Issuu

TUESDAY 12th February, 2019

No.105546

IDB signs US$6M loan to Guyana …for establishment of Electronic Single Window for Trade

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No bail for bombthreat suspect

…police preparing other charges against her

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Cops seize 59 bikes

…18 persons arrested in major crackdown

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STAY THE JUDGEMENT PAGE

…AG files applications to stay CJ’s judgment on confidence motion …also seeking conservatory order to preserve status quo of Cabinet

Demands for new registration grow PAGE

…citizens in countrywide demonstration at GECOM offices

Residents of Bartica and Lethem on Monday joined other citizens in Berbice, Linden and West Demerara in a countrywide protest demanding new registration before any elections

STAY THE JUDGEMENT

…AG files applications to stay CJ’s judgement on confidence motion …also seeking conservatory order to preserve status quo of Cabinet

By Svetlana Marshall IN another legal bid to reel back the effects of the December 21 Vote of No-Confidence against the government, Attorney General Basil Williams applied to the Court of Appeal for an interim stay to halt the decision of the High Court, and to preserve the status quo of the Cabinet. The Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George Wiltshire on January 31, 2019, ruled that the No-Confidence Motion was validly passed with the Opposition securing a majority (33) over the government (32). Justice George-Wiltshire had also ruled that with the government being defeated, the Cabinet, including the President, ought to have

resigned with immediate effect. She handed down the judgements in the cases-The Attorney General v The Speaker and Leader of the Opposition, and Christopher Ram v The Attorney General and the Opposition Leader. The Attorney General has filed appeals in both cases, however, in the interim he is asking the Appellate Court to issue an order for an interim stay of the effect of the judgements and orders of the Chief Justice, and a conservatory order, preserving the status quo ante of the Cabinet. He wants the President, Cabinet and all ministers of the government to remain in office until the hearing and determination of the appeal in the matter. In the Affidavit in support

of the summons in the case of the Attorney General v The Speaker and Leader of the Opposition, State Counsel Raeanna Clarke swore to the affidavit. Clarke said based on the advice of her lawyers, she believes that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself in law when she ruled that the motion of no-confidence upon a division vote of 33:32 Members of the National Assembly was validly passed as the requisite majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly pursuant to Article 106 (6) of the Constitution. The State Counsel told the court that the Chief Justice miscalculated the majority of all elected members of the National Assembly as re-

Attorney General Basil Williams

quired under Article 106(6) of the Constitution for the government to be defeated on a vote of no confidence. “In order for the government to be defeated on a vote of no- confidence, 34 or more votes of all the elected members in favour of the motion was required instead of 33,” she contended. According to her, an absolute majority is calculated as half plus

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019 one and where, mathematically, half of all the elected members of the Parliament would result in a fraction, the method of calculation of the absolute majority is that the fraction is rounded to the next whole number and 1 added to result in a number greater than half. Clarke put forward similar arguments in her affidavit in the case of Christopher Ram v the Attorney General and Opposition Leader. “It is contended that the effect of the ruling of the Chief Justice that Cabinet ceased with immediate effect on the night of the no-confidence motion on 21st December 2018, will mean that the government will be unable to introduce any financial bills for passage because, in accordance with Article 171 of the Constitution, these bills require the recommendation and or consent of the Cabinet signified by a minister. In these circumstances, the government will be unable to fund the preparation and holding of elections by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) if the effect of the ruling of the Chief Justice is not stayed as prayed for herein,” Clarke told the court. She said it is contended that the status quo ante is that

the President, Cabinet and Government will continue in their role and functions until the hearing and determination of the appeal herein. State Counsel said she believes that the Conservatory order is necessary to preserve the status quo ante, as the period for the hearing and determination of the matter may expire before that time prescribed in Article 106 (7) of the constitution which requires that the President and government remain in office and hold elections within three (3) months. The Appellate Court has not set dates for the hearing of any of the applications filed by the Attorney General and team. Guyana Chronicle understands that Compton Reid, through his attorneys Rex McKay, S.C, and Neil Boston, S.C, are expected to appeal the Chief Justice’s ruling in the dual citizenship case. Reid had challenged the validity of Charrandass Persaud’s vote in the National Assembly on the basis that he breached the constitution by having dual citizenship while being a Member of Parliament.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Gov’t completes Best Practice PSA template

…legal review, gap analysis ongoing as Gov’t looks at new round of licensing in 2020 By Svetlana Marshall AHEAD of proposing critical legislative changes for the oil and gas sector, the Energy Department has completed a Best Practice Production Sharing Agreement Template, as it prepares for the issuance of another round of Petroleum Prospecting Licenses in 2020 for the remaining oil blocks. Dr. Mark Bynoe, Director of the Department of Energy made the announcement in the presence of his Energy Adviser, Matthew Wilks, during a press conference on Monday at the Ministry of Presidency. Anticipating that the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 1986 will be replaced, amended or supplemented by 2020, Dr. Bynoe said once the necessary legislative changes have been made, the Department of Energy would be able to engage in another licensing round in the first quarter of 2020. He disclosed that last December, the department completed the development of its Best Practice Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Template, which will be used in the new licensing round. “Let me emphasise, it’s a template, meaning that we

will vary differing conditions depending on how we are engaging. It is not a bilateral negotiation but as the words imply, as a best practice template it would be the best practice for Guyana, but if all of those requirements are enforced, we will have the best PSA, but not many investors. So it will always be a balancing act in terms of what it is Guyana wants and how Guyana intends to proceed with what Guyana wants,” Dr. Bynoe explained. He said the template addresses best practices when dealing with issues such as royalties, profit sharing and occupational health and safety. When negotiating with investors, the department would have to determine what is contextually relevant for Guyana, that would see it receiving optimum benefits even as it remains attractive for investment in the oil and gas industry. Giving an expert’s take on the topic, Wilks told reporters that the Best Practice PSA Template will guide the crafting of Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs) that could be applied to different investment climates. “So for example, if you are investing in deep water with all the risks that that takes, that would be a different investment climate to

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe and his Energy Advisor, Matthew Wilks(Photo by Delano Williams)

investing offshore and the same for the near shore. So you could very well have three subtly different PSC (Production Sharing Contract) structures for different investment environments,” the energy adviser explained. Wilks said it is the Energy Department’s intention to have a document in place, with a small number of biddable terms to foster a competitive environment. It was noted that the department will not be negotiating each individual PSC in its entirety, but will establish specific areas that investors could bid on in keeping with globally recognised practices. Asked about a possible renegotiation of the 2016 PSA the Government signed

with Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited partner of U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil now that a new template is in place, the Energy Director said the sanctity of contracts must be respected noting that it takes two to renegotiate a contract. “Renegotiation will also impact investors’ confidence in terms of whether the Rule of Law is being adhered to or being followed and so we are not discussing renegotiation as we have been on record as indicating we continue to engage with Exxon and other operators to ensure that what Guyana receives is its maximum, possible value proposition from the resources,” Dr. Bynoe said while fielding questions from reporters.

He assured, however, that the new template will have “more favourable terms for Guyana” but emphasized that all negotiations must be contextualized. “When that PSA started, for example, the risks involved were significantly higher than they are today. Therefore the greater the risk one would also expect the greater the returns. As a result, going forward and we have a lot more knowledge now than we had then, we are able to have conditions that are a lot more favourable to Guyana. So from that perspective there will be improvements going forward,” he further explained. Complementing the Best Practice PSA Template is a PSA Model Tool Kit which has also been developed. Additionally the Department has developed a comprehensive Procurement Manual that is aligned with the rudiments of the National Tender & Procurement Administration (NPTA) of Guyana and multilateral donor institutions. Meanwhile, Energy Department is in the process of conducting a Legal Review and Gap Analysis of existing legislation governing the Oil and Gas sector. The Legal Review and Gap Analysis, which will set the foundation for legislative changes, is

expected to be completed at the end of this month. With the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 1986 in dire need of revision, major emphasis is being placed on it as the primary legislation. “The 1986 Act is not currently fit for purpose in 2019, for example it is extremely silent on gas, and we do recognize that associated gas remains a significant discovery for Guyana going forward,” Dr. Bynoe said while noting that the new or revised legislation would be more robust in areas such as Local Content. Once the review and gap analysis is completed, the Energy Department will move to the next phase of drafting a replacement or supplementary legislation. Those legislative changes will not be limited to the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act 1986, other legislation that govern subsidiary entities like the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Maritime Administration Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would also need amendment to cater to the developing Oil and Gas sector.

Carter Centre officials hold talks with government

Carter Center Associate Director, Ms. Brett Lacy gestures as she makes a point during their meeting, Monday afternoon, with Minister of State and General Secretary of A Partnership of National Unity (APNU), Mr. Joseph Harmon; Minister of Social Protection and General Secretary of the People's National Congress (PNC), Ms. Amna Ally; Political Advisor, Dr. Mark Kirton and General Secretary of the Alliance for Change (AFC) Mr. Marlon Williams. Carter Center Legal and Electoral Advisor Ms. Anne Marlborough also attended the meeting, which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Minister of State and General Secretary of A Partnership of National Unity (APNU), Mr. Joseph Harmon, Minister of Social Protection and General Secretary of the People's National Congress (PNC), Ms. Amna Ally and Political Advisor, Dr. Mark Kirton on Monday afternoon, met with Carter Center representatives Associate Director, Ms. Brett Lacy and Legal and Electoral Advisor Ms. Anne Marlborough at the Ministry of the Presidency.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

PAHO urges action to tackle maternal deaths By Svetlana Marshall

In the first six weeks of 2019, Guyana recorded four maternal deaths, and according to the Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO-WHO) Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow the situation is worrisome. D r. A d u - K r o w s a i d

PAHO said data reveal that there is need to improve the quality of care in terms of clinical competencies, adequate assessment of high-risk patients and timely referrals. PAHO/WHO, he said, will continue to work closely with the Public Health Ministry to provide technical support to bring down the number of maternal deaths. “We need to ensure that

no woman loses her life while attempting to give life to another,” the PAHO/WHO Country Representative told a group of high-level medical personnel during the opening of Maternal and Child Health, Expanded Programme on Immunization MCH-EPI Quarterly Review Meeting on Monday at the Pegasus Hotel. Noting that each health facility should aim to have zero maternal death, Dr. AduKrow death by obstetric haemorrhaging remains a major problem. Only recently, PAHO/WHO donated 100

non-pneumatic anti-shock garments (NASGs) to the Public Health Ministry to aid in the management of patients who experience obstetric haemorrhaging. A non-pneumatic anti-shock garment is a low-technology lifesaving device used to treat hypovolemic shock. It is believed that when used in the case of an obstetric haemorrhage, it can help to reduce maternal deaths. An obstetrical haemorrhage is defined as heavy bleeding of a woman during or shortly after a pregnancy. The PAHO-WHO Rep-

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 09:30hrs. - 11:00hrs.

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resented said statistics show that 52 per cent of pregnant women go into labour with HB levels lower than 10 g/ dl. “Ladies and gentlemen, we often say that normal delivery there is about 150 ml blood loss, but if you are starting with a deficit…,” he said while noting that maternal anemia should be tackled early. He also emphasized the need for the MCH Referral Programme to be adhered to and implemented particularly in hospitals located in far flung communities. Systems in place Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shamdeo Persaud and MCH Officer (ag) Dr. Oneka Scott were among the other Health Officials present. Minister Lawrence said that the Ministry has several systems in place to tackle maternal death. “Our issue basically has to do with geography, has to do with culture because if you notice most of our deaths are coming from the regions where out indigenous populations are very high, and so we are seeking to work with the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs to see how we could collaborate,” Minister Lawrence said. She noted that an initial

meeting with Vice President Sydney Allicock has been held. The Public Health Ministry is hoping to utilize services and skills of some of the officers from the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs to work within the health centers, particularly those that can speak the dialect. Such a system, she said would allow for better communication between the doctors and patients in those Indigenous communities. Additionally, the Public Health Ministry is working to address the transportation issues that hinder medical personnel from reaching patients in the far reaches of the country. “Some of them are not accessible by ATVs so we are calling on the Ministry of Communities to do more in terms of providing the transportation to take us out to those communities so we can reach those women,” Minister Lawrence said. Public Health Minister also lobbied for support from Toshaos and other local leaders to get pregnant women the services they need. Maternal and Child Health, Expanded Programme on Immunization MCH-EPI Quarterly Review Meeting continues for the remainder of the week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

GPF to bolster UG security if needed -Deputy Commissioner Alves

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be working with the administration of the University of Guyana (UG) to ensure that safety on the campus, whether day or night, is paramount and, if police intervention is needed to bolster security such provision will be made available. This is according to Crime Chief, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lyndon Alves during a Town Hall meeting on Monday at UG, with Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and Education Minister Dr. Nicolette Henry. “Once there is a request from the university’s administration for the Guyana Police Force’s assistance, you can be assured that the assistance will be given to the university in any form or shape,” the deputy commissioner told the gathering of students and lecturers, to a resounding round of

Education Minister Nicolette Henry

applause. On Monday, a 25-yearold UG student was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for allegedly issuing bomb threats towards the university. Sheliza Jafferally, called Diane, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, who is employed at Yello Guyana Inc. as a sale representative,

pleaded not guilty to the charge of misuse of a telecommunication device. The chief magistrate, on the grounds of public safety, remanded Jafferally to prison, until February 18, 2019. The crime chief informed the gathering that the investigation (relative to Jafferally) was on-going, and other investigations

Crime Chief, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lyndon Alves

have been embarked on, “and coming out of those investigations we will further seek legal advice on the way forward.” Education Minister Nicolette Henry said that any threat to the education sector must not be taken lightly, adding that there have been similar occurrences at other

schools. “I am pleased that the university took the time to develop an emergency preparedness plan, so that there is contingency planning in the event there is a real threat at this institution, and certainly the safety, wellbeing and security of not only students and staff but also the

institution,” the minister said. She explained that new systems would have to be put in place as a result of the threats. “Your institution came under threat and therefore, there is need to strengthen security to ensure that your safety is paramount and, therefore you would have to endure some of the new consequences so that your safety is given priority, I ask that you exercise patience and good judgment as we navigate these unchartered waters,” she told the gathering. Vice Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith, however, said that the university does not have the necessary resources to place enhanced facilities in place, and that requests would therefore be made to the Education Ministry, the government and the private sector, since there were many things under consideration.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Black History Month

