Chronicle 27 10 2015 by Guyana Chronicle

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No give away!

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Granger assures Guyana will not cede territory to Venezuela P.3

Amidst thick smoke from grenades and gunfire, soldiers battle each other in Guyana’s jungle (Delano Williams photo)

Gunshots, grenades rattle Bartica …as GDF tests jungle-readiness P.7

Rights activist dies P.2 in apparent suicide

Guyana Defence Force soldiers engage in a fierce simulation exercise in the Bartica jungle (Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Rights activist dies in apparent suicide THE human rights activist, Zenita Temall Nicholson, who was the first Guyanese to be awarded an International Woman of Courage Award from the U.S. embassy here, has died in what is so far being described as a suicide. Reports are that Ms Nich-

olson, 37, called a friend just after 2:00 a.m Monday saying she needed to go to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, Nicholson told the friend she had ingested ten carbon tablets. Nicholson was the Country Coordinator for Caribbean Vulnerable Communities/

PANCAP Global Fund. Five days ago she shared this post on Facebook regarding suicide: “Many people think that a suicide attempt is a selfish move because the person just does not care about the people left behind. I can tell you that when a person gets to that point, he truly believes that his loved ones will be much better off with him gone. This is mental illness not selfishness.” Many of her friends and colleagues were shocked at the news, remembering her jovial personality and her ability to inspire them. “This award is about courage and leadership. Zenita Nicholson embodies

these principles and exemplifies the traditions of personal freedom and equality that remain shared values between Guyana and the United States,” U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Bryan Hunt said in presenting Ms Nicholson with the Woman of Courage Award in March, 2014. “She has been an energetic, effective and passionate advocate at both the national and international levels for the principale that both women’s rights and the rights of lesbian, gays, bi – sexual and transgender persons are human rights, deserving of equal attention and protection,” Hunte added. In accepted the award, Nicholson said: “Today I’m being honoured for my courage, but I have no courage; not compared to those who inspire me to advocate for equality, human rights and dignity.” On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown said Nicholson worked tirelessly in her quest for equal rights for all people regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. “Zenita’s advocacy with the government, local politicians, and the UN Human Rights Committee was vital in advancing the national dialogue,” the embassy said in a press statement. The Embassy noted that as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Society against Sexual Orientation Discrimination (SASOD), she successfully lobbied for resolutions on human rights, sexual orientation, and gender identity at the OAS General Assembly. As an active lead member of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM), Nicholson worked closely with bilateral and multilateral donors to help Guyana reach its national goal of sustainable HIV epidemic control, the Embassy stated. “Zenita’s work reflected her unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all people. Her passion has inspired many, both in Guyana

Zenita Nicholson when she accepted the Woman of Courage award last year

and throughout the Caribbean to continue this struggle. “While Zenita’s life has been tragically cut short, it is our hope that her legacy will endure and that Guyana and the Caribbean will build societies free from the homophobia and transphobia against which she so effectively fought,” the Embassy stated. SASOD said it is shocked and saddened by the news of Nicholson, whom the organisation described as one of its leading activists. “Zenita was passionate about human rights and a fearless defender of the rights of vulnerable people. She applied this drive and commitment to her work, delivering exceptional results at SASOD to raise awareness and strengthen advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people,” SASOD said in a statement. She joined SASOD in

May 2011 as a member and Coordinator of the “Human Rights Education for the Protection of Sexual and Gender Minorities in Guyana” Project. She later became Secretary on the SASOD Board of Trustees in September 2012 – a volunteer position which she held for two years. She remained a member of SASOD and represented the organisation at the 45th Regular Session of the Organisation of American States General Assembly in June in Washington, D.C. “Her death is an irreplaceable loss to the Guyanese and global human rights movement,” SASOD stated. Nicholson leaves to mourn her two children, Dmitri and Daria Nicholson, mother, Kamanie Singh, brother, Andrew Te m a l l , a n d c o u n t l e s s relatives, colleagues and friends whose lives she touched.

No give away!

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

By Ariana Gordon

“GUYANA will not sell out or “give away” any part of its territory to Venezuela or Suriname, President David Granger said yesterday as he addressed troops following a week-long simulation exercise (Exercise Greenheart) in jungle warfare at Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni). “We cannot sell out; we cannot give away; we cannot offer the adversary any corridor, any passage,” President Granger stated emphatically, in obvious reference to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo’s recent statement that the PPP had considered ceding maritime territory to placate Venezuela. Jagdeo, a former president, told members of the media at a recent press conference that his administration had been exploring the option of negotiating a settlement with Venezuela that would have seen that country being given a channel out to the sea. His exact words were: “Well, we gather that there are several other options available to the (UN) Secretary- General. I don’t want to say much about the options, but let me say…I am in a

very difficult position, but there were other options that involve a negotiated settlement... Negotiated settlement which did not see any land concession that the 1899 Award would remain intact, but there was one view that you could probably, on the maritime area, give Venezuela a channel out to the sea.” Asked whether he was suggesting that a part of the Essequibo be given to Venezuela, Jagdeo replied, “Not the Essequibo River; Orinoco, just on the border. Not our Essequibo; I didn’t mean that.” But President Granger told soldiers yesterday, “We have an obligation to hand over to our children and grand-children the country that we inherited from our parents and grandparents.” He said Guyana is not afraid of any threat to its territorial sovereignty, and that granted that gunboats have been placed in Guyana’s waters, it is the role of the GDF “to guarantee the people of our country that they’d be safe of any aggression.” BE NOT TROUBLED “So, GDF, be not troubled by the gun boats; you stay firm! And we the people

of Guyana will be behind you; we the Government of Guyana will be in front of you; we will always be proud of diplomats, of diplomacy to ensure that peace is maintained!” he said as he assured the residents of Bartica that he would continue his pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the two border controversies. He would continue to have meetings with UN Secretary-General, Ban Kimoon, members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the Organisation of American States (OAS), and the Commonwealth, the president said, adding that he would also continue to communicate with any agency that was committed to the peaceful resolution of the controversies. “At all costs,” he said, “Guyana’s territorial integrity must be preserved.” With reference to the just-concluded seven-day manoeuvre, code-named Exercise Greenheart, President Granger said it was not an “offensive operation” but rather a “defensive operation”. “Exercise Greenheart is about defending your territory,” he said. “You are

President David Granger

defensive, not aggressive; you are protective, not offensive; you are positive, you are not negative. We want peace, and this is the best demonstration of our desire for peace.” The Commander-in-Chief told ranks that exercises such as the one just concluded are a demonstration of our resolve as a people. “It is a demonstration of our determination; it is a demonstration that we will not allow our destiny to be impaired or compromised by anybody,” he said. “We in Guyana have no choice but to defend our

No arrest yet for Bourda St execution UP to late yesterday, the police had not yet made any arrests in connection with the shooting to death Saturday of 30-year-old Stanley “Steve” Lovell on Regent Street, near Bourda Street. According to police sources, investigators are still reviewing video footage

taken from several CCTV cameras in the area where the shooting occurred, in the hope of coming up with some form of evidence or linkage to the killing of the young man. Also wounded in the shooting was 21-year-old Anthony Lall, who was shot in the leg.

One police source told this newspaper that based on information they’ve received, there is some discrepancy between Lall’s account of what transpired that fatal morning, and that of other informants. For instance, Lall’s description of the suspect who

opened fire on the car Saturday morning, is at variance with that of persons in the Bourda Market area who saw the whole incident unfold. This being the case, it is yet unclear which of the accounts the police will give credence to, though word is that they are working both

Granger assures Guyana will not cede territory to Venezuela territory, and protect our property. We have never sent a gun boat into the waters of a neighbouring state and we never will and we don’t want any neighbouring state to commit the act of aggression against us,” he added. The former army commander said it is important that army officers remain fit, and that even though Guyana is celebrating its 50th Anniversary next month, “It doesn’t mean you must behave like a 50-year-old. You must behave like a 15-yearold; you must be fit and active.” LOOK TO HISTORY He also urged troops to remember their history; that back in 1966, some 49 years ago, Venezuela drew first blood when its troops occupied Ankoko Island. “So, as I speak at this very moment, Venezuelan armed national forces are still in occupation of Guyanese territory. The GDF is the only organisation that stands between the adversary and the people of Guyana,” President Granger said, adding: “And as far as Venezuela is concerned, what they are claiming is that the award of 1899, which gave them

15,000 square km of land, is invalid.” His argument is, “If it is invalid, give us back the 15,000 square kilometers; let’s start over again. But if you want to hold on to the land that was defined for us in 1899, we will hold on to the land that was defined for us in 1899.” He urged the soldiers to protect Guyana’s territorial sovereignty so that their children and grandchildren could benefit from the country inherited by their forefathers. Turning to the Suriname border controversy, President Granger said that that country had laid claim to the New River Triangle and passed a resolution in its National Assembly that renamed the New River Triangle, Corentyne. The move to rename it sees Suriname claiming all the land between the New River Triangle and the ‘real Corentyne’. “We cannot accept a municipal decision; we will only accept the ruling of a tribunal. And as far as we are concerned, the Corentyne River has not changed in the last 100/200 years,” the President added.

sides of the coin. On Saturday morning, just before sunrise, Lovell and Lall were sitting on the trunk of the car when someone passed and opened fire in their direction, killing Lovell and injuring Lall in the leg. From all indications, their intended target was Lovell, who, according to the police, took close to 12

bullets. Based on facts available, Lovell was no saint, and had had several run-ins with the law, including such offences as fraud and murder. The vehicle, PMM 3825, on which Lovell and Lall were sitting at the time of the shooting has been lodged with the police, as the investigation continues.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Govt to bring help to Berbice rice farmers President Granger

PRESIDENT David Granger has assured Berbice rice farmers that their problems have not gone unnoticed; that his government has already started seeking viable solutions where reducing operational costs and creating new market opportunities are concerned. He’s even raised the issue of finding new markets with colleague Heads of Government at both the regional and international levels, and has promised to discuss their

plight with Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder. But by the same token, he feels their best bet is to keep their children in school, as raising the education bar is the only sure way of creating job opportunities and some semblance of stability. “My biggest concern is the education of young people,” he said. “Too many young people are unemployed. Because of the problem in the education system, many young people leave school; because of their ed-

ucation level, they cannot move forward,” he told residents of Black Bush Polder Sunday during a walkabout in the Ancient County of Berbice, prior to declaring open the first ever New Amsterdam Town Week. He said he’s already taken the intiative to help the less fortunate children by funding what he proposes calling the President’s 3B Programme, which involves the donation of boats, bicycles and buses, and which he hopes to introduce shortly

President Granger addressing Black Bush Polder residents Sunday (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson) photo saved as (DSC9372) in graphics October 27, Nelson, Berbice1 folder to all ten administrative regions. Noting that he hopes that NGOs, the business community and private individuals will come on board the programme with him, President Granger said: “The important thing is

that we want to get every single Guyanese child in school. The idea of school welfare officers picking up children at 9 and 10 o clock in the morning because they haven’t gone to school; the idea that children could not go to school because they had nothing

to eat; children not going to school because they have no uniform; children not going to school because they have no books; children not going to school because they have no transportation... We have to bring that to an end.”

Two held for slaying of Crabwood Creek man POLICE have arrested two men and are on the hunt for three others as investigation deepens into the shooting to death of a Corentyne businessman on Saturday. Shameer Ally, called ‘Kazac’, was killed with a single bullet, according to

A resident of Black Bush Polder raising a point at the meeting Sunday (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson)

Dead: Shameer Ally an autopsy performed on the body by Government Pathologist Dr Vivekananda Bridgemohan, on Monday. The 36-year-old Ally died as a result of shock and haemorrhage. Ally was discovered by police lying in

21/10/2015

a pool of blood at his Grant 1805 Weld Tank Damn, Crabwood Creek Corentyne (CWC) home. Guyana Chronicle understands that police had been investigating a report of threatening language and damage to property when they went to Ally’s home. Upon entering the man’s premises the gruesome discovery was made. Ally reports stated had gone into his neighbour’s home and damaged several windows. The matter was reported and police had responded to arrest Ally. The law men have since arrested two persons are on the hunt for three others.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Gang of five beat, rob Corentyne couple

A GANG of five bandits on Sunday night invaded the home of an East Berbice couple, beating and robbing them of them of an undisclosed sum of money and other effects. The robbery reportedly occurred around 22:00 hrs at the couple’s Lot 257 Number Two Village, East Coast Berbice home. Sixty-two-year-old Patrick Mangra told reporters that he and his wife had just returned home from a Chinese restaurant when they were attacked. “We went in and sit down under the house, not ready to go upstairs as yet, and I see three men running coming from the back with their face tied up,” Mangra said. As they held on to him, Mangra said, he tried to fight them off, but was unsuccessful. “They tear off the vest I was wearing, and tied my hands,he said. “I fight with them. Then one of them say, ‘Hit him!’ “After two hours, I wake up and I see my foot tie, and everything in the house gone.” He’s not sure whether any of the men had a firearm, as he did not see them with one; so he could not say what they used to hit him with. His wife, Revina Seeberchan, meanwhile, was accosted by two other masked men who’d entered the yard, and taken into the house where she was told no harm would come to her if she cooperated. Having gotten her assurance, they proceeded to help themselves to whatever money, local or foreign, they could find; they, however, reneged on their promise not to hurt her, they beat and trussed her up when she was not forthcoming enough about where the jewellery and money were. Among items the intruders took away were the couple’s passports, three cellular phones, three gold chains and a bracelet, and an 82inch television set. According to the couple, the ordeal lasted close to two hours, and that it was the

first time they were robbed since returning home for good from neighbouring Suriname back in May. Following the incident, Mangra was admitted as a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital, while Seeberchan was treated at the same institution and sent away. Up to press time, the couple was still trying to ascertain what items were taken away. Police are investigating. No arrests have been made as yet. BICYCLE BANDITS Meanwhile, in another incident, a cane harvester was severely beaten by bandits during an attack at Rose Hall on Saturday, police have confirmed. Seenarine Kalimuldon is now a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital, nursing fractures to both of his arms. Kalimuldon told this newspaper that he was in New Amsterdam to do shopping with his family when the bandits pounced on him around 18:45hrs.

