have been implemented in an effective way and with scientific data to back it up. She noted that it therefore saw the completion of all the energy audits, public awareness exercises and an energy data management centre established. This phase was the most critical component as it collected data, which can be used by all government agencies and ministries to determine how programmes

The control room at the Three Miles Secondary School for the Photovoltaic System, which was installed through the Office of Climate Change

are rolled out in the town. Ms. Christian said given the fact that Bartica is a new town, there was a lack of adequate information to determine the types of projects that should be implemented to aid its pursuit of becoming a ‘green’ town. This first phase therefore ensured that a repository for Bartica was established and in place. “So under the Italian support, we would have successfully completed all of the studies largely focused on the household baseline survey to get a sense of behaviour and practices as it relates to how people use energy and whether they are aware of certain concepts. It is important for us to spend very wisely and so the work conducted in Phase one is the basis for

House Master of Three Miles Secondary School, Mr. Ricardo Allen

which we will identify tangible projects. There are also some agencies that will be using these reports to roll out programmes, for example, the Guyana Energy Agency has already used one of the reports to determine how it is going to make decisions for the town with regard to projects so it is not just about what we are doing, it will be available and can be used by all agencies,” she said. The data generated from this pilot will be used for future measurements and predictions for evidence-based decision-making and pursuance of projects and programmes. THE J-CCCP LED STREET LIGHT PROJECT Coming out of the various audits and studies conducted in the US$650,000 phase one of the project, were several recommendations, including the change out of incandescent bulbs and the installation of LED lights.

With support from the J-CCCP and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the OCC was able procure and install over 200 LED street lights across several communities in Bartica. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Communities and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) also came on board and together, over 800 lights were jointly installed across the township. Through this pilot project, the teams were able to conduct studies to determine the kind of LED lights that were most needed, what types work best in the town and its suitability to the level of darkness in the communities. According to Mrs. Christian, it was a well thought out pilot project, which really spoke to the needs of the town. Mayor of the town of Bartica, Mr. Gifford Marshall, said that through this initiative, approximately 97 per cent of the township is now outfitted with the street lights and over 5000 residents are directly benefitting. Mr. Desmond Stoby, who is a resident of Four Miles, which has benefitted from street lights, said that the residents of that community are now feeling safer and more secure while embracing the change since they are ‘green’ alternatives. “We are really enjoying the street lights we have. I personally and most of the residents welcome those street lights. It used to be so dark and people used to be afraid to walk, but not anymore. It is really something good and I really appreciate it. I want to join with the residents to applaud this initiative. I love it and the residents love it,” he said. Patricia Mull from Two Miles Housing Scheme also benefitted under the project. She, too, has expressed sentiments of gratitude, as she noted that it has really brought relief for residents. “I have to say a big thank you for this project at this time. We had lights but they were very far apart and persons were afraid and even grocery shops were closing during the afternoon hours and we couldn’t access certain things after certain hours. So now that these lights are Turn to page 23 ►

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there, we can come out and we feel much safe,” the woman said. Mayor Marshall said that the lights would have had a tremendous impact on the development of the town and its transformational process. “This, of course, enhances our security, boosts tourism and do so much for our town and so we are very grateful,” he said. SOLAR ENERGY AND STEM CLUBS FOR SCHOOLS The OCC works to ensure that its projects are well rounded, impactful and designed to create the best changes they can. During its work in the town, the OCC was informed that the Three Miles Secondary School was experiencing severe difficulties due to a lack of reliable electricity supply. Given the fact that the school features a dormitory, which houses students from far-flung communities in the region, there were food and meat spoilages and students were unable to properly prepare for classes, study or complete assignments. A sustainable intervention was urgently needed and the OCC took up the mantle. Through funding from the J-CCCP, the Climate Change Office was able to install a Photovoltaic System (PV), change the incandescent lights and procure a solar freezer for the storage of food. This system directly benefits approximately 65 students at the dorms. “Back in 2016, Bartica would have gone through a period of constant blackouts and so we looked at access to education and how this was affecting the students. So we felt it would be useful to have lights in the night. It was on that premise that we worked but we completed the change out of the incandescent bulbs in the schools, the installation of the PV system with the grid tied to battery back-up for at least six hours. The Teachers’ quarters were also connected to the system and we also facilitated a solar freezer. Sustainability is also important and so we felt it necessary to have folks there that can facilitate repairs and maintenance to the system that was installed and through the project, we were able to train six individuals from the town to do that,” she shared. House master at the Three Miles Secondary, Mr. Ricardo Allen said that the installation has made life more comfortable for both the teachers and students

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since they have been plagued with frequent blackouts and food spoilage in the past. “This has really improved our lives. This is a really good initiative the governments have taken on to improve our lives. When we have black out, they children do not react in a nice way; they run and scream and so on and so this is the best thing they could have done here for the students. They are in a better frame of mind and its helping the students in a good way,” he said. Further, through the phase one of the Italian Government-funded project, 12 teachers from Bartica, along with four community stakeholders underwent a one-day training workshop in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Robotics, aimed at equipping them with technological skills, which can assist in providing modern solutions to the challenges of transitioning Bartica, Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) to the first model ‘green’ town in Guyana and the Caribbean. Based on this workshop, which was held in February 2018, two STEM clubs were established at the Three Miles and Bartica Secondary Schools and have seen active participation in the national leagues. To date, more than 150 students have been trained in the two schools in this area. PIONEERING BARTICA’S E-VEHICLE FUTURE The second phase of the Italian Government-funded project is slated to begin in a few months’ time at the cost of US$725,000. This phase will look at three main areas: a feasibility study for electric vehicles (e-vehicles), procurement and deployment of a pilot e-vehicle and capacity building in this area. Mrs. Christian said that the GSDS speaks to the introduction of E-mobility vehicles and the OCC is taking up this challenge. She noted that while discussions are still ongoing, the office is considering an electric school bus or E-Scooters, which can be part of the pilot in the township. “We are ready to start phase two and the intention is to consider a school bus or e-scooters since Bartica is relatively small but of course, this will have to be informed by the feasibility study and what is most applicable. I can tell you that I am very excited about it,” she explained.

