Guyana Times International 11 January 2019

Guyana Govt, Opposition commit to work together

…to resolve matters surrounding no-confidence vote

Following Wednesday’s high-level meeting between the Government and Opposition at the Ministry of the Presidency, both sides have agreed to work together on all matters relating to the preservation and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana; irrespective of any domestic political issues.

The following is a joint statement on the meeting between Government and Opposition:

The Government and Opposition met at the Ministry of the Presidency on January 9, 2019 at 11:00 hours at a high-level bilateral meeting.

The delegations were as follows: Government

His Excellency

President David Granger

Prime Minister –

Hon. Moses Nagamootoo

Vice President – Hon. Carl Greenidge

Vice President – Hon. Khemraj Ramjattan

Attorney General –Hon. Basil Williams

Minister of State –Hon. Joseph Harmon

Minister of Natural Resources – Hon. Raphael Trotman

Minister of Social Protection – Hon. Amna

Ally

Opposition:

Leader of the Opposition – Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo

Gail Teixeira

Anil Nandlall

Irfaan Ali

Bishop Juan Edghill

Frank Anthony Pauline Sukhai

Odinga Lumumba

The parties met in an atmosphere of cordiality and iterated their emphatic commitment to work on all and any matters relating to the preservation and protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana; irrespective of any domestic political issues.

The parties agreed to discuss an agenda pro-

posed by the President that included –

Constitutional and Legal situation: Functioning of the National Assembly; Functioning of the Government; Public Services; Public Order; Dissolution of Parliament.

General and Regional Elections: Role of the National Assembly; Operational readiness of GECOM; National registration; Public Information.

The parties recognized the high importance of continuous engagements between the Government and Opposition, the importance they hold for the national interest and the elevated public expectation.

The Leader of the Opposition reiterated his position that the “no confidence motion” was validly passed and therefore there must be compliance with Articles 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution. He further stated that the time-frames prescribed by the two continued on page 12

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EDITORIAL

Who can be an MP?

After jumping on any number of limbs – bribery; the meaning of “majority” in an odd number assembly and evidently “moral turpitude” – gambling – the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led Government, via the proxy of a “private citizen”, filed a lawsuit in the High Court objecting to the validity of Charrandas Persaud’s’ vote in the No-confidence Motion on December 21, 2018, on the ground of his dual citizenship with Guyana and Canada.

While it is acknowledged that Guyanese can hold dual citizenship, the Government’s proxy is contending that the Constitution explicitly restricts such individuals from being elected as Members of Parliament. They based their claim on Article 155(1) of the Constitution which states: “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (a) is by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state…”

While the law is very clear on its face, we cannot ignore the context where Persaud – and evidently 25 other MPs – were allowed to stand for elections to the National Assembly in 2015. And indeed, this closing of the eyes by the powers that be on both sides of the Assembly to Article 155 (1) has been the default setting from the time this Article was introduced in 1980. We are therefore entering uncharted waters and as such we need to examine the issue carefully.

Guyana’s constitutional framework is not surprisingly influenced by its status as a colony of Britain, as is indeed the other members of the Commonwealth, most of which, such as Australia, have the identical stipulation of Article 155 (1) but also choose not to enforce its mandate. However, from mid-2017, Australia has been in the throes of a “parliamentary eligibility crisis” when claims that their comparable Article 44 (1) had been violated by several MPs, went to their High Court. The Court ruled that it had previously held that citizens are ineligible for election unless they have taken “reasonable steps” to renounce the foreign citizenship before nomination, and reiterated its rule. Since then, at least 14 MPs have been forced to resign – in one case forcing the Government to fall.

Our High Court would have to take cognizance of such far-reaching consequences flowing out of what is essentially a political question. Because the stipulation of “swearing an allegiance” to a foreign country is an attempt to ensure that the MP gives the subject country his or her total loyalty. Canada, for instance, has no restriction on any dual or even triple citizens from being elected to her Parliament – and in fact encourages the practice because its “reflects the diversity of its citizens in its law-making institution which affects all citizens.” In Britain, any citizen of a Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland can stand for election to the House of Commons.

For the last quarter of a century, there have been strenuous efforts by both parties when in Government to encourage the citizens from the “Guyanese Diaspora” to return and lend their skills our development. To now deny them of the right to participate in crafting the laws that they will operate under will only dissuade them from returning.

If the coalition has a principled stand to deny dualcitizens from becoming citizens they should start by doing what one law professor called, “cleaning house”.

But under the doctrine of “desuetude”, which deals with laws that have not been enforced for long periods, the Court should not compel enforcement of Article 155 (1) in this case.

The US catfish ban

From all indications, the current issue regarding the United States’ ban on Guyana’s catfish is nowhere close to being resolved. The ban, which was instituted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) against Guyana last year, came as no surprise since the mediocre approach to such issues has now become a norm in this country (Guyana).

Veterinary Public Health Unit Director, Dr Ozaye Dodson had said the imposition from the US export market was just a temporary technical barrier to trade. He had posited that the country fell short of the US standards in three areas: first, on the issue of the presence of inspectors; secondly, there was insufficient documentation detailing verification of each step in the sanitation and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) process and thirdly, there was insufficient documentation specifying how the industry manages adulterated catfish products.

When questioned recently about the present status of the ban, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder was reported in this newspaper as saying that efforts are being made to remedy the situation. However, he has not provided any detail as to how far Guyana is at the moment as it relates to being in compliance with US regulations; nor did he provide any definite timeline as to when he hopes the ban would be lifted. According to Holder, these negotiations are largely being done by the Public Health Ministry. As such, he admitted he is not entirely up to date with where the matter is.

Certainly, this ban has had, and is having, a huge negative impact on the industry and the people who depend on it for a living. The economic reality is the fisheries sector in Guyana employs over 16,000 fishermen and fish farmers, and a further 6000 in processing and marketing. Thousands more depend directly or indirectly from fishing-related occupations, such as boat building, accessories supply, and maintenance services etc. It must also be mentioned that the fishing industry in Guyana represents approximately US$70 to $80 million annually; and it is believed that the ban on catfish is currently costing the country approximately US$1.2 million.

The effects of the ban have been felt by all who are involved in the sector. Some are of the opinion that the coalition Administration is not doing enough to address the concerns of the fishing industry regarding the ban; given that officials were notified of the USA’s pending changes to export regulations since November 2015.

The Guyana Government, despite having received notice of these changes, failed to communicate effectively with the stakeholders of the fisheries sector, many of whom have invested heavily in this area. From all indications, the Government had received an extension until February 3, 2018, to bring Guyana into compliance with the new export regulations but was unsuccessful in doing so.

So far, very little information is being fed to the various stakeholders regarding the ban and there is a great deal of uncertainty as

to the future of the sector. We believe that it would be beneficial if the Agriculture Ministry convened an urgent meeting with all the relevant stakeholders so as to update them on the present status of the dialogue with the US authorities and seek their input as to what role they could play in ensuring that Guyana meets the requirements of the US.

Additionally, once the political situation is settled, efforts must be made to ensure the relevant legislation is enacted as it relates to the export of the various species of fish to other countries, particularly the US. The assistance of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) could be sought with the aim of ensuring that Guyana is well placed so that we do not find ourselves in this situation again.

It could be recalled that Opposition Member of Parliament Gail Teixeira had used the opportunity during the consideration of the 2019 Budget estimates to question Minister Holder as to whether the Government had any plan to draft legislation to assist Guyana in becoming compliant; here again there was no definite answer to when this would be done.

Our hope is that in 2019, more serious efforts will be made at all levels, and with the involvement of all stakeholders, in ensuring that Guyana becomes compliant with the necessary regulations to allow the continuation of export of catfish products. The lackluster and careless approach to important matters such as the matter at hand, must be a thing of the past if Guyana were to move forward.

No intention to withdraw legal challenge to no-confidence vote

- President

By Vahnu Manikchand

The much-anticipated meeting between Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger on Wednesday was said to be a fruitful engagement during which the two sides entered into agreements on several areas including jointly approaching the courts to expedite the legal proceedings filed in reference to the no-confidence resolution.

This is after the Head of State insisted that his Administration will continue to pursue the legal proceedings, which challenge the validity majority of the 33 votes that was used to pass the motion instead of an “absolute majority” of 34.

Speaking at a media briefing following the meeting, which lasted nearly 90 minutes, Jagdeo told reporters that Opposition sought clarity on whether Government would have accepted the constitutional provisions outlined in Articles 106 (6) and (7) of the Constitution.

“The President said “No”, they will continue to pursue the legal route as a remedy to this situation,” the Opposition Leader revealed, while explaining however that “This legal remedy could take forever, it could take maybe a year and what happens in the meantime? We would have defeated, first of all, the purpose of the Constitution – the intent of [Article] 106 (6) and (7) – and what if at the end of the year, the court rules in our favour or two years, the court says yes it was validly upheld. So we made it clear that this legal situation, we don’t support it but that’s a reality because the Government will pursue it.”

Accelerate process

Against this backdrop, Jagdeo disclosed that he suggested during the meeting that the court be approached to expedite these matters so that there will be no breach of the Constitution which stipulates that elections beheld within three months of the passage of a motion of no-confidence.

“That is one thing that I think we agreed on, that some approach could be made to the court jointly or through a public statement to have this matter expeditiously determined since the Government is going to pursue this remedy, it

will not withdraw… So I expect if the court sees that [urge to expedite from both sides] and they know this is a constitutional matter, and given what has happened in the region – we have had the CCJ (Caribbean Court of Justice) meeting over a weekend to resolve an issue in sever matters – we can deal with this issue continuously.”

He added that Guyana’s case is not just an ordinary matter, “this is a question of the Constitution and also the timeline imposed by the Constitution is ticking and so the need for that urgency we’re pushing for must dawn on the court themselves… and now they’re getting the Government and the Opposition saying we want you to hear it continuously, expeditiously get the hearing so that we can move it and get that out of the way,” he posited.

Govt’s reneging

On December 21, 2018, the Opposition’s No-confidence Motion against Government was passed after Alliance For Change (AFC) parliamentarian took a conscience decision and voted in favour of the motion. Following the passage both the President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had given assurances that the Administration will uphold the Constitution.

Despite this commitment, Government went ahead and unsuccessfully sought to have the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, reverse his decision on the passage of the resolution.

The Speaker acknowledged that while he does have the authority to revisit and reverse rulings in the National Assembly, he must always act in conformity with the Constitution.

As such, Dr Scotland informed the chambers that their questions must first be settled outside of Parliament and that any court ruling would guide future actions of the House.

Since the passage of the no-confidence resolution, Jagdeo has been calling for a meeting with the President to have talks on the way forward. On Wednesday, he posited that, though this engagement was held much later than anticipated it was nevertheless a good one.

Meeting For Wednesday’s

highly anticipated meeting held at the Ministry of the Presidency, Jagdeo led the Opposition’s delegation which included some of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) top ranking members, most of whom are contending for the party’s position of Presidential Candidate. These include: Anil Nandlall, Dr Frank Anthony, Gail Teixeira and Irfaan Ali along with Juan Edghill, Pauline Sukhai and Odinga Lumumba.

Meanwhile, the Government’s team led by President Granger included: Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Govt Chief Whip Amna Ally, Minister of State Joseph Harmon, Attorney General Basil Williams, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan.

According to the Opposition Leader, during the meeting he raised several issues and reiterated his concerns about certain events taking place such as Government functioning as though nothing happened when in fact it should be operating in a caretaker role.

However, he disclosed that President Granger responded saying that there is nothing like caretaker responsibility in the Constitution. At that point, Jagdeo said he reminded the coalition that it was A Partnership for National Unity and AFC who introduced the concept of “caretaker responsibility” back in 2014 when they were the combined parliamentary Opposition and had tabled a no-confidence motion against the Donald Ramotar regime.

Nevertheless, in the end, a consensus was arrived on this matter.

Strong and mature

actions

“The President made it clear that you cannot have a country without a Government and we agreed with this 100 per cent. And I made it clear that our job is not to stymy the functioning of the Government, and so where public order is concerned and public services etc, those have to continue,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Furthermore, the two

sides also shared the view that strong and mature actions from both the Government and Opposition is important to ensure that the Constitution is respected, and that confidence is given to the public about the country’s future.

“I shared the President’s view that it was a good meeting and that both sides shared the view that we want stability in our country. We don’t want our

country to go into a constitutional crisis. The President said he doesn’t want Guyana to be seen as a failed state… we don’t want the same. If we go pass the constitutional deadline that is where we’re headed. We don’t want that and we’re glad we had the meeting, although late. We will continue to work, hopefully, together to overcome some of these issues,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Citizens demand that APNU/AFC Government resign immediately

Dear Editor,

As Guyana heralds 2019, the cries of citizens through the passage of the Opposition Leader’s No-Confidence Motion and the ‘Charrandas Persaud effect’ in the National Assembly, has finally gotten the attention of the haughty ‘bring it on’ Ministers in this failed and fallen President Granger-led coalition Government.

The reverberating effects of the carried motion, has, and is now further woefully exposing the high level of unpreparedness and lack of intent of the APNU/ AFC regime to operate in a manner that would truly improve the lives of our citizens. Evidence to the foregoing is the coalition Government’s subversion attempts since 2016 of Councils in Local Authority Areas (LAAs) won by the PPP/C which has been widely publicised through various media.

Importantly, the Communities Ministry notified, based on the results of the November 12, 2018 elections that the life of new Councils would become effective January 01, 2019. Accordingly, the overseers of Neighboring Democratic Councils (NDCs) the Ministry’s Administrative Officer is expected to facilitate and ensure the proper arrangements including handover and takeover of all resources and responsibilities. This would give the authority to Councillors filling seats on the Councils and allow a smooth and effective roll off. Unfortunately, this did not happen in many instances.

Information received from the elected representatives in many of the PPP/C won LAA’s, indicates that the start-off was characteristically unimaginative. On Wednesday January 02, 2019, the chaotic and very disrespectful disposition certainly continued as a bad omen, as sworn Councillors who were asked to report to the NDC Offices for a meeting at 8am, were told on arrival that the overseers are not ready and they should return at 3.30 pm.

The situation obviously agitated scars and wounds inflicted by the callous attitude of the Communities Ministry representatives, over the past Local Government term. It leads one to contemplate whether the recent related ‘no more good guy threats’ signaled by a prominent Minister in the highest echelons of the coalition, is being advanced from the very first day.

The proper establishment of the new Councils must not be frustrated nor stymied, as the required and improved service to the residents is most critical. Obviously, the Councillors should hold their first meeting as early as possible since they have to align responsibilities to the members of Finance, Works and other Committees; identify their signatories to their Bank Accounts, and also fix their date, and time for statutory meetings. In other words, they must hit the road running without these internally imposed obstacles.

The elected Councillors must approach their work with passion, to exercise achieving the essentials of the clearer vision regarding what needs to be done in their respective communities. The Chairpersons must be able to get the unflinching support of the elected Councillors and have regular discussions with the residents of the communities. There must be full accountability and development works must be carried out in an acceptable manner so that the entire Local Authority Area benefits.

It is imperative that the leadership of the Councils in the LAAs level be vigilant, inclusive and effective. Today, the challenges facing our people are getting more unbearable. Cost of living is going sky-

high and there is no work for thousands of our people, particularly our youths. Significantly, increased crime is now the order of the day and the Government is doing very little to address the causes and arrest the trend. The NDCs must also support the development and maintenance of playgrounds, while advancing effective cooperation programs that would help to engage our youths constructively.

It is quite significant but not without notice, that the fallen APNU/AFC coalition Government is now grasping at straws. The now undemocratic efforts, new sinister and delaying guise of this fraudulent regime, is about holding on to power at any cost. The extreme self-enriching maladministration and unsympathetic disposition, which characterises this Government, has brought them to a self-instituted crossroad that comes full circle with their 2015 No-Confidence Motion.

The difference, however, is that while in Opposition, the APNU/AFC took actions to derail the PPP/C Government, and they did so in such a wicked vindictive manner, that their Administration and Ministers had no idea how to recover when in Government. It is constitutionally instructive for the resignation of President Granger and his Cabinet, and for the holding of National and Regional Elections within 90 days from December 21, 2018.

There is no denial that Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland has taken a stand in upholding his Constitutional mandate as the world watched. He must be applauded by all and sundry. This column also agrees with the decision of the Opposition not to attend the Parliamentary Session of January 03, 2019, which was in clear violation of the Constitution, in the absence of the required resignations.

Given its failure as a Government, the coalition’s signal of going to Courts creates a looming crisis through it now public intent to abuse the judicial system. Such decision in an evaluation whether 33 votes are more than 32, will quickly evolve into a crisis that parallels the Venezuelan threat. It is volatile, flammable, lacks basis, and serves to erode the foundations of cohesion required for future national development. It also establishes the reasons why the orchestrators of this incompetent regime should not be trusted. The APNU/AFC cabal must do the right thing by resigning in keeping with the Constitution and face our citizens.

It is significant that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has indicated its readiness to proceed with the required General and Regional Elections. Importantly, GECOM can proceed with the List of Electors used at the November 12, 2018 Local Government Elections, since it is Valid until the end of April 2019.

Guyanese at home and in the diaspora are watching, while the International Community is witnessing the exercise of a flagrant violation of our Constitution and our people have definitively made it clear regarding the lost trust in this farcical and now illegal regime. This column therefore affirms the call for the immediate resignation of on the APNU/AFC Government.

Notably, the PNCR cabal of the APNU/AFC regime through an Aubrey Norton-led press conference, has made it clear that they are willing to face the people of Guyana at any time in General Election. To the PNCR we say why the delay? Bring it on!

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Salary increases do not lead to decline in corruption

Dear Editor,

“I would rather eat salt and rice” is a phrase from my formative years that speaks to personal integrity; it is a core value of many Guyanese who refuse to give into the daily temptations. Head of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr Vincent Adams is attributed to calling for better salaries for his employees with the rationale “concerns from local and international transparency advocates that the poor salaries of EPA officers make them more susceptible to the influence of corrupt oil companies,” a section of the media on Jan 6, 2019, quoted him as saying. Dr Adams has made an egregious error with this call and I cannot see how he can continue to function in his present capacity with this or any other state agency.

The EPA Head may feel he is in good company with this call as this was the exact rationale advanced by Presidency Minister Joseph Harmon to justify the 50 per cent increase in salaries for APNU/AFC Ministers shortly after entering office in 2015, but Dr Adams should have made a closer examination of the national response to the ‘salary increase’ before he replicated that titanic error.

The salary increases have never led to decline in corruption and has in no small way led to the current willingness of the Granger Administration to defy the Constitution and refuse to signal acceptance of the successful

No-Confidence Motion, for them, the perks now outweigh the satisfaction of service.