“We went together, and then I stop to buy credit,” the 53-year-old of Chesney, Corentyne related. According to him, as soon as he left the shop, the two men who were following him on bicycles began closing in on him. “I start to ride fast, but they catching me up, so I decide to turn through one of them fine street to meet up with meh children faster, but they ride straight behind me. “I don’t know where they get a piece ah wood so fast, and clap one lash pon me and break mi hand two places.” The man said he collapsed, and one of the bandits ran through his pocket and took away $20,000 along with a cellular phone and his bicycle. He said by the time he got up, the bandits had already escaped. He said he tried chasing behind them, but to no avail. The matter has since been reported to the police.

Tuesday, October 27 - 14:30 Wednesday, October 28 - 05:00 Thursday, October 29 - 05:00

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Guyana

Let us cooperate for Guyana

Dear Editor

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL

Healthy democracy WHEN the dust has been settled and the country moves on from the controversy generated over the government’s decision to raise its ministers’ salaries, there may be a few positives for the political process. One such positive is the fact that supporters of the government were loudest in the protest against the government’s action. It is not very often that you find supporters of a party rising up in protest against that party, particularly when it is in government. Guyanese and Caribbean politics function against the background of a strong culture of political tribalism wherein there is a kind of religious relationship between supporters and leaders. The party becomes a sacred institution that is beyond reproach by its own, and the leaders -- especially the maximum leader -- becomes a god-like figure. As they say, the party works in mysterious ways. In our ethnic environment, that tribalism becomes even more intense. The party becomes synonymous with the ethnic group, leaving little space for party members to voice their disapproval of the party’s actions. We have seen so many leaders suffer at the hands of the party. The most recent example is Ralph Ramkarran, a longstanding member of the PPP who almost became president of the country. Ramkarran dared to criticise the party in public, he probably thought that times had changed. The party’s hammer was swift and brutal in its response to this stalwart, who belongs to one of its founding families. Ramkarran was only the latest in a long list of casualties on both sides of the political divide. Some have bemoaned the fact that, for most of its tenure, the PPP’s mass base did not stand up enough to its excesses. This obviously played a critical role in the evolution of the party’s paramountcy and all that comes with that situation. Whether it was political assassination, or economic and political discrimination, or instances of official corruption, party supporters were generally silent. Some influential voices openly supported or justified those excesses. Maybe some supporters were driven by fear of government retribution, while others were influenced by ethnic insecurity. In the end, the country’s political culture degenerated. That attitude continued during the early days of the new government. Initial criticisms by some supporters were quickly drowned out by a very protective base. The cry “it’s too early, give them a chance” was very evident. Ironically, that may have given the government a false sense of security. But that quickly changed with the announcement of the increases. Many of the supporters on the ground, their organisations and public activists who

I AM grateful to you for publishing my articles, which are written not to attract attention on me, but on the issues I raise. To d a y, I a m r e a l l y amazed at the continuous articles being published in all the newspapers concerning the increase of salary for ministers of government. I am overcome by all the comments, although I agree that, as members of our society, every critic has the right to raise issues that concern him/her. However this issue seems to have no end, as comments upon comments are being made, neglecting more pressing issues. It has become clear to all and sundry in Guyana that this new government has, in a very short time, been doing a great number of things -- like improving the sanitation around the country; exposing and bringing to light the many shortcomings of the previous government, leading to some prominent persons being taken to court for their alleged illegal activities; and other things that are yet to be made known. When you look at the excellent and arguably efficient way this new government is endeavouring to bring allround improvement to our country, what is the big fuss if they have increased their salary as they did? This is a normal way of life. You don’t pay the same

amount of money for a Toyota as you pay for a BMW or a Mercedes Benz. In the same way, you cannot expect the current government ministers to work for the same money as the previous government ministers. They are like cheese to chalk. What your present ministers have achieved so far, and what they are working towards, are what the previous government has failed to achieve in 23 years of government! I hereby call upon civil society to make its position known on this issue. Quite recently, I have been hearing that, under the present constitution, civil society is entitled to two seats in Parliament. If this is so, then why is civil society not making its presence felt in relation to what is happening? None can doubt that no one is perfect. I can recall reading in the Bible in a certain situation when a woman was found unfaithful to her husband, she was found guilty at her trial, and when asked about the penalty she should receive, Jesus said, “He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone”; but in today’s world -- and particularly in Guyana -‘sinners’ are the ones who are throwing the stones instead of being stoned. At present, everybody knows and understands that, with the oil find in Guyana, it is only a matter of time before Guyana begins to experience change for the better

support the government, came out against the move. It was an unexpected break with tradition that obviously took the leaders and political scientists and analysts by surprise. We feel that our democracy is enriched when party supporters can feel free to criticise their party and government on matters of principle. That is how it should be. People should not allow love for party to drive them to condone perceived government excesses, and government should not view such criticism as disloyalty. Self-criticism is an important aspect of democracy, and it should be preserved. Our government should be better because of this experience.

in economic development. So, if you have a team that is capable of such development, why deliberate so extensively on the ministers’ salary increases? The AFC and APNU, by winning the last election, have demonstrated that if all the races in Guyana cooperate and support each other, much can be achieved for all! What seems to be happening is that the previous government laid the foundation for the oil exploration, but this new government has the authority to proceed. In this connection, the opposition seems to be picking at every straw in order to cause a government for the people to fail, so that its representatives can once more take over to wreak havoc for themselves, friends and family, and not necessarily for the entire Guyana, as this present government is trying very hard to do. The opposition has been questioning everything this

current government is doing, but is silent and saying very little on the Venezuela situation or the Suriname issue. No effort has been publicly made to demonstrate any assistance to the rice farmers, miners who are being threatened by the Venezuela Government etc. In the circumstances, it can be interpreted by the opposition’s present attitude that they are thinking only about themselves, and not the people of Guyana as a whole. Civic society, where are you? Now is the time to step forward to assist in ensuring that we get maximum cooperation from all citizens of Guyana, so that we can go forward together in unity. The Bible says you should forgive absolutely and replace hatred and envy with love and affection. This is what Guyana needs. Respectfully, Jonas M.F Coddett

Protecting health centres and clinics

Dear Editor,

AFTER reading an article carried in several media outlets, I feel compelled to make a much-needed suggestion to the Government of Guyana. Recently, a friend of mine was robbed at gunpoint while performing his medical duties at the Sophia Health Centre. According to reports, the bandit was a patient at the facility, and had visited at least once before. While one cannot always foresee that a patient may return to rob an establishment of its belongings and peace of mind, it would be folly not to at least consider it. Therefore, my suggestion is that every public health centre and clinic should have an armed constable as a security figure henceforth. I have seen firsthand how unruly some patients can become, especially with the female nurses. This can become a catastrophic event should someone get hurt as a result of being unable to control an unruly patient. If there aren’t enough constables to spread to various public health centres and clinics, then I suggest we employ some. Creating employment will always sit well with the population, and any government would earn positive points for such an initiative. Time is of the essence, especially when you can save a life from potential tragedy. Regards, Patrice Wishart Student-at-law

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Gunshots, grenades rattle Bartica

…as GDF tests jungle-readiness By Ariana Gordon FIFTY-SEVEN officers and 691 ranks participated in the culmination of the field tactical exercise (FTX) code-named “Exercise Greenheart” in the presence of their Commander in Chief, President David Granger, and of Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan. At the break of dawn, the officers conducted a live ambush battle that saw two battalions and a storage company participating in a closed-country warfare operation in Region Seven, Cuyuni-Mazaruni. Like a true war zone, gunshots rang out across the battle field just off the Bartica Airstrip, grenades were lobbed from various directions, and smoke screens were released to aid the troops with their ambush. The army troops, in the end, emerged victorious, as they demonstrated that they were ready to defend Guyana against its enemies. In brief congratulatory remarks, President David Granger told the troops that the exercise was done to demonstrate the “effectiveness of our defence forces.” The Guyanese leader said that, in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was mandated to “defend our national independence.” Describing the exercise as “magnificent”, Granger said the GDF needed to preserve and maintain the country’s sovereignty and integrity. He noted that it is the GDF’s role to provide for the security of citizens against armed aggression. “Today, Guyana has witnessed a display of total national defence,” he said, emphasising the need for troops to master their natural environment, as three-quarters of Guyana is covered with jungle. “Today, the GDF has displayed, demonstrated,

and proven that it is a jungle force to be reckoned with, because they have been able to master the environment of Guyana”. “Happy and honoured”, the President said, is how he feels after witnessing the live simulation activity and march through the streets of Bartica. “They say that Bartica is the gateway to the hinterland; but for the enemy, they thought Bartica would have been the gateway to the coastland. But today, the GDF has stopped them in their tracks. So Bartica is the gateway to a free Guyana. This exercise has been able to demonstrate the effectiveness of our defence forces.” Green Experience He stressed that every officer must be trained at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Warfare Training School, located at Makouria, some 10 km away from Bartica. “Today, the GDF has demonstrated that it is master of the environment, the environment which is covered by jungle. As far as the GDF is concerned, operating in the jungle is like a fish operating in water. It is natural; this is our natural environment, and you have shown us today that you are capable of operating in the jungle like a fish can operate in water,” he said. Stressing that every soldier is a citizen and every citizen is a soldier, the President called on all to work in unison to protect the country’s territorial sovereignty. “Every soldier in the GDF, no matter what arm he or she goes into, will be required to go through the jungle and amphibious warfare training school at some phase along his or her career. If one is going to be a pilot or a sailor, he or she must pass through the jungle warfare school. These are musts for

Troops march past President David Granger, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, Army Chief Mark Phillips, Regional Chairman Mark Bradford and other officials of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday training soldiers to operate in our environment,” he added, noting that the GDF had begun a programme of greening that required every soldier to gain experience operating in the jungle. President Granger stressed the importance of soldiers exercising and keeping fit. “So there is no room for complacency, there is no room for flabbiness when you exercise…there is no opportunity for you to become unfamiliar with your environment. This is a logical sequence, you have a doctrine that is clearly defined, you have knowledge which you gained on your courses, you have skills which you have practised, you have had command post exercise, and now you have been on a field practical exercise; and finally, what you (have) done here is exemplary,” he said. Secure investments The President made a pitch to investors by indicating that their investments

President David Granger gestures as he speaks with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan as the GDF’s Field Tactical Exercise (FTX) concluded on Monday.

Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips speaks with President David Granger, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan and Colonel George Lewis at the Bartica Airstrip Monday morning. in Guyana would be protected. “People must know that when they come into Guyana to invest, they’d be coming into a safe environment that is protected by one of the best defence forces in the Caribbean, the GDF. “Guyana,” he said, “is committed to protecting its investment, and no other country must intimidate them or threaten them. So what you have done here, GDF, is an example to show foreign direct investors that their investments are safe and that Guyana will use every fibre of its state system, its defence forces, to protect their investments.” Meanwhile, Colonel George Lewis, Assistant Director of Operations, explained that the exercise commenced on October 20, and that the troops advanced over 24.5 kilometres for the first three days of the exercise, after which they took up defensive positions in the jungle. Colonel Lewis said the troops participated in patrolling, ambushing, and close-target reconnaissance. The week-long activities concluded yesterday with the

President David Granger hugs a resident of Bartica, Region 7 final advance and attack in the morning. Colonel Lewis said, “It is an exercise which we would have launched to test the preparedness of our troops to operate in closed-country operation. Closed-country means jungle, in the jungle environment. That’s why we would have launched it annually (and) we would do different exercises. We operate in closed-country

environment, open-country environment, and sometimes based on needs -- especially if there is an election or so -- we would conduct internal security operations.” From time to time, the troops conduct disaster relief operations, Lewis told the media. He was, however, quick to point out that the exercise wasn’t designed because of the Venezuelan border controversy.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Bus conductor Accused of stabbing with two knives gets a big break A bus conductor was yesterday taken before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with larceny. Twenty-one-year old Ronald Hercules of 58 Front Road, West Ruimveldt, had been charged indictably for stealing from the dwelling house of Keon Tappin - one I-phone valued at $65,000, one Blackberry cellular phone valued at $45,000 and a Samsung Galaxy valued at $45,000 - all to a total value of $155,000.

