Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 7-27-2019

SATURDAY 27th July, 2019

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No.105711

Justice Claudette Singh New GECOM Chair …as President, Opposition Leader find consensus on List of Nominees …first woman to head elections body; to be sworn in on Monday

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Western diplomats hail new GECOM chair appointment …encourage continued collaboration toward free and fair elections

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'We’ve kept our promises'

…Min Jordan talks up gov’t achievements in raising salaries, lowering VAT 12 PAGE

Gov't launches hi-tech surveillance system …police ability to track criminals in city increases ten-fold

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President David Granger on January 11, 2017 presented to Justice Claudette Singh, her Commission of Appointment as Senior Counsel. Justice Singh was selected as the new GECOM Chairman on Friday. With some 40 years of experience, Justice Singh is one of the only three women to be appointed Senior Counsel in the history of independent Guyana (Delano Williams photo)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Western diplomats hail appointment of new GECOM chair

…encourage continued collaboration toward free and fair elections

Members of the Diplomatic Community during their engagement with President David Granger on Thursday

THE United States, United Kingdom and Canada have all hailed the appointment of Justice (rtd) Claudette Singh as the new chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, ending months of stalemate between the key political leaders.

In a terse message on its Facebook page, the US Embassy said, “We commend Guyana’s leadership for agreement on an Elections Commission Chairperson, in compliance with the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling.

We encourage continued collaboration toward free and fair elections.”

UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, in a statement said, “I welcome this extremely positive development. I look forward to meeting the new GECOM chair. All relevant actors are to be congratulated on this agreement.” For her part, Canada High Commissioner to Guyana, Lilian Chatterjee, on her Twitter account said: “Progress for the citizens of Guyana!”

Following the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rulings, the Western diplomatic community had called on all sides of the political divide to respect the ruling of the regional court. United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch; United Kingdom High Commissioner, Greg Quinn; Canada High Commissioner, Lilian Chattergee and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Jernej Videtic, noted in a joint statement, that “it is important that all sides respect the ruling,” adding that “we also encourage all to come to an agreement on the way forward.”

President David Granger, on Thursday, had met with members of the diplomatic community to personally explain Guyana’s current political, the legal actions taken by the government thus far and its intention to usher Guyana into fair, free and credible elections as early as possible.

At the meeting held at the Baridi Benab at State

House on Thursday, President Granger committed to upholding the Constitution; respecting the National Assembly and the courts; ensuring the rule-of-law; safeguarding human and civil rights and preserving democracy. He gave a detailed review of the legal processes which began with the challenging of the passage of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 and ended with the ruling of Guyana’s highest appellate court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

He also spoke to the issue of dual citizenship which also spurred out of the no-confidence motion. With documents to validate the information provided to the representatives, the President stated that at each interval, the government has acted in good faith and has complied with the rulings of the three courts involved.

Such intervals highlighted were: meeting the Leader of the Opposition in January 2019; meeting the Elections Commission in March 2019; accepting the resignation of four Cabinet ministers on April 25, 2019 who were dual citizens. Regarding the latter, President Granger said, “It was very painful, but we obeyed the court.” He also highlighted that he has since made three broadcasts to the nation on the government’s acceptance of the CCJ's ruling and Consequential Orders and has accepted the resignation of the former GECOM Chairman, Justice(ret’d) James Patterson.

The President has also met with the Leader of the Opposition on July 4 and 16 and established a joint government-opposition working group which has already met four times.

Meanwhile he has presented the government’s case to the Commonwealth Secretary General twice; to the CARICOM Chairman and to the diplomatic community earlier on Thursday. Still, amidst the acts of ‘good faith’ in keeping with the

CCJ’s urgings, he laid the observation that there has been “strong resistance by the opposition to the Elections Commission's work plan to correct the List of Electors by a process of its own choosing.”

He stated that free, fair and credible elections are essential to a democracy but can only be achieved if there is an independent and functional Elections Commission; an acceptable and credible Official List of Electors (OLE) and an efficient and competent secretariat to manage these elections.

“The credibility of elections is dependent in part on the integrity of the Official List of Electors. A corrupted or contaminated list can undermine the electoral process, encourage mischief and malpractice and result in elections being vitiated,” he stated.

SELECTION OF GECOM CHAIR On the issue of the selection of a GECOM chair, he reminded the diplomats that the CCJ had interpreted the provisions of the Constitution as ascribing a role for the President in identifying persons for consideration as Chair. “The President is not a passive bystander in the process,” he affirmed.

“He is an active participant in ‘hammering out’ the list of persons not unacceptable to him.”

Added to this, President Granger reminded that the CCJ did not issue a date, deadlines or timelines of the holding of new elections.

He stated: “It is for the Elections Commission to advise the President on its readiness to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

It would be reckless and irresponsible, on my part, to name a date for elections without the commission’s assurance and advice that it would be ready to conduct elections on such a date.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Justice Claudette Singh named GECOM Chair …as President, Opposition Leader find consensus on List of Nominees …first woman to head elections body; to be sworn in on Monday

By Navendra Seoraj RENOWNED legal luminary, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, SC, CCH was selected by President David Granger to be Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) following a breakthrough in negotiations, on Friday, between the President and the Opposition Leader.

The historic selection of Justice Singh, the first woman to be heading the electoral body, has brought to a close, weeks of deliberations between President Granger and Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on nominees for the post.

It also ended months of turmoil over the selection of chairman of the elections body following the resignation of Dr Steve Surujbally.

On Friday, the Opposition Leader officially submitted a list of six nominees not unacceptable to the President, and from that list, Justice Singh was selected in accordance with the Constitution and the June 18 landmark decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

In detailing the events that led to Justice Singh’s nomination, the Ministry of the Presidency explained that President Granger and the Opposition Leader, on Friday, met at the Ministry of the Presidency and continued a series of meetings aimed at ‘hammering out’ a list of nominees “not unacceptable” to the President. The Opposition Leader agreed to submit such a list.

It was not long after that the President received and reviewed the list of nominees in an effort to bring the selection process to a speedy and favourable conclusion. “This was aimed at ensuring that the Elections Commission could resume its normal functions with the aim of conducting General and Regional Elections in the shortest possible time,” the ministry explained.

The list submitted by the Opposition Leader comprised six distinguished Guyanese – Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh; Retired Judge B.S Roy; Attorney-at-Law Kashir Khan; Professor Lawrence Latchmansingh; Attorney-at-Law Ronald Burch-Smith; and Retired

Judge, William Ramlall.

Justice Roy, Attorney Khan; Professor Latchmansingh and Justice Ramlall were initially shortlisted during a hammering out mechanism between the two sides while Burch-Smith was shortlisted on Friday from a list of four that was submitted on July 17 by the Opposition. Justice Singh was added as the sixth nominee on Friday after the two leaders arrived at a consensus.

The President, according to the release swiftly made a selection from the list of nominees and approved Justice Singh. “Justice Singh satisfies the criteria for the appointment, and also satisfies the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for a consensual appointment supported by both the President and the Leader of the Opposition,” the ministry’s statement read.

Last June, the Chairmanship of

Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh

nominees for the position before a formal list is submitted, to allow

and Justice Singh, the other nominees were drawn from three lists of 18 names that were submitted by the Opposition Leader in 2017 but did not find favour with the President because, at the time, they were reportedly ‘lumped’ with persons deemed not to be “fit and proper” for the position.

Justice Singh’s nomination came one day after President Granger told members of the diplomatic corps, private sector, civil society, and religious community that the CCJ, in interpreting the Constitution, clearly outlined a role for the President in the identification of persons for the position. “The President is not a passive bystander in the process,” he affirmed while adding, ‘he is an active participant in ‘hammering out’ the list of persons not unacceptable to him.”

Hours after he met with the

President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo at a previous meeting

the Elections Commission became vacant after the CCJ ruled that the process that led to the October 2017 appointment of Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson was flawed and inconsistent with the Constitution of Guyana. CCJ, in handing down the landmark ruling, had said that the two leaders must consult on the

for consensus. President Granger, in keeping with the orders of the court, informed the Opposition Leader that he was free to resubmit names which he had previously submitted.

The President also had the option of proposing names as well.

With the exception of Attorney-at-Law Ronald Burch-Smith

President, and agreed to the list, the Opposition Leader told the press that Justice Singh’s nomination for the post is an extremely positive development for the country. He said both sides – Government and Opposition – demonstrated good faith in arriving at the decision. “We are happy with this development…

the names enjoy the confidence of both me and the President…the people would be happy that we have resolved the issue of a new chairperson for GECOM…there was no question of a unilateral appointment being done,” said Jagdeo to reporters during a press conference at his Church Street Office.

He said getting a chairperson was a critical starting point and now that the issue has been resolved, it is a positive development for the country.

“This brings us one stage closer to an elections date which must be announced with urgency,” said the Opposition Leader, adding that he hopes to meet with the President to discuss other issues of national interest.

Going forward, he reiterated that the appointment is a great development for Guyana because Justice Singh will be able to deliver fair elections. Initially, when approached a few weeks ago to be on the list of nominees, Justice Singh did not accede but, Jagdeo said he met with her on Friday and she agreed to have her name resubmitted on the final list. With some 40 years of experience, Justice Singh is one of the only three women to be appointed Senior Counsel in history of Independent Guyana.

She was called to the Bar in London in 1973 and admitted to the Bar in Guyana in 1976.

Justice Singh served as the Deputy Solicitor General and as a Puisne Judge and a Justice of Appeal. During her tenure at the Chamber of the Attorney General (AG), she spearheaded the Modernisation of the Justice Reform Project and is currently serving as the Guyana Police Force’s Legal Advisor. It is expected that she would be sworn in as Chairperson of the Elections Commission on Monday. Her appointment comes at a time when the country is preparing for early elections in light of a No-Confidence Motion brought against Government last December.

GB&GWU hands over proposal to RUSAL for hike in workers’ pay

A written proposal has been handed over to RUSAL for workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. (BCGI) to receive a wage and salary increase from $335GYD to $572GYD minimum and from $655GYD to $1040GYD maximum.

Such entries relate to the hourly rate.

The proposal was handed over on Friday by Guyana Bauxite and General Workers

Union (GB&GWU) which represents the workers. The union stated that it was not prepared to accept less than what had been proposed.

The company and union have been at odds for close to a decade, and the situation worsened recently when RUSAL fired a number of workers who had protested a meagre salary increase.

The Russian-owned bauxite company, which owns 90

per cent of the BCGI, has received much heat from its workers who are still pushing for improvements such as vacation benefits, education allowances for workers and their families and more.

On Friday, the two parties met at BCGI with the Union represented by its General-Secretary, Lincoln Lewis; First Vice President, Ivan Leacock; Vice President, Garfield Brutus; Secre-

tary, Leslie Junior; President, Ephraim Velloza and Advisor, Ramon Gaskin.

Meanwhile, BCGI was represented by RUSAL’s representative in Guyana, Vladimir Permyakov; BCGI’s Personnel Manager Mikhail Krupenin; Head of Administrative Unit, Savitri Basdeo and Interpreter, Artur Sayfullin.

According to the minutes coming out of the meeting,

the parties have agreed that the annual wage and salary increases made previously by the Company are to be taken into consideration in the process of bargaining as it relates to retroactivity.

Lewis views the negotiations as a closer step towards achieving parity in the bauxite industry in Guyana. The negotiation was preceded by a grueling struggle for respect for the recognition by the

employer of the union, even though the union was recognised by the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board since May 2007.

While the union has been able to conduct its activities in an uninhibited atmosphere, workers are still anxiously awaiting the outcome of a new Collective Labour Agreement which is to be realised from the on-going negotiation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Republic Financial Holdings records GTT cell site tower US$184.5M profit at third quarter collapses at Diamond REPUBLIC Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has recorded a profit attributable to shareholders of US$184.5 million for the nine-month period that ended June 30, 2019.

This represents an increase of US$35.8 million or 24.1% over the corresponding period of the last financial year, the bank said in a release on Friday. In announcing the results, the Group’s Chairman, Ronald F. Harford said, “As reported at the half year that

ended March 31, 2019, there were two significant one-off items, the net impact of which increased profits by US$13.9 million.

Excluding the impact of these items, the Group’s core profit was US$170.6 million, US$21.9 million or 14.7% more than the prior period.

Apart from RBL Barbados, there was a general improvement in profitability across the Group, with the RBL Trinidad and Tobago Group (US$9.8 million) and Cayman National

Ronald Harford, Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL)

Corporation (US$8.6 million) being the main contributors to the significant increase in core profitability. Approximately one-third of our core profits are generated from our overseas operations.

Total assets stood at US$12.8 billion at June 30, 2019, an increase of US$2.4

billion or 22.4% over that of June 2018. This was mainly due to the acquisition of Cayman National Corporation on March 13, 2019 which added US$1.7 billion to the Group’s asset base.

RFHL previously announced the commencement of the process to acquire Scotiabank’s banking operations in Guyana, St. Maarten and the Eastern Caribbean (Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines).

“We continued to engage the various regulators, whose approvals are required for the acquisition, through meetings and/or providing information. We expect this strong performance to continue for remainder of the fiscal year.”

Mr. Harford expressed his appreciation for the continued support of management, staff and customers of the Group.

THURSDAY July 27, 2019 13:30hrs ~ 15:00hrs

-mobile coverage downgraded in the area

The destroyed tower laid across the road

A Guyana Telephone, Telegraph Company (GTT) Cell Site Tower collapsed across the East Bank Demerara (EBD) carriage way near Diamond, early Friday morning.

A cell phone tower, also referred to as a cell site, is a tower or long vertical pole on which electronic communications equipment and antenna are mounted.

Cell towers typically include transmitters, receivers, control electronics and additional electronic power sources for backup. According to a press statement from GTT, the tower collapsed around 03:00 hrs during heavy downpours.

