GUYANA
The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com
Busting Tip! No. 104309
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER
PRICE: $80
INCLUDING VAT
Granger pushes stronger families to fight TIP
Page
10
Herstelling man battered to death Page
2
DEAD: Nathan Persaud
Rice farmers say industry in crisis Page
Govt rolls out anti-suicide plan
7
Page
3
Miss Guyana World Lisa Punch, ties a suicide- prevention bracelet yesterday on the hand of Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton (Delano Williams photo)
– demand attention from govt
Attempted murder 8 convict gets 20 years Page
2
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
President Granger says…
Kamla’s PP loss no defeat for coalitions By Tajeram Mohabir PRESIDENT David Granger has contended that the voting out of power of the People's Partnership (PP) Government in Trinidad and Tobago does not necessarily reflect a failure of such coalitions. According to the President, the focus of the election was not on the coalition government, but on the two major contenders: then Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley. The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) is a coalition government. The coalition consists of the Alliance For Change (AFC) the People's National Congress Reform (PNCR), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), the Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Justice For All Party (JPAP), and the National Front Alliance (NFA). President Granger told
the Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News in an interview after the recording of the programme Public Interest at the Ministry of the Presidency that without an analysis of the Trinidad and Tobago Elections, he would not jump to a conclusion that the People's Partnership’s loss at the polls is an ominous sign for the APNU+AFC coalition. But he pointed out that the election followed the pattern of the American Presidential campaigns where the focus was on the two major candidates, with hardly any attention on the other contesting parties. President Granger told the two publications that people campaign primarily to elect a President, and this was what happened in Trinidad and Tobago. In Guyana, he said things are not far different. “People tend to focus on the personalities rather than the coalition. The average
voter will vote for coalition, Granger, and if Granger is a bad man then the coalition will fail.” The loss for the People’s Partnership government as such he said cannot be regarded as a defeat for the coalition, but more of a contest between two personalities, and in the end, one of them won the elections. The Dr Keith Rowley led People’s National Movement captured 23 of the 41 constituencies to be declared winner of the 2015 General Election. The Trinidad Express reported that the PNM improved on their 2010 showing when they won 12 seats to form the opposition. The People’s Partnership who had 29 of the 41 seats and formed the government over the past five years won 18 seats and will now be on the Opposition bench. The Independent Liberal Party led by Jack Warner did not make an impression with
the voting public and failed to capture a single seat, the Trinidad Express reported. The victory for Dr Keith Rowley of the People’s National Movement (PNP) has created a novel coincidence in CARICOM. Along with the PNP, the People’s National Party of Jamaica, the Democratic Labour Party and President David Granger of the People’s National Congress (PNC) are all in power at the same time. These parties have produced the founding leaders of CARICOM. And for President Granger, the alignment of the four is a signal for the rebirth of the Caribbean integration movement. On assuming office, the first diplomat the President met was Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, and after the appointment of the Minister of State, the first appointment was the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar
“I said we are back in CARICOM. I am totally committed to CARICOM when I went to CARICOM in July at the Heads of Government meeting, they were in support of Guyana against the Venezuela claim and I can’t let them go and they would not let us go either.”
President David Granger
“I see a rebirth,” in the integration movement, President Granger said, noting that he has sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Dr Rowley. “I see CARICOM becoming stronger not weaker. I am prepared to do all I could to strengthen that movement,” the President said.
Herstelling man Minister Trotman meets mining stakeholders to discuss smuggling battered to death – several meetings planned in near future By Ariana Gordon GOVERNANCE Minister Raphael Trotman yesterday met Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Clinton Williams, and officials of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) in a bid to better understand what is taking place in the mining sector. Trotman told the Chronicle that the meeting was intended to address the issue of gold smuggling. “I met with the Gold Board and the Chairman of the GGMC to see where we are,” he said. Another meeting with key stakeholders will be held on
September 15th to address the issue of gold smuggling. “I will be meeting with other stakeholders -- like the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the GGMC,” the minister said. Asked whether the meeting was fruitful, Trotman replied in the affirmative. “It was fruitful because it gave us a better understanding as to where we are and as to what is happening,” he declared. Trotman also said the Guyana Government is working with foreign governments to address the issue of gold smuggling. He noted that while Guyana has porous
borders, actions taken have been fruitful. “Actions led to discoveries…some things are working!” he said, adding, “There are known persons, local and international, who are on the radar.” The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) said it is saddened by the fact that some members of the mining community want to tarnish the reputation of legitimate operators. The association has vehemently issued a call on all miners to sell their gold to the Guyana Gold Board or to licensed dealers, and to demand receipts for their transactions. “In light of the recent disclosure about gold smuggling in Guyana, The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) wishes to make it abundantly clear that it DOES NOT condone, support, or in any way encourage the smuggling of gold,” the Association noted in a statement on Thursday, ahead of its Annual General Meeting today. The GGDMA warned that
with the extraction of minerals from the country’s subsurface comes certain responsibilities. “One such responsibility is to ensure that Guyana gets its required benefit. Smuggling does not benefit Guyana, and only serves to enrich a few greedy individuals. Additionally, it opens up several avenues for additional illegal activities”. Over the past 16 years, the Association has encouraged miners, and especially its members, to comply with all regulations and to have their gold sold to the Gold Board or to licensed dealers. “Many forms of media placements, releases, and even cartoons have been used to try to drive home the message”, the Association has said. The GGDMA calls for a “proper investigation” to be conducted so as to ensure that “legitimate miners” are cleared of this stain. “Legitimate miners do not smuggle gold, we are in the business of mining, and work hard to ensure that our practices are free from hassles and are compliant with the law,” the Association has said.
– at home By Michel Outridge
A 43-year-old joiner of Lot 66 Herstelling Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara was bludgeoned to death in his home yesterday morning. Nathan Persaud was home alone at the time after his three sons left home for work and classes and they later got a message that he was killed. One of the man’s sons, Nathan Persaud Jr., told this newspaper that he was at classes when a sibling telephoned him to say that he should go home and when he arrived there he saw a crowd and the police. The 17-year-old, distraught but composed, said the battered body of his father was found in a pool of blood between the kitchen and living room and lying nearby were a hammer and a knife, which were lodged with the police. He disclosed that neighbours heard loud screams and after looking out to enquire, they saw a tall man sporting an Afro hairstyle exiting the yard. They then thought that something was amiss. They ventured over to the Persauds and found the body in the house and informed the police and the man’s sons. The younger Persaud told the Chronicle that his father was murdered and it was not a robbery but a cold-blooded
DEAD: Nathan Persaud
and well-orchestrated homicide because the killer gained entry through an open door and left with a laptop only. He said nothing was disturbed in the house and the motive behind the murder was puzzling. According to the man’s sons, they have no trouble with anyone. The sons believe that whoever committed the brutal act knew that their father was alone at home and went there to kill him. Police reported that no arrests have yet been made but they are continuing the probe. Persaud’s body was found at about 10:00hrs yesterday with wounds to his head and he was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The man was brutally bludgeoned to the head and rendered unconscious, and bled to death within a short time, reports said.
3
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
Govt rolls out anti-suicide plan By Shivanie Sugrim ON the heels of World Suicide Prevention Day, Guyana has joined countries worldwide to end the scourge of suicide, with the launch of Government’s five-year National Suicide Prevention Plan in all 10 administrative regions. Through collaborative efforts with the Mental Health Unit and the Miss World Campaign, the Ministry of Public Health launched Guyana’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy at the Cara Lodge Hotel yesterday. Among those in attendance were representatives from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and other key players in the implementation of the plan to reduce the alarming rate of suicide in Guyana. LINES OF ACTION Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton, during the official launch, pointed out that the strategy includes plans for a multi-sectoral approach, encouraging community participation with an interest in suicide prevention and the mobilisation of resources and efforts to save lives. In its lines of action, the strategy states that it will strengthen effective governance and leadership for suicide prevention and control, reduce access to the means for suicide, improve the response capacity of mental health services in community-based settings to respond to suicides, strengthen surveillance and improve quality data on suicide and lastly, implement strategies for health promotion and prevention for improved suicide awareness. “Hard copies of plans are nothing else but hard copies. I can assure you with the meetings that I had with all those who were integrally involved in the actual planning and the execution of the plan, I am confident to say to you that this plan will become a reality,” said the Health Minister confidently. ALARMING FIGURES
In photo from left are: PAHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow; United States Embassy Representative, Dr. Bjorkman; Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton; Miss Guyana World, Lisa Punch; and GTT Representative, Allison Dundas at the launch of Guyana’s National Suicide Prevention Plan yesterday at Cara Lodge
young man from Santa Mission. The helpline is designed to provide comfort, counselling and support to persons who are struggling, not only with suicidal thoughts, but other issues, which can affect their mental health and/or life, and possibly lead to suicide. These include substance abuse, depression, anger management, abuse, and neglect, along with any other issue which can result in self-inflicted pain or damage. Guyana has the highest suicide rate in the world and A section of those in attendance
According to PAHO representative Dr. William AduKrow, Guyana has an improved eight percent in suicide rate thus far. Suicide is prevalent in Regions 2, 3,6 and 4, but according to Dr. Norton over the years, Regions 1, 2 and 6 have been mapped as having alarming figures of suicide. “What came to the front is the situation in the Baramita community in Region 1, that has a population of less than 1,000. It has recorded 48 suicide cases in the last four
years. They [officials] have averaged that the community has a suicide every six weeks. We certainly would need to put more emphasis there,” pointed out Minister Norton after disclosing that officials from his ministry, including himself, will be visiting that community come next week. Apart from community meetings, the Health Ministry will be hosting educational seminars for medical staff and student nurses on suicide prevention and management.
Training will also be offered to officers of the Ministry of Social Protection and a TV/Radio Series will be launched soon to engage the public on matters relating to suicide prevention. While touting the newly-established inter-agency suicide-prevention helpline, Dr. Norton said the helpline has proven very successful although being operational for just a short while. The line, which functions as a “coping partner” for many, recently helped to save the life of a
according to remarks penned by the Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, the ministry will mount an aggressive prevention campaign that will seek to educate on the issue of suicide and empower persons to rise above their challenges and equip them with the various resources to deal with their difficulties. Meanwhile, reigning Miss Guyana World Lisa Punch, in the midst of the launch of Guyana’s National Suicide Prevention Plan, with the help of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, launched her ‘Prevention of Teenage Suicide’ platform that will be promoting suicide-prevention awareness in schools across Guyana soon. World Suicide Prevention Day was celebrated countrywide yesterday under the theme, ‘Reaching Out and Saving Lives.’ According to the recently released World Health Organization (WHO) report: ‘Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative,’ over 800,000 people die by suicide across the world each year. The report notes that this estimate is conservative, with the real figure likely to be higher in view of the stigma associated with suicide, lack of reliable death- recording procedures, and religious or legal sanctions against suicide in some countries.
Woman nabbed with ganja in luggage at Ogle Airport A woman was intercepted with a quantity of marijuana by members of the Police Narcotics Branch while leaving this country at the Ogle International Airport on Thursday. Police said that about 11:15hrs ranks of the Police Narcotics Branch arrested the female Guyanese who was an outgoing passenger at the Ogle Airport after 4.1 kilograms of cannabis sativa (marijuana) were found in her luggage. She is in police custody assisting with the investigations.
