17th November, 2019
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‘The grass greener here’ No.105824
… Justice Cummings-Edwards tells UG graduates
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… Valedictorian charges students to look beyond race, religion and other biases 02
A section of the graduands at the University of Guyana Convocation on Saturday (Delano Williams photo) Partners and media operatives signing the banner to indicate their commitment to joining the campaign to bring awareness to road safety (Adrian Narine photo)
Central Rupununi Serious 18 Tourism sector 19 village harvests its crimes down records 8% growth first rice crop PAGE
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centre pages
… police report decrease in robberies, more narco prosecutions
– THAG President reiterates calls for ban on wildlife trade
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
‘The grass greener here’ … Justice Cummings-Edwards tells UG graduates … Valedictorian charges students to look beyond race, religion and other biases By Jared Liddell
CHANCELLOR of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Saturday evening, encouraged graduates of the University of Guyana to stay here and develop this country. “You and I know that you have dreams and you have goals, and those dreams and those goals have led you to this institution, the University of Guyana. We know, too, that you have talents, you have abilities, and you have skills. However, I am sure that you would have recognised that your talent alone is not enough, it is not enough to get to your goals, to achieve them or to get to them. By just having those talents it must take something more, and that something more, ladies and gentlemen, must be discipline, and I dare say you have displayed discipline, you have been focused, you have prepared and you have persevered,” was the charge given by Justice Cummings-Edwards, at the final session of the university’s 53rd Convocation Ceremony held at the Turkeyen Campus.
each able to achieve them.
Guest Speaker, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards Saturday’s graduation saw the largest batch of graduates in the university’s history with 1,985 students receiving their degrees and diplomas. Justice Cummings-Edwards congratulated the students on facing their trials that they may have experienced, noting that all university students would potentially have to face these while trying to balance school, family and work situations. She expressed her pride that the graduates stayed strong, and ensured that their eyes were centred on their goal until they were
GREENER PASTURE The top Guyanese judicial officer advised the graduates that their knowledge and qualifications would be pivotal in shaping Guyana’s history, saying, “There are predictions about the country’s wealth which tells us that the grass is greener here; there is no need for you to go abroad and look for greener pasture. As graduates of the school of entrepreneurship, business innovation, and faculty of Health sciences and social sciences, and other areas, I encourage you to take advantage of what is here in Guyana. I am confident that you have the required skills and knowledge, the requisite skillset and values to go out there and to make a difference, and I’m sure that you can do it.” She further advised the students to keep moving forward from this point, noting that although this achievement is a major one, they must always have a thirst for knowledge and that they must pursue that knowledge so that they would have con-
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo poses with graduates in the Master’s Programme: Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, Chairman of GNNL, Juretha Fernandes and Vice President of the Guyana Public Service Union, Dawn Gardner. Also in photo is GPSU President, Patrick Yarde tinued growth.
VALEDICTORIAN With 36 A’s, Karishma Narain made history as she attained a 4.0 GPA and being named one of two valedictorians. The other is biology student, Shane Rampertab. (see other story on page 3). Narain, from the School of Medicine, was also the recipient of the President’s Medal at the afternoon session of UG’s 53rd Convocation. She expressed her emotions on being the valedictorian, saying, “I never pictured this moment before and if you had told me this five years ago when I started medical school, I would have said let’s go visit Dr. Harry. Well, I only heard on Thursday evening and I couldn’t believe it, cause this is not something that I ever expected or that I was actively working towards, so I was a bit surprised, shocked, and then of course, elated and extremely happy.” Narain related that the decision to pursue medicine, although she was exposed to the medical field all her life due to her father being a medical doctor himself, was a difficult one. After completing a diploma in chemistry at UG’s Berbice campus in 2001, she was faced with the decision of persuing dance or
medicine as a future career, and, of course, she chose the latter; this she explained, was due to the love she had and the feeling she got when she was able to bring relief to persons who were in need of medical attention. Look out for each other She charged the graduates to always look out for each
would see a healthier, happier population.” Finally, Narain offered a small piece of advice to students all across the country, saying, “I usually tell people I’m not a super smart person; all that I have done is to study from early on, always and consistently, and find a method of studying that would work for
Commissioner of Police Leslie James DSS, receiving his Commonwealth Master’s Degree in Public Administration (Delano Williams Photo) other, saying, “We all struggle, different struggles maybe, but we’re all fighting some battle; I urge you to look beyond race, beyond religion and any other biases you may have, see that the person next to you is a struggling human just like you and attempt to be a part of their support system no matter how big or small a role we can play in their lives; eventually we
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo presenting Best Graduating Student, Karishma Narain, with the President’s Medal (Delano Williams photo)
you because different methods would work for different persons, and once you find something that you are comfortable with and its working for you, you stick to it and just do your best. What is your best might not be someone else’s best, so just do your best, as long as you put your best forward, you can achieve all that you set your mind to, and sometimes even those thing you would’ve never thought possible.” Among the 1,985 graduates of this year’s graduation ceremony, Commissioner of Police Leslie James DSS, DSM also graduated with a Commonwealth Masters in Public Administration. Mr. James, who was appointed to the helm of the Force on August 30, 2018, during his visit to the various policing divisions at the time while he was pursuing his Master’s, urged the ranks to pursue higher learning and commended those who had already done so, either from the University of Guyana or other tertiary institutions.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
‘UG must be transformed’ … new chancellor urges creation of ‘new geography of learning’ –– as close to 2,000 students graduate
–– two named valedictorians –– graduates urged to protect integrity of qualifications By Navendra Seoraj THE world is changing with every day that goes by and this change encapsulates everything from the social services and health services, to the delivery of local education, which must be improved if there is to be a new “geography” of learning, especially at the University of Guyana (UG). This was the assertion of newly installed Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Dr Edward Greene, as he addressed the 53rd convocation ceremony of the university at the Turkeyen campus on Saturday morning. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo attended the convocation. Additionally, Dr Greene said that he is ready to work with stakeholders within and outside of the university to
The 10th Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Edward Greene (Carl Croker photo)
One of the two valedictorians, Shane Rampertab, receives the President’s Medal from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo (Carl Croker photo) build what he called, “the accountability to the future.” “The accountability to
Valedictorian Shane Rampertab shares a moment with his family at the 53rd Convocation ceremony
the future means understanding what the core values of the university are and promoting them; enhancing creativity through a new geography of learning; and building a viable and relevant university that makes a difference to our community, nation, Region and the world,” said the new chancellor. Among some of the core values of the university are to increase access to education based on talent, not circumstance; to establish diversity by catering to students from upper and lower- income families, high-achieving high school graduates, traditional age students, returning students and students who are differently abled; and to also reject attempts to silence open debates. Other core values include facilitating the search for meaning as a never-ending quest for always interpreting and redefining the status quo; rewarding those who are looking for betterment and those for whom an answer yields the next question; and most importantly, condemning and penalising practices that combine teaching too little, costing too much and neglecting
students. Professor Greene said the university must give due consideration to the new geography of learning that breaks down silos by designing course offerings that increase and build on the principles of free enquiry and lifelong learning. As the university continues its search for the right
approach, he said: “There are useful models of higher education around the globe, some are like our experience, while others are not…a common tendency is for narrowing the distance between fields of disciplines; forging interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches; grasping the intertwining of the arts and sciences and striving to produce knowledge itself, since it is the most important connector of us here and the world at large.” Elaborating on connectivity, Professor Greene said another dimension to the new geography of learning is to collaborate. The chancellor believes that the university and students must examine how relationships
can be used to make a difference. The university has already taken steps to improve the delivery of education and make a difference, and among those steps is the introduction of the PhD in Biodiversity. Greene said programmes such as those “fit the bill” of being transformational, and preparing graduates for a future that must confront the challenges of Global Warming and Climate Change. “A university is a place of philosophers, artists, analysts, scientists and activists… it provides an enabling environment for posing questions of ethics, discovering the truth and See page 8
A section of the graduands at UG’s 53rd Convocation ceremony (Carl Croker photo)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 17, 2019
Protest erupts over Iran petrol rationing Protests have erupted across Iran after the government unexpectedly announced it was rationing petrol and increasing its price. At least two people have been killed. Prices rose by at least 50% on Friday as subsidies on petrol were reduced. The authorities say they want to free up money to help the poor. Iran is already suffering economically due to stiff sanctions imposed by the US after Washington decided to pull out
of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. One person was killed during protests in the central city of Sirjan. State news agency Irna said there were clashes with police when protesters attacked a fuel storage warehouse on Friday and tried to set fire to it. Several more people were injured. A protester also died in the city of Behbahan. Other cities were also affected including the capital, Tehran, Kermanshah, Isfahan, Tabriz, Karadj, Shiraz, Yazd,
Boushehr and Sari. In several cities, dozens of angry motorists blocked roads by turning off car engines or abandoning vehicles in traffic. Videos posted online purportedly showed motorists in the capital, Tehran, stopping traffic on the Imam Ali Highway and chanting for the police to support them. Another clip shows what appeared to be a roadblock across the Tehran-Karaj motorway, hit by the season’s first heavy snowfall. Other videos spreading online show clashes between security forces and protesters, and banks burning in several cities. Some pictures appeared to show police stations aflame in the southern city of Shiraz. Speaking on Iranian state
TV, Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri blamed a “few disruptors” for the protests. He urged people to distance themselves from those who - in his words - want to show their opposition to the Islamic system. He also accused the protesters of having “roots outside the country”. Under the new measures, each motorist is allowed to buy 60 litres (13 gallons) of petrol a month at 15,000 rials ($0.13; £0.10) a litre. Each additional litre then costs 30,000 rials. Previously, drivers were allowed up to 250 litres at 10,000 rials per litre, AP reports. The revenues gained from removing subsidies on petrol will be used for cash payments to low-income households, the
government says. The head of the Iranian Planning and Budget Organisation, Mohammad Baqer Nobakht, said that from this month, 18 million families would get an extra cash allowance as a result of the price increase. The new measure is expected to bring in 300tn rials per annum, he said on state television. President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday that 75% of Iranians were currently “under pressure” and the extra revenues from the petrol price hike would go to them and not the treasury. Iran has some of the world’s cheapest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and the fall in value of its currency. It is also one of the world’s largest oil producers, with exports worth billions of dollars each year. But it has limited refining capacity and sanctions
have made it difficult to obtain spare parts for oil plants. Sanctions were reimposed last year after US President Donald Trump abandoned the landmark nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers. Under the accord, Iran agreed to limit its controversial nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for sanctions relief. Since the US left the deal, Iran has been gradually stepping up its nuclear activity in breach of the accord, though it has consistently denied wanting to develop nuclear weapons. The sanctions have led to a sharp downturn in Iran’s economy, pushing the value of its currency to record lows, quadrupling its annual inflation rate, driving away foreign investors and triggering protests. (BBC)
SUNDAY 17 November, 2019 05:30hrs ~ 07:00hrs
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 17, 2019
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Bolivia death toll rises amid pro-Morales protests
The death toll in Bolivia continues to rise after violent clashes between security forces and supporters of former President Evo Morales. On Friday, security forces opened fire on supporters of Mr Morales in Sacaba, killing at least eight people. A doctor in the city told the Associated Press that most of those killed and injured had bullet wounds. The country’s national ombudsman said a total of 19 people had died since the disputed election on 20 October. On Saturday, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet warned that violence in Bolivia could “spin out of control”. “Repressive actions by the authorities... are likely to jeopardise any possible avenue for dialogue,” she added. Amid claims of electoral fraud, Mr Morales resigned on 10 November and later fled to Mexico. On Friday, before the violence in Sacaba, he told the BBC that there were no meaningful charges that could be brought against him. He was responding to interim President Jeanine Áñez, who said he could be prosecuted if he returned to Bolivia. Mr Morales had previously said he was willing to return to Bolivia in order to restore peace. He also told US broadcaster CNN that what happened in Sacaba was “a real massacre”. Ms Áñez, who declared herself interim president on Tuesday, has already broken ties with Venezuela and is
Former president Evo Morales described what happened in Sacaba as a “massacre” (BBC photo)
sending home more than 700 Cuban medics. The moves are meant to show that the interim government is distancing itself from Mr Morales’s regional left-wing allies. Hospital director Guadalberto Lara told AP that most of the killed and injured in the central town of Sacaba had bullet wounds. Witnesses said police opened fire on protesters calling for the return of Mr Morales to Bolivia.
Separately, an AFP correspondent said five supporters of the former president were killed, after seeing their bodies at a local hospital. The deaths were later confirmed by interim minister Mr Justiniano to local journalists. On Saturday, three more deaths were confirmed. Also on Friday, riot police fired tear gas to disperse protesters in La Paz, the country’s administrative centre,
Mr Morales, 60, has said he was forced to stand down but did so willingly “so there would be no more bloodshed”. But his resignation triggered clashes around Bolivia between his supporters and police. In Friday’s interview with BBC Mundo, Mr Morales said: “What charges can they bring against me? Electoral fraud? “Do I administer the electoral commission?” he continued, arguing that several members of that body were key opposition figures. Mr Morales also rejected the idea that he could be banned from any future vote. “If I want to return, it’s ‘Evo can’t come back’. Why so much fear of me?” he asked. Ms Áñez, 52, is a qualified lawyer and a fierce critic of Mr Morales. She was previously director of the Totalvision TV station, and has
been a senator since 2010. As the deputy Senate leader, Ms Áñez took temporary control of the body last Tuesday after Bolivia’s vice-president and the leaders of the senate and lower house resigned. That put her next in line for the presidency under the constitution. The appointment of Ms Áñez, an opposition senator, as interim leader has been endorsed by Bolivia’s Constitutional Court. Ms Áñez has said she wants to hold elections as soon as possible, denying that took place against Mr Morales. The US has recognised her as the leader, saying it looks forward to working with Bolivia’s interim administration. Mr Morales has branded Ms Áñez “a coup-mongering right-wing senator” and condemned the US recognition of her interim rule. In the country, reaction to Ms Áñez’s assumption of
power has been mixed. Mr Morales, a former coca farmer, was first elected in 2005 and took office in 2006, the country’s first leader from the indigenous community. He won plaudits for fighting poverty and improving Bolivia’s economy but drew controversy by defying constitutional limits to run for a fourth term in October’s election. Pressure had been growing on him since contested election results suggested he had won outright in the first round. The result was called into question by the Organization of American States (OAS), a regional body, which had found “clear manipulation”
and called for the result to be annulled. In response, Mr Morales agreed to hold fresh elections. But his main rival, Carlos Mesa - who came second in the vote - said Mr Morales should not stand in any new vote. The chief of the armed forces, Gen Williams Kaliman, then urged Mr Morales to step down in the interests of peace and stability. Announcing his resignation, Mr Morales said he had taken the decision in order to stop fellow socialist leaders from being “harassed, persecuted and threatened”. (BBC)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Free University Education
PRESIDENT Granger has made education his signature policy proposal, going into the 2020 elections. Whatever the occasion, he finds a way to inject his ideas and plans for education. This is, of course, very refreshing at a time when political leaders tend to privilege economics as an end itself. Granger discusses education as a means to various ends, including social mobility and economic liberation. His is a holistic intervention; he brings to the issue a passion born out of personal experience and political vision. He is not talking simply about education reform, but about a new and revolutionary education trajectory. The president has already promised the return of free university education, should the Coalition be re-elected. This is a timely and sensible move. Those who are old enough would remember the success of the previous incarnation of this policy. Many of those who today occupy the top echelons of the professions can trace their mobility back to the introduction of free education, from nursery to university. Indeed, many of
those persons came from underprivileged backgrounds. Societies like Guyana need more, not less, education, but it also needs expanded access to that education at the highest levels. Of course, free university education must mean an upgrading of the quality of education. Some have argued that the institution of free education would lead to a further decline in the quality of education. They contend that when students don’t have to pay for education, they tend to take it for granted. We do not believe this to be universally true. However, it is imperative that care be taken to ensure that this does not materialise. It is possible to have subsidised education that is of the highest quality. There has been much debate about the state of tertiary education in Guyana. The unions and the student body have bemoaned the myriad problems at the Turkeyen campus of the University of Guyana. The lack of adequate wages for workers at all levels, and the substandard physical conditions of the campus are two of the more burning
issues that the previous government failed to satisfactorily address. There has also been criticism of the research capacity of the university, and the failure to attract more top-flight faculty. What is needed is a university with the capacity to meet the demands of a changing country, and a knowledge-based world. The university must be a nursery for the kind of skills needed in an oil-and-gas economy; it must graduate students with the capacity to cope, first and foremost, with the imperatives of our country and region. In other words, the university must be geared to play a vanguard role in training leaders in all areas of national endeavour. Towards this end, the accent on science education is necessary and welcome, but it must be complimented by a rigorous humanities and social science curriculum. The university must also be a leader in the major discourses about national and regional development; it must be the primary think-tank in the country. In the early days of its life, UG was a centre of discourses on
the country’s socio-economic and political condition. This should be encouraged and revived; students should leave the institution as well-informed and well-rounded citizens. We note the appointment of a new Chancellor at the university in the person of Professor Edward Greene; he brings to the position a wealth of experience and expertise in higher education and regional and international public service. He joins UG at a critical period in both the university’s and the country’s life. One hopes that his presence would engender new optimism at the institution, and move it in the direction envisaged in the president’s vision. We are confident that the president’s initiative would go a long way towards facilitating the renewal of the University of Guyana; he has laid out the vision, and has shown that a government under his leadership would follow through on his promise. No other president in recent times has taken on the role of education with such commitment. Guyana will be the better for it.
