2015 8 29 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA No. 104296

PRICE: $80

House approves measures to facilitate Budget spending

SATURDAY AUGUST 29, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER Pages

Minister Winston Jordan

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

INCLUDING VAT

– Final act before going into shortened recess

Minister Holder Owner of ‘Andrew Arts’ provides detailed passes on breakdown of Teenaged spending for motorcyclist GuySuCo COI killed at Danielstown Husband charged for murdering wife Overwhelming evidence, inconsistent statements direct DPP decision Centre

The late Andrew Juman and his daughter

Dead: Anil Henry

Pages

Deoram Sookchand

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

President discusses renewable energy options with Barbadian company PRESIDENT David Granger yesterday afternoon met with a team from Innogen Technologies Incorporated, a company based in Barbados, whose core focus is on the utilisation of energy generated from the sun in households and businesses in the Caribbean. Chief Executive Officer, Vancourt Rouse explained that the company’s main interest in Guyana is lending support to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Incorporated in lowering the cost of electricity and improving the delivery to various communities, particularly those in remote areas. “We are looking to help Guyana improve its national competitiveness in certain industries by improving efficiency and cost of energy, which has a very important input in the production of goods and services. So we are looking at the timber industry, rice industry, gold mining operations and the hospitality industry…” Rouse said. Innogen Technologies Incorporated is part of the One Caribbean Media group (OCM). It has been the leading renewable energy installation company in Barbados since 2010.

From L-R- Alfred Granger from Guyenterprise Advertising; Accountant at Innogen, Ramon Patrick; Chief Executive Officer, Innogen, Vancourt Rouse; President David Granger; and Vic Insanally, Public Relations Consultant and Managing Director of Guyenterprise after the meeting at the Ministry of the Presidency

Flour to get tax exemption

Indian High Commissioner pays courtesy call on Minister of Governance

FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan has sought to clear the air of confusion regarding the list of items that have been VAT-exempted. Speaking yesterday at the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing, the minister highlighted that after much deliberation, it was decided that some of the items listed will no longer be VAT-exempted, but in order to compensate for this, more items have been added to the list. He announced that the newly formulated list of VAT-free items include cereals, fresh carrots, Milo and Ovaltine, Nestum, mustard and mayonnaise, chowmein, vinegar, uncooked pasta, ketchup, chicken sausages in packets, Chinese sauce, baking powder, liquid detergent, household cleaning agents, rolls of paper towels, biscuits, flour, and computer printers. Further, he added that locally made fruit juices have been deleted from the list, since the act would

THE Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Venkatachalam Mahalingam, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Minister of Governance, with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman. Minister Trotman committed to meeting with the Indian High Commissioner in the near future to discuss possible areas of collaboration. Minister Trotman also presented the High Commissioner with a copy of his

– certified NGOs to be granted duty-free concessions now instead of wheaten flour alone being zero-rated, all flours will be VAT-free. This, along with a supply of biscuits, has been added to the VAT-exempt list. He further announced: “A supply of items was approved by the commissioner-general, excluding motor vehicles or all-terrain vehicles imported or acquired for use by charitable organisations, charities and non-governmental organisations, (NGOs) or for distribution to the poor and less fortunate, will now be eligible for duty-free concessions.” Finance Minister Winston Jordan

constitute discrimination and a breach of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, while also being arbitrary to the regulations of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). H o w e v e r, w i t h f r u i t juices taken off the list, flour has been added, and

APPROPRIATION BILL Meanwhile, the minister stressed that the Appropriation Bill has caused a lot of confusion for some strangers, but the budget comprises two kinds of expenditure, which are appropriation and statutory expenditures. “Statutory expenditures have the first claim on the Consolidated Fund. For instance, if I own $100 and the lady over there is the auditor general, her salary has a first claim on the $100 before any other expenditure, she can be paid, and other lesser mortals can be watching,” said Minister Jordan. Similarly, with public debts, it has to be paid first. “You do not bring this to the Parliament, and it is not voted or inquired by the Parliament,” he said. (Navendra Seoraj)

Minister Trotman presents a copy of his book to Indian High Commissioner Venkatachalam Mahalingam

book, titled “Parliament in the Republic of Guyana,” which he has written.

The meeting took place at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Brickdam.

Professional ophthalmologists conduct training at GPHC

Lecture: Some of the doctors who were present at the lecture

OPHTHALMOLOGISTS from across the country yesterday received a special lecture on laser matters from Quantel Medical’s Laser Clinical Development Specialist Mr. Stephane Brion, and Eye See You Ophthalmic’s Mr. Sunil Moonasar. After the lecture, which was held at the GPHC’s Resource Centre, demonstrations on how to use the

lasers were also done by Mr. Brion on patients. The main purpose of the training was to familiarise doctors with the lasers, since the hospital will soon be introducing retinopathy screening and laser treatment for diabetic patients. This initiative, a component of the Guyana Diabetes Care Project, will for the very first time be held in the public system. It is expected

to last for three years, but based upon the success of the project, further planning will be considered for its extension. Among the visiting team were Doctors Ronnie Bhola and Dorian Dwarika. Dr. Bhola is a prominent Vitreo Surgeon from Trinidad, who deals with most of Guyana’s diabetic and retinal cases. (Navendra Seoraj)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

House approves measures to facilitate Budget spending

– Final act before going into shortened recess THE National Assembly last evening approved the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill No. 8 of 2015 and the confirmation of the Customs Duties (Amendment of First Schedule) Order No. 10 of 2015, to facilitate measures in the recently approved $181.7B National Budget. T h e I n c o m e Ta x (Amendment) Bill No. 8 of 2015 seeks to amend section 16 (1) of the Income Tax Act to provide that in ascertaining the chargeable income of a person, there shall also be deducted the National Insurance Scheme (NIS)

contributions made by an employee. The amendment increases the nine areas of deductible allowances for Income Tax purposes to ten. Speaking on the Bill before it was passed, Minister of Finance Winston Jordan, explained to the House that the Bill seeks to reinstate a benefit that was previously enjoyed but that was inadvertently taken away by the present regressive flat tax system. “Not only is this contribution critical to employees in the working and non-working life, but it is also an important source of

financing and savings for the Government. This measure continues our quest to provide the good life for all Guyanese by giving back to them, putting more monies in their pockets,” Minister Jordan stated. The Minister explained that this is among the list of pro-poor measures his Administration is putting in place to relieve the burden on the ordinary citizens. “Let’s assume that someone is earning $60,000 at the moment, they will be given a free pay of $50,000 per month that leaves chargeable income of $10,000.

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Now they will be asked to pay 30% (PAYE) of that $10,000 which is $3000, and also asked to pay $3,360 per month as NIS contribution; so in essence their take home pay will be $53, 640,” Minister Jordan explained. He went on further to explain, “The same individual earning $60,000 will be given free pay of $50,000, that leaves $10,000; but also the $3,360 paid in NIS contribution for the month would also be deducted from the $10,000, so that would leave a chargeable income of $6,640, and 30% of that is $1,992, giving this person a take home pay of $54,648.” This means the person has an additional $1,008 per month

or $12,096 per year. Minster Jordan advised that this takes effect immediately. The Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will soon issue guidelines for refund of monies paid up to August 2015. “He will issue also guidelines on how to make the appropriate adjustments so that you start enjoying your benefits and I know that it will come in handy for the Christmas,” the Finance Minister said. Yesterday’s sitting of the National Assembly was the last before the Assembly goes into recess from September 10 to October 10, 2015.

SWAT team, GDF, GPF to tackle crime in Berbice REGARDED as the area with the highest crime rate in the country, Region 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne) has been injected with a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and a Joint Special Operations G ro u p t h a t c o m p r i s e s GDF and GPF personnel. Addressing media operatives at the post-Cabinet press briefing yesterday, Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan revealed that the $21B allocated to that ministry to tackle crime has come in handy, as resources were now available for more

patrols in the areas mapped as high-crime areas, particularly Region 6, East Berbice/Corentyne. “We have managed to get the resources for more patrols in those areas that we have mapped as highcrime areas, like Berbice and the Corentyne; and we have sent down a unit from the Joint Special Operations Group that is made up of the army and police officials,” Ramjattan disclosed. Thus far, an undisclosed number of members from the SWAT team and the Special Crime Unit from ‘A’ Division were sent to

tackle the crime situation in those areas in the county of Berbice. “So we have three bodies of about 12 or 15 men -- that’s about 45 more men - that have strengthened Berbice, and we’re also getting lots more senior detective work there, so it is not simply doing the patrols but doing the detective work; and quality detective [work is] apparently paying off,” the minister disclosed. Following the outcome of the recent murder of 56-year-old cash-crop farmer Pamela Kendall in #45 Village, Corentyne, Ramjat-

tan said the fruitful work of the teams deployed in those areas resulted in Kendall’s husband being arrested. Ramjattan said attempts are being made to fix perceived defects in the GPF, as senior officers are currently training their juniors so as to make them “better detectives.” “We are on our way, and I hope [that], given some time, we can see a reduction in crime. It is not a T/20 cricket when it comes to crime reduction, we have to better the institutions and do lots of work with the policemen,” the minister

Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan

asserted. This year’s figure is $ 1 . 5 B m o re t h a n t h a t which was allocated for the security sector last year under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government in the 2015 fiscal budget. Out of this $21B, a sum of $11.9 billion will support the operations of the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Prison Service, Guyana Fire Service, and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), while $9.1 billion has been budgeted for the Guyana Defence Force. (Shivanie Sugrim)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

Libyan drownings, truck of corpses drive up migrant toll (Reuters) AUSTRIA said on Friday 71 refugees, including a baby girl, were found dead in an abandoned freezer truck, while Libya recovered the bodies of 105 migrants washed ashore after their overcrowded boat sank on its way to Europe. Almost 100 more were missing and feared dead. Both tragedies were a result of a renewed surge in migrants fleeing war and poverty that has confronted Europe with its worst refugee crisis since World War Two. The International Organisation for Migration said it estimated a third of a million people had crossed the Mediterranean so far this year to wash up in southern Europe. Almost two-thirds had arrived in Greece and most of the rest in Italy. At least 2,636 had perished in the attempt. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said European Union leaders were ready for an emergency meeting, if necessary, to discuss the refugee crisis. The White House urged Europe to crack down on traffickers and ensure that migrants’ human rights were protected. In the latest disaster off the coast of North Africa, a vessel packed with an estimated 400 migrants sank on Thursday after leaving Zuwara in Libya. The port is a major launchpad for smugglers exploiting a security vacuum in a country with

the Hungarian border on Thursday, probably at least 24 hours after it had been parked there. The refugees appeared to have been dead for up to two days and fluids from the decomposing bodies were seeping from its door. A Syrian travel document was found among the victims, but more time is needed to determine whether people of other nationalities were on board, Hans Peter Doskozil, police chief for the province of Burgenland, told a news conference. The back door of the truck was not locked but secured shut with wires. Its refrigeration system showed no signs of having been switched on and there were no vents to allow fresh air inside, Doskozil told Reuters. The victims had been

Hungarian policemen arrest a Syrian migrant family after they entered Hungary at the border with Serbia, near Roszke, August 28, 2015 Reuters/Bernadett Szabo two rival governments. Lacking navy ships, Libyan officials were searching for survivors with fishing boats and inflatables provided by locals. About 198 people had been rescued by noon, officials said. “The boat was in a bad condition and people died with us,” said Ayman Talaal, a Syrian survivor, standing next to his daughter. “We have been forced into this route. It’s now called

personal items from drowned migrants. Most migrant deaths have happened at sea. The gruesome find of a truckload of corpses in Austria highlighted the danger faced by those who make it across to southern Europe but depend on trafficking gangs to ship them north toward more affluent countries like Germany. A motorway patrol discovered the abandoned truck near

the grave of the Mediterranean Sea.” The migrants were from sub-Saharan Africa, Pakistan, Syria, Morocco and Bangladesh, a security official said. Many appeared to have been trapped in the hold when the boat capsized. Local officials and residents were putting bodies into red bags on a beach littered with shoes, trousers and other

DATE: 26/08/2015 M 12 28 06 15 13 16 24

28/08/2015

wearing light summer clothes. Of the 71 dead, 59 were men, eight were women, and four were children, including a girl estimated at one to two years old and three boys aged roughly eight to 10. Hungarian police said they had arrested four men - three Bulgarians and an Afghan and had questioned roughly 20 people after conducting house searches. “We expect that this is the trace that will lead us to the perpetrators,” Doskozil said, making clear that the people being held were not the ringleaders of the trafficking gang. Authorities were transporting the bodies to different Austrian morgues. A Reuters witness saw one truck carrying around 10 bodies entering a Vienna forensics centre.

