Issuu

MONDAY 11th November, 2019

No.105818

9000+ persons in Reg. 4 fail to uplift ID Cards PAGE

― so have more than 3000 in Reg. 6

Over $3M donated to Guyana’s war veterans - President Granger assures Servicemen they will not be neglected - pledges enforcement of Veterans Act

PAGE

World War II veterans pass President David Granger on Main Street, Georgetown at the conclusion of the Remembrance Day ceremony. (Photo by Elvin Croker)

Finance Minister to announce salary increases PAGE

this week

- to reflect an overall increase of over 75% in last four years

CSSP head predicts further reduction in crime ― as police force maps crime, optimises use of CCTV cameras

Guyana has tough call to make PAGE

―without first agreeing a depletion policy to manage oil reserves, DoE’s Mark Bynoe warns

PAGE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

CSSP head predicts further reduction in crime - as police force maps crime, optimises use of CCTV cameras

By Svetlana Marshall CITIZEN Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) Project Manager Dr Clement Henry is anticipating a further decline in criminal activities in 2020 as the Guyana Police Force accelerates its crime-mapping programme, while optimising use of the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras to intercept crimes and identify perpetrators. “It is going to be very, very difficult for anyone to do crime and get away with it in Guyana,” Dr Henry said during a recent interview on the Guyana Chronicle’s online programme – Vantage Point. According to the Ministry of Public Security, prior to 2015, Guyana had a crime rate of 19.5 per 100,000 persons. Approximately five years after, the crime rate according to the ministry, has dropped to 15 per 100,000 persons. Dr Henry said the country’s crime rate is expected to drop further in 2020. He explained that the Guyana Police Force, with assistance from the Inter-American

Development Bank (IDB) funded Citizen Security Strengthening Programme, is fast-tracking implementation of the crime-mapping initiative. The crime-mapping programme forms part of the

Observatory was launched since 2010, and though it has been functional, the digital crime- mapping component is now being accelerated. In August 2018, a US$78,750 OR GUY$16M contract was

CSSP Project Manager, Dr Clement Henry

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

National Crime Observatory which utilises the Integrated Crime and Violence Information System (ICIS). The Integrated Crime Information System provides the Public Security Ministry and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) with access to other existing governmental databases that may possess information that provides complete profiles of perpetrators and victims. The Crime Observatory, in particular, is tasked with conducting spatial statistical analysis and geo-referenced mapping of crime and violence-related injuries and death. The National Crime

signed for the creation of a digital map of all the crime hotspots in Region Four, (Demerara-Mahaica). Dr Henry said with the help of Jamaican Consultant Valerie Grant, the Crime Observatory has initiated the process of mapping areas that are prone to criminal activities based on statistical data analysis. He explained that

crime-mapping programme, the police force, with assistance from the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, is also optimising its use of CCTV cameras to prevent, investigate and solve crimes. Last July, the command centre for the CCTV cameras was commissioned at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. “From the cameras, you are able to monitor some of the troublesome spots, but more so it could really improve in terms of police

Several of the surveillance cameras being accessed in the command centre

One of the Safe City CCTV Systems installed on South Road, Georgetown

at this stage, the consultant is conducting the mapping exercise as ranks of the Guyana Police Force undergo training for a full take over. The software, which is critical to the process, has already been procured. “We have just purchased the software and so by the end of this week or early next week, we should have the software available for the Crime Observatory,” the CSSP Programme Manager said. According to him, by the end of 2019, the Crime Observatory will take full control of the crime- mapping programme, having been trained by the consultant and equipped with the requisite software and equipment to effectively operate. “The crime-mapping will help us to better understand where the hot spots are, and this would be helpful in crime prevention,” the CSSP Programme Manager said. In addition to the

going programmes, some of which focus on intensive training for investigators, are already showing positive results. “In the fight against crime, you are finding that a lot of the crimes are being solved, so the criminals are on the back foot, because crimes are being solved. The police are doing proper investigations and they are quite comfortable now in many of the stations,” Dr Henry pointed out. Under the CSSP, 10 police stations have undergone massive upgrades and two

response to crime and I think once all systems are fully in place by early next year, I am thinking that it is going to be very, very difficult for anyone to do crime and get away with it in Guyana,” Dr Henry said. Iterating that it will soon become very difficult for criminals to engage in illegal acts without being caught, the CSSP Programme Manager said now is a good time for criminal minded people to take the ‘straight and narrow road.’ “I think it is a good time for people who are criminal minded to really…start getting a legal trade, because it is going to be almost difficult to really continue along that path because I think the authorities have been very strategic in implementing strategies to corner criminals and it is really coming to the place where all systems are fully in place. That’s going to make it very difficult for them,” Dr Henry warned. He posited that these on-

Baramita in Region One and Mahdia in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), while the Parika Police Station in Region Three will be rehabilitated. The Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory, which is key to police investigations, has been undergoing much-needed renovation and upgrades as well. Last June, the government commissioned a Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)) machine along with a Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) machine at the Forensic Lab. The DNA machine, sourced from Italy, can run eight samples simultaneously and produce results within two hours, thus facilitating an improved investigation rate. Initially, the lab had four departments – toxicology, documents, trace evidence and chemistry, along with six non-analytical departments; security, quality systems, information systems, facilities operations, evidence and administration. However, two new departments – Forensic Video Evidence and DNA testing – have been added. Last Friday, Minister

The Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory

new police stations were built; one in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), and one at Aurora in Region Two, at a cost of US$1.8M. The police stations at Mibicuri in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Mabaruma and Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini); Issano in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Annai and Aishalton in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo); La Grange in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Cane Grove in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Suddie in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam); and Kwakwani in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), were those that underwent rehabilitation. In 2020, five more police stations will be built while another will be renovated. Dr Henry detailed that the new police stations will be built at Wismar, Linden, in Region 10; at Albion and Whim in Region Six;

of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan at a public meeting at Novar Primary School in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) also took note of the drop in crime. He said though the past four and a half years have proven to be challenging, the Guyana Police Force has been continually enhancing the capacity of officers. “Never before in the history of the Guyana Police Force, have [sic] there been so much training available for members of the force. Ranks have undergone training in places like Mexico, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, as well as in the Caribbean. These programmes have led to better overall performance by the police force with improved skills in catching criminals, and solving crimes,” the Public Security Minister said. He acknowledged the use of technology to fight crime in the country and its increasing success.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

Over $3M donated to Guyana’s war veterans - President Granger assures Servicemen they will not be neglected

- pledges enforcement of Veterans Act By Lisa Hamilton OVER $3M will go towards the welfare of Guyana’s remaining veterans who fought in World War II, following a string of pledges made to the Guyana Veterans’ Legion (GVL) on Sunday. One million dollars of the total sum was donated by President David Granger,

agencies and/or individuals came from Prime Minister (ag) and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Guyana Prison Service (GPS) Director, Gladwin Samuels; the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle; the Joint Services; the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA)

current administration. To the applause of the audience he announced that the Veterans Act will be enacted in 2020. “The Veterans Act to ensure that veterans’ benefits are secured by law will also be enacted in the coming year,” he said. The Act would see that benefits due to veterans will be placed on a sound, legal

establishment of a National Veterans’ Commission. Although it became Resolution No 60, it was never assented to by then President Donald Ramotar. At the ceremony, President Granger reminded the veterans that it was under his administration that the National Veterans Commission was convened in 2016 with instructions to look into the

noted that the National Veterans Home is actively receiving assistance form the GDF, while the GVL receives an annual subvention. “Your government iterates its support for its own servicemen and women. Veterans must never again be neglected,” he said. At the ceremony remarks came too from President of the GVL, Lieutenant Colonel

brance to understand the value of service for country. “Sadly, the world remains a dangerous place. Servicemen and women continue to protect us in difficult and dangerous situations. Many of us here have lost friends, colleagues and even family members in service and it is important that we honour their memories. They have not died in vain,” the High

President David Granger fulfills a pledge by handing over $1M to the Guyana Veterans’ Legion (GVL), which is accepted by the Legion’s President Lieutenant Colonel (retired), George Gomes (MoTP photo)

President David Granger addresses the gathering (Carl Croker photo)

The President greets nine of the 11 surviving Guyanese World War II veterans (Carl Croker photo)

Members of the audience (Carl Croker photo)

while the same amount was donated by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). Chief-ofStaff Brigadier Patrick West made the financial contribution on the force’s behalf. The pledges were made at the Legion’s Remembrance Ceremony, which was held subsequent to the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Monument in observance of Remembrance Day. Other sums on behalf of

Director-General, Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field; Guyana Police Force (GPF) Police Commissioner, Leslie James; Director of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA), Aubrey Heath-Retemyer; the City Constabulary and others. In his address, the President said that there has been progress in improving the lives of Guyanese veterans; he added that this progress will be accelerated under the

basis for their benefit and the benefit of their families. The President had stated in 2016: “The entitlements of soldiers and their families must be guaranteed and secured under law, so as to avoid future misunderstandings about such entitlements.” As Leader of the Opposition in 2013, President Granger had moved a motion in the National Assembly on November 21 calling for the

living conditions of veterans and make recommendations for improvements. The President gave an update on Sunday that the recommendations are being implemented. He also spoke to the Veterans’ Trust, which he said will be an established means to save resources for the purpose of education, training and the re-settlement of veterans in society. The Head of State also

(retired), George Gomes; Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee and British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn. Quinn said that in attending the ceremony, it is neither war nor death that is being honoured but rather the commemoration of those who have given their lives in service of their respective countries. He urged the gathering to use the period of remem-

Commissioner said. At the end of the ceremony, the President and other diplomats greeted the veterans with special greetings extended to Benjamin Durant, who will become 101 years old on November 15, 2019. Durant has some 30 children and twice as many grandchildren and great grands, some of whom turned out to the Veterans’ Legion headquarters in a show of support.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 11, 2019

Spain’s far right doubles seats in hung parliament

MADRID (Reuters) Spain’s far-right Vox party more than doubled its number of lawmakers in the country’s fourth national election in four years, which delivered a highly fragmented parliament, according to a near-final tally with more than 95% of the votes counted. The Socialists of acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who had gambled that a repeat parliamentary election would strengthen his hand, finished first but with fewer seats than in the previous ballot in April and further away from a majority. The figures pointed to a legislative stalemate with neither the left nor right having a majority. The outcome will require party leaders to be creative, negotiate seriously this time and, for some, swallow their pride. The most likely outcome appeared to be a minority Socialist government. The bigger question would

be who its allies could be and how long such a government could last in a very fragmented parliament. With more than 95% of votes counted, the conservative People’s Party (PP) was second and Vox third. At this stage, Vox could get around 52 seats, up from the 24 seats with which it debuted in parliament in April. The increase in the number of votes was much smaller. Spain had long appeared immune to a nationalist surge that has swept through other parts of Europe in recent elections, with many still remembering the military dictatorship of General Francisco Franco. But anger with political gridlock and with secessionist unrest in Catalonia appeared to have significantly boosted Vox’s popularity. “I feel very excited that there is a resurgence of values ??in Spain and this party seems to me the only one that defends them,” Maria

Dolores Cuevas, a 68-year pensioner, said at Vox headquarters. France’s far-right party leader Marine Le Pen congratulated Vox on Twitter, praising what she called his “staggering progress.” Casting her ballot for the Socialists in Madrid earlier in the day, 64-year old retired history teacher Esperanza de Antonio called the party a danger to democracy. “I’m saying this because I’ve taught about fascism for 30 years,” she told Reuters. Franco ruled Spain as an autocrat from 1939 to 1975, when he died. Following decades after Franco’s death during which power oscillated between the Socialists and the PP, Spain has struggled to put stable governments together since new parties, lat-

terly including Vox, emerged from the financial crisis. Higher abstention rates on Sunday showed that voters are tired of being called repeatedly to the ballot box and that, if nothing else, that could help the parties reach a deal on forming a government. According to the partial results, the Socialists were pegged at just over 28% and poised to win around 120 seats, just down from 123 they secured in the 350-seat house in April. There seemed to be three possibilities to reach the 176seat majority in parliament, all of them fraught with difficulties. One would see PP abstain and allow Sanchez to lead a minority government. Another would gather the majority that toppled

of the vote was sharply down, would support the Socialists, alongside several regionalist parties. Sanchez called the election betting that a new vote would strengthen his party’s hand in negotiations after failing to forge the alliances needed to form a government on the basis of the April result.