AFC’s public political posturing is concerning … the interest of the people matters Dear Editor, THE impending national and regional elections in Guyana loom large in the minds of Guyanese at home and all over the world. Not surprisingly, this acute interest in Guyana’s upcoming elections also seems to be attracting the interest of many non-Guyanese and external political interests. It is no secret that Guyana’s recently discovered and announced “oil mine” might be partly responsible for the kind of interests that are suddenly emerging. As these various emerging interests compete for political and strategic position, the coalition government is negotiating a renewal of its political arrangements. Sadly, these negotiations are playing out, almost daily, in the public domain. The tenor, tone and political posture of these negotiations are broadcast in press conferences and news reports. It appears that the AFC believes that making its demands public might advance that party’s political interest and ambition. In fact, we saw this type of strategy play out four years ago, so the party must feel confident in employing it again, probably because of their belief in its success. My concern however, is, how can any serious coalition partner engage in this kind of public charade at such a critical time in the coalition/government’s history? Do those engaged in this “public charade” understand the effects of their actions on coalition sup-
porters and the Guyanese people? Do they care that other political interests and aspirants are gauging the tone of these negotiations in order to sketch out their own strategy, propaganda and campaign? It is unclear why one party would take the ‘sticking points’ of these negotiations into the public domain; unless of course they believe that there are some residual political benefits to be had. It is concerning that the press conferences and news reports are advanced to intimate or indicate the AFC’s political positioning, instead of advancing a concern that aligns directly with the interest of the people? Personal political or party interest must take second place to the interest of the people. Can the AFC explain how its demands, touted in the public domain, are in the best interest of the people and the coalition? While supporters of the coalition and people of Guyana are hoping that the coalition remains intact to defeat the internal sabotage which happened December 20th last year, at least one player in the coalition appears to be taking action to diminish that hope. Does the AFC have other intentions? In my view, one of the most critical concerns of the coalition should have been centred on the question of a rogue MP. The devising of a system to ensure that a Member of Parliament cannot simply bring down a duly elected government by a single vote, is a very important matter. It is also an issue
that is causing some nervousness among ordinary Guyanese who fear that the country can sink into a state of uncertainty by the single action of an MP. The CCJ’s ruling on that issue has major implications for the future and stability of the executive branch of government in Guyana, unless there are constitutional changes. The coalition and its partners by now, should be able to report to the people of the steps taken to prevent a repeat of what happened last December. I am surprised that the AFC did not take the lead on this matter. Is the AFC comfortable with a situation where any MP, for any reason can decide to use his/her one vote to collude with another parliamentary party to bring down the existing government? This issue will undoubtedly affect any government, be it a PNCR led or a PPP/C led. The ruling, in my view, can result in some MPs feeling overly powerful due to their one vote. At a time when the oil-industry is set to make a major economic impact on the nation, the temptation to use that one vote for unscrupulous intentions can be greatest. The concept of ‘conscience vote’ can become more loosely and liberally used, hence the need to guard against this reality cannot be more urgent. The question of how MPs will be selected and who heads the party’s list will now be of utmost importance for parties. So, the public political posturing and grandstanding by the AFC are quite confusing, given the bigger issues the coalition faces. Many Guyanese have sacrificed a lot to get to a point where some semblance of
normalcy has returned. Many lost their lives for simply expressing their fundamental freedoms, remember Courtney Crum-Ewing. Many people have suffered great personal loss! It is, therefore, unclear that the AFC does not seem to see how its own actions, in attempting to advance its own self-interest may have the potential to insult those personal sacrifices. While I have no problem about people, parties and individuals looking out for their own interest, I firmly believe that self-interest cannot take precedence over the interest of the people. I am not sure what the AFC hopes to achieve by bringing the coalition’s negotiations public. However, what I know is that this strategy can be very injurious to the very coalition it claims to want to be a part of. The AFC is not the largest party in the coalition, but for some reason it feels that it must project itself as if it is. There can be no denying of what the AFC’s strategy is, but will that strategy help or hurt the coalition? The answer to this question is anyone’s guess! Does the AFC’s interest align with the interest of the larger coalition? Will the AFC rethink its strategy and embark on an approach that focuses more on the interest of the people? Will personal and partisan political interest and ambition take a back seat to the interest of the people? I will have to wait and see! The interest of the people matters! Sincerely Lurlene Nestor
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Sugar unions, GuySuCo must return to the bargaining table Dear Editor, THE recently announced wage/salary and allowances increase is not the first time a government announced same without the agreement of the union. This practice of imposing a ‘tek wha yoh get’ policy started under the anti-working class Bharrat Jagdeo administration. Continuing to breach what ought to be an inviolable practice, the coalition stands the risk of being labelled a Granger ‘tek wha yoh get’ policy. The latter also serves to undermine fundamental labour practices and collective bargaining. During the Forbes Burnham administration, while there were engagements between the government and trade union in determining wages and salaries, in the event the parties did not arrive at an agreement during Christmas, the government announced an interim increase and allowed the negotiation to continue. Today, workers continue to struggle to have their right to associate with a union of their choice respected, and have that union engage in collective bargaining on their behalf, even though the Constitution offers them that protection. Whereas the pay hike and other allowances are noted and welcomed, it must not be ignored same that were arrived at without regard for time-honoured principles and laws. To the issue of sugar and the claim that these workers have not been paid an increase, this matter is not only about this being likely or not, but the absence of collective bargain-
ing which requires sitting at the table in an environment of mutual respect, hammering out issues, and arriving at an agreement. Recently the union representing these workers turned up at negotiation with GuySuCo’s management and whipped out placards addressing concerns. Even though this may be seen by some as a PR gimmick and is not the norm, it does not violate any law. Given that the action was out of the norm, even if management had been taken unawares and had adjourned the meeting, the adjournment should have been used to review the importance of that meeting to workers and a stable industrial environment; the right of those to protest; and whether any laws were being violated, among other things. Outside of that management’s action played into the hands of the protesters and may be seen by some as the lack of good judgement, demonstration of intolerance and opportunity taken to exercise power. The management and union must return to the table and engage in the process of collective bargaining consistent with their Collective Labour Agreement (CLA), at the conclusion of which an agreement would be arrived at. When labour practices create all these animosities in itself, it stands the risk of becoming the most singular destructive force to social cohesion. We must return to upholding the principle of engagement and respect the workers’ right to representation at the negotiation table. During the Forbes Burnham and Desmond Hoyte administrations, even when young canes were being burnt in the fields and scab
labour was sent in to seek to save the remnants of the crop when sugar workers were on strike, collective bargaining was never discontinued. Without getting into the details of the loss to the economy on this matter, others before have done so in details as reference is made to the late Dr Tyrone Ferguson’s book, “To Survive Sensibly Or to Court Heroic Death: Management of Guyana’s Political Economy, 1965-85.” Some may argue that after the change of government in October 1992, the burning of young canes had ceased, but that is beside the point here. The essence of this argument is even in most trying times the door/room for engagement was never closed. Notably, what is happening in sugar is also happening in mining (BCGI/RUSAL and Troy Resources) and elsewhere which is developing a labour culture where the Grievances Procedures in the respective CLAs are not being allowed to work. This act is being facilitated by the Labour Department. Also, while the contempt may have started under the Jagdeo administration, it continues unabated in this current administration. This gives rise to the concern raised often by me about non-adherence to time-honoured principles, international conventions, Rights and the Rule of Law. This is even more concerning in an environment where there is an absence of a Labour Policy Framework and ministry of labour that would have clear-cut policies. It is not lost on me that in the coalition arrangement the AFC has ministerial responsibilities for agriculture (sugar) and natural resources (bauxite, gold etc); the WPA for
Sweeper/Cleaners deserve pay hike Dear Editor, THE announced increases to wages and salaries of public servants are indeed welcomed, I am very sure, by its well deserving recipients. They will be spending a very merry Christmas, especially in anticipation of BUDGET 2020, WITH FURTHER GOODIES. However, without fear or favour to none, one must opine that if there is any category of the nation’s workers that truly deserve regularisation, recognition and final reward for the years of hardship which they have endured, because of being outside of the net of earning decency – it is the sweepers and cleaners of the government offices and state schools. Editor, it is wonderful, and humanely just that these very hard-working people, often looked down upon, be finally given the decency of earnings which they would have only dreamt of, year after year, of their dusty chores of preparing a salubrious and habitable environment in which the nation’s public servants do function. This must also extend to the hundreds of state schools which accommodate our children for the greater part of their day. Many years ago, pre 2015, an incident of this category of the nation’s workers, protested at Fort Wellington
for the poverty and insulting wages which they were then earning. One was dumbstruck when the then figures were mentioned - below $15,000 per month. Promises were made by then president Bharrat Jagdeo, to look into the matter with a view of correcting this more than glaring anomaly. But, nothing happened. To be precise, this particular category is mostly of a particular category that is perceived as non-supporting of the PPP/C; thus, one should not be surprised at the non-action status exhibited. This contention is represented by the fact that the Guyana Public Service Union(GPSU), since 2003, had made representation to the then government for this grave injustice to be remedied, but nothing changed. For years, these workers who are mostly single mothers, were being paid below the minimum wage and some were not entitled to benefits from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). Some of these workers were paid roughly for six hours per day at $312 per hour, even when they work longer periods – which is the case every day as they are tasked with maintaining a sanitary condition in the schools. This was an unchallenged example of the PPP/C’s callous approach to the welfare of the State’s workers. It was not until 2017, under the auspices of the coalition A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change
(APNU+AFC), that steps were taken to bring this discriminatory treatment to State schools sweepers/cleaners to an end. This meant that for the first time this category was to be on par with the national minimum wage, as well as have deductions made from their earnings for NIS purposes. Prior to that, they were debarred, because deductions were not made. This resulted in many not being eligible for NIS benefits, particularly the opportunity of becoming pensioners. Other benefits since given, as a matter of right, include vacation, and allowance that goes with such. It is certain, these and other benefits would have been as a result of a 2018 Ministry of Education budget proposal which was reportedly used as a base for finally bringing regularisation, not only to these personnel in the Ministry of Education, but also across the wider spectrum of the Public Service. No doubt that these steps would have brought all members of this category to parity with the new minimum wage of $70,000 as announced by the President. Again, the government has demonstrated that every category of Guyanese worker is entitled to the good life. Regards Carla Mendonca
the public sector, and the PNC for education. Strangely, these are the sectors that continue to experience the violation of Collective Bargaining. The Department of Labour’s political head is Minister Keith Scott, of one of the smaller parties. Scott is the junior minister within the Ministry of Social Protection headed by Minister Amna Ally, who is of the PNC. It is left for one to wonder whether Scott is acting independently and therefore left to create these untenable situations. It is evident that whereas the coalition is advocating social cohesion, same is missing within their ranks, particularly as it relates to a common labour policy, programme, intent. They have to fix this. A historical review of labour in Guyana will demonstrate amongst the first things the Government of Guyana did on achieving independence was to join the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and sign on to Conventions Nos. 87 and 98, which are the Right to Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining. After coming out of the sordid history of slavery, indentureship and colonialism, where basic rights and freedoms for people were denied, this marked a major achievement in our quest to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace and wider society. One wonders whether this valuable practice has been lost by the coalition and more particularly the PNC, whose legacy as a working-class party is being undermined. Regards Lincoln Lewis
Parties should delay the Cummingsburg talks and call out their supporters Dear Editor, ONE continues to be dismayed by the belligerence of the AFC in the talks on a new Cummingsburg Accord. Yes, negotiations are often tough, but the AFC’s use of threats, ultimatums and grandstanding I find upsetting. These tactics do not come across here as toughness; they smack of “spoilt-childness”. And, if I am the average APNU supporter, then this feeling might not be that limited. In contrast, APNU portrays a public image of calmness, patience and quiet resolve. In a word, maturity. The next election is indeed the mother of all elections in Guyana and we need the coalition partners to band together. The sensitivities surrounding the Cummingburg Accord, therefore, have to be carefully managed. The AFC has lazily allowed the perception (whether based in reality or not) to foster that it has lost support among critical voting blocs. The party has not to date used its political and PR assets to effectively counter this damaging narrative. Has the AFC addressed this issue in the negotiations? Has it submitted a plan on how it intends to recapture and build on its electoral support? It would help the party’s public image to do so. Notwithstanding, the two partners should postpone these talks for a few weeks. Use the time to call public meetings of their supporters to discuss the political stakes and to do a reality check. APNU supporters, I am sure, would want to hear from, and talk to, their leaders who are close to the heartbeat of the party, such as Volda Lawrence, Amna Ally and Aubrey Norton. After both parties have had this internal conversation and reality check, let the negotiations resume with more maturity and honesty. Yours faithfully, Sherwood Lowe
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Caribbean Voice is a PPP front group masquerading as mental health advocate Dear Editor, THERE was a time when I was very popular among the PPP supporters. On social media, friendship requests from those in red were literally becoming mountainous like the Pakaraimas. They saw me as another convenient token; another $60,000, five-minute government critic. Little did they know that I was just being objective -- calling a spade a spade. If the government did good then I was happy to compliment them, but would not hesitate to reprimand them if there was a need to. That’s foreign to them. All of them. One of the characters who sent me a request on Facebook was Annan Boodram, a Guyanese who resides in America, and plays a critical role in articulating Caribbean Voice views, in the print and electronic media. Of course, I accepted because I do not see colour or race. Annan was curious about this apparent enigma, so he would engage me in regular facebook chats. Little did he know that he was opening up himself to deep scrutiny by the former QC chess player. I played my moves after a detailed thought process. I found out that Caribbean Voice is apolitical, essentially was established to address mental health issues. My turn to provide some information, Trump-like quid pro quo. “ I am a doctor.” That impressed him, so a request was made for me to join. Still in chess mode, I requested a pause before I commit to my next move. He concurred. I recognise this marriage may be difficult since I have much to lose. I requested a prenup, “please provide me the list of those
holding senior positions in Caribbean voice.” I sense an unease akin to a nervous digital deep inhalation. Procrastination was Annan’s next move. Weeks of procrastination. The list came, I scrutinised it like Justice Singh. The list was bloated with only PPP party members. Just to be certain, I checked the meaning of the word apolitical again. The list was lengthy, but I can recall Dr Frank Anthony and Gail Teixeira were among the PPP members. I continued my forensic examinations and discovered that no government representative was on the list. Claims and objections my next option. Claims and objections I did. Why no member of the government is part of this very important group? I queried. Annan assured me that he had extended invitations but they all had refused. It did not make sense, so I hit the pause button. Then something interesting happened in Guyana. Bharrat Jagdeo’s third term ambitions were burnt to ashes in a crematorium in Trinidad. Many were unhappy and voiced it on facebook. Annan was also livid. No ordinary livid. Fire dragon livid. He argued that the CCJ is predominantly blacks, so they would never support an Indian case. I was shocked, so I engaged him to have a better understanding of his tangled thoughts. He was in no mood for turning and I was in no mood for burning bridges, that is. He also went on a rant about the 400+ blacks who were murdered under Jagdeo’s watch. He said it never happened and it is a fiction of our imagination. Shocking! I decided not to join Caribbean Voice, since I sensed I will be outnumbered and voiceless.
