Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 01 06 2019 by Guyana Chronicle

SATURDAY 1st June, 2019

'Housing for all'

No.105655

...President commits to ensuring every Guyanese owns a house

...tours gov't EBD projects

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Infrastructure boost - contracts worth $800M cleared for road, other works

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Guyana is a safe place – Harmon –– says gov’t has every 18 confidence in the police force PAGE

'Disorder on air' ...GNBA reports high incidence of broacast violations this year 10 PAGE

Man gets 25 years for murder PAGE

President David Granger in discussion with CH&PA CEO, Lelon Saul and Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan during his visit to the Prospect Housing Development project on the East Bank of Demerara on Friday.(CH&PA photo)

Ramotar flip-flops

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 1, 2019

...now denies knowledge of oil find prior to 2015 polls

AS pressure mounts on the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration to justify the issuance of Petroleum Prospecting Licenses for key oil blocks to inexperienced operators in 2015, former President Donald Ramotar is now claiming that he had no knowledge that Guyana had oil before awarding the blocks. By now, it is public knowledge that, just days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections, the PPP/C Administration signed over awards for the Kaieteur and Canje blocks. Some of the blocks were awarded to junior exploration companies which have since been criticised as having little knowledge in deep water exploration. Last Tuesday, news broke in the international media outlet, Bloomberg, that the local State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) is currently conducting an investigation in this regard. The report indicated that the Stabroek, Kaieteur, Orinduik and Canje Blocks will be part of the inquiry. While SARA’s head, Dr. Clive Thomas indicated that the investigation is still in its initial stage, he said there is currently enough evidence

Former President Donald Ramotar

for the agency to advance the investigation. Ramotar has long been criticised for stating that he had no knowledge that ExxonMobil found oil at the time of the signing of the contracts for the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks when a political ad published on May 8, 2015 by his party indicated otherwise. While urging Guyanese to ‘vote PPP/C’ the ad ended by stating: “This breaking news of the oil discovery in Guyana is yet another timely reminder why your support is best placed with the PPP/C.” In a release on Friday, the former President once again denied having knowledge of oil in Guyana prior to the questionable signings. “At the time of application, processing, approval

and signing of the Petroleum Prospecting Licenses for the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks in Guyana’s offshore there was no confirmed commercial petroleum discovery in the area by ExxonMobil or any other company,” Ramotar stated. Nonetheless, news of an investigation has since spread widely in Guyana causing the likes of Oil and Gas Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal, who has been pushing for the same since 2017, to laud such an investigation. “The award of these two blocks has all the signs of corrupt awards. Deep-water oil blocks should never be awarded to unknown companies or individuals who have no assets or track record of producing oil in deep-water,” Mangal told Guyana Chronicle. “The former Minister Robert Persaud in effect hired contractors [such as] Mid-Atlantic, Ratio, JHI, Cateleya, etcetera, who had zero assets or capacity to produce oil in the blocks. This type of fraud robs countries like Guyana of billions of USD and is seen time and again in West Africa,” he added. Thus far, ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and gas companies, is the only company which has found oil

in Guyana and progressed towards development. ExxonMobil holds 35 per cent of the rights in the Kaieteur Block; Ratio Guyana holds 25 per cent; Cateleya holds 25 per cent and HESS holds 15 per cent. In the Canje Block, ExxonMobil holds 35 per cent; Total holds 35 per cent; JHI holds 17.5 per cent and Mid-Atlantic Oil & Gas 12.5 per cent. Speaking of the process by which the two blocks were eventually awarded, Ramotar stated that applications for exploration in the Kaieteur Block came in 2012 while applications for the Canje Block came the following year. He said that they were processed and approved by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations around late 2013. In 2013, GGMC’s acting commissioner was Rickford Vieira. According to Ramotar, all required fees were paid not to private accounts but to the GGMC. It is unlikely that Ramotar’s public statement will spare his former administration scrutiny as Mangal, like many others, wants matters related to the payments to be

more thoroughly investigated. In a recent letter to Stabroek News he listed five brief questions he believes all Guyanese should want answered publicly and promptly. These were: how much was paid for the acreage; to whom was it paid; when was it paid; who are the beneficial individual equity owners of all of the involved entities and how were they chosen to receive the property. Meanwhile, in the release, Ramotar also stated that the delay experienced in the signing of the agreements was due to matters resulting from Venezuela’s navy seizure of Anadarko contracted seismic vessel Teknik Perdana in late 2013. “Dates of signing and sequence of subsequent discoveries are all in the public domain and were published in the Official Gazette for the public’s information. There was full transparency on this,” he said. Ramotar has referred to the officials operating at SARA as “puppets” of the government even as he called for the investigations to be conducted by an “independent and impartial international firm”. Similar calls came from Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo who stated on Thurs-

day: “If you want to do the investigation we will support the hire of an impartial body… the PPP/C has nothing to hide.” Ramotar later echoed the same, stating: “…we in the PPP/C have nothing to fear from an independent and impartial investigation.” Meanwhile, with or without the investigations being conducted by SARA, local economist Ramon Gaskin is also in favour of such an investigation and wants the “digging” to date back as far as 1999. “If they want to do an investigation, they have to go back to the granting of block… they have to go back to 1999 when ExxonMobil got 600 blocks when Janet Jagan was President. The awarding of blocks was handled very badly because if you go back to 1999 when Janet Jagan was President, Sam Hinds and Jagdeo gave Exxon 600 blocks you will see,” he said. And, irrespective of the outcome, Mangal believes that the President should rescind the awards of the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks. He stated that this is within the Presidents right and should be done in the case that SARA is incapable of “coming up with the correct and obvious recommendations.”

80...new adolescent mothers get second chance batch successfully enrolled in Education Ministry’s re-integration programme

EIGHTY adolescent mothers will begin their stint in the Ministry of Education’s re-integration programme which provides them with an opportunity to re-enter the formal school system or to acquire alternative education. The 80 mothers were present at a launching ceremony held on Friday at the Carnegie School of Home Economics (CSHE), which was attended by Minister of Education, Dr Nicolette Henry; United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative to Guyana and Suriname, Sylvie Fouet; Liaison Officer of the United Nations Population Fund, Adler Bynoe; Adolescent Health Services Officer, Dr. Travis Freeman, as well as staff and students of the CSHE. Minister Henry, while delivering the feature address,

commended the mothers for taking the bold step to get back into the education system. She expressed hope that the decision of the mothers to be a part of the programme will result in them becoming productive citizens, particularly since many of them are already on that journey. Minister Henry noted that since the development of the National Policy for the Reintegration of Adolescent Mothers into the Formal School System was launched in June 2018, 45 adolescent mothers were reintegrated into the system. “According to the Schools Welfare Department data, 15 mothers were re-integrated into the formal school system; so they are back at secondary schools and 30 mothers would have chosen alternative educa-

tion,” the minister explained. She said that the 80 mothers, who will be a part of the re-integration programme over the next 10 weeks, will be given an opportunity to develop a skill for livelihood and also life skills education. Further, Minister Henry noted that the participation of the mothers in the programme is a demonstration of the commitment to education and development of the people of Guyana by the government. Minister Henry urged the young ladies to remain focused and engaged in what is necessary for them to successfully complete their respective programmes. The programmes which the adolescent mothers have enrolled in are General Cosme-

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry having a word with adolescent mothers (Delano Williams photo)

tology and Elementary Cakes and Pastries. The principal of the CSHE, Myrna Lee, said that the CSHE has embraced the re-integration policy because it is cognisant

mothers will receive will be in accordance with the school’s golden standard. According to Bynoe, the UNFPA has been proud to support the development of the

Seated from left are: Adolescent Health Services Officer, Dr. Travis Freeman; CSHE Principal, Myrna Lee; Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry; UNICEF's Sylvie Fouet; and UNFPA Liaison Officer, Adler Bynoe. (Delano Williams photo)

and current to the school’s vision, mission and guiding principles. She said that during the 86 years of the school’s existence, it has upheld its social responsibility by educating women from various communities. She said that the school welcomes with open arms the batch of 80 students. The principal promised that the education the adolescent

re-integration policy and remains proud to be among those agencies to provide support and solutions to adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights challenges. Meanwhile, UNICEF Representative, Sylvie Fouet, said that considering the Sustainable Development Goal Five, pregnancy is recognised as a target for gender equality and woman

empowerment. She said that the re-integration policy gives adolescent mothers three options; whether they wish to complete education in their existing school, or opt for another school, and the third option, where they can choose to learn technical and vocational skills. Dr. Freeman said that the Ministry of Public Health’s Adolescent Health Unit launched three initiatives including the community parenting and support group. He said that a part of the parenting and support group there was always a request by teenage mothers to complete school or learn a skill. He said that since that day, his ministry has been working with the Ministry of Education and UN partners. Dr. Freeman noted that it was a proud moment for his ministry and team to be a part of the consultation process for the development of the re-integration policy which fortified efforts to get teenage mothers to complete schooling or to learn a skill. During the 10 week programme, the adolescent mothers will benefit from full transportation, daycare services for their children and will also receive start-up kits after completion of the courses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 1, 2019

Housing solutions for all Guyanese −President Granger says during visit to Perseverance, Prospect housing developments By Tamica Garnett

R ES I D E N T D avid Granger, while expressing confidence that he will return to lead the country for a second term, renewed his Administration’s commitment to make housing more affordable and accessible to all.

ant to the quality of life. Housing helps to take them out of poverty, (and) if we want to improve the quality of life, we have to improve the quality of housing. I would like to leave office without there being a single homeless citizen,” he said. Accompanying the president on his visit were

about crafting sustainable communities. “In Guyana we’ve developed a holistic approach to housing. It’s not just to give you land and forget about you. We go beyond house lots; we give people a place where they can live. We want to see roads, electricity, schools, and sports facilities. I believe

President David Granger (left) greets Minister with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson as he arrived at Prospect New Housing Scheme on Friday. Looking on are Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan (centre) and CH&PA CEO Lelon Saul (right)

President David Granger on Friday toured the Prospect and Perseverance Housing Schemes

As he addressed residents of Perseverance Housing Scheme, on the East Bank of Demerara, during a visit on Friday, President Granger said it was his vision to eradicate homelessness before demitting office. “Every citizen has the right to proper housing accommodation, (and) we must work to make this a reality,” the President told officials from the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) who were among those present at Perseverance Housing Scheme. “Housing is import-

Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan; Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson; and officials of the CH&PA including Chairman of the Board, Elsworth Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Lelon Saul, and Director of Projects, Omar Narine. They had journeyed to Perseverance Housing Scheme after visiting Prospect New Housing Scheme. President Granger said, for his Administration, the goal is about giving citizens more than just house lots, or houses, but also

in communities. Happy families, build happy communities which make a happy country. Housing is essential and it is my mission to completely abolish homelessness in this country,” he said. During his visit, the President toured several houses within the two communities, and was invited into a few that are occupied, including the home of Ayasia La Fleur, the lucky mother of nine who won a semi-furnished housing unit at the Prospect New Housing Scheme. La Fleur told the president that she was pleased

with the home, and hoped to eventually expand the one bedroom unit to better accommodate herself and children. Six of La Fleur’s nine children reside with her. La Fleur moved to her new home last April after squatting for the past 23 years on a dam in GuyHoc

the face of this great nation,” the president said. Some 100 house lots have been made available at the Prospect Housing Scheme, which is specifically developed to cater to low, moderate and middle income earners. The lands are sold for $92,000 while the CH&PA has construct-

policy to ensure there was affordable and accessible housing for all with the new housing policy resting on four pillars, namely reorientation, resources, regularisation and regionalisation. Regionalisation, which sees the decentralising of essential ser-

A housing unit built with clay bricks manufactured in the Rupununi

President David Granger visited a few of the housing units constructed by the Guyana Defence Force at the Prospect Housing Scheme during his visit on Friday

Park. President Granger said that his government is working towards the elimination of undesirable housing situations including squatting, by moving citizens to better housing units through affordable housing. “We want to put focus on low income earners. This government will provide for poor people as best it could, focusing on middle and low income earners. We would like to eradicate slums, squatter settlements and shanties. These forms of housing should be eradicated from

ed a number of 400 square feet two-bedroom low income housing units which home owners can acquire through mortgages. The Perseverance community has 571 house lots, with 150 being given out as house lots and the remaining lots being sold with houses built by the CH&PA. The units included two-bedroom duplex units, two-bedroom flat houses, two-bedroom elevated houses and three-bedroom homes. President Granger stressed that it was his Government’s housing

vices to respective administrative region, would work to reduce the rural to urban migration within the country, through the building of sustainable communities within each region, the president pointed out. “Regionalisation will create greater equality throughout Guyana. I will not neglect rural areas; I will not neglect hinterland areas. This programme of regionalisation is to ensure equality of access wherever you are,” the Head of State said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 1, 2019

