Guyana_Chronicle_Epaper_12_17_2019

WEDNESDAY 18th December, 2019

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Bosai makes amends

No.105855

… pays over US$3M in dividends to 03 Government of Guyana PAGE

33 pilots, civil engineers graduate …nine licensed for ‘take off’ 14 PAGE

Partners and media operatives signing the banner to indicate their commitment to joining the campaign to bring awareness to road safety (Adrian Narine photo) The Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Egbert Field and Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma along with the nine graduates who received their Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s Licence

GECOM to verify 02 Differently-abled want more Linden agro-processor electoral process 25 expands product line 15 new H2H registrants say––inChallenge GECOM to put PAGE

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… Alexander says process useless, urges steps to determine duplicates

systems in place by March 2020

… now producing coconut cassareep

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

GECOM to verify new H2H registrants … Alexander says process useless, urges steps to determine duplicates

By Navendra Seoraj THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), over the next five days, will be conducting a field (house-to-house) verification of some 20,000 names of persons who were registered during the houseto-house registration exercise, which concluded in August this year. The six commissioners of the elections commission were split evenly on the decision to conduct the exercise, but Chairperson of GECOM, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh added her vote to move ahead with the process, which Government-appointed Commissioner, Vincent Alexander believes is “useless.” “It was a majority decision that GECOM will do some field work on the new registrants… they will basically do a verification of the new registrants be-

fore they are committed to the voters’ list” said Commissioner Alexander in an invited comment, following GECOM’s statutory meeting, on Tuesday. Alexander said the process, while legal, is useless because the problem the commission is faced with, has to do with the question of duplicates and a verification will not in any way determine whether there are duplicates. “Re-visiting people does not determine duplicates or otherwise. What is required are two acts. One act is the act of cross matching from the finger prints — there’s some difficulty with those. The other thing that is required for GECOM to do [is] side-by-side comparison between the existing National Register of Registrants, the house-to-house registration and the Claims and Objections to see if across those there are names which are duplicates that

PPP-appointed Commissioner of GECOM, Sase Gunraj have not been identified by the biometric matching,” said Alexander in a comment on Monday. He maintained this position on Tuesday, noting that when dealing with duplicates, there is a normal process which involves and investigative process which

Government-appointed Commissioner of GECOM, Vincent Alexander is followed by a hearing in some instances. “What we do with the remaining instances of duplicates, where there is a duplicate and we do not find anybody duplicating fraudulently, the more recent information supersedes the previous information,” said Alexander. Despite his reservations about the process, the GECOM commissioner said there should be no slippage in time. He believes that whatever is done, in terms of the verification, has to take place within a specified timeframe. GECOM has since agreed that the process will run for five days and end on Sunday, December 22, 2019. “During this process

about 16,000 names will be exposed to the scrutiny and the verification that we were advocating for over the last week or so,” said Opposition-appointed GECOM Commissioner, Sase Gunraj. Initially, there were 37,000 possible new registrants who were identified after the conclusion of the house-to-house registration exercise and the fingerprint cross-matching. According to Gunraj, following an internal process which was carried out by the secretariat, some 17,000 duplicates were identified. He said a further exercise, which ended on Tuesday, yielded over 4,000 new persons that already exist on the database. “So the 16,000 residue will now be subjected to the verification exercise, a scrutinised exercise by stakeholders and GECOM in the field,” said Gunraj. The commissioner said the highest concentration of new registrants was found in Georgetown and on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), while the other numbers were scattered throughout the registration offices across the country. “Some places have as little as double digits and most have triple digits and I believe those few offices had four digits,” said Gunraj.

When asked if five days were enough for the exercise, Gunraj said he was optimistic and believed it can be completed in time and will not affect the timeframe for the publication of the Revised List of Electors (RLE). On Monday, Alexander was reported as saying that there had been a gross misrepresentation of what verification meant and it was surprising that the very opposition, which withheld its scrutineers needed for the verification of the information during house-to-house visits, was now all in for verification. “Unfortunately, the PPP boycotted the exercise and are now trying to get to do what they hadn’t done previously,” he said. GECOM has decided to post, for public scrutiny, the names of the new registrants at various GECOM offices. A photo has recently been circulating by the Opposition Leader which shows that former Chancellor of the Judiciary, Cecil Kennard, was listed as a new registrant which would form as a duplicate on the NRRDB. Alexander acknowledged that was a case of duplication which had to be resolved by a comparison between the NRRDB, the C&O information and the house-to-house data gathered.

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Bosai makes amends

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

… pays over US$3M in dividends to Government of Guyana

AFTER years of being in default, BOSAI Minerals Group Guyana Inc. (BMGGI) has paid out US$3M in dividends, accumulated over the years, to the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Ltd. (NICIL) after a series of extensive negotiations. BMGGI, while confirming the payment, declined to disclose the period for which the US$3M covers, and the outstanding amount. BOSAI Guyana General Manager, Eric Yu, in debunking claims that the bauxite company has not paid its dividends, disclosed that Bosai, through its head office in China, recently remitted US$3M to NICIL. In a statement on Tuesday, Yu explained that while Bosai was unable to pay dividends for a number of years, it is now making amends, and has signalled its intentions to remit all dividends owed, thus the US$3M payout. According to him, Bosai has always been committed and dedicated in having all dividends-related matters and issues settled. Yu noted that the management of his company, both locally and internationally, were involved in the lengthy negotiations with NICIL to ensure that the matter was settled amicably and fairly to the parties involved. “I must commend the management of NICIL as they played a pivotal role in having this dividend payment addressed. The CEO of NICIL is a very strong, persistent and patient negotiator. While we have some concerns, and they have not all been addressed, we are satisfied that the negotiation led by NICIL was one that saw everyone involved coming to a consensus,” the local General Manager said. He was keen on noting too that the negotiations with NICIL were very healthy – indicating a strong working relationship. Weighing in on the matter, NICIL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colvin Heath-London said NICIL has a

NICIL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Colvin Heath-London, and BMGGI’s PRO,Vanessa Mitchell-Davis, pose for a photo shortly after a meeting in Linden responsibility to its line ministry, and, by extension, the people of Guyana, to make sure that its fair due is had. Meanwhile, Yu said Bosai stands committed to the expansion to its operations here in Guyana. He pointed out that the bauxite company has commenced the construction of two kilns, which are expected to be completed

within one to two years. The kilns, he added, will help in advancing and improving how bauxite is extracted from the country, and would certainly boost the operations of the company. As its expansion plans take shape, Bosai, Yu said, intends to strengthen its relationship with the government and people of Guyana through its continued investment in the country. Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Bosai, Vanessa Mitchell–Davis, said BMGGI is pleased to have remitted the dividends to NICIL. While maintaining a smooth operation at Linden, Mitchell-Davis said, Bosai has ensured that its workforce is properly compensated. Added to that, she said the bauxite company has been instrumental in the town’s development through the support of a number of social projects and programmes. “There have and continues to be a number of negative comments about Bosai but what many persons do not know is that Bosai has been meaningfully contributing to the continued development of this country. Bosai currently has over 600 employees with the workforce expected to increase by another 200 in two years’ time with the construction of two Kilns,” the PRO said. Mitchell-Davis said the issuance of the US$3M is an indication of the excellent relationship that exists between her company and NICIL, stressing that NICIL continues to provide the required assistance and support, thus further strengthening their relationship. “We have our own challenges and difficulties but we are very pleased with the great relationship that both organisations have and we intend to maintain such. I can assure you that Bosai is very pleased and looks forward to continue working with NICIL as they seek to represent the government in a number of ways,” Mitchell-Davis added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Pakistan ex-leader Musharraf sentenced to death A Pakistani court has sentenced former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to death in absentia for treason over his 2007 imposition of emergency rule. Such a verdict is a first in a country with a history of army rule. The military reacted angrily, saying legal process “seems to have been ignored”. The general seized power in a 1999 coup and was president from 2001 to 2008. The penalty is unlikely to be carried out. Gen Musharraf was allowed to leave Pakistan in 2016 and is in Dubai. The high treason charge has been pending since 2013. It relates to Gen Musharraf’s suspension of the constitution in 2007, when he declared an emergency in a move intended to extend his tenure. The 76-year-old says he is receiving medical treatment in Dubai. He issued a video statement from a hospital bed earlier this month, describing the case against him as “baseless”. Three judges at the spe-

cial court in Islamabad found him guilty by two to one. In November 2007, Gen Musharraf suspended the constitution and imposed emergency rule - a move which sparked protests. He resigned in 2008 to avoid the threat of impeachment. When Nawaz Sharif - an old rival whom he deposed in the 1999 coup - was elected prime minister in 2013, he initiated a treason trial against Gen Musharraf and in March 2014 the former general was charged for high treason. Gen Musharraf argued the case was politically motivated and that the actions he took in 2007 were agreed by the government and cabinet. But his arguments were turned down by the courts and he was accused of acting illegally. According to the Pakistani constitution, anyone convicted of high treason could face the death penalty. Gen Musharraf travelled to Dubai in 2016 after a travel ban was lifted and he has refused to appear before the court, despite multiple orders.

The three-member bench had reserved its verdict in the long-running case last month, but was stopped from announcing it by a petition filed by the federal government to the Islamabad High Court. The indictment of Gen

Musharraf in 2014 for treason was a highly significant moment in a country where the military has held sway for much of its independent history. Many of Pakistan’s army chiefs have either ruled the country directly after coups,

Gen Musharraf resigned from office in 2008

as Gen Musharraf did, or wielded significant influence over policymaking during periods of civilian rule. But Gen Musharraf was the first army chief to be charged with such a crime and the powerful military have watched the case carefully. It said the court ruling had been “received with a lot of pain and anguish by rank and file of the Pakistan Armed Forces”. “An ex-Army Chief, Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and President of Pakistan, who has served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defence of the country can surely never be a traitor,” a statement said. Analysts say the institution is deeply aware that how the case proceeds could set a precedent. Many expect the judgement to be delayed by an appeal by Gen Musharraf’s lawyers and it unclear if a request to have him returned would be successful as there is no formal extradition treaty between Pakistan and the UAE, the BBC’s M Ilyas Khan reports. He was appointed to lead

the Pakistani army in 1998. The army’s involvement in the Kargil conflict in May 1999 caused a major rift between him and then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the army general seized power in a coup in 1999. Serving as president until 2008, Gen Musharraf survived numerous assassination attempts and plots against him during his time in power. He is best known internationally for his role in the US “war on terror”, which he supported after the 9/11 attacks despite domestic opposition. Gen Musharraf left the country after relinquishing the presidency in 2008, but returned in 2013 to contest the general elections, when he was barred from standing by the courts and was embroiled in several cases - including over the assassination of former PM Benazir Bhutto. He appeared only twice in hearings for treason and earlier spent time at an army health facility or on his farm in Islamabad. He subsequently moved to Karachi in April 2014, where he lived until his departure two years later. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

12 police officers killed in one week in Mexico Twelve police officers have been killed in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato in the space of a week. One of those killed was María Sonia Arellano, a decorated officer who was kidnapped along with her husband and son in the city of Irapuato. While her son and husband were freed, Ms Arellano’s body was later found dumped and dismembered. The powerful criminal group Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) said it was behind her murder. The brutal killing of Ms Arellano, who was awarded the order of police merit a few months ago, has caused outrage in Mexico, where murders of members of the security forces are not uncommon. The 47-year-old was taken from her home by armed men on Tuesday. Her 27-year-old son and her husband, who is also a police officer, were released the following day but she was killed and her body dumped by a rural road. A message scrawled on cardboard and left next to her body was signed with the initials CJNG. Ms Arellano was known as “fearless” by her colleagues, who said that she had played a key role in the fight against the local drugs trade and oil theft in her

home town of Irapuato. On social media, many Mexicans paid tribute to the policewoman.

to locals and extorting businesses. Gunmen from the CJNG are also thought to have been

killed within seven days to 12. When President Andrés Manuel López Obrador ran

Four officers were shot dead during an attack on their station in Villagrán (BBC photo)