Editor, I welcome any call for improved salaries and benefits for workers and I fully support expansion of the EPA and recognise the need to pay for better qualified and/or talented human resources. However, to link the need for better pay to personal integrity is dangerous and undermines staff morale. How much pay would be enough to stave off the advances of the multibillion dollar corporations? This mephitic reasoning must be cut from our national psyche ‘Pay us better or we will thief’ cannot become our national ethos. Integrity is not linked to monetary reward!

Editor, the solution to the issue of corruption lies within individuals. Leaders should not cast aspersions on integrity. Leaders must seek to inspire by asking our young people to perform duties with integrity; to remind employees what is at stake for them personally and for our nation. Let them know the pride we feel watching them serve and assure them that they are playing a vital role in ensuring a better future for themselves and all Guyanese. I am ashamed to say Government elements of my generation seem to have forgotten the taste of ‘salt and rice’.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Events on Guyana’s Western border should be cause for much concern

Dear Editor,

While Guyanese are focused on our domestic political situation, events on our western border should be cause for much concern.

The recent visit to Venezuela by two Russian nuclear-capable supersonic bombers and the announcement of plans to build a Russian military base on a Venezuelan island does not

of the declining political situation in Venezuela where the Maduro regime may seek to increase opportunistic military actions into disputed territory including Guyana.

With Guyana’s current uneasy political climate and oil production expected to commence later this year, it is vitally important that we solicit the assistance of the international

bode well for peace in the Caribbean region.

In addition, the recent announcement that Iran will be sending two warships to Venezuela further aggravates an already volatile situation.

There must be increased diplomatic efforts by all leaders of the Caribbean region, including Guyana, to ease the tensions especially in light

community and friendly countries to maintain peace and stability in the region.

The Caribbean region must not be used as a proxy for conflicts existing elsewhere or to extend the influence of other countries through military means.

Thank you, Bishram Kuppen

Is the electoral machinery ready?

…Govt, Opposition Chief Whips set to engage GECOM

No date was set for General and Regional Elections during Wednesday’s meeting between President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, but coming out of that meeting is an agreement for teams from both sides to meet with the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to determine its operational readiness to host General and Regional Elections.

This meeting, according to the Opposition Leader, is likely to be held today (Thursday) and will be led by the Chief Whips from the Opposition and Government – Gail Teixeira and Amna Ally respectively.

“We agreed that GECOM has to be ready and we have to start urgently… We have indicated from our side Gail Teixeira and they have indicated that Amna Ally will be leading their team, and the two persons – and maybe other members who may wish to join them – would meet with GECOM to determine its operational readiness,” Jagdeo told reporters at a mid-afternoon briefing post following Wednesday morning’s meeting with the Head of State.

However, when probed as to whether there were any agreements on the hosting of elections in three

months’ time as stated in Article 106 (7) of the Constitution, Jagdeo posited while no direct discussion was held in this regard, it was Government who included GECOM’s readiness for elections on the meeting’s agenda.

“Elections will have to be held this year, the Constitution says that. I believe the President and the others would not have put on the agenda for this meeting, which is a meeting to discuss the consequences of the passage of the No-confidence Motion, operational readiness of GECOM. So I think they also share our views that elections will have to be held,” he posited.

In a video released by the Ministry of the Presidency following Wednesday’s meeting, President David Granger said, “We’ve agreed that the two sides will continue to work together to engage GECOM to en-

sure that elections are held within the administrative capabilities of the Guyana Elections Commission.”

Well prepared

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of GECOM, Yolanda Ward, last month told Guyana Times International that the electoral body is well prepared to rise to the challenge and deliver on the impending General and Regional Elections.

“If that is the decision that we will have to conduct elections within a short period, then we will have to ensure that those elections are held as required, because it’s our constitutional mandate. I’m sure that our Standard Operating Procedures will click into gear and we will be prepared to execute elections at a time we have been asked to do,” Ward had stated.

Voter’s list

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira

2018 gold declaration lower than 2017 …Gold Board projects

651,000oz exportation

for 2019

The Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has projected that for 2019, declarations and exportations are to be pegged at 651,000 ounces. This estimation was established in retrospect to the outcome from 2018, which turned out to be an “encouraging year” for the organisation.

told reporters during Wednesday’s press briefing that while she will have to discuss with her counterpart on the Government’s side their agenda going into a meeting with GECOM, she noted that the general interest is to get a detailed “timeframe of GECOM’s readiness within the constitutional timeline of 90 days”.

Nevertheless, Jagdeo had revealed that also on the agenda for discussion during Wednesday’s meeting was the national registration process. He explained that the current list of electorates, which was used for the November 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE), is valid up until April 30; and as such, there is no need for a new registration process since elections is expected in March.

“We pointed out that both sides never had a problem with the list for Local Government Elections and so there shouldn’t be a problem now,” he said.

In Article 106 (7), it is stated that elections shall be held within three months of the passage of a No-confidence Motion or “such longer period as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine”.

According to Jagdeo, while this timeline is adequate now to hold elections and have GECOM ready, there is still enough room to push back the polls between the stipulated timeline (mid-March) and up to the validity pe-

riod of the list. To this end, he asserted that the Opposition is willing to head to the National Assembly to extend the timeframe for the hosting of the elections.

“A two-week or a three-week difference, if we all have to go together to the Parliament to extend the timeline by that, in the great scheme of things that will not harm anyone in Guyana and it will not harm us in the People’s Progressive Party. But if the Government refuses to honour the passage the of the No-confidence Motion and they refuse to define a timeline for elections and the constitutional period expires, the Government then becomes unconstitutional, illegal, illegitimate,” he contended.

Further, the Opposition Leader went on to outline that the G$3 billion budget allocation to GECOM for the national registration process had preceded the No-confidence Motion and so with no need for this to be carried out again, then the money can be used in another area to help the elections body in its preparation for polls.

According to Jagdeo, if this sum is not sufficient to pull off elections, then the National Assembly can be approached for additional monies. This, he noted, is catered for under Article 106 (7) of the Constitution.

“Any issues relating to elections, the Parliament could legitimately be convened, and we will attend. So if GECOM needs new laws, we can pass those; if GECOM needs supplementary provisions, then those could be passed or any other matter,” he asserted.

Nevertheless, the Opposition Leader, who is also the People’s Progressive Party’s General Secretary, posited that the Party is ready for elections to be held in three months’ time. In fact, he noted that the Party has even started ground work on its manifesto as well as building its candidature at the regional level for the geographical and national top lists.

“We are putting all our structures in place… we are ready to take this,” the Opposition Leader stated. (Vahnu Manikchand)

As of December 31, 2018, total declarations from all sources amount to 613,073oz, which was 6.22 per cent lower than the figures from 2017. Additionally, the foreign exchange value of exports processed on behalf of dealers and the GGB came to US$443,961,666.

According to the Board, factors which led to the marginal differences between the two years were as a result of inclement weather, impassable roads, and depressed metal prices in the first three quarters

According to the Gold Board, plans are on stream to manage and enhance existing emission control mechanisms, obtain a permanent operation base and fulfilling the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and National Risk Assessment AntiMoney Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism standards and reduce legacy deficit on the Bank of Guyana and the Finance Ministry. Pending capital projects are also expected to be completed during the next 12 months as well as continued training for staffers of the facility, the entity said.

Sir Ronald Sanders says court must act swiftly …to avoid increased political tension and anxiety

By Samuel Sukhnandan

Now that both Government and the Opposition through President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo have met to discuss the way forward on the no-confidence resolution, and have agreed to ask the court to expedite the court proceedings, Guyanese diplomat and academic, Sir Ronald Sanders says the Court must act quickly to approve the request of both parties.

In an interview with Guyana Times International on Wednesday, Sir Sanders said there is nothing wrong with going to court to seek a solution to the current problem facing the country, as it relates to the no-confidence resolution, but it must be understood that it is a matter of grave national importance.

As such, he said based on the situation and given what is at stake, the court must pronounce on these matters in the shortest possible time. “No more than one week, because every day the court delays this matter, the political tension and anxiety grows and that is not a good thing,” he opined.

Sir Sanders asserted that the court should not delay justice but should seek to make both a fair judgement and within a considerable time. He reminded that the court cannot change the Constitution, but only interpret it by law. “And that should not take any competent court a lengthy time to do,” he added.

In cementing his argument, the Guyana-born diplomat said the country’s future is at stake and nothing should allow the supreme law to be vil-

ified. He noted that the political and economic future of Guyana is also at stake, if this issue it not addressed soon, it could have several negative implications.

While nothing is set in stone based on the meeting between the two parties based on the holding of elections, Sir Sanders emphasised the need for all involved to arrive at a mature political position which puts the interest and economy of Guyana before narrow political considerations.

“This is not a time, in Guyana’s history, when it is on the cusp of becoming the wealthiest countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and when it is faced with a hostile neighbour, Venezuela, for there to be any evidence of disunity and division in the Guyanese nation,” he told Guyana

Times International.

According to him, there are many who will seek to exploit the political differences in Guyana for their own benefit. He said it is therefore in Guyana’s best interest to put aside political considerations and differences, in favour of a politically negotiated solution to this current problem.

Scrutiny

However, Sir Sanders who is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States and to the Organisation of American States (OAS); and also non-resident High Commissioner to Canada for Antigua and Barbuda, said that the basis of the issue facing Guyana has to do with constitutionality.

“And that has a great importance in terms of Guyana’s membership with the OAS and the United Nations, where the issue of constitutionality has come to the fore in recent years. It is why for instance for the present time, countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua, Honduras and even Guatemala, are under scrutiny for not following the constitutional process,” he said, pointing out that Guyana could head there if this matter is not addressed fairly and within the provisions that are available.

In commenting on the vote that took place in Parliament on December 21, 2018 which saw the toppling of the

coalition Government, Sir Sanders said the Guyana Constitution appears to be clear that if there is a no-confidence vote, the Government falls, and an election are to be held in 90 days.

As a practical matter, he said because of some issues, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) may not be fully prepared as it may have otherwise been had it been 2020; but negotiation for an extension could only be determined by way of negotiation between the President and the Opposition Leader.

However, he said this does not take away from the fact that elections should by all means be held within the 90 days as stipulated in the Constitution. “It cannot be longer than the 90 days and it has to be agreed to, if there is any extension. That is the constitutional position of other countries which are aid donors, friends… that would expect the Government and the Opposition to move in this direction.”

Again, Sir Sanders urged that both Granger and Jagdeo put the Guyanese people’s interest first. He said, “The people of Guyana are the people who must decide this matter. And the best way to end this constitutional impasse is to put the question to the people of Guyana in an election and the sooner that happens the better. If both sides believe they are popular, they shouldn’t be afraid to go to an election.”

“Son” charged for killing soldier

The accused in the Philippi Village, Corentyne, Berbice murder of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant was on Monday remanded to prison when he appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Kamal Matthews, also called “Son”, 26, of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which stated that on December 23, 2018 at Philippi, Corentyne, he unlawfully killed Mark Bagot.

Matthews is being represented by Attorney Chandra Sohan. Magistrate Renita Singh adjourned the case to January 21, 2019.

In court on Monday, a large number of persons from Black Bush Polder and also from Philippi were present during the proceedings.

Bagot, a first lieutenant of the GDF, was stabbed during a confrontation over the paying for drinks. The injured man was rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, but was transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he succumbed to his injury. Following the stabbing, Matthews had gone into hiding. However, on Wednesday, he turned himself in accompanied by his attorney to the Whim Police Station.

At the time of the incident, Bagot was reportedly sharing a drink with a

friend at the bar when an argument ensued between the soldier and the suspect over the purchasing of Guinness.

It had been reported that the Lieutenant; his friend, popularly known as “100”; and the accused were at Chunku’s Grocery and off-licensed bar located at Philippi when an argument ensured. The incident escalated, and the suspect and the deceased reportedly began throwing bottles.

Despite attempts by persons in the bar to temper the situation, Bagot allegedly attacked Matthews who reportedly stabbed him with a knife.

Minibus driver to face Judge, jury over rape of 14-year-old girl

After being charged in October of 2018 for the rape of a 14-yearold schoolgirl, 41-year-old minibus operator Sherwayne Brant, also known as “Brave”, was on Monday committed to stand in the High Court by Georgetown Magistrate Faith McGusty.

Magistrate McGusty, in handing down her ruling, said that a prima facie case has been made out against Brant.

The minibus driver was charged for engaging in sexual penetration with

a child under the age of 16 at Plum Park, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, on October 7, 2015.

During the Preliminary Inquiry, the prosecution had contended that the teen was a regular passenger in the minibus the accused operated. According to the prosecution, on October 7, 2015, the teen was the lone traveller in the bus when Brant drove the bus to Plum Park, where he committed the act. The teen later told her parents about the incident and a report was made to Police.

Man charged for killing father-in-law

…after he intervened in domestic dispute

Days after the brutal murder of an Indigenous village leader in the community of Kurutuku, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), his son-inlaw, who is accused of committing the act, was on Wednesday slapped with a murder charge and arraigned before the courts for the capital offence of murder.

Murder accused Addison Benjamin stood before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, who read the indictable charge which stated that on January 1, 2019 at Kurutuku, he killed Solomon Lewis.

The 27-year-old man, of Lima, Essequibo Coast, was represented by Attorney Dexter Todd, who informed that his client acted in self-defence after he was physically abused by the now deceased man, his son and other men in the community.

Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield informed the court that the dead Toshao and Benjamin were involved in a heated argument over the abuse of Lewis’s daughter.

It was further stated that the accused armed himself with a cutlass and dealt the now deceased man a severe chop to the neck, after which he inflicted grievous wounds on Lewis’s son, Marvin Lewis.

Benjamin was later arrested and charged, Prosecutor Mansfield said, adding that more charges were expected to be brought against the accused. Benjamin was remanded to prison with the case expected

C'bean-American legislators welcome healthcare for undocumented immigrants in NY

Caribbean American legislators in New York City, Councilman Jumaane Williams and Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte, have welcomed Mayor Bill de Blasio's unveiling of “the largest, most comprehensive plan” in the United States to guarantee health care for every New Yorker, including undocumented Caribbean and other immigrants, according to a Caribbean Media Corporation report.

“I was glad to see the announcement that the city will be moving to expand healthcare access to uninsured New Yorkers through the expansion of our public option and through the 'NYC Care' program,” Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, who represents the primarily Caribbean 45th Council District in Brooklyn, was quoted by the CMC report.

to continue on January 28, 2018.

Guyana Times International had previously reported that the community in the Cuyuni River, was sent into a state of shock on New Year’s Day when the Toshao was beheaded by his son-in-law after he intervened in a domestic dispute.

Reports are the incident occurred about 04:00h on January 1.

This publication was told that Toshao Lewis and his son attempted to stop his son-in-law from beating his daughter. Annoyed at the two men’s intervention, the suspect allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and reportedly dealt several chops to his father-in-law, severing his head in the process.

He then reportedly turned his attention to his brother-in-law, dealing him several chops also which reportedly severed one of the man’s hands. Following the incident, the suspect fled the scene in a boat.

The team of law enforcement officers who were dispatched to the area to probe the murder arrested the suspect on January 3, 2019.

When contacted, former National Toshaos Council President Joel Fredericks related that security has been a concern of many village leaders from riverine and hinterland communities. In some cases, villages are vulnerable to attacks because some homes are isolated from the community proper.

provider, be it racially, culturally, or economically.

“Everyone should have a right to affordable, safe, culturally sensitive, high quality health care regardless of their economic situations,” said Bichotte, the first Haitian American from New York City to be elected to the New York State Assembly. “With NYC Care, the citizens of this great city can finally exercise that right.

“The announcement of this programme could not come at a better time,” she added. “Even as the country at large grapples with the Trump administration's fearsome immigration policies and tactics, New York City stands as an example and guarantees health care to all, including targeted immigrants. “Culturally sensitive and high-quality health care should be a basic human right.”

“I thank Mayor de Blasio for taking a leadership role on this all-important issue,” added the candidate for public advocate in the city. “I have been a longtime advocate for single-payer healthcare, and as we move toward the implementation of that policy for New York State, we should do all we can to provide universal coverage in our city.”

According to CMC, while stating that many of the details of the plan still need to be expanded on, Williams said he was “excited by the concept of using the tools we have to expand healthcare to the 600,000 New Yorkers currently left behind.

“I am also excited that both physical and mental health are taken into consideration,” he said, disclosing that his family has “worked across many areas of the healthcare industry.”

He noted that “just a few years ago, when I faced a life-threatening health emergency, the work of dedicated doctors and nurses saved my life.

“All New Yorkers should have access to this kind of high-quality care,” Williams said. “While the federal government is more concerned with an asinine wall than people dying because of a lack of healthcare, the city should lead the way in fulfilling the core principle that healthcare is a human right.”

According to CMC, Bichotte the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said she has “seen first-hand some of the disadvantages that our healthcare system deals to people who are of a different background than their

ly call lines to help New Yorkers – regardless of their insurance – make appointments with general practitioners, cardiologists, pediatricians, gynecologists and a full spectrum of health care services, de Blasio said.

According to CMC, the mayor said the plan will serve the 600,000 New Yorkers without insurance by strengthening New York City's public health insurance option, MetroPlus, and guaranteeing anyone ineligible for insurance, including undocumented New Yorkers.

The programmes will include customer-friend-

“Health care is a right, not a privilege reserved for those who can afford it,” he said. “While the federal government works to gut health care for millions of Americans, New York City is leading the way by guaranteeing that every New Yorker has access to quality, comprehensive access to care, regardless of immigration status or their ability to pay.”

“With today's announcement of NYC Care,

New York City takes another leap ahead of the rest of the nation in providing mental health services,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, who traces her roots to Barbados and St. Lucia. “Guaranteed health care means guaranteed mental health care and alcohol/drug addiction treatment.

“No other city or state provides these comprehensive services to all residents,” she added.

The mayor said, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, eight million New Yorkers now have health insurance, adding that the uninsured rate is about nearly half of what it was in 2013, according to CMC.

Cuban charged with forging visa appointment letter remanded

ACuban citizen was on Thursday slapped with three counts of fraud when he stood before a city magistrate in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts after being arraigned on a series of charges ranging from defrauding the Ministry of Citizenship to forgery.

Lazaro Pereira

Alanzo’s denied the

favour of himself, purporting to show that same was issued by the Mexican embassy.

The second charge read that between September 29, 2018 and December 17, 2018, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he forged one visa appointment letter dated January 11, 2019, in favour of himself purporting to show that same was issued by the

the form for me and that bail should be granted to me.”

However, Police Prosecutor Adoni Innis, objected to bail being granted to Alanzo citing the prevalence of the offence and the fact that he has no ties to Guyana.

The prosecutor further stated that while the defendant was in Guyana he applied for a

charges when it was read to him on Thursday by Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs –Marcus, through an interpreter.