the conservatives in a corruption scandal last year and first allowed Sanchez to become prime minister. But that would require Catalan separatist lawmakers to back Sanchez, which would be hard to imagine at a time of such tensions with Catalonia. A third option would be that market-friendly Ciudadanos, whose share

Cyclone ‘Bulbul’ kills 13 --in India and Bangladesh Cyclone Bulbul has ripped through coastal areas of Bangladesh and India, killing at least 13 people while more than two million others were forced to spend a night in storm shelters. The storm packed winds of up to 120km/h (75 mph), injuring dozens and destroying thousands of homes. Five of the six who lost their lives in Bangladesh were hit by falling trees. Officials say that further casualties were avoided because people were evacuated in time. Authorities say the storm is now weakening. Seven people were killed in the Indian state of West Bengal, the state’s minister for disaster management told reporters. The five victims hit by trees in Bangladesh included a 52-year old woman who died when a tree dropped onto her house. A 60-year-old fisherman also

lost his life after ignoring evacuation warnings. There are increasing concerns after two fishing boats carrying more than 30 men failed to return, an official in Bangladesh’s Bhola district said. Around 1,200 tourists, most of them Bangladeshi, were stuck on St Martin’s Island, part of Cox’s Bazar district, an official told the Reuters news agency. “All of them will be rescued,” he said. Services at many sea ports and airports in the region were also suspended - including the busy Kolkata airport. Bangladesh’s two biggest ports, Mongla and Chittagong, were closed and flights into Chittagong airport were stopped. Bangladesh’s low-lying coast is often hit by deadly cyclones, but the country has successfully reduced the number of casualties in recent years. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 11, 2019

Bolivia’s Morales resigns, amid fraud poll protests

Bolivian President Evo Morales has resigned amid turmoil following his disputed re-election last month. On Sunday, international monitors called for the election result to be annulled, saying they had found “clear manipulations” of the 20 October poll. Mr Morales agreed with the findings and announced his intention to call fresh elections after overhauling the country’s election body. But politicians - and the army and police chiefs - had urged him to quit. In a televised address, Mr Morales said: “I resign my post as president.” His Vice-President, Al-

varo Garcia Linera, also resigned. Protesters took to the streets to celebrate, chanting “yes we could” and setting off fire crackers. Bolivia has been rattled by weeks of anti-government protests, following reports of election fraud in the presidential election. At least three people died during clashes. Some uniformed police officers also joined the protesters. On Sunday, the Organization of American States (OAS), which monitored the elections, said it had found evidence of wide-scale data manipulation, and could not certify the result of the previous polls. Pressure contin-

Evo Morales announced his resignation in a televised address (AFP)

ued to build on Mr Morales during the day, as several of his political allies resigned, some citing fears for the safety of their families. The army chief, General Williams Kaliman, also urged Mr Morales to resign “to allow for pacification and the maintaining of stability”. The military also said it would conduct operations to “neutralise” any armed groups that attacked the protesters. Mr Morales announced his resignation shortly afterwards, saying: “I ask you to stop attacking the brothers and sisters, stop burning and attacking.” (BBC)

Protesters chanted “yes we could” and “Bolivia” as they celebrated the resignation (Reuters)

Caribbean bananas under watch – FAO CMC – The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) says Caribbean bananas are “under watch.” In its latest “Food Outlook” report, the FAO said the world’s most traded fruit is in danger of becoming scarcer, amid rising prices, as a fungal strain spreads across banana plantations in the region and Asia. The “Food Outlook” assesses the hypothetical market risks posed by the TR4, Tropical Race 4, disease, on bananas, a vital cash crop threatened by the pathogen, which infects roots and stems. Conservative estimates suggest that TR4 will take its greatest toll in Asia, FAO

warned, “which could lead to a two per cent drop in global output of bananas, cut some 240,000 jobs within the industry, and trigger a near 10 per cent rise in prices over less than a decade.” “The TR4 threat evokes the ghost of damage done by an earlier fungus to the Gros Michel banana variety in the 1950s,” the FAO said. It said that fungus had triggered billions of dollars in losses and lad to the rise in popularity of the Cavendish, currently under attack by TR4. The FAO said bananas can account for one quarter of daily caloric intake for people in rural areas of some countries, and in some cases account for 75 per cent of small farmers’ total

income. “The tropical fruit faces elevated vigilance at production sites worldwide, with thorough research on TR4 ongoing, as there is currently no fully effective cure or treatment,” the FAO said. Last month, in a renewed effort to help protect banana crops in Latin America and the Caribbean, the FAO launched an emergency project to curb major plant losses threatened by a fungal disease. Under FAO’s Technical Cooperation Program, the FAO said the project will work to fight the spread of Fusarium wilt, a fungal plant disease that can wipe out plantations of banana crops, upon which millions of people depend for their livelihoods.

FAO assistant chief and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Julio Berdegué, stressed that “the role of bananas in providing food and household income in this region cannot be understated.” According to the FAO, bananas are the most traded fresh fruit in the world, and the banana sector serves as an

essential source of employment and income for thousands of rural households in developing countries. While India is the top banana producing country in the world, the FAO said Latin American and Caribbean region ranks among the top 10, with Ecuador leading the world in banana exports. The

FAO said bananas are of particular significance in some of the least developed and low-income countries, where beyond contributing to household food security, they generate income as a cash crop. For some small farmers, banana crops account for 75 per cent of their total monthly income, the FAO said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 11, 2019

Their sacrifices must not be in vain YESTERDAY, Guyana commemorated Remembrance Day. This day (observed on the second Sunday in November) pays homage to the fallen in World War I (1914- 1918) and World War II (19391945). Wars are the result of inequities or injustices, real or perceived, between and among nations and between governments and citizens in pursuit of domination or resistance to being dominated. In 1919, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was established to address the conflicts that led to WWI. This was done on the premise that government, employers and workers’ representatives meeting as equals to deter-

mine future relationships based on agreed conventions was crucial to preventing another war. This organization, notwithstanding, the world went to war again. In 1948, in another attempt to prevent another war, governments established the United Nations (UN). This organisation’s mission set out to achieve worldwide comity based on the equality of Man, where each deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. From this principle has sprung its Declarations. It took two wars (which resulted in the bestiality of Man towards Man, millions of lives lost, dislocation of millions and the destruction and confiscation of properties and businesses) to

reinforce the necessity of the benefits in mutual respect to Man’s livelihood, his possessions and the right to call a place home. Ordinary men and women were injured and died in these wars, along with our men and women in uniform, who were on the frontlines. As homage is paid to the uniformed fallen, the institutions established as a consequence thereof, must not only be seen as reminders not to repeat the past, but must also serve as extensions of their lives and the beacons that ought to ground, courted, and maintain human relations. A troubling, though not un-resolvable, fact is that the world continues to see a volatile and dangerous

Middle East, the jostling of new forms of dominance as with Russia’s alliance with Syria’s government in attacking Syrian citizens and its invasion of Crimea, terrorist groups and individuals attacking countries and citizens, and the unending war with the United States’ invasion into Iraq and Afghanistan, to name a few. Internally, citizens are in conflict with their governments due to the denial of fundamental rights and freedoms which occur through domination by the elected class, and supported by the well-connected. The eruption and continuity of these conflicts, when examined, invariably carry similar characteristics of WWI and WWII, this

Reversing the Obama Policy only hurts the people of Cuba more

Dear Editor,

I AM writing this letter from Havana, Cuba where I have been over the past week attending the Havana International Fair and Expo and cannot resist the compulsion to publicly express the folly of the Trump policy towards this Caribbean island nation. The recently-imposed restrictions/ sanctions, which represent a reversal of the Obama policy that is responsible for enhancing the quality of life of the Cuban people, coupled with the continuing embargo, do nothing but hurt the Cuban people, especially women and children. I have visited Cuba a few times since 2015 and was afforded the opportunity to witness the efforts of private Cuban citizens, perhaps with help from their relatives in the US, to upgrade their homes, get involved in business enterprises and enjoy aspects of American popular culture, including music, movies and dance. One could not help but admire and appreciate that finally there was emerging a seat at the hemispheric table for the citizens of every nation of the

Americas. Why would the current US president undo policies that were providing Cubans an improved quality of life and access to those aspects of western-style democracy which they are prepared to embrace? As if the reversal of the policies of President Obama is not enough, the current US president has recently imposed sanctions and restrictions on remittances, as well as US airline service to all cities in Cuba, except Havana, as from December 10, thus making it more difficult for Americans who had begun to enjoy visiting Cuba on vacation. Cuban Americans had also begun returning home for the holiday season each year to be with loved ones. Further, because of Cuba’s support for Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, the US president has threatened to punish countries that help Cuba, especially those that would facilitate Venezuelan fuel getting to Cuba. The fuel situation in Cuba has now occasioned long lines at gas stations, and the sporadic availability of fuel. What one finds hard to reconcile is how this US president, a friend of President Putin of Russia, is

seeking to punish Cuba over its Venezuela policy which is no different from Putin’s. Will he be punishing Russia and China, which have embarked on major projects in Cuba to help develop electrification and railroad transportation? Will he punish Putin? Can he punish Putin? During the recent FIHAV, Cuba expressed interest, as it has done previously, in a number of products from CARICOM member countries. The problem with supplying Cuba is mainly with the length of time some private sector companies have to wait on payments; up to 360 days in some cases. I was informed sometime ago that Republic Bank, which has an office in Havana, offers a form of line of credit, under which it pays a part of the invoice to CARICOM suppliers which provide for some upfront payment which is later recovered from the Cuban buyers. I am not sure how well this has worked thus far. However, from my interaction with representatives of the CARICOM private sector at the event, the payment issue remains a barrier to expanded trade, seemingly except for Jamaican enterprises which

apparently benefit from an arrangement put in place by its government to advance payments to suppliers to the Cuban market. I would like to recommend that CARICOM governments, perhaps through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), examine putting in place a trade credit arrangement that could provide for companies to supply critically needed products to Cuba, and receive payments in the usual 30 to 60 days timeframe, with Cuba repaying the CDB over an extended period of time. This would be a “win-win” situation for both Cuba and CARICOM, as Cuba would get much-needed supplies, and CARICOM producers would enjoy an expanded export market. CARICOM should not be afraid of any reprisals for entering such an arrangement with Cuba. CARICOM member states must seek to maintain excellent relations with the US. They should negotiate for it when necessary; even sacrifice for it when necessary, but never surrender for it. Regards, Wesley Kirton

human failing, where, in the absence of established institutions that hold all to the same standards and require of all to play by the same rules, war would be unending. In its efforts to keep our frailty in check, appreciation can be had for the principles of the ILO and the UN, their attendant arms and the laws in respective member countries. Conflict is an element of human interaction. Though Man is a homogeneous being, our thoughts, desires, goals and actions are heterogeneous, and from this spring competing interests, foci, and prioritisations that spark conflicts. Conflicts, however, do not have to

be debilitating, leading to animosity, confrontations, struggles, wars, injuries and loss of lives. It means that paying homage to the fallen requires more than acts of symbolism; it requires of nations, governments and citizens living up to the ideals that were birthed from their sacrifices. Should Man respect the rules he put in place to regulate his behaviours and pursue actions in resolving differences, it would significantly help in preventing wars from within, between, and among. It continues to be proven that Man’s peaceful and harmonious existence remain in respecting the principles ensconced by the ILO and the UN.