Ms Arellano was not the only female officer to be killed in the city this week. On Saturday, gunmen opened fire on two officers parked in a patrol car outside a pharmacy. Gabriela Núñez Duarte died of the injuries she sustained in the attack while her police partner was wounded. Another male officer was killed in Irapuato on Thursday. Irapuato has seen a surge in violence in the past two years as the CJNG tried to wrest control of this midsized city from the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel. The cartels mainly engage in fuel theft from major oil pipelines located near the city as well as selling drugs

behind an attack on a police station in Villagrán, 50km (30 miles) to the east of Irapuato on Wednesday. Hooded men stormed into the police station as the shift change was taking place and shot dead three officers. They abducted four more, whose bodies were later found on the Pan-American Highway. A video posted on social media showed men dressed in tactical gear with the letters CJNG on their bullet-proof vests driving into Villagrán boasting that “we’re entering Villagrán”. Two more police officers were killed in the towns of León and Celaya, also in Guanajuato, on 8 December, bringing the total of officers

for office, he said he would put an end to the “war on drugs” his predecessors had waged, in favour of a strategy for peace. Part of his approach to defeating the powerful criminal cartels was to create a new civilian security force, the National Guard. H o w e v e r, f e w h a v e signed up to the new force, some fearing for their lives. And those who have been deployed to the southern border to deal with the influx of immigrants trying to reach the United States. The president’s strategy has come under intense criticism in recent weeks following an ambush in which nine members of a

Giant prehistoric caiman had extra hip bone to carry its weight A prehistoric caiman, which weighed up to three tonnes, had an extra hip bone and upright shoulders to help it carry its weight on land, scientists say. Purussaurus mirandai could grow up to 10m (32ft) in length and lived in the swamps and rivers of what is now Venezuela. An international team of scientists says its extra vertebra and shoulder alignment meant it could move on land. The team, led by Dr Torsten Scheyer of the Palaeontological Institute and Museum of Zurich, studied fossils found in the badlands

of Venezuela. They found that the now-extinct giant caiman had an extra vertebra in its

ter move its massive weight. “Our findings are important because they help show how development can

sacrum, the lower part of its spine. Its shoulder girdle was also aligned with the action of gravity, allowing it to bet-

be altered in order to enable biomechanical changes as animals evolve into larger body sizes,” Prof John

Hutchinson of The Royal Veterinary College in London said. Dr Schreyer said the discovery “broadens our knowledge of what animals can do in evolution”. “These old bones show us once again that the morphological variation seen in animals that are long extinct extends well beyond that of what is known in living animals,” he said. Purussaurus mirandai is the only crocodylian that has been found to have the extra vertebra in its sacrum, the scientists said. (BBC)

Mormon community were killed. There was also a deadly shootout in Culiacán in which Sinaloa cartel gunmen forced the release of one of their leaders, Ovidio Guzmán López. (BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

In celebration of 50 years as a republic NEXT year this country will celebrate 50 years as a republic and already the country has been put on alert for what promises to be a grand celebration. Under the theme: “Guyana Together; Reflect, Celebrate and Transform,” the anniversary will be celebrated mere days before this nation goes to the polls. Minister of Social Cohesion Dr George Norton, explaining the theme, said; “Guyana together speaks to the importance of all Guyanese uniting as one people, in pursuit of a prosperous destiny for this great nation. Reflect emphasises the need for us to reminisce from whence we came, and acknowledge the struggles and sacrifices our ancestors made for us to get here. Celebrate refers to our innate Guyaneseness to mark every milestone. Transform signifies the need for us to take Guyana to the next level. It speaks to future, the decade of development and our country’s move to becoming a Green State.” Republican status means that Guyanese have broken the final yoke of domination and are solely responsible for charting our destiny. It is a destiny (common aspiration) grounded in One People (Guyanese), happening in One Nation (Guyana). Having achieved this status, Guya-

nese have secured the right to self-determination, having crafted our own constitution, which was assented to by our own president. This is a departure from the past, when laws were assented to by the representative of the Queen. In this process of self-government, we developed our own laws, and we need not lose sight of the importance that, at all times, our laws ought to be consistent with the Constitution. Every element of our laws and their application are required to reflect the society’s cultural conduct, i.e. our experiences, given that laws are made for society, and not vice versa. Having come thus far, we have our own National Assembly. This august body, according to the Constitution, is the nation’s democratic organ or highest decision-making forum; it is tasked, among other things, with the responsibility for making laws, a President with Executive responsibilities; and an independent judiciary. As we celebrate these achievements, it requires dexterity to use our laws and other institutions to protect and advance the desires of all Guyanese. Republican status was not only an aspiration, which started with the resistance exerted by the first enslaved. It was a continuous struggle waged for centuries, with an earlier significant marker on the 23rd February,

1763. This, as we know, marks the rebellion by Cuffy and the other enslaved in Canje, Berbice. This was a struggle deeply rooted in the inalienable right of man to be treated as equal in dignity and respect. Some have argued that this rebellion failed, but failure happens only when one’s dream and struggle for the right to self-determination dies. In spite of the odds and hurdles, once persons are prepared to never give up, relent and keep hope alive, they can overcome. Forty-six years after, even as celebration in various forms has started (calypso competition, children’s costume competition and so forth) to mark this significant milestone in our development, such must also be accompanied by introspection and actions that would strengthen and deepen our resolve to be free from the shackles and bondage of any form of oppression -- domestic or foreign. For the republican spirit imbued in our people not only lies in the determination to bring about positive changes in their lives, but also to ensure that the society and its institutions work for and on behalf of them, not against them. To this end, when voices are raised similarly as in the days of yore, it must be recognised that such generally are driven by an abiding interest, individ-

ually and collectively, to see the nation soar. This is not to say that there aren’t persons in our midst who would rather see the nation flounder if they are not at the helm or in charge. Yet, among the so-called negativity and condemnations, there are citizens who are equally protected under the law, and may offer something worthwhile or can spark a brilliant idea. As this nation grows, so, too, must our tolerance for the right to expression, and cultivating the keenest of mind to be discerning, or as our older folks would say, “pick sense from nonsense.” As social beings, let’s not forget the desire to express ourselves comes naturally. From expressions we are able to understand each other and issues; shape and impart knowledge; cultivate value systems; plan, develop and execute programmes and trade, all of which are necessary in our quest for self-determination. Our republic is grounded in our common struggle to free ourselves from domination and control, by forces near and far, and to chart a course that is consistent with our common needs, hopes, dreams and aspirations. To lose sight of this noble vision is to lose sight of ourselves and what our ancestors struggled for and bequeathed to us.

Farewell Basil Butcher Dear Editor, IT is with great sadness that I learnt of the passing of Basil Butcher. Butcher was one of the world’s best batsman in his day. Cricket lovers who had the good fortune of seeing him bat would never forget his beautiful on-drive. When he played it not a fielder moved as

the ball, more often than not, raced to the boundary. “Basil B,” as he was fondly known, came to prominence with Rohan Kanhai and Joe Solomon, all from Port Mourant, all world-class batsmen. I fondly recall his 209 not out at Trent Bridge in England, where he not just saved the West Indies, but snatched for his team, victory

from the jaws of defeat! I still recall the screaming headlines in our newspaper the next day, ‘Butchery at Trent Bridge,’ a most apt headline. Later in his career he also became a deadly spin bowler. Maybe his biggest misfortune was that he, a giant, came to prominence at a time when two other giants were dominating West Indies batting, Rohan

Kanhai and Garfield Sobers. At his best he was their equal. I extend deepest sympathy to his family and would forever be thankful for the joy he brought to our lives. Regards Donald Ramotar Former President

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

This nation must benefit from a united position on how we manage our resources Dear Editor, AS Guyana is about to trade its portion of first oil, another red ants’ nest is being raised as to its transparency. The fact that the Department of Energy felt the need to respond after the information was first garnered from an international media outlet also suggests that its staff felt they could have handled this roll-out differently. We should not have been in this place today, for it is not for the want of call for us to collectively work together as one to ensure Guyanese are not shortchanged, feel cheated or defeated. We have not had first-hand experience in this industry and as such, it requires all of us holding hands to get it right. But from the outset it seems some had no intention to work towards constructive engagement. We knew more than a year ago that first oil was expected to start in 2020, which was also the constitutionally slated period for General and Regional Elections. A section of this society has been calling on both government and opposition, along with the input of civil

society and other stakeholders, to establish a framework that would ensure transparency and Guyanese getting their fair share of the pie. First oil has been brought forward to December. Some media houses have played a role in helping us better understand the dynamics before us. These included, but were not limited to, citing the experiences of other countries and sourcing the knowledge of others, albeit in some instances some became experts with no active experience in the field or having paucity of same. Taken in stride, it was seen as doing the job and filling the vacuum that existed. There remains concern that this country is being denied the needed political leadership with the involvement of both government and opposition. The support (tacit and overt) given to the opposition’s contention, after the no-confidence ruling, that it will not return to work in the National Assembly, albeit still being paid to do so, will come back to haunt this nation in significant ways. Government’s seeming acceptance of the opposition’s refusal to carry out its constitutional duty

in spite of the 12th July Consequential Orders of the Caribbean Court of Justice, as per Item Seven on the role of the National Assembly in determining a date for elections, will likewise face similar consequences. Shouting get out and government must resign ignored the fact that no country can operate without government-- interim, caretaker or substantive. The people’s daily welfare must be taken care of, locally and on the international stage. In the vacuum we hear the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry has drafted a legislation on Local Content. The presumptuousness aside, the effort could be seen as seeking to move the process forward, though legislative responsibility is vested in the National Assembly and its supporting team. It comes right back to the role of our elected representatives and governing; this was lost on some of the very people who supported the advocacy for anarchy, but are now calling for decisive action on the oil and gas front. We have spent enormous time and wasted energy solely on having an elec-

tion and getting the date for it, attacking the institutions of government, ignoring and disregarding the role and ruling of the judiciary, as the sole arbiter of conflict between the executive and legislative branches. The nation became polarised not on reason, but on political sentiments and alliances Today we are with feelings of uncertainty and are flailing around, largely in part of the making of a few who have driven many down a rabbit hole for partisan gain. Again, it is not too late to let national interest prevail and the opposition get off its perch and work with government for the good of this country. At this stage of our development the industry is being controlled by foreigners and the majority of skills and expertise are so being sourced. This nation must benefit from a united position on how we manage our resources.; it is time our collective interest trump partisanship and bruised egos. Regards Lincoln Lewis

Region 10 REO pays tribute to media for coverage Dear Editor, REGIONAL Executive Officer of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), Orrin Gordon, has commended the coverage provided by the media in Region 10 for its statutory meetings over the past four years. Gordon commended the media during this month’s statutory meeting, where he said that the media’s role was critically important in advancing development through public education and building cohesive relationships among the various committees. “I must applaud the media for their role during the coverage of the monthly statutory meetings of the RDC and to say that while we would not have always received positive coverage from the media for what we were doing, I can say that their active and investigative courage have[sic] certainly kept us on our feet,” Gordon said. He stressed that the media as the fourth estate plays a pivotal role and noted that it took some councillors a

while to understand that the media’s role is equally as important as theirs. He said that it is his wish that when the next council is sworn in that the media will continue holding councillors and other public officials within the region accountable as highlighting and/ or publicising what they are doing is very important. “The media kept the public informed, they ensured that the residents were educated and sensitised on what was taking place, so that persons were not left in the dark, as the public needs to know how the decisions taken at the statutory meetings will and are affecting them. As such, I would like to commend the media, as while we did not attract several media houses, those that patiently and diligently attended certainly did a remarkable job. As the Clerk of the Council and REO for Region 10, I would like to join with the other officers within the administration to publicly thank and congratulate them,” Gordon said. Regional Chairman (RC) Renis Morian said that like the REO he was im-

pressed with the coverage provided and felt that other RDCs should emulate what Region 10 did. He said that no council can build a truly cohesive relationship among councillors without including the media, noting that it is the media who will help in better disseminating information from the RDC meetings. “When I started as the regional chairman in 2015, there were a number of concerns from some councillors about the media actively attending and covering the meetings, as some persons felt that the media would want to push their own agenda; however, I indicated that the media should and will be allowed, as they have a responsibility also to the public. I will admit that there were times that I was not pleased in how some media houses carries[sic] stories, but overall I am satisfied that the main objective of educating and informing the public was certainly achieved,” RC Morian said. He echoed the REO’s sentiments that the media in Region 10 have certainly benefitted from covering a number of ac-

tivities and events taking place within the region, noting that two of the journalists who consistently attended RDC meetings were winners at both the Guyana Press Association and the PAHO Media Awards, recently. This, he said, is certainly an indication that the media were active within the region and expressed the hope that they will continue their aggressive coverage of issues that are of national and regional importance. “As a region we must ensure that the media is involved in the dissemination of information to the residents as while the councillors will disseminate to their constituents, we must ensure that it is disseminated accurately and balanced and the media’s role is one that will allow them to do just that. This will ensure that the information is not twisted to suit anyone’s personal and/or political agendas,” the regional chairman declared. Regards Region 10 RDC