THIS month, the USA and Canada observe Black History Month in recognition of the contributions of Black people to the history of those countries. Although it is not an official observance in other parts of the African Diaspora, it has, over time, become informally accepted as such. Beginning as Negro History Week in 1925 as the initiative of African-American historian and scholar, Carter G Woodson, it evolved to become Black History Month in the post-Civil Rights era in the late 1960s. In 1976, the US Government formally designated it as such. From 1976 to the present, African-Americans and Blacks in the diaspora have

become more and more part of the so-called mainstream of the societies they inhabit. Despite continuing challenges, the group has made significant strides in our Caribbean. The crowning achievement was the rise of Barack Obama to the US presidency in 2008. That moment marked a more than symbolic achievement for Blacks; it was, for African-Americans, a tremendous blow struck for inclusion in formal structures — a signal that real socio-racial equality was possible. But for all the strides made, Blacks all over the world continue to suffer from the scars of a history of bondage. It is for that reason that Black History Month continues to have

great relevance. It is a reminder to Blacks and the rest of humanity that emancipation and independence do not necessarily mean freedom; that the formal end of oppression is not logically followed by the end of the system that birthed that oppression. What does Black History Month mean for us in Guyana? In our ethnically divided country, any reference to race is generally viewed with suspicion and open condemnation. Ethnic and racial identities are contested, and are often derided as false consciousness. In such an environment, Black History Month elicits a polite nod from high and low. The notion of Black History flies in the face of a denial

of ethno-racial identity. After all, Black History arises out of the recognition of blackness as a marker of identity. A proper discourse on, and celebration of, our ethnic diversity yet beckons; for it is only within the context of an acceptance of that diversity would we be able to respectfully observe the significance of Black History to all of Guyana. Black History is pregnant with the inhumanity of slavery and the noble resistance that ensued. It is a pivotal period in Guyanese history and has had a defining influence on our nation. It was the unravelling of slavery that led to a new migration to the then colonial outpost in the form of indentureship. The colonial

regime which succeeded slavery really evolved as slavery without slaves, and, in the end, consumed all ethnic groups. The Black Village Movement was pivotal to the development of independent freedom spaces and organised communities, which we celebrate today as Local Government. For the African Guyanese community, Black History Month could be a time for sober reflection on the state of the community. This is, of course, not a new call; it is repeated at every moment of Black observance. But it continues to be a necessary one. Some African Guyanese leaders and organisations have been making this call for some time now.

They have pointed to the drift in the community, and have argued for a repair job to be undertaken by the group. The very notion of learning Black History could be a starting point. All Guyanese should learn Black History; it should find its place in our school curriculum. One remembers two books for children written by the esteemed historian, Dr. Walter Rodney — Kofi Baadu out of Africa, and Lakshmi out of India — and ask why those books are not required reading in our schools. African Guyanese, however, have a particular responsibility to lead the way in becoming steeped in Black History. (Reprinted)

CEO Lowenfield rising to Guyana needs more Isahak Basirs the top was not partisan Dear Editor, ALBEIT the negative criticism coming from the opposition. The Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield’s ascension to the helm of GECOM was not partisan. This year will make 19 years since the retired Guyana Defence Force Major arrived on the scene. Unlike his predecessors, the late Stanley Singh and Gocool Boodoo, Lowenfield came through the ranks at the electoral body. He played an integral role as Logistic Manager for 2001 General and Regional Elections. After the 2001 Elections, Lowenfield was appointed as A.C.E.O Administration, and in this role the retired major was part of the Guyana Elections Commission Departmental Tender Board. As an adjudicator, he got a firsthand look at procurement for sensitive electoral items, an experience that would later prove invaluable. For reasons unknown, the administrative responsibilities were removed from A.C.E.O. Lowenfield but coming from a military background, failure is never a course for depression but rather an incentive for

improvement. Overseas training in 2003 with the Electoral Commission of Jamaica broadened his electoral repertoire, so his appointment as Deputy Chief Election Officer (DCEO) a few years later came as no surprise. Lowenfield is the only chief election officer in Guyana who has presided over two Local Government Elections to date, in 2016 and 2018. His performance for the 2015 General and Regional Elections was highly applauded by all the International Observers Groups, O.A.S, Carter Centre, Europe Union, Canadian High Commission, British High Commission and The United States Embassy. Now, the integrity of this 19-year electoral veteran is being questioned by the same opposition that voted unanimous for his appointment as CEO six years ago. They of all people should know that his ascension to the top was not partisan, he walked the plank at GECOM. Regards, George Williams

Dear Editor,

THE recent passing of Mr. Isahak Basir did envelope the entire Region Two into mourning. He was not only a Member of Parliament, but was instrumental in the formation of many groups and committees across the Essequibo Coast and the Pomeroon River-the place of his birth. He was a People’s Progressive Party stalwart with very close ties with the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan. I can remember as a lad, when the P.P.P. would have meetings at the Aurora waterside and other villages, Mr. Basir would usually be in the advance party interacting with the people and distributing flyers and other literatures, listening to their concerns so as to have them addressed. This man had a fantastic memory, he would meet you at Aurora today for the first time, and weeks after he sees you at Charity he hails out to you and recall the conversation or subject that was discussed. He was a P.P.P.

stalwart but most of all he represented all the people, irrespective of your political affiliation or religious convictions, and he was the people’s man for which he was loved and admired. At his funeral which was attended by thousands of people of all ethnic groups, senior P.P.P. activists including the former President Donald Ramotar; Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo; Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Regional Chairman, Mr Devanand Ramdatt among others, all of whom paid glowing tributes to the hero. It was an illustration of the unselfish life Mr. Basir lived. The political arena of this country needs more like him. I hope and pray that somewhere, some place from a political party, another Isahak Basir is in the making. Regards, Archie W. Cordis

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Girls encouraged to pursue STEM pathway THE Government of Guyana is seeking to place more attention on in the participation of girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through information and empowerment initiatives. This was evident at the #GyGirlPower forum hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) on Monday, where over 200 girls from 15 secondary schools across Regions Three, Four, Five and 10 attended. The programme was held in light of International STEM Day, and was made possible through collaboration among the Ministries of Education, Public Infrastructure and the European Union (EU) Delegation to Guyana. Some 30 plus persons – most of whom were women – presented at the forum, except for presentations coming from the likes of Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Guyana, Pro-

fessor Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith. “The point is to encourage our girls to pursue STEM and STEM-related studies and careers in direct relation to our sea and river defence programme at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure,” Marissa Massiah, Human Resources Manager at the ministry said. The specific focus in sea and river defence is as a result of the EU-funded ‘Women in Engineering and Technology Awareness’ project, geared towards promoting women in Disaster Risk Management (DRM), which the #GyGirlPower campaign forms a part. The forum also showcased Guyanese women influential in STEM fields as positive role models for girls. Speaking about their experiences were 16-year-old Petal Monroe from Vreed-enHoop Secondary School and 15-year-old Marina Stevens. Monroe said that while she does not like science,

15-year old Marina Stevens

Human Resources Manager at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Marissa Massiah

A section of the students attending the #GyGirlPower forum hosted at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC) on Monday (Adrian Narine photo)

she does well in the subject and now feels empowered to explore further, she told the newspaper: “I think I can do it.” Meanwhile, Stevens said: “It was very amazing. I learnt a lot and I’m pretty sure all of the other young ladies who attended this forum really appreciated the fact that these very successful women took time out to come and teach us more about our available resources and the career choices that we can take.” Massiah also expressed her pleasure regarding the many questions asked by the students which she said is testimony to their growing interest in STEM. “This is not an opportunity that was previously afforded to them, so I think having them in such an environment with the level of persons that were here was very cutting edge and revolutionary,” she said. “With STEM everything is possible and so we’re en-

couraging our girls, our fathers especially, to allow your girls to study STEM-related subjects and to pursue STEM related careers.” Meanwhile, National Science Coordinator within the Education Ministry Petal Punalall-Jetoo, added: “With an understating in science, technology and innovation, it brings out a high level of creativity and this is what we want our girls to embrace. They should not be limited in their thinking, but they should be motivated by the role models presented to follow their own dreams and to carve their own pathways.” The #GyGirlPower campaign will see the release of 10 new promotional videos which capture interviews with well-respected figures who strongly support the sentiment of the need for girls to better apply themselves in STEM subjects.

AG intervenes, promises to arrange meet with police –– As errant minibus drivers protest hefty fines for breaking the law

ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, on Monday met with a group of errant minibus drivers, who assembled outside his Carmichael Street office, to protest the astronomical fines they’ve racked up for allegedly failing to adhere to the rules governing the bus parks at the Stabroek Market Square. Several of the drivers who were charged after reportedly being caught in the act bore placards denouncing the use of CCTV cameras at the bus parks to catch them out when they pick up passengers in unauthorised areas on the parks, a practice that is widely referred to as ‘hot-plating’, meaning that they don’t comply with the rules. The drivers also allege that one particular magistrate is especially harsh when handing down fines because of his bias against errant minibus drivers. The issue of minibuses picking up passengers in undesignated areas at the bus park has long been one

on which minibus drivers are widely divided, as while some argue that the police should go lighter on those breaking the rules, those drivers who adhere to the established line system are of the view that the police should do even more to stop errant minibuses from disenfranchising those who obey the rules. Minister Williams, in no uncertain terms, told the picketing drivers that he cannot support their actions since they are unquestionably breaking the law. He, however, committed to facilitate a meeting between the drivers and the police, in a bid to avoid having them placed in the lockups until the fines are paid. “I can’t encourage that, but I will try to encourage dialogue with you and the police so you could arrive at a proper solution, Minister Williams said. He added:“They shouldn’t give you the maximum. You can’t have 10 video discs and you putting the maximum for each one. You have to deal with

the law with some sort of compassion also. It is the government’s policy not to clog up the prison system; and the system is clogged up when you put people for minor offences in the prison, and obviously it’s a policy we’re working on and judicial notice has to be taken of the policy to reduce the prison population.” Once found guilty, minibus drivers are fined from $7000 to $30,000 per charge, and are usually held until the fines are paid. The drivers had decided to protest on Monday, after one of their own was last week fined $25,000 per charge on nine separate charges. He had breached his road service licence by picking up passengers in several undesignated areas. Compton Rocke related that last Wednesday, after attending court and being fined, he was held at the Brickdam Police Station until all $225,000 in fines was paid. Rocke explained that the police approached him at the bus park last week and took

him to the station where he was shown the nine video discs of separate incidents. “They come and pick me up from the park about a week ago. They take me into Brickdam and bring out the [video] discs, put them in and we start to view it, showing my conductor picking up passengers while driving around Demico House. When we go to court, the magistrate read out the charge. He said: ‘Guilty or not?’ I say guilty because you see it on the camera, so how I going lie? After I say that, he said each of the charge is $25,000. So they put me in the lock up right away, so I had to find this money immediately before I get release”, Rock explained. Speaking on behalf of the drivers, Hubert Thomas-Alexander said: “It’s not just about the fines, there are also unsubstantiated charges. “We have various concerns, not just the high fines. Sometimes one person signing to one charge and then there are additional charges when you face the court,” Thomas-Alexander said.

He pointed out, too, that when the CCTV camera records a minibus disobeying the rules, it doesn’t always show who is driving the minibus at the recorded time. Some of the minibus drivers charged have denied that they were the ones driving the vehicle on the day that the violation was recorded. They claimed that they were just driving the bus the day the police pulled them in. Driver Quacy Sealey says he has no idea who drove the bus on the date police say a breach was recorded, but he was pulled over by police on January 31. “They stop me on Regent Street [as I was] driving, they ask me, ‘Where is the driver from the day before?’ I said I don’t know where that driver deh, today is me day fuh wuk. And they tell me empty off my vehicle and drive to the station. I said I gon drop off my passengers and then I gon report to the station. When I report to the station they say they gon charge me with failing to comply with the police direction. I told them I have no

problem with that but when they took me to court there were two charges there; failing to comply with police direction and breach of road service licence,” Sealey explained. Another driver, Andrew Jackson, in relating his story said that in his case he had started driving a bus on January 9, but the police have sought to charge him for offences committed on November 8, 2018 and January 8, 2019. Minister Williams suggested that in such cases, instead of holding the drivers, perhaps the police should address the owners of the vehicles. He noted, however, that such a situation would still be unfair to the owners who have to pay for the driver’s mistake. “This offence is really against the bus you know, so when they catch the bus, they just pull in somebody, it really should be the owner. Still, that is not fair to the owner, though, if the owner is not driving”, Williams added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Judge grants Ronald Khan $5M

- Says no evidence was produced to prove true value of missing diamonds THE seven-year-long trial for the 54M worth in diamonds, which vanished from police custody, came to an end on Monday (February 11, 2019) as Justice Fidela Corbin-Lincoln ruled that Ronald Khan, owner of the diamonds, be awarded $5 million, and $200,000 cost from the State. This case was brought to

the High Court by Khan, who said that the diamonds were in police custody as evidence in a criminal trial, and he was never given back the merchandise after the trial and investigations were concluded. In 1994, there was an incident that occurred at his mining operation site in the Ewang River, Potaro-Siparuni, where two persons

were killed-- his brother and another miner. He was also robbed of what he said was 430 carats of diamonds, worth $54 million. Khan explained that he had several scales which he used to weigh his diamonds to arrive at an accurate measurement. The day after the incident, he was taken from the hospital to the Mahdia Police Station to identify the men who robbed him and murdered the two men. Khan said the diamonds were retrieved from the criminals and he witnessed the police officers weighing the diamonds and verified the amount and its worth. The police then lodged the diamonds as evidence in the trial of the two men he would have identified. After that was done, he said that the officers transported the items from Mahdia to the ‘E’ and ‘F’ Divisions of the Guyana Police Force. To date, he has never again seen the diamonds that were retrieved and lodged. The State had argued on several submissions, the main one being that the minerals retrieved might not have been diamonds and there was no actual evidence confirming whether or not they were, and the true value. In that regard, Justice Corbin-Lincoln said that Mr Khan’s evidence was that he was a miner since 1950, and he gave evidence of his decades of experience in the

Ronald Khan in the corridor of the High Court after the judge gave her ruling

gold and diamond industry. The judge said that she had no hesitation in accepting his evidence that it was indeed diamonds. In addition to that, the judge said that one of the charges proffered against the accused was robbery under arms; of a quantity of diamonds. “The police themselves are taken to have been satisfied that the ‘stones’ were in fact diamonds, before proffering the charge. Therefore, I accept the evidence of Mr. Khan that it was diamonds that were stolen, retrieved and detained by the police,” Justice Corbin-Lincoln said. Another point the State argued was the issue of limitations. In its submissions, the State pointed out that the action filed by Khan was statute-barred, as it contravenes provisions of the Limitation

