Guyana Chronicle E-Ppaper 8-31-2019

SATURDAY 31st August, 2019

No.105746

Probe launched into 03 fake birth certificates PAGE

… Region 9 residents tie PPP to alleged racket

… party dismisses claims as political ploy

APNU+AFC says in full elections mode 11 PAGE

… Min. Ally dismisses Irfaan Ali as allegedly corrupt, unqualified

Over 340,000 registered 02 as house-to-house wraps up today PAGE

Energy director gets firsthand look at Stena Forth in operation 09 PAGE

Conserve, protect natural resources 10 for all PAGE

– President Granger tells youths

President David Granger interacts with this little girl, after the closing ceremony of the Youth in Natural Resources programme as the other participants look on. The closing ceremony was hosted in the Baridi Benab at State House (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Over 340,000 registered as house-to-house wraps up today

By Svetlana Marshall

MORE than 340,000 persons have been registered up to Friday during this cycle of House-to-House Registration. But, as the exercise wraps up today,

the numbers are expected to climb.

The national registration exercise will come to an end at 19:00hrs today in keeping with a decision taken on Tuesday by the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Com-

Map in hand, this enumerator was among a group of GECOM staff that combed Cummings Lodge Central on Wednesday in search of unregistered Guyanese, who have reached the eligibility requirements.

mission (GECOM), Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh to shorten the period initially designated for House-toHouse Registration. Once the exercise has concluded, GECOM will move to merge the data garnered from that registration exercise with the existing National Register of Registrants Database (NRRDB) paving the way for the Preliminary List of Electors to be extracted.

GECOM’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Warde was sure to clarify on Friday that no one will be left out in the cold in the upcoming General and Regional Elections, which were triggered as a result of a No-Confidence Motion passed against the Government last December.

Warde, in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, explained that Guyanese, who have been registered and were unable to do so during the period allotted for House-to-House Registration, will be given an opportunity to have their names added to

the National Register of Registrants Database during the Claims and Objection Period.

“If you will be 18-yearsold by the 31ST October, and you have never registered, you will have that opportunity to do so during the claims and objection exercised,” the GECOM PRO said.

She explained too that in keeping with the August 14 ruling of the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire, the Elections Commission will not remove anyone from the National Register of Registrant Database with the exception of those who would have died (once the required documents are provided) and those who have become disqualified. As such, names of Guyanese who have registered in the past will remain on the national register.

“If you are on the current database, and you might have had name change, you would have had transferred or relocated from one address to the other, and the team may not have reached you as yet, then you have an opportunity to do

that change during the claims and objection exercise which would be office base. So rather than we going to you, you will come to us, and then we will do a verification of that,” Warde explained.

However, the period for Claims and Objection has not been set. Warde noted that at this stage, GECOM is soliciting information on how it could effectively carry out fingerprint cross matching as the data from the national registration is merged with the National Register of Registrants Database.

“GECOM has been engaging a company for a long time that has been doing fingerprint cross matching for us, however, that company has given us a little longer timeline than we would want particularly at this juncture which we are trying to deliver with expediency. So what we have decided is that Jamaica has that expertise, in terms of fingerprint cross matching, so that Technical team was in Jamaica to see what system they have, the functionality of the system, and to really see how best they might be able to support us by giving us a shorter time that they can deliver those results than the other company,” Warde explained.

GECOM’s Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers; and its Information Technology Manager form part of the team assessing the cross-matching and verification technology in Jamaica.

As the hours count down, Guyanese are being urged to avail themselves for registration during period.

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, was among the first of the country’s leaders to embrace GECOM’s decision to add the data captured

during the House-to-House Registration to the National Register of Registrants Database. He had also urged unregistered Guyanese 14 years and older to get registered within this window period.

“I would urge everyone 14 years and above to step forward in this window of opportunity to register,” the Prime Minister told Guyana Chronicle.

Though the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition had preferred the generation of a new National Register of Registrants through the process of House-to-House Registration, from which the Official List of Electors would have been extracted, the Prime Minister acknowledged that the national registration exercise is not the only means of arriving at a credible Official List of Electors.

“House-to-House Registration was a method but it was not the only method by which you could have an authentic, credit list. It was not the only method,” the Prime Minister told this newspaper, noting that based GECOM’s decision an extensive Claims and Objection exercise would be carried out in its quest to generate a credible list.

Meanwhile, GECOM said it will continue to further deliberate on other matters of importance for the holding of General and Regional Elections within the shortest possible time, adding that the Secretariat will continue to implement a number of operations activities, in particular training of polling day staff and procurement of non-sensitive materials.

The enumerators visiting a house in Cummings Lodge Central where several persons had not been registered during this cycle of registration. (Photos

by Samuel Maughn)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Probe launched into fake birth certificates

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) and the Ministry of Citizenship have both launched an investigation into allegations of fake birth certificates being in the hands of scores of residents of Region Nine, as well as allegations of non-nationals being in possession of Identification Cards, without the relevant source documents.

This was relayed to the Guyana Chronicle by Public Relations Officer of the GECOM, Yolanda Warde, and Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, on Friday.

Warde said that GECOM’s operation team has begun looking into the matter while Felix said the circumstances under which the documents were obtained are being investigated.

These discoveries were made by GECOM scrutineers during the ongoing house-to-house registration. In addition, the scrutineers also unearthed several non-nationals in possession of National Identification Cards, but with no source documents to determine how these documents were legally obtained. When those in possession of these documents were asked where they got them, fingers were pointed to the Region Nine branch of the Peoples Progressive Party.

Meanwhile, in a statement the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) called on Guyanese not to be misled by the article. The party said the “false accusation is demonstrative of the government’s increasing desperation since the successful passage of the December 21, 2018, no-confidence motion (NCM).”

The PPP, which had misused the Guyana Chronicle and allowed an editorial demonising Afro-Guyanese youths to be published complained that the state newspaper has been usurped as the mouthpiece of the dominant party in the coalition, the People’s National Congress (PNC), which will spare no effort to wantonly spread misinformation to deliberately mislead and to create a sense of uneasiness as election looms.

EXTREMELY CONCERNED Government’s Chief Whip and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally said that she is extremely concerned about the issue, more so about the allegations made by those in receipt of the documents, which is, that they were processed by Region Nine’s Freedom House.

“That is the kind of rack-

… Region’s residents tie PPP to alleged racket

Wendella Franklin, PNCR Chairperson Region Nine

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock

et that they run and all they want to do is corrupt the whole country,” she said.

The Chief Whip called those responsible to “desist from doing that kind of thing and allow the country to be governed in a peaceful and democratic way.”

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock said that the allegations are not new, since similar ones were rumored during the Local Government Election period. There however, was no evidence at the time and since nothing substantial was seen, an investigation was not launched. Officials in Region Nine related to this newspaper non-residents of Lethem were listed as residents and were able to vote in the elections, which allowed the PPP to garner six seats, while the APNU garnered four.

Now that several scrutineers have come forward and documents have now surfaced, he said, the rumours are now proven to be true.

“We are getting closer to the truth, a number of persons were saying these documents were always there and now that they have found it, it is something that needs to be investigated.” Allicock argued that it was on this basis, that house-to-house registration needed to be conducted to get a better picture of the illegalities that were always believed to be out there and in other regions as well.

Relative to the allegations that the documents were facilitated by Freedom House, the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister, said that he does not doubt its trueness.

“It was the very controllers of Freedom House, particularly at the central level, that have been against the holding of H2H registration.

They aggressively expressed this through street protests and media conferences and pursued its discontinuation in the courts,” Allicock said.

Weeks ago, Chief Justice Roxane George-Wiltshire, ruled that the ongoing house-to-house registration

embarked upon by GECOM, is legal. In her ruling, she explained the Constitution provides for the conduct of H2H registration as a form of verification.

As such, she ruled that the June 11 Order published in the Official Gazette by the then Chairman, GECOM was in compliance with established laws. However GECOM has shortened the timeframe for the exercise, but will merge the data gathered thus far with those from the National Register of Registrants.

CLEAR FOR ALL TO SEE Member of Parliament, Mervyn Williams, stressed that the allegations of the fake birth certificates make it very clear why the opposition fought so hard to stop H2H. “I believe if it wasn’t clear before why they were up against registration, it is now clear for everyone to see that they were protecting themselves from being identified with various mal practices with registration of persons… it shows that they were afraid of house-to-house registration and they wanted to intimidate GECOM, they expended a lot of resources in doing that, “ he reasoned. Williams also indicated that these illegalities can be found in other regions as well and that it proves that the government was not wrong to support H2H. While GECOM’s Chairman, Justice (Ret’d) Claudette Singh, decided to bring the process to an end, which will facilitate the start of an extensive claims and objection period, Williams believes the latter will serve as the perfect tool to allow these issues to be dealt with.

Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) member and political scientist, Dr David Hinds believes that now is the time for international observers to step in and make their presence known. With these damning revelations, Hinds said that the government needs to be proactive in en-

General Secretary of the PNCR, Amna Ally

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix

gaging all stakeholders and the international community as an avenue for free and fair elections as well and not only look to H2H as the only means of acquiring a credible list. The PPP, he said, has a track record of being involved in unsavoury activities to win elections at all cost and the alleged provision of fake documents is just another avenue that has surfaced. He alluded to the 2011 saga where Mr. Gocool Boodooo, the Chief Election Officer, was accused of colluding with the PPP to have the elections rigged as well as the 2015 case of fake statements of poll being discovered at GECOM. “So I am not surprised to hear of that development, I have always felt the opposition is bent on winning the election at all cost and getting involved in unsavory activities. We are now seeing why the PPP were trying to rush elections because they had a mechanism to rig the elections,” he argued.

three weeks, we have to ensure the entire mechanism they are using to rig the elections is thoroughly examined,” the politician argued.

The APNU scrutineers brought the fake documents to the Coalition’s Region Nine office and Wendella Franklin, PNCR Chairperson Region Nine, related that many of them were unearthed in the North Rupununi district, in the villages of Annai and Rupertee.

They were sent to Georgetown for further verification.

The scrutineers observed birth certificates with no official signature, without a birth certificate number and without the official seal.

They also discovered tampered birth certificates, with incorrect names and other information that were corrected manually. Persons in possession of such documents allegedly related that they were able to obtain their ID Cards with the tampered documents, many years ago.

“I think this whole birth certificate issue is a real sad situation in the region, because I know a lot of people know that Freedom House has been giving out birth certificates for years. They were really in control of things,” Franklin said.

In fact, she also alleged that a former high-ranking PPP member in Region Nine visited the coalition office in search of a birth certificate.

Franklin said when she ques-

THOROUGH CLAIMS AND OBJECTIONS Hinds opined that for claims and objections to completely solve this issue, it needs to be done thoroughly and adequate time has to be allocated for it to be conducted.

“It should be a timely process and that means it cannot be done in two or

tioned him about the allegations brought before her, he did not deny them, but said that of late, there seems to be a blockage in whatever system of processing was used. Franklin said she made it clear that the application being done at the ‘Coalition’ office requires the legal procedure and a waiting time is attached.

Corroborating Franklin’s story was Terrence Boston, a Justice of Peace (JP) who operates in Region Nine. When contacted, the JP said that many persons came to transact business at his office with fake birth certificates, and also alleged that they sourced the document from Freedom House. Boston related that one woman approached him with a fake birth certificate, and after realising he was suspicious, she said to him, “Mr. Boston, I know this is a fake birth certificate. Sorry about it.” The young lady then reportedly confessed that her mother obtained the document for her from Freedom House in Lethem. Boston said, “Well across the region I came across birth certificates that don’t have the stamp of the Registrar General’s Office. We try to question them, and they say they got help from Freedom House.” The JP also related that he’s seen many persons who don’t have birth certificates but yet are in possession of ID Cards, even though they are not naturalised Guyanese either. Boston said this situation is prevalent in Region Nine, being it is so close to the Brazilian border.

In addition to the fake documents, allegations have also surfaced about bus-loads of non-nationals being transported into the township and other communities and presenting ID cards at homes they are not known to be resident of. “Strange faces at various homes are claiming to reside there, and these claims are supported by other residents who are known occupants.” One scrutineer related that at one home, nine persons with ID cards presented themselves to be registered, but each of them had different surnames.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

Brexit: PM Johnson faces mounting legal, political, diplomatic challenges LONDON/HELSINKI (Reuters) - Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan was facing mounting legal, political and diplomatic challenges on Friday as Ireland accused Britain of being unreasonable and former British leader John Major sought to stop the suspension of parliament.

The ultimate outcome of Britain’s tortuous three-year Brexit crisis remains unclear with options ranging from a frantic departure without an exit deal or a last-minute agreement to an election or referendum that could cancel the whole endeavor.

Johnson, the face of the Vote Leave campaign in the 2016 referendum, has promised to lead the United Kingdom out of the European Union in two months with or without a divorce deal, a threat he hopes will convince the bloc to give him the exit deal he wants.

In the eye of the Brexit maelstrom, though, Johnson was under mounting pressure: opponents in parliament were plotting to tear up his Brexit plans or topple his government, while his suspension of parliament was under scrutiny in the courts.

Johnson’s bid to get the insurance policy for the Irish border changed were bluntly dismissed by Dublin which said London was being totally unreasonable.

“Boris Johnson is outlining a very clear and firm position but it is a totally unreasonable position that the EU cannot facilitate and he must know that,” Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said in an interview with Ireland’s Newstalk radio.

31 August, 2019 - 05:30hrs ~ 07:00hrs

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Britain should make concrete proposals as soon as possible but that the EU could not imagine reopening the Withdrawal Agreement that Johnson’s predecessor Theresa May agreed with Brussels in November.

Britain insisted it had made proposals on the border backstop and that it was “untrue” to suggest it had not.

The government said British negotiators would hold twice-weekly talks with EU officials next month in an attempt to rework the Brexit agreement that Britain’s parliament has repeatedly rejected.

BREXIT ENSNARED With just two months until the United Kingdom is due to leave the EU, Johnson’s decision to ask Queen Elizabeth to suspend parliament was under challenge from three separate court proceedings.

The queen on Aug. 28 approved Johnson’s order to suspend parliament from as early as Sept. 9 to Oct. 14, a move that ensures parliament would sit for around four days less than it had been expected to.