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Bharrat, you have let me down Dear Editor, ‘BHARRAT,’ I have been politically conscious longer than your age in life. To be precise, I have been in active politics for more than 65 years, not as a member, supporter or well-wisher, but as an ‘Activist’ in a political party that once had seven ministers in a coalition

government. The leader of my party at that time was the Minister of Finance. In that coalition one of the ministries we held was the Ministry of Hydraulics and Works, that Minister was Mohamed Kasim. Bharrat, like myself, I admire your dedication and I am even sometimes at ends with my fellow ‘street politicians’ when

I defend your attitude, by publicly saying that you, Bharrat, are an astute politician who knows and accepts that we must always try to keep our political opponents, adversaries on the defensive. I have seen and observed this attitude of yours for many years. I could remember you as Finance Minister challenging President Desmond Hoyte (to a debate) but reading your party’s newspaper dated Sunday 15th December, 2019,when you got in Queens NY and claimed that “we Guyanese are hungry” and have become “hungry” since you lost power in 2015, has convinced me that you

have stepped out of line. You seem ‘desperate’, you seem to be out of ‘control’, you seem to be one who would use anything at your disposal to regain power. Bharrat, after you said what you said in Queens, you were not criticising politicians like yourself, you were insulting our people; you were giving investors the opinion that our people are starving and would bend down and devour the crumbs that is dropping from the master’s table for us all Guyanese to be thankful for. Bharrat, I have a wife and a son and has never been hungry during your 23 years in office and we

have never been hungry during this present government’s four years in office. I grew up being the eldest of 13 children. During my early childhood there were times when things were ‘brown,’ but my siblings and I survived. People go hungry when they don’t spend wisely; it’s not only in Guyana alone, but is universal. What do you expect to gain politically both locally and universally by making these degrading statements? Where is the young man who attained the presidency at a young age, (I am not a PPP) that I admired because of his ‘radical-

ism.’ Bharrat, you have now become an infinitesimal man who is grabbing at any and everything. Where is Bharrat Jagdeo, the professional, the astute politician … you have embarrassed me, my family and all Guyanese … You are giving them the thinking that we be contented with whatever they offer. Bharrat, you came out of indentureship, my people came out of slavery and we fought for our freedom. Yes Bharrat … you let me down. Regards Murtland ‘ Slugger’ Williams

The Coalition has kept more than 100% of its promises

Dear Editor,

I HAVE noticed that Leslie Ramsammy is trying hard to be noticed from his foreign home base in the north, by throwing a letter or two weekly at the APNU + AFC Government. In his latest he claimed that the coalition has failed to keep “100% of its promises for the first 100 days in office.” The thing is that the co-

alition has kept more than 100% of its promises. There are buses, bicycles, boats for schoolchildren, and internet connection for all schools which were not promised. The coalition promised to reduce the Berbice Bridge toll. That was done! It promised “significant” salary increases, also done with minimum wage going up 77% in four years – from $39,000 to $70,000 monthly. It promised to: (a) increase old age pension-done! (b) Reduce Jagdeo’s pension package-- done! (c) Establish passport offices in the counties-- done! (d) Hold local government elec-

tions-- done! (e) Establish public procurement commission--done! (f) Introduce Code of Conduct and re-establish Integrity Commission-- done! (g) Implement anti-money laundering process--done! And the list goes on, Dr Ramsammy. Your “fulminations” are only those of a failed wanna-be politician. You failed to unseat Dr. Jagan with your Republican Party, and instead joined up with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP). You failed as Health Minister and under your watch the Health Ministry was burnt to the ground. You failed as Minis-

ter of Agriculture by not protecting the Venezuelan market for rice. Under your watch, the Petro Caribe fund was bankrupted; under your watch GUYSUCO was bankrupted and indebted to the tune of $85 billion; under your watch sugar workers were reduced to nothing. It is folks like you, Dr. Ramsammy, who contribute to Guyana being a failed state under the PPP, but you have jumped ship. So it is safe to ruminate from abroad. Regards, Rovin Singh

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 18, 2019

NIS hosts annual senior citizens party

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– giving back to those who contributed to the development of Guyana THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS), held its annual Senior Citizens Party on Monday at the Palms Geriatric Institution, which catered for 188 persons. The General Manager of NIS, Holly Greaves, said “Christmas is a time of love and giving, it’s always a privilege of NIS to celebrate this tradition with you… the privilege is ours and the NIS to continue this tradition.” Meantime, Public Relations Officer, Dianne Lewis- Baxter, reflected that over the 25 years of hosting the event, the intention was always to put smiles on the faces of the residents, noting that, “we have chosen to come to this institution to give back to some of the persons who have contributed to the development of Guyana.” The staff of the Palms expressed gratitude to the NIS for the annual gesture, which many of the residents look forward to, especially at this time of the year. Senior citizens at the Palms clapped, danced and sang along to Christmas carols, with the NIS Bible Choir and others in attendance. They were also treated to gifts and other tokens of appreciation, as the NIS staff extended best wishes for the holidays and the new year. (DPI)

Ms. Dianne Lewis-Baxter, PRO of NIS

Sgt. Clive Clarke awarded Best Cop for ‘A’ Division

Sergeant Clive Clarke of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has emerged as the 2019 Best Cop of Division 4 ‘A’ (Agricola-Cummings Lodge district). The announcement was made at the division’s annual Christmas luncheon at the Brickdam Police Station on Tuesday. Additionally, several officers were elevated in rank. The subordinate officer at the Stabroek Police Outpost, Corporal Hicks, was promoted on the spot to sergeant. Woman Lance Corporal Rodney who is attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at the Alberttown Police Station, was promoted to Corporal. She is also with the station’s Sexual Offences Unit. The other new Corporals are Lance Corporals Trotz and Ward. Among the officers promoted to Lance Corporal were

Woman Constables 22538 Erna and 23751 Adams. Commissioner of Police Leslie James urged the ranks to remain steadfast and resolute as they execute their daily mandates, despite the negative comments from the public. “This job must be dealt with, without fear, without affection, malice and ill will. You have the entire Force behind you and you must understand that,” the commissioner stated. “I urge that while you engage the public, you do so with proper conduct and with the understanding that you are representing an organisation that deals with law and order,” Commissioner James emphasised. Meanwhile, 12 Officers received gifts and awards from Laparkan in various categories for their performances throughout the year, while 22 were presented the Sergeants Award. (DPI)

Deputy Commissioner of Operations, Maxine Graham hands over a 40-inch television to Best Cop Sergeant Clarke

Best Cop, Sergeant Clive Clarke receiving tokens from Commissioner of Police, Leslie James

Persons dancing as the NIS Bible Choir and friends performs

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Curaçao explores trade relations with Guyana

MINISTER of Economic Development of Curaçao, Giselle Mc William, on Tuesday, met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings to discuss collaboration

in the areas of tourism, oil and gas industry, and trade. Minister Mc William later met with Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge. They discussed deepening

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

trade and bilateral relations between Guyana and Curaçao. The Foreign Secretary provided an overview of the local economy and its expected growth. The Minister of Economic Development of Curaçao, Giselle Mc William and Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Karen Cummings

Foreign Secretary, Carl Greenidge tells Minister of Economic Development of Curaçao, Giselle Mc William, about Guyana as she looks at a magazine Minister of Economic Development is currently in Guyana on a two-day fact finding mission to discuss trade relations and collaboration with relevant authorities and represen-

tatives from the private sector. Guyana and the Kingdom of the Netherlands established diplomatic relations on May 15, 1970.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Guyana to undergo crucial anti-money laundering assessment

AS Guyana puts requisite systems in place ahead of its Fourth Round of Mutual Evaluation, it will, on Thursday, undergo its second Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing (ML/TF) National Risk Assessment (NRA). “A Working Group of approximately seventy-six (76) persons representing both public and private sector organisations was established to carry out the country’s second ML/TF National Risk Assessment (NRA) exercise,” the Ministry of Legal Affairs disclosed on Monday, while noting that the World Bank will again provide technical assistance to Guyana to

conduct this exercise. “This will allow Guyana to identify any new or emerging money laundering or terrorist financing risks, threats or vulnerabilities,” it added. The new NRA will also take into account an assessment of the ML/TF risks associated with the oil and gas sector, proliferation financing, virtual assets and illegal wildlife trade. It will also allow the country to appropriately address its vulnerabilities and threats ahead of its scheduled mutual evaluation. The assessment, which is being done in the form of a seminar, is being hosted by the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing

Change in attitude vital to reducing road carnage –– Top Cop POLICE Commissioner, Leslie James, said a change in attitude of motorists in the way they use the road is foremost for a reduction of carnage on the roadways. James was at the time speaking at a press conference at the Guyana Police Force Boardroom, Eve Leary, Georgetown, on Tuesday. “We would like to see a change in the attitude of motorists in the way in which they use the roads and you would have heard statements by the traffic chief speaking directly to the attitude of persons using the road; the way in which they would drive, the way in which they would use the road resulting in serious and fatalities,” Commissioner James stated. Errant motorists, he said, are dealt with fully by the law when caught. “The law as it is today and penalties and so on like fines being given to persons who are found driving dangerously and even to the case where persons are incarcerated following a fatal accident being charged with causing death by dangerous driving, I think it’s sufficient at this present time,” he noted. Last weekend, the commissioners and his deputies met with the traffic chief and traffic officers from all the divisions to look at how they can effectively address reckless use of the road by motorists. That meeting saw the birth of Operation Safe Roads. Operation Safe Roads has since resulted in the police apprehending a number of motorists for various offences. Some have been charged and others ticketed. Commissioner James also urged reporters to spread the road safety message. “But I would ask that you the journalists play a role to appeal to the users of the roads in the way in which they are doing at this present moment,” he said. He further stated that a number of persons have been complaining about the stops which police have been conducting and noted that all will be done to ensure safety on the roadways. Over the last month, dozens of lives have been lost in road accidents, including that of a senior police officer.

of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/ PF) National Coordination Committee (NCC). The seminar, according to the ministry, will be held on Thursday December 19, 2019 at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana. Overall, over one hundred persons, including Ministers of

Government, Heads of Private Sector Agencies, Heads of Government Organisations, and members of the Diplomatic Corps are expected to attend. It was explained that the exercise is in keeping with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation one that requires countries to assess their risks,

apply a risk-based approach and put measures in place to mitigate identified risks on an ongoing basis. “The new NRA exercise is well-timed, as Guyana is preparing for its Fourth Round Mutual Evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), which is sched-

Attorney General Basil Williams uled for the first quarter of 2023,” the Legal Affairs Ministry said.