4
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Turkey Kurds:
30 dead in Cizre violence as MPs’ march blocked
A delegation from the pro-Kurdish HDP set off on foot for Cizre on Wednesday after their route was blocked
AT least 30 people have died in clashes in the Turkish city of Cizre since a military operation began there last week, Turkey’s interior ministry says. The ministry says most of the dead were Kurdish militants but the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) says 20 civilians were killed in the violence. Locals say Cizre has been “under siege” since the military imposed a curfew. On Thursday police stopped a delegation of
DATE: 09/09/2015 K 14 24 07 20 25 17 02
10/09/2015
1
15
22
26
19
10/09/2015
6
HDP leaders who were trying to reach the south-eastern city on foot. The group includes the party’s leader Selahattin Demirtas and 30 members of parliament, who say they want to draw attention to what is happening in the mainly Kurdish area. They were intercepted by police near Idil, 28km (17 miles) from Cizre. Deadly clashes between Turkish forces and the militant Kurdish organisation, the PKK,
3
2
10/09/2015
have intensified since a ceasefire collapsed in July. Tu r k i s h j e t s h a v e bombed PKK bases in northern Iraq and the army has boosted security and imposed curfews across the south-east. Mr Demirtas said the humanitarian situation in Cizre was worsening, with people unable to buy bread or access water. The body of a 10-yearold boy killed in the violence was being kept in a refrigerator by family members because restrictions on movement meant they could not take him to the mortuary, the BBC was told. Interior Minister Selami Altinok said the curfew would continue until the military operation was completed. Mr Demirtas warned the country was heading towards civil war. Turkish prosecutors are currently investigating the HDP leader for insulting the president. They want to have the MP stripped of his parliamentary immunity. Turkey is to hold new elections in November after inconclusive polls in June.
16 08 17 09 04 11 06
5
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Trini family gets 418 years in jail in NY THIS case dates 2012. The Ramsundar family has since appealed the sentence, and preliminary rulings made by a Court in 2015. The appeal will come up for hearing in the Supreme Court, Queens County, New York later this year. A couple and their daughter, originally from Trinidad, have been jailed in the United States for a total of 418 years, for conning 19 Caribbean immigrants out of more than $1.8 million. In a sentence handed down by a court in Queens, New York on Wednesday, Shane Ramsundar, 52, wife Gomatee, 48, and daughter Stantal, 23, were described by the judge as “the most despicable gang of criminals to ever sit in front of me.” “You and I know that if you did this fraud and paraded and strutted around in front of your own people, in your own country, you probably would have all been hacked to death,”
Shane Ramsundar (left) is led into the courtroom for his sentencing. Shantel Ramsundar, 24, and mom Gomatee (right) were found guilty of grand larceny, money laundering, criminal impersonation and other charges. (Photo by Ellis Kaplan/Source NY Daily News) Holder told the family, which hails from Trinidad. “But not in this country. Now it’s your time to hear your return on your investment for your crime,” the judge said. Shane Ramsundar received the maximum 235-
year sentence. His wife was sentenced to 153 years and daughter 30 years. The three were found guilty last November of grand larceny. Prosecutors said that Shane Ramsundar told immigrants that he could get
their names off terror watch lists, or prevent their deportation by getting them green cards. Assistant District Attorney Catherine Kane said: “They stole from their own, people afraid of reporting to the police, terrified of being deported back to a place where they had no one to go home to”. One of the victims was an immigrant suffering with multiple sclerosis who gave the family $43,000 after being told by the family of con artists that he was about to be deported. Ramsundar also fooled immigrants into believing that he could get them cheap housing. Prosecutors said that the family used some of the money to buy cars, expensive hand bags, a $2,700 Yorkie dog and go on shopping sprees.
Chaos at Plipdeco warehouse (Trinidad Guardian) CALLS are being made for the new Government, led by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, to investigate corruption and inefficiency at the Point Lisas Industrial Development Company (Plipdeco) warehouse. The call came as hundreds of customers were turned away from the warehouse yesterday after being told only 65 customers will be serviced a day. Many of them arrived at the Plipdeco Less than Container Load (LCL) warehouse before dawn, hoping to collect their goods. However, security officers informed them if their names were not on the list, it was best that they went back home. Ramjit Rampersad, who came at the facility at 5.15 am, said he got number 26. However, even up to 11 am, his goods had not been cleared. “I am still waiting and it is a long process. I don’t know why they are moving so slow. If I had reached here after 7 am, I would not have gotten through. This morning we had about 190 people waiting,” Rampersad said. A port worker, who requested anonymity, said his colleagues were deliberately frustrating the process so they could get bribes from the public. “If people frustrated they will be more inclined to pay a little bribe to get their goods instead of waiting for days for it to be cleared,” the worker said. Ancil Pierre who was also waiting at the port since 5.30 am said Customs workers should do better than make the public suffer. “They need to extend the hours. People are taking time off from their jobs to come here. If they are closing at 4 pm, why is it they telling people that they cannot clear their barrels if they come here after 9 am?” Pierre questioned. Saying he was disappointed with the delays, Pierre added it was unfair for people to have to spend two days waiting by the port to clear their goods. Russel Rudder, who was waiting for his sister to clear goods, said he hoped the new Government would fix the problems at the warehouse. “This has to be more efficient. They need to speed up this process. I am coming from Tunapuna and it should not be taking so long to do one transaction,” he noted. Mandy Powell of Point Fortin who came to the warehouse to collect goods for a church said she took a day off from work but could not get her business done. “I am hoping that I will get through today. The office at T&T Express opens at 8 am and the Customs officer comes here from 8 am, yet they telling us if we come here after 9 am, they cannot do the transaction,” Powell said. LCL’s warehouse manager Clint Duncan was not available for comment yesterday. An official from his office took a message and said he would return the call. Plipdeco’s supervisor of corporate communications, Gizelle Crooks, was not in office. Shelly Balkissoon, Plipdeco’s manager, marketing and business, advised that an email be sent on the issue. She said a response would have to be cleared by Plipdeco’s management before being issued.
6
Guyana
EDITORIAL Fighting crime and silence
THE perception is that the crime rate (serious crime) has reached alarming proportions. Serious crime may be loosely defined as the use of force in the process of criminal activity that results in the maiming or killing of people. Berbice seems the epicenter of this horror. Reportedly, there have been some 100 murders in the past few months, with two-thirds of the victims being women. Serious crimes justifiably take the headlines. The reportage, as is our custom, is woeful. Truth be told, we cannot write, and analysis is alien to us. Investigative reporting is simply a litany of irrelevant facts and useless incoherent information. We read of contradictory thoughts from the Commissioner of Police as against our concerned politicians. This matters not to the victims, nor their survivors, nor to the victims of tomorrow’s murders and rapes and pillages. At this point we seem to be paralyzed as to how to arrest this incline in crime. The Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan was spot on. Crime is the most pressing and depressing aspect of this nation. We know for a fact too that the Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan is gravely concerned. It would be unfair to blame the young law enforcement officers for this. But the leaders of our new government are trying what they know and what they may have seen elsewhere. We have the 2 a.m. closing time for bars and rum shops. Good start. It is a North American thing and could be useful--last call for drinks is 1 a.m. in Canada and the USA (except Quebec). But here in Guyana, we can start our drinking sprees at 8:30 a.m. while in most places in North America, one cannot have a drink in public places before 12 noon. And in North America, if you start drinking at noon, there are police cruisers monitoring you, and the bars can stop selling you “beverages” if you appear “tipsy”. No such thing here! In brief, we have taken one thing and are lost as to how one thing is connected to many other things. The second move, excellent, was to have part of the SWAT deployed to Berbice. They did a fabulous job hunting down the perpetrators in Corentyne, Berbice. But the SWAT cannot address the root causes of crime. By definition and training, they react after the fact. While they are doing remarkable work, some members have the “regular” police reclining on motor bikes in shady places
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Rice producers want stabilisation fund
- tout development bank to secure industry
Rice Producers Association Action Committee (RPAAC) officials Dr. Turhane Doerga and Jinnah Rahman they are making things very Jinnah Rahman, Chairfarmers demanding pric- difficult to change for the man of the Committee, ACTIVISTS in the rice es based on suggestions betterment of farmers.” has stated. industry want the govthey get from the Guyana “We had joined the Reflecting on the rice ernment to set up a staRice Development Board sector, Doerga noted that APNU coalition because bilisation fund which (GRDB). Venezuela had been pay- we believe that the PPP they say will bring con“…so the farmers who ing Gy$9,000 per bag, but betrayed the trust of rice trol to paddy prices. are the majority and driv- farmers only got between farmers in this country. The Rice Producers’ ing force of the econo- $2,500 and $3,200 per bag They [rice farmers] were Association Action Commy…are being told by -– down from $6,500 in the used as political footballs, mittee (RPAAC) has said millers that they have lost latter part of the 1980s. and we are not going to the recommendation is in money because GRDB “These corrupt practices allow it under the coalikeeping with promises told them to buy paddy are now being investigated tion,” Rahman said. made by the governing at $3,250 a bag. When by a special forensic group Meanwhile, Doercoalition (APNU/AFC) they did that, they have of auditors,” he disclosed. ga said he would like to before it took office folto eventually liquidate He also challenged see the GRDB become lowing the May 11 polls. the stock for any price statements made by former completely free of former The committee is also they can get, because it’s president, Bharrat Jagdeo; board members, whom recommending establishperishable. former GRDB head, Jag- he suggested have been ment of an agriculture “This is because there narain Singh; Seeraj, and “on the board for over a and industrial developis no structure for market- others that the rice industry decade while mischief ment bank to aid in deing,” Doerga lamented. was happening.” had not been in crisis. velopment of the rice Doerga also called for The rice industry is the The committee would industry. democratisation of the like to see the Minister only private sector entity Millers look at the Rice Producers Associ- of Agriculture fulfil the that is legally controlled available markets and ation (RPA), namely the promises made by the gov- by the State through an then demand processes holding of free and fair ernment in its manifesto, as Act of Parliament, the based on what interest elections to install a new this would lead to develop- committee said. rates are at commercial executive. The RPA is cur- ment and transformation of Guyana has been banks, given that there rently headed by Oppo- the rice industry. breaking production reis no agriculture bank, sition Member of Parlia“I am giving him a cords in recent years, suggested Dr. Turhane ment (MP) Dharamkumar window of opportunity to with more than 630,000 Doerga, Co-Chair of the Seeraj. realise the commitments tonnes of rice being RPAAC and former head Further, Doerga said [made] within the APNU/ produced in 2014. A reof the Alesie milling there is need for structured AFC manifesto, especially cord-breaking 500,000 group. marketing for rice, since pertaining to rice -- that it tonnes were exported He said that pricing it appears “that the old should be taken seriously last year. (Rabindra mechanisms run millers cartel is still in place, and and should be fulfilled,” Rooplall) into trouble, with rice doing goodness knows what. Indeed, the good cops we know are quite distressed since they are painted nastily by the unscrupulous fellows who “lay back”. There is something called the Citizens’ Security Programme, and it was supposed to be part of this. In fact, it is a great initiative; but the initiative is useless if there is no competence. Nothing has happened so far, unfortunately. There is another excellent initiative: the Crime Research Unit. Solving crime takes serious research and firm and immediate action. We would suggest the creation of what we could call a Jeopardy Spread. In brief, it would answer these questions: why is there crime? What are the types and categories of crime being committed? Who are the perpetrators and in
what concentrations or clusters? How can we predict the spread given the analysis? How do we solve it all? The sensational crimes are horrible, but there are perpetual crimes that never see the light of day. The child abuse horror- destroying lives forever; fathers and uncles raping children; silence; children being bought and sold under the guise of religion. Girls being torn out of schools physically and sold to persons. Victims treated like damaged goods and “married off”. The rape continues, and women are reduced to cooking, cleaning, sexual slaves, and children-bearers. Decades of misery, until the victims begin to think that evil is good and good is evil. There is no escape, and all the while all is hidden beneath this diseased cloak of silence.