Act. “Every action and suit for any movable property, or upon any contract, bargain, or agreement relating to movable property, or to recover money lent without written acknowledgment or upon any account or book debt, or to recover any salary or the value of any goods sold and delivered, shall be brought within three years next after the cause of action or suit has arisen,” Section Six of the Act states. Since the robbery of Khan’s mining camp occurred in 1994, the State advanced that he should have commenced civil proceedings to recover his property anytime within the three years therefrom. However, citing several cases and excerpts from law author, John D. Fleming in ‘The Law of Tort’, the judge said the claim of detinue was established. Time for the purpose of the limitation act, therefore, begins to run from the time the cause of action arises, she said. The case was filed on January 4th, 2011. With that, the judge said that “I find the matter is not barred by statute, as the tort of detinue was established. Having found that there was a detention, a demand, and they have not been returned in a reasonable time of demand, or at all, and there is no lawful reason for the continued detention of the diamonds, I am satisfied that the tort of detinue be established.” With the issue of assessing the quantity and value of the diamonds, the evidence of Khan was that at the time of robbery, he had 430 carats of diamonds. He explained why it was 430 carats, and he

valued it at 54 million dollars. Justice Corbin-Lincoln said “I found Mr. Khan to be a credible witness, whose evidence was not shaken under cross-examination. There’s no evidence led which disputes his evidence. I, therefore, accept that there were 430 carats of diamonds. However, Khan, who has the burden of proof, led no evidence of the current value of the 430 carats of diamonds. There is therefore no evidence before the court in relation to the current value of the 430 carats of diamonds. In the absence of such evidence, it is open to the court to make no award of damages.” However, after citing several cases, the presiding judge said that the court can substitute an award that is justifiable. It is clear that Khan has suffered loss of his property, the judge said, but research shows that there is no fixed price to raw or uncut diamonds, and there is no evidence with respect to the quality of diamonds. It was against that backdrop that Justice Corbin-Lincoln awarded Khan a sum of $5M. Speaking with the elderly man after exiting the court room, he told the Guyana Chronicle that he was disappointed with the amount that the judge granted. He said that he would have worked hard to earn those diamonds, and they were snatched away from him, along with the life of his closest brother, and a worker of his. Khan said the men who raided his camp that night had to know that the diamonds were valuable. Nonetheless, he said he understands the judge’s ruling.

Miner remanded for killing drinking partner

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday, February 11, 2019, remanded a 33-year-old miner to prison for allegedly killing his drinking partner during an argument. Paul Charles of Foulmouth Village, Essequibo River, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was not required to plead to the capital offence. Particulars of the charge alleged that, on February 7, 2019, at Foulmouth Village, Charles murdered 32-year-old Cedric James. Charles was remanded to prison until February 21,

2019, and the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court. According to reports, Charles and James were imbibing alcohol at the Foulmouth Village landing when an argument ‘erupted’ between them after the victim brought up Charles’ criminal past. As a result, Charles became annoyed and fatally stabbed James in the neck with a knife and fled the scene. James was taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival, while Charles was arrested by the police.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Major oil firms to ramp up drilling in coming months …Orinduik, Kanuku and Corentyne blocks to be targeted By Svetlana Marshall WITH the Orinduik Block offshore Guyana containing an estimated three billion barrels of oil and gas, Tullow Oil is preparing to drill for oil in the coming months. Tullow Oil is one of three major oil companies that will commence exploration, thereby accelerating Guyana’s drilling programme, Director of Energy Dr. Mark Bynoe disclosed during a press conference at the Ministry of the Presidency on Monday. He said developments in the country’s budding Oil and Gas Industry has been centered around the operations of U.S Oil giant ExxonMobil in the Stabroek Block, however, three companies – Tullow, Repsol and CGX – have indicated that they will commence drilling soon. “We expect one field to be drilled in the Orinduik Block by Tullow, one more in the Kanuku Block by Repsol and another in the Corentyne Block by CGX, with the

latter two using what is commonly known as Jackups,” Dr. Bynoe said. He noted that a proposal for acceleration and exploration drilling on the Canje is under discussion by the Energy Department. The Orinduik Block is located just 11km from and up-dip to ExxonMobil’s Liza discoveries. Tullow Oil holds 60 per cent working interest in the Orinduik Block while Eco Atlantic Oil & Gas has 40 per cent. In a resource study dubbed “Competent Persons Report for Certain Assets in Offshore Guyana” published in September, 2018, it was estimated that the Orinduik Block contains a resource of around 2.9 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent in 10 large prospects. According to that report, the target reservoir rocks for the Orinduik Block are expected to be similar to the Cretaceous age reservoirs that were discovered on the neighbouring Stabroek Block by U.S Oil giant ExxonMobil at Liza, Payara, Pecora, Ranger, Hammerhead and

Turbot. According to a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) inked between the Guyana Government, Tullow Guyana B.V and its partner Eco Atlantic, Guyana could benefit from as much as 60 per cent in oil profit, including a one per cent royalty once the companies commence pumping for oil in the Orinduik Block. In the case of Repsol Exploration Guyana, if its exploration in the Kanuku Block is found to be feasible, the country could benefit from as much as 60 per cent in oil profit, according to a Petroleum Agreement signed between the Government of Guyana and Repsol Exploration S.A. CGX Energy Inc. long promised to ramp up its exploration activities. In 2017, the Canadian oil and gas exploration company, successfully renegotiated its work commitments for the Demerara, Corentyne and Berbice Petroleum Prospecting Licences with the Government of Guyana.

Director of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe

In 2017, when it unveiled its five-year plan, CGX said it would drill an exploration well at the Corentyne Block by November 27, 2019; acquire additional seismic or conduct seismic reprocessing by November 27, 2020; drill an exploration well by November 27, 2022 in the Demerara Block; complete any additional data processing and planning, and secure all regulatory approvals for the drilling of an exploration well by February 12, 2020; drill an exploration well by

February 12, 2021 and another by February 12, 2023 in the Berbice Block. Also, complete a geochemical survey of a minimum area of 120 square kilometres and commence a seismic programme defined by the aforementioned geochemical survey by February 12, 2020; complete the seismic programme and complete all processing and interpretation of data by August 12, 2021 and drill an exploration well by February 12, 2023. Meanwhile, Energy Director said the Stabroek Block Exploration Project continues to churn out successes above the normal industry level, as he alluded to ExxonMobil’s two most recent discoveries at Tilapia-1 and Haimara-1 wells. To date a total of 12 discoveries have been made on the Stabroek Block to 12. Dr. Bynoe noted that while the discoveries signal well for the people of Guyana, they are leading to a more complex form of field development that will incorporate gas development as well. “For example, four of the

12 discoveries have been in the Turbot area alone, with inter alia indication for a gas export scheme centered around the Turbot area as there are more associated gas in these fields, than previously projected,” he said. According to ExxonMobil, there is potential for at least five floating, production storage and offloading vessels (FPSO) on the Stabroek Block producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025. The Liza Phase 1 development is expected to begin producing up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day in early 2020, utilising the Liza Destiny FPSO. Aside from the two recent discoveries, the Stabroek Block has an estimated recoverable resource of more than five billion oil-equivalent barrels. The resources of Tilapia-1 and Haimara-1 wells are still being assessed. As the country prepares for increased exploration, the Energy Department is working with its partner institutions, in an effort to put the requisite framework to ensure that all Guyanese benefit from the discoveries and their developments.

Gov’t to provide 13 scholarships for Karasabai youths THE Ministry of the Presidency will be providing 13 scholarships to youths in and around the community of Karasabai, following an interaction between Minister of State Joseph Harmon and 23-year-old village representative, Marlon Edwards. Harmon was visiting residents in the Lethem town in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region) on Sunday evening, when Edwards spoke with him about the challenges of his community. For some time, the young man has been advocating for the development of Karasabai which has already begun to benefit in the areas of infrastructure, electricity and agriculture through his petitions to the government. On Monday, updating this newspaper on the most recent accomplishment, he said: “I approached him and I asked for a little private discussion and we had that discussion. It is the first time I’m meeting him and we all know that he’s an influential person; he can get things done.” Edwards, along with another young man, Seon Kartright, had travelled from their village to get the oppor-

The pledged scholarships will allow the youths to attend government institutions such as the Government Technical Institute (GTI); Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the University of Guyana (UG). So far, there are two other students from the village currently studying in Georgetown through government scholarships. Apart from the intervention of the current administration, Edwards said that education assistance to the

Youth representative Seon Kartright

Twenty-three- year-old village representative Marlon Edwards

Residents of the Karasabai village

tunity to meet with the minister who they heard would be in the region.

village was previously overlooked. “It’s a big plus because in

the past we haven’t been benefitting from any government scholarships. There would

be scholarships available but because we are so far away from the city, and from Lethem, we wouldn’t know about these things,” he said. “It is my intention to see more of our young people, especially indigenous youths, benefitting from government scholarships. I’ve been working tirelessly to ensure that happens.” Edwards explained that the 13 youths he advocated for, will be selected based on their qualifications, along with the criteria of having Math, English and any other subject in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. He said at present there are a number of youths in the village who have recently graduated from secondary school, and looking for jobs and to further their studies. Edwards’ account was shared by Kartright who stated that, with limited access to higher education, many youths are being enticed to relocate to neighbouring Brazil. As such, Kartright and others are working to regain the attention of the youths in the area through sports initiatives and small youth groups. “Most of the youths who have been leaving school are being influenced towards

Brazil. Everybody wants to go to Brazil, so that is why we try to keep them occupied and have them be involved in community activities,” he added. Harmon has also agreed to assist the village with its peanut farming project, through the provision of barbwires for fencing and pipes for irrigation. The minister has also promised to look into having new batteries acquired to power the solar panel system at the Karasabai Primary School, which has been without such for some six years. “Now that we got to know the minister, I think that things will improve in the area of youth empowerment because the minister seems to be passionate also about youth empowerment,” Edwards said. Meanwhile Kartright added: “The scholarships, those were one of the things we were looking at and we do have students that have already left school and are just there…so the minister spoke with us and he gave us his full support on that. We are still befitting and we continue to give our full support to the Government and we hope they can assist further. ”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Guyana signs air services pact with 16 countries Zimbabwe, Colombia, Morocco, Gambia, Rwanda, and Tanzania. These agreements were initialed and Memoranda of Understanding were signed with these countries. Pending signature of these agreements at the ministerial level, the agreements are provisionally applied, which means airlines from other countries can commence flights to Guyana at any time provided that the

airlines are operating by the conditions outlined in the ASA. Additionally, Guyana also signed a Code Sharing Agreement with Australia and a Technical Cooperation Agreement with Ghana for the exchange of knowledge and technical expertise in the area of civil aviation. Negotiations for ASA have commenced with Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, The Bahamas,

Senegal, and Saudi Arabia. The negotiations of these agreements are complementary to the work started at the ICAO Air Transport Meeting, which was held in Guyana from November 21-23, 2018 under the theme “Promoting Connectivity for Sustainable Air Transport Development”.

GCAA Director General, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, and Director for Air Transport Management, Mr. Saheed Sulaman with officials at the event

THE Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) attended the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Air Services Negotiation (ICAN) event, hosted by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority in Nairobi, Kenya from December 10 -14, 2018. The annual ICAN event provides a forum for ICAO Member States to conduct multiple bilateral and plurilateral air services nego-

tiations, consultations and networking opportunities, the GCAA said in a release. Delegates from 71 ICAO contracting States participated at ICAN in December 2018. The Guyanese delegation, which comprised the Director General of the GCAA, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, and Director for Air Transport Management, Mr. Saheed Sulaman, conducted 26 meetings at ICAN. These negotiations will set the frame-

work for expansion in the air connectivity of Guyana with the rest of the world, and aid Guyana’s efforts in becoming a robust international air traffic hub. These meetings resulted in the conclusion of sixteen Air Services Agreements (ASA’s) with Luxembourg, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burkina Faso, United Kingdom, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Oman, Malaysia, Jordan,

Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, and Director for Air Transport Management, Mr. Saheed Sulaman with another delegation at the meeting

UG lecturers demand financial audit …say money being wasted, not spent on developing teaching space

By Vishani Ragobeer MEMBERS of the teaching staff of the University of Guyana (UG) have called for a financial audit to be done at the institution, since they claim that funds are being misappropriated instead of being used to develop the teaching space. On Monday, dozens of teachers stood outside of the old vice-chancellor’s building to call for the financial audit. Some of the protesting teachers were members and executives of University of Guyana Workers Union (UGWU) and University of Guyana Senior Staff Association (UGSSA). “We are seeing expenditure in areas that we don’t consider a priority,” UGSSA President Jewel Thomas said. The call for this audit has stemmed from the inability of the university to provide an increase in teachers’ salaries beyond three and four per cent because the university “cannot afford it”. In November 2018, the Finance and General Purposes Committee of the university unanimously approved a last-minute request by the administration and imposed a three per cent salary increase for UA (academic) staff, and a four per cent increase for

UB (support) staff, retroactive to January 1, 2018. The increase was approved by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Ivelaw Griffith. Since then, the bodies have been meeting with the UG administration to nego-

signaling their rejection of that offer and indicated that they would pursue other avenues, depending on the response. “The response came saying that they really don’t have any more money for

UGSSA President Jewel Thomas

Dozens of UG teachers calling for a financial audit to be done at the University [Samuel Maughn photos]

tiate further increases, according to Thomas. Thomas further underscored that the UGWU and UGSSA waited, albeit begrudgingly, until an offer came on the February 1. “The offer was nothing. They said that they don’t have any more money for 2018 and they hoped we could move on to 2019,” she said. The two bodies, according to Thomas, subsequently wrote to the administration

