10 6 2015

GUYANA No. 104334

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2015

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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Govt wants Roger Khan testimony

INCLUDING VAT

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…will take up U.S. offer to help launch local probe

Roger Khan

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President David Granger confers Guyana’s second highest National Award on former Chief Parliamentary Counsel Brynmor Pollard and former Prime Minister Hamilton Green during the Investiture Ceremony on Tuesday (Delano Williams)

Some records of 2008 CARIFESTA spending destroyed - Sharma

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Rice farmers 2 demand concessions …to cushion fallout from low paddy prices P.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Some Records of 2008 CARIFESTA spending destroyed –Sharma

IMPORTANT financial and other records concerning the Carifesta X activities held here in Guyana have been destroyed, Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma, overseeing a number of state audits, has said.

The audit also revealed so far that approximately Gy$1B was spent. Sharma told the media that the audit into CARIFESTA X is complete, but there were several challenges. “Basically, with CARIFESTA and other activities that were over a period of time, like six years…there was a difficulty in obtaining records… the records were damaged and so forth,” said Sharma as he fielded questions about the various audits undertaken by this administration.

The minister noted that the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act stipulates that all entities maintain records for a period of seven years. “I would have

Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Ministry of Finance thought that they would have preserved those records,” said Sharma. He said, however, that his ministry now has a better understanding of how the event was funded, and a “little

insight into it; and it gives us an understanding how to plan if we are to carry out another exercise like that.”

CARIFESTA X festivities were held in Guyana in August 2008. Former Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, had said an audit would have been done into CARIFESTA X activities by the Auditor General. He had also said that the audited accounts would have been made available. This did not happen, years after his promise.

The former administration hosted CARIFESTA X to the tune of Gy$500M. The opening ceremony was held at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, and was equipped with modern lighting systems. An American lighting company, MUSCO, was awarded the contract to install 160 feet of lights. Cabinet at the time had approved the procurement of a stage at US$605,519; other contracts were awarded for the upgrading of the eastern and western pavilions of the National Park at costs of $8M and $13M respectively.

$2.3M were also awarded for the upgrade of a culvert located at Dennis Street.

Several venues were used to host the CARIFESTA activities, namely: the Umana Yana, the National Cultural Centre, the Theatre Guild, the National Conference Centre, the National Park, the National Exhibition Site, the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, the various museums, the National Library, Castellani House, the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, the National Gymnasium, the University of Guyana, the Parade Ground, the Botanical Gardens, and the Seawall Band Stand.

Meanwhile, giving an update on the overall audits,

Minister Sharma said the findings so far are “very revealing.” He said the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) is currently being audited. “I am looking presently at [the] National Frequency Management Unit, and the findings are very revealing in terms of the entity. I believe, looking from the report, it (NFMU) was not properly managed.”

The minister noted that the audits are uncovering that many statutory bodies and semi-autonomous agencies operated in an “ad hoc way”.

He said findings show that “they would take instructions from cabinet and, of course, they have large sums of money in their pos-

session; and the previous administration used them to fund activities which the National Assembly could not look at, or determine how the money was spent.”

Sharma reiterated that the audits are not aimed at targeting anyone, or witch-hunting anyone from the former administration. “As I said basically, these are statutory bodies and semi-autonomous agencies, so it wasn’t to target anybody or to see if any minister stole any money,” he said.

That can only be done if the government decides to carry out individual audits of the ministries.

“Only then we could pronounce on such things,” Minister Sharma stated.

Rice farmers demand concessions …to cushion fallout from low paddy prices

By Rabindra Rooplall BACKED by the PPP, rice farmers who protested along the Vlissengen Road entrance to the Agriculture Ministry yesterday have promised to continue this exercise indefinitely until a reasonable solution is found by government to assist with the poor prices of paddy and a static market.

Some of their placards read: “RPA demands tax concession for rice farmers,”; “Rice Industry is not only private, GRDB is state entity for managing rice”; “Mr. President where is the $23B”; “Farmers need tax free fuel”; “Renew the PetroCaribe deal for rice”; among others.

Some who travelled from as far as Region 2 (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and the Upper Corentyne, Berbice said that they feel the new government has a responsibility to keep the APNU+AFC manifesto promises.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Noel Holder has disclosed that the government may consider the option of providing rice farmers with certain concessions. The con-

siderations will be made as preparations for the 2016 fiscal budget are in high gear.

The farmers are pleading with government to work towards the restoration of an industry which benefits thousands of rice farmers across the country. The farmers are also citing the promise made by the APNU+AFC on the campaign trail to make payments of up to $9,000 per bag of paddy.

Rice Producers Association (RPA) General Secretary Dharamkumar Seeraj who was leading the protest said the industry is going through some tough times and farmers were promised high prices for their paddy in the period leading up to the May 11 elections.

Underscoring that promises were made for $6,000 to $9,000 per bag of paddy if the APNU+AFC government was elected to office, Seeraj said, “now we have a situation where farmers are getting $1,500 and $1,600 per bag of paddy which will lead to a crisis.”

REQUEST FOR CONCESSIONS Adding that rice farmers

have protested many times before, he said farmers are requesting concessions on fuel, spare parts and government input to cushion the present crisis in the rice industry.

“A lot of the farmers have not been paid for paddy supplied since last March… Another issue is that farmers have started harvesting and are getting very low prices and there is no way they can survive on the present prices they are being offered currently.”

He explained that “This will definitely affect the next crop and they will be unable to pay mortgages and those who have borrowed from the banks will be unable to pay their loans which would cause bankruptcy. Banks will go after them because of the Financial Institutional Act; loans may have to be restructured along with many other issues to assist farmers.”

He said this kind of protest will be continued until they see favourable responses from the government. “Government cannot say that rice is private sector and they don’t want to intervene while they are intervening with fiscal measures for the gold industry. Rice is much bigger than that since 120,000 people benefit directly and indirectly from the rice industry. Now they say they may be considering concessions for next year. But until then many farmers will not be able to go back into the crop because of the tremendous loss,” Seeraj lamented.

He said that the rice board is totally financed by the farmers “so you can’t say to the industry that is totally financed by farmers that they are private sector then you totally control it and not want to give support to farmers.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Govt wants Roger Khan testimony

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… will take up U.S. offer to help launch local probe

By Ariana Gordon

THE Guyana Government has said it will take up a United States offer to access the testimonies given by convicted drug-trafficker Shaheed Roger Khan, in order to open local investigations into the Phantom Squad which the self-confessed PPP government-backed crime fighter had led.

President David Granger, back in August, had given his administration’s clearest signal that he intends to investigate the Bharrat Jagdeo-era killings, and on Monday, new U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway, was asked whether Washington would facilitate handing over testimony given by Khan during his trial.

Holloway told reporters that there are certain agreements that exist both through the UN, the OAS, “and quite possibly Guyana, (which) do allow that in certain cases, if the rules and regulations of the agreement are done with Guyana, or we have signed up under the UN or OAS to allow for such a thing, we would be sure to be disposed to cooperating within the framework of the rule of law.”

He added that a lot of time the requirements for such requests are pretty high for what you have to be able to provide to be able to go further. “We don’t allow fishing expeditions, we actually need something sort of concrete and (that) we could see on paper and touch; but within the agreements that we have -- and we have done multilateral or international forums -- we cooperate with any country in the world,” he said.

CRIMINAL NETWORK Back in 2003-2006 Khan, had set up a criminal network here, including active policemen and a number of former ranks, ostensibly to go after criminals, but at the same time protecting his narco-trafficking interests. He was nabbed in neighbouring Suriname in 2006 while fleeing local police, and was later handed

over to U.S. authorities.

Although the PPP Government has sought to distance itself from Khan, the drug trafficker had stated publicly in an advertisement in local newspapers that he was fighting crime on behalf

U.S. courts during Khan’s trial.

Dr Ramsammy has always denied knowledge of the document.

Meanwhile, when quizzed on the U.S. offer, Minister of State, Defence

US Ambassador Perry Holloway

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

of the Bharrat Jagdeo-led government. Khan had also implicated former Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy in his escapades, and documents bearing the then minister’s signature authorising the purchase of a sophisticated wiretapping device were produced in

Board Secretary Joseph Harmon, said: “Definitely!

We would have an interest in what came out of the trial because it points to some levels of collusion with the past administration and the criminal elements; that is where the evidence is. If it is there, we would be happy to have it, because they

have always said, ‘where is the evidence? Where is it?’ Well, that is where it is, and if that is where it is, we will go and get it and let the Guyanese people know who was doing what at that time,” Harmon declared.

Roger Khan During his trial, Khan pleaded guilty to trafficking cocaine, witness tampering and gun-running, and is currently serving a 15-year prison sentence. Special

Agent Cassandra Jackson of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, in her affidavit to the U.S. Court about Khan’s involvement in the drug trade in Guyana, had said: “Khan was ultimately able to control the cocaine industry in Guyana in large part because he was backed by a para-military squad that would murder, threaten, and intimidate others at Khan’s directive. Khan’s enforcers committed violent acts and murders on Khan’s orders that were directly in furtherance of Khan’s drug-trafficking conspiracy.”

Jackson told the court that the U.S. Government’s case was to establish that Khan was the leader of a “violent drug-trafficking organisation”, and that he and his co-conspirators obtained large quantities of cocaine and then imported the cocaine into the Eastern District of New York and other places for further

distribution. Khan also had his hands -- based on testimonies -- in the killing of anti-PPP political activist Ronald Waddell and countless other citizens.

EARLIER COMMITMENT Back in August, at a Critchlow Labour College forum, President Granger had indicated that he would launch an inquiry into unsolved and unnatural deaths between the years 2000 and 2008. He stated then that the issue is one of the priorities for his administration. “In due course, I will ensure that all of those mothers’ children who were killed have their deaths investigated,” the President told the gathering of the Cuffy 250 Third Annual State of the African-Guyanese Forum.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 7, 2015

Harmon flays PPP over missing office furniture claims

STATE Minister Joseph Harmon has dismissed claims by the People’s Progressive Party that furniture and other equipment are missing from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, formerly used by now President David Granger.

At a news conference on Monday, the PPP’s Gail Teixeira claimed that a number of laptop computers were missing, and that the party was told that the equipment was out in the region. She also said that current Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat

Minister of State Joseph Harmon Jagdeo, is renting a building on Church Street and would like to have the furniture and other equipment previously used by Granger when he

old office on Hadfield Street, Georgetown. That office was used by now President David Granger from 2012 to 2015.

She added that when it was queried at the time, her party was told that 13 laptops were out in the regions. Asked whether the party would be opposed to having new computers purchased, Teixeira, who is also the opposition Chief Whip, said the issue was a matter of principle, while nothing that purchasing new assets would only be a burden on the $10M budgeted for the Office of the Leader of the Opposition.

However, in a fiery response to the PPP’s claims, Minister Harmon has said that the PPP would have rented a building, and “it is not the same building that was used by the APNU when we were in the Opposition.

“They have rented a building! The furniture is in the building! They have to come and move it! I am not moving any furniture for Rohee or Jagdeo or anybody. It is there, they can get it whenever they want; and the Clerk of the National Assembly is

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira was in opposition.

“The building that once housed the Office of the Opposition Leader is now reported to be an annex of the Ministry of the Presidency, therefore the use of the Office of the Opposition is stymied, as we understand that the old office is now occupied by presidential advisors,” Teixeira told a news conference on Monday.

Noting that this has caused a delay in the setting up of the constitutional office for Leader of the Opposition and former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, Teixeira said several items, including laptops listed on the Parliamentary Registry, were not seen during the inspection of the

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aware of it, because he is the person who has to make the arrangements. So I don’t know what noise, what hot air Rohee is blowing. If they have nothing to say, why doesn’t he shut up and go and do something profitable?