Chad sentences 10 Boko Haram members to death

CHAD has sentenced 10 members of the Islamist militant group Boko Haram to death on terror charges, after a three-day trial in the capital N’Djamena. The 10 were convicted over their roles in twin attacks on the capital in June, which killed at least 38. The attacks were the first by the Nigerian-based group in Chad, which hosts the headquarters of a regional force set up to fight the militants. In July, Chad reintroduced the death penalty for acts of terror. Opposition and civil liberties groups have criticised the new anti-terror legislation, saying it could be used

28/08/2015

to curb civil rights. The men were found guilty of charges including criminal conspiracy, killings, wilful destruction with explosives, fraud, illegal possessions of arms and ammunition, and using psychotropic substances, according to chief prosecutor Bruno Mahouli Louapambe, quoted in AFP news agency. The trial had been due to last eight days, but “due to security reasons it was speeded up and moved on Thursday to an undisclosed secret location,” a judicial source told AFP. Among those convicted was Mahamat Mustapha, aka Bana Fanaye, the man described as the “mastermind” of the attack by Chad’s Interior Minister Abderahim Bireme Hamid. The June attacks were followed by a blast at a market in the capital in July, which killed 15 people.

17 14 15 20 05 21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

Brazil’s economy enters recession (BBC News) BRAZIL has entered recession after official figures showed the country’s economy contracted by 1.9% between April and June compared with the previous three months. Analysts had expected a contraction, but the number was worse than expected. First quarter output was also revised down to show a 0.7%, rather than a 0.2%, contraction. The country, the seventh-largest economy in the world, has seen economic growth fall sharply in recent times. This is due in part to low commodity prices and sluggish global growth. High interest rates - currently 14.25% - have also affected consumer spending, an important element

Brazilians have taken to the streets to protest against President Rousseff of Brazil’s economy, while to tackle high levels of debt. while taxes have risen. this year, the Government Government spending, has introduced stringent including on unemployment WIDESPREAD FALLS austerity measures designed benefits, has fallen sharply, In the second quarter,

household spending fell by 2.1% compared with the previous three months. The biggest falls came in the industrial sector, where construction output fell 8.4% Transport, storage, postal services, financial services and insurance all saw falls in output. Compared with a year earlier, the economy as a whole shrank by 2.6%. The technical definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of economic contraction. Most people have already been feeling the economic downturn long before today’s figures were out. Unemployment has risen rapidly, while inflation over 12 months is running above 9% - twice the Gov-

ernment’s target. More worryingly, analysts believe growth might not return until 2017. Brazilian authorities are trying to fix the economy with austerity measures, but the Government is facing a political crisis and a rebellion of allied MPs who want to increase spending, rather than reform the economy. A corruption scandal has also hurt state oil giant Petrobras, responsible for a huge chunk of public investment. Now, as if things could not get any worse, there is uncertainty about how changes in the Chinese economy might affect commodity prices, which are vital to Brazil’s exports.

Colombia and Venezuela recall ambassadors over tensions (BBC News) COLOMBIA and Venezuela have recalled their ambassadors following days of growing tension between the neighbouring nations. More than 1,000 Colombians have been deported and about 6,000 have left in fear since Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro closed the border last week. On Thursday Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said it was “unacceptable” and withdrew his envoy. The Venezuelan Government followed suit later in the day. Mr Maduro closed the border and declared a state of

Colombian policemen have been helping people fleeing Venezuela to carry their belongings

emergency in the western state of Tachira, last Friday, after smugglers injured three Venezuelan soldiers and a civilian. Announcing the recall of his ambassador, Mr Santos condemned the expulsions. “I can’t allow Venezuela to treat Colombians and the Colombian Government in this way,” he said. He added that he would call for an extraordinary meeting of foreign ministers from the Union of South American Nations. A while later, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez announced that Caracas was recalling its own ambassador to Colombia for

consultations. Smugglers have long operated along the porous border between the countries, purchasing heavily subsidised goods in Venezuela to resell in Colombia. Talks by the countries’ foreign ministers on Wednesday were aimed at normalising the situation in the key border region of Cucuta. Hundreds are living in shelters there surrounded by the few possessions they could carry across the border on their backs. President Maduro blames much of the violence on the Venezuelan side of the border on Colombian paramilitaries,

whom he accuses of crossing the border freely to commit crimes. In order to fight these gangs he declared a 60-day state of emergency on Friday which, among other things, allows the authorities to search homes without a warrant. But his Colombian counterpart said those who had been deported were “no paramilitaries but poor and humble families who only want to live and work”. President Santos said some had complained of mistreatment by the Venezuelan security forces. The Venezuelan foreign minister dismissed allegations as “media lies”.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

EDITORIAL

Guyana

A comprehensive crime strategy is needed CRIME continues to escalate in our country. Not a day passes without reports of some high - profile robbery or related crimes. For a small society, the volume of crime is too high. We have been told over and over again that the situation would soon be brought under control, but things have become worse. We have had a change of Government, but the situation has not changed. There comes a time when the society loses confidence in the relevant authorities to protect them. We hope we are not headed there. The Minister of Public Security had said that with the passage of the budget, more resources for crime - fighting would become available. The budget has been passed, so we now await some action in this regard. But even as we do so, it must be emphasised that the nature, level and frequency of criminal activities would need more than routine policing or enhanced police capacity. There has to be both a short and a long - term strategy to combat and contain crime. We had hoped that the meeting of the top security officials and the President a few weeks ago would have yielded such a strategy. If it did, it’s not evident. We believe the time has come for more than just a meeting of the officials. There is need for interventions at multiple levels. First, there should be community assemblies on the crime situation, whereby representatives

Government stands ready to assist Dominica in wake of Tropical Storm Erika …Prime Minister Nagamootoo

THE Government has given its firm commitment to assist the people of the Island of Dominica, in whatever way necessary. Dominica has been has severely affected by Tropical Storm Erika. This commitment was made in the National Assembly last evening by First Vice President and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government Business in the House. In his brief remarks, the Prime Minister explained , “The Government and people of Guyana are today in solidarity with the people of Dominica and we avail ourselves as a Government and a people, to render whatever assistance we could to the Government and people of Dominica at this time of their distress.” The Prime Minister reminded the House that Guyanese can understand what those in Dominca are going through at the moment, referring to the two recent flash floods experienced right here at home.

of both the uniformed and civilian security apparatus meet with citizens at that level to hear from them firsthand. Such assemblies would serve the purposes of both fact-finding and confidence-boosting. There is no substitute for direct democracy in a situation of crisis. Second, there should be a series of national conferences on crime which bring together decision makers, legal minds, scholars, criminologists, other relevant experts and perhaps some relevant agencies of the security forces to get to the root of the problem and to come up with recommendations for both short and long - term solutions. The value of such an approach is its recognition that criminal activity is the outcome of larger and deeper social problems. We continue to believe that, ultimately, reduction in crime cannot be achieved outside of broader social reforms, including an overhaul of the education system. Third, our political leadership needs to recognise that the crime situation has reached a critical point that cannot be salvaged in an atmosphere of partisan competition on the subject. It does not inspire confidence when our Opposition politicians and their media outlets use the daily orgy of crimes as a means of scoring political points against their opponents. It is disgusting. Making political hay while ordinary citizens are being robbed, injured and killed daily is far from political enlightenment. It is high time the President

invite the Opposition to be part of the solution; they are part of Government too. Finally, we urge citizens to make demands on both the executive and the Parliament to act now. None of our leaders should be spared. Working people have to contend with the daily challenges of economic want and, therefore, could ill-afford the added stress of dealing with crime. The business class will not invest more if their investments are mere sitting ducks for criminals. This class has to be part of the solution too. In the last analysis, we want action to stop this madness. But we warn against reckless policing; it has been tried before with disastrous consequences. That is never the answer. Surely, if the entire society confronts this problem with the degree of responsibility and urgency that is required, we can pull things back from the edge.

GPHC hosts employee blood drive

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) yesterday hosted an employee blood drive, and the event was deemed a huge success. This initiative of the GPHC’s Blood Transfusion Committee saw close to 30 persons donating blood during the first half of the day. Committee member Erwinetta Austin said, “The

--event deemed successful

main aim of today’s exercise is to encourage health care workers to donate blood regularly; hence we did this to raise awareness in the hospital.” She explained that while the activity targeted employees of the hospital, non-em-

Employees from this hospital waiting to donate blood

ployees were also encouraged to participate. She noted that the turnout was fair, and added

that the committee will most likely make this blood drive a yearly event. (Navendra Seoraj)

A doctor from the hospital donating blood

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

Minister Holder provides detailed breakdown of spending for GuySuCo COI AGRICULTURE Minister Noel Holder has responded and provided the necessary information requested of him by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Dharamkumar Seeraj during the examination of the budget estimates in the National Assembly. The information was also provided to the Clerk of the House, Sherlock Isaacs. In an article published in yesterday’s edition of the Guyana Times, Minister Holder is accused of being unable to provide the breakdown of the $52M allocated for Commission of Inquiry into the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuco). The table below sets out

details of allocations for the COI as approved by Cabinet and which was provided in the same format to the Opposition MP and the National Assembly. Along with the misleading article on the GuySuCo COI, Guyana Times also published another erroneous article in its yesterday edition. This one having to do with money from the Treasury being spent on President David Granger’s inauguration. Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Barton Scotland, has chastised the original news service, Citizen’s Report, which published the inaccurate report. They have since been asked to correct the inaccuracies.

Teenaged motorcyclist killed at Danielstown

A 19-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist was killed Tuesday night at around 21:15 hrs when his bike collided with a car on the Danielstown Public Road, Essequibo Coast. Reports said Anil Henry was driving in a southern direction when he collided with a car that was coming in the opposite direction. According to reports the motorcyclist was hurled into the air on impact. He suffered serious head injuries. He was rushed to the Suddie hospital but was pro-

Dead: Anil Henry nounced dead on arrival. The driver of the car is in Police custody. Henry was the eldest of five children for his parents.

GUYSUCO COMMISSION OF INQUIRY JULY 1 to SEPTEMBER 28 2015 (90 Days) No

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN

WATER DISPENSER , FLASH DRIVES STATIONARY ETC

CONSUMABLES

FUEL

DRIVER MEALS/ STIPEND

TOTAL

JULY G$(000) 16,980 150 30 100 56 22 50 17,388

1 2

CONSULTANT SERVICES RETURN AIRFARE ( 1 Consultant US/ Guyana)

SECRETARIAL STIPEND

AUGUST G$(000) 16,980

SEPTEMBER G$(000) 16,980

30 100 120 66 50 17,346 52,164 52,164

CUMULATIVE

100 120 150 50 17,430 34,818

APPROVED BY CABINET

Puran Brothers still to rebuild after recent fire By Michel Outridge PURAN Brothers Waste Disposal Service of Bella Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara has said that rebuilding of its office complex will take time. That building was destroyed in an August 8, 2015 fire that consumed two buildings and took the life of an elderly woman whilst seriously injuring another. The building that Puran’s lost in that fire used to house its office/mechanic shop and fuel depot. Office Manager Kalesh Puran told this newspaper that the company has since converted a house at the rear of the burntout property into an office, and will be operating there until the office complex can be rebuilt. He explained that the Board of Directors is due to make a decision, which is being held in abeyance pending outcome of the insurance discussions. The Chief Fire Officer

Marlon Gentle, told this publication yesterday that the GFS investigations have revealed that the conflagration was started by a child/children playing with matches in the upper flat of the two-storey wooden house which has been destroyed along with the Puran’s building. The blaze, which started at about 10:00 hrs on August 8, 2015, claimed the life of 97-year-old Princess Tinnamon, called ‘Sister P’, and seriously injured 71-year-old Vivian Thomas, who jointly occupied the upper flat of the house with ‘Sister P’. She was admitted a patient at the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH). The lower flat of the building was reportedly occupied by Sharon Thomas and her son. Thomas told this publication that she did not get to save anything, because the heat was so intense she had to exit the building. The woman added that she tried going upstairs to save her el-

derly relatives, but could not, so she had to save herself. Owner of Puran Bros Waste Disposal Service, Lakenauth Puran, has said the company’s losses are in the millions. Office Manager Kalesh Puran told this publication that he was inside the office when the fire started, and managed to save only some documents, but he ensured that the workers vacated the premises. He noted there was nothing that could have been done, apart from his moving some important documents and urging employees to vacate the premises. He said he was in distress at the passing of the elderly woman who perished in the blaze. The Purans reportedly used to support the deceased woman with a regular supply of groceries, and they deemed her demise as very unfortunate. They say it has left them traumatised, since they had become emotionally attached to the senior

citizen and had always tried to make her comfortable. The Purans pointed out that they have suffered a tremendous loss of more than $80M, but they are trying to restart the operation and are seeking a building to occupy. Their losses notwithstanding, the Purans would like to express sympathy to the relatives of the 97-yearold woman, to whom they had grown accustomed and with whom they had developed a good relationship. Residents said that it was very heart-rending hearing the screams of 97-year-old Princess Tinnamon, but they could do nothing to help her. Her charred remains were found under a zinc sheet inside the burnt out house after the flames were doused. The land belongs to the Purans, but was leased to the homeowner by request, since the Purans had grown up with the family next door, including the two elderly women.