2018 [to pay] wages and salaries, but they would sit and negotiate the other things, i.e. the uniform allowances, etc,” Thomas highlighted. However, she questioned, “Why are we going to sit and discuss anything with you if you say you have no money?” and further stressed: “We need to have a look at what is going on with the university’s finances.” The University of Guyana

has undertaken a “Renaissance” project, where it has been seeking to rebrand and rebuild the institution. But according to Thomas, this project and all that it has entailed so far, is costing the university a tremendous amount of money. And according to her, this money should be channelled into improving the teaching space instead. “If we are still talking about overcrowded classrooms, fetching chairs and no projectors, you have to ask what has gone on in the last few years because we should not be here,” Thomas said. Similarly, UGWU President, Bruce Haynes said: “For me the important thing

is our human capital.. Unless we develop our human capital, we can’t develop anywhere else.” He explained that there are three important elements, in his opinion, that support the work that the university does. “You have to get the labour; you have to get the materials, which are the things that will make delivery effective and efficient, and we have to have the resources,” he said. “It’s about doing those very relevant and important things, that is going to enhance your human capital and is going to take this university forward… and the staff are critical to the moving this university forward.” Subsequent to the protest staged, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith told the Guyana Chronicle: “This University Vice-Chancellor leadership is not wasting money on anything.” According to him, the reason for the emphasis being placed on the “Renaissance” project is partially to rebrand and rebuild the university, and to forge partnerships with people who can help the university rebuild and rebrand. In transforming the university, he noted that the university does not have the luxury of waiting on the

government and has to forge these partnerships-which he said has already been bearing positive results. But the fact remains, according to him, that he has only been at the helm of the university for two and a half years and he said: “You can’t expect in two and a half years that I will rectify all the inherited stuff- some of it is salaries, we are doing something about that and some of it is facilities, and we are doing something about that.” And on the topic of the salary increases, he said: “I am not going to subject this university to making promises that we cannot keep, so if you want a nine or 10 per cent increase in salary- which is what they are demandingthe question is where am I getting this money from.” However, he highlighted also, that both the UG administration and the bodies agreed that if an agreement could not be had on salary increases, we would go to conciliation [with the Ministry of Social Protection, through the Department of Labour].” “Let’s have the audit, I’ve got nothing to hide. We have shown them all the incomes and the expenditures and I am prepared to do that again for 2019,” he stressed.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

No bail for bomb-threat suspect

…police preparing other charges against her By Clestine Juan A TWENTY-five-year-old University of Guyana (UG) student was, on Monday, February 11, 2019, arraigned before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, for allegedly issuing bomb threats to the university. Sheneza Jafferally, called Diane, of Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara, who is employed at Yello Guyana Inc. as a sales representative, pleaded not guilty to the charge of misuse of a telecommunication device. Particulars of the charge alleged that on February 5, 2019, at Cummings Lodge, Jafferally sent – by means of a public telecommunication device system, for the purpose of causing needless anxiety to the staff and students of the UG – a message which she knew to be false. Jafferally's attorney, Latchmi Rahamat, made an application for bail on the

grounds that her client was kept by the police beyond the 72 hours. Rahamat argued that Jafferally denied the allegation when it was put to her by the police. “There is no evidence that shows that my client made any threats to the University of Guyana" the attorney stressed. Additionally, Jafferally's cell phone and all the electronic devices in her Cummings Lodge home were confiscated by the police. Police Prosecutor, Inspector Gordon Mansfield, objected to Jafferally being granted her pre-trial liberty since she intended to spread public terror and the nature of the charge was very serious. The prosecutor told the court that another allegation, similar in nature, was currently being investigated against Jafferally. The chief magistrate, on the grounds of public safety, remanded Jafferally to prison until February 18, 2019, when the

Smyth Street murder accused freed AN elated Morris Prince walked out of the Demerara High Court on Monday (February 11, 2019), a free man, after a 12-member jury found him not guilty of the alleged 2016 murder of his friend, Oriley Small. After more than three hours of deliberations, the jury emerged and the forewoman announced a unanimous not-guilty verdict. After this disclosure in the crowded courtroom of Court Three, Justice Navindra Singh told the accused, Morris Prince, that he was free to go. It was then the relatives of Prince screamed out in relief and exited the courtroom to greet and embrace him, as they walked out the Demerara High Court in unison, and in quite a celebratory mood. According to the indictment, it was alleged that, on March 19, 2016, in the county of Demerara, Morris Prince murdered Oriley Small. Upon the presentation of the indictment, the accused, Morris Prince, pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and, as such, a trial commenced in which 19 witnesses testified.

Freed: Morris Prince

On the day in question, the deceased, Oriley Small, a businessman, was riddled by bullets as he was entering his yard at Lot 2 Smyth Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, by a lone gunman, who fled the scene. Following the murder, two persons were arrested for the crime but only Morris Prince was charged for the offence. A post-mortem revealed that the deceased, Small, died from multiple gunshot injuries. He was shot nine times to the body. The State was represented by Tuanna Hardy, Abigail Gibbs and Teriq Mohamed, while the accused retained the services of defence attorney, Mark Waldron.

Sheneza Jafferally, called Diane (Photo by Delano Williams)

matter will be recalled at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. On February 5 and 6, 2019, bomb threats were

reportedly made to the university’s Turkeyen Campus, forcing the cancellation of classes. Classes were expected to resume yesterday (Monday, February 11, 2019). The Guyana Police Force, through its commissioner, deputy crime chief and a team of officers, met with members of the UG administration and, days later, arrested the UG student, Jafferally. According to a source, based on the investigations conducted by the police, a telephone number belonging to the student was linked to the number from which the bomb threats were allegedly made to the university.

Jafferally, who goes by the nickname ‘Shelly’ and ‘Diane’, is the niece of former People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Region Six Member of Parliament (MP) and current Region Five Campaign Manager, Faizal Jafferally. The university’s administration, following the scare, had shut its doors. The threats came even as a string of online threats directed at several city schools had been on-going for weeks. These threats were initially made against the School of the Nations, and resulted in the school’s director being shot in both arms, while he was entering his home. The threats to the university were taken seriously, as students and staff evacuated the campus, while a $1M reward has been offered for

anyone with information regarding the threats made to School of the Nations. The charge filed against Jafferally comes under the Telecommunications Act of Guyana and states that; “A person who, by means of a telecommunications network or a telecommunications service, willfully circulates or otherwise transmits any telecommunication that is false, deceptive or misleading, or that materially endangers the physical safety of any other person, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars nor more than two million dollars and to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Mayor wants M&CC receipts to be issued with TIN MAYOR Ubraj Narine insisted on Monday, that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) ought to be issuing receipts with its Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), something that City Treasurer, John Douglas, said has never been done since his employment at the municipality. At Monday’s statutory meeting, Narine demanded an answer from Douglas on why the current receipts are not carrying City Hall’s TIN, owing to the fact that the laws governing the municipality require this. The mayor said he wanted to urge that this practice be implemented, even for vendors who have

to be issued receipts. He said this should be done in the interest of transparency and that he couldn’t understand how Douglas had no knowledge of this. Douglas said that one possible reason the TIN is not attached to the receipts is because the M&CC is not a profit-making organisation. He promised to do some research on the issue and provide feedback to the mayor by Wednesday. Councillor Clayton Hinds offered that if the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a TIN to the M&CC, then no research is needed. He reasoned that the TIN provision means that it is a requirement for M&CC to

issue its receipts with it. Meanwhile, the M&CC took a decision recently to have one generic receipt issued to all those doing business with the municipality. Different receipts were being issued by departments, at times without the necessary revenue stamps. There have been complaints that customers are not certain on some occasions whether the receipt they have been issued is from the City Council or from private individuals. The decision was also taken in view of the fact that some revenue collectors may have resigned or may be out of the system, but this may not be known to customers.

The Procurement and Rates Department is expected to look into the matter of procuring one standard receipt book for all departments. Meanwhile, in the interest of greater transparency and accountability, the M&CC decided that beginning March 1 last year, all casual and itinerant vendors would pay their rent and other fees at special booths, and no longer through revenue collectors. “No monies would be collected by anyone other than persons officially assigned in those booths to do so,” former Town Clerk Royston King had said about the new system. The new initiative was rolled out first at Bourda

Wanted bulletin issued for alleged fraudster

Wanted: Trisha Karisha Resally-Jurakan

THE Guyana Police Force on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Trisha Karisha Resally-Jurakan, who is wanted by the police for questioning in relation to an alleged fraudulent conversion. Police said that the alleged fraud was committed on Alicia Rajpal and Sursattie Dookie between 5th July

and 9th October, 2018 Reports indicate that Trisha Resally Jurakan, former employee of a travel and tours service, issued several bounced cheques as payment to various companies and persons. The 34-year-old’s last known address is Lot 1325 Block ‘I’ Eccles, East Bank Demerara. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Trisha Karisha Resally-Jurakan is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 2267065, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Some of the cheques issued

to his camp. The miner then spent the night at another camp where he tied his hammock and decided to pray. It is alleged that during his prayer, “Leon” entered the camp in an abusive manner and began using profanity and making noise. The owner of the camp then went over to ask “Leon” to leave, when he discovered he was armed with a cutlass in a holster. The irate man then allegedly attacked the owner of the camp and Baboolall, who was praying, withdrew his firearm and fired a shot

in the air to thwart the commotion. This agitated “Leon”, who then turned his wrath on Baboolall, proceeded in his direction with the cutlass to attack him. The businessman then discharged three shots in “Leon’s” direction hitting him in the chest. When contacted, police confirmed the killing and noted that the body was taken to the Bartica Hospital Mortuary, where it is awaiting a post-mortem examination. Baboolall has since been taken into police custody as investigations continue. His firearm has been seized.

Mayor Ubraj Narine

tors. “They, along with staff from the City Treasurer’s Department and Internal Audit, will check and verify receipts. Those who are not in possession of official council receipts would not be permitted to sell or carry on business. The objective is to allow the vendors to make a livelihood in a clean and safe environment,” King had explained.

Wanted bulletin issued for suspect in murder at Capoey

Carl Welcome Jnr called “Ralph”

Miner shot dead after allegedly attacking businessman

A MINER was shot and killed at Kartuni Backdam, Cuyuni River, after allegedly attacking a 27-yearold businessman at a camp. The dead man has been only identified as ‘Leon ’. The businessman, who is also a miner, was identified as Kevin Baboolall, 27, of Bartica. Reports indicate that Kevin Baboolall is the licensed holder of a 9mm Glock handgun. On February 7, 2019 he visited a shop to use the internet and decided to stay in the area after learning a tree had fallen, blocking the road he would have used to return

Market and was intended to be taken to the other municipal markets. The revenue collectors, however, were not pleased with the new system and had started to complain. “There have to be changes in all the departments of the City Council. As long as you are in the system, you have to work with the guidelines. We are your employers. If we change a procedure, and you don’t want to do it, then the choice is yours,” former mayor Patricia Chase-Green said. In keeping with the change, the town clerk explained that they will now be verifying officers in place of revenue collec-

A WANTED bulletin for a prime suspect in the stabbing death of an excavator operator at Capoey Village, Essequibo Coast, was issued by the Guyana Police Force on Monday. Investigators want to question Carl “Ralph” Welcome Jnr. for the murder of 23-year-old Shervin Melville between 16th and 17th December, 2018. Welcome, 19, is from the North West District, and Swan, Soesdyke-Linden Highway. Melville, an excavator operator of Capoey Lake, Essequibo Coast, was found motionless with a knife stuck in the neck and abrasions on his right arm and left side upper

chest at about 05:30hrs at his home. He was discovered by an in-law. Melville had lived there with his 20-yearold wife and their twomonth old baby. Police said Melville had a misunderstanding with ‘Ralph’ whilst imbibing. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Carl Welcome Jnr. a.k.a “Ralph” is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-6978, 225-8196, 7775360, 455-2238, 4552267, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police station. All information will

Dead: Shervin Melville

be treated with the strictest confidence.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

$154M in contracts signed for development projects in Region 5 The Administration of Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) on Monday signed some 30 contracts for the first wave of infrastructural developmental projects in the region for 2019. The contracts related to some $154M worth of projects with respect to upgrading, rehabilitation and construction of community roads and education and healthcare infrastructure. Regional Executive Officer (REO), Mr. Ovid Morrison, advised the awardees that they were obligated under their contracts to employ at least 20 per cent of skilled and unskilled labour within the communities in which they will be executing the contracts. He also urged them to ensure that they complete

their projects within the agreed time frame, except when confronted with conditions outside of their control. He stressed that extensions will not be considered outside of early requests for more time. Contracts were awarded for upgrading, rehabilitation and construction of community roads to a cost of $105M; for education infrastructure projects valued at $29M and healthcare improvement projects valued at $19M. The initial wave of programmes for public works comprised a total of 16 community road upgrade projects from Blairmont in the east of the region to Perth, Mahaicony in the west. Contracts were awarded for upgrades in the education sector with

Mayor, councillors criticise PR department GEORGETOWN Mayor Ubraj Narine, along with a number of city councillors, agreed on Monday that the entire Public Relations (PR) Department at the municipality needs to be reconfigured. Currently, it is being headed by Ms. Debra Lewis. Narine referred to a recent incident where he paid a visit to Carnegie, and noone from the PR Department had informed the administration of the institution of the intended visit. According to him, he has to experience stress and tension every time there is need for him to contact that department, and vowed not to contact the department again. “The PR Department is not functioning as it is supposed to. I’ll have to write my schedule and give them in advance. You have to go through 20 people before you can get the PR,” he said. Narine in vowing not to call the department again, said: “I will just go out there and do my work. I will not contact that department further.” He said the municipality is wasting money to pay officers in that department, and called on the Acting Town Clerk to act. “She’s

the acting Town Clerk and needs to put her foot down on certain things.” Councillor Ayodele Roach said the work being produced by the Public Relations Department is “trash.” She later retracted this statement, and offered that the department was not doing enough. Roach pointed out that while the M&CC has a Facebook profile, the municipality does not have a page. She said she is hoping that the department will cover the work of the councillors, and not just that of the mayor. But the mayor responded that even his department is not being covered. “It’s unfortunate that you of all persons are saying this,” Acting Town Clerk Sharon Harry replied, and as she attempted to continue explaining, Narine interrupted: “Madame Town Clerk I am speaking! Please!” Former Mayor Patricia Chase-Green referred to the kind of tools that are available in the said department, and urged that the council decide if it wants to keep the department or not. “Let’s first determine what we have, and then we will be able to see what we can get out of it.”

Region 5 REO, Ovid Morrison overlooking the signing of the contracts

respect to improvements to schools and their environ-

ment – mainly fences, tarmacs and sanitary facilities.

Contracts were awarded for the construction of guard

huts at 11 schools within the region at an average cost of $504,000 each. Awards for the construction of guard huts were deliberately restricted to small and start-up contractors so the “smaller contractors” could get a piece of the pie, Morrison said. Contracts were awarded for eight projects in the health sector in the region at a total value of $19M; – most of which are mainly upgrades to health centres in communities throughout the region. In December 2018, the $3.7B awarded to Region Five by the central government for 2019, comprised $382M for public works; $844M for healthcare; $1.9B for education and $300M for agriculture.