Why is he making noise about furniture?” Harmon asked.

MISSING LAPTOPS Harmon further noted that Teixeira has not contacted him or President Granger on the issue of the missing computers. “If there is in fact an issue about computers, let them come talk to us and we will clarify. We will clarify. We will deal with those matters; but what is going on now is that the PPP has nothing to talk about, they have run out of issues, and so they are manufacturing things as they go along.”

Stressing that all of the equipment is available to be handed over, Harmon said: “the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, you could recall when Brigadier Granger was the Leader of the Opposition, he complained about the manner in which

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the government dealt with that office. You remember him saying all he had was a bicycle? So I don’t know what the PPP believe is in there -- just some furniture, a photocopying machine and some computers. Why would we want to keep that?

So tell Mr. Rohee! Tell Ms. Gail Teixeira! Let them go there at 61 Hadfield Street and collect the items.”

He continued: “Why would I prevent them from collecting something when we would have said it belongs to them? Let them have it! They could have it now! They could have had it last week. They could have had it the day when we moved out of that office.

They were entitled to it, but the PPP took their own time, took months after the people of Guyana voted for them to be the opposition, to actually take up that position. And now, all of the sudden, the world must move at their pace.

“They must understand that we have a country to run and a country to build.

And when they want they can come and get it.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Teachers expected to receive promotions next year

By Shivanie Sugrim

FOLLOWING the recent injunction filed by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) regarding the 2015 promotion list for teachers, the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) is aiming to resolve matters outside of court and teachers are expected to receive their promotions in the coming academic year.

In early July, the teachers union filed an injunction against the TSC, objecting to the publication of the final list that comprised teachers who were promoted for 2015.

The injunction was filed because the union felt that the commission had “deviated” from its rules and regulations in the way it processed promotions.

The court has since granted the injunction and halted the promotions until the matters is resolved.

During a brief interview yesterday with this publication, President of the GTU Mark Lyte said that after the second court hearing

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- as TSC, GTU meet today to settle issues ‘outside of court’

TSC Chairman, Leila Ramson

which was in mid-September, both the TSC and the School Boards Unit indicated their intention to settle the issue “outside of court”.

“The second court hearing was on the 18th of September and after that the TSC and the School Boards have decided to settle the matter outside of the court through dialogue to find out what the issues are exactly, so that the promotions [teachers promotions] can go through in the near future,” Lyte said.

He added that the union

GTU President, Mark Lyte

is “very satisfied” with the request made by both parties, since it was the GTU’s intention from the beginning to have the matter addressed accordingly.

According to Chairman of the TSC Leila Ramson, the commission will be meeting with the union today to iron out the matter and to decide on steps to be taken.

“If all goes well in discussion, teachers can rightfully take up their places in the new school term,” said Lyte.

The matter between the two bodies hovers around the process by which the TSC promotes teachers, given that it is the top authority that governs how teachers’ promotions should be executed. And according to Lyte, the commission has been making decisions on the basis of “comments” penned by respective Regional education officers (REDO) and officials at the Education Ministry on the application forms when teachers apply for promotion.

DEVIATION “The TSC receives the form from the central ministry and act on just the comments instead of the points, which is an accumulation of the years of experience and qualifications of a teacher. So the TSC basically deviated from the rules,” explained Lyte.

IMPARTIALITY

He further explained that the GTU decided to file the injunction to ensure that the process of promoting teachers is “impartial”.

Though some teachers might have scored the highest possible points, they were refused promotion, because of reports from regional officers or head teachers that they needed more supervision. Moreover, a person with fewer points was instead promoted. This, Lyte said, is “unfair”.

“If they [TSC] want to use the comments, they have to put that down in the rules,” proclaimed Lyte.

Ramson, when contacted, said that the TSC did not “deviate” from the rules since the comments are a part of the forms and have to be utilised to determine whether the teacher is suitable for the promotion or not.

“It is in the form for a

reason so we need to take note and make use of it.

The comments of the REDOs and other officials are important,” said Ramson, adding that, “the TSC does not have a problem putting it in the rules.” This, she said, will be negotiated when the union and the commission meet.

The third court hearing is slated for November 6th and, according to Lyte, both the union and commission will pen their concerns and present it to the court, so that the matter can be resolved and teachers can attain their promotions.

“The halting of the promotions would have affected schools in some way since some are in need of new administrations. But at the end of the day, it is worth the wait because teachers in the future would be treated in the same way if the matter is not addressed,” said Lyte.

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Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 7, 2015

Kudos to M&CC Dear Editor

EDITORIAL

Celebrating and challenging our teachers

ON Monday, teachers in Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Teachers Day. It is in order for the world to stop for a day to recognise a profession to which we owe a great deal. In fact, we should stop more often than a single day to pay tribute to those charged with nurturing the minds of our children and young adults.

It is the teachers who prepare successive generations for the world of work and ultimately to aid in national development. There is a reason that many of us may forget a lot of people with whom we come into contact but seldom forget our teachers.

The teaching profession is a noble one. The outstanding teacher is one who is drawn to the profession out of a conviction and love for imparting knowledge. Those who become teachers purely out of economic need will soon leave or are likely to be mediocre at best. Teaching is an art that begins with a love for the common people; it begins deep inside. That’s why its integrity should be protected at all cost.

Today critics bemoan the quality of our teachers at all levels of the education system. In facts many blame the poor quality of our teachers for the rapid decline in education. That is a harsh judgement, for many teachers give their all beyond the call of duty. There are still teachers in the system who uphold the best of our teaching tradition.

The fact of the matter is that our teachers of yesteryear have set a high bar which challenges our current crop of practitioners. But there can be no doubt that we still boast a cadre of teachers who continue to make us proud.

Having said the above, there is still room for improvement. Given the harsh economic realities and the relatively low remuneration, teachers find it very difficult to make ends meet. This is bound to affect morale and commitment. No matter how committed or well-trained a teacher is, economic vulnerability is bound to affect the quality of their output. When that is coupled with poor working conditions, one can understand the consequent underperformance. Government and the society at large must give our teachers the proper tools needed for effec-

I REFER to an article in the issue of the Guyana Chronicle dated Friday 18, September 2015 under the caption “$100M to clean key areas of Georgetown – and surrounding communities”. Against the above, I salute the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown for its vision, commitment, fortitude, resolve, resolute and sustained stance in not giving up on Georgetown against all odds, over the past decades; and now recommitting itself and the human and financial resources available to it in support of a Clean, Green City.

For those persons too young to remember, or those who have no personal knowledge or experience of Georgetown, the beautiful garden city, I crave your indulgence as I go down memory lane. I am reminded of my early and youthful experiences of Georgetown: I came to Georgetown from the East Coast of Demerara as a boy to attend high school in 1955.

At that time Georgetown was inhabited by citizens who took pride in its charm and exquisite beauty. The roads were all laid out at right angles, with white lines on the margins demarcating the well-kept avenues and parapets. Macadamised roads met the grass and tree-lined streets which extended to the pavements.

The well-kept pavements and drains were a pride and joy to behold. One could enjoy the city by just going on an afternoon or evening walk or bicycle ride. Young people would “dress-up” just to go around and enjoy the city, which was well lit at nights. Fast forward to today’s consciousness of the decline of the physical environment and general infrastructure of the city, and one would appreciate the gratitude felt by many for the policy being articulated by the Mayor and City Council that seeks, not only to arrest the decline, but also to lay out a programme for a clean, green and beautiful city which under the PPP/Civic administration was starved of financial resources and by extension punished for no other reason than the majority of the citizens were perceived as non-supportive. The experience could be categorized as a slow death by suffocation.

It is my wish that the implementation plan for the Clean Green initiative will be projectised, and the expected outputs identified and developed as businesses which can attract Private Sector, Government and NGO financing. Against the above each of these businesses could be monitored and evaluated, their levels of costs and efficiencies known, and stamped with the hallmark of transparency and accountability.

I want to lay out a programme of activities which fits into the MCC campaign.

It is my belief that all officially demarcated places for human burial or cremation are sacred and should be treated as such. How we manage and maintain such places are reflections on us who are alive. Let us consider two of these final resting places in Guyana – The Bourda cemetery and La

tive execution of their tasks.

Yet teachers must take some responsibility for the falling standards. We recruit our teachers from the wider society and they often bring with them some of the negative qualities from that society. That is a fact that cannot be wished away. But once you enter that classroom, it should become obvious that you are now expected to rise above the failings of the wider society. There is something about the classroom that must summon the teacher to reach for a higher plane. If this fails to happen, then you belong to another profession. Teacher training is important to the formation of the good teacher, but self-motivation and self-training are critical.

It is indeed heartening to see the new Minister of Education and his government investing more in teachers, not only in terms of better salaries, but crucially in terms of training. But we feel that more emphasis should be placed on mentoring. Bring back those accomplished retired teachers into the system, not just as classroom teachers but as mentors to the younger and newer teachers. Encourage

Repentir cemetery. These two sites which are now being cleaned had, over the last two decades, become embodiments of neglect, and deteriorated into garbage dumps.

Many countries have used the historic cemeteries as magnets for attracting and promoting tourism. In Latin America and the Caribbean not only do we have many historic burial sites such as exists in Haiti, The Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Brazil, Argentina etc., but we also have many historic (16 to 19th century) burial sites which have been developed as projects and financed by Jewish organisations, the UK, Canadian, French and Dutch Governments and Funding Agencies in those countries. During the Spanish Inquisition, many of the Jews who were expelled from Spain settled in the Caribbean and Latin America. Also many of the early British, French, Dutch and other colonial administrations left large numbers of their citizens interred in former colonies.

Over the last four or so decades, many Central South American and Caribbean countries have been rehabilitating these early cemeteries and transforming them into parks and other green spaces. These are now used as tourist products.

Here in the Caribbean former Jewish cemeteries and burial sites in St. Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Jamaica and colonial military and civilian burial sites are being rehabilitated and maintained principally to attract tourists. Many of these tourists are taken on guided tours that include Mayan, Elizabethan, Georgian, Victorian architectural buildings and sites.

The Bourda cemetery, the military cemetery in Kingston and other burial sites in Berbice and Essequibo etc. have all the characteristics to qualify and be developed or rehabilitated and marketed as such. Le Repentir has a rich and celebrated history and has attractions for members of the Guyana Diaspora. Many members of the Diaspora on their numerous return visits home would like to visit the graves of their relatives and loved ones, but in many cases cannot do so because of the lack of upkeep of these places.

A few years ago my uncle was buried in the wrong tomb at Le Repentir. He wanted to be buried in his brother’s tomb, but on account of the jungle-like situation at Le Repentir the workers guided us to an accessible location and buried him in a tomb, which later we were told was not that of my other uncle.

Some Caribbean countries have been able to attract development aid from the International Jewish community, the British, Dutch, French and Canadian governments and International Funding Agencies and Organisations to finance rehabilitation works. The Ministry of Tourism should be supportive of such projects. Think about the spin-off businesses that could develop from such a programme.

• Clay brick / cement block production and sales • Horticulture / floriculture production / expansion • Masonry contracting • Park / cemetery maintenance / upkeep See Page 7

more team teaching which pairs newer and more mature teachers.

So as we celebrate our teachers, we say thanks for your perseverance in the face of gloom. Thanks for continuing to want to teach. Thanks for making the most with the little you have at your disposal. Now we ask a little more of you; make a leap for higher heights. Make Guyana prouder of you. When you walk into that classroom tomorrow, resolve to be the agent of change you are meant to be.

