20th October, 2019
No.105796
‘Witness protection available’ … PNCR urges citizens to come forward with evidence on phantom killings
… assures that state would provide protection for witnesses
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‘We must see diversity as our strength’ -says PM Nagamootoo, as ICT ushers in Diwali celebrations
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Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (second from right), who is performing presidential duties and Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo watch as business magnate Yesu Persaud switches on the lights of this diya as the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT) ushered in the Diwali celebrations here in Guyana. Also in photo are Managing Director of BK International, Brian Tiwari, Hemraj Kissoon and former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green (Adrian Narine photo)
67 hinterland GIPEX not funded Police hunting 19 youths awarded by taxpayers 09 third suspect in scholarships 08 miner’s killing PAGE
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… organisers say event allows maximisation of local participation
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
‘We must see diversity as our strength’ – says PM Nagamootoo, as ICT ushers in Diwali celebrations
AS the festival of light, Diwali, draws closer, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties as President, urged Guyanese to see diversity as their strength. “We are a diverse population and we have to see that as our strength,” said Nagamootoo during a short
message at the Indian Commemoration Trust (ICT)’s Diwali Programme, on Saturday. He said Diwali is a time when there is peace among relatives, friends, families and neighbours, but he believes that it should not stop there. Nagamootoo encouraged persons to spread the
message of peace and show that it is possible for everyone to live together harmoniously, irrespective of their cultural background, ethnicity and so forth. “We all grew up in Guyana, as Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and so on, but we always celebrate together.
“Diwali signifies light over darkness, good over evil and so, as we reflect on Mother Lakshmi, we must reflect on our own lives and look at how much more we can bring into our home,” said Acting President, Nagamootoo. As a prelude to the celebration of the festival of lights, which will be celebrated locally on October 27, there was the lighting of a symbolic Diya and a number of cultural performances. There were dance performances by the Nadira See page 3
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of the President (second from right) and Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo share a moment with prominent businessmen, Dr. Yesu Persaud, Brian Tiwari, Hemraj Kissoon and former Mayor of Georgetown, Hamilton Green (Adrian Narine photo)
One of the many dance performances which captured the audience’s attention on Saturday night (Adrian Narine photo)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
‘Witness protection available’ … PNCR urges citizens to come forward with evidence on phantom killings … assures that state would provide protection for witnesses
By Lisa Hamilton THE People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), while concerned about the fear of persons in coming forward with evidence which could take down major criminals, has assured citizens that they will be protected if they so do. The National Assembly, in January last year, passed the Witness Protection Bill which provides a legal framework for the protection of witnesses. The bill, which was piloted by Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams SC, makes provisions for the establishment of the Witness Protection Programme and three organisations – an Administrative Centre, an Investigative Agency and a Protection Agency, to administer it. The aim of the programme is to focus on the safety and security of participants, including the provision of payments to them for living expenses, relocation of them and their families and the establishment of a new identity. During the debate on the Bill, Williams had told the House that it would be “instrumental in the government’s anti-corruption stance and fight against crime” He said the APNU+AFC Government is committed to eradicating corruption and he said credible testimonies are critical to investigate and prosecute criminals and any public official who squander national resources for personal gain. “Providing witnesses with proper and adequate protection will play a crucial role in bringing the guilty to justice,”
President David Granger he stressed. “The value of evidence provided by whistleblowers, victims and witnesses about criminal or corrupt activity cannot be overstated. They perform a sacred duty of assisting the court in discovering the truth and are cornerstones of our justice system,” he added. Last Friday at the PNCR weekly news conference, Executive Member, (ret’d) Rear Admiral Gary Best, agreed with the recent remarks of President David Granger that the absence of forthcoming evidence on Guyana’s period of “The Troubles” has hindered the prosecution of those responsible. “It’s a moral issue: persons who may have information and feel afraid to come forward,” Best, a former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force said. “In these circumstances, the party’s position is that we encourage persons to come forward and if they do we do have anticipation to provide as much protection as is needed for persons who wish to come forward and give evidence…it is a
concern of the PNCR, [and] from the point of the government, that the state apparatus is that many persons seem to be escaping the law.” The period in Guyana from August 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011 has been dubbed the “Troubles” by President Granger, who has noted that it was a time characterised by drug-driven chaos and bloodshed under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration. Back in 2003 to 2006, convicted drug-trafficker, Shaheed Roger Khan, had set up a criminal network here. The network included active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals but at the same time protecting his ‘narco’-trafficking interests. He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname in 2006 and returned to Guyana in September after serving just about 10 years in a US detention facility. He was previously held by the Police Force (GPF) for the murder of political activist Ronald Waddell and Boxing Coach, Donald Allison, but has not yet been charged with any offence. Best told the media that ridding Guyana of these criminals, guilty of countless extra-judicial killings, must be a collective effort between citizens and the government. However, he pointed out that much of the evidence which the PNCR had expected would remain in the State’s possession even in the case of a change of government, were not present when the coalition took office in 2015. He said that the GPF had
‘We must see diversity...
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and Indranie Shaw Dance Troupe, the Nach Gaana Academy of Dance, the Roshini Boodhoo Group and a solo performance from Pankhuri Srivastava Persons were also given a glimpse of some of the majestic Indian wear, during a Lehenga display which was organised by
Chandra’s Indian Fashion House. The performances and displays left the audience mesmerised and eager to celebrate the holy festival of Diwali. The period of Diwali is one of the most festive and beautiful times of the year. Diwali literally means a row of lights. It is a
some nine years of investigation-based findings on Khan before the coalition came into power, but there is no knowledge about what happened to this information. “The party in opposition [then PNCR] would have had primarily anecdotal evidence. The party in opposition didn’t have the government apparatus to do investigations,” he explained. “We would have received information from some businesses who came forward stating things that occurred which they would have witnessed. But, in a State, we expect the apparatus to remain intact. So, what the party expected is that when it came in to government it would find whatever evidence was gathered by the State and the State institutions.” From 1999 to 2011, there were three massacres: Lusignan where 11 people were killed, Bartica where another 12 were killed and Lindo Creek where seven miners were slaughtered. Besides these, there were countless extra-judicial killings – with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro Guyanese males were gunned down. President Granger had stated that it is only through the acquisition of evidence that persons involved can be charged. Last Wednesday, President Granger told reporters that while government has made efforts to bring to justice the culprits behind the massacres of innocent Guyanese during the crime wave, the methodical killing of those with evidence continues to hinder conviction.
President Granger said too that he is disappointed that, even now, persons are being executed for the knowledge they hold. This, in turn, continues to hinder the work of law enforcement in bringing peace to the many who lost relatives during the period characterised by drug-driven chaos and bloodshed under the Bharrat Jagdeo administration. “This is a major factor
PNCR Executive Member, (ret’d) Rear Admiral Gary Best that there might be people out there who are unwilling to speak because it might be felt that persons who disclose evidence which could incriminate the actual culprits might themselves be eliminated,” the President said. He added, “we did make a start by having a Commission of Inquiry into the Lindo Creek Massacre and even now the relatives of the persons who were killed would like to see some follow up and we are discussing with them the recommendations of the Lindo Creek Massacre. But, it pointed to the fact that there has not been any
time filled with light and love, a time when Hindus all over the world rejoice. It is the darkest night of the darkest period, yet it is a celebration of light. Diwali is heralded as the triumph of good over evil. The meaning of Diwali, its symbols and rituals, and the reasons for celebration are innumerable. Diwali celebrates Lord Rama’s glorious and long-waited return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after his fourteen years of exile in the forests. It commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory
smoking gun; that evidence has not been sufficient to bring anybody to justice and that many of the possible witnesses have been killed or eliminated.” Speaking again to the Lindo Creek massacre in which efforts were made to put answers to the many unknowns of the “Troubles”, the President said that while the will to convict is there, much of the evidence is still lacking. “We would like to bring these matters to a closure and to the relatives of the persons who were killed. Lindo Creek was a good lesson to us that we may spend millions of dollars, we may interview persons but those persons who are culprits and those persons who might have been implicated or might even have knowledge about what took place have not come forward and given us the type of evidence on which we can go to court and make convictions,” he stated. “It’s very disappointing for me but that is part of the reality of what happened during the “Troubles” when people were easily eliminated and, even now, people are being executed and it’s difficult for the police to find motivation behind such executions. One of the most outstanding and the most notorious is the execution of Crum Ewing. So, it’s an ongoing task of the law enforcement agencies. I am convinced that the police force would like to move ahead further and faster but a lot of people have been killed and dead men tell no tales.”
over the demon, Narakaasura, who had kidnapped and terrorised the Gopis of Vrindavan. It is also celebrated as the day Lord Vishnu married Maha Lakshmi. Diwali is also associated with the story of the fall of Bali – a demon king who was defeated by Lord Vishnu. In general, Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, of righteousness over treachery, of truth over falsehood, and of light over darkness.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 20, 2019
Brexit: Johnson vows to press on despite defeat over deal delay (BBC) Boris Johnson has said he will press on “undaunted” with Brexit on 31 October, despite losing a crunch Commons vote. The PM must now ask the EU for an extension to that deadline after MPs backed an amendment aimed at ruling out a no-deal Brexit, by 322 votes to 306. Mr Johnson has told EU Council President Donald Tusk that he will now send a letter seeking the delay. Under the terms of the socalled Benn Act, passed last month by MPs, he has until 2300 BST on Saturday to send it. Having spoken to Mr Johnson at 1915 BST, EU Council President Donald Tusk tweeted that he was “waiting for the letter”. An EU source said that once Mr Tusk received the letter, he would start consulting EU leaders on how to react which may take a few days, BBC Brussels reporter Adam Fleming reported. Mr Johnson has vowed to bring in legislation on Monday to implement the deal he struck with Brussels this week. MPs could also be given another vote on the deal then, if Commons Speaker John Bercow allows it. The Commons defeat is a major setback for the PM, who has repeatedly insisted that the UK will leave at the end of the month come what may. Mr Johnson told the Com-
Jacob Rees-Mogg left Westminster under police escort
mons he was not “daunted or dismayed” by the defeat and remained committed to taking Britain out by the end of the month on the basis of his “excellent deal”. In a letter to MPs and peers on Saturday evening, he warned the EU could reject “Parliament’s request for further delay”. He wrote: “It is quite possible that our friends in the European Union will reject Parliament’s request for further delay (or not take a decision quickly).” He added that it was to his “great regret” that MPs had voted for more delay, and that he “will not negotiate a delay”. “I will tell the EU what I have told the British public for my 88 days as prime minister: further delay is not a solution,” he said. But Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “The prime minister must now comply with the
law. He can no longer use the threat of a no-deal crash out to blackmail members to support his sell-out deal.” And the SNP’s leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, said that if Mr Johnson acted as if he was “above the law”, he would find himself in court. Downing Street refused to offer any explanation as to why the prime minister did not consider he was obliged to negotiate a fresh extension. The EU said it was up to the UK to “inform it of the next steps”. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Mr Johnson by phone after his Commons defeat, telling him a delay to Brexit “would be in no one’s interest,” according to a French official. MPs had been geared up for a make-or-break vote on Mr Johnson’s Brexit deal on the first Saturday sitting of Parliament since the Falklands
War 37 years ago. But in the end there was no vote on whether to back the deal or not. MPs voted for an amendment tabled by former Conservative MP Sir Oliver Letwin, withholding approval of the deal until the legislation to implement it is in place. Ministers argue that this would delay Brexit - but Sir Oliver and his supporters, who back the deal, say it is an insurance policy to prevent it turning into a no-deal exit. The main government motion, as amended, was passed without a vote, meaning the Benn Act kicks in and the prime minister must request a threemonth extension. A second government motion, on a no-deal Brexit, was pulled, meaning an amendment on a second referendum did not go to a vote either. The voting took place as thousands of anti-Brexit demonstrators marched on Westminster. Many People’s Vote supporters cheered when they learned of Mr Johnson’s defeat, and the crowds were later addressed by prominent Remain-supporting MPs including Dominic Grieve and Hilary Benn. Footage posted to social media showed Conservative ministers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Andrea Leadsom being heckled by People’s Vote demonstrators as they left Parliament under police escort.
The voting took place as thousands of anti-Brexit demonstrators marched on Westminster. Many People’s Vote supporters cheered when they learned of Mr Johnson’s defeat, and the crowds were later addressed by prominent Remain-supporting MPs including Dominic Grieve and Hilary Benn. Footage posted to social media showed Conservative ministers Jacob Rees-Mogg and Andrea Leadsom being heckled by People’s Vote demonstrators as they left Parliament under police escort. Sir Oliver Letwin said Saturday’s Commons vote meant the UK would not “crash out” of the EU on 31 October without a deal if the necessary legislation was held up or derailed. He insisted his aim was not to stop the UK leaving and he would vote for the enabling legislation when it comes forward. His motion was supported by 10 former Tory MPs who have either quit or been forced
out of the party over Brexit, including Philip Hammond, David Gauke and Amber Rudd. However, six Labour MPs voted against the amendment, as did five former Labour MPs who now sit as independents, which the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg said would give the PM hope of passing his agreement the next time around. The Democratic Unionists, who backed the Letwin amendment, said the delay would allow for further scrutiny of the PM’s agreement - emphasising that its support would depend on preserving the “constitutional and economic” integrity of the UK. But Brexiteers reacted with anger, Tory MP Peter Bone saying it had been “a complete waste of time”. And the European Commission spokeswoman said it noted the vote.