GTT said the damage was being assessed and

the situation was being further investigated. The cellular tower was re moved, clearing the way for traffic to flow freely.

There were no injuries.

Due to the collapse of the tower, GTT mobile coverage in the Diamond area was downgraded.

According to a representative from GTT, the DSL services have been restored, but technicians are still working to restore the mobile services. “I am unable to say exactly when that will be fully restored since investigations are still ongoing,” said a representative of GTT. The representative also said that investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause for the collapse of the tower.

Wednesday July 24, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Belize to lodge complaint on latest border dispute with Guatemala BELMOPAN, Belize, Jul 26, CMC – The Belize government says it “is lodging a strong protest” to the Guatemala government following an incident on the disputed Sarstoon River between the Belize Defence Force (BDF) and the Guatemalan Armed Forces (GAF).

The government said that on Tuesday the GAF “tried to impede access” to the Sarstoon by a civilian vessel, with the Ministry of National Security describing the latest incident as “very disappointing and demonstrates bad faith at a time when both countries have made significant progress in moving towards a permanent solution to the long-standing unfounded territorial claim”.

The two countries have agreed to go before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the lond long border dispute.

Guatemala recognized the independence of Belize at the beginning of the 1990s. But it never accepted the borders and continues to claim about 11,000 square km (4,250 square miles) of Belize, about half of its territory. In December 2008, both countries signed a deal that its inhabitants could vote to decide whether the territorial claim, which includes various islands,

Guatemalan armed forces demanding Belizeans to leave the Sarstoon River (BTV photo)

should be decided by the ICJ. According to the government statement, on Tuesday, the Belize Defence Force Forward Operating Base (FOB) reported that a Belizean vessel with seven civilians, including Wil Maheia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) and Martin Cus of the Sarstoon Temash Institute for Indigenous Management (SATIM) had requested an escort to proceed into the Sarstoon River.

It said the purpose of the trip was to conduct an investigation on information received that illegal activity was taking place in the area of Black Creek.

“The group was being escorted by the Belize Coast Guard in a BDF metal shark type patrol vessel when they were approached by two GAF metal shark vessels, which intercepted the civilians and asked them to turn around,” the Ministry of

National Security said.

“The BDF patrol commander informed the GAF that they would not turn around and that the civilians were being escorted by the BDF. The Belizean vessels proceeded along the river.

Some four kilometers short of its destination, the BDF patrol vessel developed mechanical issues and had to return to base,” the statement said, adding that “the Sarstoon FOB commander

reports that the Guatemalan patrol vessels refused to let the civilian vessels proceed unescorted and insisted that they were to return which they did”.

In the video of the incident shown on television here, one of the Guatemalan soldiers could be heard defending the decision to stop the Belizeans from travelling to their destination.

“Yes because it belongs to Guatemala. You are not

allowed to. So I ask for you to return. Bye-bye. Have a nice day,” he said.

The chief executive officer in the Ministry of National Security, Felix Enriquez, says Belmopan is “disappointed in what happened.

“We really thought that since both countries had moved forward as to how we go about settling the dispute.

They would have been a bit mature as to way they were handled our civilians traveling down there at the Sarstoon but that did not happen.

“So we have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to express in a strong way that we are disappointed in what happened, with a protest in a strong way,” said Enriquez.

“We have a standard operating procedure in how we treat what happens there. That will not change.

For a long time there were no incidents and we were thankful, but if it is that it comes to that then and of course we will use our channels to discuss with them and their new leaders at the military level to try to get to a calm, the calm that we like.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

President Granger’s timely actions PRESIDENT Granger has not been the beneficiary of what is known as the traditional honeymoon or grace period, usually accorded to any new ascendant to the highest office of any jurisdiction. It is doubtful whether he has ever had a genuine day off from his duties as Head of State; perhaps, save and except his medical visits to Cuba, which in themselves would have had their distinct mental challenges and stresses.

His challenges began from the very first day in office, with the fait accompli presented to his newly-installed administration, of a collapsed sugar industry that threatened an industrial crisis. Then there was the imminent threat of Venezuela’s claim to a substantial portion of Guyana’s territory; and of course, the EXXON discovery of oil, which although had been the brightest news because of its great expectations of new found wealth, was to begin an interesting period of all forms of opinions/views with the sudden emergence of local “experts” of all brands. The national environment was not helped either, by an opposition party, no doubt, chastened by electoral defeat, and which undisguisedly began its orchestrated attempts against the President Granger Administration.

But the President has not been distracted from the historic May 2015 election mandate given him by the electorate. He has refused to be deterred, given the soldier that he had been, after decades of distinguished military service, to the level of army commander in the nation’s armed forces. This has been complemented by an equally very stellar academic career which achievements stand as a monument to the combined qualities which he has brought to an understanding of national leadership, given to the nation at this time.

Only on Thursday, President Granger gave another clear and unambiguous example of responsible and prompt leadership when he addressed members of the Diplomatic Community; the Private Sector Commission and Civil Society, and the Religious Organisations, on the national situation as a result of the No-Confidence Motion (NCM), and all of the related subsequent incidents, particularly the Consequential Orders handed down by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final Court of Appeal.

That he has found it necessary to engage these bodies, have been due to unwarranted and unjustified attacks on his coalition government accusing it of disobeying the Constitution and the Rule-of-

Law, in relation to the CCJ’s rulings, and the need to highlight his administration’s position. Above all, there have been accusations of deliberately seeking to “buy time”, with regards the national and regional elections, that pivots around the issue of house-to-house registration, a just and legal demand by the government, for credible national elections.

Not only did the President dispel these spurious accusations, but he was also able to trace his ongoing participation since the passage of the motion to the recent Consequential Orders, and its aftermath, by the following actions undertaken by himself, and to those of his government whom he would have delegated authority of engaging the opposition for a resolution of matters that would finally clear the path for national elections.

He reminded about his meeting with the leader of the opposition, in January 2019; engaging the Elections Commission for the purpose of allocation for funding for national and regional elections, which was subsequently approved by the National Assembly; accepting the resignation of the GECOM Chairperson, as a result of the CCJ’s ruling that the former’s appointment had been “flawed”; accepting the resignation of four cabinet

members because of dual citizen status, which the court ruled, definably, prevented them from being members of the House.

And given President Granger’s known penchant for upholding the rule-oflaw, this was duly carried out with regards both the CCJ’s decision in June 10, and its Consequential Orders in July in the form of three broadcasts in which he reiterated his government’s acceptance of the decisions of the court in both instances. Of course, he would have emphasised the process now in train to have a Chairperson elected to GECOM, as well as the attendant uncooperative and bad faith position of leader of the opposition. His address to the gatherings, also included his and government’s firm position on the absolute necessity of house-to-house registration for credible national elections.

It is against this background that we find the Stabroek News editorial: “Temporising”, July 26, 2019 highly questionable, without foundation, and very mischievous, aimed at accusing the President of procrastination. It is very erroneous, to say the least.

To accuse the President of “inflicting unnecessary damage on the nation” is to be convenient as to the genesis of the NCM, and of

its dishonesty of creation by those who it now seeks to represent. It is an act of reporting that is sensationalist in nature, designed to play to a particular gallery.

Perhaps, this media house needs to be reminded that it was inconceivable for the lists with the kind of known PPP/C sympathisers that had been submitted to the President, by the opposition leader, to be approved. Therefore, given the unacceptability of the lists the President exercised his prerogative in his own “deliberate judgement’’, as he could not have continued to allow Jagdeo in creating an unnecessary tensed social environment. Further, for SN to suggest that there is no constitutional provision for “the President to have a say in the compilation of the lists….”, is to again, be misleading in its interpretation of the CCJ’S decision on this critical constitutional issue.

In fact, it was to avoid the “unilateralism” by the President, unavoidable in the first instance; and the resultant contention that would have caused the judges to interpret the constitution along the lines of ‘’consensualism’’ that authorises President Granger to be part of the selecting process, publicly endorsed by the leader of the opposition – but on which he had subsequently repudiated. Thus, we ask, what

was wrong with the President emphasising his “must” being a part of the names process, which gives weight to the process of consensus for a speedy resolution of this important constitutional question?

It is quite clear that President Granger not only understands his responsibility imperatives in terms of taking the initiative to conclude the various processes at work, so as to effect the constitutional requirement of elections being held in the shortest time possible; but also to ensure that whatever decisions are taken are done within the proper confines of the constitution; and that they are made known to the nation, and other interested parties.

It is his remit, in ensuring that the proper procedures are followed that culminated, on Friday, with the appointment of retired Justice Claudette Singh, as the new GECOM Chairperson.

It leaves many to wonder now, how the Stabroek News might be feeling that after such a crass editorial impugning the character of the President, the very approach to the issue he had espoused was followed in arriving at Justice Singh that even Leader of the Opposition was moved to say he was pleased with the appointment, which emerged out of a consensual process.

The tone of your letter is consistent with that of a slave owner Dear Mr. Gouveia,

I NOTE in the Guyana Times of Monday, July 22, 2019, a letter authored by you, in your capacity as Chairman of the Guyana Private Sector Commission (PSC), which was addressed to Mr. Keith Lowenfield, Commissioner of Registration and Chief Elections Officer of GECOM. It is not my intention to dignify your treatment of issues, which you sought to present as factual information in your letter, simply because it is riddled with inaccuracies. It is not a true narrative of events, and is deliberately designed to hold Lowenfield up to public ridicule. Additionally, your

letter, in its attempt at assassinating his character and impugning by inference what you believe are his intentions, places the lives of Lowenfield and other members of his family in serious jeopardy.

Further, what I found most disconcerting is the tone you adopted; a tone consistent with that of a white slave owner, who, in the presence of his overseers, is penalising a delinquent slave for failing to carry out the instructions of “massa”. When I read that part of your letter, I was filled with anger, and I imagined the treatment of my forefathers by yours as they were beaten; the sound of the whips and the voices of the slave owners as they counted the lashes, one, two, three…

The tone of your letter was reminiscent of that sordid period, and I felt that you longed for a return of that time. It appears as if you imagined yourself wielding the powers of your ancestors as you berated Lowenfield for daring to do what you believe he should not be doing. While you may not think so, ‘massa’ day has finished a long time, and nothing that you do will see a return to those days.

If truth be known, all that Lowenfield, who, over the years, has been known to be and is accepted as a highly-competent person, has been doing is carrying out the instructions of the full Commission, including PPP Commissioners, which took a unanimous decision to implement GECOM’s 2019 work

programme; that includes house-to-house registration as a necessary component. It is my understanding, as I am sure it is yours, he is also, in keeping with his obligations to ensure elections are held in the shortest possible time, carrying out those tasks which do not require the presence of the Chairman.

Let me, for the record, state that I am the person who seconded and also voted for the motion that was put before the commission to implement its 2019 work programme. I did so fearlessly. I offer no apology for doing so, and will do it again if required. As a person who has been part of the electoral process since the 1970s, I am aware TURN TO PAGE 7 of the dangers inher-

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Will American iconic track star, Alyson Felix get her fairytale ending towards Tokyo Dear Editor, IT would appear that global sponsor, Nike has dropped Alyson Felix as their brand ambassador, because she just competed unattached at the American trials. Her performance with the timings in the first round of the 400m made me put my head in both of my palms in total disappointment.

Anyone following sports

would know that when penning your signature to any contact on becoming a brand ambassador for any major global sponsor, there are certain policies and guidelines an athlete must adhere to, and failing to do so comes with serious consequences.

Apparently, one of the clauses in Nike’s contract is that women athletes will not be paid if they get impregnated, and the contract

is still standing. As we all know, Alyson got pregnant, and competed at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and got silver in the women's 400m finals, where she lost to Shaunae Miller Uibo, who, I believe, deliberately threw herself, towards the finish line, on the ground and won the gold.

Alyson went before the senate (I think), and disclosed the life-threatening condi-

tion she was faced with, and fought for women athletes to get paid by Nike, even when becoming pregnant. I strongly believe that Nike was angered, and I think they made some adjustments to their contract policy, so women will now get paid, should they become pregnant during competition.

I believe that any major international athlete getting dropped from their sponsor

will affect them mentally, and that the game will change from there onwards. In that respect, it will take a miracle for Alyson to make the podium at the upcoming Doha World Championships, and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Whatever the outcome, her name listed in my book of sports will always remain where it stands, in spite of all the adversities she faces.

Yes, I admit I am always biased, with Team USA ahead of Team Jamaica, and I know many who wish for Alyson not to have her swan ending, but at the end of the day, her accomplishments speak volumes.

Yours faithfully, Trevor Pemberton

How petty and low can we stoop Dear Editor, AS THE political rhetoric heats up in Guyana, please permit me space in your newspaper to respond to a statement made on Freedom Radio 91.1FM on July 23 2019, on a programme hosted by Mr. Ganga Persaud, where one of the callers stated, “The President

is acting ‘don’t-kay’ and when there is a problem, he leave[s] the country.”

It is very disappointing to know how some Guyanese are having a problem with the Head of State leaving the country for a scheduled medical check-up, since President Granger was diagnosed in October 2018 with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and he

was undergoing treatment in Cuba.

Therefore, as result of that, the president had to travel several times to Havana, Cuba to complete several rounds of chemotherapy for his ailment.

How petty can one get, and how low can one stoop!

I would like to refresh the caller’s memory, and to

remind Mr. Ganga, who did not have the decency to admonish the caller to be respectful, that President Granger is not the first president that has travelled out of Guyana to undergo medical treatment. For example, the late president, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who suffered a heart attack, sought medical treatment overseas, and former

president, now Opposition Leader, was airlifted to the United States to a Florida hospital, using a private luxury Learjet. Does anyone remember that?