The Puran Bros property after the fire

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

Husband charged for murdering wife

Overwhelming evidence, inconsistent statements direct DPP decision By Leroy Smith THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) yesterday recommended that the police lay charges against Deoram Sookchand for the capital offence of murder committed on his wife, 56-year-old Pamela Kendall. The evidence against Sookchand is reportedly overwhelming. Sookchand appeared yesterday before Magistrate Ann McLennan to face the charge of murdering Kendall. The facts of the matter were not presented in court, but the case was adjourned until September 14, 2015. The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the DPP advised that charges be laid against Sookchand after the file was sent to her detailing the steps of the investiga-

tions, and the statements which were taken from several persons, including Sookchand himself. It was noted in the file that the tests for gunpowder residue which the police carried out on Sookchand’s hands suggested he had handled a gun on the night of the shooting. And given that his statement to the police on the matter was riddled with inconsistences, the DPP ordered that charges be laid against him. Investigations into the murder of Pamela Kendall took an interesting turn earlier this week when the police arrested her husband as they continued their probe into the woman’s death. The man had earlier provided this newspaper with an interview detailing what reportedly took place on the night of Kendall’s death.

Deoram Sookchand has been charged with the murder of his wife, Pamela Kendall

That interview, however, proved that the man was not consistent in several things that he was saying regarding the incident.

He was very vocal in calling on the police to find and arrest the killers of his wife, even as he lamented that the police had always

failed to capture the perpetrators of crime in the area. Police sources told this publication that when crime scene investigators revisited the scene of the crime, they discovered that the things the man was saying to them were meant to throw them off track in their investigation and to cover up his actions. The man also failed to tell the police during the earlier stages of the investigation that he had been deported to Guyana after serving time for drugs and violent crimes overseas. Initially also, the relatives of the woman, including her brothers, were not too happy when the police arrested the man, as they had thought he was innocent of the dastardly act of murder against the woman with whom he had been sharing

a common-law relationship for approximately nine years. He had also told this newspaper that he felt very badly that, after the shooting death of his wife, the police questioned him in a way that caused him to feel as if he were the woman’s killer. It is unclear how the two sides of the family are dealing with the matter now that the man has been charged for the murder. The day after the woman was killed, there was a protest in the village as residents called for the resignation of Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan. That protest however had a short life span, as residents quickly abandoned it. There were also reports in sections of the society that the protest was politically motivated.

Carjacking gang arraigned in Reputed husband of shot cash crop farmer arraigned for murder city court for a slew on charges DEORAM Sookchand, husband of murdered cash crop farmer Pamela Kendall, appeared yesterday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with the murder of his wife. Sookchand, called ‘Cakes’ a 55-year-old farmer of Lot 19 Number 45 Village Corentyne Berbice, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which read that he murdered his 56–year–old wife Pamela Kendall, alias ‘Pam’, on August 20 at #45 Village, Corentyne Berbice. The remorseless Sookchand stood in the prisoners’ docks relaxed during his court proceedings, and did not utter a word. He was remanded to prison, while his matter was adjourned

until September 14 and transferred before the Whim Magistrate. Sookchand reportedly had traces of gunpowder on his hands after he was brought to the Criminal Investigation Department in Georgetown for questioning because his statements regarding the shooting death of his reputed wife were riddled with inconsistencies. Police investigations have further revealed that Sookchand had been deported to Guyana after serving time in jail for cocaine and violent crimes. Kendall, a cash crop farmer, was shot in her face in her home located near the Number 45 Village Public Road during a power outage in the area on August 20.

The murdered cash crop farmer Pamela Kendall

The woman had managed to run from her home, only to collapse in her brother’s yard, located a few houses away. She was taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. (Clestine Juan)

Police Constable critical following accident A police constable whose name was up to late last evening given as Griffith was in a critical condition after the car he was driving toppled while in the vicinity of Soesdyke on the East Coast Demerara. The Guyana Chronicle was informed that the police rank, stationed at the Madewini outpost, was alone in the car at the time of the accident. Up to late last evening details were still sketchy surrounding the accident. However the Guyana Chronicle will bring you more information in a subsequent report.

ROSANNA Gittens, a 35-year-old mother of seven of Lot 4B Tucville Terrace, Georgetown, appeared yesterday before City Magistrate Ann McLennan to face several charges of armed car-jacking committed on August 25 last. Ronaldo McKenzie, 17, of 7C Tucville Terrace; Daniel Bactrim, 17, of Lot 157 Arapaima Street, Guyhoc Park; Mario Rodrigues, 17, of 1A Guyhoc Park; and Christopher Nicholson, 18, of Lot 2 Tucville Terrace have all been charged along with Gittens. Particulars of the charges they face detail that on August 25 at North Ruimveldt, being armed with a knife, they robbed Hazleton Edwards of a motor car along with a cellphone and two vehicle licences, totalling more than $809,000. On that same day, at

Main Street, they allegedly robbed Troy Peters of motor car PJJ 2435 containing a cellphone and a large amount of cash. They also unlawfully and maliciously damaged the said car, accumulating a total booty from Peters worth $1.38M. The gang members had been charged indictably, but on application by defence counsel Paul Fung-a-Fat, the Administration of Justice Act (AJA) was applied and all the defendants pleaded not guilty. Prosecutor Deniro Jones informed the court that Bactrim has an arrest warrant out for him in relation to a wounding matter currently engaging courts 8 & 9, while all the accused persons have matters outstanding at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court. Jones noted that the gang members would use its fe-

male member to hire a taxi, and they would then pounce on the unsuspecting taxi driver when he reached the destination, and would take away the driver’s car. The court heard that ranks, acting on a tip-off about the gang having stolen Peters’ car, approach the accused, but they lit the said car on fire to destroy the evidence. Their lawyer Paul Funga-Fat, in his application for reasonable bail, highlighted that Gittens is a housewife who resides with her mother and has a three-year-old child. His application for bail for his clients was denied, and the five defendants were remanded to prison. They will make their next court appearance on September 18 before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. (Clestine Juan)

Male sex worker on bail for stealing taxi driver’s cellphone CITY Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday ordered 17-year-old male sex worker Nicholas Kissoon of Lot 124 Laing Avenue, Georgetown to post bail when he appeared before her charged for stealing a $100,000 HTC cellular phone from a taxi driver. The student of Carnegie School of Home Economics denied stealing the phone

of Ashton Adams in June, 2015 at West Ruimveldt, but the court heard that on the day in question, at about 02:00hrs, Kissoon hired Adams to take him to Herstelling. En route, he told the taxi driver that he had changed his mind and wanted to be taken to Laing Avenue. While they were on the West Ruimveldt Front Road,

Kissoon snatched the taxi driver’s phone and plunged through a dark alleyway to make good his escape. The matter was reported to the police, and the well-known aberrant was arrested, positively identified and subsequently charged. Kissoon was released on bail to return to court on September 3 for statements. (Clestine Juan)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

Vatican ex-envoy Wesolowski dies ahead of abuse trial (BBC News) JOZEF Wesolowski, a former archbishop and Vatican envoy to the Dominican Republic, has died before he could be tried for child sex offences. Wesolowski, 66, was found dead in his rooms in Vatican City in front of the television, officials said. He had been taken ill just before the start of his Vatican trial in July. He was accused of paying for sex with children in the Dominican Republic and would have been the first senior church official tried on paedophile charges.

The former archbishop had already been convicted by a church tribunal

Drinking water doesn’t prevent a hangover, study says (BBC News) RAIDING the fridge or downing glasses of water after a night of heavy drinking won’t improve your sore head the next day, Dutch research suggests. Instead, a study concluded, the only way to prevent a hangover is to drink less alcohol. More than 800 students were asked how they tried to relieve hangover symptoms, but neither food nor water was found to have any positive effect. The findings are being presented at a conference in Amsterdam. A team of international researchers from the Netherlands and Canada surveyed students’ drinking habits to find out whether hangovers could be eased or if some people were immune to them. Among 826 Dutch students, 54% ate food after drinking alcohol, including fatty food and heavy breakfasts, in the hope of staving off a hangover. With the same aim, more than two-thirds drank water while drinking alcohol and more than half drank water before going to bed. Although these groups showed a slight improvement in how they felt compared with those who hadn’t drunk water, there was no real difference in the severity of their hangovers. Previous research suggests that about 25% of drinkers claim never to get hangovers. So the researchers questioned 789 Canadian students about their drinking in the previous month and the hangovers they experienced, finding that those who didn’t get a hangover simply consumed “too little alcohol to develop a hangover in the first place”. Of those students who drank heavily, with an estimated blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.2%, almost noone was immune to hangovers. According to lead author Dr Joris Verster, from Utrecht University, the relationship was pretty straightforward. “The more you drink, the more likely you are to get a hangover.” Dr Verster said the next step was to carry out more controlled trials on hangovers. Dr Michael Bloomfield, from University College, London, said the economic costs of alcohol abuse ran into hundreds of billions of euros every year. “It’s therefore very important to answer simple questions like, ‘How do you avoid a hangover?’

Wesolowski was recalled to Rome and defrocked by Church authorities in 2013 after he was filmed by local television apparently seeking child prostitutes in Santo Domingo. The case was seen as a test of the Vatican’s pledge to stamp out abuse. Last year, the Pope compared the actions of those who commit such crimes to a “satanic mass”. Vatican spokesman Father Ciro Benedettini said first checks indicated that the former archbishop had died of natural causes, but an autopsy was being carried out.

Wesolowski was charged with abusing children in the Dominican Republican between 2008-2013 and also charged with possession of child pornography, dating from his return to Rome in 2013. He was due to have been tried under a new court system, set up by Pope Francis, to try clerics and employees of the Church who have been accused of exploiting minors. If convicted, he could have faced between six and 10 years in jail. Wesolowski had already been found guilty of abuse by a church tribunal and de-

frocked. He was placed under house arrest last September following the decision to pursue criminal charges against him. The BBC’s David Willey in Rome says Pope Francis has promised to show zero tolerance towards clergy who molest children, but he has been criticised by victims’ groups for doing too little too late. Barbara Dorris, of the abuse survivors’ network Snap, said the Vatican should have handed over Wesolowski to “secular authorities”. Had they done so, she said, “he might have already been tried, convicted and imprisoned. And more truth about wrongdoers in his case might have surfaced.”

