Issuu

TUESDAY

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 25, 2019

25th June, 2019

No.105679

CRIME CHIEF SUSPENDED

Crime Chief Lyndon Alves

…as probe into corruption claims deepens President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo enjoy a light moment at a reception to mark the 152nd Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada held at the Marriot Hotel, Georgetown Monday evening (Adrian Narine photo)

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Canada Day Celebrated --- New Canadian Chamber of Commerce soon 09 PAGE

GWI pumps up water delivery in Region One …thousands to tap service for first time 11 PAGE

‘CONSENSUS-BUILDING’

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…CCJ grants more time for leaders to agree on political solution

Housing for Lombard St squatters

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…Food for the Poor, CH&PA signed pact to build houses

‘Find consensus’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 25, 2019

…CCJ grants more time for leaders to agree on political solution …to receive written submissions July 1, final judgment July 12

By Lisa Hamilton THE Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has granted more time to the leaders here to find political consensus in relation to the consequential orders to flow from last week’s ruling that quashed the appointment of the chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and also uphold the no-confidence vote against the government. The parties have been given until July 1, 2019 to file written submissions and will meet again on July 12, 2019, for final judgment. President of the CCJ, Justice Adrian Saunders outlined that the submissions for July 1 must concisely guide the court, based on the positions of the parties, on the consequential orders it should make. Justice Saunders made the decision on Monday afternoon at the court’s location in Trinidad and Tobago which seeks to encourage a resolution to the issue of when fresh elections can be held in Guyana. Initially, the CCJ, having upheld the No-Confidence vote against the Government and simultaneously quashing the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM, was expected to lay out the consequential orders on

Monday. However, deliberations on Monday between the CCJ and the attorneys representing the parties proved that additional information and deliberations are required before the court can come to an informed conclusion. “We’re going to ask that the parties make written submissions on the consequential orders that the court can and should make in respect of each of the sets of cases on which judgement was given,” Justice Saunders stated. The submissions are restricted to no more than 20 pages; it must be typed in font size of at least ‘12’ and with at least 1.5 line spacing. Those to make 20-page submissions on behalf of their parties include Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes; Senior Counsel, Eamon Courtenay; Attorney General, Basil Williams and GECOM’s Attorney, Stanley Marcus. If other parties wish to make submissions, they have been allotted a 10-page restriction or less. Leading up to the period of July 12, 2019, the CCJ expects the leaders of the country’s two main political forces to meet to come to an agreement on some or all the matters in discussion. While President David Grang-

er, following the CCJ’s ruling on July 18, extended an invitation to Opposition Leader Bharrat

Attorney General Basil Williams leaves the Court of Appeal in Guyana (Adrian Narine photo)

Jagdeo for a meeting to be held to discuss the current political situation in Guyana, the leaders have not yet had the chance to meet. It is unclear whether Jagdeo

has responded to the President’s request to meet, although he has given the undertaking to meet with the Guyanese leader. Williams, in his submission to the court on Monday, informed that the President still awaits word from the Opposition Leader on his availability to meet and remains committed to hosting such a meeting. “Between now and July 12, we would encourage the parties and, in particular, the leaders of the lists --- His Excellency the President and the Honourable Leader of the Opposition --- with their Counsel or with their Counsel being available to advise them and the Attorney General being advised as well or advising himself, we would encourage a meeting or meetings of that nature to take place,” Justice Saunders stated on Monday. “I’m hoping that if or when the parties meet, they can find some consensus on the way forward but, be that as it may, the court will be open to naturally receiving your suggestions as to a consensual way forward.” While some attorneys representing their parties attended the court session at its location in Trinidad and Tobago, some others attended locally at Guyana’s Court of Appeal via video conferencing.

In Trinidad were Attorneys Sanjeev Datadin, Ganesh Hira and Stephen Singh representing Charrandass Persaud in the Charrandass Persaud v Compton Reid, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Attorney General, Bharrat Jagdeo and Joseph Harmon case. Present along with Mendes were Attorneys Anil Nandlall, Chandrapratest Satram, Davesh Maharaj and others on behalf of the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo. Present, too, was GECOM’s Attorney, Senior Counsel Stanley Marcus. During the latter part of the CCJ livestream, Guyana’s feed to the Court of Appeal experienced some technical difficulties, but the decision of Justice Sunders was eventually conveyed to those present at the Court of Appeal. Coming out of the Court of Appeal, and asked whether anything can be done to speed up the process towards a meeting between the two leaders, Williams stated that this can be addressed. However, he reminded that the Leader of the Opposition has been issued an invitation and the ball is now in his court to respond in favour of a meeting with the President.

Group of women better equipped in Child Care Management By Wendella Davidson A GROUP of women, who are members of the first graduating Childcare Management Class of 2019, are now equipped with the basic knowledge to enable them to function as child caregivers. The group of 14 recently completed three months of intense study of the discipline conducted by the Adult Education Association. Guyana Red Cross, Ms. Ann Green Hope, Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, who delivered the feature address at a graduation ceremony held on June 14, 2019, likened good childcare workers as special gems. She said they are known to be rare, hard to find, and when found are priceless and invaluable. As such, she exhorted the graduating class to “be the rare gems that are needed to ensure that chil-

At the Childcare Management Class of 2019 graduation ceremony, seated from left, Ms Anne Greene, Director, Childcare and Protection Agency; Executive Director of Adult Education Association (AEA), Mrs Patricia David and Course Facilitator Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Christine King. Standing are some of the graduates. ( Adrian Narine photo )

dren receive optimal care in any setting that they are placed, even as she cautioned of the messages sent when interacting with a child, since “Every word, facial expression, gesture, or action on the part of a caregiver gives the child some message about self-worth”. She told the graduates that the sky is the limit for them and that there is a big world out there, as children are underserved, in particular, the ones that have to be placed in institutions due to no fault of their own, but mostly due to what the parent/caregiver did or did not do. In reiterating that there is a shortage of good childcare workers, Green remarked that someone fitting the attribute must not only be certified by passing the exams and getting a certificate, but should really qualify by TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 25, 2019

Crime chief suspended

…as probe into corruption claims deepens

CRIME Chief Lyndon Alves has been suspended to facilitate a full investigation into allegations of corruption levelled against him, well-placed sources have told the Guyana Chronicle. Top sources confirmed that Alves received the suspension letter on Monday. Last week, the Guyana Police Force broke its silence on the corruption allegations which were raised in the press and on several social media platforms. On Friday, a direct question was posed to the police by a member of the press on its apparent silence on the issues raised by a number of whistleblowers within the Force. The Force, just after 20:00hrs on Friday, then issued a statement saying that the matters are under investi-

gation by the Police Office of Professional Responsibility. However, the whistleblowers, according to previous media reports, have stated that they were more comfortable with a probe into the allegations being done by external sources as against agents of the Force, for fear that the investigation would be compromised. Over the last few weeks, police ranks have been engaging media operatives, whereby they have been detailing alleged corrupt practices by their colleagues who have been allegedly receiving protection from very senior police officers within the Guyana Police Force. The matters range from the re-issuing of a weapon to a policeman who was reprimanded and removed from front-line duty after he had

an ongoing matter involving a firearm, but managed to be sent back to front-line duties and re-issued a weapon despite his ongoing investigation. There was also the claim that numbers for several police officers were found in the mobile phones of three bandits who were killed by the police during a shootout, and where a number of mobile phones, cash, police gear and other items were recovered. The police have denied that the telephone numbers of serving members were found in those phones. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, had also called for the claims to be investigated thoroughly. On Monday, the Opposition People’s Progressive Party said that the reports by whistleblowers, published by

Crime Chief Lyndon Alves

the local media corps, provide enough justification for a wider probe to be ordered, particularly since what is at stake is public confidence in the leadership of the Force and a test of the commitment to address the issue of corruption. The latest report, published by Stabroek News

Group of women better equipped ...

◄ From page 2

being suitable for the role. She noted, too, that a childcare worker’s influence on a child can last a lifetime, hence, personal qualifications are important and must be a primary concern when hiring individuals to care for children. On this note, Green urged that the graduates conduct a self-introspection to determine whether they possess, among other things, a willingness to continue and broaden their understanding about children and their development; a sense of value for human dignity, worth and especially a high regard for children as learning, growing human beings; the ability to respond to children in a warm, relaxed and friendly manner, but not so casual as to be meaningless; a sense of organisation and a willingness to share ideas and consider suggestions from others; self-confidence and a sense of security which comes through being informed about children, their abilities and needs and the developmental possibilities of children’s programme. Additionally, an interest in improving commu-

nication with both adults and children; a willingness and ability to participate in children’s activities; having real interest in exploring the child’s world; an interest in learning, leading to a positive self-concept which promotes working with other adults and children without feeling inferior; patience and tolerance with active, curious and at times, noisy and difficult children; having the ability to be objective and professional with the staff and parents above the level of letting personality conflicts hinder the programme; the ability and willingness to cooperate and follow instructions; a sense of humour and a pleasant disposition; an appreciation for the efforts of children and a basic knowledge of child development, child-rearing and guidance, are other traits. Course facilitator, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Christine King, in presenting a brief outline of the programme, noted that it commenced in March 2019 with 15 students and concluded on June 3, 2019. During the three months duration, 90-minute lectures were conducted three days

each week with the main focus being to enable the students to gain an understanding of various aspects of childcare; examine problems encountered in child care environment, and allow for exposure to developing the skills needed to deal with same. The course also aimed at the application of skills and techniques to address various issues that may arise in child care management. It also equipped the graduates to examine and identify causal factors for the emotional and behavioural problems of children in their care; the professional nature of child management and the role of the family in child development; acquire knowledge of human growth and development and develop and practice the skills and techniques to perform competently as caregivers. The Childcare Management Course, King noted, was launched in 1996 as a collaborative effort between the Guyana Association of Professional Social Workers (GAPSW) and the Women’s Outreach Programme of Adult Education Association (AEA). It was after the

GAPSW saw the need for the training of child carers. During that training programme, a number of trained socials workers, including King, teamed up to produce a manual that is now a recommended course text. She noted that over the years, the course has produced hundreds of graduates, mostly women though, adding that among them are some who have established their own play/nursery schools, day care centres or are functioning as care givers at such facilities. In addition to receiving certificates, several of the graduates were presented with trophies for exceptional performance, including Cheryl Inniss who was awarded `Best Student’. Sheneille Ramtillack and Rhonda Daniels-Chance were the first and second runners-up, respectively. The programme also featured brief reflections by some of the graduates, welcome remarks by Executive Director of the AEA, Mrs Patricia David, and graduate, Shaquean King, delivering the Vote of Thanks.

on June 24, 2019 – headlined ‘Cops linked to Berbice corruption racket said to be involved in alleged plot to kill fellow officer’ – make clear the gravity of the issue at hand, the PPP said. In his 2018 address at the Police Officers’ Conference, President Granger was emphatic that “lawless policemen have no place in a lawful force.” He said then that a force which is contaminated by corruption cannot safeguard the security of citizens. “Service in the Force must be based on the values of commitment, competence and incorruptibility,” the President, a former army commander, had explained. The Police Force has been dogged by corruption over the years, fingered in extra-judicial killings and some of its ranks

accused of aiding convicted drug lord, Shaheed Roger Khan, during his escapades here under the PPP government. President David Granger had said that the surge in corruption of the security forces, criminal violence, execution killings and the failure to eradicate narco-trafficking are interrelated and during the Jagdeo-era killings or “Troubles” (2002-2009), instead of trying to cure the causes, the then government was more concerned with concealing the symptoms of crime. Government has since signalled its intention to investigate that period of bloodshed and an inquiry into the slaying of eight miners at Lindo Creek back in 2008 is underway.

Firearm, masks, gloves found in car

The seized firearm

THREE men were arrested with a 9mm pistol and ammunition, along with a haversack containing black masks, hoodies, gloves and several pairs of trousers, after police intercepted a grey motorcar, at Ruby Access Road, East Bank Essequibo on Sunday. Reports indicated that, on Sunday, five persons were initially in the grey Toyota Premio motorcar,

but when they saw police approaching the vehicle, two persons from the back seat sprinted away and escaped on foot into nearby bushes. The men were questioned but denied ownership of the firearm and haversack. They were taken to the Parika Police Station where they remain in custody pending further investigation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 25, 2019

Trump puts sanctions on Iranian supreme leader, other top officials WASHINGTON/RIYADH (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump targeted Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian officials with sanctions on Monday, taking a dramatic, unprecedented step to increase pressure on Iran after Tehran’s downing of an unmanned American drone. With tensions running high between the two countries, Trump signed an executive order imposing the sanctions, which U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said would lock billions of dollars more in Iranian assets. Trump told reporters the sanctions were in part a response to last week’s downing of a U.S. drone by Iran, but would have happened anyway. He said Khamenei was ultimately responsible for what Trump called “the hostile

conduct of the regime” in the Middle East. Trump said the sanctions “will deny the Supreme Leader and the Supreme Leader’s office, and those closely affiliated with him and the office, access to key financial resources and support.” John Smith, who was director of the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) before joining a law firm last year, said the United States had never targeted an Iranian head of state before and that was a sign Trump was getting personal. “Generally, when you target a head of state you’re not turning back. That is when you believe all options are at an end,” Smith told Reuters. Some policy analysts say earlier sanctions issued under Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign are why Iran has felt

compelled to adopt more aggressive tactics as its economy feels the crunch. The Trump administration wants to force Tehran to open talks on its nuclear and missile programs and its activities in the region. Iran would not accept talks with the United States while it is under the threat of sanctions, Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, Majid Takht Ravanchi, told reporters at the U.N. The U.S. decision is another indication it “has no respect for international law and order,” he said. The U.N. Security Council met behind closed doors on Monday at the request of the United States, whose acting ambassador Jonathan Cohen said evidence showed Iran was to blame for attacks on commercial tankers in the Gulf in May and June and urged the world to tell Tehran its actions were unacceptable. Advertisement Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, responding to the sanctions in a

Twitter post, said hawkish politicians close to Trump “despise diplomacy, and thirst for war.” Last year, Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 international accord to restrict Tehran’s pathway to a nuclear bomb and has since been ramping up sanctions to throttle the Iranian economy. Mnuchin said Zarif would be targeted with U.S. sanctions later this week. The latest sanctions are aimed at denying Iran’s leadership access to financial resources, blocking them from using the United States financial system or having access to any assets in the United States. “Anybody who conducts significant transactions with these sanctioned individuals may be exposed to sanctions themselves,” the White House said. OIL IMPORTS Tensions worsened in May when Washington ordered all countries to halt imports of Iranian oil. “We call on the regime to abandon its nuclear ambitions,

Tuesday, June 25, 2019 - 11:00 hrs

Wednesday June 19, 2019

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6, 6, 2

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U.S. President Donald Trump displays an executive order imposing fresh sanctions on Iran in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., June 24, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

change its destructive behavior, respect the rights of its people, and return in good faith to the negotiating table,” Trump said in a statement. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and refers to a religious decree issued in the early 2000s by Khamenei that bans the development or use of nuclear weapons. Sanctions were also imposed on eight senior commanders of Navy, Aerospace, and Ground Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), the U.S. Treasury Department said. “These commanders sit atop a bureaucracy that supervises the IRGC’s malicious regional activities, including its provocative ballistic missile program, harassment and sabotage of commercial vessels in international waters, and its destabilizing presence in Syria,” the department said in a statement. Trump said the sanctions are a “strong and proportionate response to Iran’s increasingly provocative actions.” Iran said on Monday U.S. cyber attacks on its military had failed, as Washington sought to rally support in the Middle East and Europe for a hardline stance that has brought it to the verge of conflict with its longtime foe. MARITIME SECURITY Iran denies responsibility for the attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf. On Monday, the United States said it was building a coalition with allies to protect Gulf shipping lanes. A coalition of nations would provide both

material and financial contributions to the program, a senior U.S. State Department official said, without identifying the countries. “It’s about proactive deterrence, because the Iranians just want to go out and do what they want to do and say hey we didn’t do it. We know what they’ve done,” the official told reporters, adding that the deterrents would include cameras, binoculars and ships. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the Middle East to discuss Iran with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, two Sunni Muslim allies aligned against Shi’ite Muslim Iran. “Freedom of navigation is paramount,” Pompeo tweeted from the Saudi city of Jeddah. Iran’s Zarif, in his Twitter post, said: “@realDonaldTrump is 100% right that the US military has no business in the Persian Gulf. Removal of its forces is fully in line with interests of US and the world.” It was an apparent reference to a tweet in which Trump said other countries should protect their own oil shipping in the Middle East rather than have the United States protect them. The United States accuses Iran of encouraging allies in Yemen to attack Saudi targets. In a joint statement on Monday, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Britain expressed concern over Middle East tensions and the dangers posed by Iranian “destabilizing activity” to peace and security in Yemen and the region.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 25, 2019

IMF providing nearly US$50 million to Barbados WASHINGTON, Jun 24, CMC – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Monday approved US$48.7 million for Barbados after indicating that the island has made a strong start in implementing its ambitious and home-grown economic reform programme. The executive board of the Washington-based financial institution, said that it had completed its first review of the US$290 million Extended Fund facility (EFF) and that the completion enabled an immediate disbursement of US$48.70 million. Barbados had entered into a four-year EFF arrangement with the IMF on October 1, 2018 and the IMF said that the Mia Mottley government is implementing a fiscal adjustment programme target-

ing a primary surplus of six per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in the financial year 2019-20 and several years thereafter. “A public debt restructuring is complementing the fiscal consolidation. The restructuring of domestic public debt completed in November 2018 has helped to substantially reduce the public debt burden. The authorities are engaging in good faith negotiations with external commercial creditors,” the IMF said. Barbados has embarked on a comprehensive Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT) plan aimed at restoring fiscal and debt sustainability, addressing falling reserves, and increasing growth. The programme seeks to protect vulnerable groups through

strengthened social safety nets. IMF Deputy managing director, Tao Zhang, said Barbados has made a strong start in implementing its ambitious and home-grown economic reform programme and that all performance criteria for March 2019 were met, and all structural benchmarks have been implemented, although a few with minor delays. He said the 019-20 national budget “provides a solid basis for the targeted fiscal consolidation of six per cent percent of GDP. “The adjustment effort is supported by several new taxes, ongoing reforms in public financial management, a reduction of transfers to State?Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and adequate provisions for social safety nets and capital expenditure. If

necessary, the authorities stand ready to take additional measures to reach the targeted primary surplus. The planned adoption of a fiscal rule in 2020 will help sustain the adjustment effort over the medium and long term.” Zhang said that reform of SOEs is critical for achieving the primary surplus target and maintaining it over the medium term. “To secure fiscal space for investment in physical and human capital, transfers to SOEs are envisaged to significantly decline by a combination of stronger oversight of SOEs, cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and mergers and divestment,” he said. The IMF official said that a comprehensive public debt restructuring complements the fiscal consolidation. “The

domestic debt restructuring completed in November 2018 has significantly reduced Barbados’s public debt burden without jeopardizing financial stability. The authorities are continuing good faith negotiations with external commercial creditors, which together with the domestic debt restructuring, should help restore debt sustainability. ““The fixed exchange rate has served as a key anchor for macroeconomic stability and international reserves have increased. The exchange rate peg and monetary regime would be further bolstered by the planned reforms to strengthen the central bank’s mandate, autonomy, and decision?making structures. ““Structural reforms target improvements in the busi-

ness environment to increase growth over the medium term. With the adoption of a new Town and Country Planning Law in January 2019, the process for providing construction permits has been streamlined. Going forward, the authorities intend to carefully review and address the different obstacles to growth,’ Zhang added. He said that adequate social spending and an improved safety net are key priorities for the programme. “The authorities have launched a training and outplacement program to mitigate the impact on unemployment from layoffs at the central government and SOEs.”