Editor, as a young Guyanese, I am disturbed at how callous we can be about another human being’s health, more so that of the President of the Co-

operative Republic of Guyana. We should desist from making rash statements, and understand that we are all human beings, and deserve compassion when we are unwell.

Sincerely yours, Ceion Rollox

Shuman’s party joins fight against house-to-house registration Dear Editor,

THE Liberty and Justice Party Leader, Lenox Shuman on Thursday filed a fix-date application challenging the validity of the order to conduct house-tohHouse registration issued

by Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Justice (Ret’d) James Patterson.

“It is my contention that by virtue of the appointment of the GECOM Chairman having been found to be void, it effectively makes any

order made under his hands void, and we are going to the courts to challenge this act. I do believe, as the CEO has already stated in his interview with the media, that the Voters List can be sanitised by a simple claims and objections.

At any given time, there

are between 30 000 and 50 000 Indigenous Peoples working in various parts of Guyana in the mining and logging sectors. This exercise stands to deny the already marginalised population this RIGHT to exercise their franchise. There

is also a significant amount of our hard-working sisters and brothers from the coast who are engaged in the same sectors, and will stand to be denied this very democratic right,” Shuman said.

While a date has been set for the hearing of this

matter, it is our contention that the court has erred in their acceptance of matter for a date set outside of the timeline dictated by the Court procedures.

Regards, Liberty and Justice Party

The tone of your letter is consistent... ent in holding elections in Guyana with a flawed list. In spite of your attempts to say otherwise, the list is flawed, and massively so.

In my estimation, the one best way to guarantee acceptance of the results of the forthcoming elections is for them to be conducted with a list that enjoys the fullest confidence of all the actors.

I said that to representatives of the ABC countries and the

Carter Centre when they met with GECOM just prior to the Guyana Appeal Court handing down its decision on the NCM vote. I want to make it very clear at this juncture that I do not care which party wins the elections. What I am most concerned about is the fate of the country in a post-elections scenario, if the losers decide that mayhem must ensue as a result of their disaffection with the results. I

believe that could be avoided, and it is in that context, I believe, that GECOM’s role is to ensure that the conditions for credible elections are in place when they are held. I, therefore, support the actions of Lowenfield as he pursues house-to-house registration, with the objective of holding credible elections in Guyana.

Finally, two things: First, I believe it will help if the PSC adopts a pos-

ture that recognises the obligation of all the players on the field to ensure that the right thing is done for Guyana. At this time, you are signalling your obsession with ensuring that the Granger Administration falls, and is replaced by your preferred political party. People are not taking you seriously; they see you and others in the PSC as close confidants of Jag-

deo, with no interest other than the extent to which you can financially benefit from the PPP/C being in office. Go on the streets and ask the populace how they see you; they will confirm what I have said.

Second, I will have tremendous difficulty meeting with a representative team from the PSC to discuss National Elections and the current political climate in

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Guyana following the rude, disrespectful and abusive letter that you, as Chairman of that organisation penned to Keith Lowenfield of GECOM. Regards, Desmond Trotman Commissioner GECOM

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Lindeners urged to 'stir up' economic growth in the town - by developing their tourism, agriculture sectors

By Vanessa Braithwaite MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan challenged Lindeners to transform Linden’s economic landscape by capitalising on the endless opportunities available within the town.

Minister Jordan, at the time, was delivering the keynote address during the town’s inaugural Business Forum held on Thursday at the Watooka Guest House.

He said Linden could be placed on a trajectory of real economic growth, if the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development – the organiser of the forum – and other stakeholders exploit the town’s resources.

Minister Jordan said that in 2020 the Government will roll out a number of infrastructural projects to assist the town in transforming its economic landscape.

As he addressed the gathering of chamber executives, regional officials, local and foreign investors and Linden business owners amongst others, Minister Jordan identified the town’s Tourism product as having the greatest potential for growth.

“Your government recognises the importance of tourism in the development process, and has been putting the necessary infrastructure and policies in place to promote the development of the tourism sector in Guyana. Linden is strategically located and endowed with tourism products to provide services at the international standards,” the Finance Min-

ister said.

With the oil industry on the horizon, it is expected that there would be an influx of tourists in the town, and on that basis, the Minister urged the officials to take advantage of this niche market. For this to happen, they need to create linkages with other types of businesses such as the hospitality and technology industries, he posited.

Second on Minister Jordan’s list was the development of the Agriculture sector, which he said offers great potential for both raw and value added production.

“Our private sector partners, the diaspora and our young entrepreneurs must bring an invigorating blend of urgency and pragmatism, a ‘can do attitude’, and a willingness to roll up their sleeves to get things moving.

Your energy and enthusiasm, and your innovative approach can help to discover what others have overlooked, that is, the vast potential and promise of Linden and the wider region," he said.

To facilitate the growth of these two sectors, his government, Minister Jordan said, has put together a range of exciting investment projects for Linden, realising that to achieve this objective, there must be collaboration between the government and the business community.

These include the Linden-Lethem road project, construction of a new Mackenzie-Wismar Bridge which is expected to start in 2020, and the upgrading of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan delivering the keynote address during Linden’s Business Forum on Wednesday.

including the installation of lights, amongst other things.

On a wider note, the finance minister informed the audience on the strides made nationally, to ensure there was economic growth in Guyana, which has been recognised internationally.

Through a bold and dynamic approach towards economic reforms, Guyana has recorded positive growth over the last four years, with 4.1 per cent being the highest recorded. This growth was spread across most sectors. According to NASDAQ, the second-largest stock exchange in the world, Guyana has the fastest growing economy globally. “With a GDP size of $3.63 billion (2018 Rank: 160), a growth rate of 4.1 per

cent in 2018 and 4.6 per cent in 2019, Guyana’s economy is expected to grow by 33.5 per cent and 22.9 per cent in 2020 and 2021 respectively,” Jordan outlined.

This administration, he said, over the last 4 years, has been constantly reforming and adjusting it policies, rules and regulations to make the investment climate more favourable, predictable, facilitative and friendly. “In short, we want to establish a welcoming economic environment for all, not a select few,” Minister Jordan said.

Among the notable achievements are the comprehensive reform and simplification of the tax system to ensure a friendlier business environment, particularly the

implementation of several concessions. With all the strides made by the government, Minister Jordan said it is time to shut down naysayers who are peddling negativity to the public. “With this great outlook for our country, it is truly amazing that we have those in this country who continue to peddle misinformation about the state of our economy and of our future. For too long, we have allowed a small, but influential group, to paint a negative picture of our country. It is time we change that narrative and begin to champion that panoramic view that shows the immense potential of this country, in general, and Linden, in particular,” he said.

He further reminded the Linden Chamber of its critical role to not let these opportunities go to waste. “I expect that you will stimulate and galvanise economic development by creating and developing business opportunities and job creation,” he said. He also urged them to continue addressing economic and social issues that constrain greater progress and development in Linden.

Thursday was the last of the three-day forum which saw presentations from a wide cross section of experts, officials and stakeholders amongst others. Benefiting from the forum were scores of existing and potential entrepreneurs residing in Linden, who are now in a position to better expand or develop their businesses while staying connected with financial institutions,

agencies and business owners residing abroad.

The forum themed ‘New Horizons, New Opportunities in 2019,’ headlined the inaugural Linden Business Week 2019, which was coordinated by the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD) and will climax this weekend with the annual Exhibition and Trade Fair. The forum was intended to attract direct investment from foreign investors and government agencies into the town, by giving them an opportunity to scope its investment potential, while strengthening the efforts of local entrepreneurs, edifying potential entrepreneurs and involving stakeholders in the entire process of transforming Linden into an economic hub.

As the oil and gas industry gains momentum, the chamber aims to prepare the town to benefit from the plethora of investment opportunities that will come its way and are seeking avenues, such as the forum, to start the conversation on how each and every Lindener must get involved.

Financial lending institutions and business registration entities also presented on how Lindeners can access finance and get their businesses registered with all the necessary legal documentation. The exposition will give Linden businesses as well as other businesses across the country, the opportunity to showcase the services and products offered, especially those locally made.

GuySuCo allays fears of manufacturers on white sugar …says locals to have ready access from GuySuCo LOCAL manufacturers will have more ready access to white sugar from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), as locally-produced white sugar is expected to add more value to the sector.

GuySuCo made the announcement on Friday while noting the concerns of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) which are relative to production and supply of white sugar (Plantation White) by regional sugar

producers such as, GuySuCo and Belize Sugar Industries Limited (BSIL).

The GMSA’s rejection of a 40 per cent Common External Tariff (CET) on refined sugar reflects a “lack of depth of understanding” of the market requirements and classification of a range of sugars that are refined by annexing or standalone systems to sugar factories, GuySuCo said in a release.

Key findings of a study of the ‘Substitutability of Plantation White Sugar for

Refined White in Industrial Processes’, done by LMC International on behalf of the Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) in January, 2019, stated, “It is clear that a CET is required to sustain the sugar industry in the Caribbean. The current situation where the CET is applied to brown sugar only, has distorted the market, thus encouraging end-users to demand duty-free refined sugar even if it is not strictly required for their product” Members of the manufac-

turing association were assured that GuySuCo and other Caribbean sugar producers have been addressing opportunities for the requirements of the Region’s industries in response to the major market adjustments that have arisen since the European Union (EU) announced the repudiation of the Sugar Protocol, which from October, 2009, removed price guarantees which impacted adversely on the sugar industry and markets of African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States.

“As shifts continue in the global, regional and local markets, GuySuCo has to become more and more flexible and agile and place more emphasis on the demands of the domestic industry,” said the corporation.

The corporation believes that the white sugar it produces will have to satisfy the quality requirements of all of its customers. Grades of sugar are produced in response to market requirements. Substitutes in the food industry have universally dominated market thrust, with the not so recent corn sweeteners which have been treated as replacements for sugar. This has not

caused a reduction of quality of consumer food products.

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) 2017 ‘Latin America and Caribbean – Macroeconomic Report - Routes to Growth in the New Trade World’ stated that Latin America and the Caribbean have been hit by negative external shocks including declines in commodity prices and the rise in global interest rates.

“As negative external shocks reduce net income earned from abroad, countries …attempt to find new sources of foreign income, TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Oil revenues to help build Linden-Lethem highway den but initially starting to go the airport,” he explained.

Railway transport is said to have benefits such as easy transport of goods and trade; larger transport capacity; tourism attraction; employment and it is the least affected by weather conditions and traffic jams.

Guyana’s massive rivers will also be utilized, Jordan stated, as better boats will be brought on board to transport

–– Min. Jordan

get that stuff from the massive territory called Brazil.”

This is not the only trade avenue available, the Minister noted as he reminded that a Partial Scope Agreement on trade exists between the two countries which will help to foster business-to-business ties.

Added to this is the International Road Transport Agreement Public servants can look for the movement of passengers and goods forward to salary increases between Guyana and in 2019 and a bigger increase Brazil. in 2020. You will expect that Speaking to the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan Ogle to Diamond Road in any economy where we’re Project, the Finance having these bounties that we Minister said that “Public servants “be all and end all” of doing are made to believe that we with finances from oil can look forward to business in Guyana but the Guyana can propel the will get, that one of the first salary increases in importance of its implemeninitiative which sets 2019 and a bigger in- tation should take greater objectives for us to improve aside provisions for a crease in 2020. You precedence. the welfare of our people' railway system. will expect that in any “Many companies that are “The design is a economy where we’re coming here aren’t waiting very modern design; having these bounties for local content and other –– Min. Jordan it is designed to use that we are made to legislation. They are moving rails down the road if believe that we will ahead and if various pieces we so choose. So, we get, that one of the first of legislation represented don’t have to dig up back the objectives for us to improve the level of development, people and goods at a reduced road, dig up the cable and the welfare of our people,” Guyana would be a very deeverything else [as], in the cost. he said. veloped country because we Minister Jordan said that middle is designed to put in The Minister said that have virtually legislation for many have been wondering the rail whenever we’re ready therefore a service which is everything. [But] the proof of so you’ll be driving on both which are amongst the first “second to none” would be the pudding always is in the areas which will benefit from sides but in the middle, when expected as public servants eating; how we implement the we’re ready, we could put a Guyana’s oil wealth and one will, in due time, be paid the legislation,” the Minster said. of which, he noted on Frirail system from Georgetown sums they deserve.

He noted that even before maybe going right up to Lin- day, will be Guyanese public Providing an update on the important Legislation servants. the legal progress towards is brought to the fore, Guynecessary legislation such as anese should not wait idly local content, he said that the on this but utlitise existing Local Content Legislation is legislation to ensure that level almost finished. “It’s [almost] playing field for operation finished so I think that will be with foreigners and benefits available for public consump- for themselves exist. tion fairly shortly,” he said.

He also maintained and However, Jordan said that explained his preference for while legislation is important targeted cash transfers as it should not become the opposed to just a hand out '

EVEN amidst the current elections climate, none of government’s plans to pull Guyana up from a thirdworld country to a thriving economy with the help of oil have been sidelined, Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan said on Friday.

Tackling the topic of infrastructure, Jordan said that the plans for a road which connects Georgetown with Lethem will be propelled with resources from oil and will open new doors of trade for Guyanese businesses.

Furthermore, he stated that this connection will bridge the gap between South and North America making Guyana the hub of transit.

This will be coupled with investors which are already being attracted to doing business in Guyana.

“That is the last leg in this whole Pan-American highway that could stretch you right to Canada. I can tell you, if we can get that road going, some of our trade worries could end,” Jordan explained.

“We have virtually no trade with Brazil…with a road that goes there we can even sell Brazil sugar. This might sound like carrying sand to the beach but the towns that are bordering us there can buy from us cheaper than they can

of cash to Guyanese which can affect their work ethic.

“I haven’t been a proponent of this business of just doling out money, giving you while you stay home. I’ve not been averse to cash-transfers but targeted cash transfers where you pay for somebody’s education, you may help a youth get into entrepreneurship… you obviously have to help the indigent, the aged, the vulnerable, the disabled,” Jordan said.