Migrant deaths: UN warns of ‘crisis of solidarity’ (BBC News) THE UN has said “much more is required” to prevent the deaths of migrants fleeing to Europe after hundreds were reported dead in recent days. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a “collective political response” to avert “a crisis of solidarity”. He called on states involved to “expand safe and legal channels of migration”. On Thursday 71 people, thought to be Syrians, were found dead in a lorry in Austria. Some 200 others are feared dead after two boats sank off Libya. Mr Ban said he was “horrified and heartbroken” at the latest loss of life. “A large majority of people undertaking these arduous and dangerous journeys are refugees fleeing from places such as Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “The international community must also show greater determination in resolving conflicts and other problems that leave people little choice but to flee,” he added. Mr Ban called on nations to observe international law on asylum requests, and not to “force people to return to places from which they have fled if there is a well-founded fear of persecution... This is not only a matter of international law; it is also our duty as human beings.” He said: “This is a hu-

Red Crescent workers are continuing to recover bodies from the sea in Libya in the hold of a ship off the man tragedy that requires a in Libya, to Italy. coast of Libya on WednesAbout 100 bodies have day. determined collective political response. It is a crisis already been found and LibMeanwhile, Hungarian of solidarity, not a crisis of yan workers are continuing to police said they had arrested search for 100 other people four people over the disnumbers.” Mr Ban also urged more ac- who are still unaccounted for. covery of the bodies of 71 Some survivors were res- migrants, thought to be Syrition against people smugglers, a call echoed by White House cued having spent the night ans, in an abandoned lorry in in the water, clinging to life Austria, near the Hungarian spokesman Josh Earnest. “The violence and insta- jackets. border. While most of the vicbility in North Africa and The victims were 59 the Middle East isn’t just tims of Thursday’s capsizes men, eight women and four destabilising the immediate are thought to be from Syria children who are thought to region but is starting to have and African countries, a Ban- have been dead for about a destabilising impact on gladeshi diplomat told the two days. other regions of the world BBC that at least five BanOfficials said the victoo, including in Europe,” gladeshi nationals, including tims probably died after a six-month-old baby, were suffocating in the vehiMr Earnest said. Some 200 people are among the dead. cle, before it crossed into Police in Italy detained Austria from Hungary. feared to have drowned after two boats capsized on Thurs- 10 suspected traffickers after Among the victims was a day as they tried to cross a separate incident in which girl aged between one and from Zuwara, west of Tripoli 52 people were found dead two years old.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

From Jazz with Love for HJ Water World staging on Sept 26 at 19hrs RED Entertainment will, this year, be hosting “From Jazz with Love”, fused with their other signature event, “Kiss My ART Festival”, which will collectively be called ‘From Jazz with Love’ Music Festival. This is in an effort to continue their commitment of diversifying the local entertainment industry. Set to be staged at the HJ Water World on September 26, 2015 from 19:00hrs, ‘From Jazz with Love’ Music Festival will be an evening of funky jazz, soul and art from across the Caribbean region. This event will be featuring the following entertainment doyens: * Tessanne Chin from Jamaica, best known for winning Season 5 of the NBC reality TV singing

competition known as The Voice. She has opened for famous acts such as Pattie LaBelle, Peabo Bryson and Gladys Knight. * Arturo Tappin of Barbados, considered by most to be the smoothest and most soulful saxophonist in the Caribbean, with his unique funky jazz, a healthy dose of Caribbean soca and reggae to boot! * Mystic, aka ‘Coolie Bhai’, of Guyana, who has become a local sensation with his well-known hit, ‘Coolie Bhai’, and the original reggae tracks that he composed himself. The event will also feature artistes from Guyana, such as a young local band named Collage, and Bravo Arts and Classique Dance Compa-

ny. They will be performing a body art dance, and local art will also be on sale. Part proceeds will be

Erika soaks Puerto Rico after 4 killed in Dominica

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — TROPICAL Storm Erika lashed Puerto Rico Friday with rain and wind after killing four people and causing devastating floods in the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica, where several people remained missing. The storm was expected to dump up to 8 inches (20 centimeters) of rain across the drought-stricken northern Caribbean as it carved a path toward the U.S. The storm is not expected to gain strength as it nears South Florida next week. Erika was located about 90 miles (145 kilometers) east-southeast of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and was moving west near 17 mph (28 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. The storm’s maximum sustained winds were near 50 mph (85 kph).

Authorities in the Dominican Republic prepared for Erika’s arrival on Friday, including the popular tourist areas of Punta Cana, Samana and Puerto Plata. Meanwhile, rescue crews in Dominica continued to search for missing and injured people after the storm dropped 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain as it passed over the island. Assistance Police Superintendent Claude Weekes said Friday by phone that authorities still haven’t been able to access many areas in the mountainous island because of impassable roads and bridges. “The aftermath is loads of damage,” he said. “It really has been devastating.” Some 20 people were missing in Dominica, where authorities said an elderly blind man and two children died when a mudslide hit their home in the island’s

southeast region. Another man was found dead near his home in the capital of Roseau after a mudslide, but the cause of death could not be immediately determined. Others narrowly escaped being engulfed by water as Erika downed trees and power lines as it unleashed heavy floods that swept cars down streets and ripped scaffolding off some buildings. “I was preparing to go to work when all of a sudden I heard this loud noise and saw the place flooded with water,” said Shanie James, a 30-year-old mother who works at a bakery. “We had to run for survival.” Mudslides also destroyed dozens of homes across Dominica, including that of 46-year-old security guard Peter Julian, who had joined friends after leaving work.

going to the Rotary Club of Demerara to contribute to its very credible ongoing initiatives that focus on improving the lives of

Guyanese. Tickets will be available from September 1, 2015 at E-Networks (Camp Street), Giftland

Mall, Footsteps Mega Store, or by contacting 676-2311. (Michel Outridge)

Syrians fear for relatives after Austrian migrant tragedy (Reuters) DISTRAUGHT over missing relatives en route from Syria to western Europe, two young men waited anxiously on Friday for news outside Vienna’s forensic department, where some of the bodies of 71 dead migrants found in Austria have been brought. “We have not heard from them in three days. Last time we heard, they were in Hungary,” one of the young Syrian-Kurdish men said, declining to give his name for fear of upsetting his family back home. He said the missing adults were his cousin and another cousin’s spouse. “And the worst thing is: we tried to contact the smuggler in Hungary, who was meant to take them to Austria, but he has switched off his phone,” he added, with hands shaking and

tears in his eyes. The 71 dead men, women and children, presumed to have been on their way across Europe from Syria, or possibly Afghanistan, were discovered in an abandoned truck on a highway on Thursday. They appeared to have suffocated. The news sent waves of shock and mourning through Austria. “It is crazy, something like that. I am completely stunned... It has really shocked me,” said Waltraud Winkler, walking on a busy shopping street in the center of Vienna. “It must have been so agonising for the people inside... They must have been fighting for their lives.” The bodies are now with forensic examiners who are working around the clock to hunt for clues of the victims’ identities and establish the cause of death.

“Who will stop that madness?” asked daily Kurier in bold white letters on its black front page. Meanwhile Kronenzeitung showed a picture of the truck with one back door open and the bodies of several migrants piled up inside, under the headline “Crammed in like rubbish.” Carla Amina Baghajati, spokeswoman for the Islamic Religious Authority in Austria and married to a Syrian, said her organization would help those affected in Austria and elsewhere. “The big problem is to identify the victims, and there is a Syrian community here,” she said. “And by way of Facebook, by way of reaching out for possible contacts, we have an easier way to make contact than the official authorities.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

M&CC senior officials engage in walkabout to assess extant conditions in the City

Town Clerk Royston King and members of the team inspecting drains along Regent Street yesterday during their walkabout

A team of senior officials of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) went on a walkabout exercise yesterday afternoon along Regent Street, Georgetown to observe the congestion, pavement vending, and external environmental conditions that obtain in the City. In the process, they spoke with members of the business community, who aired their concerns. Acting Public Relations Officer Debra Lewis told this newspaper that the team, led by Town Clerk Royston King and comprising Deputy Town Clerk Sharon Harry-Munroe, Assistant Town Clerk Sherry Jerrick, Chief Constable Andrew Foo, City Treasurer Ron Mc Almont, Solid Waste Director Walter Narine and herself, began the exercise from the M&CC office and proceeded to the Bourda Market, where they interacted with several business owners and vendors as well. The team first visited the Acme Building, where one store owner complained that taxi drivers were utilising the parking area outside her place of business, leaving her customers with nowhere to park. The team then went t o B h e n a ’s F o o t w e a r Store, Kanhai’s Electrical, Sookraj’s, Ariel Enterprise and Hamid’s General Store,

where these owners said they would like the alleyways to be cleared of refuse, cleaned and fenced, because persons living outside the area usually dump rubbish in the alleyways. Lewis said the team noted that the Bourda Cemetery is filled with garbage and is partly occupied by vagrants. Accordingly, a gate would be installed for security purposes after the ground has been cleared of refuse. Lewis said it was also noted that some businesses had done work on their bridges, and this had consequently blocked the drains, which are filled with garbage. She said that Council would begin some work in Lacytown and in parts of the Bourda wards by breaking some bridges to clean refuse. The acting pro of the M&CC disclosed that during the walkabout the team observed that several roadside tattoo parlours were operating, and those will be closed, since they pose serious health concerns. She also said that vendors blocking traffic at the corners of Regent and Camp Streets will be removed, since they constitute a traffic hazard. She said Chief Constable Andrew Foo was instructed by the Town Clerk to have those vendors relocated at the earliest. (Michel Outridge)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

Speaker calls on Citizen's Report to correct erroneous article

M&CC to remove derelict vehicles from City parapets as from Sept 10

– Chides Member and newspaper for being irresponsible SPEAKER of the National Assembly Dr. Barton Scotland, has called on the online news service, Citizen's Report, to correct an article. The article in question claims that money from the Treasury was spent on President David Granger’s inauguration. During the examination of the Estimates on August 26, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, was questioned on the allocation for National and Other events. Her reply was distorted by Citizen's Report. When this was brought to the attention of the minister, she immediately brought it to the attention of the House. The reporter who had filed the story and who was present in the Parliament Buildings at the time, did not correct the inaccurate article. House Speaker Dr Scotland undertook to review answers given by the minister. He did so and yester-

Speaker Dr Barton Scotland with Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira in Parliament yesterday

day reported to the House. He told the House that it was brought to his attention that the Guyana Times published an article in the same terms and also a Member of Parliament repeated these

assertions on a televised newscast. “This was unfortunate, since the Speaker had already undertaken to examine the record and make the results of his examinations

available to all Members of Parliament. I have arranged for the audio to be played so that members can judge for themselves what transpired,” he noted. The recording was played in the National Assembly. Following this, the speaker made the request. “I am requesting the online service, through the reporter, to have that report corrected; as for the newspaper, I would leave the newspaper to know how to correct that. “The member would know what is consonant with truth and for the record, the honour which we undertook here and the discharge of his obligation to the public at large. I would leave that member to determine that,” the Speaker ended. The Speaker has urged that members of the media report accurately and responsibly when informing the reading and listening public of undertakings in the House.