Another false accusatory crescendo Dear Editor, ONCE again, those dishonest voices which have become so well known by the constancy of their daily distortions are frantically seeking to return to their old and defeated methodology of deception; vile and wicked distortions, and dangerous misinformation for purely political ends. Having been exposed by a series of court rulings, this clique of political intriguers has once again turned their attention to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in further attempts at bringing its independent functions into disrepute by both attacking and challenging its chairperson. Editor, if one were to read the recent front page captions of an opposition-aligned private print media on the decision of the GECOM chairperson on the publication of names for persons of uncollected identification (ID) cards, their tenor is akin to persons high on political LSD: Frenetic, wild, and without any probable reason for their further ‘crookish’

intentions; to first whip up public sentiment, particularly among its supporters, against the chairperson, and secondly to raise public tensions. It is an ongoing strategy which the PPP/C opposition resorts to at every perceived or imaginary reason; it is part of their failed agenda against the government. What GECOM is endeavouring is in accordance with its constitutionally legitimate mandate; ensuring a sanitised list for free and fair elections. This means that it has to ensure that its electoral mechanism can deliver such an important exercise. Its methodologies, therefore, must always be geared towards credible voters on its list. By rejecting the chairperson’s edict of ascertaining the existence or not of so many thousands of citizens who have not uplifted their ID Cards since 2008, the PPP/C stands accused of fraudulent intentions, and by extension lying to its supporters about the true nature of this very imminent GECOM exercise, which can See page 7

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 11, 2019

Racial discrimination is not the only form of discrimination Dear editor,

I HEARD the massive earth-shattering outcry a few days ago, where an Indo-Guyanese was caught on video mocking, making disparaging and stereotypical utterances about Afro-Guyanese. I took some time to reflect, not because of uncertainty about how to articulate my view, but moreso to give those who are crying foul now an opportunity to reflect on how hurtful it is to be discriminated against. Before I state my position, I do feel compelled to first outline some basic principles for those who are now wallowing in self pity. In law, there is the concept of protected characteristics. They are called protected characteristics for obvious reasons; those with it are protected by law. These protected characteristics are: Age, disability (physical and mental), gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. To treat someone differently based on those protected

characteristic is considered discrimination and is unlawful. I went through this preamble to highlight what I see as a scorch in the Guyanese society. Many are happy to discriminate based on disability, and the entire country is quiet as nuclear-bombed Hiroshima in Japan. Folks can be discriminated based on their sexual orientation, and we all turn a blind eye. Discrimination based on marital status is as common as oil in the stabroek Block. If for a second you think I am confabulating, please permit me to highlight a few examples. A few months ago, a young lady had a mental health crisis at UG. Many found it funny, and had it circulating on social media for the entertainment of those who need to find themselves a life. Did we hear a national uproar? What about a statement from UG? Yes, there was a statement! The A4 was as blank as a cheque a geriatric old fool would have given his young versatile lover. I opened up about my mental health diagnosis a little over a year ago. By

doing this, I left myself open to discrimination from a present presidential candidate, a government adviser, many of my Queen’s College batch mates, and many more. There is a certain UG lecturer with whom I have had many social media exchanges, whose hatred of homosexuals would make one believe that they have committed an unpardonable sin. I sympathise with the homosexuals in that lecturer’s class. Where was UG and those who are now crying crocodile tears when this cold-hearted lecturer discriminated and continues to discriminates? Then there is a pastor in Linden who spends his entire Sunday sermons condemning homosexuals. It baffles the rational mind, or probably not that baffling after all, why he is so obsessed with what two grown men do in the privacy of their bedrooms. And we should not forget the obstetrician who chastises unmarried pregnant women who visit his clinic for medical attention. He, too, struggles to rid himself of his biblical hat on his secular working days. All those and many more

discriminatory acts for years have been as conspicuous as the mid-afternoon sun’s rays, but we all viewed them with sunglasses. Now this gentleman made a discrimatory statement on race, and all are awake. Recommended disciplinary actions are flowing like the Kaieteur Falls. He should be expelled. He should be suspended. He should be forced to do community service in Black communities. He should be forced to give a genuine apology. He should be banned from social media. Many who are presently crying their eyes out are aware of the examples of discrimination I have alluded to, since they, too, would have witnessed it and said nothing, but are now plastering their social media pages with the University of Guyana’s statement. It is not pleasing to their newly acquired exacting eyes. It has not gone far enough. How far is far enough, may I ask? Labelling him a devil? As far as I’m concerned, you all should shut up and dry your eyes. You are a pack of hypocritical Pharisees. Ra-

cial discrimination is not the only form of discrimination. Discrimination has many demonic heads. Many of those cephalic presentations you witnessed but chose not to engage your vocal cords. Many who presently have tear-stained faces are guilty of discrimination themselves. Why are tears flowing from your eyes now? Simple. Because you are now the victims. When it affected homosexuals, you ignored it. When it affected people with disability, you conveniently disabled your brain and tongue. When it affected unmarried pregnant women, your infertile thoughts had more pressing issues to address. Don’t cry now, because you are not going to get my sympathy. What that lad said was unfortunate, but for me, I see it as timely. It is timely because it should open the eyes of the bigots of how painful discrimination is. Sometimes we only understand when we experience it ourselves. I trust this serves as a teachable lesson to all of Guyana. Do not discriminate. Do not condone discrimination. De-

fend those who are being discriminated against. One day, your day will come, and no one will be there to speak out for you.

First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Communist Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist Then they came for the trade unionists And I did not speak out Because I was not a trade unionist Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me. Regards, Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc Med. Ed FRCP(Edin) FRCP(UK) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

My advice on the State ‘ads’ matter still stands Another false ...

--both parties need to talk this thing over Dear Editor, RESPONSE is being made to Stabroek News (SN) Editor-in-Chief’s note to my letter (of Nov. 10, 2019), “The parties need to sit down and have the State ‘ads’ matter resolved”. I am not going to get into the back-and- forth as to who is right or wrong on the matter of the present non-placement of advertisements (ads) by the Department of Public Information (DPI) in the Stabroek News. Consequently, from the outset, the point was made that the facts be presented to allow the truth to prevail and a resolution to be arrived at. In so doing, my letter was centred around the evidence that was in the public domain. In negotiating, it is always advised to seek to avoid boxing oneself into a position, because leaving the door open to an option avoids one being left out in the cold. By SN’s own admission, it advised the DPI it will not carry their ads until paid. I am not unaware that this is a strict business arrangement, and the business owner reserves the right to determine how the debt can be recovered

when it wants to pull the plug and or for whatever reason(s). Similarly, I am not unaware a client will always take positions to protect his or interest and that is his or her right. It is the first time the public is being advised by the papers that “the DPI, for a number of months, refused to provide any assurance to SN about the extinguishing of the debt, some of which pertained to 2018 and therefore no deal could be worked out.” At the same time, in our country, it has become custom and practice for government to owe clients (building contractors, newspapers, suppliers of goods and services, even NIS, etc.). It is also known that regardless of which administration holds the rein of government that debts are expected to be honoured, or the government can be taken to court, and the court gives a just and fair award. Government is usually seen as a credible client. The statement by the President about fair coverage in the media, though it can be argued who determines same and such should not be made, it came subsequent to the act of non-payment of ads

and directive that ads will not be published until the debt is honoured. This is the reason why I proposed the facts must be made known, and that in so doing the issue(s) that gave rise to the breaking down of the relationship between the parties be identified and corrective action taken on same. It should be said that even as the Editor-in-Chief pointed to this issue of fair coverage, an article in the newspaper of the said date, “Press body criticises Granger’s comments on allocation of State ads to media-presidency says remarks misrepresented, calls for apology”- there is a dispute between the Guyana Press Association and the Office of the President as to what the President said or meant. What is noted in that article is the President being quoted as saying “media houses…must all be given fair access to the advertisements of the State. It is a State resource; it is not a private resource.” Here exists an opening for negotiation. With regards to the reference of the 2006 withdrawal of ‘ads’ by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration and present situation under the

David Granger administration, the context as to what informed the decision is different. In 2006, the government withdrew its business. In 2019, the newspaper withdrew from carrying the client’s product until the debt was cleared. While both carry financial consequences, they occurred out of different circumstance. In this instance on the withdrawal of the ‘ads’, SN initiated the act after being owed and advocating it be paid. This is where the relationship broke down, and it is best advised that the repairing starts. Having read the Inter-American Declaration of Chapultepec, it couldn’t be found where a media house could advise a client (government) of not carrying its ads until a debt is settled, and when the client takes its business elsewhere, it could be deemed denial of press freedom. I want to see Stabroek News as a viable media house, and on this occasion, I urge the newspaper to sit at the table and negotiate the return of the ‘ads’ from DPI. Yours, Lincoln Lewis

only benefit the democratic process of Guyana. Jagdeo must be reminded, ad nauseam, that a post-election anarchic society is not in the interest, of any kind, of a country that is geared towards great things, as again reminded by the IMF in its latest projected growth rate of the local economy expanding by 86 per cent in 2020. All of them; the entire leadership of the PPP/C and their known political distortionists and constitu-

From page 6

tional ‘experts’, are once again seeking to raise a false accusatory crescendo. Like all the past ones, especially twisting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)’s decisions for devious political ends, this, too, will fail, because of being on the wrong side of reason and of the law for anti-national ends. This means failing their support base as well. Regards, Earl Hamilton

AFC extends Youman Nabi Greetings

The Alliance For Change greets all Guyanese, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Mawlid Al Nabi or Youman Nabi. This observance to mark the Birth Anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is an occasion of great solemnity and celebration for it was to Prophet Mohammed that the Holy Quran was revealed. All Guyanese, regardless of their religion can learn much from the life of the Prophet. His examples of caring for those less fortunate; of mercy and forgiveness; of duty to one’s country, to humanity, to widows and orphans; of respect for self and others, these are lessons from which we can all benefit and which we must emulate. Today, we recognize that these principles are the foundation of molding better citizens, a just society and the Guyana we hope to achieve. As we observe Youman Nabi 2019, let us each commit to do what is within our capacity to ensure a better Guyana for all.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

Enough with the ‘buse-out’ over oil money ―lest we lose corn and husk, warns YCG’s Dimitri Nicholson By Tamica Garnett GUYANESE need to put their differences aside and focus on measured performance, if we are to work on being mentally prepared for the imminent oil and gas industry, says Youth Challenge Guyana (YCG) Executive Director Dimitri Nicholson. Nicholson believes that much of the discussion over Guyana’s oil and gas resources is not engendering solutions, but is instead leaving the country unprepared for the advent of a totally new industry. “I think mentally, we’re not [prepared], because instead of having dialogue, we’re having not even a debate; a ‘buse out’ about things, and how to spend oil money,” Nicholson said, adding: “The nature of our debates are highly antagonistic.” In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on its Online programme, ‘Vantage Point’, Nicholson warned that if we’re not careful, caught up as we are with the

fighting, the foreigners may very well end up being the ones to benefit more from our resources. “We’re busy fighting against each other, and the immigrants coming here for jobs are going about business as usual. We are the ones who spend more time taken up by our entanglement with each other over what we should

the oil and gas discussions going on, persons should be careful of how they accept information without fact-checking for themselves. “There are so many people talking; everybody turn an oil and gas expert over the last month. So Guyana has more oil-and -gas experts now than countries that have oil for more than 100 years,”

YCG Executive Director Dimitri Nicholson

do with the oil money. Rather than a constructive debate, constructive forum of consultations, there is just antagonism against each other. So I don’t think we are mentally prepared,” Nicholson noted. He cautioned that with all

Nicholson said, adding: “But the challenge is: Who will you listen to; who will be a reliable source. One of the things to do is when you hear information, try to find out for yourself what is the source, and compare it to

companies that might have more expertise in this area.” YOUTH AWARENESS The YCG is currently putting much focus on youths and getting them aware of how to position themselves for jobs in the oil-and- gas sector. “The nature of our debates are highly antagonistic, so that doesn’t help our young people to sink their teeth into information,” Nicholson said. “Rather, when they hear and see information, they hear the anger and resentment of the authors rather than the message,” he added. YCG, in collaboration with the Guyana Oil and Gas Association and the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) recently held a youth-focused Oil and Gas Seminar in Georgetown. The seminar saw a presentation by prominent attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes, who stressed that even as Guyana works on its local-content policy, the necessary human resources may not be there for stipulations on the amount of Guyanese

that should be employed by oil-and-gas companies. “So we have to think more about how do we position ourselves more to benefit from the oil-and-gas sector,” Nicholson said, adding: “The country is going to change a whole lot, and the people who will be mostly affected are young people, while they may not have the resources to adjust themselves. As the economy changes, those cultures are going to change, so it’s going to impact them as well. Their desire for money is going to be great, because prices are going to go up, and as a young person, you might not want to be left behind when your friends are working with this company and that company, and you’re not working because you did not prepare yourself. So those things are going to impact us.” He said that over the past year, too much focus and resources were put on other aspects, and took away from vital focus that is needed for developing our oil and gas-readiness. “There’s almost a year of

nothing happening, and therefore the kind of structural adjustment that we would’ve needed for the legal framework, the window for that is about to close until after the elections,” he said, adding: “The challenge I have with that is that we can still put the things that we need to put in place while we have differences. We need to know how to put our differences aside to work for a particular goal. And that is the mental maturity that we don’t have; and time is winding down.” He believes what is lacking is a structured plan, with goals and measured progress in achieving those goals. “If we had a flow chart of things that needed to be done by when; we have what percentage of those things are done by now; how much of it requires parliament; how much of it is policy changes; how much of it is administrative changes. Those are things that would help us to understand as a nation how we are, the apparatus for those things are weak,” he said.