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Chile protests: Unrest in Santiago over metro fare increase (BBC) A state of emergency has been declared in the Chilean capital, Santiago, after protests sparked by increased metro ticket prices turned violent. Protesters - many of them high school and university students - jumped turnstiles, attacked several underground stations, started fires and blocked traffic, leaving widespread damage across the city and thousands of commuters without transport. Television pictures showed protesters throwing stones, attacking police vehicles and burning at least one bus. Anti-riot police used tear gas and batons against some protesters, who have been demonstrating for days
A scene from Santiago during the unrest
against the increase. The unrest exposes divisions in the country, one of Latin America’s wealthiest but also one of its most unequal. There have been growing complaints about the
cost of living - especially in Santiago, a city of some six million people - and calls for economic reforms. Speaking on television, President Sebastián Piñera said the aim of the state of
emergency was to “ensure public order and the safety of public and private property”. The measure allows authorities to restrict people’s freedom of movement and their right to assembly. He also said the government would “call for a dialogue... to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the increase in fares”. Earlier this month, the government increased fares to $1.17 (£0.90) for a journey during peak hours, blaming higher energy costs and a weaker peso. Speaking to Radio Agricultural earlier, President Piñera said: “It’s one thing to demonstrate and another to commit the vandalism we
have observed. This isn’t protest, it’s crime.” It was not immediately clear how many people had been detained or injured. Despite the protests, authorities said they would not reverse the fare increase. The Chilean government condemned what it described as “acts of violence and vandalism” that were “being carried out by organised groups”, and invoked the State Security Law that imposes harsher sentences for those found guilty of public disorder. The protests continued after nightfall, with people clanging pots and blocking traffic. Energy company Enel
Chile said vandals had set fire to its high-rise corporate headquarters in the centre of Santiago. It said its workers were evacuated and no-one was injured. After Friday’s protests, metro authorities said all lines would remain closed for at least two days due to the serious destruction that made it impossible to operate the system safely. The damages were estimated at $700,000, including broken surveillance cameras and other equipment. Santiago’s underground system is considered one of Latin America’s most modern, with 140km (86 miles) of track and 136 stations.
T&T: Young backs police monitoring of social media (TRINIDAD NEWSDAY) NATIONAL Security Minister Stuart Young yesterday supported Commissioner of Police (CoP) Gary Griffith’s statement about the police monitoring and analysing social media activity using surveillance systems. Young expressed his support during the Standing Finance Committee meeting in the House of Representatives. According to Young, social media can provide the police with critical intelligence in the fight against crime. He said some criminals openly boast about their activities through various social media. Young also said criminals
use social media to sell drugs, guns and other contraband. He said this is why there is a need to step up and monitor activity on social media. While some people claim police surveillance of social media constitutes an invasion of privacy, Young explained, “ The question of invasion of privacy on social media does not arise.” Observing that all social media accounts are accessible to the public, Young said, “Once they are public accounts, there can be no cry of invasion of privacy.” He also said under the Interception of Communications Act, the CoP, TT Defence Force chief of staff and the
Strategic Services Agency director are the only people who can authorise an interception of communication. Young reiterated, “Once people don’t engage in criminal activity, they have nothing to fear.” He also said people will not be able to hide behind fake social media profiles and engage in criminal activity. Young said once the police expose these people, they will be dealt with in accordance with the law. Caroni Central MP Dr Bhoendradatt Tewarie asked Young if criminal gang leaders and gang members were under surveillance. Young replied, “Criminals who require surveillance are being surveilled.” He
declared no one should expect him to reveal such information in public. On questions raised by Naparima MP Rodney Charles about a $30 million allocation which allows the police to purchase vehicles such as armoured personnel carriers, Young opined the police should “get some more paddywagons and more comfortable ones as well.”Government MPs expressed surprise when Charles
claimed that no one in the Opposition ever met with data mining firm Cambridge Analytica. Young and Finance Minister Colm Imbert also said efforts have been made to ensure that the police receive their allocations in a timely manner. Imbert recalled that arrangements were made for the police’s entire allocation for goods and services for fiscal 2019 to be released to them.
Imbert said the allocation to the police for fiscal 2020 has increased by $200 million. He also praised Griffith for reducing the police’s overtime from $375 million to $318 million per year. With the police planning to do a number of increased operations, Young said Griffith has planned to ensure that events such as upcoming local government and general elections meetings are well policed.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 20, 2019
The better face of Guyana
GUYANA is an ethnically plural society which has had its fair share of conflict since self-rule was introduced in the 1950s. Over the decades, scholars, activists and politicians have debated and discussed the best governance mechanism that is needed to accommodate the country’s diverse demographics. Unfortunately, the politicians were not able to activate any meaningful inclusive governance as enshrined in the constitution until the advent of the APNU+AFC coalition in 2015. The origins of that coalition lay in the formation of the APNU in 2011 which brought together five political parties under one banner. The coalition, while not a fullfledged Government of National Unity, represents a big step in the direction of inclusive governance--It is a departure from the governments of the past. Never before have so many parties participated in one government. While we can debate the intra-coalition dynamics, what cannot be contested is the plurality of the government.
In other words, the coalition government looks more like Guyana than that of its predecessor. This is a significant development that cannot be overstated; it is an intangible that has led to tangible outcomes. The coalition arose out of the need to bring government in line with the country’s diversity. But it also responded to the growing desire among the people for an end to the ethno-political gridlock that has plagued our country for decades. In fact, one can conclude that the coalition’s victory at the polls represented a triumph of inclusivity over one-party rule. The coalition, therefore, has popular endorsement, which in turn gives it a high degree of legitimacy. President Granger was on target when in a recent speech at a Linden rally, he observed the following: “Now my brothers and sisters, we are in government again. Eight years ago, we founded APNU and four years ago, we went into an alliance to form a coalition with the AFC. This is the first time in the history of Guyana that a six-party coalition has formed the government.
We formed it because that is what the people wanted. They don’t want to see winner takes all. They don’t want to see one-party government. They got what they asked for. Look at our record… We deserve another five years to conduct, to carry on the work we have started…give us a chance.” The President was pointing to what is perhaps the most significant macro-achievement of the coalition. The emergence of the coalition has changed the face of Guyanese politics for the better. Hence, it is an experiment that is worth persisting with. What is significant is that despite some hiccups, the coalition has survived. Coalitions by their very nature are complex and more difficult to manage than one-party governments. Each party brings to the collective its peculiar ideological outlook and policy initiatives. And in the case of the APNU+AFC, the fact that the parties have varied electoral strengths makes its management more challenging. President Granger must be commended for his management of the coalition. He has to simultaneously
manage the APNU and the coalition government. But despite these challenges the coalition has worked very well. The level of consensus on most matters rivals that of any one-party government. The unity in diversity is an example for governments across the CARICOM sub-region. Of course, there are those who would argue otherwise, but the evidence is there to show. Not only has the coalition survived, but its members have all agreed to continue the political marriage. The days of one-party government in Guyana are fast becoming a thing of the past. One does not have to look very far back into to our history to highlight the disadvantages of that form of government. From wanton maximum leadership to ethno-dominance, one-party governance opens the door to a level of political depravity that we can ill-afford to take into the future. There are little or no checks and balances in a one-party government as everyone toes the proverbial party line. Such governments shut out rather than include.
In the case of the PPP, given its proven adherence to hyper-ethnicity as ideology, it presents a clear and present danger to the country’s well-being. Guyana cannot afford another round of the “troubles” that was a direct outcome of the PPP’s embrace of ethnic domination and criminalisation of the state. The coalition has done a great deal to correct the deformities that were left in the wake of that one-party adventure; we cannot afford to expose our children and young people to a repeat of those days. It is against that background that we urge Guyanese to endorse the coalition option as the more advanced form of governance. It is an insurance against one-man rule, ethnic dominance, authoritarianism and corruption; but above all, it brings to the table a plurality of ideas and options for development—the opposite of bland uniformity. And in the final analysis, it represents the better face of Guyana.
Misinformation must stop Dear Editor
Lincoln Lewis must be praised for his tenacious effort in the media to ensure truth will out on the facts of the CCJ’s Consequential Order of 12th July in the NCM case. The ruling of our Chief Justice (CJ) on Wednesday described the opposition’s application for an order for the cabinet, including the President, to resign as “wholly misconceived”, “vexatious” and “an absolute abuse of the court”. The Chief Justice was barely less severe in her ruling on August 14th, describing the failed applica-
tion to compel GECOM to hold elections by September 18th as based on flawed reasoning and cherry picking. Hopefully, the CJ’s reaffirmation of the CCJ’s judgement will bring closure not just to the overextended legal wrangling, but also to the contest between facts and willful fiction regarding the CCJ’s orders. Expectedly, any hot-button court verdict will provoke intense public discussion. Such discussion normally tracks along two lines. One line would assess, at varying levels of expertise, the technical merit of the court’s decision. The other would
dwell on nailing down the exact meaning and implications of what the court decided. In the aftermath of the CCJ’s ruling on the NCM, however, what also emerged in the public domain was a third and extremely alarming occurrence; viz., a crusade to belittle the CCJ’s orders and to fool the public into believing that the CCJ had fixed September 18th as the election deadline and had, secondly, ruled that the President, government and cabinet must resign. Outside of the PPP, the main instigators of this campaign of fiction have been Stabroek News and Mr Ralph
Ramkarran. It is the dubious achievement of these actors that the truth of the CCJ’s orders quickly dimmed into uncertainty or obscurity in many minds, despite the efforts of Lincoln Lewis and the government to set the record straight. Such was the impact of the tale-telling that key diplomatic players swallowed the storyline without fact-checking. No doubt, the crusade acquired some credibility because it was conducted or supported by a few prominent lawyers (the Bar Association included). What also helped was the clever but deceptive tactic of insisting that posi-
tions were based on the constitution, thus conveniently ignoring or beclouding what the CCJ or CJ ruled as the solely mandated interpreters of that very constitution. In re-litigating the matters in the High Court, however, the PPP unwittingly has helped truth to retake much needed ground from fiction. The recent rulings of the Chief Justice have significantly increased certainty and comfort within the citizenry that the courts never did set an election deadline and that the government always had full legal standing to continue to govern. Would the CJ’s reaffirmation of the
CCJ’s rulings now silence the campaign of misinformation? Probably not, as strong passions still exist that the government must be made to suffer something worse than caretaker status as a result of the passage of the NCM, the discredited democratic credentials of the motion notwithstanding. Yet, it would now be beyond disrespect of the courts and the public should the storytellers still insist on continuing their campaign of public deception. Regards Sherwood Lowe
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 20, 2019
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Cyril Belgrave, an honest politician Dear Editor, Please permit me to briefly reflect on the life of a man I considered to be a decent and honest politician. A few days ago, when news of Former Member of Parliament, Cyril Belgrave reached me I was deeply saddened. Cousin Cyril, as I referred to him, was a unique politician who lived a very humble life. I recall that on my election to the Eight Parliament in 2001, Mr. Belgrave and Mr. Feroze Mohamed were the first set of people, on the other side, to personally welcome me to the National
Assembly. Belgrave thought it was his duty to guide me. It appears that he had already alerted some members of his party that his “Cousin Lurlene” (the way he referred to me) was joining the National Assembly, as the question of our relationship was asked by some people. He did not hesitate to let me know how proud he was of me. As soon as he was done with his introductory comments he jokingly remarked, “yuh does really carry it hard pon we when yuh deh pon dah TV”, he then started to laugh but went on to tell me that if I needed any guidance, I should feel free to ask him. For some
reason, he believed that I was a young woman who should be protected from what, I believed, he thought was the ugliness of politics. However, he recognised that I was able to quickly manage. Cyril Belgrave was a serious member of the PPP, but he also had a highly humorous side. I was intrigued by his humour. In the parliament he helped to ease tensions, with his unexpectedly light hearted comments. He made many of us smile, in the midst of serious debates. I recall him jokingly saying to me that I should sit on his side because he didn’t want anyone on my side of the
aisle to corrupt me. These are some of the moments in the parliament that made me felt human. Belgrave had a unique ability to inject humour into a highly contentious debate. He traded many jabs with the late Deborah Backer MP. They both were quick on their feet to respond to jabs. Cyril Belgrave will be remembered as that politician who served his party faithfully, in season and out of season. As an individual he believed in the working class, the ordinary man. He once pointed out to me that he was such a person. He lived a life without the glamour of the political office or association. He seemed not to care to share in the perceived spoils that the office may attract. Belgrave served for a long time in the National As-
sembly, he is the embodiment of what an honest politician looks like. He did not believe in ill-gotten gains nor did he solicit questionable favours. A brief perusal of his life works will prove this. He spent almost his entire life in politics but seem not to have been faintly influenced by his connections or position. While serving as a Member of Parliament he continued to work his regular job, in order to provide for his family. He was an example to young politicians, like me. His humility and honesty cannot be understated. I appreciated Cousin Cyril. He has left a long-lasting impression on me. We were two people with different political affiliations but were connected in other ways. His political life, itself is a sufficient contribution to national politics.