Town Clerk Royston King speaking to this reporter

WITH effect from September 10, a team from the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be taking to the streets to rid “our parapets” of derelict vehicles and other abandoned equipment left lying there. During an exclusive interview with Town Clerk Royston King on Wednesday last, the Guyana Chronicle was informed that this initiative was set to commence some time ago, but was postponed at the request of some of those derelict vehicle

owners, who had requested more time to remove their belongings. King has however made it clear that this advisory represents the last and final warning to be given to those persons: “All persons with derelict vehicles and equipment on the parapets around town are asked to remove them forthwith… this is our last appeal!” King said the parapets around Georgetown are collectively owned by all citizens, and no one person has the right over them. By removing the derelict pieces of equipment, the aesthetics of the City would be enhanced, to the mutual benefit of locals and foreigners who are visiting the country. Cleaning of the City would be made easier, as drains and other locations would be accessible. Also, given that the M&CC would be launching the Green City initiative on September 1, removing derelict vehicles and unusable equipment from the City’s parapets would assist in realising the dream of a cleaner and better Georgetown. (Navendra Seoraj)

MACORP excavator operator training programme graduates 19 trainees – 700 trained since inception of programme

Trainees (behind) showcasing their certificates in the presence of the facilitators

THE Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) yesterday hosted a graduation ceremony for 19 trainees of the company’s excavator operator training programme at its Providence, East Bank Demerara location. Having attended a seven-week training programme, the trainees would have learnt about excavator operator safety requirements, identify excavator components, use the simulator for control familiarisation, carry out recommended maintenance procedures, and demonstrate basic operation techniques. This batch means that a

total of 700 trainees would have graduated from that particular programme, which started in 2008 with the aim of equipping technicians and operators with skills to service and operate Caterpillar equipment and machinery, while creating a future for young Guyanese. Best Graduating Trainee was Colin Gray; second was Kevlon Mc Donald. The two top trainees were awarded for their outstanding performances. MACORP continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s development, contributing directly with technical support and supply of equipment to related sectors

–- mining, agriculture, road construction, basic industry, marine, forestry, and electrical power generation. MACORP has established branches at Bartica and Port Kaituma, but its head office is located at Providence on the East Bank of Demerara. Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited (MACORP) is the only authorised Caterpillar dealer in Guyana, and has been operating for over 20 years, leading Guyana’s development and fuelling the success of stakeholders by directly providing integral equipment and integrated solutions. (Navendra Seoraj)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

CTO Secretary General visits Guyana – discusses ways of marketing and supporting Guyana’s tourism development THE Government’s sharp approach in developing Guyana as a must-see tourist destination has attracted the attention of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), which is now seeking to assist with implementing some of the priority actions for the sector. Secretary General of the CTO, Hugh Riley, who is currently in Guyana, will be meeting with Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes, to discuss ways to advance cooperation and mutual interests. Riley is accompanied by Director of Membership Services at CTO Faye Gill. “We have come to understand that the minister has a sharp focus on what Guyana’s tourism development should look like, we need to understand that as the CTO, we feel we have the skills and tools to help to deliver what Guyana’s national tourism priorities are, and ensuring that local communities benefit is a key part of the sustainable aspect of tourism,” Riley told media operatives Thursday evening, at a cocktail reception hosted by Minister Hughes in their honour, at the Cara Lodge. He further explained that the CTO is extremely happy that Guyana has taken the lead in the area of sustainable tourism development at the community level. “We feel that the CTO

Minister Cathy Hughes

can assist in helping local communities to understand the value that tourism brings to their lives and in helping all stakeholders involved to understand how to further develop those communities,” Riley said. Minister Hughes explained that the visit of the Secretary General is timely and historic, since it occurs at a time when there is a fresh approach to the way Government business is being done. She referred to the recent installation of the new Government, the creation of the Ministry of Tourism, and the passing of the APNU+AFC’s first budget. The minister also reported that the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the

CTO secretary General Hugh Riley

Ministry of Tourism have received a 25 percent increase in their budgetary allocations. “I will be meeting with the private sector and especially the membership of THAG (Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana) to explain how that budgetary allocation will unfold, and what we plan to do with it. Your input is very, very important to our decision-making process”, she said. The minister has indicated that it is the intention of her ministry to work closely with the CTO and will be discussing with the team the focus of Guyana’s Tourism Policy and targeted niche markets. “We look forward to the

partnership and collaboration and to fruitful discussions to advance the tourism agenda and to discuss areas of mutual benefit for Guyana and tourism in general, because I think that our existing relationship is one we can build on and we can learn from them, they can support us in marketing Guyana” she said. Minister Hughes advised that community-based tourism is an area receiving significant focus by her ministry as this is seen as a way of improving the lives of the people in those communities, while at the same time showcasing their culture, hospitality and way of life. “Community-based tourism is an area of tourism where we want to build, because we feel strongly that people in the rest of the world are interested [it]. This is the time where we want to come to and see communities … how they live, what their culture is, so in the whole community-based tourism model, we feel that is one we can duplicate and build on in the regions, and that is key in creating employment within the regions too,” Minister Hughes said. To this end, the minister advised that the ministry is collaborating with the regional administration, to identify and develop an inventory of tourism products. “We have started get-

ting the regions themselves to identify those tourism prospects, so next week in Region 8, we have a team of 20 individuals who are going to IWOKRAMA to receive training; these are people already in tourism-related organisations support services, but we want to take them to the level where they can expand their businesses,” Hughes said. According to the minister, this is done against the backdrop of the vision of creating another industry to support the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in addition to the traditional contributors, rice, sugar and mining. The Caribbean is the most tourism dependent Region in the world and it attracts approximately 25-26 million

visitors annually. Last year US$2B was spent in the Caribbean Region. The CTO, established since 1989, has been at the forefront of promoting and positioning the Caribbean as the most desirable, year round, warm weather destination, and a leading sustainable tourism destination as one sea, one voice, one Caribbean. The CTO brings together 30 destinations/ countries, speaking four languages in one destination Guyana has been a member of the CTO since 1992, and has benefited from a range of programmes, events, conferences, initiatives, and advocacy efforts in advancing its tourism sector.

CDB makes Emergency Relief Grant available to Dominica BRIDGETOWN, Barbados - THE Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has announced that an Emergency Relief Grant of USD 200,000 is being made immediately available to the Government of Dominica in the wake of Tropical Storm Erika. Heavy rains

Saturday, August 29, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Sunday, August 30, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Monday, August 31, 2015 - 05:00 hrs

from Erika impacted the island on Thursday causing loss of life and widespread devastation. The grant is being provided in accordance with the CDB’s Disaster Management Strategy and Operational Guidelines, and is aimed at assisting the country in its response to the disaster. Emergency Relief Grants are coordinated through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, based on damage and needs assessments and in close coordination with the development community. Vice-President of Operations at CDB, Patricia McKenzie, said, “We are saddened by the loss of life and how the disruption caused by this storm will affect the lives of Dominicans. We are in touch with the Government of Dominica; working with CDEMA and are standing by to provide concessionary financing, in addition to the grant, to help the country rebuild.” Previously disbursed Emergency Relief Grants included: assistance to St. Vincent following the Christmas Trough in December 2013; and to The Bahamas, Jamaica and Haiti following the passage of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In 2007 the ERG was also made available to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Relief Agency (CDERA) to support several countries affected by Hurricane Dean.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

Despite overwhelming response…

Language barrier poses problems for Guyana literary pieces at CARIFESTA XII

Other literary works forming part of Guyana’s literary composition at the Grand Market in Haiti

By Ravin Singh in Haiti AS was anticipated, the major issue facing the literary arts component of the Guyana delegation currently representing the country at the 12th Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA XII) in Haiti, is the language barrier between the two regional countries. Well represented in all aspects of arts at CARIFESTA this year, our literary works offer a comprehensive view of what we have achieved in this field.

Speaking with the Guyanese representative stationed in the literary booth located in the Grand Market in Portau-Prince, it was revealed that the response from the crowd has been “overwhelming.” They explained that currently featured at the exhibition are the Guyana Prize for Literature winning works and shortlisted works, the Guyana Prize for Literature Caribbean award winning works and the Guyana Classic Library. Other works of known

local writers, they said, have been on display, forming part of Guyana’s collection. “We’re featuring works of people like Martin Carter, Maureen Rampertab, Wilson Harris, Ruel Johnson, Ian McDonald, Chaitram Singh and Dennis Craig”, one of the two representatives added. While the persons responsible for the exhibition of the literary works have not been able to assess Guyana’s performance on the regional scale, due to their lack of exposure to other Caribbean literary works on

Education Minister touts greater collaboration for improving the education system

…outlines several measures being employed MINISTER of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, who has been widely pointing out that the current educational system, structures and practices are not sufficient to address and support the learning needs for a 21st century Guyana student, is now calling for greater collaboration among policy makers, educators, experts and parents, in fostering an education change. Speaking, exclusively to the Government Information Agency, Minister Roopnaraine noted that the current education system should be churning out competent Guyanese, capable of moving Guyana forward. He noted, however, that future oriented learning and teaching cannot be done by simply leaving the teachers alone to teach. He said that parents, community and teachers have to become fully involved, and the ministry, for its part, has been seeking to provide the venues through which this collaboration for education change can occur.

One of the first things that the minister has done has been to send out a circular, via the Chief Education Officer, to all schools, advising them to re-activate their Parent Teachers Associations (PTAs) “I want a report on how active the PTAs are, because one of the things that has happened is that parents try to take an interest in children when they are very young, but by the time they get past Grade Six, the parents essentially abandon them,” Minister Roopnaraine said. He said that parents have to remain engaged with their children throughout the education process, and by having active PTAs, the ministry hopes to ensure the parents’ participation. The minister has also started a series of Education Groundings, which are essentially large community meetings.“This involves meetings with communities, so that we can begin to discuss their own happenings at schools, what they feel needs to be done,” Minister Roopnaraine

explained. The ministry, as part of its focus on collaborating for education development at the higher level, reactivated the National Advisory Council on Education. Minister Roopnaraine explained that this will see the bringing together of experts who are currently in or were involved in education delivery over the years. He said that the intention is to get out of the advisory body the kind of policy directions that they believe the ministry should take in order to achieve a more progressive system. Minister Roopnaraine has also established a Commissioner of Inquiry into Education that would go out into Georgetown and various regions and hold hearings. From the Commission of Inquiry, the National Advisory Board, and the Community Groundings, the minister expects that he would get a body of proposals to help him refashion, remodel and improve the education system in Guyana.

Guyana classics on display at Carifesta XII

display, they assured that the response from patrons have proven that Guyana’s efforts have been successful. Not without challenges though, it was noted that the French-English language barrier between the two nations have posed some problems for people who have expressed interest in Guyanese writings. Additionally, sales of the

books at the venue could not be possible, though it was requested, since the materials on display were just for exhibition. However, recommendations were made by the duo for these books and other pieces of literature to be bought online. CARIFESTA, which facilitates the gathering of like-minded souls will continue for the next three days

with the Grand Market, exhibits, performances, and other cultural orientations dominating the festival. The events will run from 10:00 a.m. to midnight daily. It is a fair where Caribbean crafts rub shoulders with fashion shows, gastronomy, music and other creative art forms. (Sponsored by Fly Jamaica)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

Owner of ‘Andrew Arts’ pa By Leroy Smith

FORTY- six-year- old Andrew Juman, the proprietor of “Andrew Arts” died yesterday morning at the Balwant Singh Hospital following a cardiac arrest. His wife Chandrowtie Juman told the Guyana Chronicle during an interview at her home yesterday that Juman who had a triple bypass surgery approximately 10 years ago began having health complications about three months now and was in and out of hospital. She explained that on Friday Juman complained of

feeling unwell and together they left for the hospital for a regular checkup, as a result of which doctors found that he was having a heart attack. They attempted to arrest the problem but were unsuccessful and he died in the process. His death according to his wife was recorded at approximately 08.30 hrs. Andrew Juman now leaves to mourn his daughter, wife and other relatives and friends. His wife said that it was always his dream for his 12-year-old daughter to secure one of the top schools in the country at the Grade Six Examination and this year she wrote the examination and

secured marks to attend The Bishops’ High School. According to Mrs. Juman, it is very sad now that days before she turned out to school her father died without seeing her off. She however took comfort in the fact that Juman’s daughter did make him proud before he died. Asked what she will miss most of Andrew, the widow said that his biggest gift was his kind-heartedness which is known to almost everyone who came into contact with him. She pointed to cases where he would do many jobs without charging for them whenever he was approached by some organisations. Additionally, Mrs. Juman spoke of Andrew’s all-time willingness to participate in any cultural or religious events which were not necessarily in keeping with his religion.