7
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Led by GRPA …
Rice farmers picket Ministry of the Presidency, MoA By Shirley Thomas
SOME 300+ rice farmers from around the country have taken to the streets, protesting outside the Ministry of the Presidency and the Ministry of Agriculture to press demands for attention to what they term the current ‘crisis’ facing the rice industry. Under determined leadership of Dharamkumar Seeraj, General Secretary of the Rice Producers’ Association, the protesters converged on Vlissengen Road in Georgetown,
they anticipate that their activities would have greater impact here. Yesterday’s protestors were drawn from Regions Two, Three, Four, Five and Six; and Seeraj has said it is hoped that the demonstrations will send a powerful message so the powers that be can get it right. “I wrote, I spoke and nobody is listening; so if people don’t listen, you have to find a way for them to listen,” he declared. Seeraj said the millers are incensed that they had supplied over 285 containers of
Rice farmers picketing outside Ministry of the Presidency, yesterday braving the sweltering heat of the midday sun as they hoisted placards on which were stated their demands. “All is not well in the rice industry,” they insist. “Rice farmers are in crisis. We are feeling the pressure and cannot continue like this,” they said. But while their situation is admittedly dire, they claim that officials of the Government are, through the print and electronic media, creating the impression that everything is ‘hunky dory’ when that is not the case. Moreover, they were incensed that, because of pressures facing them, just two weeks ago, an Essequibo rice farmer lost hope, buckled and committed suicide after being owed some $6M by a rice miller who failed to pay him. The protesters began their agitation at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast last Thursday following the suicide death of the rice farmer whose only name was given as ‘Mikey’. Farmers are claiming that ‘Mikey’ lost hope, and this must be brought to the attention of the Government, so that the relevant officials could know and appreciate the difficulties rice farmers are facing. According to Seeraj, the reality is that people don’t know the plight of the rice farmers, and those who know are silent on it. “Rice farmers’ situation is different from what is being told. They are feeling the pressure,” he declared. Sporadic demonstrations have been planned for other rice-producing communities, but the farmers shifted their protest to the administrative centre of Government because
rice to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and, after six months had elapsed, the GRDB had given back the rice to millers who had supplied it, claiming that Venezuela was not taking it, so the millers must come and take it back. This, he said, incurred a loss of $400M, and the big question is: What are they going to do with the rice? The temerity of the situation, Seeraj explained, was that the millers have a contract to supply the rice to the GRDB for onward shipment to Venezuela. The rice was taken to the wharf, and then they were told, after six weeks, to come and take back their rice. He argued that it is a breach of contract on the part of the GRDB, since the millers would have satisfied their contractual obligation by delivering the rice. He said it matters not what had subsequently transpired between the GRDB and Venezuela. Seeraj said the industry has lost about $400M on that single arrangement, and one miller has already taken the GRDB to court. And alluding to the Budget Speech of the Minister of Finance, the farmers are saying that Minister Jordan had committed an allocation of $23B specifically to pay 7,000 rice farmers, thereby raising their hopes. But all hopes have now been dashed. “But we did not see any $23B in the Estimates… It’s written in his speech. He spoke of it, and farmers were happy about it and thought it would go to fulfill the promise made to pay them $6,000 and $9,000 for rice; but now it is a different story,” Seeraj lamented.
- vow countrywide demonstrations if demands not acceded to
He described the situation as a massive deception on part of the Finance Minister. He also argued that there was a panel discussion with three individuals: Chairman of GRDB, Mr. Housty; General Manager (ag) of the GRDB, Mr Nizam Hassan; and Dr Peter DeGroot, member of the Board of the GRDB. The rice farmers are questioning why the Budget caters for concessions to miners,
when rice, the largest foreign exchange earner of the country, is now going through some crisis and no measures are being put in place to bail out rice farmers. Having picketed in Georgetown, the farmers vow to take their demonstrations to their respective regions if their voices are not heard and their demands acceded to.
8
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
GTUC encouraged by Minister Broomes performance
- calls on Gov’t to continue enforcing laws to protect workers THE Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) said it is encouraged by the performance of Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with oversight responsibility for the Labour Department Simona Broomes, who has consistently added her political weight in having the Labour laws respected by recalcitrant employers. “Initially, while the GTUC was hesitant about this minister’s appointment, given her newness to Labour, her assertive manner in embracing and executing the task thus far, without fear, favour or ill will is encouraging,” the GTUC said in a statement yesterday. “It also sends a signal to workers and employers that this administration is prepared to deliver to the working- class people relief measures from years of public abuse, mismanagement and violations executed/practised by the previous government
Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes
to deny and disempower them,” it added. The GTUC also stated that the recent visit to Regent Street by the Labour Department supported with the political muscles is seen as a step in the right direction. The commercial sector, primarily Regent Street is
Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence
known to be engaged in acts contrary to the labour laws and ILO Core Labour Standards which are demoralising to the labour force and carry consequences for this country’s image within the international community. The GTUC believes the minister’s hands-on approach will run contrary to those
who want to continue the lawlessness in society. She is a minister for the season and no doubt big businesses contemptuous of the rule of law will use whatever clout they have to come down on her and it is hoped the administration [will] demonstrate its commitment to workers and change, by standing solidly behind her. “The Labour Department today is beginning to regain the confidence of the workers and trade unions. GTUC is further encouraged that this new administration has ensured over $16million owed to workers was paid by recalcitrant employers under ministerial and departmental oversight.” It is also noteworthy that several employers have been either convicted or are before the court for labour transgressions. The GTUC said it would like to see coordinated approaches with other ministerial efforts, Labour Depart-
ment and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to ensure compliance with the laws, in order to protect and ensure the longevity of the scheme and pensioners/workers’ social security benefits. At the same time, the GTUC called on Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, to further the advancement and deepen the thrust of ministerial outreach in the labour environment by appointing the Trade Union Recognition and Certification Board (TURB). The TURB is legally required to give recognition and protection to trade union and workers. Its absence creates an unstable industrial climate, given that workers’ well-being guaranteed in Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution and Trade Union Recognition Act is immobilised. The GTUC pointed out that while it is encouraged by the recent work of the Labour Department, it expects the
government to appoint the arbitration tribunal to deal with the six-year impasse between the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) and the Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI). The non-resolution not only constitutes disrespect for the laws and transgression of workers’ rights, but also epitomizes that justice delayed is justice denied. “This administration has inherited the impasse and the responsibility is theirs to act in accordance with the laws, failing which it continues the violation of the previous regime. The society voted for change and the aggrieved workers have been waiting for justice to be served,” the GTUC said. The GTUC also called on the government to continue to enforce the Laws of Guyana which guarantee protection of fundamental freedoms and rights of every citizen.
Attempted murder convict gets 20 years – says he committed act in order to protect mother, himself By George Barclay BEFORE leaving the dock in chains to serve his 20year sentence for attempted murder, the grim-faced prisoner flung the bundle of his depositions into the well of the court. Following the jury’s verdict of guilty of attempting to murder Safraz Ganni, Deon Braithwaite told presiding Judge Jo-Ann Barlow, “I committed this act in order to protect my mother and myself.” Braithwaite was on trial for attempting to murder Ganni with a pitchfork on 29th October, 2012, at D’Urban Street, Wortmanville,Georgetown. The judge had told him that the offence for which he was convicted carried a
penalty of life imprisonment and had enquired from him whether he had anything to say before the passing of sentence. At this stage the prisoner blurted out the confession. Braithwaite, who showed no sign of remorse, had wounded Ganni with a pitchfork inflicting multiple injuries, which according to Dr. Fareez Khan were too numerous to mention. Following his admission that he had committed the offence, the judge told him, “It is not too late for you to ask God for forgiveness and if you don’t know him, you will have some time to find him.” The judge had sentenced the prisoner to 20 years, but declared that she would deduct 10 months for the peri-
od he had been incarcerated before he was granted bail. Ganni, the star witness, had told the judge and the mixed jury about the night he was attacked by Braithwaite, who was facing a two-count indictment for attempted murder and felonious wounding. The prosecution, led by Mr. Michael Shahoud and Miss Narissa Leander, contended through witnesses
that the crime resulted from an old feud between the parties. Witnesses had testified that on the night of the incident, the injured man became unconscious and had to be taken to hospital. The accused was arrested on the scene by a police patrol. The accused, unrepresented by counsel, elected to give evidence on oath to
have his evidence tested by cross-examination. He told the court that on the night of October 29, 2012,he came home and met his mother crying. He enquired of her what had happened and she told him something. According to the accused, he saw Ganni with a knife and after the man attacked him, he disarmed him and by that time the police had arrived. The accused said he told the police that Ganni had
attacked him with a knife, but the police arrested him instead and took him to the station where he was subsequently charged with attempted murder. When asked by the prosecution if he had seen Ganni lying in the yard that night, he said no. The judge summed up the evidence to the jury in less than three hours yesterday, while the jury took about one hour and 30 minutes to reach their unanimous verdict.
School guard shot above left eye MICHAEL Woolford, the 68-year-old security guard attached to Cummings Lodge Secondary School on the East Coast of Demerara, has been hospitalised with gunshot wounds sustained above his left eye, which he sustained during a melee between two men on Wednesday. Police reported that at about 21:00 hrs on September 09, 2015, two men, one of whom was armed with a cutlass, were involved in an altercation at Industry Crown Dam, when a
man who was driving a motor vehicle exited and discharged several rounds in their direction before escaping. A round is believed to have struck Michael Woolford who was on duty at the school, and he has been admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The two men involved in the altercation -- Vincent Williams, 35, and Doodnauth, 53, both of Industry Crown Dam, were also treated at the GPHC. (Michel Outridge)
9
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
Regent St stores gutted
The building which housed three stores which were razed inside following a fire early yesterday morning (Delano Williams photo)
By Michel Outridge FIRE of yet unknown origin ripped through three stores in a building at Regent and King Streets, Georgetown,
early yesterday morning, destroying haberdashery and other articles valued at millions of dollars. Owner of Ashok’s Dry Goods Store, Hemant Kes-
wani, an Indian national, told this publication that he was at home when he received a telephone call informing him that his store was ablaze at about 01:00 hrs yesterday.
Firemen at the scene yesterday
Final report to determine way forward for E-Governance project – Minister Trotman THE future of the E-Governance Project will be determined by the recommendations coming out of the current investigations into the project as was ordered months ago by the Government. However, according to Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, the project remains under active consideration. “I don’t believe that the government has taken a decision. What obtained in
the past I can assure you has been brought to an end, but we are now awaiting a final report, and recommendations as to how we proceed,” Minister Trotman told members of the media as he addressed a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency, on Wednesday. The aim of the project was to effect the modification and advancement of telecommunications operations of government agencies.
The present government, while in opposition, had several concerns about the project as deadlines upon deadlines were missed. The project was approved by the National Assembly in 2009. Huawei Technology Company Limited, a Chinese firm, was earmarked in 2009 to provide infrastructural support for the implementation of the project, which included the laying of a fibre-optic cable from Lethem to Georgetown.
He said when he arrived on the scene there was nothing he could do but watch as his business place went up in flames, leaving several store workers jobless.