“You never want to give the impression where you can just sit home and receive a check in the mail every month.”

Meanwhile, Jordan said that the Government has been doing its fair share and encourages Guyanese to prepare themselves to benefit from the spill off of the oil industry in the service, contracting, food and other sectors by getting certified.

“Jobs are going to be created but we have to prepare ourselves for those jobs and we have to anticipate what jobs are going to be there,” he said. “Our oil industry is not onshore, it’s offshore, so there aren’t many oil jobs but there are many oil-related jobs and they’ll be even more jobs when we can use the money from the oil industry to diversify the country.” This diversification is expected to take place primarily in the areas of agriculture, mining and the light and middle industry.

American freed from forgery charge AN American Citizen was, on Friday, July 26, 2019, freed from a forgery charge by Magistrate Rondel Weaver, due to insufficient evidence.

Michael Ross was before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for forging a will and claiming that it was issued to him by the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

The charge had read that Ross, on March 2, 2018, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, forged a declaration purporting to show that same was issued by the Public Trustee Office.

Ross had pleaded not guilty when the charge was first read to him and was released on $50,000 bail during trial.

On Friday, Magistrate Weaver ruled that the prosecution was unable to prove

its case due to insufficient evidence and dismissed the matter against Ross.

According to reports, on June 22, 2018, Jennifer McCalmont, reported to the police that a declaration in the matter of state of Robert Ross (deceased) had a discrepancy (a scratch) on the name Brenda Hunt Tudor initialled “MR” omitting her name from the said declaration.

She was further told that she may not be a part and was taken off of the said document.

Hence, the woman made a report to the police who launched an investigation into the matter, where it was discovered that Michael Ross allegedly forged the document.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

170 youths graduate from YEST programme

By Hugh Mclean

GRADUATES of the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training (YEST) Programme said they are now better equipped to serve their communities, in areas such as carpentry and masonry.

On Friday July 19, moments after they graduated from the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, Soesdyke/Linden Highway, several of the graduates said they were eager to return to their communities to utilize the skills acquired during the YEST Programme. They were trained in carpentry, data operations, electrical installation, furniture making, garment making, masonry, motor vehicle repairs, plumbing, refrigeration and air condition, and welding.

Other areas training offered at the institution include remedial Mathematics, English Language, Information Technology and Entrepreneurship.

Eighteen-year-old Sabrina Patterson, who hails from the county of Berbice, studied plumbing at the institution.

In an interview with Guyana Chronicle, Patterson expressed her views.

“It taught me a lot and I can now apply this knowledge to make a better life for myself,” said Patterson, who also noted that “there were some ups and downs with staff and trainees but it was all worth it.”

“It was sad for me because my mother died and didn’t get to see me graduate” Patterson shared, while elaborating on her family life.

Her next step is to attend the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and further her studies in plumbing.

Another participant, 17-years-old Michael Jordan, who is from Anna Catherina, Region #3, studied Motor Vehicle Repairs at the institution.

According to him, he joined the programme after being told of it by a friend. “I went on work study for two years and this is a good start in life,” Jordan explained.

Jordan’s next step is to further his studies on Motor Vehicle Repair. When asked

Michael Jordan

Ezra Hido

Sabrina Patterson

about his family, Jordan said, “I missed them for the first few weeks but then I got friends and they became like family to me, so I got over it.”

Eighteen-years-old Shawn Eastman, from Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, studied Furniture-making at the institution.

According to Eastman, he joined the institution because it leaves a “good impact” on

one’s life and when one is finished one is awarded a certificate and can also further one’s studies. “It was very good, I learned a lot; I met persons from different areas and it changed me and my ways towards life,” said Eastman, adding, “It was my first practical. Making the ornaments and participating in the different exercises were challenging, but

I eventually caught on”.

When asked about his family, he said that he was used to being away sometimes from his family, so he had experience and did not feel homesick.

Sixteen-years-old Ezra Hido, from Land of Canaan, on the East Bank Demerara, studied Masonry at the institution.

According to Hido, after dropping out of school, he saw

the institution as an opportunity for a second chance in his life.

“It changed my life a lot, because without a skill you can’t get a job” Hido stated.

Speaking about the time he spent at the institution, away from his family, he stated, “It wasn’t really bad because my family lives close by (Kuru Kuru).”

Now that he has completed these studies, he highlighted that he wants to go into the army next.

“In this ever-evolving world, it is important that you keep building your capacity, so as to remain sufficiently informed and relevant,” said Minister of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton, when he addressed the 19th batch of graduands.

PPP continues protest for elections meeting the Elections Commission in March 2019; accepting the resignation of four Cabinet ministers on April 25, 2019 who were dual citizens.

Regarding the latter, President Granger said, “It was very painful, but we obeyed the court.” He also

PPP protestors standing with placards in front of GECOM’s Church Street, Georgetown office.

OPPOSITION People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) supporters gathered with placards outside of the Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOM) Church Street, Georgetown office on Friday, demanding that government respects the Constitution and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) rulings.

Marching with his placards and chanting various slogans, spokesperson and Former Prime Minister, Sam Hinds, said it has been more than a month since the CCJ ruling and there has been no indication from GECOM or President David Granger regarding when fresh elections will be held.

He also called on PPP supporters to boycott house-tohouse registration, deeming it illegal, while noting it is in contravention of rulings and orders of the CCJ. Hinds noted that the court’s

rulings in essence called for the Cabinet to resign and that a date must be fixed for elections on or before September 18, 2019 while Parliament must be dissolved and that the government remains in office merely as a caretaker until those elections are held.

President David Granger, on Thursday, met with members of the diplomatic corps; executives of the private sector and civil society and leaders within the religious community to personally explain Guyana’s current political, the legal actions taken by the government thus far and its intention to usher Guyana into fair, free and credible elections as early as possible.

The representatives met separately in their numbers at the Baridi Benab at State House. There, the President committed to upholding the Constitution; respecting the Na-

tional Assembly and the courts; ensuring the rule-of-law; safeguarding human and civil rights and preserving democracy.

He gave a detailed review of the legal processes which began with the challenging of the passage of the no-confidence motion in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018 and ended with the ruling of Guyana’s highest appellate court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

He also spoke to the case of the issue of dual citizenship which also spurred out of the no-confidence motion. With documents to prove the same provided to the representatives, the President stated that at each interval the government has acted in good faith and has complied with the rulings of the three courts involved.

Such intervals highlighted were: meeting the Leader of the Opposition in January 2019;

highlighted that he has since made three broadcasts to the nation on the government’s acceptance of the CCJ’s ruling and Consequential Orders and has accepted the resignation of the former GECOM Chairman, Justice(ret’d) James Patterson.

The President has also met with the Leader of the Opposition on July 4 and 16 and established a joint government-opposition working group which has already met four times.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

‘We’ve kept our promises’ …Min. Jordan talks up gov’t achievements in raising salaries, lowering VAT

MINISTER of Finance, Winston Jordan, has stated that most of the promises made to citizens by the coalition government have been fulfilled, resulting in an improved way of life.

He joined Vice Chairman of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, at the party’s press conference on Friday, where the two spoke to the positive changes made over just a few years.

First talking on the economy, Minster Jordan said that the coalition promised that from the “suffering with starvation wages under the PPP [People’s Progressive Party]”, it would increase the wages of public servants.

He said that in just three years, the minimum wage was increased by nearly 52 per cent from $39,570 in 2015 to $64,000 in 2018

when, in comparison, it took the PPP eight years to achieve a similar percentage from 2006 to 2015.

Meanwhile, he noted increases to old age pension from a “paltry sum” of $13,125 under the PPP to over $20,000 today. Added to this, as promised, there was a reduction of the Berbice Bridge toll in 2016 from $2200 to $1900 for passenger cars and buses along with a 10 percent reduction for all other classes of vehicles.

Jordan reported that this helps to save the average citizen money while it drives down the cost of goods for consumers. Also impacted over the years were the creation of some 15,000 jobs by the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-INVEST) programme and a reduction of the PPP-imposed VAT from 16 per cent to 14 per cent.

COMMUNITIES IMPACTED Touching on the non-financial ways in which Guyanese have benefitted, the Finance Minister pointed out that the Police Force is better trained and equipped to fight crime; piracy is now “a thing of the past” and decency and cleanliness have been restored to the capital city.

Other areas he noted were the promised establishment of Passport Offices in Berbice, Linden and Essequibo; the implementation of solar and other renewable forms of energy; increased access to reliable potable water for the first time for many residents; the establishment of the four new capital towns decentralising public service to residents and the almost completed $1.2 Billion East Bank Berbice road project.

“As a Coalition we made several promises to the peo-

Seated from left are: Chairman of the Guyana Youth and Student Movement (GYSM) youth arm, Ryan Belgrave; Vice-Chairman of the People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

ple of Guyana and we have kept those promises,” Jordan said.

“Whilst the PPP is keen to talk down Guyana and plays its dishonest tricks to try and get their way back into power, my party and the coalition have been getting on with moving Guyana forward.”

For his part Dr Norton stated that Guyana’s economy is now more resilient under the leadership of President David Granger while unity is bringing Guyanese people together. The Social Cohesion Minister said that the coalition remains consistent in its crack down on serious crime, its transfor-

mation of the education and healthcare systems and its infrastructural works.

He stated that communities across Guyana which previously experienced flooding are now better off due to systematic drainage and irrigation works while roads once impassable have been paved.

With these words he addressed all Guyanese: “In 2015, the Guyanese people rejected the PPP after 23 year of rule, during which time they left Guyana to crumble. Since that time the PPP have engaged in a strategy of dishonesty, non-cooperation and outright sabotage of the

APNU+AFC government.

The reason for this course of action by the PPP, led by its dishonest Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali is simple: the PPP is trapped in the politics of the past.

The PPP still believes in ‘one-party’ government, even though over four decades of that style of governance shows that it is the wrong model for Guyana.

They are desperate to grab power back by whatever means they can, and we need to be on guard to ensure that the constitution of Guyana is upheld and that we have fair and credible elections.”

CARIFORUM embarks on critical human trafficking study EFFORTS to address the issue of Human Trafficking in the CARIFORUM Region are being bolstered with a new study on human trafficking that is expected to provide a greater understanding of the problem within and across its borders.

Canadian firm, Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company, Canada Limited, has been engaged by CARIFORUM to conduct the comprehensive study, a release from the CARICOM Secretariat has said. The countries involved include Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.

The study began on July 19, 2019 and will inform the methods that will be used to design interventions which are evidence-based and con-

sistent with best practices in anti-trafficking including, but not limited to prevention, protection and prosecution.

It is hoped that the research will also provide useful information on, types, patterns

and routes of trafficking; profiles of trafficked persons, and vulnerability factors for trafficking; border and law enforcement issues and information about the traffickers; and anti-trafficking efforts currently being undertaken. It will also examine anti-trafficking efforts of international organisations and civil society within the Region.

The research team is expected to meet with critical stakeholders including representatives of Ministries of national security, legal and attorney generals, the police, prisons and other public sector agencies. Individuals from vulnerable communities, victims and proprietors will also form part of the study. The private sector TURN TO PAGE 13 ►

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

PNCR to Guyanese

'Do not support registration boycott calls' …says credibility of polls depends on clean list THE People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) is calling on all political parties and civil groups to respect Guyana Elections Commission’s (GECOMs) independence and its right to conduct the national registration exercise even as it noted that the calls by the Opposition to boycott same are illegal and should not be supported.

PNC/R Vice Chairman and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, at the Party’s press conference on Friday, underscored the party’s support for the national exercise. “The People’s National Congress/Reform iterates its support for house-to-house registration currently being conducted by the Guyana Elections Commission. Unlike the PPP [People’s Progressive Party], we are convinced that the credibility of the upcoming elections is dependent on the integrity of the Official List of Electors. Unlike the PPP, the PNCR recognizes and is respectful of the independence of GECOM; it is insulated by our Constitution from political influence, instruction and interference,” Norton stated.

Meanwhile, also present was Party Executive and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, who reminded that the government’s position on house-to-house registration remains unchanged. With the previous Official List of Electors (OLE) having expired on April 30, 2019, he said that the national exercise is the only means through which a credible List can be produced which reflects the representation of all Guyanese.

At the forum Jordan spoke to Guyana’s election woes in the early 1990s

whereby, on separate occasions, elections were due, Parliament was dissolved but the List was not found to be credible. As a result, a state of emergency ensued and the National Assembly had to reconvene to make provisions for an extension. “Even after two years of extension of the Government to get the List correct, what happened after the elections were called in October 1992 is

PNC/R Vice-Chairman and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton

in the annals of our history; the rioting, the strife, the chaos that took place.

When you turned up at one poll station you see your name outside, when you go in to the poll station, they have a different List, your name is not there; you live in Georgetown, your name is in Corentyne.

That is what happened and subsequent elections, as you know, have had a bad and checkered history in this country. The least we can do, going into elections, is have a List that all the Parties –especially the

main Parties--- believe in and have confidence in,” Jordan stated.

LAW-ABIDING GOVERNMENT Just recently Attorney Christopher Ram moved to the High Court seeking a Conservatory Order to prevent the holding of the exercise. This was denied by acting Chief Justice Roxanne George-Wiltshire but the substantive matter challenging the legality of the process will continue. Jordan said that should the exercise be deemed illegal, the Government will obey the High Court’s ruling -- much like all other orders —but will also exercise its right to challenge same at a higher Court.

“We are a law-abiding government; all the Parties within the coalition are law-abiding. If the Court issues a Conservatory Order or whatever orders we are on record –our President is on record up to yesterday – of saying that he will obey any and all instructions of the Court,” he stated, adding: “Having said that, you must appreciate if one court rules there’s another court and then there’s a final court. When the final court rules there is no other court and so we have to respect the rulings of each court as we go along bearing in mind that either Party to this case can take the next step until they reach the final court.”