The first charge against the 52-yearold man stated that on December 17, 2018, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Ayana Harris, a General Clerk at the Ministry of Presidency, Department of Citizenship one visa appointment confirmation letter, dated January 11, 2019, in

Mexican embassy.

Another charge stated that between January 1, 2019 and January 8, 2019, at Georgetown, he failed to comply with conditions subject to a permit, he was granted permission to stay from the period September 29, 2018 and September 31, 2018, but overstayed.

In his defense Alanzo told the court “I am not guilty of the offences and I was tricked by the person who filled out

visa at the Mexican embassy and his request was turned down.

The discovery of the forgery was made days later when he went to the Ministry where it was discovered that the confirmation appointment letter issued to the Ministry did not originate from the Mexican embassy in Guyana.

The magistrate remanded Alanzo to Prison until January 14, 2019.

PPP claims members placed under constant surveillance

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Monday condemned the political interference by the ruling A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government as the Guyana Police Force investigates the allegations of bribery against former AFC parliamentarian Charrandas Persaud, who voted in favour of the PPP’s motion of no confidence against the Government.

The Party on Monday said that it welcomed an investigation if there was basis for one, providing that it was professionally conducted and was not driven by politics. It added that it had nothing to hide should such an investigation be conducted.

“However, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, said in an interview aired on NCN recently that the Prime Minister and every member of Cabinet is involved in the investigation. There is no doubt, therefore, that the investigations allegedly being carried out are heavily contaminated with and influenced by politicians and political influences,” the statement related.

Additionally, the PPP said it was cognisant of the fact that the taxpayers-funded Department of Public Information (DPI), along with other news agencies close to the APNU/AFC Government, continued to spread misleading and fabricated evidence of the bribery allegations.

Under surveillance

Meanwhile, the Party also said that its leadership and parliamentarians were under surveillance both at their homes and as they go about their business. It called on the diplomatic and international community to remain vigilant and to continue to monitor what is transpiring in Guyana at this crucial time.

“This surveillance is being conducted by persons who are not uniformed and, therefore, we are not even sure whether they are being done by members of the law enforcement agencies of the State. Special Branch ranks now have a permanent station outside of the Party’s Freedom House, Robb Street headquarters. In the circumstances, we call upon the law enforcement agencies and the Joint Services not to succumb to political dictates and directions, but to discharge their functions faithfully, professionally and with due regard to their oath of office. At the same time, we continue to call upon on the diplomatic and international community to remain vigilant and to continue to monitor what is transpiring in Guyana at this crucial time,” the PPP stated.

On December 21, 2018, Persaud delivered the yes vote in the National Assembly that led to the fall of the coalition Government when the Bharrat Jagdeo-tabled motion of no confidence was successfully passed. Ever since, Government supporters, along with the Government, have been manufacturing conspiracy theories as to what led to one of their own supporting their political rival.

Leading the speculation is that Persaud colluded with the Opposition and received financial compensation for his vote. The Government has since said that it has solid evidence of this collusion, but, to date, has not produced any such evidence. Persaud, along with the Opposition, denied collusion. Persaud indicated that he made a conscience vote for the first time in the three years that he has been an MP.

ExxonMobil begins drilling at Haimara-1

xxonMobil

EMonday announced that it has begun drilling one of the two wells planned for January, known as the Haimara-1.

In a release on Business Wire, the oil giant confirmed it has begun drilling the offshore well.

The well is being drilled by the Stena Carron Drillship and is located 19 miles (31 kilometres) east of the Pluma-1 discovery in the southeast Stabroek Block.

In the online release, ExxonMobil President Steve Greenlee said of the company, “We continue to prioritise high-potential prospects

in close proximity to previous discoveries in or-

its way to offering significant development op-

ed to drill the second well, Tilapia-1, located

der to establish opportunities for material and efficient development.”

He added, like the Liza and Payara areas, “the Turbot area is on

tions that will maximise value for Guyana and our partners.”

Meanwhile, the Noble Tom Madden Drillship is also expect-

about three miles west of the Longtail-1 discovery. The Tilapia-1 well is located in the growing Turbot area.

The oil giant has also

been making significant progress in the Liza Phase 1 development, which has moved into its peak execution phase ahead of an expected startup in early 2020. It was noted that the Noble Bob Douglas Drillship is continuing the drilling of development wells in the Liza field. Subsea equipment is also being prepared for installation while topside facilities modules are being installed on the Liza Destiny floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel in Singapore. The Liza Destiny FPSO is expected to sail from Singapore to arrive offshore Guyana in the third quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported that Guyana’s Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) issued a notice to all mariners, informing them that Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd (EEPGL) commenced drilling at the Liza Field on January 5, 2019, and will continue until June 30, 2019.

“The drill site is approximately 104 nautical miles from the coast of Guyana and covers an area of 16 square kilometres,” the notice stated. Mariners were requested to “steer clear” and to “navigate with caution when in the vicinity.”

Ali moves to High Court over fraud charges

…says SOCU charges discriminatory, abuse of court’s process

After being handed 19 fraud-related charges in November 2018 by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU); Magistrates’ Courts proceedings against former Housing Minister Irfaan Ali have been put on hold as he moved to challenge the merit of the State’s case at the High Court.

Ali in his writ filed, among several citations, contends that the case, related to the sale of lands at Plantation Sparendaam (Pradoville Two), East Coast Demerara is tantamount to an abuse of the court’s process. He is represented by Senior Counsel Neil Boston, Anil Nandlall, among other attorneys while the respondents in the matter are Police Commissioner, Leslie James, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar AliHack and Police Detective Corporal Muninlall Persaud.

In a writ seen by Guyana Times International, the Parliamentarian made a multiplicity of applications to the court consequent to the charges on the 19 individual case jackets. His position is that the charges are “ir-

rational, arbitrary, capricious, whimsical, malicious, biased, without any proper evidential basis, made in bad faith, influenced by irrelevant and improper considerations and motives, unreasonable, discriminatory, unlawful, null, void and of no effect.”

In his application, Ali is seeking two orders of Certiorari – one quashing the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to charge him with the offence of Conspiracy to Defraud Contrary to Common Law. The second seeks to quash the oath of SOCU rank Corporal Persaud he gave at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts in respect to the 19 charges.

The applicant has

sought an order to prohibit the chief magistrate or any other Georgetown magistrate from attempting to hear the matter or take any further steps following the Corporal Persaud’s oath. Ali had also sought an interim order preventing the case being heard until the determination of the High Court challenge. Moreover, the former minister desires to secure a declaration that the particulars of the charge do not constitute an offence known to law and contravene Section 144 (4) of the Constitution and that there is not statutory or common law that requires a valuation prior to the sale of property.

Ali further wants the court to declare that the

decision to lay the charges is vague and unconstitutional. Additionally, he is seeking costs, general damages, exemplary damages, aggravated damages all amounting to not less than G$100,000 and whichever other directions the court views as just.

SOCU is alleging that Ali defrauded the State of over G$174 million but the Leonora, West Coast Demerara resident denies the allegations in the charges, which stated that he committed a criminal act without first obtaining a valuation.

“I deny selling any lands to any persons. Moreover, assuming arguendo that the facts as alleged in the Charges are true, which is denied, 1 have been informed by counsel and verily believe that the particulars as contained therein do not amount to any offence known to law, which even if proven, are impossible to yield a conviction for the offences charged,” an excerpt of the case file argues.

He has also highlighted that the charges have been laid nine years after the fact and furthermore said that the case is prejudicial to him.

“It is an open and notorious fact that I am being

actively considered as a presidential candidate for the People’s Progressive Party…and the respondents’ failure to act swiftly and without delay in prosecuting the Charges has caused and is causing me grave and irreversible damage, prejudicing my eligibility,” he said in his proceedings.

He added that the allegations have caused him loss and damage and if not punished, “may result in other frivolous charges being filed against the public at large.” He also appealed for an urgent hearing which is slated to be heard on Friday.

When Ali reappeared before Chief Magistrate McLennan, the matter was adjourned to February 6. However, in light of Ali’s pending

High Court challenge, those proceedings will have to be put on hold. On Monday when the matter was called at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, State Prosecutor Patrice Henry, informed the court that additional statements are outstanding and as such more time is needed to obtain these.

SOCU is accusing the former minister of selling 19 plots of land located at Goedverwagting and Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, below their valued prices. According to the charges, SOCU is contending that the plots of land were sold at G$39.8 million when they were actually valued G$212.4 million. The High Court challenged is expected to be heard on Friday.

Who will it be?

…PPP presidential candidate hopefuls make pitch to Central Committee

The highly anticipated process to select the presidential candidate for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has begun. The presidential candidate hopefuls are currently making their pitches to the party’s Central Committee on why they should lead the party into the next general and regional elections.

According to the party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, the presen-

tations will be assessed and if a consensus candidate does not emerge, voting for candidates will be done via secret ballot.

The five Central Committee members have either put themselves forward or were nominated to be the candidate. They are: Irfaan Ali, Dr Frank Anthony, Anil Nandlall, Dr Vindya Persaud and Gail Teixeira.

Guyana Govt, Opposition...

provisions of the Constitution must be rigidly observed, notwithstanding the pendency of the legal proceedings filed; and that Parliament must be dissolved unless otherwise agreed upon in accordance with Article 106 (7) of the Constitution.

Further, the Leader of the Opposition contended that while the Government remains in office in accordance with Articles 106(7) of the Constitution, its functions must be confined to the provision of essential services of the State and to matters in relation to preparation for General and Regional elections.

In addition, the Leader of the Opposition emphasized that the National Assembly should only meet to deal with issues connected with the provision of essential services by the State and all matters related to the preparation of General and Regional elections.

The President emphasized that the Government is legal and that it must govern without any limitations on its authority. His Excellency further stat-

ed that there is no provision in the Constitution which imposes limitation on the Government to perform its lawful functions.

The President indicated that the Government and the Opposition, by agreement in the National Assembly, can enlarge the time beyond the 90 days contemplated by Article 106 (7) of the Constitution.

The President further stated that it is lawful for the Government to engage the Court, to bring clarity to the provisions of Article 106 (6) and 106 (7) of the Constitution. Pending the conclusion of the legal proceedings, Parliament remains functional.

Both sides are committed to work towards the expeditious conclusion of the matters engaging the attention of the court.

The parties identified Ms. Amna Ally and Ms. Gail Teixeira to enquire into the readiness of GECOM.

Both parties expressed their willingness to meet to ensure the management of the various issues facing the nation.

Guyana taking steps to protect against swine flu

Amid the upsurge of H1N1 cases in neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, which has caused some worry to Guyanese, Chief Medical Officer of the Public Health Ministry, Dr Shamdeo Persaud has advised that the situation was under control, with provisions already in place at arrival ports to monitor passenger activities.

Speaking with Guyana Times International on Monday, Dr Persaud enunciated that ferry docks and arrival terminals at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and Eugene F Correia International Airport are equipped with a framework which is expected to be implemented for all passengers. This includes the flight declaration being appraised to indicate if such cases enter the country.

“We continue to maintain our port health requirement for all arriving flights and vessels. A person must do the general flight declaration which would give us a fair idea as to any sick person is coming in. Port health department would usually document those cases and follow them up, so those provisions are in place,” said the CMO.

At present, there have not been any reported cases of the virus in Guyana. However, protocols have been established since the last occurrence, to test and treat patients whose conditions are conclusive.

“So far, we haven’t had any positive cases detected here in the last two years…We had H1N1 here before, during the outbreak from Mexico. We have the techniques for sampling and testing for all severe respiratory infection and there are provisions here for protocols for treatment,” the CMO stated.

As of recent, Trinidad and Tobago reported a minimum of 10 cases of the virus, which is commonly known as swine flu.

This confirmation came from the country’s Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh according to a local news agency. He noted that out of the 75,000 H1N1 vaccines available, 14,500 people have been inoculated in the past few weeks.

With the Carnival season soon to approach, the twin-island republic has decided that tourists must acquire the H1N1 vaccine in their respective countries before entering Trinidad. As it relates to citizens, these shots are provided free of cost at health centres.

As it relates to Guyana, the virus

Dr Shamdeo

was detected back in 2015.

At that time, Dr Persaud confirmed that the person who had the virus was being treated. Measures were also taken to vaccinate doctors and other medical personnel who were treating the sick man.

Initial reports were that the man had travelled from China to Guyana via the United States, but in-transited briefly in Trinidad.

After falling ill, he was admitted to a private city hospital where he remained for over two weeks before being flown to the USA. During that period, blood samples were sent to neighbouring Trinidad for testing. Those results were returned to Guyana with confirmation that the man had indeed contracted the deadly virus.

Former Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton was quoted in the media as saying that Guyana has the ability to detect and manage the virus. He had said that while Guyana could not prevent the virus from spreading to its shores, the two main ports of entry –Cheddi Jagan and Ogle International Airports – are on the alert and staff members were mandated to report anyone who showed symptoms of the disease.

By that time, Trinidad had confirmed a total of 42 cases with four deaths as a result of the virus.

Among the symptoms for H1N1 are chills, fever, coughing, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and diarrhoea. This flu can also lead to more serious problems, including pneumonia – a lung infection – and other breathing problems.

2018 gold declaration...

of 2018. In the last quarter, there was some “strength” generated by dealers which increased the projection score.

While the Gold Board had blamed inclement weath er, impassable roads, and de pressed metal prices as a for decline, Finance Minister Winston Jordan in August 2018 revealed in the Finance Ministry’s Mid-Year Report 2018, which was laid in Parliament, admitted that the gold sector also suffered a decline of 9.1 per cent for the first half of the year.

ed that there are a number of downside economic and fiscal risks to the economy, both domestic and external, which can frustrate the achievement of the various revised targets.

Meanwhile, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman acknowledged licensed dealers – Mohammed’s Enterprise and El Dorado Trading – who placed first and second respectively in the total declarations and gold export.

This is equivalent to a decrease of 288,114 ounces in gold declaration. The report also revealed that this represented a 19.4 per cent shortfall (below the original projection set by Government).

The Minister in his report also not-

Following these entities were contributions from Pure Diamond, Dinar, Excel, Adamantium Metals, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Property Holdings Incorporated and Gold Bar Development.

Study finds several sexually abused children contracted HIV, STDs

Arecent study conducted by ChildLink has found that a number of children have suffered from ruptured uteruses, as well as the most dreaded sexually transmitted disease, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

In this specific research, 338 victims were screened and at least four were discovered to have ruptured uteruses, among other health implications.

The report said that many of the children had to be hospitalised as a result of the extent of the abuse, while some even required surgery for their injuries. On the other hand, some children became pregnant while others contracted HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

According to the document, “Child sexual abuse [CSA] must be seen as an important path for the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STIs including the virus that causes cervical cancer. Left untreated, some of these infections will lead to in-

fertility and even death.

A person who is abused in childhood and does not receive adequate medical attention, including STI screening, is at risk of suffering irreparable harm and innocently transmitting infections to others”.

When it comes to other effects of child

ported that they are affected by nightmares, problems with sleeping or eating, flashbacks, numbness, irrational fears, incessant crying, and suicidal feelings, including significant suicide attempts.

Important to note is that those victims also encounter difficulties

ure. We must eliminate CSA so every Guyanese child can reach his or her academic potential,” the report noted.

When asked what would be different in their lives if they had not been abused, the victims described completing the activities they were entitled to and en-

ish school and write the CSEC, which they felt would interfere with their ability to get a job for the rest of their lives.

One girl whose abusive stepfather kept her isolated at home and did not allow her to play with other children, said she “would have

variety of ways. Some children reported that the abusers also issued specific threats to make them comply with the abuse and keep it secret. Some abusers threatened to kill the child’s mother, to kill the child (e.g. “I was crying and screaming and he raised his voice and

sexual abuse, ChildLink found that victims complained more of being sad, getting angry easily, feeling bad, thinking about the abuse “all the time,” crying a lot, feeling down or depressed, and “spacing out a lot.”

Participants described feelings of loss of control over their emotions and their lives. Many reported new or nearly constant anxiety. Victims even re -

in school, as they were usually unable to focus.

“Many said their school performance suffered; several said they began getting into trouble at school; many stopped attending school; several regretted that they were unable to complete their CSEC and possibly even go on to further their studies or pursue tertiary level education. Often, CSA precipitated school cessation or fail-

joying the peace that should be every child’s birth right. Many said that they would have finished school, continued living with their families, been happy, had friends, and would have been able to make something of their lives.

One said she “Would have had a proper job and a normal life.” A number of teens expressed their sadness at not being able to fin -

been playing more as a young child,” the report said.

Some victims complained of being faced with hardships such as raising a child, on her own, through her victimisation, disputes with parents and other family members which led to them being cast out.

All abusers threatened the children implicitly, by demonstrating their power in a

said, ‘Shut your ****ing mouth before I kill you.’”) Children were also threatened that their parents would put them out if they found out, while others were told that they would make the family unhappy, the report stated. According to the report, children were even told that if they spoke out the abusers would tell people they have contracted AIDS.

PPP commissioners say extension of GECOM Chairman’s medical leave a ploy to delay elections

While acknowledging that any illness of the Guyana Elections Chairman (GECOM), retired Justice James Patterson is regrettable, Commissioners representing the Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) claim it is a ploy designed to delay the holding of elections.

In a joint statement, the Commissioners – Bibi Shadick, Sase Gunraj and Robeson Benn – therefore urged that GECOM be alert to its duty and responsibilities as mandated by the Constitution and that no action be undertaken to subvert these intentionally.

“…we do wish him a speedy and a full recovery, we cannot be unmindful of a possible situation existing where the said extension of illness is a ploy designed to delay the holding of General and Regional Elections within the constitutionally determined 90-day timeframe consequent on the previously referenced Resolution of the National Assembly,” the Commissioners stated.

The Commissioners further stated that the holding of meetings of the Sub-Committees of GECOM should resume discussing, determining and guiding GECOM’s actions and schedules necessary for the holding of elections in the constitutionally mandated 90-day timeframe.

This activity, according to them, will demonstrate that the GECOM is alert to its duty and responsibilities to the nation as mandated by the Constitution. The commissioners have also called on civil society and the international community to take note and be vigilant with respect to the unfolding situation at GECOM, especially as it relates to a possible delay.

On Tuesday, Patterson, circulated an agenda for the Wednesday, January 8, statutory meeting of GECOM slated for 13:00h. The Opposition Commissioners said they responded to the proposed agenda sent by the

Chairman, requesting the inclusion of ‘GECOM Preparations for Elections’ as a priority issue for consideration at the said meeting.

“The natural and obvious inclusion of this agenda item was expected as a consequence of the resolution on the no-confidence motion of December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly,” they added. However, less than three hours before the meeting, the announcement was made that the Chairman was unwell and that his medical leave had been extended.