Our society cries out for a rebirth which must begin in our education system. Our schools must become nurseries for the new Guyana, which we have always craved. If we are to break out of the cycle of impoverishment and underdevelopment, our education must lead the way as it once did. In this process, our teachers must once again rise to the challenge. The mission must be one that goes beyond individual classrooms and schools; it must be all-encompassing. Restore Guyana to the pinnacle of educational excellence.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Kudos to...

From Page 6

• Tour guides • Taxi, horse and cart operators • Research students / attendance • Painters etc.

In Belize a sister CARICOM member state, the City Council, the Ministry of Education and NGO have partnered to rehabilitate one colonial cemetery and have begun repairing tombs and planting trees that will transform the cemetery into a local park.

Graves of former colonial military officers, administrators and private business leaders who served the colonial system are being identified with their period / date of service recorded to form part of a database. There are guided city tours which identify the colonial buildings such as St. John’s Anglican Cathedral, the House of Culture, other “Old Belize” landmarks and the Colonial Cemetery.

Many of these former colonial Civil Servants, Army Officers and Business Operatives have relatives in the UK, the USA, Canada etc. and piggy back on 1-3 week vacation trips and also one-day (stop over) cruise ships visiting the country to pay homage at the graves of former relatives. Also researchers and scholars use these sites to gather historical data. In closing let me again record my appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for their grand initiative, and hope that the Ministries of Tourism, Communities, Education, and places of learning such as the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education will find some value in this presentation.

Respectfully, HUGH SAUL

EPA on anti-littering campaign in Uitvlugt Dear Editor ON Tuesday seven individuals, some in the uniform of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), visited residents in Uitvlugt on the West Coast of Demerara. Their stated purpose was to issue warnings to residents who allegedly dumped garbage illegally.

It was made clear that the EPA will soon followup on these warnings by issuing fines.

The EPA’s visit was certainly surprising for residents as the first time we had heard of this new enforcement programme. We are calling on the EPA to provide the public with the following information with all possible expediency: i the roles and powers of the teams that will make community visits; ii whether fines can be issued for alleged illegal dumping. If yes, how will fines be calculated and how payments will be made and finally the role of the NDCs and the RDCs in this campaign.

We urge the EPA to bear in mind that the NDCs make no provision for waste disposal in our community in spite of us having paid rates and taxes. We all incur additional expenses in paying a privately owned company to dispose of our garbage.

We encourage the EPA, the Regional Administrations, and by extension the Government of Guyana (GoG), to consider these circumstances and design a waste-disposal programme that would suit its purpose and benefit all involved.

Concerned Resident Sincerely, AMY D. CHINS

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Salary hike for ministers justifiable - Harmon

By Svetlana Marshall “JUSTIFIABLE” is the word, according to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, in a response to queries over the recent decision by the government to increase the salaries of ministers, members of the National Assembly, and special offices.

In keeping with an order gazetted by Finance Minister Winston Jordan, the Prime Minister will now receive an income of $20,580,000 per annum, while every vice president, with the exception of the Prime Minister, will receive an income of $11,135,065 per annum.

On a monthly basis, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo is in line to receive approximately $1.7M, while the vice presidents will receive approximately $927,000.

Additionally, cabinet members would receive $10,439,124 annually, or approximately $869,927 monthly; while junior ministers are in line to receive approximately $695,000 monthly, or $8,346,492 per annum.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Tabulation showing the new emoluments of ministers, members of the National Assembly and special offices

Speaking to a host of reporters at the National Cultural Centre yesterday after the National Awards Ceremony, the Minister of State explained that, prior to the order, a senior minister was receiving approximately $560,000.

NO APOLOGY

“We cannot have a situation that, like in the PPP, they (ministers) were prepared to accept low salaries because they were thieving money all over the place. We are not going to do that, our ministers will have to sign to a code of conduct, a code of service which requires them to act at the different level; so you have to pay people well if you want them to perform” - Harmon

In responding to criticisms which have surfaced since news broke of the increases, Harmon said he has “no apology” for the increase, arguing that they are “justifiable.”

“I am not going to make any apology whatsoever for a minister getting an increase in salaries; they deserve it.”

“That is money I paid to one of my attorneys who worked with me when I was in private practice. Why should I be working for that? If you look at the cabinet, you will find people of quality who are in there, and so I believe that it is

Govt keen on Roger Khan ...

From page 3

In 2012, Granger had drafted a motion which sought to have the very issue addressed, but it was not successful in the 10th Parliament. Back then, the motion had sought to open cases of every unnatural death.

On Sunday, President Granger said the opening of the cases is lawful, and while he has no immediate date for the start, he has already begun discussions with Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams on the matter. Among the deaths which will be investigated is that of former Minister of Agriculture, Satyadeow Sawh, his siblings and the security guard who were gunned down at their home in 2006. “When you have young men being shot in the backs of their heads with their hands tied; when you have so many deaths which have not been investigated; when a minister of the government has been assassinated and you don’t even have an inquest into his death, it is something stink. Something stinks, and we are going to investigate those deaths,” President Granger told the gathering.

The issue of Ramsammy was also mentioned by the President. The President also hinted at the deaths in Bartica, as well as the many policemen and residents from the community of Buxton who were killed during the period 2000-2008. He pointed to the three monuments erected at Bartica, Eve Leary and Buxton to remember those killed. He further noted that never before have so many policemen been killed, and never after so many were killed, than during the tenure of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. However, President Granger called on citizens to allow the monuments to remind them about the deaths which took place between 2000 and 2008.

justifiable.”

He made it clear that the APNU+AFC Government will not put its ministers of government in a position to squander tax payers’ dollars.

CODE OF CONDUCT “We cannot have a situation that, like in the PPP, they were prepared to accept low salaries because they were thieving money all over the place. We are not going to do Minister of State that. Our ministers will have Mr Joseph Harmon to sign to a code of conduct, a code of service which requires them to act at the different level; so you have to pay people well if you want them to perform.”

The Official Gazette was published on September 25, but the order by the Finance Minister was issued on September 23 under the Ministers, Members of the National Assembly and Special Offices (Emoluments) Act (Act 16 of 1991). The order paves the way for the increase in the emoluments to take effect from July 1.

Guyana examines signing onto Hague Convention THE Government of Guyana will soon be examining the likelihood of signing onto the Hague Convention, to ensure that justice can be obtained in a wider range of family-

related issues, when the Family Court commences its work.

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Basil Williams explained that this move would be a strategic one for Guyana, given is geographic location.

“We are a cross-border

country…our people live in Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela and establish relationships… you find a child comes back to Guyana with its mother (and) usually the husband follows and claims the child was abducted…hosting a Hague Conference on family law, which deals with the private international aspects in cross-border countries, would be beneficial to us,” Minister Williams explained.

Since 1893, the Hague Conference on Private International Law has been a melting pot of different legal traditions which have developed and serviced a number of conventions that respond to the global needs of countries in the areas of international protection of children, family and property relations, international legal

co-operation and litigation, and international commercial and finance law.

Attorney general Basil Williams At a recent meeting with the new European Union Ambassador Jernej Videtic and delegation, Minister Williams discussed the topic of international protection of

children, family and property, which addresses areas such as the protection of children, child abduction, recovery of maintenance, protocol on maintenance, maintenance obligations, protection of minors and adoption.

“I apprised them also of the family court...and on the question of hosting a Hague Conference on family law, which deals with the private international aspects in crossborder countries,” Minister Williams said.

T h e c o n f e re n c e o n family law can strengthen the justice system by examining ways in which the laws of cross-border countries can be unified, by finding internationallyagreed approaches to issues such as jurisdiction of the courts, applicable law, and the recognition and enforcement of judgments.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Firemen praised for containing blaze - at top flat of East Street house

By Michel Outridge THE top flat of a twostorey house at Lot 345 East Street, Georgetown was destroyed yesterday afternoon when fire of an unknown origin ripped through the building following an explosion.

Guyana Fire Service (GFS) Divisional Officer in Charge of Operations, Compton Sparman said they received a call at about 15:03 hrs through the 912 emergency line, reporting that a building was engulfed in flames.

He told reporters at the scene that they saw the fire from the GFS headquarters near the Stabroek Market Square which indicated that the building was well alight, and immediately they dispatched four units, two from the Central Fire Station, one from Campbellville and one from Alberttown.

Sparman said that taking into consideration the dry season and that water is a problem in the area, they did not take any chances and so they entered from

Lamaha Street with one unit and commenced firefighting operations.

The senior officer noted that the buildings were in close proximity and many were wooden, but the

DISTRESSED: Noel Mohabir who lives in the bottom flat of the house was at the scene firefighters did a superb job with good planning.

Sparman said, “We fight the fire before it starts, we ensure that the appliances

have enough water and once they get a call from certain areas they don’t waste time and their first alarm consists of three appliances but we sent four because of the dry season and the trenches are very low with water.”

He disclosed that the entire top floor was completely destroyed while the ground floor was water-soaked but without fire damage. The nearby buildings also got minor damage.

Sparman told reporters they had received word that persons were trapped in the burning building and they dispatched their ambulance but when they got there no one was inside.

He said that an investigation will be launched into the cause of the fire and they will be checking the debris and taking statements from persons to start the process.

Eyewitnesses said they saw thick smoke and fire billowing from the top flat of the house and called the GFS and they arrived within minutes and went into firefighting mode.

They noted that the fire started from the back of the house on the top flat and at that time no one was at home.

Firemen dousing the flames at the East Street house A passerby Sean Noel told reporters that he was driving past when he observed smoke coming from the building and telephoned the GFS and they arrived within minutes and he also assisted.

A neighbour Curtis Stanley said he was cooking when he heard shouts of fire. He turned off his stove and went out to assist in positioning

the fire hoses when he saw the building in front of his house engulfed in flames.

He recalled that the flames got very intense and started to spread to the building at the rear, but the firemen did a good job by quickly containing the fire to one building.

N o e l M o h a b i r, w h o occupied the bottom flat

of the house, said he was not at home when the fire started but received a call and showed up, but there was nothing he could do.

The building is owned

by David John, who reportedly resides overseas, while his sister who could not be located yesterday afternoon occupied the top flat.

Overwhelming response moves M&CC to extend interest-free rates amnesty

The destroyed top flat of the two-storey house on East Street

THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has said it has extended its interestfree rates amnesty to October 31, 2015, because of the overwhelming public response.

This gives commercial and residential property owners a second chance to settle their accounts without having to pay interest, given that the

initiative, which initially started on September 1 2015, was slated to run until the end of last month.

In an interview yesterday with this publication, Town Clerk Royston King highlighted thus: “We have received a very good response from property owners, as, even though we are waiving the interest, some property owners

Over three million birth, marriage, death records to be computerised APPROXIMATELY 2,000,000 birth, 1,000,000 marriage and 500,000 death registration records must be entered in their entirety within a three-year time frame.

This means that a minimum of 4000 birth/death/marriage registration records (correct entries) must be entered daily.

This is according to the Terms of Reference (TORs) for the consultancy firm which will undertake the computerisation of the General Register Office (GRO) records. An advertisement is currently out to recruit consultancy services for this project.

The objective of this project is to ensure that all the records for the period 1869 to 2015 are correctly entered in the Civil Events Registration System (CERS), to allow for the complete automation of the process for the

generation of certificates, verification, easy retrieval and storage.

The GRO is the government agency responsible for the registration of civil events (births, deaths, marriages and adoptions) and the issuance of the relevant documents to support this function. As part of its mandate for the continuous improvement in delivery of service to citizens, and to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, the GRO acquired the CERS. An indispensable requirement for the CERS is the need to take data from the paper-based birth, death and marriage registration records (held by the GRO) and enter these into CERS database from the year 1869 to 2015.