Two new logging concessions for Ituni THE Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), on Sunday, announced the award of two brand-new concessions to the Ituni Small Loggers Association (ISLA). This move will see the Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) loggers getting into action in less than two weeks.

The 12, 500 acres in the Berbice County and 9,933 acres in Demerara, will be available to the loggers as soon as they sign their contracts with the Forestry Commission and also complete the demarcation process. Together, these could be done in less than two weeks.

At a meeting on Sunday, GFC’s Corporate Secretary, Attorney Jacey Archibald said where usually groups are allowed only one concession, the commission’s technical committee took into consideration the good stewardship demonstrated by ISLA, fully utilising existing areas.

Loggers at the meeting on Sunday

“They took into account the manner in which you have been able to honour your obligations to the commission, including the paying of debts. In light of that, we recognise as well that your membership is growing and therefore, there is a need for you have more areas to be able to more effectively carry out and sustain yourselves,” Archibald explained. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman was happy to deliver the “good news” on behalf of the government. He explained whatever is in the best interest of all loggers, remains a priority with the ministry. To this end, later this month, the ministry will be meeting with stakeholders and associations from across the country on a three-day workshop to discuss the future of the associations. Meanwhile, the GFC’s Corporate Secretary said the ISLA will have to con-

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and GFC’s Corporate Secretary Attorney Jacey Archibald

sider the responsibilities that will come with the amalgamation of the two concessions, which, when combined, will become a large concession. “Since anything over 8,097 hectares falls into the parameter of large concession and carries different rules and regulations, treated differently to that of small concessions including the payment of fees and increased reporting requirements.” The announcement today came three weeks

after Minister Trotman had met with the loggers, who had then expressed concerns over their inability to carry out logging activities due to the exhaustion of their allotted tags. So far, the association has used up over 13,000 tags issued by the GFC, including almost 50% of their 2020 allocation. Minister Trotman relayed there may be some remaining tags that could be issued to the loggers. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

Guyana has tough call to make ―without first agreeing a depletion policy to manage oil reserves, DoE’s Mark Bynoe warns By Lisa Hamilton

GUYANA must soon commence discussions on whether it will need a depletion policy to manage its oil reserves. This is according to Department of Energy Director Dr. Mark Bynoe, who made the observation at a recent press conference. Dr. Bynoe said that with oil being a non-renewable resource, it is therefore subject to depletion, and that as Guyana begins to gather more information on its subsurface, it must reassess how it will proceed to extract and manage

that commodity. In some countries, he said, a depletion policy is utilised by governments to control the rate at which resources are

extracted by a company. And while Guyana has the option to pursue said course of action, Dr. Bynoe said, no such discussions have yet

Department of Energy Director Dr. Mark Bynoe

been had at the policy level, as the matter is not as simple as it sounds. As he put it, “It is not simply black and white.” By way of explaining what he meant, Dr. Bynoe said that the country’s leaders must first contemplate whether it is in the best interest of its people to hold back on the extraction of its resources or extract it as soon as possible. “An issue that we have to consider,” he said, “is what is Guyana’s interest; is it in Guyana’s interest to keep the oil in the ground for a longer period, like when the Norwegian began exploring? Or is it in Guyana’s interest to extract

21-year-old miner dies - after pit collapses

EVEN as the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) put measures in place to promote safe mining, another death is recorded in the Mining Industry. On Saturday, 21-year-old Deon Henry of Triangle Backdam, Baramita, North West District, died when a mining pit he was working in collapsed. Henry was working alongside his other colleagues. The Guyana Chronicle Newspaper was told that Henry was working the eastern wall of the pit when it collapsed. His colleagues rushed to his assistance but he had already been covered.

The young men began digging to locate their co-worker and once he was located, they attempted to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful. The police, upon being informed of the incident, visited the scene of the accident and removed Henry’s body. According to police sources, the pit reportedly had a measurement of 20ft in depth and 80ft in width. The pit was also said to be located some 300ft from the main access road at Triangle. The body of the deceased has been taken to the Port Kaituma Hospital morgue and a post-mortem is expected to be conducted later this week.

as quickly as it can; get its money, bank that, and move towards more sustainable industries? These are policy discussions to be had,” the Energy Director said. But then again, he said, such discussions are not only meant for the Department of Energy, but for all local stakeholders. A case in point, he said, is that if someone were to approach the average Guyanese with the charitable offer of $US1M and ask whether they would like to receive the money now or five years into the future, it is highly likely that most would reply, “Now.” He said, too, that even though Guyana hopes to avoid being heavily dependent on oil by ploughing whatever revenues it gets from it into becoming a ‘green’ and diversified State, those plans will also have to be made with a rate of extraction in mind. “These are decisions that Guyana has to make as a country,” he said, “as we’re living in an era of plenty, but we are also focused on reducing our carbon footprint. So, the discussion around decarbonisation is becoming more and more vocal and strident, and so it’s important for us to be able to make those

considerations. It’s not just a simple straight-line decision, in terms of depletion policy or no depletion policy; it’s about the considerations that have to go into that.” Dr. Bynoe also reminded his audience that the Department has decided not to issue any further oil blocks to allow for the enhancement of Guyana’s Legislative Framework. The pause will also allow for a revision of the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), and for the carrying out of 2D and 3D seismic surveys so that the country can better understand the amount and location of its assets. The latter survey, he explained, will allow for the more informed issuance of oil blocks, and for an upper hand during negotiations. “At the moment, we are fairly ignorant in terms of what is there in our shallow continental shelf for example, so we did go to market and we’ve received a number of bids which we are evaluating to do the 2D and 3D seismic [surveys],” Dr. Bynoe said. He stated that there is “no great anxiety” for Guyana to rush into the awarding of additional oil blocks before the country prepares to move forward on a better and more informed footing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

9000+ persons in Reg. 4 fail to uplift ID Cards - so have more than 3000 in Reg. 6

By Lisa Hamilton APPROXIMATELY 9,343 persons from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) have not collected their Identification (ID) cards from a list of over 18,000 names published by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in the local newspapers. In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), some 3,267 persons have not uplifted their IDs. The list of names was published in the local newspapers on Saturday by the Elections Commission. On Sunday, GECOM, in response to a request made by media operatives, provided a breakdown of the information, highlighting not only the registration areas but regions where persons have failed to uplift their ID cards. In addition to Regions Four and Six, 313 persons from Region One (Barima-Waini) have not collected their ID cards while 548 ID cards in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have not been collected. Over in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 2,401 ID cards are still within GECOM’s possession, while in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) there are 1,094. In Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), 280 ID cards are to be collected, in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), 124 and in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) another 263 ID cards are still to be collected. The area with the highest number of persons in question is Coldingen at 2,410, followed by Whim at 1,357. It is unclear why these individuals have not uplifted their ID cards. While a percentage of these Guyanese may have migrated, it is still unclear why others have not found it necessary to collect their ID cards. Earlier, it was opined that these individuals may be resident of remote or hinterland regions challenged with limited access to GECOM’s offices, however, from the

information sent out by the Commission, the least amount of uncollected ID cards come from far flung registration areas such as Kamarang in Region 7, which recorded only 19 and Port Kaituma (Region One) which recorded only 29. In addition to the publishing of names, registered mails will also be sent by GECOM, urging the individuals to pick up their ID cards. The names of these individuals who fail to collect their ID cards within 21 days will be excluded from the Official List of Electors [OLE] and placed on a Supplementary List on Elections Day. However, they will still be permitted to vote should they turn up with other appropriate identification. Chairman of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, said it is “worrying” when such a high number of persons, some for more than 11 years, have not taken the opportunity to collect their ID cards. In the past, efforts have been made to contact these individuals but they have still not yet verified their existence in the country. Added to this, to the best of its ability, the General Registrar’s Office (GRO) has eliminated the names of persons who have died from the list once touted to be as much as 20,000. While some GECOM Commissioners believe that these persons might be part of a scheme of the Opposition to rig the upcoming elections, members of the Opposition have denied same and have argued that the non-collection of ID cards could simply be a choice. “I don’t want my ID card. I don’t need it. I have other forms of ID plus I’m not able with the time and the lines to pick it up. I would also have to travel far at great expense in this very poorly performing Economy to get my said ID…” Opposition Member of Parliament, Priya Manickchand posted on social media attempting to explain what could be the decision or situation of some persons.

However, this still does not explain the reason why someone, resident in Guyana and residing in urban areas, would refuse an ID card. The possession of an ID card enables persons to obtain old age pension, secure a driver’s licence or a loan, apply for a passport, obtain police clearance, transact business at the bank or post office, collect National Insurance benefits and more. The complete breakdown provided by the Commission shows that from Region One, collectively at the Moruca, Port Kaituma and Mabaruma registration areas, there are 313 uncollected ID cards. In Region Two, from the Charity and Anna Regina registration areas, this stands at 548. A total of 2,401 persons have not collected their ID cards from the registration areas of La Grange, Parika and Plantain Walk in Region Three. From the Coldingen, East Bank, North Georgetown, South Georgetown, Sherriff Street, Soesdyke and the Church of the Transfiguration Annex registration areas in Region Four, there is a total of 9,343 uncollected ID cards. From Region Five, collectively at the Fort Wellington and Mahaicony registration areas, there are 1,094. In Region 6, from the Corriverton, Whim and New Amsterdam registration areas, there are 3,267. A total of 261 uncollected cards come from the registration area of Bartica in Region 7 while 124 come from registration areas in Mahdia and Paramakatoi. In region 9, at Lethem and Annai combined, there are 263 and, in Region 10 at Mackenzie or Wismar, there are 776. Should these persons come into contact with the notices or letters of the Commission, the Chair has urged these to come forward as the Commission simply wishes to verify their existence. The Commission has also noted that it is within its legal right to do so in keeping with the proviso of Section 668 of the National Registration (Amendment) Act 2005.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