The late Andrew Juman and h

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

asses on Andrew Juman was a practising Muslim. The company “Andrew Arts” is known for its exceptional and colourful work in the production and erection of billboards and banners around the country. The company also on many occasions came in for high praise at events such as GuyExpo and Diwali, where the creativeness of Andrew and his men were never in doubt. Andrew Juman is expected to be buried on Monday according to Muslim rites. The management and staff of the Guyana Chronicle express their deepest condolences to the wife, daughter and relatives of Andrew Juman and salute his contribution and that of his company to Guyana and more particularly, culture.

his daughter in happier times

The home and head office of ‘Andrew Arts’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

M&CC moves to reclaim its properties NEW Thriving, Japarts, BM Soat, and Demerara Bank are among business companies attracting the attention of City Hall. City Hall is making good on its promise to do all in its power to reclaim its properties confiscated by business persons and has written to at least three businesses asking them to remove from city properties. Japarts and BM Soat have been asked to return the city’s parapets, and in some cases alleyways, while legal proceedings have been

brought against a “stubborn” New Thriving that has ignored building boundaries and claimed alleyways at their Camp and Brickdam location. Town Clerk Royston King said Thursday that the mentioned companies have been written to because they occupy city property and sometimes inconvenience other citizens. It was noted that some time ago, Japarts was granted permission by the Mayor and City Council to pave and utilise the parapet in front and adjacent

to their 38 Croal Street location. The location was supposed to be for parking purposes, but according to the letter dated August 14, the company engaged in mechanical repairs and related activities which then saw the dumping of waste oil into the drainage system, “contributing to the destruction of the ecology of the environment.” The company was advised that “City Hall is reclaiming all of its parapets and restoring them to green

verges.” It was stated that as at January 1, 2016, the parapets will no longer be available and all items should be removed. BM Soat and Demerara Bank were given similar notices. They were told that while they may have had permission in the past to operate at their various locations, it will not continue into the New Year, given the motto of a “clean, green Georgetown” New Thriving Restaurant, on the other hand, has been summoned to Court on

several occasions for several building code violations, but has blatantly ignored the court’s summonses and the Council’s requests. In this light, the Council is set to reconsider this matter with a view to addressing it in the interest of the City. The Council said it is not adamant about using legal avenues to cause citizens and\business owners to adhere to rules and regulations, but it will use all measures available for the desired results. Citizens and other companies are urged

to adhere to the law or meet with the Council to address all matters in an orderly and timely manner. Town Clerk Royston King said the City Council is bent on making the city an eco-friendly place. Council is bent on making Georgetown the cleanest and greenest city in the Caribbean. It must be noted again that city parapets and other features are collectively owned by all citizens. “No one has the right to claim any city space,” he pointed out.

Matthews Ridge manganese project stymied by low world market prices By Clifford Stanley

tion had up to mid last year assembled a large, strategic REUNION Gold, the Ca- land position to conduct exnadian Company which ploration and development has been prospecting for activities for manganese in manganese at Matthews the North West District . Ridge in Region 1 (BariReunion Management ma/Waini), has said that I n c . w a s g r a n t e d f o u r low prices for manga- prospecting licences by nese on the world market the Government to conhad led to the slowdown duct exploration and deof its activities in Guyana. velopment activities for I t w i l l n e v e r t h e - manganese in the North less seek to obtain an West District in 2010. extension of its prospectThe project was centred ing licences for Matthews in and around the abanRidge. doned manganese mine at The Company’s Mat- Matthews Ridge and Pipiani thews Ridge project is cur- which was operated by a rently on care and mainte- subsidiary of Union Carbide nance while it is evaluating Corporation from 1962 to different options, including 1968. the sale of certain assets, In excess of 1.66 million joint venture, or other ar- tonnes of manganese conrangement to finance the centrate was shipped from further development of the the mine during that period. project. Following success The licences expire in ful explorations, Reunion September . Gold signed a mineral In a media release, the agreement with the Govcompany said that the ernment in 2011. economic slowdown in Asia In February 2013, meaand other parts of the world sured and indicated mangahad led to a significant drop nese resources at Matthews in the demand for steel and Ridge and Pipianin was esrelated products, including timated at a whopping 32.4 manganese. million tonnes, with an ad This slowdown and ditional 5.3 million tonnes other economic factors have of inferred resources. had a direct impact on the A pre-feasibility study market price of manganese, on the manganese resources and combined with a de- was completed in July 2013, pressed equity market for just prior to the slowdown. junior mining companies, With respect to a remade and makes it difficult s u m p t i o n a t M a t t h e w s to finance the development Ridge, Reunion Gold reof manganese projects, it mains upbeat. said. The Company said Manganese is said to be that its priorities for the the fourth largest metal con- current financial year is sumed in the world, behind to complete financing to iron, aluminium and copper. settle its working capital It is a key component in deficit, fund on-going obsteel and iron production ligations and to secure an with no viable substitute. extension of its prospectReunion Gold Corpora- ing licences in the area.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 29, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

GT Beer Futsal Tournament …

Wins for North Ruimveldt, Showstoppers and Albouystown TWENTY-eight goals were scored on Thursday night as the GT Beer Futsal Tournament continued its preliminary stages at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. North Ruimveldt and Showstoppers cruised to victories over Beterverwagting (BV) and Broad Street while Albouystown squeezed past Alexander Village and West Front Road-Gold is Money played to a goal strewn draw against Sophia. In the opening match BV drew first blood through Delroy Dean in the third minute then he found the back of the net in the 12th minute. Prior to his second goal Orin Massiah scored for North Ruimveldt in the eighth minute as the half ended 2-1. Joshua Browne equalised for the eventual victors in the first minute of the second half before a goal each from Gerald Gittens (19th) and Linris Carrington (21st) gave them the advantage. Dean scored again to complete his hat-trick but it was all in vain following Gittens’ second goal in the 27th minute which further ensured the 5-3 victory. Showstoppers flattened Broad Street 5-2 in the match that followed. An-

thony Sancho led with a double as he scored in the 10th and 21st minutes while a goal each from Dexroy Adams (8th), Marvin Josiah (11th) and Damian Williams (19th) was enough to overshadow the double scored by Broad Street’s Leon Richardson. In the penultimate match of the night, Roy Cassou gained the advantage for Albouystown in their 2-1 win over Alexander Village. He returned to score the decider with a minute left in the game after the opposition equalised late in the second half through a Delon Williams strike.

The feature match of the night could have gone either way but the spoils had to be shared in the end, as West Front Road-Gold is Money drew 5-5 with Sophia. West Front Road was led by a hat-trick performance from Michael Oie (2nd, 7th & 26th) and he was supported by Randolph Wagner and Michael Pedro who scored in the tenth and 23rd minutes, respectively. Sophia countered with a brace from Shem Arthur (4th & 6th) along with a successful strike each from Omallo Williams and Sheik Kamal.

SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Vaal 08:50 hra Shine Tiger 09:25 hrs Flame Cat 10:00 hrs Bouclette Top 10:35 hrs Dalalaat 11:10 hrs Dakiwe

NEWMARKET 09:15 hrs Venturous 09:50 hrs Royal Signaller 10:25 hrs Naadirr 11:00 hrs Fatherly Friend 11:35 hrs Zebadiah 12:05 hrs Dragon King 12:40 hrs My Reward 13:10 hrs Stake Acclaim

IRISH RACING TIPS Wexford 08:55 hrs Ask Me Nicely 09:25 hrs Los Barbados 10:00 hrs Henry’s Girl 10:35 hrs Udogo 11:10 hrs Lomi’s Law 11:45 hrs High Kicker 12:15 hrs Golden Spear 12:45 hrs Miss Me Now

WINDSOR 12:00 hrs Papa Luigi 12:35 hrs Privileged 13:05 hrs Keystroke 13:35 hrs Fascinating Rock 14:05 hrs Gospel Choir 14:35 hrs Instill

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Goodwood 09:00 hrs Epsom Icon 09:35 hrs Fox Trotter 10:10 hrs Vive Ma Fille 10:45 hrs Kodi Bear 11:20 hrs Forgotten Wish 11:50 hrs Shaakis 12:25 hrs Open The Red

AMERICAN RACING TIPS Saratoga Race 1 Belisarius Race 2 Ready Dancer Race 3 Neck Of The Moon Race 4 Conquest Nitro Race 5 American’s Kitten Race 6 Stopchargingmaria Race 7 Le Verdad Race 8 Holy Boss Race 9 The Big Beast Race10 Flintshire Race11 American Pharoah

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

Schippers shifts up a gear to take 200m gold By Nick Mulvenney BEIJING, China (Reuters) - Dutch flier Dafne Schippers completed her transformation from heptathlete to world champion sprinter when she ran the fourth fastest 200 metres of all-time to win by a nose at the Bird’s Nest yesterday. The 23-year-old European champion clocked 21.63 seconds to beat Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson by three-hundredths of a second and add gold to the silver medal she won in the 100m behind Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Monday. Only Americans Florence Griffith-Joyner, the world record-holder, and Marion Jones, who was later banned for doping, have run faster. “I can’t believe it,” Schippers, who only switched her focus to the sprints full time this year, told reporters. “What a race! What a tournament for me! I think they’ll be going crazy in the Netherlands at the moment.” Twice Olympic champion Veronica Campbell-Brown took bronze (21.97) in a race which featured two of the five fastest 200 metres of all-time and six of the seven fastest of 2015. Aries Merritt’s achievement in winning bronze in the 110 metres hurdles was perhaps the most impressive of the night, however, given the Olympic champion will undergo a kidney transplant on Tuesday. The world record-holder finished third behind Russian Sergey Shubenkov and the delighted 30-year-old explained why his sister was not cheering him on at the Bird’s Nest. “It almost means more to me than my Olympic gold, the state I’m in, the training I’ve done, it’s been very difficult. The struggle is real,” Merritt said. “My sister’s going to give me one of her kidneys. That’s why she didn’t come

to Beijing, she did not want to endanger the transplant.” Jamaica’s Danielle Williams had her sister Shermaine alongside her when she enjoyed the finest moment of her career with a shock win in the women’s 100 metres hurdles.

unbelievable.” There was disbelief for Shubenkov too after he beat Hansle Parchment of Jamaica to the line in a Russian record FAMILY PRIDE for the 110m hurdles of 12.98 seconds. Decathlon world record-holder Ashton “I don’t remember anything about the Eaton may feel he has family pride to race. I heard the starting gun and then I opened my eyes and it was finished,” he said. “I wondered whether it was really happening, whether I might wake up. This is the best day of my life.” Tianna Bartoletta rolled back the years in the women’s long jump, snatching a second world title with a leap of 7.14 metres a decade after she won her first under her maiden name Madison. The American’s best jump was her last and Britain’s Shara Proctor, who had led the competition after breaking her own national record with a 7.07m jump in the third round, fouled with her final effort. China’s Liu Hong and Lu Xiuzhi looked a little like siblings as they matched each other stride-for-stride until the last few steps of the 20km Dafne Schippers of Netherlands celebrates winning the women’s 200 metres walk. Liu led Lu over the line in a time of final during the 15th IAAF World Championships at the National Stadium in one hour 27 minutes and 45 seconds for Beijing, China, yesterday. (Reuters/Dylan Martinez) the first gold of the day, to the delight of the crowd basking in the morning It was the first time siblings had com- restore after his wife Brianne Theisen-Ea- sunshine. peted in a world championship final and ton failed to live up to her favourites tag “I felt a lot of pressure. China had not it was the younger sister who stormed to and settled for silver in the heptathlon. won a gold medal and everybody was victory in a personal-best 12.57 seconds Eaton clocked the fastest 400 me- waiting for it,” Liu said. ahead of Germany’s Cindy Roleder and tres of all-time in the multi-discipline Russian walker Alexander YarAlina Talay of Belarus. event (45 seconds) to lead the competi- gunkin will not compete in the men’s Williams did benefit from three of the tion after five events with 4 703 points 50km walk today after being susAmerican favourites succumbing to the ahead of Canadian Damian Warner (4 pended while the Russian anti-doppressure, two going out in the semi-finals 530) and Rico Freimuth of Germany ing agency (RUSADA) investigates and the other clipping her first hurdle, (4 406). media reports he tested positive for but nothing was going to deny her family “No way in hell did we think I was blood-boosting agent Erythropoitheir delight. running that fast,” he told reporters. etin. “It was so special that we were to“I thought 46-flat, maxed out. You It will be the first time no Russian gether in this final,” said Danielle, whose know me. I just go and don’t hold too walkers will take part in a world chamsister finished seventh. much back (and) it turned out something pionship.