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AG distributes hampers, holds parties for East Coast seniors ATTORNEY GENERAL and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, brought smiles to the faces of several senior citizens residing along the East Coast Demerara corridor, on Saturday last. Minister Williams, on behalf of His Excellency President David Granger and the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), visited and distributed Christmas hampers to several senior citizens, residing between the villages of Plaisance and North Haslington,

inclusive. Minister Williams reminded the beneficiaries that it was the festive season which was associated with giving, and he was most delighted to personally honour the senior citizens with the tokens. The Christmas hampers were well received by all of the recipients. Minister Williams will continue his hamper distribution exercise today in the other villages along the East Coast Demerara.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

33 pilots, civil engineers graduate

… nine licensed for ‘take off’ THIRTY-THREE pilots and civil engineers, nine of whom received their Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s Licence, on Tuesday, are now equipped to

enter the world of aviation, following the 21st convocation and award ceremony of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School. The ceremony was

held at the National Cultural Centre where the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Egbert Field, in his feature address, urged the young

The Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Egbert Field, delivering the feature address at the graduation ceremony on Tuesday engineers to further their education to even higher levels, since technology

new technology available, to ensure their success. In addition, the director, who is also a board member of the school, stated that, one of the main goals of the school now, was to ensure that the students of the graduating classes of 2019, 2020 and 2021 are given the opportunity to become employed in the oil and gas sector as it’s related to aviation. Giving brief remarks at the graduation was Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jaipaul Sharma. He charged the young engineers to use the knowledge they would have gained during their time at Aeronautical Engineering School to further establish Guyana. “The government will need engineers like yourselves…we need you, we

one of the best graduating students, expressed immense pleasure with his success, and stated that he faced some difficulties, balancing his studies while ‘juggling’ two jobs. However, he was elated that he was able to persevere and come out as one of the top performers at his graduation. Halley was also one of the nine graduates who received his Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s Licence along with Shelly Rampersaud, another top performer, who was the only female to receive her Engineer Licence. Aside from the school’s graduation, the institution also celebrated its 26th Anniversary with the approval and recognition of the School by the Guyana National Accreditation

The graduates of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School was continuously evolving. “Technology is advancing at an exponential rate and this is unmatched to any other field of transport. The call is therefore for you to continue learning. This is not the end of the road; this is the beginning,” he stated. He added that the young engineers should now think outside of the box and take calculated risks, with the exhilarating

need all hands on deck to move this country forward,” Minister Sharma told the graduates. The minister added that, while some of the young engineers might intend to pursue a career overseas, it was vital that they cultivated their energies into their homeland, to further the development of the country, since, in the coming weeks, Guyana will see production of first oil. Christopher Halley,

Council of the Ministry of Education. The School which was the first of its kind in CARICOM and being operational since 1993, was registered with the NAC-G, and awarded, the Certification for Institutional Accreditation on November 22, 2019, making the institution the first training organisation in Guyana to achieve this accreditation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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Linden agro-processor expands coconut product line By Vanessa Braithwaite

OWEN DeSouza is a household name in Linden and Guyana at large, particularly in the coconut and agro-processing arena. He is one of the first coconut farmers turned agro-processors in the mining town, with his quality and well-packaged virgin coconut oil. Realising that there is more to coconut than coconut oil, in addition to the market being saturated with coconut oil products, DeSouza ventured into making coconut soaps, hair and sweet oils and other cosmetic products, all sourced from coconut from his Block 22 farm and processed and packaged

that is concocted and processed with pepper and other natural herbs to give it this great flavour. I had the inspiration to do this product and the inspiration moved into a vision and any vision I have, must be materialised,” the coconut casareep producer said. He was also part of an agro-processing training, where he learnt that the cassava cassareep, which is made from the bitter cassava, has cyanide present, and if consumed in large quantity, can be detrimental to one’s health. Since he launched the product, the response has been overwhelming. In fact, he said the demand is more than he can handle

Some of DeSouza’s products at the ‘bottom house’ factory. While he was able to capture the niche market well, DeSouza soon ventured into concocting his products with other fruits and herbs, such as pawpaw, moringa and avocado. His attention however soon ventured back to his first love; coconut, the golden fruit as it is called, that has over 100 uses. Since he grew up on a coconut farm at Nabaclis, East Coast Demerara, he knew there were so many other things to do with the golden fruit, on his bucket list, that needed ticking off. The agro-processor has recently launched, just in time for the holidays, coconut cassareep and coconut wine. While coconut wine is not a new concept, it has caught the eyes of many with its ‘export-market standard’ packaging, not forgetting its ‘can’t get enough of’’ taste, it is the coconut cassareep that is turning heads, more so that the Pepperpot must be on the menu for Christmas at every Guyanese home. This publication took a taste of DeSouza’s coconut cassareep and almost took it for sweet syrup. It was tasty, rich, exotic and dark, just the way Guyanese love their cassareep and their pepperpot. When asked why he decided to take the risk of producing a household Guyanese sauce, widely known to be made from cassava and knowing that traditional Guyanese may fear switching up at the last minute, DeSouza’s response was filled with optimism and confidence. “Let me tell you, , once you use this coconut cassareep one time, you would never go back, it is an organic product, coconut water is the main ingredient and

and had to employ persons to take off the market on his hands. His product is also available on supermarkets in Linden. “People love it, the response is crazy, it is fantastic, it is encouraging. The demand is very great and the coconut cassareep is my focus for the holiday. I am not able to focus on the international market just yet, because the local market is overwhelming and the international market needs it in large quantity, but I am taking it one step at a time,” DeSouza said. He explained that one of the challenges in processing the product is that it takes about five gallons of coconut water to make only two and a half pints of cassareep. It is for this reason that the coconut farmer is calling for the establishment of a coconut plantation in Linden, on the Mabura road, so that he along with other coconut producers, can source their coconuts right in Linden. It is not his desire to kill the cassava cassareep business and has even commenced training with Indigenous agro-processors in Tumatumari and the response from the women there, he described as positive as they too agreed, that the coconut cassareep is very tasty. DeSouza is urging other coconut farmers to not look at the risk but at the rewards and just take the leap to expand their product line, not only with casereep or wine, but with the plethora of other products that can be made from coconut. “There is more to coconut, than coconut oil,” he said. DeSouza’s coconut cassareep is available at the James and Sons Supermarket at Mackenzie, Linden or at his factory in Block 22, Wismar.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 18, 2019

Energy director holds talks with Curaçao delegation

DIRECTOR, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, on Tuesday, held talks with a ministerial delegation and representatives of the private sector of Curaçao to discuss the objectives of the department and its plans for Guyana’s petroleum sector. The delegation included Minister of Economic

Development, Honourable Giselle McWillliams; Director, Division of Foreign Economic Cooperation, Ms. Vanessa Tore; Senior Policy Adviser – Division of Foreign Economic Cooperation, Mr. Said Hensen; Export Development Consultant (MEO), Mr. Sam Kruiner and the Minister’s Public Rela-

tions Officer, Mr. Farid Polonius. Representatives from 10 companies, including Diverse Products Distributors Incorporated, Curoil N.V; Curaçao in Business and seven others also attended the meeting. The meeting included discussions the expected growth of Guyana’s economy after oil produc-

Minister of Economic Development, Honourable Giselle McWillliams presents Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe with a token of appreciation at the close of the meeting

Director, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe (centre) is flanked by Legal Officer, Mr. Kevin Morgan (left) and Petroleum Geologist, Ms. Marissa Foster (right) during a meeting with a delegation from Curaçao

tion, the Department’s role in fostering investments, diversification plans, and other topics. Petroleum Engineer, Mr. Nicholas Chuck-a-Sang,

Petroleum Geologist, Ms. Marissa Foster and Legal Officer, Mr. Kevin Morgan, all of the Department of Energy, also attended the meeting.

Top Cop calls on ranks to be professional at all times

…as two ranks arrested for allegedly beating suspect TWO police constables stationed at the Tactical Services Unit and Wales Police Station respectively are under investigation by the Guyana Police Force for allegedly beating and burning a 17-year-old boy about his body while he was in handcuffs. The policemen, who are said to be brothers, reportedly carried out the act on Monday morning after they accused the teenager of breaking into their home and carting off a mobile phone and game. The teenager has been identified as Askajy Budhiram of Lot 3928 Westminister, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara. He was reportedly taken from a game shop, bundled into a car trunk and taken to the home of the policemen where they beat him. The issue was brought to light by Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, who called a press conference on Tuesday to update the media of the developments and stated that the ranks are under close arrest at two separate locations. He also stressed that they are the sons of a senior police officer. “It was reported that two members of the Guyana Police Force allegedly caused some injuries to a seventeen-year-old male yesterday. The allegation is that sometime between the hours of 11:30 he was picked up by these two ranks who allegedly were with other persons, and taken to a dwelling in the La Parfaite Harmonie area, I think the dwelling is their residence,” James told the media. He continued: “The background to that is that the dwelling was broken and entered into sometime prior and it was felt that the young man was a suspect. The allegation is that

the ranks proceeded to inflict injuries on him, that is, he was beaten and he was also burnt about his body by some liquid. I suspect it might have been water, hot water. So as a responsible force I thought it best for us to meet this way so that I can report directly and let you know that is a matter that we are currently investigating. I can say to you that the two ranks are

The house which the teen allegedly raided

in custody and this matter is being investigated, the investigation is being led by very senior police officers,” James said. In a visit to the community on Tuesday, the Guyana Chronicle went to the home of the young man but he was already out in the company of his mother and the police revisiting the locations where he was taken from and the home where he was detained and beaten. A visit to the home where the policemen live saw detectives present. They were in the home with the young man while his mother sat in a police vehicle outside. Sabrina Lutch, the mother of the teenager,

spoke with this publication. “Yesterday (Monday) I got a call about two o clock from my big son and said that eight men kidnap, put meh son in a truck and dem an know where part dem carry he.” The woman said that her son was picked up from game shop in the community which is located some corners away. She said that her son has denied the allegation of breaking into the home of the policemen. Guyana Chronicle learnt that the men placed the child on a bed and placed handcuffs on his hands. It is also reported that they were armed with batons used hot water from a kettle to burn him about the body including the face. His mother related on Tuesday that when she saw her son Monday afternoon, he still had the handcuffs on him and the policemen, who were very professional in dealing with them when they arrived at the police station, used a key to release the cuffs. The police ranks investigating the matter are slated to conduct an identification parade today. James also confirmed that the alleged break and enter took place on December 12, 2019. Commissioner James urged his men to desist from such actions and to perform their duties professionally. He stressed that police receive training upon entering the force and this continues even after deployment to various divisions. “When policemen are engaged in certain acts, in most of the cases it might be a decision they would have made, not due to lack of training. I wish to make that very clear. I want to remind ranks in the force to desist from such acts because when it comes to our attention, we will investigate and if it has to result in charges, that will be done,” the commissioner stated. Minister of Public Security, Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan, had also vowed earlier in the year that every complaint against police officers would be investigated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

China has made historic progress in human rights: FM BRUSSELS, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- China has made historic progress in human rights, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said in a speech here on Monday evening. Speaking at an event hosted by the European Policy Centre, a think tank, Wang said it is the people of a country that have the most say about the quality of human rights there. The true value of the universality of human rights can only be realized when it is applied in the context of the specific needs of different countries, Wang said. Over the past seven decades since the founding of New China, the country has made

historic progress in its human rights cause. “We have lifted 850 million people out of poverty, contributing over 70 percent to global progress in poverty reduction, and attained Goal One in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ten years ahead of schedule,” Wang said, stressing that next year, for the first time in history, China will eradicate absolute poverty throughout the country. The Chinese foreign minister also said that China has provided jobs for 770 million of its people, met the basic needs of 250 million elderly people, 85 million people with disabilities and over 60 million urban and rural residents

living on subsistence allowance, and built up the world’s largest systems of education, social security, medical care, and democracy at the grassroot level. In China, there are 850 million Internet users and over 1 billion users of the new media, he said, adding every Chinese enjoys the freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, China tops the 2019 global rankings of the level of satisfaction with government performance, with over 86 percent of the Chinese surveyed expressing satisfaction, far above the global medium of 47 percent, Wang said.