Why I bring this up now? A few months ago the government was championing, and rightly so, the positives they have achieved since in power. One area identified was reduction in suicides. The PPP- aligned Caribbean Voice would have none of it. They came out, steaming from both ears in a hyperpyrexic state, shouting “it is not the government.” It was their brilliant work. Does it really matter who orchestrated this reduction? I don’t think so. Why would Caribbean Voice be so anal about grabbing the accolades. Simple. They are an arm of the PPP. Mr. Editor, you would know that on the back pages of the Chronicle there are many suicide lines; this was initiated under this government. I had reason to contact them when a relative of mine was experiencing a mental health crisis. They were very professional. Very professional. They contacted my relative directly and within 48 hours she was able to see a counsellor. Again, that is this government’s initiative. I say this not to give the government brownie points, they don’t need it, but to highlight the fact that Caribbean Voice under Annan’s guidance, that is masquerading as a mental health advocacy group, is actually an arm of the PPP. Here is my main reason for writing today. It is to address a letter written once again by Caribbean Voice that is in the Kaieteur News. The letter is titled, “What constitutes an anti-suicide campaign?” This was in response to a headline in the Chronicle titled, “Minister Broomes on ‘anti-suicide’ campaign at Linden schools.” Caribbean Voice then wrote a lengthy, likely googled, epistle of what constitutes a suicide campaign.
There was just one problem. Anti-suicide campaign was in uplifted commas; therefore, the term should not be taken literally. Minister Broomes recognised this, the author of the Chronicle article recognised that but the author for that PPP-aligned Caribbean Voice did not recognise this. That’s OK. That problem can be easily solved. Next time the uplifted commas would be coloured conspicuously red, the author’s favourite colour, so it can be easily recognised. Finally, to Caribbean Voice. Before you try to lecture any of our ministers, I would suggest that you work on your grammar and punctuation. Stop being google psychologist and google mental health counsellors. Do that and you risk being drawn out from your enclave for a public humiliation. Mental health is a very serious issue. It is not an issue to score political points on. Minister Broomes was consoling kids who had endured two suicides this year. What has Caribbean Voice done? If that organisation really wanted to help, they would have reached out to Minister Broomes and those kids. They never did. They rushed to debate psychological semantics in the media while many take their lives. Shame on you. Shame on all of you. You wish to challenge someone, then leave the honourable hard working minister alone and challenge me; let me give each and everyone of you a well deserved intellectual public-stripping. Regards Dr. Mark Devonish MBBS MSc FRCP(Edin) FRCP(UK)
‘UG must be ...
From page 3
confronting the human and social significance of our changing relationships with the changing world,” said Professor Greene.
VALEDICTORIANS He believes that UG is on a trajectory to development and one indicator of this is the increasing enrolment, which moved from 154 students in 1963, to 1, 100 in 1981 and to over 8,000 in 2018. The first graduating class in 1967 consisted of 32 and included 28 males and four females, while this year, the graduating class of 1,918 persons included 610 males and 1,008 females. Despite the results, there was a balance between the slots for best graduating students, as the positions were shared by a medical student, Karishma Narain, and a biology student, Shane Rampertab. Narain and Rampertab attained GPAs of 4.0 and were recipients of the President’s medal. “The results show that females are outperforming males, but it reminds us that males and females in this 2019 class have been blessed with far greater opportunities to higher education than that of the previous generations,” said Professor
Greene.
PROTECT INTEGRITY OF QUALIFICATIONS In that regard, he said it is imperative that graduates see themselves as the product and a part of the investment in higher education and to protect the integrity of their qualifications. “A qualification is only a blunt instrument unless you go forth and build something with it,” said the chancellor; he added that persons must use their qualifications to break down barriers of divisiveness inherited from generations, that have left scars of racial conflict. Graduates must also aspire to dismantle the coarseness that has crept into social discourse and to heal the rupture that has become ingrained into the political culture. Valedictorian Rampertab in his address also stressed the importance of graduates making a difference in society; he noted that Guyana is on the cusp of the most influential development in the country’s history with the advent of oil and gas. “As graduates of the university, we are charged with the responsibility to ensure that corruption is
Some of the graduands who were conferred with their degrees, diplomas and certificates during UG’s 53rd Convocation ceremony (Carl Croker photo) averted…we cannot fall into the trap of corruption, nepotism and favouritism, we must say that it stops with us…it is easy to say corruption is rampant, but we cannot afford to be complacent,” said Rampertab. In an influential speech which was punctuated by loud cheers, he said it is time for the graduates to be the change they want
to see. “If you want something, to get something done you have to do it yourself…it is applicable as we move to the next step… we cannot sit idly by and complain, we must be the pioneers of change and you must hold yourselves accountable,” said Rampertab.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
OUR UNIVERSITY, OUR PRIDE I FELT deep emotion and pride as I attended the 53rd Convocation for the presentation of graduands which was held yesterday, in two batches, at the University of Guyana’s Turkeyen Campus. I was honoured, on behalf of President Granger, to present the President as well as the Prime Minister’s Medals to four of the best graduating students. This year just under 2,000 students graduated in several disciplines, the vast majority being females. UNFORGETTABLE OCCASION It was for me an unforgettable occasion to see teachers and nurses, mostly girls and women, graduating especially in education, medicine and public administration. I saw pregnant would-be mothers graduating, so they could better take care of their own needs, and to provide for their future. It was therefore fitting that the feature address was delivered by Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, Guyana’s first woman Chancellor of the Judiciary, who exhorted the graduands to remain in Guyana since “the grass is greener here.” The positive show of determination and discipline by our women scholars should send a strong message to our society that it is time for Guyana to advance the United Nations sustainable goal of women comprising one-half of both the National Assembly and the Cabinet. At a time when controversies rage over fake degrees, I am pleased to say that President Granger and I, as well as several Minis-
ters of Government, are authentic graduates from the University of Guyana. And in our midst, is a large contingent of highly qualified women ministers and parliamentarians! NEW CHANCELLOR During yesterday’s ceremonies, the distinguished Guyanese and West Indian scholar, Professor John Edward Greene, was installed as the new Chancellor of our national university. This university started in 1963 at Queens College with just over 50 students graduating in 1967. I was honoured to be associated at that time with persons from the first batch, such as Dr Martin Boodhoo and Dr Perry Mars, in forming the country’s first national students’ association, which was short-lived. Since then, after the university moved to its present Turkeyen Campus, it has seen rapid expansion to the Berbice Campus and, through extra-mural classes, to Anna Regina, Linden and New Amsterdam. Last year over 8,000 students were enrolled, some for on-line studies from which the first batch graduated yesterday. From the university’s records, some 22,000 students have graduated from this national institution. Tuition was initially free up to 1994, after which a revolving fund was established to provide long-term, repayable loan to students. With emphasis on education during the Decade of Development that President Granger has announced, and given anticipated additional revenues from oil
production, Guyana should be able to re-introduce free tertiary education as a constitutional right. QUALITY OF EDUCATION The policy to improve the quality of education nationwide, and to make it both affordable and accessible, remains one of the strongest messages of this Coalition Government that it really cares for the welfare of our people, and a secure future for our children. Over the past four years, there has been a virtual revolution in Guyana’s education system. We have, in more recent times, seen phenomenal improvements in passes at examinations, resulting from government’s Three A Policy (Access, Attendance and Achievements). In recent years over 1,000 new teachers have been trained, some of whom have opted for higher education at the university. New incentives have been put in place for our teachers and other public servants. These include increased clothing, station and hinterland allowances, as well as a big pay rise. Graduates in the Public Service can now look forward to earning more, as the increases announced last week have placed cumulatively, salary hike at 77% over a four-year period. Minister Jordan has said that, once oil proceeds continue to flow, salaries will be improved “now and for ever more.” Indeed, the grass will be greener in Guyana for all working people. The monthly minimum wage has jumped from just over $39,000 to $70,000 in less
than five years! Some may argue that it is not enough, but gone are the years when public servants had to eke out a livelihood on mere pittance and, as shown in a 2011-2015 human development index, over 40% of our people were on the poverty line. That was during the Jagdeo-Ramotar administrations. GOLDEN FUTURE We have not as yet arrived at the ideal position to keep at home all of our newly qualified and trained personnel, but our government has been working hard to ensure that those on the job have more disposable incomes. For example, thousands of employees have been taken off the Income tax list, as those earning annually $780,000 or less do not pay personal taxes. For 2018, as well as 2019, the salary increases are retroactive to January, and are paid as a tax-free lump sum. It was this Coalition Government that reduced the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 16% to 14 %, and expanded the list of VATFREE goods. Workers could now stretch their dollars. The lead taken by government also assisted workers in the private sector, which upped the minimum wage to $225 per hour. Of course, the private sector could argue that it could pay more as a result of a reduction by this government in corporate tax from 40% to 25%. As we welcome the new university graduates into the work force, we can assure them with confidence that a viable, golden future awaits them.
No food shortage at ARMS
REGION TWO’s Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Denis Jaikarran, has assured that the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School dormitory has sufficient food and ration to feed the 106 children currently housed there. He was, at the time, addressing residents at the Riverstown community meeting during a ministerial outreach. He informed the gathering that a media house was spreading fake news concerning the lack of rations at the school. Jaikarran said the media house is trying to create mischief in the public and he condemned same. He, therefore, used the opportunity to clear the air, noting that all dormitories in Region Two are fully stocked to cater to all children and explained that at no time was he contacted by any supplier in relation to the issue. Meanwhile, at another engagement, Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley met with residents of Henrietta and surrounding villages in Region Two. There, she pointed out the positive changes which the Coalition government has brought to the lives of residents in the past four years. The
increase of the minimum wage, pensions, vast improvements in the education, agriculture and health sectors were highlighted, the Department of Public Information has reported. Minister Sarabo-Halley disclosed that there are several areas in which the village will benefit in 2020. She reminded that Guyana is opening up, and soon more resources will be available with the production of oil. To this end, the Public Service Minister encouraged the villagers, especially young people, to focus on qualifying themselves and improving their skills so as to benefit. Residents of Henrietta applauded when the minister announced that the streetlights that were promised are available for installation in various locations within the community. Among the issues raised was the absence of public convenience for vendors plying their trade at the high bridge in Anna Regina, despite vending fees being collected daily. Minister Sarabo-Halley assured that reports on the various issues will be forwarded to the subject ministers to find the best possible solutions soon.
Minister of Public Service, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley during her engagement with residents of Henrietta Village, Pomeroon-Supenaam
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Public servants drawing …the Coalition will win big in down big March, Jagdeo is panicking IT is becoming clearer by the day that the Coalition will win the upcoming elections. Even the PPP seems to be adjusting itself to that reality. Indeed, they are hoping that the Coalition leaders do not hammer out an accord. This teacher begs to differ. There will be an accord and the APNU+AFC Coalition will contest and win the elections. When the shadow boxing and hardnosed negotiations are over, the revised Cummingsburg Accord would be in place. Mark my word. This past week Jagdeo has again threatened to take to the streets. This has now become the PPP’s routine course of action. It is the act of first and last resort. The aim, of course, is not to register righteous resistance. The promised protests are meant to muddy the election waters, to create instability and cause the postponement of the elections and then blame the Coalition. That is how sore losers behave. They telegraph their impending defeat by creating the conditions to cry foul. The PPP and Jagdeo are up to no good. The have a weak presidential candidate who was handpicked by Jagdeo at the bidding of a group of rich businesspeople. Irfan Ali was not the choice of the PPP leadership or supporters. He was imposed on the party. The PPP has polling that shows the party losing the election partly because Irfan Alli is the presidential candidate. Many PPP supporters don’t care for
him as president and they are telling this to pollsters. So Jagdeo is panicking. They have now floated the idea of Jagdeo as Prime Ministerial candidate. This is desperation. That ploy cannot fly anyway because the PM is president in waiting and Jagdeo cannot serve another term. But to think that they would even put this idea out there shows how desperate they are. The PPP’s ship is sinking, so they are clutching at straws. Jagdeo tried to make light of the recent salary hike for public servants. The salary increases represent a knockout punch to the PPP. They have been preying on dissatisfied public servants like vultures. Now the public servants have been given some of what they deserve, the PPP has lost another limb on which to climb. Public servants now have a living wage. If you calculate the numbers, no government has given so much to workers in so little time. They can’t deny that. The PPP has lost another fight. These are the numbers; numbers don’t lie. Public servants earning between $100,000 and under $1 million will receive an 8.5 per cent increase, while those earning below $100,000 will receive a 9 per cent increase in their salaries. Public servants earning $64,220 and below will receive an additional $69,336 in their December pay cheque. Public servants who received the old minimum wage of $64,220 will benefit from both the 9 per
cent increase in the minimum wage, and the additional $69,336 in excess of their base salaries. Station allowances for public servants receiving same will be increased by over 260 per cent from $2,800 to $10,000, while hinterland allowances will be increased by between 100 per cent and 600 per cent, from between $4000 and $12,000 to $24,000, depending on the class of public servant. Public servants risk allowances will be increased by 900 per cent from $500 to $5000, while the uniform allowance for health sector workers will be increased from $13,000 and $22,135 to $15,000 and $30,000. The minimum wage has increased by 77 per cent since the Coalition took office in 2015, when the wage stood at $39,540. Then they tried the other day to smear the WPA with the Rodney issue. The PPP’s Chief Whip sought to whip up a frenzy after the WPA made clear that it would not be blackmailed out of the Coalition. The good Comrade Gail waxed lyrical about how Jagan loved Rodney. Ogunseye waded into her. But it was the esteemed Elder Kwayana who let her have it. Kwayana does not speak much these days, but when he does, he clarifies so much for Guyana. Like the Political Teacher, he brings to bear lots of wisdom. The PPP would jump to the high heavens if the succeed in getting the WPA
to leave the Coalition. But that aint look like it’s going to happen any time soon. The teacher is ready to predict a big win for the Coalition. More PPP supporters are crossing over to the Coalition. The polls are showing this. These are mostly younger people. They are telling the PPP one thing and doing another. They like the fact that the Coalition gives them a breath of options from which the choose. These young people are turned off from Irfan Alli and Jagdeo. They don’t like Jagdeo’s coarseness and Alli’s unpreparedness. These PPP supporters say Alli would form a micky-mouse government. After all the huffing and puffing, the new parties have settled down to the inevitable—they know the Coalition will win. They know that they are being used by the PPP to undermine the Coalition support. But they realize that Coalition supporters are not buying their story. Only Badal and Hinds are still trying a thing—they are trying to buy votes with their big money. Al they are talking about is taxes. But takes don’t win elections. So, the Coalition will win the elections. They will win 35-37 seats. There is still work to be done, but they will win. They have better ideas and policies. They have a better top man. They have a better support cast. The are talking to more people. They are the better choice. And there is nothing Jagdeo can do about it other that threaten mayhem.