Former Prime Minister John Major, whose 1990-1997 premiership included the 1992 disorderly exit of the pound from the Exchange Rate Mechanism, asked to join one of the proceedings to block Johnson’s order A Scottish court will hear arguments on Sept. 3, a case brought by campaigner Gina Miller will be heard on Sept. 5 and a Northern Irish court will hear a separate case on Sept. 6.

Ultimately, the cases could be combined to go to the Supreme Court - the final court of appeal in the United Kingdom which hears cases of the gravest constitutional importance.

“Legal proceedings can be fast-tracked as the judges in the case determine,” Robert Blackburn, professor of constitutional law at King’s College London, told Reuters.

“If the case of those bringing the legal proceedings wins, the Supreme Court could quash and/or declare unlawful the Privy Council order authorising the forthcoming prorogation,” said Blackburn.

In parliament, the battle for Brexit was due to begin in earnest on Sept. 3 when lawmakers return from their summer break and will try to either topple the government or force through a law designed to prevent Britain leaving the EU without an exit deal.

Wednesday August 28, 2019

08 13 14 22 24 25 26

August 30, 2019

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03 04 09 13 15 05, 06, 07, 12, 26

5, 5, 5

6, 9, 2

03, 05, 06, 09, 13

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

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Government to better manage importation of mercury -as key stakeholders sign MoU

GOVERNMENT has moved one step closer in its approach to regulating the use of mercury in the mining sector, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the management of the importation of mercury into Guyana.

Signatories to the MoU were the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

The purpose of the MoU is to coordinate and enhance the procedures for management of the importation, storage, distribution, use and disposal provisions for clean-up in the event of an accident or spill of mercury, which is a known toxic chemical used in Guyana’s gold mining industry.

The MoU outlines the adaptive criteria to which all importers, resellers and users of mercury will adhere to. It also outlines the procedures to which the identified agencies will comply and also seeks to improve communication among the identified agencies with regards to mercury importation, storage,

handling, resale and use in Guyana.

“A journey to being mercury free is a long but necessary one. We started it in 2013 after we globally expressed our national acknowledgment of the dangers and hazards of mercury. We made a commitment then towards the elimination of its use by signing the Minamata Convention,” said Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman during a signing ceremony at the Ministry of Natural Resources Annex, on Friday.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. With mercury being a chemical, which is still widely used in the gold mining sector, Minister Trotman said government is still on a pathway to making mercury history in Guyana.

He said the government is steadfast and will continue to preserve and maintain the momentum of creating a safe and clean environment, and to protect the lives and livelihood of the people by addressing the dangers of mercury.

The signing of the MoU is a testament to the political commitment and Guyana’s adaptive actions towards addressing the use of mercury in the country, said Minister Trotman.

“By working collaboratively we will create a platform to build synergies and leverage resources for the national implementation of the Minamata Convention as we proceed and progress on our ‘green’ state trajectory.

“We are working assiduously on the completion of our national action plan as per our obligation under the convention, and through a participatory, multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral approach we have identified gaps in our efforts towards the holistic implementation of the convention and gaps, which are hindrances at this time to our alignment with our responsible mining initiatives…we are working to close those gaps,” said the minister.

Some of those gaps are data sharing, collection and closer collaboration between key stakeholders. So, according to Trotman, the MoU is built on policy coherence and coordination through a cross-government approach which is geared at addressing

the multidimensional nature, use and adverse effects of mercury.

“We know that some have taken a more jaundiced view about government’s resolve to address the mercury scourge, believing that we want to end mining.

“I therefore end with the restatement of three fundamental truths which are: mining is very good for Guyana, mercury used indiscriminately is bad for Guyana and this government and its partners will work assiduously to reduce the incidence of mercury without jeopardising or diminishing the value and significance of mining and miners,” said Minister Trotman.

NOT RESTRICTING Commissioner of the GGMC, Newell Dennison, also assured miners that the stakeholders’ collective action is not intended to restrict the effectiveness of the ability of mining operations to produce gold.

Miners’ wellbeing is being considered, even as the GGMC and other strategic stakeholders continue to work towards developing mining practices and the use of methodologies, other than mercury, that can be more efficient in extracting gold.

The use of mercury has, however, been prevalent in the gold mining sector. Official records from the GGMC showed that over the last seven years, some 87,000 kilogrammes of mercury was stocked in the sector. The latest statistics showed that just about 10,000 kilograms of mercury was stocked last year.

GGMC’s ability, to track the amount of mercury being stocked, will be boosted through the MoU which provides for the establishment of an importation register.

“With a register we will get a better angle of what is supposed to be stocked officially…checking could become a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure),” said Dennison.

Registrar of the PTCCB, Trecia David, said the board was also pleased that stakeholders will look at the importation of mercury in a more strategic way. “This is done not to affect the mining sector in Guyana, but to protect human health and the environment and to ensure there is not any hoarding occurring and not any illegal trafficking or trade of mercury,” said David.

She said the requirements for importing mercury are stringent because the board

wants to ensure that persons are not only importing the chemical substance, but that they have facilities to store it, and arrangements for proper transportation and distribution for sale of the chemical.

Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams also supported the idea of stringent rules of importation, but noted that mercury has played a significant role in the local gold mining industry. Even though as bad as mercury may be to the health and environment, miners cannot abruptly stop using it. “Within the industry this material, although harmful, is monitored to a large extent by the GGMC, however, its management and control among all of the agencies has hardly been clear and sometimes unknown by regulatory agencies…this MoU will provide that clarity of roles and responsibilities by each of the signatory agencies,” said Dr. Adams.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

One nation, six peoples I

NHERENT in this nation’s formation, i.e. May 26, 1966, is a land comprising six peoples. All six peoples at this date would have emerged with unique strands of historical experiences. This notwithstanding, among all groups are shared common experiences and strong bonds that have been established out of these diverse experiences to make us one.

Our quest for humanity, foremost, has evolved out of experiences of inequality. Where a level playing field was created in identifying all as equal, though it could not erase past horrid experiences, it nonetheless creates the space to see each other as one and treat each other with respect and dignity. This is the essence of humanity and which a new nation in 1966 set out to achieve.

Guyanese should continue to engage in seeking knowledge of the individual and collective self

as far as possible, including what inspired our nation, its symbols, and contributed to making us who we are. Recent global events, be they the war against terrorism, terrorist attacks, race relations between white police officers and black citizens, ethnic differences, clashes in the Middle East, Europe and elsewhere, continue to serve as lessons for us here as people reach out to each other, unshackled by past horrid experiences, in the spirit of humanity. In the affected areas, where the bigoted and those stuck in the past hold to their preferred views, persons from both the victims and aggressor groups are speaking out against atrocities, and demanding actions that would bring about accountability, justice and fair play in the society for all.

In this environment, it is not unlikely to see a white person speaking out against an atrocity meted out to a black person, in-

asmuch as part of their historical experiences saw blacks enslaved and treated as subhuman by the ‘white’ race. It is not unusual to see blacks call on fellow blacks to avoid acts of aggression against whites. Equally, it is not unusual to find Muslims condemning acts of terrorism perpetrated on fellow Muslims or non-Muslims.

Conversely, non-Muslims are also calling on fellow non-Muslims not to hate the Muslim community for acts of extremism.

This is the world we live in today, and it is a world Guyana cannot isolate herself from. In the same world, Guyana operates as a land of six peoples and through birth, marriage and other forms of association, there have been the fusion of the various historical cultures, which today we know as the Guyanese culture, i.e. lived experiences. To ask any number of Guyanese if they see themselves as one nation, it is the

belief that the answer will be a resounding yes.

But to ask any number of Guyanese if they think they are treated as equals, with dignity, respect, opportunity and justice in this society, the answers will vary, among which will be some resounding nos. Digging deeper into the various reasons, some supported by evidence no doubt, will inform the negative responses. The negative responses would undoubtedly not be based on being Guyanese, but that of how one is treated in society by fellow Guyanese and the managers of the system of government, whether such perception is real or perceived.

The varied treatments have no bearing on being one nation for the purpose of birth, identity or historical experiences of forebears, but that of the here and now. Guyanese don’t generally dislike being Guyanese and being

born in a land of six races. What they generally dislike are the negatives the country is associated with, such as poor race-relations, poor government, crime, poor performance of the economy, and so forth.

Fixing shortcomings has no bearing on, nor are they reliant on distancing self from the concept of one nation. Fixing these is reliant on strong institutions and leaders and the society being prepared to holding them accountable, regardless. These Guyanese need these as assurances and energies should be channelled to make them possible, for there exists no reputable contention about our oneness as a nation, but strong contentions about the manner in which citizens are treated and their affairs managed.

GECOM will inform President Granger on its readiness for elections

Dear editor,

P

LEASE permit me a space in your Newspaper to respond to a letter that was published in the Guyana Times dated August 27, 2019. Annie Baliram’s letter titled, “Demanding that Mr. Granger call elections now”, where she declares that, “The house-to-house registration only serves the purpose of enabling government to disrespect our Constitution and to trample our democracy in the most lawless and vulgar way to remain in power”.

I would like to commence by stating that the government is not facilitating the house-to-house reg-

istration, it is the GECOM which is an independent, autonomous and constitutional body conducting the house-to-house registration legally.

In the August 14, High Court judgement, the acting Chief Justice, Roxane George-Wiltshire ruled that the ongoing house-to-house registration, being undertaken by GECOM, was within the confines of the Constitution and was therefore legal. Justice George-Wiltshire ruled that the constitution and the laws of Guyana provide for the conduct of house-to-house registration as a form of verification – a position that was argued by both the government and GECOM. It is so disgraceful to read Ms. Baliram’s letter in the newspapers

accusing the APNU/AFC government of lawlessness and vulgarity, surely this has to be a figment of her imagination because it can easily be verified which leaders display such behavior, surely not President Granger!

How can the President be accused of delaying the holding of elections despite both the PPP/C and the APNU+AFC coalition have utilised the court’s due process to validate their legal positions?

How can we respect one aspect of the law and disregard the other?

The NCM is being respected however, we need to respect also that the voters’ list has expired since April 30, 2019. Hence GECOM had started the house-to-house registration

process, because elections cannot be held with an expired list.

Ms. Baliram and the PPP/C should know that elections cannot be held if there is not a valid voters’ list. If they are so concerned about Guyanese and the rule of law, they will understand that the voters’ list is expired. So, it is the PPP/C’s duty as the parliamentary opposition to return to parliament and support the government with the two thirds majority to extend the time for the holding of elections with a credible voters list.

In closing, my fellow young Guyanese we are the majority in this country and what we need to know that in my lifetime (I’m under 25) there has never been so

many vocational training and youth empowerment programmes, and scholarships. This speaks to President Granger’s heavy focus and investment in educating youths.

I can go on to say that many improvements are happening under this four-year-old government that could not have happened in twenty-three years under the PPP/C. Therefore, I am calling on all my Guyanese brothers and sisters to open their eyes and see the vast difference under this government.

Sincerely Yours, Ceion Rollox

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

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A response to Dr. Ramsammy’s propaganda Dear Editor,

P

lease allow me to respond to Dr.Leslie Ramsammy, who in a letter to the Kaieteur news editor titled, “Volda Lawrence – Wakenaam Hospital is part of the declining public health system.”

Mr.Editor, I do recognise that this letter was not addressed to me but as a doctor who worked at GPHC during PPP’s mismanagement of the health service, I do feel compelled to respond to Dr. Ramsammy’s misinformation. I trust that the Hon. Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, would forgive me for taking up a battle she is more than capable of addressing.

Last week I wrote in a missive that Dr.Ramsammy would occasionally resurface for a gasp of fresh air. Today he did, but this time he was really in a very cerebrally hypoxic state with blue face of cyanosis, exophthalmos of desperation and panic and hyperventilation of anxiety; recognising that he is now politically irrelevant with blood not only on his hands but plastered in the court room of America.

Dr. Ramsammy described some unfortunate alleged occurrences of four relatives having to use alternative methods of storing their deceased loved ones. He also used some isolated alleged incidence in a few other hospitals. Let me be pellucid in stating that we should at all times show respect for the dead. They should be treated with dignity. Having said that, I do have issues with Dr. Ramsammy’s pronouncement. First and foremost we have to assume what he has written is factual. He provided no dates for these unfortunate incidents. Due to data protection laws, I do recognise that he cannot provide the names of the deceased.

Also, what would be critical

to determining whether these are isolated incidents is not only to highlight the dates of the events, but the number of relatives who have had this experience with their deceased loved ones. For example, if over four years four cases occurred out of thousands then we can describe it as isolated. Yes it still needs to be addressed but clearly does not require the hormonal melodramatics, that even hormone replacement therapy cannot address, that is evident in Dr. Ramsammy’s letters.

Dr. Ramsammy then spoke of concerns of the RDC of Region Three.

Who is this RDC? I would bet both my kidneys and pancreas that he/she is a PPP mole spreading misinformation. Secondly, in what capacity was Dr. Ramsammy speaking to the RDC of region? Is Dr. Ramsammy the shadow minister of health? Is he their MP? If he is not then was this the standard protocol in raising concerns.

To me this smells more fishy than Roger Khan’s spy equipment saga.

Mr. Editor, the comic show gets worse. The notso-good doctor had this to say and I will quote him verbatim, “Public health in Guyana has rapidly declined since May 2015.” Ha Ha Ha Ha. This is such a joke that I would have literally soaked my bed if I hadn’t have on my nightly pampers. So PPP was voted out in May 2015 and this was immediately followed by the death of the health service. Dr. Ramsammy, a few months back I give you some distant education classes when you demonstrated a significant gap in your knowledge where you tried to score cheap political points after the vincristine incident. I did send your certificate in the post and I trust you display on the very wall Irfaan Ali is displaying his.

Shall we have another class?

Dr. Ramsammy, medicine is

based on evidence and not anecdotal or hearsay garbage.

Got That! The quality of a health service is assessed by international well defined matrices, not from a little story here and a little story there. I recognise that you are becoming lazy and expect your tutor Dr. Devonish to teach you everything. I don’t have the time to keep guiding a pensioner. As a result I would instruct you to do research on the internationally recognised matrices that are used to assess the quality of a health service. I would expect this assignment on my desk no later than September 18, when Guyana is due for a political apocalypse as predicted by none other than Bharrat Jagdeo.

Dr. Ramsammy really think Guyanese are fools.