The Peoples’ Progressive Party has lost a faithful comrade. These are the comrades, whose hard work and contributions should not be tossed into the dustbin of history, but rather their sacrifice and work must reflect in strategic places to remind the young people of their selfless work. Their honesty and integrity must mean something to the country they serve. Sincere condolences to his wife, Cousin Pansy, his children, grandchildren and other family members. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Sincerely Lurlene Nestor
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 20, 2019
67 hinterland youths awarded scholarships SIXTY-SEVEN young people from the hinterland regions are on the path to self-empowerment after having been awarded scholarships this year, to attend various institutions in and around Georgetown. Thirteen (13) students are furthering their studies at the Government Technical Institute (GTI); at the Carnegie School Home of Economics (CSHE) – 12; Burrowes School of Art – 4; Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) – 21; Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) -17.
Junior Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister, Valerie Garrido-Lowe
The government is funding
these scholarships through
the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. It was at the recently concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC) that Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, explained these scholarships take care of accommodation for the students, meals, transportation and stipend and assistance with materials needed for the school term. This number of scholarship awardees add to the 49 hinterland students who
were granted full scholarships to attend the University of Guyana (UG) in 2018. That initiative followed a collaboration between the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Public Service Department. An additional number of youths were granted similar scholarships this year to study in the areas of Agriculture, Tourism and Science at UG. These students will be housed at the recently commissioned $186M Hinterland Student Dormitory located in Liliendaal. Additionally, through the ministry, over one
hundred hinterland students who successfully completed the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) were granted scholarships to attend secondary schools on the coast. The current Hinterland Student Dormitory houses the students who were awarded schools in Georgetown, while those awarded schools in their regions are housed in the schools’ dormitories. (DPI)
Congratulations GNBA!! Dear Editor FINALLY, the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has acted, flexing its muscles in keeping with its mandate as national broadcasting regulator, which is armed with enforcing laws. I refer to, “PPP affiliated radio and TV stations were sanctioned over 53 infractions,’’ News Source, October 17, 2019. Given the daily lawlessness--buttressed and supported by a political agenda-
-of a dangerous type bent on subverting the national peace, there were broadcasting entities which believed that their political affiliation gave them licence to be brazenly offensive, inclusive of creating an incendiary environment, through incitement. The fact that both Freedom Radio and MTV, broadcasting arms of the PPP/C, could have a total 53 infractions for 2019, thus far, is evidence of their flagrant disregard for rules and the well-known attitude of, ‘We do what we like because
we own Guyana, and rules do not apply to us.” Freedom Radio, a gross abuser of its responsibility, stands out in chief notoriety. Abysmal as description would be charitable. It has been a tragedy to proper radio culture anywhere, anytime. It would have seemed that it had been its exclusive right to such misuse of the spectrum. Maybe, this radio thought that the GNBA was a toothless animal; but it was just tolerant, perhaps too patient, in allowing these broadcast-
ing media fair time to rein in their dangerous public content, with a view to improved public output. Editor, again, one observes the classic belief of the PPP/C that those affiliated with its party are not subjected to the laws of this land; and this is referring to its threat to take legal action against the GNBA for doing its professional duty – laying the law down. One is sure that the broadcasting authority would have issued several prior warnings before taking
its current action. In so doing, it has finally acted to give effect to such compliance. It is its statutory right, properly exercised in the name of a wholesome broadcasting environment. Hats off to the Chairman, Attorney at law Leslie Sobers and staff. They are doing what is required in the best interests of the nation. As a matter of fact, this entity has proven its apolitical credentials by dispensing penalties where these had to be. This is
a clear indication that it understands its role as regulator, ensuring an appropriate product. Therefore, by its impartiality, it has lifted the bar higher in the continuing restorative process of professionalism in a society which had lost its professional comportments for almost two decades.
one is reminded as to how tenuous a hold on life we all have. Of course, I agree with Singh’s description of Selman as being ‘disgraceful’, and that she is simply ‘singing for her supper.’ She is also callous, representing a known PPP/C position. In fact, this particular PPP/C member, by such a self-serving position, is simply representing the worn-out political ideology of a party that continues desperately to assemble a credible elec-
toral platform programme to counter the numerous successes that have been achieved by the President David Granger-led coalition. They are clutching at every straw; their refuge can be only fake news, lies, deception and ‘alternative facts.’ The mere fact of her seeking to inject her senseless and dishonest accusation of ‘failed promises’ into a tragic situation, underlines the kind of people’s representative product that Selman really is. Like Singh, it ‘beats me.’
But, this is who Selman is, a totally misguided aspiring national leader on the wrong side of the political divide, for all the promises she may have been offered. Such a statement is proof that she has become immersed in the daily, stagnant backwaters of PPP/C opposition politics. There can be no moral and intellectual growth in such stagnancy. It must be that Selman has regretted ‘jumping ship’ in the run-up to the 2015 historic vote. It is a decision
which she made of her own volition, which she subsequently tried to blame on a very high-ranking member of the coalition. It reflected a person who just could not have waited for the desired change that had been in the making. It would seem that she was not prepared to work hard with her then colleagues for change; so she walked away from the part, a decision with which she must live. However, she should cease being a part of a divi-
sive political culture which
Regards Earl Hamilton
Africo Selman is misplaced
Dear Editor WITH reference to Rovin Singh’s “Africo Selman trying to politicise the horrific Friendship accident,” Guyana Chronicle, October 18, 2019. This PPP/C Member of Parliament is just another of the pit-level brand of her party’s rabble who has been seeking to garner political mileage out of a tragedy that has brought pain and grief to so many surviving families and to the nation, by extension;
she has embraced, that can only cause her a continuous lowering into the kind of anti-national and subversive political pit that has no moral or spiritual benefit for her as an individual, and the nation as a whole. Regards Carla Mendonca
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP
ON Friday last I attended a Reception by Mr. Brian Tiwarie, head of B.K Group of Companies, to celebrate the expansion of his fleet of heavy-duty trucks and excavators. During a brief, but impressive ceremony, we were informed that with over US$10 million investment during 2018-2019, the commissioning of a new German Plant at the Teperu Itabu quarry, and the new fleet of Sino-trucks, production at his quarry of boulders and stone would be increased to 100,000 tons per month. This could satisfy the local demand for stone, and would help to lessen reliance on imported stone to fix our porous sea defenses and for construction of new roadways. A man of few words, “B.K” said in his invitation letter that investment by his companies in a wide range of ventures “is a manifestation of our confidence in the Guyana economy and in the future of our beautiful country”. As I read those words, I concluded spontaneously that here is a fine example of a Guyanese, patriotic capitalist. Immediately, I asked my office to confirm attendance by my wife and I at the Reception.
MUDLOT HEADQUARTERS It was the first time that I was visiting BK Headquarters at what is described as the “Mudlot”, on the Water Street bank at the mouth of the Demerara River. In fact, I didn’t know that he had an office just a stone’s throw from the Official Residence of the Prime Minister. As “BK” received us, I lifted my head to take in the edifice before me, and saw inscribed on the building a diplomatic insignia, and realized that this business magnate is also the Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Spain. At the function, I recounted how I had first met Brian Tiwarie over twenty-five years ago at a popular “watering hole” in Kitty, which was frequented then by some of my former PPP ministerial colleagues. He was sitting unobtrusively on a stool at the bar counter, and when Minister Shree Chand introduced him to me, I almost asked loudly, “Brian who?”
I didn’t know him then, nor could I have imagined that that Brian Tiwarie would emerge not only as one of the most powerful but also among the finest corporate citizens of Guyana.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES He has since, under the umbrella of the BK Group of Companies, branched out into stone quarrying, gold mining, marine and aviation transport, construction of all kinds, and in musical entertainment. Some years ago, when I visited his quarry deep up the Essequibo River, I was pleasantly surprised to see, in a cleared patch, a wide assortment of newly planted trees and colourful shrubs, like an oasis in the midst of a desert of rocks. After a steep climb up the hill, we encountered a mini water fall, which was harnessed to power a small hydro-plant. At that time, it generated power for a few lamp-posts around the desolate quarry site. That brought out what one of his daughters pointed out on Friday, the side of BK as an environmentalist, and as a corporate citizen who takes certain social responsibilities seriously. He believes, she said, in the Green Revolution and in the vision of President Granger for sustainable development. There are obviously several such corporate citizens in Guyana who share the benefits of their business with the wider society. A tiny example from BK is the Bartica aerodrome which he constructed as a business investment, but has opened for public use. Mr. Yesu Persaud, his guru, has been one of the forerunners of our corporate citizens, and his DDL Group of Companies has heavily invested its confidence in the Guyana economy, and has enriched the country’s social and cultural spheres. There are many others as well that include the Gafoor Group of Companies, A.H & L Kissoon Ltd., Banks DIH, Beharry Group of Companies, Puri’s Torginal Points Ltd., Balwant Singh Hospital Inc., and Toolsie Persaud Ltd that invested in distinct social roles even whilst remaining among the principal captains of Guyana’s industries and services.
A defining role is that of Mrs Amina Gafoor, who has been a doyen of the arts in Guyana over very many, many years. PATRIOTIC CAPITALISTS Today, I salute all of our patriotic capitalists and entrepreneurs who have played a pioneering role in the development of our Guyanese financial and industrial class. Some of them have set their eyes on the new economy and, rather than belly-aching perennially over lack of involvement in local content, they are busy laying the foundation in relevant capacity building for the downstream infrastructural and business explosion of our oil sector. This syndrome of belly-aching is also manifest at the political level where the main opposition party, the PPP, has been trying to enlist the justice system in its campaign of subversion against the government. Its latest sortie to get the court to compel the President and his government to resign, was thrown out as an abuse of the process of the court. What is of interest is that the misguided campaign to unseat the government is piloted by a former Attorney General and a sitting Member of Parliament who, by definition, is a person in public life. He derives a regular, monthly income from the State. I have been reading a long paper by David Lusty on “Revival of the common law offence of misconduct in public office”, and find that the frivolous and vexatious litigation by this MP constitutes misconduct in public office. As one English judge has remarked, “ Few are in a higher position of trust or have a duty to discharge in which the public have a greater interest, than Members of Parlia-
ment”. It is a broadly held view that a person who is elected to Parliament is vested by the electorate with powers, duty, discretion or responsibility to be exercised in such a way as to benefit the public, and for a public purpose. It appears to me, from recent attacks made by this PPP Member of Parliament against the court, that he is using his status for private, partisan political purposes, and out of malice, revenge, and hostility against Guyana’s court of last resort, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), for not making mandatory or coercive orders to dislodge the APNU+AFC Government. MISCONDUCT IN PUBLIC OFFICE According to the treatise, the ancient common law offence of misconduct in public office continues to provide a crucial mechanism for preserving the integrity and fidelity of public officials, including Members of Parliament and Ministers of the Government. But the PPP/MP would remain unfazed even in the face of such erudite learning. He has signaled that he would continue to show disregard for any consequences, believing in his anarchistic notion, that “wha come sah do”. He might appeal the ruling of the Chief Justice, and he would continue to engage in “willful misconduct”. That, unfortunately, sums up the crass and disrespectful behavior of the noisy, protesting opposition which, as described in a House of Lords case, is “deliberately doing something which is wrong, knowing it to be wrong, or with reckless indifference as to whether it is wrong or not”. Happy Birthday, Bhaiji Yesu Persaud!