Mexico, U.S. business groups urge Trump to back down on tariff threat MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico’s president and the top U.S. business lobbying group called on President Donald Trump to back down from a threat to impose punitive tariffs on Mexican imports, in a dispute over migration that could shock Mexico’s economy. Trump said he will introduce the tariffs on June 10 if Mexico does not halt the flow of illegal immigration, largely from Central America, across the U.S.-Mexican border, battering Mexican financial assets and denting global stocks. The ultimatum from Trump is the biggest foreign policy test to date for Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and a tall order for Mexican securi-

ty forces struggling not only to combat migrant flows but also to fight a record level of gang violence and homicide. Mexico’s economy, which is heavily reliant on exports to the United States, shrank in the first quarter and would reel under U.S. tariffs which could reach as high as 25% under Trump’s plan. In his six months in office, veteran leftist Lopez Obrador has consistently sought to deflect the U.S. president’s barbs and avoid embroiling himself in a confrontation. He predicted that Trump, who is also engaged in a worsening trade war with China, would rectify his demand. “I tell all Mexicans to have faith, we will overcome this attitude of the

Transport trucks carrying Toyota trucks from Mexico cross into the United States at the Otay Mesa border crossing in San Diego, California, U.S. May 31, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake

U.S. government, they will make rectifications because the Mexican people don’t deserve to be treated in the way being attempted,” Lopez Obrador told reporters. In April, Trump took a step back from an earlier threat to close the southern border to fight illegal immigration, under pressure from companies worried that a shutdown would cause chaos to busi-

ness. Advertisement Global equities tumbled and safe-haven sovereign bonds surged Friday after Trump’s unexpected threat added to fears that escalating trade wars will push the United States and other major economies into recession. The influential U.S. Chamber of Commerce business group is looking at ways to challenge Trump’s tariff

move against Mexico, including legal options. “We have no choice but to pursue every option available to push back,” Neil Bradley, the group’s executive vice president and chief policy officer, told reporters. Other industry groups also criticized Trump’s threat, saying it would cost American businesses, farmers and consumers who have already been bearing the brunt of the separate, lingering U.S. trade dispute with China. “These proposed tariffs would have devastating consequences on manufacturers in America and on American consumers,” Jay Timmons, president of the National Association of Manufacturers, said in a statement. Transport trucks carrying Toyota trucks from Mexico cross into the United States at the Otay Mesa border crossing in San Diego, California, U.S. May

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31, 2019. REUTERS/Mike Blake Auto trade organizations expressed concern a tariff war with Mexico would undermine efforts to win U.S. congressional approval for the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is meant to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement. STEEP TARIFFS Trump, who has embraced protectionism as part of an “America First” agenda aimed at reshaping global trade, ignited fears in Mexico and on global financial markets on Thursday when he announced he would ratchet up tariffs on Mexico “until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied.” The plan would impose a 5% tariff on Mexican imports starting on June 10 and TURN TO PAGE

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 1, 2019

Former Jamaica PM urges Caribbean unity on Venezuela, several issues BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 31, CMC – Former Jamaica prime minister P.J. Patterson has urged Caribbean countries to maintain a unified position on the political situation in Venezuela where opposition forces backed by the United States and several other western countries are seeking to remove President Nicolas Maduro from office. Patterson, who was addressing the launch of his book, “My Political Journey” at the Sagicor School of Business at the Cave Hill campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) on

Thursday night, said that fragmentation would be suicidal amidst concerns that the 15-member grouping remains divide don the situation in the South American country. Patterson said that the regional leaders needed to speak with one voice on the matter, a clear reference to the positions taken by the leaders of St. Lucia, Jamaica, The Bahamas and Haiti, who met with President Donald Trump on the matter in March. Patterson said that at their meeting in St. Kitts-Nevis, the regional leaders had arrived at a

Mexico, U.S. business... would deliver a heavy blow to Mexico’s economy, which is underpinned by exports to the United States of goods from avocados and tequila to televisions and cars made by companies such as Ford Motor Co and Nissan. Mexico sends around 80 percent of its exports to the United States and is one of America’s top trading partners in goods. Mexico’s main stock index was down 1.3% on Friday after opening the session sharply lower, and the peso currency was down more than 2.5% against the dollar. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, who was due to travel to Washington on Friday, on Twitter called Trump’s treatment of Mexico “unfair” and said the tariffs made “no economic sense for anyone.” But Trump sought to turn up the pressure again on Friday. “Mexico makes a FORTUNE from the U.S., have for decades, they can easily fix this problem. Time for them to finally do what must be done!” Trump wrote on Twitter. Trump vowed frequently during his 2016 election campaign to make Mexico pay for construction of a wall on the U.S.-Mexican border to curb illegal immigration but successive Mexican governments have firmly rejected that idea.

The U.S. Congress also refused a request from Trump for $5.7 billion to help build the wall, prompting him to declare a national emergency and try to divert funds from other areas of the U.S. government. The issue is now in the courts. Trump and his fellow Republicans say something needs to be done to stem the biggest migrant surge on the southern border in a decade. U.S. officials say 80,000 people are being held in custody, with an average of 4,500 mostly Central American migrants arriving daily, overwhelming the ability of Border Patrol officials to handle them. A senior White House official said Trump was particularly concerned that U.S. border agents apprehended a group of 1,036 migrants illegally crossing the border from Mexico on Wednesday. Officials said it was the largest single group since October. Before unveiling the tariff threat, Trump posted a video purporting to be of the crossing on his Twitter feed. Since taking office in December, Mexico’s Lopez Obrador has urged Trump to help him tackle migration by promoting economic development in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, where most of the migrants apprehended on

‘common position persistent with the purposes of the treaty that repudiated external intervention in Venezuela’s internal affairs. “We expect all our 14 leaders to act in accordance with that decision and not to veer off in support (to those) who have a contrary view whether in the halls of the OAS (Organisation of American States) or the corridors at Mar-a-Lago”. Patterson told the ceremony that the Caribbean is a powerful entity, but only as a united voice. “The Caribbean, we at the OAS are 14 nations ◄ From page 4

the U.S. border come from. Pledging to exercise “great prudence” in seeking a resolution to the tariff dispute, the Mexican president said he did not want to involve the World Trade Organization for now. Though Lopez Obrador again stressed the need for diplomacy on Friday, he has in the past offered pointed criticism of Trump over migration policy. He was adamant that he had the support of Mexicans living in Mexico and the United States. Lopez Obrador, who won election last year in a landslide, in 2017 likened Trump’s attitude towards migrants to Nazi Germany’s persecution of Jews. In a letter responding to Trump’s announcement on Thursday, Lopez Obrador called Trump’s America First policy “a fallacy” and accused him of turning the United States into a “ghetto” that stigmatized and mistreated migrants.

strong, we have the voting power. Once we assert it as a single bloc to safeguard and protect our sovereign control, the Caribbean will prevail,” he added. In his address, Patterson also provided some advice to his host Prime Minister Mia Mottley on the regional integration movement. “The failure of the federal experience has left a deleterious impact in the course of creating regional trust and confidence,” he said, adding ‘we still suspect each other and that has impeded us in tackling certain stubborn problems that have which

face the region. “I mention but two, regional travel and transportation and of course the central issue about which Sir Shridath (Ramphal, a member of the West Indian Commission on regional integration) spoke which emanated from a recommendation of his report, the whole issue of governance. “And I say Prime Minister Mottley, with the utmost benefit of experience whatever you do, CARICOM will never achieve its objectives unless you have within it, somebody, some group, some identifiable center that

is responsible for ensuring that decisions when taken are not forgotten, but acted upon”. In her address, Prime Minister Mottley said the publication by Patterson is designed to make the Caribbean a better place to live in. “I have come to recognise that PJ Patterson represents for me that preeminent Caribbean statesman who has mastered every aspect of political life. The nobility of purpose, the gentility of manner, the calmness and expression and simply a gentleman in all respects,” she added.

Venezuelans afraid of persecution following line of questioning Trinidad Guardian- Some of the 115 Venezuelans who completed registration at Achievers Banquet Hall in San Fernando on Friday say they are surprised at the line of questions they were asked during their brief interviews by Immigration. Some expressed fear of being persecuted politically if the information they divulged was shared. Speaking to Guardian Media through our translator Angie Ramnarine, Venezuelan Juan Fernandes said the questions were limited and did not take into account their medical problems or their medical needs. Another Venezuelan Jhoselys Fuentes said, "They mainly wanted to know how we got here, legally or illegally. By boat or by plane? Whether we were working now. Nothing about our medical history or our needs," she said. She noted that the questionnaire given to them when they were interviewed

by Living Waters was more detailed. Living Waters is the agency affiliated with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). Fuentes said most people believed that the Venezuelans who live in Trinidad were wealthy because of their grooming. However, she said it was part of their culture to be well groomed. Acting Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds who visited says the information provided by the Venezuelans will be strictly confidential. He noted that in the interest of national security

background checks will have to be done using Interpol resources. He also said all Venezuelans had a medical form to fill out which will provide information on their medical history. Hinds added that instructions were given to provide printing and copying services to the Venezuelans who did not have hard copies of their respective forms. According to the minister, all Venezuelans were advised beforehand to walk with passport sized photographs. He said the process is flowing smoothly and will get better as the day progresses.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 1, 2019

Preserving our cultural identity A

SOCIETY’S culture is defined by the experiences of its people. It includes their language, values, system of government, history, foods, clothing, people, education, buildings, infrastructures, habits, artefacts, entertainment, religion, sports, the use of the environment, and so forth. As society evolves, so would its culture. At the same time, it ought to be noted that the evolution of a culture is different from abandonment or adaptation to another’s culture. Being discerning in identifying evolving indigenous culture as against abandonment or adaptation to another is an issue facing the society. Such has reached crisis stage, and is deserving of judicious intervention, given the implications for identity, self-worth, growth and development of the people and the nation. A people’s culture gives and reinforces their identity. To lose one’s sense of identity, in whatever measure, whittles away at self-worth. When self-worth is brought into question, it not only undermines self-esteem but influences how others would treat with you, and the desire to be self-propelling and defend what’s yours. To understand the level of loss, just pay cursory attention to the climatic apparel parade as fashion statement and indication of ‘status’ along with the hosting of spring, summer and other events dissimilar to our environment and way of life. Mimicking has its place. but it does not help when reduced to the ridiculous. Understandably, Guyanese, not unlike citizens of every country, desire to live in a society where the government works effectively and efficiently; growth and development are widespread; crime is minimised; and people are treated

with respect by their leaders and fellow Man. Such a desire often drives Guyanese to be vocal participants on social media to events happening in other countries. The slide into intimate involvement may be the resultant effect of an impression that other societies are better off or superior in their systems. Though there is no harm in such admiration, recognition that such standard came through a process of evolution that required the people’s involvement should similar efforts be mimicked here, Guyana can also evolve to the admired stage. In our education process where children are developing their cognitive skills and interpretation of the environment through programmes such as Dora the Explorer, the acculturation to another environment from an early age is preparing our future to cultivate dissimilar identity and ready market for export. Exporting our human capital by preparing their minds for such an eventuality from infancy is ensuring the society never creates roots of belongingness and identity necessary for its growth and development. Nothing is wrong, in principle, with the Dora programmes, if it could be understood that the creation of such characters forms part of the United States’ acknowledgement of the necessity for promoting its diversity in building harmony and peaceful co-existence among its people. Where the dark-skinned Hispanic Dora was created to help U.S develop positive outlook for diversity, **the Nelson’s West Indian Readers series exemplifies our diversity, and has been created along similar values. These ‘Readers’ could create similar mega marketing and television programmes

like ‘Dora’. Accepting evolution of culture would see efforts to make events and teachings adaptable to 21st Century realities. But doing so requires a concerted national approach that would inform policies whereby support will be provided in ensuring the retention of identity, and by extension the citizens’ selfworth, driven by recognition that the failure to do so could result in the under-development of the society. **People protect or develop what belong to them and if they are not thought to appreciate what belong to them they would not know what to defend, protect or develop. When mimicking reaches the stage where identity is suppressed, and the desire to be another – because only through such undertaking self-worth can be attained, such thinking not only threatens indigenous development, but the very reason for the existence of the independent state. What is even more troubling is that such practices are being executed without thought, suggesting a zombie or trance-like state in going about daily activities of living. The Caribbean history witnessed a plethora of intellectual thinking, shaping the independent movement and immediate post-independent society, which saw the forging of an indigenous identity. Development of national symbols (flag, coat of arms, etc), alongside indigenous education, government, music, artefacts, economy, and literary genre were the foundations laid to be developed on. These fertile foundations were not created to be overtaken by the proverbial weeds of cultural imperialism, jeopardising the sacrifice of our forebears and the future of the society.