For 23 years the health service was in perfect health and the day the PPP voted out it collapsed. Dr. Ramsammy, let me break down your asinine statement for you. Donald Trump was voted into power in 2016. Why do you think the economy is still doing well? The answer is that he inherited a great economy from Obama hence it is well even three years after.

The same principle applies with Bill Clinton’s great economy that he handed over to George Bush Jr. Dr. Ramsammy, I used those examples because I know that America is close to your heart since it was there you went for your medical care when the health service under PPP was “doing great.” Anyway, the point I am trying to make is that no service collapses overnight as you are suggesting with the health service in Guyana.

If a service is doing well the momentum would be maintained for a while even if bad policies were in place. You are right that the health service was bad in 2015. It was bad during the 23 years of PPP be-

cause ministers of health, like you, politicise it, having square pegs in round holes. Ministers of health like you were completely clueless which is evident by the garbage you write; getting excited with anecdotal evidence and hearsay.

Ministers of health like you were lacking in ideas, more obsessed with position and lacking leadership skills.

It is because of ministers of health like you that this government, since May 2015, has been desperately trying to lift the health service from the abyss masterminded by the PPP. So my advice to you, failed minister of health, is the next time you wish to write propaganda, make sure that you restrict it to the Guyana Times, a papers

that Guyanese don’t read.

Regards Dr.Mark Devonish MBBS MSc Med. Ed MRCP (UK) FRCP (Edin) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

Gearing up for what is to come OP-ED

BY MARGARET BURKE

Guyana is at the edge of a defining moment in its history. According to NASDAQ, our country is to become the “number one among the fastest growing economies in the world.” Our nation of just under 750,000 has hit one of the biggest oil and jackpots in history, with hundreds of billions of US dollars, ready to be extracted. There is the potential to rapidly transform Guyana for the better, allowing us to invest in our infrastructure, education and healthcare systems.

But all of this is pointless unless we are able to create job opportunities for all Guyanese.

We need a government we can trust to provide the types of jobs that focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, not just taking resources out of the ground. For too long, we lived under a PPP government who had no vision for the country, no means to create jobs, and only concerned with filling their pockets.

During their years in power, many thousands of people left Guyana, as the economy tanked and failed to provide the necessary opportunities. Only recently, their own presidential candidate, Irfaan Ali, was back in court regarding

the 19 criminal charges relating to his time as housing minister, where he allegedly sold off housing lots and land for below market prices to his well-connected cronies, making himself rich in the process, and depriving funding for schools and hospitals, and preventing ordinary people from securing a house lot.

The reason I mentioned this is because, at the heart of all of this, is a question of trust. Who do we trust to create jobs, manage our oil resources, and secure a better future for all Guyana?

Over the past four years, we have seen real efforts to reinvigorate our economy, particularly through greater emphasis on diversification of the economy. For so long, we have relied purely on extracting our mineral and resources, without processing them into higher value goods. We are a country rich in gold, diamond, precious stones and bauxite. There is also rice, sugar, timber, and many other agricultural products. Under President Granger, there has been more support given to encourage innovation and grow new sectors.

FASTEST GROWING ECONOMY The Guyana Office for Invest-

ment (Go-Invest) is one of the major players in the processes of business in Guyana. This agency, which falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Business, plays a pivotal role in attracting investment into traditional sectors, such as agriculture, mining and forestry, as well as more dynamic industries of energy, ICT manufacturing, and tourism. With greater support under President Granger, domestic and international investment has helped create 15,000 jobs since 2015.

Go-Invest signed over 300 Investment Agreements (IAs) during this government first four years in power. Heading the list of investments is agro-processing, followed by light manufacturing, and the services sector. Overall Go-Invest estimates that these agreements are worth almost $250B. Services fetched the largest value of over $82B, followed by our expanding energy sector securing significant investment of $70B, with Guyana capitalising on its reputation as the number one eco-tourism destination in the world, reaping in a tidy $44B, with agriculture and agro-processing at $30B. Light manufacturing, ICT and forestry flowed in the same order of projected value.

Investors in the varying sectors

of Go-Invest not only anticipated good returns to their investments, but also saw many jobs being created during the period 2015 to 2018. The services sector continue to head the list by creating 5,566 jobs, with investors recognising Guyana’s potential as a new outsourcing hotspot. Agriculture and agro-processing, quickly followed by light manufacturing, then energy and tourism sectors almost tied for new openings for employment.

EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS Go-Invest is structured to work primarily in two areas – investment facilitation and promotion, as well as export promotion. The agency works closely with both local and international agencies – Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Earlier this year it was reported that for 2018 this agency was able to generate $89B in enabled investments, also $52B from 56 investment agreements that were signed for various sections of Go-Invest.

According to the agency’s report, the success achieved is solidly based on shrewd management of the various resources, including their finances. The latter created the conditions for maximum positive outcome. Added to that was the

‘strategic participation in trade and investment events in several nations and other key activities, based on best-value considerations’.

The promotion of Guyana’s exports in international markets continue to be of significance. Under President Granger’s leadership, Guyana once again is trusted as a nation open for business. Good governance, commitment to the ruleof-law, and initiatives to support innovation, all make Guyana a more attractive place to start a business.

The GO-Invest programme is just one area where this government is showing its commitment to stimulate economic growth and create jobs. The Granger-led government has made significant progress during its time in power. Although progress has been made, real change takes time.

There is still much more to do.

That is why we must give the APNU+AFC more time to continue to secure a better future for Guyana. Otherwise, we risk a return to a government of the past, with no vision and no plan to provide jobs in Guyana.

Do we just have to accept that Georgetown will never regain its former glory?

Dear Editor

aving followed the goings-on at the Georgetown City Council for a number of years now, I am left to wonder why the senior officers there have to be told what to do on a daily basis for routine tasks by the councillors, the Local Government Commission and or the Communities Ministry, who then have to stand over them like the modern day slave masters to ensure that they carry out the simplest of undertakings.

In other organisations and companies in Guyana and elsewhere, the chairman and the Board which the Mayor and City Councillors really are, would merely be responsible for setting policy guidelines, and giving general directions. The CEO would then ascertain and establish exactly what has to be done in keeping with those decisions and in turn ensure that the heads of departments and their staff carry out their mandates accordingly. Not so at City Hall.

One reads of the City Treasurer (ag) refusing requests of the Town Clerk, City Council and the Local Government Commission to hand over some of the City’s financial records for auditing and giving the ridiculous excuse that the records are too sensitive. This is simply bizarre, how could the records detailing how the monies paid by ratepayers are spent, become classified? And even more troubling, is the fact that this gentleman was not even given a slap on the wrist for such obtuseness.

Why does the City Treasurer have to be told that he has to remit monies to the National Insurance Scheme, the Guyana Revenue

H

Authority and other places by the Local Government Commission.

Does he not know that he is duty and legally bound to do so?

The Engineer’s Department has plumbers, masons, carpenters, tinsmiths, painters and many other construction and engineering competencies within their employ but rather than repairing and maintaining the majestic City Hall building which resembles a small castle, a little at a time each year, they opted to do nothing to the building but occupy it for the last three decades watching it crumble to the ruins it has become and await a largesse of a whopping $200 Million from some fairy godmother.

Then we learnt that the fencing around Russel Square in the Stabroek Market area had disappeared as so many other things concerning the council, but the real absurdity is that the Chief Constable is reported to be waiting to be instructed in writing to have his ranks investigate the disappearance of this chain link fencing that is the property of the Council. Simply preposterous!

Then just this week we found the Abattoir closed for business. The reason given was that they had neither hose nor water to sanitise the facility, leaving it in an unhealthy and unsanitary state. I guess they are awaiting a directive to purchase a piece of hose, replace the water heating tank and have the plumbers fix the pipelines.

What ever happened to those sanitary inspectors who were given a fancy new name – Environmental Health Officers – that used to visit each yard regularly to ensure that good public health practices were maintained in the city. Does the council have to instruct them to go back into their districts?

And what about those district gangs that kept the parapets in pristine condition using hand scythes and cutlasses many years ago and those that kept the drains clean using shovels and hoes?

Today they have motorised brush cutters, mist blowers, madvacs and excavators and yet in most areas these municipal workers are never seen, the drains are clogged, and the grass on the parapets is taller that humans and which encourages a lot of unwanted wildlife.

With all of the robberies and burglaries occurring in and around the markets, do the relevant officers have to be instructed by the Local Government Commission to have security cameras installed and monitored at these facilities? I hope not.

Just look at what has happened to the administration, security, aesthetics and maintenance of the Le Repentir Cemetery.

Not so many moons ago this cemetery well-administered by the Sexton’s office which kept records of burials and information of the various beds, supervised the rangers who were part of the security arrangements and kept the cemetery weeded. High grass or trees growing among the tombs was never permitted.

Today despite a former Town Clerk doling out hundreds of millions of dollars to a favourite contractor without adherence to tender board procedures, and in spite of all of this wastage and corruption, the cemetery is now an international disgrace.

Do we just have to accept that Georgetown will never regain its former glory?

Regards Kishore Das

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Energy Director gets firsthand look at Stena Forth in operation DAYS after Tullow Guyana B.V – a subsidiary of UK-based oil company Tullow Oil plc, made its first oil discovery offshore Guyana at Jethro-1 well in the Orinduik Block, Director of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe was given an opportunity to have a first-hand look at Stena Forth in operation.

Jethro-1 was drilled by the Stena Forth drillship to a total depth of 4,400m in approximately 1,350 metres of water. Dr. Bynoe travelled to the vessel on Thursday with Tullow Oil Executive Vice President (New Ventures) Ian Cloke; Tullow Oil Guyana

B.V. Country Manager, Joachim Vogt; Tullow Oil plc Head of Operations and External Affairs (New Ventures and Exploration) Eric Bauer, along with Environmental Protection Agency, Executive Director, Dr. Vincent Adams and British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn.

Reflecting on trip, Dr. Bynoe, in an interview with the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Information and Press Services Unit, said the visit to the Stena Forth was tremendous as it brought a new appreciation of the entire cycle of operations involved in the petroleum sector.

“[The visit] allowed us an opportunity to assess the work that is currently being carried out as well as to interact with those who are at the front end….It is vital that we have a full appreciation of the range of services and expertise that are required that if, as Guyanese, we are moving to manage, but also take greater control of the sector. We’re able to allow for those expertise to be developed and ultimately be employed within the sector going forward,” the Energy Director explained.

The Stena Forth drillship is also being used by Eco (Atlantic) Oil and Gas Ltd to drill the

The Stena Forth Drillship offshore Guyana

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe (front, centre) along with British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn; Director of the EPA, Vincent Adams; and members of the management team of Tullow Oil on the helideck of the Stena Forth Joe prospect in the Orinduik by Gustavson Associates to Guyana Inc., the country could Block. According to Eco Joe-1 hold 148.3mmboe of gross benefit from as much as 60 per was spud at 14.45hrs on Au- unrisked prospective oil re- cent in oil profit, including a gust 25, 2019 using the Stena sources (P50), the company one per cent royalty once the Forth drillship. explained. explorations are successful and Eco and its partners on the Joe is the second of Eco’s the companies start pumping Orinduik Block, Tullow Guy- two-well drill programme for oil in the Orinduik Block. ana B.V. – operator of 60 per in Guyana for this year and The Orinduik Block is cent of the Working Interest the company is fully funded adjacent to ExxonMobil’s (“WI”), and Total E&P Guy- for a further six potential Stabroek Block, on which ana B.V. (25% WI), estimate exploration, appraisal or thirteen discoveries have the well will take approximate- development wells on the been announced and over ly three weeks to drill.

Orinduik Block. six billion barrels of oil The Joe prospect is a TerAccording to a Production equivalent recoverable retiary feature on the northern Sharing Agreement (PSA) sources are estimated. First part of the Orinduik Block signed between the Govern- oil production is expected in approximately 700 meters ment of Guyana, Tullow Guy- from the deep-water Liza of water and is estimated ana B.V and Eco (Atlantic) Field in 2020.

Amazon fires can ‘potentially’ impact Rupununi AS the world watches on in dismay at fires burning in the Amazon, the situation can potentially impact the Rupununi district here, according to the Department of Environment.

In a statement on Friday, August 30, 2019, the department said that Guyana remains “exceedingly concerned” about the fires in Brazil since the Amazon Basin is directly connected to Guyana’s natural environment. “The fires may potentially impact the Rupununi district where seasonal rainfall floods a vast savanna,” the department stated. It noted that countries in the Guiana Shield, Amazonia, academia, civil society and all stakeholders must work closely to strengthen forest conservation efforts in the Region.

According to the department, during the rainy season, the inundated Rupununi savannah allows a connection between the Amazon and Essequibo Rivers that provides the potential for annual exchange of fishes.

This connection is referred to as the Rupununi portal, the unit said. However, it was noted that if the Amazon continues to burn, then there

… DoE says in expressing grave concern over situation is a high probability that it will impact on the connectivity of this portal and decrease the animals using it, especially fish species.

Guyana is one of only thirty three countries in the world that is classified as a High Forest Cover Low Deforestation country. It was noted that efforts such as the Guyana-Norway Agreement and government’s commitment to prioritise the protection of the country’s rainforest through the ‘Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040’, supports the country’s sustainable forest management ideal.

The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest. It stretches across 5.5 million square kilometres, covering 40 per cent of the South American continent. It is often referred to as the lungs of the earth and one of earth’s best defence against climate change.

“This tragic event is a global emergency since no tract of the Amazon Rainforest can be treated in isolation of the entire Amazon forest as the benefits that the forest provides on a global scale are

not restricted or limited by boundaries,” the department said. Consequently, it was noted that the Amazon fire is of direct concern to every country in the world, particularly the Amazonian countries which include Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Western Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

Among its uniqueness, the Amazon produces 20 per cent of the world’s oxygen and serves as a massive carbon sink. It also holds a plethora of ecosystems housing 10 per cent of the world’s known species of organisms that hold environmental, economic and social (health) benefits.

Additionally, it is responsible for sustaining the livelihoods of many, including the Indigenous Communities that reside in the forest.

CAUSES OF THE FIRE OUTBREAKS According to the department, the National Institute of Space Research noted that the number of fire outbreaks in the Bra-

zilian Amazon region has increased by 84 per cent compared to the same period last year. It attributed the cause to several factors.