– in early morning fire
Keswani stated that he migrated to Guyana many years ago and invested in the store that sold clothing and other articles. His losses would run into millions, he said, and he was unsure how he would cope. The businessman said he closed and secured his store at 16:30 hrs on Wednesday and was sure that all electrical points had been switched off before he left for home and so he could not say what caused the blaze. Meanwhile, the owners of the two other stores which include Subrina’s Store, which also sold clothing, and a smaller store next door were not around yesterday morning, but employees who showed up for work were dumbstruck. Some of them were unaware that a fire had consumed their workplace early yesterday morning and were in obvious shock. Chief Fire Officer Marlon Gentle told the Chronicle that the stores were housed on the ground floor of the aged wooden building and the upper flat was the storage bond.
The fire was in several parts of the building when firefighters forcibly entered the place. He reported that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) received the fire call at 12:42 hrs yesterday morning and four fire tenders and one high-rise tender responded with an adequate number of firemen. Gentle stated that when they arrived, thick smoke was billowing from the building which was secured with shutters and padlocks and they had to force their way in. After they had gained entry, he said, fire was observed at multiple parts of the building and they went into fire-fighting mode and contained and extinguished the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings. Gentle said they have since launched an investigation into the early morning fire and the cause will soon be revealed. The interior of the building was completely destroyed, and everything inside was burnt beyond recognition, but the outer walls were intact.
10
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
Granger pushes stronger families to fight TIP
By Tajeram Mohabir
AT T E N T I O N w i l l b e placed on education and enforcement coupled with strong emphasis on building stable families to combat trafficking-in-persons. President David Granger yesterday in acknowledging the urgency to address the problem identified extreme poverty as one of the chief causes of the scourge. The situations are many, he said, noting that among them include children dropping out of school to help take care of their families. These circumstances, he said exposes children’s vulnerability to traffickers. “They could be forced to live in circumstances under conditions which con-
fined them to some form of forced prostitution,” Granger said, stressing that greater focus has to be placed on the family in addressing the problem. The Head of State laments the plights of many young and underage girls who are induced and enticed by persons who make false promises to them. Many are promised jobs in the hinterland but when they got there, they are forced into prostitution. “When we speak about social cohesion, we speak about respectful relations but we also speak about enforcement,” the President said, pointing out that more has to be done to equip the police to go after human traffickers. Granger also mentioned of receiving reports which point to certain
areas where young girls are traffic. They are taken to the backdams and their mothers cannot go to rescue them because they do not have transportation. And the very miners, who probably did the trafficking, are the ones who have the ATVs to carry the police into the backdam. “Things are going on there and we need to address it,” he said, noting that while some persons in the past have contended that the people make a choice, there is no way a 14-year-old girl can make such a decision. “We will be working on both the education and enforcement fronts to address the problem. We will try to keep the girls in school. These persons have to be re-educated and counsel…
it is the duty of the Government to protect citizens from trafficking,” he said.
SAFE HOMES The intention of the Administration is to place trafficking victims at the safe home in Mahaica and a half-way home when they are brought in from the interior regions. Granger said whether it is Bartica or Mahaica, the victims will be brought out, counselled, reunited with their families and sent back to school. “The best place for young women to grow up is in the family, a family that loves and cares for them. That’s what we want to see,” the President said, noting that more women police officers will be enlisted in the fight to against
human trafficking. According to the US Department of State 2015 Trafficking-in-Persons report, Guyana is a source and destination country for men, women, and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labour. “Women and children from Guyana, Venezuela, Suriname, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic are subjected to sex trafficking in mining communities in the interior and in urban areas. Victims are subjected to forced labour in the mining, agriculture, and forestry sectors, as well as in domestic service and shops,” the report said. It added that children are particularly vulnerable to sex trafficking and forced labour,
and noted that limited Government presence in the interior renders the full scope of trafficking crimes unknown. “Guyanese nationals are subjected to sex and labour trafficking in Suriname, Jamaica, and other countries in the Caribbean region. Some police officers are complicit in trafficking crimes, and corruption impedes anti-trafficking efforts,” the report pointed out. It said despite some measures, the Government did not demonstrate overall increasing anti-trafficking efforts compared to the previous reporting period, and cited this as a reason Guyana is placed on the Tier 2 Watch List for a third consecutive year.
11
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
Guyanese busted No shortage of HIV – says Public with cocaine in rum testing kits Health Ministry A GUYANESE national was nabbed trying to smuggle into the United States a rumand-coke drug cocktail which he had in his luggage at the John F. Kennedy Airport, according to U.S. authorities. Cleveland Charles arrived in New York on Saturday last aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana, and was selected for inspection by Customs and Border Protection officers. Sharp-eyed officers focused on a bottle of 12-year-old El Dorado rum inside Charles’s suitcase, and Charles said he had purchased it at a duty-free shop at the airport in Guyana, the Brooklyn Federal Court complaint has said. A customs officer “then opened the bottle, which contained a thick syrup-like substance with a strong odour that appeared inconsistent with rum,” Department of Homeland Security special agent Scott Salamon stated in the complaint. A field test of the liquid came up positive for cocaine, according to Salamon.
THE Ministry of Public Health says there is no shortage of HIV testing kits at the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS) , dispelling contrary reports. Responding to reports about a countrywide shortage of HIV testing kits, NAPS acting Programme Manager, Dr. Ruth Ramos yesterday told the Chronicle: “We are not out of supplies. Everything is under
The bottle used to smuggle the cocaine to New York
control and there is nothing to worry about.” Dr. Ramos, now acting for NAPS Programme Manager, Dr. Shanti Singh who is on leave, said the National Treatment and Care Centre has supplies, as well as the Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) sites which continue to work routinely. This newspaper was also reliably informed that supplies
are in the country and these are currently going through a clearing process, so that all centres can expect to have their current supplies boosted in the near future. The three brands of HIV Rapid Test Kits being used locally are: Uni-Gold and Determine, for use with whole blood, serum, or plasma, and Stat-Pak. (Shirley Thomas)
12
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
In hospital 3 weeks now without relatives knowing…
Accident victim wants to report incident to Police SELF-employed small scale gold miner Shaun Bacchus is still to hear from the people who struck him down with a land cruiser in the backdam at 14 Miles, Issano three weeks ago, thereby causing him to sustain debilitating injuries. Nor has the accident been reported to the police because, since the accident,
the 36-year-old victim has been hospitalised and has had no opportunity to contact the police. Having waited in vain over the last three weeks for a policeman to visit and take a report from him in hospital, Bacchus is now convinced that the offending motorist did not report the accident. He says the land cruiser
is owned by a popular, highplaced overseas mining concern, but he does not know the driver personally. And in a crass demonstration of callousness, Bacchus said, neither the company owning the vehicle nor the driver has ever visited him in hospital. Stressing that he has never been contacted by anyone related to the vehicle, Bacchus said: “Not a The injured Shaun Bacchus
visit; not a phone call; not even a bottle of drinking water or juice…” has he ever received from them. Now warded at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) with a fractured right leg, Bacchus said doctors have diagnosed him as having sustained a compound fracture, with about four inches of the bone from his lower leg (above the ankle) having broken off after pen-
etrating the flesh. Bacchus is now laid up in bed with an external fixator to the lower leg, and is unable to move around. He does everything on the bed. The grieving man recalled that, on August 21, he was pillion rider on a motor cycle driven by his friend Marlon when they were struck down by a land cruiser on the 14 Miles Issano Road.
Two cruisers belonging to the same company were travelling at the same time. The occupants disembarked the vehicles and, placing the profusely bleeding injured man in one of the cruisers, transported him to the company’s compound, where he was placed into a waiting ambulance which took him to the 14-Miles medic, where he was stabilised and air-dashed to Georgetown the following day by the company’s aircraft. He has since remained a patient at the GPHC, separated from his family members and relatives who live at Goshen, Bartica in Region 7. Bacchus would like to inform the police, by way of this article, that he has been involved in a serious accident and would like to give them a statement in this regard. (Shirley Thomas)
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
GPL Deputy CEO still under investigation
– matter referred to DPP for advice
Aeshwar Deonarine, former Deputy CEO of GPL
INVESTIGATIONS are still ongoing into the money taken by former Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Aeshwar Deonarine, who took $27.8M to pay himself. Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, at this week’s post-cabinet press briefing said that Deonarine is currently out of the country. He added that, “the absence or presence of a person does not prevent an investigation from continuing.” “If the man says that it was not intended to commit
an act of theft and he intends to return it, we will have to see how that goes and call on him to make good on his undertakings to repay,” said the Minister of Governance, noting that it is only an allegation. He further informed the media that the government has referred the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice, and if necessary, action will be taken. Minister Trotman noted that government is not in the business of going after people, as that is the job of the police.
Thousands of males are actually victims of domestic abuse – Police stats reveal By Rabindra Rooplall LIKE their female counterparts, male victims of family violence and abuse often face many barriers to disclosing their abuse. Police statistics have revealed thousands of reports of male abuse, according to UG lecturer from the Women’s Study Unit, Ms Audrey Benn, speaking recently at a symposium on violence against women, hosted at the Pegasus Hotel. The event was organised by the NGO Caribbean Development Foundation which started its 2015 campaign in Guyana. Benn said that, in 2010, the number of reported cases from males was 1,673; in 2011, it increased to 2,887 reports; in 2012, there was a downward spiral, with 2,761 cases; while, in 2013, there was a dramatic decrease, with 749 reports; which continued in 2014 with 603 reported cases of domestic abuse. Benn underscored that abuse of men takes many of the same forms as it does against women -- physical violence, intimidation and threats; sexual, emotional, psychological, verbal and financial abuse; property damage and social isolation. Many men experience multiple forms of abuse. She said that men, more so than women, can also experience legal and administrative abuse the use of institutions to inflict further abuse on a victim; for example, taking out false restraining orders, or not allowing the victim access to his children.
UG lecturer from the Women’s Study Unit, Ms Audrey Benn
She explained that while women are twice as likely to report instances of domestic violence, men have accounted for thousands of reports. According to a study, male victims can be falsely arrested and removed from their homes on the assumption that, because they are male, they must be perpetrators and not victims. When this happens, children can be left unprotected from the perpetrator of the violence, leading many men to suffer the abuse in silence in an attempt to protect their children. “Any violent, abusive or controlling behaviour by someone close to you, usually a partner or an ex-partner or a family member, is domestic violence and abuse. The abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, sexual or financial. It can include bullying, threats, humiliation and isolation. You can experience domestic violence and abuse without having broken bones and bruises,” the study underscored. The campaign by the Caribbean Development Foundation follows a 2010 movement which lobbied regional governments to strengthen the sector to serve victims of domestic violence, which has given NGO organisations more experience within the field.
13
14
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
Scrap metal dealers want ban on trade lifted – but forensic audit must be completed By Ariana Gordon AMID calls for the resumption of the scrap metal trade, Government is insisting that until the completion of an ongoing forensic audit the ban imposed under the PPP/C administration will remain in force. Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott said that the suspension will come to an end only when the forensic audit into the scrap metal trade concludes. Minister Scott, in a brief interview with the
Chronicle, said the audit has begun but it is not yet complete. “We are awaiting the report from the auditors…the audit is ongoing,” he said. The minister said he understands the hardship facing those in the industry but stressed the importance of transparency and accountability. “We can’t interfere; we don’t want to be accused of compromising the integrity of the audit. When the audit is completed, the auditors will indicate that to us.” Upon completion of the audit, should persons be
found culpable they will be dealt with the full force of the law. “We are going to get the police involved…If those being investigated are found guilty then they will be punished. If the findings are favourable towards them, then we can’t go further.” The minister said he is alarmed by reports that some persons are attempting to ship scrap metal out of the country. “I have had reports as early as Sunday that dealers are loading up with the intention to ship. Once caught, they will be prosecuted.”