Probe into award of oil blocks could expose PPP’s corruption Dear Editor,

Y fellow Guyanese citizens, who I believe were caught up in the carnival revelry and celebrations relating to independence, might have missed an important note from SARA. According to Kaieteur News, the government agency said that it is investigating systems and policies that might have led to the awarding of two oil blocks to friends just before elections in 2015. From what I have gleaned in these reports, the ‘big-wigs’ at Freedom House on Robb Street and the Office of the President had apparently speeded up the award of blocks known as Canje and Kaieteur to two companies that most people in Guyana might have never heard of. Editor, I am anxious to hear more about this investigation as the PPP and its friends and fellow collaborators at places like the Auditor-General’s

office have accused President David Granger and his Cabinet of being corrupt, or even more corrupt than the PPP in all of its 23 years in office. What an astounding statement to make! Yes, there has to be some level of corruption, especially because Mr. Granger did make a cardinal political mistake by ordering that many important people and officials who had worked with the PPP, should be allowed to remain on the job in the hope that perhaps they would one day be loyal to him and his government. What a faux pas this has turned out to be! As we all know, some of these people are in sensitive positions, positions that my friends on the East Coast love to refer to as ‘gatekeeper portfolios’, So the fact that there are elements of corrupt acts should come as no surprise to watchers like me. I now rather suspect that when the details of SARA’s peek into the awards of the blocks come to light, those crying massive corruption will be shut up and be put

out to pasture politically. Some of the companies which, as expected, made millions for themselves and friends in the government back then by selling portions of their blocks to big companies like Exxon Guyana got nothing. A point to note is that none of these companies has sunken any wells after almost five years, because I am sure they are now raising the capital and resources to do so. They were simply handed a large and important part of our patrimony by a corrupt band of government officials who now accuse their rivals of doing so on the same scale. How can this be? Which government in this part of the world can match the pillage of the PPP? Mr. Editor, I urge SARA to speak up on this issue so Guyanese could know what is going on and what went on. Regards, Peter Joseph

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 1, 2019

Lewis fact-checks Freddie Dear Editor,

EFERENCE is being made to Freddie Kissoon’s letter “UG unions should remain in TUC and fight for Lewis’ removal” (SN May 31, 2019). It is becoming more evident Kissoon is behind the confusion in the University of Guyana (UG)’s industrial environment. His agenda is to create turmoil and upheaval in this country. I have addressed the UG unions’ complaints in a previous letter (“UG unions have no Certificate of Recognition” GC, May 31, 2019). The undermentioned therefore addresses the new lies and distortions being peddled by Kissoon. 1. When I called for solidarity from all -publicly and privately- for bauxite workers employed at the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), it was not about me; itt was a matter of national sovereignty and violation of the rights of Guyanese workers and communities surrounding the bauxite industry. It was a call for patriotism to take precedence over any issue that divides us as a nation. Kissoon’s statements have demonstrated that he could not rise to the occasion, and he has now revealed that his silence was about how he feels about me. Is this the attitude of a patriot; a person who claims he has the interest of Guyanese at heart? 2. The Rules of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) say the President, General Secretary and Principal Assistant Secretary must

not come from the same List of Delegates from the same union. When Leslie Gonsalves was elected President of the GTUC, I was not a delegate to the Conference. Kissoon is either ignorant of the facts, or deliberately trying to mislead readers in his quest to create chaos and animosity. He and readers are further informed that Joseph Pollydore and Frank Andrews came from the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers Union (AT&GWU), and during Pollydore’s tenure as General Secretary, Andrews was elected President. But at that time, Pollydore was not on any List of Delegates to that Congress. 3. I’ve known Freddie for over 40 years, but he was not my friend for over 40 years, and any thoughts of friendship were obviously misplaced. Yours truly was elected General Secretary of the GTUC on the last Sunday in September of 1999. The evidence proves contrary to erroneous statement made by Freddie that I have held the position for more than 25 years. The rules of the GTUC say clearly that the General Secretary is the Head of the Secretariat, and carries out the day-to-day activities of the Congress. As a matter of fact, the General Secretary is the CEO of the organisation. Because Kissoon is more driven by his destructive agenda and creating chaos and confusion, facts are not important to him, and patience in this regard would not be manifest. 4. The issue of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine’s stewardship

at the Critchlow Labour College was ventilated in the media to the extent which the GTUC felt it was necessary. Whenever hard decisions have to be made and action has to be taken, neither I nor the GTUC will shirk from doing what is necessary to protect the interest of the GTUC and the College. 5. It was the trade union movement that began the fight for one-man-one-vote (universal adult suffrage), freedom of association, fundamental rights and freedoms, and internal self-government. As a citizen of this country and member of the trade union community, I will not be moved to advancing the history/legacy and interest of the movement in moving this society forward. It is my civic duty not to stay silent on matters that impact on the welfare of workers in the workplace and wider society. Equally, it is my responsibility to stay informed, speak out and seek to influence the direction of this country that will work to the welfare of all. The GTUC is a social partner in society, and will at all times seek to discharge the trade union’s role as enshrined in the Guyana Constitution, viz, Article 149C, 38, 147 etc. 6. I am not aware of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) having any problem with the GTUC. I am aware that the CCL is going through its own challenges, like the GTUC. 7. During Gillian Burton’s presidency of the GTUC, I was General Secretary on leave from the organisation, serving as General

My feet are firmly planted in the AFC camp Dear Editor,

Y feet are firmly planted in the camp of the Alliance For Change and the altruistic and sometimes idealistic values espoused by the party. In a Freddie Kissoon column published on Friday, May 31, 2019, it is alleged that at the AFC’s Region 4 elections held on May 25, I made unacceptable utterances against the new Regional Chairman, Amar Chinkhan. This statement is unequivocally false. I made no negative statements against anyone on the day or any day following. At the elections, during and after, I would have been heard proclaiming loudly, “Democracy is alive and well in the AFC!” I said this several times, and this can be confirmed by anyone present. Unfortunately, the column is laden with inaccuracies. To refute each and every one of them would be very time-consuming. It would be easier to confirm the truths, as they are fewer. Yes, Amar Chinkhan and Sherod Duncan did emerge victorious in their challenge for the Regional Chair and the Georgetown Chair, respectively. I congratulate both men, again, and will continue to work with the AFC to improve Guyana and the lives of its citizens. Regards, Michael A. Leonard

Secretary of the CCL, and resident and working out of Barbados. 8. There is a process for the electing of the GTUC’s President. For one to become a President of the GTUC, that person has to be a delegate of an affiliated union, and nominated by their union to be its representative on the GTUC Executive Council. Accredited delegates at the Congress ballot for the president. 9. For the record and to jolt Freddie’s memory, the Critchlow Labour College’s subvention was restored by the Coalition Government, and a matter of public record that the GTUC would have preferred more to aid the discharge of its duty in training and educating the workforce and contributing to the development of Guyana. 10. Imagine this academic and former lecturer of the nation’s highest institution of learning now seeks to ignore the context and facts surrounding the FITUG breakaway. These facts were chronicled, along with the political machinations which he conveniently ignores. Kissoon ignores the 2019 collaboration and solidarity between the FITUG and GTUC to protect the sovereignty of this nation and the bauxite workers whose rights were being violated whilst he

stood silent, sacrificing the nation, the bauxite sector, and the people of this nation because of me. How much more petty human behaviour can he manifest? He also ignores the fact that the GTUC has been side-by-side with FITUG on matters relating to sugar workers, the industry and their treatment against all governments, and on other issues of import where interest and principles converged. 11. Freddie is outright lying when he says that on May Day, statements were made by me rejecting the no-confidence vote. That has never been my focus. My focus on the confidence vote has always been that of calling for the charting of a way forward; putting Guyana first and allowing due process through the court, as presently obtains. The GTUC and I, individually and collectively, have called for calm; the toning down of the rhetoric, eschewing triumphalism through the different stages as in the Parliament and court rulings. We have called on the Government and Opposition to work together on a way forward, and on March 5, 2019 presented a menu of measures to the respective leaders and society that would help to take Guyana forward in the best interest of

all. The gist of the aforesaid was captured in my May Day address. The public should note that whereas Kissoon found villains and made a hero out of the no-confidence vote, it was my and the GTUC’s conscious effort to promote peaceful resolution of the conflict, recognising that our nation was in uncharted waters, and that national interest should supersede any partisan interests. That, in essence, represents the fundamental difference between myself and him. Of all the points Freddie made against me, not a single one holds true. After being an active observer in our politics over the years, the behaviour of Kissoon, though disappointing, is not surprising. Whereas he thrives on chaos and confusion, lies and distortion, it has always been my preference to seek negotiation with the aim of finding a resolution. This nation is called on to read Freddie with more scrutiny, for his analyses bring to the fore the fundamental problem we face in this society of dishonest leaders from all sectors. No one should be excused from scrutiny in their public doings; no one. Regards, Lincoln Lewis

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 1, 2019

Prospect Housing Scheme to be expanded

- over 500 house lots to be added; major infrastructural upgrades for Perseverance By Tamica Garnett PROSPECT New Housing Scheme on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) will be expanded to include over 500 house lots, while the Perseverance Housing Scheme, EBD, is scheduled for major infrastructural upgrades, including asphalt roads as the Government responds to the needs of its people. During a visit by President David Granger to the two communities on Friday, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Lelon Saul revealed that the Prospect Housing Scheme, where approximately 100 low income house lots were developed, will be expanded before the end of the year. “The Prospect Project would be conducted in three phases, and we’re presently at Phase One with approxi-

A section of the Prospect Housing Scheme which is being developed by CH&PA (Photos by Adrian Narine)

mately 100 house lots, and we have constructed some low income houses. Within two months or so we will move going to the west of the Prospect Housing Development where an additional 138 housing units will be constructed and by the end of the year we (will) go further to the west, adjacent to the (East Bank Demerara) public road and approximately 538 house

lots will be made available along with commercial and industrial lots for investors,” Saul explained. Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan and Minister within the Ministry of Communities with responsibility for Housing, Annette Ferguson, formed part of the high-level team that visited the communities. The Prospect New Hous-

President David Granger (left) being briefed by CH&PA CEO, Lelon Saul, about some of the developments slated for the Perseverance Housing Scheme

ing Scheme was specifically developed with low income earners in mind, Saul explained, while noting that house lots are being sold for approximately $92,000. Also,

lottery was held, which was won by mother of nine, Ayasia La Fleur. La Fleur is now the proud owner of a new, semi-furnished home in the scheme. President Granger

412 housing units,” Saul explained. Within three months, the housing authority would commence the upgrade of roads in the area. “As you enter Perseverance from the junction this entire area will be upgraded to asphaltic road, so you can take some comfort in knowing that you will enjoy better facility and this entire community, the infrastructure will be upgraded,” Saul said to an audience that included a number of residents from the community. He noted that the community has an occupancy rate of over 70 per cent, which the CH&PA is very happy about. On that note, the CH&PA CEO challenged the residents to upkeep their community. “We are very happy with the occupancy rate we have in this community. It is much better than other communities. I would like to urge you to take care of your community. This is yours and you must show a vested interest in terms of what is going on in the area,” Saul posited. Perseverance Housing Scheme has some 571 house

Ayasia La Fleur (left) who won one of the housing units at Prospect New Housing Scheme gives President David Granger a tour of her home on Friday, when he visited the community

in that housing scheme, CH&PA has constructed a number of 400 sq ft two-bedroom low income housing units which home owners can acquire through mortgages. While those are the main units available at the scheme, houses for middle income earners are being constructed. Since construction commenced last October, approximately 50 houses have been completed in the housing scheme, and were recently on show at an Open House Exhibition held last March. As part of the promotion, a housing

was sure to stop in on La Fleur and her children during his visit at the community. Speaking of the planned developments for Perseverance, Saul explained, that with over 400 houses constructed within the scheme, and a number of house lots allocated, the focus is now on infrastructural development. “At Perseverance, the development here, we’re about to wrap it up. We only will be constructing an additional 10 houses here; the vacant lots were allocated to persons. We have here in excess of

lots, with 150 being given out as house lots and the remaining house lots being sold alongside housing units built by the CH&PA. The units included two-bedroom duplex units, two-bedroom flat houses, two-bedroom elevated houses, and three-bedroom houses. This community also includes a commercial area specially put aside for the development of businesses, Saul said while explaining that the land would go to “light commercial” businesses such as restaurants and supermarkets.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 1, 2019