Those listed include illegal deforestation as a result of land clearing and preparation for cattle ranching and agriculture, causing the Amazon to become drier, making it more susceptible to wildfires and for fire that are deliberately set to spread quicker.

REAL AND PRESENT DANGER The department said that forests are custodians of a wide diversity of ecosystems, rich biodiversity and a large proportion of the world’s forest carbon for the benefit of all humanity.

As a result of this, several legally-binding Multilateral Environmental Agreements places intact forest at the centre of the fight against climate change. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change for example

recognises the exceptional importance of primary forest and the urgent necessity to avoid major fragmentation, damage and loss of primary forests of the planet as forest loss would reduce the capacity of ecosystems to store carbon and this in turn would lead to increases in greenhouse emissions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE AMAZON BASIN The burning of the Amazon has deleterious consequences for the world. As the fire rages on, more wildlife habitats and biodiversity will be destroyed and many more species of wildlife, some of which are endemic to this location would be displaced.

Further, animals are expected to migrate to areas that are not affected by the fire essentially putting stress on both the displaced wildlife and the wildlife that is already in that location, due to competition for available food, water and shelter.

The Indigenous People who occupy the Amazon Rainforest are expected to be impacted the hardest as they depend on the forest resourc-

es for food and shelter. This unwelcomed event will also pose serious risks to their health through smoke inhalation. Already, the accumulation of smoke is affecting residents of areas outside of the rainforest such as Sao Paulo.

IMPLICATIONS ON GLOBAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS As a result of this catastrophe, an exponential amount of carbon dioxide is being emitted to the atmosphere which, no doubt, will aggravate the impacts of climate change. As a result, it is likely that the world’s focus on limiting greenhouse gas increases to 1.5 Degrees Celsius by 2050 may be in jeopardy.

Also, with the loss of so many trees, it is envisaged that there will be a decrease in evapo-transpiration, thus reducing the amount of precipitation in South America.

Important to note is that both cities and rural communities depend on these sources of atmospheric water and may potentially be faced with economic and ecological consequences.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Conserve, protect natural resources for all

The Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040, he said, balances development of our natural resources with PRESIDENT David Granger, Friday contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, the protection of the environment. “The afternoon, said the Ministry of Natural land degradation and resource depletion, ‘green state’ will demonstrate how our Resources, Youth in Natural Resources the President said. extractive industries – bauxite, diamond initiative is a commendable one as it “These industries, therefore, must be and gold mining and logging – can be allows young people to see involvement developed in a manner which protects aligned with the protection of our enviin the extractive industry as an honour- the environment,” he reiterated, while ronment, the preservation of our biodiverable vocation, if done sustainably. pointing to the use of mercury in the gold sity and the promotion of the generation The Head of State was at the time mining sector. “It is an amalgam which of energy from renewable sources,” speaking at the closing ceremony of the is used to extract gold from ore. It is a President Granger said.

Youth in Natural Resources III held in the deadly poison which can find itself into The ‘Strategy’ commits to sustainable Baridi Benab, State House. “It involves the air, soil and rivers. The prevention of forest practices. It includes measures to them in the protection and preservation mercury pollution is vital to the protection promote low deforestation, low impact of the environment. Young people can of people’s lives and livelihoods and the logging, value-added timber production, look forward to a bright future in our sustainability of the environment. Mercuforest rehabilitation and reforestation.

The President encouraged the gathering at the closing ceremony to become acquainted with our Green State Development Strategy. “It will allow you to better appreciate the importance of environmental protection towards sustainable development,” he said.

The Head of State reminded that Guyana is rich in agricultural, forestry and mineral resources which include bauxite, diamond, fisheries, gold, rice, sugar and timber which have been the mainstays of the local economy for more than one hundred years. President Granger said Guyana’s traditional natural resources sector is vital to the country’s economy and will remain so even with the advent of petroleum production.

“The traditional natural resource sector will not be neglected but will be supported to continue to contribute to President David Granger, Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams and Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman employment, and wealth creation. Natural resource development, however, with attendees at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Youth in Natural Resources Programme must be consistent with, and aligned not degrade our riverbanks and lands or to, the protection of our environment,” natural resources sector, including the ry has found its way into the waterways – pollute our waterways. I have also seen the President said. The President, nottraditional sectors. We will continue to rivers and creeks – and presents a threat to the large holes carved out of our canopy withstanding, said Guyana’s natural support agriculture, logging and mining. the country’s aquatic systems and its bioThese sectors are being aligned along a diversity. It can equally leech into the soil path of sustainable development. They and find its way into the food chain,” the will remain mainstays of our economy President said while noting that Guyana is and providers of jobs for our people, a signatory to the Minamata Convention including our youth,” the President said, on Mercury. even as he congratulated the apprentices The Minamata Convention’s objective on completing the programme. is “…to protect human health and the enPresident Granger said too that efforts vironment from anthropogenic emissions are being made and will continue to be and releases of mercury and mercury made to protect the environment from compounds.” the threats posed by extractive industries.

In his address to the 1st Conference of He said this will ensure the sustainabil- Parties to the Minamata Convention on ity of the country’s resources and the Mercury, held in Geneva, Switzerland on protection of citizens. The extractive 28th September 2017, President Granger industries – logging and mining - despite said: “Mercury is not a plaything. It is their measurable economic benefits, are harmful to human health and to the physParticipants of the Ministry of Natural Resources Youth in Natural Resources associated often with air pollution, bio- ical environment whether in the air, on programme diversity loss, freshwater and oceanic land or in water. The use of mercury, in

–– President Granger tells youths

human products and processes, is a threat to human health and the environment.”

He reiterated that the “safety of our people and the protection of our environment is our foremost priority”. “I announced then and I iterate now that Guyana has set itself the goal eliminating the use of mercury. I have flown over, by aircraft, large sections of our country. I am appalled by the large craters left behind by miners. I have seen the destruction to our riverbanks caused by mining. I have seen the effects of the deposit of mining effluent in our rivers, many of which are still used for cooking, drinking, fishing and washing by riverine communities. Sustainable mining does

for foresters. No attempt, in many instances, has been made at reforestation,” the President stated.

President Granger told the apprentices that a sustainable future cannot be bequeathed to the nation’s children unless the destruction to the environment by extractive industries is arrested. He said it is partly for this reason that the Government of Guyana is committed to a ‘green’ development trajectory.

resources, are not confined to the agricultural, fishing, forestry and mining sectors. He stated that the country’s vast coastland, majestic mountain ranges, alluring protected areas, exotic shell beaches, pristine rainforests, treacherous rapids, meandering creeks and rivers, rugged savannahs and breath-taking waterfalls constitute See page 11

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

APNU+AFC in full elections mode … Min. Ally dismisses Irfaan Ali as allegedly corrupt, unqualified

WHENEVER the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) decides to call elections, it will not be an issue for the APNU+AFC govern ment, with People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R) General Secretary, Amna Ally, establishing that the party is in “full election mode”, Speaking at the PNC/ R’s weekly press conference on Friday, Ally, who is also the party’s Chief Elections Scrutineer, said the party is currently in the process of working on its manifesto. “The PNC/R and our partners that make up the APNU+AFC coalition are in full elections mode. We are ready. We are in preparation mode of our manifesto. We have started the work, it is not completed but I can assure you that it will be ready in time for elections,” Ally said.

“Our track record for the four years is excellent, and that alone would take the coalition back to government. What we didn’t enjoy in 23 years we are enjoying it in four years.

We have better roads,

President David Granger improved education, and improved healthcare, so we know that is going to take it back, and to crown it all we have the best candidate. We have a man with integrity, with vision for this country, who is honest. Comparing our presidential candidate with the PPP candidate, our presidential candidate doesn’t have any reason to fake any qualifications, has never been dishonest.

And so we have a track record and certainly that is going to take us back to government.”

Whenever elections are next held, the AP-

NU+AFC will be heading into elections with incumbent President David Granger as the party’s presidential candidate. The Opposition, People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has identified former Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali, as their presidential candidate, notwithstanding the fact that Ali is currently before the courts with 19 criminal charges against him, and has questionable and unverified academic qualifications.

Ali is facing some 19 charges for allegedly conspiring to defraud the state of some $174M in ‘Pradoville’ land sales, after selling the lands at extremely undervalued prices. The “Pradoville” arrangement was made during PPP’s term of office, 2010-2015.

On his academic qualifications, Ali is alleged to have pursued a Master’s degree at an India university in 2002, without a first degree, using fraudulent documents to get into the masters programme.

Minister Ally says the coalition is confident that when faced with a choice between President Grang-

PNCR General Secretary, Amna Ally er and Ali as president, the choice is made easy for citizens.

“No matter the date of election, the PNC/R is ready and confident, for the choice is clear, this election will be a referendum on leadership.

David Granger is a man of integrity, honesty, a statesman and a leader who has earned the nations trust versus the PPP’s candidate of questionable character facing multiple criminal charges. Irfaan Ali, a man with 19 criminal charges and questionable academic qualifications wants Guyanese to trust him and

his dishonest PPP,” Ally boasted.

In addition to a credible presidential candidate, Ally noted that sizing up the APNU+AFC track record against that of the PPP again puts the governing party in the lead.

“The PPP have had their time and their track record prove that they are dishonest, unscrupulous and too incompetent to govern our country again,” Ally reminded. “Since we came to power in 2015, we have made significant progress in moving Guyana forward. During their 23 years, the PPP brought our country to the point of collapse. They destroyed the economy by aligning themselves with narco-traffickers that destroyed job opportunities for people, especially our youth. They let our infrastructure crumble through dishonest deals.

They neglected our education system, leaving our young people with no future or hope of securing real jobs.”

Ally conceded that four years was just a lim-

ited time span, and while much has been done there is much more still to be completed. “In just four years much progress has been made, but we know that real change takes time. We have made a good start but there is more work to be done.

With the honest leadership of President David Granger, we will deliver more jobs, higher wages, safer communities and free education from nursery to university,” Ally said.

“We must not forget that the people of Guyana voted the PPP out of office just four years ago, in 2015, because the PPP failed to address the country’s most pressing problem, the public security crisis.

The PPP has never accepted its responsibility for the high rate of armed robberies, the murderous maritime piracy, the rampant gun-running and contraband smuggling, and other violent crimes that raged along the coastland during its 23 years in office.”

Conserve, protect natural resources ...

From page 10

part of her natural capital.

“Guyana’s biodiversity forms part of our natural capital. Our country is the habitat to some of the world’s most unique and rarest flora and fauna.

Its biodiversity includes more than 467 species of fish, 130 species of amphibians, 179 species of reptiles, 814 species of birds, 225 species of mammals, and thousands of plants,” he said.

President Granger reminded that Guyana is at the centre of the Guiana Shield which encompasses an area of over 2.7 million km² - making it larger than Greenland – and which incorporates part of Brazil, Venezuela and Colombia and all of Guyana, French Guiana and Suriname.

The Guiana Shield,

President David Granger (seated second left); Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams (second right); and Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton (right) with participants at the closing ceremony of Youth in Natural Resources he said, is one of the most biologically rich and diverse areas of the world which comprises pristine forests, largely uncontaminated aquatic ecosystems and other intact ecosystems and also contain 15 per cent

of the world’s freshwater reserves. “The Shield is the lungs of the earth. Its forests provide storage for carbon and mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. The Shield reminds us that natural resources are not con-

fined to the extractive industries. Natural resources also include renewable resources such as our forests and their biodiversity,” he said.

The Head of State reiterated that Guyana’s natural resources are the

patrimony of all Guyanese. “They are and will continue to be used for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said while noting that sustainable development is the key to protecting the country’s forests and

minerals from exhaustion and from desertification and degradation, waterways from drought and our biodiversity from extinction. “Guyana’s natural resources must be conserved, protected and sustainably developed so that they can benefit both present and future Guyanese,” President Granger asserted. Similar sentiments were echoed

by Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Raphael Trotman.

Also present at the closing ceremony were Ministers of State and Social Cohesion, Mrs. Dawn Hastings-Williams and Dr. George Norton respectively, and Director, Department of Environment, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers.

(Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

200 children benefit from Digicel’s back- to-school drive DIGICEL Guyana has kick-started its back-toschool drive in fine style in which 200 school children from Berbice and Georgetown received back packs, benefitted from free dental care and stylish haircuts.

The telecommunications giant celebrated its eighth annual back-to-school drive on Thursday and Friday and every year something new is usually implemented to surpass the previous year’s activities, while bringing added benefits to children who are preparing to enter a new school year.

The activities were held on Thursday in Berbice and in the city, at Kingston on

Friday.

According to Digicel Guy-

ana’s public relations officer, Vidya Persaud, the drive was

A dentist attending to a child at the event

executed with the aim of promoting education among the

and Georgetown, were occupied with activities provided

A barber gives a student a haircut for the new school year

first to be held in Berbice and in Kingston.

The company handed out hundreds of back-packs filled with stationery materials.

Many of the parents who brought their children expressed appreciation to the company for its efforts.

“This back-to-school drive set up by Digicel is a nice initiative because I always go to a private dental school to get myself and kids dental care done, but thanks to this event, my kids can have their teeth treated just in time for the commencement of school,” said a parent who resides in the Corentyne.

Other corporate donors who contributed to the drive

Children who came out in their numbers at the event

younger generation.

“At Digicel Guyana we constantly look out for youths and promote youth development. Also we look into areas where certain things are lacking, so these areas were targeted to provide basic necessities to children in these respective communities,” she added.

The children from Berbice

by Tons of Fun party Service.

These included trampoline games, craft time, face painting and they also received free cavity treatment and teeth cleaning from dentists employed at the Cheddi Jagan Dental School.

While this is not the first back-to-school outreach Digicel has hosted, it was their

included Massy Stores Guyana which provided soaps and toothpaste for the children.

The coordinators of this year’s back-to-school drive also offered a word of advice to students, encouraging all learners. Parents and guardians were encouraged to ensure that learners remained in school.

Digicel’s Public Relations Officer, Vidya Persaud, presents a backpack to a child from Berbice

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

PNCR will continue to advocate for credible list of electors – Amna Ally

EMPHASISING that only the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) can determine when elections can be held, General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), Amna Ally, dismissed concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, on a merger of data from house-to-house registration and the National Register of Registrants “delaying” elections.

Ally stressed that GECOM is a constitutionally independent body, and no authority except GECOM can determine when elections can be held.