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Guyana Metal Recyclers’ Association (GMRA) Michael Benjamin said the association does not condone such activities. “If there is a pause in the trade, as is the case now, there should be no movement of scrap metals. We need the perpetrators to be dealt with condignly. As much as it is hard, we must respect the Government’s decision,” Benjamin said. He noted, however, that scrap metal dealers are in a “tight spot” as there are billions of dollars invested but scrap metal cannot be exported. “Exporters and suppliers are calling me daily to find out whether the suspension has been removed. This is a competitive trade and people have invested millions of dollars. If we don’t fulfil our contractual obligations we lose despite the fact that Government has suspended the trade.” Benjamin told the Chronicle that the association has written to President David Granger requesting an audi-
ence with him on the matter. In a letter dated September 2, 2015, Chairman of the Association, Desmond Sears outlined the association’s frustration. “However, at this point frustration is at its peak for all concerned. The negative effects of the situation are: Exporters are deemed unreliable to their suppliers; breaches of contractual arrangements leaving dealers open to litigation; loss of overseas market; escalating demurrage cost for containers with metal detained on various wharves; additional freight cost levied by shipping lines; outstanding rental for scrap metal yards; outstanding payment for bank loans; retrenchment of workers; negative reception of old metal dealers and some ancillary staff had to be laid off and the others are struggling to maintain their families.” Sears noted too that there are 42 undocumented containers loaded with scrap metal that are sitting at various wharves awaiting shipment. “All of this is affecting the
Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Keith Scott
continued viability and sustainability of the trade for the investors, the dealers and our association,” the letter stated. While the association remains optimistic that government will find favour in its appeal to have the suspension lifted, they are appealing to scrap metal dealers to be patient and abide by the laws of the land. Currently, the market price for scrap metal has declined. Two months ago it stood at USD$300 per ton while today it is USD$140 per ton.
15
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
GECOM Chairman discusses LGE with Senior Diplomats CHAIRMAN of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Dr. Steve Surujbally has assured that the Commission will commence the implementation of its Work Plan for the conduct of Local Government Elections immediately after the outstanding legal lacunae are passed by the National Assembly and assented to by President David Granger. This pledge was made by Dr. Surujbally during a meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2015, in the GECOM Boardroom, with Mr. Derek Lambe, Head of Political, Press and Information of the European Union in Guyana; Mr. Bryan Hunt, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America in Guyana; British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Greg Quinn; and Canadian High Commissioner Mr. Pierre Giroux. Dr. Srujbally was accompanied to the meeting by Mr. Vishnu Persaud, Deputy
Chief Election Officer, and Ms. Juanita Barker, GECOM’s Legal Officer. Following the provision of background information pertaining to the Commission’s state of preparedness for the conduct of Local Government Elections, the Senior Diplomats sought clarity on some ‘cloudy’ areas of interest which impact on the timelines of a few crucial prerequisites that must be accomplished. In this regard, Dr. Surujbally, supported by Mr. Persaud and Ms. Barker, provided relevant explanations including the need for the outstanding legal lacunae, which was discussed in the National Assembly on Wednesday, to be passed and assented to by President David Granger to clear the way for the extraction of the Preliminary List of Voters from the National Register of Registrants (NRR), instead of from the 1992 Official List of Electors as is currently provided for in law.
It was also pointed out that included in the Bill are a few crucial pieces of legislation that must also be enacted for the elections to be carried out in an efficient manner, e.g., the movement of Nomination Day from 21 days to 50 days before Election Day. If this is not done, the existing timeframe would be insufficient for the designing and printing of 585 different ballot papers. The National Assembly, late Wednesday night, passed the Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2015, with minor amendments as Government gears up to call the long overdue Local Government Elections. Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan said despite the passage of the bill it would be the Guyana Elections Commission which will soon announce the date for the poll, which was not held here since 1994. Bulkan made the disclosure following repeated queries from the Opposition
Mr. Vishnu Persaud, Deputy Chief Election Officer (extreme right) making a point to – from left going down the table - Mr. Derek Lambe, Head of Political, Press and Information of the European Union in Guyana; Canadian High Commissioner Mr. Pierre Giroux; British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Greg Quinn; and Mr. Bryan Hunt, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America in Guyana. On Mr. Persaud’s right are Dr. Steve Surujbally, Chairman of GECOM; and Ms. Juanita Barker, GECOM’s Legal Officer
benches, many of whom claimed that the Administration will not be in a position to hold the elections by December 7 as had promised. Minister Bulkan nevertheless informed the House that as the Government awaits the date from GECOM; it has heard the cries of the people, has felt their pain and remains resolute in ensuring their right to constitutional democracy. The Local Authorities (Elections) (Amendment) Bill 2015 seeks to amend 22
sections and insert a new section in the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, clearing the way for the holding of the long-overdue elections. The approved bill also widens the definition for Election Officer to include Deputy Chief Election Officer, Assistant Chief Election Officer and Deputy Returning Officer. In addition, it widens the definition of identification card to include a card issued during the continuous registration process and inserts a definition of by-election. The
bill deems vagrants as not ordinarily residents anywhere and provides for the Preliminary List of Voters to be extracted from the National Register of Registrants and not from the 1992 Official List of Electors. Meanwhile, the Diplomats were told during their meeting with GECOM on Wednesday that, consequent upon the passage of the Bill by Parliament, the preparations for, and the prerequisite conduct of Claims and ObTurn to page 18 ►
16
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Parliamentary Committees appoint chairpersons
CHAIR persons to several Parliamentary Committees were appointed, Wednesday evening, in an effort to strengthen the transparency and accountability framework.
-
Clive Jagan – PPP MP Ganga Persaud – PPP MP
The Parliamentary Sectorial Committees on Natural Re* Public Accounts Committee (PAC) – this Committee sources, Economic Services, Foreign Relations, Social Services will be chaired by a member from the Opposition People’s and Security Sector also appointed their respective Chairpersons and vice chairpersons. Progressive Party (PPP). Members include: Joseph Harmon – APNU+AFC Volda Lawrence – APNU+AFC Ronald Bulkan – APNU+AFC Jermaine Figueira – APNU+AFC Winston Jordan – APNU+AFC (Vice Chairperson) Valerie Patterson – APNU+AFC Audwyn Rutherford – APNU+AFC Charandass Persaud – APNU+AFC Jermaine Figueira – APNU+AFC MP (alternate) Audwyn Rutherford – APNU+AFC Pauline Sukhai – PPP Mohamed Irfaan Ali – PPP (Chairperson) Odinga Lumumba – PPP (Chairperson) Pauline Sukhai – PPP Need Kumar – PPP Bishop Juan Edghill – PPP Yvonne Person – (alternate ) Nigel Dharamlall – PPP * Constitutional Reform Committee (CRC) – The members are: Khemraj Ramjattan – APNU+AFC Basil Williams – APNU+AFC (Chairperson) Rupert Roopnarine – APNU+AFC Raphael Trotman – APNU+AFC Nicolette Henry – APNU+AFC Mohabir Anil Nandlall – PPP Priya Manickchand – PPP Dr. Frank Anthony – PPP Adrian Anamayah – PPP * Committee on Appointment Amna Ally – APNU+AFC Dr. George Norton – APNU+AFC (Chairperson) David Patterson – APNU+AFC Catherine Hughes – APNU+AFC Annette Ferguson – APNU+AFC Gail Teixeira – PPP MP Bishop Juan Edghill – PPP MP
* Economic Services Committee (ESC) Carl Greenidge – APNU+AFC Noel Holder – APNU+AFC Jaipaul Sharma – APNU+AFC (Chairperson) Simona Broomes – APNU+AFC Jennifer Wade – APNU+AFC (alternate) Mohamed Irfaan Ali – PPP (Vice Chairperson) Bishop Juan Edghil – PPP Komal Chand – PPP Colin Croal PPP – (alternate)
-
Nigel Dharamlall – PPP
* The Social Services Committee - The members include: Raphael Trotman – APNU+AFC Valerie Garrido-Lowe – APNU+AFC Dr. Karen Cummings – APNU+AFC John Adams – APNU+AFC (Chairperson) -
Valerie Patterson – APNU+AFC (alternate) Dr. Vindhya Persaud – PPP (Vice chairperson) Indranie Chandarpal – PPP Allister Charlie – PPP Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo – PPP
* Security Sector Committee Noel Holder – APNU+AFC Valerie Garrido Lowe - APNU+AFC Khemraj Ramjattan – APNU+AFC (Chairperson) Bsail Williams – APNU+AFC Hemraj Ramkumar – APNU+AFC Clement Rohee – PPP Joseph Hamilton – PPP Dr. Bheri Ramsaran – PPP Harry Gill – PPP
The four sectoral committees: Economic Services, Natural Resources, Social Services and Foreign Relations, were formed * Foreign Relations Committee (FRC) pursuant to the constitutional changes of 2001 brought about Volda Lawrence – APNU+AFC by the Herdmanston Accord. They are intended to increase the Dominic Gaskin – APNU+AFC (Vice Chairperson) input of the Opposition in governance in real time by having Nicolette Henry – APNU+AFC them scrutinise governmental operations in real time, unlike Hemraj Ramkumar – APNU+AFC MP the Public Accounts Committee. John Adams – APNU+AFC MP (alternate ) Gail Teixeira – PPP (Chairperson) The Chairs of the Committees are split between the Africo Selman – PPP Opposition and the Government and are alternated annuZulfuikar Mustapha – PPP ally. (GINA)
17
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
In Essequibo home invasion…
Widow robbed at knifepoint of more than $2M in cash, raw gold - suspect in custody By Rajendra Prabhulall POLICE have arrested a youth from Dartmouth as they continue investigations into the brazen knifepoint robbery of a 64-year-old widow of Better Hope, Essequibo Coast around 2:30 hrs Wednesday morning. Chandroutie Lawrie was beaten and robbed of some $2M in gold jewellery, cash and electrical carpentry tools. The woman who lives alone, said the lone ban-
dit terrorised her with a long knife after entering her concrete and wooden two-storey house through a back window. Speaking to the press in tears, the widow said her husband Harold Lawrie passed away about a year ago and she never felt afraid to live by herself. According to Mrs. Lawrie, she heard her dogs barking around 2:30 hrs on Wednesday and got up from her bed to investigate, but did not see anyone in her yard.
The widow said after she went back to bed she saw the door to her room being pushed open, and she got cold sweat on seeing a person crawling in with a long knife. According to the widow, the person had on a cap pulled down over his face and a short -sleeved brown shirt. He pushed her down on the bed and ordered her to lie straight while demanding to know where she had her money. The woman said the
Injured pedestrian wants police action against Timehri driver By Shirley Thomas A PEDESTRIAN who is still nursing multiple injuries since October 27th last year is calling on the police to take action against the speeding minibus driver who struck him down at Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara. Andrew Simmons, 45, a father of three, recalls that on the night of October 27, around 22:00hrs, he was crossing the newly-constructed Covent Garden public road, heading for Middle Street, when he was struck down. The vehicle had driven onto the upper lane that was under construction, and the conductor removed a drum placed by the construction workers, allowing the bus to blaze through. It was then Simmons was struck down and suffered a broken right fibula and ankle, and after almost one year he has not recovered. He has been in and out of hospital since then and now has to endure the agony of a fixator fitted to his leg. He said in an instant, the bus, heading for Georgetown ‘blazed’
through the demarcated area and before he knew it, had slammed into him, breaking the fibula of his leg (midway between the tibia and ankle). He also suffered injury to his ankle among other things. Simmons said the driver stopped and took him to the Diamond Hospital, during which time he learnt that the man lived at Timehri, and was able to get his name and phone number. The matter was reported to the Providence police who promised to investigate thoroughly and take action. The injured man was transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) and the driver promised to visit him in hospital. He said the driver visited him on about three occasions, promising the last time that he would come back to arrange a settlement, but he never did. In fact he never gave him anything since causing the injuries. Simmons recounts that he has been re-admitted to hospital for several different procedures - for the first three months he was re-admitted because the
wound became infected and had to be taken care of; later for the leg to be cast. And by January he had to have steel implanted into his ankle which was also damaged and had started acting up. In April, steel and plate had to be implanted into the fibula which was broken (above the ankle). A few months later, the steel began acting on the bone and so last Monday he was readmitted to hospital and the steel was finally removed and an external fixator applied. The fixator is expected to remain on his leg for the next two to three months. Meantime, throughout the ordeal, he has had to be trekking back and forth between his home and Diamond Hospital to have dressings done – all at his own expense. Simmons, a construction worker, lived in Antigua for several years. However, he returned home about three years ago, and by the second year he suffered this horrible accident. He is now regretting his decision to return home.