Commentary: Kudos to “one country, two systems” with Macao characteristics

People visit the Golden Lotus Square in Macao, south China, Dec. 13, 2019. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

MACAO, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Macao will embrace the 20th anniversary of returning to the motherland on Friday. This is a triumphant moment for the extraordinarily vibrant region to celebrate after years of endeavor to successfully implement “one country, two systems.” On Dec. 20, 1999, the Chinese government resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao and announced the official establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. Prior to its return to China, Macao was mired in sluggish development, social instability and uncertainty. With the staunch support of the central government and the mainland, Macao

has achieved stellar performance in the past 20 years as a vigorous economy with stable and harmonious social relations, steadily developing a democratic political system, expanding international exchanges, and improving livelihood for the people. The last 20 years mark the best period in Macao’s history. Macao SAR, with 670,000-strong people, is among the fastest-growing economies in the world. Its GDP surged to 444.7 billion patacas (about 55 billion U.S. dollars) in 2018 from 51.9 billion patacas in 1999. The unemployment rate dropped to 1.8 percent from 6.3 percent 20 years ago. In 2018, it received 35.8 million visitors, a leap from fewer than 8 million in 1999.

What Macao has achieved shows that “one country, two systems” principle is the best solution to the Macao question, left by history. It is also the best institutional guarantee for the long-term prosperity and stability of the region. Encompassing two social systems in one country is an embodiment of Chinese wisdom and commitment to openness and inclusiveness. The Macao success shows that the principle can serve as a new way of thinking and a new formula to the international community in addressing similar issues. “One country, two systems” is also a pioneering initiative that has no precedent to follow. Its application entails an evolving process. “We must both adhere to the one-China principle and respect the differences of the two systems, both uphold the power of the central government and ensure a high degree of autonomy in the SARs, both give play to the role of the mainland as the staunch supporter of Hong Kong and Macao and increase their competitiveness,” President Xi Jinping said at the 15th anni-

versary of Macao’s return to the motherland in 2014. “At no time should we focus only on one side to the neglect of the other.” In the past 20 years, Macao has struck the balance well. It has fully and faithfully implemented “one country, two systems,” and strictly followed the Basic Law. It focuses on developing its economy and improving people’s livelihood. It upholds inclusiveness and promoting the value of “loving the motherland, loving Macao.” Macao has walked all the right steps and proved that the principle is feasible, achievable and popular with the people. Looking to the future, Macao is expected to continue to exert its own strength, generate more impressive results, play a more instrumental role in regional and national development, and further integrate itself into the larger picture of the Chinese dream. “One country, two systems” with Macao characteristics has been victorious, and it shall be cherished and steadfastly carried on.

This combination photo shows an aerial view of the Macao Peninsula in south China (top, photo by Bi Yuenian, issued on Aug. 15, 1992) and an aerial view of Macao, south China on Nov. 18, 2019 (bottom, photo by Cheong Kam Ka). (Xinhua)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 18, 2019

Mother fears for life after abusive child father sets house on fire

A LINDEN mother of four is now living in fear and is calling on the police to continue their search for the father of her son, after it was alleged that he set fire to the house they were in the process of moving out from. While she, along with her four children, were not harmed, since they were

not there at the time, the mother believes that the man allegedly committed the act, with the belief that they were home, since the door was left unlocked. Dorrette Higgins was in the process of moving out of the house, since she was given another place of abode by a family member, after enduring ongoing torment and

threats from the man. Her eldest daughter, Angel, told the Guyana Chronicle that her mother decided to separate from her partner in May, 2019, because he was not a consistent provider. Following her decision, he became a force to reckon with and she alleged that he even burnt down two houses they

Lola’ found guilty of assaulting ex-best friend

Make-up artist Lolita Callendar called ‘Lola’

LOLITA Callendar, called ‘Lola’, of East Ruimveldt, Housing Scheme, was, on Tuesday, December 17, 2019, found guilty by Magistrate Faith McGusty for the offence committed on Onika Pompey. Callendar appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was found guilty after the completion of the trial. Magistrate McGusty postponed sentencing and stated that she will be ruling after the presentation of a probation report on ‘Lola’. Magistrate McGusty

had indicated, some weeks ago, that she would give her ruling in the matter, after reviewing footage of a fight between Pompey and Callendar. On Tuesday, Magistrate McGusty said that Callendar’s evidence was the opposite of what was seen in the video and it was clear that Callendar was the aggressor. However, the evidence that Pompey gave was exactly what was seen in the video. The matter was adjourned until January 17, 2020. Callendar had pleaded

not guilty to the charge when she made her first appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Particulars of the charge stated that, on April 6, 2018, at Leopold Street, Georgetown, she (Callendar) inflicted grievous bodily harm on Onika Pompey. According to information, on the day question, Callendar and Pompey had a misunderstanding which resulted in a fight. Pompey received injuries about her body including bite marks. Callendar is presently on bail for the offence.

sought refuge in. Reports of his threatening behaviour were made to the Wisroc Police Outpost and the Wismar Police Station. “This is not the first time, he burned down a house we were living in – a house around Wisburg School about a month ago, burn it right down. Then our cousin had given us a house in One Mile, since he was moving to Bartica, a flat concrete house and that one burn down too, but we didn’t sure how it burn down, but now we are putting two and two together,” the 18 year-old daughter alleged. She further related that

at the house that was burnt on Monday, the man, on numerous occasions, threw faeces on it and would carry away their belongings that were left outside and would threaten to kill Higgins. She made reports of these, but were not satisfied on how they were handled. Commander of Region 10, Courtland Winter, said that the mother did relate that she reported the matters. Though he was not posted to the division at the time, Winter said that upon checking, one report was made in relation to threatening behaviour in Octo-

ber at the Wisroc Outpost. Several attempts were made to arrest the perpetrator, but he was never contacted. The police, however, are presently searching for him, while continuing to investigate the matter. Angel said that the family lost some furniture, including a chair set and a washing machine. She is, however, thankful that none of her siblings, ages 14, nine and three, were hurt in the fire. Her mother, however, remains fearful and is hoping that the police to arrest the perpetrator soon.

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Latin American and the Caribbean exports fall after two years of growth -IDFB study THE value of exports from Latin America and the Caribbean will decrease by 2.4 percent in 2019 after two years of robust growth, according to a new report by the Inter-American Development Bank that analyses the trade performance of 25 countries in the region. The study forecasts that the downturn in exports will continue in the

coming months due to slowing global demand, volatility in commodity markets, and uncertainty around global trade tensions. After growing 8.7 percent in 2018 and 12.2 percent in 2017, the region is set to enter a trade contraction phase for the third time in a decade. The downturn in the value of exports from Latin America and the Caribbean was in line with the trend in global trade, which fell 3.1 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters of 2019. The contraction was mainly driven by lower export prices and stagnating trade volumes, according to the latest edition of Trade Trends Estimates for Latin America and the Caribbean. “While advanced economies are beginning to display a cautious return of optimism, emerging economies continue to pose risks to exports from Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Paolo Giordano, Principal Economist at the IDB’s Integration and Trade Sector. Giordano coordinated the study. The weakening of exports was caused by a contraction in purchases by the European Union (-7.0 percent), the region itself (-10.8 percent), and particularly those of China (-2.3 percent), which had grown close to 25 percent in 2018. Exports increased 1.0 percent to the United States, the only trading partner driving the expansion of sales from the region, although the pace of growth was much slower than in 2018. EXPORT PRICES Iron ore was the only major export commodity whose price rose in

2019 (increasing 38.4 percent between January and October), due to exceptional events that affected supply, namely the disruption of production in Brazil and extreme weather events in Australia. The oil price trend, which had driven the recovery in exports from the region between 2017 and 2018, reversed course and fell 12.9 percent in the first 10 months of 2019 in comparison with the same period in 2018. The price of copper fell 8.3 percent in January– October compared to the same period in 2018. The price of soybeans declined 5.8 percent in the same period and that of coffee fell 17.1 percent. Sugar remained relatively stable in 2019. South American exports declined at an estimated rate of 7.2 percent after growing 8.2 percent in 2018. The Caribbean experienced an estimated contraction of 10.8 percent. Exports from Mesoamerica grew 3.1 percent as a result of a 3.3 percent increase in shipments from Mexico and a 1.5 percent rise in those from Central America. While foreign sales from these countries remained on positive ground, they grew at significantly lower rates than in the previous year. Imports of the region fell at an estimated rate of 3.1 percent, due to both the contraction in economic activity in several countries of Latin America and the Caribbean and the side effects of the decline in export demand. The report was prepared by the Integration and Trade Sector of the IDB and its Institute for the Integration of Latin America and the Caribbean (INTAL).

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 18, 2019

‘Crash’ convicted for raping minor TWENTY-FIVEYEAR-OLD Keon Lawson called ‘Crash,’ was on Tuesday at the Demerara High Court found guilty by a 12-member mixed jury of two counts of raping a minor. Lawson of Linden was on trial before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Sexual Offences Court for the two charges. The 12-member jury, after deliberating for more than two hours, returned the guilty verdicts. The first indictment stated that Lawson between November 1, 2014, and November 30, 2014, in the County of Demerara engaged in sexual activity with a six-yearold girl. The second indictment stated that Lawson on October 6, 2017, in the County of Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with the same victim, when she was nine-yearsold. Lawson was represented by attorney-at-law

is that Lawson is known to the victim’s family. During the month of November 2014, it is alleged that Lawson was at the victim’s home watching television. He reportedly give the six-year-old girl his cellphone to play games. While the child was playing games, he covered her mouth with his hands to

Keon Lawson called ‘Crash’

George Thomas, while the state was represented by prosecutors Teriq Mohammed and Nefeeza Baig. The convict was re-

manded to prison and will return to court on January 6, 2020 for sentencing, after the presentation of a probation report The prosecution’s case

Grove ‘Wedding House’ manslaughter trial...

‘Perp’ appeals conviction, sentence

A 34-year-old man, who was in November sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for killing another, has filed an appeal challenging his conviction and sentence. Rajen Dindial, called ‘Eric,’ a former resident of Section ‘C’ Block Y, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow for the killing of Aliston Henry. Henry was beaten to death at a ‘wedding house’ at Grove, in 2017. Dindial was charged for the capital offence of murder, but was found not guilty by the jury. However, the jury found him guilty of the lesser count of manslaughter. Justice Barlow ordered that two years two months and 13 days be deducted from Dindial’s prison sentence since that was the period of time he spent in pre-trial custody on remand.The judge also deducted one year from Dindial’s sentence for not having a criminal record. Dindial’s attorney Nigel Hughes had moved to

Rajen Dindial called ‘Eric’

the Appeal Court to challenge his client’s conviction and sentence. A date is yet to be set for the appeal hearing. According to reports, on September 3, 2017, at Sarran Street, Grove, East Bank Demerara, while at the wedding celebration, Henry had a misunderstanding with Dindial and pushed down a portable

toilet which was nearby. Consequently, Dindial became annoyed and dealt Henry several lashes with a wooden paddle. The injured Henry was then taken home by public-spirited citizens and, subsequently, to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he succumbed to his injuries several days later.

prevent her from screaming. It is alleged the Lawson pulled down the child’s underwear and raped her. In October 2017, when the child was sent over to Lawson’s home by her mother to collect chicken from a freezer,she was attacked by him. It is alleged that Law-

son blocked the doorway, grabbed the victim and pinned her down into the chair. He then raped the child and sent her back home. The child went to school and told her teacher. The victim’s mother was summoned to the school and the incident was reported to the police.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday December 18, 2019

Athletics coach killed at D’Urban Park -mother seeks justice THE lifeless body of a young athletics coach was found with multiple stab wounds at Durban Park in the city at daybreak on Tuesday. Dead is Seon Anthony ‘Cenestro’ Burry, a 28-year-old athletics coach of Lot 194, Section ‘A’, South Sophia. Police said the man was killed north of the southern stand at Durban Park, between 03:30hrs and 05:45hrs on Tuesday. He was discovered with multiple stab wounds to his neck, in the vicinity of the throat. According to the police, information received is that at about 03:30hrs today, Burry left his residence to train athletes.