“With regards to whether elections will be held next year, I cannot answer that, GECOM has to state their readiness, they are the ones [that make the decision], GECOM is an independent agency. The PNC/R remains committed to respecting the independence of the GECOM, the laws of our country and the upholding the constitution of Guyana,” Ally said, as she transmitted the party’s position. “The Constitution… mandates that the Commission (GECOM) shall exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of electors and

Minister of Social Protection and General Secretary of the People’s National Congress Reform, Amna Ally administrative conduct of all elections of members of the National Assembly. The PNC/R respects and recognises that GECOM and only GECOM has that authority.”

Jagdeo, at the opposition’s weekly press conference, last Thursday, said that a merger of the houseto-house registration and the NRR was a delaying tactic to push elections until next year, after his party, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) said that the merger would “further” contaminate the NRR list.

“As leader of the opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo makes

loose statements at all times.

I am not surprised that he has indicated that this list is going to be contaminated when it has been merged with the NRR...,” Ally said in response to questions on the opposition leader’s position.

“How is it if you merge the information from houseto-house registration to what exists as the NRR you are going to have contamination?

Is it that he is admitting that the NRR is corrupt? Is it that he is admitting that the NRR is no good? I am sure silently he is.”

Ally noted that even as GECOM prepares for the hosting of Regional and General Elections, a credible Official List of Electors (OLE) is of critical importance. Ally questioned why the PPP is prepared to go to elections without a credible OLE, establishing that the PNC/R “will continue to advocate for a credible list of electors”.

“The PPP is prepared to go to the polls with any list, they don’t care if the list is corrupted. Why? It is essential that we hold fair, free and credible elections and we cannot do so if the people of Guyana believe that the list is outdated and corrupted. The process GECOM takes to sanitise the list must therefore take into consideration the concerns expressed,” Ally

Man who allegedly attempted suicide charged for murder HOURS after being released from the Hospital, a 54-year-old gold miner was on Friday, August 30, 2019, arraigned in court for the murder of his wife, who was killed during a domestic dispute at their Nabaclis Side Line Dam, East Coast Demerara home.

Sherlock James, appeared before Magistrate Marissa

DEAD Vinnette Headley-James Mittelholzer at the Mahaica Magistrate Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that, on August 21, 2019, at

Sherlock James being escorted into the courtroom by a police detective their Nabaclis Side Line Dam 9, 2019. The matter has home, he murdered his wife, been transferred to MagisVinnette Headley-James, 44. trate Fabayo Azore at the He was recently released Cove and John Magistrate’s from the Georgetown Public Court Hospital Corporation where According to reports, on he had been admitted, after the day in question, Vinnette attempting to take his own life. Headley-James was allegedly He was unable to speak proper- stabbed to death with a knife ly in court since he was nursing by her husband, after she a large cut across his throat. informed him that she was James stood emotion- ending their relationship. less in the prisoner docks The man subsequently throughout his court ap- attempted to take his own pearance and was remand- life. He was, however, deed to prison until October tained by the police.

said.

Ally reminded that it also up to GECOM to come up with a method of ensuring that it provides a credible OLE. “Elections can only be held when GECOM notifies us that they are ready, the underpinning thing is that there is need for a credible list so that we can have credible elections,” Ally said.

“GECOM has a right to implement whatever process they have to implement in order to produce a credible list.

The house-to-house is not illegal, and there is an NRR,GECOM has to know what they are going to do to put the two together to come up with a credible list, and I have full confidence in GECOM that they have the capability to produce such a list.”

GECOM, on Tuesday last, noted that it “has an obligation to produce a credible Official List of Electors (OLE) in the first instance and ultimately credible elections within the shortest possible time”, as the body announced that a decision was taken to shorten houseto-house registration. The de-

cision would see the exercise coming to an end on August 31, when it was initially been slated to be completed on October 20, 2019. The exercise had begun on July 20, 2019.

Given that the Chief Justice, Roxane George, ruled that house-to-house registration was legal and constitutional, GECOM explained that the data garnered from house-to-house registration would be merged with existing NRR Database. This would be followed by an extended period of claims and objections, in order to produce a preliminary OLE. Approximately 300,000 persons had already been registered to in the exercise as of earlier this week, and GECOM has since took a decision to extend the hours of house-to-house registration to see as many persons as possible being registered.

“The PNC/R is pleased that the data gathered from the current house-to-house registration will be considered in the new list of electors. The PNC/R will use the proposed extended claims and objections period to rigorously

peruse and where necessary further sanitise the new list of electors,” Ally said. She also addressed concerns by persons worried of not being able to be registered before house-to-house ends.

“I think the Chairman of GECOM has made the correct decision, because you merge what you have existing with what is coming in and GECOM obviously has its process for coming up with a final list. There are some people out there who are worried that if they don’t catch the registration by [today] they would have great difficulty, their names wouldn’t be on the list, or they wouldn’t get an ID card.

I want to assure the public out there that if you have not been able to catch this registration which ends tomorrow you will have a chance to register during the claims and objections period.

Which will be an extended period. So I want all to be alerted that to ensure that they get their source documents to make it easy for themselves and for GECOM.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Guyana receives distinguished destination stewardship award from CTO

GUYANA was awarded the Distinguished Destination Stewardship Award by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and its partners received the award on behalf of Guyana during the Caribbean Sustainable Development Conference, which was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines last Thursday.

The judging committee selected Guyana as the winner because of its impressive sustainable tourism practices, and community-led tourism framework which promotes job creation and low-carbon lifestyles while helping to preserve local traditions and customs.

The CTO award demonstrates Guyana’s long-standing commitment to the green state agenda and the global branding benefits associated with its efforts to become a leading sustainable destination.

CTO Caribbean Sustainable Awards identify and showcase sustainable tourism good practices in the CTO’s 26 member destinations.

The awards recognise individuals, groups, organisations and companies in any of the CTO’s member countries that are implementing initiatives that embrace sustainable tourism concepts and core values.

The initiatives should help to enhance the country’s tourism product, offerings and advance sustainable and responsible tourism in the Caribbean.

Guyana was awarded the Destination Stewardship Award, which highlights a country, region, town, village or community that is making solid strides towards sustainable tourism management at the destination-level.

Recipients of the award are recognised for ongoing and integrated initiatives and programmes designed to improve sustainable tourism planning and promote the widespread adoption of good practices, ensure multi-stakeholder engagement, address social and community issues, foster economic linkages, preserve cultural heritage and protect the environment.

The six judging criteria of the award included contribution to improving the long-term competitiveness of tourism businesses and destinations; enhancing the well-being of communities as healthy places to visit, live and invest; preserving and conserving cultural, historical and

natural heritage; promoting a sense of place and authenticity; involving tourism stakeholders in decision-making; and communicating and promoting sustainable tourism good practices to other tourism stakeholders According to the GTA, Guyana has been making sizable strides in all areas highlighted. This includes expanding community-led and owned tourism and sustainable tourism offerings through a partnership with the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and four villages.

It also includes fostering inter-ministerial and stakeholder collaboration to preserve the natural and cultural heritage treasures of Guyana and support sustainable tourism development, and maintaining and building on its authentic tourism offerings and natural landscapes.

The award reflects the GTA’s strategic focus on adopting sustainable destination management, development, and marketing best practices as part of all of its operations and programmes.

“We are extremely honoured to have received this award. Guyana, through the work of the Guyana Tourism Authority and its partners, has expended considerable effort in recent years to incorporate sustainable tourism best practice into all aspects of its tourism strategy, policy, planning and programming,” said Deputy Director of the GTA, Carla James, who attended the award ceremony.

“We are committed to maximising the positive socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism and to continue to be stewards of Destination Guyana,” she said.

Karanambu Lodge of Guyana was also named the winner of the Sustainable Accommodation Award. Melanie McTurk was there to accept for Karanambu Lodge.

In March this year, Guyana was recognised as the world’s number one “Best in Ecotourism” and one of the top ten sustainable destinations by the Green Destination Foundation and Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB), Berlin.

The country was also recognised for having the best destination video at the Golden City Gate Foundation at ITB. And in June, Guyana was recognised as the “Best in Sustainable Tourism” by the Latin American Travel Association (LATA).

Fisherman remanded for possession of illegal shotgun MAGISTRATE Marissa Mittelholzer at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court, on Friday, August 30, 2019, remanded a 37-year-old fisherman to prison for having an illegal shotgun in his possession.

Deocharan Das of New Providence, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, denied the charge and was remanded to prison.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Das on August 26, 2019, at Wash Clothes,

Mahaicony Creek, had a 12 gauge single barrel shot gun in his possession, without being the holder of a firearm license.

According to reports, police, while on mobile patrol in the Wash Clothes, Mahaicony Creek area, saw when Das was on his wooden boat coming ashore.

It is alleged that when Das saw the police he threw the firearm into the water.

Nevertheless, the police saw his actions, retrieved it and

Deocharan Das arrested him.

Magistrate Mittelholzer, remanded Das to prison until September 30, 2019, and transferred his matter to the Cove and John Magistrates’ Court.

15

GTA’s Deputy Director, Carla James (left) and Melanie McTurk of Karanambu Lodge showcase the awards (GTA photo)

16

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Aurora Gold Mines provides support to Indigenous Heritage Month activities

CANADIAN mining firm, Aurora Gold Mines (AGM), has thrown its support behind this year’s Indigenous Heritage Month celebrations through the donation of a cheque which the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs will spend on an award ceremony next month.

The company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Field Officer, Delon Brathwaite, and Sustainability Coordinator, Miranda LaRose, on Thursday, handed over the cheque to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, at her Thomas and Quamina Streets Office, the ministry said.

Minister Garrido-Lowe, on receiving the contribution, which the ministry said will go towards offsetting the expense for the purchase of gold pins to be awarded to twenty recipients during the 2019 Stephen Campbell award ceremony, noted that, “we are happy to partner with AGM Inc. and over the

Corporate Social Responsibility Field Officer at AGM, Delon Brathwaite, hands over the cheque to Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs , Valerie Garrido-Lowe, while Sustainability Coordinator at AGM, Miranda LaRose (right) and an official of the ministry look on years this has proven that you over the cheque, pointed out that by giving this little token are a really good cooperate that the relationship between of our appreciation, that the citizen and that you care. So the ministry and AGM Inc. ministry can be able to conthank you so much and we has been a fruitful one and tinue its tremendous work.” appreciate this so much and noted that the company “recLooking into the future, our honorees will certainly ognise and appreciate the Braithwaite said, “we look cherish the golden pins.” great work the ministry has forward to partnering more Braithwaite, after handing been doing and it is our hope and strengthening collabo-

ration with the ministry so that we can reach every part of the hinterland of Guyana and the ministry can be rest assured that they have our full support.”

This would be the fourth year in a row that AGM Inc. has contributed financially to the successful hosting of the Stephen Campbell Celebrations during heritage celebrations held each September.

On each pin contains nine feathers which represent the nine indigenous tribes of Guyana.

Ms. La Rose, one of Guyana’s first Indigenous journalists who is AGM’s Sustainability Coordinator, is a former recipient of one of the Gold Pins after being recognised for her staunch contributions in the field of journalism. She was among the first recipients of the gold pin back in 2016. La Rose has dedicated some 34 years of service in this field.

Meanwhile, among the 2019 awardees are Minster of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock; Minister of

Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton; Dr. Selomi Henry, nurse Zena Cornelius; Politicians, Mr. Stanley McGarrel and Matheson Williams; Toshao, Whanita Phillips; Father George Spencer; rodeo champion, Paul Atkinson; musician Leon Couchman and artist, Foster Simon.

This year the Celebration of the Life and Work of Stephen Campbell and other notable Guyanese will be held on September 10 at Rivers View, Region 10 during the National Heritage Village Day Celebrations.

In the past, the two activities – Celebration of Stephen Campbell and National Heritage Village Day – were held separately, however, the ministry made the decision going forward, to host the activities together with the aim of bringing about the true meaning of celebrating Mr. Campbell’s life and work, while also recognising the contributions of other Indigenous Guyanese.

Two decades later, man who ‘Buffy’ and ‘Gregory’ to allegedly killed wife caught stand trial for murder TWO decades after Viola Thomas was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband, the man was apprehended by the police after he was identified by the victim’s relatives from a recent story published by the Guyana Chronicle.

Viola Thomas was only 23-years old when the resident of Cubacalli, Moruca , North West District, was stabbed several times about her body by her reputed husband Philbert Thomas.

The then Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had recommended that the suspect be charged with murder while he was in hiding.

The matter was heard at the Acquero Magistrate’s Court at Moruca where several witnesses testified against Thomas, who was charged in absentia.

Eight years later, the matter was recalled at the same

Philbert Thomas known as Gilbert Thomas court and was adjourned with no appointed date for resumption; the investigating rank was then Detective Lance Corporal 13004 Linden Lord, who is now Senior Superintendent and Commander of ‘E’ Division (Linden).

After twenty one years, Ms. Alina Thomas, a sixty-three-year-old resident of the North West District and mother of Viola Thomas, never stopped thinking of her daughter.

While reading the Guyana Chronicle recently, she identified Philbert in a photograph; the man who had given his name as ‘Gilbert Thomas’ to the police.

Alina Thomas went to the Acquero Police Station and made a report of what she saw in the daily newspaper pertaining to the suspect who was remanded to prison on two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm in a separate matter.

The man was charged on August 22, 2019 with two counts of inflicting grievous bodily harm at the Christianburg Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune and was remanded to prison after he pleaded not guilty.

A court order was filed and the man was identified

by Ms. Alina Thomas.

During questioning, he subsequently confessed to the crime and will be charged for murder.

TWO men were on Friday, August 30, 2019, committed to stand trial at the High Court for the murder of America Street ‘money-changer’ Shawn Nurse, known as ‘Fabulous’, who was gunned down in Georgetown in 2018, while their co-accused was discharged

nary inquiry was conducted.

The men, Kerwin DosSantos called ‘Buffy’ and George Hope called ‘Gregory,’ both 25-years-old were committed after a prima facie case was made out against them, based upon the evidence presented by Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves.

Freed : Kacey Heyliger

Kerwin Dos Santos called ‘Buffy’ (left) and George Hope called ‘Gregory’. from the matter.