“A later GECOM Media Advisory stated inter alia; “…his medical leave has been extended following a visit to his doctor on January 7, 2019”. It is passing strange that this information was not passed on to all Commissioners on January 7, 2019,” the Commissioners observed.

Patterson has not been at work since November 30, 2018, and there is no clear indication as to when he could return, as a timeframe for the extended sick leave has not been provided. The last meeting of Commissioners was held on November 27, 2018.

Following his appointment as GECOM chair, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has noted with concern that Patterson might not be best suited for the post given his seniority. But President David Granger had argued that Patterson who was at the time of his appointment in 2017, 84-year-old, is ‘fit and proper’ for the post, in accordance with the Constitution of Guyana.

In October 2018, the PPP filed leave to appeal the October 19, 2018 decision of acting Chancellor Madam Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and fellow Appellate Court Justices Dawn Gregory and Justice Rishi Persaud that effectively declared Patterson’s appointment constitutional. The matter is now before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Linden Mayor heads to Arizona

– for final planning session on establishment of women’s shelter

Linden Mayor Waneka

Arrindell has departed Guyana for Arizona, United States, to attend the final planning conference for the establishment of a women’s shelter and two community centres in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice).

Arrindell left Guyana on Monday for the discussion, which will be centred on the plans for construction of the facilities. Last year, the Mayor had announced that the US Armed Forces Southern Command (New Horizons) will

Christopher Ram asks court to uphold no-confidence vote

Charted Accountant and Attorney Christopher Ram has filed legal proceedings in the High Court to validate the recently passed no-confidence motion and have Government comply with constitutional provisions to demit office and call elections no later than March of this year.

This latest writ comes as Government continues to hold fast to its 34 majority argument as one of its justifications for not calling elections.

Ram, who filed the proceedings on Tuesday, is asking the court to declare that the President and the Cabinet resign in keeping with article 106 (6) of Guyana’s Constitution. With Attorney General Basil Williams and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo as the named respondents; Ram wants the December 21, 2018 No-confidence Motion declared by the court as properly valid and lawfully passed adding that Article 106 (6) requires Government to resign with “all convenient speed”.

The case further asks the court to declare that Government should remain in office until after the elected President takes the oath of office following elections in 90 days or an extended period as agreed by two-thirds of the National Assembly as 106 (7) requires.

Ram’s legal argument makes it clear that elections must be held no later than March 21 and he is further seeking the court to declare that the

proceedings he filed be dealt with some urgency.

His grounds of appeal seeking relief under the Constitution state Government was defeated with 33 votes against 32; that Government should resign if defeated on a confidence vote; that 18 days have passed and Government has given no indication to resign nor has fixed a date for national and regional elections.

Further, the Cabinet’s failure to resign with all convenient speed and to fix an elections date could lead to uncertainty and constitutional crisis if neither of those occur in keeping with the Constitution by March 21, 2019, Ram argues.

As part of the evidence to support his case, he provided a certified copy of the no-confidence as provided by Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs. The attorney filed his writ through fellow Attorney Kamal Ramkarran who heads the Guyana Bar Association – a body which has already publically supported the validity of no-confidence motion.

It was only Monday that Government through Attorney General Basil Williams filed a case in the High Court to put on hold the enforcement of the no-confidence resolution. At the same time, Williams also applied for a conservatory order to allow for the Government to continue in office while the matter is being heard.

be pursuing the initiative in collaboration with the Guyana Government. The engineers were expected to commence construction in January as part of “Exercise New Horizon 2019”.

The women’s shelter is expected to cater for abused women seeking assistancewhile the community centres are to be built at Amelia’s

and

recreational spaces for the young people in the various communities.

The Mayor had attended a similar meeting in Arizona last May, which saw discussion on land acquisition and design of the buildings.

As part of community development initiatives, Arrindell, through the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC), is also currently seeking twinning opportunities with Stonecrest, Georgia and Newark, New Jersey and visited both towns in September 2018.

While she recently noted that there has been no official response on these plans, she will head to Newark for a follow-up prior to her return to Guyana.

will have

CANU collaborates with DEA in “Operation Tale Horse” …aims to

strengthen investigation, prosecution of narcotics cases

0The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has collaborated with the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) to conduct several training programmes intended to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of narcotics cases in Guyana.

According to Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Head Michael Atherly, “Operation Tale Horse” commenced in July 2018 and was expected to run until the end of 2019.

Atherly mentioned that NANA, along with sister agency CANU, has joined forces with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to take advantage of the training.

“NANA is coordinating joint operations between several drug enforcement units, and we have several serials down in this year that we plan to implement the operation. We will continue joint operations between those three agencies.”

Under “Operation Tale Horse”, the authorities will be cooperating to reduce illicit trafficking, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice.

“We have got constant collaboration with the DEA on a regular basis – routinely we have collaborations with them – the last operation we had was conducted at the CJIA [Cheddi Jagan International Airport] recently. A similar one was also conducted in last year at the Ogle Airport also,” the CANU Head said.

Further, he underscored that “Operation Tale Horse” was over and above the regular routine operations that the Police, CANU and the GRA carry out. It, according to the CANU Head, is a joint operation coordinated by NANA.

Atherly is optimistic that these operations will lead to further training in other counternarcotic specialties, such as digital forensics, case development, and court and legal skills.

Moreover, Atherly mentioned that over a three-year period, the DEA has been able to see lots of developments throughout the law enforcement agency.

One of those developments that he spoke of was the arrest of Guyanese hotelier Shervington Lovell, aka “Big Head”, who was nabbed in Jamaica in November. He was wanted for narcotics trafficking and was extradited to the US where he faced additional charges.

Lovell’s arrest was as a result of collaboration between the DEA Office and local law enforcement agencies such as the GPF and CANU.

“There is collaboration with the American authorities and CANU in terms of positive seizure and confiscation of assets here in Guyana. I think Jamaica is doing the same – but these things can’t be done until the case is completed and he is found guilty; his trial is still pending.”

“SOCU (Special Organised Crime Unit) has been doing searches on the various properties to ascertain what is there on the properties and if they can get further information,” Atherly noted.

In December last, while positing that a lot more work needs to be done, former United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, lauded efforts by drug enforcement agencies, both local and foreign, towards trying to put a dent in the illegal narcotics trade in Guyana.

Situated on the South American continent with strong ties to the Caribbean Region, Guyana has long been identified as a transshipment point for major drug trafficking activities.

Ambassador Holloway had asserted that it was too early to gauge the success of the DEA in Guyana, but noted that more positive results could be expected in the coming years. (Yanalla Dalrymple)

Man to spend 14 years behind bars for killing son during argument over G$300

Amarnauth Chand, called Desmond’ of Narine Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Tuesday sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment by Justice Navindra Singh for unlawfully killing his own son, Mahesh Chand on September 29, 2016.

The teary-eyed man, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Keoma Griffith, pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when Prosecutor Abigail Gibbs had originally presented a murder indictment against him at the opening of the Demerara Criminal Assizes at the High Court in Georgetown.

The 49-year-old man, who asked for mercy, killed his son over a G$300 argument. According to the facts presented to the court, the accused and his wife were involved in an argument and his now dead son intervened.

Chand accused his son of always taking his mother’s side and armed himself with a cutlass which he used to chop his son in the abdomen and chest.

A post-mortem examination gave the son’s cause of death as perforation to the heart due

to stab wound. The court heard that the gruesome killing was witnessed by the accused ’s daughter.

Chand accepted the State’s facts and professed that he was influenced to make his decision. In his address to the court, Chand in tears said he was supposed to be at home with his wife and four children, but could not because of his son’s death.

He said he was sorry for what happened, especially for his remaining children. The mother of the dead man had related to Guyana Times International in 2016 that on the night in question, the accused returned home around 23:00h and began verbally abusing her over G$300, which he had given her earlier to purchase groceries.

After his son intervened, he was chopped and subsequently rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed from his injuries. After committing the act, Chand had reportedly fled the scene, but was later apprehended.

Justice Singh encouraged the offender to take anger management courses. No family member was present at Tuesday’s sentencing.

Guyana’s Opposition engaging int’l community over political situation

The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is expected to engage the international community following last month’s passage of the no-confidence vote and the Party’s expectations on the way forward.

This is according to Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo, who told reporters last week that in addition to a recent meeting he had with the diplomats from the ABC countries – United States of America (USA); United Kingdom (UK), and Canada as well as the European Union (EU) – the Party has also reached out to a number of international organisations.

“We are setting up these meetings, but the letters … [were sent] to several of these organisations, almost all the international groups, outlining the situation in Guyana. We have gotten a couple of calls from the technical staff to the heads of these organisations, but I don’t want to reveal who they are, because they are doing research and they wanted to clarify a few things from us. So, clearly people know about it already

and there is great interest in it internationally,” the Opposition Leader stated.

Just over a week ago, Jagdeo met with the Western diplomats at his Church Street, Queenstown office and during the one-hour meeting, he indicated to the diplomats that if elections were not held within the timeframe stipulated by the Constitution, the Government would be considered an illegitimate and unconstitu-

tional one.

“We in the parliamentary Opposition will treat the Government if elections are not held by that date as illegitimate and that no act that they engage in internationally or locally would be recognised. This will have major implications for Guyana, for investors and for all concerned. I have also urged the diplomatic community to be involved in the process of free and fair elections,” Jagdeo had stated following the meeting.

According to the Opposition Leader, one of the things the Party wants is observer teams from several internation-

al organisations and the customary countries to ensure the vote is free from fraud.

“I expressed the desire of the People’s Progressive Party to see a massive observer group from all the agencies – Caricom (Caribbean Community); the European Union; OAS (Organisation of American States); UNASUR (Union of South American Nations); Carter Centre, Commonwealth, etc. Then, I also made it clear to them that we are very concerned about the shenanigans that seem to be brewing behind this Government’s statement

that they are exploring legal and other options,” the former President added.

Furthermore, Jagdeo had slammed the Government for breaking the trust and goodwill he had hoped would be built up ahead of his meeting with the President, which has been finally set for this Wednesday. In fact, he noted that instead of using the time to calm the country following the vote, Government is causing more tension by challenging the no-confidence resolution.

After losing its bid

ERC to launch harmony campaign and unity play

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) will launch the first part of its 2019 harmony campaign on Friday, January 11, 2019, at the Grand Savannah Suite, Pegasus, Georgetown, from 18:00h.

A national unity song performed by Guyanese artistes Mark Ferdinand and Tshanna Cort, five harmony-themed public service announcements, four posters, a harmony “passport”, designs for two billboards and the Commission’s new website, will be presented.

According to the ERC, in addition, a stage-play, “I AM US”, that speaks to unity and which examines some societal factors that impact on social cohesion, will be launched.

The play, which will feature prom-

inent Guyanese actors and actresses, will be staged on March 02 with the gala opening and continues on March 03, at the National Cultural Centre.

The Commission firmly believes this campaign, which is in keeping with its constitutional mandate to promote harmony and good relations, is vital in helping to enhance the environment to foster unity among all Guyanese.

The ERC remains optimistic that Guyanese will find useful the materials which will be made available and said it will be conduits to aid distribution countrywide.

The Commission said it has extended invitations to the government, the Opposition, the Diplomatic Corps, civil society, the media and other national stakeholders.

President Granger commits to providing continued support to local press corps

While pledging his continued support to the media fraternity in Guyana, President David Granger also thanked the press corps for the handling of information of his illness.

In addressing the annual media brunch hosted at the Baridi Benab at State House on Sunday, the Guyanese head of state said he was heartened by the “tenderness and sensitive handling.”

It was his first interaction with the media since being diagnosed with NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The President was first diagnosed with the disease in mid-November 2018.

“Thanks to the entire

press corps, particularly for their sensitive handling of my disease, over the past few months. It could have led to speculation, but I was very heartened by the tenderness or sensitive handling of the way in which it was handled,” he told the gathering.

Granger recalled making a promise to the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to provide assistance to its members and said finances from Government is now available.

He said that will go towards assisting the Association with hosting training workshops, forums and other activities to enhance the skills and

professionalism of the local media corps.

The President also committed to providing support to the GPA for the publishing of its history. The GPA will celebrate its 75th year in 2020, having first established in the year 1945. The press association is said to be one of the oldest, alongside the Press Association of Jamaica.

Meanwhile, the President also reminded members of the press, particularly managers and editors, of the social responsibility to the people of Guyana. He reiterated the importance of fact-checking and ensuring that sound and accurate information is pub-

lished or broadcasted. He called on the GPA to play a more active role in ensuring that practitioners conform to the generally accepted values and principles of journalism.

The President also cautioned media workers to be cognisant of the fact that Guyana’s ethnic relations could be volatile sometimes. He reminded that news entities carry an element of public trust, and said when someone reads something it has to be accurate.

Meanwhile, President of the GPA Nazima Raghubir in her remarks said 2018 has been a challenging year for Guyanese journalists in the region and further afield, mak-

ing reference to the fact that the President only held one engagement with the media for the year.

“The challenges we face in the Caribbean and particularly Guyana is no different from what our colleagues around the world face. However, our freedom to express ourselves and the right to work and practice our craft is guaranteed and ought to be respected by everyone,” she said.

Raghubir reminded, however, that with freedom comes responsibilities, saying that the GPA remains committed to ensuring that its members and media workers are

equipped with the necessary tools to practice professional, ethical and responsible journalism.

“In these rather eventful times, we have to ensure that we remain independent, factual and that our work cements social cohesion rather than fracture it. More than ever, our work is being relied upon, she stated, making reference to Guyana repositioning for new economic power.

She said the GPA looks forward to mutually beneficial relations with all stakeholders interested in a stronger more professional media corps in Guyana.

Guyana’s Opposition engaging int’l community...

to get the Speaker of the National Assembly to reverse his decision on the passage of the no-confidence resolution last week, an application was filed by a private citizen, Compton Reid, in the High Court on Friday to have the A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government remain in office “until the hearing and determination” of the case. A move which the PPP has since condemned, calling it frivolous while adding that it was a deliberate ploy aimed at “unlawfully and unconstitutionally” keeping the current Administration in office.

On December 21, 2018, the no-confidence motion brought by the parliamentary Opposition – the PPP/C – against the Government succeeded when former AFC Member of Parliament Charrandas Persaud

broke ranks and made a conscience vote in favour of the motion.

With the Government’s defeat, the next steps are spelt out in the Constitution of Guyana. Article 106 (6) of the Constitution states: “The Cabinet including the President shall resign if the Government is defeated by the vote of a majority of all the elected members of the National Assembly on a vote of confidence.”

Meanwhile, clause 7 goes on to state that “Notwithstanding its defeat, the Government shall remain in office and shall hold an election within three months, or such longer period, as the National Assembly shall by resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the votes of all the elected members of the National Assembly determine, and shall resign after the President takes the oath of office following the election.”

Former Speaker says Guyana Govt unlawfully holding on to office

Not yet having acted in compliance with Article 106 (6) of the Guyana Constitution by resigning, the Cabinet, including the President, is unlawfully holding onto office, former Speaker of the National Assembly and prominent Attorney, Ralph Ramkarran has said.

In his weekly column Conversation Tree, Ramkarran stated that a court would be approving this illegality if it allowed even a temporary break from compliance with Article 106 (6), especially given the fact that it is not the end of the life of the Government.

“Under Article 106 (7), the Government, which includes the Cabinet and President, remain in office until new elections. This obviously means that the resignation is stayed until the next elected President is sworn in,” Ramkarran stated in his column.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, having declined to reverse the declaration on December 21, 2018, that the no-confidence motion against the Government had been carried on a vote of 33-32 in favour, has shifted the arena of contest to the courts.

Ramkarran, however, made reference to comments made by Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, who is reported to have said that there has not been a resignation of the President or Government nor will there be such a resignation, arguing that the country cannot be left without a government.

Ramjattan had further argued that Government retained its full panoply of legal powers and

was with jurisdiction to exercise its legal authority. But the former Speaker said the Minister missed the fact that Article 106 (7) specifically provides that there shall not be a “governance vacuum”.

In fact, it emphasises that the Government will only resign after a President is elected by the people in an election to be held. Also, Ramkarran said it was not known if Ramjattan was aware of the “Caretaker Conventions” which apply when a government is facing elections.

According to him, the “Caretaker Conventions” apply during the period from the dissolution of the Parliament to the election of the new Government, because there is no oversight. In summary, the conventions are that no major policy decisions are taken to commit an incoming Government or limit its freedom to act, no major contracts or agreements are entered into, and the use of Government resources in a manner to advantage a particular party is avoided.

In a local context, the former

House Speaker said the “Caretaker Conventions” should be applied from the moment the no-confidence motion was passed because Article 106 (6) dictates the resignation of the Cabinet, which suggests a caretaker role for the Government thereafter.

“The passage of the natural resources legislation and Minister Ramjattan’s remarks signify quite clearly that the Cabinet, including the President, have no intention of resigning and of observing any caretaker conventions,” he further observed in his column.

Meanwhile, a court case has been filed by Compton Herbert Reid against the Speaker, Charrandas Persaud and the Attorney General seeking to set aside the no-confidence vote of December 21, 2018. The ground is that the vote of Persaud was invalid because he holds a Canadian passport.

“An order to stay the no-confidence resolution is also being sought. The reports make no mention of the motion required 34 votes to be passed. No doubt Article 165 (2) of the Constitution will arise for consideration,” he observed.

Ramkarran noted too that consideration would no doubt also be given to the right or power of a court to interrupt a constitutional process set in train by a parliamentary motion, on which a vote was taken and deemed to have been carried.

President David Granger is expected to meet with Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo on Wednesday to discuss a number of issues, but topping that list is the no-confidence resolution.

Greenidge says settling border controversy with Venezuela will address recent maritime transgressions

Following Venezuela’s act of aggression by way of temporarily intercepting an ExxonMobil contracted oil exploration vessel offshore the Stabroek block area of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, during a symposium hosted by the Guyana Trade Union Congress (GTUC) on Thursday, said that the maritime matter cannot be solved without the land controversy being finally settled first.

He affirmed that the land controls the sea coast and posited that Venezuela has several islands that prevented it from having clear access to the Atlantic as opposed to Guyana which has such access.

It was explained that the county of Essequibo to which the Spanish speaking country claims, gives such access.

Minister Greenidge however made it clear that the Martine space including all minerals, on sea and in the air belongs to Guyana.

He added that 14 Caribbean countries are affected by Venezuela’s spurious maritime claims.

ExxonMobil vessels under contract by the company and its partners CNOOC of China and NEX of the USA were performing exploratory seismic work within the Stabroek block area of Guyana’s EEZ when they were intercepted at about 10:30h on December 22, 2018.

It was revealed that the Venezuelan Navy on the day of the attack on ExxonMobil attempted to land a helicopter on the Ramform Tethys (ship).