It is envisaged that upon completion of this project, the process

for distributing new birth, death and marriage certificates will be significantly reduced, and will allow easy retrieval of information.

The consultant/firm will be required to ensure that for each record entered, there is 100% accuracy. Weekly status reports on proposed targets and achievements and monthly reports on data entries completed must be submitted.

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, under whose remit the GRO falls, had said during the 2015 budget debate in August, that part of a $183M allocation to his department will go towards restoring GRO records. An additional part of the GPOC building has been rented to help in this restoration project.

(GINA)

could not have managed the demand within the time frame.”

Moreover, he said, because the M&CC understands what is going on in the economy, the decision was taken to give property owners another opportunity to come in and settle their accounts as soon as possible.

When it was announced earlier that an amnesty for defaulting taxpayers was being granted to afford them an opportunity to pay their rates and taxes interest-free, residential property owners were offered a 100% amnesty on interest accrued, while

commercial property owners were required to apply for a review by an amnesty panel, before securing between 5075% amnesty on the interest accrued.

All property owners are being encouraged to take advantage of this deal and settle their accounts, so that the City Council could obtain financing to pursue a number of plans currently in the pipeline. Over the years, persons have been withholding payment of their rates and taxes, causing the M&CC to stall projects while finding difficulty in executing routine activities. (Navendra Seoraj)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Bringing the Opposition into Cabinet in executive power -sharing requires careful thought - Pt 11

AS we continue the examination of the absence of careful thought by the proponents of national unity, premised on the opposition being in the cabinet, which is referred to as executive power-sharing, it becomes over important to put this issue in context through historical and present perspectives. Executive powersharing, of which the GTUC was the only national institution that made such a proposal, has seen the term gaining political currency and adopted in various strands later.

In January, 1979, when the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) proposed and presented a document under the signature of Bro. Joseph Pollydore for executive power-sharing to the Constituent Assembly, it was done conscious of the face that the major political forces embraced socialism, which they galvanised the citizens and nation around, and the GTUC supported in principle.

Compounding this, the society was still hurting from the racial upheavals of the 1950s and 60s, there was the Cold War, and conflicts relating to our borders. For Guyana’s survival during these turbulent external and internal periods, the labour movement felt a political solution had to be found to safeguard the nation’s social and economic well-being.

This nation is reminded during the upheavals Guyana was a colony, the United Nations (UN) was still in its embryonic stage, and the country was not qualified to be a member of the UN family. Independence was achieved in the environment of the Cold War, and the UN seeking to assert itself as the principal mediator and standard bearer for human development and good governance. At independence, Guyana became a member of the UN and also joined the Non-Aligned Movement, with politicians offering to this nation their brand of socialism which, even though different in some strains, had lots of similarities.

Today, as the call is made for bringing the opposition into the cabinet, such is made in the absence of any universally acceptable principle. In fact, this notion is only being guided by gut feeling and apparently held hostage to an era inasmuch as the society has moved forward through laws, and the people in their communities on average share cordial relations in their day-to-day lives, while expressing

a right to belong to a political party of choice.

Further, the politics of today has drastically deviated from the politics of the Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan eras. In spite of the shortcomings of both men, there was civility in their discourse, even when they disagreed with each other; there was greater respect for laws; and the leaders were responsive to public outcries. These men saw themselves in service to the people. The behaviour of political leadership has changed today, not necessarily for the better, in the interest of the people, or respect for the laws that are there to safeguard the people.

Additionally, the world has also changed. Today the tenets of the UN and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) are accepted as principal forces in guiding human development, resolving disputes and forging good governance globally. From these tenets which formed the basis of human relations, laws are established undergirded by the principle that all would be held to the same standards and play by the same rules. For instance, trade agreements with the European Union are hinged on adherence to rights.

The USA, considered the world’s most powerful nation, has seen under the Obama administration employing human rights and the rule of law as key pillars of its foreign policy agenda and pursuit of good governance. To this end, the USA’s Representative to the UN has been elevated to a Cabinet position, with rights advocacy resumé.

Our constitution in its present form enshrines “Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual (Title I)”, Rights commissions and Service commissions. Scant or selective regard is given to upholding these even though they are universal and mandatory. The Human Rights Commission was never appointed and this nation awaits news when it will be.

What this nation is clearly seeing is a lack of political will, interest and commitment to respect the constitution and laws by those we have elected to political office.

Instead, political survival, relevance or claimed concern for the people are manifested in playing the race card, or fighting political battles of bygone eras, unconcerned about existing laws, or that the world, people and thinking have moved on. This is not to say that the

race and political conflicts of the past which pitted groups against each other, saw separation of families, blood baths, deaths and mayhem, ought to be forgotten or wiped from our history. No. Having had the personal experience on 23rd August, 1964, when my uncle and three cousins, who were farmers, all of burly physique, and over six feet tall, were murdered in the most gruesome manner in the Abary Creek, because of their identity, the loss and pain would always be there. That having been said, a choice has to be made: Should this nation and its people be held captive by the past, or put systems in place to ensure there is no repetition; or should there be mechanisms in place to deliver justice? Post-1964 has seen the building of bridges in and among racial communities reducing the divide, which has worked towards building trust among individuals. The people’s development in race relations must be nurtured and ensured through application, deepening and strengthening of the constitution by attendant laws and other supportive infrastructure. Also, thinking about executive power-sharing as the answer to resolving conflicts between Africans and Indians in itself is discriminatory, since the other races are left out of the equation, even though Article 149 of the Constitution forbids such practice.

Applying the principles of good governance would see this nation not held captive to the era of racial upheavals, when we have clearly entered a phase where rights and freedoms are constitutionally enshrined to protect citizens from being exploited and discriminated against by their peers and leaders, and ensure prudent stewardship of their business. Seeing that others seem pre-occupied with this notion of bringing the opposition into the cabinet, the question this society must now address is: “Why are leaders giving lip service or are half-hearted in respecting instruments in the society that are built off of UN and ILO principles, seemingly more comfortable offering up arguments for excesses and violation of political comrades and self, on the notion that the Constitution limits them or offers protection?”

To be continued…

Popularity of Berbice river taxis growing - thousands now using service

BERBICIANS’ use of the river taxis to cross between New Amsterdam and Rosignol has jumped by 59% in the past seven days up to October 3rd, compared with patronage in the first six days from September 21 to September 26th.

A total of 5,264 persons have used the taxis from September 21st to 26th, compared with 8,377 persons utilising the service between September 27th and October 3rd. The number of persons using the service for the first 13 days has been recorded at 13,641, of whom 79% are adults and 21% are children and pensioners.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Miss Annette Ferguson, in disclosing the figures, said it indicated the growing popularity of the service, which many Berbicians have

welcomed as a relief to the expenses they would have incurred if they had to cross the Berbice River using the bridge.

“This service is being used by more and more persons [who have become] appreciative of the opportunity granted to them, and [the service] is progressing quite well,” the Minister said.

On the other hand, she disclosed that the ministry was not insensitive to the plight of the Route 56 minibuses, which had been shuttling passengers across the bridge prior to the introduction of the river taxis on September 21st. The minister said she had held a meeting with representatives of the Route 56 buses and had promised that she would seek to obtain permission from the Ministry of Public Security to

have their route extended to incorporate other geographical areas as a form of compensation for their loss of passengers to the river taxis.

The minister said she would be meeting with the Route 56 buses later this week to further fine-tune details on how government can assist them to overcome the challenge to their livelihood posed by the river taxis.

The river taxis were introduced by the APNU+AFC government after the directors of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI), the alternative river crossing, had baulked at the idea of reducing the price of the crossing, even though they were offered commensurate compensation for this.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

CDC activates team to respond to Region 9 El Nino crisis A TEAM from the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), including its Director-General Colonel Chabilall Ramsarup and CDC Deputy Director-General Major Kester Craig, will accompany Minister of State Joseph Harmon on a visit to Lethem (Region 9) today to assess the situation regarding the El Nino crisis.

The intention of today’s visit is to do an assessment of communities in the region affected by the prolonged dry weather. This assessment comes on the basis of reports and information received by the CDC from the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of that region, a release from the CDC said.

The region has thus far activated the Region 9 Emergency Response Centre, and is prepared to deploy supplies, including

water tanks, water pumps and water purification tablets.

According to Craig, those items were positioned in the region and some sub-districts since April of this year.

During today’s visit, also, it is expected that a location will be identified to construct a warehouse where supplies can be stored, making them easily accessible in the event of future similar emergencies. Last Monday, a group of concerned citizens in Lethem, Rupununi, got together to form the "El Nino Committee".

Members of the Committee are: Bryan Allicock, Regional Chairman; Rene Edwards of Conservation International; Roger King of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce; and Clairmont Lye of Beacon Foundation, a release from Lye

said.

The committee aims to sensitise residents in the Rupununi to the adverse effects on their lives brought about by the El Nino phenomenon. “Several indicators already point to an extreme situation in coming months. The level of the Rupununi River is over 15 feet below its normal level for this time of the year, and sandbanks have already started to show in the Takutu River at Lethem at what is traditionally the end of the rainy season. Farmers have also reported that the unusually high temperature is affecting their crops,” Lye said in a release.

He said it is expected that pipe-borne water might reach critical levels in another two or three months. “If this happens, then Lethem will experience a severe water shortage from January to April next year.” Through regular bulletins to each household in Lethem and St Ignatius Village, the committee will advise residents on ways to conserve water. The committee is also making efforts to source a short-term variety of cassava out of Brazil for farmers to plant without delay in low-lying areas. Relevant government agencies are being alerted to the situation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

PPP backpedals on roadside vending …calls on citizens to ignore, dump regulations

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said it has considered reprehensible the actions of government, the Georgetown City Council and the Anna Regina Interim Management Committee (IMC) to regularise roadside vending, deeming this action hostile to the small man “whose daily bread is now being jeopardised unnecessarily.”

The party also called on citizens to dump and ignore calls for them to pay parking fees, calling this measure anti-people. While in government a few months ago, the PPP had supported all these measures and had backed the Carol Sooba-led M&CC administration, as well as the Anna Regina IMC in clearing vendors off the streets. Back in May 2014, the then Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Norman Whittaker, had

gotten some vendors at the Anna Regina roadside to agree to move from the shoulders of the roadway to the market. Whittaker, at a meeting with the vendors and other officials, had declared that roadside vending is illegal and should not be tolerated. He noted at the meeting that at the first quarter of 2014, the then government through his ministry had decided to move all vendors along the roadsides throughout Guyana and place them at stalls in the markets.

Insisting that the practice of roadside vending is illegal, Whittaker had said then that the administration has to fix “the unethical practices.” He added that the council should never accept money from vendors who are doing the wrong thing by selling on road shoulders and government reserves. He had said that in an effort to curb roadside vending, millions of dollars

were invested in the past to construct tarmacs in all the regions.

However, in an about turn, the PPP, in a statement o n Tu e s d a y, s a i d t h a t roadside vendors provide a service to the growing city populace,many of whom are single parents who seek to eke out a living through vending. “The PPP supports regularisation of vending to be conducted i n a n o r d e r l y m a n n e r.

However, the party is of the view that consultation and cooperation must be paramount in the search for a solution that is satisfactory to all the parties involved.”

The PPP added that any solution based on bullyism and force is unacceptable.

“The “good life” that was promised to all Guyanese appears to be evaporating and turning into a nightmare and a stressful life for many. Taking bread out of the mouths of poor,

helpless vendors, wherever they may be plying their wares, is heartless and unconscionable for a government that rode to power on promises of a “good life” for all Guyanese,” the PPP added. The party said the administration “and its satraps at the IMC at Anna Regina, the Georgetown City Hall and elsewhere should withdraw their

harsh and indefensible decision and allow the lawabiding and hardworking Guyanese vendors to continue their activities for the maintenance of their livelihoods.”