Bartica Town Council seeking percentage of taxes from quarries –– as 'green town' continues transformation

His Worship the Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall and his deputy Arita Embleton on the VOG's 'Insight'

Gifford Marshall said the municipality is exploring the option of securing a very small percentage of taxes paid to central government by quarries operating in the township - a move, he believes, would put the “green town” on a stronger economic footing. Appearing on the National

Communications Network’s radio programme ‘INSIGHT’, Marshall said while the quarries support the national economy, a very small percent of the taxes can be used to continue the transformation of the new town. “We looked at the numbers and we realised that if we would receive one or two percent of the taxes

paid by these quarries to the central government, it will make a tremendous impact in our town. We will be able to take care of our roads, our bridges and do what we were mandated to do.” According to the mayor, there are currently four quarries operating in Bartica. “If the township benefits from the lowest point, it will take us a long way. It is something we have started a discussion on and we hope that we will be able to access some additional funds,” he said. Mayor Marshall said the support from central government has been overwhelming as the town has been making strides with the annual subventions and grants. The finances, he said, have allowed the mu-

nicipality to keep things such as property taxes at a minimal cost. According to the mayor, Barticans are still enjoying paying the taxes at the rate it has been for years before Bartica became a town. All this remains while residents receive a higher quality of service, he added. Dubbed the “green town”, the Mayor said Bartica is working tirelessly to maintain that status. The fact that the town is also the “gateway to mining”, makes the work a little challenging. Appearing alongside the mayor was his deputy Arita Embleton. She commended the residents of Bartica for working with and for the further development of the town. (DPI)

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Bumrah hat-trick, Vihari ton cap India’s dominance of Windies

K I N G S TO N , J a m a i c a (CMC) – Jasprit Bumrah became the third Indian to snatch a hat-trick in Tests as he once again shredded West Indies’ innings with

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a devastating spell of swing bowling to leave the home side in tatters on the second day of the decisive final Test here yesterday. Replying to India’s massive first innings of 416 at Sabina Park, West Indies slumped to 87 for seven at the close, still adrift by 329 runs heading into the third day of the contest. As he did in the second innings of the Antigua first Test last week, Bumrah once again proved the Windies’ nemesis, scything through the top order to finish with six for 16. Only left-hander Shimron Hetmyer with 34 provided any resistance and was the only batsman to pass 20 and one of just three to reach double figures, as West Indies once again showed little mettle against high-class fast bowling. West Indies were making their way quietly in reply with vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite (10) and John Campbell (2) employing a cautious approach when Bumrah, after two luckless overs from the Michael Holding End, switched to the Courtney Walsh End and suddenly threw the innings into turmoil. With his fourth delivery, he got one to leave the left-handed Campbell with the angle, leaving wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant to complete a regulation catch at nine for one. It was in Bumrah’s next over that he broke the backbone of the West Indies batting, removing Darren Bravo (4), Shamarh Brooks (0) and Roston Chase (0) in successive deliveries, to become

the first Indian in 13 years to grab a hat-trick in the longest format. With the second ball, he found Bravo’s edge with a beauty of an away-swinger, for KL Rahul to pouch the chance low at second slip, before trapping Brooks lbw with a full-length delivery that dipped in. With the hat-trick delivery, Bumrah struck Chase on the toes with another full-length in-swinger but looked disinterested after the initial lbw appeal was turned down. Captain Virat Kohli reviewed, however, and DRS confirmed Chase was adjacent. Bumrah joined Harbhajan Singh (2001) and Irfan Pathan (2006) as the two previous Indians to have achieved the feat. Hanuma Vihari had earlier completed his maiden Test hundred as India, resuming the day on 264 for five, overcame a stumbling start to bat themselves into a near impregnable position. The right-hander, in his sixth Test, made 111 while tail-ender Ishant Sharma frustrated West Indies with 57 – his maiden Test half-century. Captain Jason Holder continued his splendid efforts from Friday’s opening day to end with five for 77, reaching 100 Test wickets in the process, while debutant off-spinning all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall finished with three for 105. West Indies struck with the day’s first ball when Holder brought one back between bat and pad to bowl Pant for his overnight 27. However, Vihari com-