Cops seize 59 bikes …18 persons arrested in major crackdown

Some of the seized motorcycles in police custody

EIGHTEEN persons were detained and scores of motorcycles were seized recently as police question suspects in relation to several offences, including robbery under arms, simple larceny and house-breaking offences. Police in ‘A’ Division (Georgetown/East Bank De-

merara) on Saturday last conducted several cordon and search operations in the Division’s Number Two Sub-Division. Meanwhile, between 23:00hrs on Sunday to 05:00hrs on Monday, a police team consisting of ranks from Headquarters and ‘A’ Division, conduct-

ed a similar exercise at the Georgetown Seawalls from Camp Street to Vlissengen Road. Six persons were also arrested for various offences and fifty-nine motorcycles were impounded; several of the cycles were abandoned by the drivers during the operation.

Police said a verification of the authenticity of the documents of the said cycles is being done since many are suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained. Seventy grammes of cannabis was also found. The operations were spearheaded by several senior officers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Banks DIH partners with UniCarriers Corporation MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan, was among those who witnessed the commitment to a partnership between local company, Banks DIH Limited, and Mexican company, UniCarriers Corporation. The companies officially opened a showroom on Friday, where UniCarriers products including electric forklift trucks, electric narrow aisle trucks, electric pallet trucks and starters among others, will be on display. This joint venture signals the continued growth of and confidence in the expansion of Guyana’s economy. Banks DIH Chairman, Clifford Reis, during the launch, said this partnership represents the beginning of a process of diversification of the company’s business

model. “Part of our plans for the future is to respond to the challenges of the 21 century’s business environment,” Clifford Reis said. UniCarriers’ Director of Sales for Latin America, Eduardo Torres, meanwhile stated that his company is careful in selecting business partners, and Banks DIH has proven itself to have values that are appreciated by UniCarriers. “We are so confident that we are choosing one of the best companies in Guyana; a company with good values and good reputation” Torres expressed. Among those who attended the launch was Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Roberto Sierra-Medel and staff members of Banks DIH Limited. (DPI)

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan along with Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ivan Roberto Sierra-Medel; Banks DIH Chairman, Clifford Reis; UniCarriers’ Director of Sales for Latin America, Eduardo Torres and other officials at the launch on Friday

South Ruimveldt youth on armed robbery charge

A SOUTH Ruimveldt man was on Monday, February 11, 2019, arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on a charge of armed robbery. Shaquille Duncan, 25, of Festival City, South Ruimveldt Gardens, Georgetown, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’

Court with a wounded left arm and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that on February 5, 2019, at Mandela Avenue, Duncan, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, robbed Steve Monroe, called ‘Pablo', of a gold chain valued $360,000.

Police Prosecutor, Quinn Harris, opposed to Duncan being granted his pre-trial liberty on the grounds that the defendant was apprehended by public-spirited persons. According to reports, on the day in question, Munroe was at a Super Bet Outlet on Mandela Avenue when

two men, one of whom was armed with a gun, snatched a gold chain from his neck. Public-spirited persons pursued the perpetrators, and during which, one bandit discharged a round in their direction but the bullet struck Duncan instead. The accomplice managed to escape on a white XR motorcycle, leaving Duncan behind. Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus remanded the unrepresented man to prison until March 4, 2019.

Shaquille Duncan

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

IDB signs US$6M loan to Guyana

…for establishment of Electronic Single Window for Trade

MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan, on Monday signed a loan agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for US$6,000.000 for the establishment of an Electronic

Single Window for Trade. This project will not only improve trade facilitation, but significantly reduce the time and cost of trade processes here, the Ministry of Finance said. The executing agency

is the Ministry of Business. Mr. Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the IDB, signed on behalf of the bank. Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, during an interview with the Depart-

ment of Public Information (DPI) last year, had explained that the ESW project relies heavily on several agencies to execute the mandate of the scheme. “I do not think there has ever been a project of this type that requires different types of agencies to be involved in it.” He noted the co-operation of various agencies is vital to the project’s success, especially since it allows access to an electronic platform, through which they can conduct numerous types of transactions. The ESW is mainly

Finance Minister Winston Jordan and IDB President, Mr. Luis Alberto Moreno signing the loan agreement

Finance Minister Winston Jordan (second from right) poses with IDB President, Mr. Luis Alberto Moreno (centre) and Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley along with other officials during the signing ceremony

a trading facilitator; as such it would involve the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as the major stakeholder. It will also involve other licensing agencies and agencies that endorse permits or import and export licences, among others. However, Minister Gaskin indicated that a number of agencies have not yet begun the digitisation process, which poses some challenges in electronic information sharing. Nevertheless, the minister noted there are other agencies indicating “readiness” towards the project. The ESW project is one that will be loan-funded, and the Business Ministry is hoping the funds will be approved by the end of 2019. Minister Gaskin said once

the loan is approved “it will speed up the process”. On February 21, 2018 the Ministry of Business in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) hosted the first ESW workshop with public and private stakeholders at the Pegasus Hotel, with the focus of “Developing a Roadmap to Electronic Single Window in Guyana”. The workshop was aimed at identifying and analysing conceptual models and challenges for the implementation and global practices for the development of the ESW in Guyana. The Single Window aims to expedite and simplify information flows between trade participants and the government, by bringing

meaningful gains to all parties involved in the domestic and cross-border trade. According to the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) Recommendation 33, a Single Window is defined as “a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardised information and documents with a single-entry point to fulfil all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements. Once the information is electronic, then individual data elements should only be submitted once.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Diamond residents commend long-awaited road enhancement project THE Ministry of Public Infrastructure has finally embarked upon its long-awaited project, which is expected to start in mid-2019 and conclude before the end of the year. This was made known by Minister David Patterson. Residents of Diamond and its surrounding areas are thanking the coalition government for the implementation of a project that will link different geographical areas within the community. In addition, community members are excited about the proposed new car park and market. Presently, it is very difficult for residents to come in and go out of the scheme at certain times during the day. According to residents, police ranks are usually needed to direct the traffic, but the problems remain. “Unless we leave this house before seven, we would never reach to town. Driving or travelling is very dreadful to go to work and to come home from work”, exclaimed a concerned resident. The project was altered from the intended overhead entrance due to a compact between the former government and the popular M and M Snackette. The government has been able to accumulate lands from the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), which is located between the Guyoil Gas Station and DDL. Thus the Topco Juice plant and the solar farm will be relocated to allow construction of the new roads. The first part of the project involves the building of a new car park and market in the land provided by DDL.

Taxi drivers, ever so often, complain about the amount of space they are given to park cars and appreciate this new venture, as it will open a gateway to obtain more passengers. One driver stated that only six to 10 cars can be accommodated in the limited space now available, while Diamond currently has close to 30 car drivers seeking space to park their cars. On the other hand, market vendors are very happy because the current conditions under which they sell are not encouraging. Vendors usually have to face the hardship of dust blowing over their greens from the main roads and loss of sales, because buyers driving by do not want to pull up in the chaos between the vendors and drivers. The other part of the project involves the expansion of the road from the main road, along the northern side of the Guyoil Gas station, to inside of the First Avenue, Diamond. “We are forever grateful for this expansion. Diamond is a very big area with over 1000 residents and one entrance to come in and out wasn’t enough. What if something drastic happen on the roadway, then we are most certainly trapped in or out. I view this project as a well invested project”, a shop owner highlighted. Apart from these projects, a road linking the East Bank and East Coast roadways is expected to be established. An estimated cost of $11 Billion will be invested in this project from the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India.

GRDB unaware of rice shipment held up in Jamaica THE Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) said it is unaware of any rice shipment to Jamaica, under the Cinderella brand, that left this country recently and has requested more details from Kingston as it investigates the matter. Over the weekend, reports surfaced that 70 metric tonnes of White Cinderella rice, valued at approximately $4.6 million, were confiscated by Jamaica’s Industries, Agriculture and Fisheries Ministry due to its poor quality. According to the reports, a series of inspections were carried out which revealed that the grains had signs of mould, clumping, discoloration and wetting resulting

in its detention by a food storage inspector. However, General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan, in a release has expressed concern over the claims, noting that no rice has been shipped to Jamaica from Guyana by the miller who packages under the Cinderella Brand, for the year. “I am very disturbed by these reports. We have since reached out to the Food Storage and Prevention of Infestation Division in the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries in Jamaica, and are awaiting a response. The situation is puzzling since TURN TO PAGE

AG holds talks with IDB officials

ATTORNEY General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, last week met with Ms Sophie Makonnen and Dr Jason Wilks, as government advance discussions regarding the Justice Reform Project. Wilks is a Public Management Specialist at the International Development Bank (IDB). During the discussion, Ms Makonnen introduced Dr Wilks to the AG as the person who will oversee matters related to the Support for the Criminal Justice System (SCJS) Programme. The attorney general also discussed matters affecting the said SCJS Programme, among other key matters.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

GDF Coast Guard celebrates 29th Anniversary THE Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard last week commemorated its 29th Anniversary with a thanksgiving ceremony held at Coast Guard Ship Hinds, Ruimveldt, Georgetown. This year's anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, “Defining Aggression, Enforcing Laws, Protecting our Maritime Space for Total National Defence,” GDF said in a release. The service was attended by Inspector General, Colonel Trevor Bowman, Senior Officers of the Force, Coast Guard Ranks and special invitees. Commander of the Coast Guard, Commander Orin Porter, in his feature address, expressed thanks to the stalwarts who worked tirelessly to chart the course of the unit, a course which started with the Marine Wing and evolved into the Coast Guard. Commander Porter, in his reflection of the past year, noted that the unit has conducted patrols into the hinterland waterways as well as

joint patrols with other agencies. This harmonisation, he stated, has seen a reduction in piracy in the waterways, as well as fishermen being prosecuted for illegal acts. Touching also on the area of training, he noted that the Coast Guard continues to conduct training courses which also caters to members of the sister services – the Guyana Energy Agency and the Guyana Revenue Authority. Additionally, the Coast Guard commander acknowledged the challenges which lie ahead, but told ranks gathered at the service “national defence is paramount and we must protect our maritime environment. We need to secure our sea area, protect the resources therefore and be ready to defend it…We need to have better maritime domain awareness, be able to better define aggression through surveillance and patrolling, enforce our laws while defining aggression, and protect our maritime space for total national defence,” he said. To this end, he told ranks that this could only

An officer presenting the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard colours to the officiating priest

be achieved through consistent hard work, commitment, training and execution of the unit’s mandate,

and embracing the force’s values and standards. The colour of the Coast Guard was also consecrat-

ed during the service. A recognition ceremony was held following the church service, during which serv-

ing and retired personnel were rewarded for their contribution towards the development of the Coast Guard. Colonel Gary Beaton, who is also a former commander of the Coast Guard, was rewarded for his engineering contribution to the unit which includes the design of the floating base at Pomeroon, while Retired Former Commander, Geoffrey George, was awarded for his role in the negotiation for the acquisition of the GDFS Essequibo. Former Commander Retired Captain John Flores, who was the first captain of the vessel, was also honoured, while Retired Chief Petty Officer, Lawrence Sinclair, was awarded for being the vessel’s first Regulating Chief Petty Officer. On the occasion of the 29th Anniversary, the Coast Guard also commissioned three recently-acquired inshore patrol vessels.

GRDB unaware of rice shipment ... the last shipment left Guyana on the 15th December and arrived on the 19th December, 2018. Like any other shipment, the rice that was sent to Jamaica underwent a series of physical tests and was certified. The Board conducts such tests on paddy, rice and rice by- products prior to any shipment leaving Guyana,” Hassan said. The GRDB export records also revealed that the

alleged supplier, to date, has not received any complaints from the buyer in Jamaica or any other of its markets, and has been paid for all rice shipped. Export reports also indicate that no single shipment from the supplier amounted to 70 tonnes. The general manager further stated that rice could develop mould if it becomes wet in storage.

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“It is very important that the rice be stored in a dry place. Mould and other bacteria can develop on the grain if the rice is exposed to moisture or becomes wet in storage,” Hassan said. Meanwhile, the GRDB while it awaits an official word on the matter from Jamaica,is calling on all players within the industry to remain vigilant as the matter is being investigated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Retrial begins for fish-cleaner's murder

A TWELVE-member jury was on Monday empanelled to hear the evidence from witnesses in the retrial of the Meadowbank Wharf koker murder, which took place back in 2011. According to the indictment, it is alleged that the accused, Quaison Jones called ‘Blondie’, killed Marlon Greene on January 17, 2011. After the indictment was presented before Justice James Bovell-Drakes in the Demerara High Court, the accused, Quaison Jones pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Businessman Stephen Vieira took the stand and told the court that in January 2011, he was living with his family at Meadowbank Wharf koker, and related that

he knows the accused and knew the deceased. The witness identified the accused, who was seated in the box. He added that on the day in question at about 09:00hrs, he was at home when he heard a noise and decided to inquire of the happening. In his evidence-in-chief, Vieira said he saw both the deceased and the accused ‘squaring up to fight’ and recalled seeing ‘Blondie’ in a ‘cuffing’ motion over the deceased, who had fallen to the ground. He stated that he shouted at them to stop and went to get a closer look and realised that the ‘cuffing motion’ he saw, was the accused ‘boring’ the deceased with a knife he had in his hand.

The witness said he, along with others, picked up the injured Greene, who was bleeding from a wound to the neck, and took him in his bus to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Under cross examination by defence attorney, Ronald Birch-Smith, the witness was asked whether the deceased and the accused were quarrelling and he replied in the positive but could not say why. It was however put to the witness that because he was close to the deceased, he was lying to the court since he did not see anything; he rejected the suggestion by the defence counsel. The next witness, Rondell Singh, testified that he was with a group at Meadow-

Brothel allegation lands Rio Night Club manager in court THE Manager of the Rio Night Club and Inn, was, on Monday, February 11, 2019, arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus for using the hotel rooms as brothel for prostitution purposes. Andy Bynoe called ‘Montana’, 32, made his appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge. Particulars of the charge alleged that, between November 1, 2018 and Feb-

Andy Bynoe called ‘Montana’

ruary 5, 2019, at Forshaw Street, Georgetown, while being the manager of Rio Inn and Night Club, he know-

ingly used the building as a brothel. Bynoe’s attorney, Keoma Griffith, made an application for bail. Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris made no objection to bail, but requested that conditions be attached. Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus released Bynoe on $30,000 bail with the condition that he reports to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Headquarters at Eve Leary every Friday until the completion of trial. The matter was adjourned until February 18, 2019.