But on application by Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Neville Jeffers, the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was being applied with the accused accepting the charges and pleading guilty. According to the court particulars, on October 14 the virtual complainant left the defendant at his house and when he returned he discovered the items missing. Tappin confronted the defendant and the latter returned only two of the phones. The matter was reported and the defendant

was arrested and charged. During the course of the court proceeding, the defendant stated that he saw the cellular phones and took them for his own benefit. The complainant told the magistrate that he did not want to proceed with the charges as he had come to a settlement agreement with the defendant. The magistrate ordered Hercules to compensate Tappin in the sum of $40,000 by October 30 or face a default four months in prison.

Murder at Good Hope

Five in custody, phones, SIM Cards recovered ‘C’ DIVISION police have arrested five persons in connection with the murder of 22-year-old cash crop farmer Shiraz Ally, whose battered body was found on his bed last week Monday at Good Hope Railway Line, East Coast Demerara. His mother, Bibi Shaleeza Hamid, had seen him two days before she had found him dead in his house. She said she had last seen Ameer on the Friday before he was discovered murdered, when he visited her at her home and never left until the following day. The police were able to remove several items from that crime scene, including cigarette butts, two knives and a hammer, among other things. Persons in the area also reported seeing the young man on Saturday afternoon, and even on Sunday before his remains were found. Mrs Hamid disclosed that, as far as she had known, her son had had no issues with anyone. She also said she was at pains to figure out what may have caused him to be murdered. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed yesterday that the five persons were picked up after lunch

yesterday, and he said the investigators are looking for another person. Up to press time last evening, the men who were in police custody were said to be cooperating with the ranks and providing them with the information they need. None of these five persons in police custody were previously of interest to the police on any matter, but information reaching this publication has suggested that the sixth person has been of interest to the police in the past, and was held in connection with another matter. The police were able to pick up the men based on intelligence they received, which began trickling in since last week, after the body of the man had been discovered. When the police conducted searches on the persons of these five men yesterday and on the places where each had been found, they managed to recover two mobile phones which the deceased had owned and which were reportedly removed from his home during the time of his murder. Additionally, the police have been able to recover two mobile SIM cards which were registered to the now dead cash crop farmer, who

had lived alone and farmed as a means of providing for his daily needs. It was also related to the police that the deceased had not been a smoker, and was not someone who would usually have friends over at his home. The police will send samples for DNA testing, to ascertain which of the men who are now in custody was with the man when he reportedly met his demise. The samples are expected to be sent to Brazil for testing, as that country has, of recent, been testing samples for Guyana and returning same in record time. It was observed that the mattress on which the deceased lay when he was discovered dead was soaked in so much blood that the effluent was beginning to make its way onto the floor and into the yard. There were also telltale signs that something or the other was burnt either in the yard or in the room where the man’s body was found. According to unconfirmed reports, one of his neighbours had visited the young man on Sunday, but it is not clear if that person had been the last person to visit the home of the deceased.

A resident of Albouystown was yesterday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he appeared before her charged with unlawful and malicious wounding. Patrick Smith,20, was charged indictably for unlawfully and maliciously wounding Michael Ridley on October 23 at Independence Boulevard, Albouystown.

The Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied for by request of Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Neville Jeffers, but the mason denied the charge. According to the court statement the two men are known to each other. Prior to the incident the victim’s son and the accused had an altercation. The prosecutor said that on the day in ques-

tion the accused approached Ridley with two knives in his hands and dealt him several stab wounds. Prosecutor Jeffers told the court that the investigation file was incomplete as there were outstanding statements. Bail was then refused and the accused was remanded to prison. The matter will return to court on November 16.

Not me, says robbery accused Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday remanded a labourer to prison after he appeared before her in Court Two of the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts charged with armed robbery. Twenty-four-year old Aubrey Nakasie Bobb of 519 East Ruimveldt was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at the Ruimveldt Public Road while being in the company of another person and being armed with a dangerous weapon, he robbed Demetri Jamond of three United States of America identifica-

tion cards, one Guyana identification card, three discount cards; one Republic Bank ATM card and a Blackberry Z10 smartphone – all valued at $80,000. $32,000 in cash was also taken. Police Prosecutor Sergeant Neville Jeffers made an application for the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) for the matter to be tried summarily but the accused denied the allegations stating that he knew the robbery victim for the past 24 years and they had never had any altercations, so he was confused as to why Jamond would make false accusations against him.

Jeffers objected to bail based on the seriousness of the offence, the prevalence of it within the society and the fact that a gun was allegedly used. He also revealed that the accused provided the Court with a different address from that which was provided to the Police. He further revealed that while the accused was not placed in an identification parade, he was positively identified by the victim. The Magistrate refused bail and the accused was remanded to prison. The matter will return to court on November 2 for statements.

Businessman on gun, ammo charge A businessman was on M o n d a y re m a n d e d t o prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he appeared before her charged with being in the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Orandoi Mc’Coy , 34, a shop owner of 116 William Street, Campbellville pleaded not guilty to the charge which read that on Friday, October 23 at William Street, Campbellville he had in his possession a 9mm along with 15 live matching rounds of ammunition without being the holder of a firearm license. According to the facts as presented by Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Neville Jeffers the accused is a business man who owns and operates two shops, one at this residence and another

at Orange Walk, Bourda. Jeffers stated that on the day in question, Police ranks attached to the narcotics unit went to the home of the accused to conduct a search. Before commencing the search, one of the ranks asked the accused whether he was the only one present in the building and the only one with access to the premise and he responded in the positive. He then revealed that a search was conducted in presence of the accused and the firearm and ammunition was found concealed in a cupboard in the shop. The accused’s Attorney, Peter Hugh frowned upon the prosecution facts. According to the Hugh, police ranks conducted a search on his client premises for narcotics but did not find anything. However even

though the search resulted in the discovery of a firearm and matching ammunition the area that it was found in an area where others occupy. He alleged that the accused has in his employment several persons in the shop and as such, they have access to the shop and cupboard. He requested reasonable bail stating that the alleged gun and ammunition was neither found on his client’s person or in his possession. Prosecutor Jeffers objected to bail stating that the Prosecution’s facts differ and cited the prevalence of the offence. The Magistrate refused bail stating that there were no special reasons provided. The matter was transferred to Court Five for November 16 when it will appear before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

EU broadsides Ramotar over statements about sugar support carefully ensure all of our criteria are met before any funds can be released. The National Assembly is now sitting and parliamentary oversight is again in place, and we are working closely with the government to reestablish eligibility criteria to bring these budget support programmes back on track.” The Ambassador also

Former President Donald Ramotar

The European Union Ambassador to Guyana, Jernej Videtic

NEW European Union Ambassador to Guyana, has chided former president Donald Ramotar for a letter he wrote which sought to blame the EU for some of the woes of the sugar industry and also taking offence of the bloc withholding a €25 million in budget support had he not prorogued parliament. Ambassador Jernej Videtic, made the comments in

a letter to the Editor of the Guyana Times in which he responded to Ramotar who had written one earlier on the issue. Responding to the letter which was published by the Guyana Times, the EU Ambassador said “I note that in his letter of 20 October 2015 regarding Guyana’s sugar industry, former president Donald Ramotar claims that “the EU did not deliver

the €25 million that we had earned and had an agreement on”. The envoy said: “in fact, it was the previous government of Guyana that did not deliver on the terms of the agreement with the EU, by making little progress in public finance management reforms and by effectively suspending parliamentary oversight of the budget through the prorogation of the parliament.” Ambassador Videtic said, “it must be remembered that these funds are European citizen’s taxes, and we have a duty to

Charitable health organisation gets aircraft EDUCATION Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine on Monday met with the Board and Executives of the Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, to assist in the presentation of a repaired aircraft to Remote Area Medical’s (RAM) representative, Mr Dick Stoops. RAM Volunteer Corps is a Knoxville, Tennessee-based non-profit, volunteer airborne medical relief corps that provides free health care, dental care, eye care, veterinary services and technical and educational assistance to people in remote areas of Guyana

and around the world. The organisation was founded by Mr Stan Brock after being injured in Guyana whilst living with the Wapishana community, and had to endure a 26-day journey to access medical help. After this, he vowed to provide medical care to inaccessible regions all over the world. The Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School’s students assisted in the complete refurbishing of the RAM aircraft under the guidance of engineers from both the school and RAM. In his brief remarks, the Minister commended the two Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) on the proj-

ect. He took the opportunity to point out the invaluable work organisations such as the Aeronautical Engineering School were engaged in advancing specialist technical education, adding that “the Ministry is happy to be partners by ensuring that our young people are given the opportunity to access a rounded education, inclusive of a strong technical and vocational studies curriculum.” The Minister also commended the input of the students involved in the effort, stressing that the initiative represented what he sees as the core goal of education, the application of knowledge in service to the greater good.

Education Minister Dr Rupert Roopnaraine with staffers at the Art Williams & Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School

pointed out that Ramotar in his letter also implied that the sugar industry’s difficulties were caused “by the changed trading arrangement of the European Union”. “I would like to note that the EU sugar regime was changed not due to a unilateral decision by the EU, but due to a ruling by the World Trade Organ-

isation. In order to mitigate the effects of this ruling the European Union has given over €110 million – that is 26 billion Guyanese dollars – to Guyana to restructure its sugar industry. The European Union has been a strong and reliable partner of Guyana for over forty years, and will continue to be in the future.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

GuySuCo grinds to a halt – Gov’t accuses opposition of using industry as political football By Navendra Seoraj SUGAR workers nationwide have downed tools after the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) failed to engage in collective bargaining with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) despite conclusion of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the ailing sugar industry. During an interview with this publication, GAWU President Komal Chand highlighted that “the industry has been closed down by workers with effect from Saturday, given GuySuCo’s continued postponement of discussions with our union on the wages’ issue for this year”. He said that, over the past months, GAWU had urged GuySuCo to begin negotiations, given that GuySuCo had fixed October 7, 2015 as the date to address the union’s claims for increases in wages and adjustments to certain fringe benefits. However, by letter to GAWU dated October 6, 2015, GuySuCo requested a further deferment of its engagement with GAWU. In referring to the expected recommendations from the CoI, the GuySuCo missive stated inter alia: “Those recommendations, you would agree, will provide food for thought and a guide to all stakeholders on the way forward. Therefore, it would not be the opportune time for GuySuCo and the Union (GAWU) to commence negotiations when such an important report is awaited. “We trust that our employees who are members of your union perceive the wisdom in our request and allow the momentum developed in production and productivity to prevail. The corporation once again urges your union and its membership to resume negotiations meetings after the report of the CoI is submitted.” The CoI report was presented to the Ministry of Agriculture on October 19, 2015, and Chand is lamenting that the union has been unable to get the corporation to sit at the bargaining table for wages’ discussions.

A recent protest by sugar workers (Kaieteur News photo)

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder

GAWU President Komal Chand

PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee

ALLEGED BREACH He pointed out that GuySuCo’s position is in breach of Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act (TURA), which states: “Where a trade union obtains a certification of recognition for workers comprised in a bargaining unit in accordance with this part, the employer shall recognise the union, and the union and the employer shall bargain in good faith and enter into negotiations with each other for the purpose of collective bargaining.” Chand said, “The meeting of the GAWU General Council on October 24, 2015 discussed the prevailing situation with respect to the non-commencement of the negotiations, and unanimously agreed to engage in protest action at the corporation’s breach of the TURA. “Now the union is being told we need to await consideration of the CoI report by the government. At the pace of production, the industry’s current crop could come to an end in four weeks’ time, although

one or two estates may be in production beyond this time. Yet the wages’ question is not being addressed. “We also wish to note that since the restoration of collective bargaining in the sugar industry in 1989, at the insistence of the international financial institutions, the commencement of wage negotiations for the past twenty-five years (was) never delayed as late as October. In recent years, at this time of year, though GuySuCo’s performance was not as good as it is this year, the corporation and the union would have seen the wages’ issue already being resolved, or the parties being close to an agreement. “General Council members noted that other public sector employees have already been granted wage/ salary increases since the passage of the 2015 Budget. However, seemingly, sugar workers, who are also eligible to benefit from wage increases, are not being attended to. “The union calls upon the corporation to respect

the law and the Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) and allow the unusually positive sugar production momentum to hold. The excellent harvesting result should be a strong motivation to GuySuCo at this time to engage the workers’ union in collective bargaining to address the wages’ negotiations.” Chand confirmed that the projected target of 227,443 tonnes will not be affected, given that, “against the backdrop, workers can always make up for the days missed by working an additional amount of days”. A meeting has been planned with all the workers to decide on a way forward, he advised. A POLITICAL FOOTBALL Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, in a comment invited to this publication, said, “One of the problems with the sugar industry is that it has been used as a political football, resulting in the reduction in productivity over the years… and

putting of square pegs in round holes by the PPP government.” This administration, he added, is taking a hands-off policy and letting managers manage, which has led to what is currently happening. “We have put in an intermanagement team and the productivity has gone up, and it surpassed targets for the last three or four weeks,” Minister Holder said. There is suspicion, he said, that GAWU is now on the defensive, and being a political organisation, is trying to disrupt that process. However, the minister has reiterated that the CoI which was established had on it a GAWU representative who is an economist, hence making the union aware of what is going on. The union should also be aware of the results of the CoI, which has not been taken to the Cabinet as yet. “All that is going on is political, and the government does not want to be involved in these kinds of things. We want management to handle it, and we want GAWU to be responsible and look at what they are going to do to the industry,” Minister Holder has cautioned. NO POLITICAL MOTIVATION Meanwhile, the ongoing industrial action at GuySuCo has been declared to have no political motivation, and it is said that workers are merely protesting for what they think they deserve. This is according to General Secretary of the People's Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, during the party’s weekly press

conference yesterday. According to Rohee, the sugar workers have a right to demand an increase in their salaries, given that the APNU+AFC administration had just awarded itself a massive increase. "We consider it as an industrial action staged by sugar workers…. Is it not justifiable for the sugar workers to demand more money?" Rohee asked, as he pointed out that all workers who engage in industrial action must feel peeved by the recent actions taken by the administration. "When workers feel peeved, the only weapon that they have to resort to make their voice heard is the strike action. As I see it, I think it is clearly and unequivocally an industrial action," he stated. In a press release issued on Sunday, GuySuCo expressed disappointment with the decision of the Guyana Agricultural Workers Union (GAWU) to proceed on the industry-wide strike. “Their actions have affected all field and factory operations, breaking the prevailing production momentum. The union is demanding that the corporation commences wages, salaries and fringe benefits’ negotiations for 2015. The corporation and the union had a preliminary meeting on September 16, where the corporation informed the union and the representatives from the various estates that it was unable to commence discussion before the Commission of Inquiry has submitted its findings and recommendations,” GuySuCo said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Govt plugs $4M into construction of new kitchen at Baramita Primary School