Antigua Government wants to buy out Digicel operation ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, Jun 30, CMC – The Antigua and Barbuda government says it remains committed to buying out the operations here of the Irishowned telecommunication company, Digicel, as the authorities announce new initiatives in its ongoing battle to have the two foreign owned companies share the spectrum space in Antigua and Barbuda with a state-entity. Last month, Digicel, defended its decision to secure a High Court order preventing the government from sharing any of the 850 MHz spectrum it has been allocated with the state-owned Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). But speaking on his privately-owned radio station over the last weekend, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said he believes that Digicel “is showing an inclination to have possibly a 49-51 percentage situation. “That’s the sticking point because we want the majority,” he said, adding that if the Digicel officials are prepared to “look at the possibility APUA…acquiring Digicel Antigua then we may have a deal”.

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne

Earlier, Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan told radio listeners that the government is moving to amend the Telecommunications Bill so as to provide further protection for APUA. Astaphan, who is among lawyers representing the state in the court battle,

said the government is seeking to provide some level of protection for the only telecommunication company in the Eastern Caribbean, not owned by foreign interests. “I agree with the position that there should be some

protection because I have noticed coming from the Privy Council (Antigua and Barbuda’s final court) that … they accept that Parliament or the government may make decisions to ensure that private enterprises …or public enterprises that are locally owned are not wiped out by international competition. “So that is something, with the Prime Minister’s specific permission, we will spend the next five to seven days looking at to see how best we can reformulate some of the provisions to give some protection to a local asset which is APUA and not open it up to the extent that they may or may not be unfairly prejudiced by having to comply with certain things,” Astaphan added. He said the proposed

legislation would allow for the authorities to make an order that “spectrum already allocated to a provider should be distributed or shared with somebody else to create an even playing field in the public interest subject only to the condition of compensation…” Earlier this month, the government said it expects the High Court matter involving the two foreign telecommunications companies objecting to the plan to share the 850 megahertz spectrum with the state-owned utility company to “be heard over several years”. Digicel said

that it had taken the legal action because it wanted to shield its customers from “significant service disruption and a negative impact on coverage.” Digicel claims that APUA has almost twice as much spectrum as either of the other two operators in the market, despite having less than 25 per cent. “APUA is hoarding a scarce and valuable resource,” the Digicel said, adding “in any other market, this would be a cause for concern for the regulator, but uniquely in Antigua & Barbuda, APUA is also the Regulator”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Learning from our past APPROXIMATELY 64 per cent of Guyanese today have not had first-hand experience of the events of the 1960s, ’70s and some part of the ’80s. It is for this reason those who are opinion shapers are obligated to help this group to understand that era by objectively putting into context events that occurred, and situating same within the socio-economic and political atmosphere at the time, both local and external. To do otherwise is to deny this demographic development which is required for personal and national growth and fostering an environment of peaceful co-existence. More importantly, this generation is part of the present leaders and will be the main leaders of tomorrow and, therefore, deserving to be equipped with the requisite tools to make the future better. The temptation for finger-point-

ing, though it can be lucrative, is more reflective of settling scores or proving points at the expense of the nation moving forward. For if the young, who constitute the majority, are denied the opportunity of history being examined through appropriate lenses, unnecessary frictions can be created which threaten friendships, familial associations and the strengthening of the nation’s fabric. Distorted examination has the potential of entrapping the minds and making persons captive of the actions of an era that today is not being used as a barometer for moving the country forward, but a tool for settling old political grievances, perceived or real. The esteemed Nelson Mandela, who stood up against the South African apartheid regime in defence of the coloured population to be treated equally, was harassed, considered a ter-

rorist, tried and imprisoned. The Western powers, led by the United States and Britain under the leadership of Ronald Regan and Margaret Thatcher, supported the Apartheid regime against the will of the majority in the society. While the South African majority were denied the right to participate in electing leaders of their choice, this denial was not without the support of the two nations considered by the world as purveyors of democracy and co-founders of the United Nations which declared all men are equal and should be treated with dignity and respect. And given this reality, the wholesale replication of the perceptions expressed by the United States and Britain has to be put into context by examining the activities of these two major players, internally and externally. For while these countries are used as standard bearers in determining acceptable

and unacceptable standards of behaviour and engagement, historical and present evidence show that they too are not without blemishes. As external spotlight has been placed on Guyana’s politics, making known events of the ’60s and ’70s, there still exists the Confederate flag flying on government buildings in some southern states in the United States. The confederate flag evokes painful memories of an era in American history characterised by racial hatred, African-Americans denied basic fundamental human rights and freedoms, such as the right to vote, free movement and to be treated equally. The point being made here is that there is nothing unusual or uncharacteristic of Guyana’s political evolution/ development, but an understanding of this can only be achieved when put in proper perspective, including doing compar-

ative analyses with other countries, including those considered beacons. The electoral path the country has travelled has not been without contentions and contestations. From disagreement of changing the system from First-pastthe-Post to Proportional Representation, allegations of rigged elections, refusal to accept elections results, court vitiation of elections, electoral challenges in the court, to the attempt and awarding of seats to the wrong party, are features of this society, similar to that of others. In 2008, the Barack Obama campaign had to deal with accusations of taking on characteristics of the infamous Chicago corrupt and ruthless politics. In 2000, there was the issue of the hanging chads, where Democratic candidate Al Gore was denied the presidency by 500 plus votes in an election it was generally

felt he won, because the Supreme Court controlled by Republican judges ruled to refer the matter to the Florida Republican-controlled government who made a decision in favour of the Republican candidate, George W Bush. Notwithstanding the deficiencies in the systems of the developed societies, they use these events and pitfalls to refine and improve systems to bring about growth or preferably what they call ‘a more perfect union’. In Guyana, there is need to be mindful that these issues are characteristics of human nature. For in looking around the world, it would be recognised that Guyana is not singular in its politics and actions; what Guyana may be singular in is the obstinacy to be wedded to the past and refusal to put the past in context, learn from the past and move on.

Let’s give the ‘Coalition’ another turn at governing Dear Editor, I AM compelled to write this letter as a result of my constant perusing of social media. I have noticed, as of late, the resort to racial ramblings, especially by those affiliated to the PPP. In one instance, it was so blatant that one writer openly referred to us Amerindians as “Bush People”, using the worst possible expletives in the process. May I point out that we Indigenous Peoples are taking copious notes, and are not as stupid as some are led to believe. We are educated and very cognisant of the views others

-‘so we can continue to hope’

have of us. We are aware of the attempts at manipulating our peoples by the last government. We are aware of the divide-and-rule tactics employed by the PPP, to the extent where once united villages are now at each other’s throats over political beliefs. The Church had never so divided us. I am therefore calling on all Indigenous Peoples to weigh very carefully the value of your vote in the upcoming elections, which are inevitable. Consider very carefully which

party has given meaning to your existence; which Party has listened to your pleas and has taken action to address those needs. Certainly it is not the Party that demitted office four years ago. In four short years, life for Indigenous people has improved. Although we did not get all that was asked for, the last four years have given us renewed hope in the system of governance; renewed hope that Guyana is not a failed state; renewed hope that our Peoples

can be part of the Government. I am therefore calling on my brothers and sisters to give this present government another turn at governing so that we can continue to hope. Give them another chance so that the era of drugs and drug-related violence can be pushed farther from our society. This I pray in the name of our forefathers, and in the name of generations yet born. Regards, R. Britton Rupununi resident

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Voting for Mssrs. Jagdeo and Ali is like voting for corruption Dear Editor, AS Mr. Jagdeo continues to make hysterical gyrations about the voters’ list and the GECOM chairman, we examine below what Guyanese can expect from an Irfaan Ali/Jagdeo-led Government so that we can better decide how to cast our vote when the time arises. It should first be remembered that the PPP administration was removed from office amidst a host of corruption charges, lawlessness within the ranks of their ministers, and a wave of police brutality going into the latter days of their term. Mr. Jagdeo, who was president for two terms from 1999 and played a significant leadership role within the PPP, had managed to organise the PPP government under systematic campaign of corruption which realised the outright theft or misappropriation of in excess of G$100B just based on the few contracts/ instances listed below. The Public Procurement Commission had been systematically sidelined. Further, the decision by the former Minister of Finance to spend taxpayers’ funds to the tune of G$4.5B which had specifically been denied by Parliament strongly suggests that he may have received approval from within the leadership of the PPP, namely, Mr. Jagdeo himself. This act clearly demonstrates that Mr. Jagdeo and/or the PPP leadership have no regard for Guyana’s laws, our Constitution, or our Parliament, the very organ designed to maintain order and protect the interests of Guyanese. In addition to organised corruption, administrations of the PPP systematically allowed Guyana to be used as a transit point for the shipment of illegal drugs globally (few can forget the case of the ship caught in Europe with hundreds of kilos of cocaine which had left port Georgetown, but for which no record could be found at the Guyana Revenue Authority. and for which no investigation was conducted). The PPP’s known liaison with convicted drug-lord Roger Khan, who is set to be released before year’s end, effectively disqualifies either the entire PPP or else specific members who they must identify as being responsible such liaison, from running for political office in Guyana and administering Guyana’s national affairs. We therefore urge Guyana’s national leaders to examine any and all measures available, or which need to be implemented to ensure that Mr. Jagdeo and other members of his organisation, known to have been involved in corruption and illegal activities, to be at least barred from running for political office in Guyana at this and any other national election. We alone will be responsible

for any actions of Bharrat Jagdeo and his acolytes, should they be allowed to reenter the seat of Government. There is every likelihood that Mr. Jagdeo will embrace and reinstate Roger Khan to the same or role he played prior to his capture in Suriname by US agents. Evidence of Jagdeo’s corruption and lawlessness are set forth in the links below. Excluding the full value of the CJIA project, which is still a work in progress, the value of the misappropriated Pradoville lands, and the very probably hundreds of millions of dollars spent to build Jagdeo’s mansion, a rough calculation of the total corruption, misappropriation and financial waste is G$162,394 billion (or G$162,394,000,000). This is just the tip of the iceberg, for the last couple of years of the PPP’s administration. 1. G$372,000,000 stolen from rice farmers by officials of the national rice management authorities. 2. The US$200M (G$40B) spent on the factory at Skeldon that Jagdeo’s advisers told him was too big for the estate. 3. G$424,000 toilet bowl units for the CJIA (the same US$150M contract that is currently attracting a lot of attention.) 4. G$5,200,000,000 ($5.2B) misappropriated from NIS for CLICO. 5. G$2,600,000,000 ($2.6B) misappropriated from NIS to finance the Berbice Bridge. 6. G$29,000,000,000 ($29.0B passing through personal account of PPP Official). 7. Approximately G$80,000,000,000 (US$40M or G$80B) to finance road to Amailia Falls. 8. G$639,000,000 misappropriated by PPP Minister. 9. The US$41.6M (G$83.2B) taxpayer resources that were spent from NICIL’s accounts to finance the Marriott project. 10. The G$4,500,000,000 (G$4.5B) spent by the PPP which had been cut from the 2014 budget. 11. And then, there’s Pradoville, which are State lands misappropriated by the PPP administration to none other than Jagdeo and company. We seriously question why Mr. Jagdeo and Irfaan Ali are asking us to vote for them again. This is because voting for Mssrs. Jagdeo and Ali is voting for corruption and the theft of tens of billions of taxpayers’ money, lawlessness of PPP ministers, police brutality, drug-running and drug-related crime and murders. How Guyanese vote this time will determine our future for the next 20 years. Regards, Craig Sylvester

Change has truly come to Guyana

Dear Editor,

I WOULD like to begin by initially taking the opportunity to congratulate those Guyanese, especially the youths, who peacefully protested on June 21, 2019 across the country, calling on GECOM to respect their democratic and constitutional rights to vote on a credible voters list. The current voters’ list expired on April 30, 2019. Guyanese, I must applaud the bold step you took once more, as it shows you are patriotic and undeniably in need for Guyana to continue on its current trajectory over these past

- when one can finally exercise their democratic right to protest

four years. The policies and programmes of the Coalition Government have favourably impacted every aspect of life in Guyana, from the coastland to the hinterland, and in our riverine and Indigenous communities. It is my belief, as a young man, that we cannot continue in the old trickery and scam we were facing for the past 10 years under the previous administration. We as Guyanese can clearly see the main objective of the PPP/C is to disenfranchise and stymie the future of Guyanese youths. I can recall under the previous administration Guyanese

were afraid to protest when something was not going right. In 2011, on numerous occasions, Guyanese were denied their democratic right to protest when they were set upon and brutally assaulted and shot for exercising their rights. Therefore, we as Guyanese youths should review and compare the difference between the two governments, and then we should determine who is caring and responsible, and then we can select our leader. The choice is clear. Regards, Ceion Rollox

Please, let’s not lose corn and husk

- by engaging in pointless public arguments Dear Editor, IT’S amazing to see what the layman would consider two government entities which should be working in the interest of the people undertaking government functions engage in a public argument. What, if anything, this situation goes far beyond the temperament of two factions “fighting for the same good” supposedly. Firstly, GuySuCo will be economically viable, and that is the President’s commitment, though this will still have some welfare costs that the country must shoulder. This commitment is vehemently pursued by Mr. Heath-London, who clearly has the interest of the beneficiaries at heart. Why else would he be so concerned with the manner in which GuySuCo spends monies disbursed by NICIL and which NICIL obtained from a $30B syndicated bond? Why else would he seek out the assistance of PricewaterhouseCoopers, who have investors waiting to advance the economic agenda of GuySuCo subject to information emanating from Guysuco? NICIL, under Mr. Heath-London, has recognised the opportunities of business and expediency to bring relief to the small man wherever it can. For

example, in Linden, house lots for land that laid there for years have finally be given out under his tenure. The Watooka Guest House is under restoration to the benefit of all Guyanese, including all government officials (incumbent and Opposition), and at the highest standards, so much so that the current US Ambassador to Guyana visited and even recognised Linden’s potential as a heritage town for tourism. This suggestion has brought to the fore the need to have Ms. Benjamin-Fauconier relocate the factory she intends to construct to another location in Linden. In fact, the news would make it seem as though NICIL is putting her and Linden out of opportunities, when in fact Mr. Heath-London is trying to optimise by accommodating her at another location and advancing the heritage town concept for tourism. Kwakwani residents, who for years had no economic empowerment, are now, for the first time, getting the land- ownership documents they craved, so they can use them in the banking system for economic leverage. It is also important to note that all these initiatives languished under the former head, Mr. James, and only recently got traction. We can go on to mention that Mr. Heath-London has

made accessible senior staff compounds to all, such as the Skeldon Heritage Resort that community residents now enjoy. Not to mention the use of this facility for conferences, and other facilities that were never before available in this area. There is now, too, the Berbice Inn in New Amsterdam, and the Rose Hall Guest House, never before accessible by the ordinary man in Guyana unless authorised or sheltered by ‘a big one’. NICIL has been effective, to the extent that the PPP is unhappy that some needs of the Coomaka residents have been met by NICIL. What is wrong with these biases that seem to be getting so personal and unprofessional that it looks beyond the substance of what is being done and fought for; that ignores the gains made and the evidence of stakeholders’ benefits. From the information circulating, one would quickly rush to assume that Mr. Heath-London has not done anything that is commendable and in the interest of the Guyanese people, when in truth this is far from fact. Please let’s not lose corn and husk. Regards, George Williams

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

AG challenges court order against Jordan THE Attorney General Chambers has filed a notice of appeal challenging an order made by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry for Winston Jordan, not in his capacity as Finance Minister, to pay an outstanding amount of US$2,228,400.67 to Trinidad construction company, Dipcon, by July 8, 2019, or go to jail. The order stemmed from a contempt motion which was filed on behalf of the company by Attorney-at-law, Timothy Jonas, back in early May this year. The award to the company was first handed down by Justice of Appeal, Rishi Persaud, on 21st October 2015. Government has challenged the award but the company’s lawyer, earlier this year, moved to the court with contempt proceedings against Jordan.