bined with Ravindra Jadeja (16) to add 38 for the seventh wicket and keep West Indies without success for the remainder of the hour. Cornwall made the breakthrough, getting Jadeja to hole out to Bravo at mid-on but yet again, the Windies found themselves frustrated as Vihari and Ishant staged a brilliant 112run eighth-wicket stand which took India to lunch on 336 for seven. Vihari, on 42 at the start of the day, reached his half-century in the morning’s seventh over with an inside edge to the fine-leg boundary, and was unbeaten on 84 at the interval. He reached three figures in the second session with a sharp single into the on-side off seamer Roach, All told, he faced 228 deliveries and struck 17 fours. Ishant, unbeaten at lunch on 11, quickened his scoring after the interval to hit seven fours in an 80-ball knock before finally holing out to deep mid-wicket off part-time off-spinner Kraigg Brathwaite at 414 for eight. The end came quickly as Mohammed Shami edged a cut and was caught behind off Cornwall without scoring before Vihari was last out, failing to clear Roach at mid-off with Holder. Rocking at 13 for four in the ninth over following Bumrah’s hat-trick, West Indies tried to rebuild but the out-of-form Brathwaite could only hang around 38 balls before feathering a tentative drive behind to give Bumrah his fifth wicket at 22 for five. Hetmyer then anchored the best stand of the innings, putting on 45 for the sixth

wicket with Holder who made a battling 18 off 38 deliveries. They appeared determined to take Windies to the close when Hetmyer in-

side-edged a drive at seamer Mohammed Shami onto his stumps and four overs later, Holder lost concentration and knocked one up to short over off Bumrah.

Scoreboard INDIA 1st innings (o/n 264 for five) K. Rahul c Cornwall b Holder 13 M. Agarwal c Cornwall b Holder 55 C. Pujara c Brooks b Cornwall 6 V. Kohli c wkp. Hamilton b Holder 76 A. Rahane c wkp. Hamilton b Roach 24 H. Vihari c Roach b Holder 111 R. Pant b Holder 27 R. Jadeja c Bravo b Cornwall 16 I. Sharma c Hetmyer b Brathwaite 57 M. Shami c wkp. Hamilton b Cornwall 0 J. Bumrah not out 0 Extras: (b-11, lb-19, w-1) 31 Total: (all out, 140.1 overs) 416 Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-46, 3-115, 4-164, 5-202, 6-264, 7-302, 8-414, 9-416. Bowling: Roach 30-9-77-1 (w-1), Gabriel 21-474-0, Holder 32.1-9-77-5, Cornwall 41-10-1053, Chase 14-4-45-0, Brathwaite 2-0-8-1. WEST INDIES 1st innings K. Brathwaite c wkp. Pant b Bumrah 10 J. Campbell c wkp. Pant b Bumrah 2 D. Bravo c Rahul b Bumrah 4 S. Brooks lbw b Bumrah 0 R. Chase lbw b Bumrah 0 S. Hetmyer b Shami 34 J. Holder c sub. (Rohit Sharma) b Bumrah 18 J. Hamilton not out 2 R Cornwall not out 4 Extras: (b-8, lb-5) 13 Total: (7 wkts, 33 overs) 87 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-13, 3-13, 4-13, 5-22, 6-67, 7-78. Bowling: Ishant Sharma 6.5-2-20-0, Bumrah 9.1-3-16-6, Mohammed Shami 8-3-19-1, Jadeja 9-5-19-0. Position: West Indies trail by 329 runs with three first-innings wickets intact.

Referee/Judge Elton Chase creates history … First ITO from Guyana THE name Elton Chase will go down in the boxing history books of Guyana. Chase, a referee/judge affiliated to Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) was successful at the International Technical Officer (ITO) examination held in St Lucia last May, becoming the first from Guyana to hold the ITO title. The news of his accomplishment was conveyed yesterday via an official doc-

ument from world governing body AIBA to GBA president Steve Ninvalle. Chase’s success at the exams makes him the first Guyanese to be certified ITO by AIBA. “This is to communicate the results of the AIBA ITO Certification Course conducted in Rodney Bay, St Lucia during May 22-23, 2019. We would like to mention that Mr Elton Chase from your NF has successfully complet-

ed the course and passed the exams,” the letter from Pat Fiacco, AIBA Technical and Rules Commission Chairperson stated. Contacted yesterday Ninvalle applauded Chase’s certification claiming that “it is another pillar in local boxing’s development. Boxing and Guyana must be proud of his recent achievement”. Mr Chase remains one of our most dependable and dedicated officials and his ascent to the rank of ITO

speaks to his tenacity for personal development and that of the sport. Obviously, the hope is that others will follow in his footstep. On behalf of the executive of the GBA, I take this opportunity to heap duly earned praise on Guyana’s first ITO. Chase thanked all who contributed to his recent success. “I am very honoured to have successfully completed this course, the long hours of work is rewarded. “I must thank God, Mr Ninvalle, the St Luca Box-

ing Association and its president (David Christopher) and all those who participated in the course for their contributions to this success story. I anticipate contributing to the advancement of amateur boxing in Guyana, the Caribbean and internationally,” Chase declared. The recent certification clears the path for Chase to be selected for international ITO duties which include evaluating the Field oF Play and venues and registration of boxers.

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Liverpool post club-record 13th league win; City hot in pursuit By Neil Robinson LONDON, England (Reuters) - Liverpool’s perfect start to the season continued with a 3-0 win at Burnley, a club-record 13th successive Premier League victory that quickly displaced Manchester City, 4-0 conquerors of Brighton & Hove Albion, at the top of the table.After four games, last season’s top two have broken clear of the pack although this time it is Juergen Klopp’s side two points ahead as they go into the international break. On a day of several VAR controversies as English football continues to grapple with the new technology, Leicester City emerged as the nearest pursuers after beating Bournemouth 3-1 but there was more frustration for Manchester United and Chelsea, who were held by Southampton and Sheffield United respectively. West Ham United and Crystal Palace both won.