A father’s input into a child’s life IF you are a father, ask yourself this question and give an honest answer: do you feel as if you are a good enough role model who is setting a reasonable example for your child to follow? If you answered yes to the question, remember there is always room for improvement, so stay focused as your child develops so you can make any necessary adjustment. If you answered no to the above question, then at least you’ve taken the first step in your ability to change that fact, by acknowledging that there is a problem that you need to take in hand. If you are a young father (18 – 25 years old), remember that fatherhood is a big responsibility: some men live their entire lives without understanding what the role entails. They set negative examples for children by drinking excessive alcohol and becoming belligerent, or by using recreational drugs in front of them as if such behaviour is normal. Some men curse, cuss and lack self-control, decorum and shame, all in earshot and/or in full view of their children. They do this without a thought of how their behaviour will impact on their children’s psychological/ emotional growth and their sense of well-being. Once children have lived through an undesirable or distasteful experience it will make an indelible mark on their development. It may not be something as obvious as a change in their behaviour or eating habits, but the impression, regardless of how minor it may seem at the time, will make an impact. This is why fathers must portray the same attributes they would like to see in their children: thoughtfulness, honesty, fair play, compassion, affection, and patience to name a few. Even when you are angry and fuming, you should exercise a certain amount of self-control around children; they need to know that there are positive (and negative) ways to deal with problems that life throws at you A disgruntled father whose ‘baby mother’ left him for several valid reasons, was bitter

about t h e breaku p to the extent w h e r e he would wake his two children (aged eight and nine years old) at 2 a.m. He did this to tell them about their mother; not nice things, howe v e r. H e p r o ceeded to curse her name loudly to the bleary-eyed youths while accusing her of doing all manner of things from ‘obeah’ to ‘picking fare.’ So loud were his rants and ravings that neighbours had to complain before he eventually ceased. There is no doubt that these ‘episodes’ have affected the children deeply, although it may not be immediately apparent. No child likes to see either of their parents in a negative light and how the son will eventually view his mother as he enters adolescence (and his overall view on women) could be affected greatly by his father’s thoughtless behaviour. His sister’s view of how men should behave towards women and what to expect from a man in a relationship may also be tarnished by the examples set by her father. There is no turning back or trying to undo what has already been done; the ‘die’ has been cast and the children will bear the consequences of their experience. Some fathers don’t know how to be a father because they have never experienced a father’s love, guidance or protection during their upbringing and so they disregard the importance of fatherhood. Others flit about from one relationship to the next, making children with different women; they leave the onus of

child-rearing on the mothers, never taking a serious stand or playing a crucial role in raising their children. They have an attitude that implies, if a child looks happy, tidy and well-fed; then he or she is good to go. They fail to see that a child has various needs that both parents should provide for and that joint parental input is necessary to enable a child’s healthy growth and development. Maybe you are a young father who inadvertently fell into fatherhood because your girlfriend became pregnant and you are not interested in being a father; or you are interested but still finding your feet. Either way, do not underestimate the importance of your role in your child’s life. Some grown men do not take the responsibility of fatherhood seriously and they behave like grown boys rather than men with a purpose to fulfil. Becoming a father means you need to clean up your act. You need to provide for your child physically, financially, emotionally and morally for the next 18 years or more. Every man should work towards being a positive rather than a negative example in their child’s life. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

Peace, freedom worth fighting for – President Granger

By Lisa Hamilton GUYANA respects and is thankful for its men and women who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of human dignity, social justice and freedom from all forms of oppression. This was the message of President David Granger as the country observed Remembrance Day on Sunday in homage to those who gave their lives in service to the Commonwealth during World Wars I and II. The wreath-laying ceremony was held at the War Memorial/Cenotaph in Georgetown and was attended by several representatives of the government, the diplomatic corps, the Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL), law enforcement agencies and civil society. In a brief address, the President said that Guyana is forever indebted to those who lost their lives in the wars for the cause of peace and freedom. Such acts, he underscored, have taught an indelible lesson to Guyanese of what it means to be selfless and in service for the greater good. “Their example strengthens our resolve to maintain our efforts for world peace with justice and prosperity for all peoples,” the President said. He further urged: “Let’s remember also those Guyanese who, since Independence, have died in the service of our nation. Let us thank those who continue to defend our territory and our patrimony. We, the

citizens of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on this solemn occasion rededicate ourselves to the search of peace and well-being of our beloved country.” The Remembrance Day ceremony is held each year to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the two World Wars (1914-1918 and 1939-1945), so that the others left behind might live in peace. Guyana has 11 surviving World War veterans and 13 widows. Seven World War II veterans from the GVL participated in the annual Remembrance Day Parade. The parade included four platoons represented by the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the City Constabulary, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. Guyana’s oldest World War II veteran is 100-year-old Benjamin Durant, who will celebrate his 101st birthday in the coming week. Other veterans include Leonard Grant, Gerald Stewart, and George McLennan. Meanwhile, laying wreaths at the War Memorial were President Granger; Prime Minister (ag) and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan; Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West; President of the GVL, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes; Commissioner of Police, Leslie James; Deputy Mayor of the City of Georgetown, Alfred Mentore; Region Four Regional

Vice-Chairman, Earl Lambert and several foreign heads of missions resident in Guyana. Also in attendance were Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland; Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings; Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton; Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix and others. During the event, several persons were seen wearing red poppies which are worn as a symbol of sacrifice and an emblem of remembrance for those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice in the two wars. The poppy is a white flower, but this symbolic red flower represents the blood that stained the flowers on the battlefield during the First World War. More than 65 million persons fought throughout World War I, which began in 1914 with the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The war ended on November 11, 1918, when a general armistice was agreed to by both sides, and it is estimated that between 15 million and 19 million persons lost their lives during the period. Meanwhile, World War II began when the Prime Minister of Britain Neville Chamberlain, declared war on Germany; it ended on May 8, 1945 when Germany’s surrender was accepted just after Adolf Hitler had committed suicide.

President David Granger lays the first wreath at the War Memorial/Cenotaph, paying homage to those who gave their lives in service to the Commonwealth during World Wars I & II

Prime Minister (ag.) and Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan laying his wreath at the cenotaph

Some of Guyana’s well-respected remaining war veterans. Seated at right is the oldest to have served in WWII, Mr. Benjamin Durant, now 100 The scores of spectators who turned out to witness the annual wreath-laying ceremony to mark Remembrance Day

Scenes from the Remembrance Day Parade on Sunday (Photos by Carl Croker)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

Finance Minister to announce salary increases this week - to reflect an overall increase of over 75% in last four years

THE much-anticipated salary increase crease in the minimum wage. announcement for 2019, Minister of In 2018, government had approved Finance Winston Jordan said, will be increases for all public servants ranging made this week. While not stating the from 0.5 per cent to 7 per cent. He had also exact amount public servants receive, the presented a $300.7B budget for 2019, an Finance Minister said that it will reflect a increase of 12.6 per cent when compared more than 75 per cent increase in wages with 2018. and salaries for the period 2015-2019. While expressing his satisfaction “Look at the space of time. We with government’s achievements since started increasing salaries from taking office in 2015, the Finance the first of July 2015. And the last Minister said that more could have increase was retroactive to Janbeen done for Guyanese, if the uary 1, 2018. In two and a half government was not burdened with years, we would have increased over $40B in payout to the Guyana salaries by over 64 percent. By the Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo). time we are finished with “If I had that money, you salaries for this year, know what I could I can guarantee you have done with it; that between July 1, I could have done 2015 and January many, many things, 1, 2019, it will be certainly substantial over 75 percent indevelopment,” MinMinister of Finance Winston Jordan crease,” the minister ister Jordan told the said. The increase, he assured, will be paid residents. retroactive from January 2019. Notwithstanding the challenges faced, Minister Jordan was, at the time, ad- the Finance Minister assured the resdressing residents of Kwakwani at a com- idents that the future is bright for not munity outreach held at the Kwakwani only public servants but all Guyanese, Workers’ Club. He was accompanied by with the Oil and Gas Industry on the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael horizon. In this regard, he urged the resiTrotman. dents of Kwakwani and, by extension, all Over the last four years, public servants Guyanese not to be shortsighted, but to have benefited from a more than 60 per give the government a chance to finish cent increase in wages and salaries the business of providing a better and more than 50 per cent inquality of life for them.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

‘Stay on path of transformation’ ― Dr. Cummings urges Coomacka residents By Vanessa Braithwaite OVER the last four years, the residents of the minedout communities of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) including Coomacka, Old England-Siberia and Three Friends-Maria Elizabeth, have benefitted from noticeable developments; these developments range from rehabilitation of roads to the regularisation of lands. The residents, who hailed the government for these projects during a community outreach last Friday, were urged by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Karen Cummings, to stay on the path of sustainable, transformative development. Dr Cummings was addressing scores of residents, who had gathered at the Coomacka Community Centre to air their concerns as

part of the ‘GovernmentComes-to-You’ initiative. Representing the region were Regional Chairman Renis Morian and Member of Parliament Jermaine Figueira. While it was evident that government has prioritised the development of communities there, Dr Cummings said it was still important to understand the issues residents face and provide solutions. Focusing on the bigger picture of national prosperity and development, the Foreign Affairs Minister urged the residents to keep their eyes on oil production, as it will bring lucrative rewards, nationally. She said the benefits will also trickle down to the smaller communities. “It is imperative that astute political leadership, firmly rooted in integrity, the rule of law, good governance and accountability prevails; the transformative develop-

ment that has commenced across Guyana since the APNU+AFC government took office in 2015, is phenomenal and will be significantly accelerated when the nation benefits from the lucrative rewards of oil and gas resources,” the Foreign Minister told residents. Dr Cummings said her government has been in preparation mode for the oiland- gas era, and has worked over time to ensure that a positive trajectory in preparing the economy for this influx of finances. “Within four and a half years, the APNU+AFC Government has placed Guyana on a positive trajectory and is steering the country forward as a stable and growing economy.....You will decide if you want to return to a time of developmental stagnation, or if you wish to see the communities and lives transform for the better, under the astute and

A resident voices her concern during the community meeting

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Karen Cummings addressing residents of Coomacka Mines

positive leadership of David Arthur Granger,” she told the residents. Dr Cummings assured the residents that each and every one of them will benefit from the oil funds. “Our leadership is exemplary, our policies are people-centred and based on empirical research, our road map for prosperity and development, is one that will ensure each and every Guyanese citizen have access to all public services that deliver tangible solutions,” she said. Her message was positively embraced by the residents. In response to earlier concerns raised by residents, Dr Cummings presented the Coomacka Nursery and Primary Schools with water dispensers and sealed water bottles. The residents had also spoken of the need for street lights in the community and as such, the Foreign Minister presented six street

lights to the Community Development Council (CDC) with the promise of providing more. The minister, before attending the meeting, visited all three of the mined-out communities and engaged residents to get a first-hand feel of their challenges. In Maria Elizabeth, residents told her they are currently working on an Information and Communication Technology hub and are in need of plyboards for its construction; she immediately provided same. In her drive about, Dr Cummings also engaged some residents who spoke of the need for the desilting of a spring, which is their only source of water for domestic purposes. Dr Cummings discussed the issue with the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Region 10 Engineer, to have the issue addressed urgently.

The NDIA will also render assistance with the backfilling of the Maria Elizabeth ballfield, as was requested by the residents. In voicing their concerns, residents called for repairs to be done to the Coomacka Primary School stairs; for a better transportation system to be implemented so that more students can benefit from the Public Education Transportation System; for assistance in constructing a hot-meal kitchen for the Coomacka Nursery School and for more representation to be made at the regional level. D r. C u m m i n g s ’ s Coomacka meeting was one of three held in Region 10 on Friday. Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sidney Allicock, visited the community of Rockstone, while Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, visited Ituni.

