Guyana Chronicle Epaper 05 04 2019

SATURDAY 4th May, 2019

No.105627

$86M upgrade 16 for Hunter Street PAGE

… multi-million-dollar contracts awarded for hinterland roads

Major overhaul Toddler drowns, for Linden another missing 11 Highway in Essequibo 13 … residents complain about road PAGE depressions, dangerous driving

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Funding approved for Liza Phase 2 … Exxon to drill 30 wells, estimates 600 02 million barrels of oil PAGE

Celebrating the coming of the Portuguese

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This group performs a cultural piece for the audience at the Portuguese Arrival Day celebrations (Delano Williams photo)

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Funding approved for Liza Phase 2

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

… Exxon to drill 30 wells, estimates 600 million barrels of oil

LIZA Phase 2 Development Offshore Guyana has received ExxonMobil’s approval through funding and the new development will see some 30 wells being drilled and approximately 600 million barrels of oil as a result.

ExxonMobil made the announcement on Friday, giving indication that it intends to commence startup in mid-2022, with hopes of producing up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

ExxonMobil’s local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) was granted permission from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the government for the project.

Liza Phase 2 is expected to cost $6B including a lease capitalization cost of approximately $1.6B for the Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.

A total of six drill centers are planned as well as approximately 30 wells, including 15 productions, 9 water injections and six gas injection wells. The company will now work to further capitalize on the significant development potential of the Stabroek Block, where ExxonMobil estimates producing more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025.

“With the government of Guyana and our partners, ExxonMobil is bringing

industry-leading upstream capabilities to build upon Phase 1 and further develop the shared value of Guyana’s resources,” said President of ExxonMobil Upstream Oil & Gas Company, Liam Mallon.

He added: “We are actively pursuing significant development potential from numerous discoveries in the Stabroek Block.”

ExxonMobil stated that the Liza Phase 1 project remains on schedule for first oil by the first quarter of 2020. It will produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day at peak rates utilizing the Liza Destiny FPSO, to arrive offshore Guyana in the third quarter of 2019.

Meanwhile, the direct

and indirect Guyanese workforce has more than doubled in 2018 to more than 1,000 employees. The release stated that pending government and regulatory approvals, a final investment decision is expected later this year for a third phase of development at Payara which is expected to produce between 180,000 and 220,000 barrels per day with startup as early as 2023.

“ExxonMobil is evaluating additional development potential in other areas of the Stabroek Block, including at the Turbot area and Hammerhead. By the end of 2019 ExxonMobil will have four drillships operating offshore Guyana,” the

company said.

Following well completion activities at the recently announced Yellowtail discovery, the Noble Tom Madden will move to the Hammerhead-2 well.

Meanwhile, the Stena Carron is completing a well test at the Longtail-1 discovery, and will then move to the Hammerhead-3 well. Later in 2019, the Stena Carron is expected to drill a second well at the Ranger discovery.

The Noble Bob Douglas drillship is completing development drilling operations for Liza Phase 1 while ExxonMobil will add another exploration drillship, the Noble Don Taylor, in the fourth quarter of 2019.

“As the projects proceed,

the partners’ investment in the Guyanese economy continues to increase,” the release stated. “ExxonMobil and its co-venturers spent nearly $60 million with more than 500 Guyanese vendors in 2018. More than 1,500 Guyanese companies are registered with the Centre for Local Business Development, which was founded by ExxonMobil and its co-venturers in 2017 with the mission of supporting local businesses to become globally competitive.”

There are 13 discoveries on the 6.6M acres Stabroek Block with the current discovered recoverable resources estimated at more than 5.5B barrels of oil equivalent.

Cevons, Puran Bros. back on board New EPA office for Linden

… as contracts with small contractors end

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has finally pulled the plug on its arrangements with the smaller garbage contractors and has broken the deadlock between the municipality and the City’s two main contractors.

As such, the two companies will resume work as per normal from Monday. This latest development comes after months of back and forth engagements between the garbage collection firms – Puran Brothers Disposal Services and Cevons Waste Management Inc. – and the City Council. The contractors had pulled their services last August after claiming that the City Council was not making any payments to them, resulting in the M&CC hiring a number of smaller contractors to fill in.

The City Council, annoyed that the contractors took this course of action, and claiming that the companies were making it a habit to plunge the municipality into distress around the Christmas season, had wanted to cut ties. To this end, the M&CC approached their lawyers and even the Attorney General’s Chambers for advice on the way forward with the two contractors

who they said breached their contracts when they stopped working.

Month over month, the contracts of the smaller contractors would be renewed.

“Their contracts ended on April 30 and we haven’t renewed them,” Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine told the Guyana Chronicle about this time around.

Speaking with this publication Friday evening, Narine said he wanted to thank the small contractors for stepping up when the municipality needed their services the most. “And thanks to the citizens of Georgetown for their extreme patience and co-operation during this period the main contractors were not working.”

The Solid Waste Director however remained tightlipped on whether any payments were made to the main contractors. He would also not say whether or not the smaller contractors were paid for their services.

Narine has since released a new schedule for garbage collection in the city, effective May 6, and has pointed out that the contractors are expected to remove all household, parapet and bulky wastes from the vari-

ous communities.

The schedule is as follows: Monday: Bel Air Springs, Bel Air Gardens, Subryanville, Kitty, Campbellville Housing Scheme, Section L-M, Campbellville, and Albertown.

Tuesday: Belvoir Court, Prashad Nagar, Bel Air Promenade, New Haven, Bel Air Village, Blyzeight, North Sophia, Lillendaal, Turkeyen, Atlantic Ville, Pattensen, University Gardens, Cummings Lodge, and Queenstown.

We d n e s d a y : L o d g e , Lodge Housing Scheme, Thorne’s Drive, Century Palm, Meadow Brook, Tucville Terrace, Guyhoc Park, North Cumminsgburg, West Ruimveldt, East Ruimveldt, Middle Road La Penitence, Jeeboo Land, Independence Boulevard, Castello Housing Scheme, North East La Penitence, and East La Penitence.

Thursday: South Ruimveldt Gardens, Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Shirley Field Ridley Square, Guyhoc Gardens, Alexander Village, River View Ruimveldt, Laing Avenue, Meadow Bank, Rahaman’s Park, Houston, Mc Doom, Agricola, Evan Phillips Park,

Solid Waste Management Director Walter Narine South Cummingsburg, Bel Air Park, J-K Campbellville, Newtown Kitty, A-D Campbellville, E-I Campbellville, and Lamaha Gardens.

Friday: Albouystown, Charlestown, Wortmanville, Werk en Rust, Stabroek, Festival City, North Ruimveldt, Stevedore Postal Housing Scheme, South Ruimveldt Park, Jacksonville, West Front Housing Scheme, and Kingston.

The commercial areas will be covered Monday to Saturday, from 12 noon onwards.

The Solid Waste Director is cautioning households and businesses not to pay for collection.

THE government continues to demonstrate its commitment to decentralising its services to have same accessed by all Guyanese.

This is evident as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be opening its Linden sub-office this month.

Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Vincent Adams, made this pronouncement following the recent ‘Government comes to you’ outreach held in the mining town of Linden, on Tuesday last.

Dr. Adams noted that the office is the first step in reaching out to the agency’s clientele while ensuring that there is greater efficiency in the services provided. “It’s the intent of the government to ensure that the right things are in place and to get all the opportunities available in Georgetown to citizens across the board.”

Previously, any resident desirous of accessing the EPA’s services would have had to travel from the region to Sophia, Greater Georgetown. Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, recently commissioned a new $32M sub-office for the EPA at Whim, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six). The new Linden office will mark the second sub-office for the agency.

Adams cited the new Linden Office as a ‘major step forward in reaching customers’.

The new EPA offices come on the heels of the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission’s (GL&SC) New Amsterdam sub-office, which was commissioned in March and soon-to-be-opened passport offices in several regions. (DPI)

Celebrating the coming of the Portuguese

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

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…President Granger lauds their contributions at Arrival Day function PRESIDENT David Granger commended the many areas in which Portuguese have contributed to the Guyanese culture and economy, as he delivered the feature address on Friday, at a Commemoration Ceremony, on the lawns of the Sacred Heart Church in celebration of Portuguese Arrival Day. Friday marked the 184th Anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese. The Portuguese were the fourth of Guyana’s six races to arrive in the country, following the Amerindians, the Europeans and the Africans. Like the Indians, the Portuguese were brought to Guyana as indentured immigrants in the 1800s, majority of them coming from the Island of Madeira. They remained and their culture became an indelible part of the Guyanese multicultural society.

“Portuguese culture has permeated and enriched our diverse social tapestry.

The original Madeirenses and their descendants have left a lasting legacy on our nation’s economic, intellectual, political and social development,” Granger noted.

Beginning in 2017, President Granger declared May 3 to be celebrated as Portuguese Arrival Day, as a deliberate effort to celebrate the contributions that the race has made to the

country. “I didn’t do this to separate or segregate but, more importantly, to integrate the nation more fully by creating greater awareness of each other’s cultures and by engendering respect through knowledge. Their contributions to the nation’s economy, its multicultural character and political evolution have benefitted all of us,” Granger said.

The president gave a brief history of the development of the race since arriving in Guyana, noting the Portuguese as having a knack for entrepreneurship.

“They were described by contemporary sources as industrious and thrifty,” the President said.

“Seven years after their arrival, one in every three new shops established in Georgetown was owned by Portuguese who, through shrewd business practices, began to compete with their other European counterparts in certain aspects of the retail trade, and, most prominently, spirit shops.

Portuguese, within the first decade of their arrival, had owned almost eight out of every ten of the colony’s spirit shops.”

In terms of culture, the Portuguese are credited with making the Catholic faith a staple in Guyana.

The ceremony being held at the Sacred Heart Church paid homage to the church

being built in 1861 to allow Portuguese to practise their Catholicism.

The race was also noted for its strong sense of kinship and social responsibility, and the President named several prominent Portuguese Guyanese who played significant roles in the country’s history and development. “Persons of Portuguese origin have excelled in all areas of national life. They produced outstanding individuals such as academics Elsa Gouveia and Sister Mary Noel Menezes; architect, Albert Rodrigues; aviators Roland da Silva and Gerald Gouveia; businessmen, John and Christopher Fernandes and Peter D’ Aguiar; attorneys Bernard De Santos and David de Caires;

President David Granger (left) greets Honorary Consul of Portugal, Michael Correia as he arrives at the Portuguese Arrival Day ceremony on Friday (Delano Williams photo)

A traditional Portuguese dance being performed during the Portuguese Arrival Day ceremony (Delano Williams photo) legislators, Eugene Correia and Francis Dias; optician Jose da Silva; priests Fr. Malcolm Rodrigues and Louis da Silva; broadcaster, Olga Lopes-Seale; sports personalities Eddie Caetano and Stephen Comacho and cane farmer Joseph Vieira and I did not forget you Kit [Nascimento] distinguished journalist and public relations consultant and many more too numerous to mention,” the President said.

Also making remarks at the event was Honorary Consul for Portugal, Michael Correia. Correia A section of the gathering including President David Granger and First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger; Prime emphasised the message Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and Mrs Sita Nagamootoo; Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scot- that celebration of the Porland, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Karen Cummings tuguese people and their at the Portuguese Arrival Day ceremony on Friday (Delano Williams photo) contributions to the coun-

try contributes to building stronger ties of unity among Guyanese on the whole.

“Each of our six peoples has its unique character and composition, cultural and religious, but each combines to make a new heritage, Guyanese, which flows from this dear land of Guyana. Our Madeiran Portuguese descendants have proudly played significant and distinguished roles in every sphere of this country’s development and continue to do so, in politics, in commerce, in literature, in the arts and in religion, even though we are small in numbers,” Correia said.

He commended President Granger for putting so much emphasis on celebrating the ethnicity. “His Excellency reminded us on that occasion that ‘our diversity is an asset, not a liability’.

He noted that ‘we are proud to belong to a society of many faiths’. We are proud of the tapestry of ethnicity within our country, but, he also reminded us that if left unattended, those differences can threaten mutual trust and can weaken people’s sense of belonging.

We need to pay close attention to this and I commend our President for his focus on, precisely, this point.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Trump administration proposal would make it easier to deport immigrants who use public benefits WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration is considering reversing long-standing policy to make it easier to deport U.S. legal permanent residents who have used public benefits, part of an effort to restrict immigration by low-income people.

A Department of Justice draft regulation, seen by Reuters, dramatically expands the category of people who could be subject to deportation on the grounds that they

Saturday, May 4, 2019

use benefits. Currently, those legal permanent residents who are declared to be a “public charge,” or primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, can be deported - but in practice, this is very rare.

The draft regulation would use a more expansive definition to include some immigrants who have used an array of public benefits, including cash welfare, food stamps, housing aid, or Medicaid.

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While the plan is at an early stage, might not become official government policy, and is likely to attract lawsuits, it is one part of efforts by the Trump administration to restrict legal immigration, in addition to its efforts to reduce illegal immigration to the United States. The full possible impact is not known, but the change in policy could affect permanent residents also known as “green card” holders - who are legally entitled to use public benefits soon after their arrival in the United States, such as refugees. Department of Justice spokesman Alexei Woltornist said the agency “does not comment on or confirm draft regulations.”

U.S. law allows for the deportation of immigrants who have become “public charges” within five years of admission if their reason for seeking help preceded their entry to the United States for example, if they had a chronic health condition that was not disclosed. But due to a 1948 ruling, the deportation of immigrants for using public benefits has been strictly limited to cases in which the government has demanded payment for public services, and the person has failed to pay. Immigration lawyers said they have rarely if ever heard of someone being deported for using public benefits.