At Turf Moor, Liverpool took the lead on 33 minutes when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross looped off Chris Wood’s head into the far corner of the net, with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino also scoring in another impressive performance. The club’s previous record run was set between April and October 1990, when the team was managed by Kenny Dalglish. City’s win was even more emphatic and was never in doubt from the moment Kevin de Bruyne put them ahead in the second minute. With Sergio Aguero scoring twice to keep up his record of scoring in each of City’s four league games and substitute Bernardo Silva netting with his second touch, it was business as usual for City, who lost French defender Aymeric Laporte with what looked like a serious knee injury. “It doesn’t look good,” said Pep Guardiola. United failed to take ad-

Burnley’s Jack Cork in action with Liverpool’s Fabinho and Jordan Henderson at Burnley, Britain (REUTERS/Phil Noble) vantage of their numerical superiority at Southampton where the home side played the final 17 minutes with 10 men after defender Kevin Danso was sent off for a second yellow card. Although United took the lead through Daniel James, who registered his third league goal of the

season with a fine strike, Danish centre back Jannik Vestergaard headed the equaliser on 58 minutes. RESULTS DIP Southampton then held firm to frustrate the visitors under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who said two points from their last three

games represented “a dip in results but not form”. The Norwegian also rejected suggestions Paul Pogba could leave the club before tomorrow’s European transfer deadline. “Paul Pogba will be playing for us,” he said. Third-placed Leicester continued their excellent start to the season with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, with Jamie Vardy involved in all the home team’s goals. The striker scored twice and made a third for Youri Tielemans to complete a memorable week in which it was announced his wife is pregnant for the fifth time. Bournemouth felt Tielemans should have been red-carded for a foul on Callum Wilson, a challenge that VAR considered but chose not to intervene on, even though Wilson said he felt Tielemans almost ‘broke my ankle’. There was more controversy at Selhurst Park where referee Kevin Friend disallowed a late equaliser

for alleged simulation by Jack Grealish. The decision enraged Villa manager Dean Smith who questioned why VAR did not step in, and Norwich manager Daniel Farke was also unhappy about non-intervention after a challenge on his defender Christoph Zimmermann did not receive a red card in the 2-0 defeat at West Ham. “This is a game where VAR didn’t work,” he said. Chelsea manager Frank Lampard looked close to securing his first home win of the season after Tammy Abraham scored twice in the first half but the promoted visitors showed plenty of fight to snatch a point with a strike from Callum Robinson and a late own goal from Kurt Zouma. Bottom side Watford, who had lost their first three games, eased some of the pressure on manager Javi Gracia by scraping a point in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United.

Canadian Bianca Andreescu Starc impresses as Australia beat Derbyshire in tour match through to US Open fourth round MITCHELL Starc again impressed on the final day as Australia beat Derbyshire by an innings and 54 runs at Derby. The left-arm fast bowler took 4-39 as Derbyshire were all out for 112, with Tony Palladino absent injured. Starc, who has 211 wickets in 51 Tests but is yet to feature in the Ashes so far this summer, finished with

seven wickets in the threeday match. Australia now face England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford on Wednesday, with the series tied at 1-1. Steve Smith, who missed Australia’s third-Test defeat with concussion, had made just 23 with the bat on Friday but was not needed to bowl as the tourists wrapped matters up in less than 20 overs’ play.

The game against Derbyshire was Australia’s final tour match - with two back-to-back Tests to come.

Australia needed seven wickets yesterday to force the innings victory - with Derby resuming on 53-3, needing another 113 to make the Aussies bat again - and they struck early when Alex Hughes was bowled off the inside edge by Michael Neser. Leus du Plooy topscored with 37 but fell lbw to Mitchell Marsh, while Matt Critchley was left unbeaten on 17, as Starc removed Derbyshire’s last two batsmen for ducks. Australia had rested their entire first-choice pace attack from the third Test at Headingley with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and James Pattinson all sitting the game out, as did spinner Nathan Lyon. But with Smith almost certain to return to the Test side at Old Trafford, Australia must decide who to leave out if all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne is retained in the XI. (BBC Sport)

CANADIAN 15th seed Bianca Andreescu beat former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki in the third round of the US Open. The 19-year-old, playing at Flushing Meadows for the first time, won 6-4, 6-4 in a match featuring 10 service breaks. Andreescu, who has won titles in Toronto and Indian Wells this year, will face American Taylor Townsend in the next round. Elsewhere, Dutch seventh seed Kiki Bertens lost to German Julia Gorges. Bertens, a former Wimbledon quarter-finalist last year, fought off four match points before Gorges won 6-2. 6-3. Gorges, seeded 26th, will face Donna Vekic in the fourth round after the Croat beat Kazakh Yulia

Bianca Andreescu beat German three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber in the final at Indian Wells in March. Putintseva 6-4. 6-1. World number 116 Townsend knocked out Wimbledon champion Simona Halep in the second round and beat Romanian Sorana Cirstea 7-5. 6-2 yesterday. Meanwhile, Latvian world number 77 Jelena Ostapenko, a former French Open champion,

lost 6-3, 7-5 to American Kristie Ahn, who had never won a main draw singles match at a Grand Slam before. Ahn faces Belgian 25th seed Elise Mertens in the fourth round. The former Australian Open semi-finalist won 6-3, 6-3 against German Andrea Petkovic, ranked 88th.