“The ruling was erroneous and the judge committed a specific illegality when she made an order against the minister in his private capacity and not in his official capacity as Minister of Finance, thus robbing him of the protection he is entitled to under Section 14 of the State Liability and Proceedings Act Chapter 6:05 wherein no coercive order can be made against him,” Attorney General Basil Williams told the Guyana Chronicle following the order by the court. Williams said the chambers will file the appeal notice this morning. Williams told the Guyana Chronicle that he had raised the issue during a hearing in the matter Monday morning. He believes that the applicant had deliberately filed the contempt motion proceedings against

Jordan in his private capacity in an attempt to rob him of the privileges he enjoys under the act. “This is an abuse and so we will be filing a notice of appeal today,” Williams stated. According to grounds listed in Dipcon’s application to the court, by letter dated 28th December 2015, the Registrar of the Supreme Court transmitted the order made by Justice Persaud to the minister who “thereupon became obligated … to direct, by warrant under his hand, that the amount awarded thereby to be paid.” Meanwhile, in the Notice of Appeal, the AG Chambers noted that the appellant being dissatisfied with the decision more particularly stated in paragraph 2 (two) herein of the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature contained in the Judgement of the Hon-

ourable Madam Ms. Priya Sewnarine- Beharry dated the 24th June 2019 in Action No. 2019-HC-DEM-CIVFDA-629, do hereby appeal to the Court of Appeal upon grounds set out in paragraph 3 (three) and will at the hearing of the appeal seek the relief set out in paragraph 4 (four). And the Appellant further states that the names and addresses including their own and persons directly affected by the appeal are set out in paragraph 5 (five). In the appeal notice, the AG chambers said the learned Trial Judge erred and was misconceived in that she improperly proceeded with the Application against the minister in his personal capacity when all his actions originated as a consequence of his position as Minister of Finance and not as Winston Jordan the person. “The

learned Trial Judge erred and was misconceived in law when she failed to appreciate that the actions of the Minister of Finance and that of Winston Jordon as a person are mutually exclusive and that Winston Jordan the person had no statutory duty over the Consolidated Revenue Fund.” “The learned Trial Judge erred and was misconceived in failing to accede to the preliminary objection raised by the State in relation to the premature nature of the Application and the order sought. The learned Trial Judge erred and was misconceived in when the learned judge failed to appreciate that contempt proceedings were coercive in nature and that such an order could not be made against an officer of the State but in particular against Winston Jordan privately when no act was done

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

by Winston Jordan in his private capacity for contempt to prevail against him.” Additionally, the state is arguing, in its appeal, that the judge also erred and was misconceived in law when she failed to grant an order staying the order in order that the state can pursue the process of Appeal. “The learned Trial Judge erred in law and/or misdirected herself on the evidence as a whole.” The AG chambers indicated that additional and/ or amended grounds may be filed upon seeing the final written Judgement of the Learned Trial Judge.

Time to move on, move UG forward – now that Prof. Griffith’s no longer a problem Dear Editor, THIS letter follows the one I sent you just under a week ago. I have noted responses to that letter, published on Wednesday June 19, 2019, and I feel obliged to ensure that some serious misunderstandings are addressed. In particular, I must address the letter published under the name Dennis Paul. Unfortunately, work and family demands do not allow me to be as swift as I might wish to be with my responses. Let me begin by underscoring a fact mentioned in my previous letter. While the internal process unfolded with regards to Prof. Griffith’s tenure with the University of Guyana (UG), despite the misleading public campaign, I remained publicly silent. It was my expectation that, with the choice exercised by Prof. Griffith to withdraw his request, the campaign would stop and the UG could move on. What has continued to occur sends several false messages to the public: 1. Prof. Griffith was the greatest thing that has ever happened to the UG; 2. significant elements of the UG have been resistant to the positively transformational leadership he brought; 3. the UG does not

value the Guyanese Diaspora; 4. the UG is not the place for anyone who wants to do well; and, 5. now that he is gone, everything good at UG will crumble and it will sink into a dark abyss. The issue I sought to address is now external to the University, yet it has potentially significant negative impacts as the public can be misled. It would be out of character for me to simply jump to the public to provide the gory details to prove what was wrong with Prof. Griffith’s leadership at the UG. I ask, though, that those who would speak to it speak honestly from what they know firsthand rather than deceitfully or peddling hearsay. I was, therefore, not pointing anyone to social media for ‘dirt’. If the author of the Dennis Paul letter would read carefully, he/she would note that I guided you to search the Internet, which is not the same as social media. I guided you to search the Internet in relation to specific appointments of Prof. Griffith, so as you can have some insight as to what happened at the UG without my berating his leadership at UG in the public. On the matter of the VC being a member of Council, and therefore having all right

to the information referred to, the author of the Dennis Paul letter overlooks simple things. Because the matter of evaluation in particular concerned Prof. Griffith, he was not part of those deliberations and should only have been informed of the end product. As bad as it was that he was informed, he had no right to have it published and really should apologise publicly for doing so. It is a shame that the author of the letter at reference would seek to drag Prof. Fraser into this matter. It is no secret that Prof. Fraser worked with the UG before 2016, during that time he worked with me on a number of initiatives, and had previously applied for the job of Vice-Chancellor. It is no secret that we have remained friends to this day. I would have likely voiced my opinion on his application in 2012 when I was not part of the University governance or central administration. However, to suggest that I would have lobbied for him against Griffith in 2016 is a lie from the pit of hell. Editor, I would suggest that the author of the Dennis Paul letter really meant to say that lecturers have a hypothesis for which there is need for evidence to support it or not. It is important to note however

that I have no such hypothesis. I have a fair bit of evidence. I had shared much of that evidence with the Council prior to Prof. Griffith withdrawing his expression of interest. Importantly, unlike those alike Mr Pat Dyal, I can go to a court of law and be a valid witness to his leadership of the University. Editor, let me reiterate what I said in my previous letter, “While I could write about my personal experiences and observations of Prof. Griffith as Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Administrative Head of the University) I will not do so at this time because there is no reason to publicly berate his tenure at the UG now that he poses no serious direct threat to the University.” All I ask is, now that he has departed from the UG, let us all focus on continuing to move the UG forward. Regards, C. R. Bernard Senior Lecturer Department of Biology Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Canada Day Celebrated – New Canadian Chamber of Commerce soon

CANADIAN High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, has announced that the Commission will be launching a Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Guyana later this year. The announcement was made on Monday evening at a reception to celebrate Canada Day at the Marriott Hotel which saw the attendance of President David Granger. Chatterjee stated that the move is in recognition of the growing Canadian presence in Guyana and a special launching will take place at a later date. Monday marked the 152nd Anniversary of the unification of the provinces President David Granger, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Canadian High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee greets Vice President and and the formation of Canada Chatterjee (left) and Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams share a Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock with a warm handshake (Adrian Narine photo) as a Dominion on July 1, toast to fruitful years of bilateral relations. (Adrian Narine photo) 1867. “Canada has provided as- ana, to Canada for its strong which have rendered financial same country. “It speaks to liberal democracy so that all In his address to the at- sistance to Guyana in a wide support of Guyana’s sover- or technical assistance. your compassion to accept of our citizens can flourish,” tendees, the President stated range of fields including ed- eignty and territorial integrity Chatterjee stated that people escaping harsh con- she said. Guyana and Canada that, over time, Canada has ucation, the environment and over the past five decades. Canadians are investing in ditions when that country’s have shared diplomatic relabecome a symbol of social climate resilience, indigenous Meanwhile, in her ad- Guyana’s oil and gas sector government is in a territorial tions since May 1966. cohesion and a model of peoples’ development, gover- dress to the gathering, Chat- through companies such as dispute with you,” Chatterjee Among the attendees multiculturalism for coun- nance, justice administration, terjee reflected on the Guy- CGX, JHI Associates Inc. said. were Speaker of the Natries around the world. He public administration, private ana-Canada relations and (JHI) and Eco (Atlantic) Oil She also took time out to tional Assembly, Barton hailed the importance placed sector development, social how this has helped to im- & Gas Ltd., while Cana- acknowledge notable Guy- Scotland; Minister of State, by Canada on human rights development and of course, prove both countries. She da works closely with the anese living in Canada and Dawn Hastings-Williams; and inclusionary democracy; support for the National As- noted some of the assistance National Toshao Council others who have returned to former Presidents-- Donald gender equity; climate change sembly,” the President said. efforts rendered by Canada (NTC). Guyana from Canada to help Ramotar, Samuel Hinds and its assistance to develop“Canada’s conspicuous to Guyana dating back as far “We will continue to con- build Guyana’s economy. and Bharrat Jagdeo; Foring countries such as Guyana. and continuous cooperation as 1910 and 1920, with the nect our first nations peoples “We were here when you mer Mayor of GeorgeHe also highlighted the in our economy, its com- establishment of Missionary with indigenous communities had no oil. We have accom- town, Hamilton Green and recently launched Cana- mitment to common values Schools where English and in Guyana so that they can panied you in all stages of Chief Justice (ag), Roxanne da-Caribbean Resilience Fa- and its collaboration with the Hindi were taught. learn from each other,” the your development when very George. They joined a large cility Project as one which Caribbean Community will She also named the Ca- Canadian High Commission- few were here to support audience of other Ministers will build capacity for disas- continue to cement strong nadian International Devel- er stated. She commended the you. We are not your donor, of Government; members ter management and response relations with Guyana and opment Agency (CIDA), Government of Guyana for we are your partner and you of the diplomatic corps; and noted the country’s in- with the states of the western Canadian Executive Service its acceptance of Venezuelan can count on Canada to con- members of the Canadian vestments in Guyana’s min- hemisphere.” He expressed Organization (CESO) and migrants even in the face of tinue to partner with you as diaspora and representaing and oil and gas sectors. gratitude, on behalf of Guy- several other organizations border controversy with the we cultivate our gardens of tives of the Private Sector.

Guyana’s positive IMF assessment nails Jagdeo’s lies Dear Editor,

I STAND corrected when I say that I recall hearing, while listening to part of a telecast, the monotonous and uninspiring voice of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo criticising the recent International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s visit to Guyana, and their subsequent release of their findings of their in-country visit. And what do we have to expect as reaction to the

multilateral organisation’s very laudable commendations about the Guyana economy, which has been projected to achieve a 4.4% growth for 2019? Criticisms about the Fund’s alleged failure to take into consideration his particular comments/observations etcetera about the local economy. This would mean his self-ascribed status as economic guru, from whom all plans and predictions flow. But, says who? It is not altogether un-

expected, for Jagdeo believes that he is the only economist who can manage this country’s economy, and set it on its correct path to rejuvenation. Well, he had 23 years to prove such a self-ascribed ability. And what were we left with after over two decades of PPP/C governance? An economy that had been built mainly on the proceeds of narco-trafficking, which presented a false veneer of an economy on real solid economic footing.

Editor, Jagdeo understands clearly that every IMF country visit and assessment is an independent exercise, carried out in a free and independent manner, and without prejudice. He would also be aware that it’s conclusions about the state of the national economy would have been arrived at after discussions with all the major players of the particular country in review. And if one were to judge from Jagdeo’s statements, it is both a disappointment to

his self-projected expectations of an economy which he has always misleadingly reported to his followers/ supporters as not doing well because of mismanagement etcetera. It must be that the positives of the report, particularly that there is growth across all sectors, has shaken Jagdeo from the torpor of his self-delusion. Of course, there is so much more to be done, given the gargantuan tasks of denuding the economy of its false veneer, inherent

of primarily the proceeds of the narco-trade, while concomitantly restoring its proper structures. But there is no doubt that there is a bright future ahead for Guyana and all Guyanese, irrespective of the attempts at fake news and other devious acts intended to sow seeds of national dissension, compliments of Jagdeo. Regards, Troy Garraway

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 25, 2019

Guyana Canada sign pact to strengthen local auditing systems By Navendra Seoraj THE Audit Office of Guyana and the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation (CAAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is geared at improving local auditing systems. The programme is a unique seven-year agreement which aims to strengthen the local capacity to audit priority topics, particularly those relating to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), gender equality, environment and climate change, and resource extraction and Information Technology (IT). “Last August a comprehensive baseline assessment was undertaken, identifying short and long term needs of the audit office, as well as outlining the detailed performance measurement framework,” said Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, during her remarks at the signing ceremony at the Ramada Hotel, on Sunday evening. She said, through the MoU, there is going to be in-country training, work and training experience for fellowships in Canada and programmes with members of the legislature to ensure that they are better equipped to utilise performance audit,

to inform decision making and hold Government accountable. “We use the audit process as an important way to ensure the efficient use of the funds…we are committed to supporting innovation and reforms through improved accountability and transparency, by strengthening the capacity of government at all levels to establish inclusive and accountable institutions to ensure public services better respond to the needs of our people,” said High Commissioner, Chatterjee. The high commissioner believes that the timing of this programme is also critical, as it will directly support the transformation of Guyana’s economy into an oil producing nation. Guyana is on the cusp of a major oil and gas boom, which is expected to transform the country but, she believes that it is imperative that Government programmes are managed with due regard for economy, efficiency and environmental impact. In that regard, Pro gramme Officer of CAAF, Marc Belanger, said the foundation’s International Governance Accountability and Performance (IGAP) programme contributes to improved transparency, ef-

[In the photo, from left] Deputy Auditor General of the Office of the Auditor General of British Columbia, Sheila Dodds, Auditor General of Guyana, Deodat Sharma, Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee [standing], and CAAF Programme Officer, Marc Belanger. (DPI photo)

fectiveness, accountability and governance in Government’s management of public resources and delivering services for citizens. The programme has been implemented in four countries which include Guyana, Senegal, Rwanda and Vietnam. CAAF and Global Affairs Canada signed the contribution agreement for the IGAP programme on March 29, 2018 and have planned that the programme will run until

March 21, 2025. The programme will work with each country’s Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in order to build cacpity, increase effectiveness and strengthen relationships. “Accountability is best served by auditors with the knowledge and skills to produce a report that makes an impact,” said Belanger. Over the years, Guyana has been working with CAAF to ensure that they have the

knowledge and skills to effectively audit the various sectors. Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, said the Audit Office of Guyana and CAAF have mutual goals to contribute to improved transparency, effectiveness and accountability and governance in office management of public resources and the delivery of services to citizens. “This goal is further being realised through an ef-

fective partnership between the Audit office of Guyana and the CAAF,” he said, adding that the partnership spans more than two decades and began with the Canadian Comprehensive Audit Foundation. During the two decades, the foundation has provided unwavering cacpity building support through training and other resources which have buttressed the performance audit practice of the audit office. Numerous officers have been trained in the rudiments of performance auditing with an example of such training being the recent evidence and analysis course, which was held during the first week of this month. “There is sufficient and appropriate evidence that the partnership has been beneficial over the years,” said Sharma. The beneficiaries have gained invaluable knowledge and skills, which have enabled the audit office to produce reports that make an impact and add value to stakeholders. The signing of the MoU signals the foundation’s continued commitment to the development and capacity building process of the audit office.

Cultural change needed to understand the importance of mental health - Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist says CULTURAL change, promoting greater awareness and acceptance of mental health is necessary in promoting good mental health locally, according to Senior Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist from the United Kingdom (UK), Meera Baahu. Baahu, who is an accredited Psychotherapist by the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies (BABCP), visited Guyana for a few days recently as part of work organised by UK-based Psychologist, Dr. Krish Nauth, to better equip some local medical professionals.

While speaking at a lecture focused on mental health, the psychotherapist opined that mental health in Guyana has not been considered as important as physical health. “With physical health it is easier to detect and say that I have a flu, or I have this or that… but when it comes to mental health it's like it's invisible, like bleeding inside and very hard to see outside,” she explained. This ‘invisibility’, she opined, is fuelled by the “social stigma” that is attached to mental health and mental health illnesses. Explaining this, she said that people in society would have given

Senior Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist from the United Kingdom (UK), Meera Baahu

credence to physical health problems but chose to overlook those mental health problems which do manifest themselves in a myriad of ways. To remedy this, Baahu posited: “There needs to be some kind of cultural change, or cultural awareness, and it has to come from people here.” At this lecture too, Commissioner on the Rights of the Child Commission, Nicole Cole, highlighted the use of the

arts to promote and foster better mental health. Cole shared that from her own experiences, the arts have been effective vis a vis mental health. On this note, Baahu said that the arts are definitely one medium that would allow for recognition and promotion of mental health. However, she also opined that the local community itself must decide on what avenues work best to promote good mental health. “From what I have learnt, I think the psychology has to come from the society and the community here,” she said, adding: “No matter how many people come from outside, even though that is really great for information, and you can learn, this is something

you have to open your heart and open up to create that change for your community.” Dr. Nauth, who gave the lecture at UG, shared with the gathering that mental health is also influenced by “environmental factors”, which include how the person experiences life in the areas they reside in. These factors also include whether the community a person lives in accepts or rejects mental health as an important component of health. And as such, Baahu reminded, “These interventions themselves have to come from you since you are all intelligent enough to do what is good for your communities.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 25, 2019

GWI pumps up water delivery in Region One

…thousands to tap service for first time GUYANA Water Incorporated (GWI) is advancing works in Region 1 (Barima/ Waini) to provide improved water access as well as first time access to thousands of Guyanese in several communities. A team of GWI officials led by Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van WestCharles, over the weekend visited several sites where works are being conducted or will commence shortly, GWI said in a release. According to the Managing Director, this is in keeping with the mandate of President David Granger to ensure equity between the Hinterland and the Coastland.

which has three springs as the source of water. There is an overhead storage tank that has been refurbished recently and activated and the springs cleaned. Executive Director of Hinterland Services, Mr. Ramchand Jailal explained that the challenge which exists in that community is the limited supply due to the recently encountered extended dry period where the springs recharge has been slower than normal. As a result of this, new wells have been drilled in the community at an average depth of 150 meters but water has been found in very small quantities. As a result, drilling will be undertaken to an increased depth of about 230 meters. Currently,

commenced in the community of Kamwatta, where some 450 residents, inclusive of a school and health centre will benefit from first-time access to potable water. Following drilling in Kamwatta, a well will also be drilled in the community of White Water, where some 1,700 residents will benefit from first-time and improved access to potable water. According to GWI, in Port Kaituma, a new well has been drilled and the laying of some 4KM of pipelines is 50% complete. Other works to be executed are: the construction of the discharge-the connection from two wells to the transmission line, and the interconnection and instal-

GWI's Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles in discussion with workers at the Port Kaituma pump station.