Jennifer Benn, mother of the deceased

Burry’s mother, Jennifer Benn, at her Sophia home, told the Guyana Chronicle that early on Tuesday, someone informed the family that her son was lying motionless at the Durban Park. She said she thought her son had fainted during training. “I said get a bottle of water because I thought maybe he run and get dehydrated and fall down,” she said. Benn said when she arrived at the scene, her son was lying motionless with blood stains on his skin. Benn said that Burry joined the Guyana Police Force as a constable and then he started coaching young athletes, an area he specialises in. She said he coaches children daily, even as she described him as a “cool” and “kind-hearted” individual. “He trains children. At present he was preparing children for some games, some Carifta Games [CARIFTA Games] or something so,” the composed woman noted. She said she was told that her son was listed to receive a ‘coach of the year’ award from the police force this week and she questioned why her son was killed the day before the awards ceremony. She said other coaches within the force were envious of her son’s performance as a coach. The Guyana Police Force expressed condolences to the immediate family, relatives and friends of the deceased whom the force noted, was very much committed to

Seon Anthony ‘Cenestro’ Burry

his field of work The police vowed to bring the perpetrator(s) of Burry’s brutal slaying to justice. Burry’s body is at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation awaiting a post-mortem examination.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday December 18, 2019

Differently-abled want more say in upcoming elections --Challenge GECOM to put systems in place by March 2020

THE Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD), on Tuesday, submitted a list of recommendations to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to improve the voting experience of disabled persons. Disability rights activist, Ganesh Singh, told Guyana Chronicle on Monday that the body has come up with about eight recommendations. GECOM Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, last week, said time may be a factor in considering some of the recommendations, as they would involve policies that may need to be changed. Furthermore, certain techni-

Morris, had said that the differently-abled community has to fight each time there are elections in the country to have their say. US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, who was present at the event, offered that there are specific measures that can make voting more accessible for the differently-abled, such as providing options for the blind and visually impaired to vote privately and independently, outlining special instructions for those who are deaf; constructing ramps, slip resistant surfaces and suchlike things. In Guyana, the GCOPD observed that the March 2020 elections will deter-

Disability rights activist, Ganesh Singh

calities may hinder the granting of some of the requests. But Singh said disabled persons are confident that GECOM would be able to meet some of the recommendations in time for the March elections. Disabled persons in Guyana have, for years, been asking for more inclusivity in the processes that govern the general and regional elections, and the GCOPD, last week, held a one-day conference to draft a voter education plan for them. GCOPD Chairman, Cecil

mine the future of Guyanese in a new oil economy, and said it is important to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, especially for marginalised groups. Recognising this, the GCOPD believes it is important to encourage maximum participation of the differently-abled community in the electoral process through voter education which specifically responds to their needs. “Over the years, persons with disabilities

(PWDs) have been marginalised and forced to live on the fringes of society with limited opportunities for living independent, productive lives. Recognising the circumstances of this marginalised population, the Government of Guyana signed and

ratified the UNCRPD. The Guyana Government also made one step further by initiating and implementing a legal framework for the protection and promotion of the rights of PWDs in Guyana by way of the Guyana PWD Act 2010,” GCOPD

informed. However, the body said these legal instruments have not been very effective in mitigating the instances of both overt and covert discrimination and the accompanying impacts, which continue to plague disabled persons.

“Within this context, it is important to continue creating opportunities for empowerment for PWDs in Guyana. Currently, most important among these opportunities is citizen participation in the 2020 General and Regional Elections,” GCOPD said.

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NSC financially supports Olympic boxing hopefuls for training stint in Cuba … $1M handed over, additional funding promised

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its support behind a team of four boxers who will leave Guyana after Christmas for a three-month training stint in Cuba. Keevin Allicock, Dennis Thomas, Desmond Amsterdam and Colin Lewis, all former or current Caribbean Boxing medal winners, are attempting to qualify for the Olympics - a feat which Guyana last achieved in 1996. Allicock is a two-time Caribbean champion, while Amsterdam and Lewis are former Caribbean champions and Dennis Thomas a Caribbean two-time silver medallist. President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) Steve Ninvalle noted that the training sessions in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean Island would make the boxers as prepared as possible for the Olympic Qualifiers, which is scheduled from March 26 to April 3, 2020, in Argentina. He also stated that the boxers would be in Cuba along with national coaches Terrence Poole (MS) and Sebert Blake for three months. A few of the boxers and the coaches are awaiting approval from Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force and Guyana Power and Light. COSTLY VENTURE The cost for the venture is approximately US$30 000 (over G$6.2M). In the NSC boardroom, yesterday, Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, handed over a cheque for $1M to get the process started. He noted that either in January or February a second cheque would be given to the association. “The Government of Guyana is committed to providing the necessary support to all of the sporting disciplines.” Ninvalle later disclosed that the NSC would be contributing a total of $2.5M to the venture, while the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) has also promised a substantial amount. GBA Technical Director Poole was also elated with the support. “If you need good results in any sport, you have to

start with investments. So, I appreciate the contribution made by the Government of Guyana very much.” BOXING MEDAL All parties involved were happy for the boxers and the sport as a whole and were optimistic that the venture is a step in the right direction. Jones said that if Guyana should secure medals again at the Olympics it would be in boxing and that the NSC is aware of the part it has to play to make this a reality. The country’s lone Olympic medal (a bronze), was won by Michael Parris at the Moscow Olympics in 1980, since then we have struggled to replicate the feat. Ninvalle noted that reaching the Olympics is a tedious process, but he feels that with the boxers’ talents and their extra training sessions they could accomplish the task. Poole also welcomed the lengthy training and noted that in the past, teams were prepared a few weeks prior, which hindered their performances. According to Ninvalle, having the boxers in Cuba is a necessary step. He said that other nations have begun to step up their training and at the recently concluded Caribbean Boxing Championships in T&T it showed. “We have seen the level of boxing that Jamaica and Trinidad and even Grenada have been producing and that is because of the fact that they have exposure. With this (the training session), our team would be exposed every week to championship boxing in Cuba.” He added that they will be fighting and sparring amongst some of the best boxers and should return ready to take on all challengers. Cuba is extraordinary when it comes to boxing. The country is listed as second place in the all-time Olympic medal table, having won a whopping 73 medals, 37 of which were gold. That country also has the distinction of being the only nation with two three-time Olympic champions (Teofilo Stevenson and Félix Savón).

Butcher belongs in ‘Hall-of-Fame’, says legend Lloyd BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Legendary former West Indies captain, Clive Lloyd, said Tuesday that Basil Butcher’s outstanding contribution to the game had secured him a place in any Caribbean cricket Hall-of-Fame. Hailing Butcher’s “dependability and reliability”, Lloyd said his fellow countryman had left a legacy of having played a “major part in keeping West Indies and Guyana cricket alive”. Butcher, a native of Guyana, passed away in Florida on Monday at age 86 following a long illness. “I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. We have lost a true stalwart of the game, someone who gave all he had for the game in his native Guyana and across the region,” said Lloyd, who made his Test debut on the tour of India in 1966 with Butcher already a seasoned member of the Windies team. “He was well loved and admired. He had fans everywhere … all across the cricketing world. His legacy is that he played a major part in keeping West Indies and Guyana cricket alive. “He was part of that golden era which saw the game grow and flourish. He is someone you would describe as a ‘Hall-of-Famer’ if there was such a thing in West Indies cricket.” Butcher gathered 3 104 runs in 44 Tests with seven centuries on seven different grounds – two in England, two in

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Australia, two in India and one in the Caribbean. Lloyd described him as an elegant batsman who was strong off the backfoot and also scored heavily through the leg-side. An occasional leg-spinner, the only Test wickets he took all came in one innings – five for 34 against England in Trinidad in 1968. He made his Test debut in 1958 against India at the Brabourne Stadium in Bombay – now Mumbai – and played his last match against England at Headingley in 1969. In his first-class career he played 169 matches and made 11 628 runs with 31 centuries and 54 half-centuries. “He was very dependable … very reliable … very calm and an excellent player against all bowling – pace and spin,” Lloyd said. “You could say in many ways he was Mr Dependable of that era in our cricket. It was like the golden era when we had several cricketers from Guyana in the West Indies team – Rohan Kanhai, Joe Solomon, Lance Gibbs and Basil joined them to make it four. “He was reliable, very professional and someone who would share their knowledge. He did extremely well for Guyana and also West Indies. He made a double hundred (209 not out at Trent Bridge in 1966) and also got a superb hundred at Lord’s (133 in 1963).” 11:00 hrs Defi Sacre 11:30 hrs Coquelicot Ludlow 08:30 hrs Garry Clermont 09:00 hrs Cotswold Way 09:30 hrs Subway Surf 10:05 hrs Hatcher 10:35 hrs Robo Mac 11:10 hrs Seemingly So 11:40 hrs Lord Apparelli South Africa Racing Tips Kenilworth 08:20 hrs Senor Don 08:55 hrs Indi Anna

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Fury welcomes Joshua sparring before Wilder rematch TYSON Fury says he would “love” to take up Anthony Joshua’s offer of sparring before he faces Deontay Wilder. Fury, 31, drew with WBC world heavyweight champion Wilder in 2018 and is set for a rematch on February 22. Joshua, who holds the IBF, WBA and WBO belts, feels Fury would be more likely to agree to a fight for all four titles and offered to help his fellow Briton. “I would love to have you in camp, work out for this fight and give Deontay Wilder a proper beating,” said Fury. “I hope you mean it, as I’d love to have you in training camp with me. When I do beat

Wilder I will fight you AJ no problem.” Fury offered his “congratulations” to Joshua for his win over Andy Ruiz Jr on December 7, where he reclaimed his world titles after losing to the Mexican in June. Joshua says he has already been “studying” Oleksandr Usyk, whom he could face in the short term given the Ukrainian fighter’s status as mandatory challenger with the WBO. Bulgaria’s Kubrat Pulev is also a mandatory challenger with the IBF, meaning the prospect of any fight between Joshua and Fury or Wilder still appears some time away.

Anthony Joshua (right) has offered to help Tyson Fury prepare to face Anthony Wilder (left)

Fury’s bout with 34-yearold Wilder is said to be taking place in Las Vegas, although no venue has yet been confirmed for the bout. “I think honestly he might beat Wilder next time,” Joshua told Sky Sports News. “I think Fury would fight me quicker than Wilder would, so if that’s the case I want him to win. Imagine that fight on British soil. “If Tyson needs me, I’ll go out and spar with him to get him ready for Wilder.” Fury is currently in the process of joining up with new trainer Javan ‘Sugar’ Hill, having parted company with Ben Davison. (BBC Sport)

South Africa players refuse role in committee to revamp domestic structure By Nick Said

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (Reuters) - Cricket South Africa (CSA) was plunged into further disarray yesterday as the country’s players’ association repeated its call for the executive to step down and refused to co-operate with a proposed committee to reform the domestic game. The South African Cricketers Association (SACA) is locked in a court battle with CSA over a proposal to expand the country’s domestic structure from six to 12 teams, saying it was not consulted. After CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe was suspended over governance concerns last week and replaced by Jacques Faul in an acting capacity, it was announced the April 2019 decision to restructure was now under review.

CSA said it would appoint a committee, which would include SACA representatives, to establish the viability of the expansion.