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

Hinterland boxing coach ‘Pocket’ Rogers completes another outreach in Region 8 By Joe Chapman THE roving hinterland boxing coach Orlon ‘Pocket’ Rogers, through the Ministry of Social Cohesion continues to make his rounds in those remote areas of Guyana where he has just completed 10 days of basic pugilistic training. Rogers, who began this crusade of introducing boxing in 2017 to interior locations of Guyana, recently went to Region Eight where the introductory boxing programme saw training held in Kato’s sixteen villages in the North Pakaraima region and an-

other eleven, inclusive of the populated villages of Bamboo Creek, Chenapau, Kaibarupai, Kopinang, Kurukabaru, Karis Paris, Monkey Mountain, Paramakatoi and Tuseneng, welcomed to their districts. The just-concluded 10 days of introductory training of boxers by Rogers also saw female football coach Nicola Leacock visit Region #8. Rogers has expressed thanks for being able to impart the fundamental training to the youths in those areas who were given training sessions in boxing and football,

through the direction of Social Cohesion Minister Dr George Norton and his Ministry, which aim to empowering youths to build cohesive communities. This is the third such exercise since 2017. Rogers spent 10 days introducing the relatively new fistic sport to those hinterland boys and girls. There were 20 persons attending sessions twice a day and the participants are asking for the coach to re-visit their village for a three-week stint to conduct follow-up training sessions. Rogers was elated about

the response by the people in the hinterland area saying: “They are all thankful to the government and the Ministry of Social Cohesion. Many thanks again to Minister Dr George Norton who appointed me as a hinterland boxing coach. One of the fathers from Chenapau was also thankful because he was only seeing football being addressed.” So now there is a big change in sports as he always wanted his sons to be boxers, so he is willing for this to continue. He is requesting a boxing gym in his village for his sons, daughter and his nephews and many others.

Hinterland boxing coach Orlan ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers with boxers from Region 8

Australia expecting tough Caribbean challenge AUSTRALIA Women cricketers will not underestimate the West Indies despite a raft of injuries, meaning their Caribbean rivals will be without a host of key players for their upcoming one-day international series. As the Australian touring party flew to the Caribbean on Thursday, the Windies named their 13-player squad for the three-match series in Antigua. Crucially, the hosts will be without star all-rounder Deandra Dottin, who has not played since being ruled out of her team’s tour of the United Kingdom in May due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Shakera Selman, Chedean Nation and Shemaine Campbelle are also down to miss the ODIs due to injury. In their place the West Indies have called in veteran off-spinner Anisa Mohammed, Kyshona Knight and uncapped teenager Shabika Gajnabi. The inclusion of Gajnabi will give the Australians plenty to think about ahead of the series, with the 19-year-old medium-pacer from Guyana representing an unknown quantity for the tourists. While Australia’s upand-coming talent is showcased through television and streamed broadcast of the Rebel WBBL, the same isn’t

true of the domestic set-up in the West Indies. But Australia vice-captain Rachael Haynes says the world’s top-ranked team won’t let the unknowns faze them when the first one-dayer gets underway at Antigua’s Coolidge Cricket Ground on September 5. Nor will there be any room for complacency despite the Windies’ recent poor display against England, where they failed to win a game, and their lengthy injury list. “They’re going to be very strong here,” Haynes said. “There are some new faces coming into their team so it’s going to be a bit of a

Australia will not underestimate the West Indies Women, despite a raft of injuries.

different challenge for us, coming up against some fresh players and some players we haven’t seen a lot of. “They’re a pretty mercurial side and we know on their day they can be really dangerous so we’ll prepare really well (because) at home they’ll be really strong.” Mohammed is the fifth highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs but was dropped for the Windies’ tours of England and Ireland in May and June after below-par performances against Pakistan in February, while Knight was part of the Windies’ T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2016. “The panel selected the best available players from the camp in Antigua over the last month, as a result of most of our senior players being unavailable due to injury,” CWI Interim Chairman of Selectors Robert Haynes said. “We have included Anisa Mohammed and Kyshona Knight who have a lot of experience between them and which is required when playing against Australia, the top-ranked women’s team. “As a result of the injuries to our senior players, it gave us the opportunity to select two of our younger

Uncapped Guyanese teenager Shabika Gajnabi players in Shabika Gajnabi and Karishma Ramharack to give the captain more options in the bowling department.” The ODI series will get underway in Antigua on September 5, with ICC Women’s ODI Championship points on offer for each of the three one-dayers. Played across a period of three years, the Championship determines which four teams are handed automatic qualification for the 2021 Women’s World Cup. CommBank Tour of the West Indies One-Day Internationals* *ICC Women’s Cham-

pionship matches September 5: First ODI, Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua September 8: Second ODI, Sir Viv Richards Ground, Antigua September 11: Third ODI, Sir Viv Richards Ground, Antigua Twenty20 Internationals September 14: First T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados September 16: Second T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados September 18: Third T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