QC to celebrate 175th anniversary in grand way

Chairman of the Queen’s College Board of Governors, Alfred Granger, addresses the media launch. Also at the head table are Principal Jackie Benn- Ralph (second from left) and Board members Dawn Holder-Cush and Mitra Rajkumar; Director of Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) and Head of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) respectively [Adrian Narine photo]

QUEEN’s College (QC) will celebrate its Dodransbicentennial (175th) Anniversary this October, through a week of activities aimed at celebrating the school’s years of excellence and foster further development for the school. “This is a big year for Queen’s College; we’ve been around for a very long time [and] done a lot for the country,” Chairman of the Queen’s College Board of Governors, Alfred Granger shared at the launch of the anniversary on Wednesday. Granger reminded that over the years of its long history, QC has produced many outstanding Guyanese who have distinguished themselves in the fields of

politics, government, law, foreign affairs, education, medicine, the social and natural sciences and in several other professions. He also underscored that the school is also renowned for its tradition of garnering top academic honours each year at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) regional secondary and post-secondary examinations. And come October 27 to November 2, this excellence is what will be celebrated as hundreds of ‘old’ boys and girls will join the current student population of about 700 for a week of activities. Principal of Queen’s College, Jackie Benn Ralph shared: “It is our intention to have our students expe-

rience special relationships with the former members of Queens College [and] engage in discussions and learn from the discussions that they will have.” According to her, some 300 to about 500 members of the QC alumni, which spans all over the world, are expected to return home. And they will enjoy activities including a grand general assembly, panel discussions, local tours, sporting activities, a concert and a party. Granger also noted that while the school benefits from annual subvention from the government to deal with its overhead costs, there are still expenses, particularly as the administration hopes to develop certain aspects

Man gets 25 years for murder AFTER over a monthlong trial, Junior Anthony Henry was on Friday handed a 25 year sentence for the 2013 murder of Michael Hamilton at Sparendaam Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara(ECD) . Justice James BovellDrakes on Friday passed down the sentencing at the High Court. Henry, called ‘Oswald’, 28, formerly of Third Street, Goedverwagting, ECD, was found guilty by a 12-member jury, for the of murder of Hamilton. The indictment read that Henry, on October 7, 2013, at about 17:30hrs, killed the then 22-yearold, Hamilton. According to the police, Hamilton’s sister was at home when she heard an explosion, and when

Junior Anthony Henry

she looked outside, she saw her brother running after Henry. The police said that as Hamilton got closer, Henry turned around and shot him in the chest, before making good his escape. The injured Hamilton was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The men reportedly had an ongoing feud over

a woman, who is said to have been Henry’s girlfriend. In Henry’s probation report, which was read to the court, it was mentioned that he would usually complain to his grandmother that Hamilton would threaten him. He conveyed remorse for his actions before Justice James Bovell-Drakes, and pleaded for lenience. He told the judge that he was sorry and that he has two young children. He was then given the 25 years sentence and is eligible for parole after serving 15 years. Henry was represented by attorney Lyndon Amsterdam and Latoya Roberts, while the State was represented by prosecutors Tiffini Lyken and Sarah Martin.

Flashback! President David Granger (then Leader of the Opposition); former Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds; former President, Donald Ramotar, other former ministers and members of the Queen’s College alumni being saluted at Queen’s College 170th Anniversary celebration in 2014

of the school. As such, the anniversary activities will feature several fundraisers for developmental projects. One such aspect that could be developed is a Centre of Excellence in the performing arts, Granger shared. According to the Chairman, this comes as part

of the efforts being directed to provide a more rounded education for the students. Focus will also be placed on developing a professional orchestra. Just recently, the school’s cricket and playfield, which has been dilapidated for a number of years, has been

improved and made usable once again. The school hosted a Goodwill T20 match against the Waramuri Secondary School, from Region One, in April to commemorate the re-opening of the field. Additional activities will be planned by the school, in

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

' Disorder on air'

...GNBA reports high incidence of broacast violations this year

THE Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) has recorded high infringements for the period January to March 2019. “We recorded a total of 39 infringements in January, 40 in February, and 49 in March,” said GNBA Board Director, Jocelyn Josiah, as she delivered remarks during the authority’s third stakeholder engagement exercise at Herdmanston Lodge on Friday. The infringements included profanity in movies;

inaccurate reporting; graphic details; smoking and alcohol advertisements; irresponsible programme hosting; and irresponsible reporting of persons under distress. The number of infringements went down in April to 22, and so far, for May only 15 infringements have been recorded. GNBA manually scrutinises all broadcast content, taking note of every infringement which it comes across. “The decrease, however, is a clear indication that the

special investigative committee’s engagements with broadcasters are bearing fruit and we understand the importance of cleaning the airways,” said Josiah. Although the monitoring system has been working, GNBA is in the process of reviewing the overall system to cover every aspect of monitoring. “We are never out of work…We are at the crawling stage, (and) there is a lot of work to do…We remain bound by the existing legis-

lation,” she said. GNBA made it clear that it monitors content to guide and not to censor. This was contrary to what was reported in some sections of the media in the past. Josiah believes that the authority is monitoring broadcasters to set standards since it is constantly in search of the most efficient and effective ways of monitoring. “We have mechanisms in place whereby once we

spot these infractions we get in touch with broadcasters, and there is a system with warnings and when they do not adhere there are fines,” she said. Josiah, however, said it is a pity that the regulatory body (GNBA) has to be behind broadcasters “with a big stick,” although the broadcasters have the same documents and guidelines as the authority. Despite all the efforts to

create stability, she believes that there will always be accords and disagreement between regulators and those being regulated. “It is our ability to sit and discuss these in a forward looking manner that will bring us to the common goal of professionalism,” she said. There are 19 registered television stations, of which 14 are in Georgetown. Additionally, there are 20 registered radio stations.

Gold Board to seal shipments of gold declared for export THE Guyana Gold Board (GGB) will soon be sealing shipments of gold, which are declared for export at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). In a Stabroek News column, the Gold Board said the process has begun, and there has been ongoing interest and unflagging commitment, at the highest level of government, in moving to this sealing reality. “The combined knowledge, expertise, and wisdom of vigilant overseers – local and foreign – have recommended, in fact insisted and demanded that sealing at CJIA become the norm and standard,” said the board. Listed among those entities providing such insights and guidance are longstanding and reputable security entities and couriers; govern-

mental agencies responsible for and dedicated to the fight against money laundering, drug trafficking, financing of terrorism, and smuggling in general, but of gold in particular. “After all, it is a depleting asset; and there is the general consensus that many known and more unknown forces and channels are being marshaled and utilised to drain away the gold production in Guyana, of which a significant part does not make its way to the Gold Board,” said the GGB. There has been resistance to the pending move but, the gold board said they are being worked through. “They have to be managed and overcome, since almost the entire rationales tendered fly in the face of acceptable and robust practices,

realities, and increasingly interconnected foreign surveillance architectures,” said the board. According to GGB, current local conduct causes alarm and brings considerable, if not grave, exposure to Guyana. Back in 2017, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, had expressed concerns about Guyana’s porous borders, which he said makes it easy for illegal aircraft and other types of transport to move minerals out of the country without the requisite royalty been paid to the State. “I believe if we can curtail the illegal transactions then our declarations are going to be much higher than it presently is,” Minister Trotman had said.

Wanted bulletin issued for suspect in Baramita murder THE Guyana Police Force has issued a wanted bulletin for Raveshwar Jainarine, who is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Ruthina Thomas. Thomas was murdered on October 23, 2018 at Central Baramita in the North West District. An autopsy on the 23-year-old woman, whose body was found lying at a roadside in Baramita, gave the cause of death as asphyxiation due to manual strangulation, compounded by blunt trauma to head. The mother of one was reportedly pregnant at the time of her death.

Wanted: Raveshwar Jainarine

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Raveshwar Jainarine is asked to contact the police on telephone numbers 226-6978, 225-8196, 226-2870, 2267065, 227-1149, 226-7065, 911 or the nearest police

station. Raveshwar Jainarine, 27, is of East Indian descent and his last known addresses were Lot 8 Bald Road, Eccles, East Bank Demerara and Central Baramita, NWD.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

Dead bandits were career criminals

By Rabindra Rooplall THE three bandits who were shot and killed by the police following a botched robbery on Thursday night at Norton Street, Lodge, were career criminals who preyed on person’s vulnerability, police sources have revealed. Junior Nurse, 25, of Hill Street, Albouystown, who was killed in a police shootout on Thursday night along with Shawn Browne Jr and Leslie Griffith, had many brushes with the law. In fact, Nurse was arrested on March 2, 2019 in a foiled robbery outside Kay's Diamond Enterprise at 288 Middle and Thomas Streets, South Cummingsburg when his accomplice was shot dead by the owner of the mining firm. His colleague, Henry Johansson, attempted to rob the owner by pretending he was there to purchase diamonds, and was later shot dead inside the building. On the April 21, 2015, Nurse pleaded guilty to robbery, and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment while facing another robbery charge at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The persons who were charged with him, Devon Forde, a 28-year-old goldsmith of 56 Second Street, Campbellville and Adrian Bishop, 28, of 67 Garnett Street, Newtown, Kitty has since lost their lives. Forde succumbed at the Georgetown Hospital in January 2015, a few days after he

he was part of a larger gang that committed planned and random robberies. He is allegedly the son of the late notorious criminal, Shawn Browne, who was among several dangerous crim-

dition. Clive Clarke has been receiving well-wishes from Guyanese here and abroad and persons have even suggested that the rank along with his colleagues receive recognition from the force for their efforts. The shootout stemmed from a robbery where the bandits invaded the home of a family, but were held-up in the house as a police patrol was summoned and responded promptly on the scene. Police

Thursday night’s killing comes two weeks after police in Berbice eliminated three other bandits who were tormenting residents in that area. It also come on the heels of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) saying that its members are deeply concerned that insufficient progress is being made with regards to the fight against crime. Meanwhile, the Public Security Ministry commended

Dead: Junior Nurse

was run over by a minibus. His relatives were adamant that the act was a deliberate one, stating that he was being followed by the minibus. At the time, he was riding a scooter and the minibus had rammed into the cycle before running him over. Bishop was shot and killed outside of a party on Hill Street, Albouystown, in September 2014 after a confrontation with a policewoman. Griffith, whose identity was unknown for several hours following his death, was identified on Friday by his mother. The 24-year-old of Lot 165 William Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was on the police radar and socialised with many persons who are involved in gang-related robberies, sources revealed. Meanwhile, Shawn Browne Jr was on the police radar for a while but was not caught or apprehended for any criminal matters. Police said

Dead: Shawn Browne Jr

inals who were involved in the brutal crime wave following the 2002 Camp Street jail break. The senior Browne was killed in June, 2003 during an explosive two-hour siege of a Prashad Nagar, Georgetown home in which three grenades were lobbed at a police/army team. US federal authorities had issued a warrant for Browne’s arrest as a material witness in the kidnapping of US Embassy diplomat, Stephen Lesniak, in 2003. Meanwhile, the police corporal who was shot in the leg during the shootout is recovering at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and is said to be in a stable con-

A tattoo of a handgun on Shawn Browne Jr’s chest

recovered three guns and many spent shells from the crime scene on Thursday.

the work done by the Guyana Police Force. “The responsiveness of the

Police Force certainly resulted in the prevention of harm to an innocent family. Unfortunately, but with every justification, it resulted in the demise of three individuals whose intentions were to rob and probably kill,” the ministry said in a press statement on Friday. The ministry stated that it was very thankful for the community support which was received on Thursday evening; firstly, for their giving of relevant and necessary information to the policemen involved in the actions taken; and, secondly, for rallying around the police force’s efforts in rescuing that family. “Community support is extremely necessary to fight crime in Guyana. This support realised success in Black Bush Polder recently, as it did in this instance. The battle is not yet won. But the collaborative efforts of the public, police force and the ministry will continue unabated until it is,” the ministry stated.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