The ruling was handed down by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Providence Magistrates’ Court, where the prelimi-

The duo are set to go on trial before a judge and jury at the next practical sitting of the Demerara Assizes.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Kacey Heyliger of Shell

Road, Kitty, was discharged from the matter due to insufficient evidence and thus he was freed.

According to reports, on February 4, 2018 at America Street, Nurse, 47, was shot in the head after he refused to comply with his robbers who demanded that he turned over whatever cash he had on him. Reports stated that, after Nurse was shot to his face, the robbers made good his escape.

The police were able to make the arrests after reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding buildings.

During last year, Nurse was robbed but was later able to identify two of the persons who had allegedly committed the offence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Mining on Indigenous lands continue to be a major problem IN Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) mining has been a key driver of many land and resource conflicts, a study conducted by the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) has found.

The study, ‘Our Land, Our Life – a Participatory Assessment of the Land and Tenure Situation on Indigenous Peoples in Guyana (Region Seven), was launched on Thursday at the Regency Suites Hotel by the APA. The 245 page Region Seven Land Tenure Report was compiled based on a detail assessment of 20 indigenous communities within the Cuyuni-Mazaruni District.

“Much of the land indigenous communities know to be theirs in Region Seven is not legally recognised or protected by the government, whose land and natural resource agencies have continued to issue third-party rights over indigenous lands without prior consultation and consent of the affected villages and customary landowners. This has meant that most of these untitled, customary lands are covered in mining and logging concessions,” the APA said in its report.

It noted that even land that is legally recognised and protected is not fully controlled

by Indigenous Communities, and as such mining concessions can still be granted or renewed on titled lands without the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the titled village.

“In Region Seven, mining in particular has been a key driver of many land and resource conflicts, as the Mazaruni region has been opened as a mining district since early in the previous century,” the Amerindian Association further noted.

According to the government GIM database, at least six villages, in the district, have mining or logging concessions on their titled lands, however, the APA said based on the

APA Governance and Rights Coordinator, Dr. Laura George study, the GIM database is not accurate. It explained that two villages with title, Kako and Kambaru/Omanaika, do not appear on the government GIM website.

“Jawalla’s title appears in a different location on the GIM website from its title description. Paruima and Kamarang’s titles also appear to be different on the GIM website as compared to their title description.

Due to an error in the plan and incorrect river names, Kaikan’s title appears smaller than its description in two areas,” the APA pointed out in its report.

It noted too, that based on the government GIM maps, all of the titled villages are bordered by mining or logging concessions or both – an issue which remains a concern for most of the villages. The APA said almost

all of the villages are concerned about land and resource conflicts with the extractive industries.

“There are also instances of miners destroying village lines (traditional trails used to access farming, hunting, fishing, or gathering grounds) to create roads to access their concessions which are outside of the village’s title.,” the Amerindian Association reported.

The study shows too that commercial mining and logging are damaging the environment and affecting the livelihood of Indigenous people.

“Many of the communities are concerned that extractive activities, particularly mining, are destroying their environment and could cause food and water insecurity. Several communities have reported concerns about mercury pollution in the Mazaruni River and its tributaries. There are also reports of fish in the rivers being unhealthy, with reports of decreased numbers of, decreased sizes of, and sometimes odd shapes of fish. In some cases, there are also instances of miners deliberately destroying farms and working out areas that are clearly the village’s farming grounds,” APA explained.

Added to that, the study found that miners and even officers from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force have reportedly threatened and assaulted villagers of indigenous customary lands including titled lands.

“There are complains of miners bulldozing residents’ farms, and destroying villages’ traditional trail lines…Kaikan has complained that the police and soldiers stationed in their village have sexually assaulted women and stolen from the village,” the APA contended.

The study also focused on legal recogni-

The Region Seven Land Tenure Report tion of tenure rights; title demarcation and extensions; laws and policies; lack of consultation and free, prior and informed consent and issues based on mapping and surveys.

APA Governance and Rights Coordinator, Dr. Laura George, said out of the 20 villages that were assessed, 15 of them are titled but only six of those have been demarcated.

Dr. George said the violation of indigenous land rights, in Region Seven, is as a result of flaws in the country’s laws particularly the Amerindian Act of 2006.

Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, was among the officials who witnessed the launch of the report.

GPSU awards NGSA achievers THE Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) awarded 17 of its members’ children who would have performed exceptionally well at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) examination.

GPSU presented the awards during a Bursary Awards Ceremony at its Shiv Chanderpaul Drive Headquarters on Friday.

The students received monetary awards as well as certificates and back-packs to aid in their preparation for the new academic year that commences on Monday, September 2, 2019.

The beneficiaries hail from Regions Two, Four, Five, Six and 10.

Education Officer, Vera Naughton, in delivering remarks, said through the bursary, the union is assisting parents in providing a better educational life for their children.

“We are here to assist all parents in making your children have a better future and we are providing a small token this afternoon in the form of whatever we are going to give you of some assistance,” she said.

She pointed out that education is a very important medium of acquiring essential knowledge and skills.

“It is important that we have intelligent young people who would under-

GPSU’s representatives and the awardees stand the modern prob- ucation is the key to all dent, in her remarks, said lems of society and they knowledge and success,” it is very important that will be able to solve prob- Naughton added. the union supports its lems that would come Dawn Gardener, GP- members and as such, the up, in a proper way. Ed- SU’s First Vice-Presi- ceremony was intended

to show gratitude to the members of the union and their children.

Gardener also educated the students about the GPSU and its importance in society.

The GPSU is hoping to make the event an annual one as it wishes to continue supporting its members and the youths of Guyana.

Gratitude was expressed by the recipients and their parents to the union for its outstanding initiative to give back to society.

Also present at the event was President of the Guyana Public Service Union, Patrick Yarde, and other members.

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Mason charged for robbery released on bail

A TWENTY-THREE-yearold mason was, on Friday, August 30, 2019, released on $100,000 bail on a robbery charge.

Anthonio Maraj of Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to three charges.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on August 12, 2019, at Hadfield and Breda Streets Georgetown, Maraj, while being in the company of others, and

armed with a gun, robbed Mark Whitter of $86,000 cash and a phone valued at $64,000.

The second charge stated that, on the same day, and at the same place, Maraj, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun robbed Tavia Bailey of a phone worth $80,000 along with other items totaling $12,500.

The last charge stated that, on August 17, 2019, at Durban Street, Georgetown, Maraj, while in the company

of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Kester Peters of $40,000 cash along with other items valued at $187,500.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that there was an Identification parade and the victims identified Maraj as the person who robbed them.

“I have two children and one on the way… these police doing me this since I small, I didn’t rob anybody” Maraj said.

However, Whitter and

Bailey asked that the matter against Maraj be dismissed since he was not the person who robbed them.

Magistrate McLennan dismissed the first two charges against Maraj. He was released on $100,000 bail on the third charge and will return to court on September 6, 2019.

Maraj was ordered by the Chief Magistrate to report to the Ruimveldt Police Station every morning at 08:00 hours until the matter is concluded in the court.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Motorcyclist charged for dangerous driving remanded A TWENTY-SIX-year-old man was, on Friday, August 30, 2019, remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for causing death by dangerous driving.

Gregory Bess of Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to two charges.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on January 28, 2019, at Nismes Public Road, West Bank Demerara, he was riding motorcycle CJ5283, was involved in an accident and failed to stop.

The second charge stated that, on the same day, he rode his motorcycle in a manner dangerous to the public and caused the death of Herbert Caesar.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to Bess and told the court that Bess fled the scene after the accident and could not have been found.

Mansfield also told the court that only Tuesday, August 27, 2019, ranks went to Bess’ home and finally made contact with him. He was arrested and he even attempted to escape from the police.

Magistrate McLennan remanded Bess to prison and transferred the matter to Nismes Magistrate Court for September 5, 2019.

Alleged trafficker remanded

CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Friday, August 30, 2019, remanded a man for trafficking 43 kilograms of cannabis.

Jason Dundas appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court and pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Particulars of the charge stated that, on August 27, 2019, at Cornhill Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession 43.772 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to Dundas and told the court that, on the day in question ranks received information and went to the area mentioned above where they made contact with Dundas at a stall.

The ranks asked Dundas if the stall belonged to him and he said yes. The ranks sought permission to conduct a search and Dundas made no objection. The search unearthed several parcels of leaves, seeds and stems that were suspected to be drugs. Dundas admitted ownership.

He was arrested and later charged.

Magistrate McLennan refused bail and remanded Dundas to prison until September 25, 2019.

… says merger of new data with NRR will ‘further contaminate’ it

Men charged for using threatening language granted bail ON Friday August 30, 2019, two men were arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court.

It is alleged that, on August 22, 2019, 52-year-old Otis Khan and 33-year-old Ivorn Heights used threatening language towards each other during an argument, at Savage Street, North-East La Penitence.

Magistrate Daly released the two men on $10,000 bail each and adjourned the matter until September 30, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, August 31, 2019

Possession of gun, ammunition lands man in jail CHIEF Magistrate Ann McLennan, on Friday, August 30, 2019, fined a thirty-seven-year-old man $100,000 and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment on a gun and ammunition charge.

Shemrick Nedd appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court and pleaded guilty to the two charges.

Particulars of the first charge stated that, on August 28, 2019, at Cornhill Street, Georgetown, he had in his possession a .38 revolver when he was not the holder

of a firearm license.

The second charge stated that, on the same day and at the same place he had in his possession two rounds of .38 ammunition.

Police prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that, on the day in question, around 10:00 hours, ranks from the brickdam police station were preforming duty at Stabroek Market.

Acting on information received the ranks went to Cornhill Street, where they made contact with Nedd. The ranks identified themselves

and carried out a search on his person. A firearm was found.

Nedd was told of the allegation, arrested and later charged.

“I had it for protection because I hear people does thief cow, I was never charge before and I never get myself into trouble” Nedd explained.

Magistrate McLennan fined Nedd $50,000 on each charge and sentenced him to 2 years imprisonment on each charge and told Nedd the sentence will run concurrently.

Man accused of involvement in corrupt practice granted bail ON Friday, August 30, 2019, a 33-yearold father of three was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that, on December 4, 2018, at the Rio Night Club, Georgetown, Sirestsi Bascom of Melanie Damishana, being a clerk employed by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), corruptly obtained from Paul Daby, the sum of $1,000,000 .

He pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Bascom was represented by attorney at law Ronald Daniels, who noted that his client had no prior convictions and was the sole provider for his family.

Police prosecutor Sanj Singh had no abjections to bail.

Bascom was placed on $80,000 bail and is to return to court, on September 20, 2019.

Man accused of stealing granted bail ON Friday August 30, 2019, a 48-year-old man was arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ court.

It is alleged that, on August 28, 2019, at Thomas Lands , Georgetown , Colin Miller of 147 2nd Avenue Diamond stole a metal grill door, property of the Guyana Public Service Union

trafficker

(GPSU) valued at $35,000.

Miller stated that he was staying in Georgetown, because he was having some domestic problems at home, and stayed at the bottom flat of a building in Thomas Lands; there he met two persons who gave him the impression that they were the owners of the property and asked him to move the item to another

location.

Upon his return to the said building, Miller was approached by the police and informed about the stolen item. He was later arrested and charged.

“I had no idea I was stealing” he said.

Magistrate Daly granted him $15,000 bail and adjourned the matter until September 30, 2019.

‘Biting’ labourer granted bail AN 18-year-old labourer was on Friday, August 30, 2019, arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

It is alleged that, on August 27, 2019 at Port Kaituma, Raul Bovell assaulted a young woman.

Police Prosecutor noted that, on the day in question, the defendant and the virtual complainant were in a scuffle, when the defendant bit the virtual complainant on the forehead causing actual bodily harm.

When asked his reason for biting the virtual complainant, Bovell said “she

formed a lie pon me.”

Bovell was placed on $10,000 bail and directed to report to the Port Kaituma police station regularly.

Magistrate McLennan adjourned the matter until November 5, 2019 at the Matthew’s Ridge Magistrates’ Court.

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Maximo optimistic of successful Nations League

By Rawle Toney

BRAZILIAN Marcio Maximo has expressed optimism of Guyana topping their League B group at the CONCACAF Nations League, as Golden Jaguars continue to heighten preparation for their opening game against Aruba in Curacao on September 6.

By virtue of finishing seventh in the qualifying stages of the competition, Guyana were placed in Group C of League B alongside Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba and Jamaica.

Following their September 6 encounter, Guyana will return home to host Jamaica on September 9 from 19:00hrs at the National Track and Field Centre.

The Golden Jaguars will then travel to Antigua and Barbuda where they will roar at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on October 11, to finish off the first leg of the

home-and-away formatted league.

Guyana host Antigua and Barbuda on October 15, Aruba on November 15 and will travel to Jamaica on November 18 for their second clash with the ‘Reggae Boyz’.

Máximo, who replaced Englishman and former Jamaican International Michael Johnson as the country’s head coach for the GFF’s senior men’s programme, had his first interaction with the media at the Federation’s ‘Home of Football’ at Providence.

“People have been asking me what I expect about this competition (the Nations League); I just arrived about 10 days; I saw the players, they get to know my philosophy, what we want to do and what we want to give emphasis. I think it’s a medium term to long term programme,” Maximo said when asked about his

expectations.

Maximo reasoned that the “competition will be tough for us, I know we will have three days (in Curacao) but we study some video, we know some of the players and we have three days there to implement something. We can’t change so much in three days. But of course, every time you go to a competition you’re expected to win but we’re being realistic as well.”

“You should understand that it’s not going to be easy, we have to create step-by-step conditions to be a solid team in the Caribbean. We go to this game with, of course, always, optimism and positive energy, but stray from the reality. We’re going to create the conditions to be a winning team in the medium and long term,” the former Tanzania National Team coach added.

So far, defender Matthew Briggs and forward Emery

Welshman are the only two confirmed overseas-based players to be called by Máximo, with the new ‘Golden Jaguars’ coach pointing out that his philosophy has always been to find a good balance between youth and experience, and a balance between overseas and local players.

“Gradually, we’ll have more youth players, more local players, but an equal percent that’s our objectivity,” the Brazilian said, while noting, however, that “our local players right now don’t have the experience like the foreign players, so we should find a balance in-between the local and foreign players to prepare a good national team.”

It’s also clear the Brazilian coach is keen in giving Guyana an identity on the pitch, telling reporters that “the team should be disciplined tactically and more importantly, discover our

own style. You should have your own style… Guyana style, like other national teams. You shouldn’t compare to Brazil, may be one day, but you should create conditions for players to develop.”