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Fourth Vice President, Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes; and Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, handing over sports equipment to teachers of Baramita Primary School in Region 1

THE Baramita Primary School in Region 1 will soon be equipped with a new kitchen, and its 187 students will benefit from hot meals. Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, handed over a $4 million cheque to Toshao Trevor Matheson for construction of this kitchen following a visit as head of a delegation comprising Ministers Dawn Hastings-Williams and Simona Broomes, Regional Member of Parliament Richard Allen, members of the National Toshaos Council (NTC); and representatives of the Amerindian Peoples Association

(APA), the Women Miners Organisation (WMO), and the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). Students are distributed in the school as follows: 20 are in the nursery department, 34 in the secondary, and the remainder in the primary. All stand to benefit from provision of a hot meal once this kitchen is completed. Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Fourth Vice President, Sydney Allicock; Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes; and Minister within the Ministry of

Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams, handed over sports equipment to teachers of Baramita Primary School in Region 1. This ministerial visit followed one that was done two months ago, when residents expressed concerns about children not attending school because of not having a meal and uniforms. This has contributed to the high drop-out rate in the community, they said. The council had started the construction of a kitchen with funds that were donated by miners working in the community. However, materi-

Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Fourth Vice President, Sydney Allicock, handing over the cheque to the Baramita Toshao, Trevor Matheson

als that were accumulated for the building went missing, resulting in it being left undone for two years. The council said that the current structure will be condemned, and the $4M received will be used to construct a new concrete building. In regard to the provision of uniforms, it was noted that the Ministry did distribute uniform materials to the community, but, Senior Headmistress Jennifer Williams

explained, the cloth was not the correct colour, so it was not utilised. She also noted that there wasn’t anyone to sew the uniforms. The toshao explained that there are persons who can sew, but there is need for sewing machines. Minister Allicock immediately instructed his staff to have the uniform materials exchanged, and asked the miners if they can assist the village in acquiring at least three sewing machines. The miners have

committed to doing so. Meanwhile, the school also received sporting equipment, including footballs and volleyballs, nets, tennis racquets and cricket bats. This is to ensure that the youths are fully involved in recreational activities. The teachers also received school bags and other school supplies, to be distributed among the children; while the parents received food items.

Armed bandits unleash vicious attack on Better Hope, ECD businesswoman – in attempt to steal her car By Michel Outridge BUSINESSWOMAN Nirvona Boodhoo reached home from work in the wee hours of Monday, and had just parked her car, PLL 4164, outside her home at Lot 188 Phulwarie Street, Better Hope, East Coast Demerara when three men accosted her and demanded the keys to her vehicle. Screaming with fear, she threw the keys in her yard, and this infuriated the bandits, one of whom proceeded to give her a vicious beating in the face and head with a gun. Boodhoo told this newspaper that as she screamed in pain and agony at the merciless blows that were being rained on her, the bandit “told me to stop screaming!” while his accomplice “told him to shut me up or shoot me!” One of the bandits told

her: “Bitch, you threw away the car keys; you want me to shoot you?” She related that one of her sisters heard her screams and got out of bed to see what was happening. When she saw what was transpiring, she also started to scream from inside the house, and this aroused neighbours and caused the bandits to flee in their waiting silver and gold car which was parked some distance away in the street. That very car was circling the property before Boodhoo drove to Sparendaam Police Station to lodge a report, and also to the GPHC and then to the Woodlands Hospital. Boodhoo explained that although the bandits did not succeed in stealing her vehicle, they were able to ransack the car and relieve her of $100,000 in cash, apart from three cell phones, one of which is not activated. She said she received

Nirvona Boodhoo, when she went to seek medical attention following the armed robbery outside her house in the wee hours of Monday morning

more than five telling blows during the ordeal, which left her with injuries that required stitches. This was done at the Woodlands Hospital after she had been given the ‘royal runaround’ at the Georgetown Public Hospital, although she was covered in blood. Boodhoo said the experience has left her very

Nirvona Boodhoo’s blood-splattered car

terrified, and her terror is exacerbated because Sunday marked the one-year death anniversary of her late husband. Police reported that at 00:45 hrs on October 24, 2015, three men, two of whom were armed with handguns, robbed and injured Nirvona Boodhoo, 36,

a businesswoman of 188 Phulwarie Street, Better Hope, ECD. “Investigations reveal that the victim was about to enter her yard in her motor car, PLL 4164, when she was confronted by the men, who relieved her of Gy$100,000 and three cell phones. “The men then attempted

to steal her vehicle, but she threw away the car keys and made an alarm. At that stage, one of the men then struck the victim several times about her head and face with a firearm, after which they made good their escape”. No arrest has as yet been made, but investigations are in progress.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Holder hails fisherfolk decision to unify, mobilise – calls it a step in the right direction

Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, addressing yesterday’s meeting of fisherfolk

AGRICULTURE Minister Noel Holder has hailed as a step in the right direction the coming together of local fisherfolk to speak with one voice. The die was officially cast yesterday with the launch of a National Fisherfolk Organisation (NFO) and election of a representative to head it, at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC), the former Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) at Liliendaal, on the lower East Coast of Demerara. Speaking to the importance of having such an organisation in place, Minister Holder, in his feature address, said one of the greatest advantages is giving voice to the men and women in the fishing industry. Another is being in a position to negotiate and obtain concessions by active

participation as a group. At the last count, the fishing industry was shown to have in its employ close to 15, 000 people, an approximate 6,000 of whom are directly involved in fishing. Then there are those who benefit indirectly through fishing-related industries such as boat building and repairs, or the supply of fishing gear. By way of underscoring the importance, economic or otherwise, of the fishing industry to the country, Minister Holder said: “Fish provides a source of reliable, cheap animal protein, with an estimated per capita annual consumption at 25kg.” Comparing the foregoing figure with what obtains elsewhere, he said, “This is significantly higher than the global average, which

is 15.4kg. This illustrates the value of fish products to a Guyanese diet, and to Guyana’s food and nutrition security goals.” More than that, the minister said, fish exports last year alone accounted for 18,639 tonnes, with marine production reaching 36,946 tonnes, and aquaculture production 379 tonnes. CAUSE FOR CONCERN What is cause for concern, however, is the steadily rising cost of inputs such as fuel and aquaculture feed, and the growing incidence of piracy. On the issue of piracy, Minister Holder said the matter is being dealt with expeditiously, in that the government has taken an inter-agency approach to it. “We are aware of the dangers fisherfolk face on a daily

basis, and are committed to protecting you, and will work diligently to ensure we make your working environment a safer place,” Minister Holder said. That aside, he said, “I must admit that our fishing industry in Guyana is contracting, and we need to work together to address the issues; to find solutions and save it. And we need to do this right now! “Today’s act is a good step in the right direction; you have recognised the need to organize yourself and become more representative, as can be observed by the marine sub-sector, through the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors, which is a vibrant and strong group that has been able to negotiate and obtain numerous benefits.” It is his fervent hope, he said, that the artisanal sub-sector of the NFO not only develop a more organised and efficient fisheries industry, but also seek to align itself with fisherfolk organisations of other CARICOM member states and the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisation as well.

NETWORKING He made the point that network organisations are very vibrant within the region, and are so recognised they are constantly being invited to fisheries-related activities and meetings to ensure that their voices are heard. Minister Holder said that the artisanal fishery is very important to this sub-sector, as it is the major player in providing a relatively cheap source of animal protein. Processing plants all depend on them to ensure their continued running, and export continues, he said. “Our fishery faces numerous challenges, and one of the reasons that it is difficult to overcome these challenges is that the stakeholders are fragmented,” he said, adding: “Indeed, we have cooperatives, but it is a known fact that most have difficulties, be it in management, infrastructure or other resources necessary for the smooth operation of such facilities.” Underscoring that the fishing business, like any other, lies in the hands of the stakeholders, the minister said development strategies and

management techniques will ensure survival for the industry. “This includes using good fishing practices, practising sustainable fishing, and being aware of the other users of marine resources,” he sdaid. In closing, he advised fisherfolk to play a pivotal role in facilitating stakeholders to participate in the governance of their sub-sector; in getting local issues and challenges to the national platform. “Together, with the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture,” he said, “we will build your capacity to achieve the long and medium-term goals envisaged.” Permanent Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry George Jervis said fisherfolk organisations around the world are very powerful, and can speak with one voice to government. “When you have your group, be informed, you have to be very careful that your representatives are caring enough to lobby and articulate the views of everyone; and at the end of that process, whatever views are articulated, it is related,” Jervis said in relation to the NFO’s choosing a representative.

PANCAP to meet with AIDS programme managers, key partners The Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) will hold its third Annual Meeting of National AIDS Programme (NAP) Managers and Key Partners in Trinidad and Tobago, at the Hyatt Hotel on October 28-30, 2015. Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh will open the meeting. Under the Chairmanship of Dereck Springer, PANCAP Coordinating Unit Director, this third meeting is expected to arrive at a consensus position on HIV prevention, zero discrimination, 90-90-90 targets and EMTCT validation to achieving the regional targets for 2020 and 2030: Rio Forum Call to Action. Other expected outcomes include: greater understanding of the current regional, global HIV response progress, country priorities, financing of the response, including identifying gaps; as well as increased understanding of the new strategic directions for ending the AIDS epidemic and the role of NAP managers in engaging CSOs and development partners, at the national level.

According to a Caricom Secretariat release, endorsement of the Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF)M&E Framework and its alignment to Regional 2020 and 2030 target, and Rio Call to Action, as well as the overall focus of the PANCAP and the Caribbean Vulnerable Communities Coalition-Centre of Orientacion and Integrated Investigacion (CVC-COIN) proposed Global Fund grant programmes are also anticipated outcomes. It is expected that consensus on funding gaps and resource mobilisation strategies for sustaining the response in countries and at regional level will be achieved, and in this context the meeting will consider documentation of available resources from bi- and multilateral international development partners (IDPs) and agencies in the region. In light of the expected outcomes, programme managers and partners will be updated on national and regional commitments, progress on current global strategies, new guidelines, as well as innovative ways to strengthen the regional response. They

will share best practices; peer learning and technical cooperation among countries to strengthen ownership; improve harmonisation and sustainability of the Caribbean HIV response. Updates on the PANCAP/Global Fund Round 9 Grant’s achievements, good practices and sustainability efforts to benefit country programmes will be provided. So too is the opportunity to solicit participants’ inputs into the development of PANCAP’s and the CVCCOIN’s Concept Notes for the Global Fund, including endorsement of their overall focus. Approximately 70 participants including National AIDS Programme Managers, selected Chief Medical Officers, development partners and selected implementing partners, civil society organisations will attend this meeting. PANCAP is a Caribbean regional partnership of governments, regional civil society organisations, regional institutions and organisations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and contributing donor partners which was established on 14 February 2001.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Nagamootoo, Trotman attending summit in Mexico Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo along with Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman departed Guyana on Sunday to attend the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit in Mexico. President of Mexico, Enrique Peña Nieto, will be opening the summit. Mexico is currently the Lead Chair and has worked to promote a shared vision that fosters openness, accountability and good governance at the national and international levels. The OGP is a multilateral initiative that aims to secure concrete commitments from governments to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption, and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. In the spirit of multi-stakeholder collaboration, OGP is overseen by a Steering Committee including representatives of governments and civil society organisations. To b e c o m e a m e m ber of OGP, participating countries must endorse a high-level Open Government Declaration, deliver a country action plan developed with public consultation, and commit to independent reporting on their progress going forward. The Open Government Partnership’s Global Summit provides a wonderful opportunity for members

of the open government movement to consolidate and build momentum, to reflect on what is working and what is not, and to lay out a framework for further co-operation, exchange and action. In four years, the OGP has grown from eight to 66 countries representing onethird of the world’s popula-

es and governments. The World Bank will be at The Open Government Partnership’s Global Summit. It “provides a wonderful opportunity for members of the open government movement to consolidate and build momentum, to reflect on what is working and what is not, and to lay out a framework