Meanwhile, the Opposition continues to rally its staunch supporters to protest against the national exercise --- which will also equip them with the new Identification (ID) Cards--- by refusing to register when GECOM enumerators pass by. There have even been reports of attempts by PPP supporters

CARIFORUM embarks on ...

FROM PAGE

and civil society organisations will also be participating in this important regional initiative. The cooperation of all stakeholders is anticipated.

The team, which comprises 10 consultants will be led by Dr. Ninna Nyberg Sørensen from the Danish Institute of International Studies, Dr. Victoria Knox from the Department of Force Migration and Refugees Studies, University of London and Dr. Justine C. Pierre, Migration and

Labour Market Consultant, Dunn, Pierre, Barnett and Company. Other consultants include Dr. Ezra Mathias and Ms. Veronica Canac. Project consultants will engage with stakeholders and social actors in each CARIFORUM Member State and contact points from line ministries in the Member States as well as representatives from regional and international institutions.

According to the latest United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Report (2018), Human

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Trafficking is on the rise in the CARIFORUM Region.

Therefore, this study is being conducted at a critical time. Human trafficking is defined as the subjection of men, women and children to compelled service for the purposes of exploitation.

The CARIFORUM study is being conducted with funding from the Caribbean Regional Indicative Programme under the 10th European Development Fund (10th EDF).

Party Executive and Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan

to intimidate the registration workers.

It has been reported that the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, intends to engage the Commissioner of Police to urge him not to arrest persons who refuse to take part in the ongoing activity. However, the National Registration Act, states that persons who fail to be registered can be fined or even imprisoned.

Even while none such fines or arrests have been made, when questioned on the same Jordan reminded the public that the Government cannot instruct the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to abandon the law. “If the Law says you must register; if the Court, so far, has refused to entertain any question of stopping the registration, then we have

to assume the registration, as of now, is legal and law says if you don’t register then you can be charged.

So, there’s no question about engaging the police to not execute the laws of the land; absolutely no question otherwise, where does it stop?” he questioned. The house-to-house registration exercise received its funding in 2018; was given the go-ahead in February by way of vote at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and a time frame for the commencement and conclusion of such was approved and gazetted by the former GECOM Chairman on June 11, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Caucus of Indigenous Peoples commences at NTC secretariat A TWO-DAY caucus for Indigenous Peoples, commenced on Friday at the National Toshao Council (NTC) Secretariat, Hadfield Street, Georgetown where the expansion and development of the Indigenous communities are being addressed.

The event was supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Chair of NTC, Toshao

Nicholas Fredricks said, as Indigenous People in Guyana, the NTC has a role to play especially in advocating for the proper development of the Indigenous communities and persons.

“That idea caused us to bring all the Indigenous representatives in Guyana under one roof, so we can have meaningful discussions and to come up with ways and ideas of how do we move our Indig-

enous advocacy and presence forward,” the NTC Chair said.

He said the NTC is proud to host the two-day event at the secretariat, where a plan will be formulated for the Indigenous caucus plan, taking into consideration all the different works occurring countrywide.

The NTC Chair said he is hoping that the occasion is not a ‘one-off’ event but, highlighted that ways and means

IDB representative, Sophie Makonnen, addressing the caucus of Indigenous Peoples at the NTC secretariat, Hadfield Street Georgetown

for funding and processes on how plans are implemented and achieved are discussed.

According to IDB representative Sophie Makonnen, the workshop will identify various issues in the Indigenous community along with other stakeholders and the caucus will highlight the way forward. “ I am pleased, and I

have been in Guyana a long time, and one of the benefits of being here is seeing the evolution of these activities and something like a caucus and its development is important… the indication of the success of the caucus is that it will exist without the IDB,” the IDB representative noted.

FROM PAGE

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GuySuCo allays fears ... or rebalance their spending towards domestic production to maintain the same level of consumption,” the report stated.

The report further stated that import substitution exchange rate depreciation may also open up opportunities for local industry to substitute for foreign suppliers.

In that regard, GuySuCo decided to pursue the production of white sugar (Plantation White). It is also premised on the fact that as one of the largest businesses in Guyana, it is essential for the corporation to include into its reorganisation programme, factors to mitigate external shocks.

One of the concerns of the GMSA is the perceived potential loss of foreign exchange. From GuySuCo’s perspective, the ability of local manufacturers, as well as the country to save much needed foreign exchange, will be greatly enhanced since the local demand of 20,000 tonnes of white sugar can be supplied by GuySuCo. The other 30,000 tonnes, of GuySuCo’s planned annual white sugar production of 50,000 tonnes, will be supplied to the regional market which will also save foreign exchange regionally.

In addition to the production of white sugar by GuySuCo as a value-added product, another benefit for the local manufacturers is reliability of the supply of white sugar.

As a part of its medium to long term planning, GuySuCo is maximising on Guyana’s geographic positioning, to develop its business to

provide reliable brown and white sugar and molasses, even during periods of high risk in the Caribbean; as was seen in 2017, after the hurricane season, which saw local manufacturers being impacted negatively.

Plantation white sugar is an acceptable consumer quality sugar, and, like refined sugar, because of its high purity and microbiological stability, is one of the safest products on the market.

In fact, most of the white sugar that is deemed “refined sugar” imported extra-regionally from Guatemala and Columbia, and used by local and regional manufacturers, is actually Plantation White.

It is very important for manufacturers to note that neither sulphitation nor bleaching will be involved in the process of producing white sugar by GuySuCo. Rather, GuySuCo would employ a re-melting process of sugar produced, that involves successive boiling and re-crystallisation with plantation white Sugar boiled from the highest purity of available ‘A’ re-melts.

Another key point, is that bottlers’ standards (Coca-Cola and PepsiCola for example) are different but not elusive, and GuySuCo will work with soft drink producers on the requirements of including in its processing, a decolourisation plant and corresponding equipment to meet those requirements. There is already a precedent from a successful collaboration with the Belize Sugar Industry Limited and the Coca Cola franchise in that country.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

GCAA awards outstanding NGSA pupils ELEVEN pupils, whose parents are employees of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), received monetary awards for their successful performances at both the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and general end-of-year assessment at the agency’s third annual bursary award ceremony on Thursday.

The first-time bursary awardees were Malika Henry, Shamyra Sulaman, Anthony Thom Jnr., Malachi Sancho, Bhunita Mahase, Keiara Moore, Sabra Woolford and Neil Williams.

Attending the small ceremony at the GCAA’s head office were the authority’s Director-General, Lt. Col. (ret’d), Egbert Field A.A., along with other directors, staff and parents of the awardees.

The director-general encouraged the awardees to continue striving for excellence and lauded them for their exemplary perfor-

GCAA Director-General, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field A.A with the awardees

mances at the various examinations.

“You have just overcome one of the challenges in life and you have the ability to overcome the other challenges ahead,” Field said.

He also expressed gratitude to the parents for working with their children and encouraged that they continue to provide moral and emotional support to them.

Meanwhile, in delivering the charge to the awardees, GCAA Director of Corporate Development, Chaitrani Heeralall, encouraged the students to always put their best into whatever they do.

GCAA’s Bursary programme started in 2017 as part of its corporate social responsibility and provides monetary award to the children of Staff who performed well at the NGSA. The awardees will continue to receive financial support from the authority for the remainder of their secondary school tenure.

Allicock and Heywood remanded MAGISTRATE Leron Daly on Friday July 26, 2019, remanded a twenty-year-old man to prison for assault.

Keevin Allicock of 32 James Street Albouystown, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that, on April 17, 2019, in Georgetown, he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Joseph Barker, after the two had a misunderstanding.

Magistrate Daly denied bail and remanded Allicock to prison until August 2, 2019.

In another matter, Magistrate Leron Daly, denied bail to a man who was accused of robbery.

Odingo Heywood appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and denied the charge which stated that, on May 29, 2019, at Princess Street, Charlestown, he stole 2 Samsung Galaxy phone worth $96,000 and $10,000 in cash from Julius Hope.

Magistrate Daly denied bail and remanded Heywood to prison until August 23, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

Gov’t launches hi-tech …as Smart City surveillance cameras activated …police ability to track criminals, vehicles in city increases ten-fold

By Rabindra Rooplall IN enhancing security in the City, 104 mounted poles with four cameras each attached will now record activities that will be mon-

itored through a command center in a new building in the compound of the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Liliendaal East Coast Demerara.

Heads of the security forc-

es were given access, during a tour of the intelligence surveillance cameras command center, on Friday. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, said that the surveillance system falls

under the National Broadband project which cost some US$36M which was sourced through the Government of China and China EXIM Bank.

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

(From Left seated) Ambassador Cui Jianchun, Ministers Cathy H that offers tracking, visual and audio feedback that will be used

China's Ambassador to Guyana Cui Jian the surveillance camera system to heads o

Some of the surveillance cameras bei

expressed his excitement at the possibilities the new system and pilot project offers. “This is exactly what Guyana needs, and I want to thank the Minister of Telecommunications for making it happen early and of course the Chinese Government and its counterpart Huawei”, the Public Security Minister said.

He said that the pilot project which is launched in Georgetown first will ultimately be launched countrywide. “This is

just going to be one of the best developments for our country in relation to matters of security and to see the capacities and capabilities being built in, to ensure that we can literally track vehicles, track suspects to the extent of knowing where they are, at what time they would have been there. This technology will enhance the capacities of the police to do their work,” Minister Ramjattan said.

He said a new building will be constructed to house the

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

h surveillance system believe people will be happy because we are back on the right track,” the China’s envoy said.

He said that the intelligence security camera system and the command center were, together, a great step for the heads of security in the country.

Ambassador Jianchun said that the Chinese government will continue to be supportive in building a sustainable and cooperative security system in Guyana.

He said that the new security system will alleviate some

Hughes and Khemraj Ramjattan being showed a hand held device by police officers during their patrols. (Delano Williams Photo)

nchun explaining the security benefits of of the joint service. (Delano Williams Photo)

ing accessed in the command center.

official command centers and with a combination of personnel and technology that will be launched eventually.

China's Ambassador to Guyana, Cui Jianchun, said the project is excellent for the progress of Guyana and the center is a reality because of Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Minister Cathy Hughes.

He said when he first arrived in Guyana in 2017 security was something that needed rapid development.

“Guyana has everything but we need security, so this is the reason I spent every effort, I talked with the Chief of Staff, the Commissioner of Police, Minister of Public Security, Minister of Telecommunication and I think that in the 21st century, we cannot only count on people, we have to count on technology and equipment.

We have technology, now the majority of the people will be happy, but the criminals will not be, in the long run I do

of the fear people may have in society and the technology will only get better to ensure the success of the project.

Deputy General Manager of the NDMA operations and Project Manager for the Guyana National Broadband, Francis Simmons, in explaining the smart city project said it will enhance public security.

He explained that the Smart City solutions can sense, process and deliver informed decisions that will improve the environment for its inhabitants.

The solutions, he said, use the latest Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) using real-time situation reporting and analysis that combine cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Chairman of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Floyd Levi has proposed to the Public Security Minister to name the facility the National Emergency Response Center. Levi said that the cameras will eventually be placed at key border locations

and live camera feeds will also be accessed.

Also in attendance were: Commissioner of Police Leslie James, Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West; Acting Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels; National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA) Director, Major General (ret'd), Michael Atherly; Chairman of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Floyd Levi amongst other senior military officials and special invitees.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 27, 2019

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday July 27, 2019

500 house lots to be developed in Amelia's Ward, Linden -some 60 housing schemes being developed across Guyana a major role of stymieing the surveying process. He said that every day, officers are discovering lands that are being squatted on in the same area that is to be transferred. Some houses are on critical lands where

A resident voicing his concerns at the meeting

THE Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) is in the process of handing over 100 acres of land in North Amelia's Ward to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), which will see approximately 500 house lots being allocated to applicants, as soon as it is completed. This was revealed at a community meeting on Thursday evening, where newly appointed Minister within the Ministry of Communities with Responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson and Chief Executive Officer of CHPA, Lelon Saul, were present.

This good news was met with a loud applause by the scores of residents who attended.The current burning issue in Linden is that there are no house lots available for allocation, despite there being thousands of active applications in the system.

Since late 2017, there has been no allocation of house lots. In updating the residents on the progress that has been made and to address pending issues, Saul assured the residents that the two entities are working overtime to get the lands transferred so that allocations can commence forthwith, as soon as the lands are developed. Priority will be given to persons with older applications.

Residents, especially youths, took the opportunity to air their frustration on the long hold up and countless visits to the CHPA Linden Branch, in the hope that they will be allocated lands. "Next year we will be doing a lot of work in your community and we are asking you to allow us to come back next year and you can make that possible, so we are asking you to do that," Saul said. In addition to the transfer of lands, Saul related that one of the other challenges faced by Lindeners is the issuance of land titles for lands already allocated.

He related that in one section of Amelia's Ward, several titles had to be cancelled and recused because of issues relative to duplicity in the issuance of land. He said that works are ongoing to correct the issue so that persons awaiting their land titles can be re-issued them earliest.

Minister Ferguson said that while she is a new kid on the block she recognizes the challenges and plight of the common man for land ownership. "[At] the Department of Housing, we are working hard to ensure that we find the lands so that we can provide the house lots or houses to our people, that is our mandate at CHPA, to ensure that our people, more so the working class of people, are provided with a reasonable home or having a roof

Minister Annette Ferguson addressing the community meeting in Amelia's Ward, Linden

over their head," she said.

For this to be made possible, Ferguson said that CHPA has to depend on other agencies, such as GLSC and NICIL, that are custodians over state lands and this is what is currently being done. In addition, she said that when the lands are transferred, they need to be adequately developed to allow for accessibility and access to basic amenities.