Gov’t working to return Guyana-Suriname ferry service to full operation THE Government of Guyana is doing all in its power to ensure that the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service remains available to the public, Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon said. According to him, the government may have to put a vessel in place, if it comes down to that. Since the M.V. Canawaima began experiencing challenges leading to its suspension on Monday May 27, 2019, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been in discussion with the Government of Suriname on devising a way forward. Following its suspension, the service was temporarily restored four days later with the use of M.B Sandaka. The Public Infrastructure Ministry, in making the announcement, said M.B. Sandaka is temporarily operating the route from May 31, 2019 until June 2, 2019. The announcement was good news to scores of Guyanese who were previously stranded in Suriname, but the governments are still working on a permanent way forward. “The issues in relation to the ferry itself are issues which have engaged the attention of the two leaders of the countries: President Granger and President Bouterse at a high level meeting which was held here in Guyana. The two sides agreed on the appointment of good officers who would push these issues that were there,” the Director-General told reporters during a post-Cabinet briefing on Friday at the Ministry of the Presidency. He explained that the Canawaima’s issue is specifically related to the availability of funding, which is a matter the two sides will have to address. According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), Terminal Manager Gale Culley-Greene

The M.V. Canawaima – the vessel that is temporarily out of operation

had explained that the M.V. Canawaima has been experiencing mechanical difficulties for some time. “The M.V. Canawaima continues to experience extensive mechanical challenges that prompted the hire of a tug to assist in the propulsion of the vessel,” former Terminal Manager, Deyne Harry, had previously explained. A decision was, therefore, taken, to have the vessel assessed and repaired. Last Monday was not the first time the ferry service was suspended due to mechanical problems with the vessel. Back in January 2018, the ferry was down from January 6-14, and had been scheduled for emergency docking in order to restore both engines. However, Culley-Greene noted that the M.B. Sandaka, being a smaller vessel, will not be able to accommodate 20ft and 40ft containers and trucks higher than 3m and wider than 2.7m. “We have done what we need to do in so far as our obligations under the arrangement is concerned and so it is really now a matter of getting the two sides together to sit down and recognise that this is a service which the people are depending on,” Harmon said. He added: “If it becomes necessary, I believe our Minister of Public Infrastructure has already started to con-

template whether in fact we may have to put the vessels there ourselves.” In the meanwhile, the Director-General reminded that the government is not in favour and does not sanction ‘back-track’ operations. He made the remark as he acknowledged that, over the years, some areas of Corentyne, Berbice have been utilised as illegal entries to the country from Suriname. “We do not believe in ‘back-track’, we believe that everything that is done must be legal and lawful. As a government, we will never encourage back-track operations. “What has happened now, on the other side of Suriname, (is that) they have put in some arrangements to facilitate (legal travel) and I believe over on our side we will consider putting in place formal, legal arrangements for persons to leave this country and to come back,” Harmon said. Persons are reminded that the M.B. Sandaka from May 31 to June 2 will depart the Moleson Creek Terminal in Guyana at 09:00hrs (Check-in: 06:30hrs to 08:00hrs Guyana time) and depart South Drain over in Suriname at 11:30hrs (Check-in: 08:00hrs to 10:00hrs Suriname time).

Man found dead at Kamarang ‘Water Front’ POLICE are investigating the murder of a 30-year-old labourer in the village of Kamarang, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni). Dead is Godrell Joseph, a labourer of Kamarang Village. Reports indicate that the murder occurred in the wee hours of the morning on Friday. Residents said that Joseph was last seen at a bar on Thursday night at Kamarang ‘Water Front’ in the company of friends, and on Friday, persons traversing

Kamarang ‘Water Front’ observed his motionless body on the ground. The person who found the body noted that Joseph had a gaping wound to the region of the right side neck. A broken glass bottle was seen beside his body with what appeared to be blood on it. The police were contacted and the body was taken to the Kamarang Hospital where it awaits an autopsy as investigations continue.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday June 1, 2019

Man jailed for Stabroek Market robbery A M A N , w h o w a s r ecently nabbed by police moments after robbing three vendors outside of the Stabroek Market and was busted with an illegal firearm, was on Friday, May 31, 2019, sentenced to total of 13 years imprisonment for the relative offences. Joshua Joseph appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and confessed to three counts of robbery under arms and two firearm related charges. Particulars of the first three charges alleged that on May 29, 2019, at Stabroek Market, Joseph, while being in the company of another and armed with a gun, robbed Satyanand Deosarran, Zabid Amin Baksh and Parsaram Persaud of a quantity of cash and cellphones – totalling $115,000. The latter two charges alleged that on the same day at Hadfield Street, Georgetown, Joseph had a .38 revolver along with four matching rounds in his possession, when he was not a licensed firearm holder. The magistrate sentenced Joseph to three years imprisonment for each of

Joshua Joseph

the armed robbery charges and two years jail each of the firearm related charges. The sentencing will run concurrently and Joseph is expected to spend three years behind bars. According to reports, on May 29, 2019, Joseph, while in company of another man called ‘Awara’, robbed three vendors at gun point outside of the Stabroek Market. The men made good their escape and an alarm was raised. Joseph escaped by jumping over the fence of a building on Hadfield Street and was attacked by dogs. The police arrested Joseph with the gun in his possession. The police are still on the hunt for Joseph’s accomplice.

Jamaican national jailed for sharing sex-tape on WhatsApp

Man gets 18 months for marijuana possession

- tells court he used drug to cure prostate cancer

Anthony Lynch called ‘Russian’

A 33-year-old Jamaican national was, on Friday May 31, 2019, sentenced to one year imprisonment for circulating a sex tape of his ex-girlfriend to his contacts on WhatsApp messenger. Anthony Lynch called ‘Russian’ appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was sentenced to one year imprisonment after pleading guilty to the charge. Lynch admitted that on January 1, 2019, at Lot 20 East Ruimveldt, he knowingly, for the purpose of exposure, circulated obscene cinematographic videos by way of WhatsApp tending to corrupt public morals. He was also charged for escaping from police custody at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown on January 7, 2019. The other charge alleged that Lynch, after being permitted to stay in Guyana from

November 16, 2016, to April 29, 2017, he overstayed until May 29, 2019. The Jamaican national pleaded not guilty to the latter two charges and was remanded to prison until July 19, 2019. According to reports, Lynch arrived in Guyana on November 16, 2016, and was granted five months stay in the country. It was also reported that on January 1, 2019, Lynch shared a video of himself and his ex-girlfriend having intercourse and was later arrested and taken to CID headquarters. Lynch escaped from police custody and was arrested on May 29, 2019, while the police were conducting a raid exercise in Georgetown.

A FORMER member of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was on Friday, May 31, 2019, jailed for 18 months after admitting to trafficking cannabis, which he said he uses to treat his prostate cancer. Remington Griffith appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate, Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and admitted that on May 28, 2019 at Fitzburg, Port Kaituma, he h a d 3 7 1 g r a m s o f c a nnabis in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. The defendant’s 18-year-old son, Shaquille Griffith, was also charged for the offence and denied the allegation. The teen was released on $70,000 bail and his matter was adjourned until June 6, 2019. The elder Griffith told the court that he uses the cannabis with dandelion, lemon juice, olive oil and

stinging nettle to treat his prostate. “I don’t sell it, I does use it… because the medication that the doctor does give me from the hospital is make me get impotent,” the unrepresented man told the court. According to the facts presented by police prosecutor, Adduni Inniss, ranks from the Port Kaituma police station went to Griffith’s Fitzburg home and conducted a search. Remington Griffith and his son were alone at home at the time. The cannabis was found in a bag which was hidden in a couch. The court heard that when the allegation was put to Remington Griffith by the police, he admitted ownership of the drug. The acting Chief Magistrate handed down the sentence to Remington Griffith after considering his early guilty plea.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

Infrastructure boost OVER G$800M worth of contracts were awarded for several infrastructural projects across the country with the aim of improving the quality of life of Guyanese. Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, provided the media with a detailed list of these contracts on Friday following the Cabinet meetings on May 28 and 30, 2019. One of the major road activities to take place under the contracts awarded is the rehabilitation of the Onverwagt access road in West Coast Berbice. This will be done by

Shereaz Bacchus General Contractor with the sum of over G$110M. According to Harmon, the Onverwagt Access road extension works proposes to upgrade 1.8 km of access from mud dam and crusher run to an asphaltic concrete surface. The road is six metres in width with a crusher run base and white sand sub-base and is designed to cater for the heavy loads associated with rice cultivation and rural farming. “Rice and cattle farmers will therefore have better access to approximately 40,000 acres of rice land and 10,000

heads of cattle. This will see a reduction in the cost of production and transportation during harvesting land preparation,” Harmon stated, adding: “The approximately 125 residents who live on the left and right bank of the Abary River will also have better access to traverse the area.” Road rehabilitation and construction are also being placed on the front burner in areas such as Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). In Lot One there will be the construction of Gibraltar Village Road in Corentyne at over G$15M; Lot Two will see the rehabilitation of

No. 72 Village Second Street, East and West Street at some G$19M; Lot Three will see the rehabilitation of No.51 Village Road at some G$ 21M and Lot Four, the rehabilitation Of No. Two Village Section of Sukhu Street at the sum of over G$17M. The contracts have been awarded to Associated Construction Services; KP Jagdeo General Contractor; A & amp; A Engineering Services and KP Jagdeo General Contractor respectively. Other road works will take place to sections of Ruby Main Road and Ruby Back Area on East Bank of Essequibo by K-B and B Contractors for some G$17M. Kent Dam Road at Parika Back Area on East Bank of Essequibo will be upgraded with the sum of over G$43M by Mohammad Fawaaz Bacchus Construction and Transportation Services. Meanwhile, in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), G$24M will go towards the construction

- contracts worth $800M cleared for road, other works of living quarters at Annai, North Rupununi and some G$32M towards the extension of the Aishalton Secondary School. Both projects are being facilitated through the Ministry of Communities and will be undertaken by 3D Construction. The ministry is also facilitating the construction of the Bagotville Primary School on West Bank Demerara by the contract awarded to S &amp and K Construction Services and General Supplies for the sum of over G$32M. There will also be the construction of a primary school at Kato, Upper Mazaruni, Cuyuni Mazaruni in Region Seven awarded to K &amp and P Project Management Co. for the sum of over G$29M. In keeping with its plans for road development in Region Four, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be facilitating the construction of a tarmac for a market and parking lot at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.

Bardon Construction Services will complete the project for some G$57M. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security has plans to build a reintegration model for the Guyana Prison Service for the sum of US$222,950 with the contract awarded to School of The Nations. The Ministry of Communities is also seeing through with the construction of a timber bridge at Kaburi 72 Miles in the Cuyuni Mazaruni for some G$26M to be completed by International Imports and Supplies. The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) will also be able to further its mandate through the some G$ 69M expansion of its headquarters by Compustruct Engineering Inc. and the construction of some G$96M Regional Warehouse in Lethem by R. Kissoon Contracting Services.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

Govt’s seeks hike in private sector minimum wage

THE Ministry of Social Protection’s Labour Department is currently engaging employers and unions to increase the minimum wage in the private sector from the current $44,200. In January 2017, the private sector’s minimum wage was increased from an hourly rate of $202 to $255 taking the monthly wage from $35,000 to $44,200, the ministry said in a release. Consultant of the Labour Department at the Ministry, Francis Carryl explained that the economy is vastly changing and another increase is crucial at this time. “We’re not sure when the consultations will be completed but we are working assiduously to raise the private sector’s minimum wage, to bring it up to speed with the 2019 economic circumstances. We don’t

want to excite anyone but all the parties including the unions, employers and the government are interested with what has been brought to the table. As soon as the consultations are completed we will announce the increase,” Carryl related. Meanwhile, the Labour Department has recorded notable achievements during the first quarter. Senior Labour Officer, Dexter Semple said this includes the establishment of three new offices in Regions Two, Eight and Nine, which will help the residents to access services on a regular basis. Outreaches were conducted in those regions to raise awareness about the labour laws and responsibilities of employers and employees under the labour laws. Additionally, to date the Labour Department has in-

Senior Labour Officer, Dexter Semple

vestigated in excess of 500 complaints and conducted about 300 to 400 work place inspections. Semple noted that during the inspections some persons who were caught in violation of the labour laws were sensitized and given opportunities to make corrections. On the

other hand, others, were placed before the court. Further, the Labour department has conducted several weekly workplace workshops where employers and employees were educated on their responsibilities and duties and were also introduced to the Decent Work Country Programme which Guyana signed on to at the end of 2018. Currently, the department is continuing its collaboration with the Guyana For-

estry Commission (GFC) for the transformation from an informal to formal economy. “We meet persons operating in the forest sector, including loggers, coals operators; whose work are not in the formal setting and therefore, they are not paying National Insurance Scheme (NIS), taxes or are not registered in any regulatory body. This has to change so we have been engaging them and showing them the pros and cons

of being formalized. This is ongoing with the help of NIS and the Guyana Revenue authority,” Semple explained. The department’s greatest limitation is the lack of cooperation by employers who refuse to attend workshops and meetings when necessary. In this regard the department is working on having a law in place to make the attendance necessary.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

‘Gangster Rass’ jailed for gun, 'ammo' possession

Alvin June called ‘Gangster Rass’

SENIOR Magistrate, Leron Daly, on Friday, May 31, 2019, sentenced an East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, resident to serve two years’ imprisonment for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Alvin June called ‘Gangster Rass’ appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and confessed that on May 29,2019, at East Ruimveldt, he had an unlicensed .40 Glock firearm in his possession, when he was not a licensed firearm holder. June also admitted that, on the same day in question and at the same location, he had three rounds of .40 ammunition.