In previously condemning the Venezuela’s action, the Foreign Affairs Minister noted that Venezuela was informed of the works that would be carried out in the said area of the attack and as such, noted that the attack was deliberate despite denial from the Venezuelan Government.

The Foreign Affairs Minister made it clear that Guyana has no interest in the Orinoco Delta and it is therefore

Guyana can earn as much as US$18B from Stabroek Block – financial analyst …cautions

against unrealistic expectations in first 4 years

Mmisleading for Venezuela to claim that the Ranform Tethys was in that area.

Greenidge recently met with the United States (US) National Security Council’s Western Hemisphere Affairs Director Mauricio Claver-Carone in Brazil over the matter.

Carone urged Venezuela to respect international law and the rights of its neighbours.

Further, The US State Department reiterated in a statement that “Guyana has the sovereign right to explore and exploit resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.”

Guyana also has the support of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) who recently reiterated “its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, including its right to peacefully explore and exploit its onshore and offshore resources.”

Last Year, the Guyana Government filed documents at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) outlining the issue being faced because of neighbouring Venezuela and outlined why it believes that the Court has a right to hear its case to settle the controversy over the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award.

Guyana is hoping that the International Court will in a final and binding judgment, determine the full legal validity of the arbitral award that established the international boundary between Guyana and Venezuela more than a century ago.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Guyana filed its Memorial in accordance with the Order of the Court dated 19 June 2018 that determined it would first resolve the question of the Court’s jurisdiction in light of Venezuela’s refusal to participate in the proceedings based on its claim that the Court lacks jurisdiction.

The Guyana Government with the support of the Opposition has urged Venezuela to cease its military actions and join Guyana in submitting its territorial case to the ICJ.

uch has been said about how rich Guyana stands to be with revenues from oil and gas. What has not been so clear is the timeline within which Guyana earns all this money. According to one financial analyst, the country’s returns form the first few years will be a modest one.

In an interview with Guyana Times International Financial Analyst Sase Singh explained that cost recovery is designed so that developers can recover their investment costs up front.

“That usually eats away at the revenue sizably but it is capped according to the contract. But Guyana will be hit from all sides in the first four years –there is recovery of investment cost, operations cost, marketing, brokerage and shipping cost for selling our portion of the profit oil and thus from 20202023 it will not be pretty for Guyana,” he said.

However, Singh noted that when these first four years are out of the way, what will follow will be an unprecedented bonanza. According to Singh, there is a distinct possibility, subject to global oil prices, that the Treasury will see a flood of revenue.

“Let us focus the peak revenue period – from 2024-2034 (10 years of oil bonan-

ter harbour, plantation agriculture projects, an oil refinery at Crab Island on the mouth of the Berbice River, support to a tolled transportation link from Linden to Brazil and so forth.

“The final 40 per cent should be (invested) in the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which will be managed professionally and in such a manner so as to not deplete the capital. The interest revenue will be used as support for the National Budget,” Singh also suggested.

za). I am talking about Guyana actually seeing its oil revenue triple in that first year – 2024. I would not be surprised if the Treasury has influx of a billion US dollars in oil revenue in 2024. I would not be surprised if in some of those 10 years, Guyana experienced oil revenue of more than one and half billion per year.”

“I would not be surprised if the average oil revenue per year in those 10 years, from 2024-2034, is more than a billion US per year. If the oil projections from the developers are reliable, Guyana can see as much as US$18 billion flowing into the Treasury from this Stabroek Block,” Singh stated.

To better illustrate the potential windfall, Singh gave an example of the per capital distribution of a one off G$5 million check to every Guyanese resident. However, he acknowledged the unsustainability of similar modes of distribution, which were suggested in sections of society.

“My recommendation is a 20 per cent cash transfer to the people which is a GY$50,000 tax free check to every Guyanese for 15 years starting from 2024. Then 40 per cent will be assigned to support the major Private Sector led infrastructure projects like the deep wa-

After its 10th discovery of oil in the Stabroek Block, ExxonMobil has estimated the recoverable resource in the block to be five billion oil equivalent barrels. At US$50 a barrel, that equates to well over US$200 billion. In addition, an independent assessment, or competent persons report, had found that 2.9 billion barrels of oil existed in the Orinduik block.

All of this will represent a monetary windfall for Guyana, which will be saved and invested through a Natural Resources Fund. A green paper on the Fund was recently laid in the National Assembly, but the fund itself is still in its planning stages.

Government had released the draft Natural Resources Fund Bill of 2018, which had proposed among other things a 22-member Public Accountability and Oversight Committee that would oversee the management of the Fund and provide checks and balances.

Investment firm Merrill Lynch has for some time expressed an interest in being involved in managing Guyana’s oil finances.

In fact, representatives from the firm had reportedly met with Central Bank Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga. The Opposition has urged that the vetting process for the fund manager be a rigorous one.

Providing mentorship for the development of local music as well as local artistes has always been at the forefront of Owen (Oyein) Adams’s plan of action. The Lindener, despite being away from Guyana, continues to motivate, mentor and push for the development of local musicians as well as the industry.

Adams, who is known as GTyouthsProductionz, was born at Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara, but moved to the mining town of Linden at an early age. He is the third of four children. He explains that he was a nerd, since he loved Mathematics and anything to do with crunching numbers.

While in Linden, he discovered his passion for football and music. He would spend his days kicking the ball and the nights deejaying popular music with his friends in Kara Kara. Back then Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, Bounty Killa, Sizzla Kalonji, etc, were some of the top artistes. His adoration

and love for Beenie Man saw him being given the nickname “Beenie-Man” at age 10. Up to this day, some of his friends still address him by this nick name.

was 15 years old, he migrated to the USA with his mother and younger broth er. This was the beginning of a new jour ney and though he continued to ex cel academically and eventu ally graduat ed from col lege with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business

better at it. As such, he started giving ideas to a local artiste named “Goofy George” on what track he should sing or what kind of song he should sing. Soon after, he started giving the same advice to another upcoming artist “Fojo”, not realising that it was a gift and that what he was doing unknowingly to him was actually called songwriting, those ideas became words and choruses. A few years

things about Owen is that he writes what he feels and his struggles in life have motivated him to write and sing “Life Too Short”— his first single. Though it was not the first song he’s recorded, it was the first to be released to the public.

“My style of music ... well, it's a unique style. It's not fully Dancehall but it's not Reggae either. I kinda fuse the two and make it one. But sometimes it depends on

ing the best music that I can do,” he said.

He said the art of storytelling is what inspired him to continue down this path. His writing started after a friend in college challenged him to pen some lyrics cause if they don't hear the music, they can't support it. I blame the media by that I mean DJs, radios, television stations and any other media outlet that choose not to support the artistes … other than that

Administration and a Master’s in Business, he never lost his focus on music.

In his spare time, he would listen to different genres of music and it was during this period that he discovered he had the ability to tell when a song is going to be a big hit, and as he grew older, he’s gotten

music, managing and deejaying. Whilst doing all of this, a lot of his friends and family would often tell him to start singing, especially his brother Hayward and good friend Bally. It was not until he heard a track by one of his fellow producers that he decided to take a chance on that particular journey.

One of the unique

Where angels fear to tread…

…Jordan rushes in

Your Eyewitness wouldn’t be so het up if Finance Minister Winston Jordan wanted to play Russian Roulette…Hey! Maybe he gets off with the adrenaline rush and all that! But he does have a big problem when Jordan decided to play Russian Roulette with our upcoming Oil Revenues that’re supposed to be intermediated by a “Natural Resource Fund” (NRF). After sitting on the draft that had been passed on to him by Trotman for two years, Jordan rushed through the Bill when the Speaker had been asked to reverse the no-confidence resolution. And most germanely, the Opposition had indicated they would not be in attendance!

The Government’s own consultants from the foreign NGO “Natural Resources Governance Institute” (NRGI) had explicitly warned them at a public lecture organised by the GRA discussing the Green Paper on the NRF, that there must be “an open discussion and consensus building between the political parties to look at these rules that will be governing your money … and agree on how Guyana as a whole will be managing its money”.

The consultants were very clear as to why they recommended this move – and it wasn’t for any airy fairy ethereal reason but a very real world one: we wouldn’t want every new administration to come in and change the rules of how the Fund ought to be managed, would we? This would wreak havoc on our returns on investment and only benefit the Fund Managers who’d charge us their usual arm and a leg in management fees every time for every dot they have to insert and every “t” they have to uncross!

The consultants had also indicated that in this world of Wall Street Gordon Gecko types, there should be explicit strictures against being a “pig” and investing in highly risky investments. Like say, future swaps. As the saying goes in the world of investment, “Bulls make money, bears make money and pigs get slaughtered!!” But there’s an even more pressing reason why Jordan shouldn’t have rushed through the legislation: as Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo said, “It’s illegal!!”

Bear in mind after the no-confidence resolution was passed (and subsequently AFFIRMED) by the Speaker at the same sitting, by Article 106 (6), the President and his Cabinet (including Jordan) were explicitly mandated to RESIGN. Conceding that the GOVERNMENT had to remain in place till the elections in 90 days according to Article 106 (7), not even ordinary business – much less the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund! – should’ve been conducted without the approval of the Opposition.

And ignoring that is exactly why folks can wash their mouths on us and label us a “sh*thole” country. …Nagamootoo rushes in

Never let it never be said your Eyewitness doesn’t give Moses Nagamootoo credit: the man takes his job VERY seriously. He’s never missed his column in the Chronic!! This week, he purported to explain what the Speaker said in the National Assembly. Your Eyewitness isn’t sure why he did that – to fill column inches?! – since the Speaker was pellucid: he wasn’t reversing the no-confidence motion, which had been transmuted into a binding resolution!!

Anyhow, as usual, Nagamootoo maudlinly reminisced about his “high school days”, to offer his perspective on what his MP Charrandas’ vote meant to him. He compared CP’s action to Guy Fawkes’ 1605 “Gunpowder Plot” to blow up the House of Lords and kill James I and bring down his government. But clearly, Nagamootoo was a very poor student, since James’ Government discovered the plot and the explosion was stillborn. Unlike, of course, Charrandas’!!

But your Eyewitness wonders if Nagamootoo read about Quisling? The Norwegian who cooperated with the Nazis to exterminate the Jews and whose name is now synonymous with “traitor”?

…Ramjattan and Nagamootoo rush in

Have you noticed, Dear Reader, it’s Ramjattan and Nagamootoo who’ve been taking the lead in defending the Government’s desperate rear guard battle to remain in power??

It’s not easy contemplating Bush Rum again, after you’ve tasted Chivas!!

We live in a world where traditions are rapidly dying owing to a number of factors. Even in the most remote places, those long-held traditions are slowly being left behind as a result of the influences of modern-day developments, but, according to Earl Thomas, preserving those traditions is important to our existence as a people.

Thomas is a 54-yearold Lokono musician from the Arawak tribe. He resides in Wakapao Village in the Pomeroon

and has been doing everything possible to preserve the music and traditions of the Lokono people. He said that music was an integral part of their culture since it was what they used for every occasion from prayers to the welcoming of a new bride to the family.

However, the uniqueness and intricacies of the Lokono music are what push a lot of the young Amerindian people from taking it up. Looking at his history in music, Thomas says his family has a rich histo-

ry in the arts. His father was one of the guitarists in the village band and that led to his love of music.

“Since I was about three years growing up, I remember my father as a musician. He was a guitarist. So in those days, they didn’t have CDs and so on, they had the string band like the guitar, violin, shakshak and drum.

When I was about three or four, I started picking up my father’s guitar and I started playing; that is how I started playing the guitar,” he said.

“My mom, she was one of the teachers of the Amerindian dances and she taught the dances and we were involved. As I grew, I begin to love the music more and after I became a young man I had to go out of the village for work, because we do not have work here. When I was about 25, I returned home to live and my mom and dad were still involved and every occasion they have, they would go and perform dances and they were involved in most of the dances. When (Amerindian) Heritage celebrations began, they were really instrumental in teaching dancing and so on. They formed a dance group and I was a part of that group,” Thomas added.

He said that the dance group needed music and procuring the string instruments was tough for them so they decided to purchase an electric keyboard, which became

their main source of music. He said that he took up the initiative to practise endlessly so that he could play the traditional Lokono music on the keyboard.

He notes that there are various types of music required for various dances. For instance,

the ever-popular Mari Mari requires its own type of music as opposed to the snake dance. He explained that the Mari Mari is a group dance used in the Arawak tribe to welcome newlyweds while delivering a promise that they would be forever backed by their elders. Thomas said one of his sons was now taking up the keyboard and it was his hope that he learns quickly so as to carry on the legacy that the family has built over the years. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

By Lakhram Bhagirat

Author Helen Keller once said,

“The struggle of life is one of our greatest blessings. It makes us pa tient, sensitive and godlike. It teaches us that although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” And no one knows struggles as much as Alexander Williams or AW Lyrical as he is popularly known.

The 24-yearold singer was born on the is land of Leguan in the Essequibo River. His family was in extreme poverty and a newborn child placed an added strain on their already strenuous life. So, in order for him to be given a life they could not afford, Lyrical’s mother father decided to give him up.

“At the age of two, I

was disowned by both of my parents, because of them being from a poor family. Eventually, my mother and father give me up and never looked back at me as their child. I was raised by my grandparents, which was hard because they were old people,” he He lived with both of his grandparents until he was 15 years old and soon after tragedy would strike. His grandparents died,

causing his other family members to take him out of school so that he could work to earn a meal.

“I had to go work in the backdam for them (family members) just to have a meal to eat. I did that for three years and after that three years, I ran away and someone close to me helped me to build my life. I started my first paying job and I got $800 per day. After one year, I went into construction and eventually I started getting up on my own two feet,” he tells me.

Because of the early struggles in his life, music has always been an escape for Lyrical. He would spend hours upon hours listening to music across genres as everything had some sort of meaning to him. He would be working construction and singing for his co-workers so as to make the work flow more smoothly as well as to entertain them,

“My co-workers encouraged me to take it (my singing) to another level of writing my own music. So I gave it a chance and I was put on stage to perform at the age of 20. My first appearance to sing professionally was a success since everyone loved my voice and my style of music,” he said.

Lyrical’s style of music is unique, since he would interchange genres. He sings in Spanish and most of his sets include music from the genres of Soca, Dancehall, Chutney and Reggae. After his initial performance, the requests to perform across the country and further

afield began pouring in. He said that he is a hype entertainer since he loves upbeat music and performing exactly that type of music.

“I started getting calls to perform to fly to Brazil, Lethem and travel to Berbice, Essequibo and other places. I love all kinds of music and make sure that the crowd I am performing for is enjoying every moment,” Lyrical said.

However, for Lyrical being a musician in Guyana is a battle because people prefer to listen to music created outside of Guyana, thus stifling the local musicians. He noted that there were also challenges when it came to recording music, but the talent of Guyanese was beyond measures.

“We Guyanese just need that link to click on and get that shot like in other places. We have

the talent to showcase and we have been doing good work but the exposure is what we are lacking. Over the next five years I see myself as a recognized and main artiste in Guyana and further afield,” he said.

Lyrical draws his musical inspiration from Terry “Guyana Baboo” Gajraj and Jamaican dancehall artiste Alkaline. He said he owed his success to the fans who have always been there to support his journey over the years as he aims to make himself and late grandparents proud.

Lyrical recently released a new song and shot the video with his inspiration, Terry G on the island of Leguan. He said to look out, because he intends to take Guyana by storm in the coming years.

It was sometime in May of 2018 and I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed and saw a colleague shared a video of a young man in a recording booth with the Golden Arrowhead proudly flying behind him. This caught my attention since the person who shared the video has great taste in music and he was hyping the singer so I decided to listen.

I opened the video and immediately recognised the beat of the song, since it is one of my favourites from the Bollywood movie “Tiger Zinda Hai”. There was no name of the singer visible, so I did not know who this person was or what to expect so about 10 seconds into the video he opened his mouth and began singing “Kacchidoriyon, doriyon, doriyon se”

and I was taken aback. I thought my ears were deceiving me. It could not be. I mean this sounds almost identical to Atif Aslam’s version. I restarted the video and so did he. I was captivated by the voice. Never had I thought that someone, other than Atif Aslam, would make me fall in love with “Dil Diyan Gallan” all over again. I listened while humming the lyrics of the song as this unknown person kept hitting all the right notes. After the video was finished, I began scrolling through the comments to see if the singer’s name was mentioned and after a few minutes of scrolling through the hundreds of comments, I came across the name Ganesh Kasinath!

Well, as one would expect, in typical Guyanese fashion, I decided to snoop around to find other music he

would have put out in the public. To my surprise, the video was limited and then I was reminded that this is Guyana where there are very limited opportunities for local musicians to record and put their work out there. I was also reminded that we as a people rarely support our own musicians, since we feel that they are not up to standard or that they are copying from another musician, never mind that most of the Trinidadian artistes we listen to draw their music from popular Bollywood songs. I reached out to Ganesh to get to know a bit more about the artiste along with the story behind his music and plans for the future. What I can say is that he is passionate about music, but a man of very few words. He prefers to have his work do the talking.

The 24-year-old is the eldest of three children and hails from the village of Chesney in Albion, Corentyne, Berbice. He said that at the age of 17, his father passed away leaving his mother alone. As the eldest child, he then took up the mantle to take care of his mother and younger siblings. He is currently employed at the GuySuCo Training Centre in Port Mourant as a Tool Store Attendant.

His day-to-day responsibilities involve managing the records, doing inventory as well as issuing the required tools as needed.

While growing up, he always loved singing and knew that he had the knack for doing it well. He notes that it was and still is a hobby for him but one he really started to pay attention to in his late teens. Coming from a Hindu household meant that Ganesh attended mandir and it was while in

mandir that he would sing bhajans much to the delight of the devotees there.

He was always called upon to give his rendition of the popular bhajans and then graduated to songs. Now he enjoys making covers of popular Bollywood songs. He is more focused on the soulful melodies of composers like Vishal Dadlani, Shekar, Pritam Chakraborty, Shankar Mahadevan and AR Rahman.