The accused: Quaison Jones called ‘Blondie’ at the Demerara High Court

bank Wharf koker cleaning fish, when he was alerted by his employer, Stephen Vieira, that there was ‘trouble’. He related that both men are known to him and the deceased was his brother, both of whom used to live with Vieira. Singh said he stopped cleaning the fish and went to part the fight and saw Greene on the ground bleeding profusely from a wound to the neck. He took his jersey and placed it around Greene’s neck and assisted in taking him to the hospital. The witness told the court that when he approached the accused, who was over the

deceased, he told him “watch how you mek I kill he”. Several other witnesses testified on Monday (February 11, 2019). On June 17, 2014 the accused Quaison Jones called ‘Blondie’ was sentenced to 57 years’ imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh after a 12-member jury found him guilty of the 2011 killing of Marlon Greene. His sentence was however, appealed, and a new trial was ordered by the Court of Appeal.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Carter Centre reps meet GECOM officials

REPRESENTATIVES of the Carter Centre met with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Monday to receive an update on the commission’s readiness for elections. Visiting were two females described as “junior representatives,” by GECOM’s Public Relations Officer, Yolanda Ward. Upon leaving, the women declined to comment on the meeting’s proceedings but Commissioners Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn spoke to the

media. “We met two ladies from the Carter Centre. They asked some pointed questions in relation to the question of the date; questions in relation to the laws and questions relating to registration in itself. It appears to be a preliminary fact-finding effort on behalf of the Carter Centre,” Benn said Others at the meeting were GECOM Chairman, Justice (ret'd) James Patterson; Chief Elections Officer, Keith LowenField and PRO,

Yolanda Ward. Since 1992, the Carter Centre has assisted Guyana in deepening democracy through the monitoring of elections. with the 2015 General and Regional Elections being the fourth of such observations in Guyana. Former United States (US) President, Jimmy Carter, had led the first mission to Guyana with the aim of encouraging sustainable development and developing democratic institutions. This is the first time known to this newspaper that the Carter

Centre has approached the commission since the fallout that ensued over the no-confidence motion. Providing a synopsis on the matter, Gunraj said: “The meeting stemmed from a request from the Carter Centre to discuss issues concerning the developments in relation to the holding of elections as a consequence of the passing of the no-confidence motion. “We updated them as to the situation. The same questions that we’ve been discussing over the last few weeks, those

are the same issues that were raised and those were the same updates that were given to the team.” Over the past few weeks, the commission has been meeting on a weekly basis as deliberations heat up but are expected to come to an end, soon, on a fixed date for new elections. At the most recent press meeting, Lowenfield stated that the GECOM Secretariat would need 148 days to put all necessary systems in place for the holding of General and Regional Elections. Timelines, such as these, which go beyond the 90-day timeframe provided for in the Constitution, if the courts decided that the confidence vote was valid, have been met with much objection from the opposition. Last Tuesday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo led a protest against GECOM where he threatened that there would be no business as usual, should his party’s demand for elections by March 19 this year not be met. Two days later, supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) coalition organised their own protest against the commission, picketing for the conduct of fresh house-to-house registration as budgeted for this year. The contrasting actions represent the current and colliding national interests of citizens, who on one side

push for elections at any cost within the 90-day timeframe and, on the other side, advocate for a credible voters’ list. Gunraj told reporters on Monday at that the Carter Centre representatives did not express concern, but focused on gathering the facts at hand. It is expected that they will transfer the information gathered to their superiors. Meanwhile, Gunraj disagrees that there is need for the centre to take up a mediator role at this time. “I don’t know that there’s a role for mediation. What I know is that we have a constitutional mandate, which is to hold elections within a specific time and it is not, I believe, within the role of GECOM to have any such mediation. We have our role. Our duty is to hold elections when they are constitutionally due,” the opposition-appointed commissioner said. The full commission is expected to meet today, February 12, 2019 at GECOM’s head office to continue deliberations on the matter of an election date, following the stalemate of their last meeting. At the session, the Operations Sub-Committee was set to provide a report in this regard, but it was unable to conclude its deliberations.

BOG: New-look $1000 bill to feature minor changes THE Bank of Guyana has announced that effective March 4, in keeping with efforts to upgrade the local currency, there will be a few noticeable changes in the $1000 bill. The upgrade, the bank says, will see most of the elements of the previous note being retained, while one of the two significant changes will be the replacement of the holographic stripe at the front of the note, “with a rapid micro-optic security feature.” Detailing the nature of the change, the bank said, “The 6mm-wide blue feature will display fluid and highly visible movement behind the national flower,

which also represents in print on the edges of the note,” and that “with only a slight tilt of the note, the bands in the rapid feature will move up and down behind the static numerals 1000 as the flower petals shimmer in blue and white.” The second significant change, it said, is the replacement of the windowed security thread at the back of the note with an embedded plastic thread which is visible when held against light. The new currency will be in circulation alongside the existing note of the same denomination.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Demands for new registration grow ...citizens in countrywide demonstration at GECOM offices

AS the People Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to push for general elections without observing the mandatory registration process, supporters of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) as well as the youth population, on Monday began mobilising, mounting pockets of protest

ing persons above the age of 18 the right to cast their vote. The protest today is to demonstrate that we are aware of our rights, and that we would like our rights to be respected. “Calling elections before registration will be disenfranchising our youths from having the opportunity to vote, because that list they

send a message to GECOM. “The protestors believe that in order to have free and fair elections, the list must be sanitised. Persons who are on the list and have lost the eligibility to vote must be removed, while the ones who have reached eligibility to be on the list must be on the list. The Region believes that the only way to have a proper

Residents of Bartica with Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford and Mayor Gifford Marshall, protesting at the GECOM Office on First Street, Bartica

Lindeners protesting at the GECOM office in their town

action in various parts of the country to press for the holding of house-to house registration before any elections can be held. It started in the townships of Lethem, Linden, Bartica, and New Amsterdam, and quickly spread to sections of Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), and Fort Wellington, as residents armed with placards came out in their numbers and protested outside of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) office in their respective regions. Up in Lethem protesters chanted, “Clean up the list. No registration; no elections.” One protestor, Jason McLean, told the Guyana Chronicle that the people Lethem are upset that the Opposition is trying to deprive a large number of youths of the opportunity to vote, in breach of their constitutional right, and that this ws their way of demanding that their constitutional right is respected. Monday’s protest, McLean said, was their way of showing solidarity with the stance the APNU/AFC has taken to reject the Opposition’s call, and allow for house-house registration, before proceeding with elections. “The Constitution of Guyana, he said, “caters for free and fair elections, giv-

have there has expired,” the young man said. Protestors were also asking that the monies that were allocated to GECOM to conduct house-to-house registration be used for the purpose it was intended, and not to fund elections. One Lethem woman said that sitting back and allowing GECOM to move forward with elections without registration is not an option for her. “We would be selling ourselves short, and giving way for a corrupt election process,”she said, while another contended that the people of Lethem are deeply appreciative of the developments the township would have seen in the past three years. **Their support of the APNU/AFC government, she said, is attributed to the fact that the people are grateful, and would like to experience more progress, and be afforded ‘the good life’ as promised by His Excellency President David Granger. Though the people were stern about their stance, the protest was peaceful and violence free. However, they hope to get satisfaction for their constitutional demands. Central Executive Committee Member of the PNCR region three branch, Ganesh Mahipaul said that the protest in their region was done to

list is to have house-to-house registration.” It must also be noted that a proper election can only be held once all the activities leading up to elections are done properly,” Mahipaul said, adding: “The foundation of a free and fair and free from fear election is to have a clean list. If the foundation is bad, then the election cannot be deemed credible.” Meanwhile, in Bartica, Regional Chairman, Gordon Bradford expressed similar sentiments, saying, “The exercise here in our town is in keeping with our mandate that the list must be cleansed of all the dead citizens, and the young people who would have qualified over the years be registered.” “Everyone aged 18 and over must be given the opportunity to vote, and we hope that after all this, good judgment will prevail.” At the protest in New Amsterdam, Deputy Election Coordinator for Upper Corentyne, Faiz Mursalin, said, “The people are pleading with GECOM to get the house-to-house registration done as quickly as possible.’’ Mursalin said they will be keeping up the pressure until GECOM commences registration. The protest in Berbice spread further than NA, as the

residents at Fort Wellington came out in full support of the mandate, carrying placards proclaiming: ‘Sanitise the list’; ‘To disenfranchise is to chastise’; ‘My vote must count!’ among other things. A spokesman for the youth faction said that he and others are rejecting the opposition’s call for elections despite the voters list being incomplete and generally flawed. “We are demanding that they stand down until house-

be held. “We want GECOM to know again that we are not going into an election with the list the way it is. We must have a new sanitised list, with house-to-house registration, before we even enter into any discussion about elections,” he said. Gittens also related that today will see a much larger mobilisation of protestors in front of GECOM, and that the protest will continue until positive word about their de-

Figueira, who said that the government is in no way afraid of elections, but it must be done the proper way. Though the people were stern about their stance, the protests were peaceful and violence free. However, they hope to get satisfaction for their constitutional demands. Just last week, citizens flocked the GECOM office in Georgetown, with the same demands. At the picketing exercise, Public Security Minister and AFC Chairman

Residents of New Amsterdam protesting

to-house registration is complete, and that they respect our rights as young Guyanese,” the youth representative said. About 30 Lindeners representing both the APNU and AFC parties, reportedly gathered peacefully in front of the Mackenzie GECOM office. For them, this was their second round of picketing action. At the forefront of the protest was APNU Regional Councillor, Douglas Gittens, who said that the idea is to let it be emphasised that house-to-house registration is pertinent, if early regional and general elections are to

mands is given by GECOM. One youth, Dwight Bennett, who has reached eligibility status, said that he has perused the list in his constituency and his name is not on the list. He strongly believes he has a right to vote at the next election. “I think youths should vote, because we need more opportunities. And I want my voice to be heard,´he said, adding: “At the last election, youths came out and voted like a boss to put the government in power, so we need to do the same again.” Organising the first round of protest actopn was Member of Parliament Jermaine

Khemraj Ramjattan, said that while GECOM will make the final decision on whether house-to-house registration would be conducted, it is his position that national registration is a necessary process that guarantees all eligible Guyanese their right to vote. According to Ramjattan, if the old list of electors is used for the upcoming elections, thousands of young people, who have not registered but are eligible to vote, will be excluded. They are also concerned that the current list is distended with dead people whose names have not been struck off.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

20 hinterland communities to benefit from e-services

…as gov’t rolls out pilot project By Lisa Hamilton OVER 11,000 residents from 20 communities in Regions Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 will be the first to benefit from the Ministry of Public Telecommunications’ Information and Communications Technology (ICT) access and e-services for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities (HPRCs) pilot Project. The project is aimed at providing HPRCs with access to government services, the worldwide web and social media, many for the first time. Along with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), the ministry will work to have the first 20 villages provided with these services in 2019. The villages to benefit in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) include Kaikan, Jawalla, Phillipai, Pariuma, Kako, Isseneru, Kangaruma and Tasserene, which altogether; have a population of over 5,000. In Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), over 1,600 res-

idents in the communities of Kurukubaru and Monkey Mountain, and almost 4,000 in Apoteri, Rewa, Surama, Aranaputa, Toka, Shulinab, Maruranau and Karaudanau in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), are expected to benefit. The villages in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice) include Kimbia and Wiruni at a population of over 700. At a press conference at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) on Monday, the stakeholders involved provided an update on the project. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, said that the fiveyear project has been in the making for over four years, with the project document being signed on May 30, 2017. Funding for project comes under a US$17M Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF) and upon completion, should see 200 ICT hubs being deployed. It focuses primarily on providing e-government services in health; education; public security and citizen-

Bartica man gets bail on rape charge A Carabese Hill, Bartica resident, accused of raping a 13-yearold girl, was, on Monday, February 11, 2019, brought before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Randy Peters, 31 was not required to plead to the charge which was read in-camera. Particulars of the charge alleged that, between January 1, 2019, and January 31, 2019, at Carabese Hill, Bartica, Peters engaged in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16. Peters was released on $150,000 bail and the matter was transferred to

the Bartica Magistrate’s Court for February 21, 2019. According to reports, Peters and the 13-yearold girl are known to each other and during the time in question, both parties were in communication. It is alleged that Peters asked the teen to have sex and she went over to his home. After two minutes of intercourse, the teen went home and was confronted by her mother. The teen was taken to the hospital and the matter was reported to the police.

National Data Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Floyd Levi

Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes (Adrian Narine photos)

ship. For example, online application forms will soon be able to be filled and completed out by residents in remote regions, saving them the time and money to travel to the capital. Some of these applications include drivers’ licence; and the submission of birth certificates within the application for a child to attend school. Meanwhile, NDMA Chairman Floyd Levi said that classes conducted in Georgetown can be recorded or even livestreamed to students and residents in HPRCs.

Telemedicine will also become a possibility, which is the remote diagnosis and treatment of patients though ICT. “We see a community that is connected and that connection permits the health workers in that community to be able to communicate with the health professional – a doctor perhaps – who is based outside of that community,” he said. The team is in the process of procuring bandwidth provision and intends to provide 4Mb per second for hinterland communities and a bit more for coastal communities

because of the presence of the network. Minister Hughes reminded the media of the project’s solar component, which means that the ICT hubs will still benefit HPRC areas where there are electricity challenges. “What we realised when we formed the Ministry of Telecommunications is that the gap; the divide between facilities and access to ICT; access to the internet which can spur development; which can spur telemedicine; online learning, education, entrepreneurial activities, all of that, the hinterland region traditionally has been deprived of,” she said. “That’s why we formulated this project. That’s why we feel that this project is so important.” Thus far US $608,000 has been expended on the project with a basic assessment and needs assessment also completed. The two assessments, conducted countrywide, have assisted with the preparation of the project document and with informing residents of the project. “This information helped us to fashion this project. We know what their needs are; we know what their challenges are and we are working to meet those challenges and to help them to meet their

needs,” Project Manager Phillip Walcott, said. Just before the press conference, the minister along with the other stakeholders hosted the second meeting of the board where representatives of the villages were further updated. Walcott added that the project has taken up a community participation component, which will see the active involvement of community members through the setting up of management and monitoring committees. He said that these committees will ensure fairness, equity and that no bias is present in the provision of services to residents. “Each ICT hub that is placed within the community will be managed by the community. The community will elect their representatives that will manage that community [ICT hub]. They will run the facility and we will provide technical assistance to ensure that the community is able to provide the services as required,” he explained. Ultimately, however, the government will sustain the cost of ensuring the sustainability of the project. Already the government has facilitated the establishment of 172 hubs country-wide and has plans for scores more in the future.