Linden’s $178M synthetic track is just reward for the athletes –– Former National champion Butcher By Joe Chapman in New York CONSIDERED one of Linden’s greatest athletes, Bruce Butcher, a former National high jump champion is of the opinion that the construction of the first ever 400m synthetic track (valued $178M), at the Bayrock ground in Wismar is timely and deserving. The Florida-based Butcher began his career competing at the National Schools Championships in 1983. He revealed; “As a former Mackenzie High School, Linden and former National athlete, I have been watching those things that have been going on in Guyana for the past few years with the youngsters. We have been churning out a lot of athletes from this area here. “So, this 400m international synthetic track is a good initiative to help boost track and field in Linden. It is a great step going forward.” The glorious days of track and field achievements on grass tracks by Mackenzie/Linden athletes can be traced back to the time when Leyland ‘Flash’ Blair burst onto the scene as a National sprint cham-

pion, along with Learie Bonnet, to be followed by many others including Aubrey ‘Skinny’ Wilson, Lionel Perry, Elton Jefford, Desmond Hector, Bruce Butcher, Compton Caesar and Daniel Williams to name a few. On the distaff side the names of Lorraine Jordan, Paula Haynes, Roxanne Sills, Juliet Fredericks, Nyota Peters, Marian Burnette and Chantoba Bright easily come to mind. Knowing the fact that recently two of Linden’s best young athletes have secured scholarships, namely Chantoba Bright and Daniel Williams to US colleges, Butcher pointed out; “There are places that have those things like a synthetic track, and who are not necessarily churning out such brilliant athletes, and, as Linden continues to reign supreme at the National Schools Track and Field, Swimming and Cycling championships it clearly means that we have talent here in Linden.” Butcher went down memory lane; “The same back field right in Watooka Primary School we used to have our own sports. I learned to jump on that back field doing the scis-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday September 01, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel-225-9230) &CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz:

(1) 774 runs (vs WI, 1971) (2) Rohan Kanhai-256 (1958-59), Clive Lloyd-242* (1974-75), Faoud Bacchus-250 (1978-79)

Today’s Quiz:

(1) When Jack Noriega once took nine wickets in a Test innings, who was the batsman he did not dismiss? (2) Which two did not make their Test debut under Clive Lloyd? Andy Roberts, Colin Croft, Winston Davis, Malcolm Marshall, Wayne Daniel

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

sors and I realised that I was good at it before I even went to high school. Guys who were at high school would say to my older brothers how revealing it would be to see what will happen as soon as I got to high school.” Touching on the new facility now taking shape in Linden, Butcher noted; “That is exciting, these youngsters are seeing track and field on television, in my time we didn’t see track and field on television like that. They are seeing how it is supposed to be. They are actually getting to go to the CARIFTA Games and stuff like that. My first time travelling was when I went to French Guiana and I actually saw a mat (jumping mat), I jumped six inches farther.” The former standout athlete said that Guyana is now playing catch up on athletics but noted it was still commendable. “So, actually having to have the opportunity to work on a track like this every day is going to be a great improvement. I watch what is going on in Jamaica and they are churning out great Caribbean athletes. We have the talent, but we just need the opportunities, and we need a good track which is number one priority.” He re-emphasised; “Having a track in Linden is going to be something great for track and field. It basically boils down to having facilities.” Reminiscing on how it was in his time Butcher remembers: “I was talking about going to CARIFTA trials and they didn’t even have a mat. They had to go over to Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and bring a couple of mattresses to put down there. And I still had to make the qualifying height. So, with facilities, you now are no longer at a disadvantage and these guys

Former National high jump champion Bruce Butcher learning to work on a real track every day is going to be great for sprints, or even high jump, they need to have these things in place.” The ongoing construction of Linden’s first 400m synthetic track is being done by the contracting company Builders Hardware and General Supplies, and completion is anticipated for year end. Construction began last year and is divided into four phases, already completed are the first and second phases. In Phase One, the works done were the activation of the project team, site identification, ensuring technical supervision/consultancy, confirmation of project management plans. In Phase Two, the job was the technical inspections, cadastral surveys, soil tests, drawings, awarding of construction entailed contracts. Currently the work is at Phase Three which includes having the activation of ground work: building retaining wall, concrete base, drainage system and asphalting. When this is completed the fourth and final phase will see the laying of the synthetic surface, line markings for the eightlane track and completion of works. It was reported that the track will also have accommodation to carry out field events while in the middle will be a football field.

Riley is still BCA president after beating Garner 198-112 BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (www.bcacricket.org) Conde Riley is still the president of Barbados Cricket Association (BCA). Riley, 66, defeated former long-standing president Joel Garner 198 votes to 112 at the 17th Special Meeting at Kensington Oval on Thursday evening. A retired investment banker and former local club cricketer, Riley was first elected president on July 27, 2017. Garner, also aged 66, an iconic former Barbados captain and West Indies fast bowler, was the president from 2007-2017 before stepping aside to take up an apJoel Garner pointment as manager of the West Indies team. It was the third time that Garner and Riley had opposed each other for the much-sought-after position. Garner first triumphed 166121 on August 14, 2013 and again two years later, 127101, on August 27 - both at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. The other positions contested were all retained by the incumbents. Secretary Gregory Conde Riley Nicholls, with 195 votes, turned back the challenges of newcomer Amanda Reifer (53) and former secretary Anthea Ishmael (43). And the battle for three directors among 11 candidates resulted in Winston Stafford (146), Timothy Boyce (119) and Roland Butcher (115) winning comfortably. The other contestants were Jeff Broomes (82), Calvin Watson (80), Pedro Greaves (68), Hartley Reid (60), Amanda Reifer (54), Anthony Depeiza (31), Anthea Ishmael (24) and Errol Barrow (18). Full Board of Management reads: Conde Riley (president), Calvin Hope (vice-president), Gregory Nicholls (secretary), Jason King (treasurer), Winston Stafford, Timothy Boyce, Roland Butcher, Evril ‘Betty’ Lewis-Browne, Ignatius Marshall.