F u r t h e r, F r e e d o m House noted that “the reckless call for parking fees to be instituted at the Anna Regina Car Park s h o u l d b e t h o ro u g h l y ignored and dumped

forthwith. It makes absolutely no sense, since any fees of that kind will obviously be passed on to the Essequibo travelling public, including parents of hundreds of schoolchildren.

Those who conjure up these anti-people measures need to have their heads examined and be taught to consider first the basic needs and interests of all working people.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

PPP supports calls for e-counting of votes THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has welcomed the offer by Canada to provide voting machines for electronic counting of votes for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

In a release on Tuesday the party disclosed that they have also noted the offer by the United States (US) Government to make available electronic tabulation of the results of elections.

Alluding to the fact that, legal steps would have to

be instituted to facilitate the introduction of machines for electronic counting and for tabulation of votes at any elections in Guyana, the PPP said they have already issued a call for the electoral reforms which include the likes of enhanced biometrics and e-voting among others.

“Guyana Elections Commission GECOM must be integrally involved at all stages in respect of these offers and must, in the final analysis, be a key decisionmaker on the matter, not the government alone,” the

PPP said in its statement.

The party noted that the introduction of machines for E-counting must be discussed with all the stakeholders in a timely and transparent manner.

The PPP is of the view that after twenty-three years with absolutely no reforms at GECOM to cater for institutional strengthening through more transparent and impartial practices with a view to enhancing its capacity to produce free and fair elections the time has come for reforms at GECOM to be

placed on the front burner.

Prior to 1992 elections the following reforms were instituted; counting of the votes at the place of poll; a new voters’ list compiled on the basis of house to house enumeration; expansion of the Elections Commission and the selection of a new Chairman and international and local Observers to be present at polling stations.

The PPP is convinced that with the following reforms enjoying the support of the Government, Donor Community and other

stakeholders, Guyana’s electoral system supervised

by GECOM will see the cleansing of the Augean stables thus enabling GECOM to make a “fresh start”.

These reforms include; enhanced bio-metrics; electronic voting; bringing the GECOM Secretariat under the purview of the Commission to enable the Commission to give the Secretariat general orders and directions; recruitment of Gecom’s key election officials such as Returning

O ff i c e r s a n d P r e s i d i n g Officers and Poll Clerks through improved transparent and impartial practices; a new voters’ list to be compiled on the basis of a fresh house to house enumeration; review the process that allows for voting by the Disciplined Services; amend the relevant sections of the Representation o f t h e P e o p l e ’s A c t t o allow for the enactment of appropriate legislation to facilitate implementation of agreed reforms and election of a new Chairman of GECOM.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Cuba-trained Guyanese doctors Teachers undergoing orientation Dismissed - urged to serve their country diligently OVER 100 recently trained Guyanese medical doctors are benefiting from a two-day orientation and training programme that commenced yesterday at the Grand Coastal Inn, East Coast Demerara.

The session is aimed at introducing the graduates to the local public health system. It touches on areas such as quality and standards, maternal and child health, Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), standard treatment guidelines, rational use of antibiotics, the HIV/Aids programme, and diabetes control among several other areas.

Addressing the young doctors, Minister in the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings pointed

out that this is only the beginning of a long journey in medicine, and lauded them as they seek to serve their country.

“I commend you for

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health Dr. Karen Cummings addressing the gathering at the training session

your choice to return and serve your country and its people after studying for years in a foreign country…the APNU+AFC administration is set on a course to heal this nation, and you will help us,” she told the batch.

The minister urged that they be prepared to go to every corner of the country to serve citizens. “You will be placed in health care facilities across the country, work diligently…and rise above all challenges,” she said.

She then pointed out that these individuals would be required to work in various areas of medicine rather than only in basic care. To this end, Minister Cummings noted that

Some of the young doctors who were part of the training session

$81.2M has been allocated for the Step Wise approach, the Chronic Diseases Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) survey, which seeks to collect, analyse and disseminate data on chronic diseases.

Further, she advised that patient-doctor relationships are meant to be confidential, and expressed hope that this will be practised with great professionalism.

In closing, the minister urged the doctors to be bold and seek help from their seniors when needed.

Also, officials of the Ministry of Public Health expressed gratitude to the Cuban Medical Brigade, for the role they have played in grooming the young doctors.

- following investigations into flogging of Rupununi schoolgirls

By Shivanie Sugrim

THE teachers who were involved in the flogging of two female students from the Awarewanau Primary School and a school in Deep South Rupununi, Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) have been dismissed following intense court proceedings led by the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

The teachers were charged by the commission after they were caught brutally flogging two female students through a video that was circulated on social media, in February.

Chairperson of the TSC, Leila Ramson, confirmed on Tuesday that the teachers were dismissed on two charges - breach of the teaching service rules that govern the administration of corporal punishment and possible criminal matter.

A video clip was first posted on Facebook in February when two female students were seen being stripped and whipped - while being restrained - as their classmates looked on. The girls appeared to be around 13 and 15 years old and were beaten with a “cow skin belt”. And as a result, they were hospitalised.

“The way the punishment was administered was indeed a case of corporal punishment and it was brutal,” said Ramson.

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA), ChildLink and Help & Shelter among other non-governmental organisations, expressed their worry and called for an investigation into the matter.

Ramson said the Teaching Service Commission visited the region to deal with the matter and the teachers were sent on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation led by the TSC. And as a result of the findings, both the teachers were taken to court and they were dismissed.

Ramson charged that teachers should not proceed along this line and must work according to the ministry’s guidelines or they would be dismissed. She said too, that a child must be disciplined only by a Head Teacher, with less-extreme punishment meted out.

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National Investiture Ceremony...

By Ariana Gordon

C

ITY Mayor Hamilton Green; Historian Sister Mary Noel Menezes; and former Chief Parliamentary Counsel, Brynmor Pollard, led the list of 52 national awardees yesterday when the National Investiture Ceremony returned to this country after a four-year hiatus.

The above-mentioned persons were bestowed with the country’s second highest award, while the late Burnell Lancelot Thomas, Olga Bone and Wordsworth Mc Andrew were

honoured posthumously at the gala event held at the National Cultural Centre.

President David Granger, in brief remarks, said the awardees have served Guyana loyally and are most deserving. National awards, he said, established some 45 years ago, are a symbol of nationhood. “They are the greatest gift that a grateful nation can offer to its best citizens. They express the esteem of our people,” the President stated. He added that national awards, like the National Anthem, flag and

monuments, are ordained by the constitution and “must not be devalued.”

“This congregation must not be disparaged. This ceremony must not be disregarded or belittled. These awards must not be conferred capriciously or irregularly,” said President Granger, who spoke before an almost packed National Cultural Centre. National awards, the President added, “constitute an important institution of the state.”

“It is our constitutional obligation unfailingly to discharge this duty to our deserv-

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Wednesday October 7, 2015

Guyana award ing citizens. We vow to come here to this national centre every year to pay respect to those to whom respect is due. We are the trustees of the traditions which sustain society.”

The President said that recognising the work of deserving Guyanese is a “culture of good governance”. “That is the culture of a good society. That is the culture of a good life,” the President, who is Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, said.

“You have been inducted today into an elite corps of eminent citizens. You are the cynosure of admiration, emulation and inspiration to the nation, particularly to young Guyanese,” said the President, as he encouraged the awardees to let their light shine.

Acknowledging that national awards can be no more than tokens, Granger told the awardees that their awards cannot “calculate the value of your contributions. They cannot measure the magnitude of the selflessness of your service, for which you have been recognised. They are a reflection of the respect and reverence of a grateful nation.

We know that you have toiled in obscurity, sometimes with great exertion and at personal expense, usually without reward, and in most cases over a long period of time,” he added.

The Chancellor of Orders congratulated the many awardees for distinguishing themselves in their respective fields. “We applaud your accomplishments in your diverse fields – academia, business, charitable and community work, engineering, the economy, medicine, public service, religion, sports, teaching, the defence and security services, and other fields of enterprise and endeavours.”

Brynmor Thornton Inniss Pollard receiving the Order of Roraima

A relative of Sister Mary Noel Menezes receiving the Order of Roraima on her behalf

City Mayor Hamilton Green receiving the Order of Roraima from President David Granger

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

ds citizens of ‘distinction’ Stressing the importance of recognising and appreciating the work of Guyanese who have paved the way for others to follow, President Granger said, “Your commitment to the public good deserves requital. Your dedication to the improvement of your professional calling, your community and your country is appreciated and has been acknowledged. Guyana congratulates you on your achievement.”

Granger added that the ceremony ought to be an occasion for national celebration, commendation and congratulation. “Let this not be an opportunity for boorishness, small-mindedness and ill-tempered peevishness. Guyana encourages you to continue, through precept and example, to serve your country,” he added.

LASTING MEMENTOS Meanwhile, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Orders of Guyana, Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, said the awards “constitute lasting mementos and achievements by men and women of our country, whose love and loyalty to country, patriotism, discipline, and dedication to duty earned them recognition”. Singh said, “Every Guyanese should strive to emulate the contributions of each awardee for the good of the country. We warmly congratulate today’s recipients, and wish them continued success in their various fields of endeavour.”

Singh reminded the audiance that it was important to remember those who were conferred with national awards in the past but have died since that last Investiture Ceremony.

None of the 52 awardees

Brigadier Mark Phillips, Chief of Staff of the GDF, receiving his Military Service Star

Jean La Rose, Programme Administrator of the Amerindian People’s Association and Chair of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited’s Board of Directors, receiving the Golden Arrow of Achievement

People’s National Congress Reform’s General Secretary, Oscar Clarke, receiving the Cacique Crown of Honour

received the country’s highest award, the Order of Excellence of Guyana.

The Cacique Crown of Honour was awarded to Edith Myrtle Bynoe, Oscar Clarke, Yv o n n e Ve r o n i c a H a r e wood-Benn, Clifton Mortimer Llewellyn John, Apostle Winston Franklin Mc Gowan, AA; Eshwar Vevakanand Persaud, AA; Supriya Singh-Bodden, Donald Ashley Bevil Trotman, and Apostle Elsworth Quintel Williams.

Meanwhile, Edgar Wrensford Adams, Ivor Allen,

Jeanne Sharon Amelia Atkinson, Basil Brentnol Blackman, Paulette Euranie Bynoe, Mitzy Gaynor Campbell, Malcolm Gregory Chan-A-Sue, MS; Ivor Winston Crandon, Doreen Patricia Duncan, Fazil Shahibdeen Ibrahim Hakh, Maurice Berthwinsdel Henry, Sherlock Ewart Isaacs, Leila Jagdeo, Jean Benedicta Imelda La Rose, Dr. Paloma Ramona Frances Mohamed, Prince Albert Pompey, Evan Brewster Bridgewater Semple, Gwendolyn Agatha Tross and Maurice Wilfred Veecock

were all awarded the Golden Arrow of Achievement.

The Medal of Service was awarded to Mabel Baveghems, Gordon Alphonso Chase, Roylance Patricia David, Jaitun Haniff-Persaud, Noshella Lalckecharan, Godfrey Emerson Marshall, Sheik Shakur Niamatali, Dionysia Nieuenkerk, Amrita Thomas and Burnell Lancelot Thomas.

Brigadier Mark Phillips, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, was the lone recipient of the Military Service Star, while the Military

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Service Medal was awarded to Colonel Wilbert Arlington Lee (rtd.) and to Lieutenant Colonel Walter Leyland Francis Morris(rtd.).