MABARUMA The utility is examining the water supply system in Mabaruma, a community

additional drilling pipes are being mobilized to advance the deeper drilling. The drilling of a well has

lation of gate valves, which are used to control the water supply network. Disinfection of the pipelines will also be

The site where the new well is being drilled in Kamwatta, Region 1

done before the new wells are activated. Some 540 residents will benefit from improved water access. Mr. Jailal explained that the current source of water for the residents is the Port Kaituma River, which is at risk of contamination from mining, agricultural and other activities. Therefore, well drilling is a move to transition 50% of Port Kaituma to groundwater supply. This includes the school, hospital and the entire Fitsburg area. GWI is working to supply 24 hours potable water throughout the community. Additionally, in approximately three weeks, a drilling rig will be mobilised to drill a new well between the one and two miles area. This well will provide some 800 residents between one to four miles with first time access to potable water. In the community of

Matthew’s Ridge, water is supplied to residents from a spring using gravity feed and that water is also disinfected. However, following a visit to the community, GWI is now convinced that that supply is inadequate to meet the needs of the community. Therefore, plans are also in place for the drilling of a well in the community, which will ensure that its some 940 residents have an improved supply of water. According to Dr. Van West-Charles, all of the aforementioned works in Region 1 will be completed within the next 2 months. He acknowledged that there may be other communities in the region without water access while pointing out that as those discoveries are made, provisions will be made in the utility’s 2020 capital program. The Managing Director noted that the region has

a series of riverain communities and the utility has to ensure that schools and health facilities in particular have an adequate supply of potable water. He also took the opportunity to highlight that works have been done in Smith Creek and Powaikuru. He said that GWI has had the full cooperation of the Regional Executive Officers of Regions 1 and 9 as works are being executed in these regions. They have been making stellar contributions in working along with the company. This year has been dubbed as a historic year for the water utility as it has more aggressively pursued well development and drilling. This forms part of the company’s efforts to ensure safe water for all, a Sustainable Development Goal.

Serial armed robber granted bail SERIAL armed robber, Omalo Williams, called ‘Mal’, was on Monday, June 24, 2019, released on a total of $600,000 bail on two armed robbery charges by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. Williams, 27, of Leopold Street, Georgetown, and a former national footballer, made his first court ar-

raignment on June 10, 2019 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to prison. Particulars of the first charge alleged that on May 25, 2019, at Smyth and Leopold Streets, Williams, while being in the company of others, and armed with a gun, robbed LaToya Lowenfield of a $170,000 cell phone.

It is further alleged that, on the same day and location, Williams, while being in the company of others, and armed with a gun, robbed Orwin Lowenfield of a cell phone and cash totalling $91,000. When Williams made his second appearance on Monday, his attorney, George Thomas, made

an application for bail, which was granted by the Magistrate. He was released on $300,000 bail with the condition that he reported to the Criminal Investigation Department at the Brickdam Police Station, every Monday. The matter was adjourned until July 8, 2019.

Omalo Williams called ‘Mal’

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 25, 2019

MoU signed to construct houses for Lombard St squatters TWENTY families who were relocated from Lombard and Broad streets, Charlestown in 2017, will soon move into their own homes with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and Food For The Poor (FTTP) Guyana Incorporated. The document was signed on Monday at the CH&PA’s Brickdam head office by Chief Executive Officer for FFTP, Kent Vincent and Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Leon Saul. The families will be moved to Prospect Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. Minister in the Ministry of Communities, with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson, said the MoU will address the housing needs of those persons who were asked to relocate from Broad and Lombard streets, Georgetown, in July, 2017. “I have been advised these residents have been living in that area for approximately 30 years, and they were forced to remove as a result of a court action, and with that, the government intervened and a commitment was made to ensure that these residents are indeed relocat-

Minister Annette Ferguson oversees the signing of the MoU between the CH&PA and FTTP for the construction of homes for 20 families.

ed,” Minister Ferguson said. She explained that the project advances President David Granger’s housing agenda for eradicating homelessness. She said, too, the proposed project demonstrates what can be achieved when there is cooperation. “It also restores dignity to families who were left to suffer indignity for over 30 years. It gives hope to other families,”

the Housing Minister said. CEO of the Housing Authority, Leon Saul, said the mandate of the authority is to provide housing for the working class since housing is a fundamental right. “We at CH&PA are compelled to provide housing for the people of Guyana and so when it was brought to our attention the plight of the persons at Broad Street, who are living

under horrible conditions, we decided to address the issue and approached FTTP Guyana, and a willing collaboration was there to provide housing for these folks at Broad Street,” Saul said. For the first phase, Saul said FTTP will be providing for 41 percent of the cost and CH&PA will provide the remainder. “For the units that will

Man nabbed with illegal firearm in Parika POLICE, during an intelligence-led operation on Sunday, arrested a 45-year-old man with an illegal firearm that was found under the seat of his white Toyota Carina 212 motorcar that was parked at Parika Back Dam, East Bank Essequibo. Reports indicate that, when police approached the vehicle, several persons were flocked around the car and the driver later identified himself as the owner of the aforementioned vehicle. A search of the car resulted in the seizure of a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver with two live .38 ammunition and three .38 spent shells in a brown leather holster. The Good Hope, East Bank Essequibo resident was then told of the charge and arrested, and, under caution, he admitted to purchasing the illegal firearm in Georgetown, three years ago, for

The illegal firearm, rounds and holster found in the car.

$100,000. He reportedly told investigators that it was for his personal pro-

tection. He is currently in police custody at the Parika Police Station as investigation continues.

be constructed, FFTP will be providing $12.3M and CH&PA $19M and, of course, the beneficiaries will be making a contribution in terms of ‘sweat’ because we believe that they should contribute; additionally, they will be paying for the processing of the building plans at the NDC,” the CEO said. Chief Executive Officer for FFTP, Kent Vincent, said

the organisation is committed to providing assistance to those who are unable to access housing finance from commercial banks and other lending institutions. Adding that the FFTP has given priority to families with young school aged children; Vincent said to date the organisation has built 3900 housing units across Guyana. He said the 20 persons were chosen and allocated land in Prospect, EBD, and construction is expected to commence in a few weeks when the funds become available. The CEO said that the timeframe for construction will be approximately four months. “The other 50 homes that we expect to partner with the Ministry to construct, is at a later date to be determined, but I am hopeful that it will be sometime very soon… this for us is the first collaboration of this nature and we do not expect it to be the last,” Vincent said. He said FFTP will be funding 41 per cent of the cost of the homes and for each parcel of land, FFTP will be financing the cost along with the conveyance fee for the transports. “We are making it very easy for the Broad Street residents,” the FTTP CEO said.

Sand Hills resident charged with killing villager Twenty-eight-year-old Roy Gladstone of Sand Hills, Berbice River, was, on Monday, charged with the killing of fellow villager, Elvis Benedict Francis, between June 18 and 19 this year. Gladstone, unrepresented by counsel, was not required to plead to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Peter Hugh at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court. The case has been adjourned to Thursday, June 27, when it is expected that Gladstone would be represented by counsel. According to reports, on Tuesday 18 last, there was an altercation, which stemmed from an old grievance. Consequently, Francis armed himself with cutlasses and went

to the home of the suspect. It was observed that the exterior of Gladstone's home was damaged with what is suspected to be cutlass markings. Gladstone’s wife Doisha Stephen had told Guyana Chronicle that her husband, in an effort to protect her and their three children, had pelted the now deceased with a bat. However, a post mortem report had revealed there were deep lacerated wounds to the lower and center of his (Francis’) back, left hand, upper left jaw, along with scratches and bruises about the body. The cause of death was recorded as shock and haemorrhage, along with multiple wounds.

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019

LAC countries urged to up their game

--to stay relevant, as Green Economy ‘confab’ opens in Brazil By Svetlana Marshall in Brazil UNITED Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative to Brazil, Katyna Argueta has urged countries within Latin America and the Caribbean to enhance productivity, inclusion and resilience, if they want to be considered among the world’s middle-class. She made the call while addressing regional leaders during the opening of the 2019 Americas Regional Ministerial Conference on Green Economy in Fortaleza, Brazil on Monday. Argueta, in her frank discourse at the Ceara Events Centre, said Latin America and the Caribbean is a middle-income region but not

economy has the potential to foster productivity, enhance social inclusion and improve human welfare, in addition to the enhancement of systemic resilience. However, she said its full potential can only be achieved if the necessary policies and regulatory frameworks are in place. “There is another crucial element for ensuring that green economy could have a significant positive impact in our societies. As you might know, the 2030 Agenda is our aspirational line of sight. Thus, transition to a green economy model must be fully in line with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and, therefore, must be sought for the benefit of all,” the UNDP Resident Representative added.

Development Expo 2016 in Dubai addressed green technology transfer and green economies among the main themes. In the framework of the World Green Economy Summit 2018 in Dubai, UAE, UNOSSC organised the High-level Ministerial Meeting on South-South Cooperation in Green Economy for Agricultural Development and Enhanced Food Security, which encouraged countries to adopt green economy as strategic element for protecting the natural resources and environment and to utilize modern technologies and ICT to address challenges of sustainable development, especially for green economy development and climate change,” Baioni pointed out. She said the UNOSSC continues to contribute to

UNDP Resident Representative in Brazil Katyna Argueta

countries in partnership with the United Nations system,” the UNDP Assistant Resident Representative explained. According to her, the Green Economy Conference presents an ideal platform for the presentation of concrete green economy solutions and innovative green technologies that have proven effective. Addressing the forum on behalf of the Chairman of the World Green Economy Organisation, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Edem Bakhshish – the Chief of UNOSSC Division for the Arab States, Europe, while acknowledging that the Americas is rich in natural resources, said it continues to face a plethora of environmental challenges.

UNDP Assistant Representative, Maristela Marques Baioni

necessarily a middle-class society. To achieve such a status, she said, countries must enhance productivity, inclusion and resilience. “We must work on paving these three lanes, mindful that this requires effective governance as a precondition. There are many factors that explain poor outcomes: Low quality of education, low capacity in local governments, poor service delivery, the degradation of natural resources, and others. Nevertheless, the underlying determinant of those factors is always related to ineffective governance,” Argueta explained. In the Region of the Americas, she said, green

‘GREEN’ IS THE FUTURE Echoing the sentiments of UN Secretary-General, Argueta said Green Economy is the future, but it is must be to the benefit of all. UNDP Assistant Representative, Maristela Marques Baioni, who addressed the forum on behalf of the United Nations Office for SouthSouth Cooperation (UNOSSC), said South-South Cooperation is an important mechanism that can help countries address challenges of green growth through partnership and collaboration on priority areas. “The Global South-South

the transition of Southern countries to green economies through specialisd SouthSouth cooperation funds. “UNOSSC is the Fund Manager and Secretariat of the Board of Directors of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, with a project portfolio that encompasses 31 projects across Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean. The India, Brazil and South Africa Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund) is a remarkable example of cooperation among three developing countries and also a pioneering initiative to implement South-South cooperation for the benefit of other Southern

NEED TO CHANGE COURSE “The economic success in the Americas are now being challenged by the impacts of climate change, and if the region has to sustain its continued growth, it needs to change its course to one that integrates sustainable practices – from the investments level to policies and capacity-building at the national level,” Bakhshish urged on behalf of Tayer. While development across the region has the potential to enhance significantly, those developments must take into consideration the targets set against the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, he said. “Only when there is a clear and concerted effort towards shifting to green economy will we be able to address

the key challenges of today. Economies can only be resilient and adaptive to the negative impacts of climate change and global economic fluctuations when the system operates within a sustainable framework,” he further stated. RAISE REGIONAL AWARENESS The high-level Green Economy forum, an extension of the World Green Economy Summit, is intended to raise regional awareness by showcasing and scaling up the impact of evidence-based green economy solutions, already proven to be successful by countries in the Americas in addressing sustainable development challenges. The conference therefore focuses on three main thematic areas: Improving regulatory and policy frameworks for a Green Economy, promoting innovative green investment through public-private partnerships, and advancing national-level capacity development for a holistic green action. The three-day conference is organised by the World Green Economy Organization in close cooperation with the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation and the Brazil-Africa Institute, in partnership with a number of key stakeholders. It is hosted by the Government of the State of Ceará, Brazil. Noting that Green Economy offers vast opportunities in eradicating poverty as well as sustaining economic growth, the World Green Economy Organisation has explained

“the Regional Ministerial Conference on Green Economy is intended to create an open and conducive knowledge-sharing setting aimed at supporting the participants in further improving their understanding on the trends and opportunities on the way towards advancing Green Economy agenda in the Americas Region.” It also presents a strategic networking opportunity for all green economy champions and actors active in the Americas Region. “The 2019 Americas Regional Ministerial Conference on Green Economy is as a result of the success of the annual since 2014, World Green Economy Summit model and a direct response to the requests of participating countries and institutional partners to bring green solutions closer to the regional contexts and to deepen the impact of transition to a green economy through scaling up and replication of successful practices at the regional level,” the World Green Economy Organisation explained. The World Green Economy Summit is one of the leading annual global forums that brings together world-class experts to focus on advancing the global Green Economy agenda and the path towards the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Min. Henry urges LAC colleagues to embrace ‘green’ technologies – to help make transition from ‘brown’ to ‘green’ jobs easy

By Svetlana Marshall in Brazil MINISTER of Education Nicolette Henry has challenged countries in the Americas to adopt policies and regulatory frameworks that would create an enabling environment for persons to easily transition from ‘brown’ to ‘green’ jobs, using innovative technologies. In her address on Monday during the 2019 Americas Regional Ministerial Conference on Green Economy at the Ceara Events Centre in Fortaleza, Brazil, the Education Minister said that in an effort to advance green economies while combatting climate change, countries must embrace green technologies. This, she said, would

also require enhanced operational skills and even a shift in employment and education patterns. Minister Henry said it is important to equip the population, through education, with the right skills, knowledge and attitude to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future. Using Guyana as a case in point, the Education Minister said her country recently completed its Green State Development Strategy (GSDS): Vision 2040 – a strategy that would create an environment that would result in Guyana becoming a Green State within 20 years. “The emphasis, really, is on creating an inclusive and prosperous Guyana that provides a good quality of life for all of our citizens, based on sound education, social pro-

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry (centre) making her point during the panel discussion at the start of the Green Economy 'confab' on Monday in Brazil. With her, from left are: Roberto Liz, Director of Social and Economic Development in the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development of the Dominican Republic; Ecuador’s Vice-Minister of Environment, Michael Castañeda; Director and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Representative, Regional Hub in Mexico, Guillermo Castella Lorenzo; and UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub, Green Economy and Employment, Programme Specialist Mihail Peleah

tection, low-carbon and resilient development. It is also related to providing new economic opportunities, justice and political empowerment,” Minister Henry explained.