International fugitive nabbed in Guyana NARINE SEENARINE, a businessman in Guyana who is listed as number three on the most wanted list of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, was arrested in Guyana on Monday by agents of the Guyana Police Force Narcotics Branch. The businessman is licensed to carry three firearms: a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, but he was arrested after the police found a fourth one which he is not licensed to carry. This publication was told that the man was busted with a .38 revolver and two hundred illegal rounds of matching ammunition. According to police source, the man, along with his wife who has a young

baby, and his handyman were arrested and taken into custody after the find. Guyana Chronicle was told that the handyman has since claimed ownership of the weapon but,

nevertheless, the man along with his wife has been kept in custody. Seenarine is said to be a gold and diamond miner and resides at Le Resouvenir on the East Coast of

Demerara. Seenarine is wanted for rape, failure to appear and firearms violations. The ATF website listed the now Guyanese businessman as most wanted back in 2006. The website stated that on or about June 2005, Seenarine was arrested for federal firearms trafficking. He failed to appear for his court hearing and a judge in Georgia issued another arrest warrant for him. He is also wanted by the Sheriff’s office in Georgia also for strong arm rape, kidnapping and sodomy. He was also listed as armed and dangerous. The Guyana Chronicle has been informed that the man and his family have since retained the services of attorney-at-law, Dexter Todd.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

FROM BACK PAGE

Root’ 11th Test century gives England huge lead of 448 against Windies Their cause was not helped by a thigh injury incurred early by pace bowler Keemo Paul,

which left them with only three quick bowlers complemented by Roston Chase’s parttime spin. Batsman Darren Bravo was also absent from the field after being struck on a finger on Sunday. The morning session started well for West Indies when Rory Burns fell for 10 after clipping the first ball of the day straight into the hands

of Joseph at square leg. Paul picked up the wicket but his morning turned sour when he later left the field on a stretcher, and from then on West Indies struggled to impose themselves. Keaton Jennings was the only other England batsman dismissed in the first session. Jennings’ wretched tour continued when he allowed an innocuous Joseph delivery to hit

his thigh pad before the ball trickled onto the stumps so softly that it barely dislodged a bail. Jennings had a wry smile on his face as he departed for 23, his highest score in four knocks in this series. Joe Denly also gave his wicket away softly, caught-behind off a wide Shannon Gabriel delivery for 69, while Kemar Roach used the second new ball to bowl Jos Buttler for 56.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st Innings 277 West Indies 1st Innings 154 England 2nd Innings (overnight 19 without loss) R Burns c Joseph b Paul 10 K Jennings b Joseph 23 J Denly c wkp Dowrich b Gabriel 69 *J Root not out 111 J Buttler b Roach 56 B Stokes not out 29 Extras (b9, lb8, w7, nb3) 27 TOTAL (4 wkts, 100 overs) 325 Fall of wickets: 1-19, 2-73, 3-147, 4-254. Bowling: Roach 16-6-31-1, Gabriel 21-1-87-1, Paul 5-1-11-1, Joseph 15-2-63-1, Chase 31-1-92-0, Brathwaite 12-2-24-0. Position: England lead by 448 runs with six wickets intact.

FROM BACK PAGE

Lodge Secondary sounds early warning to Milo foorball opponents

LODGE Secondary School sent an early warning to those schools that have their eyes set on the prize of the Milo U18 Schools’ football tournament. The side steamrolled St. Mary’s secondary 6-0 as the annual tournament continued on Sunday at the Ministry of Education ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Shemroy Meyers brace in the 18th and 47th lead the charge as the Lodge side absolutely outplayed their opponents. There were also single strikes for Marcus Bamfield (30th), Leroy Sealy (32nd), Nickolas Trotman (52nd) and Triston Louisey (64th). The day’s opening fixture was a drawn encounter

between President’s College and Marian Academy. Marian scored first through Ridel Hernandez and it was a tooth and nail battle for the President’s College side to bring things level Eventually, Keron Solomon (55th) brought things level and it was a back and forth battle for the lead.

When the final whistle went, the score line still read 1-1 Canjie were also winners on the day as they overcame South Ruimveldt 1-0 thanks to Omar Glenn The tournament is also sponsored by the Ministry of Public health under its stop gender based violence campaign and will continue this weekend.

Patrick Ford Memorial boxing FROM BACK PAGE

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‘Dynamite’ Amsterdam waiting to spring a surprise on Langelier CARIBBEAN middleweight boxing champion `Dynamite’ Desmond Amsterdam is waiting to spring a surprise on silver medalist Arthur Langelier when the two gladiators clash in the feature bout of the Patrick Ford Memorial Championship on Sunday at the National Gymnasium. “Langelier is a good fighter but he will be up against a better Amsterdam this time around. I have been putting in my rounds in the gym and come February 17th, it will be a classic display,” Amsterdam declared yesterday. The two top Caribbean

middleweights first met on December 9 last in the final of the Caribbean Championship. Amsterdam had steamrolled his two previous opponents, but Langelier turned out to be a tough opponent. The Lanky St. Lucian was staggered twice in the early rounds but rallied back to hand Amsterdam his first standing eight count of the tournament. However, at the end of the bruising affair, the Guyanese was the clear victor. “I know he will be coming back with blood in his eyes, but I hope his tank is full because I am out to put on a better show than in December,” the Caribbean Mid-

dleweight king said. The middleweight clash will be one of 15 on the card being held in honour of Ford, the first Guyanese to fight for a world title. Also expected to be featured are Caribbean bantamweight champion, Keevin Allicock and the region’s lightweight champion, Jamal Eastman. Sisters Alesha and Abiola Jackman are also listed as participants as Guyana battle Suriname, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago. The competition is organised by the Guyana Boxing Association and Alford McDonald. Tickets are $1,000 for stands and $2,000 for ring side.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Carter blasts career best unbeaten 149 to lead Pride to upset victory BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Captain Jonathan Carter struck a magnificent career-best hundred as Barbados Pride defied the odds to pull off

an exhilarating run chase and upset Trinidad and Tobago Red Force by four wickets here Sunday. Resuming the final day at Kensington Oval on 15

without loss in pursuit of 324 for victory, Pride recovered from a disastrous first session to reach their target late in the evening and notch their third win of the Region-

Left-hander Jonathan Carter … struck a career-best unbeaten 149.

al Four-Day season. The left-handed Carter was at the heart of the Pride success, stroking an unbeaten 149, and it was he who hit the winning runs when he smashed off-spinner Bryan Charles over long off for his fourth six. He also lashed 14 fours in an innings which spanned 185 balls in just over 4-½ hours at the crease, and marked his fifth first class hundred and his side’s first of the season. Carter received excellent support from 21-year-old all-rounder Shamar Springer who struck a mature 66 in only his fourth first class game while wicketkeeper Tevyn Walcott again impressed with an unbeaten 48, to follow up his first inning half-century. Left-arm seamer Daniel St Clair finished with two for 59 but Red Force’s spin trip of leg-spinners Imran Khan and Yannic Cariah, along with Charles, all proved ineffective. In fact, curiously, Cariah sent down only seven overs, despite his five-wicket haul in the Pride first innings. Starting the day with the odds in their favour, Red Force quickly made inroads as they removed both openers inside the first hour with 24 runs on the board. Left-hander Shayne Moseley edged St Clair to Jeremy Solozano at first slip to fall for six while Rashidi Boucher nicked one from exTest pacer Ravi Rampaul to second slip for 15. Arriving at the crease at 10:37 am, Carter immediately displayed his intent as he

SCOREBOARD RED FORCE 1st Innings 358 Pride 1st Innings 282 Red Force 2nd Innings 247-6 decl. Pride 2nd Innings (target: 324 runs) (overnight 15 without loss) S Moseley c Solozano b St Clair 6 R Boucher c Da Silva b Rampaul 15 A Jones b Charles 11 *J Carter not out 149 K Stoute c DaSilva b Imran Khan 11 N Kirton c & b Cariah 12 S Springer lbw b St Clair 66 +T Walcott not out 48 Extras (lb2, nb6) 8 TOTAL (6 wkts, 81.2 overs) 326 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-24, 3-53, 4-81, 5-104, 6-232. Bowling: Rampaul 16-3-43-1, Imran Khan 22-1-90-1, St Clair 13-1-59-1, Charles 18.2-3-70-1, Cariah 7-1-30-1, Phillip 4-1-28-0, Mohammed 1-0-4-0. Man-of-the-Match: Jonathan Carter. put on 29 for the third wicket with Aaron Jones (11), 28 for the fourth wicket with Kevin Stoute (11) and a further 23 for the fifth with Nicholas Kirton (11). However, he lost partners steadily, leaving Pride tottering on 104 for five at lunch. Jones missed a drive at Charles and was bowled, Stoute drove Imran Khan to be caught at cover and Kirton tapped a return catch to Cariah on the stroke of lunch. However, Carter kept his nerves and more importantly, found two willing partners with whom he shared invaluable partnerships. First, he added 128 for the sixth wicket with Springer who struck five fours and a

couple of sixes in a knock spanning 105 balls and 127 minutes. Together, they kept Red Force without success in the second session, steering Pride to 229 for five at tea, with Carter reaching triple figures about 25 minutes before the break. Springer, however, fell in the second over following the resumption, lbw to St Clair but Walcott arrived to add a further 94 in an unbroken seventh stand with Carter. Walcott’s knock was a breezy one, requiring just 56 deliveries and including seven fours and his resistance killed off any hopes Red Force had of any late comeback.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Fireworks expected in Benjamin Sports Mash Day cycle road race on Corentyne THE Corentyne Highway will come alive with cycling action on February 23 (Mash Day) when the cream of the crop of the country’s cyclists will don their cycling gear to wheel off in the 2019 Benjamin Sports ‘Mash Day’ classic road race. This highly anticipated race is expected to roll off at 10:00hrs in front of the Benjamin Sports Store and Fitness Gym located at Lot 220 Courtland Village Corentyne, Berbice. A gruelling contest is expected as the riders will be looking to take full advantage into the new season.

The wheelers will have a rolling start towards No. 1 Road and proceed to No. 59 Village (Primary School) before returning to its starting point for an exciting finish. The event is open to all cyclists. Lucrative prizes will be on offer for the first 15 riders who cross the finish line. The visiting wheelers will have to be at their best as the Berbice cyclists will be determined to salvage lost ground in their quest for victory. In addition to the cycle race there will be added attractions for the many sports enthusiasts who

will be on hand when emphasis will be shifted to the gym. Gym members and interested individuals will be engaged in weightlifting competition, cardio challenge and other novelty activities. The event is being sponsored by the former national cycling champion and now businessman, Wilbert Benjamin. Benjamin stated, “This event will also be in observance for my dad’s 85th birth anniversary. A lot will be up for grabs for the first 15 finishers. All systems are in place and I expect a good race.”(Colin BynoeJnr)

Wilbert Benjamin presenting a racing bike to one of the top Junior cyclists of Berbice last year.

Thailand frees refugee Cornwall and Boatswain spur Hurricanes to unbelievable win footballer Hakeem al-Araibi

Rahkeem Cornwall grabbed five wickets to lead the Hurricanes to an unlikely victory

ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC – An astounding bowling performance from Rahkeem Cornwall and Quinton Boatswain coupled with a dramatic batting collapse by the Windward Island Volcanoes, saw the Leeward Islands Hurricanes complete a dramatic win on the final day of their seventh round match in the Regional Four-Day Championship here Sunday. Cornwall grabbed five wickets and Boatswain cap-

tured three wickets in three overs to help dismiss the Volcanoes for 228, 13 runs short of their victory target of 241, despite a fighting, unbeaten century from Sunil Ambris. The Volcanoes had seemed on track for an expected victory, coasting at 135 for two at one stage with Ambris leading the charge. And even when they lost three wickets the Volcanoes still looked like sure winners with the score on 222

for five, requiring only 19 more runs. But in a spectacular turn of events, the Volcanes would lose their next five wickets for six runs, with their last four batsmen all scoring ducks. Boatswain started the slide by dismissing Ray Jordan for 19 to break up a 70-run partnership between himself and Ambris. One run later, Cornwall trapped Larry Edward leg before wicket for a duck as the Volcanoes slumped to 223 for seven. Cornwall then bowled Josh Thomas with his very next delivery, before Boatswain’s heroics settled the affair. After surviving for ten balls without scoring, Boatswain had Obed McCoy caught by Kieran Powell and then with his next delivery he bowled Volcanoes captain Kirk Edwards, who had not batted in the first innings but had come out in an attempt to save the match. Cornwall finished with five for 79 from his 25 overs, while Boatswain had the impressive figures of three for five from 2.4 overs. The Volcanoes’ batting collapse overshadowed Ambris’ unbeaten knock of 102. His sterling knock came from just 139 balls and he struck five boundaries and one six.