GCA tournaments on this weekend THE Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will resume its competitions at various venues across the country this weekend. Today, at the Gandhi Youth Organisation (GYO) will go into action against the University of Guyana (UG) side at 09:30hrs while at 13:30hrs, Police Sports Club will oppose Malteenoes Sports Club at the same venue in the Carib Beer T-20 1st division cricket competition: Tomorrow, matches will be played at Eve Leary ground, where firstly, GNIC take on GDF from 09:30hrs while the hosts take on Transport Sports Club from 13:30hrs. Meanwhile, action continues in the Noble House Seafoods 2nd Division (2-Day) Cricket competition with Guyana Defence Force taking on St Stanislaus College at GCC ground, Bourda. In the New Building Society Limited 2nd Division (40-Over) Cricket competition, today, Third Class Cricket Club will take on Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) at Queenstown and Ace Warriors Cricket Club will take on Diplomats at GNIC. Tomorrow, Everest will oppose GYO at DCC while Malteenoes will travel to the Muslim Youth Organisation (MYO) ground and Transport SC clash with GNIC. Matches begin at 11:00hrs.

“There will be a big celebration for sure, my family is shouting, celebrating -- they look even happier than I am.”

India 50-2 in rain-shortened day in Colombo (REUTERS) - India lost two quick wickets to reach 50-2 before rain washed out the rest of the opening day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground yesterday. Only 15 overs were possible in the entire day as the umpires made multiple inspections to check for a restart but called stumps about an hour after the official tea break. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews was rewarded by his fast bowlers with the wickets of opener Lokesh Rahul (two) and in-form batsman Ajinkya Rahane (eight) after he opted to bowl on a pitch

sporting a covering of grass. India captain Virat Kohli (14) survived some nervy moments to stay unbeaten with Cheteshwar Pujara (19) when heavy rain forced the players off the ground for an early lunch break. Rahul was cleanbowled by Dhammika Prasad with the second delivery of the day with the batsman inexplicably shouldering arms to a ball that nipped back from outside the off-stump. Rahane, who scored a century in India’s second Test victory last week, batted confidently before he missed a straight delivery from Nuwan Pradeep to be

given out leg-before-wicket. India were 14-2 at that stage and looked set for more trouble but debutant wicketkeeper Kusal Perera spilled an edge from Kohli with the batsman on eight. Kohli was once again lucky when he edged Prasad but the ball fell short of the first slip. The hosts made three changes to the side that lost the second Test with lower-order batsman Jehan Mubarak and paceman Dushmantha Chameera being dropped while Kumar Sangakkara retired from international cricket. Hard-hitting batsman Perera, left-handed batsman Upul Tharanga and paceman

Nuwan Pradeep were drafted in for the deciding Test of the series tied at 1-1. India also handed a Test debut to a wicketkeeper-batsman with Naman Ojha replacing Wriddhiman Saha, who was ruled out with a hamstring injury suffered in the second match. Pujara, whose last match was the Boxing Day Test against Australia last December, replaced injured opener Murali Vijay in the only other change in the visiting team.

SCOREBOARD INDIA 1st innings L. Rahul b Prasad 2 C. Pujara not out 19 A. Rahane lbw b Pradeep 8 V. Kohli not out 14 Extras: (nb-1, w-1, pen-5) 7 Total: (for 2 wickets, 15 overs) 50 Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-14. Bowling: D. Prasad 4-0-16-1 (nb-1), N. Pradeep 6-0-16-1 (w-1), A. Mathews 4-2-7-0, R. Herath 1-0-6-0.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

Serena insists pressure not a factor in Grand Slam bid By Larry Fine NEW YORK, USA (Reuters) - Serena Williams said on Thursday she is treating the upcoming U.S. Open just like any other, even though she is well aware of the historical impact the year’s final grand slam may have. The three-time defending champion enters the August 31-September 13 tournament in New York as the odds-on favourite to win and become the first player in 27 years to complete a Grand Slam by capturing all four majors in one season. “I don’t feel that fresh pressure,” Williams, who has already claimed the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles in 2015, said after the draw for the U.S. Open. “If I make it far, maybe I’ll start to feel pressure. But as of now I really don’t feel any. I’m just here to perform and do the best I can.” Williams said that going for her second ‘Serena Slam’

at Wimbledon, where she triumphed in July to hold all four slam titles at once, prepared her for the media onslaught at this U.S. Open. “At Wimbledon I was

SERENA WILLIAMS going for the second Serena Slam. That is rare. That really gave me the best practice and preparation in terms of going for the Grand Slam,” Williams said. Williams, dominating the women’s game at the advanced age of 33, would join

Maureen Connolly (1953), Margaret Court (1970) and Steffi Graf (1988) as the only female Grand Slam winners. But Williams is playing for much more. A victory would be her record-setting seventh U.S. Open singles triumph, pushing her past Chris Evert on the all-time tournament list in the Open era. It would also tie her with Graf at 22 grand slam singles titles for second place on the all-time list behind Court (24). “There’s always another record, then there’s always another person to catch up with or to pass,” said Williams, who won her first grand slam singles title at the 1999 U.S. Open. Lacking a primary rival, Williams has grown even better in the slams, notching eight wins going back to the 2012 season. She gives her coach Patrick Mouratoglou credit. “Working with Patrick has helped me a lot and helped me to achieve that

consistency and have different goals, change different elements in my game, and also just be overall a better competitor on every single surface and every single match,” she said. Williams would not be drawn into comparisons with other greats of the game. “I never really thought I would be in this position where I would even be talking about records, talking about passing Steffi Graf or even mentioning Margaret Court,” she said. “I just grew up trying to be the best that I could. “I can sit here and say that I’m the greatest player that I’ve been able to be. It’s really difficult to compare one generation to another.” Williams, seeking her fourth consecutive U.S. Open title, may not be obsessed with numbers but she does pay attention. “I do read numbers and I do see numbers,” she said. “I believe in those numbers.”

Forbes Burnham Memorial softball climaxes this weekend AFTER several weeks of stiff competition, teams will look to etch their names on the inaugural Forbes Burnham Memorial Softball Trophy when the curtain comes down on the 10/10 knockout competition The contest continues today at Everest Cricket Club with quarter-final action from 09:00hrs which will see Adelphi play West Demerara’s winners (Speed Boat or Wolf’s Warriors). Lower East Coast’s winners (Better Hope or Success Warriors) will face Regal; Herstelling will match skills with South Star of Linden and Adventure of Essequibo Coast challenge De Hoop Sports Club. The winners of the first game will take on the victors of game four while game two champions will play game three winners in the semifinals the following day as softball cricket makes a grand return to the Ministry of Education ground. The top two teams will then battle in the grand

Organiser Mark Walkes of PNC/R (right) with Intercab Kharamattalee (centre) of the GSCL Inc. during the drawing. Other officials are, from left, Langsford Klass, Wayne Maison and GSCL head Ian John. finale. The competition is organised by the People’s National Congress/Reform, in collaboration with the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc, and is being played in observance of the 30th death anni-

versary of the late Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. Speaking with Kaieteur Sport after the drawing which took place at GNIC SC on Thursday night organiser Mark Walkes

said he is pleased with the tournament so far and thanked the GSCL Inc. for its assistance. He added that he is looking forward to an exciting finish to the competition which he said would be an annual event.

Platini ducks FIFA talk, praises his work at UEFA By Brian Homewood MONACO, (Reuters) - Michel Platini declined to discuss his bid for the FIFA presidency yesterday, preferring instead to deliver a glowing assessment of his own performance in charge of European soccer’s governing body UEFA. In a self-congratulatory news conference, Platini and his secretary general Gianni Infantino proclaimed UEFA as pioneers in the fight against racism, leaders in tackling match-fixing and said they had brought financial sanity to European football. Platini also praised his controversial decision to increase the number of teams at the European championship to 24 and declared UEFA’s five-referee system, developed as an alternative to goal-line technology, a great success. The Frenchman is seen as the frontrunner in the race to replace outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who will relinquish his mandate at the helm of world soccer’s governing body at a Febryary 26 election in Zurich. Platini, who has been UEFA president since 2007, has not yet talked about his plans for the FIFA presidency and again frustrated reporters who expected to discuss them for the first time yesterday. Instead, Platini and Infantino went through a rerun of what they considered some of UEFA’s most impressive achievements. Infantino proudly talked of how UEFA’s break-even policy known as Financial Fair Play had cut the losses made by Europe’s first division clubs from 1.7 billion euros ($1.90 billion) in 2011 to 487 million in the most recent financial year. “We have been able to reduce wage inflation, lead European club football into operational profits and restore sanity to football,” he said. Infantino added that the total of unpaid bills had dropped from 57 million euros in 2011 to 5.5 million, which he described as “quite impressive.” He said UEFA had also led the way in the fight against racism and discrimination. “UEFA was the first football body to give officials guidelines ... even giving the referee power to abandon the match,” noted Infantino. UEFA is also the “football organisation which is a leader in the fight against match-fixing,” he said. HIGH QUALITY Platini, meanwhile, enthused over the qualifying competition for Euro 2016. “We have seen very high quality games, teams who have not qualified for a long time on the verge of qualifying such as Romania, Austria, Scotland and Wales -- proof we made the right decision (in expanding the tournament),” he said. “We’ve had exiting matches, excellent crowds and everyone is delighted with that and we will have a wonderful tournament in France.” Platini, who has publicly opposed the use of goal-line technology, then talked up one of his flagship moves at UEFA - the introduction of additional assistants on each goal-line to help the referee. The system has failed to prevent mistakes in the Champions League and Serie A, where it is used, and many observers have wondered whether the extra officials make a significant contribution, but Platini had an answer for that. “It’s been very successful; there have been wrong decisions because of mistakes by individuals. Of course, it’s not perfect but it’s not the system’s fault,” he said. A suggestion there was a worrying disparity between Europe’s richest clubs, particularly those in the English Premier League, and the rest of the continent was given short shrift. “You always have someone who has more than the others,” shrugged Platini dismissively. “VfL Wolfsburg complain they cannot compete (financially) with English clubs, but maybe clubs in Croatia say they do not have as much money as Wolfsburg, and clubs in Iceland may say they don’t have as much money as in Croatia. And clubs in the Faroe Islands are envious of clubs in Iceland.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

Guyanese players into CAREBACO Individual quarter-finals THE CAREBACO (Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation) Individual Championships started on Thursday in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, with the Guyanese all advancing to the next round. At the Club Los Prados, number three seeded player Narayan Ramdhani defeated Dominic Howard from Barbados in Round 2: 21-10, 21-8 in the Boys Under-19 Singles. In the Under-19 Mixed Doubles, Narayan Ramdhani (Guyana) & Anjali Paragsingh from Trinidad defeated Leonardo Chong from Panama & Franchesca Lebron from Dominican Republic in Round 1: 21-7, 21-2. In the Boys Under-17 Singles, Jonathan Mangra from Guyana lost to No.2 seeded player Reneldo Sinanan from Trinidad in Round 2: 21-14, 21-19. Jonathan Mangra (Guyana) & Vit-

mary Rodriguez of Puerto Rico lost to No.3 seeded players Joel Angus & Alana Bailey of Jamaica in Round 1: 21-6, 21-12 in the Under-17 Mixed doubles. In the Boys Under-15 Singles, Tyrese Jeffrey from Guyana defeated Shomari Smith from Barbados in Round 1 21-13, 21-15. Under-15 Mixed Doubles, number four seeded players Priyanna Ramdhani & Tyrese Jeffrey of Guyana overcame Tijae Hinds & Imani Gaynor from Jamaica in Round 1: 21-3, 21-8. Due to the Tropical Storm Erika heading to the Dominican Republic, the afternoon sessions had to be postponed and will be played later today. The countries taking part in the Team Championships are: Dominican Republic, Barbados, Panama, Trinidad, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Guyana.

CAREBACO action in Puerto Rico

Reifer, Bishop spur WICB Under-15s to victory LONDON, England (CMC) - Half-centuries from compatriots Nico Reifer and Joshua Bishop have helped the WICB Invitational Under-15s to victory in the latest two matches on their tour of the United Kingdom. Reifer cracked 60, spurring the WICB Under-15s to a nine-wicket victory over Hertfordshire Under-15s Thursday at West Herts, while Bishop scored a vital 57, propelling the visitors to a one-wicket victory over Barmy Army Colts yesterday at Stanmore.