The Strategy is intended to guide the management of the country’s natural resource wealth, support economic resilience and build human capital and institutional capacity. PRIORITY AREAS These three priority areas, she further explained, would be achieved through multiple strategic actions such as the strengthening of fiscal monetary policies, sustainable management of the country’s land resources, increase economic competitiveness and resilience, construction of resilient infrastructure and transitioning renewable energy. “We are also looking at improving trade and investment and international cooperation and fostering healthy, educated, social and cohesive populations among other things,” Minister Henry told her counterparts. The Green State Development Strategy, she said, would undoubtedly create enabling conditions for economic transformation. Already, ahead of the implementation of the strategy, Guyana has brought into Law a Natural Resource Fund Act, and has adopted a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to ensure that its potential oil revenues are strategically, transparently and effectively managed. Added to that, Minister Henry said Guyana has long embraced the concept of renewable energy, and has initiated the process of transitioning to the use of renewable and reliable energy sources in an effort to support the commercial sector and achieve energy security. The country, Minister Henry posited, is also on the verge of further diversifying its economy. “Certainly, we are diversifying Guyana’s economic base and moving to higher value added products

and hopefully decent jobs for all. And this of course requires investing in people, community, health and education to ensure that the citizenry can have access to the best opportunities to prosper, prepare and participate in emerging economic opportunities,” Minister Henry said. REQUIRED SKILLS In response to a question posed by a participant of the conference on skills required, the Education Minister said that while countries are transitioning from ‘brown’ to ‘green’ jobs, the pace of transition needs to be accelerated. “We have to think, particularly in the case of Guyana, we have to move from brown to green jobs,” Minister Henry said while underscoring the importance of capacity building and the generation of new skillsets. “Classrooms are good place you can start in terms of building capacity and training. In addition to that, there is also a need to have a national conversation. In Guyana’s particular case, we have had very robust, I believe, discussion on Local Content so that the population can be involved, make suggestions, make contributions as to how new skills, new ideas and new technologies would allow you to prepare for emerging green and different economies,” the Education Minister explained. But these policies and regulatory frameworks, she cautioned, would not be successful or effectively implemented if they do not receive buy-in from the wider population. As such, she said consultation and a well-laidout plan of action with clear timelines are key. “In the case of our Green State Development Strategy, we have developed an accom-

panied implementation plan to ensure that many aspects if not all of the aspects of the policy are implemented. One of the mechanisms that we use in terms of developing both the implementation plan and the policy was to have very collaborative engagements where all stakeholders and parties and persons with an interest can be involved in the developmental plan of the policy so that the implementation would be seamless because they provided input,” she explained. PANEL DISCUSSION Minister Henry formed part of a panel that discussed ‘enabling policy and regulatory frameworks for a Green Economy.” The other panelists included Director and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Representative, Regional Hub in Mexico, Guillermo Castella Lorenzo; Ecuador’s Vice-Minister of Environment, Michael Castañeda; and Roberto Liz, the Director of Social and Economic Development, the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development of the Dominican Republic. Ecuador’s Vice-Minister of Environment, in response to queries about the high rate of deforestation in his country, said the government has engaged in the process of reforestation. “Ecuador is reforesting the Amazon Forest and bringing back trees to areas that where deforested,” Minister Castañeda said. Ecuador is divided into four principal regions: The Amazon, the Andes, the Pacific Coast, and the Galapagos Islands; and of them all, the Amazon continues to be affected by deforestation. But the government, the Vice-Minister of Environment assured his audience, is taking strategic action to reduce the impact. At the national level, Ecuador is also working to eliminate the use of single-use plastic containers and promote recycling. In Guyana, the Government intends to gradually phase out the use of single-use plastic containers by the year 2021. Studies show that as much as 40 per cent of the world’s oceans are tremendously affected by pollution, with an estimated eight million metric tonnes of plastic waste entering them annually. The threeday conference continues today.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 25, 2019

GECOM major determinant of elections date -AG tells CCJ

By Lisa Hamilton ATTORNEY General (AG), Basil Williams, SC on Monday told the Caribbean Court of Justice that President David Granger is prepared to set a date for General and Regional Elections once he is duly advised by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Addressing the CCJ panel led by President, Justice Adrian Saunders, Williams said: “The President of Guyana is an Executive President. So, if we look at the question of separation of powers, to propose that someone else gives the date for National Elections will collide unfortunately with that.” He said if there is no agreement for the two-thirds resolution in the Parliament, then of necessity, the president being given the powers under the Constitution, “should, after consultation with GECOM, dissolve the National Assembly and General and Regional Elections shall be held on a date fixed by the President,”. The Attorney General reminded that under Guyana’s electoral laws, in order to create a new list of electors and national register of registrants, house-to-house visits must be pursued. He said almost half a billion dollars has already been spent in preparing for House-to-House Registration by GECOM. “The list has to be revised by additions and deletions and has to be done by house-tohouse visits.” Meanwhile, the CCJ appears to have taken into consideration the importance of "credible elections" being held in Guyana and has asked parties involved to seek consensus. This view was expressed on Monday by the CCJ which had planned to make a number of consequential orders but resolved to give the political leaders additional time to come to a possible amicable solution. On June 18, 2019 the court upheld the No-Confidence vote against Government and quashed the appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). During the ruling, the court urged the two sides to meet but, while President David Granger has sent out an invitation for engagement to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, the two have not yet had a chance to interact. While it is unknown what will become of the engagement, the attorneys representing their parties maintain starkly contrasting views. Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes is the lead

attorney representing the opposition in both the GECOM Chair and no-confidence vote matters while Williams and Senior Counsel, Eamon Courtenay represent the government. And Senior Counsel, Stanley Marcus represent GECOM. Elections without chairman Mendes contended that elections could be held in Guyana without a GECOM Chair and within three months. He made the comments to the court even as more than half of the 7-member GECOM Commission, in recent times, has disagreed on the fixed timeline. Nonetheless, Mendes maintained that elections ought to have been held by March 21, 2019 and proposed that the April 30, 2019, now expired, Official List of Electors (OLE) be used as is or be supplemented with any recent additions to the List. He also proposed that, to facilitate a limited threemonth election preparation period, beginning Monday, that the Court assist with the setting of a 10-day timeline for the re-appointment of a GECOM Chair. However, drawing the attention of the Senior Counsel back to his push for elections within a three-month period, CCJ Judge, Justice Winston Anderson questioned the consideration of such a period for the holding of “credible elections”. Anderson defined “credible elections” as “elections in which the people of Guyana have confidence that their will is accurately expressed”. In turn, Mendes responded: “Whatever the state of the List, whatever the state of the Commission, it really doesn’t matter. The constitution says that you have a three-month period within which to hold the elections.” He added that it is the National Assembly which will determine whether this period can be extended and not the Commission. “I have not seen any provision which gives the Commission the power to say to the President that that date is invalid [and] you must fix another date,” he said. However, his latter comment caused CCJ Judge, Justice Jacob Wit to read to Mendes Article 162 (2) of the Constitution which states: “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Constitution, if the Elections Commission is satisfied that the holding of an election pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of Article 60 on the day appointed therefore would be attended, either generally or in a particular area, by danger or

Attorney General, Basil Williams

Senior Counsel, Eamon Courtenay

Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes

serious hardship it may, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, by notice published in the Gazette – (a) postpone the holding of the election to a day specified in the notice; or (b) postpone the voting in any area specified in the notice to a day so specified.” Mendes, in turn, denied that there was any “danger or serious hardship” in existence. Meanwhile, when he spoke, Senior Counsel Courtenay pointed to the dangers of forcing upon a country a fixed-timeframe. He told the court that great care must be taken by the CCJ in declaring its consequential orders as these have the potential to determine whether credible elections are held and whether the results of a faulty List will be accepted by the people. “When it comes to credible elections, the experience in Guyana, as was told to this court on the 9th and 10th of May this year makes it very clear, that there is real risk that if there is not confidence in what happens that there is a real risk that political parties will rule the day rather than the rule of Law,” he stated. “In short, I submit to this court that we should move with all deliberate speed on this highly sensitive, highly political, highly constitutionally fraught issue.” He lobbied for submissions ---which were later granted permission by the court--to be made by the involved Parties to further guide the court in its orders. He also asked the court that the additional time requested by his counterparts be not dismissed but considered for the sake of serious discussions on the “very serious constitutional issues”. Courtenay then added: “My respectful submission to this court is, one cannot and should not trivialise the necessity for there to be a List of Electors prepared in accordance with law. Anything short of that is a prescription for the Commission saying there’s a hardship or the language of [Article] that

the date has to be postponed which creates a bigger problem.” Courtenay stated that while he does not underestimate how difficult coming to a compromise can be, it is in the best interest of the current situation that the involved Parties attempt an amicable agreement. Meanwhile, Senior Counsel, Marcus argued that the three-month time period within the Constitution is “directory” rather than “compulsory”. Questioned on date outside of the three-month time period for which a credible List can be generated for elections following the national registration exercise, Marcus gave this date as December 25, 2019. He was unable, without further consultation with

GECOM, to state whether this period could be reduced as a form of compromise. Highlighting that GECOM has already expended over $700M towards preparation for house-tohouse registration, he reminded that the National Assembly has the authority to extend the three-month time frame and leaders involved should take this into consideration for the benefit of a clean list. Courtenay had also pointed out the flaw in the Opposition calling for the Cabinet and President to resign forthwith yet, at the same time, calling for the President to meet with the Opposition Leader. He pulled the curtains back to the dangers of a country without a Head of State and Ministers,

expressing that it would put the entirety of Guyana in a vulnerable position Gov’t continues Addressing the court Williams reminded that Article 106 (7) of the Constitution states that the government and the President shall remain in office until after new elections. He also proposed that should the National Assembly not accede to an extension to the “unreasonable three-month time frame,” the President, after consultation with the Commission shall dissolve the National Assembly and General and Regional Elections shall be held on a date to be fixed by the President in accordance with Articles 70(2) and 61 respectively. While the opposition feverishly objects to the holding of house-to-house elections, Williams reminded that it is the only exercise catered for under the National Registration (Amendment) Act 2007 for the creation of the National Register of Registrants (NRR). We have a border controversy; we have porous borders where transnational crime and everything happens and we can’t protect it normally; we don’t have the people to protect it. So, at any moment crisis can occur in Guyana.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 25, 2019

CAROSAI XI opens three-day meeting in Guyana Minister of Public Health and member of the PAC, Volda Lawrence

Delegates of CAROSAI and other officials share a moment before the start of the CAROSAI conference (Adrian Narine photoS)

THE eleventh Caribbean Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (CAROSAI) conference opened at the Ramada Hotel, on Monday, with Minister of Public Health and member of the Public Accounts Committee, Volda Lawrence saying that in order to ensure that no country is left behind CAROSAI must ensure that auditing standards, techniques and guidelines are in sync with international best practices. “It means that irrespective of the geographical demographic of a notion, CAROSAI must ensure that the auditing standards and techniques are in sync and on par with international guidelines so that the Caribbean is not left behind, and our member states can optimise their auditing ability to derive the best possible outcome,” she

said. CAROSAI was encouraged to impress upon Governments of the region, the need to reform laws and legislations which are no longer relevant and which impede on progress. She said auditing or high quality financial reporting plays a pivotal role in capital markets, since it is essential to the effective and efficient functioning of the markets and more so the key to success in the respective economies. “Given its intrinsic value to the capital markets and the auditors’ opinion upon which investors rely heavily, credibility, reliability transparency and relevance of audit must be paramount. “I believe that the reforms to auditing are widespread… it is incumbent of CAROSAI to become au fait with these reforms and, in turn, apprise member states of same so

Wash-bay helper granted bail PRINCIPAL Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on Monday, June 24, 2019, released a 26-yearold wash bay helper on $10,000 for stealing a large quantity of raw chicken. Omalo Dick of 'A' Field Sophia, made his appearance at Georgetown Magistrates' Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that, on

June 22,2019, at 'D' Grill Kings, Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he stole 170 pounds of chicken valued $51,680, property of Rawle Burkett. Police prosecutor, Adduni Inniss, made no objection to the granting of bail. Dick was released on $10,000 bail and will return to court on July 17,2019.

that evaluations can be done on how those reforms can be utilised to enhance our audit mechanism,” said Minister Lawrence. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Irfaan Ali said that a twin approach is needed to modernise local audit systems. “On one hand we have to ensure we strengthen the existing system and ensure the system works and on the other hand we have to identify where we would like to be or where we ought to be and work from a different angle, to ensure that we build capacity now to get there and not necessarily work in a straight line manner,” said Ali, in his remarks at the opening ceremony. He believes that the twin approach will allow countries to leap frog into the future, employ the best technology

Chairman of the PAC, Irfaan Ali

and have the relevant human resource capacity. As the conference progresses, Ali said, they need to conduct a perfect analysis of the gaps which exist in the region, since these gaps do not regard auditing alone but, also include developmental gaps, national development priorities and differences within the region and how the audit institutions and framework are aligned for national and regional development. “In examining the vision we need to understand where we are but, is where we are where we ought to be in today’s environment? The challenge is how we get where we ought to be now in the shortest possible time so that we will be in real time, with real issues, in a real environment,” said the PAC chairman. Auditor General of Guy-

ana, Deodat Sharma said the CAROSAI conference, which is held under the theme “vision of performance; for relevance and success,” aims to highlight incredible contributions of member SAIs and success stories that would help to forge a better future for SAIs. The presentations from June 23-27 will include a diversity of conversations from performance audits, debt management to investment needs and sustainable development goals, all in a continuous effort to strengthen the core values of professionalism, inclusiveness, partnership, credibility and accountability. “Occasions such as this provide a valuable opportunity for SAIs, other stakeholders and decision-makers to share experiences and make effective contributions, developing methods for high

quality audits and enhanced SAI-stakeholder engagement for greater audit impact,” said Sharma. CAROSAI was formed in 1988 to promote understanding and co-operation among SAIs in the region. This body fortifies and strengthens the respective SAIs within the Caribbean region through training and continuing education. Exchange of audit techniques, audit programmes, standards and criteria for Public Sector Accounting are also fostered. CAROSAI prides itself on its core values of professionalism, inclusiveness, partnerships, credibility and accountability. Its membership is diversified and comprises of the 23 SAIs.

First quarter exports from Latin American and Caribbean fall---IDB report The value of exports from Latin American and the Caribbean fell by 1.6 percent in the first quarter of 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease was caused by lower export volumes and falling commodity prices. The downturn ended 27 months of growth. Exports have fallen in every subregion, but the drop was particularly pronounced in South America, according to the latest update of Trade Trend Estimates: Latin America and the Caribbean, which is published today . The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) issues the report every six months. Exports grew in several of

the 26 countries discussed in the report, although Barbados, Haiti, and Suriname were the only ones whose performances outstripped those of the first quarter of the previous year. “A combination of risk factors is affecting the outlook for regional trade,” said Paolo Giordano, the economist at the IDB’s Trade and Integration Sector who coordinated the report. “What happens next depends largely on the outcome of current global trade tensions and whether the Latin America and the Caribbean remains on a growth path.” The figures for the first quarter of 2019 contrast with the revised data for 2018, which showed export growth of 8.9

percent, although this slowed as the year went on and trade conflicts escalated. The value of Latin American and Caribbean imports grew by 10.8 percent in 2018 before stagnating in the first quarter of 2019. China was the most dynamic destination for the region’s cumulative exports in the first quarter of 2019. US import demand slowed, and LAC exports to the European Union and within the region also contracted notably. In the first quarter of 2019, South American exports fell by 5.4 percent after expanding an average rate of 8.3 percent in 2018. This was true of almost every country in South America. Exports to the

European Union and within South America contracted the most (-14.8 percent and -14.0 percent, respectively), while the exports to China and the rest of Asia remained in positive territory. Mesoamerican exports increased an estimated 2.1 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2019. This compares to 9.4 percent in 2018. This slowdown is explained by the slower growth of Mexican exports and the contraction of Central American ones. Growth in exports from the Caribbean slowed slightly in the first quarter of 2018, according to estimates based on data for five countries in the subregion.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 25, 2019

Gov’t commissions second Wakapoa bridge A new bridge, which was commissioned several days ago at the indigenous village of Wakapoa in the Pomeroon , is expected to benefit some 400 residents, including children and farmers. The $1M bridge, the second to be built by the APNU+AFC government since coming into office, was commissioned by Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, last Thursday as the administration intensifies its efforts towards bridging the economic and social divide. According to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, funding for the construction of the structure was made from allocations in its capital expenditure from last years’ budget. The construction of the structure was deemed by Toshao of the Village Howard Cornelius as historic. Minister Allicock, while addressing residents, said Thursday’s commissioning

was a representation of Governments’ commitment to development, since, in the past, requests to build bridges within the community fell on deaf ears; however it was now a reality. “I am happy to be here to witness the opening of another new bridge for your comfort, more so for the comfort of the children getting to school easier and quicker… we are happy that we can deliver what we promised you and this a good example of building bridges,” he said. “We are very pleased with the results. It has taken time, there’s plenty of work to do but with your support, your commitment for the building of your own community…we have seen signs of coming together, and we are hoping that this relationship will continue to grow for the sake of the development of the economy of your community and for the good life of everyone here,” Minister Allicock added. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Regional

Minister of Indigenous Peoples' Affairs, Sydney Allicock (left) and other officials applaud as a child from the village cuts the ribbon which officially marks the commissioning of the new structure. (MOIPA photo)

Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikaran reaffirmed the government’s commitment to development in the area , noting that the administration is not idle where this is concerned.“Our Government is not an idle Government we do not only make promises,

but we deliver on our promises and you would have recognized for the past couple of years every single promise we made to you in this community, in this region and across this country we were able to deliver,” he said. He said that it is import-

ant for all to understand that the structure bridges two points in the community, as he linked it to placing differences aside. Meanwhile, Toshao Cornelius commended efforts made by residents for the execution of the project. “I am

very proud of you because of what you have done and as a result we have a bridge and a new road that was open up to the school and as the Toshao we want to pledge our support for the development of this community and we want to work with the Government of the day and the government has been very supportive”. Gavin Prince, a resident and a beneficiary of the project said, “it will benefit us in plenty ways when we have to go to our farm when water high, the hospital, the school because when the water high it does come to like four feet and does got plenty electric eel, big one too so it does be dangerous so now we ain’t got to punish when water high you just got to cross the bridge now.” Villagers were asked to continue to work together for the benefit of their village so that the “Good Life” promised can be realised.

Medical Council members call on public to report complaints against medical institutions CHIEF Medical Officer Dr. Shamdeo Persaud and other members of the Medical Council of Guyana (MCOG) have joined Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, in calling on persons to submit official reports to the Council if they have any complaints about medical services received at any medical institution – whether public or private. Over the past two weeks, several, mostly anonymous, stories, shared primarily by social activist Melissa Atwell, have been gaining attention on social media site—Facebook-detailing allegations against the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital, and one of the hospital’s doctors. Atwell has posted over 30 different stories, from what she said were private messages sent to her. The hospital has since denied the claims, and questioned the authenticity of the reports given their ano-

nymity. After the hospital had made a report to the police against her, Atwell was arrested and has since been placed on $200,000 station bail. She says the additional attention on the issue propels her to continue to be a voice to the voiceless. “I don’t want to give a position to be accused of bias but, as an ordinary Guyanese [the allegations] is something that needs to be investigated. I know we have received complaints in the past but I have seen no complaints against Balwant Singh Hospital [received by the Medical Council],” noted Attorney James Bond, who is a member of the Council. “We meet once a month and we entertain complaints, applications, etcetera. So, for these matters and all matters, whether involving the private or public institutions or doctors, so persons must feel free to come to the medical council.”