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo in talks with Mexican officials ahead of the summit

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo being greeted by Mexican officials

tion. In total, OGP participating countries have made over 1,000 commitments to make their governments more open and accountable. This year some 1500 participants are expected which will include representatives from civil society organisations, business-

for further co-operation, exchange and action. Over the course of a series of workshops, panel discussions, plenaries and social gathering participants will share experiences from their respective countries and provide real examples of how open-

ness can improve public services, drive economic growth, reduce poverty and make governments more accountable to the people they serve. The Guyana delegation will be given the opportunity to pursue economic and diplomatic interest that will be beneficial to

both countries. The Prime Minister and Minister of Governance in addition to attending the summit will be meeting with Deputy Minister of North America, Dr Carlos Perez Verdia and Executive Director of Institute for Mexican Abroad, Francisco de la Torre. Ambassador Bruno Figueroa from Mexican International Cooperation Agency (AMEXCID) will meet the Guyana delegation to discuss the Acuerdo de Yucatan Infrastructure Development Fund. Visits will be made to the Mexican Institute of Petroleum, National Polytechnic Institute, Museum of Anthropology and Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food

(SAGARPA). Mexico is a large consumer of rice, and a producer, and presently imports over one million tonnes of rice annually. The Prime Minister and his delegation will be given the opportunity to discuss improving the chain of value of rice and sugar cane. The Commercialisation and Agricultural Market Development (ASERCA) is in charge of facilitating food security through market channels and will be facilitating the discussion. This year special attention will be paid to the role of, “open government”, in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals of the Post-2015 Development Agenda.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Critic of New York police to speak at Holder’s funeral THE Reverend Al Sharpton, a longtime thorn in the side of the New York Police Department (NYPD), will deliver remarks at a funeral for a cop gunned down last week in the line of duty. Sharpton, who has led countless marches in the five boroughs and across the country against police brutality, will call for unity between the police and the community when he speaks Wednesday at services for Officer Randolph Holder at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Queens. Holder’s family and their minister said the slain cop’s father met with Sharpton on Saturday and asked him to attend and speak. “The city needs to be unified,” said the Reverend Les Mullings, pastor of the Far Rockaway Community Church of the Nazarene. “They didn’t want his death to be in vain.” Mullings said the slain cop believed strongly in

community policing. “He’s going to be a catalyst for unification in the city,” Mullings said. Sharpton could not be reached for comment Sunday. A spokeswoman, Rachel Noerdlinger, said Sharpton had been invited to speak. A day earlier, Sharpton paid tribute to the fallen officer, laying a wreath outside the Police Service Area in East Harlem where Holder served. “When we find police officers who try to protect us and serve our community and actually put their lives on the line to do that, we stand up for those police officers,” Sharpton said at his weekly rally Saturday. “We are not anti-police. We are anti-police-brutality.” Holder, 33, a Guyanese immigrant and third-generation cop, was shot and killed Tuesday night along a pedestrian overpass above the FDR Drive when a gunman opened fire on him and his

partner. The suspect, Tyrone Howard, was arrested and charged with murder. Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Patrick Lynch did not reply Sunday to requests for comment on Sharpton’s planned appearance. A day earlier, after Sharpton criticised procedures that let Howard walk the streets despite his violent past, Lynch said Sharpton was “one of the chief extremists fanning the flames of anti-police sentiment for his own gain.” Ed Mullins, President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, said he was stunned that Sharpton will be a part of the service. “This is an ironic twist,” Mullins said. “Sharpton is a divider. Maybe the family doesn’t understand his history with the NYPD. The city is divided because of people like Sharpton.” Mullins still plans to go

to the funeral and doesn’t expect that cops will boycott the service for their fallen brother. “He’s going to have to throw some magic around if he wants to get those at the funeral on his side and bring peace to the people,” Mullins said. At a Guyanese tribute to his son, Holder’s heartbroken father, Randolph Sr, confirmed Sunday that Sharpton would be speaking at the

funeral. He later shared an emotional tribute to his son at the celebration of life service in Brooklyn. “He was highly disciplined and proud,” the grieving father said. “Proud of himself and where he was going, what he stood for. He was a unique example of a truly disciplined individual and citizen of a country.” Nearly 200 people filled S t S t e p h e n ’s L u t h e r a n Church Hall in Flatbush,

where mourners sang the national anthems of the U.S. and Guyana. Guests watched as a projection screen flashed pictures of Holder between touching tributes to the slain cop. Holder’s fiancée, Mary Muhammad, 32, spoke lovingly about a man she had known since high school. “He’s my best friend,” she said. “He was a beautiful person. Not one person could say anything bad about him. He touched everyone he met. He was amazing.” After Wednesday’s funeral, the fallen officer’s body will be flown back to his native Georgetown, Guyana, for burial in a family plot. (New York Times)

Police seeking to question son for murder of Linden pensioner father THE police are still seeking to question Mark Reid, son of Andrew Reid, an ailing Linden pensioner whose battered body was found sprawled in his home on Saturday last. Mark Reid remains the prime suspect in this killing, which the police are treating as a robbery/murder. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum confirmed yesterday that Mark Reid is being sought although the police have not yet issued a wanted bulletin for his arrest. Blanhum said Mark Reid had indeed served time in a Suriname jail, but up to press time the police were seeking to confirm whether the

sentence was murder-related or robbery-related. The late Andrew Reid’s wife, who had left him home alone on Saturday when she attended church, told one section of the media that she returned home just after lunch to find her husband dead. She said she suspected that something was amiss when she observed that the blinds in the house were untied and were let down to prevent any visibility into the house from the road, or onto the road from within the house. Her husband’s body was found in his bedroom on the day in question. Investigations are ongoing.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Systemic, cultural shift key in winning fight against HIV

– Dr Norton tells UNAIDS confab

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé (in the centre) bordered by UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Dr Luiz Loures (L) and the Chair

“DEEP-rooted cultural and systemic change” is needed to combat the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Public Health Minister, Dr George Norton said as he addressed the 37th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday. He explained that while the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region has set ambitious targets for the period 2020-2030, “deep-rooted cultural and systemic change” is required to create a dent on stigma and discrimination, in addition to the provision of prevention services that will benefit all. “Importantly, people who are most vulnerable must be empowered and must continue to be at the centre of our response. People living with HIV must continue to take prominence in this regard,” the Public Health Minister admonished. Whilst optimistic, Minister Norton said he assured that the LAC region will expend all efforts in ending AIDS by 2030, stressing that “no one will be left behind.” In Rio, Brazil last August, the LAC held its second HIV forum, during which the targets were established for preventative measures instituted for the elimination of stigma and discrimination within the region, with emphasis placed on youths. In alluding to the performance of UNAIDS, Minister Norton said he encouraged by the pace in which UNAIDS is executing its mandate with respect to the Sustainable Development

Public Health Minister Dr George Norton

Goals (SDGs). In endorsing the position put forth by the Honourable Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Minister Norton said ending AIDS requires a response that is “interwoven and interdependent on the SDGs.” Dr Harris, during a UNAIDS Symposium held at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York in September, committed Caribbean leaders to pursue ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. “We in the Caribbean wholeheartedly support the Global Strategy proposed by UNAIDS to achieve the bold aspirational goals of ending HIV/AIDS, which align with the global health targets in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approved by the UN,” Dr Harris had said. In keeping with the commitment made by Dr Harris and the work of UNAIDS, Minister Norton said he is “pleased at the levels of prominence that is given to the youth-led accountability,” adding that “not only must there be youth-led accountability, but we too must be accountable to our youths.” Additionally, he made it known that he has closely reviewed the Addis Abbaba Action Agenda, and as

such appreciates the significance of the discussions. “At country levels, governments are working assiduously to ensure that there is greater country ownership, however the notion of innovate financing is critical to many of our countries. Building private-public partnerships are significant in moving towards 2030.” In lamenting the importance of private-public partnerships, he pointed out that the Caribbean has been fortunate to have this engagement through the Caribbean Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS, and the Guyana Business Coalition on HIV and AIDS. “Mr Chairman despite the progress made in involving the private sector, there has to be greater traction. The private sector must be our partners with policies that ensure equal opportunities for all and denounce stigma and discrimination. There must be systems thinking within our private sectors as key partners that will ensure we achieve the sustainable development goals and by extension ending AIDS.” During the opening session, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé addressed the Board, giving an update of the progress made in the AIDS response as well as outlining the challenges of and opportunities for fast-tracking a global movement to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. According to Mr Sidibé the PCB meeting, which will conclude on Wednesday, is being held at a critical time, pointing out that it is taking place shortly after UN General Assembly adopted the SDGs that will drive the development agenda for the next 15 years. He said it is critical to renew the global commitment to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat. “The countdown to 2030 has started and calls on us to work in different ways,” he said. The PCB will be considering the UNAIDS 2016–2021 Strategy during its meeting. The thematic segment will take place on Wednesday, and will focus on shared responsibility and global solidarity for an effective, equitable and sustainable HIV response for the post-2015 agenda.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Tourism in Guyana poi

- Director General Donald Sinclair By Shauna Jemmott

GUYANAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism is expected to be given a massive lift with the staging of the year-long 50th Anniversary Independence celebrations planned for 2016. Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Tourism,

Donald Sinclair, has said that policies will be in place to govern the industry, and high levels of tourist immigration will be maintained with the internationalising of major local sports and culture events. In a recent interview with Pepperpot, Sinclair indicat-

ed that tourism is a department which needs urgent and greater attention; therefore, government has been inspired to allocate a dedicated ministry to, for the first time in Guyana, address tourism concerns. That ministry has created the new DG office to offer

high-level support to Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes in taking Guyana higher up the list of international tourist attractions, and engaging various institutions and agencies in a collective effort to build the industry. Sports, fashion and culture generally will be used as avenues to

Donald Sinclair, Director-General of the Tourism Ministry

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

ised for major take-off attract travel and investment, generating high revenues. Mr Sinclair says his immediate major responsibilities are the crafting of the National Tourism Policy, supporting Minister Hughes in programme activities, and coordinating inter-ministerial activities to decorate the industry. Minister Hughes was

quoted in June this year as saying that tourism can become a substantial earner of foreign exchange, and a source of employment possibly through the implementation of strong policies formulated to identify niche markets and areas of strategic advantage, such as the exotic local bio-diversity -- flora, fauna, pristine rain forest,

vast rivers with exciting potential for water sports, and waterfalls. “Guyana’s tourism potential is just waiting on us to make it happen,” she was quoted as saying. An Internet website disclosed that the minister said that with rebranding of Guyana as “South America Undiscovered”, there is hope

that funding will be available to execute this massive marketing plan. Meanwhile, Sinclair said recommendations from over 25 years ago will also be included in the policy, which he has already begun developing. Recommendations will also be drawn from a Guyana tourism product development charrette which

local and international experts collaborated in drafting since March, 2003, to help envision a sustainable tourism industry in Guyana. The charrette developed strategic and physical plans for three important sites in the country -- the Rupununi Savannah, the Kaieteur National Park, and historic Georgetown, the document stated.

But although the Director General underlined the importance of flora and fauna in selling our country, he pointed out that tourists are many times interested in beaches and sports. “Tourism in Guyana is going to be driven by a number of different engines. We often speak of see page 18

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Tourism in Guyana... from page 17

ourselves, and rightly so, as a nature adventure destination. Yes, Guyana has a lot of nature. Guyana is part of the Amazon; we have Amazon attractions. There are nature-based attractions. There are eco-tourism attractions in Guyana. Tourism in Guyana will grow on that base.” With God already designing a perfectly beautiful natural aspect, Guyanese are now encouraged to be educated and innovative, he said. “It is the people of Guyana who have to develop tourism. And in order to develop the product, they have to understand what they are marketing and how to market,” Sinclair said. Elaborating, he said, “Product innovation is an important area for the Ministry of Tourism. Apart from that, we must innovate. We must see what we can do with foods. That will put money in the pockets of the producers of the product. What we do with food we can do with our rums, and the list goes on. “Sporting organisations can so internationalise their activities that their sport itself would grow through international competition, and the tourism sector will see page 19