The draft rule indicates the government would over-

ride that precedent to allow for deportation of some permanent residents who have used certain public benefits within five years of admission. For the plan to go into effect, it would be subject to public comment, after which it could be revised. Attorney General William Barr would then have to sign off on it.

The public benefits in question include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), given to disabled and older people; the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps; Section 8 housing vouchers; many Medicaid benefits; and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a cash assistance programme.

According to federal policy, many permanent residents do not qualify for public benefits unless they have had a green card for five years,

making it unlikely they could be targeted for deportation on the basis of “public charge” even under the draft rule. But dozens of states have looser rules - for instance, allowing pregnant women and children who are permanent residents to access Medicaid without a waiting period.

And the effort to tighten the rules could affect thousands of immigrant veterans, refugees and asylees, who are eligible to receive many benefits without time restrictions. Active members of the military would not be affected.

Administration officials had earlier indicated that the Justice Department, which oversees U.S. immigration courts, planned to issue a regulation on who can be deported for using public benefits, but its details were not previously known.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Caribbean journalists lauded on World Press Freedom Day

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, May 3, CMC – The Media Institute of the Caribbean on Thursday lauded journalists as the world observed World Press Freedom Day. In a message to mark the day, the Media Institute of the Caribbean said that with some exceptions, the Caribbean “remains a Region that scores high on press freedom

indexes.”

“Jamaica, and to a lesser extent, Trinidad, are still known as places where journalists can do their work without undue pressure from the authorities.”

“That is not to say that journalists in the Region don’t have their fair share of challenges. Journalists in several countries still work under the

specter of defamation and libel laws that are punishable by imprisonment. Recent cybercrime bills could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and imperil journalists for simply doing their work.”

The institute noted that in some cases, the threats to free expression are often not from overreaching officials or oppressive laws. “Through

their hefty advertising budgets, governments can buy the media – in more ways than one.”

It said that in Trinidad and Tobago, Reporters Without Borders recently noted how media outlets regarded as favourable to the government get the lion’s share of state advertising, adding that the practice in the twin-island nation is replicated in other Caribbean

countries.

“Often times the major obstacle to free expansion is not a bad law or oppressive government, but tight newsroom budgets that could restrict reporters from having the resources to pursue stories in the public’s interest.”

The Media Institute of the Caribbean says it has devoted itself to training journalists

across the Region in investigative journalism through workshops, mentoring and engaging some of the top journalism trainers.

“We want to say heartfelt thanks to our supporters, the people in the Caribbean who fight for freedom of the press, and the hardworking journalists who believe in the search for truth.”

Trump says he, Putin discussed new nuclear pact possibly including China

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed on Friday the possibility of a new accord limiting nuclear arms that could eventually include China in what would be a major deal between the globe’s top three atomic powers.

Trump, speaking to reporters as he met in the Oval Office with Peter Pellegrini, prime minister of the Slo-

vak Republic, also said he and Putin discussed efforts to persuade North Korea to give up nuclear weapons, the political discord in Venezuela, and Ukraine during a call that stretched over an hour.

The 2011 New START treaty, the only U.S.-Russia arms control pact limiting deployed strategic nuclear weapons, expires in February 2021 but can be extended for five years if both sides agree. Without the agreement, it could be

No measles vaccination, No school, says TT Minister

FOLLOWING up on a warning issued last year and as the world sees a reemergence of the measles virus, Trinidad and Tobago Health Minister, Terrence Deyalsingh, said on Thursday, that children who are not vaccinated against the illness will not be allowed in schools for the new academic year.

The Ministry of Health is putting its foot down on the issue of vaccination, as a measles outbreak hits the United States and this week, entered the Region via a cruise ship visiting St Lucia. Deyalsingh and other health officials assured the public on Thursday that Trinidad and Tobago is not facing any local outbreak, but will be commencing a vaccination drive to keep the virus out.

As such, a reminder first issued to school principals last July has been refreshed, indicating that unvaccinated children will not be admitted to schools from September 2019.

At a press conference on Friday at the ministry’s Edward Street, Port of Spain headquarters, Deyalsingh said that this order was being carried out under the Public Health (Nursery Schools and Primary Schools Immunisation) Act Section 3 (1), which states that “no person may be admitted into any nursery school or primary school unless he produces to the principal thereof a certificate of immunisation with respect to every communicable disease.”

Parents, guardians and school staff were told that the ministry intends to “rigidly apply the law” with regard to measles, mumps and rubella vaccines (MMRI and II).

The health minister had previously given the assurance that T&T is prepared for an outbreak, as concerns rose about outbreaks hitting Brazil and neighbouring Venezuela.

Thousands of Venezuelans have fled and continue to flee civil unrest and economic woes in that country, into bordering territories, including Trinidad.

harder to gauge each other’s intentions, arms control advocates say.

Trump cited the expense of keeping up the U.S. nuclear arsenal as a motivating factor behind wanting to limit how many weapons are deployed. “We’re talking about a nuclear agreement where we make less and they make less and maybe where we get rid of some of the tremendous firepower that we have right now,” he said. Trump said China during trade talks had “felt very strongly” about joining the United States and Russia in limiting nuclear weapons.

“So I think we’re going to probably start up something very shortly between Russia and ourselves maybe to start off, and I think China will be added down the road. We’ll be talking about non-proliferation, we’ll be talking about a nuclear deal of some kind, and I think it’ll be a very comprehensive one,” he said.

The New START treaty required the United States and Russia to cut their deployed strategic nuclear warheads to no more than 1,550, the lowest level in decades, and limit delivery systems land- and submarine-based missiles and nuclear-capable

bombers. It also includes extensive transparency measures requiring each side to allow the other to carry out 10 inspections of strategic nuclear bases each year; give 48 hours notice before new missiles covered by the treaty leave their factories; and provide notifications before ballistic missile launches.

Trump has called the New START treaty concluded by his predecessor, Barack Obama, a “bad deal” and “one-sided.” The Kremlin said the two sides confirmed they intended to “activate dialogue in various spheres, including strategic security.”

The two men, who last chatted informally at a dinner of world leaders in Buenos Aires on December 1, briefly talked about the report by U.S. Special Counsel Robert Mueller that concluded Trump did not collude with Russia during his 2016 presidential campaign. Putin seemed amused, said Trump. “He said something to the effect that it started off as a mountain, and it ended up being a mouse. But he knew that because he knew there was no collusion whatsoever.

Pretty much that’s what it was,” he said.

The Kremlin said the

call was initiated by Washington. It said the two leaders agreed to maintain contacts on different levels and expressed satisfaction with the “businesslike and constructive nature” of the conversation.

With the United States concerned about a Russian military presence in Venezuela at a time when Washington wants Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to leave power, Trump told Putin “the United States stands with the people of Venezuela” and stressed he wanted to get relief supplies into the country, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

Putin told Trump that any external interference in Venezuela’s internal business undermines the prospects of a political end to the crisis, the Kremlin said.

The two leaders discussed Ukraine. Trump canceled a summit meeting with Putin late last year after Russia seized three

Ukrainian Navy ships on November 25, and arrested 24 sailors. Putin also told Trump that the new leadership in Ukraine should take steps to solve the Ukrainian crisis, the Kremlin said.

Trump also raised with Putin the issue of getting North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Trump has met twice with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un but Kim has yet to agree to a disarmament deal. Sanders said Trump mentioned several times “the need and importance of Russia stepping up and continuing to put pressure on North Korea to denuclearize.” The Kremlin said both leaders highlighted the need to pursue denuclearization of the region. During an April summit with Kim in Vladivostok, Putin expressed Russian support for a gradual process of trading disarmament for sanctions relief.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Housing: still an absolute demand for Guyanese A

N enduring observation during all of the ‘Bringing the Government to the People’ exercises, in terms of offering solutions to the problems presented by citizens in the various regions visited so far, has been the overwhelming demand for housing.

The fact that at each engagement there were significantly long lines at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA)’s booth is an indictment of the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s housing programme that was ‘intended’ to house all Guyanese.

Last Sunday’s Cabinet engagement with the citizens of Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara) at the Leonora Sports Complex reportedly had 700 persons seeking housing and other related matters such as titles.

Because of the significance of the specific enquiry and demand, the CH&PA has publicly announced that it would again be meeting with Region Three residents. At the time of writing, well over 1000 persons are reported to have accessed this second visit, immediately after the first.

Despite the PPP boasting about the 55,000 house lots tehy would have distributed to citizens, and the billions reportedly spent in the so-called provision of vital support infrastructure, there had only been less than 30 per cent occupancy of those lots, in terms of allottees being able to build actual homes through mortgages, or from their own financial resources. Too many housing schemes have been established without basic infrastructure, such as roads, water, and light. The Diamond Housing Scheme that was dubbed the centerpiece of this pre–May, 2015 housing programme is an example of a newly-created housing community in which there were large water- filled cra-

ters for roads, and no night illumination in most of the settlement. La Parfaite Harmonie, on the West Bank Demerara, is another example. But these grave deficiencies that would have inconvenienced many residents are being gradually remedied. It is important to note that substantial house lot payments would have catered for such social amenities as roads, lights, and proper drainage.

But there is another aspect of the high demand for housing, which has to do with the unanswered applications of over 25,000 persons dating back to the 1990s.

Based on the evidence at our disposal, these persons could not have had house lots because of the PPP/C’s housing programme that sold large tracts of land to private developers/friends of the government/cronies, who built houses for sale to the very rich. They were not, by any means, catering for the working-class or small buyer whose means were below several economic fathoms. One can, therefore, understand why private housing developers and their plans for building and selling homes to citizens had not been a feature during the People’s National Congress administration that saw so many housing schemes come into existence, much to the benefit and satisfaction of thousands, who, for decades, have been proud homeowners.

Any sensible State housing programme will ensure that those who are less capable of owning be given every opportunity, in terms of assistance, to acquire not only lots but being able to purchase those at reasonable costs for construction. Thus, the large number of empty lots, and the thousands of applicants who have been seeking assistance on these Public Days for answers to their many-years-ago-made applications, emphasise the flaws in

the former administration’s programme.

It is instructive to note that present in these queues have been scores of young Guyanese now being afforded the opportunity of home-ownership as a result of the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition’s decision to lower the age requirement for home-ownership.

This is indeed modern and visionary, since it is intended to change the traditional perception and understanding that young people, or young couples especially, have to remain with either of their original families until being able to be independent at a later stage in their life’s journey before being capable of home-ownership. One only had to observe the welcomed enthusiasm of this very important component of the nation’s demographics at the many interactions with the CH&PA as they eagerly gathered information that will aid in their quest for perhaps life’s most important acquisition of a roof over one’s head. Although there is an acknowledgement that there are no more available lands for home building in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), the government is continuing its search for wherever this vital space is located for providing citizens with the opportunity to acquire, and thus be able to build their dream homes. Another 700 lots have been distributed at Vergenoegen, with the necessary infrastructural support being provided by the government.

If we are to be guided by remarks made by Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, during his recent press conference, it is obvious that it is the government’s wish to make house-lots available to citizens at the lowest cost. Certainly, this is about giving Guyanese ‘the Good Life’.

Negligent doctors should be sued –It is time this nonsense stops!!!

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SAW a letter in the Stabroek News titled, ‘I consented to a vascular bypass at the back of the knee and woke up to a whole leg amputated’. First and foremost, I do sympathise with this patient. I can only imagine the physical and psychological pain he must be experiencing.

I went into the medical field for similar reasons.

Many go into the medical field for the prestige and to be wealthy. While I am no vascular surgeon, if what this patient has written is true, and, frankly, I have no reason to doubt him, then it raises serious concerns. The first concern has to do with patient-informed consent. Any patient that is due for a surgery should be informed of the risks involved. The risks are then weighed with the benefits. If the risks far outweigh the benefits and the patient’s life is not at risk, then the patient is advised against the surgery.

The fact that while the patient was unconscious on the table, the surgeon was running around to the relatives to get consent to amputate his leg would suggest that he was not adequately informed. Secondly, the relatives cannot give consent to such a procedure. It is only the patient who can do so, providing he has mental capacity, or the doctor, in the case of an emergency, has to act in the best interest of the patient.

This patient apparently had an aneurysm. This is simply a swollen blood vessel with thin fragile walls. Trying to correct that can result in the blood vessel bursting. This is similar to an over-inflated balloon. A little prick and it will burst. If that aneurysm burst during surgery, then the patient is likely to bleed to death. The only option is to lose the limb rather than losing the life. This should have been communicated to the patient.

In my opinion, if this risk was not communicated to the patient, then that was negligence on the part of the surgeon. It should not be a verbal consent; it should be a written and signed consent. The patient should also be given written information, in layman’s language, on the surgery proposed, the risk and the benefits. The fact is that most patients do not always remember what they are told, hence the need for written information.

I have been writing for years about what is happening in Guyana. I wrote about an ‘interventional cardiologist’ who is exploiting the poor. Mr. Donald Ramotar wrote about the said ‘cardiologist’. That cardiologist and Glenn Lall are best of friends. Someone in the higher echelons of society spoke to the Editor of Kaieteur News, Adam Harris, and was told that Glenn Lall passed a decree that none of my letters should be published. My factual

letter on what this doctor was doing was removed from the Kaieteur News’ website. Subsequently, the so-called ‘interventional cardiologist’s life-saving exploits were publicised in the Kaieteur News.