SACA chief executive Tony Irish

“Although CSA has announced that SACA will be part of this committee we have yet to be formally contacted by CSA on this,” SACA chief executive Tony Irish said in a statement. “I confirm, however, that SACA will not participate

in this committee until the existing restructure decision is formally withdrawn,” Irish added. “We also again re-iterate our call for the leadership of the CSA board to accept accountability for the position in which cricket has been placed. We repeat our call for that leadership to step down.” SACA says it is willing to open discussions with CSA’s new director of cricket Graeme Smith and former ICC CEO Dave Richardson who is acting as a consultant. “It is important to emphasise that SACA wants to find solutions both to the financial challenges which cricket now faces and to what the domestic structure should be,” Irish said. “ H o w e v e r, t h i s t i m e around the process needs to be done properly.”

Root hits fluent 72 in England’s first warm-up match

ENGLAND captain Joe Root scored an unbeaten 72 on day one of his side’s two-day warm-up match against a Cricket South Africa (CSA) Invitation XI in Benoni. Root, Joe Denly (60 not out) and opener Dom Sibley (58 not out) all retired after passing their half-centuries. Jonny Bairstow, playing as a specialist batsman, made only 13 on his return to redball cricket with England. Zak Crawley (28 not out) and Sam Curran (18 not out) guided the tourists to 309-4 at the close. England are set to spend today in the field and will hope that pace bowlers Stuart Broad and Jofra Archer are able to take part after both were affected by illness. James Anderson will bowl for England for the first time since the opening Test of the Ashes in August, after recovering from a calf problem.

All-rounder Ben Stokes is missing the warm-up match after being named BBC Sports Personality-of-the-Year on Sunday but has now joined the touring party.

Dom Sibley

England face South Africa in a four-Test series, with the first match at Centurion starting on December 26. “You can’t really beat time at the crease and there’s another three-day game coming up so there’ll be opportunities there as well,” said Sibley,

who has made 38 runs in his three Test innings so far. “I’ve got to start getting some scores but hopefully Boxing Day will be my day, if I play.” After Rory Burns (16) fell top-edging a hook shot to fine leg, Sibley patiently ground his way to 58 off 140 balls. Denly hit 10 fours and one six in a fluent knock, while Root, who scored 226 against New Zealand in his last Test appearance, was again in fine touch, scoring freely in making 72 off 86 balls. Ollie Pope fell lbw to Matthew Arnold for 20, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler was caught in the slips for 15 and Bairstow, who was dropped for the Test tour of New Zealand, hit a full toss straight to mid-on. But Crawley, who made his debut in the second Test against New Zealand, and all-rounder Curran played out the final hour comfortably. (BBC Sport)

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Haynes crowned West Indies Sports Complex U-19 Badminton champ AKILI Haynes toppled the competition as he captured the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA)/West Indian Sports Complex Under-19 title last Sunday, at the National Gymnasium. The final tournament for 2019 saw a number of top individual and tag-team performances by some of Guyana’s finest badminton players. After running through the preliminary stages, a spirited Haynes captured his crown after he defeated Tyrese Jeffrey in two sets; 21-18, 21-12. The pair put aside their competitive rivalry and team up to win the Open U-19 Men’s Doubles final. Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey easily disposed of Jonathan Mangra and his partner Avinash Odit, beating them three straight sets; 19-21, 21-7, 27-25.

Not to be undone, the Under-19 Girls’ Singles action heated up from the semi-final stages after eventual champ, Priyanka Shivnauth, defeated Jayde DaSil-

va: 22-20, 21-18, 21-17. Alea Ruplal gained a walkover from Mishka Beharry: Shivnauth then conquered the Under-19 Girls’ Singles final after she top-

inaugural Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Award in 2017 for the ICC Women’s Cricketerof-the-Year.

Ellyse Perry is named women’s cricketer and ODI player of 2019

“It’s amazing to be acknowledged and I do truly appreciate it. It’s a really nice way to finish the year on a personal note.” Perry scored three hun-

dreds while averaging 73.50 from 12 ODIs, and took 21 wickets, including a national record 7-22, while becoming the first player to complete 1 000 runs and take 100 wickets in T20 internationals. In October, Healy scored a world record 148 unbeaten off 61 balls against Sri Lanka - the highest score by a woman in T20Is. She reached her fifty off 25 balls and her maiden century off 46 to register the fastest ton ever by an Australian man or woman. Ranked No.1 in both the 50-over and T20 formats, Australia will be favourites to retain their Women’s T20 World Cup crown on home soil next year. Thailand bowler Chanida Sutthiruang rounded up the honours with the ICC’s Emerging Cricketer-of-theYear award.

Flamengo fight back against Al Hilal to reach ClubIt wasWorld Cup final By Simon Evans Bafetimbi Gomis put the ball Bruno Henrique who DOHA (Reuters) - Brazilian champions Flamengo came from behind to beat Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal 3-1 on Tuesday and book their place in the final of the Club World Cup. The Copa Libertadores winners, who struggled in the opening stages before rallying after the break, will face either European champions Liverpool or Mexico’s Monterrey in Saturday’s final. “I don’t get to choose the opponent, I don’t care, both teams have the quality to get to the final,” said Flamengo’s Portuguese coach Jorge Jesus. “Whoever wins that semi-final, Saturday is going to be one of the most important matches of my career,” he added. Asian Champions League winners Al Hilal, who finished with 10 men, were bright and inventive from the outset and should have gone in front in the 16th minute but

Emelia Ramdhani and Anna Perreira, 21-19, 21-16. RESULTS ♦ Under-19 Boys’ Singles

WINNERS’ ROW! Sunday’s respective winners are all smiles as they pose with their trophies

Perry leads Australian sweep of top ICC women’s awards MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Ellyse Perry has led an Australian sweep of the International Cricket Council’s annual awards with the all-rounder named women’s cricketer and one-day international player of 2019, the world governing body said yesterday. Perry’s compatriot, wicketkeeper Alyssa Healy, was the top Twenty20 cricketer for a second straight year while Australia captain Meg Lanning was named skipper of the ICC’s 50-overs and T20 teams-of-the-year. Perry and Healy, both 29, were included in the Lanning-captained sides. “It’s an amazing honour and I’m a little bit shocked, given how many amazing performances there have been across the year,” said Perry, who also won the

pled Ruplal; 15-21, 21-19, 212-19. The Open Ladies’ Doubles final also proved to be exciting as the duo of Ayanna Watson and Christina Kumar overpowered

over the bar from a promising position. Two minutes later, the Saudi side broke through when, after a smart pull-back, a low shot from Salem Al Dawsari took a deflection off Flamengo defender Pablo Mari and flew into the roof of the net. Al Hilal, coached by Romanian Razvan Lucescu, looked full of confidence and with former Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco creating space with his buzzing movement, Flamengo were rocking at the back. Yet a switch in formation from their Portuguese coach Jesus at the break paid instant dividends and they got back on level terms four minutes after the interval when Uruguayan Giorgian De Arrascaeta tapped in after a clever cut-back from the impressive Bruno Henrique. Bruno Henrique then put the Brazilians ahead, meeting a fine Rafinha cross with a thundering header at the near post.

created the third goal, putting the outcome beyond doubt, as his low cross was turned into his own net by Ali Albulayhi. Al Hilal’s Peruvian midfielder Andre Carrillo was sent off in the 84th minute after an awful, over the top, challenge on De Arrascaeta. “I talked to our players and gave them instructions at halftime,” said Jesus. “As a coach you have to be always alert and I saw the way they were playing. We played well in the second half.” Lucescu felt his side paid the price for not making the most of their early pressure after catching the Brazilians cold. “I don’t know if we surprised them but we controlled the game, and played very well. We created opportunities, then they started to understand it will be a very hard game. I think the key of the game was that period when we didn’t get another goal,” he said.

1st - Akili Haynes 2nd - Tyrese Jeffrey 3rd - Matthew Beharry ♦ Under-19 Girls’ Singles 1st - Priyanka Shivnauth 2nd - Alea Ruplal 3rd - Jayde Dasilva ♦ Open Men’s Doubles 1st - Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey 2nd - Jonathan Mangra/ Avinash Odit 3rd - Darrell Carpenay/ avian Rodrigues ♦ Open Ladies’ Doubles: 1st - Ayanna Watson/ Christina Kumar 2nd - Emelia Ramdhani/ Anna Perreira 3rd - Jayde DaSilva/Priyanka Shivnauth ♦ Open Mixed Doubles 1st - Jonathan Mangra/ Ambika Ramraj 2nd - Avinash Odit/ Christina Kumar 3rd - Darrell Carpenay/ Ayanna Watson

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Whisper announced as broadcaster for West Indies/Ireland series in January 2020 CRICKET West Indies (CWI) and Whisper, the sport and live production specialist, is pleased to announce a new trial partnership, which sees Whisper as the host broadcaster of the West Indies vs Ireland series in January 2020. The series consists of three Colonial Medical Insurance One Day Internationals (ODIs) and three T20Is in Barbados, Grenada and St Kitts from January 7 to 19. In line with Whisper’s ambitious approach to its productions, the coverage will be led by established producer Rob Williams, who was in the chair for this summer’s dramatic World Cup final at Lord’s. The vastly experienced Simon Wheeler, a veteran in world cricket, will direct. The commentary team will feature some of the best from the region including Ian Bishop, Daren Ganga, Samuel Badree, Darren Sammy and Niall O’Brien. Apart from managing the TV production, Whisper has also been appointed to produce a range of digital and multi-platform content for CWI, to promote the reach of its games and maximise

their impact. “As we move into a new five-year international match cycle, CWI plans to improve the coverage, accessibility and quality of international cricket matches on both television and digital channels.

CEO, believes working on the series will be an exciting prospect. “It’s great to be working on these games for CWI, which has some really exciting young players coming through. We are looking

nership for us, which also offers great potential for future opportunities.” Whisper is one of a number of companies currently involved in an active tender process with CWI for the long-term broadcast produc-

West Indies will oppose Ireland in three ODIs

This trial with Whisper is a key step to enhancing how we engage cricket and sports fans around the world with the unique story of our much-loved West Indies teams,” said Dominic Warne, Commercial Director for CWI. Sunil Patel, Whisper

forward to showcasing them around the world,” he said. “Cricket is the heart and soul of communities in the Caribbean and we intend to draw on that by working with local production talent and benefitting from their vast experience. It’s a really exciting part-

tion of West Indies international cricket matches. The West Indies vs Ireland agreement comes at a time of growth for Whisper in the cricket market and sits alongside another significant cricket win, which is due to be announced soon. (Sportsmax)

592 Beer Inter-Village Football Championship reaches knockout stage WITH the exciting group stage having concluded, the quarterfinal section in the inaugural 592 Beer Inter-Village Football Championship will commence on Sunday with an exciting double-header at the Buxton Community ground. In the opening match, Mahaica will match skills with Friendship at 20:00hrs. The weight of expectation in securing a semi-final berth will rest on the shoulders of Azuma Roberts, Eion Abel and Shameer Nazir come kick-off time. Meanwhile, the trident of Dillon Wright, Clive Andries and Okenny Fraser will marshal the dangerous Friendship outfit, a side who have grown with each outing and will have the partisan home support in their corner. In the second fixture, home side Buxton will tackle Paradise at 22:00hrs. Paradise are considered one of the main contenders to secure the coveted title by several analysts. This label is justified due to quality players such as Quincy Adams and Tyreek Cummings on their roster. However, the battle-hardened Buxtonians will be no pushovers and possess the skill set to create issues for their opponents, led by the dynamic Eon Costello. Tournament coordinator Eon Havercome revealed that the event will now officially conclude on January 1, 2020. He stated that the decision to extend the event

was based on the response of the players, fans and sponsors. following a prolonged absence of structured football in the region. According to Havercome, the staging of the event highlights that football is truly alive in the East Coast Demerara area, positing that the intention is for the tournament to be an annual affair. The competition continues with the second night of quarterfinal action on Christmas Day at the same venue. The eventual champions of the event will pocket $500 000 and the championship trophy. The second-, thirdand fourth-place finishers will receive $200 000, $150 000 and $100 000 respectively and the corresponding trophy. Similarly, individual prizes will also be awarded for: Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, MVP of the finale, Best Goalkeeper of the tournament and the Best Goalkeeper of the final. Major sponsors of the tournament include Bakewell Guyana Incorporated, ExxonMobil, NSC and Colin Talbot Construction Services. In the second round of quarterfinal matches scheduled for Christmas Day, Golden Grove will match skills with Brusch Dam in the opening match from 20:00hrs while Beterverwagting (BV) will oppose Ann’s Grove in the second encounter at 22:00hrs.