Number of accidents, road fatality down – traffic chief
THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department has reported a four per cent decrease in accidents and a six per cent decrease in road deaths from accidents for January-November, compared to the corresponding period last year. This is according to Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles. Isles was at the time speaking about measures by the Force to ensure the safety and security of residents during the
Christmas season at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary on Friday. He noted that in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) – the East Bank Demerara Sub-Division (Region Four (B)) — special systems have to be put in place since this is a section where most of the serious accidents have been recorded. “If you look at the statistics, it would show that in 2018, there were 16 accidents with 24 deaths and in 2019, we have 17 accidents
with 25 deaths. So special emphasis will be placed in that area. In addition, we can look at Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), we had 14 accidents with 14 deaths in 2018 and 15 accidents with 15 deaths in 2019,” the traffic chief said. The period November 15, 2018, to January 15, 2019, saw a decrease in traffic accidents. “We had 22 fatal accidents in 2017 with 22 deaths and in 2018, we had 22 accidents with 23 deaths, which is a reduction. But we know that one death is far too many, so we are looking to have a reduction
during the Christmas period. We know this is a period where persons normally imbibe and drive, so we will do extra educational programmes. We will continue to enforce the laws against driving under the influence of alcohol,” the traffic chief said. Isles also noted that between 2017 and 2019, thus far, there have been over 34,000 vehicles registered in the country with 2017 recording 10,697; 2018 registering 12,321 and up to November of this year, there were 11,614 also registered. He pointed out that this means that there are many
more drivers on the roadways while noting that the majority of the fatal accidents occurred as a result of persons driving under the influence of alcohol. “This offence we have seen an increase in fatalities with persons driving under the influence of alcohol. Almost 90 per cent of our fatal accidents are caused by persons driving under the influence of alcohol and a combination of speeding”. Isles added that the GPF Traffic Department will be upping the ante to condignly deal with drivers who are caught driving under the influence.
Traffic Chief, Superintendent Linden Isles
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Understanding Energy
Breaking down Guyana’s share of first oil
ENERGY Department Director Mark Bynoe’s press conference last week provided a wealth of information and updates for Guyanese curious about first oil next month and general preparedness. Amongst other items, he explained how the first “lifts” of oil will be shared and highlighted that the government is already looking for an agent to market and sell Guyana’s share of profit oil. Guyana will lift its first cargo of petroleum produced at the Liza Destiny during February or March. This follows a handful of lifts by the Contractor Group, which includes ExxonMobil, Hess and CNOOC. The order follows international conventions for a “fair” lifting order that goes by whomever has the next largest entitlement percentage at that time. The government will have the largest outstanding entitlement to lift by February – though of course royalties will be paid on all of the earlier cargoes. During all of these lifts and for all future lifts, the oil-lifting process will be monitored by both independent third-party auditors and two additional government representatives. Dr. Bynoe’s remarks have drawn criticism for the fact that Guyana will receive less than 50 per cent of the first round of production later this year. Such criticisms do not, however, consider production holistically and overlook the critical cost recovery mechanism in the Stabroek PSA. Per the terms of the 2016 PSA, of volumes of oil produced and sold, 2 pe cent will immediately go to Guyana as a royalty. Then the operating companies receive 75 per cent of profit oil to be put towards the recovery of expenditures made over recent years to explore, drill and build the facilities that make production possible. That’s dollar recovery for dollar spent without profit or interest. That leaves a final 25 per cent which is the “profit oil,” to be split between Guyana and the oil companies down the middle. It is important to note that the 75 per cent cut is only in place until costs are recovered, just a few years down the road. After that, nearly all of the oil produced
will be considered “profit oil” and will be split evenly. By that time, Guyana will also be producing substantially more oil—around a quarter-million barrels every 8-10 days from the Liza Phase 1 project alone, according to Dr. Bynoe. The factors account for recent statements by officials that Guyana’s revenue streams will not be reaching maximum levels until the mid2020s. While 75 per cent seems like a large figure, consider the concept of cost recovery as an analogy. Two business partners build a factory together and decide to split future profits 50/50, but only one partner pays for the costs of all construction. The partners agree that once the factory starts to turn a profit, the partner who put up all of the funding should be able to recover their investment before either of them can put the money in their own pockets. After all, the funding partner has to pay the contractors, suppliers and workers who helped build the factory. Once those expenses are paid, the partners split the remaining profits. This is essentially the nature of the partnership between Guyana and the Stabroek operators. The deal was made because it attracted investment at a time when few were interested and because it allowed the government to reap half the profits and a royalty without putting any money into the project. Cost recovery is a type of low-risk financing but, in this case, without earning any interest on the money invested by one of the partners. If exploration and production had been a failure, Guyana would not have had to pay a dime. It was a big risk for the companies since about 40 wells had been drilled in Guyana before ExxonMobil drilled its first well. Some countries take alternative approaches, choosing to invest their own money in oil projects and contribute a share of development costs in exchange for an increased ownership stake. Because they take on some of the risk, those countries recover their costs the same as any company if production is successful.
Disorderly miner arrested –– after airline refuses to carry unsecured corpse
A forty-six-year-old miner of Crane, West Coast Demerara was, on Saturday, arrested at the Port Kaituma airstrip for disorderly behaviour after he was refused permission to transport a corpse via a Trans Guyana Aircraft. Passengers onboard the aircraft
objected since the corpse was not secured in a body bag. The miner, during his disorderly conduct, reportedly stood in front of the aircraft in an attempt to prevent it from moving. He was promptly detained by ranks on duty. Police are investigating the incident.
Understanding these provisions and why they exist is vital to mapping Guyana’s path as a major oil producer. This path commences with the royalties that we will start earning on the first cargoes. The
government is contracting a marketing firm to sell [its] share of the oil. The tendering process for that is ongoing but critical agreements will be in place in time for liftings early next year.
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THE PUPPET PRESIDENCY
ON Tuesday, June 26, 2018, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled by 6-1 in favour of presidential term limits in Guyana. The learned President of the CCJ at that time, Sir Dennis Byron, declared ‘Democracy allows for reasonable restriction.’ The entire case, from its litigation standpoint, was fraught with intrigue and subterfuge. The litigant inexplicably disappeared and
the suspected proponent of this scheme denied having anything to do with the case. Guyanese became aware of the fact that somebody was engaging in an unrelenting scheme to defy the idea of term limits with a mindset of holding on to power for life. The paw prints of this enterprise led straight to the leadership doors at Robb Street. The people of Guyana concluded that a former President was not satisfied
with 12 years of power and in his hubris and self-appointed most enlightened one who is the only saviour of the republic, was determined to cling to absolute power. After the conclusion of this case, anxieties over a third-term saga evaporated; it appeared as if the legal process had shut the door on this issue and he who is drunken by power may have ended his plans to execute this machination. This view was brought
into question on November 9,2019, during an exclusive interview on Kaieteur Radio. The PPP’s presidential candidate Irfaan Ali, said ‘I would love to have Bharrat Jagdeo as my vice-president.’ After this development, at his weekly press conference, on Thursday, November 14th, 2019, the leader of the opposition stated ‘Ali wanting me to be vice-president is just his desire; I have not decided.’ These public pronouncements smack of a Shakespearean political drama and certainly reignite the third-term fears. Any political observer of any cerebral consequence cannot help but enquire, are we smack down the middle of a third-term conspiracy in the form of attempts at a puppet presidency? THE EVO MORALES/ BOLIVIAN EXAMPLE Those who seek to defy the principles of the limit of power and are not respective of third-term limits would be well advised to look to Bolivia for the negative example of Evo Morales. He went from the hero of the indigenous peoples, the poster boy of the South American left to an asylum seeker on a plane to Mexico. Evo Morales, the son of a llama herder, won Bolivia’s elections in 2006; he became the country’s first indigenous President. In 2016, he held a referendum on removing term limits; the people, through the ballots, said a resounding ‘no.’ He defied the will of the people and petitioned Bolivia’s top court to throw out the limits. He succeeded and ran for his fourth term, he claimed victory. The people rejected his claims, protests ensued and the Chief of the Bolivian Army asked him to step down. He resigned and this completed the rise and fall of a South American leader with much promise. For all intents and purposes of this documentation, readers should see the nexus between Morales’ downfall and
SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
our political circumstance. Those obsessed with power normally try to fight the legal system to get their way and when this fails, they engage in Putinesque enterprises to seek power through the backdoor. Sadly, it appears, Guyana is amid this phenomenon. THE ORIGINS OF A DESIRE FOR LIMITLESS POWER Lord Acton shall be forever quoted, ‘power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts absolutely’. New research is shedding light on the disease of power and why humans are afflicted with this condition. In a recent study published in the ‘Journal of Applied Psychology’, Katherine A Decelles, a Professor of management at the University of Toronto, concluded that people’s sense of ‘moral identity’ shaped their responses to feelings of power.’ Simply put, power does something to humans, some can overcome the trappings, and others can’t. In Guyana, there is no doubt that we have got to furnish ourselves with understanding this phenomenon, because we have a national political figure who is unprecedentedly obsessed with power. This comes from a place of megalomania that may be induced when one has tasted the perks of power. Psychologists also conclude that few can reverse this obsession without clinical intervention. This is another reason, one cannot be deemed as unreasonable if it is concluded that Guyana cur-
rently faces this sad state of affairs. PUPPET PRESIDENCIES AND THE THIRST FOR LIMITLESS POWER Puppet Presidency is a scenario where a person, elected or selected, retains a title and is furnished with all the pomp of state but who, in reality, has no power. That power resides with powerful interests in the form of an individual, powerful interests or a state that controls every decision made by this person. That person essentially presides over a puppet state. A puppet President provides a mechanism through which there can be the backroom exercising of absolute power. Perhaps, the best modern example can be seen in Russia’s political affairs. When Putin faced term limits, he used Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev to keep a grip on power. The thirst for absolute power never stops or sleeps. It is no surprise that Guyana’s coming elections have this issue inadvertently on the ballot. CONCLUSION The answer to the question captioned above has to be yes. This is the conclusion of every Guyanese. Men, who engage in these political shenanigans, proceed from the assumption that the people are stupid and cannot see through these connivances. It is for this reason, it becomes a national duty to ensure they do not succeed, just to prove we are not idiots.