To develop one house lot, she related, it costs the government $3.5 M. Currently, CHPA is developing some 60 housing schemes across Guyana.

Community needs to play a role Meanwhile, a GLSC Officer, working on the transfer project, appealed to the residents and the wider Linden community to stop squatting on the lands, since this is playing

Twenty-year-old remanded for assault On Friday July 26, 2019, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, a twentyyear-old man was remanded to prison for assault.

Nevin Evansley, appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that, on July 16, 2019, at James Street Albouystown, he unlawfully assaulted a woman.

Police prosecutor Richard Hariss objected to bail and told the court that, on the day in question, the virtual complainant (VC) was on her way to buy food at a restaurant, when she was attacked

by Evansley who ‘threw her some cuffs’.

Hariss also told the court that just when the VC thought she had managed to get away from him, he was seen hiding

behind a truck.

Evansley followed her home and started ‘cursing up’. The matter was reported to the police and Evansley was arrested and later charged.

Magistrate Leron Daly agreed with the prosecutor and did not grant bail.

Evansley was remanded to prison until July 29, 2019.

roads and other infrastructure have to go. All relevant agencies need to play a role, he said, since these squatters are having access to water and electricity.

Ferguson, while expressing that she understands the

frustration, reminded the residents that squatting is illegal. She also reminded residents that corruption will not be tolerated under her watch and urge all officers to be transparent and accountable.

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South Africa Racing Tips Greyville 08:30 hrs Gabor 09:15 hrs Liberty Hall 10:20 hrs Double Mint 11:00 hrs Kasimir 11:45 hrs Buffalo Bill Cody 12:25 hrs Myabi Gold 13:05 hrs Social Order 13:40 hrs Kateecador Irish Racing Tips Gowan Park 08:25 hrs Travel Wise 08:55 hrs Silk Caravat 09:30 hrs Suiamhneach 10:05 hrs Lady Rosebud 10:35 hrs Invitation 11:10 hrs Maricruz 11:45 hrs Long Arm English Racing Tips Ascot 08:50 hrs Summer Romance 09:25 hrs Motakhayyel 10:00 hrs Ripp Orf 10:40 hrs Enable 11:15 hrs Subjectivist 11:50 hrs Big Storm Coming 12:20 hrs Lariat York 09:05 hrs Tommy Taylor 09:40 hrs Enycrypted 10:15 hrs Regal Reality 10:45 hrs Abstemious 11:20 hrs Makawee 11:55 hrs Audarya 12:25 hrs Ramesses Newmarket 09:15 hrs Ursa Minor 09:50 hrs Great Order 10:25 hrs Fabulist 11:00 hrs Swindler 11:35 hrs Infrastructure 12:10 hrs Shamshon 12:40 hrs Seductive Moment Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine Race 1 Trickeration Race 2 West L. A. Girl Race 3 Rising Star Race 4 Ready and Willing Race 5 Blessed Truly Race 6 All Quality Race 7 King and His Court Race 8 Owlette Race 9 Admirals Cove American Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Teachable Moment Race 2 Rapido Gatta Race 3 Frisky Magician Race 4 Shoplifted Race 5 Emaraaty Race 6 Flashpackinbarbie Race 7 Economic Policy Race 8 Fortune’s Fool Race 9 Mitole

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 27, 2019

USA smash records at World Championships (REUTERS) - AMERICAN swimmers smashed records and grabbed gold at the world championships yesterday, with sprint king Caeleb Dressel taking down Michael Phelps’ 100 metres butterfly world record and teenager Regan Smith lowering the women’s 200m backstroke mark.

Russia’s Anton Chupkov got in on the act, setting a world record of 2:06.12 in the final of the men’s 200m breaststroke.

Dressel, who in 2017 tied Phelps record of seven world titles at a single championships, knocked 0.32 seconds off his former teammate’s butterfly mark set at the world championships in Rome 10 years ago.

“Records are meant to be broken. I hope he was happy watching me do that,” Dressel, who swam the semi-final in 49.50, said of the Olympic great.

“I don’t want to hype myself up in any way, shape or form; it can be a scary

thought to do something that’s never been done before. I woke up today and I wanted to do it.

“I thought I was ready to do it.”

The 22-year-old has already won three gold medals in Gwangju and is on course to repeat his haul of seven world titles - a feat that not even Phelps managed.

Even if someone somehow beats Dressel to gold in the 100 butterfly final, he is happy in the knowledge that he once had his name in the record books.

“Just to have that one little moment where I claimed I was the best at one point in the history of swimming is very special.”

Dressel also paid tribute to 17-year-old teammate Smith, who swam 2:03.35 to beat compatriot Missy Franklin’s mark of 2:04.06 set at the 2012 London Olympics.

“That was phenomenal,” he added. “That was one of the top three toughest world records on the women’s side

and she just crushed it.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever do that,” said Smith. “It’s crazy but I am very happy with what I was able to do.”

into the final with the joint slowest time, putting her in unfavoured lane one for the blue riband race.

Yet, while Sweden’s Sarah

Caeleb Dressel of the United States competes in the Men’s 100m butterfly semifinal on day six of the Gwangju 2019 FINA World Championships at Nambu International Aquatics Centre yesterday, in Gwangju, South Korea (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Simone Manuel, defending champion in the women’s 100 freestyle, had squeaked

Sjostrom and Australian Cate Campbell battled tooth and nail from the middle lanes, the

American stormed home under the radar to grab the gold in a personal best 52.04.

“I did feel a lot of pressure coming into the meet,” she said. “I think a lot of it was on myself wanting to repeat, but I’m really happy with a best time and the win.”

Manuel had swum the anchor leg for the Americans in the mixed 4x100 medley relay on Wednesday when she gave up a sizeable lead to Cate Campbell as Australia pipped the United States to gold by 0.02 seconds.

That did not sit well with Manuel.

“This week has been a bit of a roller-coaster for me, not all of my swims have been what I would have liked them to be and I did take that relay really hard,” she added.

“I just needed to regroup and put on a good face ... I’m a veteran on the team so I have to be able to show a little bit of poise in these hard moments.”

Silver medallist Campbell, who took a year off from

swimming after she struggled with the disappointment of failing to medal at the Rio Olympics, said even if she had been swimming next to Manuel she would not have beaten her.

But with the 2020 Olympics just a year away, not going in as world champion may have its advantages, she said.

“I think it will be great for me going into Tokyo without a huge target on my back,” she added. “I think I’ve well and truly shifted the focus away from that now so it’s great to be back and great to be mixing it with the best in the world.”

American freestyle great Katie Ledecky, who surrendered her 400 title to Australia’s Ariarne Titmus on Sunday and pulled out of the 200m heats and 1500m final for medical reasons, was back in the pool for the 800 yesterday and qualified for the final in second place behind compatriot Leah Smith.

Ledecky did not take reporters’ questions afterwards.

Bernal set to take Tour de France

(REUTERS) - EGAN Bernal looked set to become the first Colombian rider to win the Tour de France after claiming the lead and the Team Ineos leadership - in dramatic conditions in a 19th stage that was cut short by a hailstorm and a landslide yesterday.

The Team Ineos rider attacked some five kilometres from the top of the Col de l’Iseran to drop a small pack of overall contenders and his lead increased as he crushed the pedals in a unique demonstration of climbing power.

France’s Julian Alaphilippe cracked as defending champion Geraint Thomas, Bernal’s teammate, sat in a reduced group that tried to bridge the gap with the 22-year-old Bernal, the third Colombian to wear the coveted yellow jersey after Victor Hugo Pena and Fernando Gaviria.

Down in the upcoming valley, however, massive hailstorm flooded the road that was completely blocked by a resulting landslide and organisers decided to stop the race and take the timings at top of the Iseran.

Bernal had already made the difference, having crested the Iseran, culminating at 2,770 metres, in first position with Alaphilippe more than two minutes behind after starting the day 1:30 ahead.

The Colombian also collected an eight-second bonus to end the day 48 seconds ahead of the world number one in the general classification with only today’s 10th stage able to change the rankings.

“Fortune favours the brave at the end of the day.

As we said this morning we were going to take it on,”

said Team Ineos manager Dave Brailsford, who led Team Sky – the British outfit’s previous sponsor – to six of the last seven Tour de France titles.

“We’ve maybe not been the strongest that we’ve been all race but today was the day. We thought if there was anywhere that we could make the difference it was on the Iseran.”

The result confirmed the British team’s stranglehold on the Tour even if they appeared less dominant this year in the absence of four-time champion Chris Froome.

“We executed a plan, with G going first, Egan went over the top,” said Brailsford.

“Who knows what would have happened after that. It was nice to get to the top of the Iseran in that situation which is what we were hoping for.”

STRONGEST RIDER Bernal’s move also confirmed that he was the strongest Ineos rider as he now holds a 1:16 advantage on Thomas, whom he has dominated in all four high mountain stages on this year’s Tour.

“Egan is in yellow so the main thing is he finishes the job. I haven’t seen any GC but for sure he’ll have a decent advantage so we fully support him now,” said Thomas.

Both riders had shared the team’s leadership so far.

Bernal made clear he was the leader, too.

“Doing this (Thomas attacking) would be crazy.

I would respect his decision but I think the team will need to be careful and an attack from him would not make sense,” he said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 27, 2019

Bravo, Russell out of ODI Squad, Paul in (CMC) – LEFT-HANDER Darren Bravo has been sent packing for the oneday series against India starting next month, with injury-plagued all-rounder Andre Russell also overlooked in a 14-man squad announced yesterday by West Indies selectors.

Both players featured in the Windies’ failed ICC World Cup campaign in England where they had little impact in their limited appearances, as the Caribbean side finished ninth, only ahead of last-placed Afghanistan.

From that World Cup squad, speedster Shannon Gabriel and off-spinner Ashley Nurse have also been dropped, along with batsman Sunil Ambris who

was called up as an injury replacement for Russell.

Meanwhile, veteran opener Chris Gayle has been included in the 14-man squad after making an about turn on his retirement, with the trio of opener John Campbell, all-rounder Roston Chase and seamer Keemo Paul called up for the three-match series which bowls off in Georgetown.

Interim head coach Floyd Reifer said the composition of the squad reflected the start of the rebuilding effort with the next World Cup in mind.

“We have to start planning now for the World Cup in 2023 and we are looking for a solid squad that we can work with over the next four years,” said Reifer, who was

appointed back in April.

“We want to build them into a consistent winning team in this format, so that they have a real chance of success in four years’ time.

“We had a number of young players in the last World Cup squad. We played some decent cricket. We were in match-winning positions, but we just didn’t win the key moments or finish off the games.

“The players have learnt a lot from the World Cup, and we are looking to improve their skills, their mindsets and playing together as a team. The more they can play together, the better it will be for them.”

Bravo is one of the major omissions, especially since it comes less than a year

Malinga’s swansong helps Sri Lanka trump Bangladesh

(REUTERS) - FAST bowler Lasith Malinga said goodbye to one-day cricket in style as his devastating opening spell helped Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 91 runs yesterday.

Malinga, known for his blond-tinted hair and distinctive slingshot action, received a guard of honour from his teammates at the start of the second innings at a packed R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman scored combative fifties but Pradeep and off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva picked wickets at regular intervals to wrest back the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour.

In his final over, Malinga dismissed tail-ender Mustafizur Rahman with a slower ball as Sri Lanka bowled out Bangla-

You have to be yourself.”

Malinga finished with 338 wickets from 226 ODIs for Sri Lanka, the third highest for the island country behind Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas.

The paceman quit Test cricket in 2010 and had previously said he would retire from international cricket following next year’s World Twenty20 in Australia.

Lasith Malinga receives a guard of honour as he walks out for the last time in ODI cricket (AFP)

The 35-year-old did not disappoint his fans as he produced an in-swinging yorker to remove Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal with just his fifth ball of the innings.

Nuwan Pradeep trapped Mohammad Mithun leg-before before another trademark yorker from Malinga ripped through the defence of Soumya Sarka, leaving Bangladesh’s middle order exposed at 30-3 while chasing a mammoth target of 315.

desh for 223 and took 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

“I think it’s the correct time to retire,” said Malinga, who finished as the pick of the bowlers with 3-38.

“I’ve played last 15 years for Sri Lanka. I feel it’s the right time to move (on) because we have to look forward to 2023 (World Cup).

“The captain expected me to take a wicket throughout my career ... I tried my best that’s why I succeeded.

While the pace has dropped over the years, the former captain was still Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler at the recent World Cup in England with 13 wickets from seven outings. He is third in the list of most successful bowlers in the history of the World Cup with 56 scalps.

He has also taken three ODI hat-tricks and is the only player to have achieved the milestone twice during a World Cup.

following his return to international cricket from a twoyear hiatus, owing to a nasty public squabble with former Cricket West Indies (CWI) president Dave Cameron.

However, in 16 One-Day Internationals since, he has managed only 244 runs at an average of 22 with a single half-century. He played just three matches in the World Cup and batted only twice, scoring 0 and 19 in those outings.

Overall, he averages 30 from 110 ODIs. Russell, recently named in the T20 International squad subject to a fitness test, had a similarly frustrating World Cup campaign, scoring 36 runs from three innings and claiming five wickets.

He limped out of the tournament with a chronic knee injury which dogged him throughout and hampered performances.

Campbell and Chase,

meanwhile, have been handed opportunities to press their claim for permanent spots in the side.

The left-handed Campbell averages nearly 50 from six ODIs, fuelled largely by a sparkling 179 in his only innings in the Tri-Nations Series in Ireland back in May while Chase averages 21 from 16 ODIs with a single half-century.

Paul, a promising 21-year-old, played the last of his 11 ODIs in December before being sidelined with injury.