WPA to engage Pres. Granger on Rodney CoI report …says the matter of his assassination is unfinished business

THE Working Peoples Alliance says it intends to formally engage President David Granger on the release of the findings of the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the assassination of Dr Walter Rodney. Rodney was killed on June 13, 1990 when a communication device exploded in his brother’s car near the Georgetown Prison. The Commission of Inquiry (COI) was convened in 2014 some 34 years after the assassination. Responding to an article in the Stabroek News last week, under the caption, “Pat Rodney calls again on gov’t to make, public, Col report on Walter Rodney.” The WPA noted that the newspaper reported that Mrs. Rodney was speaking at an event, “Guyana Speaks,” in London, on Sunday, 27th October 2019. She

is reported to have repeated the call for the government of Guyana to formally release the report of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry and for the authorities to act on the recommendations therein. According to the WPA the newspaper report appears to suggest that the WPA is against the release of the report and is somehow in a conspiracy with the government to suppress it. “Nothing could be further from the truth. It is no secret that the issue of Walter Rodney’s assassination, and the abrupt termination of the COI by President Granger, upon his assumption of office in May 2015, remains one of the sore points in the relationship between the WPA and the leadership of the PNC and the government. The WPA has tried hard not to allow the President’s attitude to the

Rodney Col and its findings to undermine the stability of the Coalition. In so doing some people have misread our attitude and feelings on the issue,” one of the founding members of the APNU alliance said. According to the WPA it has never wavered on its firm belief that Dr Rodney was

murdered at the direction of the government of the day and by forces aligned to the State because of his political activity. “His assassination was part of a reign of terror by the then regime against progressive and revolutionary forces, in particular the WPA which had openly and courageously challenged the regime. Two

Dr Walter Rodney

other WPA members, Ohene Koama and Edward Dublin, along with Catholic priest, Fr. Bernard Darke, were also cut down by the regime during that period. The findings of the COI confirm what we know to be the truth. It is an undeniable fact that Rodney had been victimised both in life and death by the actions and inactions of successive Guyanese governments,” the WPA said in its statement. It added that “this is a painful reminder of the coarseness of Guyanese politics and a political culture that is hostile to mature and civilized human relations.” When the COI was terminated, WPA said its leaders berated the government for “what we saw as a narrow partisan act…” “At the urging of Mrs. Rodney, WPA again adds its voice in support of her call on the Guyana government to for-

mally make public the report of the COI. We also support her call for the implementation of the recommendations.” The WPA said whatever the feelings of the President and his party about the findings, they should no longer hide the report from the Guyanese people. “By continuing to suppress the report, they are unnecessarily prolonging this sad chapter in our country’s history. We reiterate our historical position that all outstanding issues relevant to this matter that negatively affect the Rodney family be addressed by the government and the State. Towards this end, the WPA intends to formally engage the president on this issue. For the WPA, the matter of Rodney’s assassination is unfinished business,” the party said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

Brooklyn-based Guyanese dies after hit-and-run accident

GUYANESE Vabita Arjune, a U.S.-based home health aide and single parent of four, succumbed on Thursday November 7, 2019 at the Jamaica Hospital, nine days after being the victim of a hit- and-run accident on October 29. According to a New York Daily Mail article, the Brooklyn resident was always running somewhere and on the day in question, she was scooting from the laundromat to the supermarket when a speeding driver plowed his vehicle into her.

a suspect who possibly ran a red light before the fatal accident, police sources said. In addition to her two daughters, Arjune is survived by two sons aged 24 and 23 — and both were quick to take advantage of their mom’s hospitality and her tasty way around a kitchen. “She loved entertaining,” said Boodhu. “My brothers say everyday they come home, they get a homecooked meal ... If you come here, you’re going to leave with your tummy full — and also be taking food home.”

Brooklyn-based Guyanese Vabita Arjune, 50, (Photo New York Daily Mail/courtesy of family)

She was admitted to the Jamaica Hospital and finally succumbed to her massive injuries Thursday, leaving two sons and two daughters to deal with the heartbreak of her sudden and violent demise. “Mom is all we had,” said daughter Davinine Boodhu, 25, who came to the U.S. with her family in 2008. “Yeah, you have family members. But it’s never going to be the same. It’s going to take some time to adjust — a really long time.” The 50-year-old Arjune had just left her 13-year-old daughter in the laundromat and was crossing Liberty Avenue in East New York; that was when the grey sedan crashed into her around 7:30 p.m., two blocks away from the family’s home. The driver sped off into the night as cops still search for answers and

On the night before the accident, the family had gathered to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali. The mourning children, under Hindu religious tradition, will not celebrate another event until a full year has passed since Arjune’s death. The victim’s husband died years ago in a freak electrocution before Arjune and the children came to New York, the New York Daily Mail reported. Boodhu said her younger sister was waking up and weeping in the middle of the night since the death, and she recounted how one of her mother’s healthcare patients was crushed by the killing. “When I broke the news to her, she started crying,” the daughter recalled. “Her patient even came to visit her in the hospital.”

Arjune was known for buying gifts for everyone, from her own kids to the families of invalids, to ran-

dom relatives, and for her special curry dishes. “Very lively,” recalled Boodhu. “Never a dull mo-

ment” and although devastated, the daughter is not demanding an eye for an eye, “He hit her and fled,”

said Boodhu, “Even if they could find him, it’s not going to bring her back. She’s gone.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

MONDAY, 11 November, 2019 - 03:30hrs - ~05:00hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 11, 2019

FUTSAL FINAL

‘Jackie Chan’ stars as Sparta Boss take GT Beer ‘Keep Yah Five Alive’ title

GREGORY ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson was his usual destructive self, on Saturday evening, when he wreak havoc in the National Gymnasium to propel Sparta Boss to a 4 – 3 come-from-behind victory over Gold is Money, to claim this year’s GT Beer ‘Keep Yah Five Alive’

Futsal title and the tournament’s $550,000 first place prize. After going up 3 – 1 through goals from Jermain Junior in the 5th and 7th minutes, and Randolph Wagner in the 22nd minute, Gold is Money had a second-half collapse, which saw Richardson stepping up

to the plate. Sheldon Shepherd had first put things in Sparta’s favour before Junior and Wagner pulled things back for Gold is Money, but Richardson made it 3 – 2 in the 24th minute, while one minute later, Ryan Hackett brought the scores level.

With the crowd on its feet, Richardson, one of Guyana’s finest to ever play the 11-v-11 format, closed the deal for Sparta Boss with a rocket in the 42nd minute. Meanwhile, in the first semi-final, Sparta Boss made light work of Future Stars 5 – 1, and Gold is Money easily disposed of

Bent Street 2–0 to set-up a mouth-watering final. Gold is Money had to settle for $250,000 and a trophy. In the third place game, Bent Street rumped to a 6 – 1 win over Future Stars to go home with $125,000. Future Stars, for their effort, left the venue with $75,000.

‘Ballers’ excite on opening night of Rawle Toney/Mackeson 3X3 Classic THE country’s top ‘ballers’ didn’t fail to excite basketball fans on the opening night of the inaugural Rawle Toney/Mackeson 3X3 Basketball Classic. The two-day basketball tournament bounced off on Saturday evening at the Burnham Basketball Court, where the winner of the event, which wrapped up last evening, will pocket $300,000, compliments of Ansa McAl under their Mackeson brand. Fourteen teams started the competition and it was evident that the ‘Fire Spot’ (four-point) was the favourite of the night, since the

players pocketed $1000 for each shot made from the distance, compliments of FireSide Grill. A total of 18 matches were played on Saturday, as Pitbull 3.0 battled the Flamethrowers in the night’s first game. Pitbulls asserted their dominance, extinguishing the flames of the Flame Throwers to defeat them 16-07. The next game saw the Plaisance Ballers losing to the Dark Knights 10-11 as the game came down to the wire. Match three saw Top Ballers chasing out the Invaders 16-12, as the Invaders could not live up to

their expectations. Continuing round one action, Sleepers unleashed a thrashing on GT Ballers 21-0 to be one of the most standout teams of the night as they kept their opponents at bay for the entire match. Culminating round 1, Ion Know edged Unstoppables 15-14 as play came down to the last second. In round two, Smooth took on Savants, and, as the name suggests, Smooth were literally too smooth for their opponents as they decimated them 21-07 to leave them in shock. Pitbulls 3.0 struggled in their next encounter against Top

Ballers, however, they managed to defeat the ballers 07-06. Plaisance Ballers then returned in their second encounter and bounced back as they handed the GT Ballers a whopping 21-0 defeat. Ion Know then defeated Invaders 13-10 to register their second win of the night. Sleepers then showed why they were the powerhouses of the competition when they beat Savant 24-10. Unstoppables then put out the flame of the Flame Throwers, handing them their second defeat 21-09. Smooth then took out Dark knight 12-6 to end round 2

of the night. Commencing round three, Pitbull 3.0 cashed in on their third win of the night when they defeated Invaders 21-07, while in the second match, Plaisance Ballers made light work of Savants 21-15. Unstoppables then scraped a win over Top Ballers 12-11 and Ion Know won 20-15. Smooth then maintained their perfect record when they put the Sleepers to sleep 12-10 to cause a major upset that left the fans shocked, while Dark Knights won the final match via walkover.

GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – Fifteen-year-old Shafali Verma and opening partner Smriti Mandhana pummelled enterprising half-centuries to condemn a listless West Indies Women to an 84-run defeat in the opening Twenty20 International here Saturday night. Player-of-the-Match Verma smashed a scintillating 73 from 49 balls while the classy Mandhana carved out 67 from 46 deliveries, innings that propelled the visitors up a challenging 185 for four off their 20 overs. West Indies never threatened in their run chase and

timidly subsided to 101 for nine off their 20 overs with Shemaine Campbelle the only batsman to show resistance with 33. With the defeat, the Windies fell 1-0 behind in the fivematch series, but will have a chance to level when they face India in the second match here Sunday. Verma and Mandhana snatched the game away from West Indies early when they dominated in a stroke-filled 143-run opening stand. The right-handed Verma belted six fours and four sixes, racing to her maiden T20 half-century off 30

balls in the 10th over, while the left-handed Mandhana raised her landmark off 31 balls in the next over with a paddle sweep for four off leg-spinner Afy Fletcher. Together, they raised the hundred off just 61 balls and West Indies had run out of ideas when Verma skied fast bowler Shakera Selman (2-36) to Kyshona Knight at cover point in the 16th over. Mandhana, dropped on 39 at long off by Natasha McLean off Fletcher in the ninth over, finally holed out to long off with off-spinner and stand-in captain Anisa Mohammed (2-35) in the

following over. However, captain Harmanpreet Kaur belted a 13-ball 21 not out as India gathered precious runs towards the end. In reply, West Indies lost Hayley Matthews cheaply in the second over after she hammered three fours in an eight-ball 13, bowled by one from seamer Shikha Pandey (2-22) which nipped back. And when McLean picked out Kaur at mid-off with left-arm spinner Radha Yadav’s (2-10) first ball, West Indies were 13 for two in the third over. Chedean Nation struck a six – a clean blow over

mid-wicket off Pandey – in a run-a-ball 10 but then drove the next ball to mid-off where Kaur took a running catch in the sixth over. Campbelle, who counted two fours and a six in a busy 34-ball knock, then put on 21 with Kyshona Knight (12) for the fourth wicket and a further 24 for the fifth wicket with Stacy-Ann King (13), to keep the innings afloat. However, at 61 for four at the half-way stage, the required run rate of over 12.5 an over proved to much for the Windies and they managed only 40 runs over the last 10 overs.

Fifteen-year-old Verma, Mandhana hurt Windies

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 11, 2019

Liverpool go eight points clear with 3-1 victory over Man City By Simon Evans LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Liverpool opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic and hugely impressive 3-1 win over defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. The victory, sealed with goals from Fabinho, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, leaves unbeaten Liverpool on 34 points from 12 games, eight ahead of Leicester City and Chelsea, and nine in front of Pep Guardiola’s fourth-placed City. While talk of decisive results in November, with 26 games of the campaign remaining, is premature, the manner of Liverpool’s win over a team which has dominated the league for the past two seasons was certainly a declaration of intent. Anfield exploded when Liverpool grabbed a sixth-minute lead with

Liverpool players celebrate another goal at Anfield on Sunday.

a thundering drive from Brazilian Fabinho, who pounced on a poor clearance from Ilkay Gundogan and blasted past Claudio Bravo from over 20 metres out.