Five parcels of cannabis seized from taxi; domestic worker arrested RANKS on duty at the Berbice River Bridge police checkpoint on Saturday around 07:15hrs stopped and searched a hire car and found five parcels of suspected cannabis, which when weighed amounted to 2,350 (
two thousand three hundred and fifty grammes). A 48-year-old domestic worker of High Dam, Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, was arrested and is being processed for court.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Veterans anticipate conferral of legal status VETERANS are anticipating the tabling and enactment of the Veterans Act 2020 and the establishment of a Veterans Commission as recently announced by Commander-in-Chief President David Granger. This was disclosed by President of the Guyana Veterans Legion Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) George Gomes during his remarks at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony
which was held on Friday. Attended by serving officers and ranks, former Chiefs-of-Staff and other former officers, and scores of ex-GDF servicemen and women, the ceremony was held at the Veterans Monument at Base Camp Ayanganna. Gomes explained that, with the passing of the Act and the establishment of the Commission, legal status would accrue to all GDF veterans. This, he said, would
allow for national budgetary allocations to be made in service to the veterans’ community. He thanked the GDF for its continued support of the Veterans Rest Home, but called for abolition of the fees for accommodation of veterans at the facility. Gomes said some 111 veterans live as “shut-ins” and suffer a range of debilitating illnesses and specialist medical care is needed for those former military per-
Acting Chief-of-Staff, Quartermaster General Colonel Godfrey Bess and other senior military officers interact with the veterans
sonnel. Meanwhile, Quartermaster General Colonel Godfrey Bess, who is currently performing the functions of chief-of-staff, lauded the service of the veterans during his address to the assemblage. He said: “Guyana remains a unitary and indivisible state because of the courage, competence and commitment of those who served in the military. The suppression of the Rupununi Rebellion and the defence of the New River Triangle, exemplified your military proficiency. Without your selfless service and commitment to the development of this noble institution, we would not be where we are today! It is for this reason that we salute you. Thank you for your service!” Colonel Bess also recognised that officers and ranks who serve today, have much to glean from the demonstrated bravery of the
President of the Guyana Veterans Legion Lieutenant-Colonel (ret’d) George Gomes lays a wreath at Friday’s ceremony veterans, even as the force marches steadfastly into the future. “You served with distinction. You wore your uniforms with pride and dignity, and your moral values are our strength,” he said, before presenting the GDF’s pledge
of $1,000,000M (one million dollars) to President of the Guyana Veterans legion, Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) George Gomes. After the wreath-laying ceremony, the veterans lunched with the uniformed officers and ranks.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
APNU+AFC doesn’t discriminate –– AG tells West Berbice residents
ATTORNEY General Basil Williams on Friday recounted the efforts of the government in providing amenities for a better quality of life in communities across the country, many of which he said were neglected during the 23-year tenure of the previous administration. Williams was among several ministers who held meetings in the Mahaica-Berbice Region 5 on Friday. He was at the time addressing residents of Zee Lust Edderton and Mon Choisi villages on the West Coast of Berbice. “There is no community in this country that had been previously marginalised in those 23 years where some positive development has not touched over the past four years,” he said. Adding, “… if you didn’t have community streetlights in 23 years, you have lights in quite a few now; if you never had water in 23 years, you have water now; if you never had good streets in 23 years, you have some provided now; if canals were not cleaned in 23 years, they are being cleaned now; trenches and canals are being dug now under our watch.” AG Williams also drew attention to the provision of transportation - buses, boats, bicycles, breakfast (meals) and books, free of charge to the nation’s children to ensure they have easy access to education. In more recent developments, he spoke of the increase to the minimum wage. “In a mere four years, the salaries of public servants have moved from a minimum of $39,500 per month in 2015 when the
Coalition Government took office, to the current minimum wage of $70,000, with the increases being granted retroactively from January 2019.” He reminded the residents of the reality of oil production and urged them to learn as much as they can about the oil and gas industry and its implications for Guyana. “We are a rich people; that cannot change. The world is excited about the huge quantities of oil in Guyana, and I hope you are excited also. You have bright children, make sure that they are educated so that they can eventually take over the reins of this industry.” He said: “I urge you to put your best foot forward to ensure that you partake in the patrimony of this country.” During the community engagement, residents raised individual concerns ranging from the need for extension of potable water supplies to newly occupied areas of the villages, the need for cadastral surveys to regularize the boundaries and alignment of freehold lands in the villages, the need for support for the sports ground and recreational facilities and telephone landlines for the community. The AG promised to alert the various agencies involved in the provision of these services, for them to take action soonest. RETURN TO THE SOIL At Ithaca residents were encouraged to transform their community by taking to the soil. During a community engagement Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix charged the residents: “Ith-
ica, create a plan, work on that plan and transform your community, get into farming, and give back to your country. Our country will be welcoming oil and gas but farming is very essential.” Minister Felix reminded that Agriculture is one of the most important productive sectors of Guyana’s economy and food is essential. Therefore, the sector remains a key focus of the Coalition Government even with the advent of the profitable oil industry. He also advised several farmers present at the meeting to consider expanding their businesses by diversifying their crops and going into the export business. The minister noted that the Caribbean is a lucrative market to take advantage, and noted that they must “up their game” and consider venturing into agro-processing. During the interactive session held at the Ithica Primary School on Friday, residents also spoke of the changes they wished to see in their community. A group of young football players also grasped the opportunity to relay to Minister Felix, the issue of an incomplete recreational facility in the community. He reassured the youths measures will be put in place to have the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones intervene into the matter, for timely completion of the facility by year-end. Also, among the residents was 68-year-old, Janet Grannum who said for many years she was living without receiving her old age pension. However, “thanks to a previous community meeting held earlier in the year,” Grannum said, “my concern
Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix interacts with residents of Ithaca was raised before Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott who promised he would assist me and today I am pleased to say I am finally getting what was owed to me.” After hearing Grannum’s testimony, the minister told the gathering that the government’s promises may not be fulfilled in a day, but with time and commitment, the people of Guyana will be served. STABILITY RETURNS Meanwhile, Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, addressing a capacity crowd at Golden Fleece also on the West Coast of Berbice told her audience that the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, since taking office in 2015, have returned stability to the nation. She explained that though the government is functioning in an ‘interim mode,’ it is in adherence to the Constitution of Guyana. The State Minister emphasised that government’s policy of having citizens
involved in the decisions affecting their communities has been realised in the hosting of two Local Government Elections (LGE) since taking office in 2015. This is in comparison to none under the former administration which was in office for a much more extended period. Reflecting on the recently announced salary increase for government employees, the minister chided the opposition for criticising the administration for not paying the Christmas bonus to members of the joint services. She explained that move will see the members of the Disciplined Forces and public servants receiving an increase to their monthly salary instead of a “one-off” bonus at the end of the year. According to the State Minister, the current administration has demonstrated a push towards providing a better for all Guyanese, and
to that end, the country has seen a significant increase in the minimum wage - a total of 77% over past four years. “When one looks around, there is evidence of development implemented by the current administration in the form of better roads, improvement in the quality of service in the public sector in general with the education sector,” Minister Hastings-Williams said. These, she noted, was achieved despite the challenges the current administration faced on entering office; reminding her audience of the enormous debts the Coalition inherited and were obligated to honour. The residents, while commending the administration for the improvements seen in the community, did state some areas of concern, and were assured that the relevant authorities would address such matters in good time. (DPI)
TSU rank, others still in custody for airport gold heist CRIME Chief Michael Kingston has confirmed that the police constable and others, who were part of a gang of masked men that robbed a Brazilian on Tuesday at the Matthew’s Ridge airport of a quantity of gold, are still being questioned. Kingston said the suspects were flown to the City on Thursday. On Friday morning, the police sought an extension from the High Court to keep them in custody so that detectives can do their work. The policeman at the centre of the investigation once worked at the Criminal Investigation Department but was transferred from that department after he got into an incident that warranted an internal investigation. Cops in Division 1, Region One, on Tuesday, arrested three persons, including a businessman and the police constable attached to the Tactical Service Unit, following the robbery. The police rank, at the time of the robbery and his arrest, was not supposed to be in that division. The men were arrested following an intelligence-led operation. The police also discovered a vehicle which was carrying several containers of fuel and a quantity of raw gold suspected to be proceeds from the heist. During intense interrogation, the businessman buckled and eventually admitted that he was the mastermind of the crime. He then took the police detectives to a location where he handed over arms and ammunition. The items handed over included two 9mm pistols with magazines, one AK47 assault rifle and magazine, a quantity of ammunition for the three weapons, a GPS tracking device and a camouflage jacket.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Gov’t ministers on outreach in Corentyne … hear complaints about state of community roads, GuySuCo pension system
SEVERAL government officials last Friday fanned out in communities across the Corentyne urging residents to cooperate with their local authorities to fix some of their issues and also assuring that the coalition government is committed to their welfare. At Williamsburg, a community located in Rose Hall, Region Six, residents were called on to collaborate with their regional body to advance the development of their community. The charge came from Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock. The minister
serve the needs of the people. He, therefore, urged the residents to have more engagements with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and Town Council on the issues. “You have to be more proactive, partner with the regional body and get the work done… it is a partnership in development… We have been working with limited resources to make life better for you… all of the ministries have been working, and we are beginning to see results.” Just before concluding his meeting, the minister reminded that Guyana is developing rapidly, and with
country, you can look and see the development that is taking place… you can see for yourself the changes that are taking place in your country,” he emphasised. Of the several issues brought to the floor, the state of the roads was the most prevalent. Harmon informed the residents that before attending the meeting, he met with the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) where he was updated on the issue. He related that the rehabilitation for the roads will be catered for in the region’s 2020 budget. Other issues included agriculture, employment and
Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon interacting with residents was at the time engaging the residents during a community meeting held on Friday. Among the issues put to the minister, the most frequent was the need for streetlights in certain areas. Violet Lambert, a pensioner, asked for the government’s intervention regarding the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) pension system. She explained that previously, seniors would uplift their pensions from the pay office in the area, however, that system was changed, and pensioners now have to go to the bank. However, Lambert said the seniors are often forced to return at a later date because there is no money available at the bank. Lambert also raised the issue of the maintenance of the drains in the vicinity of the Rose Hall Town Council. Minister Allicock made note of the issues and promised to follow-up with the relevant agencies to have them addressed as quickly as possible. Further, the minister reminded that the administration has restored local democracy with the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE) two consecutive terms. The administration has also been providing the necessary resources so that the local organs can effectively execute their mandate and
oil resources imminent, more funds will become available. He then strongly advised the community to craft plans to benefit from those resources. Minister Allicock’s visit formed part of a larger ministerial fan-out to communities in the region. STATE OF THE ROADS Across Manchester on the Corentyne Coast residents seized the opportunity to ventilate their issues to Director-General (DG) of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon. During opening remarks, DG Harmon stated that since assuming office, the Coalition Government has taken significant strides to ensure there is overall development, in every part of the country. He highlighted that before assuming office, development was occurring in select parts of the country while others were being neglected. “We have developed this country, every part of it, in a manner that was fair and equitable… we are a government for this country.” The Director-General told the gathering at the Manchester Secondary School that Guyana, which is ranked among the top five fastest-growing economies in the world – is on a trajectory of development. “In every sector of this
health. The Director-General listened attentively to the residents as each stood up to highlight their issues. He assured that the matters raised will be forwarded to the subject ministers and will be looked into immediately. Upon the conclusion of the meeting, the residents left visibly satisfied. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT For her part, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings told residents of Sandvoort that Government’s development plan for every region of Guyana is not only about fulfilling its mandate, but also comes from a deep-seated love from His Excellency, President David Granger, for every Guyanese citizen. “We are moving across the length and breadth of Guyana in a consorted effort to listen to your issues, to access those issues, to reach out to all our people to let them see that we are concerned with the establishment and preservation of your wellbeing,” Minister Cummings stated. The minister urged residents to also take full advantage of all opportunities made available to them by the government, especially singling out “education”, as an area
she considered a duty. “If there is one legacy you want to leave for your children, let it be education,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated. Her message is in line with that of His Excellency, President Granger, who has repeatedly emphasised that education is the pathway to prosperity. In the meantime, after listening intently to concerns made by residents regarding the need for more streetlights in the community, and for an enhanced
water supply system, Minister Cummings committed to ensuring these were rectified. Additionally, a guard hut will be constructed at the Sandvoort Primary School to accommodate the security officers, who are mostly females. On the matter of governance and the upcoming Regional and General Elections, Minister Cummings took the opportunity to encourage residents to ensure their names are on the Preliminary List
of Electors (PLE). She also urged residents not to be distracted by naysayers and persons seeking to disrupt the progress made by the government in the last few years. “Do not let the proliferation of political theatre distract you,” She urged. The meeting with the minister is part of a wider ministerial outreach taken to engage residents at the grassroots level, in their respective communities. (DPI)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
De Hoop residents fume over rice-mill dust
RICE-milling operations in the De Hoop, Mahaicony area have become a source of much distress for residents, with them complaining about dust pollution. According to a resident of De Hoop, Mahaicony in
Region 5 (Mahaica-Berbice), “Everybody knows that rice milling creates dust; you don’t have to go to university to know that. Here, we have a rice mill to the windward side of us at Strangroen, Mahaicony. What is being done to en-
sure that this mill prevents dust particles from becoming airborne? “Who is responsible for regulating the activities of this mill to prevent it from causing the kind of air pollution which makes life miserable for everybody on the
Some of the rice husk ashes gathered from a home yesterday downwind side of the mill? daily bouts of sneezing. A “Who is supposed to en- neighbour had to be rushed sure that rice mills operate to hospital for asthma, and without causing air pollu- another, whose eyes were tion?” These are questions clogged by dust, had to which she and irate resi- receive medical attention. dents of DeHoop, Mahaico- And there are homes where ny want answered. And they people can write their names want action taken, because in the dust on their cooking they are being daily plagued and eating utensils. by emissions of dust from “On dry and windy the rice mill to the wind- days, the clouds of dust ward side of the village. from the rice mill descend “This has been happening on the villages in DeHoop for two to three years now,” like a small sandstorm. You Ms. Natalie Persaud, a resi- look to the north-east of the dent, said yesterday. village; it looks like mist. S h e p r o d u c e d a There is dust everywhere.” black-coloured dust which The visibly frustrated she had swept up from the resident asked: “Has the floors of her home and put EPA issued guidelines for in a plastic bag early yes- the safe operations of this terday morning. “This is mill? If so, who is ensuring rice-husk ashes,” she said, that these guidelines are beadding: “I am literally sick ing complied with? Who is of this situation. We can’t protecting the quality of life eat outdoors. Every day we of the people of DeHoop?” have to clean layers of dust The questions were from clothing and furniture. asked during a visit to De Our pets are affected by Hoop by a Guyana Chronidust; my son is affected by cle reporter yesterday. Who
is to ensure that the defaulting miller is punished for ignoring the guidelines? The visit was triggered by a complaint about rice mill dust pollution raised at a recent Meet the People meeting held in the community by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan. One resident complained bitterly about the dust pollution from the mill, and the minister promised to raise the matter with the EPA. The Guyana Chronicle was informed that his office has since sent a letter to the EPA concerning the plight of the residents, and asking that a mutually acceptable solution be arrived at. Another De Hoop resident, Ms. Maylene Singh said that she had been complaining to the EPA about the operations of the mill at Strangroen for the past three years. “No change! The whole thing is getting worse!” she said, adding: “Who is supposed to regulate the operations of this rice mill?” The Guyana Chronicle observed clouds of smoke from burning rice husk in the back yard of the mill around midday yesterday. Ms. Persaud said that she and other residents have had enough. “We want help to resolve this situation… Badly!” she said. She disclosed that residents are calling on the relevant authorities to regulate the activities of this mill or close it down. Residents are now engaged in a signature campaign to drive home their dissatisfaction and disgust with pollution they have to live with every day.
Justice Ian Chang passes away FORMER Acting Chief Justice, Ian Neville Chang, died on Saturday evening at a private hospital in Georgetown after losing a battle with cancer. At the time of his passing, he was a patient at the Balwant Singh Hospital where he was being treated. Meanwhile, His Excellency, David Granger said he was saddened at the death of Justice Chang. Justice Chang, last served as acting Chief justice from 2000 to 2015.
President Granger extends heartfelt condolences to his immediate family members, relatives and friends. Justice Chang, during his tenure, presided over many high profile, controversial and constitutional cases in Guyana. He served as acting Chief Justice for more than a decade. He went off on annual leave in December 2015 ahead of his February 2016 retirement. Ian Chang was also former Acting DPP and former Justice of Appeal.
Retired acting Chief Justice, Senior Counsel Ian Neville Chang Lawyers agreed that Chang love to write judgements that were difficult, challenging, complex and controversial.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Linden nurses heartened at hike in risk allowance –– increase moves from $500–$5000 WEEKS after nurses attached to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC), participated in industrial action in an effort to send a strong message that it is time they receive sufficient risk allowances, the Government of Guyana has announced that nurses and
Relations Officer, Maurice Butters, said that mental health nurses are at great risk in dealing with psychiatric patients and are in need of financial coverage in the event of being injured or attacked by a patient. Registered Nurse, Tiffany Bayley, also expressed similar sentiments and said it is a good initiative and it is highly appreciated. “Nurses put their lives at risk everyday when dealing with patients, whether in the hospital or on a transfer to Georgetown, and I think it is a good move which can motivate nurses regardless of the odds. I am happy that they are taking our efforts into consideration and it is definitely a form of motivation,” she said.