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Tourism in Guyana... from page 18

grow from visitors coming to Guyana for the practice of sport, to be spectators of the sporting event; as coaches; as referees; as part of the outfit relating to sport,” he further highlighted. Sinclair referred to models adopted by neighbouring countries with booming tourism industries. He has worked in the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in Brazil, and has observed that tourism in that country is built mainly upon beaches and festivals. Brazil heaves billions of dollars through its tourism economy, he said. Many tourists spend their time on the beaches, and multitudes travel there to be part of major sports extravaganzas such as World Cup football, which was staged there last year; and Olympics, which will be staged there next year. Brazil carnival has also become a major world attraction, he said. “Brazil gets millions of visitors, but the part of Brazil that has our kind of attraction has few visitors, because it’s not a mass tourism site. The Brazilian Amazon gets about two percent of the tourists visiting Brazil, (but) tourists visit Rio and Sao Paulo mostly for beaches and festivals,” he declared. Barbados, he added, has the ‘Run Barbados Run’ major athletics event; Antigua hosts an international ‘Sailing Week’, attracting yachts the world over; Suriname is fast developing its ‘Wonder of Mars’ international sports and fitness showcase, attracting participants and fans worldwide. Guyana, before, hosted Cricket World Cup, and has potential to accommodate other massive shows; and the Ministry has planned on patterning the annual “Flex Night”, native to Guyana, as a major showcase, attracting participants and fitness lovers from several other countries this December. While he acknowledged that Guyana has beautiful seashores, he said, “Our beaches are more to the interior locations.” And although ‘Rockstone beach’ is interesting and could easily be developed, the people

who go there do not go mainly for fish, wildlife and birds. If Guyana does not present attractive festivals and beautiful beaches in demand on the travel market, we still can attract tourists, but in smaller groups, he disclosed. The Tourism Ministry will, however, not be satisfied until all hotels and resorts record satisfactory occupation, he disclosed. “Because of the kinds of attractions we have, we, for the foreseeable future, should be attracting increasing numbers of small groups of visitors. When our hotels and resorts are recording an eighty-five percent occupancy, we will be satisfied,” he declared. The Tourism Ministry is currently drafting development plans and correlating with other ministries to push products other than nature, attracting vacationers from all over the world. It has already seen increases in visitor inflows. “We have been recording an increase in arrivals over the past five years,” he said. And while “Guyana is a natural paradise”, the ministry is coordinating with South American neighbours -- Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana -- to attract more tourists here through the Guianas trail. While Brazil has millions of tourists each year, French Guiana and Suriname have daily flights with an influx of the vacationers from France

and Holland, who can simply hop over borders. Individuals and agencies overseas have also expressed interest in promoting Guyana abroad, and though the Tourism Ministry is not financially ready to pay for such services, “we are determining the most cost-effective way of having Destination Guyana promoted abroad,” he disclosed. Donald Sinclair assumed duties as Director General in the Ministry of Tourism on 1st October 2015, after returning home from Suriname, where he was employed as Director of the Suriname College of Hospitality and Tourism. He held senior Tourism-related positions in local and international organisations before, serving in Guyana as Special Assistant to former Minister of Tourism, Michael Shree Chan; Executive Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority under former Minister Manzoor Nadir; and Coordinator for Tourism and Transport at the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization in Brasilia, Brazil. He has also lectured in tourism at universities in Guyana, the United States and Canada; executed several tourism researches, and produced well-researched articles on Tourism that have been published in international publications.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Scenes from GDF's Greenheart exercise

Troops of the Guyana Defence Force in action on Monday morning as the curtains came down on the tactical field exercise held in Region 7

Troops as they approached their opponents

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Flood Risk Management Project being implemented THE Government of Guyana and the World Bank are presently executing t h e U S $ 11 . 8 9 M F l o o d Risk Management Project (FRMP) under the Agriculture Sector Development Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture. Agriculture Minister Noel Holder, accompanied by Agriculture Permanent Secretary Mr. George Jervis and FRMPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Project Coordinator Mr. Dhaneshwar James, recently met with stakeholders of the Project Coordination Committee to highlight the way forward for the project with respect to strategies to be put in place to address and improve the flood-defence system to cope with extreme rainfall in Guyana. The project will be implemented to reduce the risk of flooding in low-lying areas of the East Demerara region, and will be executed over a four-and-a-half-year period. The Flood Risk Management Project (FRMP) stemmed from pre-feasibility studies done under the Con-

servancy Adaptation project. Three new pump stations will be constructed in the Buxton/Friendship, Lusignan and Hope/Enmore areas on the East Coast of Demerara, and sections of the East Demerara Water Conservancy dams will be rehabilitated. The Government of Guyana has been working in conjunction with the World Bank, international organisations and other donor agencies to further develop a comprehensive flood risk reduction strategy in the aftermath of the 2005 flood. The Minister said The East Demerara region is highly vulnerable to the vast effects of climate change, and the project is expected to run for four and a half years. The objective of the project is mainly to reduce the risk of flooding in low-lying areas of the East Demerara region, he said. Meanwhile, Jervis mentioned that the Cunha Canal Rehabilitation Project (CCRP), which is similar to the FRMP project, was approved by the World Bank and the GRIF Secretariat,

and will be ready for implementation shortly. The East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC) system has been given priority so as to strengthen its system through the Flood Risk Management Project, which will see more than 300,000 citizens in flood-prone regions of the East Demerara benefiting tremendously from reduced flooding and climate risk. This project will be funded from more than US $11 million coming from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group. As the Flood Risk Management Project rolls on, it seeks to upgrade the critical sections of the East Demerara Water Conservancy dams and canals; significantly improve the drainage capacity in priority areas along the East Coast of Demerara; and increase the institutional capacity by implementation of dam-safety measures and practices, including the installation of instruments to monitor the hydrometeorological data. The project

also caters for acquisition of heavy equipment to fa-

cilitate the upgrading and increased pumping capac-

ity of the critical drainage areas. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Pakistan beat England in nail-biting finish By Matt Smith

covers off Yasir Shah.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Reuters) - Pakistan overcame belligerent resistance from England’s tail-enders to win the second Test by 178 runs yesterday after bowling out Alastair Cook’s men for 312 with just 6.3 overs remaining. Victory put Pakistan 1-0 up in the three-game series and maintains their record of never having lost a series in their adopted home of the. United Arab Emirates Starting the final day on 130 for three and chasing an unlikely 491 for victory, England slumped to 193 for seven after lunch. Adil Rashid (61) and

Pakistan fielders mob Yasir Shah after Pakistan’s thrilling win in Dubai, yesterday. Stuart Broad (30) then added 60 in 90 balls before the latter was bowled by an inswinging Wahab Riaz PAKISTAN 1st innings 378 (Misbah-ul-Haq 102, A. Shafiq 83, yorker. Y. Khan 56, S. Masood 54) England 1st innings 242 J. Root 88, A. Cook 65; W. Riaz 4-66, Undeterred, Rashid and Y. Shah 4-93) Mark Wood (29) were adroit Pakistan 2nd innings 354 for 6 decl. (Y. Khan 118, Misbah-ulin defence as Pakistan capHaq 87, A. Shafiq 79, M. Hafeez 51) tain Misbah-ul-Haq switched ENGLAND 2nd innings (o/n 130-3; Target: 491 runs) between pace and spin to try A. Cook c Riaz b Shah 10 to end their resistance. M. Ali c Y. Khan b I. Khan 1 His team’s appeals grew I. Bell c Y. Khan b Babar 46 more desperate as the overs J. Root c Y. Khan b Babar 71 ticked by and the game enJ. Bairstow b Shah 22 B. Stokes c Misbah-ul-Haq b I. Khan 13 tered the final hour with two J. Buttler c Y. Khan b Shah 7 wickets remaining. A. Rashid c Babar b Shah 61 Seven fielders crowded S. Broad b Riaz 30 the batsmen and the presM. Wood c Hafeez b Babar 29 sure told when Wood edged J. Anderson not out 0 Zulfiqar Babar’s turning ball Extras: (b-12 lb-4 nb-5 w-1) 22 to Mohammad Hafeez in the Total: (all out, 137.3 overs) 312 Fall of wickets: 1-9, 2-19, 3-121, 4-157, 5-163, 6-178, 7-193, 8-253, gully. Five overs later Rashid 9-308. Bowling: I. Khan 14-4-41-2 (nb-1, w-1), W. Riaz 25-4-78-1 (nb-4), was last man out, caught atY. Shah 41.3-15-87-4, S. Malik 10-2-37-0, Z. Babar 47-23-53-3. tempting a drive through the

WAHAB THREAT Earlier, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow extended their overnight partnership, repelling the threat of paceman Wahab who had engineered England’s match-defining collapse in the first innings. However, the England pair proved less able to deal with the spin of Zulfiqar (353) and Yasir (4-87). Root (71) was first to fall after edging Zulfiqar to Younus Khan. The slip snaffled the ball a fraction above the turf to reduce England to 157 for four. Misbah turned up the heat by positioning helmet-clad fielders at silly point and short-leg to accompany two slips. Bairstow initially read the spin well, lurching forward to pad the ball away and getting on his heels to defend, before he was cleanbowled for 22 by a Yasir googly. Jos Buttler continued his poor form, edging Yasir to Younus at slip on seven, and Ben Stokes was removed for 13 when his wayward drive off paceman Imran Khan went to Misbah at slip. That brought Rashid and Broad together and they scored freely. Rashid brought up his maiden Test half-century with a scrambled single but ultimately it proved in vain. Sharjah will host the final Test from November 1.

McCullum, Williamson warm up with fifties

BRENDON McCullum showed no lack of touch in his first match of New Zealand’s tour of Australia, scoring a brisk 58 on the second and final day of their game against the Cricket Australia XI in Canberra. Scores: New Zealand 8 for 368 (Williamson 68, Craig 60, McCullum 58) drew with Cricket Australia XI 4 for 325(Khawaja 111, Burns 102 Kane Williamson and Mark Craig also compiled half-centuries as New Zealand passed the CA XI’s total

and moved along to 8 for 368 when stumps was called. There was plenty of interest in how McCullum would fare in his first innings after he rested from the Prime Minister’s XI match following his trip to London to give evidence in the Chris Cairns trial. McCullum was his usual aggressive self and struck four fours and three sixes on his way to 58 from 49 deliveries before he retired to allow his team-mates a hit. He was one of six New Zealanders to retire as most of the batsmen enjoyed some

valuable time in the middle; only two wickets fell to the Australian bowlers throughout the day on a pitch offering little assistance. The tall Queensland fast bowler Billy Stanlake had Martin Guptill bowled for a duck when he shouldered arms, and Ross Taylor was caught behind off Jason Behrendorff for 16. Williamson struck 13 fours in his 68 from 80 deliveries and Hamish Rutherford retired on 41 from 89 balls. There were also contributions from BJ Watling (41), Luke Ronchi (39) and Craig, who

struck seven fours and two sixes in his 60, before he was the last man to retire as the match petered out to a draw. Peter Siddle bowled with good pace at times during his 13 overs but was unable to make a breakthrough, while Ashton Agar leaked 111 runs from his 22 overs and Mitchell Marsh’s nine overs cost 60. New Zealand’s preparation will continue with a four-day game also against a Cricket Australia XI, starting in Sydney on Thursday. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Pele, Fruta Conquerors... from page 32 in favour of Pele after their ‘star’ Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson scored the game winner late in the contest, but on Saturday, it was an entirely different story. Richardson was his usual dominant self; virtually unstoppable in the game, but head coach Calvin Allen ensured that Pele’s talisman would have to work extra hard on the night. Despite the team’s defensive brilliance, Pele almost conceded the night’s only goal in the 31st minute when Dennis Edwards collected a sweetly crossed ball from Eon Alleyne but the lanky player’s header went crashing into the woodwork. The ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ were echoed around the ground but on the other end, Richardson’s shot also beat the keeper to come off the post. Nothing much changed in the second half with the teams creating an equal number of chances that didn’t materialise into goals. In the 56th minute, Edwards was once again culpable of missing Conquerors chance, but he was this time denied by Pele FC’s Devon Charles in goal. Pele came close to scoring through John ‘Brown Boy’ Waldron whose shot from just over the half had beaten the Fruta Conquerors custodian but the ball came off the crossbar. Meanwhile, Lanferman continued his exceptional form in the STAG Elite League when he netted in the 11th and 56th minute to take his goal tally to seven; the same as Pele FC’s Richardson and the most in the league. Wilson scored in the 75th minute for Alpha United who remained in contention to play in the playoff of the top four teams starting on November 27. The result, however, was the GDF’s fourth loss of the league and though being gifted an additional three points after Slingerz FC had forfeited their clash, the military men continue to struggle.

WICB mourns passing...

from page 32 against an equally depleted players returned from World Australian side on debut in Series Cricket and he was Guyana, ending the series discarded. with 257 runs at 42.83. Williams continued to This earned him selec- represent Jamaica with tion for the subsequent Tour distinction until his retireof India, where he again ment in 1986 and served performed well, scoring 212 the game in his homeland runs at 35.33 – including a in a number of areas including selector, board hundred at Calcutta – but member and team manafter that series the leading ager.