Andrew Simmons is calling on the police to proceed against the errant minibus driver who has caused him so many injuries
bandit had the knife at her throat and slapped her several times, demanding, “Where is the money?” Mrs Lawrie said she showed him a bag that was near the bed that contained about $25,000 in five thousand notes, a $1,000 note, four twenty dollars, her late husband’s jewellery and some raw gold. After collecting the bag, the bandit went into another bedroom and began to search for more money. She said he found another purse that contained about
$600,000 in cash and some US$700 along with jewellery. The widow said the bandit who spent about one hour in the home also drank a Coca-Cola from the fridge and ate several sweets. The woman said he also stole some electrical carpentry tools from her storeroom. Mrs Lawrie said she suspected other thieves were in her yard who assisted him to move the electrical items. According to the dis-
traught woman, the bandit removed a steel grille from her back window and some louvre windows to gain entry to her home. After he left she called the police and her neighbour. Mrs Lawrie said she lived at Better Hope with her husband for 35 years and had never been robbed. Reports said the youth in custody was employed by the widow to weed her yard on Tuesday and during the robbery ordeal he asked for the weeding machine.
Informative educational programmes needed to combat climate change CLIMATE change is a global phenomenon, and education is an essential part of the global response. It helps young people understand the impact of global warming, and it encourages changes in attitudes and behaviours which help society to adapt to climate change and its related trends. This is according to National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) Director, Ms Jennifer Cumberbatch. Underscoring the need to raise awareness about climate change, as well as enhance and inform educational programmes through networking and partnerships, Ms Cumberbatch said, “We aim to make climate change education more central and a visible part of our response. Other programmes aim to help people understand the impact of global warming today and increase our climate literacy among young people; it does this by strengthening all capacity.” She noted that the foregoing would assist in climate change education, which is now being infused within the school system. Her remarks were made yesterday during the launch of the Climate Change Education for Sustainable Development conference held at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD). Members of the head table at that forum included Ms Inge Nathoo, Secretary General of the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO; Marianne Flach, UNICEF Country Representative for Guyana and Suriname; Dr Sewnauth Punalall, Head of the National Task Force for
– NCERD Director Ms Cumberbatch
From left are: Inge Nathoo, Secretary General of the Guyana National Commission for UNESCO; Marianne Flach, UNICEF Country Representative for Guyana and Suriname; Dr. Sewnauth Punalall, Head of the National Task Force for Restoring Guyana; and NCERD Director, Jennifer Cumberbatch, during the confab Restoring Guyana; and NC- task force will address prinERD Director Jennifer Cum- cipally: drainage, solid waste management and derelict veberbatch. Students and other stake- hicle removal, traffic manholders were also present for agement, sustainable urban physical structure renewal, the confab. Contributing to the discus- and welfare management of sion, Dr Punalall said Cabinet the homeless and addicted,” has approved the establish- he explained. The end result, Dr Punalall ment of a multi-disciplinary task force which would in- said, is to restore Guyana to a clude representatives from land of great attractiveness business and the professions, and prosperity, and one that and members of civil society offers a good life for citizens to aid with the transformation and its visitors. Marianne Flach, UNICEF of Guyana under the new Country Representative for government. Adding that this is in re- Guyana and Suriname, said sponse to the sustained call climate change disasters affect from citizens for a cleaner, millions of children each year, safer, and more sustainable and there will be no tomorrow land, Dr Punalall explained if society fails them today. Flach said UNICEF has that the purpose of the task force is to develop detailed partnered with the Educarecommendations of short-, tion Ministry to introduce medium- and long-term ini- climate change initiatives tiatives for the country’s res- at the nursery, primary and secondary levels in Guyana, toration. “The task force will use with the aim of promoting multiple approaches to active- promote a greater underly engage a wide cross-section standing of the problem and of stakeholders in its five-fold consequential attitudinal area of responsibility…. The changes.
18
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, September 11, 2015
2015 Indigenous Heritage Pageant delegates call on President Granger DELEGATES who will be vying for the coveted title of the 2015 Miss Indigenous Heritage Pageant, on Wednesday, visited President David Granger at the Ministry of the Presidency. As is customary, the delegates each represent one of each of the ten Administrative Regions in Guyana. The ten delegates are slated to compete in the Pageant later this month as part of Indigenous Heritage Month activities. In photo, President Granger is seen flanked by the ten beauties who will be vying for this year’s Indigenous Heritage pageant, the Pageant coordinators and the reigning queen.
Digicel gives $800,000 boost to Berbice Expo 2015 DIGICEL Guyana, continuing their support to culture, donated a cheque for $800,000 on Wednesday for the sponsorship of Berbice Expo 2015. The presentation ceremony took place at Digicel Guyana headquarters
at Fort and Barrack Streets in Kingston, Georgetown. On hand to receive the cheque were members of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, who expressed their heartfelt gratitude.
The telecommunication giant noted that it has been on board with the exposition since its inception in 2005 under the brand U-Mobile and has shown unwavering support to the event over the years.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce are Krishnanand Raghunandan and Tajpaul Adjodhea, from Digicel representatives Vidya Sanichara and Louanna Abrams
GECOM Chairman discusses... From page 15
jections leading to the finalisation of the Official Register of Voters would take GECOM at least to the end of 2015. The Diplomats were given the assurance that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Commission’s Secretariat had already gone ahead with (i) training and selection of permanent and temporary staff to man the Offices where Claims and Objections will be conducted within the respective Local Authorities, (ii) identification of locations for the establishment of Offices for Electoral Registrars and Assistant Electoral Registrars, and (iii) the identification of persons to be trained and appointed to work as Returning Officers, Deputy Returning Officers, Clerks to the Returning Officers and Election Day Staff with specific reference to the conduct of Local Government Elections. Dr. Surujbally gave the guarantee that immediately upon the passage of the outstanding legal lacunae and the relevant assent by President Granger, the Commission will give the green light for its Secretariat to move forward with the Work Plan for the conduct of Local Government Elections. At the end of the meeting, the GECOM Chairman responded positively to the Diplomats’ collective request that they be kept abreast with developments relative to the forthcoming Local Government Elections as they unfold.
19
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Red Entertainment presents...
‘From Jazz, With Love’
I
N keeping with its commitment to diversify the local entertainment industry this year, RED Entertainment will be hosting a concert titled, “From Jazz With Love.” The concert is billed for HJ Water
pin of Barbados, considered by most to be the smoothest and most soulful saxophonist in the Caribbean with his unique funky jazz, fused with a healthy dose of Caribbean soca and reggae. Local artiste Mystic, of ‘Coolie Bhai’ fame, will also be gracing the
Club 704 steps up the game
–with a ‘DJ’ Invasion
CLUB 704, on Albert and Lamaha, is stepping things up a notch or two as it continues with its splendid party concepts. So come tomorrow, the Club will come alive with great festivity as folks there, in collaboration with close associates, bring to the limelight their ‘Play Mr. DJ’ event that will see an influx of talented DJs creating a musical invasion of sorts there. The event will see the likes of DJs Puffy,
Charlie, Magnum, Big Poppa, Breeze, Green Dongs, Killer Feelings, Energy, Busy and DJ Swaggy in hot contention. The promoters are promising a night to remember, since each DJ will be taking their expertise to the extreme to meet and satisfy the cravings of their many fans. This is a party you certainly don’t want to miss! While ladies will be admitted free until 22:00hrs, the door price is the regular $2000.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
World at Providence, on the lower East Bank, on September 26, from 19:00hrs. The concert promises to be an evening of funky jazz, soul and art from across the Caribbean, and will feature artistes the likes of Tessanne Chin out of Jamaica, who won Season 5 of NBC’s Reality TV competition, ‘The Voice’, and has opened for famous acts such as Patti Labelle; Peabo Bryson, and Gladys Knight. Also on the slate are Arturo Tap-
stage, as will the group, ‘Collage’, and ever-popular ‘Classique Dance Troupe’. Part of the proceeds from this event will go to the Rotary Club of Demerara to contribute to their very credible on-going initiatives that focus on improving the lives of Guyanese. Tickets can be had at E-Networks, on Camp Street, the Giftland Mall, Footsteps Mega Store, or by calling telephone number 676-2311.
The Buzz just couldn’t resist snapping a shot of Guyana’s most promising dancehall diva, Jackie Hanover (left) who continues to pack quite a wallop on the entertainment scene. Here she is seen having a whale of a time with one of her fans, but took time out to flash us that winning smile of hers.
20
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Flashback!!!
The eager audience received quite a treat every day of the event
T
HE annual month-long festivities in celebration of our Indigenous roots, begun last week at the National Exhi-
Spectators were particularly enthralled by this dance item, which showcased excellent timing and precision
bition Centre at Sophia, succeded in drawing quite a large number of curious spectators on opening night. With fantastic dance, music and poet-
Shouldn’t we be advocating against child labour?
ry among other presentations, the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana took pride in showing off their rich cultural heritage in a mind-boggling profusion of colour, not
to mention all the other treats associated with the event. Here is a quick ‘flashback’ on what you missed, if you were not there.
WHILE the relevant authorities are trying desperately to rid Guyana of this scourge called child labour, there are some very fickle-minded adults who are bent on cheating the system by putting greed first in their quest to make a fast dollar. Take for instance the driver of the very minibus in which I was travelling when this photo was taken. He did not want to pay the price for having an adult do the job of conductor, and was quite vocal about it, much to the annoyance of other commuters. So, guess what he did? On weekends, he would pick up this young boy from goodness knows where, and have him work as conductor for little or nothing. Now, the child is only 13, and is definitely not familiar with the many stop points
along the way, much less the various streets in Georgetown, so you can well imagine the chaos that ensued when passengers were taken further away than was intended. He as more interested in the lewd songs the driver was playing, and gyrating, quite obscenely one might add, And to think the driver found this bit of theatrics very amusing! No wonder most of our youths turn out to be scoundrels. But we must not always blame them; let’s get a bull-whip and rain some lashes on adults like this minibus driver. He should also be made to apologise to the youngster as well. As for the parents who allow this child to work that minibus, they should be dealt with according to the law. How terrible!!!