On Thursday, Reifer, the younger cousin of former Barbados batsman and West Indies captain Floyd Reifer, smashed five fours and four sixes from 48 balls, as WICB Under-15s successfully chased 135 for victory in a Twenty20 contest at the Herts Under-15s. Before he was the only scalp claimed by the Herts Under-15s, Reifer shared an opening stand of 91 with Crystian Thurton, whose run-a-ball 42 not out included five fours and one six. The visitors’ captain Kirstan Kallicharran was

not out on 29. Collin Barlow was the Caribbean side’s bowling with 3-23 from his allotted four overs, after West Herts won the toss, chose to bat and posted 134 for seven from their 20 overs. Yesterday, a rearguard innings from Bishop which included four fours and five sixes from 41 balls catapulted the WICB Under-15s to victory. The visitors were wobbling on 42 for seven in the 18th over, chasing 143 for victory, before Bishop entered to get them back on

track with a stand of 83 for the eighth wicket, with Johnnel Eugene, son of former Windward Islands batsman John Eugene, supporting with 30. Earlier, Raewin Senior grabbed 4-22 from nine overs and Eugene captured 3-20 from a similar number of overs to undermine the Barmy Army Colts’ batting. The WICB Invitational Under-15s take a break today before returning to the field of play for the Lashings & House of Commons/House of Lords Twenty20 Tournament at

Axar’s 6-6-0-4 routs South Africa-A by an innings LEFT-arm spinner Axar Patel took four wickets without conceding a run in six overs on the fourth day in Wayanad, spinning South Africa A out for 76 in 31.4 overs and securing victory for India A by an innings and 81 runs. Axar’s spell of 6-6-0-4 gave him match figures of 9 for 92, to go with his 69 in India A’s innings. Scores: India A 417 for 8 decl. (Mukund 72, Rayudu 71, Axar 69*; Piedt 5-191) beat South Africa A 260 (van Zyl 96; Axar 5-92) and 76 (Axar 4-0) by an innings and 81 runs. Having declared overnight on 417 for 8, with a first-innings lead of 157, India A’s push for victory was started by Axar, who bowled Reeza Hendricks for 1 in the fourth over.

By the 14th over, South Africa A had lost their top three for 23 runs, Shardul Thakur and off-spinner Jayant Yadav accounting for Gihahn Cloete and Stiaan van Zyl. There was little resistance from the visitors as Temba Bavuma, Omphile Ramela and Dane Vilas fell in quick succession, Axar accounting for two of those three wickets. Quinton de Kock was the top-scorer with 20, but he fell to Jayant two overs after Axar removed Dane Piedt. Once Karn Sharma trapped Lonwabo Tsotsobe lbw, South Africa A’s innings came to an end on 76 because last man Beuran Hendricks was absent hurt, following an injury sustained while bowling. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Nico Reifer cracked 60 to spur the WICB Under-15s to a nine-wicket victory over Hertfordshire Under-15s The Mote. Summarised scores: At West Herts CC on Thursday, August 27: WICB

Invitational Under-15s won by 9 wickets. HERTFORDSHIRE UNDER-15s 134 for seven off 20 overs (A. Neal 39, A. Verdi 32, W. Latham 23 not out, O. Marin 22 not out; Collin Barlow 3-23, Nyeem Young 2-36). WICB INVITATIONAL UNDER-15s 135 for one off 17.2 overs (Nico Reifer 60, Crystian Thurton 42 not out, Kirstan Kallicharran 29 not out). At Stanmore CC yesterday 28: WICB Invitational Under-15s won by one wicket. BARMY ARMY COLTS 142 off 43.2 overs (A. Laws-Mather 40, W. Latham 25, A. Neal 24 not out; Raewin Senior 4-22, Johnnel Eugene 3-20, Nyeem Young 2-18). WICB I N V I TAT I O N A L U N DER-15s 143 for nine, off 37.5 overs (Joshua Bishop 57, Johnnel Eugene 30; C. Yorath 3-26, T. Stock 2-22, A. Neal 2-26).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday August 29, 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: WI vs ENG, Barbados, 1930 WI vs PAK, Albion, 1977

Today’s Quiz:

Who scored the first Test match hundred in the WI? Who compiled the first ODI century in the WI?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday August 29, 2015

NSC disburses funding, gear to various sport groups THE Ministry of Education Department of Sport/National Sport Commission yesterday handed over a number of trophies, equipment and funding to various associations and youth groups aimed at fostering sport development and enhancing youths.

way for us now, showing our commitment to the development of sport and of course our young people. As you may know from the several persons gathered here today, there have been several requests of the National Sport Commission to assist various associations, young people participating in events.”

tesies given by the NSC to be extended to others, with Jones adding that the body is always open for proposals once it is in keeping with the development policy of the Government. The entities that benefited are: The Guyana Masters Athletics Association,

Swimming Association, Guyana Hockey Board, The Best of the Best Martial Arts School, Guyana Football Coaches Association, District Sports Council Upper Mazaruni Region #7, Buxton Carl Hooper Cricket Club, Central Georgetown Police Youth Group, Guyana Body Building and

Beneficiaries of the National Sports Commission grants stand with the Director of Sport Christopher Jones. (Delano Williams photo) Speaking before handing over the various forms of support yesterday morning, Director of Sport Christopher Jones stated that the obvious needs of the people are what the NSC is striving to meet as best as possible. He continued, “This is about a very small

Brief remarks were made by the associations who collected their tokens as they thanked the commission for reaching out and supporting not only sport, but youth development. They also called for the current cour-

Fruta Conquerors Football Club, Guyana Blind Cricket Association, Mark A. Walters, Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, Athletics Association of Guyana, Guyana Boxing Association, Tang Soo Do International Guyana, Guyana Amateur

Fitness Federation, Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Classic, Rima Guest House, National Library, Neighbour to Neighbour Action Group (Friendship) EBD, Titans Tennis Club and Clean Hearts Youths Entertainment. (Stephan Sookram)

Sarwan to Antiguan businessman is new CFU General Secretary try out for Jamaican franchise spot A RETURN to domestic cricket could be on the cards for former Guyana and West Indies middle-order batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan. Sarwan is expected to try out for the Jamaica Scorpions franchise for the upcoming 2015-16 Regional Professional Cricket season, according to the Observer Online. The 35-year-old is expected to be in Jamaica for fitness tests on September 1 and 2 when contracted players will u n d e rg o p h y s i c a l evaluations. A trial match is scheduled for September 11 and 12. If selected as part of the squad, RAMNARESH SARWAN t h e 3 5 - y e a r- o l d , who is said to be registered to play for Kingston CC in the local 50-over club cricket competition, will be paid based on the games he plays.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) - An Antiguan businessman, Neil Cochrane, is the new General Secretary of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), a CFU release said on Wednesday. Cochrane has been appointed to replace Anguilla’s Damien Hughes who had announced his intention to leave the position since last year. The CFU statement announcing the appointment said Cochrane has a wealth of experience in management having spent the last 13 years as a marketing manager. “We have to understand and have dialogue with the associations to understand their strengths and their weaknesses and to see how we can improve and enhance

their weaknesses and further develop their strengths,” said Cochrane “So that when they have their leagues in St Lucia or in Guadeloupe or in Haiti that they are all of a particular standard. We have to make sure they are all tapping into as many resources as possible to fund the various programmes that they have.” Already, the new General Secretary has announced plans to reduce the CFU staff in Jamaica as well as rent a smaller office there. He also revealed that some aspects of the daily operations of CFU will be relocated to Antigua. “There will be some reduction in staff in Jamaica and the size in the current facility that we rent,” he said.

“And then there will be the establishment of an office here in Antigua with some support staff and

Neil Cochrane replaces Anguilla’s Damien Hughes. in particular the media; the PR machinery will be placed in Antigua.” In his first interview in the new role, Cochrane said while he intends to open-up

dialogue with the membership, first on his agenda is transforming CFU into a financially viable organisation. “The majority of the funding for the Caribbean Football Union comes through CONCACAF and at the end of the day, the monies are not necessarily close to what the CFU requires to execute all of its programmes,” said Cochrane. “So therefore we have an obligation to do our best to increase and improve the revenue machinery of the Caribbean Football Union so that the member associations and can be supported stronger.” Cochrane has served in executive positions on several sporting organisations, including football, horse racing and volleyball.

Commander Hicken 5/5 Softball competition on today UNDER the Central Georgetown Police Youth Group, Commander of ‘A’ Division, Clifton Hicken, will stage his 5/5 cricket competition today at the Police Sports Club ground from 10:00hrs. Eight teams, drawn from teams within the jurisdiction

of the Commander’s division will do battle for a $50 000 first prize which will go towards a project in the winners’ community. According to the Commander, the event is to forge a better relationship between the Guyana Police Force and

the community in which the groups reside. With assistance from the Ministry of Education, through the Department of Sport, the teams will be made up of both male and female players and will comprise some of the country’s top players, enter-

tainers and journalists. National cricketers, Steven Jacobs, Robin Bacchus and Paul Wintz are among some of the names that will feature today along with Radio personalities DJ Casual, Malcolm Ferreira and Stan Gouveia.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

GT Beer Futsal Tournament …

Wins for North Ruimveldt, Showstoppers and Albouystown

See story on page 27

Jamaican Williams wins surprise hurdles gold

BEIJING, China (Reuters) - Jamaica’s Danielle Williams won the world championship 100 metres hurdles gold as her more experienced rivals crumbled under pressure yesterday. She took the lead after the last flight, winning in a personal best 12.57 seconds ahead of Germany’s Cindy Roleder who also clocked a best time of 12.59. Bronze went to Aline Talay in a Belarus record 12.66. Danielle, 23, raced in the final alongside her 25-year-old sister Shermaine who finished seventh in 12.95. It was the first time since the championships began in 1983 that two siblings had competed together in a final. Two of the leading American hopes, Dawn Harper Nelson and Keni Harrison, were eliminated at the semi-final stage. Harper Nelson fell and Harrison was disqualified for a false start. In the final, 2013 world champion Brianna Rollins all but wrote off her chances by knocking down the first hurdle.

Jamaica’s Danielle Williams wins the world championship 100 metres hurdles gold as her more experienced rivals crumble under pressure, yesterday.

The American rallied but could do no better than fourth place in 12.67, passing Britain’s Tiffany Porter who led to the eighth flight before folding.

“I was just hoping I finished with a medal, I wasn’t sure where I finished, I knew it was close,” Danielle Williams told reporters. “I was just looking up at the screen

waiting for the results to come up.” Roleder, 26, regards herself as a heptathlete and was not even ranked in the world’s top 20 as a 100 hur-

Judge releases Argentine FIFA suspects from house arrest BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - An Argentine judge yesterday released Hugo and Mariano Jinkis from house arrest while he examines a U.S. request for their extradition to face corruption charges related to alleged graft inside FIFA, football’s world governing body. Judge Claudio Bonadio’s ruling came after he halted processing the extradition request this week for 30 days in order to seek more information from U.S. justice officials. Argentine nationals Hugo Jinkis, 70, and his son

Argentine businessman Hugo Jinkis,who is wanted by U.S. prosecutors in a FIFA bribery investigation, is escorted by a police officer after he turned himself, alongside his son Mariano, in to authorities in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 18, 2015. Reuters/ Enrique Marcarian

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

dler going into the Beijing championships. “That rocked,” she said. “I am super happy. I cannot believe what happened. “After the semi-final

I was gobsmacked for a little while but our physio Thomas Ring set me up again and my coach Wolfgang Kuehne also made me strong mentally.”

Mariano, 40, are among corporate executives and former and current FIFA officials indicted on racketeering charges. “Taking into account the satisfactory way Hugo and Mariano Jinkis have been fulfilling the house arrest conditions imposed on them, it is feasible to reconsider how they wait out this process,” Bonadio wrote in separate rulings for each defendant. Football was thrown into turmoil in May when U.S. authorities accused the Jinkis and 112 others of corruption by taking part in a criminal scheme involving more than $150 million in bribes and kickbacks. Court documents showed that under new conditions laid out by the judge, neither Jinkis can stay away from his home for more than 24 hours at a time without the permission of the court. Both are forbidden from travelling more than 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the court in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires. The passports of the father and son, who are controlling principals of sports marketing business Full Play, will remain confiscated and neither is allowed to travel outside the country. A third Argentine businessman caught up in the FIFA investigation, Alejandro Burzaco, last month pleaded not guilty in a U.S. court to charges including conspiracy to commit racketeering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2015