The Disciplined Services Medal for meritorious service was bestowed on Carol Audrey Lewis-Primo, David Kenneth Ramnarine, Carl Vonludwig Grahame, Welton Cuthbert Trotz, Desiree Floretta DeSantos-Moore and Peter Wilson.

The Orders of Guyana were first made in 1970.

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Man arraigned for murder after four months on the run A chained and restrained Edward Simon was yesterday

brought before city magistrate Ann McLennan after four months on the run, arraigned for the murder of Lionel Williams, which allegedly occurred at Tin Cup Backdam, Kanawaruk, North West District (NWD) on May 25 last.

It is alleged that the 45-year-old miner murdered the 35-year-old Williams after an argument had broken out between the two men while they were at a bar in the area.

Simon allegedly armed himself with a knife and dealt Williams several stabs about his body.

Simon was remanded to prison until November 03, and his matter was transferred before the Mathews Ridge Magistrate.

Police arrested Simon on Friday last and transported him to Georgetown to be arraigned for murder. (Clestine Juan)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Bus conductor jailed for three years - fined for narcotics possession

BUS conductor Randy Norton, of Lot 39 Austin Street, Campbellville, was yesterday handed a threeyear prison sentence for having been caught with 14 grammes of marijuana in his possession on February 07 at Cornhill Street, Stabroek, Georgetown.

The sentence was passed on the 36-year-old father of seven by city magistrate Dylon Bess after he was found guilty as charged.

During his first court appearance before former Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, Norton had been placed on $50,000 bail after denying the charge. The matter was subsequently transferred to Magistrate Bess for trial.

In addition to the incarceration, the magistrate also fined Norton a sum in excess of $30,000 for being in possession of the narcotic. (Clestine Juan)

Vreed-en-Hoop farmer on $180,000 bail - for allegedly stealing clothing in NWD

PERRY Boodhoo, a 39-year-old farmer of Lot 19 Plantain Walk, Vreed-en-Hoop, WBD, appeared yesterday before city magistrate Ann McLennan, arraigned for allegedly stealing a quantity of clothing valued at $303,000 from the stall of Margo Gordon at the Port Kaituma Water Front in the North West District (NWD) on Friday, October 02.

Police Prosecutor Corporal Deniro Jones opted for the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) to be applied to the case, and the farmer, with much assertion, pleaded not guilty to the charge and requested that his matter be heard in the magistrate’s court.

He was placed on $180,000 bail after Corporal Jones made no objection in that regard, and will make his next court appearance on November 03 before the Matthews’ Ridge magistrate. (Clestine Juan)

Wednesday October 7th, 2015 - 14:00 hrs Thursday October 8th, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Suriname’s renewed claim “curious”-Insanally …Govt still awaiting official response from Paramaribo

By Svetlana Marshall Suriname’s claim of the New River Triangle is “nothing new” Suriname Ambassador to Guyana Nisa Kurban Badoe said in a preliminary report to Guyana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge.

On Tuesday, Greenidge told the Guyana Chronicle that the Surinamese Ambassador was summoned and an explanation sought on the renewed claims by Suriname.

The Guyanese Government is currently awaiting an official explanation but the Foreign Affairs Minister said “she (the Surinamese Ambassador) was suggesting… that it is nothing new.”

Surinamese President Desi Bouterse would have reportedly told his country’s National Assembly that the New River Triangle (Tigri) will be “back on the agenda” and that he had no “choice” but to do so.

Guyanese Diplomat and former Foreign Affairs Minister, Rudy Insanally, in a separate interview with

the Guyana Chronicle, said while Suriname’s timing leaves for much curiosity, it is very difficult to establish a link between the renewed claims by Suriname and the aggressive actions displayed

by Venezuela in recent times.

“You may want to think that there is some linkage but that may not be because those two claims are independent,” he said.

He said though it has been long established that the New River Triangle is that of Guyana, the two countries must now engage in dialogue to garner a greater understanding of the renewed claims.

“The Government of Guyana has to decide how they will approach it but the two sides must understand why they (Suriname) are making these claims now.”

In the case of Venezuela, Insanally said diplomacy must prevail but with much determination on the part of Guyana.

In addressing the issues l a s t F r i d a y, P r e s i d e n t David Granger described

the claims by Suriname as “spurious,” stating clearly that Guyana would not allow its sovereignty to be violated.

He said though Suriname’s claim is not new, it would not be treated lightly.

Apart from the New River Triangle, Suriname claims the Corentyne River and that is still a matter of controversy because there has never been any treaty demarcating the boundary between Guyana and Suriname, the President said.

He told the press that while the Government is aware of the historical claim that Suriname has made to the New River, now is not the time to advance the claim.

“There is, as you know, historical evidence that the Eastern boundary between Brazil, what was then British Guiana and what was then Dutch Guiana was clearly marked at least by 1936 and that mark is literally indelible.

“What we do know is that the boundaries of all three countries meet there. They don’t meet at New River, they don’t meet anywhere else,” the President posited. He was

referring to the international boundary line of the Kutari River.

“So whatever argument the Surinamese government advances has to start with the Kutari and that’s our argument and that’s what we’re going to stand by; that’s the international boundary. You cannot convene a meeting of your Parliament and change the boundary.”

Meanwhile, during a meeting with President Granger and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro agreed to accept a UN team in Caracas to investigate its claims that the 1899 award which settled the countries’ borders is null and void.

Subsequent to that investigation, the team will report to the UN Secretary General for him to continue discussions to find a lasting solution to Venezuela’s claim.

On February 17, 1966 the Geneva Agreement was signed by Venezuela and Guyana, allowing for a mixed commission of Guyanese and Venezuelan representatives to be convened with the primary objective of finding satisfactory solutions for the practical

settlement of the controversy between Venezuela and the United Kingdom.

Venezuelan had contended that the Arbitral Award of 1899 about the frontier between British Guiana and Venezuela was null and void. The agreement also provided that no new claim or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in these territories (of Venezuela and British Guiana) shall be asserted while this agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the Mixed Commission while that Commission is in being. However, under severe diplomatic pressure, Venezuela agreed to a 12 year moratorium on the dispute with the Protocol of Port of Spain in 1970.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Platini preoccupied as grand plan comes to fruition

By Mike Collett LONDON, England (Reuters) - With an almost unbelievably cruel and ironic sense of timing, Michel Platini’s grand plan to open up the European championship finals to more countries than ever before is reaching its climax just as he faces a possible suspension from football.

The 60-year-old UEFA president, former France great, former national team coach and still French football’s most revered icon, might be persona non grata when his country hosts the 24-team finals next summer.

Instead of basking in some reflected glory after an unexpectedly exciting and open qualifying competition that reaches its climax over the next few days, Platini is facing an uncertain future because of his alleged involvement in a $2M (£1.3M) payment from FIFA which is being investigated by the Swiss authorities.

Platini was a strong ad-

vocate of expanding the finals from 16 to 24 teams despite widespread opposition from many critics who feared the move would ruin what was regarded as the “perfect tournament.”

But if the qualifiers are anything to go by, the expanded finals could take the Euros to new heights, as countries like Iceland, who have never been to a major tournament, and Wales, virtually certain to qualify for one for the first time since

1958, bring a refreshing new look to the old format.

With eight qualifying rounds completed, only Austria, the Czech Republic, England and Iceland have definitely booked their places alongside hosts France next year.

By next Tuesday, 20 of the 24 finalists will be known as will the eight teams going into the four playoffs, being played in November.

A total of 52 interna-

tional matches will kick off between tomorrow and next Tuesday with 32 nations still having hopes of reaching the finals while 17 countries are definitely eliminated.

Nowhere perhaps is the excitement running as high as in Wales, who need just one point from their final two Group B matches against Bosnia and minnows Andorra to reach their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup finals in Sweden.

Venus Williams wins Wuhan Open title

Slingerz FC players dominate ...

From back page (GDF) were voted in while another soldier, (striker) Delroy Fraser made the list.

Dwain Jacobs (Slingerz FC) and Alpha United’s Grenadian striker Kithson Bain rounded off the best eleven of the STAG Elite League, chosen by the media after three weeks of competition.

Meanwhile, gaining honourable mention are Kevin Layne Jr (Monedderlust), Shad Fernandes (GFC), Daniel Wilson (Alpha United), Quincy Madramootoo (Alpha United), Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors), Dorville Stewart (Alpha United), Deon Alfred (Pele FC) and Kurd Johnson (GFC).

As it relates to who the media thought was the best coach in the league thus far, Pele FC’s Justin Bentinck got the nod over Slingerz FC’s Joseph ‘Bill’ Wilson and Wayne Dover (Alpha United).

The media argued that both Wilson and Dover, based on the talented players on their roster, should find success in the league, while Bentinck has to be able to have his players play Richardson.

It was said that Pele FC isn’t the most talented team in the league, more so among the top four, but Bentinck’s ability to formulate plays and play off the strength of his star player, give him the advantage (so far) over the other coaches mentioned.

STAG ELITE LEAGUE MEDIA XI: Winslow McDowall (Slingerz FC GK), Jolanshoy McDowall (Slingerz FC), Dwain Jacobs (Slingerz FC), Vurlon Mills (Slingerz FC), Colin Nelson (Slingerz FC), Trevon Lythcott (Fruta Conquerors), Delroy Fraser (GDF), Eusi Phillips (GDF), Sherwin Skeete (Alpha United), Kithson Bain (Alpha United) and Gregory Richardson (Pele FC).

Coach: Justin Bentinck Honourable mention: Kevin Layne Jr (Monedderlust), Shad Fernandes (GFC), Daniel Wilson (Alpha United), Quincy Madramootoo (Alpha United), Eon Alleyne (Fruta Conquerors), Dorville Stewart (Alpha United), Deon Alfred (Pele FC) and Kurd Johnson (GFC).

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Durbanville 08:35 hrs Durban Beach 09:10 hrs Entre Nous 09:50 hrs Big Ed 10:25 hrs Morning Light 11:00 hrs Princess Salme 11:35 hrs Brilliant Crimson ENGLISH RACING TIPS Nottingham 08:30 hrs Scrutineer 09:00 hrs Jack Nevison 09:30 hrs Princess Kodia 10:05 hrs Mengli Khan 10:35 hrs Machine Learner 11:10 hrs Fei Kuai 11:45 hrs Newera 12:15 hrs Gen I Am LUDLOW 09:10 hrs Dylan’s Storm 10:15 hrs Allthekingshorses 10:50 hrs Lily Waugh 11:25 hrs Hepijeu 12:00 hrs Empty The Tank 12:35 hrs Tullow Tonic

TOWCESTER 09:20 hrs Darnitnev 09:55 hrs Conas Taoi 10:25 hrs Argot 11:35 hrs Boherna Lady 12:10 hrs Samson IRISH RACING TIPS Navan 09:05 hrs Zaindera 09:35 hrs Suburban Sky 10:10 hrs Swamp Fox 10:45 hrs Emergent 11:20 hrs Cook Islands 11:55 hrs The Nutcracker 12:25 hrs Jer’s Girl AMERICAN RACING TIPS Belmont Race 1 Malibu Charlie Race 2 Sanfiera Race 3 Keep mBustin Race 4 Written in Stars Race 5 Theopilia Race 6 Carysfort Reef Race 7 Runner Runner Race 8 Scat Away Race 9 Golden Itiz

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

FIFA presidential candidate Chung Mong-joon ‘facing suspension’

By Jee Heun Kahng SEOUL, South Korea (Reuters) - South Korea’s Chung Mong-joon has said he is facing a 15year suspension by FIFA’s Ethics Committee that

has “sabotaged” his campaign for the FIFA presidency, but he denied any wrongdoing and vowed to continue his bid to lead soccer’s world governing body.