“It is good to have Keemo, John and Roston back, and they will help to bring further balance to the team,” Reifer said of the trio. “Looking ahead to the series, I think we have a lot to build upon following the World Cup.” Gayle provides the bulk of the experience in the unit with 10 393 runs from 298 ODIs, along with 25 hundreds but is coming off a

low-key World Cup where he managed only 242 runs at an average of 30.

He is two months away from his 40th birthday and in the twilight of his career but Reifer endorsed his presence in the Jason Holder-led squad.

“Chris is a very valuable player and he brings a lot of experience, a lot of knowledge. He lends a lot to any dressing room and it is great to have him in the squad,” Reifer pointed out.

The opening ODI is set for August 8 with the remaining matches on August 11 and 14 at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Carlos Brathwaite, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Evin Lewis, Keemo Paul, Nicholas Pooran, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 27, 2019

Hafeez to join St Kitts & England bundle out Ireland for 38 to win test Nevis Patriots for CPL 2019 MOHAMMAD Hafeez will be joining St Kitts & Nevis Patriots for the 2019 tournament which runs from September 4 to October 12.

Hafeez will be replacing Rassie van der Dussen who is now unavailable due to international commitments.

Hafeez has played for the Patriots before, representing them during the 2017 tournament, a year when the franchise finished as runners-up to Trinbago Knight Riders. That season Hafeez finished with 120 runs and seven wickets for the Patriots.

Hafeez brings a huge amount of experience to Patriots, having played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 89 T20 internationals for Pakistan. With more than 5 000 runs and 162 wickets he will be an important part of the Patriots squad when they get their campaign underway against Trinbago Knight Riders in the opening match of the tournament on September 4.

Robin Singh, Patriots’ Director of Cricket said: “We are delighted to have someone with so much experience in T20 cricket joining our squad for the 2019 season. Hafeez is a fantastic player who has had experience of cricket all over the world.

“We are certain that he will be a huge success at this year’s event, and we are really looking forward to his joining us at our training camp ahead of the competition.”

Hafeez said: “I really enjoyed my time with the Patriots in 2017 and was very pleased to be asked to join them for the 2019 season. The CPL is a competition which has got better every single year and i t is great to be involved again after a season off.

“The Patriots have a really strong squad this year and I am Mohammad Hafeez really looking forward to joining up with the rest of the boys.”

Tim Murtagh stump was shattered by Chris Woakes, the last Ireland wicket to fall (Getty Images)

(ESPNCRICINFO) - ENGLAND have completed one of the great comeback victories in Test history after bowling out Ireland for 38 in the fourth innings at Lord’s.

Not since 1907, when England defeated South Africa in Leeds, despite having made just 76 in their first innings, have a side won a Test after making such a low first-innings score.

But despite England being bowled out for 85 before lunch on the first day, a devastating spell of new-ball bowling from Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad saw Ireland bowled out in just 15.4 overs to give England the victory by 143 runs.

It is the fifth lowest first-innings total in history to have resulted in a win and the first Test since 1887 in which two sides have been bowled out in a single session.

Ireland had been set just 182 to win after Stuart Thompson struck with the first ball of the morning.

But in gloomy conditions, Woakes and Broad bowled with great control and gained sharp movement to dismiss them for the lowest total in the history of Tests on this ground.

The previous lowest was 42, made by India against England in 1974, and in the fewest number of deliveries (94).

It is the seventh lowest total in Test history and the lowest anywhere since South Africa were bowled out for 36 in Melbourne in 1932. Woakes finished with 6 for 17 - his Testbest figures - in completing the third five-for of his Test career; all three have come at Lord’s.

While Ireland looked

every inch the equal of England for much of this game, in the defining moments the extra experience and quality showed.

And sensing Ireland’s nervousness in gloomy conditions, Broad and Woakes seemed to raise their game in a manner they struggled to achieve in the first innings.

Supported by some fine catching in the cordon, England will know the final margin of victory. The fact that it was achieved in just seven sessions does not fully reflect the competitive nature of the entire match.

The day had started well for Ireland.

Stuart Thompson bowled Olly Stone with the first ball of the day - one that nipped back sharply down the slope to send the leg-stump cartwheeling - to end the England innings and dismiss them for 303.

But perhaps that degree of movement boded ill for Ireland. Play was first delayed then interrupted by rain and, with the floodlights on and the conditions murky, it was pretty much ideal for England’s seamers. And in such conditions and with this Duke’s ball, they are a tough proposition.

While Ireland would have hoped for a steady start to settle their nerves in a dressing room hunting a first win in Test cricket, they lost their captain William Porterfield in just the fourth over.

Forced to play at one angled across him, Porterfield edged a low chance which was brilliantly taken by Jonny Bairstow one-handed and diving to his left.

Andrew Balbirnie, perhaps unsettled by Broad’s pace and hostility, was drawn into poking at one

he could have left alone. Joe Root took the chance at first slip. Paul Stirling, set up by one that lifted and left him, was bowled next ball by one that came into him up the slope - a fine piece of bowling from Woakes.

From there th ings became really ugly for Ireland. They lost three wickets with their score on 24 - James McCollom edging a well-directed outswinger; Gary Wilson leg-before to one that came up the slope - a decision won by reviewing the umpire’s original not out call - and Kevin O’Brien was trapped in front by one that nipped back sharply to strike him on the pad.

While Mark Adair pulled a six off Broad, the bowler immediately had his revenge as he beat a lavish drive with a fuller delivery, Thompson steered one to slip and Andy McBrine poked at one that left him.

By the time Tim Murtagh - unfortunate to be on the losing side after claiming 5 for 13 on the first morning - was bowled, Ireland were reeling.

England had not successfully defended such a low target in a Test this century.

England know they have to improve their performance substantially if they are to prevail in the Ashes.

They collapsed in both innings, after all, and were saved by a most improbable intervention from their nightwatchman, Jack Leach, who was named man-of-the-match for his batting.

But they will be encouraged that under pressure and with the match to be defined, they were able to step up their standards considerably.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 27, 2019

ExxonMobil U-14 Schools Football tournament

New female champs to be crowned today THERE will be new female champions crowned today, as that segment of the 2019 ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament concludes at the Ministry of Education ground.

New Campbellville will oppose East Ruimveldt in the battle for the trophy from 15:00hrs.

Both teams have been outstanding in the tournament so far and the final truly comprises two very good teams.

Meanwhile Charlestown Secondary can hope for only third place when they play the playoff against Tucville from

14:00hrs.

The Boys’ segment also continues with the semi-final from 12:00hrs.

Queenstown Secondary will do battle against Cummings Lodge in the first semi, with Carmel Secondary looking to get

by Dolphin Secondary in the second semi.

Apart from title sponsors ExxonMobil, the tournament is sponsored by the Ministry of Public Health Chronic Diseases Department and Demerara Distillers Limited under the Pepsi Brand.

Batting collapse leaves Windies-A inches from defeat (CMC) – A SUDDEN, familiar batting collapse saw West Indies A squander a strong position and give India-A a straightforward path to victory on yesterday’s final day of the opening four-day ‘Test’.

Cruising at 130 for two in their second innings after having erased the first-innings deficit of 84, the hosts stunningly lost their last eight wickets for 50 runs to be all out for 180 on Friday’s penultimate day at the Vivian Richard Cricket Stadium.

West Indies A Shamarh Brooks top-scored with 53

Captain Shamarh Brooks top-scored with 53, Montcin Hodge struck 36 while Roston Chase chipped in with 32 and Jermaine Blackwood, 25, but left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem undermined the innings with five for 47 while seamer Siraj Mohammed supported with three for 38.

Set 96 for victory, India reached the close on 29 for one, requiring only a further 67 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the threematch series.

Abhimanyu Easwaran was unbeaten on 23 but he lost open-

ing partner Priyank Panchal for five to the day’s final ball, slapping a short one from off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall to captain Shamarh Brooks at point.

West Indies-A had earlier taken the last two India-A wickets for 13 runs to wrap up the innings for 312, with wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha adding five to his overnight 61 before he was last man out.

Fast bowler Miguel Cummins picked up one of the two wickets to fall and finished with four for 40.

Montcin Hodge then struck a patient 36 from 91 balls with five fours as he posted 44 for the first wicket with left-hander Jeremy Solozano (11) before both fell to Nadeem in the space of 21 balls, as the Windies A slipped to 51 for two.

Solozano steered Nadeem to captain Hanuma Vihari at first slip and Hodge played down the wrong line and also edged to Vihari in the same position.

However, Brooks and Chase then came together in a 79-run, third-wicket stand which wiped out the deficit and put the hosts in control of the encounter.

Brooks faced 124 balls in just over 2½ hours and struck five fours while Chase counted two fours and a six in a 92-ball knock.

Chase flirted with a side ball from seamer Shivam Dube and edged behind before tea but Brooks put on 29 for the fourth wicket with Blackwood to take Windies-A to the break on 150 for three.

When Brooks fell in the fifth over following the resumption, reaching for a drive and edging Nadeem behind, his dismissal sparked a collapse which saw seven wickets go down for 21 runs.

SCORECARD

WEST INDIES A 1st Innings 228 INDIA A 1st Innings (overnight 299 for eight) P Panchal lbw b Warrican 49 E Abhimanyu c Cornwall b Warrican 28 S Gill c Blackwood b Cornwall 40 *H Vihari c Holder b Cummins 31 S Kona c Holder b Cornwall 0 +W Saha lbw b Cummins 66 S Dube b Holder 71 G Krishnappa lbw b Cummins 6 S Nadeem c wkp Hamilton b Cummins 0 M Markande c wkp Hamilton b Holder 8 Siraj Mohammed not out 0 Extras: (b4, lb5, w1, nb3) 13 TOTAL: (all out, 104.3 overs) 312 Fall of wickets: 1-61, 2-104, 3-134, 4-134, 5-168, 6-292, 7-299, 8-299, 9-312, 10-312.

Bowling: Cummins 22.3-6-40-4, Lewis 10-2-33-0, Holder 19-167-2, Warrican 30-9-69-2, Cornwall 13-3-51-2, Chase 10-0-43-0.

WEST INDIES 2nd Innings M Hodge c Vihari b Nadeem 36 J Solozano c Vihari b Nadeem 11 *S Brooks c wkp Saha b Nadeem 53 R Chase c wkp Saha b Dube 32 J Blackwood c Vihari b Siraj Mohammed 25 +J Hamilton c Vihari b Nadeem 0 R Cornwall c Gill b Siraj Mohammed 0 J Warrican c Panchal b Siraj Mohammed 11 C Holder lbw b Nadeem 4 M Cummins not out 0 S Lewis did not bat Extras: (b4, lb1, w3) 8 TOTAL: (all out, 77 overs) 180 Fall of wickets: 1-44, 2-51, 3-130, 4-159, 5-163, 6-163, 7-163, 8-174, 9-180, 10-180.

Bowling: Siraj Mohammed 19-6-38-3, Dube 14-2-40-1, Krishnappa 16-8-32-0, Nadeem 21-7-47-5, Markande 7-1-18-0.

INDIA A 2nd Innings (target 96 runs) P Panchal c Brooks b Cornwall 5 A Easwaran not out 23 Extras: (nb1) 1 TOTAL: (1 wkt, 10.3 overs) 29 Fall of wicket: 1-29.

Bowling: Cummins 3-1-9-0, Holder 5-1-19-0, Cornwall 2.3-1-1-1.

Position: India A require further 67 runs for victory with nine wickets remaining.

Toss: West Indies A. Umpires: D Butler, J Blades.

Four QC cricketers ...

The players include former Guyana U-15 national cricketer Amos Sarwan, Brandon Jaikaran, Vickash Jaikaran and Elnathan Sukhnandan.

Sukhnandan and Vickash are bowlers who bat in the middle and lower order while Brandon is an opening batsman and Sarwan a top order batsman.

Both Brandon (leg-spin) and Sarwan (off-spin) are capable spinners, while Vickash bowls off spin and Sukhnandan right-arm fast.

According to QC’s cricket team manager Mohamad Nassir, the boys had impressed the Superkings coach, who had done some training with them a short while back.

FROM PAGE 30

In Barbados, Brandon along with his cousin captain Navindra Persaud, led QC to their best-ever opening partnership of 227*, when they played St Mary’s College of Trinidad.

The opener finished with 181 runs (including a top score of 99 not out) at an average of 45.25, just behind Persaud who tallied 223 with a top score of 105*.

Sarwan, who had an average time with the bat, led the foursome in wickets in Barbados, He finished with six scalps while Vikash finished with four and Sukhnandan three.

The boys will play in the U-19 division of the Festival.

GT20 Season 2 sees surge in attendance ONTARIO, CANADA FOLLOWING its debut season in 2018, Global T20 Canada has arrived bigger, better and stronger this year. Season 2 saw a surge in viewership of 12 times more viewers from last year’s opening match compared to viewers world-wide in this year’s opening match, while in-person attendance reached almost full-house in the 5,000seat stadium.

Day 3 of the tournament starts today July 27, featuring the Toronto Nationals and the Edmonton Royals at 12:30PM EST, and the Montreal Tigers and the Brampton Wolves at 4:30PM EST.

While organizers are thankful for the tremendous enthusiasm the GT20 game is generating as seen in the high numbers of attendance, they are frustrated by the fact that on-site parking is not available to the public.

They have asked the attendees for their understanding and to be patient with the parking situation during this tournament. “We love this game, but it’s hard because we can’t park. But, the shuttle is reasonable enough,” says Brampton resident Christian Domingo. Because on-site parking was not available to the public, the organizers tackled this challenge by securing offsite public parking arrangeJUMP IN ments.