GIPEX not funded by taxpayers …event allows maximisation of local participation – organisers
THE second Guyana International Petroleum Exhibition (GIPEX), which is scheduled to be held at the Marriott Hotel from November 20-22, 2019, is not funded by taxpayers, said the organisers of the exhibition. The event is being organised by UKbased Valiant Business Media in collaboration with the Department of Energy, Ministry of the Presidency, with support from the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest). No oil company is part of the organising team for this event. Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, has posited that GIPEX is a waste of taxpayers’ money and should not take place. “The exhibition is an abuse of state resources and the government should not be using any money,” said Jagdeo during
a recent press briefing. In response to Jagdeo, the organisers of the exhibition said: “GIPEX is 100 per cent funded by Valiant Business Media by way of support and sponsorship from companies in the oil and gas industry, as is standard with the staging of such events. No revenue from taxpayers is used for the staging of this event.” In addition, the organisers of the event said rates for entry are subsidised for Guyanese companies. The local businesses receive a 35 per cent discount. These discounts have been adjusted over the last year in keeping with the movement of costs associated with the staging of the event. “Start-up companies pay a specially reduced group rate of US$1,500 per booth space, shared by three companies, which
amounts to just US$500 per company,” said the GIPEX organisers. Each of the start-up companies will receive a delegate pass at no additional cost. The event also provides a platform for local companies to announce new joint ventures and partnerships to the media, by way of scheduled organised press briefings which significantly aid in maximising their visibility to a global audience. Valiant Business Media has also been engaging the local private sector with a view to maximising its participation in this signature event. A team of Guyanese-owned companies continue to be engaged for the provision of services for GIPEX. These services include event planning; equipment rental; communications and marketing; branding and décor; multi-media services; accom-
modation; logistics and security. GIPEX remains the largest oil and gas conference and exhibition in Guyana; it serves to place the spotlight on the rapidly growing investment opportunities and avenues for partnerships that exist, which are crucial to the growth and development of local industry. With the participation of more than 600 delegates and well over 175 companies in 2018, GIPEX 2019 is poised to attract and engage the biggest players in the oil and gas industry as the country moves closer to first-oil. “We remain committed to working with all stakeholders in the development of the emerging oil and gas industry and the positive impact this would have on the economy and country as a whole,” said the GIPEX organisers.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
Understanding Energy
Government agencies already seeing oil benefits
WHILE the government and private sector continue to prepare for Guyana’s oil revenues to start coming in, the oil sector is already having big impacts on the national economy. That includes a surge of revenue for several government departments in the form of increased tax and social security payments resulting from increased activity of workers and businesses in the sector. Certainly, the lion’s share of Guyana’s economic take from oil will be in the form of revenues from Guyana’s 50 per-cent share of profit oil. Yet, as statements from the government this week have shown, there won’t be an immediate boost given the delay between first oil production and expected revenues from the sale of that oil. Luckily, the positive knock-on impact of oil development is already being felt in the national economy though we are a while from first oil. Signs of that growth are everywhere. In the first half of 2019, companies in the oil and gas industry paid more than GY $500M into the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) on behalf of more than 3,600 employees. Just a year before, only 155 employees were reg-
istered, and the NIS took in just $24M from the industry. This massive uptick reflects the growing number of Guyanese finding jobs to support the burgeoning oil and gas industry. Many of these employees have been hired by contractors for the oil companies operating offshore to support a construction boom in advance of first oil. Thousands have been employed to build support and maintenance facilities, crew vessels and provide an array of services to the industry and its major contractors. This kind of hiring will likely continue to ramp up quickly over the next several years as more projects are being brought online and the need for workers accelerates. Planned exploration and development work in other blocks will increase that demand. Hiring can be expected to taper off at some point, however, since oil production requires less manpower than the initial surge of construction projects. But demand for workers at companies supporting the industry—everything from construction firms, environmental engineers and welders to caterers, drivers and security guards—will continue to be strong. And the knock-on impact from a stronger
economy will open opportunities for other industries to thrive. The near-term impact of the rising tide of oil and gas revenues can help the NIS avoid shortfalls like the record $854.9 million deficit it experienced last year. Meanwhile, according to figures released last week, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) took in more than $11B in taxes from January to August of this year, mostly in the form of corporation taxes and withholdings. That’s nearly three times what the GRA took in during the equivalent period in 2016 and almost $3B more than it took in during the same time last year. Once again, this dramatic uptick is expected to continue over the near-term, providing a valuable bridge to when revenues really start to pick up a few years from now. Greater tax revenues at the GRA mean that more is available to spend on Guyana’s economic development priorities like infrastructure, debt reduction and education. The money that the GRA and the NIS have taken in is classified as a “direct economic benefit” from the industry. This is differentiated from “indirect benefit” like
the surge of new businesses catering to employees of the industry or new opportunities provided by airlines opening up more routes to Guyana as a result of greater demand from oil development. The GRA is also stepping up work to eliminate tax loopholes and increase efficiency to prepare for managing and regulating the oil industry. A clear and reasonable set of well-enforced tax accounting rules can help Guyana reap the most revenue without slowing down development. Building up the capacity of agencies, both in terms of staffing and specialized industry knowledge, will be a good investment in Guyana’s long-term prosperity and transparency. International bodies such as the World Bank and the British Government have already provided grants and training for auditors and other tax professionals at the GRA. These early economic benefits show the activity already underway in Guyana and portends the massive economic impact that oil production will have. Current estimates expect that the oil sector will bring in billions of US dollars per year by the mid2020s as more projects come online.
At their peril, governments ignore the rise of global youth movements In 2011,the people of the world turned on their television sets to witness a live revolution in the most unexpected place on earth. What they witnessed was the Arab Spring which began as loosely organized protests that resulted in regime change in countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. It all began with a regrettable act of injustice meted out to Muhammed Bouazizi, a food vendor, in Tunisia. His heroic act of self-immolation in response to the injustice he encountered, sparked the Jasmine Revolution which ended the 20 years rule of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the President of Tunisia. This successful uprising inspired other Arab youth to emulate the revolutionary fervour of the young Tunisians. Their activism uprooted the regimes of Hosni Mubarak (Egypt) and Muammar al-Gaddafi (Libya) who were once considered as constant as the northern star. The Syrian and Yemeni civil wars are the result of the intervention of the Arab youth in the Spring of 2011. Recently, we have seen young people lead the following movements globally; March for our Lives Movement in the United States, the Global March Against Child Labour, the Wedding Busters Movement in Bangladesh, the Youth Advocates for Change in Nigeria and the call for Climate Action being led by 16-yearold Greta Thunberg. All of the aforementioned movements have been ungirded by the advent of technology and the age of information. The political implications of the rise of youth voices on a myriad of issues certainly warrant discussion.
but teem with the power to spark regime change. Young people use social media for online political participation (Yang& DeHart 2012), the evidence is abundant. This documentation has already alluded to the Arab Spring and seeks to do so again. Research from the Project on Information Technology and Political Islam found that online revolutionary conversations often preceded mass protests on the ground and that social media played a central role in shaping political debates in the Arab Spring. In some cases, governments used social media to engage with citizens and encourage their participation in government processes; in others, governments monitored internet traffic or blocked access to websites or the entire internet, according to a study conducted by the Dubai School of Government. The authors of the report analyzed various aspects of social media’s impact on the Arab region, including the growth rate of Facebook and Twitter, changes in internet traffic, and demographic changes over time, coming to the conclusion that social media played a critical role in “mobilization, empowerment, shaping opinions, and influencing change” during the Arab Spring. Added to this, the use of mobile media is making political decision-making less traditional and hard to track (Wei 2016). It appears, in countries such as Guyana, young people feel comfortable restricting their political participation to staying at home on their armchairs in front of a screen, this gives social media more power than the traditional party activism.
IT IS A MARCH OF FOLLY FOR GOVERNMENTS TO IGNORE THE VOICE OF YOUTH Invariably, once the voice of youth is of the view that they have no access to power or their pleas are not being considered in decision making and policy formulation, they seek avenues to have their issues addressed. The most popular of these avenues is, of course, the ubiquitous social media which may seem like personal idle forays
HOW TO KEEP YOUTH SUPPORT AND INTEREST Perhaps, the best modern example of political leadership at this moment that best captures the imagination of youth and provides a model on how to keep the youth interest, resides with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed. Mr. Ahmed began his reign against the backdrop of a raging youth population; protests for land rights, deep ethnic
tensions, arrests of tens of thousands of activists and many more national disgruntlement. In just 100 days in office, Ethiopia was radically transformed. This transformation calmed the souls of the young population due to its sheer audacity. Prime Minister Abiy freed prominent opposition leaders, activists, journalists and other dissidents. He appointed a record number of women to his Cabinet, this was coupled with the appointment of a former judge and opposition figure, Birthukan Mideksa, as Head of Ethiopia’s Electoral Board. The average politician would express shock and surprise that a sitting Prime Minister would appoint an opposition figure who was exiled for 7 years to run the country’s elections. However, the evidence suggests that capturing the interest and support of the youth requires bold and transformative actions such as unprecedented constitutional reform, party lists with a record number of youth, the appointment of youth representatives to the highest level of government and the usage of the social media to argue the government’s case. CONCLUSION It is estimated that Guyana’s youth population will represent 40% of the electorate at the next elections, it would be folly for party lists to not be mindful of this.
SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
PNCR: All stakeholders must be involved in constitutional reform CONSTITUTIONAL Reform cannot be achieved only with the will and actions of the coalition government, but all stakeholders including the opposition and civil society must be incorporated to play an active role, said executive member of the People’s National Congress Reform, Rear Admiral Gary Best. Best made the comments while addressing reporters at his party’s news conference on Friday last. He said “constitutional reform is not an activity for the party in power, it is an activity for all the parties that are in power and parties who seek to have power. We will have this delay all the time that ‘the APNU-led Administration is in power but there is no constitutional reform’ but it can’t be done without the cooperation of the other Members of Parliament,” Best said on Friday. Guyana’s Constitution is an arrangement of fundamental principles that govern the State and constitutional reform seeks to modify some fundamental structures of these principles. The 1980 Constitution was reformed and the changes enshrined in the revised Supreme Law in 2001. Upon entering office, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo immediately set up a steering committee which produced a report. Subsequently a Constitutional Reform Commission was established in Parliament comprising Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, SC who is the Chairman; Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry; Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and former Minister of Public Service, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) on the commission include Anil
Nandlall, Priya Manickchand, Dr. Frank Anthony and Adrian Anamayah. However, reform requires the support of at least two-thirds of the House and, while the government is willing, Nagamootoo says that the opposition has been ambivalent with the process. Just in December 2018, a meeting called by Williams was only attended by the government MPs. “Constitution reform requires, in most cases, two-thirds of the Members of Parliament to get changes…so, as a single party power it is difficult for that party alone to have constitutional reform,” Best reiterated. “There is sufficient goodwill and sufficient interest within the PNCR to deal with constitutional reform, the party is committed to it. That is what the party can say without fear of contradiction; it is committed to constitutional reform.” The PNCR Executive, still on the topic, noted that if Guyana is going to embark on constitutional reform citizens must also be given avenues to voice their input on the changes which will ultimately affect them. He stated that the PNCR has and will maintain an “open-door policy” when it comes to the discussion of these and other issues with the opposition and members of the public. Only recently Legal Adviser to the Office of the Prime Minister, Tamara Khan, told the National Toshaos Council that the Indigenous community will not be left out of the consultations and education campaigns on Constitutional Reform. During a presentation on Constitutional Reform, Khan reminded that it was President David Granger himself, who said that Constitutional Reform should involve the citizens of Guyana, with consultations being held at the very grassroots level. The Indigenous peoples, she said, are a vital group of
the population. “The President said the constitutional reform should be led by the citizens, because it is the citizens who have to live with the decisions. For the process to be effective, we
have to start the process of public education. We intend to come to you. Invite us to your community, allow us to come to you and allow the process to become fashionable for all
Guyanese to be involved in the process,” Khan told the gathering. Khan is the co-chair of a committee for public education on the constitutional reform that, in the
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next few months, will be rolling out a number of projects and initiatives geared at stimulating awareness and understanding about the Constitution.
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Badal, Hinds promise lean and clean government … say new party will focus on economic development of Guyana
GUYANA’S newest political party headed by businessman, Robert Badal and Chartered Accountant, Nigel Hinds, is promising a “lean and clean government” which will focus on the economic development of Guyana and its people through harnessing the entrepreneurial energies of the private sector and the guardianship of civil society which would result in opportunities for all. With its symbol as a bulb ‘Change Guyana’- the name of the party – said it will be having its formal launching on October 29, 2019, at which time it will unveil details about their plans and programmes. In a statement, Badal, who owns the Pegasus Hotel and the Guyana Stockfeeds Limited, said the biggest challenge facing Guyana is undoubtedly its economic woes caused by decades of leadership which have been unable to competently layout a vision and strategy to make Guyana a rich and productive nation and fulfill the aspiration of its citizens. He said in the midst of abundant natural resources “our country remains among the poorest in the Region
Chartered Accountant Nigel Hinds in terms of per capita income. We remain stuck in time while other neighboring countries continue to accelerate. Successive administrations, since Independence, have failed to address the challenges of the day and provide the opportunities for growth and economic upliftment of Guyanese which has triggered spiraling crime, domestic violence, mass migration and utter hopelessness among our youths,” the businessman said in his statement. He said it is in this background that himself and Nigel Hinds have teamed up and will soon launch “our intent to lead Guyana out of economic underdevelop-
Businessman Robert Badal ment. Our decades of successful experience in building billion-dollar businesses will be put to work every day, in every community, in every sector to produce an economy and society where families can live, work and enjoy,” Badal stated. He promised a lean, clean, open, transparent and accountable government. “Our focus, and that of our team, will be on the economic development of Guyana and its people through harnessing the entrepreneurial energies of the private sector and the guardianship of civil society, which would result in opportunities for all.”
SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
White Water’s CPG capacity boosted ––receives ATV and boat engine
THE capacity of White Water’s Community Policing Group (CPG) has been significantly boosted. The Region One CPG received a boat engine and an ATV which were handed over by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. Chairman of the group, Cleveland De Souza, said that they will now be able to execute their mandate effectively. He explained that to visit various communities, they would have to walk miles to reach some of the satellite villages or paddle for over three hours to get to the villages upriver. “Our area is very large, so we will use the ATV to get to the villages, and that is about one and a half hours getting to the satellite areas. Also, the [boat] engine will help with reaching areas in the river like Bamboo Landing. Now, we will get there
regularly and talk to our people,” he stated. Desouza detailed that the members of the CPG “had to walk for about three hours” where the road leads to the satellite areas and for the boat we have to stay overnight and travel back the next day. We could not make it back in one day.” This, he noted, often affected the work of the CPG since they could not reach more than one village a day since travelling took up most of the time. Minister Ramjattan urged the members of the CPG to utilise the tools given for the purpose intended and to take care of them as they cost millions. The White-Water CPG was formed back in February 2018 and now comprises 17 members. They serve the community that is home to over 2,000 residents. (DPI)
Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, and some members of the White Water Community Policing Group (CPG)
Georgetown top students honoured CHIEF Education Officer (CEO), Marcel Hutson has underscored the importance of recognising and rewarding the achievements of persons in the education sector. He was at the time speaking at the Georgetown Department of Education Regional Award Ceremony held at the National Cultural Centre on Friday. “It is always good to see young people at the top of their game; to see young people progressing and moving forward. It is always important for us to recognise people for their efforts, particularly when they would’ve made contributions not only to their own developments but the developments of their nation,” Hutson said. The ceremony was held to award the top-performing students and schools at the national examinations, including the 2019 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and Caribbean Sec-
The awardees displaying their prizes (Adrian Narine photo) ondary Certificate Examination (CSEC). Eight retired teachers and three Georgetown Department of Education staffers were also recognised for their yeomen service to the education sector. In the primary school category, St Sidwell’s Pri-
mary received that award for “Most Improved School at the NGSA” while Winfer Gardens Primary won the award for “Most Outstanding Performance at NGSA 2019”. Winfer Gardens won the prizes for “NGSA Top Performing Schools Per Subject”
in all four of the subject areas: Mathematics, English, Social Studies, and Science. The “Most Improved Junior Secondary School” Award went to Houston Secondary while St Rose’s High copped the award for “Most Improved Senior Secondary School”.
At the ceremony, the top 10 performers of the Georgetown Education District at the NGSA received trophies, a certificate and a gift voucher. Leading that list was the country’s top NGSA student, Dave Chowtie of Graham’s Hall Primary. Chowtie was
one of two Graham’s Primary Students who made the list; the other being Reyad Chabilall. Also on the list were Aquil Elcock, Darsh Persaud and Cleana Brummell from St Gabriel’s Primary; Angel Devrel, Niall Tyrrell, Lucia Deltor and Kaie Duncan from Winfer Garden’s Primary and Aquila Whyte from St Margaret’s Primary. The respective top-performing students at 23 primary schools were also recognised. The five top performers at CAPE, led by St Rose’s Shanomae Milling, who was also the country’s overall top performer, were also recognised. Johanan Clarke from St Stanislaus College; Aaron Fraser from St Joseph High; Sarah Grannum from Bishops’ High and Michael Bhopaul from Queen’s College were also honoured.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
BK Quarries scales up stone production to 100,000 tonnes monthly
IN response to rising demand for construction materials, BK Quarries Incorporated is among many businesses expanding their capabilities through capital investment. A report from the Department of Public Information (DPI) said the company has added a new German Plant, a new fleet of trucks and excavators to meet and satisfy the local demand for stone and eliminate the need for imports.
A DPI release said that as the company continues to upgrade its facilities at the Teperu-Itabu quarry, the plan is to increase production to 100,000 tonnes of stone aggregate and boulders per month. Delivering the feature address at a reception held at BK Headquarters on Friday evening, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo congratulated the Managing-Director of the BK Group of Companies, Brian Tiwarie, on the recent
expansion of the company’s existing fleet of equipment. The prime minister commended the BK Group for its continued confidence in the country’s economy. He stated, “The investment you see here is an investment of a patriotic businessman; he knows his cooperative role, he will make as much as he injects into the economy and in this regard… BK is a symbol -- a true corporate citizen who believes in his country and
who has confidence in his government.” Noting the wide range of business activities in which the BK group is involved – from quarrying to tourism and aviation – the prime minister said: “He [Brian Tiwarie] has invested as a businessman in the economy of his country… and he has not held back.” Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, in his congratulatory remarks said the
company had invested over US$6M in 2018 and plans to invest a further US$4M for 2019. “This confident investing in Guyana has been the hallmark of the company, as evidenced by the massive investment we see here. It continues to upgrade its facilities in the Teperu-Itabu Quarry to increase production,” Harmon explained. The director-general stated that the arrival of the new vehicles “marks not just an
investment in a company, but a recognition that the future of Guyana is in safe hands under His Excellency President David Granger’s administration and the government of Guyana.” Also attending the reception was wife of the prime minister Sita Nagamootoo, along with several ministers of government, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the private sector, among others.
Prime Minister the Hon Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo; Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon with the Managing-Director of BK Group of Companies, Brian Tiwarie and his family.
Prime Minister the Hon Moses Nagamootoo and his wife Sita Nagamootoo are greeted upon their arrival by Managing-Director of BK Group of Companies, Brian Tiwarie.
Some of the new trucks added to the BK fleet.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
Health centres for Aruka Mouth, Imbotero –– Assistance for drainage and irrigation among other interventions
MINISTER of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock, on Saturday, 19 October 2019, engaged the residents of Aruka Mouth and Imbotero in one of several ministerial meetings being held in the Mabaruma sub-district, Barima-Waini, Region 1, over the weekend. Aruka Mouth is a riverine community with a population of 305 persons; while Imbotero, located some 20 minutes upriver from Aruka Mouth, has over 200 residents. The meetings were very interactive, and residents voiced their concerns on issues affecting them and also provided updates on some of the ongoing projects in the villages. Among the issues highlighted was the need for health facilities in
Residents at the community meeting at the Aruka Primary School
Melissa Pritchard, Chairperson of the CDC, receiving the sport gear from Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock the communities and proper drainage and irrigation, to provide relief for farmers during the high tides.
Minister Allicock explained that while his ministry does not deal directly with those issues, he will
Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Hon. Sydney Allicock addressing the residents of Aruka Mouth
engage the respective ministries to have these matters addressed. He also reminded of the administration’s efforts to ensure quality health services are accessible to all the citizens of Guyana. “The president has said that every community should have access to proper health care… So, I will look into this,” he assured. It was noted that persons residing in the communities have already been identified to be trained as Community Health Workers (CHWs)3. Minister Allicock also pointed out the administration has been calling on residents to engage in farming and acknowledged that proper infrastructure must be put in place so farmers can have easy access to their farms and markets. In the interim, he advised the chairperson of Aruka Mouth CDC to engage
the regional administration to assist the farmers. Additionally, the representatives of Aruka Mouth requested support to establish a community project that will provide jobs for the residents. Minister Allicock assured that support will be provided after the community submits a plan for the project to his office. He reminded that he has been encouraging the various Indigenous communities to craft their Village Developmental Plans (VIP), which will guide their developmental process over a five-to-ten-year period. Through the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the community of Aruka Mouth has benefitted from much support over the past four years. In 2016, the village received $1M for the construction of a school kitchen; in 2017, $800,000
for a boat engine; 2018 saw $800,000 allocated for preventative works and in 2019, $1M for a water system project. The village also received a boat under the 5Bs programme, and through the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF), the community received $5M for a project benefitting their fishermen. Melissa Pritchard, Chairperson of the CDC, explained that this project has been going well and the profits garnered will be used to establish a poultry rearing project for the women. Close to $4M was also invested in Imbotero, over the last three years, for the construction of a community centre among other initiatives. Today, both communities also received a quantity of sport gear from Minister Allicock. (DPI)
Domestic violence victim gets help
A PREGNANT 21-year-old woman, who was battered by her reputed husband, received some timely assistance from The Humanitarian Mission Guyana Inc. (HMGI) on Saturday afternoon. The woman, Seema Bisnauth of Rampur, Corriverton East Berbice Corentyne, is eight months pregnant and is fortunate to be able to walk away from the abusive relationship after she was found in an unconscious state by her sister after suffering a beating by her husband three weeks ago. The husband, Yadev Bisnaught, is presently on remand after being placed before the courts. The incident occurred in September and according to Seema, it was similar to many others she suffered during the four-year
Seema Bisnauth when she was found by her sister marriage. “He does normally come home drunk and want knock me every time, he does even knock we three year old son and when we try fuh ask he why or quarrel with he, he
does knock we mo bad,” she said. Seema has since moved out of the house. Due to the advanced stage of her pregnancy and the injuries she received, she cannot provide for herself nor is her family in a financial state to provide for her needs. As such, the Humanitarian Mission reached out and donated maternity and baby supplies to Seema to help her as she looks to welcome her second child in a few weeks’ time. Moved to tears of joy, the young woman thanked the organisation for the donation, noting that she was worried about where she would have been able to get the items she needed to go to hospital, as well as those for the newborn. Public Relations Officer of The Humanitarian Mission
Seema Bisnauth with some of the items she recieved Inc., Mahendra Dass Nanda- relates to all forms of abuse, organisation learnt of the lall, said that the Mission has especially domestic violence. See page 16 a zero tolerance policy as it He stated that after the
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
Linden youths get training in nation-building
YOUTHS drawn from youth groups across Linden, benefitted from a twoday workshop hosted by the Department of Social Cohesion, which aimed at fostering unity among their particular demographic and how they can work together for nation building. The training, themed, ‘unity in diversity: bridging gaps in communities’ has been conducted in several regions, with community leaders and regional officials targeted to participate. In Linden, youths however participated, and, according to lead facilitator, Wil Campbell, while the training was part of the greater mandate of the Department to foster cohesion, something that started some years ago, given our present political situation, there was need to intensify those efforts. “What we have found is that it has become timelier in this pe-
riod of political uncertainty but it is not something that is geared to deal with this specific period,” he said. Giving an overview on the two-day session, Campbell said, “Its purpose was to help people identify their biases and learn how those biases stymie regional development and national development... we want them to get past the biases and stereotypes, to get pass the divisions and look at how you can see those differences as an asset rather than a liability and how you can reach across those differences and pull all those diverse people and help them to reach for one common goal.” One of the sessions focused on the three B’s : Binding, Bonding and Bridging, which enabled youths to see the importance of widening out of their group and bonding with other groups, thus enriching their national experience. Other sessions included
GEA lights up White Water
RESIDENTS of the border village of White Water close to the Venezuela border, have expressed appreciation to the authorities after street lamps were installed in the village last week. Reports are that 20 energy-efficient street lamps, which were donated by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), were installed around the remote village in the Mabaruma sub-region last week. The nearby community of Wauna also benefitted from the project and reports are that a similar number of lights were installed in that community. White Water residents noted that the lights have illuminated more than 60% of the community. Residents noted, too, that the lights add to the development of the area. Jairam Dhanraj, secretary of the village council, told the Guyana Chronicle that on Monday, the villagers cut
One of the energy-efficient lamps in the village (Diaz Domingo photo) the poles for the lights and on Tuesday and Wednesday, the villagers installed the devices via self-help. He said the GEA officials provided the manuals for the lights to be set up. “We look at mostly the dark areas to place them,” he said, adding that 10 of the lights were placed in the central part of the village. The village is cited as pivotal and since the economic situation in Venezuela took a turn in recent years, villagers were concerned about their safety. A Guyana Defence Force as well as a Guyana Police Force unit has since been placed at the village.
lessons on values and diversity, uncovering biases and stereotypes, how divisions make us weaker, how diversity makes us stronger, unity for united communities amongst others. At the end of the session, the youths were divided into two groups and were tasked with implementing a project aimed at fostering social cohesion within their community. This project will be sponsored by the Department of Social Cohesion and other stakeholders.