Yet City felt the stunning effort should have been ruled out — and a penalty awarded to them — as prior to the break that led to the goal Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared

to handle the ball inside the box but the VAR review went against the visitors. It was the latest VAR controversy in the Premier League and is certain to spark more debate, but

while the opening goal set the tone, Liverpool’s dominance was soon evident all across the field. City pushed forward in response and Raheem Sterling missed a close-range header, but Liverpool struck again in the 13th minute when Andy Robertson crossed from the left and Salah nodded the bouncing ball past Bravo to make it 2-0. Juergen Klopp’s European champions, without a domestic league title since 1990, now had a firm grip on the game and caused constant trouble for City’s shaky defence with their powerful surges forward. Liverpool were on top physically and their pressing stopped City from establishing their usual possession game but still they managed to carve out some openings. Sergio Aguero, who had a disappointing game, forced Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker into action in the 25th minute and then the Argentine should have

done better three minutes before the break when he shot wide after being fed by Kevin De Bruyne. Guardiola needed to adjust something at the break to find a foothold in the game but City’s third defeat of the season, after losses to Norwich City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, was assured when Liverpool made it 3-0 six minutes after the interval. Jordan Henderson superbly worked space on the right flank and whipped in a cross which Mane dived to head home at the back post. Bernardo Silva pulled a goal back for City in the 78th minute, drilling home a low cross from Angelino and the visitors enjoyed some late pressure but it was too late for a comeback from the champions. City have not won at Anfield in the league since May, 2003 — their only win at Liverpool in 38 years.

0OSCL contributes to convalescent home, orphanage OSCL GIVES.. THE Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) has once again made a monetary contribu-

tion to the Guyana Red Cross Society Children Convalescent Home and the Saheed’s Boys and Girls Orphanage in Georgetown.

During last week, OSCL vice-president Terry Mathura and secretary Frederick Halley who were in Guyana for the third edition of the George-

town Softball Cricket League (GSCL) Prime Minister Softball Cup, paid courtesy calls at the two institutions, Mathura at the convalescent home and Hal-

ley at the orphanage where they interacted with the staff and children at the institutions. Both organisations expressed heartfelt thanks to

the OSCL for its contribution. Here, vice-president Mathura interacts with children at the convalescent home.

Lively Man United earn 3-1 win over Brighton MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Manchester United climbed back into the top half of the Premier League table on Sunday, as goals from Andreas Pereira and Marcus Rashford and an own goal from Davy Propper gave the side a 3-1 home win over Brighton and Hove Albion. United climbed to seventh place on 16 points from 12 games after stretching their unbeaten home run against the Seagulls to 12 matches in all competitions. Brighton slipped to 11th place on 15 points. The home side benefited from a fine individual display by Anthony Martial, who set up two goals and ran tirelessly at Brighton’s defenders. Manager Ole Gun nar Solskjaer praised the Frenchman alongside

Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - Brighton and Hove Albion’s Lewis Dunk scores their first goal REUTERS/Andrew Yates

19-year-old left back Brandon Williams. “Anthony Martial did not get a goal but he was outstand-

ing,” Solskjaer told the BBC. “Brandon Williams was excellent too, he has had some good games already and he

seems he wants to be out there and enjoy himself. “We should have scored many more goals. It was an

excellent performance from the lads, when you see them going forward it is a joy to watch.” Pereira fired United ahead in the 17th minute with a fortuitous goal, as his shot from inside the penalty area took a heavy deflection off Dale Stephens and left Brighton goalkeeper Mathew Ryan stranded. Pereira initially lost control of the ball as he raced forward before Martial unselfishly teed up the rebound for the Brazilian to hit a left-foot shot. Propper then bundled the ball into his own net two minutes later as an inswinging free kick from Fred caused havoc in Brighton’s six-yard box. The goal was awarded after a VAR check. Lewis Dunk pulled one back for Brighton in the

64th minute with a closerange header, but Rashford restored United’s two-goal advantage two minutes later when he blasted in a shot from 12 metres off the underside of the bar. Again the goal resulted from good work by Martial, who beat a defender and Ryan to the ball before squaring it back for Rashford from a tight angle. United missed several chances in the closing stages to win by a bigger margin, with Rashford guilty of two glaring misses while Ryan pulled off some superb saves. The match ended on a sour note for United midfielder Scott McTominay, who limped off injured moments before the final whistle after an innocuous-looking duel.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 11, 2019

Seamer Chahar takes hat-trick in India’s T20 series win

MUMBAI, (Reuters) India seamer Deepak Chahar took a hat-trick and posted the best bowling figures in Twenty20 internationals to guide the hosts to a series clinching 30-run win against Bangladesh in the third and final match at Nagpur on Sunday. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul struck brisk half centuries to help India post 174-5 in their 20 overs after Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah won the toss and chose to bowl. Iyer smashed 62 off just 33 balls while Rahul made 52 from 35. In reply, Bangladesh lost Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar in successive deliveries to Chahar early to get

Deepak Chahar took a hat-trick and posted the best figures in T20 Internationals.

off to a false start in their chase and were finally all out for 144 to go down 2-1

in the series. Opener Mohammad Naim, who made his interna-

tional debut during the series, kept Bangladesh in the hunt with 81 off 48 balls but his dismissal in the 16th over snuffed out the touring side’s chances. Naim added 98 for the third wicket with Mohammad Mithun, who made 27, before the latter became Chahar’s third wicket of the evening. Chahar then dismissed Shafiul Islam on the last delivery of his third over and returned in his final one to send back Mustafizur Rahman and Aminul Islam to complete his hat-trick and finish with figures of six wickets for seven runs off 3.2 overs. His figures broke Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis’

mark of 6-8 against Zimbabwe in 2012 as the best bowling figures in the shortest format of the game. India all-rounder Shivam Dube picked up 3-40, including the prized scalps of Naim and experienced Mushfiqur Rahim. India’s stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma, leading the side in the absence of rested Virat Kohli, fell for just two while his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan also did not last long and was out for 19. Bangladesh medium paceman Shafiul accounted for both the experienced openers and could have also dismissed Iyer for nought if Aminul had managed to hold on to a simple catch.

India have struggled to identify their number four batsman in limited-overs cricket in the last 12 months but Iyer showed he could be the solution to their middle order woes. He hit five sixes and three fours and stitched together a 59-run stand with Rahul. Iyer’s stroke-filled knock ended when he holed out to Sarkar, who had minutes earlier dismissed out-of-form Rishabh Pant for six in the same over. The two sides will next play a two-Test series, with the first starting at Indore from Thursday.

Jordan’s all-round show powers England to T20 series win JORDAN POWERS.. WELLINGTON, (Reuters) - England all-rounder Chris Jordan shone with both bat and ball to steer his side to a thrilling super over win against hosts New Zealand in the rain-truncated fifth Twenty20 international at Auckland on Sunday and a 3-2 series victory. Chasing New Zealand’s total of 146-5, the touring side needed 16 runs from the last over for

Chris Jordan starred with bat and ball.

victory but managed only

three from James Neesham’s first three deliveries. Walking in to bat at the fall of Tom Curran, Jordan smashed a six and a four to score 12 from the remaining three deliveries to take his team to 146-7 and force the super over. The right-arm seamer then expertly defended the touring side’s super over score of 17, taking a wicket while giving away just eight runs. “There was nothing between the sides in the 11-over game. And in the super over I thought the

standout was Chris Jordan,” England captain Eoin Morgan said at the presentation. “The guy is extremely calm under pressure and delivers.” The deciding match between this year’s 50over World Cup finalists was reduced to 11 overs a side due to rain and Martin Guptill and his opening partner Colin Munro gave New Zealand a blistering start after Morgan won the toss and chose to bowl. The duo added 83 in five overs, including 55 in

the first three of the powerplay, to lay the foundation for their imposing total at the ground, which last year witnessed Australia make 245-5 for the highest successful run chase in the format. Guptill fell after hitting five sixes and three fours in his 20-ball 50 while Munro was out for 46 off 21 balls. Wicketkeeper Tim Seifert produced the fireworks at the end for the Black Caps with a knock of 39 from 16 balls. England lost two early

wickets in their chase but were never behind the steep required rate of over 13 with Jonny Bairstow hitting boundaries at will. The right-handed opener hit two fours and five sixes in his 47 off 18 balls with Morgan and Sam Curran also chipping in with useful contributions.he two sides will next play a twoTest series, with the first starting from Nov. 21 at Mount Maunganui. Caption; Chris Jordan starred with bat and ball.

Title race done unless injuries strike Liverpool - Mourinho LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) - Jose Mourinho knows what it takes to win a Premier League title and believes Liverpool are as good as champions unless they suffer an injury curse later in the season. The Portuguese was at Anfield on Sunday watching Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-1 to open up an eight-point gap over Leicester City and Chelsea and nine over reigning

Jose Mourinho-a threetimes Premier League title winner

champions City.

“From my position I think it’s done unless something, something dramatic happens in terms of an injury situation that breaks the team,” Mourinho, a three-times Premier League title winner with Chelsea, told Sky Sports on Sunday. “I think this Liverpool team... it’s adapted to the quality of the players and the puzzle is complete. City are capable of winning seven, eight, nine in a row but I can’t see how Liver-

pool can lose this advantage.” Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany, part of the team that claimed back-to-back titles over the past two seasons, said there is a great deal to admire in Liverpool. He added, however, that the Premier League is “geared for drama” and said it is not a done deal yet. He believes Liverpool’s schedule over the next five

Thiem overpowers Federer in ATP Finals opener By Martyn Herman

LONDON, (Reuters) Roger Federer’s pursuit of a seventh ATP Finals title got off to a poor start on Sunday when the Swiss great lost 7-5 7-5 to Austrian Dominic Thiem in his opening group match.

From the moment Federer dropped his opening service game he never seemed entirely comfortable and Thiem took full advantage to claim his third win over Federer this season. Federer recovered the early break but a couple of lazy strikes at 5-5 cost him his serve again before Thiem

closed out the opener in confident fashion. Thiem, beaten by Federer in the group stage last year, upped the power in the second set to keep Federer under pressure and unable to dictate and pounced again to break at 5-5. Federer saved one match point in the following game

Roger Federer

and had a break point but there was no escape and Thiem pummelled away a forehand to

weeks could cause problems. They face 12 games in five weeks including the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar. “They have games all over the world,” Kompany said. “City will be there until the end in my opinion.” Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness said Liverpool are “odds on” to win their first title since 1990. “What could go wrong? Injuries to key players,” he

told Sky Sports. “To be at their best they all have to be high energy. Injuries would hurt them. When you don’t get much rest between matches you can get muscle injuries. “This period is vital for them. I would suggest that might be an issue going forward.”

claim victory and join Novak Djokovic at the top of the group after the Serb earlier beat Matteo Berrettini. Thiem, who now leads Federer 5-2 on head-to-head, will face Djokovic on Tuesday while Federer will be up against Italian debutant Berrettini. “It was a great performance and special to get my first win

in an opening group match in the Finals,” Thiem said. “It’s overwhelming to enter this arena and we had a good and close match. It’s always special to beat Roger as he is a legend.” Federer also lost his opening group match last year to Kei Nishikori but recovered to reach the semi-finals.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 11, 2019

Jaguars go down by six wickets as Red Force win second straight PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, (CMC) – Guyana Jaguars’ rocky start to the Regional Super50 Cup continued here Saturday when they went down by six wickets to Group B hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force. Sent in at Queen’s Park Oval, Jaguars could only muster 187 for nine after an extended rain break during the innings forced a reduction in overs to 43. Similar to their opening match against West Indies Emerging Players, Jaguars again struggled in the batting department and Jonathan Foo’s cameo 36 off 31 balls at number seven, proved the top score. Ramaal Lewis chipped in with 28 from 17 balls, West Indies all-rounder Raymon Reifer struck a patient 26 while Christopher Barnwell (24) and Leon Johnson (22) both got starts but failed to carry on. Fast bowler Anderson Phil-

ing on 91 for five at the end of the 28th over. Foo and then Reifer came

a further 34 for the seventh wicket with Lewis. In reply, Webster took the

Tion Webster top-scored for Red Force with 87.

lip stood out for Red Force, claiming four for 44 from nine overs. Red Force then made light work of the modest target, with Tion Webster stroking a career-best 87 off 60 balls to set up the comfortable victory. His opening partner Jeremy Solozano extended his good form with 39 while Jason Mohammed struck 28

and West Indies left-hander Darren Bravo finished on 26 not out. The defeat for Jaguars was their first in two games following their narrow win over Emerging Players while Red Force won their second in as many outings. Jaguars never found their footing and lost wickets regularly, to find themselves labour-

Jonathan Foo struck 36 off 31 balls.

to their side’s rescue, featuring in successive partnerships to push Guyana beyond the 150run mark. First, Foo blasted two fours and sixes as he inspired a 49-run sixth wicket stand with Reifer, who then put on

game away from Jaguars with an audacious knock which included 11 fours and three sixes. More importantly, he staged a 124-run opening stand with Solozano, who hit four fours in a 55-ball innings. Both departed in the space

of 12 balls and when Kyle Hope also perished cheaply for four, Red Force were stumbling slightly at 134 for three in the 23rd over. However Bravo, fresh off an unbeaten hundred in the opening game, punched two fours in a 49-ball innings as he put on 47 for the fourth wicket with Mohammed to effectively erase any doubt over the result. In the other Group B fixture at the Brian Lara Stadium, Joshua DaSilva struck an unbeaten 62 off 44 deliveries to pull Emerging Players out of trouble and lift them to a six-wicket win over United States. Chasing 110 for victory, Emerging Players were in strife at 25 for four in the sixth over but DaSilva hit seven fours and two sixes to inspire an 85-run, unbroken fifth wicket partnership with Yannic Cariah (24 not out), to take his side home in the 18th over.