The fact is that the Medical Council is weak. Those very doctors who are exploiting poor patients are part of the Medical Council. How can doctors investigate doctors? I have written on multiple occasions that the Medical Council needs revamping. I was the lone voice. Now, others are speaking out. They have attacked and have written to my boss in the UK, but I will not stop. I encourage patients to speak out and sue the clothes off their backs. To that patient whose leg was amputated, I say, no amount of money can replace what you have lost. Sue the hospital. Sue the doctor. It is time this nonsense stops! Patients are not cash cows! We are here to help and not exploit patients.

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

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

The Trade Unions have made Behavioural change needed --- to address Rupununi fires laudable contributions to Guyana Dear Editor,

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HE GAWU has recognised that the Peeping Tom, in his/her column which appeared in the May 02, Kaieteur News, like the columnist did a year ago, is again encouraging workers not to be unionised.

The GAWU, also like it did in 2018, cannot fail to express its deep concern with the contentions that are being advocated by the Peeping Tom. We saw that the columnist, though recognising our dismay on the last occasion he/ she penned a similar column, has yet again ignored what our Union said back then. Is it a case of the Peeping Tom having an anti-worker agenda?

The Peeping Tom, like he/she did before, holds the view that workers in Guyana would be better off without Unions. The absurdity of such a statement is well manifested when one considers the situation regarding workers who are unionised versus those who don’t belong to unions.

The nation would well recall when then Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes visited a number of non-unionised workplaces and the stark, disturbing findings she stumbled upon. Similar situations do not generally obtain in workplaces where workers enjoy representational services. Certainly, it points to the need for workers to be organised in an effort to ensure that their rights are respected and they benefit from certain protections at the workplace.

In the period since the Peeping Tom wrote his/her last column on this matter, the necessity of Unions have even been further highlighted.

Just in recent months, a strong stand by the entire Trade Union Movement has seen the workers of the Bauxite Company of Guyana (BCGI) making significant strides in the struggle to get a fairer deal

from the company. A similar situation also played out in the struggles of the nation’s teachers, which eventually saw the Ministry of Education coming back to the table and hammering out a deal which saw teachers winning several of their demands. It, undoubtedly, goes to show how important a role the entire trade union movement has in our country.

Even on May Day, Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally congratulated the Trade Union Movement for working together. In her remarks, the Minister pointed out that collaboration and co-operation in the Movement has seen improvement in the national minimum wage, the recent launch of a national occupational safety and health policy and child labour policy, among other things. These are tangible contributions of the Movement, which will benefit not only unionised but non-unionised workers as well.

The Peeping Tom, in advising workers, has urged them, “If an employer is underpaying you or exploiting you, do not stick around.

Move on to something else.”

It seems that the columnist has ignored the real reality that employers are driven by profits and, therefore, are concerned with getting maximum value for little reward to their workers. Moving on from one employer to another will not change that sentiment, recognising the smallness of our labour market and the sharing of information among employers.

The reality of moving from firm A to B will not remove the exploitative tendencies we have seen in our country.

What we have also seen, however, is that firms which have a unionised workforce tend to have improved conditions and benefits. Of course, to us, this is not a strange situation, as studies in other countries in the world have concluded that higher levels of unionisation

see workers on the whole enjoying better benefits. The columnist also says workers should form staff associations and pay subscription fees. But, ironically, isn’t this a Union in a different form. Obviously, it seems to us that the Peeping Tom isn’t rationally considering what he/she is saying.

Moreover, the columnist says that by organising within organisations rather than nationally, workers would be better able to fight for better wages and conditions, as that is putting self above others.

This outlandish sentiment, in our view, is yet another ploy to divide and conquer, as smaller groupings can be easily manipulated to the employer’s whim and fancies. At the same time, the trade union movement is not solely concentrated on discussions at the bargaining table, recogniszing that national policies can also go a long way to bring about real improvement in workers and their families wellbeing.

We contend that the Peeping Tom’s suppositions will not bring about the change the columnist believes that they will. In fact, it could well reverse the progress that the workers have scored over the last century, when the first organisation of workers was established. While there is always need for improvement and betterment, the Trade Union Movement has made laudable contributions and significant progress to bring about profound changes in the lives of our nation’s workers. We go forward, fortified in the belief that United we Stand, Divided we Fall. As the lyrics of the now-popular workers song, ‘Solidarity Forever’ says, “The union makes us strong.”

Regards, Seepaul Narine General Secretary GAWU

A free press is essential for peace, justice --says UN Secretary-General António Guterres

I

N a message to mark World Press Freedom Day celebrated on Friday, the UN Chief said, “No democracy is complete without access to transparent and reliable information. He said it is the cornerstone for building fair and impartial institutions, holding leaders accountable and speaking truth to power.

“This is especially true during election seasons, the focus of this year’s World Press Freedom Day.

“Facts, not falsehoods, should guide people as they choose their representatives.

Yet, while technology has transformed the ways in which we receive and share information, sometimes it is used to mislead public opinion, or to fuel violence and hatred. “Civic space has been shrinking worldwide at an alarming rate. And with anti-media rhetoric on the rise, so, too, are violence and harssasment against journalists, including women. I am deeply troubled

by the growing number of attacks and the culture of impunity.

“According to UNESCO, almost 100 journalists were killed in 2018. Hundreds are imprisoned.

“When media workers are targeted, societies as a whole pay a price.

On World Press Freedom Day, I call on all to defend the rights of journalists, whose efforts help us to build a better world for all.

Thank you.

Dear Editor,

N

O doubt many Guyanese are now aware of the recent damage wrought relevant to the fires at Waikin Ranch. This is a grievous act of deliberate ecological destruction that should be deservedly condemned. Sadly, it was neither the only nor largest of this dry season’s fires. We have received reports at Visit Rupununi of this form of reckless, late- season burning from across the region, and this year’s events seem to be worse than in previous years. There have been major fires across the Savannahs in both the North and South Rupununi, and in the Kanaku’s, linked to human recklessness. At Karanambu, there was one fire that lasted over two weeks in one of the largest and most critical bush islands in the region; along the Hunt Oil stretch, fires that were deliberately set have destroyed a bridge along the main access path used in the wet season, which, if not repaired in time, could leave an entire sector of the region cut off from access to Lethem for food, fuel etc.

In other areas, persons have lost homes, property, farms and crops.

To paint all acts of burning as barbarous, or of human origin, is both unfair and untrue. Some fires do result from the combination of heat and the dryness. And CONTROLLED burning (with its roots in both the Indigenous as well as Ranching

culture) when used properly, has been scientifically shown to have positive impacts.

Sadly, there is a growing culture of reckless, malicious and unregulated burning, which has evolved in modern times. This has led to wanton destruction of the kind witnessed at Waikin, and signals the loss of the knowledge and understanding of the use of burning as an effective traditional land management tool.

What is irrefutable is that uncontrolled burning is injurious to wildlife, promotes the spread of savannahs and habitat loss, which, in turn, rob animals and birds of shelter, food and protection. Uncontrolled burning is injurious to people, eco-systems and agriculture, destroying useful and endemic species, and allowing for advantageous growth of species such a razor grass, which have neither economic nor ecological value. Uncontrolled burning is injurious to Tourism, because it compromises the quality, integrity and beauty of our product, which just won Guyana international accolades as the #1 eco-tourism destination in the world, and therefore has a direct impact on the local and national economy.

It is not enough to quietly commiserate and share sad faces Online; it is time that we as a region and nation take seriously the ecological and economic consequences of such acts which threaten human life, damage crops, cause injury to domestic animals, destroy habitats, kill wildlife and threaten economic

activities like tourism and agriculture. It is time to have serious discussion at the regional and community level about the need for education and working together to reduce and censure wanton destructive actions. Because of climate change, we are seeing longer and hotter dry seasons, a trend that is likely to become increasingly worse in the coming years. The damage caused by burning on the Rupununi landscape is therefore, a problem which, if not addressed seriously now, will continue to get worse both in magnitude and frequency. As a society, we can no longer duck our heads in the sand; to do so risks being left with a lifeless and ugly wasteland strewn with the stories of “when we were young” and the tears shed over the opportunity lost when a simple change in behaviour was all that was needed to avoid disaster. WE must be willing to call out in our villages, communities and families, persons engaged in such reckless acts, and to work together with regional authorities to bring censure, and with local stakeholders to promote education aimed at relearning a more responsible use of fire based on the traditional practices that do work, education and collaboration are the key.

Regards, Melanie McTurk President, Visit Rupununi

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Min. Norton convenes inaugural meeting with National Trust Board

MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton on Friday met with the newly installed Board of Directors of the National Trust of Guyana.

The inaugural meeting, hosted in the boardroom of the Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ministry of the Presidency, was attended by five of the nine board members.

Those in attendance were the Board’s Chairperson Ms. Patrice La Fleur, Secretary General of the National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Donald Sinclair, Director General, Department of Tourism, Ministry of Business; Ms. Nadia Gamel-Carter, Archivist of the National Archives of Guyana; Ms. Ronetta Sargent, Parliamentary Counsel, Attorney General’s Chambers, Ministry of Legal Affairs; and Mr. Colvern Venture, City Engineer, Georgetown Mayor and City Council.

The other Board mem-

within territorial waters of Guyana and any site, cave or excavation. National Monuments are the vested responsibility of the National Trust and are gazetted in accordance with the agency’s Act. At present there are nine gazetted National Monuments.

The ministry said the role of the National Trust is to provide advice to the minister on all matters pertaining to the cultural heritage of Guyana; provide Minister of Social Cohesion with Responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton (fourth services to the public in from left) flanked by members of the new Board of Directors of the National Trust of Guyana, along with relation to the safeguarding the Director of Culture (ag), Ms. Tamika Boatswain (2nd from right) and the CEO of the National Trust, Ms. and promotion of heritage Nirvana Persaud (3rd from right) sites and monuments in bers are Mr. Trevor Benn, preserve and safeguard Guy- precious heritage. Ms. Nirva- 1972. The Act “makes pro- Guyana; to sensitize memMs. Elizabeth Alleyne, Ms. ana’s tangible heritage. na Persaud informed the Di- vision for the preservation bers of the public about Shireen Andrews and Ms. Elaborating on the impor- rectors of the National Trust’s of monuments, sites, places monuments and heritage Germene Stewart. Also pres- tance of the National Trust Act, which she says, “is the and objects of historic inter- sites in Guyana; to ensure ent for the engagement was and its work, Minister Norton authority that will guide them est or national importance.” that adequate policies are in the Director of Culture (ag), expressed eagerness to begin in executing their role in the Its main responsibility is the place to safeguard and proMs. Tamika Boatswain, and working with the new Board governance of the entity as it preservation of all monu- tect the cultural heritage the Chief Executive Officer of Directors. The Board will relates to the conservation, ments in Guyana. Under resources while networking of the National Trust of Guy- serve for two years. Dr. Nor- promotion and sustainable the National Trust Act, the with relevant stakeholders; ana, Ms. Nirvana Persaud. ton, who also has the respon- management of Guyana’s term ‘monuments’ includes to ensure the long term Addressing the five Di- sibility for Culture, Youth heritage resources”. any building, structure, ob- survival of the nation’s rectors, Minister Norton and Sport, encouraged the The National Trust of ject or other work of man heritage sites; and to pretouched on the functions of Directors to put their best Guyana was established or of nature whether above serve and archive importthe National Trust of Guyana, foot forward as they take the following the passage of the or below the surface of the ant aspects of the nation’s which he said is to promote, lead on protecting Guyana’s National Trust Act, No. 7 of land or the floor of the sea cultural resources.

Waitress in CJIA drug bust sentenced

REENA Devi Jagernauth, a Guyanese who resides in Suriname, was yesterday sentenced by Chief Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for having cocaine in her possession at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

The 23-year-old woman pleaded guilty to the charge which read that, on April 1, 2019, at CJIA, she had approximately 853 grams of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking. The cocaine had a value of over 13 million Guyana dollars.

According to Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield, on the day in question, at about 13:50 hrs, ranks from the Narcotic Unit who were on duty at the time observed the defendant acting in a suspicious manner while awaiting her flight with COPA Airlines. She was approached by the ranks who requested to conduct a search on the luggage which she identified as hers.

A search was then carried out in her presence at the Departure area of the Airport.

The search revealed a quantity of suspected cocaine in the covers of some books, which she tried to conceal. As a result she was taken to the Narcotic Department of the airport, where further searches were conducted. Cocaine was also found in deodorant bottles, cream jars, perfume bottles, make-up kits and markers.

The defendant was told of the allegation and arrested. Jagernauth told the court that she had nothing to say in relation to the matter.

As a result of the offence, she was fined $13, 146,077 and sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.

Director of Energy Dept. clears air on Videomega contract THE hiring of production firm , Videomega Productions, to produce three public service announcements (PSAs) for the Department of Energy , came at a low cost as opposed to millions of dollars the unit would have had to pay were the company hired to undertake its communication strategy.

This was the explanation given by Director of the Department, Dr Mark Bynoe who told members of the media on Friday at the Ministry of the Presidency (MOTP) that he welcomes any investigation into the issue if persons believe such a step is necessary.

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes has maintained that in May 2015 upon her assumption of the role of Minister

of Tourism, she relinquished any involvement in the day to day running of Videomega Productions. She said Russel Lancaster was appointed Manager and is responsible for the operations of the company, as she refuted claims by the Opposition which leveled accusations of nepotism regarding the award of a contract by the Department of Energy for the production of brochures as well as radio and television PSAs. According to Dr Bynoe, ”I don’t think we as a department have anything to hide.” He said that that what the entity may be guilty of regarding the issue is not undertaking sufficient due diligence.