“I love anything that Atif Aslam sings. I am a big fan of him and he inspired me to start sing-

ing and I did so when I was 19 years old, but only started to seriously focus in it about a year ago,” he said. He notes that from a very small age, he wanted to be a singer but never had anyone to train him how to utilise his range as well as when to hit the right note or even how to hit the notes. He learnt everything on his own by trying to listen beyond the surface of the music. He explains that to this day he is still learning as he progresses and hopes to one day be able to record original music. Ganesh continues to

make his mark by competing in music contests as well as performing at local shows. Thus far, he has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in regional music inclusive of popular Trinidadian band Karma and local names like Bunty Singh, Pooran Seeraj and the Shakti Strings Band. If you are a fan of classic, soothing music, then I encourage you to follow Ganesh, since, in my opinion, if afforded the right opportunities he will make his mark in music’s history. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

The music of Guyana encompasses a range of musical styles and genres that draw from various influences including: Indian, Latino-Hispanic, European, African, Chinese, and Amerindian music. While Guyana is filled with musicians trying to make their mark here are a few notable ones.

by Petamber Persaud

We, lovers of literature, can say goodbye to 2018 with satisfaction, knowing that some of the books published in this year will follow us into 2019 while others will stay, will not leave us during 2019 and decades beyond, such is this remarkable gift to man.

From its inception, the book was treated with respect, even with awe, for man valued the book very highly with regards to its potential as a tool of education and instruction, as a repository for storage and retrieval of information, as a custodian of traditions and languages, as a forum for art and entertainment, stimulating the imagination and improving memory, a source of inspiration, among other benefits. And the book has lived up to expectations even in its new forms and formats.

Below are books crossing my desk during 2018*.

Aftermath of Empire: The Novels of Roy A. K. Heath by Ameena Gafoor, UWI Press, 2017

With the publication of her singular book, Aftermath of Empire: The Novels of A. K. Heath, Ameena Gafoor has sort of brought Roy Heath back home to his birthplace to be rediscovered, to be reappraised and to be re-appreciated, in a way rescuing him from selfimposed exile and also rescuing his work from obscurity (limited critical response) because Gafoor in this seminal publication was able to place Heath among the forefront of Guyanese Literature (his oeuvre of nine novels is only surpassed by Edgar Mittelholzer and Wilson Harris) by painstakingly revealing to us how

Preserving our literary heritage

‘Heath has practically refined the introspective Guyanese antihero’ while finding occasion to ‘celebrate every one of his flawed fictional creatures: their humaneness, their eccentricities, their weaknesses, and their strengths, even if they are social misfits and psychological wrecks’.

Gafoor also gives Heath his rightful place in the canon of Caribbean Literature by showing how he has ‘revolutionized the form of the regional novel… [n]o non-Indian writer has displayed such remarkable cultural knowledge and such psychological depth in depicting East Indian experience in the West Indian novel’. Heath’s The Shadow Bride would be essential reading here.

Red Hibiscus by Scott TingA-Kee, Way Wive Wordz Publishing, UK, 2018 Chu hua, Zhaohui and Ren share a grand destiny as the greatest diviners of all time. They are blessed or cursed with clairvoyance and decide to try to change the future. Their very

existence and abilities are beyond what the Heavens should allow. The clairvoyant trio records their shared visions and dreams in the form of poetry hoping that it may be passed down as a warning to future generations.

Yoaguai and gods attack Chu hua, Zhaohui and Ren to silence them and to prevent them from changing the future they see for China and the world. The emperor feels threatened and is not sure if he should exploit their mystic powers or kill them out of fear of them.

Outcasts who rose to legendary destinies now have to work together to save China from a future they do not quite understand while fighting for their own lives. (Synopsis provided by the author.)

Edgar Mittelholzer: Creole Chips and Other Writings ed. Juanita Cox, Peepal Tree Press, 2018

The publication of Creole Chips And Other Writings of Edgar Mittelholzer edited by Juanita Cox, the acknowledged authority on Mittelholzer, is an attempt to right many wrongs in the life and work and the perception and misconception of that Guyanese pioneering writer, sporting many firsts in Anglophone Caribbean literature.

Creole Chips and Other Writings contains twenty-five sketches, twenty-four short stories, thirteen essays & personal writings, five dramatic pieces, twenty-two poems, a novel The Adding Machine, and a well-crafted and beautiful children story labeled ‘Poolwana’s Orchid: A Tale for Juveniles’ running into fourteen pages.

A Little Poet’s World by Aurelius Sue-Ann, 2018

Here is a girl of ten stimulated by her reading to try her hand at writing; not any type of writing but the writing of poetry – one of the most exacting genres of writing and, so far, with this first effort, she has done a commendable job.

Aurelia has displayed a good grasp of issues that plague and grace childhood, not shying away from themes like friendship, love, lost, death, fear, depression, freedom and selfconfidence. She also dabbles with large subjects like life. The poem ‘Life’ is one of her better pieces even buttressed with a punch line showing she has already learned or worked out for herself the essentials of a life.

Defeating Domestic Violence in the Americas: Men’s Work by Luke Daniels, Hansib Publications, 2017

A Survey of Guyanese History by Dr. Winston McGowan, Guyenterprise, 2018

Stepping on Cracks: Reflections on my Homeland by Carmen Barclay Subryan,

Demerara Press, USA, 2018

Journey Back to Watooka:

A Story of Guyana by Steve Connolly, FriesenPress, 2018

Down Independence Boulevard by Ken Puddicombe, MiddleRoad Publishers, 2017

The Guyana Annual 2018, Guyenterprise, 2018

Educational Leadership:

A Guyanese Perspective by Dr. Brian O’Toole, School of Nations, 2018

Two Young Birds (poems) by Leonard C. Marks, 2017

Hand-in-Hand History of Cricket in Guyana 1898-1914 by Clem Seecharan, Hansib, 2018

Make it Shine (poems) by Ingrid Dover-Vidal Women across Borders (with a mission) ed. Sonia Noel Home Memories by Gideon Cecil

The Ashgabat Verdict by Hans Gaskin, CreateSpace, 2014

Anatomy of Race Politics: Economics, Violence Against Diaspora Indians by Seopaul Singh

Against the Grain: Balram Singh Rai and the Politics of Guyana by Baytoram Ramharack, Chakra Publishing House, 2005

Bitter-Sweet Sugar by Nowrang Persaud, BookVenture, USA, 2018 Monsoon on the Fingers of God (poems) by Sasenarine Persaud, Mawenzi House, 2018

*Some of the above Guyanese-authored books were published before 2018 but only now reaching my desk.

Manuscripts not included. (To be conTinued)

Responses to this author please telephone 226-0065 of email: oraltradition2002@yahoo.com

(Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)

Another ‘Trini’ captured fighting for ISIS

(Trinidad Guardian)

One of the men who appeared in an ISIS video speaking about life in Trinidad and Tobago has been cap­tured fight­ing with ISIS in Syria.

Several international news agencies, including the BBC and New York Times named him as 35­year­old Zaid Abed al­Hamid.

The U.S­backed Syrian Democratic Forces con­firmed the cap­ture on Sunday.

Al­Hamid is believed to have had dual citizenship, as he spent several years living in the United States.

The New York Times reports that his name appears in a database of 130 Trinidadians who joined the Islamic State that is maintained by Simon Cottee, a senior lecturer in criminology at the University of Kent who tracks the group.

Cottee is working on a book about ISIS fighters from the Caribbean nation.

Hamid had been identi­fied as an ex­trem­ist since at least 2011, the report said. According to Cottee’s database, Hamid joined the terrorist group on April 6, 2014, along with his wife and his three children.

He appeared in an ISIS video, sitting by a stream, speaking about how his family could not practice their faith in Trinidad.

The newspaper reported that a similarly spelled name — Zaid Abdul­Hamid — appears in a cache of ISIS registration forms indicating that he provided a reference for a recruit from Trinidad and Tobago when that recruit joined the group in 2014.

The form indicates that Abdul­Hamid was in Raqqa, Syria, at that time.

The other person captured has been identified as 34­year­old Warren Christopher Clark, aka Abu Mohammad alAmeriki, who formerly taught in Texas.

New mall to open in Guyana in 2020

The East Bank of Demerara landscape is set to undergo a major transformation with the establishment of the United States (US) based Amazonia Mall, a state-of-the-art facility that will offer new experiences to locals and visitors.

The project is currently under construction at Providence, EBD; a stone’s throw from the National Stadium. It is being spearheaded by one of Guyana’s most successful sportsmen, Ramnaresh Sarwan,

The 38-year-old former Guyana and West Indies cricketer turned

is phase two of a project he started several years ago. Phase one includ-

and is expected to be completed in 2020.

entrepreneur said this

ed Massy Store, New

PAHO urges eligible C’bean nationals to apply for “Leaders in International Health” programme

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is urging eligible Caribbean professionals in public health, international relations and related fields to apply to the 2019 session of its “Leaders in International Health.”

According to PAHO, applications must be received by February 15.

“The programme, which is cost-free for accepted applicants, seeks to develop professionals from the region’s countries who can understand, act on and advocate effectively for global health issues in a complex international context, characterised by challenges that require action across sectors and borders,” PAHO said.

Those accepted will participate in virtual learning activities in coordination with PAHO’s local office in their countries of origin, where they are ex-

pected to continue working in their respective institutions.

Participants will also pursue an individual project related to a priority area of public health work in their country, sub-region or region, working in coordination with PAHO, country officials and other agencies, the statement said.

At the end of the programme, the health organisation says “participants will have strengthened their capacities for situation analysis, policy development and decision-making, negotiation and advocacy, project management, knowledge generation and exchange, and communication.”

Since its creation in 1985, PAHO said its “Leaders in International Health” programme has trained over 630 professionals from 40 countries. (Jamaica Observer)

Thriving Restaurant and Fitness53 Gym housed in one building.

“Construction (of phase two) started a few months ago, and we’re at the stage where we’ve completed the foundation and the flooring. In another four weeks or so, we will start seeing the erection of steel and so on. This has been long in planning, and I’m really happy that it is coming to fruition,” Sarwan explained.

Caribbean Cinemas, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, Pizza Hut and Optique Vision Care are the businesses already aligned to the project. According

to Sarwan, a sports bar and lounge and a massive parking lot will also form part of phase two, which is expected to be completed by June 2020.

The aim, the former Guyana and West Indies captain pointed out, is to provide a modern-day experience to Guyanese and tourists alike.

“That was one of the main reasons we started the project and hopefully the way Guyana is going it will be able to modernise the country, and at least when people come to Guyana they would have good places to go and speak really good things about our country,” Sarwan stated.

“Obviously, you want to offer the best service and ensure that people are very comfortable when they come to the facility. I think, most importantly, you want people to experience the kind of shopping stuff they experience abroad and we’re going to try our best to bring that to everyone.”

Persons wanting further information on investment opportunities at the new facility can call 265-7271, visit the website www.amazoniamallgy.com or email info@amazoniamallgy. com.

First phase of ECD road expansion being finalized – Govt awaiting feasibility study for Ogle bypass road

With the arrival of the New Year, there have been some concerns expressed about various public infrastructure works. According to a senior official in the Public Infrastructure Ministry, these projects are in varying stages of completion.

In an interview with Guyana Times International, Work Services Group Head Geoffrey Vaughn gave an update on the fourlane East Coast expansion as he noted that works are still concentrated on the four-lane expansion from Better Hope to Annandale

“We are now trying to complete the first phase, which is between Better Hope and Annandale,” Vaughn noted.

The US$50.2 million East Coast road expansion project has two components. One features a four-lane expansion of the road from Better Hope to Annandale and the other caters for an upgrade to the existing two-lane road from Annandale to Belfield.

Guyana had received a US$45.3 million concessional loan from the China EXIM (Export-

Import) Bank to finance the road project, and that agreement was signed in January last year.

Initially, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government had tried to secure financing for the road expansion project, but the money was not readily available.

Hence, the then administration decided to use local funds for preliminary works while it awaited the release of

funds from the Chinese to complete the works.

The preliminary works for the four-lane upgrade were completed at the end of 2014.

With the China EXIM Bank putting up most of the finances for the road expansion, Guyana had awarded the contract to China Railway First Group for some US$42.7 million. The Chinese construction company reportedly put in the lowest bid of US$46.994 million. The

PPP/C Administration had stated that it is saving some G$2.8 billion by giving the contract to China Railway First Group.

Upon completion of the widening and improvement of the East Coast Demerara Highway, citizens travelling along the East Coast will benefit from reduced travel time and less traffic congestion. Apart from the road being expanded, the project includes improved

drainage for the East Coast, which is usually susceptible to floods. Ogle bypass

Meanwhile, there is another project that will have a profound effect on Guyana’s infrastructure. This is the Ogle Bypass road, which when completed will connect the East Coast directly with the East Bank.

Vaughn spoke on this project as well and noted that the feasibility study is due in March. According to Vaughn,

all preparations for the construction phase will follow once that is completed.

“The Ogle bypass road, the Ministry at this present time is awaiting the final copy of the Feasibility study… and design. That should be in by March,” the WSG head informed this publication.

When he presented the budget last year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan revealed that the projected cost of the East Coast/East Bank road linkage project (Ogle bypass) had jumped from US$50 million to US$120 million. He noted that Government will approach its bilateral partner, in this case the Export-Import Bank of India, for more funds.

This EBD-ECD bypass project is expected to be 26 kilometres of road constructed, linking two of the country’s main thoroughfares. This new road link will also be connected to key communities in Georgetown and along the East Bank of Demerara. Those include Diamond, Mocha, Eccles – all on the East Bank –and Aubrey Barker Road in Georgetown.

Guyana is indeed a beautiful place and truly undiscovered. The land of many waters lives up to its name with tumbling waterfalls and calm lakes, creeks and rivers. Our jungle is dubbed the land of giants with giant spiders, cats and other animals. However, if you are not up for that adventure there is a lot to do on the coastland. Today, we bring to you some simple but exciting views you can experience with your choice of company. (Photos by

Constitutional…

…desuetude

Your Eyewitness was intrigued by the tail end of yesterday’s editorial in this newspaper, which dealt with the Government’s claim that Charandass Persaud’s no-confidence vote was invalid because of his dual citizenship with Canada, as per Art 155 (1). “…under the doctrine of “desuetude”, which deals with laws that have not been enforced for long periods, the Court should not compel enforcement of Art 155 (1) in this case.”

Desuetude? How the heck do you even pronounce the word? (“Des-wi-tude” said the dictionary!). But the esoteric word brought home the point that’s been niggling your Eyewitness for the past five years. That the PNC-led coalition’s been so aggressive in pushing its authoritarian agenda, the Opposition has had to take recourse to the Courts time and again to protest the PNC playing fast and loose with the constitutional provisions governing our democracy. Meanwhile, the Guyanese public – including yours truly – has been forced to know more about constitutional law than they ever wanted to know!

For months we were enlightened on the word “or” as used in Art 161 (2) as to who could be appointed GECOM Chair: “… a judge or any other fit and proper person”. The President insisted that the “disjunctive” “or” actually meant that followed it didn’t mean anything different from what preceded. So we now have Art 161 (1) saying the fella had to be “a judge or a judge”!! Hence, Judge James Patterson.

Then we had another few months of edification on another part of Art 161 (2) which states (very clearly, your Eyewitness thought) that the individual would be “appointed by the President from a list of six persons, not unacceptable to the President” provided by the Opp Leader. And only if there were NO list provided, could the President appoint someone on his lonesome. Silly me!! According to the Courts, it seems the OL has to be clairvoyant and not submit a SINGLE name that’s unacceptable to the President!! Bucket to fetch water?

And we return to the doctrine of desuetude with some disquiet to consider how the Court may parse Art 155 (1): “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (a) is by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state…” was introduced with the brand new Constitution Burnham enacted in 1980. Since then there’s never been a SINGLE INVOCATION of it to disqualify an MP – even though there were HUNDREDS who fit the profile.

Doesn’t this STRONGLY suggest that Art 155 (1) has lapsed through deliberate non-use –desuetude?

Or will the Court support its opportunistic Lazarustic rise from the dead?

…right vs privilege

From what’s been floating around, there’s a lot of confusion about the RIGHT of Charandass to vote his conscience. A “right” is inherent in you and can’t be taken away by any other person or entity. It’s not a “privilege”, which is something that’s granted to you from a source outside of you and, therefore, can be taken away by that same source.

Not because Charandass is a member of a party he has to stifle his conscience and always vote the party line. That’s what all political parties DESIRE and even DEMAND…but they can’t compel their MPs’ vote. They may RECALL the MP for such behaviour –which the AFC did. But in Guyana the PNC and now the AFC see a conscience as a BETRAYAL, evidently for which there can be “condign” action taken.

The day after the vote, PNC Minister Simona “I is” Broomes, calling Charandass Persaud a “Judas” boomed out to her “fans” on Facebook:

“We allowed the gentleman to leave the parliament!” Imagine that…”allowed”!

…usurpation

What’s this noise about the Canadian Embassy providing safe passage for Charandass Persaud to Ogle Airport??

Didn’t Public Security Minister Ramjattan assure us his government ensured Persaud left the country safely – even to the point of “using the authority of the Commissioner of Police”?

Local designer extraordinaire, Marcie De Santos recently launched her latest hand painted collection. The pieces are stunning and available in store at The Fashion Atelier located at 159 Waterloo Street, Georgetown. Here are a few pieces from the collection. (Photos by

From a bang…

W…to a whimper in the courts

hen Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo filed the PPP’s no-confidence motion against the PNC-led coalition Government, there were hoots of derision from the Government benches. “Bring it on!!” screamed PM Nagamootoo shrilly – probably because of his neutering, everything he utters comes out falsetto!! “Bring it on!” screamed their Chief Whip Amna Ally, with a bit more elaboration: “Our 33-seat majority is firm as the rock of Roraima!!”

Well, she should know even Roraima was formed by slow erosion from the elements over the millennia. And it was the “never see, come fuh see” elements in Charrandas Persaud’s (CP) AFC who eroded his loyalty over the past three years. Elements like the same Nagamootoo, who threw the sugar workers living around Persaud in Berbice, under the bus. And never uttered a word of sympathy, much led protested. It was for their own good!

Well from the “bang” of bravado, the PNC coalition’s been reduced to the “whimper” of meekly filing a case in the courts, claiming CP’s vote was invalid because he holds “dual citizenship” in Canada as well as in Guyana!! This from a coalition who replaced CP with a 70+ year-old lady.

But your Eyewitness wants to know what happened to all the bravado belted out over the alternate-universe Maths evidently holding 33 isn’t greater than 32 in a collection of 65 MPs?? Were they beamed back to Earth by the overwhelming evidence from concrete parliamentary practice across the globe – including the Mother of Parliaments? Or theoretically, from various and sundry branches of Mathematics such as “sets” or the distinction between discrete variables and continuous variables? Forget also the “bribery” claim.

So here we have: the PNC’s brought out their newly-rewarded O R lawyer, Rex McKay – who’s gotta be, what, 90? – to tell them their only hope is to object to CP’s dual citizenship. Oh, how low has the bombastic fallen!! So, what do they say about all the legislation they passed since 2015 with this “invalid” vote?? That their hoped-for decision should apply only to the no-confidence vote?

Well, no matter how they slice it or dice it, that vote’s a done deal – as reiterated by the Speaker –and any change will be retrospective!! The very best they can hope for is a prospective declaration.