The home-and-away group stage of the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League will be played on FIFA match dates in September, October and November 2019, while the Final Championship will take place in 2020.

At the conclusion of the round-robin group stage, the winners of each League A group will qualify to the Final Championship, while the League B and C group winners will be promoted to League A and B for the next edition of the competition.

Additionally, the teams at the bottom of each League A and B group will be relegated to League B and C respectively.

India progress to 264-5 despite Holder heroics on first day KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – India captain Virat Kohli and opener Mayank Agarwal stroked half-centuries but West Indies skipper Jason Holder responded with a terrific display of pace bowling, as the home side shared honours on the opening day of the decisive second Test here yesterday.

Sent in at Sabina Park in excellent conditions, India reached the close on 264 for five, with Kohli top-scoring with 76 and Agarwal getting 55.

Well-placed on 157 for three at tea, India lost both Ajinkya Rahane (24) and Kohli inside the first hour following the resumption, but Hanuma Vihari carved out an unbeaten 42 and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, an unbeaten 27, to deny West Indies any further success in the session in a crucial 62-run, unbroken sixth-wicket partnership.

Low-keyed in the Antigua opening Test which West Indies lost by 318 runs inside four days last week, seamer Holder sprung to life in the humidity of the country’s capital with a haul of three for 39, including the prized wicket of Kohli.

In 20 probing overs, the six-foot, seven-inch Barbadian troubled all India’s batsmen with his bounce and movement, and was unlucky not to have had more success.

The morning session, however, belonged to debutant off-spinning all-rounder Rahkeem CornAmerican Racing Tips Saratoga Race 1 Sul Moon Race 2 Honey Won’t Race 3 Break Even Race 4 Fig Jelly Race 5 Made Sense Race 6 Global Access Race 7 Tapage Race 8 Mr Jaggers Race 9 Arrifana Race10Santa Monica Race11Yoshida Canadian Racing Tips Woodbine

wall, who took his first Test wicket and held a sharp chance at first slip off Holder, as India lost two wickets before lunch.

West Indies captain Jason Holder celebrates after claiming the prized wicket of India captain Virat Kohli on yesterday’s opening day of the second Test at Sabina Park.

Agarwal, in only his fourth Test, put on 32 for the first wicket with KL Rahul (13) to give India a solid start to the encounter.

It was Holder who got the breakthrough in the seventh over of the day when he got one to leave Rahul for Cornwall to snare the catch in the cordon off the resulting edge.

Introduced on the stroke of the first hour, Cornwall then struck in his third over when he had Cheteshwar Pujara (6) caught at point by Shamarh Brooks cutting one that bounced sharply.

On 46 for two, India were steadied by Kohli and Agarwal who posted an enterprising 69 for the third wicket, a partnership which carried the visitors to lunch at 74 for two.

The second session belonged to India as Kohli extended his stand with Agarwal, before putting on a further 49 for the fourth wicket with Rahane.

All told, Kohli faced 163 balls in 3-½ hours and struck 10 fours while Agarwal punched seven boundaries in an innings lasting 127 deliveries and 2-¾ hours.

Unbeaten on 41 at lunch,

Agarwal reached his half-century in the eighth over after the resumption with two streaky boundaries off seamer Kemar Roach, the first an inside edge to fine leg and the second and outside edge through gully.

He was given out caught at the wicket on 55 in Roach’s next over but had the decision overturned by DRS. However, he failed to cash in on the reprieve and was dismissed in the very next over, caught at first slip by Cornwall off Holder, trying to cut one too close to him.

Unfazed, Kohli exquisitely drove speedster Shannon Gabriel to the cover boundary in successive overs before raising his 22nd Test half-century, 15 minutes before tea, as he and Rahane took India safely to the break.

West Indies struck in the

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first over after the interval, however, when Roach got one to straighten and brush Rahane’s edge, and give debutant wicketkeeper Jahmar Hamilton his first Test dismissal.

By then, Holder had his tail up and Kohli had put on 38 for the fifth wicket with Vihari when he was undone by a peach of a leg-cutter from his opposite number and could only nick his defensive push to Hamilton.

Stumbling on 202 for five, India’s recovery was engineered

by Vihari who has so far stroked eight fours in an 80-ball knock to be in sight of his third half-century in his sixth.

Pant, meanwhile, has faced 64 balls and belted two fours and a six – a clean hit over longon off part-time off-spinner Roston Chase.

SCOREBOARD

INDIA 1st innings K. Rahul c Cornwall b Holder 13 M. Agarwal c Cornwall b Holder 55 C. Pujara c Brooks b Cornwall 6 V. Kohli c wkp. Hamilton b Holder 76 A. Rahane c wkp. Hamilton b Roach 24 H. Vihari not out 42 R. Pant not out 27 Extras: (b-8, lb-13) 21 Total: (5 wkts, 90 overs) 264 Fall of wickets: 1-32, 2-46, 3-115, 4-164, 5-202 Bowling: Roach 19-7-47-1, Gabriel 12-0-57-0, Holder 20-6-39-3, Cornwall 27-8-69-1, Chase 12-4-31-0.

WEST INDIES – J. Holder (captain), K. Brathwaite, J. Campbell, S. Brooks, D. Bravo, R. Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, J. Hamilton, R. Cornwall, K. Roach, S. Gabriel.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

'Blind leading the blind' - how Jamaica lost its love for Test cricket

By Aishwarya Kumar in Kingston

JEFF DUJON was four years old when his father took him to Sabina Park for the first time. There, Dujon would train for hours, as his father sat in one of the colourful chairs set up by the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) beyond the boundary line. It didn't matter if Dujon was restless or bored.

That was how he would learn the basics, his father had decided, and that was what he would do.

The youngster was at the park for so much of his time that he would bump into Jamaican Test greats like Gerry Alexander, Jackie Hendriks, Reg Scarlett and Allan Rae at the ground or, sometimes, in the dressing rooms.

For the boy, this meant "listening to these guys just talking cricket, and as a cricketer you listen and you learn every little thing you see".

A few years later, Charles Joseph, a former member of the ground staff at Sabina Park, saw Dujon batting.

Joseph, who worked at the ground for 49 years, told

Courtney Walsh, one of Jamaica's finest, signs off from Test cricket at Sabina Park in 2001. (Getty Images)

everybody who would listen that "Jeff is going to play for the West Indies." Ten years later, Dujon was picked as a wicketkeeper-batsman in the West Indies team.

That was the cricketing culture Jamaican kids grew up around in the years leading up to and through 1970s and 1980s, and even in the 1990s, to an extent. Kids hung around and listened to former Test and first-class cricketers of repute, and, more often than not, played with top-notch

cricketers.

That culture played a role in letting the world watch Michael Holding and Lawrence Rowe, Dujon and Courtney Walsh, and even Chris Gayle.

Five players from the island had been part of the World Cup squad - Gayle, Andre Russell, Fabian Allen, Oshane Thomas and Sheldon Cottrell, although Cottrell turned out for Leeward Islands last season.

The team currently playing the Test series against India, however, has one Jamaican -

is "not necessarily a good thing", according to Dujon, who argues that players have become better at the shorter formats because that is what they have been seeing more of from the top international players.

"It's the amount of whiteball cricket that's played, for one. And secondly, the coaching element in terms of red-ball cricket is deficient," Dujon explained.

"If you look at the more successful white-ball cricketers in the world, with the exception of probably Chris Gayle, they all average in the

shorter formats - "more opportunity, more appeal" - haven't helped the new generation players when it comes to Test cricket either, Dujon and Joseph concurred.

The last three years have been tough for Jamaican cricket, especially in first-class cricket. The 2011-12 season was the last time the team won the Regional 4-Day firstclass Competition. Since that season, they have not won the Regional Super50, the main one-day competition, either, although they made the final in 2016-17. n the other hand, the fran-

opener John Campbell.

SO WHAT'S GONE WRONG? Dujon remembered the good old days. "You would have players who were playing Test cricket for the West Indies at the time, and players who had played or were still playing a lot of first-class cricket, and there was that support system, that structure where you could be in an environment where you could learn," he told ESPNcricinfo.

In the last ten years, excluding Gayle and Marlon Samuels, only a handful of Jamaicans have played Test cricket for West Indies: Jermaine Blackwood (27 matches between 2014 and 2017), Chadwick Walton (two in 2009), Andre Russell (one in 2010), Nikita Miller (one in 2009) and Campbell (four this year). Remove Blackwood from the list and the others have eight matches between them.

"That (the tradition) has broken down pretty much now and obviously, more of the longer format of the game was played then anyway," Dujon pointed out. "So as a young player you got a grounding in the game. Now club structures don't cater for that. As a result, in a lot of ways, the older players in clubs now are from that era where the club structure starts to break down, so it's the blind leading the blind."

As a result, that immersive, fly-on-the-wall learning and mentorship has been lost.

"The level at which I learned the game from these much older people - there's nobody now that has that experience to carry that forward," Dujon said.

The shift in focus from red-ball to white-ball cricket,

Jeff Dujon was West Indies' mainstay behind the wickets through the 1980s. )Getty Images)

40s or 50s in Test or first-class cricket. The development of a limited-overs cricketer should start with the longer format of the game and I don't think enough emphasis is placed on that now.

"If you look at not just Jamaica, but throughout the Caribbean, we are very weak when it comes to the longer format of the game because they haven't had the basics inculcated at an early age."

Joseph, who watched Dujon, Michael Holding, Courtney Walsh, Jimmy Adams, and many others grow up at Sabina Park and go on to become stalwarts, goes back to what he heard coaches, fathers and players in the past say often. "Respect the ball."

Looking around, it looks like that is what has gone missing, that respect, what that little phrase represented.

"Respect the ball enough to know when you can swing and when you need to block," Joseph said. There has been a generational shift in the way players approach Test cricket.

Derval Green, a 30-year-old Jamaican first-class cricketer, could well be stating the obvious when he says, "Nobody wants to sit here all day and watch their team score 150 runs in all of the overs at the end of the day."

The worldwide shift to the

chise, Jamaica Tallawahs have won the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) twice: the inaugural edition in 2013 and then in 2016. Green, who has played in national-level tournaments, said. "We're losing the energy of the crowd - I hope it changes really quickly, because energy is everything."

Equally crucial is managing talent, which Jamaica has failed to do, according to Dujon. He felt Chris Gayle was the last man from the island to find a way to be outstanding in every format of the game, went beyond just talent, showing patience, fortitude and the tenacity to control, and then expand the way he played.

"You have the clichĂŠ about staying in your box, and (the youngsters) I don't think really identified the dimensions of their box and learnt to play inside their box," Dujon elaborated. "The youngsters today lack that concentration and control and I don't know how you teach that."

As a result, when West Indies host India in their second and final World Test Championship Test starting yesterday at Sabina Park, only one local player will be around on the field. Not how it was supposed to be all those years ago. (ESPN Cricinfo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

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England's James Anderson ruled out of remaining Ashes series ENGLAND'S leading Test wicket-taker James Anderson will play no further part in the Ashes against Australia after a recurrence of a calf injury.

The 37-year-old Lancashire seamer bowled only four overs in the first Test and missed the second and third.

He felt pain in the calf on Thursday during a four-day friendly for Lancashire second XI. Somerset's Craig Overton has been named in England's 13-man squad for the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

The Test match - at Anderson's home ground - starts on September 4, with the five-Test series level at 1-1.

England won a thrilling third Test at Headingley by one wicket thanks to Ben Stokes' remarkable unbeaten 135 - the man who led a juggernaut Anderson's absence means England are likely to name an unchanged pace attack of Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes.

Anderson suffered a calf injury in a County Championship match against Durham in June but was passed fit for the

opening Ashes Test.

However, he left the field on the first morning and did not bowl in the remainder of the game, which England lost.

Anderson took 2-23 from nine overs for Lancashire second XI in a friendly against Leicestershire on 20 August.

He bowled 20 overs against Durham second XI on Tuesday but, after a nine-over spell on Thursday, he was reviewed by the England and James Anderson has taken Wales Cricket Board medical 575 wickets at an average staff and ruled out of the Ashes.

Seamer Overton, 25, has of 26.94 in 149 Tests. taken seven wickets at an av-

erage of 42.28 in three Tests since making his debut in the 2017-18 Ashes in Australia.

His most recent appearance was the defeat by New Zealand in Auckland in March 2018.

He has 32 wickets at 21.34 apiece in eight County Championship matches this season.

Opening batsman Jason Roy keeps his place despite scoring only 57 runs in six innings against Australia.

Surrey team-mate Ollie Pope, who was added to the squad as concussion cover for Roy before the third Test, has been overlooked.

The final Test at The Oval begins on September 12.

England must win the series to regain the Ashes, while Australia, as holders of the urn, need only a series draw to retain them.

England squad for fourth Ashes Test against Australia: Joe Root (capt.), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wkpr), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wkpr), Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.

(BBC Sport)

Smith out for 23 as Khawaja, Harris, Marsh hit half-centuries STEVE Smith was out for 23 on day two of Australia's tour match against Derbyshire, in his first innings since recovering from a concussion.

He was caught on the cover boundary off the bowling of Matt Critchley after hitting two fours in his 38-ball innings.

Smith was struck on the back of the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer during the second Ashes Test against England at Lord's on August 17.

The 30-year-old then missed his

side's dramatic third Test loss at Headingley.

Smith scored two centuries and 92 in the three innings he played in the Ashes series before his injury.

Marnus Labuschagne is almost certain to retain his place after scoring at least 50 in each of his three innings after replacing Smith, meaning one of Australia's top order is likely to have to make way for Smith's probable return at Old Trafford.

Usman Khawaja (72) and Marcus

Harris (64) both made half-centuries at Derby as Australia declared on 338-5 just after tea, in reply to Derbyshire's 172 all out, while Mitchell Marsh pressed his claims for a Test recall with 74.

The hosts were 53-3 at stumps, still trailing by 113 runs, with Mitchell Starc (2-16) adding to his three first-innings wickets by dismissing Billy Godleman and Anuj Dal with the new ball. (BBC Sport).