Youths who participated in the workshop
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
Radio Mabaruma keeping residents informed THE residents of Mabaruma are no longer receiving biased information since the establishment of the Radio Mabaruma in 2016. The residents of the town in Region 1 said that they are now better informed since they receive real-time information from ‘both sides of the coin’ live from the 95.1 frequency. Evelyn Melville has been
Radio Mabaruma is the second regional radio station to be commissioned after radio Lethem in Region Nine (DPI photo)
a resident of the recently-established town for over 20 years. She expressed satisfaction that information is now available from all parts of the country when she turns on her radio. “It makes me feel connected because you get news direct. You are now able to get the correct information, no more hearsay.” She further highlighted that the people of the region “are happy about that because when things are happening in the region, everybody is aware of what is occurring because they have the radio station to highlight what is happening and even the other news like NCN and we are so grateful.” Jokingly, Melville noted that she tells everyone that “if it [radio station] is to be taken away from me, I would want to leave this place because I cannot go back to the way it was previously. We have seen a new light, it’s a new day,” she stated. Ronald Cox, a senior teacher at the Northwest Secondary School, also echoed similar sentiments. Cox said that since the establishment of the radio station, when officials visit, the entire region is aware of what their visit entails and what developments to expect. “If we have a programme in the region, we invite the persons to the radio station. So, they are not just coming to the region and speaking to a specific group of persons, but instead, through the radio station, they are broadcast regionally. So, the students would learn, the teachers would learn and be updated on what is happening in the region,” he explained. Cox mentioned the recent observance of ‘Fire Prevention Week’ where the station was used to inform the residents in the region on some of the ongoing activ-
Storeowner, Evelyn Melville ities, and, at the same time, share fire safety tips. Samya Goodman, who is also the reigning Miss Region One, described Radio Mabaruma as progressive as it reaches people in the region who do not have access to the internet. “With this radio station, we get to connect to them, and if you have something to tell them, it is easier to connect with them via the radio,” Goodman underscored. She also believes the station is an excellent tool to promote businesses in the region. “Through promotional ads, the people would be more aware of the local businesses and in turn support, so it will have a positive impact.” Radio Mabaruma is the second regional radio station to be commissioned after radio Lethem in Region Nine. It is part of the Coalition Government’s aim to expand the reach of broadcast media to all hinterland communities. To date, four more stations were launched which includes Radio Mahdia in Region Eight; Radio Bartica in Region Seven; Radio Orealla in Region Six and Radio Aishalton in Region Nine. (DPI)
Domestic violence victim gets ... From page 14 young woman’s bravery in reporting the matter and helping to get the abusive husband behind bars, they reached out to commend her and learnt of her plight, after which they sprang into action to give her some assistance. “We know the items we are giving here today through our donors both locally and internationally will not solve all the problems for Ms. Seema, but we hope others can come on board and assist as well, as she has a long way to go especially with two children to care for and no income,” he said. F and I Customs Brokerage Services of Corriverton also donated a supply of diapers and baby wipes to the expecting mother.
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Hinterland youth missing POLICE are investigating the disappearance of Isai Jaime James, 16, who failed to return home after leaving for work in the hinterland, since August 19, 2019. Reports indicate that his mother, Paula Ann James of Yarakita, North West, Region One, had left the boy in the care of his grandfather, Dennis Nunes, at Ideal Road, Waiakabra, Soesdyke/Linden Highway. They reported that on August 19, 2019, the boy indicated that he wanted to seek work in the interior and travelled in the company of a friend, Romeo Jaime. His grandfather noted that he did not give his permission and asked his grandson to set up a meeting with the man who was taking him into the interior. The man said his grandson did not set up the meeting and left without permission. Relatives said that, on August 19, in the evening, the man who allegedly took the boy from his grandfather’s home, called a female Missing: relative, indicating that they Isai Jaime James were in Bartica, en route to the hinterland. It is alleged that the boy came out of the interior on September 8, 2019, with the man who had taken him to work. Relatives said the boy’s mother contacted her son’s associate via cell phone, enquiring about her son, and was told that he was left in a car with another male on the Soesdyke/Linden Highway. Further, it is alleged that the teen was at the home of woman, who reportedly knows everything about the arranged trip to the interior. The mother of the missing boy said that, on August 28, she travelled to the woman’s home, and, after receiving no concrete information about her son’s location, she made a report at the Kuru Kuru Police Station. The man, who took the boy to the interior, was reportedly summoned by the police and gave a conflicting report of himself and the boy coming out of the interior on September 8, in the company of another man. Instigators said the information received, after questioning the man, was that they booked a hotel room in Georgetown, where they slept together. They further indicated that they received reports of the man leaving to purchase food and was robbed, causing him to return to the hotel room. It is alleged that, soon after, he left the facility, leaving the now-missing boy sleeping in a room with the other male companion. Reports indicate that the man claimed he cannot remember the name of the hotel or its location in the City.
GPF zones in on illegal parking THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) is once again reminding motorists that they are prohibited from parking diagonally or “double parking” along the roadways, as such actions compromise road safety. Persons found in breach of the laws will be dealt with accordingly. Public Relations and Press Officer, Superintendent, Jairam Ramlakhan, explained that diagonal parking has always been illegal but because of the amount of space required for parallel parking, some amount of flexibility was allowed. However, he said having looked at recent statistics, police realised that the number of damage accidents (fender benders) that occur on the roadways daily is far too much; hence, the traffic department has decided to reinforce the no diagonal parking initiative. The decision to reintroduce the no diagonal parking initiative was taken in 2015 and scores of drivers have been charged and placed before the court. “Drivers are not supposed to reverse from a stationary point onto the main road. So against that background, diagonal parking will not be the way forward,” he noted.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
Police hunting third suspect in miner’s death –– GGDMA hosts wake this evening By Rabindra Rooplall
TWO persons are in police custody and another is being sought as investigations continue into a botched robbery at Da Silva Street, Newtown, Kitty, Georgetown, on October 14, which left a popular gold miner dead. Killed in the robbery was businessman and gold miner Deon Stoll, called “Mow”, 44, of Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and of Barima Avenue, Bel Air, Georgetown Reports indicate that Dr Alonzo De Santos and Wayne St. Hill are in custody. Dr. De Santos, who is also a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) reservist, allegedly treated the wounded bandit involved in the robbery at his Prospect, East Bank Demerara home and
did not report it, in accordance with the law. Wayne St. Hill is the alleged driver of the getaway car used in the robbery in front of El Dorado Trading, the gold dealership located on Da Silva Street. Police found the getaway car on Wednesday evening abandoned at Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. There was a bullet hole in the back windscreen of the Toyota 212. Hours after the shooting, residents discovered the body of Olijah Chesney, 18, in Tucville, located a few miles from Newtown. He was shot to his chest and was initially suspected to be the shot bandit. However, the police ruled out his involvement in the attempted robbery, noting his death was as a result of a separate incident. An autopsy concluded
‘Phone snatchers’ lurking at Stabroek Market DESPITE heightened police presence at the Stabroek Market, persons continue to get robbed of their belongings. A recent footage, which surfaced on Facebook, showed a person getting robbed while in the area of Stabroek Market on Thursday evening. The footage shows a gang of individuals walking casually by before one of the individuals branched off and went close to someone, who was standing alone with his phone. The individual, who appeared to be affiliated with the gang, pretended to be looking for something before he snatched the aforementioned individual’s phone and ran away. The victim and some other individuals took off after the suspected thief but it was unconfirmed whether they were able to catch him. In the comments, under the footage on Facebook, persons said the gang is notorious and would usually roam the Stabroek Market area. In addition to the gang shown in the footage, there have been many complaints in the past about gangs robbing persons of their belongings, and in some cases, even inflicting injuries to persons. Over the years, persons have also complained bitterly about “phone snatchers” roaming the Stabroek Market area on a daily basis. The Guyana Police Force (GPF) had made several attempts to address the situation by establishing two police outposts around the Stabroek Market area, but the impact of those outposts was, in some cases, considered minimal. The GPF, however, made a commitment to ensuring that crime in the Stabroek area is reduced and controlled.
that Chesney was shot once in the back and the bullet exited above the left breast. Enquiries revealed that Stoll and his driver had earlier visited a business place on Sheriff Street and did a business transaction where they collected a sum of cash, after which they proceeded in a Toyota Carina 212 car, PPP 7227, to El Dorado Trading at 63 Da Silva Street, Kitty, to conduct another transaction. They were apparently trailed by the bandits’ car. As soon as the gold miner pulled over at the gold dealership, the bandits’ car also pulled up and the two bandits exited the car, wearing caps with their faces partially covered with handkerchiefs. One, of the bandits who was armed with a knife, approached the driver while the other approached the businessman with a handgun. Reports further indicated that the robber with the knife ordered the driver to get out the car while the other bandit told the businessman not to draw his firearm. The driver then pushed the car door towards the bandit with the knife and came out of the car and was pushing the bandit away. As a result, the bandit
Dead: Businessman and gold miner, Deon Stoll with the gun shot the driver to his right hand between the elbow and shoulder. The businessman then drew his licensed firearm and he and the bandit with the gun had a shootout. During the shootout, the businessman received a gunshot injury to the right side pelvis. The bandit, who was also shot, ran away and joined the car with his accomplice, and they made good their escape. Meanwhile, the security guard of El Dorado Trading, 40-year-old Rory Deegs, who was armed with a pistol, opened the gate of the business to see what was going on, when it was alleged that the businessman, in a panic, discharged two rounds into his direction and he received injuries to the right hand. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association has since called for justice regarding the brutal
Dr. Alonzo De Santos
Wayne St. Hill
slaying of Stoll. “The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is deeply saddened over the cold-blooded killing of Stoll as he was about to conduct business at the establishment of El Dorado Trading.” The association expressed profound condolences to the family of the late Stoll, whose life was snatched away from him as he sought to conduct business in a transparent manner, like any other decent citizen. The GGDMA also called on the Guyana Police Force to focus their attention on addressing real crime and the removing of criminal elements from society. “The association also calls on the Minister of Public Security, the Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, to address this upsurge in crime across our country. How many more must be robbed,
or be slaughtered before it is accepted that we have a crime issue in Guyana which must be addressed? The time for seriousness is now. The Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force must weed out the rogue elements from among their ranks since all they do is tarnish the image of the force and the law-abiding officers.” Today, the GGDMA will be hosting a wake at its North Road, Bourda, Georgetown office, in the aftermath of Stoll’s death. Stoll was a prominent businessman in the city and had business interests at Charity, Region Two and one of the biggest hotels in Region One. He employed dozens of workers in his gold mining and other operations. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the gold sector and has placed businessmen on high alert.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 20, 2019
Critical development in transportation at UG
UG buses to take students directly along East Coast route … in new breakthrough arrangement
UNIVERSITY of Guyana students who live along the East Coast of Demerara, will, from Monday, benefit from an enhanced arrangement with the minibus service at the Turkeyen Campus in which they will no longer have to travel to the bus parks at nights. Instead, the students would be able to travel from the campus to their destinations, east along the public road from Turkeyen. According to a release from the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS), newly elected president of the body, Jafar Gibbons, and his executive team, met with the leaders of the UG Bus Service and, stemming from the meeting, both parties agreed that transportation to and from the campus can be difficult to access at specified times. They also agreed that persons living along the East Coast find it difficult in acquiring transportation which can be burdensome. It was noted too that walking out of the Turkeyen Campus can prove to be dangerous, as persons, in some instances, were attacked and even robbed, in the nearby streets, on the outskirts of campus. To alleviate these concerns, the Student Society, along with the Bus Service, agreed that, as of Monday, October 21, 2019, students heading up the East Coast east of Turkeyen, would not have to travel to the City. According to the release, the students would only have to congregate at the bus shed until the required numbers to fill the bus are met. The students would then take any of the buses provided to facilitate the transport. The buses will take the students along the East Coast route, all the way to Victoria and the service will be provided
from 16:30 hours to 21:30 hours. Jaffar expressed elation at the “breakthrough” arrangement and he noted that he was aware that the students would embrace the move with much excitement as do the executives of the student body. Jafar, who is the former leader of the Students’ Action Movement, added that his focus will be primarily on students’ representation, ensuring their welfare be top priority for the academic year. He also lamented how unsafe it was to have students walking out the campus late at nights and still had to wait on the public road for transportation, something he said was safer to do on the campus. According to the release, the bus service also communicated that there was a 10-bus shuttle system that was in place after 1630 hours. It meant that there were ten buses available to take students off the campus, on a regular basis. “While we accept that that number might be insufficient at peak hours, we are asking students to not walk out to the road, but instead, wait for the buses at the bus shed,” said Gibbons. For Gibbons, the move was part of a few promises he made while on the campaign trail. He said that he would continue a relentless fight to ensure that students are involved and represented at the Nation’s highest tertiary institution. “He also vowed to help the administration, in any way possible, in the delivery of the services provided at the University. He also expressed his gratitude to the Administration which was displaying its willingness to work to enhance the welfare of the students,” the release stated.
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South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:15 hrs Port Key
Rolando scores as Juve extend Serie A lead.