Dr Bynoe explained that the department utilizes the procurement

process within the MOTP. He explained that as far a he understands, the unit sought the services of an individual for the project and in the process, Videomega was contracted.

He further explained that as the department undertakes its mandate, it requires a communication strategy that addresses matters relating to the wider dissemination of its message to the populace. He explained that the department sought to “take small steps” in this process, as Guyana prepares for first oil. According to Dr Bynoe, as it makes its presence on social media and other media, the utilization of the PSA’s is no different, since he views the latter move as short- term fix until a more comprehensive strategy comes on

Director of the Department of Energy, Dr Mark Bynoe stream at the department.

He pointed out that the production of the PSA’s did not come at a multi-million dollar cost as was erroneously stated by the Opposition.

The value of the contract awarded to the production firm stood at $ 832,200.

Minister Hughes had stated that the award of the contract was never brought to her attention and neither would she be aware of it in the normal conduct of the Videomaga’s business.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Remigrant pensioner found dead in home … stabbed five times, three arrested

THREE persons are in police custody following what appears to be a murder/robbery committed on a former National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Manager at his Lot 22, Public Road Springlands, Corentyne home.

The man, Godfrey Branche, 74, who is now retired, was last seen alive slashing his yard at around 15:30hrs on Thursday by neigbours. His battered body was discovered at around 09:30hrs on Friday by a close family-friend, who would check on him daily.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the woman said she last saw him weeding his yard at around 15:00hrs on Thursday and left. But when she passed by later, around 21:00hrs, she noticed that his front door was open, and called out to him from the locked front gate, but after her calls went unanswered, she left.

On Friday morning she returned to check on him at around 09:15hrs, but again

Deceased: Godfrey Branche got no response and decided to jump the fence, fearing that something was amiss, since the door was still open.

Upon entering into the home, the still traumatised woman recalled seeing blood on the floor of the lower flat and ventured upstairs. There she was confronted with the sight of the pensioner lying face up. His feet were bound, as his body lay in a pool of blood at the head of the stairway. He was clad in the same

clothing she had seen him in on the previous day, and was still wearing his long-boots.

She called out to him, but after realising he was dead, she immediately retreated and raised an alarm.

The police were summoned, and on arrival cordoned off the scene and took her back upstairs. That’s when she noticed that the house was ransacked, and the DVR for the eight security cameras were missing. Sources revealed that Branche had recently withdrawn approximately half-a-million dollars to effect some repairs to his home. But search as the police might, they couldn’t find the money, or anything of substantial value.

A police source has since confirmed that a fourth suspect, who is known to law enforcement officials to be involved criminal activity, is being sought and they’re working on the theory that it was an inside job, since several persons who are working on the house would have known about the money

The house where Mr Branche lived and was found murdered transaction.

The police have since indicated in a press release that Branche was stabbed five times about the body; that two of those wounds were to the abdomen, another was slightly left of the heart, and a fourth in the right of the chest. The fifth wound, the police said, was in the left region of the back of the head.

Branche’s former reput-

ed wife reportedly said she that the last time she saw the father of her two children was three days ago when he visited her to take some plants. She said she was on her way to take him some items he had requested on Friday morning when her son called and told her he had some bad news regarding his father. She described Branche as an easy-going

and friendly person who had no problems with anyone as far as she knows. The Guyana Chronicle understandsthat initially, nine persons were arrested and questioned, but only three remained in custody, assisting with investigations overnight.

The body of the elderly man was taken to the Skeldon Hospital Mortuary.

Cocaine convict Roger Khan continues fight for early release CONVICTED drug lord, Shaheed “Roger” Khan, said the U.S. Bureau of Prison’s contention that the First Step Act of 2018 will take effect on until July 25, 2019 is “erroneous” as he makes a bid to score some ‘good time’ credits for an early release.

On March 13, 2019, Khan filed an “Emergency Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus” pursuant to Title 28, United States Code. In his petition, Khan is challenging the Bureau of Prison’s failure to properly calculate and award his good-conduct credit.

In objecting to an early release, the Bureau has maintained that the change will not go into effect until July 25, 2019 based upon the provision within section 102(b) of the First Step Act that holds the “effective date” to “take effect beginning on the date that the Attorney General completes and releases the risk and needs assessment system.”

The bureau pointed out that the attorney general was granted 2l0 days to complete

the “risk and needs assessment” system. Based on this understanding, it maintained that the good-time fix will not go into effect until July 25, 2019.

Khan, in his rebuttal, said the contentions of the bureau are erroneous.

Representing himself in the case he brought against Warden Bryan Dobbs, Khan, on May 1, told the United States District Court of the Southern District of Florida that there is a clear difference between time earned and the good time.

“In point of fact, the attorney general’s directive to complete a ‘risk and needs assessment’ system is independent of, and separate from, the good-time fix. It was meant to be applied solely toward the separate “earned-time” credits, which has nothing to do with the “good-time” fix. The only part of the law that was supposed to have a delayed implementation was the first (earned-time); the other part of the law (good-time) was,

by Congressional intent, to have immediate applica-

tion,” Khan told the court in his submissions.

According to the convicted criminal, the cases cited by the Bureau of Prison are not precedent, noting that they go against the Eleventh Circuit’s directive to give effect to Congressional intent.

He maintained that Congressional intent in the matter is clear that the two provisions (earned-time vs good-time) were to be two separate considerations independent of each other.

“Both provisions were only included under the same section 102 of the bill because they had to pigeonhole the new earnedtime provision somewhere in the statutes, and now the respondent is trying to purposefully miscommingle the two provisions as one, based solely on the bill’s set-up without consideration of the intent behind each provision,” he posited.

Khan is scheduled to be released from federal prison on July 8, 2019 but whether he is released earlier or not, he will be deported to

Guyana, where he will be investigated for crimes committed locally.

Khan, a drug lord, was not only fingered in the trafficking of narcotics, but also in gun smuggling, murders and extra-judicial killings.

Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said that Khan is not deserving of a reduced sentence.

President David Granger has referred to the Roger Khan-era as the “Troubles”; a period presided over by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration. The President said it was the “darkest hour” that was characterised by drug-driven chaos and bloodshed. Jagdeo was President of Guyana from August 11, 1999 to December 3, 2011, during which there were three massacres: Lusignan, where 11 people were killed; Bartica, where another 12 were killed, and Lindo Creek, where seven miners were slaughtered.

Besides, there were countless extra-judicial killings – with some activists estimating that around 400 Afro Guyanese males were

gunned down.

Back in 2003-2006, Khan had set up a criminal network here including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time, protecting his narco-trafficking interests. Although the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government had sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug-trafficker had stated publicly, in an advertisement in local newspapers, that he had been fighting crime on behalf of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government. Khan had also implicated former Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a sophisticated wire-tapping device, were produced in the U.S. courts during Khan’s trial.

But in recent times, Jagdeo, now opposition leader, has been washing his hands clean of the crimes committed by Khan, contending that his government had nothing to do with the drug lord.

Shaheed Roger Khan “The PPP had absolutely nothing to do with Roger Khan,” he once declared.

Jagdeo said once there is supporting evidence, the State should take the necessary steps to bring Khan to justice.

Although evidence submitted in a U.S. court had linked his minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy to Khan, the opposition leader has denied any connection, saying: “That has never been proven with official testimony. That has never been proven. Leslie Ramsammy said he never did.”

Khan was captured in Suriname on June 15, 2006, while fleeing local police and was later handed over to U.S. authorities.

He was linked to Colombian ‘narco’ traffickers, terrorism, murders and other high-profile cases.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Ramjattan says interested in being prime minister THE Alliance For Change (AFC) is expected to host its national conference around mid-June, and Par-

ty Chairman, Khemraj Ramjattan has reiterated his interest in being the Prime Ministerial candi-

date for coalition at the next general elections, if afforded the opportunity.

“Of course I think I will

AFC Chairman and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan (left) at Friday’s news conference with newly-appointed Minister of Business and AFC Executive Member, Haimraj Rajkumar (Delano Williams photo) be. Yes, I have already indicated my interest,” was Ramjattan’s response when asked whether he is up to the task during a media conference at the AFC’s Kitty, Georgetown head office.

With him at the briefing was newly- appointed Minister of Business and AFC Executive Member, Haimraj Rajkumar. The AFC party chairman, however, reminded his audience that the choosing

of the prime ministerial candidate is generally done by way of elections during the national conference, when he rather suspects that that issue will be dealt with. He said, too, that he is certain that there are others who have indicated their interest as well. “And so it is going to be interesting. And it is good to have inside of political parties,” he added, as he alluded to what obtains within the

Republican and Democratic parties in the United States.

He said that the membership of the AFC will be looking forward to whatever is the decision to be made.

AFC Leader Raphael Trotman had, some time ago, said that he still supports a Granger/Nagamootoo ticket for the APNU+AFC coalition going into the 2020 General Elections.

Albouystown businesswoman was strangled – Autopsy AN autopsy conducted on the body of Albouystown businesswoman, Nalinie Persaud, on Friday, revealed that she died due to compression to the neck and blunt trauma to the head.

The businesswoman was robbed and strangled to death in the wee hours of Thursday morning, while her husband was tied to a chair with duct tape on his mouth and beaten. The 56-year-old called “Nalo” of Lot 161 James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, died during the course of a robbery at her residence after being attacked by four masked bandits.

Police said that two of the bandits, who were armed with handguns, had attacked

the woman and when they escaped, the businesswoman’s lifeless body was discovered with a rope, which was used to strangle her, tied around the neck. Police confirmed that cash and jewellery were carted off by the bandits who ransacked the premises.

They gained entry by removing a board from the northern wall of the lower flat of the house.

The victim’s husband was assaulted and taken out of the bedroom into the lower flat of the premises, which housed a grocery shop, where he was bound to a chair and duct-taped. No arrest has yet been made.

Mason remanded for shooting at police officers M E LV I N J e f f e r y , a 19-year-old mason, was yesterday remanded to prison by Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates Court for discharging a loaded firearm at two police officers and for having a shotgun in his possession.

Jeffery, who resides at 120 Brutus Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara, pleaded not guilty to all four charges. The first charge alleged that on July 11, 2017 at Cooper Street, Agricola, he discharged a loaded firearm at police officer Rommel Kato, with intention to dis-

able, maim or disfigure him, with intent to prevent lawful apprehension.

Particulars of the second charge read that on July 11, 2017, at Cooper Street, Agricola, he had a 12-gauge shotgun without lawful authority.

It was also read that on the same day he had five rounds of live 12- gauge cartridges without lawful authority.

The last charge alleges that on July 11, 2017, he discharged a loaded firearm at David Bob, a police officer, during Bobb’s attempt to apprehend him.

Prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail being grant-

ed, since the prosecution is contending that on the day in question, the police acted on information in relation to a robbery and murder committed on Tedroy Neil. The police then reported to the scene, where they saw the defendant acting in a suspicious manner. On arrival, they confronted Jeffery, who then pulled out the shotgun and aimed it at the officers who were trying to apprehend[DF1] him.

Bail was refused by the magistrate and he was remanded to prison until his next court appearance on May 31, 2019.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Major overhaul for Linden Highway … residents complain about road depressions, dangerous driving

RESIDENTS of Region 10 (Upper Demerara – Berbice) were apprised of the Government’s intention to restore the Soesdyke-Linden Highway to top condition and implement strict regulations for logging trucks, all with the aim of preventing fatalities on the stretch of road.

Director General in the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, made the commitment to the region’s residents who turned out to the New Silvercity Secondary School, on Tuesday, to air their concerns.

His visit was part of a multi-ministerial outreach to the Region and at the location.

He was accompanied by Minister of Social

made a strategic decision to have the design of the highway expected from Lethem to Linden to pass through the town, therefore generating a steady flow of business.

The roadworks will also see the Soesdyke-Linden Highway receiving a major overhaul from its current undulating state.

“We’ve already done the survey and the feasibility study for the highway. We’ve also done the survey and the feasibility study for the Linden to Lethem Highway and I believe that some of the phases in it has already benefitted from financing. So, this is a work in progress,” Harmon explained.

Meanwhile, he noted the issues faced with logging trucks in the region as a key challenge the government was moving to address.

“You will find some new regulations that will be coming out very shortly that will help in that regard. Too many people lose their lives on that Linden Highway,” he stressed.

He added that highway policing must also be ramped up until such regulations are passed.

“Another thing is the hazard of unlit trucks that are parked on that highway. We have requested of the Guyana Police Force that they do regular patrols along that road and insist that when a vehicle is parked it must have the markers and the necessary things. But, certainly, it requires constant supervision and ensuring that the police do their work…and that is an issue we’ll have to take up with the Ministry of Public Security,” he said.

Other concerns which came in included a 65-year old Evadney Rodney speaks on pension-related matters (Samuel request for additional monies to pay persons part of the government’s Community InfraMaughn photo) structure Improvement Programme (CIIP).

Protection, Amna Ally, and Mayor of Linden, “As a councillor, I’m asking you to see if Waneka Arrindell.

Prior to listening to the concerns of residents, Harmon explained that the purpose of the outreach was to ensure that the government was aligned with the interests of the people. “The system of governance which we practise must be inclusionary so that the people themselves can have a say in the way in which their affairs are governed,” Harmon said.

“The people themselves can actually shape the way their government functions.

So, these outreaches are part of shaping the way your government functions.