According to the facts presented in court by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris, on the day in question, police, acting on information received, went to June’s East Ruimveldt home. When the police arrived at the man’s home, they were greeted at the door by June. The defendant had a red JanSport haversack in his possession and dropped it when he saw the police. The police picked up the haversack and found the unlicensed firearm inside. Magistrate Daly sentenced June two years imprisonment on each charge, however, the sentences will run concurrently.

GTT alerts customers to Mobile Money scam reports THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), on Friday, reported a hike in scamming reports from customers who utilise the Mobile Money platform. In light of the increasing reports of scams, the telephone company, in a release, stated that it has taken several measures to encourage customers to stay alert of fraudsters. Vice President of Customer Experience at GTT, Orson Ferguson, said that, since the start of 2019, the company has ventured into an intense campaign to have customers stay alert. “We did and continue to do constant posts on social media, newspaper and even the radio because we want to reach all of our customers. Mobile Money has long pledged to make the lives of all Guyanese easy, allowing persons to make everyday payments in an innovative, safe and secure way with unrivaled convenience. We ask

of all customers to be vigilant, protect yourself and stay alert as you continue to use our great service,” Ferguson said. GTT strongly advises its MMG customers to never share their Personal Identification Number (PIN) with anyone, as this can compromise the security of their mobile wallet. In the event a customer’s PIN is compromised, the company encourages the consumers to make contact with GTT Call Centre at 0488 to assist in resetting their PIN; or the

MMG user can use the “My Wallet” option in the Menu to change his/herPIN. Additionally, MMG customers are also being warned to beware of persons pretending to be MMG/GTT Staff, Government Officials and MMG Agents asking them to transfer, deposit or disclose their PIN. MMG Manager, Nicola Duggan disclosed that lately most of the scam reports surrounded that of persons pretending to be government officials or GTT staff.

“We will never ask our customers to credit, transfer or deposit money to other numbers for any of our Promotions; and the government officials have confirmed the same on their part. We want to assure our customers that we will continue to work assiduously with law enforcement to reduce and if possible put a complete stop to these scams. But for now we will continue to educate our users to protect their money in their account by staying alert,” Duggan lamented. GTT would like to reassure the public that the Mobile Money Service remains a convenient, safe and secure option to store money and execute payments anytime, anywhere.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

Guyana is a safe place – Harmon

–– says gov’t has every confidence in the police force GOVERNMENT is very confident in the operations of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in dealing with crime in Guyana, Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, said at a post cabinet press briefing on Friday. He made the statement at a time when a total of six

bandits have been killed by police in the last three weeks. Three wanted men were killed in Berbice recently during a shootout at the Joanna, Black Bush Polder (back-dam), namely; Kelvin Shivgobin, Ramnarine Jagmohan and Tameshwar Jagmohan. On Thursday night, three

other bandits – Junior Nurse, Shawn Browne (Jr) and Edward Skeete – were killed at Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown. The Director-General said on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James, is expected to host a press conference where the issues of crime will be

addressed, in addition to the travel advisory issued by the US Government through its Guyana embassy. The travel advisory issued on Thursday stated: “Guyana - Level 2: Exercise increased caution in Guyana due to crime.” Harmon noted that the government is not pleased

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon

with the advisory. “From the level of the Cabinet, I would wish to give the assurance to all our citizens including all those persons who are abroad and are making decisions to travel to Guyana, that Guyana is a safe place, it’s a safe place to live, it’s a safe place to work, it’s a safe place to invest, and that is the word I would wish to give to all the persons who might be thinking twice as a result of the advisory,” Har-

mon said. He said countries issue such advisories so that their citizens can be aware of a situation that exists in a country at any particular point and time. The Director-General said that from government’s perspective, “we have every confidence in our police officers to keep crime under control and to deal with serious criminals when they emerge.” He said that the Commissioner of Police and his officers are providing greater leadership to the police force. “There is a better cadre of senior officers, there is a better cadre of intelligence officers, who are now ensuring that police operations are intelligence-led and intelligence driven, so it is the intelligence which is provided to the police that has allowed them to confront gangs,” Harmon explained.

Cunha canal rehab project launched THE US$3.2M Cunha Canal rehabilitation project has been launched and is expected to begin almost immediately. The project is to be executed by the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and will be administered by the World Bank. It is being funded through the Guyana REDD+Investment Fund that is providing 91.7 per cent or U.S.$3million of the estimated cost with the Government of Guyana contributing U.S.$270,000 or 8.3 per cent. The project entails the construction of a bridge across the Land of Canaan Public Road; repairing the gate and upgrading the sluice at the outlet of the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) and the construction of a new sluice into the outlet of the Cunha Canal into the Demerara River. According to the Project Manager, Mr Dhaneshwar James, construction of the bridge was expected to be completed by May 17, 2019. This bridge is expected to relieve residents in Badarima Creek and the tributary to the south who are affected by flooding in

the area. Meanwhile, funds have already been allocated to execute rehabilitation works on the bridge across the fivedoor sluice at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara. This GRIF project is being facilitated by the Project management Unit, Ministry of the Presidency. The East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) covers an area of 571 kilometres (km) and stores approximately 250 million cubic metres of water at the Maximum safe-operating water level. It is dammed on three sides by a shallow earth embankment 67 km long, parallel to the Demerara River, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mahaica River. A series of canals controlled by sluices drain water from the EDWC, thereby reducing water levels and preventing overtopping or stressing of the dams, which may increase the risk of structural failure. The Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project is one of eight projects funded by the Guyana REDD+Investment Fund to the value of U.S. $190M.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

Government addressing issues affecting Baramita residents Granger, has given priority to address the many social ills affecting the village of Baramita which has recorded a large number of suicide cases, drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, among other issues, most of which were largely ignored by the previous administration.

Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, as he addressed the residents of Baramita on Friday (MoIPA photo)

A section of the gathering at the forum (MoIPA photo)

RESIDENTS of the North West District community of Baramita have been assured that the APNU+AFC Government intends to address the social and other ills affecting the village. On Friday Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, during an outreach, told the residents of the community, that the administration has recognised the many issues affecting the village but for change to be realised everyone must work together. According to a release from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Allicock was accompanied on the outreach by Minister of State, Dawn Hastings-Williams, and other officials took the “Government Comes to You” Outreach to the village. “Work together in achieving things, support one another with the aim of getting things right as we move forward…since government has been supporting communities towards development,” Allicock said. The minister also encouraged the students in

attendance that they “need to be in schools so that you could help this nation in its development.” Highlighting the success of the life-changing Hinterland Employment Youth Service (HEYS) Program, Minister Allicock said “in communities we have young people who are excelling which is very good for the program. Some of them say when they started they were timid, shy and didn’t know what to do but with the training, I’ve learnt to become my own boss; I’m making my own money and putting it in my pocket; I’m using it to extend my business and I’m now employing other people, helping my family which are really, really good stories.” The vice-president also encouraged residents to let their voices be heard by fully participating in the ongoing Revision of the Amerindian Act which is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Among other developmental programs highlighted by the minister is

the completed extension to the Indigenous Residence in the city, the Hinterland Tertiary Student Dormitory at Liliendaal, the six new radio stations established across the country as well as the information technology hubs established across the country. Minister Hastings-Williams, while addressing residents, noted “Baramita which means - Rich Village, and you are indeed rich in your culture, forest and other natural resources but you must know what to do with the riches you have.” While zooming in on the social ills affecting Baramita, Minister Hastings-Williams said “I know you have your issues which we, together as a government and your Village Council, the Guyana Police Force and all other stake holders, we will continue to work together to improve that situation.” Minister Hastings-Williams also encouraged the students to remain in school and get a sound education as she deemed it “a vehicle for development” and that education is key to a successful future.

The village council of Baramita, which is led by Toshao Sharmaine Rambajue, has already completed the village’s ICT Hub and is now awaiting the instillation of the computers so that all interested villagers can become computer savvy. As regards the imminent National Voter Registration Exercise, the Minister of State encouraged villagers to get registered since this not only ensures them voting rights, but access to an Identification Card. Residents were also updated on President David Granger’s “3B’s Initiative” where some 27 school busses are used to transport children to and from school on a daily basis, a number of boats and thousands of bicycles which were all handed over since the program was initiated. The village of Baramita is among beneficiaries of a school bus which provides assistance to the more than three hundred and ninety students attending the primary school. Since taking office in 2015, the coalition government, led by President David

To this end a Ministerial Task Force was established to address these issues and to date, significant strides were made with support from villagers, to tackle the abuse of drugs and alcohol which is recognised as the main cause of the afore mentioned issues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

'Taking critical services to the people, a necessity' – says Harmon –– as he justifies $300M allocation for outreaches

THE government’s multi-ministerial outreaches are crucial to ensuring that the actions of the Administration remain aligned with the needs of the people. This is according to Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, who justified the budgeting of some $300M for the outreaches this year. The Government’s multi-ministerial outreaches for 2019 kicked off on February 15 when some 19 ministers spread across 28 villages in Region Nine (Upper Taku-

tu-Upper Essequibo) during a three-day period. Since then, the ministers visited several other regions including Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); and took critical services to the people. At a post-Cabinet press briefing on Friday, Harmon reminded that the coalition government initiated the outreaches in 2016 having realised that citizens badly craved one-on-one interactions with

their ministers and face-toface information on government services. During the visits to the regions, the ministers also spread themselves out to various public buildings in the evenings where they conducted meetings to speak on issues of interest to the locations. Throughout the entire experience, the aim is also to listen to citizens and to take note of their opinions on whether the Government is satisfactorily meeting its mandate. “It was recognised that there was, in fact, a view (that)

Scores of citizens turn out to one of the past outreaches of 2019 hosted in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) (Samuel Maughn photo)

people needed to see their government ministers more; they wanted to be in touch with them,” Harmon said. He added: “When we came in to office we recognised that [there existed] a sort of expectation that was created by the previous administration that only if you see a Minister you can get things done. We have changed that paradigm and what we have done it to move government services to the people and we’ve actually taken government services to all of these new towns themselves.”

The government’s most recent outreach took place on the Essequibo Coast where scores of men, women, youth and elderly people flocked Damon's Square in Anna Regina to voice their concerns. The Director-General added that in the planning of its activities the Government ensured that all regions of the country would be visited in keeping with its vision of equity. “We believe that Article 13 of the Constitution, which speaks about inclusive governance, requires that the

persons who govern must listen to the people who they govern, and this is a way of interacting with them to bring them as a part of the decision process. “We’re now taking the government to the people and therefore they can feel comfortable that decisions are made in their interest, right there on the ground in the communities where they live,” Harmon said. The next multi-ministerial outreach is planned for Bartica from June18-19.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday June 1, 2019

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 1, 2019

Champions League final - Tottenham or Liverpool? (ESPN) - The only thing left to settle for the European club season before the summer is the Champions League, and much like the Europa League final, it’s an all-English affair in Madrid, as Liverpool take on Tottenham. Who will begin their holidays with a trophy and who will spend the offseason wondering what could have been? Here is what you need to know ahead of today’s game, which kicks off at 15:00hrs ET (20:00hrs BST) and is set to be played in hot temperatures. BACKSTORY: Liverpool arrive with the greater pedigree. They’ve won the European Cup five times. Only Milan and Real Madrid have more. They reached the final only last season, when they were beaten by Real Madrid in Kiev, Ukraine, and they finished this season a single point off the pace in the Premier League behind Manchester City. Contrast this with Tottenham; Only Michel Vorm, their third-choice goalkeeper, was even born the most recent time they were in a European final of any kind: the 1984 UEFA Cup final. That was also the most recent time they went beyond

the quarterfinals in Europe. Spurs finished fourth in the Premier League and lost 2-1 both times they faced Liverpool this season, though the second clash, at Anfield, was a particularly tight, hardfought affair that could have gone either way. CARDIAC COMEBACKS, LIVERPOOL EDITION: If it wasn’t for a dramatic victory over Napoli in their final group-stage game in December -- which saw them advance thanks to a tiebreaker -- Liverpool’s Champions League quest would have

ended before the knockout rounds. Plus, they pulled off the most dramatic of turnarounds at Anfield in the semifinal against Barcelona, winning 4-0 to wipe out a 3-0 first leg defeat. CARDIAC COMEBACKS, TOTTENHAM EDITION: Tottenham were also headed out of the competition in December until Lucas Moura’s goal, with five minutes to go away to Barcelona at the Camp Nou, in the final group game. Even then they only advanced thanks to the tiebreaker as well.