South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Golden Man 08:55 hrs Work Ethic 09:30 hrs Caymen Sunset 10:05 hrs She’s A Looker 10:40 hrs Celtic Heroine 11:15 hrs Graduation Day 11:45 hrs Honolua Bay English Racing Tips Catterick 08:40 hrs Sadie Babes 09:10 hrs Card High 09:40 hrs French Press 10:15 hrs Evanescent 10:50 hrs Sinakar 11:20 hrs Jan Smuts 11:55 hrs Tarando 12:20 hrs Lorimer’s Lot Lingfield 09:00 hrs Arab Poet 09:30 hrs Von Blucher 10:05 hrs Real Smart 10:40 hrs Staintondale Lass 11:10 hrs Naizah 11:40 hrs Just Because 12:10 hrs Cabuchon

Bangor 09:55 hrs Fred Le Macon 10:30 hrs Theinval 11:00 hrs Two Taffs 11:30 hrs Chankillo 12:00 hrs Bayley’s Dream 12:30 hrs Criq Rock Irish Racing Tips Punchestown 09:15 hrs Tycoon Prince 09:45 hrs Hows Patsy 10:20 hrs Realta Rathcabhain 10:55 hrs Sizing John 11:25 hrs No More Heroes 11:55 hrs Just Get Cracking 12:25 hrs Don’t Touch It American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Carolina Gold Race 2 Grin Race 3 Global Asset Race 4 Cinnamonjellybean Race 5 Four Inch Heels Race 6 Bella Lou Race 7 Eight Wonder Race 8 Litlmisssmartypants

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

UEFA’s Infantino to bid for FIFA presidency By Joshua Franklin

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino entered the race for FIFA president yesterday as Asian soccer chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain declared he had also put himself forward. The surprise announcement from the executive committee of the European soccer authority that it was backing Infantino came ahead of the midnight CET deadline for candidates to register nominations for the presidency of world soccer’s crisis-torn governing body. The FIFA election is scheduled to take place in Zurich on February 26. FIFA is embroiled in the worst scandal of its 111-year history, the United States having indicted several FIFA officials for bribery, money-laundering and wire fraud in May. Swiss authorities are also investigating the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively. Earlier this month, FIFA president Sepp Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini, who had been favourite to succeed him, were suspended for 90 days pending a full investigation by FIFA’s Ethics Committee. Platini would not be able to be officially named a candidate while under suspension but FIFA has left the door ajar for him to run should he later win an appeal against his ban. In the meantime, UEFA has opted to make sure they have a candidate in the race. “We are delighted that Gianni has agreed to stand and he knows that he has our full support in his campaign to become FIFA president,” said UEFA in a statement. “We believe that Gianni Infantino has all of the qualities required to tackle the major challenges ahead and to lead the organisation on a path of reform to restore FIFA’s integrity and credibility.” A multilingual lawyer, shaven-headed Infantino joined UEFA in 2000 and has been general secretary since 2009.

UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino

Former T&T midfielder David Nakhid

He has overseen the implementation of the complicated and controversial Financial Fair Play policy, a break-even rule which clubs are required to meet before they can take part in European competition.

he is struggling to get the backing of five FAs. Another candidate, South Korea’s Chung Mong-Joon, pulled out of the race yesterday. A scion of South Korea’s Hyundai industrial conglomerate, Chung was banned from the sport for six years by FIFA, after an investigation into the decision to award the 2018 World Cup to Russia and the 2022 tournament to Qatar. “Even though I can no longer stand for FIFA president, there is much left for me to do,” Chung said. “I will continue to work with all those who love football to bring about legitimate changes from within FIFA.”

SCRAMBLE FOR NOMINATIONS The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement it had offered overwhelming support to Sheikh Salman who had assured it “that his campaign will be entirely self-financed”. The Bahraini, closely allied to Kuwaiti Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, one of the most powerful men in the Olympic movement, canvassed opinion from Asian associations last week. On Saturday, South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale, a former Apartheid-era political prisoner turned businessman, announced he would stand. A spokesman confirmed Sexwale had the necessary five nominations. Former Trinidad and Tobago midfielder David Nakhid says he has submitted his papers to FIFA, along with former FIFA deputy general secretary Jerome Champagne and Jordanian Prince Ali bin Al Hussein. Liberia’s Musa Bility has said he wants to run. His chances suffered a setback when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) refused to back him, but yesterday the BBC reported that he had the five nominations necessary to stand. Former Brazil international Zico has been campaigning but has admitted

Australia reach knockout stage at FIFA Under-17 World Cup AUSTRALIA will face Nigeria in the round of 16 at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile after New Zealand guaranteed the Joeys’ progression when they defeated Paraguay 2-1 on Sunday. The Joeys, who kept their cup hopes alive courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Argentina on Saturday, qualify as one of the four best third-placed group finishers. Australia, who also drew with Mexico to finish on four

points, progress to the knockout stage for the ninth time in the history of the tournament, with their best result coming in 1999 when they lost the final to Brazil on penalties. “I don’t think anyone expected Australia to get four points from this group,” coach Tony Vidmar said. “But as I said at the start of the tournament, we have a lot of players who can rise to the occasion and step it up. “Credit to our boys; you can never doubt their endeavour, their commitment,

their desire. These are all Australian traits that we have in our blood.” They face Nigeria tomorrow (10:00hrs Thursday AEDT) after the Africans smashed Chile 5-1 and beat the United States 2-0 in the group stages before losing 2-1 to Croatia. Meanwhile New Zealand also qualify for the next stage of the tournament and clash with Brazil following their final-minute victory. (The Guardian)

Lewis Hamilton should target Schumacher record - Mansell

LEWIS Hamilton should target Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world titles, according to 1992 champion Nigel Mansell. Hamilton won his third championship with victory at Sunday’s U.S. Grand Prix to draw level with racing greats Sir Jackie Stewart and Ayrton Senna. Mansell believes that fellow Briton Hamilton, 30, is “untouchable”. “Lewis is hot favourite for the 2016 and even the 2017 championship,” Mansell told BBC Radio 5 live. German driver Schumacher’s record title haul in-

cluded five back-to-back titles between 2000 and 2004. Mansell believes the reliability of the Mercedes car is key to Hamilton emulating Schumacher. Only once this season, in Singapore, has Hamilton been forced to retire from a race. Mansell added: “In the present day, no one can touch Lewis. He deserves every accolade. There will be jealousy that he is in the best team. “It is the start of even bigger and better things to come. I would say (to Hamilton): Focus on Michael Schumacher’s record. “There is no reason why

LEWIS HAMILTON he cannot win more backto-back titles. Schumacher had the most reliable car in F1 history, he won three world championships on reliability alone. (BBC Sport)

Mourinho charged with misconduct after being sent to stands LONDON, England (Reuters) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) after being sent to the stands for the second half of his side’s 2-1 loss at West Ham United on Saturday, the governing body said yesterday. “Jose Mourinho has been charged with misconduct in relation to his language and/ or behaviour towards the match officials in or around the dressing room area at halftime,” a statement said. The FA confirmed that Mourinho’s assistant Silvino Louro has also been charged with misconduct in relation to his behaviour which led to his 45th-minute dismissal from the technical area. Both West Ham and Chelsea were also charged with failing to control their players during incidents at the end of the first half of the

London derby at Upton Park. All parties have until 1800GMT on Thursday to respond. Earlier yesterday an FA spokesman said Chelsea would be fined £25 000 ($38 327) and asked for their observations because six of their players received a yellow card. One of them, Nemanja Matic, was sent off, making seven cautions in all. Matic’s red card upset both Mourinho and Louro with Mourinho reportedly going to see referee Jon Moss at halftime. Moss’s report, submitted yesterday, of the incident triggered the FA charge against Mourinho who has already been served with a suspended stadium ban this season after criticising a match official following Chelsea’s home defeat by Southampton earlier this month.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho His latest misdemeanour gations after a game. would not necessarily result Neither Mourinho nor in the stadium ban being any of his coaches attended implemented but adds to the traditional post-match his woes after Chelsea’s news conference at West worst-ever start to a Premier Ham. League campaign, having The normal sanction is a lost five of their opening 10 warning or a fine although games. the Premier League said that The Premier League is is often not made public. also expected to write to Chelsea have no Chelsea about a possible planned news conference breach of the regulation that before today’s League Cup clubs must fulfil media obli- match at Stoke City.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Herath leads Lanka to series win over West Indies

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - Rangana Herath picked up four wickets while spin partner Milinda Siriwardana took three as Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by 72 runs on the fifth day of the second and final Test yesterday to win the series 2-0. West Indies, who lost the first Test in Galle by an innings and six runs, were all out for 171 in the second session as their wait for a first win in the format in Sri Lanka continues. The tourists made a bright start in their chase of 244 but their hopes of a series-levelling win dimmed after losing three quick wickets to the spinners in the morning, with batting mainstay Darren Bravo (61) the only one to offer some resistance. “It was a hard-fought win, our bowlers were under constant pressure because our batsmen didn’t deliver,” Sri Lanka captain Angelo

Mathews said at the presentation. “I never had doubts about my bowlers. “Rangana Herath has enough experience. He showed his masterclass at the end.” West Indies resumed on 20-1 after rain washed away the final session on the third day and the entire fourth day’s play and looked in firm control of their chase. Shai Hope, who was unbeaten during the weather disruption, and Bravo started positively, taking the attack to the spinners, and added 60 for the second wicket. Mathews turned to all-rounder Siriwardana to break the stand and the leftarm spinner did exactly that by dismissing Hope in his fifth delivery. Hope danced down the wicket to the bowler but the ball spun enough to beat his bat and resulted in an easy stumping for wicketkeeper Kusal Perera. Out-of-form Marlon Samuels (six) survived several nervous moments before falling to Dilruwan Perera

two Tests. “As a bowler you might get hit for three or four sixes. I don’t mind. At the end we took them out.” The wily left-arm spinner also dismissed Jerome Taylor (1) and then returned to take the final wicket of Kemar Roach (13). West Indies captain Ja-

Milinda Siriwardana was adjudged man-of-the-match for his all-round performance. with Mathews completing a sharp catch at slip. Siriwardana, who was adjudged man-of-the-match for his all-round performance, claimed his second wicket when Jermaine Blackwood (four) was out leg-before with West Indies quickly slumping from 80-1 to 102-4. Blackwood challenged the umpire’s decision but failed to overturn the decision. Left-hander Bravo handled the spinners well with some positive footwork and

completed his 13th fifty in Tests with three fours and two sixes. Herath, who was targeted by Bravo and hit for two consecutive sixes, got in on the act after lunch by dismissing wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin (10) and Bravo in the same over to banish any hopes of a West Indies victory. “As a spinner and a bowler, we got to take responsibility,” Herath said after being adjudged the man-of-theseries for his 15 wickets in

Wilson is new EBFA president

FRANKLIN Wilson was elected president of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) when that entity held its AGM on Sunday at the Kuru Kururu Community Centre, Kuru Kururu, Linden Soesdyke Highway, yesterday. Chairman of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling and General Secretary Diedre Davis were present to conduct the elections. One list of executives was submitted to the association and subsequently the federation. The other executives elected are First vice-president - Kevin Anthony, Second vice- president - Noel Harry, secretary - Wayne Francois, treasurer - Dwayne Lovell, assistant secretary/ treasurer - Roxanne Dey, committee members - Clive Matthews, Seenauth Ramsahai, Marlon Leitch, John Woolford and Noel Punch. In congratulating the new executive, Urling encouraged them to continue being committed to the development of the game in the association, and by extension Guyana. He noted that the EBFA elections were the 14th the GFF has conducted in the ongoing process to have associations

son Holder rued the lack of patience from the team’s batsmen. “We got to look at our games. We just got to be a bit more patient,” Holder said. “Every time we came under little pressure from the Sri Lanka bowlers, we succumbed to it.”

SRI LANKA 1st innings 200 (M. Siriwardana 68; J. Warrican 4-67) West Indies 1st innings 163 (D. Prasad 4-34) Sri Lanka 2nd innings 206 (K. Brathwaite 6-29) WEST INDIES 2nd innings (o/n 20-1, target 244 runs) K. Brathwaite lbw b Prasad 3 S. Hope stp. K. Perera b Siriwardana 35 Da. Bravo c Mathews b Herath 61 M. Samuels c Mathews b D. Perera 6 J. Blackwood lbw b Siriwardana 4 D. Ramdin c Mathews b Herath 10 J. Holder lbw b Siriwardana 7 K. Roach lbw b Herath 13 J. Taylor c Siriwardana b Herath 1 D. Bishoo run-out 0 J. Warrican not out 20 Extras: (b-3, lb-1, nb-6, w-1) 11 Total: (all out, 65.5 overs) 171 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-80, 3-97, 4-102, 5-124, 6-125, 7-133, 8-136, 9-138. Bowling: D. Prasad 10-2-38-1 (nb-1, w-1), N. Pradeep 3-0-11-0 (nb-1), R. Herath 19.5-3-56-4, D. Perera 20-4-37-1, M. Siriwardana 13-1-25-3.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday October 27, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) WI vs ENG, Bourda, 1930 (2) WI vs SL, Antigua, 1997 Today’s Quiz: (1) How many WI have now played Test cricket? (2) How many SL have now played Test cricket? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

New EBFA president Franklin Wilson (5th right), GFF Normalisation Committee Chairman Clinton Urling (4th left) and GFF GS Diedre Davis (3rd right) with some other EBFA executives after yesterday’s elections. prepared constitutionally for the upcoming GFF elections on November 14. Wilson, in remarks, thanked the clubs for the high level of confidence reposed in him and promised to guide the upward climb of the clubs and association in a positive direction pointing out that all must work together. Wilson also congratulated Urling and his team for the fine job they have done in reviving Guyana’s football and promised to ensure that the good work they have done is continued. The EBFA will this Satur-

day conclude the Lens Craft Under-13 league with the final game, - Agricola Red Triangle (already assured of the title) versus Kuru Kururu Warriors. Agricola are on 12 points, the same as second-placers Grove High Tech and third-placers Herstelling Raiders. Agricola have a goal difference of +16, Grove +7 and Herstelling +6. Also on Saturday, the association will kick off its Under-17 league while the following Sunday, an Inter-Village 7-a-side competition will get cracking.