Registered Nurse, Tiffany Bayley other medical practitioners would benefit from an increase in risk allowance from $500 to $5000. Speaking to some of the nurses, they expressed appreciation that the government has listened to their cries and pacified the situation with the announcement. Trained mental health nurse attached to the Mental Health Institution at the LHC, Tricia McKenzie, said she thinks the increase is a good move and expressed thanks to government for providing same. “We are happy for the risk allowance because we never had it before and we are happy about it and we welcome it, compared to $500 that other nurses were receiving in other parts of the country; we welcome it, it is a new venture, it is a good initiative” she said. A few weeks ago, Region 10’s Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU), Industrial
Mental health nurse, Tricia Mckenzie Butters, in an invited comment, said that the allowances are long overdue and much needed by the medical staff since they work under dangerous circumstances. Only last Sunday, a LHC nurse, Eon Reddock, was laid to rest after the ambulance he was in, which was transporting a patient to Georgetown, collided with a motorcar. After his death, calls were made for the allowances to be given, in addition to insurance for
Bandits rob city business employees
FOUR employees attached to a paint establishment located on Water Street, Georgetown, were robbed by three armed bandits Saturday morning. The incident occurred sometime around 10:00hrs. A police report revealed that the employees were on duty at the city business when the armed bandits attacked them. The perpetrators relieved the employees of their cellular phones and an undisclosed sum of cash belonging to the company. The bandits then made good their escape in a waiting motor car that was parked nearby. The police have confirmed the robbery as investigations continue.
nurses. Butters said that in addition to the increased allowance, the government should put in place some kind of addendum for when nurses are injured or in the worst case scenario, killed. “The allowance is good, but we must have some kind of addendum if they are injured,
their medical bill and so forth, must be taken care of,” he said. This was echoed by Nurse Mackenzie, who can be considered a high-risk nurse. She said while the $5000 is appreciated, more must be in the pipe line for nurses and other medical practitioners. President David Grang-
er, last week, announced that health care workers, such as doctors and nurses, will enjoy an increase in their monthly allowances. Station allowances will be increased from $2,800 to $10,000; Hinterland allowances will be increased from between $4,000 and $12,000 to $24,000. Risk allowance
will be increased from $500 to $5,000. Uniform allowance for health sector workers will be increased from $13,000 and $22,135 to $15,000 and $30,000 respectively, and on-call allowance for doctors will also be increased. Meal allowance will also be increased to $8,000.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Serious crimes down
‌ police report decrease in robberies, more narco prosecutions ACTING Crime Chief, Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston has reported that while serious crimes have decreased by 2.5 per cent compared to last year, murders this year saw a 35.7 per cent increase over the corresponding period. He however, said that there has a decrease in robberies and more persons have been charged for ganja smuggling. So far this year, there have been 2,235 serious crimes and 114 murders, said Kingston, who was at the time outlining measures by the Force to ensure the safety and security of citizens during the Christmas season. This year, 63 murders occurred as a result of heavy drinking in mostly hinterland regions. “This is one area that is very concerning to us and therefore we are in the process of having work done with other stakeholders to have this done. In 2015, we had a total of 64, so far for 2019, we are at 63,â€? the crime chief said. He noted that 21 persons were killed during robberies while 12 were killed during domestic disputes. Some 14 perCrime Chief (ag), sons were murdered for Senior Superintendent, unknown reasons and Michael Kingston four were killed execution-style. As it relates to robbery, the crime chief said there has been an overall decrease. In 2018, 1094 robberies were committed; only 976 occurred thus far for 2019. Meanwhile, he noted that the Region Four division accounted for more than 50 per cent of the robbery under-arms committed. The streets, he said, were the number one location for robberies while there were 112 robberies committed in homes, 41 at business places, two in public transportation and three at sea. Other areas of serious crime include the seizure of illegal firearms which saw fewer than the 57 cases that occurred in 2018. It was noted that the firearms are coming mainly from neighbouring Brazil and the US. Regarding trafficking-in-persons, he said there were 31 reports and 29 cases for 2018 while there are 21 reports and 30 cases this year. According to the acting crime chief, since the presence of US federal law enforcement agency, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), there has been a significant reduction in cocaine flowing through Guyana. For this year, only 10kg of cocaine were seized. The seizure at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport has also reduced significantly since 2015. The eradication of cannabis has also significantly reduced this year when compared to last year. In 2018, 204.5 acres of cannabis were destroyed; this year the figure was 82 acres. However, there has been an increase in persons charged with cannabis-related offences. Some 48 persons were charged in 2018 in contrast to 388 charged thus far in 2019.
SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Tourism sector records 8% growth
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––THAG President reiterates call for ban on wildlife trade GUYANA’S tourism sector grew by eight per cent from January to September 2019, and according to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Brian Mullis, “it is only going to get better”. The tourism sector raked in some $62.2 billion and provided 22,000 jobs in 2018, Mullis said at the launch of the Explore Guyana 2020 Magazine at the Movietowne Mall, on Friday evening. Moving off of what was called an excellent
President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar year in 2018, the tourism industry continued to thrive in 2019, attracting major travel media, trade industry insiders and so forth. While some may believe that the increased attention was solely because of oil and gas, Mullis contended that it was because of the sustainable agenda which was adopted by Guyana. As a result of the sustainable initiatives, Guyana received many praises and was even recognised as the best in ecotourism. The country also copped first place for the “welcome back to nature” video; was ranked best in destination stewardship; and was recognised as the leading sustainable adventure travel destina-
and fauna, and can even be used as a tourist guide, since it has month by month features on the major events and festivals in Guyana.
GTA Director, Brian Mullis
tion. “Despite these achievements, we cannot settle for complacency and say we cannot improve. Instead, we must maintain a focus on collaboration,” said Mullis. He added that the GTA’s mission is to scale up the positive social, economic and conservation outcomes which tourism generates. And as the country maintains its focus on sustainability, President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association (THAG), Mitra Ramkumar, believes there needs to be a ban on the trading of wildlife and the commercial use of wild meat. “We cannot call ourselves the number one eco-tourism destination and involve ourselves in unsustainable practices and immorality… as such we are appealing for the ban…we appealed for it at last year’s launch of the Explore Guyana Magazine,” said Ramkumar. The magazine is testimony to the sustainable practices in Guyana and even shows off the rich biodiversity of the country. Ramkumar said the magazine features the country’s rich flora
Director of the GTA, Brian Mullis (left); publisher of the Magazine, Loakesh Singh (second right) and President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar (Delano Williams photos)
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Central Rupununi village harvests its first rice crop
THE village of Quarrie, in the Central Rupununi, reaped its first rice crop several days ago, a staple which supplements the cassava-rich community. According to reports from the village, one acre of rice from the Guyana Rice Development Board’s demonstration plot was harvested last Friday. The GRDB10, GRDB15 and 30-3 types of rice were cultivated and harvested in the area. The GRDB is currently piloting rice demonstration projects in the Rupununi and Quarrie was one of the villages earmarked for the project; the others being Moco Moco
and Shulinab. Last September, Quarrie’s Senior Counsel, Phillip Barreto, expressed appreciation for the project coming to his small village. “We have an acre plus of rice cultivation there now. At the first try, we see this could be done, so it is like an experience for us, and I want to believe this will help in our staple food, it will help the cassava because normally, we only use the cassava as a staple diet and we see now the rice will come in and we are hoping next year we will have
See page 22
Residents harvesting rice from the demonstration plot
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE November 17, 2019
Paddy being dried at Quarrie
A resident packs paddy into a bag after harvesting
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Mabaruma residents propose felling historic rubber trees –– replacing them via massive tree-planting exercise
CITING safety as the key issue at hand, residents of the town of Mabaruma have thrown their support behind the cutting down of the town’s historic rubber trees to facilitate expansion of the roadway at the town. This year there were several debates at Mabaruma regarding the future of the trees after several persons, including motorists, com-
plained about the danger the trees pose to their safety and dozens of residents have signed onto a petition which they hope to submit to the authorities regarding the future of the trees. Several days ago, a meeting was held at the town and an engineer of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure made a presentation on plans by the authorities to expand the
roadway. Reports are that in its current state, two-way traffic cannot be accommodated on the roadway. The presence of the trees, which line the roadway from the Broomes Hill to the Mabaruma Township, was debated at the recent meeting. The trees are located along a section of the roadway called ‘Philbert Pierre
A section of the Philbert Pierre Avenue at Mabaruma with the town historic rubber trees lining the roadway Avenue’; the section of the roadway was named after Pierre who planted the trees. The trees, residents noted, are close to a 100 years old. At the meeting held recently, the MoPI engineer proposed the cutting down of the trees on one side of the roadway and construction of the roadway on each side of the remaining row of trees, but residents disagreed, including Pierre’s offspring, Vibert Pierre, a former regional chairman of Region One. In the minutes of the meeting, which was cited by this newspaper, residents made several suggestions. While they noted the historic nature of the trees, the residents proposed the cutting down of all the trees and the
replanting of rubber trees on each side of the roadway. A massive tree-planting exercise was proposed. It was noted, too, by residents of the town that there is no signage along the Philbert Pierre Avenue. As such, they proposed the construction of arches with Pierre’s name at each end of the avenue. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of vehicles traversing the roadway at the town and residents also propose the construction of speed humps to deter errant motorists. At the moment, the residents of the town are preparing to submit the petition to the authorities as the expansion of the roadway beckons.
Central Rupununi village harvests ... From page 20 a bigger production, and I am seeing that happening,” the SC posited at the time. GRDB’s Rice and Beans Coordinator stationed in St Ignatius, Wilfred McInroy, told the Guyana Chronicle that it was the Toshaos from the villages who requested assistance with the cultivation of a supplement staple. “It is a demonstration where we enlighten people about planting rice. We are not the one that will benefit, they will benefit; we are doing it to help them,” he said. McInroy related that the GRDB is currently testing the soil in other villages to ascertain whether it is rice cultivation-friendly as there are plans to expand the demonstration project in other villages in the Rupununi. Prior to this project, rice was only cultivated in the villages of Moco Moco and Santa Fe in the Rupununi. The agricultural officials affirmed that rice consumption has increased in the Rupununi; thus there is an increase in rice being imported into the region from the coastland and even from Brazil. With Rupununi upping its rice production, this is expected to have a domino effect on the development of the agricultural sector in the region. In addition to rice, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) has commenced a breadfruit project in the region as another supplement staple for villagers.
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Shami leads rout, India pummel Bangladesh inside three days Maloney resets Radical SR3 Qualifying time GMR&SC clash of champions
A clinical performance from Virat Kohli’s side claim an easy victory by an innings and 130 runs over Bangladesh. (Getty Images) NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - India crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 130 runs inside three days after Mohammed Shami led the hosts’ superb display of hostile seam bowling in the opening Test in Indore yesterday. After India declared their first innings on their overnight score of 493-6, their pace attack, led by Shami, claimed four wickets in the morning session to effectively seal the fate of the match. Mushfiqur Rahim, who made 64, forged fifty-partnerships with Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz but Bangladesh
still could not make India bat again and were all out for 213. Spinner Ashwin claimed 3-42 but it was Shami and his pace colleagues who inflicted telling blows from which Bangladesh could never recover. “It’s a clinical performance all around,” India captain Virat Kohli said afterwards. “We were really good with the bat. Playing with five batters with one guy taking responsibility, that’s what we want.” India opener Mayank Agarwal was adjudged Man-of-theMatch for his career-best 243. Earlier, India’s massive 343-
SCOREBOARD BANGLADESH 1st innings
150
INDIA 1st innings 493 declared Mayank Agarwal c Abu Jayed b Mehidy Hasan Rohit Sharma c Liton Das b Abu Jayed Cheteshwar Pujara c (sub.) b Abu Jayed Virat Kohli lbw Abu Jayed Ajinkya Rahane c Taijul Islam b Abu Jayed Ravindra Jadeja not out Wriddhiman Saha b Ebadat Hossain Umesh Yadav not out
243 6 54 0 86 60 12 25
Extras: (lb-1, nb-3, w-3) Total: (six wkts decl., 114.0 overs)
7 493
Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-105, 3-119, 4-309, 5-432, 6-454.
Bowling: Ebadat Hossain 31-5-115-1 (w-3), Abu Jayed 25-3-108-4 (nb)3, Taijul Islam 28-4-120-0, Mehidy Hasan 27-0-125-1, Mahmudullah 3-024-0.
BANGLADESH 2nd innings
Shadman Islam b Ishant Sharma Imrul Kayes b Umesh Yadav Mominul Haque lbw Mohammed Shami Mohammad Mithun c Mayank Agarwal b Mohammed Shami Mushfiqur Rahim c Cheteshwar Pujara b Ravichandran Ashwin Mahmudullah c Rohit Sharma b Mohammed Shami Liton Das c & b Ravichandran Ashwin Mehidy Hasan b Umesh Yadav Taijul Islam c Wriddhiman Saha b Mohammed Shami Abu Jayed not out Ebadat Hossain c Umesh Yadav b Ravichandran Ashwin Extras: (b-2, lb-9, nb-1, w-1) Total: (all out, 69.2 overs)
6 6 7 18 64 15 35 38 6 4 1 13 213
Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-16, 3-37, 4-44, 5-72, 6-135, 7-194, 8-208, 9-208. Bowling: Ishant Sharma 11-3-31-1, Umesh Yadav 14-1-51-2 (w1), Mohammed Shami 16-7-31-4 (nb-1), Ravindra Jadeja 14-2-47-0, Ravichandran Ashwin 14.2-6-42-3.
run first-innings lead convinced Kohli to declare on their overnight score at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium. Kohli wanted his quick bowlers to exploit the early morning conditions and it proved a smart decision as Bangladesh lost both their openers inside seven overs. Umesh Yadav induced Imrul Kayes into a drive, only for an inside edge to crash into the leg stump. In the next over, Ishant Sharma breached the bat-pad gap to send back Shadman Islam. The openers made six each, mirroring their firstinnings score. Mominul Haque, who made seven, survived a review before falling to one which India challenged an original not-out decision after Shami had rapped the Bangladesh captain on his pad. Mohammad Mithun hit four boundaries in his 18 but was jolted by a Shami (431) bouncer which he pulled tamely to Mayank Agarwal at midwicket. Liton and Mushfiqur briefly resisted India with a 63-run stand. Ashwin took a sharp return catch to send back Liton who made 35 and went on to dismiss Mushfiqur as well. Bangladesh were bundled out for 150 in the first innings after opting to bat on a green track - a decision that pleased Kohli who wanted his quicks to exploit the morning conditions on Thursday. “Definitely ... it was a difficult decision,” Mominul said when asked if the decision he made after winning the toss affected the team’s performance. Kolkata hosts the second and final match, which will be the first day-night Test for both sides, from November 22.
REIGNING British F4 Champion and Barbadian Zane Maloney reset the qualifying record for the Radical SR3 Caribbean Cup during the first of the two-day Clash of Champions race meet at the South Dakota Circuit.. The Barbadian produced a 32.748-second time to eclipse his uncle Mark Maloney’s time set last year. He will line up alongside Trinidad’s Luke Bhola, with Guyana’s Krisitan Jeffrey third on the grid. Kristian Boodoosingh will start fourth on the grid ahead of championship leader and Jamaican William Myers. On a rainy Saturday in Guyana, the SR3 was one of the few classes to run their qualifying on a dry track. Elsewhere, Ahmed Esuf of Barbados will start group two on pole ahead of Shan Seejattan, Chet Singh and
Trinidad’s Aaron Achan. A wet weather qualifying meant that drivers had to negotiate puddles of water with times truly not reflective of their pace. Group three will see Barbados Suleman Esuf start on pole ahead of Kevin Deodass, Keith Evelyn and Syed Hassan and Allan Da Silva. In the Group Starlet Cup, Deodass, Hassan and Da Silva will start in that order. For the group four, Barbadian Mark Maloney registered the fastest time of 36.585 seconds, ahead of Guyana’s Andrew King and Christopher Lall and while Kristian Jeffrey did participate in that session, his transponder did not record a time. His dashboard time, however, was registered at 35.15 and the clerk of the course will make a decision this morning as to whether they will accept the time
or not. In the Superbike event, Team Mohamed’s Dan Lindfoot will start on pole ahead of his team mate Harry Truelove followed by Matthew Vieira and Nikhil Seereeram. Richard Cooper, the other Team Mohamed’s rider aboard the supersport bike, registered the second best time of the day, behind Lindfoot. Meanwhile in the four races held yesterday, Narine Dasrat won the first Street Tuner event, Raymond Seebarran picked up the Sport Tuner win, Steven Vieira secured the 125cc class and Dwayne Caesar topped the Street Bike class. More racing action is set to begin from 09:00hrs today with adults being charged $2 000 for entry and kids $1 000.