They are a way of making sure that we are reflective of what we say we are and that is a government by the people, of the people and for the people.”

DAMAGE TO HIGHWAY Standing first to speak on behalf of concerns relayed to him was Regional Councillor, Gordon Callender.

He expressed concern about heavy lumber trucks which traverse and damage the highway; conduct their trade without Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and endanger the lives of persons traversing the Soesdyke-Linden Highway through dangerous driving.

The Councillor also spoke to the condition of the highway which makes it difficult and dangerous to traverse, especially to those not au fait with the many road depressions.

In response, Harmon first explained to the residents that the road’s expiry date had long passed which is why the present administration had commenced infrastructural plans which will soon alleviate the condition.

In addition, he stated that the government

Regional Councillor Gordon Callender (Samuel Maughn photo) you can engage the Ministry of Communities where this programme is coming from to see if they could raise those ladies’ monies and the majority of those ladies are single parents so they need help,” Callender said.

In turn, Minister Ally promised that she will have a discussion with the Minister of Communities and gather information on what can be done to better the financial situation.

Another resident, 65-year old Evadney Rodney, brought up the concern that she has worked for 17 years with the Linden bauxite

company but, to date, has not received pension due.

When she took her seat, Minster Ally stated that a representative of Ministry will collect her information even as she assured that the matter will be dealt with from the labour perspective and along with information from the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

“We are going to look at your matter.

When we get the facts then we will be able to tell you how you can proceed,” Amna assured.

Another matter the Minister stated that she will look into was the payment of less than $50,000 to some school cleaners in the Region.

In 2018, the Government had raised the minimum basic salary for public servants to $64,200. Ally told resident Ulette Crawford that the Government is aware that issues exist and has engaged the Ministry of Education and will further engage the Regional Education Officer (REdO).

Another pensioner, Murtle Mason, requested of the government scholarship assistance for her niece to attend the University of Guyana as she couldn’t continue to cover fees with her pension.

Ally agreed on the spot to discuss help for Mason’s niece to which the woman loudly applauded. Several other concerns made by residents were noted by the officials.

Those which could be remedied on the

Director-General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon, speaks to Region 10 residents at the New Silvercity Secondary School on Tuesday (Samuel Maughn photo) spot were remedied while the officials took note of other issues which they will seek to have resolved over time.

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Education Ministry, tourism bodies in partnership

THE Ministry of Education, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) are partnering to advance sustainable tourism development in Guyana through education.

Heads of the agencies met on Friday at the ministry where they discussed possible means of collaboration such as the development of a stan-

dardised curriculum focused on professional development in tourism.

GTA Director, Brian Mullis, said that this curriculum can be developed in such a way that it complements the programmes already being offered at the University of Guyana (UG).

Just last month the ministry signed a US$250,000 contract with Deen + Partners in association with CEP and

Leverage Consulting Limited for the design of Guyana’s first modern Hospitality Training Institute.

The project is being executed through the Ministry of Education and the land is being provided by the Government while the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will be funding the construction of the institute.

Meanwhile, Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Hen-

Minister of Education, Dr. Nicolette Henry and Senior Education Officers hold meeting with representatives from THAG and GTA to discuss areas of collaboration ry said that she is happy that the GTA and THAG have expressed their willingness to collaborate. Minister Henry said that she believes that, with the establishment of the Hospitality Institute, there will be more opportunities for the three entities to collaborate to ensure the development of the tourism sector.

She noted that development will be possible under the right conditions within two main areas which are policy guidelines and development and human resource capacity.

Present too was Chief Education Officer, Dr. Marcel Hutson who reminded that, in the school system, tourism as a subject is offered at the highest level at the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE).

His remarks were support-

ed by Senior Education Officer (Science) Gerald Jewram who said that, at the CAPE level, an Associate Degree in Tourism is offered.

Moreover, according to the CEO, the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) would be an ideal place to address the issue of a curriculum that targets training in the tourism sector.

He said that now more than ever there is a need for a sustainable approach to developing tourism in Guyana. At the meeting, Assistant Chief Education Officer (ACEO), Patrick Chinedu, remarked that the opportunity is timely.

He said that with THAG and the GTA on board, further guidance can be given on how the education sector can respond to the needs of the tourism sector. Meanwhile, President of THAG, Mitra

Ramkumar, said that one of the major outcomes he wishes to see through the collaboration is the changing of the narrative regarding tourism and hospitality.

He said that the industry is often seen as one that cultivates waiters and servants but persons must come to understand that the industry is much more than that since it teaches persons about their country and helps to promote patriotism.

Also Present at the discussion was Principal of the CPCE, Viola Rowe; ACEO (Primary), Carol Benn; Director of National Center of Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Jennifer Cumberbatch; Director of the Unit of Allied Arts, Lorraine Barker-King, and ACEO (Nursery), Samantha Williams.

Taxi driver died of gunshot wound to leg – autopsy

MARLON Rodney, the 35-year-old taxi driver who was shot on April 25, 2019 during an argument with two men on Joseph Pollydore Street and Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, died as a result of the gunshot wound he received to his

left leg, an autopsy done on Friday confirmed.

Police said that on the day in question, at around 09:45hrs, Rodney, of Lot 71 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, was involved in a heated argument with two men called ‘Dabo’ and ‘Curl Up’. Both ‘Dabo’ and ‘Curl Up’ reportedly discharged their weapons at

Rodney, who was hit in the left leg.

A passerby, identified as 24-year-old Shaquille Dion of D’Urban Street, was also shot during the process.

The injured men were rushed to the GPHC where Dion was treated and sent away, while Rodney succumbed to his injury days after being shot.

Thief electrocuted at Industrial Site bond

A MAN, who stole window curtains and clothing from a bond at Lot 30 Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was electrocuted after coming into contact with a live Guyana Power & Light wire, while trying to escape on Friday morning.

Dead is Terry Ramcharran, 47, of Fourth Street Alexander Village,

Georgetown.

Reports indicate that the storage bond belongs to a businessman residing at Schoonard, West Bank Demerara. The concrete and zinc bond houses household supplies, clothing and electrical appliances.

Persons in the area summoned the police after they saw Ramcharran’s lifeless body next to the

live electrical wires connected to the utility pole.

The body was clad in a blue vest and a pair of black pants. Police discovered two bags which contained window curtains and clothing which were taken from the businessman’s bond.

The body was taken to the Lyken Funeral Parlour.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Toddler drowns, another missing in Essequibo THE Baksh family of Northern Hogg Island is mourning the death of their one-year-old baby, who reportedly drowned in a nearby trench.

Dead is Saif Baksh, who was left in the care of his grandmother, Naimoi Roopnauth, on May 2. Shazeena Baksh, who is the aunt of the deceased, said she was at home in the lower flat grinding pepper while the toddler was playing in the yard. The aunt said she then observed that the child was missing and when she decided to make checks in the house and around the yard, she could not locate him.

She however, saw a small container that the toddler was playing with in a nearby trench not far from their home. She then informed her mother and they both went into the trench and began to search. The child was found and was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead by doctors.

His body is currently at the Suddie Mortuary awaiting

a post mortem examination.

Meanwhile, searches are currently underway for twoyear-old Zevarah France, who reportedly drowned on May 2. According to information, France was last seen downstairs playing between 10:00 and 10:10hrs on May2, 2019. According to the child’s mother, Samantha Payne, she was downstairs sweeping while the toddler was with her. She said that about 10 minutes later, she observed that the child was missing. At the time, she said, her husband was not home. The mother immediately raised an alarm and neighbours responded. Payne said a six-year-old child later told her that she saw when France fell into the nearby canal which is approximately 50 feet from his parents’ home. Several persons from the neighbourhood began to search by diving in the waters but to date, they have not found the child.

Searches are ongoing.

A report was lodged at the Charity Police Station.

Jason De Florimonte’s murder…

Defence makes final submissions THE Preliminary Inquiry into Jason De Florimonte’s murder continued before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Providence Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday, May 2, 2019.

On trial for the murder is Erwin Bacchus, proprietor of the Tourist Villa Hotel and Bar. Bacchus, 45, is on remand for the capital offence, particulars of which allege that on August 4, 2018, at Fifth Avenue, Subryanville, Kitty, he murdered De Florimonte, 30.

Defence attorneys Nigel Hughes and Glen Hanoman on Thursday made their final submissions; this paves the way for Magistrate Latchman to make a decision as to whether or not the accused will lead his own defence on the next court on May 7, 2019.

According to reports, on August 4, 2018, around 01:00hrs, De Florimonte, who lived in proximity to Bacchus’s hotel, was seen abusing a young woman.

Bacchus’s employee, a handyman, intervened and De Florimonte armed himself with a rolling pin and a knife and attacked the handyman, who ran into the compound of the hotel. Bacchus, a licensed firearm holder, drew his firearm and fired two warning shots, but De Florimonte continued to attack the handyman. It was then that Bacchus fired several shots at De Florimonte, causing him to be mortally wounded.

An autopsy conducted on De Florimonte’s remains revealed that he was shot three times about his body.

Karasabai man stabbed to death

THREE known suspects are being sought by police for questioning in relation to the stabbing of a resident of Karasabai Village, South Pakaraimas, Region Nine.

Dead is 23-year-old Elton Leonard. Reports indicate that Leonard left home at about 19:00hrs on Thursday while under the influence of alcohol, and just after

midnight, he was in a heated argument with three men.

Reports indicate that Leonard was stabbed to his left side chest and collapsed and died and the suspects fled the scene.

Police have been dispatched to the scene and the body was taken to the Karasabai Hospital as investigations continue.

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$86M upgrade for Hunter Street … multi-million-dollar contracts awarded for hinterland roads

CABINET on Tuesday took note of the award of several multi-million-dollar contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of roads across Guyana.

Director General of the Ministry of The Presidency (MoTP), Joseph Harmon, made the announcement of the contracts during his post-cabinet media briefing on Thursday.

Hunter Street George-

town, Lethem, Bartica, Mahdia, Mabaruma are among the roads to be upgraded. Harmon noted that Surrey Paving and Ideal Engineering was awarded a contract in excess of $86M, for geometric improvement to Hunter Street, Georgetown.

For years, the residents would have suffered as a result of flooding, due to the low level of the street.

However, Harmon said that

the geometric improvement includes raising the level of the road above the drains, to prevent flooding, among other things. He said this will hopefully alleviate flooding in the area.

In reacting to the announcement, Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, told the Guyana Chronicle that he is very grateful and happy for the intervention from Central Government to

bring Georgetown to the level it has to be. He noted that the residents will be pleased with the developments coming their way, “and this is the way for us to move forward,” he added.

For rehabilitation and construction in the township of Lethem, a contract valued at $209M was awarded to JR Ranch for the construction of road network. Former Mayor of Lethem, Carlton Beckles,

Hunter Street, Georgetown that will receive a major boost said that this investment will projects in Mabaruma. be a boost to the town in Leomie Willis, a resident many ways. “It will enhance of the town, told the Guyana the aesthetic of the township. Chronicle that for decades, We have moved beyond the the people have punished quality of roads we would with improper roads, but have experienced for decades, since the appointment of the and this new development coalition government, they will assist in reducing the would have been experiencdust pollution we get from the ing a better life. red roads; less wear and tear The woman said that she with our vehicles; property is happy to hear that more value will move up because has been invested into their of improved roads… And township and she thanked and we are definitely heading in congratulated the government the right direction… Within of Guyana. In addition to four years we would have these road contracts, Harmon seen massive investments and also announced that a conimprovement. It is definitely tract was awarded to Smith

More roads in Mahdia will receive this improvement progress,” Beckles said.

JR Ranch was also awarded a contract for Mahdia, in excess of $100M. Harley Joseph, a resident of Mahdia, expressed much gratitude for this investment. He said that the town is in dire need of better roads, since they suffer in more ways than one, from the terrible condition. Joseph said that Mahdia will benefit greatly and the government must be applauded.

Bartica too will relish in the improvement of their roads, as A&S General Contracting Services has been awarded over $95M to carry out the project. Mayor Gifford Marshall said that he is very thankful for the government, who continues to pump investments into the town, ensuring that Bartica achieves the title of the ‘Green’ Town to emulate.

He noted that improved roads will add immensely to the boosting of tourism in the town, and will aid in its beautification. Mohamed Ramzan Alli Khan Construction will roll out over $81M in road

Warner International Limited of approximately $60M, for consultancy services for the Sea and River Defence Resilience Project.

For Technical Assistance for Consultancy Services Feasibility Study and Designs, Coastal and River Infrastructure Rehabilitation, Harmon noted that the contract was awarded to Mott MacDonald in Association with Caribbean Engineering and Management Consultants (CEMCO) and Rossiprodi Associated (RPA).

This sum increased from Sterling Pounds 610,320 to Sterling Pounds 685,203.

In efforts to provide job-readiness and job-placement services, the contract was awarded to specialists in Sustained Youth Development and Research Incorporated, in tune of approximately $79M. And lastly, Harmon disclosed that the Department of Public Information (DPI) was awarded in excess of $18M, for the provision of Advertising Services for the year 2018.

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CARICOM leaders hold talks on security … Venezuelan crisis, money laundering, drugs discussed

By Peter Richards

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, May 3, CMC – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders on Friday met in Trinidad and Tobago to discuss security issues within the 15-member regional integration movement, while fully aware of the unfolding political situation in Venezuela.

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, told the 19th Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community on Security “we are aware of the continuing situation in Venezuela”.