Speaking at a news con-

ference in Seoul yesterday, Chung read out a nine-page statement, addressing the charges against him, which he dismissed as a ploy “to prevent me from running for president of FIFA.” “The fundamental rea-

son why I am being targeted is that I aimed straight at the existing power structure of FIFA,” Chung said.

Bound by confidentiality rules, FIFA’s Ethics Committee has not made any statements on Chung’s case and there was no immediate response to his comments yesterday.

Chung said he was being charged with violating six articles from FIFA’s Code of Ethics, which he said stemmed from his “support” for South Korea’s 2022 World Cup bid and his proposal to launch a Global Football Fund (GFF).

“Ethics committee is not charging me with criminal offence, and it is not charging me with ‘bribery,’ ‘corruption’ or ‘conflict of interest,’ he said.

“All that the ethics committee is relying on is that I have not fully ‘cooperated’ or ‘collaborated’ with the investigation and that I had violated ‘confidentiality’ requirements.”

Chung said his proposals for the establishment of a GFF were in line with FIFA’s rules at the time and had already been investigated and cleared.

He provided copies of two letters, dated November 10, 2010 and signed by former FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, stating that FIFA agreed the integrity of the bidding process had not been affected so the matter was deemed closed.

“Yet the Ethics Committee has now asked for 15 years of sanction for this,” Chung said.

“With the campaign season starting, even issues that had been closed many years ago, have a way of being revived.”

VINDICATION The scion of Korea’s Hyundai industrial conglomerate, Chung, vowed to fight the charges, adding “ultimately, I will prevail and will be vindicated.”

In November, Chung was named in FIFA’s Ethics report into the bidding process for the World Cups in 2018 and 2022, in which South Korea made a bid to host.

The report followed an investigation led by U.S. lawyer Michael Garcia

and looked into letters that Chung sent, in late 2010, to FIFA executive committee members about a proposal to establish a GFF for soccer development.

“According to those letters, Korea intended to raise US$777 million from 2011 to build new football infrastructure and renovate existing facilities,” said the report, which added that the fund was linked to South Korea’s 2022 bid.

“There was nothing unusual about GFF. The GFF was perfectly in line with the football development

FIFA presidential candidate Chung Mong-joon speaks during a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, September 3, 2015. (Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji) projects that FIFA asked every bidding country to propose as part of their bid requirement,” Chung said.

“No money or personal favours were exchanged in relation to GFF and no such charges were made against me.”

Chung, a 63-year-old billionaire who previously served as a FIFA vice-president, formally announced in August that he was running for the FIFA presidency.

The incumbent, Sepp Blatter, is to stand down in February.

Blatter has run FIFA for the past 17 years and recently become the focus of a criminal investigation but has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged.

Chung has been heavily critical of Blatter, saying from the outset that he feared his own presidential campaign would be undermined, describing the Ethics Committee as Blatter’s

“hitman”.

“The true danger is that they are not only sabotaging my candidacy. They are sabotaging FIFA’s election and FIFA itself,” Chung said.

“As preposterous as it may sound, there are media reports that Mr. Blatter plans to stay on as president once all the presidential candidates are forced out.

“However, the election is in danger of being turned into a farce.”

ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS FIFA’s awarding of the 2018 and 2022 competitions to Russia and Qatar is just one of the strands under scrutiny from U.S. and Swiss authorities investigating corruption in the organisation that runs the world’s most popular sport.

Scandals surrounding global soccer exploded in May, when 14 soccer officials and sports marketing executives were indicted on U.S. charges of racketeering, money-laundering and wire fraud in relation to bribery schemes that dated back decades.

Last month, Blatter’s right-hand man Valcke was suspended following accusations regarding ticket sales at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Valcke denies any wrongdoing.

A week later, Swiss prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into Blatter on suspicion of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds.

Some of soccer’s major sponsors have since issued calls for the immediate resignation of Blatter but the 79-year-old has responded by saying he would not quit.

“In June, the European Parliament urged Blatter to resign. Recently, it was joined by the British government and some of FIFA’s sponsors. I appreciate their efforts,” Chung said.

“But they are friends of football, not the constituents of FIFA. The constituents of FIFA are the national associations.

“Therefore, it is not right for national associations to remain bystanders. FIFA is much sicker than it looks.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Arjune’s unbeaten ton spurs HACC to sixth SCA title

By Frederick Halley TORONTO, Canada – In what can only be described as harsh conditions on a cold and sultry day when the sun was never visible, Hawaiian Arctic Cricket Club (HACC) braved the elements to carve out their sixth consecutive Premiere League title when the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) season climaxed here last Saturday.

Led by a match-winning undefeated 103 by former Guyana and West Indies B opener Krishna Arjune, HACC defied what some described as an arctic blast to reach the required target of 203 in 42.4 overs after limiting opponents Scarborough Cricket Club (SCC) to 202 for five in the reduced 45-over affair.

Arjune, who also plays for Brampton Masters in the Toronto and District Elite League, shared a second-wicket partnership of 133 with Azhad Amidon (56) after HACC had lost Mathew Francis (four) with just 13 on the board.

Mixing solid defence with an array of attacking strokes, the experienced right-hander’s flawless knock contained eight fours and a six while Amidon, who hails from Malaysia, struck four fours in an equally responsible performance. Skipper Hemnarine Chattergoon, who

joined Arjune with HACC still needing a further 32 for victory, ended on a quick-fire 24 with four fours.

Earlier, SCC were in some bother at 71 for four in the 22nd over following a solid opening stand of 41 before Arjune, in a unaccustomed role as bowler sent back both opening batsmen.

Centurion Krishna Arjune after his superb unbeaten 103 However HACC were made to wait until the final delivery of the last over to claim another wicket, that of top-scorer Arif Malek whose fine knock of 76 was laced with three sixes and four fours as he shared a face-saving partnership of 131 with Suhail Variava (62) for the fifth wicket. The more subdued Variava hit five fours as

the HACC bowlers toiled to break the stubborn partnership with a few catches also going a-begging.

Man-of-the-match Arjune ended with the splendid figures of two for 19 from his nine overs while there was one wicket each for Ryiad Sattaur and Chattergoon for 22 and 24 runs respectively.

Despite the weather conditions, enthusiastic HACC supporters still braved the elements to witness their players win an unprecedented sixth championship which was celebrated gleefully at the end in fading light.

After the game, an emotional HACC president Narchand ‘Archie’ Mohan declared that his charges had proved that winning was not a destination but a journey According to Mohan, HACC could not have gotten to this height without the support and commitment of the diehards. “This championship is a testimony to all of those who have total belief, trust and love for this great club.

Generations to come will be eager to know who really were these guys, that had one common goal to win and had proved that their goal will always be realised once they have the love and cooperation that once bonded them together.”

Mohan also reserved special praise for the sponsors – Iqbal Rahaman of IR

HACC players and supporters pose after the team’s sixth consecutive SCA Premiere League victory.

Pakistan’s Asif reported for suspect bowling action

(REUTERS) - PAKISTAN off-spinner Bilal Asif has been reported for a suspect bowling action following his match-winning performance in Monday’s third one-day international against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The 30-year-old, playing only his second ODI after making his debut two days earlier, took five wickets for 25 runs and then contributed 38 runs as an opener to help Pakistan cruise to a seven-wicket win for a 2-1 series victory.

Match officials, however, cited concerns about the legality of Asif’s bowling action in their report, the International Cricket Council said in a statement yesterday.

“He is required to undergo testing within 14 days, and, during this period, Bilal is permitted to continue bowling in international cricket until the results of the testing are known,” the statement added.

Construction, Vishal Mohan of Mohan Construction and 747 Bar and Lounge, Lethem, Prem Punwassie of Jusmatt Inc. Liquidation and Surplus, Roy Singh of R.S Cargo Shipping Services and Tyron Madramootoo of T&S Enterprise.

Mohan also noted that during the six-year reign, HACC had fielded different teams and still came out successful. Among those miss-

ing from last year’s winning team were former Guyana wicketkeeper Azib Ali Hanif, openers Harrinarine Chattergoon and Reyaz Prahalad and all-rounder Mahadeo Moonasar while all-rounder Royston Crandon was unavailable because of commitments with Brampton Masters.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago-based Islanders emerged winners of the

First Division, defeating Bilal Sports Club in a close encounter. Batting first, Bilal were dismissed for 196 in 40 overs while Islanders reached the target, losing eight wickets in the process.

Skipper Daniel Ramkissoon led the way for the winners with a top score of 71 while Shahroze Shah (four for 28) and Neil Rampersaud (three for 48) were their best bowlers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Max Persaud strikes golf gold at Suriname Invitational PARMANAND ‘Max’ Persaud struck gold for Guyana when he won the recently concluded Suriname Republic Bank Invitational Golf Tournament last Saturday and Sunday.

Max dominated the Stableford format which featured some 90 golfers from Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, French Guiana and Suriname.

“I found the course a tough one, because of the dryness of the earth,” Max related, “but I kept focus and determined to play well.

“At the end of the first day with 35 points I was fourth in my group, but on the second day I brought in a blazing 41 points to give me an aggregate of 76 points and make me the winner in my group of some 37 golfers.“ It is believed that this is the first time Guyana have won a first in the B-Class in Suriname’s Invitational.

In the Women’s B-Class, 3rd place finisher Shanella

… Shanella Webster picks up bronze

Guyana’s prize group, L-R: Lakeram Ramsundar, Max Persaud, Shanella Webster, and Kalyan Tiwari.

Webster, produced a fantastic and amazing play over the two days.

After being tied for 8th on the first Day, 9 points behind Hanka Wolterstorff, 8 points behind Patty Tjin A Tsoi, and 5 points behind Carmelita vid Blankevoort, Shanella stormed back by 8 points on Day 2 to tie for that day’s second place with Hanka, while Carmelita edged into that day’s first place.

When the aggregates were taken for the two days, winners were – 1st Hanka (76); 2nd Carmelita (73) and 3rd Shanella Webster of Guyana (67).

Patty also amassed 67 but because of Shanella’s better 2nd day’s score she received the 3rd prize.

Shanella also won the Longest Drive in her group while Kalyan Tiwari won the Longest Drive in his Men’s A-Class, and Lakeram Ramsundar the Nearest the Pin prize in the Men’s B-Class.

Pakistan add Malik to squad for England Tests NOTABLE DATES (REUTERS) - Pakistan have recalled all-rounder Shoaib Malik from the Test wilderness, adding him as the 16th member to their squad for the three-match series against England starting this month in the United Arab Emirates.

The 33-year-old former Pakistan captain, who last played a Test in August 2010, has been rewarded for his strong form in the limited-overs matches in Zimbabwe, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.

“Following (team manager) Intikhab Alam’s request, I spoke with my fellow selectors and there was unanimity over retaining Malik, keep-

SHOAIB MALIK

ing in mind his current batting form and the off-spin bowling option could be handy in the all-important forthcoming Test series against England,” chief selector Haroon Rashid said.

Malik has played 32 Tests for Pakistan, scoring two hundreds and eight fifties as well as taking 21 wickets.

He remained unbeaten during the last two matches of the three-ODI series in Zimbabwe with a top score of 96 not out. He also took four wickets.

Abu Dhabi hosts the first Test from October 13, with the last two matches taking place in Dubai (October 22-26) and Sharjah (November 1-5).