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Dameon Apple
THE excitement was palpable last Saturday as eight singers and a sizeable audience gathered inside Princess Hotel’s Club Next for the grand finale of the Princess Karaoke 2015 Star competition. While most of the competitors singers brought their own supporters, the same could not be said about their bringing their ‘A Game’ to the final showdown. Many were in hopes that Bartica’s Silyne Griffith would have carted off the title, while some were of the view that the crown belonged to Lashaun Charles of Georgetown. But in the end, the judges awarded the top honours to Bartica’s Dameon Apple, who they all felt was the best presenter of the night. In the circumstances, he has won himself $100 000, a trophy, a record deal, an all-inclusive weekend at the Princess Hotel, and the opportunity repre-
Bartica’s Dameon Apple upturns field
21
––to take Princess ‘Karaoke Star’ title
sent at the International Karoke Contest when that time arrives. DISAPPOINTING Jonathan Basteano, who was brought back by a ‘Wildcard Save’, turned out to be a real disappoinment with his rendition of a rap selection, which, one will agree, he gave his best shot. However, not walking with his supporters caused him to fall down miserably, as he failed to score high in the area of Crowd Response. He never made it to the next round of the competition, in which the top five singers were made to battle for the attractive prizes on offer. Much was expected of Luous Ebenezer, but he presented a song that made no room for high pitches and notes, so he fell short of the top five positions. His sister, Romichelle Brummel, failed to make it also with her rendition of Katie Perry’s ‘Fireworks’, since the
judges felt her performance lacked flair. TOP FIVE Making it to the top five were Dameon Apple; fellow Bartician, Silyne Griffith; Daniel Dondrake (West Coast Demerara); Azzaruddin Laljie (East Coast Demerara); and Lashaun Charles of Georgetown. The audience was in shock when Silyne Griffith practically forgot her lyrics on stage. The judges allowed her a second start amidst loud protests from sections of the gathering. Her performance thereafter was very ‘jittery’ and received little applause when she left the stage. Rumour has it that Griffith was under tons of pressure from a former judge of the show, who kept pestering her on the phone just minutes before the competition. That very ex-judge had called the promoter to complain that Griffith had snapped at her, whereupon the promoter
suggested that she leave her alone to concentrate on the task at hand. Laljie, quite obviously, did his best, but his vocals were no match for that of Dameon Apple and Lashaun Charles, who seeming dominated the competition. HOW THEY PLACED Many were of the view that Lashaun Charles should have won the contest, since she by far had the most powerful vocals of all the singers. But according to the judges, she brought to the stage the same drama she did, week after week, and Apple scored the highest for crowd response, since he had campaigned, and had a sizeable gathering in his corner. Laljie’s relatives came out and applauded all the while, in h hopes he would make the top three. Nevertheless, he did win the prize for the Most Promising Artiste.
Dondrake failed to place, but won for himself a recording contract, compliments of Kross Kolor Studios. Also securing a record deal from this entity
was Romichelle Brummel. Winning recording contracts also, compliments of Vizion Sound Studios, was Azzaruddin Laljie.
Dameon Apple receiving a loving kiss from his mom after winning the competition
22
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Lieve Blanckaert does Guyana proud ––at Miss India Worldwide Pageant
WITH just two weeks to get herself together before the big night, the arrestingly beautiful Miss Guyana India 2015, Lieve Blanckaert, was nonetheless able to blaze a scorching trail on the international stage, causing those in the Mumbai audience to sit up and take notice. At the yet tender age of 17, Lieve held her own against the more seasoned campaign-
ers, and managed to cart off the award for Miss Beautiful Skin. Her talent piece was so riveting as she executed a sizzling flamenço belly dance that she had eyes popping and jaws dropping. She was the youngest of all the 34 contestants at the international pageant. The Buzz congratulates her, and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours.
Lieve Blanckaert
Artiste of the Week
Miss India Guyana, Lieve Blanckaert (left) and local franchise holder, Chandini Rambalack
For any information relating to ‘The Buzz’, call Alex Wayne on 592- 619- 1952
Edward Perez A legend in the making
––from the Cinderella County
A
S always, the Buzz takes pleasure in showcasing Guyana’s rich vocal talent. And whilst it may be true that Guyana is chock-full of very gifted musicians, we’d also like to acknowledge that most of the more talented among them hail from the hinterland and other outlying regions. It’s also true that it’s only when such persons grasp the sometimes rare opportunity of coming to the city that Guyana becomes aware of his/her vocal abilities and special gifts. Today, we bring to the platter, fresh from the Cinderella County, the very talented Edward Perez. Hailing from Charity, on the Essequibo Coast, Perez, in 2011 and 2012, surprised many with his vocal abilities and raunchy entertainment tactics. A fresh face, with no prior experience, he entered the Adult Calypso Competition in
2011 and surprisingly made it to the finals. Congratulations, bossman! That year, he entered the contest with a very stimulating selection titled ‘Crime Rate’. Again, in 2012, he entered the said competition, this time around with a selection called ‘We Need a Change’; and while he certainly impressed the audience at the semi-finals, things did not go so well with the judges. Nonetheless, he persevered, and just recently released a scorching reggae single titled, ‘I am not that Man’, which he claims reflects the happy times and some troubles endured in a past relationship. Edward is already preparing his entry for next year’s calypso competition, and vows to blaze a fiery trail for his rivals to follow. The Buzz would like to wish this Essequibian youth all the best in his future endeavours, and hopes he makes it to the top amongst the Guyanese music icons. Here’s to you, dude!
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
23
24
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
25
26
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
27
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Harris back in ring tonight
FORMER World Boxing Association (WBA) junior welterweight champion `Vicious’ Vivian Harris is set to climb back into the ring tonight for the first time in 10 months. The ageing Guyanese warrior is scheduled to match gloves with American Prichard Colon, in a welterweight contest set to be shown live on Spike Television. The eight-round contest would be Harris’s first since he was knocked out by Ramon Alvarez in Mexico in last November. At that time Harris was attempting to capture the International Boxing Federation (IBF) North American junior middleweight title.
Vicious’ Vivian Harris Tonight’s bout is being staged at the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Canada. The 37-yearold Guyanese is 15 older than his opponent who is yet to be de-
feated in 15 fights. Harris was crowned WBA champion in October 2002 following a second-round technical knockout (TKO) of champion Diosbelys
Hurtado, in Houston, Texas. He had three successful defences but was then dethroned by little-known Colombian Carlos Maussa via seventh round knockout in June 2005. The talented Guyanese then secured three victories before unsuccessfully challenging Junior Witter of England for the WBC junior welterweight title. Thereafter, Vicious’ career plunged into a tailspin with him losing six of the following nine fights over a four-year period. He returned to winners’ row in 2013 and has had a three-fight victory streak before meeting Alvarez.
Flores to attend FIVB congress ... Development course concludes
PRESIDENT of the Guyana Volleyball Federation, John Flores, is billed to attend an International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Congress in Peru where he is expected to make a presentation to have a facility constructed locally. The congress is being hosted to elect or re-elect the executive body of the World Federation. According to Flores, the opportunity will be used to
GVF president John Flores raise some issues that have been pending for quite some time, most of which deal
with promises of developmental assistance. Flores disclosed that the Federation has been working hard to get all aspects of the game to the level that applies to the top bracket in the South American continent. He believes Guyana is cutting the gap on other South American countries slowly by using the Under-19s to be the driving force of both male and female national teams. Meanwhile, a volleyball
coach’s course wrapped up on Tuesday at the National Gymnasium with International Volleyball coach Julio Morales. It was a four-day event which began last Saturday. M o r a l e s , a p ro f e s sor from the University of Texas, facilitated the course that concentrate d on young players’ development, to help students capture the full essence of sport as well as to further help boost the development of volleyball in Guyana.
U.S. Open semi-finals postponed to today because of rain
Rain ruins U.S. Open semi-finals yesterday. SERENA Williams had to wait to continue her pursuit of a calendar Grand
Slam after the women’s semi-finals at the U.S. Open were postponed with
heavy rain forecast. The matches will now take place today at 11:00hrs.
Williams will face Roberta Vinci after second seed Simona Halep meets Flavia Pennetta in the other lastfour match. The men’s semifinals will take place after the conclusion of the women’s matches where top seed Novak Djokovic faces defending champion Marin Cilic first, with second seed Roger Federer taking on his fellow Swiss Stan Wawrinka in the other match. The rainy conditions did not prevent the men’s doubles semifinals from going ahead as scheduled yesterday. Great Britain’s Dom Inglot and his partner Robert Linstedt were beaten 7-5, 6-2 by French duo Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert, with Jamie Murray and his partner John Peers due to play their semi later.
28
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Greaves wins overall Graveyard series title in Brooklyn
NATIONAL cyclist Alanzo Greaves rode consistently throughout the six-race MangoSeed Restaurant – UNITED Graveyard series in Brooklyn, New York.
According to Guyana Cycle News, despite only winning one race in the series, the Guyanese was adjudged the overall winner of the event, since, of the six races of the series,
Greaves placed among the top 10 finishers in each of the others. Trinidad and Tobago’s Adam Alexander placed second in the overall standing with two victories.
Three other Guyanese cyclists - Hamza Eastman, Jermaine Burrowes and Raynauth Jeffrey - also won races during the series. Eastman, Guyana’s double national road race champion, won the final race of the series last Sunday while his Guyanese colleagues Jeffrey, Stephano Husbands, Greaves, Jermaine Burrowes and Godfrey Pollydore placed 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th and 12th in the race.
Guyana’s Alanzo Greaves at the top of the podium after winning the overall title of the MangoSeed Restaurant – W.S. UNITED Graveyard series in Brooklyn.
T&T head coach Hart warns tough campaign ahead (CMC) – Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart is bracing for a tough campaign when the Soca Warriors start their bid to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia. T&T will join the CONCACAF qualifying tournament at the fourth round which kicks off in November and will take on the likes of powerhouse United States, tough Central American nation Guatemala and St Vincent and the Grenadines in Group C. “The opening gametwo games are extremely tricky as we have to travel to Guatemala and then travel to play USA at home (in Port of Spain) which takes away one day of preparation. But we’ll deal with it,” Hart said. “I think right now everyone is very aware of what it will take and our first priority is starting well and securing our place in the final round of qualification and then we take it from there.” Hart had kept an eye on the third round of CONCACAF qualifiers which wrapped up on Tuesday, with the winners of the Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala tie poised to be T&T’s opening opponents of their qualifying campaign. The Antiguans stunned Guatemala 1-0 at home in the first leg last week but went down 2-0 in Guatemala City, to miss out on a chance to advance.
Trinidad and Tobago head coach Stephen Hart
“To be very honest I always thought that is how the group was going to be. I always thought we would end up playing Guatemala and this is just a confirmation of how I felt all along,” Hart noted. “They have always been very difficult opponents at home and I didn’t expect Antigua to go there and steal points. It will be the same for us. This game will be totally different from the one we played in the Gold Cup.” In the Gold Cup last July, T&T brushed aside Guatemala 3-1 at Soldier Field in Chicago, en route to topping their group. Significantly, T&T have never won a World Cup qualifier away to Guatemala, with a heavy 5-1 defeat nine years ago and a goalless draw seven years ago, emphasising their struggles. However, the Caribbean side have had a great build-
up to the qualifying campaign, reaching the quarter-finals of the Gold Cup and then drawing 3-3 with Mexico last Friday in their only international friendly since then. Hart said there were still several improvements to be made as the side continued to improve. “I think overall I will like to see us look a bit cleaner when we do win the ball, in our possession and the speed at which we move the ball forward,” he pointed out. “I would like to see us push teams back some more especially with our wide players because we do have the capacity to do that.” The fourth round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers will run from November 7 to September 6 next year, with the top two teams from each of the three groups advancing to the fifth round.