Mitch Marsh top-scored with 74 on day two. (Getty)

Fighting Coco sets up Osaka showdown at U.S. Open

By Amy Tennery

Coco Gauff of the United States celebrates a point in the third set against Timea Babos of Hungary (not pictured) on day four of the 2019 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports)

NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - Crowd-pleaser Coco Gauff came through a tough battle with qualifier Timea Babos 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 on Thursday to set up a third-round clash at the U.S. Open against top seed and defending champion Naomi Osaka.

The 15-year-old American phenomenon was forced to dig deep to become the youngest player since Anna Kournikova in 1996 to reach the third round of the women’s singles at Flushing Meadows.

“I was tested a lot. I think we both were just testing each other,” Gauff said. “It’s just that type of match where anyone could have won.”

Gauff rode into this year’s tournament with enormous expectations after a dream run at Wimbledon where she beat

five-time champion Venus Williams on her way to the fourth round.

On Thursday, the two players were evenly matched for most of the contest, with Gauff maintaining a slightly tighter performance and committing 34 unforced errors compared to 42 from Hungarian Babos.

It was another comeback for Gauff, who worked her way back from a one-set deficit in her first-round match, and the young upstart showed off her fighting instincts after failing to fend off a critical break point late in the second set.

“I thought that the first set, I definitely was in control. In the second set, she raised her level and I wasn’t able to finish the set,” Gauff said.

A fired-up Gauff prevailed after a 12-stroke rally late in the third set to set up a break point opportunity, pumping

her fists wildly and shouting in excitement in front of a packed crowd that was firmly on her side.

“I couldn’t even see any empty seats!” Gauff said of the crowd, which included retired NBA star Kobe Bryant.

“I don’t even know how to really thank you guys. I’m super honoured to be American and play in New York City.”

Gauff will face off against 21-year-old Osaka, who also holds the Australian Open title,

in the third round of the tournament today in a clash that may provide a glimpse at the future of the women’s game.

“Obviously she’s an amazing player,” said Gauff. “She’s defending champion. She’s won two slams. She’s number one. She’s only 21.

“We’re both pretty young. But I’m a little bit newer to the game. So I’m just curious to see how my game matches up against her.”

Federer beats Dan Evans to reach fourth round BRITISH number two Dan Evans was outclassed as Swiss great Roger Federer rediscovered his best form to ease into the US Open fourth round.

Federer, 38, played with his trademark fluency in a 6-2, 6-2, 6-1 victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium.. The third seed had dropped the first sets in both of his previous two matches, but played with a swagger.

Five-time champion Federer, who lost in the last 16 last year, will play David

Goffin or Pablo Carreno Busta next.

Evans was playing his second match in 24 hours after only completing his threehour victory over French 25th seed Lucas Pouille at about 15:00 local time on Thursday. Despite only leaving the Flushing Meadows site at about 18:00hrs, the world number 58 had to be back to play Federer at midday yesteriday.

"I was fatigued, I thought it was pretty tough to be first up after playing yesterday

if I'm brutally honest," Evans, 29, said.

"He being totally fresh and me battling yesterday it is completely polar opposite.

"To try and beat him, being tired, stiff, and having played four sets … it is nigh on impossible.

Evans, resurrecting his career after being without a ranking last year, pushed the 20-time Grand Slam champion when they met at the Australian Open in January but the 29-year-old could not impose himself in

Roger Federer is chasing a record sixth men's singles title at the US Open.

what proved to be a miserable first appearance on Ashe.

The Briton did not look overawed by the occasion as he stepped out in the lunchtime New York heat, laughing with Federer and basketball legend Kobe Bryant - who was

helping with the coin toss - at the net. But the smiles soon turned to grimaces as he was beaten in one hour 20 minutes - the shortest completed men's match of the tournament. (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday, August 31, 2019

Barbados Williams Invitational Race Meet Pre-race testing to shake the ‘dust’ off Team Guyana (By Stephan Sookram in Barbados compliments of Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc, Transpacific Motorspares and Auto Sales, Nexus Machining and Fabrication Workshop, B.M. Soat Auto Sales and Spares, Miracle Optical) MOST of Team Guyana for the Barbados Williams Invitational race meet got in some valuable testing yesterday ahead of this weekend’s race at the Bushy Park Raceway.

The team, which includes Andrew King (Group 4), Mohan Rangasammy (Group 4), Danny Persaud (Groups 3 and 4), Rameez Mohamed (Groups 2 and 3) and Kristian Jeffrey (Sr3 Radicals) got into Barba-

Rameez Mohamed took Friday’s practice session lightly in the Honda Civic (Stephan Sookram photos)

Team Guyana doing tuning yesterday

dos earlier this week.

When customs opened the container after lunch yesterday, teams scampered to gather

their cars in search of valuable practice.

While Rangasammy and King had to do some work,

Jeffrey and Mohamed put in some valuable dial in sessions with Persaud not running at all.

Mohamed spoke to the me-

dia there, saying “The car feels good. I took it lightly today to relearn the track and basically to run in some new brake pads and tyres I had installed prior to shipping.”

“Tomorrow (today) is when the real work begins for us,” he added.

Meanwhile Jeffrey, the only other member of the team, to get in some practice said,

“We just got the car out of the container so we basically had one session. We had some brake issues which we are now sorting out and we are about five-tenths of a second off the pace which we have to get for (today’s) qualifying.”

Today’s qualifying begins at 09:00hrs with races set to begin at the same time tomorrow.

Experienced Melius heads training squad for Youth World Cup ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Selectors have named three Under-17 players in a 21man squad for a 10-day training camp in preparation for next January’s ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa.

All-rounder Jaden Leacock and 15-year-old seamer Che Simmons, both of whom hail from Barbados, along with middle order batsman Teddy Bishop from Windward Islands, will join the experienced likes of Kimani Melius and Ashmead Nedd for the September 13-23 camp. “The 10-day camp will focus on getting the players to understand the game strategies required to win an ICC Under-19 World Cup,” said West Indies Under-19 head coach Graeme West.

“We will be looking to establish player roles and the specific skills they will require to deliver winning performances. The skill work at the camp will be focussed on producing greater consistency and efficiency for all situations.

“We will work through game scenarios to build greater game awareness and understanding. Additional practice matches will be played to assess the progress that has been made and the learning that took place at the trial matches in St Vincent. It’s also important that we formulate team values which underpin the behaviour, mindset and performance of the squad on and off the field.

Melius, who made two half-centuries in the 2018 Un-

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday August 31, 2019) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL- Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD- 83 Garnett street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

Courtney Walsh (65), Lance Gibbs (63), Michael Holding (61), Gary Sobers (59)

(2)

Shamar Brooks (WI) Today’s Quiz:

(1)

How many runs Sunil Gavaskar scored in his very first Test series?

(2)

Who are the Guyanese with Test doublecenturies in India to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

der-19 World Cup in New Zealand, is the only player in the training squad with first-class experience having played three matches during the back end of the last domestic season for Windward Islands Volcanoes.

In fact, he was good enough to score a half-century on debut against Barbados at Arnos Vale.

West said Melius was one of the players who would be expected to provide the experience in the group. “Kimani Melius, who is the only player with first-class experience in the squad, Leonardo Julien and Jayden Seales are three players who were part of the CWI Development Team that played in last year’s Super50, so they are the three senior players in the setup,” West explained.

“From the trial games at the end of the Under-19 Rising Stars Championship, left-arm seamer Ramon Simmonds is someone that stands out. He had batsmen jumping around with his pace and aggression and I am sure he will excite Windies fans.” He continued: “Successful one-day teams are often built around positive opening batsmen and in Kirk McKenzie the squad possesses a player with outstanding ball striking ability and a wide range of attacking options.

“He is certainly a player that can take advantage of the first powerplay and lay down a firm foundation for his side.”

West said Leacock, Simmons and Bishop had also made quite an impression al-

ready. “The three Under-17 Rising Stars players have shown great potential this summer and have earned their places at the training camp. They will benefit from entering the High Performance Pathway and are fortunate to have two chances of playing in an Under-19 World Cup.” A squad will be selected following the camp to contest an Under-19 Tri-Nation Series in the Caribbean involving England and Sri Lanka from December 6 to 21.

SQUAD – Kevlon Anderson, Daniel Beckford, , Matthew Comerie, Matthew Forde, Elroy Francis, Leonardo Julien, Avinash Mahabirsingh, Nico Reifer, Matthew Patrick, Kirk

West Indies Under-19 batsman Kimani Melius.

McKenzie, Kimani Melius, Antonio Morris, Ashmead Need, Rivaldo Ramlogan, Jayden Seales, Ramon Simmonds, Mbeki Joseph, Nyeem Young, Jaden Leacock (Under-17 player), Teddy Bishop (Under-17 player), Che Simmons (Under-17 player).

North London derby an ideal test for Arsenal after Liverpool - Emery (REUTERS) - Playing last season's Champions League finalists in backto-back Premier League games is the "best test" Arsenal could have asked for, manager Unai Emery said on Thursday ahead of the weekend's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal lost 3-1 to European champions Liverpool in a top-of-the-table clash last weekend and they host Spurs tomorrow, a team that has won only once in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium.

"Matches like last week against Liverpool, this week against Tottenham, they are two teams who played the Champions League final. It's amazing," Emery told reporters. "I think it's the best test and every time is a good moment to play against them.

"Intensity is very important. They're

going to try and play with intensity and we need to impose our game plan against them knowing it's going to be difficult.

"We need to look at our position defensively and offensively. Above all, we need to play each ball, each metre, each minute with that intensity. After, we need to be clever when we have the ball and are in good situations."

Emery is yet to start Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and new recruit Nicolas Pepe up front together and the Spaniard said they might not be deployed together this weekend.

"My decision in each moment is thinking about how we are," Emery added.

"With Lacazette, he had a problem with his ankle... He's getting better and feeling better with his ankle, it's very positive.

"With Pepe, he came here later than the others but he is getting and feeling

better in each match. Aubameyang is very important for us ... The most important thing for me is to have chances and we can score with different players."

Emery confirmed left back Nacho Monreal might be a late departure before the European transfer window closes on September 2 but dismissed suggestions that midfielder Mesut Ozil would be sold.

"No, we are not speaking about the possibility for Mesut to leave," Emery said. "This week he's training well and progressing physically better and training with normal work for us. He's going to be ... available for Sunday I think.

"We cannot sign another player but we have some players with the possibility to leave in the next four days."

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Malik to captain Amazon Warriors for Hero CPL 2019 … Botha aiming for top four spot

By Michelangelo Jacobus AT Guyana Amazon Warriors’ first training session yesterday afternoon at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, head coach Johan Botha revealed that former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik will captain Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) campaign.

Speaking to the media, he said; “I think he did a fantastic job for us last year in the first five games, it was unfortunate he had to leave. He has experience and he will play an important part in this season.”

Malik, 37, made his international cricket for Pakistan in

an ODI in 1999, he has played in 345 domestic T20 games, scoring 8 700 runs at a strike rate of 125 and picking up 136

wickets at an economy rate of 7.02.

He previously played for Barbados Tridents, in 44 CPL

games, he has 1 390 runs with 10 fifties, and has snared 10 wickets.

Meanwhile, Botha noted that newly appointed ‘Director of Batting’ in the Warriors camp, Shimron Hetmyer’s

but yet again we saw glimpses of his potential.”

However, according to Botha, the Warriors will not be solely dependent on Hetmyer; “We have guys that can bat, so the responsibility will not

Guyana Amazon Warriors head coach Johan Botha. (Adrian Narine Photos)

Guyanese fast bowler Romario Shepherd is expected to be a key player for Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year’s Hero CPL

Some of Guyana Amazon Warriors players going through fitness drills at the national stadium, Providence

past year of experience of international cricket with the West Indies will be a key asset to the team.

“He was amazing for us last time, he has had a full year with the West Indies, and he might not have scored as many runs as he would have liked,

rest on him alone/ We have guys like Nicholas Pooran, of course, Malik, we have the new guy Brandon King, Keemo Paul can bat and Chris Green as well.”

Meanwhile, in the bowling department, Botha expects Ben Laughlin to be vital espe-

… August 31 down the years

Supercat arrives

… The man who led a juggernaut

THAT mighty hitter and allround cool dude Clive Lloyd was born on August 31, 1944. He bludgeoned 7 515 Test runs with that oversized bat of his, but will be remembered mainly as the man who restored West Indies to a position of dominance.

Captain in 74 of his 110 Tests (the first West Indian to win 100 Test caps), he led them to a record 26 without defeat, which included a “blackwash” of England in 1984.

In the one-day arena, he took West Indies to two World Cup titles (1975 & 1979) and to the final in 1983. His sparkling 102 in the 1975 final is one of the best innings in the tournament’s history.

He joined the Packer circus in-between, before returning to captain West Indies. Before bad knees took their toll, he was also one of the great cover fielders.

Clive Lloyd led West Indies to their two World Cup wins. (Getty Images)

cially in the closing five overs; Laughlin will be supported

by Green, Paul, Veerasammy Permaul, Clinton Pestano and Romario Shepherd.

The tournament kicks off on September 4 in Trinidad and Tobago, with matches in Guyana starting on September 5 with Amazon Warriors playing St Lucia Zouks, while on Saturday, September 7, Warriors play St Kitts and Nevis Patriots.

On Sunday September 8, Warriors will face Barbados Tridents.

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad reads: Shadab Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Shoaib Malik, Shimron Hetmyer, Ben Laughlin, Chris Green, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Brandon King, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Keagan Simmons, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Veerasammy, Permaul, Anthony Bramble, Clinton Pestano and Saurab Netravalkar.

M AT C H E S T O B E PLAYED IN GUYANA Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) v Zouks: September 5 at 18.00hrs GAW v Patriots: September 7 at 20.00hrs GAW v Tridents: September 8 at 17.00hrs GAW vTallawahs: October 3 at 18.00hrs GAW v TKR: October 4 at 20.00hrs Sunday October 6 (Guyana), Two games – Eliminator and Qualifier One.

Maximo optimistic of successful Nations League Page

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‌ Brazilian coach focusses on giving Golden Jaguars an identity New Golden Jaguars coach Marcio Maximo during yesterday’s training session

Members of the locally based Golden Jaguars in training session

India progress to 264-5 despite Holder heroics on first day 27 Page

Malik to captain Rahkeem Cornwall celebrates his maiden Test wicket. (Getty)

Malik to captain Amazon Warriors for Hero CPL 2019 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, AUGUST 31, 2019