Over 1500 athletes set to compete at 59th National Schools Championship ..5K race set for this morning By Faizool Deo OVER 1500 athletes will compete in this year’s Ministry of Education, Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) 59th National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championship, which runs off from this morning at the National Park. This top national event is expected to improve this year, according to Competitions Director Ceon Bristol. He said despite a late start all systems are in place for the weeklong event. “We started late as usual, but from the time we started, we moved at a reasonable pace to meet our deadline.” Bristol added that the organisers are trying to be “better and more effective” in their delivery
this year. Students will represent 15 Districts across Guyana, starting with a 5k race this morning on the outer circuit of the National Park. The action then moves to the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora for the 10k battle from 15:30hrs Tomorrow the event continues with swimming and cycling. From 09:30hrs swimmers will compete at the National Aquatic Centre, while cyclists will battle at the National Park at the same time. On Tuesday, action continues at Leonora with the 400m heats and the start of the field events. On Wednesday, the 100m and the 800m heats and finals will take place, while on Thursday athletes will contest
in 200m and 1500m heats and finals. On the last day, Friday, sprinters will run the 400m final. District 11 (North Georgetown) won over half of the events last year in the pool. They amassed 434 points from 27 first-place finishes. Their main rivals, District 10 (Upper DemeraraKwakwani), finished second in swimming with 319 points from six overall wins. Meanwhile, District Six (Corentyne) only just retained their cycling title after a strong challenge from District 10 in 2018. District 10 then performed well on the track and in the field to win the overall title. North Georgetown and District 13 (South Georgetown) were tied for second place overall last year.
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India’s Agarwal credits relaxed approach for prolific run
NEW DELHI, India (Reuters) - India opener Mayank Agarwal credits a relaxed approach for his seemingly insatiable appetite for runs after his mammoth 243 in the opening Test against Bangladesh offered fresh proof of his hunger. Agarwal’s career-best 243 was his second double-century and sixth 50-plus score in 12 innings since the 28-year-old made his Test debut in Australia late last year. A prolific scorer in domestic cricket, Agarwal made 76 on his debut in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne as India went on to record their first-ever Test series victory Down Under. “The fear of failure, letting go of that really helped
especially evident the way he treated the Bangladesh spinners, especially off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz whom he hit for five sixes. “I back myself and you know I was watching the ball well and I was picking it well,” said the right-handed batsman. “I thought why not? There was good bounce on the wicket, so you get full value for a shot. So Mayank Agarwal compiled the second double century of his eight-Test career, against Bangladesh. (AAP) me change a lot of things,” Agarwal told broadcaster Star Sports after India reached 493-6 at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium yesterday. “After that, I just got hungry and hungry, because I know I’ve had
it hard. There have been times where I hadn’t got runs. “Every time I get set, that’s the thing that I keep in my head ... when the going is good, I’m just thinking of making it big.” That fearless approach was
I went after anything that I felt was in my half.” Agarwal forged two 100-plus partnerships with Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja to bat Bangladesh effectively out of the contest. His marathon 190-run stand with Rahane, who made 86, helped India overcome the loss of two early wickets, including that of skipper Virat Kohli, and
stretch their lead to 343 runs. “Obviously he’s a senior pro, he has played a lot of Test cricket for us,” Agarwal said of vicecaptain Rahane. “He was guiding me through. We had lost two quick wickets. So the plan was to get a small partnership and be cautious, but not overly cautious.
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Tsitsipas eclipses Federer to reach ATP Finals title match LONDON, England (Reuters) - Stefanos Tsitsipas stunned favourite Roger Federer to reach the final on his debut at the ATP Finals yesterday, beating the six-time champion 6-3, 6-4 at the O2 Arena. The stylish 21-year-old, the first Greek to qualify for the tournament in half-a-century, soaked up everything Federer threw at him and returned it with interest to subdue the Swiss great. World number three Federer, 17 years older than his opponent, was unusually profligate when his chances came along, failing to convert his first 10 break points. Tsitsipas, who showed no sign of fatigue after a near threehour group stage defeat by Rafael Nadal on Friday, was far more clinical, converting three of his four chances.
Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas in action during his semifinal match against Switzerland’s Roger Federer. (REUTERS/Peter Nicholls) He will play either defending champion Alexander Zverev, whom he has already beaten this week in the round-robin, or Austrian Dominic Thiem in today’s final. Federer enjoyed loud support from the 17 500 crowd and even
at the death he looked as though he might turn it around as Tsitsipas wobbled when serving for the match. Yet it was not to be as the Greek, the youngest of the eight qualifiers, struck another telling blow for
the new generation that is beginning to chip away at the old order. “Wow! I’m so proud of myself today,” Tsitsipas, who began the year by beating Federer at the Australian Open, said on court. “Sometimes matches like this, you wonder yourself how you overcome all those difficulties, all those break points down. “Today’s win is probably one of my best matches of this season. And these are the moments that I always wait for.” Two days ago Federer produced a majestic display to thrash Novak Djokovic and reach his 16th semi-final from 17 appearances at the ATP’s exclusive year-ender. He appeared to be making a fast start when he reached break point in the opening game, only to spoon a forehand over the baseline off a second serve.
That rather set the tone for the match and the sight of him botching two smashes in the next game had the alarm bells ringing. Tsitsipas took ruthless advantage to break with a crisp forehand winner. Federer wasted three break points from 0-40 when Tsitsipas served at 4-2, but the crux of the match came when Tsitsipas served for the opening set at 5-3. A punishing 13-minute game saw a succession of stunning baseline exchanges as both players ratcheted up the power. Federer had another break point which Tsitsipas yanked away with a courageous drive volley winner. Tsitsipas then had six set points repelled by a fighting Federer before bagging the opener on his seventh set point as Federer netted a forehand. Looking rattled, Federer
dropped serve to love early in the second set with a flurry of errors but hit back immediately to finally convert a break point. Tsitsipas barely flinched though, showing remarkable poise in the face of overwhelming support for Federer, breaking again in the next game with a belting forehand. Federer looked jaded near the end and dug deep to hold at 3-5 and at least test Tsitsipas’s nerve. When the Greek miscued a couple of shots and trailed 1540 it looked as though his icecool composure might have cracked but Federer, once again, proved charitable. Tsitsipas battled back and finished it off with his sixth ace.
Poor Pakistan preparation will hurt tourists Down Under SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Pakistan’s hopes of upsetting hosts Australia in their upcoming two-match Test series have been seriously undermined by their poor preparation schedule, former Test batsman Dean Jones believes. The tourists have played three Twenty20s, a day-night tour match against Australia ‘A’ and a two-day contest against a Cricket Australia XI since
Former Australia Test batsman Dean Jones arriving in Australia.
Jones, who played 52 Tests for Australia in the 1980s and 1990s, said it was insufficient preparation for the Test matches in Brisbane and Adelaide. “I blame Pakistan’s cricket board for their horrendous scheduling of this Test series,” Jones wrote in a column in the Sydney Morning Herald yesterday. “Pakistan have not played a Test match since early January. Do they honestly feel playing a
three-day match at night and a two-day match in Perth will get them ready to be competitive against Australia?” Jones said Pakistan’s inexperienced pace bowlers in particular would suffer for the lack of preparation and could have done with some time with the red ball at the venues for the two Tests. “(The) Test matches will be played in Brisbane and Adelaide and their bounce will be
completely different to Perth,” Jones added. “Why didn’t Pakistan schedule a three- or fourday match when their T20 matches against Australia were on in Adelaide or at the Gabba? “Pakistan could have easily put together a decent team to take on a state side while the international T20s were on. “Asian players need at least three matches to get used to our
conditions and this itinerary will not help them much.” Pakistan have never won a Test series in Australia and last tasted victory in the longest format of the game Down Under when they won a dead rubber at Sydney Cricket Ground in 1995. The first Test starts on Thursday at the Gabba in Brisbane, where Australia are unbeaten in Tests since 1988.
Pakistan quicks frustrated after tour match draw Denly shines ahead of likely Test return
PAKISTAN’S raw pace attack have been given a wake-up call ahead of the Test series against Australia after struggling to fire against a youth-laden Cricket Australia XI outfit. In reply to Pakistan’s 386-7 decl’d, the CA XI were reeling at 6-2 in the two-day tour match at the WACA Ground, after Mohammad Abbas and 19-yearold Muhammad Musa struck early yesterday in scorching heat. But Pakistan struggled to make further inroads, with a 122-run stand between Jonathan Merlo (78) and Matthew Spoors (58) frustrating the visitors. The CA XI outfit, featuring just five players with first-class experience, finished at 245-7, with the match ending in a draw. Bradley Hope finished unbeaten on 50. Pakistan batsman Imam-ulHaq went off the field for treatment after jarring his neck
while fielding a ball during the morning session. Although the injury didn’t appear serious, he will be monitored ahead of the first Test, starting on Thursday at the Gabba. Temperatures soared past 40 degrees yesterday, and Pakistan made the hottest of starts to the day after declaring on their overnight score. Jake Carder fell for an 18-ball duck when he chopped Abbas onto his stumps. And Jayden Goodwin made only six before he edged Musa behind, leaving the home side in early strife. But the prospect of Pakistan ripping through the rest of the CA XI line-up was thwarted by fighting efforts from Merlo and Spoors. The brave display was in stark contrast to the powerful Australia A outfit who were rolled by Pakistan for 122 earlier
this week at Optus Stadium. That performance sent a powerful message to Australia about the talent of Pakistan’s pace attack. But they weren’t able to back it up, with a glut of wickets against the CA XI. Naseem Shah, a young quick who had been likened to Dennis Lillee, unleashed some ferocious bouncers yesterday but wasn’t able to snare a wicket. He finished with 0-58 from 12 overs. Abbas (2-22 from 14 overs) was excellent, while Musa (2-32 from 14 overs) was economical. Both Imran Khan, who snared 5-32 against Australia A, and 19-year-old Shaheen Afridi didn’t bowl in the second warm-up match. Asad Shafiq’s unbeaten 101 was the highlight of day one, with teenage spinner Lloyd Pope (5-100) also impressing. (AAP)
JOE Denly has silenced any lingering concerns over his fitness with one of England’s three half-centuries on the second to last day of their final warm-up before next week’s first Test against New Zealand. Returning from ankle ligament damage that threatened to rule him out of the entire tour, Denly registered a battling 68 to lead a recovery after England had lurched to 105-5 against New Zealand A in Whangarei. Ollie Pope was caught behind off a no-ball on seven before top-scoring with 88. Jos Buttler will resume on 13 short of his hundred, with the tourists finishing yesterday at 8-355 in reply to the hosts’ 302-6 decl’d. There were single-digit scores for captain Joe Root and deputy Ben Stokes, dismissed within six balls of each other, as England briefly flirted with
Joe Denly the follow-on, but a 90-run partnership between Denly and Pope steadied matters. Denly, who ended the Ashes as an opener and amassed half-centuries in each of the last three Tests, missed the Twenty20 series against the Kiwis after rolling his ankle on the boundary on the eve of the opener in Christchurch. However, it is anticipated he will
bat at three against the Black Caps in Mount Maunganui, while Pope is expected to make his third Test appearance and first in more than a year at No.6. Buttler, taking over from Jonny Bairstow as wicketkeeper, tucked into a flagging attack later in the day to take England past their opponents’ total amid a flurry of boundaries. (AAP)
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Harry captures 2019 El Dorado Rum golf title
LOCAL golfer Ravindra Harry stormed a star-studded field yesterday to clinch the 2019 Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) El Dorado Rum golf title. Harry beat off a strong line-up of pros to walk away with the crown after finishing with a best Gross of 83 and his Net-winning score of 67 in Flight 10-18. Among those who starred with the club in the 3 Flights, were reigning Guyana Open Champ Avinash Persaud who ended with a Gross 73 and Net 71 and Jaipaul Suknanan Gross 80/Net 71. It was a good showing by the local fraternity who came out as usual to support the
Winners of yesterday’s DDL El Dorado Rum golf tournament
weekly, sponsored in-house
highly-competitive day of
The Open Individual
in Tiwari who won Nearest to
Open, which featured another
golf at the Lusignan Course.
awards were copped by Rob-
the Pin, Alfred Mentore who
captured the award for the Longest Drive and the champ Persaud who ended with the Best Gross of 73. Following the conclusion of the tournament, Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) president Aleem Hussain thanked DDL for its annual support of the sport which, he said, continues to excel with each edition. Meanwhile, El Dorado Brands Manager Maria Munroe shared similar sentiments regarding her company’s relationship with the LGC as well as their love for golf. She thanked the golfers for their overwhelming support yesterday and promised more backing for the sport in the future.
Mohammed 62-ball hundred flattens USA TAROUBA, Trinidad (CMC) – Jason Mohammed lashed an astonishing century as Group B hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force trounced winless United States by 43 runs, to maintain their bid for a semi-final spot in the Regional Super50 Cup. In a game reduced to 30 overs per side at the Brian Lara Stadium here late Friday, Mohammed starred with an unbeaten 101 off a mere 62 balls to propel Red Force to 244 for four. United States made a good fist of the run chase but ended on 201 for seven off their 30 overs with ex-West Indies bats-
Jason Mohammed reached his hundred off the last ball of the Red Force innings.
man Xavier Marshall top-scoring with 31 and Nisarg Patel getting 31. Red Force lie second on 12 points, behind leaders West
Indies Emerging Players also on 12 points, with Guyana Jaguars third on a similar number of points. Choosing to bat first, Red
Force found themselves on 66 for three in the 13th over after left-arm spinner Karima Gore (2-21) removed both openers Jeremy Solozano (12) and Tion Webster (23), and off-spinner Steven Taylor had star batsman Darren Bravo caught down the leg-side for 20. At that point, the scoring rate was just over five runs per over but Mohammed then led a fierce assault on the USA attack to change the momentum for Red Force. The right-hander bludgeoned two fours and nine sixes as he put on 78 off 62 balls for the fourth wicket with Kyle Hope (47), and exactly 100 off 43 deliveries in an unbroken
fifth-wicket partnership with Odean Smith, whose unbeaten 31 came from just 17 balls with three fours and two sixes. Mohammed raced to his first fifty off 45 balls and then needed only another 17 balls to raise his fifth List A hundred. Taking strike in the final over on 85 and with four deliveries left to reach triple figures, Mohammed punched seamer Ian Holland for a four off the third ball, smashed a six off the fourth before being held scoreless off the fifth ball. On 95, Mohammed drilled the final ball of the innings for a straight six, to reach his hundred in sensational style.
Marshall, with five fours and two sixes and Monank Patel, who struck a nine-ball 18, then gave the US a swift start by posting 43 off 32 balls for the first wicket. When Monank and Taylor (1) fell in successive overs, Marshall combined with Aaron Jones (16) in a 47-run third-wicket partnership to restore order. Both fell with the score on 98 in the space of three deliveries in separate overs and despite a 41-run, fifth-wicket stand of 41 between Elmore Hutchinson (23) and Holland (18), the required rate of 13 runs an over proved burdensome.
Ginter the inspiration as Germany clinch Euro 2020 spot MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany (Reuters) - Defender Matthias Ginter scored one goal and was involved in two more as Germany comfortably saw off Belarus 4-0 yesterday to clinch their place at Euro 2020, qualifying for the finals for a record 13th time in a row. The inspired Ginter broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a clever backheel, provided a dummy which allowed Leon Goreztka to score the second and the pass for Toni Kroos to add the third. Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer saved a penalty from Igor Stasevich in the 75th minute and Kroos added a fourth to complete his first national team brace since the 7-1 World Cup semi-final win over Brazil
The German players celebrate after the match.
in 2014. Group C leaders Germany were given a helping hand by arch-rivals the Netherlands who held Northern Ireland 0-0 away to ensure the Dutch and Germans qualified with one match to spare.