Rowley, who is the chairman of Security Council for CARICOM and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), told his regional colleagues “that all of us… are collectively charged with ensuring the continued security and stability of our beloved Caribbean Region.

“As our meetings in Guyana, the United Nations, Uruguay and Ecuador attest, ensuring a peaceful solution to the issue is our first and foremost priority as we work in unison to safeguard our people’s future”.

Rowley, who delivered his speech in the absence of the media, said the security of the future of the Caribbean Community will be determined by “our ability to more effectively and efficiently respond to, and anticipate threats to our Region’s enduring interests. “This is the essence of strategic foresight, to identify drivers of change, and to consider potential outcomes and interests to inform strategic decisions. Crime and security is the fourth pillar of the regional integration process and the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) coordinates security and law enforcement,” he added.

CARICOM Chairman and

St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister, Dr. Timothy Harris, would not be drawn into making any comment on whether or not the regional leaders would be issuing a statement on Venezuela following their one-day summit. “We will wait and see. I should not pre-empt any conclusion or decision that would be made with respect to that,” he told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).

“But CARICOM generally has a consistent line with regards to issues of non-interference, respect for the territorial integrity, the rule of law, constitutional order and I believe those will undergird everything we say and do moving forward,” he added.

However, one well-placed CARICOM official told CMC it is likely that the meeting will issue a statement on the developments in Caracas. The meeting is being attended by most regional leaders with the exception of Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti, Jamaica and Suriname. At least one person is reported to have been killed and several others injured in clashes between opposition and government supporters in Venezuela, since the Opposition Leader, Juan Guaidó, earlier this week called on the military to support the move to remove President Nicolas Maduro from power.

But the army appears to be remaining loyal to Maduro and during the clashes amid rival demonstrations, they fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. In January, Guaidó declared himself Venezuela’s interim leader, and he has been recognised by more than 50 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and most of Latin America. But Maduro, who won re-election last year, is being backed by Russia, China and Cuba. CARICOM has adopted a position of

non-interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela and has indicated a willingness to act as a broker in ensuring a peaceful solution to the crisis.

In his address, Rowley said the Region has experienced an evolution in security threats, including, but not limited to, globalisation and the resulting impact of illegal human and ‘narco’-trafficking, money laundering, illegal migration and deportation.

He said growing radicalism and terrorism, and the application of technology, the emergence of privatisation of security, economic issues, environmental and health issues were also posing security problems for the Region. “Our regional security framework is the mechanism through which greater collaboration among the regional security forces and regional institutions and other entities will operate, in our efforts to combat transnational crime and other security threats. I maintain that robust regional security architecture is essential to the security of member states.”

He said given that the Caribbean is in the process of fine-tuning “our regional security architecture, the role and importance of CARICOM IMPACS becomes even more significant as we review the Management Framework for Crime and Security”. He said Port of Spain had during the last CONSLE meeting in Grenada last month, committed to regularising our financial contributions to IMPACS and that CONSLE accepted the recommendation that a job analysis be conducted for the position of the Executive Director.

Rowley recalled that during the Grenada meeting, the CARICOM Secretariat presented relevant findings and recommendations from a report of an internal audit of CARICOM IMPACS. He said the audit recognised that there

TT Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and aides attending the summit were some shortcomings, strategic initiatives which maritime coordination.” He however, IMPACS is work- could be pursued at the Eighth said during this meeting here ing to correct the recognised Caribbean-United States Se- regional leaders will continue areas and will soon have them curity Cooperation High-Lev- to determine the way foraddressed. “There is a need el Dialogue, which is being ward on a draft Standardised for us to develop a robust hosted by the Government of Vetting Policy for Security legal framework, as it relates the United States of America, Personnel to be adopted by to for example, the Advance in Washington DC, on May the Region. “It should be Passenger Information Sys- 16, 2019.” noted that the vetting policy tem (APIS) and the Advance Rowley said that there employed by the Trinidad Cargo Information System is also a move to establish and Tobago Police Service (ACIS) as well the need for the Caribbean INTERPOL was submitted to CARICOM the collecting and sharing of Liaison Office and that the IMPACS, for its consideration information. Legal Security organisation has already begun in the development of the Instruments that are still out- working with the Barbados Regional Standardized Vetstanding must be signed and government as it relates to ting Policy,” Rowley told the ratified by member states. For the headquarters’ agreement. opening ceremony. example, one more ratifying He said he is also advised A government statement state is required for the CAR- that IMPACS is working with issued prior to the summit notICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty INTERPOL to beginning pro- ed that “the overall purpose of to be entered into effect.” gramming on firearms, cyber the meeting… is to foster Rowley said that Trinidad security and human traffick- mutual knowledge, analysis, and Tobago has adopted the ing. Rowley said organisations debate, and exchange of ideas Integrated Ballistic Identifi- such as the United Nations, and experiences on security cation System (IBIS) vendor’s the Organisation of American related matters in attempts to recommended protocol and States, the European Union better contribute to the safety procedure for acquisition of through the European Devel- and security of member states evidence. “Capacity build- opment Fund (EDF) and the at the regional level. ing, in the area of Ballistic World Customs Organisation “These issues include information sharing, remains are also implementing pro- but are not limited to transa challenge, but CARICOM grammes across the Region, national crime, terrorism, IMPACS will continue to which complements existing cybercrime, ‘narco’ and work closely with the United projects and activities. gun trafficking, trafficking States of America on this “We are grateful for the in persons, intelligence coissue, since a significant support of our international operation between member amount of guns and ammu- partners but we maintain that states and the Region’s canition present in our Region, the CARICOM needs to de- pability to analyse, predict are manufactured in the US. velop its own set of priorities and respond proactively “Consequently, today’s meet- on crime prevention, firearms, to organised criminal neting will consider a proposal cyber-security, effective mon- works,” the statement addby IMPACS to agree on the itoring and evaluation and ed.

Decomposed body of elderly woman found at Port Mourant THE decomposed body of a 60-year-old woman was discovered under a footpath bridge at Dispensary Trench in Free Yard Port Mourant, Corentyne Berbice at around 06:00hrs on Friday.

The woman, identified as Dewanttie Lekhraj called ‘Christmas’, was found face-down in a crouching position by persons crossing the bridge.

She was recognised by the clothing she had on, as she was last seen alive on Tuesday night wearing it.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, a friend of Lekhraj said on Tuesday evening, they returned from the Grace Tabernacle

Fellowship Church in Albion at around 20:30hrs.

She waited until Lekhraj was in front of her door before walking off to her home. That was the last time the 60-year-old, who lives alone, was seen alive.

Relatives said despite not seeing her for all of Wednesday and Thursday, they were not worried, as she is in the habit of wandering off for a few days but would return. Asodra Ramanah, the deceased woman’s older sister, said she was shocked when she received the call that her sister’s body was floating in the trench. “I couldn’t believe was she because she does wander around

Dewanttie Lekhraj called ‘Christmas’ and people does help she wid lil food and suh, but she was troubling with that sickness Alzheimer’s and

she does get asthma so me nah know if she fall in or what, we gah wait for the post-mortem to know.”

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the scene, many curious onlookers had converged around the bridge to get a glimpse of the body. Many questioned how it arrived at that position in the centre of the trench and under the bridge.

“Me want know how it reach deh because if she fall off the bridge she won’t be under it, it gah be she fall somewhere else and the current cause she fuh stick up there with all them garbage and grass” one resident reasoned.

CARICOM concerned about escalation of violence in Venezuela THE Caribbean Community said it has noted with concern the turn of events in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the potential they hold for the escalation of the political crisis and further violence to the detriment of the people of the country.

In a statement, the 15-member bloc said it remains firmly wedded to the view that the solution to the crisis in Venezuela should be a peaceful internal process that avoids the threat or use of force. “The Community will continue to monitor the situation and remains convinced that the principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, the constitutional framework, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy must be upheld. The Community will continue to support diplomatic efforts such as the Montevideo Mechanism.

We will also continue to be in contact with other interested parties to encourage efforts to bring a peaceful solution to the crisis,” the statement added.

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Semenya’s future in doubt after she says no to medication to lower testosterone

By Eric Knecht DOHA, Qatar (Reuters) - The future of double Olympic champion Caster Semenya was in doubt yesterday after she said she would not take medication to lower testosterone levels to comply with new rules for the 800 metres.

The 28-year-old South African won her last 800 metres race yesterday before the introduction of the rules by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the sport’s governing body, come into effect on May 8.

Under the new rules, female athletes with high natural levels of testosterone wishing to compete in events from 400 metres to a mile must medically limit that level to under 5 nmol/L, double the normal female range of below 2 nmol/L. Semenya also refused to clarify suggestions that she would switch to a new distance that is exempt from the IAAF rules.

Asked if she would take testosterone limiting medication, Semenya told reporters: “Hell, no.”

“I’m never going anywhere,” she added when asked if she might quit the sport. “At the end of

the day, it’s all about believing.

“It’s up to God. God has decided my career and he will end my career so no human can stop me from running. I understand there’s been a lot of controversy but that does not control anything.”

She said: “We’re doing it for the next generation. We want to inspire them.

“I believe in my legal team, they will do their best to get me back on the track.”

The South African was running at the Diamond League meeting in Doha two days after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected her appeal to get the IAAF’s new regulations thrown out.

Semenya’s legal team said it was considering appealing that ruling.

Semenya cruised home yesterday as she won her 30th successive race over the distance in one minute 54.98 seconds, nearly three seconds ahead of Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba.

Semenya, given a warm reception by a sparse crowd at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium as the runners were presented

at the start, bided her time before taking the lead with around 300 metres left and then powered away from the rest of the field.

Niyonsaba, Olympic silver medallist in 2016, recently revealed she had similar difference in sexual development (DSD) characteristics to Semenya.

If Semenya wants to continue with the 800 metres, she must now begin taking medication to lower her testosterone levels based on the new rules which CAS said on Wednesday were necessary to ensure fair competition.

Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin - which affects endurance.

Semenya could compete in longer distances not affected by the rule change.

She claimed the 5,000-metres title at the South African Athletics Championships last week, an event not covered by the IAAF regulations, but in a modest time of 16:05.97, well below the qualifying standard for the world championships of 15:22.00.

Honduras humble Guyana 3–0 at CONCACAF U-17 Championship GUYANA’S U-17 team suffered another defeat at the CONCACAF Championship yesterday, falling 0-3 to Honduras, played at the IMG Academy (Field

11), Bradenton, Florida.

The Sampson Gilbert-coached unit had lost their opening game of the tournament 4-0 when they came up against El Salvador, and were hoping for at least a credible performance against another Central American side, but, things didn’t go in their favour.

Guyana trailed at the end of the first half 0–1, when forward Jeffrey Miranda netted for Honduras in the 14th minute.

In the second stanza, Guyana were reduced to 10 men, after Shannon Samnauth picked up his sec-

ond ‘yellow’ of the already lopsided affair in the 61st minute.

Honduras capitalised on the wounded Guyanese team, who saw Miguel Carrasco net the game’s second goal in the 64th minute, while Miranda completed his double when he found the back of the net in the 67th minute, to give Honduras their first win of the tournament, since they lost 0-2 to Haiti in their first game.

Guyana will play their final Group G game against the undefeated Haiti tomorrow at 10:00hrs.

(Rawle Toney)

‘Excited’ Danielle...

Goule found the pace too hot to handle this early in the women’s 800m won

by South Africa’s Caster Semenya, who ran her last race before being subjected to the IAAF new regulations that will require her to take medication to reduce her elevated levels of testosterone.

She made full use of the opportunity winning in a world-leading 1:54.98, a meet record.

Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba was a distant second in 1:57.75, a season-best, while US champion Ajee Wilson was

From page 31 third in 1:58.83.

Goule, who struggled early to keep pace with the pack, faded down the stretch to finish eighth in 2:00.96.

In the men’s 200m Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards had a sluggish start but closed strong to finish fourth in 20.21, 0.01 seconds behind Canada’s Aaron Brown who won the bronze medal. The race was won by reigning world champion Ramil Guliyev in 19.99s.

Alex Quinonez of Ecuador was second in 20.19s.

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Zeeburg beat Rising Stars in Amreith Rai Memorial final

SOLID bowling from former junior national cricketers Malcolm Hubbard and Travis Drakes propelled Zeeburg Sports Club to a 64-run victory over Rising Stars Cricket Club in the final of the Amreith Rai (Rocky) Memorial T20 tournament, which was sponsored by Fab Mining Company Inc. Along with the championship trophy, Zeeburg collected a cash prize of $200 000.

In the game on Wednesday at the Meten-Meer-Zorg ground, Rising Stars won the toss and elected to field.

Zeeburg had several batsmen in double figures, but it was Richardo Poloram and Cornelius Jaisingh who led the attack.

Poloram finished with 39 runs, which included four sixes and two fours, while

Jaisingh struck 32. Hubbard added 22, Yutesh Dhanpaul 15 and Balbinder Shivpersaud 14.

Left-arm spinner Shane Persaud led the bowling attack with 4-26, while S.

Brisport assisted with 3-32 with his right-arm seam.

Rising Stars, in reply, could muster only 90 before they were bowled out in 14.1 overs. Elroy Fernandez scored 18. Ravie

finished with 3-9 and Dhanpaul, Jeffers and Kingston snared a wicket each.

Hubbard won the Manof-the-Match award, while Balbinder Shivpersaud was named the Best Batsman of

the tournament.

The tournament was sponsored by Troy Khan and Feroz Barakat in the name of Zeeburg’s former captain Amreith Rai (Rocky).