A football player and refugee whose detention in Thailand sparked an outcry has been freed from jail after Bahrain withdrew its extradition request. Hakeem al-Araibi, who is a Bahraini citizen, fled to Australia in 2014 and was granted political asylum. He was detained in Bangkok in November on an Interpol notice requested by Bahrain. He had travelled to the Thai capital on honeymoon. He was sentenced in absentia to 10 years for vandalising a police station. Al-Araibi, 25, denies the charges. Human rights activists say he could face torture if sent back to Bahrain, where he was a vocal critic of the authorities. His case has been taken up by high-profile footballers, with stars including Didier Drogba and Jamie Vardy calling for his release. The Australian government, football’s international governing body Fifa and the International Olympic Committee all lobbied Thailand. Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) asked the court to end proceedings against al-Araibi because Bahrain had said it no longer wanted him, officials told BBC Thai on Monday. “This morning the Min-

`He is a free man’: refugee Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi heads home to Australia

istry of Foreign Affairs informed us that Bahrain was no longer interested in this request,” OAG foreign office chief Chatchom Akapin said. Al-Araibi is expected to leave Thailand on Monday evening for Australia. Bahrain’s foreign ministry said that despite the end of the extradition proceedings, the footballer’s conviction still stood. “The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its right to pursue all necessary legal actions against Mr al-Araibi,” it added. The Thai foreign minister was in Bahrain over the weekend for an official visit and met senior leaders. Bahrain’s foreign ministry on Monday said that

despite the end of the extradition proceedings, the footballer’s conviction still stood. “The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its right to pursue all necessary legal actions against Mr al-Araibi,” it added. Craig Foster, a former Australian national football captain and TV host who spearheaded the campaign to free al-Araibi, said there were “tears” in his household “right now”. He told the BBC that it was “an extraordinary day”. “Sanity has prevailed, international law has been upheld,” he said, adding he was glad that football had “stepped forward”. There had been criticism that football bodies, including Fifa, had not initially lobbied strongly enough on behalf of al-Araibi. Mr Foster and world players’ union FIFPro had urged Fifa to threaten sporting sanctions against Bahrain and Thailand. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Canberra that he thanked Bangkok for “listening to the issues” Australia had raised. “Now the next step is for him to return home. But as it always is in these cases, people aren’t home until they’re home,” he said. Al-Araibi plays for Pascoe Vale FC in Melbourne. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Pat Cummins, Alyssa Healy big winners on Australian awards night

PAT Cummins won the coveted Allan Border medal after being voted as Australia’s ‘Player of the Year’ at the Australian Cricket awards night on Monday . The bowling all-rounder gathered as many as 156 votes, finishing ahead of Nathan Lyon (150) and Aaron Finch (146). Usman Khawaja and Marcus Stoinis (102 each) took the next couple of positions to round off the top five. It capped a wonderful year for the 25-year-old, who took as many as 44 Test wickets during the voting period (January 9, 2018 January 7, 2019), as well as making two half-centuries. This is also the first time since 2014 that any player other than Steve Smith or David Warner has won the award. Alyssa Healy was the biggest winner in the women’s category, completing a grand treble after being named as the best female player of the year, thereby winning the Belinda Clark medal - in addition to being named as the ODI as well as the T20 player of the year. In 6 ODIs, Healy scored 329 runs at an average of 54.83 and followed it up by being

named as ICC’s T20I Player of the year, after her 225 runs at an average of 56.25 helped Australia clinch their fourth World T20 trophy. In what could only be called as a tumultuous year gone by, Australia awarded its best performers during a glitzy night of celebrations in Melbourne’s Crown Palladium. This season’s award ceremony had been marred with several on-field as well as off-field issues, highlighted by the bans to the then captain, Steven Smith, vice-captain, David Warner and opening batsman, Cameron Bancroft, for their roles in the ‘sandpaper gate’ which rocked the cricketing world during Australia’s tour of South Africa. While the off-field shenanigans dominated the public discourse, the on-field struggle of a team that was once a mighty force across all the formats of the game, came a close second. Under the captaincy of Tim Paine, Australia lost the series in South Africa (coming in the wake of the sandpaper fiasco), were soundly beaten by Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), lost a home Test series for the first

Alyssa Healy was the biggest winner in the women’s category

time ever to India and then capped off the home summer with an emphatic victory over Sri Lanka. Still, the growth and maturity shown by Paine, the new finds in Travis Head, Marcus Harris and Marnus Labuschagne, the coming of age of Pat Cummins and the all-round quality Australian bowling attack, under the able guidance of head coach, Justin Langer, has meant that the worst could be over, especially with Smith and Warner expected to be rehabilitated back into the na-

tional team before the 2019 Cricket World Cup, starting in May. The night started with Marcus Stonis, who has been very consistent in the whiteball format of the game being named as the ‘ODI player of the year’. The all-rounder had been exceptional with both bat and ball and is seen as one of Australia’s brightest talent, having also been named in the Test team for the second Test in the recently concluded series

against Sri Lanka. Victoria’s Will Pucovski, who was named in the Test squad but didn’t get to feature in the final eleven during the recent series against Sri Lanka, received the Don Bradman award for the best young male cricketer while Georgia Wareham, received the Betty Wilson award for the best young female cricketer. Lyon enjoyed an outstanding year on a personal level, becoming only the sixth Australian bowler to go past 300 Test wickets. With 341 wickets to his name, he’s currently fourth in the list of highest wicket-takers for Australia, only behind Shane Warne (709), Glenn McGrath (564) and Dennis Lillee (355). The off-spinner took 49 wickets in 10 Tests at an average of 34.80, comfortably ending at the top of the ladder amongst the highest wicket-takers for Australia in the just completed season, making him the unanimous choice for the ‘Test player of the year’ award. Glenn Maxwell also walked away with an award after being named as the T20 Player of the year, beating his nearest rivals, Finch and

Mandolall’s majestic unbeaten 109 floors Golden Fleece DESPITE the inclement weather, Reliance Hustlers made hay while the

sun briefly shone. While the other fixtures were rained out, play was possi-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday February 12, 2018) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & Cummings Electrical Company Ltd. 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to Tuesday’s quiz: (1) 44 & 33 (WI vs ENG, Barbadoes, 2019) (2) Sonny Ramadin - 98 overs (WI vs ENG, Birmingham, 1957) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who registered the first ‘golden duck’ in the WI/ ENG Test series 2019? (2) How many players were used in the WI/ENG Test series 2019? Answer in tomorrow's issue

ble at the Reliance ground between Reliance Hustlers and Golden Fleece on Sunday in the Central Essequibo-sponsored T20 competition. Braving the weather and having the match reduced to a 10 overs affair, Reliance Hustlers were in a hurry as former Essequibo senior inter-county batsman, Narendra Mandolall, was in vintage mood. He counted 10 massive sixes and 8 exquisite fours on his way to a majestic unbeaten 109 from just 42 deliveries. The elegant lefthander’s delightful touch brightened an otherwise dampened day including the fortunes of his hapless opponents. A brisk 31 (3x4s and 2x6s) from open-

er Mark Austin initially led the onslaught as Reliance Hustlers raced to 178-3 from their allotted overs. In their turn at the crease, Golden Fleece struggled for fluency and was restricted to 67-4 from their 10 overs with Richard Ramcharran 18 (3x4s) and Trevor Chan 15 (2x4s) reaching double figures. Off-spinner Trevis Simon with 2-12 from 2 overs bowled the Hustlers to a commanding 111 run victory. The competition will continue this Sunday with matches slated for the Reliance, Affiance Number 1 and Imam Bacchus grounds, as 10 teams participate in the round-robin tournament. Report By: - Elroy Stephney

D’Arcy Short. Apart from being a crowd-puller, Maxwell enjoyed another fine year in the shortest format of the game and under his leadership, Melbourne Stars are in the knock-out stage in the ongoing Big Bash League. New South Wales and Sydney Sixers captain, Moises Henriques, was named as Australia Cricket Awards’ inaugural Community Champion for his role in raising awareness with regard to mental health issues surrounding the game. Matthew Wade, the Tasmanian and Hobart Hurricanes wicket-keeper batsman walked away with the men’s Domestic player of the year award while Western Australia and Perth Scorchers’ Heather Graham won the corresponding award for the women category. Former Australia number three and presently a famous voice on several broadcasting channels, Dean Jones was inducted into the Australian Cricketers Hall of Fame. The dashing batsman was joined by Billy Murdoch and Cathryn Fitzpatrick, as the trio were honoured for their services to the game.(Cricbuzz)

Narendra Mandolall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Windies Women lose ODI series to Pakistan 2-1, fall in rankings WINDIES Women won early but Pakistan won when it counted, taking the three-match series 2-1 at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai on Monday. Set 160 to win, Pakistan battled to 163 for 6 off 47.2 overs to win by four wickets. Winning the toss and opting to bat, the Windies Women were in immediate trouble when, with her third ball, Diana Baig bowled Kycia Knight for a duck with only one run on the board. Following Knight’s departure, Deandra Dottin, the hero of the first ODI, and Captain Stafanie Taylor attempted to restore order. Dottin was again in exceptional form stroking the ball confidently and threatening to reproduce the form that saw her score a match-winning 96 during the first ODI. The highlight of her inning was a straight six smashed back over the bowler’s head and into the

Pakistan now move ahead of the WINDIES Women in the ICC Women’s Championship Table.

flagpole in the distance. However, in the eighth over, she attempted a non-existent single from the non-striker’s end and run out for 28. It was then 35 for 2. Shemaine Campbell joined Taylor at the crease and like the previous partnership, the pair was quick

between the wickets, taking the singles and twos and building momentum towards what they hoped would be a formidable total. By 15 overs, the Windies were 75 for 2, with a strong total looking distinctly possible. However, with the score

on 87 in the 20th over, things started to go awry. Campbelle was stumped after needlessly charging down the pitch to Nashra Sandhu. She made 26 but her dismissal stalled the Windies and triggered a mini-collapse that saw the Caribbean side slump to 116

for 6 in the 33rd over. Taylor, meanwhile, went on to score her 34th half-century, but under pressure to push the score along, got a top edge from an attempted pull and was caught and bowled by Baig for 52. Afy Fletcher, who remained unbeaten at the end on 21, was the only other Windies batter to reach double figures as the Windies Women slumped to 159 all out in 47.4 overs. Nashra Sandhu was the best of the Pakistan bowlers, taking 3 for 21 while Baig bagged 3 for 42. Chasing a manageable total, Sidra Amin frustrated the Windies bowlers taking singles and twos with regularity. However, tight bowling from Taylor and debutant Karishma Ramharack, helped the Windies Women make a match of it. The pressure caused Pakistan to lose their nerve in the last 15 overs when they lost the wickets of Amin for 52, Nida Dar for 26 and Ali-

ya Riaz for 5 in quick succession to give the Windies a look in. They had a chance to get another wicket and possibly swing the match completely when new batter Kianat Imtiaz came to the crease but she was was dropped by Taylor at first slip. Sana Mir eventually hit the winning runs, a boundary off Dottin, to win the match and the series. Taylor led the bowling for the Windies Women with 2 for 17 while Shakera Selman returned figures of 2 for 24. Amin, the Player of the Match, was named the Pakistan Player of the Series, while Taylor was the WINDIES Player of the Series for her 158 runs and three wickets. The win means that Pakistan moves ahead of the Windies Women in the ICC Women’s Championship Table to fourth with 12 points. The Windies Women with 11 points fall to fifth, one point ahead of England.

Keemo Paul stretchered from field Sinclair grabs career best 9-13 after suffering quadriceps injury to lead RHT Pepsi to big win

WEST Indies suffered a significant injury blow on the third morning of the third Test in St Lucia, when Keemo Paul, their impressive young allrounder, had to be stretchered from the field after damaging his right quadriceps. The incident occurred in the fourth over of the morning, when Paul set off in pursuit of a Joe Denly cover-drive off Shannon Gabriel. After initially sprinting at full tilt, Paul pulled up suddenly ten metres from the rope, and fell to the ground as soon as he had left the field of play. He continued to receive treatment behind the boundary as play continued, before being wheeled around the perimeter of the ground to sympathetic applause, and was replaced by the substitute fielder, Jomel Warrican West Indies announced soon afterwards that Paul had suffered a right quadriceps

Keemo Paul is stretchered from the field after suffering a quadriceps injury .

strain, adding that he was “unlikely to return to field before tea.” That, however, appeared to be an optimistic assessment. Full recoveries can take six weeks or more, which would rule Paul out of the one-day leg of England’s visit too. If that were the case, it would be a cruel end to a very impressive performance from Paul, who came into the St Lucia match as a replacement for West Indies’ captain, Jason Holder, following his suspension for a slow over-rate in

Antigua. Paul struck with his first ball of the Test to remove Keaton Jennings in England’s first innings, en route to creditable figures of 2 for 58, and he repeated the dose with his first ball in today’s play, as Rory Burns clipped a loosener to square leg. West Indies’ injury worries may not be over just yet, with Shannon Gabriel appearing to be nursing a tight hamstring with his workload increased in his team-mate’s absence. (ESPN Cricinfo)

A DESTRUCTIVE spell of off-spin bowling from former national U-19 cricketer, Kevin Sinclair, propelled the Rose Hall Town Pepsi team to a big win in their first game of the Berbice Cricket Board-organised Shimron Heymyer Intermediate Cricket Tournament in the Ancient County. The 19-year-old, who is hoping to transition into the senior team, proved his capabilities when he took a career-best of 9-13 to humble the Kildonan Cricket Club on Sunday last in a Group C fixture of the competition at the Albion Sports Complex ground. Rose Hall Town won the toss in a match reduced to 32 overs per side and raced to 226-4 with Kevin’s younger cousin, Junior Sinclair, stroking 62. Jonathan Rampersaud finished with

50, Kevlon Anderson with 34 and Shawn Pereira with 20 not out. In reply, Kildonan struggled from ball one after Kevin opened the bowling, eventually being routed for 34 from 15.4 overs with the teen doing his damage in 7.1 overs. The bulk of his wickets came toward the end of his spell, but he was on target from ball one. Sinclair told the Guyana Chronicle that the wicket was suitable for spin and had good bounce and turn. The former Canje Secondary School student’s previous best was 7-3 vs Rosehall Canje in a BCB U-15 competition several years ago. A number of other matches were played at various venues across Berbice.

Kevin Sinclair took an amazing 9-13 with his off-spin bowling.

Root’ 1th Test century gives England huge lead of 448 against Windie (REUTERS) - Joe Root became the first England player to score a century during the series as the visitors strengthened their stranglehold in the third Test against West Indies on Monday. The England captain compiled an unbeaten 111 in St Lucia as the visitors closed in on a consolation victory after losing the first two tests in the three-match series. Ben Stokes was on 29 and England were 325 for four in their second innings at the close, an overall lead of 448 runs with two days remaining in Gros Islet. Root had endured a poor series with the bat, making just 55 runs in his five previous innings. But he made amends by notching up his 16th Test century with a classic drive through mid-off for four, albeit off a generous full toss from Alzarri Joseph. Root’s celebration showed just how much the innings meant to him as he punched the air, hugged team mate Stokes and then soaked up the minute-long applause from a pro-England crowd singing his name. West Indies endured a long day in the field, picking up just four wickets. CONTINUE ON PAGE 27

Lodge Secondary sounds early warning to Milo ‘Dynamite’ Amsterdam foorball opponents waiting to spring a Patrick Ford Memorial boxing

See Page 27

surprise on Langelier See Page 27

Desmond `Dynamite’ Amsterdam

Arthur Langelier

Part of the action during day 2 of the Milo U18 Schools football tournament.

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019