Injury puts Taylor out of India series TAYLOR INJURED. GROS ISLET, St Lucia, (CMC) – Injury has ruled captain Stafanie Taylor out of the remainder of the Twenty20 series against India, dealing a serious blow to West Indies’ chances of making a comeback in the five-match rubber. Cricket West Indies (CWI) said Sunday that Taylor had

sustained a grade one medial collateral ligament sprain during the third One-Day International against the Indians last Thursday, and would require a two-week recovery period. Taylor, who struck two half-centuries in the threematch one-day series, sat out Saturday’s opening Twenty20 International here which West Indies lost by 84 runs at the Darren Sammy National

Stadium. “It is very disappointing to lose Stafanie at this crucial time and she will no doubt be missed but her health and recovery are of utmost importance,” said chief selector Anne BrowneJohn. “We have the ICC T20 World Cup in a few months and it is critical that Stafanie gets the time to recover and return to full fitness.”

Veteran off-spinner Anisa Mohammed, who led the Windies in Saturday’s T20 opener, will continue as captain for the remainder of the series with Shemaine Campbelle as her deputy. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Taylor has been replaced by uncapped fast bowling all-rounder Cherry-Ann Fraser, who hails from Guyana. Browne-John said the move

would further accelerate the 20-year-old Fraser’s development. “Cherry-Ann Fraser is a young Guyanese all-rounder who was in the last camp and we were impressed by her performance,” Browne-John said. “Therefore having her join the team now will get her that experience to further her development.”

Stafanie Taylor

Persaud’s maiden half-century enough to see off Barbados Pride BASSETERRE, St Kitts, (CMC) – Rookie Akshaya Persaud’s maiden half-century stunned Barbados Pride and gave reigning champions CCC Marooners their first win of the Regional Super50 here Saturday. Chasing a modest 173 for victory in a day/night Group A fixture at Warner Park, Marooners appeared headed for defeat at

82 for five in the 26th over before the left-handed Persaud produced a composed, unbeaten 51 to see them to a come-from-behind four-wicket victory. Sadique Henry struck a breezy 30 while Akeem Jordan chipped in with a crucial 29, in a 58-run sixth wicket stand with Persaud, which changed the game’s complexion entirely. Jordan had earlier under-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 11, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 5/15-Keemo Paul (vs BANG, Dhaka, 2018) (2) 5/3-Rashid Khan (vs IRE, Greater Noida, 2017)

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first WI to record a T20 Int’l century? (2) Who is the first Afghan player to register a T20 Int’l hundred?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Akshaya Persaud stroked four fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 51.

mined Pride with his lively pace, snatching four for 21 as the innings folded disappointingly for 172 in the 44th over. Off-spinner Larry Joseph chipped in with three for 25 while left-arm spinner Kavesh Kantasingh finished with two for 29. Captain Jonathan Carter and Nicholas Kirton both top-scored with 42 while all-rounder Kyle Mayers struck 27 but Pride declined from 116 for four in the 29th over, to lose their last six wickets for 56 runs.

Fast bowler Akeem Jordan grabbed four wickets and then scored a vital 29.

Jordan engineered the two early breakthroughs for CCC, getting Leniko Boucher to chop on to the 11th ball of the day without scoring and then removing the other opener Kjorn Ottley for seven, caught at the wicket driving in the sixth over.

Carter counted four fours off 71 balls while fellow lefthander Kirton struck five fours and a six off 56 balls as they repaired the damage in a 67-run, third wicket stand. However, Joseph struck twice in the 21st over to rock Pride, trapping Kirton lbw on the backfoot and then inducing new batsman Tevyn Walcott to hole out to long on without scoring. Carter tried to rebuild again in a 30-run, fifth wicket stand with Mayers who continued the effort by adding a further 27 for the sixth with Shamar Springer (7). But once Carter edged Joseph to Jordan at slip in the 29th over and Mayers was bowled by Persaud in the 34th after striking three fours and a six, Pride lost their last five wickets for 29 runs. In reply, Marooners looked in decent shape at 47 for one before losing dramatically losing four wickets for 35 runs in quick time. Opener Romaine Morrison

(22) was involved in a second wicket stand of 29 with Henry before losing his composure and slicing a swipe at pacer Miguel Cummins to Mayers at third man in the 16th over With one run added in the next over, Paul Palmer edged a defensive stroke at speedster Chemar Holder to Ashley Nurse at first slip for one. Odaine McCatty (4) and Henry then followed to leave CCC in dire straits but Persaud arrived to stroke four fours and two sixes in a superb 79-ball knock to deny Barbados. Jordan struck three fours in a 36-ball innings and even when he departed in the 37th over, opener Abhijai Mansingh (14 not out) who was earlier forced off injured in the third over, returned to post 33 in an unbroken seventh wicket stand with Persaud which put Marooners over the line.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Monday November 11, 2019

Strong boxing team named for Caribbean Championships -Ninvalle says participation depends on funding

THE GUYANA Boxing Association (GBA) has named its largest boxing team, in decades, to the Caribbean Championships, but president of the local body, Steve Ninvalle said that participation this year would depend heavily on government support. Guyana has been a dominant force in the regional competition and is hoping to travel with some 21 boxers and four officials for the December 4-9 regional meet in Trinidad. According to Ninvalle, approximately $5M is needed to carry the entire team. To this end, the GBA president is hoping for some assistance from the government. In 2016, Ninvalle and his team of executive members embarked on a 100-mile walk to raise funds for the national team, which took part in the Caribbean Development Tournament in Barbados. At that tournament, the boxers won 10 gold, 1 silver and the Caribbean title. The boxing association is hoping to make the needed funds this time around, because this year it is imperative to send a large team, since a few Spanish-speaking countries have been invited to the championship, including powerhouse Cuba, which has

Heavyweight champion Colin France is one of two boxers selected in the 91kg division.

produced several World and Olympic champions. Venezuela, Puerto Rico and The Dominican Republic are also expected to field boxers for the event. Amongst the 21 boxers, several of them are former and current regional champions. Caribbean Lightweight champion Keevin “Lightning” Allicock will spearhead the side, which also includes Caribbean Middleweight champion “Dynamic” Des-

mond Amsterdam, former Lightweight Champion Colin “Superman” Lewis and former Middleweight silver medallist, Dennis Thomas. Ninvalle, however, pointed out that their participation would depend on their availability. The other boxers selected are: Youths: Mark Crawford (Lightweight–60 Kg), Richard Howard (Bantamweight–56 Kg), Abiola Jackman (Welterweight—69 Kg), Alex Butcher (Junior Wel-

Light heavyweight champion, Dennis Thomas (left) and Markember Pierre were also selected.

terweight–63 Kg), Emanuel Pompey (Middleweight—-75 Kg), Patrick Harvey (Lightweight–60 Kg Junior), Kevon Mullin (Welterweight—69 Kg) and Alesha Jackman. In the Elite Junior Flyweight (49 Kg), Quacy Abrams (National champion) and Richard Subratee (Runner-Up) were selected. In the Flyweight (52 Kg), Seon Griffith is the lone boxer. In the Bantamweight (56 Kg), champion Julius Kesney and runner-up Asheer Al Azeem were selected, while Teusimar Peters will join

Allicock in the featherweight 57kg category. Best boxer Elite at the recently concluded National Open, Clairmont Gibson in the Lightweight–60kg, runner-up Delroy Fordyce and Shemar Halley (standby) were selected; so too were Lewis and Dewani Lampkin in the Lightweight 63kg division. In the Junior Welterweight (64kg) division, Orlando Grenville was selected, while Kevin McKenzie (champion) and runner-up Cranston McAllister would

join Amsterdam in the welterweight 69Kg. Meanwhile, Aluko Bess (runner-up in the Middleweight), is also set to travel. Light heavyweight champion Thomas and runners-up Markember Pierre will join him. Daren France and Omar Sukhdeo (first and second in the 91kg heavyweight) as well as super-heavyweight boxers Kevin Hunte (champion) and Anthonio Williams (runner-up), were also selected with Steven Chan as standby.

ECB Joins BCCI and CA in opposing proposal for yearly ICC Flagship Events ENGLAND and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially intimated to the International Cricket Council (ICC that it will not support the global body’s bid to have a flagship event every year. The BCCI has got a shot in the arm after England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially intimated ICC that it will not support the global body’s bid to have a flagship event every year from 2023 to 2031. With the Indian Board having already opposed the proposed move, and with Cricket Australia also having done the same, it is understood that the ICC may now face severe roadblocks on the

Colin Graves has written to the ICC expressing his ‘serious concern’ (Getty Images)

issue with the ‘Big Three’ of world cricket in agreement among themselves. “ECB is not in a position to support the current proposal for ICC events from 2023-2031,” ECB chairman Colin Graves wrote in an

email (in possession of PTI) to ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney. The ICC at its last meeting in Dubai had proposed that in the next FTP (Futures Tours and Programme) Cycle

for the eight year period between 2023 and 2031, there would be two 50 over World Cups, four T20 World Cup and two more multi-nation tournaments to make it eight events in eight years. Graves broadly made three specific points as to why ECB will not be able to support the move. First, their own bilateral engagements will be compromised; second, concern about workload and health of their players; and third, an extra ICC event in a particular year will take sheen off the ICC World Test Championship final. “The impact of the proposed schedule on ICC events on bilateral cricket

is a serious concern for the ECB. The proposed schedule risks compromising the time available and thus value and integrity of the bilateral cricket calendar for all member boards,” Graves wrote in his communications to Sawhney. Graves mentioned that “increased frequency of ICC world championship” will devalue it further. The second issue about players’ welfare was also specifically mentioned by Graves. “ECB cannot support a schedule where our best players need to play more than they currently do. “Players’ welfare is primary concern to the ECB

and current proposal requires that international players are likely to have fewer days to prepare and rest,” he stated, reminding that the global body should also be concerned about “mental and physical wellbeing” of players just like member Boards. The third and final point raised is ECB’s commitment to long term health of Test cricket. “ECB cannot support a proposal that seeks to play an additional ICC Men’s event in a year where the ICC Men’s World Test Championship is scheduled as it risks devaluing World Test Championship and future health of Test cricket,” Graves said.

FUTSAL

FINAL

Sparta Boss celebrate winning this year’s GT Beer ‘Keep Yah Five Alive’ title, following a thrilling 4 – 3 come-from-behind win over rivals, Gold is Money

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‘Jackie Chan’ stars as Sparta Boss take GT Beer ‘Keep Yah Five Alive’ title Fifteen-year-old Verma, Mandhana hurt Windies Page

Shafali Verma receives the Player-of-the-Match award from former West Indies captain Verena Felicien (CWI photo)

Colin France

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‘Ballers’ excite on opening night of Rawle Toney/Mackeson 3X3 Classic Dave Causeway about to drain a 4-point shot over Flame Throwers’ Michael Richards on the opening night of the Rawle Toney/Mackeson 3X3 Basketball Classic

Strong boxing team named for Caribbean Championships

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019