Nadal through to US Open fourth round RAFAEL Nadal powered past Chung Hyeon into the US Open fourth round, capitalising on the extra rest he enjoyed before facing the South Korean. The Spanish second seed, who had a walkover in the previous round, had not played since Tuesday and it showed in a dominant 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win. By contrast, Chung had come through three rounds of qualifying and spent nine hours more on court. Nadal faces Marin Cilic next, while sixth seed Alexander Zverev also won. MERCILESS NADAL MARCHES ON With defending champion Novak Djokovic and 20time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer in the opposite side of the draw, Nadal has - on paper at least - a more favourable route to a potential fifth US Open final. Any concerns over the Spaniard’s fitness after he withdrew from this month’s Cincinnati Masters because of fatigue have been dispelled here with two ruthless displays in his two matches. The 18-time Grand Slam champion did not face a single break point against Chung, who was a top-20 player and Australian Open semi-finalist last year. (BBC Sport)

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE September 1, 2019

GFF shortlists 20 for Nations League duty against Aruba, Jamaica WITH the aim to foster continuous exposure and development of young Guyana-based players on the international field, newly-appointed head coach of Guyana senior Men’s National team, commonly known as the Golden Jaguars, Márcio Máximo has shortlisted a 20-man squad to play the first two matches of the CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) against Aruba and Jamaica respectively. The squad, which includes 10 Guyana-based players, comprises three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders and five forwards. “Of course, I have been here just 10 days and while that time was not enough, I have been able to see the characteristics of the players to provide a good combination of Guyana and international-based players in the squad,” said coach Máximo in an invited comment following the announcement of the squad yesterday. He said team preparations have been steady and going well and while the intent for the upcoming matches is to win, there’s no guarantee in international football:

“Preparations have been going very well, the guys are very motivated. The guys have shown great interest and, of course, they understand the tactical elements. While we will set out to win the upcoming matches, there’s no guarantee in football. We, however, will go to the game with optimism that we can have a good result against both Aruba and Jamaica.” A 31-man Guyana-based provisional squad has been in training at the GFF’s National Training Centre, Providence for just under a month in preparation for the CNL. Guyana’s first match is scheduled for September 6 against Aruba in Curacao. Guyana will then play their first of three home matches against Jamaica on September 9 at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora from 19:00hrs. The team is set to depart tomorrow and the international-based players will join the squad in Curacao on the said day for encampment before the first match. The allocation of teams for the current group stage of the tournament was de-

termined following the oneoff qualifying phase held in September 2018 – March 2019. Guyana have been placed in League B – Group C with Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda and Aruba, based on their performance, which earned them a place at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. In this current group stage, teams have been placed in three Leagues – A, B and C – with four groups and will play home-and-away matches, round-robin format for promotion and relegation. The winner of each group will be promoted while the loser will be relegated. Six nations – Mexico, United States, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras and Trinidad & Tobago – have gained automatic qualification having reached the final qualification stage for the 2018 World Cup. The 34 remaining nations have been placed in the group qualifiers. League A contains 12 teams, with the six hexagonal participants joined by the top six teams from the qualification phase. League B contains the next 16 teams from the qualifying phase who finished in seventh to 22nd place. League C contains the remaining

Golden Jaguars head coach Márcio Máximo during one of the training sessions. member associations, with the teams who finished 23rd to 34th in qualifying. The semi-finals and finals are set for March 2020 with the winners of Groups 1–4 in League-A competing in two semi-finals. Guyana’s other matches in the tournament are as follows: • October 11: Antigua & Barbuda vs Guyana in Antigua. • October 14: Guyana vs Antigua in Guyana. • November 15: Guyana

vs Aruba in Guyana. • November 18: Jamaica vs Guyana in Jamaica. The squad reads: Goalkeepers: Alex Murray, Akel Clarke, Quillan Roberts Defenders: Sam Cox, Sherwin Skeete , Kevin Layne, Raphael Edwards, Matthew Briggs, Liam Gordon Midfielders: Neil Danns, Clive Nobrega, Daniel Wilson, Delwin Fraser, Stephen Duke-McKenna, Ryan Hackett

Forwards: Kelsey Benjamin, Keanu Marsh-Brown, Pernell Schultz , Terell Ondaan, Sheldon Holder Head coach Marcio Maximo, assistant coach Charles Pollard, goalkeeper/coach Eon DeVeira, lead physiotherapist: Denzil Hernandez, physiotherapist Quacy Paddy, head of sports science Wilson Toledo, head of recruitment Faizal Khan, team operations manager Rawle Adams, equipment manager Trevor Burnett.