08:50 hrs Crimea 09:25 hrs Sea Venture 10:00 hrs Silver Rose 10:40 hrs Balletto 11:15 hrs Bedazzled Joker
Irish Racing Tips Cork 09:05 hrs Dime A Dozen 09:35 hrs Battle of Midway 10:10 hrs Classic Concorde 10:40 hrs Our Jerry 11:15 hrs Final List 11:50 hrs Last Goodbye 12:25 hrs The Little Yank
Naas 08:15 hrs Knight of Malta 09:45 hrs Baraniya 09:20 hrs My Friend Stan 09:55 hrs Luke Short 10:30 hrs Silk Forever 11:00 hrs Kiss For A Jewel 11:35 hrs Calonne 12:10 hrs Halimi
English Racing Tips Sedgefield 08:55 hrs Roxyfet 09:30 hrs Tabou Beach Boy 10:05 hrs Windsor Avenue 10:35 hrs Blastere Yeats 11:05 hrs Scoop The Pot 11:40 hrs Nicely Indeed 12:15 hrs College Oak
Kempton 09:15 hrs Production 09:45 hrs Oleg 10:20 hrs Pacify 10:50 hrs Tidal watch 11:25 hrs Silver Streak 12:00 hrs Land League 12:35 hrs Zyon
Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus celebrates after his opening goal (1-0) during the Serie A match between Juventus and Bologna FC at Allianz Stadium on October 19, 2019 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Badolato - Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
(REUTERS) - CRISTIANO Ronaldo opened the scoring as Juventus beat visiting Bologna 2-1 on Saturday to move four points clear at the top of the Serie A table. Ronaldo struck from close range after 19 minutes, but Danilo levelled for the visitors soon afterwards. Miralem Pjanic profited on a defensive mix-up to net Juve’s winner after the break and Bologna were denied an equaliser by the crossbar and a superb Gianluigi Buffon save in stoppage time. The result stretched Juve’s winning run to five matches in all competitions and continued Maurizio Sarri’s unbeaten start as their coach. “I told the players that we must not try to control a game, sit on a lead or be comfortable, because otherwise we leave ourselves in these risky situations at the very end,” Sarri told DAZN. “It was a good game, but blighted by three or four horrible errors that we have to work on,” he said. “I need to ensure the players realise we keep the ball for a reason, so possession is never kept just for the sake of it. We go into maintenance mode and that is never good.” The champions are top on 22 points but second-placed
Inter Milan can cut their lead to one point with victory at Sassuolo on Sunday. Ronaldo reached the landmark of 700 career goals while on international duty with Portugal on Monday and made it 701 at the Allianz Stadium as he beat his marker and fired in at the near post. Bologna travelled to Turin with just one victory against Juve in their last 31 attempts, but they levelled through Danilo midway through the first half when the Brazilian defender smashed in a half-volley. Pjanic restored the hosts’ lead after 54 minutes as he capitalised on chaotic defending from Bologna to pounce on a loose ball and sweep a shot into the corner. The visitors nearly equalised in the dying minutes when substitute Federico Santander’s header came back off the bar before veteran goalkeeper Buffon acrobatically palmed over the striker’s overhead kick.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday October 20, 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) 2014 & 2019 (2) 2013/2014/2016/2018/2019 Today’s Quiz: (1) How many batsmen were dismissed ‘run out’ in the Tridents innings of the CPL 2019 final? (2) Who took most wickets for the Tridents in the CPL 2019 final? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 20, 2019
Sharma saves India with majestic ton (REUTERS) - ROHIT Sharma smashed his third century of the series and combined with Ajinkya Rahane to lift India to 224 for three before bad light forced an early close to the opening day of the third and final Test against South Africa yesterday. The unbeaten Mumbai duo added 185 runs for the fourth wicket to rescue the hosts who looked in dire straits at 39 for three in the morning session after opting
Rohit Sharma celebrates a landmark. (BCCI)
to bat in Ranchi. Rohit’s typically fluent 117 not out included four sixes and 14 fours, while Rahane hit one six and 11 fours in his unbeaten 83, as they batted through the second session without getting separated. South Africa lost their 10th toss in a row in India, but dominated the first session with Kagiso Rabada making the most of the morning conditions, generating enough swing to trouble the
batsmen. One of those deliveries drew Mayank Agarwal out to edge to slip where Dean Elgar took a low catch to dismiss the in-form opener. Rabada trapped Cheteshwar Pujara lbw for a duck after coaxing du Plessis to challenge the original not-out decision which was overturned. Rabada was celebrating his third success of the morning when Rohit was adjudged lbw but the opener immedi-
ately reviewed the decision which was reversed after replays confirmed an inside edge. Anrich Nortje, playing his second Test, struck a body blow when he trapped Kohli leg-before for 12, but Rohit and Rahane returned after the lunch break to rebuild the innings with a brisk accumulation of runs. Rohit, playing his first series as a Test opener, was particularly aggressive against the spinners and the
elegant right-hander brought up his century with his third six off spinner Dane Piedt. India, who are seeking a series whitewash to cement their place at the top of the World Test Championship table, gave spinner Shahbaz Nadeem his maiden Test cap. Wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen and left-arm spinner George Linde also made their Test debuts for South Africa in the match.
Madrid suffer first league loss of 2019 (BBC) - REAL Madrid suffered their first league defeat of the season at La Liga newcomers Mallorca last night. Mallorca’s Lago Junior scored the only goal of the game after just seven minutes when he drove in from the left and fired into the far corner. Karim Benzema went closest for Madrid when he hit the bar while Alvaro Odriozola saw red late on. Zinedine Zidane’s side now sit second in La Liga, one point behind Barcelona. Zidane named a weakened side in Mallorca as Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos all missed out through injury while Eden Hazard was unavailable fol-
Lago Junior’s winner was his first-ever La Liga goal.
lowing the birth of his fourth child on Friday night.
Nonetheless, Los Blancos
match, given the fact Mallor-
were favourites going into the
ca had won consecutive pro-
motions to find themselves in the Spanish top flight this season. But the hosts’ goalkeeper Manolo Reina was relatively untroubled as Madrid struggled to create chances throughout despite naming a forward-thinking line-up. Summer signing Luka Jovic partnered Benzema in attack, but the Serbia international’s lean run of form continued and he was substituted midway the second half - he is yet to open his Los Blancos account. Meanwhile, an ultra-attacking midfield four of Casemiro, Isco, James Rodriguez and Vinicius Junior failed to prise open a stubborn Mallorca backline, with left-back Fran Gamez per-
forming particularly well up against 19-year-old Vinicius. And it could have been worse for Zidane’s team as Ante Budimir also had the ball in the net for the hosts during the first half - only to see it correctly ruled out for offside. Their night then went from bad to worse on 74 minutes as full-back Odriozola was sent off for a second bookable offence following a mindless lunge on goalscorer Lago. There is little time for reflection on the defeat for Zidane and his team, however, as they face Galatasaray in Istanbul in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
All Blacks send stern message (REUTERS) - NEW Zealand sent out an emphatic message that they will not relinquish their Rugby World Cup title lightly, as they outclassed Ireland 46-14 in their last eightclash yesterday and set up a semi-final clash with England. The three-time champions, who ran in seven tries and had effectively secured victory by halftime, went into the encounter having lost two of their last three matches against the Irish but this superb performance reflected their overall record against the men in green, now standing at 29 wins, two defeats and one draw. After a tight opening 10
minutes the New Zealanders, dominating possession and territory and playing fluent, varied rugby at high pace, took complete control, quicksilver scrumhalf Aaron Smith leading the way with the first two tries. Certainly England will provide a better test for the holders next week in Yokohama, having earlier thrashed Australia 40-16 in the first quarter-final in Oita. Holders Japan face South Africa, and Wales meet France in the remaining quarters today. “The Irish are a great side, we have come up against them before and they have been on top,” All Blacks captain Kieran Read said. “We knew the start was important
and we did that well by getting points on board early. “It was a heck of a test match, really tough out there and we really felt it. It was awesome.” For Ireland’s outgoing skipper Rory Best, the game represented a bitter end to his international career. He was magnanimous in defeat, however. “The All Blacks were fantastic. We felt we had prepared well and had a game plan,” he said. “They just came out of the blocks hard and never let us get off that again. They were just really clinical.” The All Blacks had not played for almost two weeks since their 71-9 victory over
New Zealand player Beauden Barrett makes the pass to set up the final try during the Rugby World Cup 2019 Quarter-final match between New Zealand and Ireland at the Tokyo Stadium yesterday in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Namibia after their final pool game against Italy was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis.
They also had not been challenged since their tournament opener against South Africa four weeks
ago and fans were concerned they could be under-prepared for the intensity of a knockout match.
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The big matches of 1320 Heat ly a machine that fans want to see run. We at sportshubgy feel that an apt match for the four-cylinder beast is that of the Transpacific Alteeza, another locally built beast that has been making waves and also smoke clouds. The transformation of the Alteeza has not been a smooth road but it has definitely come a long way from not making it past rounds one and two. Still, their battle would generate much debate
TODAY’S 1320 Heat rematch event at South Dakota Circuit, Timehri, has a lot of fans talking about the best matchups for the event. Race-time is 10:00hrs and here are some of the battles that could keep the crowd on their feet: Team Mohamed’s Goliath GTR vs Mad Dog Toyota Supra. There was a lot of controversy surrounding this one at the end of the last event with Team Mohamed’s Goliath suffering mechanical issues, and the Mad Dog Supra of S&D Performance not coming to the line either. Still, this is one that will have fans on the edge of their seats. Both cars were running down in the 8-second brackets at the last outing and
it would make for a close contest should they line up again. Unofficial times seen by sportshubgy show both cars have gotten faster from the last instalment but a clear winner will be decided on October 20. S&D Performance Toyota Caldina vs Transpacific Toyota Alteeza Throughout the years, the Toyota Caldina of Sean Persaud has undergone a transformation into arguably one of the most eye-catching locally built machines on the quarter-mile. Unfortunately, mechanical issues forced him out of the last encounter but sources have confirmed that he is back and better than ever. Boasting possibly the fastest 3sGTE across the 592, Persaud’s Caldina is definite-
Avi Samaroo Mitsubishi Evo vs Jason Gonzalves Honda Civic The long battle of allwheel drive versus two-wheel drive has waged through the ages and none underscored more than the battle between Avi Samaroo and Jason Gon-
zalves. Samaroo’s Mitsubishi Evolution has ‘one-upped’ Gonzalves Honda Civic for the 12-second trophy but word on the street is that the Gonzalves camp returned to the drawing board for more speed and has found it. While in the eyes of some, it might be a mismatch, sometimes it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog. Transpacific Toyota Al-
teeza vs Peter Daby Mazda RX7 (second generation) Another age-old battle has been that of the Rotary versus Piston engine argument. While some feel that has long been won by the latter, Peter Daby’s Mazda RX7 second generation has
certainly reopened that debate locally. When it arrived on the scene earlier this year, the RX7 brought back memories of a time when a rotary was the thing to beat. Lining up alongside one of the most iconic piston engines ever created in the 2JZ will surely be a battle that all petrol heads will enjoy. Transpacific Toyota Alteeza vs Mad Dog Toyota Supra There isn’t much to say here. It’s simply. 2JZ versus 2JZE - a battle of who has the better 2JZ on the market and who has it in the best set-up. On one hand, there is the mad dog Supra and the other is Transpacific Alteeza. While they have never run competitively, there is a rumbling that one is willing to call the
other out. Godzilla vs the clock The Team Mohamed’s white GTR, known as Godzilla, is definitely going to be a crowd-puller and there will be many lining up to challenge it. But the biggest thing that it will face on the 1320 Heat rematch will be the clock. A few days prior to the mechanical issues that plagued it, the team had recorded a mid-seven-second time but failed to put it down on race day. The fastest strip time recorded is a 7.9 by Andy Bissesar’s Railcar at the last meet. Can Godzilla better it? We will have to wait to see. Admission for adults is $1 000 and for children $500.
2019 SBF Petroleum/CGI Jaguars One-Day League 50 Overs Tournament
Jones 5-for keeps Essequibo unbeaten streak alive By Clifton Ross AN MVP 5-wicket haul from pacer Joshua Jones saw Essequibo extend their unbeaten streak, trouncing West Demerara by 75 runs in yesterday’s 4th round encounter at Bourda. Chasing a 200-plus score, West Demerara folded for a paltry 138 in 46.5 overs despite some fight from spinner Richie Looknauth who scored 41 and former Windies U-19 keeper Tevin Imlach with 30. Travis Persaud also resisted with 25 but Jones proved to be a handful, while pacer Ronsford Beaton (2-34) and all-rounder Ricardo Adams (215) were the other wicket-takers. Essequibo racked up as solid firstinnings score of 213 all out in 50 overs, after capitalising on their familiarity with the Bourda ground. Identical knocks of 51 from
Essequibo’s Joshua Jones accepts the man-of-the-match trophy from GCB Assistant Administrator Selena Bacchus. (Clifton Ross photo)
opener Kevon Boodie and the in-form wicketkeeper-batsman Kemol Savory helped lay the foundation while a few other batsmen chipped in with scores. West Demerara spinners Richie Looknauth (3-25) and Keshram Seyhodan (3-33) almost kept the champs quiet with their six wickets. A late order assault, though, from the likes of Quintin Sampson (26) and Neiland Cadogan (21) helped stretch the total. The chase began in timid fashion with the openers looking jumpy, due to the pace of Beaton, who removed national opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul (4) and Andre Seepersaud (2) within a short space of time. Opener Ronaldo Renee (5) was pinned lbw to Ricardo Adams as the innings began to go left. Looknauth looked like he needed more from his partners but got little support as the Essequibo bowlers stayed on top of the opposition.