Moura, of course, proved decisive again in the semifinal second-leg comeback against Ajax, notching a hat-trick including that buzzer-beater of a winner in injury time. Oh, and in the quarterfinal against heavily favoured Manchester City, a dramatic Fernando Llorente-deflected goal with minutes to go saw Spurs advance in a seesaw match. NO SILVERWARE, NO PROBLEM: Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino famously said that trophies “build

egos” but league finishes and year-on-year improvement build clubs. While Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp hasn’t quite gone that far, he too is living proof that a manager’s popularity rests on far more than delivering silverware. Both are immensely loved by their fan bases, yet Pochettino has never won a trophy in his managerial career and Klopp’s last major title was in 2012, when he led Borussia Dortmund to the Bundesliga title. His record in finals isn’t great, either, having lost six of seven. TACTICAL CONTRAST: Both managers believe in pressing, directness, high lines and speedy forwards, but Pochettino has been, often by necessity, the more pragmatic and shape-shifting of the two. Where Liverpool’s lineup has been relatively settled for much of the season, Tottenham have been hammered by injuries at various stages. As a result, Pochettino has played a variety of lineups and schemes, and going into this game, it’s hard to predict how Tottenham will take the field.

Nadal, Federer blaze into the French Open fourth round (REUTERS) - AFTER a cool first week the thermostat was turned up at Roland Garros yesterday as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer both blazed a trail into the French Open fourth round for the 14th time. They had shared that record with Budge Patty but moved above the American with two more dominant displays, although 11-time champion Nadal did drop his first set of the tournament. Nadal pulverised the unfortunate David Goffin into the Court Philippe Chatrier dust for two formidable sets but was made

to sweat buckets in the soaring temperatures as ‘Le Goff’ dug in. The Mallorcan second seed was never in serious trouble, however, and came through 6-1, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 to set up a clash with Argentina’s 78th-ranked Juan Ignacio Londero. “The level that I kept during the first 45 minutes, you can’t really maintain that,” Nadal said. “It was almost the top level, the highest level I could play.” F e d e r e r ’s o p p o n e n t was 20-year-old Norwegian Casper Ruud who had

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matched his father Christian’s feat of reaching the third round in 1999 - the year 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer made his debut at the French Open and lost in the first round. The 37-year-old Swiss duly dispatched the youngster although he was pushed to a tiebreak in the third set on his way to becoming the oldest player to reach the fourth round since Nicola Pietrangeli in 1972 with a 6-3, 6-1, 7-6(8) victory. “Very pleased how I’m feeling and how I’m playing,

and still trying to stay true to playing freely and with nothing to lose,” Federer, trying to repeat his 2009 title run having missed the last three French Opens, told reporters. Like Nadal, he will also face an Argentine next in the form of Leonardo Mayer who knocked out French veteran Nicolas Mahut. Karolina Pliskova became the highest seed to fall so far when the Czech second seed was well-beaten, 6-3, 6-3, by Croatia’s Petra Martic in the day’s opener on Court Philippe Chatrier, a match played in front of

hundreds of empty seats. Former champion Garbine Muguruza continued to impress in the women’s draw as she overpowered ninth seed Elina Svitolina 6-3, 6-3 and set up a clash with last year’s runner-up Sloane Stephens, who needed three sets to beat Slovenia’s Polona Hercog. Britain’s sole remaining singles player Johanna Konta needed less than an hour to thrash Viktoria Kuzmova 6-2, 6-1. Day six saw two marathons.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 1, 2019

Holder relishes ‘aggressive West Indies’ (CMC) – CAPTAIN Jason Holder said the aggression displayed in yesterday’s seven-wicket victory over Pakistan was a blueprint of the type of cricket West Indies hoped to produce going forward in the ICC World Cup. Bowling with pace and hostility, the Caribbean side needed less than two hours to crush Pakistan for 105 off 21.4 overs then raced to their target in the 14th over with veteran opener Chris Gayle lashing a stroke-filled 33-ball 50. “I think our style was just to be aggressive. We just want to be aggressive against whoever we’re playing. It’s just something that

we need to do in order to pick up wickets,” Holder told a post-match media conference. “I think with the modern-day game, if you are not picking wickets up throughout the innings you’re going to struggle to contain teams. So we just want to be aggressive even if we give up a few runs up front, trying to get wickets. “One of the things we’ve spoken about in the recent past is just trying to have that mindset to take wickets, because if you’re not taking wickets you’re going to struggle.” He continued: “I think for every single team in the competition, looking to pick up

wickets throughout the entire innings has been a common trend. If you don’t get wickets continuously throughout the innings, you’re going to struggle to contain teams at the very back end. “It’s something you have to do, whether it be through spin, which is the way a lot of teams have gone, or through good fast bowling, which is the direction we’ve been going.” Rookie speedster Oshane Thomas revelled in a fresh pitch and overcast conditions, roughing up the Pakistani batsmen to end with four for 27 while Holder picked up three for 42. Andre Russell was sensational in a pacey three-

over burst, taking two for four to initiate the Pakistan collapse.

He put the accelerator on them and was supported by (Nicholas) Pooran in the

Jason Holder and Andre Russell celebrate Imad Wasim’s wicket. (Getty Images)

“I thought we bowled really well. We got wickets with the new ball and really set them back, slowed their momentum and quite fortunately for us we were able to keep picking up wickets and they never recovered from the position they were in at the very beginning,” Holder said. “I think when we batted it was a clinical performance as well, obviously Chris starting nicely.

very end.” He added: “Thomas has been excellent. The last game he got five wickets then he comes and follows it up with four wickets here today. It was great to see him running in and bowling fast. That’s one thing we ask of him, just to be aggressive in those middle overs, as I said before. “He’s working out quite nicely for us. It’s just a matter for us to be consis-

tent with it, and at times not get carried away in terms of overdoing it. “Andre’s spell had great impact, obviously. It started the slide for Pakistan, and again, he’s one of those players who run in and give it their all. He has a lot of force going through his body, and he’s one player who will give you 110 per cent every time he steps up to the plate.” West Indies, rated underdogs in the tournament, will now face title-holders Australia in their second match next Thursday also at Trent Bridge. And despite yesterday’s convincing victory, Holder said West Indies would remain grounded, especially with a long way to go in the tournament. “I’m not thinking too far ahead. We’ve got Australia in the next encounter. As I said to the guys, we’ve got a long tournament here; it’s just a matter for us to take it game by game and I’m not getting ahead of myself,” he pointed out. “We just want to be consistent. The only thing we can focus on and control is cricket, and we’ve got three departments to make sure we’re clinical in - our batting, bowling and fielding, and I just want us to be the best we can in terms of performing our roles for the team.”

GBTI Open tournament serves off June 7

GBTI’s Public Relations Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda, hands over the sponsorship cheque to vice-president Cristy Campbell as other GLTA executives look on

THERE is much excitement in the tennis fraternity as Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) prepares to serve off the Annual GBTI Open tournament on June 7 at its tennis courts, Kaieteur Road, Bel-Air Park. The competition, its 10th edition, is the most anticipated one on the GLTA calendar of events. The action starts at 17:00hrs on weekdays and 09:00hrs on weekends.

The tournament coordinators are Shelly Daly, Leyland Leacock and Benjattan Osborne and they have distributed application forms. They can be reached on 6425672, 660-4011 and 6456054 respectively. As the tournament grows annually, GLTA continues to be grateful to GBTI for their annual sponsorship, as it demonstrates unwavering support for the development

of tennis in Guyana. The categories are: Ladies’ Open Singles, Men’s Open Singles, Junior Girls’ Open Singles, Junior Boys’ Open Singles, Novice Medley Singles, Men’s Over-35 Singles, Men’s Over-45 Singles, Ladies’ Open Doubles, Men’s Open Doubles, Mixed Open Doubles, Men’s Over-35 Doubles and Novice Medley Doubles.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 1, 2019

Oh Shane! Jamaican paceman torments Pakistan

(CMC) – WEST Indies fast bowlers unleashed a hostile pace salvo to stun a shellshocked Pakistan before Chris Gayle’s 33-ball 50 inflicted further misery, as the Caribbean side made a winning start to their World Cup campaign with a dominant seven-wicket win here yesterday.

Pooran. His first two boundaries were streaky shots to third man, off pacer Hassan Ali in the second over but there was no lack of conviction when he clubbed back-toback leg-side sixes in the bowler’s next over. He lost Hope in the fifth over caught at mid-off at-

Chris Gayle hits a pull shot. (Getty Images) Opting to bowl first on a fresh pitch under overcast skies at Trent Bridge, the Windies needed just under two hours to bundle Pakistan out for a dismal 105 off 21.4 overs – their second lowest-ever score in World Cup history. Rookie fast bowler Oshane Thomas, in only his 10th One-Day International, grabbed four for 27 in a Man-of-the-Match performance while captain Jason Holder picked up three for 42 and Andre Russell, two for four. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam, both of whom made 22, were two of just four players to reach double figures, as West Indies struck at regular intervals leaving Pakistan unable to halt the carnage. In reply, veteran opener Gayle struck exactly 50 to set the tone while fellow lefthander Nicholas Pooran hit a breezy 19-ball unbeaten 34, as West Indies reached their target in the 14th over, to notch their first points of the tournament. Gayle belted six fours and three sixes, posting 36 off 27 balls for the first wicket with Shai Hope (11) and a further 31 for the third wicket with

tempting to loft seamer Mohammad Amir (3-26) over the top and then watched as the out-of-form Darren Bravo nicked one to Babar Azam at second slip in the seventh over without scoring. Gayle reached his 53rd ODI half-century in the 11th over before holing out a few

balls later, skying Amir to point with West Indies already in sight of victory at 77 for three. Pooran, batting at number four, then assumed responsibility for the innings as he saw the Windies home in an unbroken 31-run, fourth-wicket stand with Shimron Hetmyer (seven not out). Pooran struck four fours and ended the contest in style by swatting left-arm seamer Wahab Riaz over mid-wicket for the last of his two sixes. Earlier, there was no sign of the debacle to unfold when the left-handed Fakhar whipped Holder off his legs and cleared the square leg boundary in the second over. But left-arm speedster Sheldon Cottrell got the breakthrough when he claimed Imam-ul-Haq for two, with the score on 17 in the third over, caught by wicketkeeper Hope down the leg side gloving a pull. Russell then turned the game on its head with an incisive three-over burst which cost just four runs and yielded the key wickets of Fakhar and Haris Sohail for eight. Bowling with pace and extracting generous bounce, he first accounted for Fakhar, the left-hander bowled in the sixth over after edging a pull onto the grille of his helmet and the ball rebounding onto the stumps. Russell then struck again

SCORECARD

PAKISTAN innings Imam-ul-Haq c wkp. Hope b Cottrell 2 Fakhar Zaman b Russell 22 Babar Azam c wkp. Hope b Thomas 22 Haris Sohail c wkp. Hope b Russell 8 Sarfaraz Ahmed c wkp. Hope b Holder 8 Mohammad Hafeez c Cottrell b Thomas 16 Imad Wasim c Gayle b Holder 1 Shadab Khan lbw b Thomas 0 Hassan Ali c Cottrell b Holder 1 Wahab Riaz b Thomas 18 Mohammad Amir not out 3 Extras: (w-2, nb-2) 4 Total: (all out, 21.4 overs) 105 Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-35 3-45, 4-62, 5-75, 6-77, 7-78, 8-81, 9-83. Bowling: Cottrell 4-0-18-1 (w-1), Holder 5-0-42-3, Russell 3-1-42, Brathwaite 4-0-14-0, Thomas 5.4-0-27-4 (w-1, nb-2). WEST INDIES innings C. Gayle c Shadab Khan b Mohammad Amir 50 S. Hope c Mohammad Hafeez b Mohammad Amir 11 D. Bravo c Babar Azam b Mohammad Amir 0 N. Pooran not out 34 S. Hetmyer not out 7 Extras: (lb-3, w-3) 6 Total: (3 wkts, 13.4 overs) 108 Fall of wickets: 1-36, 2-46, 3-77. Bowling: Mohammad Amir 6-0-26-3 (w-1), Hassan Ali 4-0-39-0 (w-1), Wahab Riaz 3.4-1-40-0 (w-1). RESULT: WEST INDIES WON BY SEVEN WICKETS POINTS: WEST INDIES 2, PAKISTAN 0 MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: OSHANE THOMAS

in the 10th over when he prised out Sohail to a catch at the wicket, the left-hander sparring at one which bounced sharply at 45 for three. Perhaps West Indies’ only blemish came in the 11th over when Hetmyer put down a simple catch at point when Babar, on 12, slapped seamer Carlos Brathwaite square. And at 62 for three in the 13th over, Pakistan still looked like rescuing the innings especially with Babar

still at the crease. However, once the right-hander nicked a leaden-footed drive at a wide ball from Thomas in the following over, the last seven wickets tumbled for 44 runs. Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed followed for eight in the 17th over, caught down the leg-side on review off Holder and, in the same over, Imad Wasim was taken at slip by Gayle running back after top-edging a pull, to leave Pakistan on 77 for six.