Meaning, they’ll just have to find 13 new candidates in three months!!

…to a volte face

Imagine, Moses Nagamootoo, who brought a no-confidence vote in 2014 against the 32-seat “minority” PPP Government, is now saying, “The Constitution should not allow for governments to be easily ousted”!! What’s changed since then?? Well, there was that G$2.2 million salary – bumped to ensure he pipped the Attorney General! And that specially modified G$60 million black Toyota Landcruiser. Then, best of all, those outriders who’re instructed to always have their sirens wailing at top decibel to announce a Very Important Person is passing!!

But back to Nagamootoo’s rationale for his outburst. He said if a Government had 33 seats, then an Opposition with 32 seats could “buy, induce or encourage someone by one form or the other to vote out the Government.” Is this what he had in mind back in 2014, when he floated his no-confidence vote? Did his PNC comrades remind him this is what Burnham had done back in 1967 to control the Government without the support of Peter D’Aguiar??

Mout’ open and story jump out!!

…to a whimper in corruption charges

After screaming for years that the PPP had “siphoned billions and billions” from the Treasury, the PNC-led Government’s been unable to have a single charge stick!!

Leading the Opposition Leader to issue his own “bring it on” challenge!!

By Ravi Dev

Everyone has recourse in the courts to seek justice, but it does appear to me that the PNC-led coalition is losing sight of the bigger picture in our fledgling democracy, as they flail around for a reason to have the noconfidence decision reversed. First they tried – and succeeded to a large extent – to tie the country into knots over the claim that in a finite set of 65 discrete variables (meaning things that couldn’t be individually divided – like people, in this instance) a subset of 33 of them (call them “yes”) was not larger than the remaining subset of 32

(call them “no”). Their “rationale” involved dividing the persons in halves, and then joining them back again to “round off” and get the result they wanted – that only 34 is greater than 33. Now to “solve” this conundrum of the Government’s making, grown men sought high and low for what was the smallest child (or the village moron) intuitively knew. But it was painfully obvious to most Guyanese – even some of the Government’s supporters – that the Government was really stretching to not resign and call elections in three months.

That this was a somersault from the position they took

Last limb

Satiricus was confused. Which, he admitted, wasn’t an unusual state of mind for him. All this jumping around from limb to limb by his old KFC party to stay alive – after they’d been voted out – was making his head spin. He knew what he had to do: get as fast as he could to the Back Street Bar, for his first drink after the New Year excesses.

“Ai Sato! Me t’ink like yuh get laas’ or somet’ing!” exclaimed Bungi, as he spied Satiricus approaching the table.

“E’ wife mussee gyam good!” said Cappo, pushing a beer towards their old friend. “Yuh see how ‘e gat ‘e laang face?”

“Hey Bannuh! Let de man siddown nuh!” said Georgie, while raising his bottle to Satiricus’. “Happy New Year Sato!”

“What’s so happy about this year up to now?” demanded Satiricus sourly, after taking a swig. “Them politicians raising my blood pressure!!”

“Like yuh worry ‘bout yuh ole fr’en Nagga Man an’ Rum Jhaat, or wha?” asked Bungi with a smile. “W’en yuh play out all yuh trump cyard, yuh gat fuh lose till game done!”

“Trump cyard? Yuh call dat ‘lil mo dan big’ schupidness, wan trump?” said Cappo. “Da bin a wan Jokah!”

“Well, de bribery card wasn’t a bad one,” opined Georgie. “Dem bannuhs just couldn’t get the smoking gun!”

“But this is serious business,” complained Satiricus. “This involves our whole Government falling!”

“Budday, da wha’ mek dem gat fuh try a t’ing! ANYt’ing!!” laughed Bungi. “W’en yuh own louse bite yuh, ‘e does bite really hat!

“Suh how ‘bout dis citizenship t’ing, Jargie?” said Cappo. “Yuh just come back fram ‘Merica. Nagga Man dem gat wan case?”

“Y’all know how ole people does say, “all smart fly does land pon cow backside”? asked Georgie. “Duh is wuh gon happen to Nagga Man dem!”

“Wha’ yuh mean bai?” said Cappo anxiously. “Na play ‘meriddle, merridle wid abee!”

“Well if deh get Charan Rass pon de citizenship thing,” said Georgie with a wide smile. “Half deh MP’s gon gat fuh resign!!”

“Now you got me more worried!” exclaimed Satiricus.

right after the vote –when they solicited and received kudos for allowing the “democratic rules” of our Constitution to work – is vitiating the spirit of the Constitution by attenuating its words, our highest law, into hot air. How will the youths of this country, who we are assured now constitute 60 per cent of our population, ever take these politicians seriously after witnessing their verbal gymnastics and contortions on TV? Sadly, they will probably extend their cynicism to the political system as a whole, on the assumption that it encourages behaviour shorn of guiding principles.

Some honour was restored to the political system, however, when the Speaker refused to entertain the Government’s request to revise his ruling that 33 was greater than 32. He bluntly told them that they – and their partisans – had “provided no compelling evidence” for him to do so. That the Speaker had been previously criticised on several occasions for “taking the Government’s side”, made his refusal even more important in buttressing the parliamentary principle that his role was to be as impartial as possible: a good Speaker is one who is criticised by both sides.

The Government did follow-up with their threat to go to the courts to have the no-confidence resolution reversed, but to everyone’s surprise they abandoned the “mathematical gambit” as their grounds for doing so. Instead, they claimed that since Charrandas Persaud held dual citizenship –and by implication had sworn allegiance to a foreign state, in his case Canada – his vote was invalid since Article 153 (1) disqualified him from being an MP.

As a matter of fact, Article 153 (1) actually does say just that – “No person shall be qualified for election as a member of the National Assembly who – (a) is by virtue of

his own act, under any acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state…”. But it exposed the Government’s desperation in jumping from limb to legal limb. This will deepen the cynicism of our young populace – and hopefully the Government’s less reflexive partisans –especially when it is known this clause was inserted all the way back to 1980 when Burnham promulgated his Constitution and was never applied to disqualify any of the dozens and dozens of MP’s who held dual citizenship since then. Even more “barefaced” was that the same Government which had just expelled Charrandas Persaud as an MP, replaced him with an old-line PNC member. Very dispiritingly, the PNC-led coalition is opening a Pandora’s Box for Guyana that goes beyond metastasising apathy in our political system. An eminent jurist informs us that presently, there are already 26 sitting MPs in our National Assembly. Are they all going to be expelled so that the Government is not accused of discriminatory behaviour or will use Article 155 (1) as a Sword of Damocles to dictate their consciences?

Ironically, Canada allows dual citizens from any country in the world to become MPs. This Government should take a page from their book to encourage more of our Diaspora –like Charrandas Persaud – to return “home”. Or do they feel that “dutyfree” cars compensate for being excluded in having an input in law making?

Paresh Rawal to play PM Narendra Modi in another biopic

Undeterred by reports of a parallel film on Narendra Modi, actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal says he is going ahead with a biopic on the prime minis ter’s life and believes it will be the most challenging role of his career.

Actor Vivek Oberoi recently announced a film on Modi that will be produced by his father Suresh Oberoi.

But that doesn’t seem to have derailed Rawal’s plan for his version of the Modi story that will see him in the role of the prime minister and will also be produced by him.

this country and not somewhere outside. And even after saying it, nothing happened, he is safe. Had it been Pakistan can you say that? I think everyone here can speak and express their opinion. I rather get confused when people say such

Rawal added that he does feel sad when anyone gets killed and is of the opinion that it is incorrect to politicise such untoward incidents.

His next release is Uri: The Surgical Strike, which releases this week.

Gully Boy director Zoya Akhtar: Ranveer Singh is extremely sensitive

The trailer of much-awaited film

It is the most challenging role of my career till date. I have a hunger for good roles. I want to be challenged and I am looking forward to this experience. We will start work this year itself,” Rawal, who is also producing the film, told PTI in an interview.

The actor said the film is very much in development but did face some hurdles at the script and financial levels.

“We are stuck at the script level and bit on the financial, production levels. I am producing it. We are going to do it, 100 per cent. I am playing Modi, the BJP MP from Ahmedabad East said.

Rawal said he has not seen Vivek’s much discussed look from the movie, which will be directed by Omung Kumar and is yet to go on floors.

“It (biopic) is all about getting closer to the real person. The basics are the same, white hair, beard and spectacles. (But) For me, it is about capturing his eyes, his anguish and the burning desire to take the country forward, his hatred for corrupt people. All this should reflect in the character, the actor said.

Asked about veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s comments about threats to freedom of speech in India, Rawal said everyone in the country can speak and express their opinion.

He said that while he is living in

Responding to the notion that it is a “propaganda film”, Rawal said, “If we have done something good then we should be proud of it and we are showcasing that in a film. How is it a propaganda film? Pakistan came, attacked, killed our soldiers and we have taken revenge and given them a befitting reply.

Rawal said he is furious when people raise doubts over the authenticity of surgical strikes, when Indian troops crossed into Pakistan on the intervening night of September 28-29, 2016, and smashed four launch pads that were under the guard of a Pakistani post located 700 metres from the LoC.

Some even said Pakistan did not verify it. They are not going to accept that this has happened. Army has taken such a big step so instead of praising their work, one doubts their efforts, Rawal said.

In “Uri”, Rawal’s role is said to be inspired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

Rawal, 68, says with films like Uri one has to stay true to how the incident unfolded in real life.

One can’t fictionalise things and can’t show it in a shallow way. They (army) accomplished success and one cannot play their efforts lightly. (Indian Express)

Boy was launched in Mumbai. The film stars Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt in the lead roles. At the event, Zoya Akhtar spoke about Ranveer, the inspiration behind Gully Boy and much more. Here are the excerpts:

On Ranveer Singh: Ranveer Singh is a method actor. If he has to rap all day, he can rap all day. Ranveer is the energizing bunny, but he is extremely sensitive and has a very high IQ. When you are shooting with him, he throws all his energy in the first take, and then he gets into the character.

On how Gully Boy began: I was editing Dil Dhadakne do. And my editor showed me a video of Naezy. He is a rap artiste. It was authentic desi rap, and the journey of Gully Boy started.

On trying to challenge stereotypes: When Rima and I started writing

the script, we figured that these guys are very authentic, positive, hopeful and optimistic. They are out to change the world for the better, and that from them is very contagious.

Inspiration behind Gully Boy: This is not a biopic of Divine and Naezy. It is a fictional story. It is inspired by Naezy and Divine. They have helped me a lot by showing me their life. I have made a story that has inspired me. I don’t know what inspired whom. Everybody takes what they need out of a film. I had met an eighty-yearold woman who told me that watching Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara inspired her and made her take the London trip that she always wanted to do. So, anything can inspire anyone.

Need of platform for artistes: International artistes are big because they are promoted. Our artistes are big. They have a great following. We need to give them a platform. (Indian Express)

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas are, reportedly, in the Caribbean.

It seems the couple is on an endless vacation mode. Priyanka and Nick, who tied the knot in Jodhpur’s Umaid Bhawan Place in December 2018, have been making the best of their time together, traveling the world.

Mstepped off a flight in the Caribbean on Tuesday morning, Priyanka gave a sneak peek by sharing photos on her Instagram story where she could be seen lying on the beach.

Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas have been sharing photos on their social media accounts. The latest photo of Nick was shared with the caption,

Nicole Kidman’s honesty towards her craft made things easy for Karyn Kusama while directing Destroyer, says the filmmaker.

The crime drama features the 51-year-old actor as an undercover LAPD officer who must take out members of a gang, years after her case was blown.

In an interview with IndieWire Filmmaker Toolkit, Kusama said her collabo ration with the Oscar winner was the “most intense”, an experience that she last witnessed while working with Michelle Rodriquez on sports drama Girlfight.

think we need to explore here,’ or, ‘I’m not quite sure what to do.’ That honesty actually makes my job so much easier because we can stop and say ‘Let’s talk, let’s figure out what are we saying about this character, who is she at this moment’ and we can have much more open-ended conversations about what are we doing here,” she added.

Kusama said the actor has always been clear as to what she can do and what she cannot.

Music, films and Lady Gaga shine at Golden Globes 2019

Portrayals of real-life musicians dominated the 2019 Golden Globes as Bohemian Rhapsody and Green Book won top honors, while the films’ stars also picked up awards for their acclaimed performances.

“I think the irony of comparing those two things is that part of Nicole’s gift is she never shows up like, ‘Oh I’ve got my bag of tricks, I’m just going to go into my bag of tricks, I’ve got this all figured out.’ She’s very open about not always finding her way through,” she said.

“She’s very open (and would) say, ‘I

“That’s how she framed it to me initially, that’s why in many respects she convinced me of how right she was, she was searching,” the director said.

Destroyer also features Toby Kebbell, Tatiana Maslany, Scoot McNairy, Bradley Whitford, and Sebastian Stan. The film had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in August last year. (Indian Express)

Venom sequel in the works

Sources told Variety, Sony Pictures has tapped Kelly Marcel, one of the screenwriters from the original film, to pen the sequel.

Tom Hardy will reprise his role as the eponymous symbiote.

As sequels go, the studio is looking to cash in on

also executive produce the follow-up. Marcel was also a producer on the first picture.

A director has not been decided yet. As per the sources, Sony might look for a new name as “Venom” director Reuben Fleischer will be busy shooting the sequel to its Michelle Williams

Bohemian Rhapsody, about the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, bested another movie surrounded by music, the favorite A Star is Born, to win best picture, drama and best actor in a drama for Rami Malek.

Green Book, which follows a tour between pianist Don Shirley and Tony Vallelonga, won best picture (musical or comedy) and best supporting actor for Mahershala Ali.

Though music is at the center of both Bohemian Rhapsody and A Star Is Born, the films competed in the drama categories instead of musical/comedy, submitted that way by its studios.

A Star Is Born walked into Sunday’s Globes as a favorite with five nominations, but only ended up winning one award, best original song for “Shallow,” co-written by Lady Gaga.

onstage, adding that her co-writers “lifted me up, they supported me.”

The award was presented by Taylor Swift and Idris Elba at the Beverly Hilton. It was Gaga’s second Globe win: In 2016, she won best actress in a miniseries or motion picture made for television for her role in FX’s American Horror Story: Hotel.

“Shallow,” performed by Gaga and Bradley Cooper, has earned four Grammy nominations, including song and record of the year. The track also reached platinum status and became a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song, shortlisted for best original song at the 2019 Academy Awards, beat out some heavy-hitters at the Globes, including Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “All the Stars” from Black Panther; Dolly Parton and Linda Perry’s “Girl in the Movies” from Dumplin; Annie Lennox’s “Requiem for a Private War” from A Private War; and Troye Sivan and Jonsi’s “Revelation” from Boy Erased.

Margot Robbie will bring Barbie to life in a live-ac tion film.

Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures announced on Tuesday that Robbie will star as the iconic doll in the franchise’s first-ever live-ac tion film.

The 28-yearold I, Tonya ac tress will also co-produce the film under her LuckyChap Entertainment banner.

The Barbie film is the first announced deal

unite with Hardy and Woody Harrelson will play Carnage in Sony declined to comment.

She and Cooper lost in their respective acting categories. Cooper also lost in the directing and producing categories. Gaga shared the win with Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt.

“As a woman in music it is really hard to be taken seriously as a musician and as a songwriter,” Gaga said

Justin Hurwitz picked up his third Golden Globe when he won best original score for First Man on Sunday. Hurwitz, an Oscar- and Grammywinner, beat out Alexandre Desplat (Isle of Dogs), Marc Shaiman (Mary Poppins Returns), Ludwig Goransson (Black Panther) and Marco Beltrami (A Quiet Place). (Indian Express)

Dave Bautista joins Denis Villeneuve’s Dune

Dave Bautista is set to star in Denis Villeneuve’s next directorial venture Dune.

The Guardians of the Galaxy star joins Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca

to come out of toymaker’s newlyestablished Mattel Films. The Barbie doll debuted at a New York toy fair in 1959.

Robbie said in a statement that she believes the film will have a “tremendously positive impact on children and audiences worldwide.” The Oscarnominated actress has also starred in Mary Queen of Scots and Suicide Squad.

The film’s title and release date have not been revealed. (Indian Express)

mother, Lady Jessica, who escapes with him into the desert and helps him become a saviour in their eyes.

Bautista will play Beast Rabban, the sadistic nephew of a baron who

Ferguson, Variety reported.

Set in the distant future, Dune follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet), whose family assumes control of the desert planet Arrakis.

After Paul and his family are betrayed, the story explores themes of politics, religion, and man’s relationship to nature, as Paul leads a rebellion to restore his family’s reign.

Ferguson will portray Atreides’

oversees Arrakis.

Eric Roth is penning the script. Legendary closed a deal with the Frank Herbert estate in 2016 for his iconic novel, granting the studio rights to not only films, but also TV projects on the sci-fi property.

The projects will be produced by Villeneuve, Mary Parent and Cale Boyter. (Indian Express)

Archery Guyana moves closer to Olympic qualification

For Wayne Gerald DeAbreu, his love of archery began when he was a mere child. The fascina-

there, DeAbreu did not take it seriously until his late thirties. Similarly to his childhood, he was given another gift,

tion was sparked when DeAbreu’s parents presented him with a small Indigenous bare bow and three arrows. Although his love for the sport was

but this time around, it was a traditional bow. Reminding him of his old love for archery, this gift provided the impetus for his renewed interest in

the sport and the rest is now history.

Now, the Guyanaborn archer who resides in Canada has made the bold move to join Archery Guyana. Having started his shooting in 2010, DeAbreu is currently ranked as number 17 in the Province of Ontario, Canada and number 21 in Canada.

His official stats are as follows: Ontario ranking (17) DeAbreu, Wayne – M, ON Ranking Total 3057.84 Total Points 2017; Canadian ranking (21) DeAbreu, Wayne –M, ON Ranking Total 3018.00 Total Points. As such, he is well on his way to qualifying for the 2020 Olympics, representing the Golden Arrow Head.

Evolution

Over time, DeAbreu became one of the top traditional shooters in Ontario; however, he longed for more. DeAbreu felt then that the traditional archery world was a great start, but it was time to evolve. As a result of this urge, he then upgraded to a Hoyt recurve bow (The Eclipse), which then put him in a new category of competition, the

Olympic Recurve shooting. This fuelled his desire to progress to greater heights, as he realised how natural instincts combined with technology made for greater consistency and accuracy.

The Guyanese archer invested heavily in the sport and even sought to remodel his house to facilitate indoor practice. With time and training, he progressed to be in the top three best in Ontario and in his final year with the bare bow, he set the Canadian bare bow record at 70 metres.