ATTENDANCE Public parking is AND RECORD available at the InterHIGH VIEWERSHIP national Centre located “It was wonderful to at 6900 Airport Road in see so much enthusiasm Mississauga, which is and support, and an al- 12 minutes away from most full house at our the CAA Sports Centre, opening match. We proj- where the games are beect that at least 100,000 ing played. Global T20 tickets will be sold by the Canada is offering Park time we reach the finals, ‘n’ Ride shuttle service which significantly sur- between the Internationpasses last year,” Gur- al Centre and the CAA meet Singh, Chairman of Centre. The shuttle serthe tournament says. vice runs frequently and “We are sold out for continuously throughout our 3rd day and based on the day. these current trends in atParking at the Internatendance, we are optimistic tional Centre is free until that we will surpass last this Sunday, July 28. Startyear’s total numbers on ing from Monday, July 29, attendance and viewership there will be a fee of $10 by the 5th day of the tour- per car, which also comes nament,” Singh added. with one shuttle ticket This year, the tourna- (roundtrip). ment debuted the GT20 “We understand this Official Mobile App on parking arrangement is Android iOS to create a a challenge. We tried to new fan experience with secure parking on site, forward thinking social but this situation was out technology. The organiz- of our control. We have ers project that with this been trying our best to mobile app, viewership accommodate the needs will be leveraged to over 1 of our game watchers, so billion people world wide. that the shuttles would run W i t h t h e t o u r n a - smoothly in order for them ment being broadcasted on to enjoy the games,” said TV to 67 countries outside Jason Harper, Tournament of Canada, and with the use Director of Global T20 of the mobile app, the orga- Canada. nizers aspire to make GT20 The tournament runs the second most watched from July 25 to August and socially engaged sport- 11, 2019. All the games ing event on all platforms, will take place at the newacross the globe. ly-built 5,000-seat worldclass cricket grounds at NO ON-SITE the CAA Sports Centre PARKING, PARK N’ located at 7575 Kennedy RIDE WITH GT20 Road South in Brampton.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 27, 2019

Fowler follows up PB with 50m free at World Aquatics

Over sixty students benefit from two-day TT camp

…. Sanmoogan hits the pool

ANDREW Fowler followed up his impressive 100m freestyle swim, with a 50m free on Friday (Thursday night Guyana time), at the 2019 FINA World Aquatics Championships, which is ongoing in Gwangju, South Korea.

The 23-year-old, one of three Guyanese swimmers at the meet, had finished third in Heat 4 of 13 with a time of 54.72s on Wednesday, almost two seconds faster than his previous best of 56.33s, which he swam at the Commonwealth Games last year in Australia.

In his 50m free, the Spire Institute (Ohio) stu-

From left, Andrew Fowler, Jamila Sanmoogan and Leon Seaton are representing Guyana in South Korea.

(Social media photo)

dent finished in 25.26s, short of his entry time of 24.87s, while swimming in heat six of 14. Overall, he finished ahead of 33 swimmers in the race.

Jamila Sanmoogan, 22, also swam on Friday. The Colombia-based (scholarship) swimmer swam the 50m butterfly in a time of 30.31s, slower than her entry time of 29.97s. She finished ahead of 17 swimmers in the race.

Fowler has completed his quota of races, while Sanmoogan and 15-yearold Leon Seaton were expected to swim their last events (the 50m free and the 50m back) last night.

Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championships

Coach Candacy McKenzie (middle) and some of the youngsters who benefitted from the camp (JCI Guyana photo)

OVER 60 youngsters benefitted from the knowledge of ITTF-certified coach Candacy McKenzie when Banks DIH Limited and the Junior Chamber International Guyana teamed up with Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) to host an Orientation and Training Development Table Tennis Camp.

The programme, which is an annual feature and has been growing yearly, exposed the children of several of the staff to the sport of table tennis in an active and fun way.

The camp, which started on Tuesday and concluded on Thursday, was conducted by the International Table Tennis Level 1 coach and umpire, and former 2017 Sports coach-ofthe-year McKenzie at the Thirst Park Sports Club.

The players learnt the fundamental aspects of the game, coordination drills, balancing, the four basic strokes and key aspects as part of the ‘teach, learn, discover’ initiative.

Coach McKenzie indicated that she was happy to work with the players and would be looking to have them registered to engage in more long-term training, since she saw an abundance of talent.

Gold is Money, Broad Street clinch quarter-final spots with last-gasp wins Four QC cricketers to join Trinidad team in Canada tournament

By Michelangelo Jacobus

DEFENDING Georgetown and National Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ champions, Gold is Money, needled LA Ballers to clinch progression to the quarter-finals on the final night of the Group Stage action at the Berlin tarmac on Thursday night.

Meanwhile other crowd favourites Broad Street also left it late to seal their quarter-final berth with a win over John Street.

In the second game of the night Broad Street took to the tarmac needing a win in normal time to progress from Group ‘A’. They faced newcomers John Street and took an early lead through the talented Akeem Sam in the fourth minute.

However, Venezuelan Oswaldo Gil equalised for John Street in the 8th minute to pile pressure on Broad Street. In the remainder of the game Broad Street made several attacks but they could not find the target.

Two minutes from the final whistle, Sam finished off an impressive team move to tap home a Guinness Goal (any goal scored in the final 3 minutes counts as 2) and send the crowd into frenzy with Broad Street holding a 3-1 lead.

The youthful LA Ballers exited the tournament despite winning two of their three games in Group ‘A’ as Gold

is Money needled them on the night to draw level on six points, but progressed due to a better goal difference.

Needing to win without conceding, the defending champions put in a workmanlike effort. Michael Pedro netted in the seventh minute to hand Gold is Money a 1-0 lead which they never relinquished.

LA Ballers attacked for the greater part of the game but could not penetrate their opponents’ defence.

With both Leopold Street and Tiger Bay sealing progress since last weekend, they clashed in a game to decide who would top Group ‘C’ and did not disappoint as Tiger Bay came out on top after 20 minutes of high octane action.

Leopold took the early advantage through skipper Okeene Fraser who continued `his goal-scoring form by finding the back of the net in the eighth minute. The first half ended without any more goals and it seemed as though Leopold Street would hold on to their 1-0 lead but James Meredith had other ideas.

He drew Tiger Bay level in the 15th minute before netting a Guinness Goal in the 18 th minute to hand his side the 3-1 win which propelled them atop Group ‘C’.

Sparta Boss faced Albouystown-B in another topof-the-group decider, to close off the night’s action. The latter needled Sparta Boss to secure maximum points with

three wins from three matches in Group ‘B’ courtesy of a Melvorn Ross goal in the sixth minute This proved to be enough as Albouystown-B held Sparta scoreless.

Earlier in the night Alexander Village opened the night’s proceedings with a resounding 5-0 win over Charlotte Street; Quincy Porter netted a double in the 12th and 14th minutes while Shem Porter (8th), Leon Yaw (15th) and Delon Williams (16th) scored one goal apiece.

Albouystown-A handed Future Stars a victory by failing to show up for their engagement. For that infringement they were handed a one-year ban from the tournament.

Sophia progressed from Group ‘D’ after beating Rising Stars 4-1 through Guinness Goals from Dwayne Lowe and Gerald Grittens who netted in the 18th and 20th minutes respectively. Earlier it had looked bleak for the Sophia unit who conceded an early goal with Ray Smith on target for Rising Stars in the fifth minute.

Also advancing from Group ‘D’ were Back Circle who managed a 2-1 victory over rivals North East La Penitence.

Back Circle had grabbed the early advantage with Adrian Aaron finding the back of the net in the fifth minute.

However Keifer Grant drew North East level with a goal of his own in the seventh minute.

Jermaine Beckles had the final say with his strike in the

14th minute proving to be the decider as Back Circle ran out 2-1 winners.

The quarterfinals and semifinals were played last evening at the National Cultural Centre tarmac. However, up to press time no results were available.

A subsequent article will be published with the results of those matches.

Winner of the event will collect $500 000 and the championship trophy, with the second-, third- and fourth-place finishers copping $300 000, $200 000 and $100 000 respectively and the corresponding trophy.

They will also automatically seal a place in the National Championship in August.

To date Beacons (Bartica champions), Melanie-B (East Coast Demerara winners), Brothers United (West Demerara/East Bank Demerara winners), Trafalgar (Berbice champions) and High Rollers (Linden champions) have sealed automatic berths to the National Championship.

QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS (1) Broad St vs Leopold Street - 19:00hrs (2) Albouystown-B vs Back Circle - 19:45hrs (3) Sparta Boss vs Sophia - 20:30hrs (4) Gold is Money vs Tiger Bay - 21:15hrs Semifinal Matchups Winner (1) vs Winner (4) Winner (2) vs Winner (3)

The four QC cricketers who will play at the Youth Cricket Festival. From left, Vickash Jaikaran, Brandon Jaikaran, Amos Sarwan and Elnathan Sukhnandan

FOUR Queen’s College students will join a Trinidadian cricket team in Canada at the fourth Annual Mississauga International Youth Cricket Festival.

The cricketers, who recently took part in the Sir

Garfield Sobers International Schools Cricket Tournament in Barbados, will join the Caribbean Superkings for the 30-over junior festival, which officially starts today and ends on August 5.

TURN TO PAGE 29

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, July 27, 2019

Hand-in-Hand first among International Drag race sponsors INSURANCE giant Handin-Hand is among the first company to sign onto the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s International Drag race billed for August 24.

The company, through Marketing Coordinator Shafeena Juman, confirmed participation by handing over a sponsorship cheque yesterday to office executive Cheryl Gonsalves.

Juman said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Hand-in-Hand, we are proud to once again be a part of the international drags hosted by GRM&SC and will continue to commit to the sports development in Guyana.”

Commenting on the sponsorship, GMR&SC execu-

Shafeena Juman, Marketing Executive of Hand-in-Hand (left) hands over the company’s sponsorship to GMR&SC’s office executive Cheryl Gonsalves

tive Motilall Deodass said, “Hand-in-Hand has always been a stellar sponsor of motor racing and we were more than happy to have them on board for the event.”

Meanwhile Trinidad has expressed an interest in participating in the event and GMR&SC president Rameez Mohamed stated that there are several cars.

The last local drag-racing event was deemed a success especially considering the weather had plagued the previous day and also curtailed a few classes on race day.

This time, the club is expecting more cooperation from the weather and even more cars. Mohamed said that several competitors have been building for this event.

Riverview benefits from sporting equipment donation

Pamela Nauth, Technical Officer attached to the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, hands equipment over to the residents of the Riverview community

CONTINUING its mission to create even more social cohesion across Guyana, the Ministry of Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, contributed sporting equipment to the youths of Riverview, Region Ten Upper Demerara-Berbice.

The equipment was handed over to the residents of the community by Pamela Nauth, Technical Officer attached to the Ministry of the Presidency, Department of Social Cohesion, who stated that the initiative is a fulfillment of a commitment made to the residents of the community, by Minister of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton.

Nauth said that sports foster social cohesion and in order to have a more socially cohesive society, sports, culture and youths must be significantly targeted.

She explained, “When we talk about a socially cohesive society, I think Riverview is a good example of that.

As you look around you see the residents living in unity and harmony, so that’s a great contributing factor to social cohesion and ultimately, these communities lead to a better society, a more healthy society and the country as a whole benefits from this.”

“We want to continue to work with communities, we have been doing this since 2016 and we continue to do so and every time we come into a community, we see the benefits of social cohesion,” Nauth added.

Member of the Riverview Sports Club, Mary Edwardson, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Social Cohesion for such a great gesture.

Edwardson stated that residents of nearby communities will also benefit from the initiative.

Riverview is a small Amerindian community in Region Ten Upper Demerara-Berbice and comprises of some 300 residents, of which, majority are youths.

CPL

awaiting final confirmation from Guyana Government

By Rajiv Bisnauth ORGANISERS of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) say they are awaiting the final confirmation from the Government of Guyana with respect to Guyana being a venue for the upcoming CPL tournament.

Guyana has not been listed as one of the seven venues to host the seventh edition despite being one of the largest supporting crowds in the past.

According to a spokesperson, CPL is very hopeful for some positive news sometime soon.

“We are very hopeful we will have positive news very soon. We are just waiting for the final go-ahead from the government in Guyana and we will be able to make an announcement on where the games will be played.

“We want to thank CPL fans in Guyana for their patience while we await confirmation from the Guyana government,” the spokesperson told Chronicle Sport recently.

The seventh edition of the tournament bowls off on September 4 and the fixtures featured every other West Indian venue, except Guyana.

So far, matches are con-

firmed in Barbados, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago.

In May, Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, confirmed to Chronicle Sport that Guyana will definitely host matches.

“As far as I am aware there will be matches,” Harmon had said.

Meanwhile, this publication was reliably informed that the Government of Guyana is yet to sign the Host Venue Agreement with Hero Caribbean Premier League (Hero CPL) in order to confirm the hosting of Guyana’s matches of the tournament for the 2019 season.

As is customary, venue agreements are mandatory by each host country. The event would be a witness to high-quality cricket as the centrally contracted players of the Windies team would be available for the most part of the tournament.

Last season, Trinbago Knight Riders, captained

by Dwayne Bravo, became the first team to win backto-back titles in the CPL. They managed to beat Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final at Brian Lara Stadium by eight wickets to lift the championship.

Bravo, Russell out of ODI Squad, Paul in Page

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Kemo Paul

Georgetown Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championships

Part of the action between Broad Street (yellow bib) and John Street at the Berlin tarmac on Thursday night

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Gold is Money, Broad Street clinch quarter-final spots with last-gasp wins ExxonMobil U-14 Schools Football tournament

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Joseph Harmon

CPL

awaiting final confirmation from Guyana Government

New 29 female champs to be crowned today

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New Girls’ finalists will be crowned today in the ExxonMobil U-14 schools football tournament

Hand-in-Hand first among International Drag race sponsors Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone 2 2 6- 3243-9 (General); Editorial: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216. Fax:2 2 7- 5208

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SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2019