Three balls later in the next over with a single run added, Shadab Khan stayed back when he should have been forward and was hit in front by Thomas for a first-ball duck and Hassan Ali gave Holder his third wicket in the next over when he holed out to Cottrell at mid-off. Thomas then polished off the tail, knocking over Mohammad Hafeez for 16 and Amir for three in successive overs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 1, 2019

Gayle; Russell expected to recover ahead of Aussie clash (CMC) – CHRIS Gayle and Andre Russell are both expected to recover in time for next Thursday’s clash with Australia, after picking up niggling injuries in West Indies’ World Cup opener against Pakistan here yesterday. The left-handed Gayle has a stiff back while Russell experienced a flare-up of his long-term knee problem during the seven-wicket victory at Trent Bridge. Both will be monitored and treated over the next several days, in an effort to have them available for the contest against the Aussies at the same venue here. “I’ve more than enough time to get my knee back to normal and get it settled,”

Russell said afterwards. Captain Jason Holder also said everything would be done to get Russell back on the park. “We’ve got five days be-

fore our next game, so we’ll just assess him over the next few days, and we’ll see what happens,” he told media. Russell was instrumental in yesterday’s win,

Andre Russell celebrates a wicket with team mates Darren Bravo (right) and Windies captain Jason Holder (left)

grabbing two for four in a hostile three-over burst as West Indies mowed down Pakistan for a paltry 105 off 21.4 overs. Gayle, meanwhile, looked in discomfort towards the end of his innings of 50 off 34 deliveries as the Caribbean side easily chased down their target off 13.4 overs. Holder said the 39-yearold would undergo the necessary treatment to facilitate his recovery. “I’m not exactly sure what’s going on with Chris, as well, too. But the mere fact they sent the physio back off the field is a promising sign, as well, too,” he noted. “So again, we’ve got five days to see how he pulls up in the next couple days.”

WI relish underdogs tag against Pakistan By Rajiv Bisnauth A REJUVENATED West Indies entered this summer’s World Cup as a balanced unit, who are not favourites, but yesterday’s performances against Pakistan definitely signalled that they will be no pushovers either, during this mega event.

in the one-day game. The win was set up by the West Indies pacers, in which Oshane Thomas took four wickets, as Pakistan were bundled out for their second-lowest World Cup total of 105 in just 21.4 overs. West Indies cruised to victory in just 13.4 overs, Chris Gayle top-scoring with 50. He reached his half-cen-

Inderjeet Persaud

The West Indies, led by Jason Holder, gave a good account of themselves. The bunch of maroon-clad underdogs had definitely displayed a united fighting force, anxious and able to show the world they are not to be written off or even taken lightly. They whipped the Pakistanis by seven wickets in a one-sided World Cup match at Trent Bridge, with the two-time champions showing they are a resurgent force

Brij Parasnath

tury off 33 balls with three sixes and six fours. During his innings Gayle, who calls himself the ‘Universe Boss’, broke the record for the most sixes hit in World Cup history. He now has 40 maximums, three more than retired South African batsman AB de Villiers. Nicolas Pooran smashed paceman Wahab Riaz for a huge six over the square-leg

boundary, to give the 1975 and 1979 world champions an ideal start to their campaign a start which challenges the ‘underdogs’ tag prior to the start of the tournament. Meanwhile, three local and regional cricket commentators share their respective thoughts with Chronicle Sport pertaining to the Windies performance. Brig Parasnath, who is a Trinidad-based Guyanese cricket writer, commentator/ analyst, said: “The West Indies fast bowlers exploited the conditions well. The bowlers extracted considerable bounce that startled the Pakistan batsmen whose injudicious stroke play brought about their downfall and allowed the West Indies team to celebrate a wonderful morale-booster.” He went on to say, “The experienced Chris Gayle showed his world class ability with an attractive 50 while talented Nicholas Pooran exhibited excellent form. Those are encouraging signs and it will help to boost the West Indies overall confidence for the upcoming matches.” Local commentator Matthew Kissoon feels the Win-

dies had done their homework against the Pakistanis. “To bowl short-pitched deliveries against the Pakistanis I feel they had done their homework on them (Pakistan). So while the victory was somewhat surprising, I believe that the West Indies would perform well in this tournament ... as long as they can get all the components flowing good together they will perform well. “They got very good quality professional cricketers in the side, and they should be able with their experience to perform beyond expectations. I don’t consider them as a dark-horse team because I don’t look at ranking, I look at performance at the given day, and because English conditions are totally different, I think they will adapt to the conditions, and also flow with the team plan well,” Kissoon pointed out. Inderjeet Persaud made mention of the ruthless display by the Windies fast bowlers, adding that Pakistan’s batting unit repeatedly struggled against short deliveries, of which the Caribbean side fast bowlers took full advantage.

Trio set for Pre-Season Camp at Madureira Esporte Clube in Brazil ON the heels of a historic visit to Brazil last week where Guyana Football Federation (GFF) president Wayne Forde met with Brazilian Football Federation (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol – CBF) president Rogerio Caboclo, the partnership has already bearing fruits. The GFF, in a release, revealed that Ryan Hackett of Fruta Conquerors, Kelsey Benjamin (Georgetown Football Club) and Sese Norville of Milerock FC will spend one month at Brazilian second-division side, Madureira Esporte Clube where they will undergo pre-season training. The trio who have been part of the senior national Golden Jaguars set-up in recent times will be exposed to another level of training over a four-week period with the possibility of landing a Pro-Contract, based on their performances during that period. The young footballers were part of the historic Brazil Train and Play Camp last August when the senior national team spent two weeks there and played against the said club in a practice match. Speaking about the venture, president Forde said that this is the first of many initiatives and the goal of the GFF, (which has also presented an MoU to CBF president Rogerio Caboclo) is aimed at holistic development of the sport on and off the field of play, along with ensuring that as many as 40 players between the ages of 18 and 22 years gain exposure in Brazil over the coming months and years. “Ideally, we would prefer to have the players enter into the Brazilian Football system much younger, but unfortunately, language challenges, immigration laws and parental consideration are yet to be fully explored.”Forde maintained; “The GFF is very pleased that our work to develop a partnership with our Brazilian neighbours has started to bear fruit. This is a wonderful opportunity for the players ahead of our preparations for the Olympic Under-23 Qualifying competition in July. I would like to join the rest of Guyana in congratulating these players and wishing them every success whilst in Brazil.” President Forde also offered congratulations to the management of the respective clubs, Milerock FC, Georgetown Football Club and Fruta Conquerors, thanking them for the work they have put into moulding these players. He also indicated that the young Guyanese will likely feature in a friendly match in which Madureira Esporte Clube would play against the Qatar national team on June 9. Qatar and Japan were invited to play in the world’s oldest continental tournament – Copa America, the 46th edition of the event, which will be played in six stadiums across five cities in Brazil. The stadiums are Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo. The opening is set for the Morumbi Stadium (Sao Paulo) while the final will be held at the Maracaná Stadium (Rio de Janeiro).

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, June 1, 2019

Early registration touted for GMRSC Drag Racing round two COMPETITORS for the second instalment of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) Drag Racing championship have been asked to get registered early. Executive committee member Motilall Deodass, who spoke about preparations yesterday, said that it is important that competitors get registered early. “We saw what happened at round one earlier this year. We saw the volume of competitors that showed up and we know that there are a lot more guys building cars since we have the full quarter.”

What we are trying to avoid is the last-minute confusion of getting cars registered then sorting them and

what’s not. We want to have things rolling as smoothly as possible. He stated that already

the club has begun to put things in place to ensure an even smoother running of the event.

Drag racing action returns on June 23

Beacon, GFC, Riddim Squad and GT Panthers send opponents packing … KFC/GFF U-20 Cup Georgetown FA FOUR clubs have already staked their claim for the top spot in the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) leg of the GFF/ KFC Under-20 Independence Cup knockout tournament. Beacon FC, Georgetown Football Club, Riddim Squad FC of Mocha and GT Panthers have all recorded wins. Playing at the GFF National Training Centre, Providence, East Bank Demerara over the last weekend, Beacon were held to a 2-2 draw with Eastveldt FC, who fought back from a 2-0 deficit. However, it was all in vain as it was later determined that Eastveldt had fielded an ineligible player which resulted in their forfeiture of the match.

Miller in the 69th minute. Scoring for Pele FC were Dorwin George (61st) and Zian Gray (70th). Riddim Squad edged Camptown FC 2-1 with the winners getting their goals from Oneal McKinnon (24th) and Deshaun Ellis (86th); while Camptown’s consolation goal came courtesy of Shane Jones (50’). GT Panthers FC thrashed Black Pearl FC, mauling them 15-1. Hat-tricks were recorded by Joshua Anthony (5th, 37th, 43rd) and Vasco Cabral (24th, 65th, 72nd). There was also a double from Whitaker Paul (28th, 33rd) and one apiece for Uriah King (40th), Nadir Walker (51st), Antonia

Action in the Beacon FC (red) vs Eastveldt FC match at GFF National Training Centre

Scoring for Beacon FC were Shaquan Stephens in the sixth minute and Darien Dickson in the 19th. Responding for Eastveldt FC was Antwone Vasconcellos in the 32nd and 43rd minutes. Meanwhile Georgetown Football Club (GFC) were in ominous form when they trounced Pele FC 10-2 in the second match last Saturday. Leading the Bourda outfit was Kelsey Benjamin with a helmet-trick (16th, 21st, 33rd, 49th), with Dwayne Rebeiro netting a brace in the 10th and 28th minutes. There was a goal apiece for Michael Richmond (40th’), Adrian Aaron (42nd), Rondel Peters (46th) and Reuben

Xavier (67th), Leonardo Thomas (70th) and Malcolm Terrence (77th. Black Pearl FC’s consolation goal was netted by Ishmael Allicock in the ninth minute. Action will continue today at the same venue at 11:00hrs when Fruta Conquerors play Riddim Squad, followed by Santos against Beacon. The semi-finals will be contested tomorrow with GT Panthers taking on the winners of the Fruta Conquerors vs Riddim Squad clash while the second semi will bring together GFC and the winner of the Santos vs Beacon showdown.

“We have more things that we are putting in place ahead of the second round; additional barriers to keep spectators out of the danger zone and so many other things. “We see this as a dry run for the International event that we have later this year. We want to know that we can accommodate a certain number of cars and we want to know we can run the event smoothly. “That’s why we are asking competitors to register early, get their forms in and ensure that we don’t leave anyone out.” During the last round, Vickey Persaud won the

16-second class while the 15-second class was picked up by Ramesh Persaud. The Surinamese pair in the 14-second, Eric Watchman and Raymond John, took the 14- and 13-second class respectively while Avi Samaroo picked up the 10-second class. The 11-second class belonged to Damian Persaud, with Peter Daby taking the 10-second class and Terrence Cox of Team Mohamed’s Enterprise ruling the unlimited class. Mark Menez took both bike categories. The second round of the championship is billed for June 23.

Oh Shane! Jamaican paceman torments Pakistan Page

Oshane Thomas celebrates Babar Azamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wicket. (Getty Images) Wahab Riaz gets bowled by Oshane Thomas. (Getty Images)

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GFF president Wayne Forde (2nd right) pictured with the players and other officials. From right are Toledo Wilson (Director of Coaches Education), Ryan Hackett, Kelsey Benjamin, Ryan Hackett and GFF Technical Director, Ian Greenwood

Trio set for Pre-Season Camp at Madureira Esporte Clube in Brazil

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SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019