The association has taken a decision that its senior league will commence early in 2016. The Kuru Kururu Warriors Club will collaborate with the Guyana Beach Soccer Association to run off a familiarisation programme which will see matches being played on November 1 at Kuru Kururu, Herstelling and Diamond. Clubs present at Sunday’s meeting were Agricola Red Triangle, Herstelling Raiders, Mocha Champs, Diamond United, Grove Hi Tech and Kuru Kururu Warriors. Unavoidably absent were Soesdyke Falcons.

NOTABLE DATES JUNIOR welterweight Keith `Crusher’ Thomas travelled to Canada in October 1994 for his fourth overseas bout. Fighting against Nigerian-born Canadian citizen Moses James, Thomas lost by unanimous decision when the eight-round contest concluded at the Curzon Health Centre in Ontario on October 27. James was a 26-year-old upcoming junior welterweight at the time and was undefeated in four fights. On the other hand, Thomas, a former Guyana champion, was one year younger than his opponent and had won eight of 13 professional fights. The defeat was the third consecutive for Thomas who extended it to five by October of the following year. `Crusher’ turned professional in 1991 and was crowned national junior welterweight champion two years later following a points-victory over Linden `Buckman’ Mortley. The more experienced Barrington Cambridge relieved him of the title in April 1994. In a career that spanned 16 years Thomas fought Cassius Matthews three times (winning all three) and Dillon Carew twice (losing both). One of his most crushing victories occurred at the National Sports Hall in October 1998. Marvin Dean was knocked down several times as Thomas went on to win by TKO in the fifth round.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 27, 2015

STAG Elite League double-header tonight at the GDF ground

... Pele vs GFC; Monedderlust against GDF FOLLOWING their scoreless draw against Fruta Conquerors on Sunday, Pele Football Club will look to further extend their lead in the points standing when they come up against the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) in the opening game tonight from 18:00hrs at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayanganna ground. In the night’s second game, the Army will come up against Monedderlust - a game between two teams who were convincingly beaten in their previous matches, in the STAG Elite League. The GDF went down 3-0 to Alpha United on Sunday while the night before, Monedderlust lost 2-0 against Slingerz FC. In their first game, playing on the opening day of the league, Pele FC walked away 2-1 winners, with Deon Alfred and Jermaine Somerset finding the net and Lennox Cort scoring for GFC.

However, the two teams did not have the same fortune eight games later. Pele FC ended up as the league’s top team while GFC are struggling to keep up and are currently lagging in seventh place with eight points. It will be interesting to see how the GFC defence keep up with Richardson who is in a class of his own in the league. The forward, popularly known as ‘Jackie Chan’ has proved that he simply can’t be stopped and can shift from being the goalscorer to the facilitator, as seen in Pele FC’s 3-0 win over Alpha United. Despite scoring seven goals, Richardson only failed to find the net in three of the nine games played so far, one of which was against GFC. The striker later noted that not scoring against GFC was not a fault of their defence but rather his fault. In several interviews, Richardson said that he has a

Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson personal score to settle with GFC, and based on his form, fans could expect another exceptional performance from the forward. Nonetheless, with GFC being one of the few teams without a ‘star’ player on their roster, the club has so far been able to play ‘within their means’. Kurt Johnson, Curtez Kellman and Romario Welcome are all capable of tak-

Guyana must come out swinging to retain CMRC title By Stephan Sookram GUYANA will have to come out swinging if they plan to retain the Seaboard Marine Caribbean Motor Racing Championships 2015, as they currently lie third in the five-country event. The Guyanese (533 points) sit third, 147 points behind current leaders and second-leg hosts Trinidad and Tobago (658), and third-leg holders Barbados (533). They will have no easy task in retaining their crown at the South Dakota Circuit. The Trinidadians have already confirmed a 13-man strong racing team, nine of which will line up in Group 2, three for Group 3 and one for Group 4 and as the current point-leaders, will be looking to upset the defending champions. The likes of Chet Singh, Shairaz Roshandin and Shan Seejattan will be called on to defend against the Trinis team of Marc Gill, Haresh Nanan, Mark Williams, Damien Nes-

bit, Daryl Ali, Saleem Deen, Justin Sanguinette, Aqeeb Ali and Rainier Amar. Gill (150 points) currently leads the championship after three rounds, leaving Barbadian Mark Thompson (90) points and Jamaica’s Jordan Powell (75) the only realistic title challengers. Thompson has formally indicated that he will make the Guyana leg while Powell has pulled up short of the Championship. At the Group 3 Stage, Garey Barrett of the Cayman Islands sits ahead of the pack with 138 points, his realistic challengers being Trinidad’s Paul Vieira (108), Guyana’s Danny Persaud (70), Jamaica’s Natsha Chang and Barbados’ Kurt Thompson on 62 each. Vieira, Chang and Thompson are also expected in Guyana. At the Group 4 Level, defending champion Kristian Jeffrey has already taken the Championship with 183 points with his nearest competitor and namesake Kristian Boo-

doosingh (101) giving his commitment to being here nonetheless. This time around, the battle for the young Jeffrey will be to secure the CMRC lap record at home in Guyana, as he inked his name on three of the four host countries. On the two-wheel end of things, a Guyanese will surely be crowned and a Vieira at that, with the battle between the veteran Stephen and his younger cousin Elliot. Stephen currently leads with 133 points with Elliot 14 points adrift and any mistake that the veteran makes could cost him dearly. The multi-time Caribbean champion set the lap record at the Jamwest raceway In Jamaica earlier this year (1 min 11.665 sec) with Elliot hitting back by shattering the Barbados record (1 min 04.269 secs). All eyes will be focused on Guyana to see who comes out riding when the dust settles. Race weekend in Guyana will be November 14-15.

The current CMRC points standing

ing the game to GFC but as seen in previous games, should the Bourda club play collectively then Pele FC will be in for a long night. Meanwhile, the night’s second game, GDF versus Monedderlust should also be interesting based on the standings of the two clubs. Monedderlust had their perfect record at home snapped by Slingerz FC and it was also their sixth loss of the STAG Elite League (tied with Buxton United for the most). The last time the two teams met, Monedderlust came from behind to defeat the GDF 3-2. But history shows that the Berbice club are hard to beat at their home ground and tonight at the Camp Ayanganna ground, things will be a little different. The Fraser brothers Delwin and Delroy will lead the charges for coach Denzil Thompson while West Coast Berbice club will turn to their play maker Kevin Cottoy and Travis Henry.

Jacobs’ six for 46 puts Leon Johnson’s XI on top

STEVEN Jacobs bagged 6-46 with his off-spin for Leon Johnson’s XI as Robin Bacchus’ XI were dismissed for 141 on the first day of the second Guyana Jaguars 4-day practice match at the Guyana National Stadium. Jacobs tested the surface brilliantly in his performance even as Robin Bacchus posted a fighting innings of 45 which included eight fours. Raj Nannan (25) and wicketkeeper Dexter Solomon (19) were the other primary scorers down the order. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie supported with 2-18 while pacers Keon Joseph and Christopher Barnwell claimed a wicket each. At stumps, Johnson’s XI were 76-2, trailing by just 65 runs with opener Assad Fudadin unbeaten on 26. Nightwatchman Gudakesh

Motie was removed without scoring. Shimron Hetmyer dominated alongside Fudadin with 43 before he was caught at mid-off hooking off a Ronsford Beaton delivery. Earlier, after electing to bat first on winning the toss, openers Bacchus and ‘Tage’ Chanderpaul (3) were separated when the latter was trapped lbw facing his 38th delivery. Kandasammy Surujnarine, Tevin Imlach (8), Kevon Boodie and Javon Searles (6) all went cheaply to the aggressive Jacobs and good captaincy by Johnson who rotated his bowlers well. Kemo Paul (5), Jacobs’ final victim fell with the score on 78-7. After Nanan, Steven Sankar (17) and Solomon fell, Paul Wintz was left at the other end on 1. D a y t w o ’s a c t i o n will continue today at 09:30hrs.

Overseas cyclists here for `Tour of Guyana’ five-stage cycle road race THE ‘Tour of Guyana’ Five-Stage cycle road race has attracted international attention with several foreign riders already expressing their interest to be a part of the event, which wheels off on Thursday with the first stage starting outside the Corriverton Police Station and ending at Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam. Already, several cyclists from Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua are Colombia are in the country trying to get acclimatised to the current hot conditions that is prevailing throughout the country. This year’s event, which is being organised by national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed, will be the ninth edition of the race which was previously known as `The Ride For Life’. The five-stage event is expected to be very competitive with the locals, many of whom come from the Team Coco’s club and include a number of foreign cyclists making up their numbers. Apart from Team Coco’s, there is Team Gillette Evolution which comprises five locally based riders and Team United that includes several United States-based riders.

Continental Cycle Club has a solo representative in Geron Williams, a star in the making, but, with no help from team members, it will definitely be difficult for him to play a prominent role in the proceedings yet he is expected to give a good account of himself. The National Sports Commission (NSC) and Education Ministry’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sport are the key organisers and it is understood that they have been the recipients of sponsorship from the Tourism Ministry as well as beverage giant Banks DIH Limited. Brand Manager of the Rainforest Brand, Errol Nelson, disclosed that “this is part of Banks DIH’s corporate social responsibility to support and aid in the development of sports in Guyana, and our sponsorship of this cycle road race demonstrates our steadfast commitment to the development of cycling in Guyana”. The race, which will be a total of 266 miles, will commence outside the Corriverton Police Station, Corentyne, Berbice at 07:30hrs and conclude at Main and Alexander Streets in New

Amsterdam. On the same day, the second stage will start at 14:00hrs from the Rosignol Ferry Stelling and end at Carifesta Avenue. The next day, the third stage will begin at 09:00hrs outside the Wales Police Station and finish at Bushy Park, East Bank Essequibo. Stage four will be on October 31 and will commence at 07:30h from Supenaam, Essequibo Coast, before proceeding to Charity and returning to Suddie for the finish. The final stage begins at 08:30hrs at Kara Kara, Linden Highway, and will conclude on Homestretch Avenue. Director of Sport Christopher Jones indicated that this year the event would be different as greater emphasis would be placed on taking care of the riders, in terms of making sure they have proper accommodation and meals are provided. Jones stated that the race would be in keeping with the focus of sports tourism as it would be visiting six of the 10 regions in Guyana. The winner will pocket $1.2M.

Sport CHRONICLE

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Holder calls for Windies to show more patience after series loss DESPITE another Test series defeat, Jason Holder is confident West Indies can learn from their disappointment in Sri Lanka. West Indies captain Jason Holder has urged his batsmen to show more patience following a 72-run defeat to Sri Lanka yesterday that sealed another Test series defeat. The tourists went into day five on 20-1 following a day-four washout in their pursuit of 244 for victory. But the Windies slumped from a seemingly strong position of 80-1 to 171 all out despite a battling 61 from Darren Bravo as Sri Lanka secured a 2-0 series whitewash. The Windies failed to score 200 in either innings and have not won a Test series in 2015, but Holder believes there is plenty they can learn from this disap-

Pele, Fruta Conquerors play to exciting draw ... Lanferman, Wilson sink GDF 3-0 By Rawle Toney FRUTA Conquerors and Pele Football Club played to an exciting, scoreless draw while Delon Lanferman and Daniel Wilson impressed to lead Alpha United to a 3-0 win over the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) when the STAG Elite League continued on Sunday at the Tucville Community ground. Pele FC extended their reign at the top of the points standing with 18 points while Fruta Conquerors moved to fourth on the table with 12 points.

Delon Lanferman

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews collects the trophy from Sir Garry Sobers and Michael Tissera at the P Sara Oval, in Colombo, yesterday.(See full story on Page 30). pointment. patient and patience is key,” “There is a lot we can “We fell just short in Holder said.”Whenever we take away from this sethis Test; we didn’t bat well came under pressure from ries, we are still a young enough in the second in- the Sri Lankan bowlers, we team and we have a lot to nings. We have got to be succumbed to it. learn.”(Sportsmax.com)

The win for Alpha United puts them in second place (16 points) and above rivals Slingerz FC (15 points) and was a bounce back following their devastating 3-0 defeat to Pele FC in their last game. Meanwhile, watched by another large crowd, the game lived up to the hype of two clubs having a score to settle. Their first meeting in the league ended in a 2-1 win see page 28

WICB mourns passing of Basil `Shotgun’ Williams KINGSTON, Jamaica – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) last night expressed its profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences to family and friends, following the passing of

former Jamaica and West Indies batsman Basil `Shotgun’ Williams. He was 65. Williams played seven Tests for West Indies between 1978 and 1979, distinguishing himself with two hun-

dreds in his brief career. “We mourn the loss of another servant of the game in the Caribbean,” said WICB president Whycliffe ‘Dave’ Cameron. “Indeed, the Jamaica Cricket Association

and the Kensington Cricket Club family of which he was a part for all of his life will miss him. “I knew ‘Shotgun’, as he was affectionately known, having been a member of

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Kensington for so many years. He was captain of the first team and I had the honour of playing with him. He was a tough, but fair captain and a no-nonsense guy.” Williams earned his place

in the West Indies side, partly due to a solid regional firstclass season in 1978 and the defection of many leading players to Kerry Packer World Series Cricket. He hammered a hundred see page 28

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2015