Depression widespread in professional football - FIFPro

(REUTERS) - PROFESSIONAL footballers suffer more from depression and anxiety than the general public, with more than a third of current and former players reporting symptoms, according to a study by the world players’ union FIFPro. Of 826 players surveyed, 38 percent of current players and 35 percent of former professionals said they faced problems at some stage, especially if they had suffered serious injuries.

In the general population, the figure is between 13 and 17 percent.

The survey also reveals that current players who have suffered three or more severe injuries are four times more likely to report mental health problems than other footballers.

Former Professional Footballers’

Association chairman Clarke Carlisle revealed earlier this year that he attempted suicide in December 2014 while suffering from depression.

The findings were released on the same day that Carlisle told the BBC that some sports are “failing to address” the issue of mental health.

FIFPro had carried out a pilot study on the issue in 2013 and the latest research shows the scale of mental health problems among players is far more serious than the earlier research showed.

“We hope that with this study comes increased awareness and commitment from all stakeholders in football to put supportive measures in place so that those suffering from mental health problems know they are not alone,” FIFPro’s Chief Medical Officer Vincent Gouttebarge said.

“The findings in the current study

might justify a multidisciplinary approach to a severely injured footballer.

“After surgery, the responsible team doctor and the orthopaedic surgeon should be aware of the potential occurrence of symptoms of mental health problems which may accompany a serious injury.

“This awareness might allow the early treatment of such health conditions, a better and safer return to sports, and the application of supportive measures to prevent the development of severe mental disorders in the long term,” Gouttebarge added.

Data for the survey was gathered from interviews with current and former professional players across 11 countries on three continents. More than half of those questioned played at the highest level in their country for the majority of their careers.

SOUTHPAW Adrian Dodson (Carew) became the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Inter-Continental junior middleweight champion on October 7, 1995.

Dodson stopped Canadian Hughes Daigneault in the fourth round of a scheduled 12-rounder.

The fight was held at the Ulster Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland and provided the Guyanese with his 13th victory in as many bouts. The win came eight months after Dodson flattened former world champion Lloyd Honeyghan.

Their 10-round encounter was shortened to three after Dodson TKOed the former undisputed world welterweight champion in the third stanza. Honeyghan was declared the International Boxing Federation (IBF), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion after surprisingly defeating Donald `The Cobra’ Curry in September 1986.

Dodson also put his hand on a world title, having won the International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior middleweight title in March 2001, one month after Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis became the first Guyanese to lift a world crown.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday October 07, 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:

Ivan Barrow-105 (WI vs ENG, Manchester, 1933) (2) Dinesh Ramdin-128 (WI vs ENG, Antigua, 2014)

Today’s Quiz:

Who is the first WI wicketkeeper to effect 100 dismissals in Tests?

Who is the first WI wicketkeeper to effect 100 dismissals in ODI cricket?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday October 7, 2015

Branford ‘brace’ Guyana to 2 - 2 draw with Brazil AROYDY Branford scored twice as Guyana and Brazil played to a 2 – 2 draw yesterday when the Pan American Hockey Challenge continued in Chiclayo, Peru.

Coming off of their 14 – 0 win over Panama the previous day, the Guyanese getting a go-ahead goal from Branford in the 12th minute.

The Brazilians equalised in the 43 rd minute through Stephane Vehrle-Smith and then took the lead a minute later when Lucas Paixao found the net.

However, not to be outdone, Branford score his second of the night in the 51st minute to give the men from ‘GT’ an important draw.

Brazil will close out the group stage atop ‘Pool A’ with seven points while the Guyanese who played to their second draw of the tournament, will settle for second place.

It means that Guyana will face winner of ‘Pool B’ in the semi-finals on Friday (October 9).

Meanwhile, in their historic win over Panama, the unranked Guyanese team

signalled their intentions from the opening whistle when Shane Samuels scored just 15 seconds into the game, with the easiest of tap-ins on the last post.

Branford added a second in the 4th minute while in the 13th minute, Mark Sargeant added a third.

The only goal of the second quarter came from Jamarj Assanah in the 20th minute as Guyana moved into the half-time break up 4-0.

Guyana came out blazing in the second half and showed their superior fitness, taking advantage of a tiring Panamanian defence.

Robert France scored twice in the quarter, with goals in the 32nd and 38th minutes, while Branford, Orland Semple, Andrew Xavier and Sargeant scored in the 35th, 36th, 40th and 43rd minute in that order.

Semple and Assanah continued the scoring in the final quarter with goals in the 49th and 51st minutes before Branford added two more to complete the 14-0 shutout.

Guyana’s Aroydy Branford controls the ball while being challenged by a Brazilian player during yesterday’s match in the Pan American Hockey Challenge in Chiclayo, Peru

Bowlers to carry responsibility

– Roach

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) – Experienced seamer Kemar Roach believes the bowling department will have to produce consistent performances if West Indies are to win their first series on Sri Lankan soil.

We s t I n d i e s h a v e played nine Tests here over the last 22 years without winning a single one, but are hoping to change their fortunes when they face the hosts in two Tests, starting in Galle

next week.

“It takes getting 20 wickets to win a Test match (and) once we bowl well, I think we have some pretty decent batsmen that can get us over the line,” Roach said here yesterday.

“But we have to bowl well and get 20 wickets. That should be our main focus going into this series.”

He added: “Reverse swing will definitely be an option. Obviously the ball gets old very quickly down here, it doesn’t stay new for very long so you have to start shining on one side and obviously make that side work for you.

KEMAR ROACH

“If you can reverse-swing the ball and bowl a fuller length, you should do pretty well in Sri Lanka.”

The last time West Indies were here five years ago, all three Tests finished in stalemates. However, the 27-year-old Roach emerged as leading wicket-taker for the Windies with ten scalps at an average of 24.

He explained that consistency and bowling fuller lengths had been the key to his performances back then, and said he was now focusing on a repeat.

“That was a very good series for me. I was in good form and I was peaking at

that time so obviously I got Man-of-the-Series. It took a lot of hard work and a lot of consistent bowling to obviously get results down here,” said Roach, who has taken 120 wickets from 32 Tests.

“When you get on the park you have to bowl with consistency. You have to bowl a fuller length because it’s an Asian country still so your length is very important and you have to be very patient and consistent.

“That’s what I was working on in the camp in Barbados and for the first couple sessions down here in Sri Lanka.”

The series represents Roach’s third tour of Sri Lanka and as a result, the right-armer said he was not daunted by the stifling humidity the squad had encountered in recent days.

“I’m getting used to the heat. I’ve been here a couple times and I know how it can be so I’m accustomed to it now and I’m trying to adapt because I’ll be here for a while.”

West Indies’ first assignment will be a threeday match against the Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s XI starting tomorrow at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

Scotiabank Kiddy Cricket Competition …

Thompson’s 61 inspires Green Acres to victory

From left: Shawn Thompson, Jadyan Dowlin and Ariana Laundry

THE first round of the Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket Competition, North Georgetown Zone bowled off yesterday with Green Acres going head-to-head and defeating St Angela’s Primary at the National Racquet Centre ground.

An impressive 61 from Shawn Thompson led Green Acres to victory over the opposition after winning the toss. Green Acres took first strike and posted 119-6 off their allotted 14 overs. Omesh Balgobin supported Thompson with 27. Bowling for St Angela’s Primary, L.Arthur and T. Thomas accounted for two wickets each.

In reply, St Angela’s could muster only 108-8 when their 14 overs expired. Ariana Laundry top-scored with 23 while T. Thomas and J. Griffith chipped in with 12 and 11, respectively.

Jadyan Dowlin was the pick of the bowlers for the eventual victors with three wickets.

Green Acres have progressed to the second round of preliminary matches.

Meanwhile, the competition wrapped up in the Berbice River earlier in the week.

On Monday, Sand Hills Primary School emerged

the champions of the Scotiabank Kiddy Progression 1 Cricket Competition in the Berbice River when they defeated Calcuni by 10 runs in the final.

Sand Hills batted first and made 98 runs, and bowled out Calcuni for 88 runs. The competition started with Sand Hills defeating De Veldt Primary by 61 runs in the first round. Sand Hills took first strike and made 139 runs then bowled out De Veldt Primary for a meagre 78 runs.

In the other first-round match, Calcuni Primary defeated Wiruni Primary by four runs, in a nail-biting encounter. Batting first, Calcuni made 85 runs and Wiruni replied with 81 runs, narrowly missing out on victory.

In the third-round encounter of the day Sand Hills posted 96 then bowled Wiruni out for 75 runs to claim the 21-run victory.

In addition to the matches played, five persons in the Berbice River were able to participate in an arranged Pre-Level One Coaching Programme, compliments of Scotiabank.

These persons were the Headmistress of Wiruni Primary, Sheldon Bovelle, Travis Moore, Leypert King and Jason Denhart.

Sport CHRONICLE

The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com

Branford ‘brace’ Guyana to 2 - 2 draw with Brazil See story on page 31

Richardson named STAG Elite League ‘COURTS Player-of-the-Month’ PELE Football Club’s talisman Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson was yesterday named the COURTS Player-of-theMonth for the STAG Elite League.

Sports journalists, representing the various media houses in Guyana, met at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), where they unanimously voted in favour of Richardson.

In fact, when asked to select a player for the award, the media stated that while the league has been competitive, Richardson stands out above the other players, since he single-handedly carried Pele to their position on the points standing.

With four goals from four matches played so far thanks to Richardson’s heroics, Pele FC are second on the points table behind

Alpha United.

Despite both teams having eight points, Alpha United lead on superior goal difference (+4) ahead of Pele FC (+3).

The award, a $25 000 shopping voucher, compliments of COURTS Guyana Inc., will allow Richardson to shop items at the country’s leading furniture and appliance store totalling the amount of the coupon.

When the STAG Elite League kicked off on Friday, September 18 at the Leonora Track & Field and Football Facility, Pele won the first game 2-1 over the Georgetown Football Club (GFC).

Though Richardson did not find the net, he was instrumental in both goals being scored for his club. In the team’s second game of the league,

Richardson netted both goals and carried Pele to an entertaining 2-2 draw against Alpha United.

Against Buxton United which Pele took a comfortable 3-1 win, Richardson opened Pele’s account just seven minutes into the game when he sweetly timed a Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant pass and hammered it with a left-footed volley that easily beat Jason Cromwell in goal.

Facing Slingerz FC at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayanganna ground, Richardson scored another classic in injury time (90+2 minutes) to secure a 1-1 draw.

Up next for Richardson and Pele FC will be their first meeting with Fruta Conquerors on Friday, October 9, at the Tucville ground from 20:30hrs.

Slingerz FC players dominate ‘STAG Elite League Media XI’

IN THE first of a series of media awards, Sports journalists met yesterday at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), where they deliberated and named the ‘Media XI’ of the STAG Elite League.

Representatives from the various media houses in Guyana analysed what impact each of the selected players had on their team’s standings in the league and also their individual performance.

Pele FC striker Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson who has inspired his team to become one of the success stories of the league was named as one of the four ‘up front’ players.

Richardson lead their attack, scoring four goals from their four games played so far, Pele FC are behind Alpha United on the points standing in second place.

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

Although having one of the best teams in the league, Slingerz FC have only managed to pick up one win (3-0 against Monedderlust). They are however, undefeated because of excellent work done by their defence and goalkeeper.

The media felt that St Vincent and the Grenadines national goalkeeper Winslow McDowall is the best custodian in the league, while his brother Jolanshoy McDowall and Colin Nelson are among the best defenders.

Alpha United’s Sherwin Skeete and Trevon Lythcott of Fruta Conquerors rounded off the top four defenders chosen by the media.

In the midfield, Slingerz FC’s magician Vurlon Mills and Eusi Phillips of the Guyana Defence Force See page 27 WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2015