Germany have 18 points - from six draws and one defeat - while the Dutch have 16 and Northern Ireland 14. Belarus have four points but could still qualify as they have reached the playoffs of
the Nations League which offers four more places. “I’m satisfied, there were some very good passing exchanges,” said coach Joachim Loew, who took over in 2006 and will be in charge at his seventh major
tournament. “We did a good job. All in all, I’m very satisfied. Kroos is extremely important for the team, he’s always ready to play, always keeps his cool - he’s elementary for such a young team. He does that very well.” As expected, Germany quickly took control although their early attacks were somewhat predictable. They were given a fright when Stasevich’s dipping long-range shot forced Neuer into a difficult save and they went ahead shortly afterwards. Serge Gnabry wriggled past his marker and fired a low ball across the face of goal which was flicked in by Ginter for his first Germany goal on his 29th appearance. Germany increased their lead four minutes
after halftime when Kroos sent a low corner to the edge of the area, Ginter dummied and Goretzka fired home. Six minutes later, Ginter’s pass found Kroos on the edge of the area and he swept the ball home with a trademark first-time shot. Belarus were awarded a penalty when Robin Koch tripped Pavel Nekhaychik but Neuer dived to his right to save Stasevich’s spotkick. Kroos rubbed it in when he collected the ball in the area, spun past his marker, evaded another and fired a low shot past Aleksandr Gutor to complete the rout.
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SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 17, 2019
Seamer Janat floors Windies with five for 11 to level T20 series
LUCKNOW, India (CMC) – West Indies were floored by an exceptional spell from seamer Karim Janat as they crashed to a 41-run defeat to Afghanistan in the second Twenty20 International here yesterday, turning today’s final match into the critical series-decider. Chasing a straightforward target of 148 at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Stadium, West Indies found themselves pegged back early and limped to a disappointing 106 for eight from their allotted overs. Only wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, who laboured for 27 balls over an unbeaten 24, managed to pass 20 as West Indies never recovered after finding themselves me-
Karim Janat celebrates a wicket. (AFP photo)
andering on 45 for four at the half-way stage. Janat, in his first game of the series, proved sensational with a spell of five for 11 from his four-over quota. The 21-year-old entered the attack in the eighth over and accounted for the key wickets of
Shimron Hetmyer (11), opener Evin Lewis (14) and captain Kieron Pollard (7) in a terrific display of fast bowling. Seamer Kesrick Williams had earlier maintained his excellent form, snaring three for 23 from four overs as Afghanistan, choosing to bat first,
stumbled their way to 147 for seven off their 20 overs. Hazratullah Zazai and Janat both struck 26 while Gulbadin Naib chipped in with 24 but Williams and fellow pacer Jason Holder (2-23) combined to hurt the innings. West Indies were on the backfoot early as Zazai blasted three fours and a six in a 15-ball cameo, posting 42 off 26 balls for the first wicket with Rahmanullah Gurbaz (15) to put his side on top. But Williams intervened, removing both off successive deliveries in the fifth over – Gurbaz caught on the second attempt in the deep by Pollard and Zazai carving a slower ball to Brandon King at point. Holder, whose first over
leaked 16 runs, followed up with key strikes as Afghanistan slumped to 97 for six in the 15th over. However, Naib struck two fours and a six in an 18-ball knock, pairing with Najibullah Zadran (20 not out) in a 44-run, seventh-wicket partnership to get their side to a competitive total. In reply, the warning signs were there when West Indies crawled to 17 from the first 23 deliveries and then lost King (12), bowled on the backfoot by an inswinging slower ball from seamer Naveen-ul-Haq. The left-handed Hetmyer lasted 14 balls before being adjudged lbw to Janat in the eighth over and Janat then struck twice in the 10th over to turn the game on its head. First, he claimed Lewis
skying to Ibrahim Zadran at long-on after the left-hander counted two fours in a 22-ball innings, and then found Sherfane Rutherford’s (6) edge for wicketkeeper Gurbaz to complete a straightforward catch. With 103 runs required from the last 10 overs, a special innings was required from Pollard (7) but Janat brought one back sharply to hit the right-hander in front in the 12th over, and increase the Windies’ turmoil. Jason Holder arrived as West Indies’ last genuine hope of staging a late comeback but struck two fours in 13 before missing a charge at leg-spinning captain Rashid Khan, and going stumped in the 15th over.
Rawle Toney/Mackeson 3X3 Basketball Classic top teams receive spoils
PIITBULLS 3.0, Team Smooth and Plaisance Ballers last Friday received their ‘spoils’ for the November 9-10 Rawle Toney/ Mackeson 3X3 Basketball Classic, at the Burnham Basketball Court. Playing undefeated throughout the tournament, Ryan Gullen, Ryan Stephney, Jermain Slater and Travis Belgrave went on to make ‘light work’ of Team Smooth in the final, winning 22-12 and picking up the event’s $300 000 first-place prize, compliments of Ansa McAl under their Mackeson brand. For their effort, Team Smooth pocketed $100 000, while Plaisance Ballers, who defeated Ion Know 22-20 in a thriller for third place, collected $50 000. Stephney was outstanding in the final and was named the
Mackeson Brand Coordinator Keon Persaud presents the winner’s purse of $300 000 to Jermain Slater and other members of Pitbulls 3.0. tournament’s Most Valuable Trophy. Player (MVP) and received $25 Gullen, the team’s captain, 000, compliments of FireSide said the tournament provided Grill and the Andrew Ifill the much-needed spark to help
Super 50 tournament PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Veteran all-rounder Chris Barnwell struck his
Ryan Stephney collects his MVP trophy from FireSide Grill representative.
revive the game of basketball in Georgetown, and asked that it is held at least twice a year. Meanwhile, organiser Rawle Toney said that the players are the ones that made the tournament a major success, adding that the objective of the tournament has been met, since it brought fans back to the game and explored the possibilities of giving 3X3 basketball a prominent place among the other shorter formats of various sports in Guyana. This event was sponsored by Distribution giants Ansa McAl under their Mackeson brand, Chung’s Global Enterprise, FireSide Grill, Guyana Lottery Company’s Let’s Bet Sports, ‘STUFF’, National Sports Commission (NSC) and Trophy Stall.
Barnwell fireworks keep Jaguars in contention for semi-final spot
second straight half-century as Guyana Jaguars stayed in contention for a semi-final spot
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Sunday November 17, 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) Roston Chase-6 wickets (2) Mujeeb-ur-Rahman-5 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) What was the highest individual score by a WI in the recent ODI series against AFG? (2) What was the highest individual score made by an Afghan player in the series? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
with a four-wicket victory over struggling Windward Islands Volcanoes here Friday night. In pursuit of a challenging 259 in a contest reduced to 42 overs per side at Queen’s Park Oval, Jaguars reached their target with four balls to spare, with Barnwell hammering 89 off 84 deliveries. West Indies all-rounder Raymon Reifer struck 45 from 49 balls while opener Chandrapaul Hemraj gathered 40 from 42 balls and captain Leon Johnson, a breezy 34 off 33 balls. Another veteran had earlier taken centre stage, left-hander Devon Thomas top-scoring with an up tempo 93 off 94 deliveries as Volcanoes put together a strong effort to reach 258 for five. Emmanuel Stewart chipped in
with 51 from 52 balls while Keron Cottoy extended his good form with a cameo 28-ball unbeaten 45. With the win – their third in four games – Jaguars moved to 12 points, joining West Indies Emerging Players and hosts Trinidad and Tobago Red Force on a similar number of points. However, Emerging Players top the charts, courtesy of net run rate with Red Force lying second. Sent in, Volcanoes received their early impetus from Smith, who stroked 10 fours and a six, as he put on 36 off 32 balls with Desron Maloney (17) for the first wicket before adding 73 for the second wicket with Kavem Hodge who made 24. When Hodge and captain Kirk Edwards (0) perished in the space
of seven balls, Volcanoes were 110 for three at the end of the 22nd over but Smith inspired another half-century stand when he helped post 77 for the fourth wicket with Stewart. Smith was eventually fourth out in the 34th over becoming the second of left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul’s two wickets, but Cottoy arrived to play a blinder, smashing one four and four sixes as he added a quick-fire 60 off 32 balls in an unbroken fifthwicket partnership with Shane Shillingford (16 not out). The Jaguars’ run chase received an early blow when Kemol Savory fell cheaply for four in the fourth over with eight runs scored but Barnwell masterminded three
successive half-century stands to turn the tables on Volcanoes. The 32-year-old, who punched half-dozen fours and three sixes, put on 75 for the second with Hemraj, 53 for the third with Johnson and a further 65 for the fourth with Reifer. By the time he departed in the 34th over, Jaguars still needed 58 runs from 42 balls but Reifer belted two fours and sixes in a 35-run, fifth-wicket stand off 30 balls with Jonathan Foo (17 not out) to formalise the win. With the knock, Barnwell pushed his aggregate for the tournament up to 229 runs at an average of 57.
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 17, 2019
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Toucan U-15 final
Lovell’s all-round exploits lead GCC to thrilling win over DCC
Thaddeus Lovell scored 61 runs and picked up four wickets for GCC.
By Faizool Deo
THADDEUS Lovell led with ball and bat to propel Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) to a thrilling two-wicket win against home team Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) in the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Toucan Distributors U-15 competition. GCC controlled most of the game (reduced to 46 overs) yesterday at DCC ground, but when their top order fell in the chase, it exposed their tail and the defending champions were able to bowl themselves back into
the clash. A thrilling battle ensued, with GCC able to fend off a spirited DCC team. The visitors won the toss and with Lovell delivering with his pace bowling, they were able to restrict DCC to 158 all out in 44.1 overs. Lovell, who took the key wicket of opener Jaden Campbell for 48, finished with 4-42 from 9.1 overs. West Indies U-16 cricketer Mavindra Dindyal supported with 3-37 from nine overs bowling both off-spin and leg-spin. Campbell, who finished with the most runs in the tournament, struck five fours and a six in his innings, and he looked set to take his
GCC are the 2019 Toucan Distributors U-15 champions. (Faizool Deo photos)
team to a respectable total, but he lacked the support. Only Jeremiah Hokenkirk with 19, Premkumar Permaul, and Jonathan Van Lange (2x4) with 11 each were able to pass double digits. Lovell also dominated with the bat in the middle when GCC chased. He scored a game-high 61 runs. He and skipper Zachary Jodah put together 85 runs for the third wicket after Dindyal had lost his wicket (bowled and caught) to Ro-
meo Deonarine. Deonarine and Jaden Dowlin, the son of former West Indies batsman Travis Dowlin, had pulled things back with their off-spin bowling, but the experience of Lovell and national U-15 captain Jodah proved to be too much. The GCC pair first rotated the strike with singles, before they played the big shots. Lovell was particularly aggressive and spanked six fours and three huge sixes, one of which went on top of
the clubhouse rooftop, in his score of 61. When he fell, caught by a running Ragunauth at mid-off, off the bowling of medium pacer Joshua Walcott, the tables turned. The visitors then lost five wickets, including Jodah (27) for 44 runs, as DCC played themselves back into the game. Although the game ended in the penultimate over with two wickets still in hand, it could have gone differently if the home team did not use
their pacers late. Playing conditions dictated that 18 overs of pace have to be bowled, and so they had to forsake their spinners Kareem Caesar, Deonarine, Dowlin and Van Lange, who proved very effective down the stretch. Caesar, who bowled two batsmen in his fourth over, finished with 2-14 from five overs to lead the attack for the eventual second-place finishers.
Bobb, Briggs, Harriot help Golden Jaguars past Aruba Guyana to play final CONCACAF Nations League game against Jamaica tomorrow in Kingston TRAYON Bobb netted a double while Callum Harriot and Matthew Briggs scored a goal each, to help Guyana to an exciting 4-2 win over Aruba in Group C of League B action in the 2019-20 CONCACAF Nations League (CNL) at the Leonora National Track
& Field Centre last Friday. Glenbert Croes opened the scoring in the second minute of the match to put Aruba in the lead, after Guyana’s Quilon Roberts made a bad judgement call. Matthew Briggs picked up his first CNL goal off a free-kick opportunity in the
seventh minute, levelling things up for the hosts. Gregor Breinburg regained the lead for Aruba from a penalty opportunity in the 22nd minute, but Guyana tied it right before the halftime break, thanks to a long-range shot from Harriott in the 44th minute.
Bobb put the hosts in the lead (3-2) after slotting home his first goal of the match in the 53rd minute – his third goal of the competition making him Guyana’s top scorer in the Nations League. Bobb completed a double to hand Guyana a 4-2 lead in the 73rd minute.
Guyana remain in second place with the win and control their destiny to earn qualification to the 2021 Gold Cup qualifiers, but Golden Jaguars can no longer win the group due to Jamaica’s 2-0 win over Antigua and Barbuda on the same night. Meanwhile, Golden Jag-
uars arrived in Jamaica yesterday where they face the Reggae Boyz tomorrow in their final match of the CNL. Aruba will be relegated to League C due to the loss.
Arise Sir Lewis? Hamilton says he’s not expecting knighthood By Marcelo Teixeira SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - Lewis Hamilton says he is not expecting his sixth Formula One world championship to be recognised with a knighthood at the end of the year. The Mercedes driver’s supporters are pushing for him to join other British sporting sirs like Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, runner Mo Farah, tennis player Andy Murray and cricketer Alastair Cook. Hamilton, by far his country’s most successful racing driver
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after finishing in third place in qualifying. (REUTERS/ Amanda Perobelli/Pool) with twice as many titles as the knighted great Jackie Stewart, doubted that would happen.
“I don’t really like to think too much about it,” he told reporters at the Brazilian Grand Prix. “Just the fact that people have mentioned it, it’s already an honour; but it’s not been something that I’ve been chasing in my life. “If, at any point, that was to happen, I don’t particularly know how I would handle it. “I have stood in front of Her Majesty The Queen before and it was pretty incredible and I think she’s just awesome. Again, I don’t think it’s going to happen, and again, it doesn’t bother me if it doesn’t.
“It doesn’t mean I’m not British. It doesn’t mean I’m not continuing to try and raise the flag as well as I can,” he added. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has said frequently that he feels Hamilton’s achievements are not recognised enough in his home country and may not be appreciated fully until he has left the stage. When Hamilton won his fifth title last year he was runner-up in the BBC’s Sports Personalityof-the-Year to Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas. Britain, which has produced
more champions than any nation in Formula One history, has certainly never known anyone like him and only German great Michael Schumacher, with seven, has won more championships. Hamilton has won 10 races a year on average for the last six seasons, a success rate that would leave him on course to overhaul Schumacher’s record of 91 victories some time next year. Even if he played it down, the prospect of his getting a knighthood tickled the fancy of Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel
and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. “Do you get a sword? That would be cool if you get to keep the sword,” said Vettel, a fourtime world champion. Informed that he would have to call Hamilton ‘Sir Lewis’ if the Briton were to be knighted, 22-year-old Verstappen sounded doubtful. “You don’t have to, do you?” asked the Dutchman, who starts today’s penultimate race of the season on pole position.
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Maloney resets Radical 34 SR3 Qualifying time
SUNDAY CHRONICLE, November 17, 2019
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Kristian Jeffrey (right) records the fastest unofficial time in group 4.
Steven Vieira leads the 125cc bikes.
Over 1500 athletes set to compete at 59th National Schools Championship 34 PAGE
North Georgetown, who dominated swimming last year, are again expected to register an easy win.
District 10 (Upper Demerara-Kwakwani) have dominated the event over the years and are favourites again for the overall title this year.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2019