GCA 1st Division & 2nd Division 2-day cricket resumes today

The Zeeburg Sports Club cricketers with the championship trophy

Embiid lifts Sixers to 2-1 edge on Raptors (REUTERS) - Joel Embiid had 33 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots to carry the 76ers past the visiting Toronto Raptors 116-95, as Philadelphia took a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Thursday.

It was Embiid’s 12th double-double in 15 career playoff games.

Jimmy Butler added 22 points, nine assists and nine rebounds while JJ Redick contributed 15 points for the third-seeded Sixers. Game 4 will be played in Philadelphia tomorrow.

Kawhi Leonard paced the second-seeded Raptors with 33 points while Pascal Siakam added 20. Leonard has scored at least 30 points in five of Toronto’s eight playoff games this season, including all three games against Philadelphia.

An early 8-0 run in the second quarter pushed the Sixers to a 40-29 lead.

Leonard made a difficult jumper from the wing and Kyle Lowry followed with a layup to close Toronto within 52-46 with 3:22 remaining in the second.

Thanks in large part to Embiid’s 18 points and the team shooting 8 of 14 from beyond the 3-point arc, the Sixers held a 6453 lead at halftime.

Leonard paced Toronto with 17 points in the first half.

Butler drove into the lane and dropped in a floater for a 75-57 Sixers advantage with 8:14 left in the

Bharrat chipped in with 16.

Hubbard, who represented Guyana at the U-19 level in 2016, spun his way to 4-24, while former national U-17 seamer Drakes,

third.

The Raptors stayed close because Leonard scored 14 points in the third, and they trailed 8981 at the end of the quarter. Siakam had a wide open look on a 3-pointer but hit the front rim as time expired.

Embiid knocked down his third 3-pointer and the Sixers bolted to a 94-82 lead early in the fourth.

On Toronto’s next possession, Siakam had his

shot blocked by Embiid.

Siakam then appeared to trip Embiid and he sprawled to the floor. Siakam was whistled for a flagrant-1 foul, and Embiid made both free throws for a 96-82 advantage.

Consecutive baskets from Butler gave the Sixers a 100-82 edge with 9:01 remaining.

Butler later threw down a dunk, got fouled and put the Sixers ahead 108-84 with 5:51 left.

USA; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) drives for a shot against Philadelphia 76ers guard Jimmy Butler (23) during the first quarter in game three of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center.

(Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY)

ACTION in the GISE/Star Party Rentals/Trophy Stall 1st Division (2-Day) cricket competition resumes today and continues tomorrow with DCC facing Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) at DCC ground from 09:30hrs.

Meanwhile Noble House Seafoods 2nd Division (2Day) also continues with Transport SC taking on Third Class CC at GYO ground, GNIC also face GCC at the GNIC ground.

The Toucan Distributors U-15 (100-overs) competition will also continue with two matches today. Everest will face Bel Air RUBiS at home while Malteenoes host DCC. Both matches begin at 09:30hrs.

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

BCB/GNNL/RHTYSC100 balls tournament

Dukestown Cricket Club, No.72 All Stars through to final

South Africa’s Rabada heads home from IPL with back niggle

… Ramdass blasts century in semifinal

THE No.72 Cut and Load ground in the Upper Corentyne area would be a hive of activity tomorrow, as the vibrant Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) hosts the final of the Guyana National Newspapers Ltd/Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, 100 balls tournament.

Twenty-four clubs started the popular tournament and tomorrow’s final is expected to attract a large crowd.

Dulestown defeated No.64 Fighting Marines by 71 runs at the Scottsburg ground while No.72 All Stars crushed No.70 Spartans by 9 wickets at the No.72 Cut and Load ground to reach the final.

At the Scottsburg ground, Dukestown batted

first and amassed 141-7 off their 100 balls with Errol Byass top-scoring with 38, while C. Beresford 26 and J. Byass 24 offered support.

Shiraz Khan, Ramzan Subhan, Charles France, Davendra Budhoo and Leonard Sandy each took a wicket for No.64 Fighting Marines.

In response, No.64 Fighting Marines were bowled out for 70, as only Ramzan Subhan 16 and Charles France 16 reached double figures.

Wayne Garnett 3-18, Errol Byass 3-7, Jermaine Reid 2-8 and Vandam Narine 2-17 were the successful bowlers for Dukestown.

At the Cut and Load ground, No.70 Spartans were bowled out for 122

Ryan Ramdass

with T. Rangaram 24, T. Ramoutar 25, A. Persaud 39 and S. Wazar 18 being the principal scorers. T. Baichan was the successful bowler with 4-17.

Ryan Ramdass then tore into the hapless No.70 Spartans’ bowling attack to score a brutal 103 with eight boundaries and eleven massive sixes to lead his team to 124-1 from 9.4 overs. P. Chatterpaul was a spectator to Ramdass’ assault and was left on 11 not out. N. Yacoob took 1-43.

BCB president Hilbert Foster along with General Manager (ag) of Guyana National Newspapers Limited, Donna Todd, would share out the prizes after the game.

Langer offers advice to returning Warner, Smith MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - The return of Steve Smith and David Warner to the Australia squad has generated excitement, not tension, among the playing group but the pair will need to learn “humility” after losing their leadership roles, coach Justin Langer said yesterday.

Former captain Smith and Warner were selected in Australia’s World Cup squad last month after their ball-tampering bans expired but they will play under skipper Aaron Finch and a new leadership group.

The duo, whose reintegration was smoothed with a visit to the squad in Dubai last month, returned to training with their team mates in Brisbane yesterday.

“There’s no tension, honestly. We’re so excited to have the boys back, we’re just so excited about playing cricket,” Langer told reporters at Allan Border Field.

“It’s been a big buildup to it. It’s a bit like facing fast bowling, isn’t it? You worry about it until you get out there and it’s not as bad as you thought it was.

“It’s the same with the boys coming back in.”

Smith has been banned from leadership posts until

March 2020 while former vice-captain Warner, who took the most blame for the Cape Town scandal, has been permanently blacklisted.

captain, there’s going to be a certain degree of humility that comes with that. “But one of our really strong values is humility so it will be a great opportunity for them

Australia coach Justin Langer

Langer said Smith and Warner’s experience made them natural authority figures and that their leadership would be “crucial” for success on and off the field.

However, they would face a challenge adjusting to their diminished standing, he added.

“We’ll draw on their experience on and off the field and we would be absolutely crazy not to,” he said.

“There are certainly going to be challenges for both of them, though.

“When you’ve come from a titled position of

to develop that.”

FORM AND CONFIDENCE After two mostly dismal years in one-day cricket, Australia head into their World Cup defence with form and confidence after upsetting India 3-2 in an away series and whitewashing Pakistan 5-0 in the United Arab Emirates.

Langer was cagey about where Smith and Warner might line up in a batting order that is now spoiled for choice, thanks to the solid form of Usman Khawaja in India and the

UAE. He said pace spearhead Mitchell Starc, who was awarded the 2015 Playerof-the-World Cup, was in “pristine” condition as he works his way back from a pectoral muscle injury.

However, paceman Jhye Richardson was under a bit more of a cloud as the bowler races to recover from a dislocation of his right bowling shoulder.

Langer said he expected England crowds to get stuck into Smith and Warner and the whole Australia team over the ball-tampering affair, but they were “big boys” who could handle it. He said he would personally steer clear of riling the ‘Barmy Army’, having been mocked in a song about his height by the travelling English fan group in the past.

Langer had called the Army a “disgrace” and their fans “about 50 kilos overweight” after they repeatedly called “no-ball” following deliveries by Australia’s express pace bowler Brett Lee during the 2002 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

“Well, then they start singing the song about the seven dwarfs,” he said.

“So you don’t mess with the Barmy Army ... Their songs are humiliating.”

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada

(REUTERS) - South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada will return home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) to avoid aggravating a back problem ahead of the Cricket World Cup, Delhi Capitals said yesterday.

The 23-year-old has been in fine form this season, claiming 25 wickets from 12 matches in the IPL, but sat out Wednesday’s game against Chennai Super Kings.

Delhi said Rabada had been advised to return by Cricket South Africa as a precautionary measure.

“It’s hard for me to leave Delhi Capitals at this stage of the tournament. But with the World Cup just a month away, a collective decision has been made for me in this regard,” Rabada said in a statement.

Third-placed Delhi have qualified for the IPL playoffs and play Rajasthan Royals in their last league game today.

“It’s been a tremendous season for me with Delhi Capitals, both on and off the field, and I truly believe that our team can win the trophy,” Rabada added.

Rabada’s fellow paceman Dale Steyn was also ruled out of the IPL last month after a flare-up of an old shoulder injury, putting his World Cup prospects in doubt.

South Africa open their World Cup campaign against England at The Oval on May 30.

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12:30 hrs Htilominlo Newmarket 08:50 hrs Elector 09:20 hrs Mabs Cross 09:55 hrs Coronet 10:35 hrs Ten Sovereigns 11:10 hrs Mawakib 12:20 hrs Mordred Doncaster 12:15 hrs Jawwaal 13:20 hrs Lehoogg 13:50 hrs Fille De Reve 14:20 hrs Nahaarr 14:50 hrs Mugatoo 15:20 hrs Aussie View South Africa racing Tips Turffontein 08:55 hrs Exquisitive Touch 09:30 hrs Sunshine Silk 10:10 hrs Hawwaam 10:50 hrs Rebel’s Champ 11:25 hrs Soldier On 12:00 HRS Hakeem 12:35 hrs Zeal And Zest Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 09:35 hrs Josies Orders 10:10 hrs Regal Encore 10:50 hrs Benie Des Dieux 11:25 hrs Fakir D’Oudairies 12:00 hrs Acting Lass 12:35 hrs Lac Kivu 13:10 hrs Tactical Move 13:40 hrs Flat To The Max

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Wide open Kentucky Derby awaits after favourite scratched (REUTERS) - The Kentucky Derby is the first step toward Triple Crown glory and this year’s ‘Run for the Roses’ is more wide open than it has been in years after race favourite Omaha Beach was scratched due to injury.

The betting line for today’s race went through a big shake-up after Omaha Beach, who was installed as the early 4-1 favourite, was pulled from the event on Wednesday after developing a non-life-threatening breathing problem.

The absence of Omaha Beach opens the door for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who is seeking to tie all-time trainer record for Kentucky Derby wins with six and now has the top three favourites in Game Winner, Roadster and Improbable.

The top choice, at 9-2, is Game Winner, followed by

Roadster and Improbable, who were both given 5-1 odds.

But Baffert, who trained both American Pharoah and Justify to their Triple Crown wins in 2015 and 2018, respectively, is not getting ahead of himself going into the 1-1/2 mile race at Churchill Downs.

“There are a lot of good horses in here,” said Baffert. “Unless we see something different on Derby Day, this is a nice evenly matched group of horses. I don’t see someone really popping off the screen.”

Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who rode Justify to a Triple Crown and was supposed to be aboard Omaha Beach today, was named yesterday as a late replacement for Corey Lanerie aboard 30-1 longshot Cutting Humor.

Another horse to watch

will be Maximum Security (10-1) as the Jason Servis-trained bay colt enters

(Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports)

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, accepts the donation from Silvie’s Sales Manager Naressa Nabby.

Sales Manager, Naressa Nabby.

Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, reiterated the importance of having corporate Guyana play a part in improving sports in Guyana as it can-

field was reduced to 19 horses yesterday when longshot Haikal was scratched with

An exercise rider works Kentucky Derby entry Omaha Beach during morning workouts at Churchill Downs. Louisville, KY, USA;

Silvie’s donates basketball and volleyball gear to NSC

THE National Sports Commission (NSC) on Thursday received a large quantity of basketball and volleyball nets from Silvie’s Variety Store. The presentation was made by Silvie’s

the Kentucky undefeated in his four starts.

The Kentucky Derby

not be achieved by the Government alone.

Jones expressed heartfelt thanks to the management of Silvie’s, as this donation was a timely one and will be helpful indeed.

an abscess on left hoof. As a result, the rail will remain empty as War of Will, who had drawn the No.1 post, will now break from the second gate.

There is rain in the forecast today and while it may stop by the time the horses set off at 18:46hrs ET (2246 GMT) it is most certain they will contest the race on a wet track.

Wet conditions will prove beneficial to some horses, perhaps none more so than War of Will (20-1), who last November raced on a muddy track at Churchill Downs in his first start on dirt and breezed to a fivelength victory.

But the Mark Cassetrained colt may need all the help he can get after an unfavourable draw has the son of hot Sire War Front starting from a post that has not produced a winner since 1978.

U.S. banking on experience in women’s World Cup defence (REUTERS) - The United States will be counting on experience as they look to defend their women’s World Cup soccer crown in France, with coach Jill Ellis announcing a squad on Thursday that features 12 members of the team who lifted the trophy in 2015.

Leading the squad is veteran forward Carli Lloyd, the Golden Ball winner in 2015 who was named in her fourth World Cup. Defenders Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara and Ali Krieger, and forwards Tobin Heath, Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan will be making their third consecutive appearance in the global showcase tournament. The roster averages 80 international caps per player.

Although the 23-player roster is dominated by familiar names, there are 11 new faces about to be put in the World Cup pressure cooker for the first time.

“Coming out of the Olympics it was looking at not just player personnel but profiles, what kind of players, where were things headed, where we trending and making sure we had players to fill those needs and being able to contribute to where I envisioned the game going four years on,” Ellis said during a conference call.

“What we’ve come to is exactly that, a team with great energy, a team with great experience.