Preparation hit by lack of match practice, says Francis

Sunshine Girls head coach Connie Francis

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Newly-appointed Sunshine Girls head coach, Connie Francis, has expressed concern about the lack of international match practice ahead of next month’s Nations Cup in England. The veteran coach said the squad, yet to be announced, had been training well but the lack of actual court time had been the obvious flaw in the side’s preparation. “It’s a challenging task because the other countries have already been in match mode and we are in preparation mode,” Francis told the Gleaner newspaper here. “But, I am quite confident that they will do their best because they have been doing their best in training.” She added: “They have been improving, but our only shortcoming is that we have not gotten any international matches. But we have been practising against a male team and it is work in progress.” The Sunshine Girls will clash with the top-ranked likes of world champions New Zealand, England and South Africa in the tournament which runs from January 19 to 26 in Nottingham, Birmingham and London. They open their campaign against South Africa at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on January 19 before taking on the Silver Ferns in Birmingham three days later. Jamaica face England in their final game on January 25 at the Copper Box Arena in London. The outing will be the country’s first since their disappointing campaign at the World Cup last July also in England when they finished fifth. Francis, who was appointed head coach last October after Netball Jamaica sacked Marvette Anderson in the wake of the World Cup results, said her side was in a race against time to get fully prepared for the competition. Of importance, she pointed out, were improving fitness level and working on tactical approaches. “Our fitness has to improve and our fitness trainer has been working tirelessly with them,” Francis explained. “Exams are out of the way now and so they can be at training more often because the exams were really drawback for us and so now we can work on our tactical plays.” “We will be going up against three good teams and I have to do all the video analyses ahead of the series.” She added: “I have been encouraging them to look at the games that these teams have been playing and I’m certain I will come up with my plans to see how best we can go up against them.”

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Wednesday, December 18, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158)

(1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ:

George Headley-176 (WI vs ENG, Barbados, 1930) Desmond Haynes-148 (WI vs AUST, Castries, 1978)

TODAY’S QUIZ:

(1) Who is the first WI player to score a double-century in Tests? (2) Who is the first WI player to hit a triple century in Tests?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Kevin Anthony is new EBFA president

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Tendulkar finds hotel worker who gave him batting advice

EBFA president Kevin Anthony (seated centre) is flanked by VPs Orien Angoy (left) and Clayton Lambert Sr. At back from left, Amanda Angoy, Devon Winter, Wayne Francois, Noel Harry, Dillion Roberts, Troy Jeffers and GFF’s Lyndon France

KEVIN Anthony was voted as the new president of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA), following the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) which was held at the Mocha Community Centre on Monday evening. Anthony also served as vice-president on the previous executive. Secretary Wayne Francois retained his position but there was a re-positioning of some of the other executive members. Based on the constitution, no member can serve more than two consecutive terms (one term = two years). Former president Franklin Wilson and vice-presidents Anthony and Noel Harry served two terms each. Harry was elected as assistant secretary/treasurer. There was only one slate which was proposed by Timehri Panthers Football Club and seconded by Diamond United Football Club. The full executive reads: Kevin Anthony (president), Orien Angoy (vice-president), Clayton Lambert Sr (vice-president), Wayne Francois (secretary), Devon Winter (treasurer), Noel Harry (assistant secretary/treasurer). committee members:

Dillion Roberts, Amanda Angoy, Parbattie Winter, Troy Jeffers. Representing the Guyana Football Federation and overseeing the entire process was Mr. Lyndon France. The Audited Financial Statement, along with reports from the immediate past-president Franklin Wilson and secretary Francois, was presented to the members. Wilson thanked the executive and clubs for allowing him to lead the association for the past four plus years after serving as secretary prior to taking up the top post. He encouraged the new executive and clubs to continue working as a team to further advance the growth of the body but most importantly, the players. Gratitude was also expressed to president Wayne Forde and the Guyana Football Federation for unflinching support towards the advancement of the game in the EBFA. Wilson promised to continue supporting the EBFA and once called upon would be there to assist in the continued development of the EBFA.

2019 GCB Awards Ceremony set for tonight WITH 2019 almost near its end, Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) will be honouring its top performers of the year, when the annual Awards Ceremony gets underway tonight. In keeping with yearly customs and traditions, the GCB recognises all its players, administrators, stakeholders, media, sponsors and clubs who have been among the top-performers throughout the calendar year of 2019. The ceremony has been transformed over the years as a number of new awards and accolades were introduced to the event. The number of awardees has also increased as the GCB over recent years has gone to great lengths to properly recognise its players. Last year was no different, as a number of medals both group and individual, were presented to members of the fraternity. Wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble, who has been a key man for Guyana in 4-Day cricket over the years, emerged as the Senior Regional Cricketer-of-the-Year. His fellow countryman, Berbice and Guyana Youth all-rounder Kevin

Sinclair was named Junior Cricketer-of-the-Year. Ryan Hercules, Essequibo and Jaguars Academy coach, was adjudged Coach-of-the-Year while Albert Das won Curator-of-theYear for his outstanding work on the local grounds last year. This year’s event could see a number of new faces being placed into the spotlight as a number of players, including Romario Shepherd, Ashmead Nedd, Kevlon Anderson, Shabika Gajnabi to name a few, have made huge steps both regionally and internationally this year. Also, Rose Hall Town, Albion, Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and others will be front-runners for Clubs-of-the-Year, following their great respective runs this year. CWI vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow is expected to deliver the feature address at this evening’s ceremony, which gets underway at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) pavilion from 19:00hrs. CWI vice-president Dr Kishore Shallow

Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar launched an appeal to find a hotel worker who gave him batting advice (AFP Photo/INDRANIL MUKHERJEE)

NEW Delhi, India (AFP) - A hotel worker whose unsolicited advice helped the batting of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been located after the Indian superstar launched an appeal. The worker approached Tendulkar about 19 years ago at the hotel where he worked in Chennai, saying he had noticed he swung his bat differently when he was wearing an arm guard. Tendulkar, who was midway his record-breaking career at the time, said the advice was valuable as he redesigned his arm guard and went from strength to strength. “I don’t think I had spoken about this to anyone in the world. I was the only person who was aware of that,” he said in a video posted on Twitter. “After that I actually came back to the room from the ground, carried my elbow guard and I re-designed my elbow guard according to the correct size and the amount of padding and I played.” The hotel said it had found the worker and offered to set up a meeting, while an Indian news website also said it had located the man. “I asked him (Tendulkar) if I can give him a suggestion concerning cricket,” the worker, identified as a member of the security staff named Guruprasad, was quoted as saying by the ‘The News Minute’. “I really wasn’t sure if he would listen to someone like me but he readily agreed.” The meeting apparently took place in early 2001 during the Test series against Australia, when Tendulkar scored 126 in the first innings in Chennai. The 46-year-old Tendulkar retired in 2013 after scoring more than 34 000 runs in Tests and one-day internationals, including a record 100 centuries.

NSC financially supports Olympic boxers for training in Cuba PAGE

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Director of Sport Christopher Jones (left) hands over a cheque for $1M to president of GBA, Steve Ninvalle. Also in photo is Technical Director, Terrence Poole MS

… $1M handed over, additional funding promised

CWI, GCB and BCB remember the late Basil Butcher as a cricketing icon FOLLOWING the passing of former Guyana and West Indies batsman Basil Butcher in Florida on Monday night, Cricket West Indies (CWI), along with the Guyana and Berbice Cricket Boards, has expressed sympathy to the family and friends of the late cricketing icon. Born in Port Mourant, Berbice, Guyana, on September 3, 1933, to his Barbadian (St Phillip) father, Ethelbert Butcher, and Guyanese mother, Matilda Butcher, Basil was the eldest and only boy, with six sisters. The 86-year-old Butcher eventually went on to play 44 Tests for the Windies back in the 1950s and 60s and ended with 7 centuries and 16 half-centuries. His solid batting average of 43.11 in Tests was highlighted by his 209 not out at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. In 169 first-class matches, the legendary Berbician scored 11 628 runs at the high average of 49.90 with 31 centuries and 54 fifties.

Basil Butcher

CWI ISSUES STATEMENT CWI president Rickey Skerritt issued a sympathetic statement on behalf of himself and the Board. “It is with great sadness that Cricket West Indies has learnt of the passing of West Indies batting legend Basil Fitzherbert Butcher. He later became part of a prolific West Indies batting lineup, that excited world cricket and brought great joy and pride to Guyanese and West Indian people everywhere. “The name Basil Butcher is forever etched on the honours board at Lord’s cricket ground, as one of a select group of players who have scored a Test Hundred at Lords”. “Cricket West Indies would like to extend sincere condolences to Basil’s wife, Valerie Pamela Butcher, children Brian, Bruce, Basil Junior, Blossom and the extended Butcher family”.

GCB EXTENDS HEART-FELT CONDOLENCES The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) was also among those who recognised the loss of the iconic cricketer and paid their respects with their heartfelt release. “Basil Fitzherbert Butcher was clearly a great son of our soil, and has contributed tremendously to the cricket structure and development of Guyana’s cricket. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time, as we share their pain and grief, may his soul rest in eternal peace”. BCB REMEMBERS BUTCHER Meanwhile, BCB president Hilbert Foster recently hailed the batsman for his overall contributions to Berbice, Guyana and West Indies cricket. In the official release, the BCB said Butcher’s death will leave an irreplaceable void in the fraternity. “Mr Butcher died yesterday after a long illness in the USA. Butcher in 1958 became the third Berbician to play Test cricket and went on to represent the West Indies. Butcher also had the best bowling figures for a Berbician for many years before Devendra Bishoo replaced him. He took 5 for 34 against England”. “The BCB salutes the memory of this great and legendary man, who would always have a special place in our heart and those who had the joy of seeing him bat during his career. “He was inducted into our Hall of Fame and is a deserved member of our all-time Berbice XI and received our highest award - ‘The Tribute to Heroes. The president and executives of the BCB would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family of the late Basil Butcher and wish to assure them that we share their grief”.

Prime Minister Nagamootoo extends deepest condolences on the passing of Basil Butcher PRIME MINISTER Moses Nagamootoo, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, expressed their sympathy following the passing of Guyana/West Indies batsman Basil Butcher. The 86-year-old passed away in the United States on Monday night, leaving a void in the local and international cricketing fraternity. Prime Minister Nagamootoo hailed the classy batsman’s life and work as he helped put Guyana and the Windies on the map during the 60s. “It is with great sadness that I learnt last evening

of the passing of legendary Guyanese and West Indian cricketer Basil Fitzherbert Butcher AA”, said Nagamootoo. He continued, “On behalf of the government and people of Guyana I extend deepest condolences to his wife Pamela, children and relatives. Mr Butcher was a Guyanese cricketing giant who represented Guyana and the West Indies in a golden era and played alongside icons of the game.” “He was also an integral member of the organising committee for the first Mashramani celebrations in Lin-

den and served in various capacities as a public servant during and after his cricketing career.” Butcher was the recipient of the prestigious Golden Arrow of Achievement award for his contributions to society. “His spirit will remain with us as we embark on celebrating the 50th anniversary of Guyana becoming a Republic and his immense legacy will live on” “We share the loss of this great son of Guyana, but join in celebrating his accomplished and exemplary life of service to Guyana and cricket,” he ended.

Butcher belongs in ‘Hall-of-Fame’, says legend Lloyd 31 PAGE

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019