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud

Member of the Medical Council of Guyana, Attorney at Law James Bond

Minister Lawrence said while anonymous complaints are a starting point to raise interest, there can be no justice for victims or proper investigation without the necessary official reports. This stance was reiterated by Persaud. “I can’t give information on this matter [because] up to now I have not received any official complaint, that’s how we usually operate. The Minister made it clear that that’s how we take matters on,” Persaud noted. “There is a Ministry of Public Health, there’s a Chief Medical Officer, none of those are secrets. You can write the Ministry a complaint at any time if you have a dissatisfaction with service on any health matter.” Bond reminded that the Council remains very much open to receiving complaints and reports, with all information treated with confidentiality. “Persons should feel

free to go, it’s confidential, it’s private. We are situated on Carmichael Street opposite the Bishop’s High School and [when]they make their complaint, we will entertain them. You can come any day of the week, you can go there now and all. All those who have issues with any institution, go to the medical council and submit your complaints and we will look at it” Bond noted. However, notwithstanding the numerous social media complaints, from all indications, none of the anonymous victims, or others who openly posted their own stories, have made any official complaints to the authorities. Minister Lawrence had also noted that aside from making a report to the Council, or writing the CMO, persons can also write to the Minister herself, or to the Deputy CMO.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

The role of the Gaming Authority explained GUYANA’S Gaming Authority hosted a Stakeholders Forum on Monday, June 24, 2019, in an attempt to educate the Designated Non-Financial Businesses on the expectations of the Gaming Authority as a supervisory expert. Designated non-financial businesses include casinos, betting shops and lotteries.

The event which took place at the Pegasus Hotel was held under the theme “Guyana Fourth Round Mutual Evaluation and Gaming Sector” and aimed at enhancing the designated non-financial businesses’ knowledge and understanding of the Gaming Authority’s obligations and responsibilities under the Anti-Money Laundering and

Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) legislation, as well as the relevant recommendations under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. In addition, the forum is a part of the preparatory process which allows designated non-financial businesses to have a broader understanding of their role,

duties and commitments in the preparation of the sector for “Guyana Fourth Round Mutual Evaluation,” scheduled for the first quarter of 2022. Giving the keynote address was the Honourable Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of State, Ministry of the Presidency. She reminded the attendees of His Excel-

Lloyd Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the Gaming Authority (Delano Williams photo)

lency, President Brigadier David Granger’s words at the Opening Ceremony of the 46th Plenary Meeting of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in November 2017. He stated, “The Caribbean today is fighting a war against financial Primitives to preserve the integrity of its institutions and to counter money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Guyana as a part of the Caribbean is fit to fight.” Hastings noted that the Government of Guyana supports the initiative and “echoes any cause for there to be adherence to the law in this gaming jurisdiction.” She said, “Money laundering is all about deception. Its aim is to deceive the authority as to the origination, existence and/or of application of illegal sources of income and the subsequent processing of that income to make it appear to have been legitimately earned.” She added that as Guyana advances economically, new industries will emerge and would pose new challenges of which, she thinks the Gaming Authority would rise to, under its “distinguished leadership.” Hastings encouraged dialogues between stakeholders and those in authority and hoped that stakeholders would work in conjunction with the Law and the Gaming Authority. She added, “It is my wish that this will not be restricted to just talk and the pump of gathering. It is my sincere wish that what is discussed here is transformed into positive action with results.” During his presentation on the role of the Gaming Authority, Lloyd Moore, Chief Executive Officer

Honourable Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams, Minister of State, Ministry of the Presidency as she gave her remarks at Monday’s event (Delano Williams photo)

of the Gaming Authority, stated that effective supervision is an essential factor of effective AML/ CFT’s regime. He further noted that an effective supervisory system comprises of a wide range of preventive measures, related sanctions and other corrective actions that supervisory experts may apply. “The role of The Gaming Authority as a supervisory authority under Guyana’s AML/CFT framework is to have oversight and monitor its reporting entities (REs) to ensure you effectively assess the Money Laundering(ML) and Task Force (TF) risks faced by your entities,” he stated. Moore explained further, noting, “The Gaming Authority as a Supervisory body is required to specifically examine and assess its reporting entities’ policies, procedures, systems and controls for identifying and managing ML/TF risk, and take remedial action where appropriate. It should not be a “tick the box” approach and it requires judgment in understanding the characteristics and situation of every reporting entity.” Gaming Authority’s vision is to place Guyana as a leading and internationally recognized jurisdiction with a well-managed and effectively regulated gaming industry. The Gaming Authority of Guyana was launched on December 1, 2008, and is the Supervisory Authority for betting shops, casinos and lotteries under the Anti-Money Laundering Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 and its Amendment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Tuesday June 25, 2019

WHO highlights scarcity of treatment for epilepsy in low-income countries Three quarters of people living with epilepsy in low-income countries do not get the treatment they need, increasing their risk of dying prematurely and condemning many to a life of stigma. The findings are published in “Epilepsy, a public health imperative” released on Monday by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and leading nongovernmental organisations for epilepsy, the International League Against Epilepsy and the International Bureau for Epilepsy. “The treatment gap for epilepsy is unacceptably high, when we know that 70% of people with the condition can be seizure-free when they have access to medicines that can cost as little as US$5 per year and can be delivered through primary health systems,” said Dr Tarun Dua, from WHO’s Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. Premature death is three times higher in people with epilepsy The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population. In low- and middle-income countries, early death among people with epilepsy is significantly higher than in high-income countries. Reasons for this premature mortality in lowand middle-income countries are likely associated with lack of access to health facilities when seizures are long-lasting or occur close together without recovery in between, and preventable causes such as drowning, head injuries and burns. Roughly half of adults with epilepsy have at least one other health condition. The most common are depression and anxiety: 23% of adults with epilepsy will experience clinical depression during their lifetime and 20% will have anxiety. Mental health conditions such as these can make seizures worse and reduce quality of life. Development and learning difficulties are experienced by 30-40% of children with epilepsy. Stigma is widespread Stigma about the condition is also widespread. “The stigma associated with epilepsy is one of the main factors preventing people from seeking treatment,” said Dr Martin Brodie, President of the International Bureau for Epilepsy. “Many children with epilepsy do not go to school and adults are denied work, the right to drive and even to get married. These human rights violations

experienced by people with epilepsy need to come to an end.” Public information campaigns in schools, workplaces, and the broader community to help reduce stigma and the introduction of legislation to prevent discrimination and violations of human rights are also important elements of the public health response. But the report also shows that when the political will exists, the diagnosis of and treatment for epilepsy can be successfully integrated into primary health services. Pilot programmes introduced in Ghana, Mozambique, Myanmar and Viet Nam as part of WHO’s “Reducing the epilepsy treatment gap” programme have led to a considerable increase in access, such that 6.5 million more people have access to treatment for epilepsy should they need it. “We know how to reduce the epilepsy treatment gap. Now action to introduce the measures needed to make a difference needs to be accelerated,” said Dr Samuel Wiebe, President of the International League Against Epilepsy. “Ensuring uninterrupted supply of access to antiseizure medicines is one of the highest priorities, as is training of non-specialist health providers working in primary health-care centres.” 25% epilepsy cases can be prevented Causes of epilepsy include injury around the time of birth, traumatic brain injury, infections of the brain (such as meningitis or encephalitis) and stroke. It is estimated that 25% of cases can be prevented. Effective interventions for prevention of epilepsy can be delivered as part of broader public health responses in maternal and newborn health care, communicable disease control, injury prevention and cardiovascular health. Screening for pregnancy complications and the presence of trained birth attendants can help prevent injury around the time of birth; immunization against pneumonia and meningitis; malaria control programmes in endemic areas; initiatives to reduce road traffic injuries, violence and falls; and health and community interventions to prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and tobacco use can all help reduce epilepsy rates.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 25, 2019

Sutureless Thyroidectomy technique introduced in Guyana - As country hosts Caribbean College of Surgeons

FOUR Guyanese surgeons have benefitted from training in a new sutureless technique used when conducting a thyroidectomy, and it is expected that local patient care will be improved through the use of this procedure. The technique learnt is known as a sutureless thyroidectomy, and local surgeons were trained in this at the conference of the Caribbean College of Surgeons held in Guyana from June 20 to 22. Head of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Shilindra Rajkumar, noted that this conference is one which is held in a different Caribbean territory each year, and said: “We do workshops within each territory to teach the locals something new.” This year, the College of Surgeons hosted a one-day workshop, on June 19, for local surgeons where the thyroidectomy technique was taught. A thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland, found in the neck. “That workshop was the first of its kind where they actually removed thyroid glands, in persons who had diseased thyroid glands, with a sutureless technique,” Dr.

A Guyanese doctor making a presentation at the educational symposium held at the Marriott Hotel, as part of the Caribbean College of Surgeons’ conference held in Guyana [Vishani Ragobeer photos]

Rajkumar said. Instead of applying sutures, which is stitch or row of stitches holding together the edges of a wound or surgical incision, the surgeons learned how to seal the incision by using a ligasure, which is a device that works by applying a precise amount of bipolar energy and pressure to fuse the collagen and elastin in the vessel walls. Explaining the workshop, Dr. Rajkumar said that the thyroidectomy was done for four patients. The first surgery was done by a visiting faculty, assisted by a local faculty of four surgeons. The

three subsequent surgeries were, however, conducted by the local faculty, while the visiting faculty of surgeons only observed the procedures. Dr. Rajkumar highlighted that procedures were conducted without any complications, and this technique will be to the benefit of the entire department of surgery at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). General and Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Cheetanand Mahadeo, was the key local surgeon that performed the thyroidectomies. And re-

sponding to questions from the Guyana Chronicle at the sidelines of the conference, he noted that this technique will be used in future thyroidectomy procedures as long as the equipment is made available. “We were fortunate enough that we could actually have this piece of device (the ligasure) available,” Dr. Mahadeo related, adding that the reason this specific sutureless technique was not used before was because the device could not have been afforded. However, he clarified that this is not a new technique worldwide; it is the “first of its kind” in Guyana. With this technique, he explained that the operating time for the procedure would be reduced by at least a third of the time, while pro-

General and Thoracic Surgeon, Dr. Cheetanand Mahadeo

Head of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Shilindra Rajkumar

viding the same outcome. With this, he said that the patients would spend less time asleep, recover faster and would be able to go home sooner. “The cost of the comsumables and the cost of the machine will be offset by shorter sleeping times and better outcomes,” he said, adding: “So overall, in terms of patient safety and getting better, it is going to benefit us regardless of the cost [and] we get back the money there.” Also speaking to members of the media at the conference was Vice- President of the Caribbean College of Surgeons, Professor Shamir Cawich. He highlighted that the Caribbean College of Surgeons is a large group of surgeons- about 250 doctors overall- from every Caribbean country. And the conference is a forum for these surgeons to meet, learn from each other and share resources with the aim of improving

the “healthcare package” across the Caribbean. “The concept of the conferences and what the college brings to each territory that it goes to each year is that of fellowship of surgeons across a region. In doing so, ideas are shared, technologies are discussed and goals are set,” Cawich said. At the conference too, on Friday night, 17 new fellows were inducted into the Caribbean College; four of these fellows were Guyanese local practitioners. These four are: Dr. Mahadeo, Dr. Rajkumar, Dr. Tameshwar Algu and Dr. Navindranauth Rambarran. “To be a fellow of the Caribbean College of Fellows, you have to have a certain degree of competency, reliability and integrity,” Dr. Rajkumar explained.

Linden student died from fractured skull, spine –autopsy A second-form student of the Linden Foundation Secondary School (LFFS), in Amelia's Ward, Linden, who died on Saturday at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he was in a critical condition after he was knocked down by a teacher last Wednesday, died as a result of a fractured skull and spine. This is according to a post-mortem which was conducted on him on Monday. Fifteen-year-old pedal cyclist, Derrick Rambharrat, of Speightland, Lower Kara Kara, was flung from his bicycle by a car driven by a female teacher of the Amelia’s Ward Primary School. She remains in custody as a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions

seeking advice on charges. According to police reports, the accident occurred around 11:40 hrs on the Central Amelia’s Ward access road on Wednesday. Motor car # PTT 4790, driven by the female teacher, was proceeding north along the western side of Amelia's Ward Access Road at a fast rate of speed when it collided with the bicycle . As a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist received multiple injuries about his body. Eye witnesses related that he received gaping wounds around his neck and was bleeding profusely when he was picked up in an unconscious state and rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC). He was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corpo-

LFFS student, Derrick Rambharrat

ration (GPHC), where he succumbed. According to one eye witness, Rambarrat was riding out of a cross street when he collided head-on with the motor car on the main public road. Investigations are ongoing. Rambarrat was described by teachers as a quiet and mannerly child.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday June 25, 2019

CCDO to meet with Doch Cab Housing Society -to chart way forward for functionality

CHIEF Coop Development Officer (CCDO), Perlina Gifth, says that she is expected to hold Special General Meeting (SGM) with the members of the Doch Cab Housing Cooperative Society (DCHCS) to begin paving the way for the society to return to being active, and allowing for members to get transports for their lands. During a visit earlier this month to the East Coast, Demerara housing scheme by the Attorney General, Basil Williams, and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lelon Saul, Saul had revealed that the CH&PA currently had 25 ‘completed’ transports ready to be distributed to members, with others being processed. However, at the request of the CCDO, the CH&PA is being asked to hold off on issuing anymore transport for lands in the housing society. Gifth said the directive to halt the issuing of transports is one that predates her taking up the CCDO post. However, she explained that the halt was put in place following numerous disputes over ownership of lands in Doch Cab and other housing societies. “We had instances where lots were sold and resold. That has been happening in lots of the housing societies and what we found out was that the first buyer wasn’t able to apply for transport but the second buyer received a transport. It did not happen much in Doch Cab. In the case of Doch Cab there was an issue where a member was issued a lot and he had a lot previously. This one person

wanted to own two lands so a letter was sent, prior to me being appointed in the office, that they put a hold on the transports,” Gifth explained. In 2014 the Doch Cab Housing Society was among over 200 coop societies which were cancelled. Since then a few efforts had been made to revive the society, but the efforts were not sustained. “The society was in a defunct state. Since I have taken office two groups came to me and I outlined to them what are some of the requirements that they must submit to become active but none of them came back,” Gifth said. In their meeting with the AG, the residents complained of reaching a point of frustration in obtaining transports or land titles for lands that some of them have been residing on for over 20 years. During his June 11 visit, Williams aided the society in selecting a five-member group to temporarily represent their interests, and interface with the CH&PA and CCDO. Gifth said that she has already been visited by the five-member group and instructed them on how to go about getting the society back to functionality. She says the first step is for a list of all the members of the society to be compiled. “They visited the Department last week Thursday morning. I said to them these are some of the reasons why the society has not been able to be placed into the active list,” Gifth said. “What we discussed is that they submit a list of members and the status of the members, and in terms of the membership issue, the

Clothes vendor remanded for simple larceny A 26-year-old clothes vendor, on Monday, June 24, 2019, confessed to a simple larceny charge when he appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus because he was frustrated and needed "milk money" to give his child’s mother. Jason Thomas called "Curl up" of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates' Court and opted to plead guilty, since he did not want to waste the court's time. Thomas admitted that, on June 22, 2019, at Regent and Wellington Streets, Georgetown, he stole a $120,000 gold band from Clairann Rambarran. The man told the court “I got two children and I was so frustrated when I woke up the morning my child’s mother called and said she would summons me if I don't get milk money by the afternoon." According to information presented in court by Police Prosecutor Adduni Inniss, on the day in question, the victim

Jason Thomas called "Curl up"

was crossing the intersection of Regent and Wellington Streets, when Thomas walked up beside her and pulled the gold band off her right hand. An alarm was raised, and police on patrol nearby apprehended Thomas. He was searched and the gold band was recovered in his pants pocket. " Everyone makes mistakes in life... She get back her gold band," Thomas told the Magistrate. The Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus adjourned the matter until July 8, 2019 for sentencing and Thomas was remanded to prison.

transport issues I will have a SGM with the members, that meeting will be convened in another week or so. I have since looked at the matter closely and I have discussed it with our Minister of Social Protection, so we are going to make a sanction on that. “ She pointed out that an Interim Management Committee will be put in place and tasked with holding the Annual General Meeting and elections of executives, so that the society could return to being listed as being

active. “They have to have the SGM, and after the SGM we hear the issues and most likely we will have to appoint an Interim Management Committee(IMC) for the short period, and within, at least two months they will have the AGM. Within the two months we will try to bring the society up to some level of normalcy in terms of the status of being active. Then they have the AGM and allow the members to continue to manage their society,” she

Chief Coop Development Officer, Perlina Gifth

explained. The DCHCS was reported-

ly established since 1971, where some 35 house lots were allocated in the Clonbrook Housing Scheme. The community plan also included a section of reserved land which was put aside for the construction of a nursery school. The reserve was eventually used as a play field. However, it was later decided by the Coop to parcel off the reserve and also offer it as residential lots, adding another approximately 40 house lots to the Clonbrook Housing Scheme Phase One. The Clonbrook Housing Scheme Phase Two has another 110 house lots.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Clothes vendor on multiple robbery charges