“Even though there are younger players, I think those players have been with us for

a while and have experienced a lot of top quality matches.”

The Americans will be bidding to win the World Cup for a fourth time.

The U.S. and Japan have clashed in the last two World Cup finals, the Americans winning it in 2015 and Japan taking home the trophy in 2011.

match just 40 days away, U.S. squad will report to training camp in Northern California and play three friendlies before heading to Europe.

The U.S. take on South Africa in Santa Clara, California on May 12, face New Zealand on May 16 in St Louis and Mexico on May 26

United States forward Tobin Heath (17), forward Alex Morgan (13) and forward Mallory Pugh (11) celebrate after a goal during the first half against Brazil during a She Believes Cup women’s soccer match at Raymond James Stadium. (Mandatory Credit: Douglas

DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports)

“Today a lot of countries have a lot of players with a lot of experience,” said Ellis. “As it relates to my decisions and this team, when you look at a player you say ‘ok, has this player been on that stage before; that is certainly a bonus.

“No one, I feel, on this roster, based on her psychological makeup, is going to melt in this pressure cooker.”

Wi t h t h e i r o p e n i n g

in Harrison, New Jersey.

The World Cup will run from June 7 to July 7 with the final to be played at the Stade de Lyon in the south of France.

The top-ranked U.S. will open Group F play against Thailand on June 11 in Reims.

The U.S. also meet Chile on June 16 in Paris and Sweden on June 20 in Le Havre.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

Foakes, Curran help England beat Ireland by four wickets (REUTERS) - Tom Curran and Ben Foakes put together an unbeaten 98run partnership to help England beat Ireland by four wickets in a one-off one-dayer in Malahide yesterday.

Chasing 199 to win, England slipped to 101 for six as Ireland’s 19-year-old debutant bowler Josh Little made the most of seaming conditions to claim 4-45.

H o w e v e r, w i c k e t keeper-batsman Foakes scored an unbeaten 61 and all-rounder Curran added 47 not out to give the top-ranked one-day side a scrappy victory.

England had won the toss and elected to bowl after the match was put back by two hours and reduced to 45 overs per side amid concerns over a soggy outfield after overnight rain.

Ireland captain William Porterfield and Paul Stirling made a steady start and were 46 with-

out loss at the end of 10 overs.

But when they had reached 55, England quick Curran lured Stirling (33) into chipping the ball to a diving Jofra Archer at mid-on.

backward point.

The hosts were 111-6 but debutant Mark Adair hinted at a fightback as he smashed two sixes off Curran.

Archer, who conceded 21 runs off his first spell of

Ben Foakes was one of three players making their one-day debut for England in Malahide.

Seamer Liam Plunkett removed Porterfield (17) and Lorcan Tucker (seven), before Curran added a second of his own when Joe Denly caught the experienced Kevin O’Brien (four) at

four overs on his ODI debut, returned to the attack to remove Adair with a 90 mph ball that went clean through the batsman and uprooted the off stump.

Barbados-born all-rounder Archer is

among a number of players who, despite being left out of England’s preliminary squad for the World Cup, will be hoping to stake a claim for a late call-up to the tournament starting May 30.

Plunkett, who finished as England’s standout bowler with 4-35, and Curran picked apart the Ireland lower order as the hosts were all out with 11 balls to play.

“At certain stages we knew it would be challenging, but the bowlers did a great job,” England captain Eoin Morgan said.

“Three or four of us batted really poorly but Foakes was outstanding on debut ... he and Curran got us over the line.”

England will next travel to Cardiff for a one-off Twenty20 against Pakistan tomorrow, before the two teams play a five-match ODI series starting Wednesday.

GFF/KFC U-20 K/O Cup resumes with round two action today

British runner Sharp received death threats for Semenya comments

British runner Lynsey Sharp

DOHA, Qatar (Reuters) - British runner Lynsey Sharp said yesterday she had received death threats for past comments about South African Caster Semenya’s “advantage” in middle distance races.

“I’ve had death threats.

I’ve had threats against my family and that’s not a position I want to be in,” the 28-year-old told the BBC after finishing ninth behind winner Semenya in yesterday’s Diamond League 800m race in Doha.

“It’s really unfortunate the way it’s played out.”

The victory was the 30th consecutive for double Olympic champion Semenya at the distance but the last before new International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules affecting the South African and other women with high natural levels of testosterone come into effect.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on Wednesday the regulations were necessary for athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs) to ensure fair competition.

In the future, Semenya and others with DSD must take medication to reduce

their testosterone levels to under 5 nmol/L - double the normal female range of below 2 nmol/L - if they wish to continue competing in races between 400 metres and a mile.

But the South African defiantly said “hell no” yesterday when asked if she would take medication.

Sharp, the 2012 European 800m champion, said it has been a difficult time for her and other runners dealing with the situation.

“By no means am I over the moon about this; it’s just been a long 11 years for everyone,” said Sharp, who once said Semenya was “light years ahead” of her competitors.

“I’ve known Caster since 2008; it’s something I’ve been familiar with over the past 11 years.

“No-one benefits from this situation - of course she doesn’t benefit, but it’s not me versus her, it’s not us versus them.”

Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and haemoglobin, which affect endurance. Some competitors have said women with higher levels of the hormone have an unfair advantage.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER Action in the GFF/KFC U-20 Knock-out tournament last week

THE GFF/KFC U-20 Independence Cup East Bank Football Association (EBFA) leg will resume today with the second round after the final first round match between Diamond United and Samatta Point/Kaneville from 12:00hrs at GFF National Training Facility, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Meanwhile Timehri Panthers, Grove Hi Tech, Diamond Upsetters and Soesdyke Falcons are already through to round two. Two matches are scheduled for 14:00hrs and 16:00hrs.

Grove Hi Tech will battle Diamond Upsetters in a bid to reach the semi-finals while the latter will be looking to upset their opponents at 14:00hrs.

The final match at 16:00hrs will pit Timehri Panthers against Herstelling Raiders. The winners of the Diamond United/Samatta Point/Kaneville clash will earn a place against Soesdyke Falcons on Monday in the lone match from 14:00hrs after which the semi-finalists will be decided.

(Saturday May 04, 2019)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) (1) (2) (1) (2)

ANSWERS TO YESTERDAY’S QUIZ: Rajasthan Royals & Chennai Super Kings (2008) Yusuf Pathan (RR) TODAY’S QUIZ: Which team won the 2008 IPL Title?

Who was Man of the Series in IPL 2008?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, May 4, 2019

World champs Windies slump to ninth in T20 rankings

Russell passes 500 runs, Pooran shines in KKR defeat

MOHALI, India (CMC) – All-rounder Andre Russell blasted a cameo to become only the third player this season to pass 500 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) kept their playoff hopes alive with a seven-wicket win over Chris Gayle’s King Punjab.

Chasing a tricky 184 at the I.S Bindra Stadium here yesterday, KKR reached their target with 18 balls to spare to move into fifth place on the eight-team table, while Kings XI suffered elimination.

The run chase was propelled by opener Shubman Gill who stroked a responsible unbeaten 65 off 49, while adding 62 for the first wicket with Australian Chris Lynn whose quick-fire 46 came off just 22 deliveries.

Gill also put on 38 for the second wicket with Robin Uthappa (22) and a further 50 off 26 balls for the third wicket with Russell who struck 24 off 14 balls.

The big-hitting Russell, who will represent West Indies

Windies have dropped to ninth in T20 rankings.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) – Reigning World champions West Indies have slipped to ninth in the new expanded ICC Twenty20 team rankings.

In the latest release yesterday which reflects changes following the annual update, the Caribbean side found themselves only above Bangladesh of the long-standing Test-playing nations.

After results from 2015-16 were removed and those between 2016-18 weighed at 50 per cent, West Indies were overtaken by minnows Afghanistan who moved up one place to seven and Sri Lanka who also climbed one spot into eighth.

The ranking represents the lowest for the Windies since they won their second T20 World Cup title in 2016, when they beat England in a dramatic final in Kolkata.

Since that conquest, however, the Windies form has

dropped off considerably, losing 13 of 17 T20 Internationals over the last 17 months.

They will defend their title in Australia next year when the T20 World Cup bowls off from October 18 to November 15, 2020.

Pakistan have meanwhile strengthened their position at the top of the rankings on 286 points but only four points separate the next four teams in the table. South Africa lie second on 262, England are third on 261 while Australia sit in fourth spot, also on 261 points.

India (260) are fifth, six clear of New Zealand who boast a considerable 13-point gap on Afghanistan.

For the first time the ICC has expanded the rankings to include all 80 members, with the likes of European nations like Austria and Luxembourg, along with African sides like Botswana and Mozambique comprising the new table.

Corona Futsal commences tonight THE fourth edition of the Corona Futsal tournament will begin this evening at the National Gymnasium with a cadre of knockout games.

The opening game of the night will pit Wolves United against Tucville from 19:30hrs with Kingston and North East La Penitence meeting from 20:15hrs.

Leopold Street will oppose Flamingo from 21:00hrs with Back Circle and Camptown expected to contest at 21:45hrs.

Sparta Boss will also be in action from 22:30hrs against Black Pearl then GT Panthers and Bent Street will close the action off from 23:15hrs.

The second night of action, May 7, will feature California Square in the opening fixture, with GFC and West Front Road clashing in the second game.

Broad Street take on Mocha, Order and Discipline play Future Stars, Beacons confront Sophia and Eastveldt face

Tiger Bay. Following the KO stage, the remaining teams will advance to a round-robin phase where they will be divided into three groups of four.

After three nights of round-robin competition, the top two teams in each group along with the top two third-place finishers will move into the quarter-finals.

Prizes will also be given to those teams that top their group stage, with $40 000 going to the winners, $30 000 for second, $20 000 for third and $15 000 for fourth.

The tournament’s first prize is $500 000, $250 000, $125 000 and $75 000 with prizes for the MVP and one lucky spectator.

There will be beer specials on game nights featuring the company’s five brands of beverages in Corona, Budweiser, Bud Light, Modelo Especial and Modelo Negro.

West Indies All-rounder Andre Russell

later this month at the ICC 50-overs World Cup in England, lashed a brace of fours and sixes before perishing in the 15th over when he holed out to square leg off seamer Mohammed Shami.

Russell now has 510 runs for the season at an average of nearly 64, joining Australian David Warner (692) and Lokesh Rahul (522) in the 500-run club.

Left-hander Nicholas Pooran, also a member of West Indies’ World Cup squad, extended his decent form with 48 off 27 deliveries as Kings XI, sent in, reached 183 for six off their 20 overs.

Englishman Sam Curran smashed 55 not out off 24 balls while Mayank Agarwal chipped in with 36 from 26 deliveries.

Gayle (14) fell cheaply for the second match in a row to leave Kings XI on 22 for two in the fifth over but Pooran came to his side’s rescue, belting three fours and four sixes as he added 69 for the third wicket with Agarwal.

He was eventually dismissed in the 11th over, finding the lap of deep mid-wicket off off-spinner Nitish Rana.

Russell finished with one for 29 from his three overs of pace while off-spinner Sunil Narine went wicket-less from four overs which also cost 29 runs.

‘Excited’ Danielle Williams only Caribbean winner in Doha

JAMAICA’s Danielle Williams was the only Caribbean winner at the Diamond League meeting in Doha on Friday.

Williams, who suffered a badly sprained ankle during her pre-season won the 100m hurdles in 12.66 seconds, beating the like of Breana McNeal and Shakira Nelvis in the process.

She said she was excited by the win.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the outdoor season,” she told Sportsmax.

TV following her surprise victory.

“I never knew what to expect for the first race but I focussed on executing each aspect of the race and I was able to come out with the

win and injury free.”

Her injured ankle, she said, is on the mend but it continues to be a bother.

“Some days are good.

Other days I have to strap it and bear the pain,” she said.

Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, the Commonwealth champion was second in 12.73 while Sharika Nelvis was third in 12.78.

Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn was fifth in 12.85s.

The meet was not as kind for Williams’ Caribbean colleagues.

St. Lucia’s Levern Spencer produced a season-best 1.88m which was only good enough for fifth in the women’s high jump. Yaroslava Mahuchikh of Ukraine won

the gold medal with a personal best 1.96m.

There was a three-way tie for second between Bulgaria’s Mirela Demireva, Sweden’s Erika Kinsey and Croatia’s Ana Simic, who each cleared 1.91m.

Commonwealth Games champion Janieve Russell had to settle for fourth place in the 400m hurdles. Her time of

55.28s saw her finish behind the USA’s Dalilah Muhammad who ran a world-leading 53.61s, a meet record.

Ashley Spencer ran a season-best 54.72s for second place while Ukraine’s Anna Ryzhykova was third in 54.82.

Meanwhile, Natoya

Turn to page 26

Semenya’s

future in doubt after she says no to medication to lower 26 testosterone Page

South Africa’s Caster Semenya wins the women’s 800 metres at a Diamond League meet yesterday in Doha, Qatar.

(Karim Jaafar/AFP/Getty Images)

… wins 800 metres in Doha

Honduras humble Guyana 3–0 26 at CONCACAF U-17 Championship Page

‘Excited’ Danielle Williams only Caribbean winner in Doha Page

31

Guyana’s William Vaughn (#14) battles with Honduras’ Elix Gomez Coello during their CONCACAF U17 Championship encounter in Florida, USA. (Photo Compliments: CONCACAF)

Jamaica’ s Danielle Williams 100m hurdles in 12.66 seconds.

World champs Windies slump to ninth in T20 rankings →31

Page

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SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2019