Positive results for Team Guyana ahead of Williams Industries International today

(By Stephan Sookram in Barbados, compliments of Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., Transpacific Motorspares and Auto Sales, Nexus Machining and Fabrication workshop, B.M. Soat Auto Sales and Spares, Miracle Optical)

ANDREW King will start second on the grid for group two when the flag drops for the Williams Industries International Race Meet today in Barbados. The Guyanese who posted a 1:03.048 second time will line up alongside Barbados’

Mark Maloney who posted a 1:02.287. King, who spoke to the media said, “The performance today wasn’t bad. We have a few small changes to make and hopefully we can move up one spot.” “We are not worried, I think it was a good day considering how late we got the car yesterday,” King said. Meanwhile Mohan Rangasammy who is also running in Group 4 says that he is plagued with trouble. “We had found some issues with the car between Friday and today (yesterday) and we

Danny Persaud will drive in group 3

Andrew King will start second on the grid.

are getting better,” he said. Danny Persaud who will run in Group 3 also suffered mechanical issues but qualified fourth. “We had some issues after qualifying but we will be ready for tomorrow (today),” he said. Meanwhile, Rameez Mohamed qualified seventh on the grid for the Group 2 and will run the ‘Class 2’ segment of the group. “Tyres made a big difference today (Saturday). We ran a less-grippy tyre than the other guys and we can’t get the tyre to buy

here so we will run with a different class.” There was not much luck for Kristian Jeffrey who will start seventh as well, after mechanical issues plagued him also. “In the first practice, we were in the top three but just before qualifying, we had an issue with the car not downshifting. We found the problem after so tomorrow we should be good. “However, fighting through the pack will be tough. I have to get the launch perfect,” he added. Today’s race begins at 09:00hrs.

Bumrah hat-trick, Vihari ton cap India’s dominance of Windies

See story on page 35

Hanuma Vihari celebrates his Test ton. (AFP)

Referee/Judge Elton Chase creates history … First ITO from Guyana

See story on page 35

Referee/Judge Elton Chase becomes the first Guyanese ITO.

Jason Holder’s five for 77 included his 100th Test wicket. (AFP)

Jasprit Bumrah’s hat-trick against West Indies Bumrah had left-hander Darren Bravo caught at second slip for four, before trapping both Shamarh Brooks and Roston Chase lbw for golden ducks at Sabina Park in Kingston.It was the third Test hat-trick by an India bowler after Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan.

First night fixtures for inaugural ‘592 Street Kings’ released … Leopold Street vs Tiger Bay, the highlight of night one

ON September 7 (Saturday), come evenfall, 16 of Guyana’s best and up-and-coming teams will go head-to-head as they vie to begin their journey towards being crowned the inaugural ‘592 Street Kings’ of Georgetown street football. Powered by Ansa McAl’s 592 Lager Beer brand, the ‘592 Street Kings’ match night one is set for the Berlin tarmac (Drysdale and High Streets) and the coordinator of the tournament has released the fixtures ahead of the highly anticipated tournament. With the mixture of the best-of-the-best in ‘streetball’ and young, exciting up-andcoming teams, every match can be treated as a final. It will be a case or ‘win or go home’ as the tournament will be a straight knockout competition. Seasoned ‘street-ballers Alexander Village, who are led by Shem Porter will open proceedings against the youthful LA Ballers (a mixture of National U-20 footballers) at 19:30hrs while Back Circle are assigned to meet Ansa McAl All-Stars at 20:00hrs. Meanwhile East Coast outfit Melanie-B will clash with Keron Solomon’s Future Stars at 20:30hrs before a mouthwatering fixture at 21:00hrs which

will see Broad Street. led by Jimmy Gravesande. com up against North-East La Penitence. The fifth fixture of the night which is scheduled to begin at 21:30hrs will see Okeene ‘Russian’ Fraser lead his Leopold Street side against bitter rivals, Tiger-Bay, which is sure to have the crowd on edge. That game will be followed by renowned street-ballers Gold is Money. who boast Hubert Pedro among their ranks, against Avocado Ballers. The penultimate game will treat fans to streetball juggernauts Sparta Boss showcasing their talent against the exciting John Street outfit. The eighth and final fixture

of the night can be called a tournament final in its own right, as longtime rivals Albouystown-B will look to get past the dangerous Sophia to book their quarter-final spot. The eight winners of the night will advance to the quarter-final stage which is set for Burnham Court (Middle and Carmichael Streets) on September 14. Each of the eight quarter-finalists will have a chance to win cash prizes as the winners will advance to the semi-finals while the losers will be eligible for the ‘592 Shield’ which has a purse of $50 000 up for grabs. Meanwhile the semi-finals will also be played on match

night two while the third and final night of the tournament is set for the D’Urban Park tarmac. On that night the semi-finals and final of the ‘592 Shield’ will be played while the third place and final of the ‘592 Street Kings’ tournament will also kick-off. The inaugural ‘592 Street Kings’ winners will walk away with $300000 cash while the runners-up will receive $150 000. The winner of the thirdplace playoff will pocket $100 000 while the fourth-placed team will receive $75 000. Entry to the event is free and patrons can enjoy 592 Beer specials all night at 6 for $1 000. Every purchase guarantees patrons prizes which in-

clude 592 jerseys, caps, cozies, openers and buckets. Opening night fixtures (September 7): Berlin tarmac Alexander Village vs LA Ballers - 19:30hrs Back Circle vs Ansa McAl All-Stars - 20:00hrs Melanie-B vs Future Stars - 20:30hrs Broad Street vs North-East La Penitence - 21:00hrs Leopold Street vs Tiger Bay - 21:30hrs Gold is Money vs Avocado Ballers - 22:00hrs Sparta Boss vs John Street - 22:30hrs Albouystown-B vs Sophia - 23:00hrs

Team representatives from some of the participating teams in the ‘592 Street Kings’ tournament. (Adrian Narine photo)

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2019