The following year, DeAbreu transferred to the Olympic recurve with a very aggressive goal of making it to the Olympics. His aggression and discipline in researching and retooling himself to becoming a great archer began to pay dividends, as he began to rise in the rankings in Ontario and Canada. This achievement is remarkable considering the fact that he entered the sport relatively late while all the programmes and resources were aimed and

Windies Women’s squad confirmed for camp ahead of Pakistan series

Cricket West Indies (CWI)

Selection Panel named a strong and experienced Windies Women’s squad for a twoweek training camp in Antigua.

They are preparing for the upcoming series against Pakistan and will start net sessions from Wednesday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.

The 20-member squad includes 14 of the 15 members of the team which reached the semi-finals in last year’s International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean. There is one newcomer, Rashada Williams, a 21-year-old opener from Jamaica.

Chairman of Selectors, Courtney Browne outlined the squad’s plans.

“After a decent and competitive run at the ICC T20 World Cup 2018, the Windies women will be expected to build on that momentum going into the One-Dayers and T20 series against Pakistan. The team needs to improve its showing in ODI cricket, especially, and we want to see marked improvement in this format,” said Browne. “The women have been involved in a number of strategic camps over the last year and we have seen improvements as reflected during the T20 World Cup, particularly in the fielding.

“Coming into the squad for the first time is young opening bat Rashada Williams, who impressed

the selectors with her solid technique and her ability against spin bowling. The panel believes with help from the coaching staff, she can develop into a very good player that can add solidity. We want to wish Stafanie Taylor and her team all the very best for this tour and throughout 2019.”

The full squad reads: Merissa Aguilleira, Reniece Boyce, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Shabika Gajnabi,

Hayley matthews

Sheneta Grimmond, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Natasha McLean, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Karishma Ramharack, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor, and Rashada Williams.

NOTE: Stafanie Taylor will not be attending the camp due to her participation in the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia. (CWI)

designed for younger archers.

Archery Guyana stands to benefit from DeAbreu’s tremendous experience as it moves forward in developing the local programme. As such, Archery Guyana is enthused at the prospect of Guyana qualifying for the 2020 Olympics which loom in the near future and stands behind DeAbreu as he seeks to fulfil not only his personal dream but Guyana’s.

Pujara's best overseas tally vaults him to No. 3 in Test rankings

cheteshwar Pujara (Getty Images)

Cheteshwar Pujara's tally of 521 runs in the four Tests in Australia, his best-ever returns on an overseas tour, has vaulted him to third spot in the ICC rankings for Test batsmen. His runs were crucial in India's historic 2-1 series win that extended their run at the top of the team standings, while Australia remained fifth despite losing a point.

Pujara struck his overseas best of 193 in the drawn fourth Test in Sydney, to follow centuries in Adelaide and Melbourne, and was named Player of the Series. Elsewhere, Rishabh Pant, who also brought up his best Test score of 159 not out in Sydney, was another big gainer, jumping 21 spots to vault into the top 20. No Indian wicketkeeper has been ranked higher in the batting rankings than Pant, who now sits at No. 17.

Pant's aggregate of 673 points are the highest-ever by an Indian wicketkeeper. MS Dhoni, who retired from

Tests in December 2014, held the previous highest rating points (662), and his highest ranking was No. 19. Pant was India's second-highest run scorer in the series with 350 runs. In addition, he also collected 20 dismissals.

In the first Test in Adelaide, Pant took 11 catches to equal the world record for most catches by a wicketkeeper in a Test. He eclipsed the all-time India record of 10 catches by Wriddhiman Saha, and drew level with England wicketkeeper Jack Russell and South Africa's AB de Villiers.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja gained one place to be listed fifth among bowlers, even as he surpassed West Indies captain Jason Holder to climb to second place among allrounders. Jadeja played only the final two Tests, picking seven wickets in addition to a counterattacking half-century in Sydney.

A few South Africa players also moved up the rankings table, having taken an unassailable lead in the three-match series, with victories in the first two Tests in Centurion and Cape Town. Opening batsman Aiden Markram moved back into the top 10 after scoring 78 in South Africa' eight-wicket win over Pakistan in the Cape Town Test. He slotted in at No. 10, while team-mate Temba Bavuma moved into the top 30 for the first time.

Among the bowlers, Vernon Philander has gained one position to reach third place while Duanne Olivier, who picked 16 wickets in two Tests, continued his surge to move up to 32nd place from 36th. (ESPNCricinfo)

Bravo back for Red Force as Test return looms

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC)

— Left-hander Darren Bravo has been included in a Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 13-man squad for the fourth-round Regional first-class match against Jamaica Scorpions, putting the exiled star one step closer to a Test return. The 29-year-old has not played domestic first class in nearly three years following an impasse with Cricket West Indies (CWI), which also left him sidelined from international cricket for two years. He only returned to the Caribbean side last October for the Twenty20 tour of India before also being included for the limited-overs series in Bangladesh a month later.

Bravo has not played a Test, however, since the series against Pakistan in late 2016, after he was sent home ahead of the Tri-Nations Series in Zimbabwe for an ill-advised Twitter rant aimed at CWI president Dave Cameron.

And even though CWI announced in July 2017 that Bravo was “available with immediate effect to play in all forms of crick et”, the Trinidadian continued to ply his trade in the myri ad of T20 leagues across the globe. With England arriving in the Caribbean this week for a full series of three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and three T20s, Bravo's presence in Red Force's squad is likely to

be a precursor to his selection in the Test squad.

Despite his absence, Bravo remains the region's most accomplished Test batsman with an average of 40 — the highest by any current player — along with eight hundreds.

Red Force will welcome his return, especially considering their wretched start to the season where they have lost both matches.

And with the batting under the microscope after being dismissed for 96 in their second innings on Monday as they crashed to a heavy 245-run defeat to Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Red Force head coach Kelvin Williams said Bravo would provide an immediate boost.

“I expect that he would come in and shoulder some of the batting with

“We need somebody like Darren. We hope that he could fit the bill because of the batting problems that we're having at

Test speedster Shannon Gabriel, who bowled with pace in his first match of the season against Hurricanes to finish with six wickets, has been left out, with Jamaican paceman Odean Smith

SQUAD — Denesh Ramdin (captain), Kyle Hope, Jeremy Solozano, Amir Jangoo, Jason Mohammed, Joshua Da Silva, Yannic Cariah, Imran Khan, Khary Pierre, Odean Smith, Daniel St Clair, Anderson Philip, Darren Bravo.

We should never have dropped so quickly in t20s - lasith malinga

Once the No. 1 T20 side in the world, Sri Lanka should "never have let things get so bad" that they are now forced to play in a qualifying tournament in order to gain entry to the T20 World Cup proper. So went the lament of Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka's World T20-winning captain, and a great of the format.

With Sri Lanka having slipped to ninth on the T20 rankings after losing 12 of their 16 mostrecent matches, the ICC announced ear -

defeating India in the final. They had also been the topranked T20 side between late 2012 and mid-2014, and had wielded one of the smartest attacks in the world, led by Malinga.

"It's really disappointing to need to qualify, because having won the World T20 in 2014, inside five years we've slipped lower than No. 8," Malinga said. "We have a chance to get into the World Cup by playing qualifiers, but we're not a country that should

he said. "We need to cultivate the skills necessary for T20. As captain, along with the team management, I've got a responsibility to try and help our players tune their existing skills to the T20 format. We need to know as a team which skills should be used in which match situations."

The bowlers, in particular, could be cleverer in pressure situations, Malinga said. Reputed to be a quick thinker in the shorter formats, this is an area in which Malinga felt he had

lier this month that they would not gain automatic entry into the "Super 12" round of next year's T20 World Cup. Instead, they will have to finish in the top two in a group of four in the opening round of the competition, in order to progress into the part of the tournament into which the eight top teams gain automatic entry.

This fate is quite a fall for a team that had a history of performing extremely well at T20 global tournaments between 2009 and 2014. Three times they made the final of the event, losing to Pakistan and West Indies in 2009 and 2012 respectively, before finally going on to lift the trophy in 2014,

ever have fallen that far. We're a country that's won two World Cups (including one in one-day cricket). We've gone wrong somewhere. But if the right people come into the right places, things can be put right quickly as well."

Now tasked with turning the fate of Sri Lanka's limited overs sides around, Malinga will captain in a T20 international for the first time since 2016, when Sri Lanka take the field against New Zealand in Auckland, on Friday. Malinga was hopeful the recent decline could be arrested.

"If you look at the players we have, we can build a good team, but we need to put effort into that,"

a role in helping improve.

"At some stages the bowlers are confused. We have so much variation in our attack, but bowlers have to understand how to set up an over. Every ball can't get a wicket. Bowlers have to set up a batsman and take that wicket. They have skill, but they're not comfortable using those skills while the over is going on, I feel. In the training sessions, they are really good. But in the match situations, they are lacking confidence. I want to help them learn how to improve that aspect of their game. They have a lot to learn."

(ESPNCricinfo)

Jaguars romp to 3rd consecutive win after outplaying Pride

B y B randon C orlette

Ahuge Raymon Reifer six over long on off the bowling of Jomel Warrican was the defining moment when Guyana Jaguars cruised to a six-wicket win over the regional giant, Barbados Pride.

Jaguars were tasked to chase 46, after they ended on 48-4, outplaying the Shamarh Brooks-led

wickets for 28 runs, in the second innings.

The Guyana Jaguars played as champions when they defeated the Test player-studded Barbados Pride team at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.

Resuming the final day, Guyana Jaguars Captain Leon Johnson enforced the follow-on after Pride were behind by 188 runs. Pride openers made their

Pride team. It was one of those instances when a visiting team entered the home team’s back yard and outplayed them in every aspect of the game.

Veteran left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul was again the best bowler in the second innings, grabbing 4-73 while Reifer picked up 3-53 to ensure the chase was successful when Pride lost six

way to the middle to bat out the day and attempt to save the match.

Kraigg Brathwaite was the first dismissed in the second over of the day, scoring only four runs.

The Barbados-born Reifer opened the bowling with the new ball for the Jaguars and the Windies opener, Brathwaite edged one behind and was caught by Anthony

Bramble.

was caught behind by the impressive Bramble, who continued to have a dream match.

Pride slumped to 97-4 in 27.3 overs, after Brooks wasted a start, scoring 26 from 62 balls, being Shepherd’s second victim when he was adjudged leg before.

Test duo Shane Dowrich and Roston Chase joined forces to frustrate the Jaguars bowlers with Dowrich looking in good touch. The dynamic duo scored 107 runs together giving the Barbadian supporters hope of saving the match. However, the wicket of Dowrich sparked a collapse with Pride losing their final six wickets cheaply.

In a short while, fortune switched in the Jaguars’ favour; Dowrich was removed for 65 off 86 balls hitting 12 timely fours. He became one of Permaul’s victims caught behind by his counterpart, Bramble.

Windies Captain Jason Holder came and went, facing 11 balls for one run as the Albion combination of Permaul and Bramble continued to prosper. Holder was out caught by Bramble off Permaul with the score on 212-6 in 61.5

overs. Five runs later, Ashley Nurse departed when Reifer bowled him all over the place, showing his value as an all-rounder. Kemar Roach followed soon after as Reifer continued to dominate his countrymen, trapping Roach in

The score 225 was the magicalother Pride wicket bit the dust in the form of well-set Roston Chase. -

tered his stumps. The Jaguars were one wicket away, closing in on the Pride line-up. Warrican was the final wicket to fall with the score on 232, after Pride accumulated a lead of 44, with the Jaguarsget of 45 to completeble victories. Permaul followed up his fourwicket haul in the first innings with another: 4-73 in 25tinued to stake a claim for Windies selection as he ended the matchets for 197 runs in 60 overs. Reifer grabbed 3-53 his 11

overs. Pestano ended with 1-37 in his 12 overs of express bowling.

Time was not of the essence for the Jaguars, but chasing 45 runs for victory was an easy task. However, Guyana ran into a Miguel Cummins-Roach roadblock that sent four batsmen back to the hut.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul continued to struggle against quality bowling when he was out for six runs with the score on 8-1 in 2.3 overs. Hemraj smoked one over the ropes, but the Test quick Roach shattered his stumps for nine.

The jaded Christopher Barnwell was out for six attempting to score quick runs, caught by Nurse off the bowling of Cummins. Sherfane Rutherford, who gained promotion, was out for a golden duck as Cummins had two-in-two. The Jaguars slipped and slid to 21-4 in pursuit of 45, but Reifer (15*) and Johnson (11*) ensured no further damage as the left-handed pair hit flourishing boundaries to seal a victory. Cummins and Roach had two wickets each in a losing effort.

Hero CPL hits 200 million viewers for 2018 tournament

The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has continued its fantastic growth during the 2018 season with combined broadcast and digital viewership of over 200 million for the first time in the tournament’s history. This represents the sixth successive season that the tournament has seen year-on-year growth in viewership numbers.

The largest audience share was in India where combined viewership on Star and Hotstar was at over 70 million. The next largest market was the Caribbean where there was a total viewership figure was just over 50 million for the tournament that took place between 8 August and 16 September 2018.

There was huge growth of viewing figures for the tournament in the United Kingdom and the USA. In the UK there was a more than 200% in-

crease in viewing numbers with the tournament broadcast on Sky Sports for the first time. In the USA viewing figures increased by more than 20% to reach almost 2 million.

There was also a further increase in the digital viewership for the tournament, with 44% of the total audience coming through various digital channels, which is testament to the innovative nature of the Hero CPL’s online offerings and a creative use of social media.

Damien O’Donohoe, the Chief Executive Officer of Hero CPL, said:

“To pass the 200 million viewership milestones, and to have a sixth successive year of increased viewership, shows where our tournament sits on the global stage. We continue to showcase the best that the Caribbean has to offer, and we can’t wait for 2019 to carry on this upwards trajectory.”

Packed and promising year ahead for Guyana’s hockey …Fernandes says major strides made in 2018

By Jemima Holmes

With the year just beginning, many would think that sporting associations/ federations would be unsure of what lies ahead for the upcoming months. However, the same assumption cannot be applied to the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) as the Board has already set its sights on what it would like to accomplish in 2019.

In reflecting on 2018, GHB President Phillip Fernandes noted that the fraternity was able to make great strides towards its goal of ultimately improving hockey from the junior level. Bearing in mind that its focus was set on players ranging from ages 12 to 19, the Board was able to host t its usual Smalta/iCool Under-14 schools competition and then got into the Solo Under-19 tournament soon after. According to Fernandes, these competitions have created great interest in clubs, which have responded by strengthening their junior programmes.

“As a result of this focus, we currently have more players in this age range than we ever had in the past and are, therefore, in good position to field stronger teams for junior international competition in the years to come,” the GHB President stated.

On the senior level, much emphasis in the early part of 2018 was placed on Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games preparations, an international tournament that bore bittersweet results for the hockey fraternity.

For the first time in Guyana’s his-

tory, both male and female Guyanese teams were able to qualify for the Games. In Barranquilla, Colombia, the women did not have a strong showing, finishing seventh of eight teams. On the other hand, the men had better luck, barely missing the podium positions as they finished fourth out of eight teams. With those finishes, Guyana failed to qualify for the Pan American Games in 2019, but according to the GHB head, the fraternity would now regroup and focus on the junior national teams and the qualification tournaments for the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Cup, which is a World Cup qualifier.

Assessing both the senior and junior levels as compared to the previous year, Fernandes had many positives to take away.

“I think the quality of our junior hockey has been improving and this has had a positive impact on the senior leagues also. The senior players face additional pressure of the better juniors who are now vying for spots on the senior teams. This makes for better club training programmes and heightened enthusiasm and desire to improve among our players,” he noted.

On the flip side, he stated, “Our first local division competitions were adversely affected by the preparation of our men and women for the CAC Games in July, but the Bounty Paper Towels developmental league saw the emergence of new talent. This resulted in a stronger Second-Division league than the previous year.”

Overall, the GHB Head sees juniors’ development as the “brightest

spark” for hockey, owing to the number of junior players increasing significantly to a point where there are now a few hundred in the sport.

“Apart from sheer numbers, our local clubs tested their junior sides overseas by competing in the Paragon Indoor Hockey Championships in Trinidad. Both the St Joseph High School boys and the GCC Bingo Spartans girls of Guyana won their respective Under-16 divisions. These were big achievements for Guyana, as Trinidad is the regional leaders in indoor hockey and, therefore, provide the toughest competition close by,” Fernandes stated.

Aside from junior development, the success of Guyana’s local teams in sweeping the recently-concluded Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Festival was the most rewarding aspects of the year.

“It showed that the quality of hockey in Guyana is improving. We are

hopeful that these efforts will begin to produce even better international results in the coming four-year cycle.”

Looking ahead

With 2019 in focus, the GHB is said to have ambitious programmes set out. Listing a number of the programmes that the Board has planned, Fernandes disclosed that the local league schedule is filled, beginning with the Bounty/ Antonio’s Grill One Day competition in January. This will feature players of all levels from 14 years and over.

The Smalta/iCool Under-14 schools competition will begin shortly after along with the men and women FirstDivision leagues, while the Under-20 and Second-Division competitions will

follow those before the programme shifts to indoor hockey for the latter part of the year.

On the international calendar, they have already begun junior preparations by sending an Under-21 boys’ selection to Trinidad to compete in dual indoor hockey competitions. The Supernova team ended in fourth position in their first completed tournament.

Meanwhile, the senior men and women indoor hockey selections will then visit Toronto, Canada in March for what is sure to be an action-packed tournament.

As the year winds down, the senior men’s and women’s teams are hoping to compete in the PAHF Challenge, but the host country and dates are yet to be set. As such, budgetary constraints could be the biggest hurdle.

The junior teams, in the meantime, may need to compete in a qualifier for the 2020 Junior Pan American Championships if more than 12 nations apply to participate.

“This could mean a heavy financial obligation for the Federation, but it would be a shame if, given the recent junior success, our junior teams lost the opportunity to compete in 2020 for lack of funds,” Fernandes explained.

On the topic of function and support from Government and the Private Sector, Fernandes stated, “We would always like for more funds to be allocated for teams representing Guyana to participate internationally in all sport disciplines. Our young people work hard and put in a tremendous effort and a lot of time preparing for competition and the distraction of having to raise their own funds and the uncertainty of whether the target will be met are factors that the athletes of many other nations do not have.” However, the GHB President is aware that these entities are often approached for sponsorship by various disciplines; as such, he explained that the onus was sometimes upon the fraternity to invent creative ways to achieve their goals.

“I feel that there are several companies trying to play their part in supporting our young athletes, but this alone is insufficient for success, as success requires frequent competition. We constantly examine our programmes and try to find creative ways to add value to sponsors of our competitions and teams,” he said.

With the schedule filled and players ready to compete at all levels, it is hard to fathom what new heights hockey in Guyana will rise to in 2019.