Travis Payne

A 26-year-old West Ruimveldt resident, who went on a gun-toting spree in Georgetown was, on Monday, June 24, 2019 remanded to prison on a series of armed robbery charges. Travis Payne, a clothes vendor, appeared before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isccas-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates' Court on 11 charges, which were laid indictable. Particulars of the first charge alleged that, on July 19, 2018, at West Ruimveldt, Payne, while armed with a gun, robbed Ramnarine of a $10,000 BLU cell phone along with other items totalling $26,000. It was further alleged that, on October 10, 2018, at West Ruimveldt, Payne, while armed with a knife, robbed Mohammed Ishmael of a cell phone valued $40,000. The court further heard that, on October 11, 2018, Payne, while being in custody at East Ruimveldt Police Station on a robbery charge, escaped. It is also alleged that Payne, on November 26, 2018, at North East La Penitence, while being armed with a gun, robbed Collin Edwards of two gold chains valued $202,000 and a $160,000 cell phone. Particulars of the other set of charges alleged that on January 3, 2019 at Kitty, Payne, while in the company of another, and armed with a gun, robbed Randy Simon of $90,000 cash. It was also alleged that, on January 21, 2019, at Castello Housing Scheme, Payne, while armed with a gun, robbed Angela Ceasar of a handbag with a quantity of items totalling $13,500. It was further alleged that, on January 29, 2019, at Kitty Seawalls, Georgetown, Payne while armed with a gun robbed Michael Agrippa of a cell phone along with other items

totalling $522,000. The court heard that, on January 30, 2019 at Kitty Seawalls, Georgetown, Payne, while armed with a gun, robbed Terrence Park of a cell phone and cash totalling $12,000. It is also alleged that on the same day and location, Payne, while armed with a gun, robbed Ronaldo Etwaroo of a $6,000 cell phone and $1,800 cash. Payne was also charged for being armed with a gun on April 12, 2019 at West Ruimveldt and robbing Faith Desouza of a Samsung Note 4 valued $48,000. The last charge alleged that, Payne, on May 23, 2019 at Tucville, Georgetown, discharged a loaded firearm at Roxcel Naipaul, with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or to cause her grievous bodily harm. Payne told the court that, on December 4, 2017, he was released from prison after serving a 37-month jail sentence for possession of an unlicensed firearm. Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris opposed to Payne being released on bail based on the seriousness of the charges. Payne, according to the prosecutor is deemed a nuisance to society, since he did not learn anything while spending time behind bars. The prosecutor told the court that Payne was positively identified by the victims and explained that Michael Agrippa was traced back to a man who when arrested told the police that he bought it from the accused. Payne however told the Magistrate that he is innocent and was beaten by the police, who threw bricks on his toes and punched him about his body. Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus, however, remanded Payne to prison until July 15.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

Team Mohamed’s, Trans Pacific thrill fans in second drag race meet THERE wasn’t a fan seated as Team Mohamed’s White GTR, rebranded Godzilla, dominated at the South Dakota Drag strip on Sunday. The former world record-holding car, under the stewardship of Terrance Cox, rampaged its way down the quarter-mile for a new strip record of 8.099 seconds at the second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s Drag race meet. The roar of the 2700 h.p engine echoed around the Timehri circuit, true to its new name, Godzilla. Rain on Saturday had threatened the weekend, but

brilliant sunshine on Sunday morning meant that race fans were in for a treat; and a treat they got. The most enterprising battle of the day, however, was between the then strip record holder, Team Mohamed’s Goliath and the Trans Pacific Toyota Alteeza. Just before the heavens opened up and showered the track, ending the day prematurely, the two put a perfect end on the afternoon, with Rameez Mohamed driving the Alteeza and Cox driving Goliath. Off the line, the Alteeza jumped the light and sped away but the sheer force of Goliath caught the Alteeza at

three-quarters of the distance and never looked back. The much improved Alteeza granted fans what they were looking for, one of the closest battles to have graced the strip. Still, there was action all round as Marlon Wilson, out of Berbice, snagged the 16-second class. Ramesh Persaud took the 15-second class with Romeo Singh taking the 14-second class and Shan Seejattan snagging the 13-second class. Seejattan also snagged the best reaction time of 0.00426. Due to the rains, the club was unable to run the 12-second class with Krishna Jettoo winning the 11- second class and Peter Daby taking

the 10 second time bracket. The unlimited section was won by Cox. The club was also unable to complete the bikes and newly installed raptor classes and will meet on Thursday to determine how the winners will be decided. REBRANDING Meanwhile, a statement from Team Mohamed’s indicated that they have officially renamed the White GTR, Godzilla “We firstly want to thank all our fans for the support we have seen over the last few days, especially Sunday and we have some great news. The White Nissan GTR that has just entered FROM BACK PAGE

Ambris replaces injured Russell in Windies World Cup squad MANCHESTER, England, (CMC) – West Indies lost their gamble with Andre Russell’s fitness on Monday when the injury-plagued all-rounder was forced out of their beleaguered World Cup campaign, after failing to recover from a long-standing knee injury. The injury-plagued 31-year-old managed just four games of West Indies’ six outings in somewhat of a farcical experiment and will now be replaced by batsman Sunil Ambris, who was a part of the side’s pre-tournament camp in Southampton last month. Russell’s withdrawal comes as little surprise despite West Indies’ insistence he would continue to feature in the World Cup campaign. The Jamaican has been in visible discomfort throughout the tournament, often hobbling around while fielding and repeatedly forced to leave the field for treatment during matches. He missed the Windies’ outing against New Zealand and in his last match against Bangladesh one week ago, also struggled in sending down six overs.

All told, Russell managed just five wickets from 19 overs at an average of 20, and made 36 runs from three innings, including a two-ball ‘duck’ against Bangladesh. His biggest impact came in his side’s opener against Pakistan when he snatched two wickets for four runs in a hostile three-over spell that helped send the Asians crashing for a meagre 105 in Nottingham, setting up the Windies’ only win to date. Captain Jason Holder had acknowledged following the eight-wicket defeat to England that Russell was struggling with fitness issues but said they planned to do everything possible to have him available for the rest of the tournament. “It’s been difficult so far for him. We have been trying our best to keep him on the park, but it is proving difficult,” Holder told reporters then. “Going forward, we have to persist. He is here for a reason. We think he can be a match-winner for us. We have just got to cope with him. Got to do everything we possibly can with him to keep him on the park.”

There had been question marks over Russell’s fitness especially after he lasted just a single One-Day International against Bangladesh last July before the same injury ruled him out of the three-match series. He was subsequently called up to for the last two fixtures of the five-match series against England last February only to sit out both through injury. However, a successful Indian Premier League where he plundered 510 runs at an average of 56 and grabbed 11 wickets, enticed selectors to give him the nod for the crucial World Cup campaign. Ambris, meanwhile, will now link up with the squad here ahead of Thursday’s clash with unbeaten India as the Caribbean side, virtually out of the running for a top four spot, seek to end their campaign strongly. The 26-year-old was a member of the squad which toured Ireland for the Tri-Series involving the hosts and Bangladesh, scoring 278 runs at an average of 92, including a career-best 148 against Ireland.

the Team Mohamed’s family, will now be known as the Team Mohamed’s Godzilla. That car joins our other two GTRs-- the Black Goliath and the Nismo-- as part of our drag racing family as well as the race bikes and Jet Skis we have in our team. The next event on the GMR&SC calendar is the second National Race of champions billed for July 21st.

American Racing Tips Finger Lakes Race 1 Because Of Susan Race 2 Stone Bandit Race 3 Lady By The Bay Race 4 Im Gonna Win Race 5 Alphabetting Race 6 Lumberer Race 7 Control Group Race 8 Hackensack Hill South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:10 hrs Watch Me Now 08:45 hrs It’s Complex 09:20 hrs Celtic Voyager 09:55 hrs Sleeping Single 10:35 hrs Vincente 11:10 hrs Apollo Ace English Racing Tips Beverley 09:00 hrs Walk In Marrakesh 09:30 hrs Waqt 10:00 hrs Low Profile 10:30 hrs Archie Perkins 110 hrs Crystal Tribe 11:30 hrs Muhaarar’s Nephew 12:00 hrs Oriental Splendour Brighton 09:15 hrs Shamshon 09:45 hrs Bredenbury 10:15 hrs Tigerfish 10:45 hrs Roy Rocket 11:15 hrs Luxford 11:45 hrs Global Destination 12:15 hrs Toolatetodelegare Newbury 11:55 hrs Gawdawpalin 12:30 hrs Carmel 13:05 hrs The Blue Bower 13:35 hrs Picture Frame 14:10 hrs Mackaar 14:40 hrs Strict 15:15 hrs Sir Roderic 15:45 hrs Raincall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

France to try former IAAF chief Diack for corruption, money laundering - source

FLASHBACK: In this Nov.12, 2011file photo, President of the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) Lamine Diak poses at 2011 World Athletics Gala Awards, in Monaco.

PARIS (Reuters) - Disgraced former IAAF chief Lamine Diack will be tried in France on charges of corruption and money laundering, a judicial source said, after a fouryear investigation into doping cover-ups, extortion and bribe-taking in world athletics.The judges’ decision comes a month after financial prosecutors formally accused Diack and his son Papa Massata of a host of illicit practices over a period of years with the active involvement of international athletes and their federations. Money laundering alone carries a jail term of up to 10 years.

Diack, who led the IAAF from 1999-2015 and was one of the most influential men in athletics, and his son have consistently denied wrongdoing. Prosecutors began their investigation in 2015, shortly after the IAAF’s ethics commission and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) uncovered evidence a Russian marathon runner paid 600,000 euros ($683,220) to cover up a positive drug test, allowing her to compete in the London 2012 Olympic Games. The prosecutors in their indictment highlighted what they describe

as the “extremely complacent” attitude of the IAAF towards the Russian athletics federation. They set out the relations between a number of IAAF and national federation officials allegedly involved in corrupt practices. According to the prosecutors, Diack and his son, who oversees a sports consulting business called Black Tidings, solicited payments from athletes, either directly or indirectly, totalling 3.45 million euros (3.09 million pounds) in exchange for covering up positive doping tests and allowing athletes to go on competing.

Angola hit back Rapinoe on the spot to take U.S. into to force draw with women’s World Cup quarter-finals uninspiring Tunisia By Brian Homewood SUEZ, Egypt (Reuters) - Angola salvaged a surprise but deserved 1-1 draw against an uninspired Tunisia after Djalma Campos cancelled out a Youssef Msakni penalty in their Africa Cup of Nations opener on Monday. In a generally disappointing game, Tunisia went ahead against the run of play in the 34th minute of the Group E match, failed to build on the lead and paid the price when Djalma snapped a rebound in the 73rd minute. Mali and Mauritania were meeting later on Monday in the second half of a double bill at the Suez Stadium. The game was played in hot conditions, although a sea breeze made the temperature more bearable and it did not seem to unduly affect the players. The stadium was barely one quarter full with spectators scattered around the arena. “It was a very difficult and demanding game ... I think we played the best African team,” said Angola coach Srđjan Vasiljevic. “We had enormous difficulties in the preparation period but we faced a strong rival and got a good result.” There was a lot of probing by both sides early on but Angola were more positive and Wilson Eduardo was close with a looping shot across the face of the goal. Tunisia went ahead with a penalty as Msakni found Sliti Naim who cut inside Salomao Paizo and was brought down by the Angolan’s clumsy lunge. There were few complaints from Angola and Msakni fired the spot kick into the roof of the net. The North Africans, the second highest African team in the FIFA rankings, sat on their lead and Angola, back at the tournament after missing the previous two, took advantage. Tunisia goalkeeper Farouk Ben Musthapha spilled a shot by Matheus and Djalma turned in the rebound. Tunisia twice came close to a stoppage time winner as Wahbi Khazri prodded the ball wide after a free kick and Msakni sent a free shot wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area. “We came here to show our value without any promise or fixed objectives,” said Vasiljevic. “We have a plan to play good football and compete with the best African teams.”

REIMS, France (Reuters) - The United States needed two Megan Rapinoe penalties, one of them controversially confirmed after a lengthy VAR review, to beat Spain 2-1 on Monday and set up a quarter-final clash with hosts France at the women’s World Cup. The winning spot kick was subject to much debate but Rapinoe converted it with 15 minutes left after her opening penalty had been cancelled out by Jennifer Hermoso early in the first half. After breezing through the group phase, including a record 13-0 win over Thailand, holders the U.S. lacked inspiration and conceded their first goal of the tournament as Spain rose to the occasion in searing heat at the Stade Auguste-Delaune. France, who the U.S. will meet in Paris on Friday for a place in the semi-finals, scraped through the last 16 with a 2-1 win against Brazil after extra time on Sunday. “You can talk tactics but heart, grit and resolve - that’s a big part of World Cup soccer. No game is ever easy in this tournament,” said U.S. coach Jill Ellis. “We know that, we’ve learned that. So part of it is the mental piece and I thought they were great tonight.” Rapinoe added: “That’s World Cup level grit right

Reims, France - Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. scores their second goal from the penalty spot REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

there. You can’t replicate it, there’s no way to express it or teach it. “The game’s only getting harder and more intense from here. Everybody is playing for their lives. That’s the best part about it honestly. I love it. This is the best stage.” Spain coach Jorge Vilda would not comment on the refereeing, stressing his pride that his team gave the U.S. a tough match. “I really feel that we all should be proud of what we did. I am very proud indeed. In terms of competitiveness, we gave the best team in the world a run for their money,” he told a news conference. “It was a great effort on the part of all the players. We’re going to grow from

this defeat, and I’m really sure all the players on the team have ensured their future.” EARLY PENALTY It took the U.S. only seven minutes to break the deadlock as Tobin Heath was brought down in the area, with Rapinoe coolly converting the resulting penalty. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, however, was not at her best and poor positioning allowed Hermoso to equalise two minutes later with a lob into the net. The champions were still all over Spain though and Rapinoe twice came close as Heath tormented the defence on the right. Spain defended well although they lost midfielder

Vicky Losada, who was replaced by Nahikari Garcia, because of swelling around her eye following a clash early in the game. The Spanish centre backs did a great job at containing Alex Morgan and the U.S. seemed short of ideas up front. Their salvation came when Rose Lavelle fell in the box after slight contact with Virginia Torrecilla, prompting referee Katalin Kulcsar to award a penalty, which was confirmed by VAR to Spain’s understandable frustration. Rapinoe buried the spot kick and the U.S. controlled the rest of the game to secure another famous victory.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Australia can draw inspiration from World Cup pedigree - Finch

LONDON (Reuters) - Captain Aaron Finch believes Australia can draw inspiration from their unrivalled tournament record as they plan to take their performances up a notch heading into the business end of the Cricket World Cup. Australia have won four of the previous five editions of the 50-overs World Cup and are well-placed to reach another semi-finals with five wins from six games so far. Ahead of today’s clash against England at Lord’s, Australia know inflicting defeat on their fierce rivals would leave Eoin Morgan’s side sweating over semi-final qualification. England are chasing their first 50-overs

crown and Finch took his chance to heap some pressure on the pre-tournament favourites by emphasising Australia’s winning mentality. “I think that over the World Cup history, Australia have had a very good history of peaking at the right time,” he told a news conference on Monday. “Over a lot of that history Australia have played their best cricket under the greatest pressure. “And that’s a good lesson for everyone, the fact that we’ve got six guys in our squad who were part of the 2015 World Cup win is really valuable.” Australia’s coaching staff includes former World Cup winners Ricky Ponting, a

three-time champion and captain of the triumphant teams of 2003 and 2007, as well as Brad Haddin, the wicketkeeper in 2015. Finch said the presence of both decorated former players brought a sense of calm to the dressing room. “We’ve got Ricky Ponting with us, and Brad Haddin, as coaching staff who have won World Cups as well,” he added. “So it’s just about the shared experience of what you might feel in a knockout game or a high-pressure game. “Those experienced guys can almost share what you might be feeling, so you can almost be prepared for it before you’re in that situation. That’s invaluable.”

Australia World Cup captain Aaron Finch

Martinique, Cuba end Thompson takes sprint CONCACF Gold Cup double, Dwyer denies Blake campaign with defeats

Martinique forward Kevin Parsemain.

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, (CMC) – Caribbean Football Union sides Martinique and Cuba suffered contrasting defeats to wrap up their campaign in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Sunday. Playing in Group A at Bank of America Stadium, a spirited Martinique went down 3-2 to powerhouses Mexico in the marquee game while in the undercard, Cuba were flogged 7-0 by Canada. Martinique finished third in the group with three points while Cuba were winless and without a goal to their credit. With their win, Mexico topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their preliminary games while Canada were second with six points. In the feature game, Mexico grabbed the lead in the 29th minute through Uriel Antuna which allowed them to lead 1-0 at the break.

However, Kevin Parsemain made the contest interesting when he equalised in the 56th minute, curling in a brilliant free kick from the edge of the 15-yard box. Five minutes later, Mexico were back in front through Raul Jimenez, the England-based forward capping off a fluent passing move to tap in from close range. And Fernando Navarro made the points safe with Mexico’s third goal in the 72nd minute before Jordy Delem created some anxiety at the end with his 84th minute header which pulled one back for the French Caribbean side. Earlier, Jonathan David and Lucas Cavallini netted superb hat-tricks as Cuba slumped to their third straight defeat. Cavallini scored his in the first half with goals coming in the 21st minute, 43rd and 45th while David opened the scoring in the third minute and added strikes in the 71st and 77th.

REIGNING Olympic champion Elaine Thompson was in imperious form as she completed the sprint double by claiming the women’s 200m title at the Jamaica National Championships on Sunday. Thompson, who just edged out training partner and rival Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in the women’s 100m on the previous, did so in much more convincing fashion over double the distance. On this occasion, Thompson pulled away from Fraser-Pryce down the stretch to stop the clock at 22.00. Fraser-Pryce, who was also well clear of the field, finished second in 22.22, with Schillonie Calvert-Powell third in 22.92. Fraser-Pryce was out of the block quickly to close ground on Thompson in the first 100m and held a slight lead coming off the turn. Her MVP teammate, however, had plenty in reserve and pull clear of the rest of the field with relative ease. In the men’s equivalent, Yohan Blake was denied the satisfaction of claiming a sprint double when he was passed on the line by Rasheed Dwyer. Blake controlled the race for most of the way but it was a late charging Dwyer who claimed first place in 20.23. Blake was second in 20.27 with Andre Ewers third in 20.48.