Jones’ burst and the frequent loss of wickets kept the Berbice franchise at bay for most of the chase and when Looknauth departed, it became difficult for the chasing side. The MVP Jones also recorded a hattrick when he removed Malcolm Hubbard, Marvin Dhanpaul and Seyhodan, further flinging the innings into disarray as their team crumbled inside 50 overs. Earlier, batting first Boodie notched up another half-century, his second fifty of the match, with some mature strokeplay as he hit a solitary four and six from 77 deliveries before being bowled by Malcolm Hubbard. Seyhodan landed a double blow when he removed Marvin Williams (1) and David Williams (0), without troubling the scorers. Savory continued to look fluent this season with his stylish approach and wide array of strokes. The left-hander was crucial in the repair
phases of the team following Boodie’s departure. Not as brisk as the opener’s fifty, Savory grafted an innings of grit and resilience to keep the champs firm during the middle passage. His four fours were well-placed as his focus seemed to be running between the wickets. When he departed, the captain came out and contributed 21, paving the way for Sampson and Cadogan. The two pinch-hitters added 33 runs as they picked apart the Berbice bowling, with Sampson again showing his brutal strength by hitting two sixes, one of which sailed out the ground; similar to what he did against Georgetown in the opener. After a flurry of shots and some brisk running, the pair fell but their side had already reached a winning total. Round four bowls off tomorrow across venues in the country.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, October 20, 2019
Guyana’s James ‘Joelyn’ Joseph cops silver at UCI Masters in England By Joe Chapman GUYANA’S United Statesbased veteran cyclist, James ‘Joelyn’ Joseph, copped the silver medal in the Men’s 6064 Sprint race at this year’s International Cycling Union (UCI) Masters Track Cycling Championships. The championships ended yesterday at the Manchester Velodrome in the United Kingdom. The Linden-born cyclist, in his heyday was one of the greatest Guyana had ever produced. He competed in the Men’s 60-64 age category Sprint, finishing second to Australia’s Gary Mandy in the final, as the bronze medal was
At left is Guyana’s James Joseph copped by Aron Seiken. Joseph was second at the 2017 UCI World Masters Championship Scratch Race two years ago, but
was elevated to the gold medal when it was discovered that the winner had a doping violation and was disqualified.
A former Caribbean cycling champion, James Joseph, represented Guyana at the 1980 Summer Olympics and 1984 Summer Olympics. Speaking from the Manchester Velodrome, Joseph was delighted with his showing, saying it was another great experience to be at the UCI Masters World Track Cycling championships once again and to put Guyana on the world stage. He told Chronicle Sport that earlier in the championship which started last Saturday, he had placed fourth in the 500m Individual Time Trial which was also won by the Australian Mandy in the world-best winning time of 33.94 seconds.
Mandy won from Aron Seiken who was second in a time of 35.023 seconds, as third came Carlos Daniel Zicado of Argentina in 36.080 seconds. Joseph placed fourth in 36.127seconds, while a British rider was next in 36.36 seconds. Another former Olympian, Aubrey Gordon, also competed at the championship but was unable to medal. It was two years ago that Joseph once again put Guyana on the world map when he broke the 200m Flying Start world record at the UCI World Masters Championship in California. Then, like now, he was also competing in the 60-64 age-group where his time of 11.42 seconds
in the Flying Start of the MatchSprint race erased the previous record of 11.73, set by Victor Copeland of USA and this notably was achieved at the sea level atmosphere of California. After qualifying in world-leading time for the match sprint, Joseph went on to win Guyana’s first medal at a UCI event when he finished second for silver behind Kirk Sato of the USA - the first of three medals. He had competed in the 20-lap Scratch race, copping the silver medal, but following the doping violation by the winner, he earned the gold medal later. He sprinted to bronze in the 500m Individual Time Trial in 2017.
Lyght’s ton propels Police to first-day honours against Everest in two-day cricket … Transport gain first-innings lead against Bel Air
ANDREW Lyght Jr is in form and it showed when he put willow to leather at his home ground, Eve Leary, yesterday, on the opening day of the Georgetown Cricket Association-organised Noble House Seafoods, Second Division two-day cricket competition between Police and Everest Cricket Club (ECC). Police won the toss and opted to take first strike. With Lyght leading the charge, the home team were able to race to a whopping 323-9 from 61.5 overs. Lyght, who featured in a 140-run second-wicket partnership with Chemroy Kendall, struck nine fours and eight sixes in a top score of 123 while Kendall, batting at three, added 58 (4x4, 3x6). ECC opening bowler Rolex Payne and left-arm spinner Javed Rasheed were able to wrest back some control towards the middle and latter stages of the innings with the former getting four wickets, including that of Lyght (bowled) while Rasheed took three scalps,
Police batting were led by Andrew Lyght (middle) and supported by Chemroy Kendall (right) and Ameer Singh (left). including that of Ameer Singh, who fell one short of his halfcentury. Khan had hit three sixes and a similar number of fours in his innings.
ECC, in reply, were struggling at 61-5 off 27 overs after Rocky Hutson bagged four scalps. Only Ushardeva Balgobin had a start with 27 (2x4, 1x6), but he also
fell victim to Hutson. Meanwhile, at Queen’s College ground, a late start did not prevent Transport Sports Club (TSC) from gaining a first-innings lead against
Devaughn Nandan finished with 69 to lead Transport to a first innings lead. Bel Air Rubis II. Bel Air won the toss and opted to take first strike, but they could muster only 86 before they were
bowled out in 30 overs. Only two Bel Air batsmen reached double figures, but none got to 20. Leading the charge for Transport were off-spinner Rafael Singh and pacer Mark Baptiste, who finished with three wickets each. Medium pacer captain Shaun Massiah supported with two wickets. In reply, TSC had reached 111-6 off 21 overs before play ended. Leading the charge was Devaughn Nandan, who scored 69 after belting a whopping nine sixes and two fours in quick time. In another fixture at the MYO ground, GDF had batted themselves to a comfortable 195-3 against the home team after a late start. At the crease were Damion Waldron on 68 (6x4, 4x6) and Deamon Whitney on 51 (7x4, 1x6). Randy Lindore who had opened the batting scored 49 runs (10x4).
St Pius booted from COURTS Pee Wee Football Championships NEW champions will be crowned in the 2019 edition of the COURTS Pee Wee Football tournament after defending champions St Pius were booted from the competition yesterday. The team lost on penalties to Tucville when quarterfinals of the tournament were held at Ministry of Education ground. Joshua Austin opened the scoring for Tucville in the 16th minute before Bryan Brown brought the score level in the 20th. St Pius took the lead through Jamal Fraser in the 34th minute before Wayne Solomon brought things level again in the 36th. In the end, Tucville prevailed 3-2 on
penalties. St Agnes also progressed to the semi-final with a 1-0 win over West Ruimveldt thanks to Shane Dalrymple in the 4th minute. Genesis were the first team to make it to the semi-finals after their 2-0 win over Timehri. Ricardo Hazel (44th) and Anfernee Cummings (50th) were the scorers as the match went into extra time. North Georgetown also required penalties to overcome Soesdyke via a 3-1 margin after Soesdyke’s Jermaine Mitchel scored in the 30th minute. An own goal was scored in the 39th minute. In the 9-16 playoffs, Mae’s won 3-2
on penalties over St Stephen’s with the winners’ Elijah Bynoe scoring in the 24th before Shawn Serrette (27th) levelled things out. St Ambrose were big winners over Craig via a 4-1 margin thanks to a brace from Keandre Carr (4th and 34th) and single strikes from Trimain Bishop (5th) and Obiediah Munroe (25th) while Michael Corriea (17th) scored for the losers. Marian Academy won via walkover from Uitvlugt while Nickolas Watts five goals (3rd 12th, 14th, 17th and 29th) helped Redeemer past Enterprise 5-0. Matches continue next weekend
One of the goals scored during the quarter-final stage of the COURTS Pee Wee football tournament.
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Moruca athletes defend Region One Inter-Zone title MORUCA continued their reign as athletics champions after surging to victory in the three-day Region One Inter-Zone Athletics Championships, held from Wednesday to Friday at the Mabaruma Settlement ground. Almost 300 athletes from the three sub-regions battled in road races, high jumps, throws, distance races and sprints. Moruca, who led from day one, were able to accumulate a whopping 768 points. Home team Mabaruma, who did relatively well in the road races and
Greg Revers (L) Aristol Gibson (C) and Vanessa George (R) won gold for Matarkai on day two of the event. (Leon Beaton photo)
throws, finished second on 587 points, while Matarkai placed third with 303 points. After Day One of the event (10k road races and throws), Moruca athletes had already raced to 209 points, while the home team compiled 148 and Matarkai 42. In the second day, although Moruca and Mabaruma continued to dominate by reaching 427 and 351 points respectively, Matarkai were able to get themselves in the thick of things with 129 points. A few of their athletes were able to excel at the long jumps. Vanessa George was
the first to gold, when she copped the top prize in the U-18 high jump on Thursday morning. Soon other Matarkai athletes joined in with Greg Revers U-18, little Zanavier Benjamin U-8 and Euclin Ashby U-18 dominating the long jumps. Aristol Gibson also won the U-10 cricket ball throw. Matarkai, who travelled with their largest side to date - 94 athletes and teachers had also included an athlete from the Baramita Primary School. Both Moruca and Mabaruma were reportedly repre-
sented by 100 athletes each. The best athletes from the championships will now be selected to represent Region One at the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships (Nationals), billed for November 17-21 at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora, National Park in Georgetown and National Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal.
CWSS retain overall Inter-Secondary School Championship DEFENDING champions Christianburg/Wismar Secondary School (Multi) retained their overall Champion of Champions crown in the Inter-Secondary School Track and Field, Swimming, Cycling and Teachers championships.
Yesterday the organisers, Upper Demerara/Kwakwani District 10 Schools Committee, confirmed Multi’s retention in the four categories, at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. By virtue of winning of the ‘teachers’ and ‘cycling’ segments of the championships,
Multi were able to lift the overall trophy; despite their loss in track and field to Mackenzie High School (MHS). Confusion had crept in on Thursday night after the Christianburg/Wismar Secondary lost track and field to MHS. Many, including some officials,
felt that Linden Foundation had carted off the overall title. But this was not the case. A recount the next day determined that ‘Multi’ team had successfully retained their crown. Multi, by winning the Teachers and Cycling titles placing third in the Track and Field and
fourth in Swimming, amassed 71 points. Placing second were Linden Foundation Secondary, who copped one title, and placed second and third in two others to gain 68.5 points. They pipped MHS, who came out with one win in the track and field and
got a second place and a fifth position to accumulate 68.5 points. The swimming championship was held at the Watooka Pool. No details of the individual performances were available in any of the four categories of the annual championship.
Madrid suffer first league loss of 2019 (BBC) - REAL Madrid suffered their first league defeat of the season at La Liga newcomers Mallorca last night. Mallorca’s Lago Junior scored the only goal of the game after just seven minutes when he drove in from the left and fired into the far corner. Karim Benzema went closest for Madrid when he hit the bar while Alvaro Odriozola saw red late on. Zinedine Zidane’s side now sit second in La Liga, one point behind Barcelona. Zidane named a weakened side in Mallorca as Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos all missed out through injury while Eden Hazard was unavailable following the birth of his fourth child on Friday night. Nonetheless, Los Blan-
cos were favourites going into the match, given the fact Mallorca had won consecutive promotions to find themselves in the Spanish top flight this season. But the hosts’ goalkeeper Manolo Reina was relatively untroubled as Madrid struggled to create chances throughout despite naming a forward-thinking line-up. Summer signing Luka Jovic partnered Benzema in attack, but the Serbia international’s lean run of form continued and he was substituted midway the second half - he is yet to open his Los Blancos account. Meanwhile, an ultra-attacking midfield four of Casemiro, Isco, James Rodriguez and Vinicius Junior failed to prise open a stubborn Mallorca backline, with left-back Fran Gamez per-
forming particularly well up against 19-year-old Vinicius. And it could have been worse for Zidane’s team as Ante Budimir also had the ball in the net for the hosts during the first half - only to see it correctly ruled out for offside. Their night then went from bad to worse on 74 minutes as full-back Odriozola was sent off for a second bookable offence following a mindless lunge on goalscorer Lago. There is little time for reflection on the defeat for Zidane and his team, however, as they face Galatasaray in Istanbul in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Lago Junior’s winner was his first-ever La Liga goal.
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The big matches of 1320 Heat
One of the cars expected to participate
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St Pius booted from COURTS Pee Wee Football Championships 30 PAGE
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29 Jones 5-for keeps Essequibo unbeaten streak Kemol Savory scored another half century for Essequibo
One of the goals scored during the quarter-final stage of the COURTS Pee Wee football tournament.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2019