Elaine Thompson won 100m and 200m gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday June 25, 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. Courtney Walsh-27 wickets (17 matches) 2. Scotland (by 1 wickets) Today’s Quiz: 1. In which two of these tournaments NZ contested World Cup semi-finals? 1987,1992,1996,1999,2003 2. Which two openers were the first to compile centuries in the same World Cup Innings? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

GFF President Forde’s views on Guyana’s historic Gold Cup debut

Question - Describe how you felt seeing your team take the field against the United States? Wayne Forde - It was an unforgettable moment that will remain with me for the rest of my life. To hear our National Anthem being played before the 19,000 + fans who were in attendance, most of whom would have heard of Guyana for the first time and the millions watching from around the world, was truly a solemn moment of national pride. This was nothing short of a remarkable opportunity for our country and football, which has set in motion an avalanche of International goodwill towards the sport. On June 18, 2019, Guyana announced its presence to the global football community with a commanding performance against the second strongest team within our Confederation. We now have to build on this visibility and maximize the commercial opportunities it will generate in the coming months and years. Question - What are your thoughts on the team’s performance against the defending champions? Wayne Forde - The Golden Jaguars earned tremendous international respect by demonstrating that we have the quality to play at this level. I am very proud of the players, Coach Michael

Johnson and the entire technical team. We were never under any illusion about the quality of the US team despite their poor form recently. The plan was to play positive football to prove to the world and ourselves that we can compete at this level. Anyone with an honest pair of eyes would agree that the final scoreline did not represent the true story of those historic 90 minutes. The USA Senior Men’s National Team’s annual budget is 100 million US Dollars. Their technical staff comprise 40 professionals, they travel around in a private jet and the list goes on. This is simply the cold reality of what we competed against on June 18. Question - Do you believe we have the players to push for the 2022 FIFA World Cup? Wayne Forde - I am confident that we now have the quality of players and the professional setup to pursue any goal. Once the programme becomes fully commercialized and self-sustaining, we will be able to accelerate the activity level of the team. While these are early days and a lot of learning and networking is taking place, we have to remain optimistic. The GFF has set itself two difficult goals, the first being to qualify for the Con-

GFF’s president Wayne Forde greeting the team following their return from a training session.

cacaf Gold Cup – that box has been checked off; and the second goal is to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We will achieve that goal as well. Question - What is the GFF’s long term strategy for the Senior Men’s National programme. Wayne Forde - The Golden Jaguars is an important asset of the GFF, unfortunately to date, we have been unable to monetize this asset. This is due primarily because of our ranking, inconsistency and poor visibility up until recently. We have been deliberate and strategic in reversing this situation, the challenge now is to build on the recent gains. The ulti-

mate goal is to create a National team programme that is attractive to sponsors both locally and internationally. This will allow us to redirect the investment that is going into this programme, towards the Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme and other areas of football development. Question - What do you have to say about the Local vs International players discussion? Wayne Forde - I am very respectful of the views of fans and other stakeholders despite how few they are, but I am afraid they are missing the bigger picture. Football is a business and, in business, sometimes you have to make

practical decisions in order to yield the best returns on your investment. I am confident that in time they will see the logic in what we are doing. I am happy that all of Guyana is behind our Golden Jaguars as they continue to make history before a global audience. Question - How is the GFF coping with the financial demands of the Gold Cup campaign? Wayne Forde - It is extremely challenging indeed but it is a necessary investment. We have to lean very hard on our creditors in order to cover many key areas of the team’s operation. Question - Did the government provide any support

to the GFF, financial or otherwise? Wayne Forde - We have requested financial support from the government and continue to lobby for their support, unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful to date. It is terribly disappointing given the positive visibility this team is bringing to the country; we, however, have to remain optimistic that there will be an improvement in attitudes toward sports in general. The first evidence of a shift in attitude toward sports at the National level would be the refurbishment and sustainable maintenance programme of school grounds right across this nation. Until we understand the enormous impact this will have on the early discovery of talent, all other initiatives will be nothing more than window dressing. It is very frustrating to witness the successive lack of understanding of the correlation of youth crime, obesity, early pregnancy, literacy etc. and sports. Question - What are your expectations for the remaining two games? Wayne Forde - I am absolutely confident that we will be competitive in each of our remaining games. We are respectful of the teams in our group but will play positive and attractive football while we search for our first win.

Head Coach Lawrence says T&T need change in mentality CLEVELAND, Ohio, (CMC) – Head coach Dennis Lawrence has called for a change of mentality in the Trinidad and Tobago side following their heavy 6-0 drubbing at the hands of giants United States last weekend. They trailed just 1-0 at the half-time break but capitulated in the second to concede five goals in their Group D encounter of the CONCACAF Gold Cup at FirstEnergy Stadium. “How can you be so good for 65 minutes and so awful for the last 25 minutes, which is a bit of a surprise,” a stony-faced Lawrence

complained. “But that’s our mentality, we have to change the mentality and we have to learn to stand up and fight. So 65 minutes [of good football] but not good enough.” He continued: “I thought we lost concentration, we started to go gung-ho to see if we could get back into the game. That’s not the way we do things. You have to stay organised and believe that what you were doing, which was working, is going to get you back into the game and we just lost all focus. “People started to go gung-ho, leave runners and in the end we paid the price.”

T&T were solid in the first half and had a couple of chances to take the lead but spurned them. The misses chances came back to haunt the Caribbean side with halftime approaching when Aaron Long scored in the 41st to put the USA in front. In the second half, Trinidad held their own inside the first 20 minutes, Levi Garcia shooting over after finding himself in an excellent position to equalise. Yet again, T&T paid dearly as the USA then scored five goals in a devastating 24-minute period to run out easy winners. “At half-time I said to

pointed out. “We showed good energy, good enthusiasm, I thought we were well organised, we kept some of their key players off danger positions – we didn’t allow (Michael) Bradley to get on the ball, we didn’t allow Christian (Pulisic) to get into good spaces and we did our job.

Trinidad and Tobago head coach, Dennis Lawrence.

the boys ‘we’re right in this’ because that’s the way I felt in the first half,” Lawrence

“So at half-time I was very confident that we had a chance in the game. Like I said before, up until the 65th minute, everything was going fine and then we just totally collapsed, lost concentration and that’s our mentality we have to change.”

The defeat was T&T’s second following their opening loss to Panama last Tuesday in St Paul’s, Minnesota. Already eliminated and with one match remaining against fellow Caribbean Football Union side, Guyana, Lawrence assured there would be changes for the encounter in Kansas City on Wednesday. “I think when you lose a game in that manner you have to expect changes, so there’s definitely going to be changes,” he stressed. “We need to now start thinking forward and put this behind our backs as quickly as possible.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Giddings and Hetmyer adjudged BCB cricketers of the year for 2018

By Colin Bynoe Jr

West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer and out of favour West Indies Women’s left-arm pacer Erva Giddings received the Berbice Male and Female cricketer of the year awards respectively when the 2nd Annual Brian Ramphal Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Awards Ceremony was held at the Port Mourant Cricket Club on Sunday. The BCB executives rewarded the top performers of the past year as well as umpires, coaches and clubs, who were all recognised for their contributions to the game. The BCB, formed in 1939, is easily the best run of the three county boards with a number of well-run tournaments since its new executives were elected. Hetmyer, who is currently in England with the West Indies World Cup team, has enjoyed a stellar 2018, re-

Kevin Sinclair receives his award for the Under -19, 3-day player-of-the-year from nurse of the Port Mourant Hospital, Ms Somaroo, at the 2019 Berbice Cricket Board Brian Ramphal awards ceremony.

gionally and internationally. While Giddings has continually knocked on the doors of the West Indies selectors with her consistent outing with the ball for Berbice and Guyana. Gracing the BCB awards

was Chairman and Vice Chairman of Region 6, David Armagon and Dennis Deoroop, and Mayor of New Amsterdam, Winifred Haywood, along with the hard-working executives of the Berbice Cricket Board

and cricket officials of various clubs. Hilbert Foster, President of the BCB, reviewed the activities for the year 2018 and expressed, “Our main objectives in 2018 were: to return order to Berbice cricket, to raise funds via sponsorship for the development of Berbice cricket, to organize developmental programmes to lift the overall standards of the cricket”. The head of BCB gave detailed reports of the dayto-day operations of the board and stressed on upcoming tournaments that will hit the ancient county as soon as the rainy season ends. Among the tournaments to be started are five tournaments under the Lets Bet Sports 20/20, NBS 40-overs Second Division, Stag Beer 50-overs, Ivan Madray 20/20, Rhonda Lewis 20/20, among several others. Dennis Deoroop ushered

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sentiments of hope to the young cricketers who were in attendance. “I want to urge you to always remember where you came from, and don’t be distracted by the big money in cricket these days; make the best out of the cricket you play and I want to congratulate all of the cricketers who will be receiving awards”. For 2018, the BCB had

Bangladesh sink Afghanistan after Shakib’s all-round display

Shakib Al Hasan of Bangladesh celebrates taking the wicket of Najibullah Zadran of Afghanistan. Photograph: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

By Amlan Chakraborty SOUTHAMPTON, England (Reuters) Bangladesh talisman Shakib Al Hasan reclaimed his position as the World Cup’s leading scorer after producing a stellar all-round display to secure his team’s 62-run victory against Afghanistan on Monday Put into bat, Bangladesh posted a strong 262 for seven on a slow track after Shakib, who made 51, forged half-century partnerships with Tamim Iqbal (36) and Mushfiqur Rahim (83). The left-arm spinner went on to return the tournament’s best bowling figures of 5-29 as Afghanistan, all out for 200 in 47

overs, succumbed to their seventh defeat in a row in the tournament. Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib won the toss and elected to field two days after his team’s narrow-miss against India at the same Hampshire Bowl. As has been their practice, off-spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman began with the new ball and tasted success in his third over when Liton Das drove him to short cover. Mohammad Nabi breached Tamim’s defence and Afghanistan nearly had twoin-two after Shakib was adjudged lbw to Rashid Khan in the first ball of the next over. The batsman immediately reviewed and got the decision overturned after the ball-tracker confirmed the ball would have

THE 2018 LIST OF AWARDEES ARE: Under – 13 Player of the Year - Rampertab Ramnauth Under – 15 Player of the Year - Jonathan Rampersaud Under -17 Player of the Year - Seon Glasgow Under- 19 ( One Day) Player of the Year - Keith Simpson Under – 19 (Three Days ) Player of the Year– Kevin Sinclair Under- 19 ( Female ) Player of the year -Shabika Gajnabi Under – 21 Player of the Year - Javed Karim Female Cricketer of the Year - Erva Gidding Female International Player of Year - Shemaine Campbelle National Senior Player - Anthony Bramble Male International Player - Shimron Hetmyer Discipline Male Player 2018 - Gourav Ramesh Discipline Female Player 2018 - Marian Samaroo Most Promising Male Player - Isaiah Throne Most Promising Female Player - Ashley Ramnauth Most Improved Male Player - Trevlon Stanislaus Most Improved Female Player - Oma Matadin Coach of the Year ( Inter Country) - Andre Percival Coach of the Year (Local) - Winston Smith Umpire of the year (local) - Moses Ramphal Regional Umpire of the Year - Imran Moakan Second Division Player of the Year- West Berbice - Devindra Lalsa Second Division Player of the Year-N/A/Canje - Balram Samaroo Second Division Player of the Year- Lower Corentyne - Junior Sinclair Second Division Player of the Year – Upper Corentyne - Rishi Persaud Club of the Year- West Berbice - Blairmont Community Centre Blub of the Year - N/A/ Canje - Young Warrior Cricket Club Club of the year - RHTY&SC Club of the year upper Corentyne - No 72 all stars Most improved club - Fyrish Cricket Club Most Improved Club (first division) - Rose Hall Canje Welfare Cricketer of the Year - Shimron Hetmyer

sailed over the stumps. Shakib added 61 runs with Mushfiqur but Mujeeb dismissed him and Soumya Sarkar in a two-wicket burst to peg back Bangladesh. Shakib’s fifth 50-plus score in six innings contained just one four, illustrating the slowness of the track where boundaries were a rarity. He now has 476 runs in the tournament, leapfrogging Australian opener David Warner (447), after yet another stellar performance. Mushfiqur brought up his fifty with the only six of the Bangladesh innings and also hit four boundaries. After sending down 10 overs of medium pace, Naib returned half an hour later to give Afghanistan a strong, if not flying, start. He and Rahmat Shah helped Afghanistan inch towards the 50mark when Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza introduced Shakib and the leftarm spinner struck with his fifth delivery. Shah attempted a timid pull shot which found Tamim at mid-on and departed for 24. Shakib derailed Afghanistan’s chase in the 29th over when he dismissed Naib for 47 and, two balls later, sent back the scoreless Nabi. The match was effectively over when former captain Asghar Afghan fell to Shakib in the 33rd over. Samiullah Shinwari made a defiant 49 not out down the order but was left stranded.

a number of players who were selected for National duties: six under-15, four under-17, 6 under-19 males and four females, while a total of eight females were selected to the senior female team. In addition, Shabika Gajnabi, Jonathan Rampersaud, Kevlon Anderson and Kevin Umroa were called up for various West Indies Training camps.

SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH Innings Liton Das c Shahidi b Rahman Tamim Iqbal b Nabi Shakib Al Hasan lbw b Rahman Mushfiqur Rahim c Nabi b D.Zadran Soumya Sarkar lbw b Rahman Mahmudullah c Nabi b Naib Mosaddek Hossain b Gulbadin Naib Mohammad Saifuddin not out Extras (w9) Total (seven wickets, 50 overs) Did not bat: Mehidy Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Liton), 2-82 (Tamim), 3-143 (Shakib), 4-151 (Soumya), 5-207 (Mahmudullah), 6-251 (Mushfiqur), 7-262 (Mosaddek) Bowling: Rahman 10-0-39-3 (3w), D.Zadran 9-0-64-1 (3w), Nabi 10-0-44-1 (1w), Naib 10-1-56-2, Rashid 10-0-52-0 (1w), Shah 1-0-7-0

16 36 51 83 3 27 35 2 9 262

AFGHANISTAN innings Gulbadin Naib c Liton b Shakib 47 Rahmat Shah c Tamim b Shakib 24 Hashmatullah Shahidi st Mushfiqur b Mosaddek 11 Asghar Afghan c sub (Sabbir) b Shakib 20 Mohammad Nabi b Shakib 0 Samiullah Shinwari not out 49 Ikram Ali Khil run out (Liton) 11 Najibullah Zadran st Mushfiqur b Shakib 23 Rashid Khan c Mashrafe b Mustafizur 2 Dawlat Zadran c Mushfiqur b Mustafizur 0 Mujeeb Ur Rahman b Saifuddin 0 Extras (b1, lb6, w6) 13 Total (all out, 47 overs) 200 Fall of wickets: 1-49 (Rahmat), 2-79 (Hashmatullah), 3-104 (Gulbadin), 4-104 (Nabi), 5-117 (Asghar), 6-132 (Ikram), 7-188 (N.Zadran), 8-191 (Rashid Khan), 9-195 (D.Zadran), 10-200 (Rahman) Bowling: Mashrafe 7-0-37-0 (2w), Mustafizur 8-1-32-2 (2w), Saifuddin 8-0-33-1 (1w), Shakib 10-1-29-5, Miraz 8-0-37-0, Mosaddek 6-0-25-1

The former Strip record holder, Team Mohamed’s GTR Goliath, takes on the Trans Pacific Toyota Alteeza during Sunday’s second round of the GMR&SC Drag Race championships. (GT Callouts Photo)

The newly rebranded Team Mohamed’s Godzilla GTR is the strip record holder with a staggering 8.099 second time (GTCallouts Photo)

Team Mohamed’s, Trans Pacific thrill fans in second drag race meet

See Page 27

Ambris replaces injured Russell in Windies World Cup squad

GBA starts encampment of U-16 and juniors - Lennox Daniels strengthens team

Boxing Coach Lennox Daniels THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GBA) has stepped up preparation for the Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior Tournament with the holding of weekend encampment of Under-16 and Juniors. The encampment commenced on Friday, June 14, approximately two months before the regional tournament. GABA president Steve Ninvalle disclosed yesterday that boxers are being housed at the National Gymnasium and are being prepared by a battery of coaches inclusive of the vastly experienced Lennox Daniels. Daniels joins Sebert Blake, Clive Atwell, Winston Pompey and Clifton Moore as those responsible for whipping the team into shape. The Caribbean Schoolboys and Junior tournament is scheduled for the Cliff

Anderson Sports Hall from August 16 to 18. The tournament started in Guyana in 2016 and Guyana has won the title ever since. However, with invitations for this year’s tournament being sent out to powerhouses Panama, Puerto Rico and The Dominican Republic, the local association has seen it prudent to raise the level of preparation of the locals. “We are happy that Mr. Daniels could have taken time out of his busy schedule to give back to the sport. He contacted us expressing his willingness to assist in Guyana retaining the Caribbean title. He has a wealth of knowledge and is an asset. We would also like to extend gratitude to Mr. (Clive) Atwell, (Winston) Pompey, (Sebert) Blake and (Clifton) Moore for making the sacrifice and putting the preparation of the youths before many of their personal responsibilities and obligations, ” Ninvalle said. The GABA head added that the association has secured the service of a sports psychologist to work along with the locals. “So far, those encamped have been screened by a doctor and were afforded their first session with a sports psychologist. Our intention is for the psychologist to have weekly interaction with the squad with the hope of having the best physically and mentally fit team represent Guyana.” Ninvalle used the occasion to thank Director of Sport Christopher Jones for allowing the use of the Gymnasium for the encampment which runs until August 18.

See Page 27

Sunil Ambris set to replace the injured Andre Russell

Giddings and Hetmyer adjudged BCB cricketers of the year for 2018

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TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2019