29
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Aussies bid to wrap up ODI series today at Headingley AUSTRALIA hopes to gain a measure of revenge for their Ashes defeat by wrapping up the ODI series with victory over England at Headingley today. The tourists lead the fivematch series 2-1 after wins at Southampton and Lord’s, before England’s 93-run victory at Old Trafford on Tuesday. England bowler Chris Woakes has been ruled out with a thigh injury. Reece Topley or David Willey could come in. Australia fas t bow ler Mitchell Starc may be rested by coach Darren Lehmann. Starc, the world’s top-ranked ODI bowler, played in the fivematch Test series this summer and has been involved in the three one-dayers played so far. “His workload over the past 12 months has been exceptional - we’ll see whether he plays or not tomorrow,” said Lehmann. “We’re all tired, but that’s international cricket. That’s what you do when you’re representing your country.” Rashid’s mindset ‘a lot
Australia VS England clearer’ England spinner Adil Rashid has seven wickets in the three ODI matches so far and played a key role with 2-41 in the win in Manchester earlier this week. Yorkshireman Rashid made his ODI debut in 2009 against Ireland and went on to play a further four that year, but did not earn another call-up until May. “When I came into this one-day series I had a clear
mindset of what my role is in this team and what I’m looking to do,” said Rashid. “It’s a different set-up from when I first came in - a whole different environment. My mindset is a lot clearer, the coaches, the captain - the mindset of the team is a lot clearer. “And playing against the best batsmen in the world gives you confidence, especially if you’re taking a few wickets as well.”
Chanderpaul still has role to play for Guyana, says Crandon (CMC) – Guyana Jaguars head coach Esaun Crandon believes veteran former Test left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul still has a pivotal role to play in the first class set-up, and says he plans to explore using his vast experience to benefit the side in the upcoming season. Chanderpaul was sacked by West Indies selectors last May bringing to an end a Test career that yielded 11 867 runs from 164 Tests. However, the 41-yearold is yet to quit international cricket and Crandon said the icon would be an “asset” for Jaguars in their
Professional Cricket League (PCL) campaign. “As far as I am aware Shiv still wants to play for Guyana at Regional FirstClass level. He is as fit as most of the younger guys and when he comes back I will sit with him to discuss what he wants and how he can help Guyana’s cricket,” Crandon said. “Chanderpaul’s experience and temperament would make the ideal batting mentor and once he still has the desire, should be an asset for Guyana in the Four-Day format.” Chanderpaul’s career was a stellar one, featuring
30 Test centuries and an average of 51. He has also amassed over 25 000 runs in 345 first class games at an average of 54, with 71 hundreds. However, Chanderpaul averaged just 15 when England visited the Caribbean earlier this year for three Tests, coming on the heels of another poor run in the preceding series against South Africa where he averaged 18. Selectors said his decline had been “rapid”. Guyana Jaguars are the PCL defending champions after comfortably winning the inaugural competition last season.
30
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
Guyanese Superbikers to steal show at Bushy Park PREPARATIONS are in high gear with just two days remaining for the third leg of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championship (CMRC) in Barbados. The Guyanese contingent arrived trouble-free on separate flights between Wednesday and Thursday evening and everyone is ready for competition against the backdrop of works being done to get the Bushy surface ready for race day. Information reaching Chronicle Sport has indicated that both cars and bikes landed late Wednesday evening and will not be ready before mid-day today, in a best case scenario, leaving very little practice time, and some upset competitors. However, Bushy Park Motor Sport Inc. (BPMSI) has confirmed that the officials are working assiduously to get the cars cleared. BIKES EXPECTED TO STEAL THE SHOW This year’s CMRC has attracted 19 entries in the Superbike Division as the day draws closer to the third leg of the Regional Championship. The Guyana team of cousins Stephen, Matthew and Elliot Vieira, along with Kevin Persaud and Joel Neblett, are tasked
By Stephan Sookram, in Barbados compliments of Hand in Hand Group of Companies, A&R Jiwanram Printers, National Sport Commission, Rent-A-Tent & Buy Me Auto Sales.
Guyana’s Superbike team, from left to right: Joel Neblett, Elliot Vieira, Stephen Vieira, Matthew Vieira and Kevin Persaud. (Photo Compliments of S.E.A.G. Productions) ference where several of we will see,” the ace driver the most revered Group 4 said. with defending the integ- competitors are keyed up are stealing the show. It’s going to be the best motorMark is a part of Guydrivers were not present, rity of the country’s ‘two- and ready to go.” Guyanese representative ana’s car team which inMeanwhile Guyana’s bike race we’ve seen this wheel’ title. Mark Vieira believes that cludes current Group 4 The riders, who were all representative Mark Vie- year come September” the Bushy Park surface champion Kristian Jefupbeat about their chances ira indicated his confiCMRC IS ANYprovides the best equalling frey, his father Kevin and come Sunday, have all con- dence in the bike unit, ONE’S RACE factor for all cars come Danny Persaud who will firmed their readiness for adding, “Guyana is going Meanwhile Director compete in both Groups Sunday. the meet although no one to dominate; we are going “It’s very difficult to 3 and 4. to take 1-5, straight off Mayers indicated that for has yet received his bikes. the cars, “CMRC is anyNazim Gafoor (Group run the two classes together Nonetheless, at yes- the bat.” (four-wheel drive and two- 2) is the other part of team Chairman of BPMSI one’s game.” terday’s press conference While there was a wheel drive). However, the Guyana who will be in Bushy Park Motor Sport Sean Maloney said, “This nature of this track kind of action when the flag drops Inc. (BPMSI) director event is going to be spec- light-tempered flair to evens it out a little bit but on Sunday. Adrian Mayers said “all tacular, the motorbike guys yesterday’s press con-
Bent Street and Sparta Boss set up final showdown THE devastating Bent Street and undefeated Sparta Boss teams will thrash it out in the final of the Petra Organisation/ GT Beer Futsal tournament, for top honours, following their commanding and exciting victories in the semi-finals on Wednesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH). Bent Street destroyed Festival City 13-5 to end their winning streak at four matches in the first semi-final then Sparta Boss strolled to an impressive 5-1 win over West Front Road’s ‘Gold is Money’ in
the other encounter. This Saturday, the tournament wraps up at the same venue with the third place playoff between West Front Road and Festival City, prior to the grand finale where the victors will walk home with the top prize of $500 000. When things kicked off in Wednesday’s semi-finals, Bent Street went ahead early with Stellon David drawing first blood with a powerful shot into the lower right corner. David doubled his team’s lead with a good finish that baffled the goalkeeper.
Festival City pulled one back in the fifth minute compliments of Solomon Austin who steamed his shot into the roof of the net from just on top of the penalty area. Okeene Fraser scored one minute later to make it a two-possession game once again then Amos Ramsay joined the party in the eighth minute to make it 4-1. Festival City later pulled within one of the score as Daniel Favourite and Eon Alleyne scored in the ninth and 10th minute, respectively. Colin Nelson countered for Bent Street
as the half ended 5-3. After that, Festival City had no chance of progressing to the final as the opposition produced eight goals to Festival City’s two. D a n i e l Wi l s o n l e d the carnage with a hattrick in the 17th, 21st and 27th minute while David, Nelson, Fraser, Sheldon Profit and Jermain Scott scored in the 23rd, 24th, 26th, 28th and 30th minutes, respectively. Austin and Alleyne scored once each in the second half but it was only enough to get Festival City a spot in the third place match.
In the other semi, Sparta and West Front Road battled to a 1-1 firsthalf score, where both teams traded shot for shot but neither could have put a firm handle on the match. Finally, Sparta were able to break the deadlock in the 24th minute when Travis Grant found the back of the net. We s t F r o n t R o a d had two opportunities to equalise but squandered their chances. Soon after, Cleon Forrester made it 3-1 in the 26th minute, placing his effort into the lower left-hand corner
from the top of the penalty area. With time running out, West Front Road’s aggression faded slowly and Sparta went in for the kill. Sheldon Shepherd and Eusi Phillips scored in the 27th and 28th minutes to completely put the victory beyond doubt. Apart from the halfof-a-million top prize the second-, third- and fourthplace finishers will collect $250 000, $125 000 and $75 000. The National Milling Company (NAMILCO) of Guyana is also onboard the Petra-organised event.
31
GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday September 11, 2015
UDFA clubs unanimously adopt new constitution
... Elections set for October 1 THE clubs affiliated to the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) met on Wednesday in Linden at the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) building with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and adopted a new constitution. Chairman of the GFF Normalisation Committee Clinton Urling, General Secretary Richard Groden and his Assistant Deidre Davis along with Marketing and Communication Director Rawle Toney met with the clubs and after discussing the draft document in its entirety, the clubs present unanimously voted to adopt the new Constitution. Present at the meeting were Blue Berry Hill, Botofago FC, Winners United, Kwakwani Strikers, Retrieve Lions, Topp XX FC, Hi-Stars, Winners Connection, Amelia’s Ward FC, Milerock FC, Eagles United, Silver Shattas FC
and Vasco FC. The adoption of the new constitution now paves the way for the UDFA to hold its Extraordinary Meeting to elect a New Executive Committee on Thursday, October 1. The Bartica and Essequibo football associations will go through a similar exercise during next week. The GFF Congress is scheduled for November 14. It was a long time coming for the UDFA, who had the suspension of its former executives lifted when the GFF had its Extraordinary Congress at the Marriott Hotel, to adopt their new constitution in June. Former president Sharma Solomon, Collie Hercules, Terrence Mitchell, Wayne Bethune, Rawle Johnson, Jeffrey Trotman, Ansawatt Barrett, Patrick Dey and Clive Brushe saw their suspension that was imposed during the reign of Christopher Matthias,
Local football to hit ‘Cable TV’ as E-Networks joins the Stag Elite League THE STAG Elite League yesterday received another corporate boost when E-Networks Inc. came on board in what could be one of the most important facets of the country’s most lucrative football league. E-Networks Inc; Guyana’s premier Cable TV Internet VOIP and 4G Broadband Service Provider, presented the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) with a cheque for an undisclosed amount. According to E-Networks, the support for the league is seen as the entity playing its part in helping the sport’s development in Guyana and more so, giving exposure to the game’s brightest stars. Subscribers to E-Networks services will be able to watch ‘the game of the month’ as the GFF Marketing and Communication Director Rawle Toney explained: “It’s the intention of the GFF to ensure that the players, more than anything else, benefit from the league. Therefore, we must have these games broadcast somehow. It’s a costly factor but luckily for us, E-Networks was excited about this venture and will be undertaking the cost of the broadcast.” “We’re starting with a ‘Game of the Month’ which will be shown on E-Networks Ch.1 and then on another local channel which is to be determined. I think over time, this deal will be one of the biggest,” Toney said. The company explained that one of the biggest sellers for its service of Cable Television is sports, since (E-networks) is the distributor of ESPN in Guyana. Meanwhile, with E-Networks set to embark on another ground-breaking initiative, the Stag Elite League will be used as a tool by the company to help market its new product, with fans and players alike, set to benefit extensively from the giveaways.
lifted. Solomon, who once served as Chairman of Region 10, had been suspended for eight years while Hercules; an executive of the GFF as well at the time, was given a five-year ban from the game. The other executives had similar sentences like Hercules.
The aforementioned former officials were suspended by the Christopher Matthias-led GFF for playing the final of their GT Beer year-end tournament on January 1, 2014 at the Mackenzie Sports Club (MSC) ground simultaneously with the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) Banks Beer Cup fi-
nal at the Guyana National Stadium. Congress at the time believed that the two should not have been played on the same day but the UDFA explained that the final being played on New Year’s Day, 2014 meant a lot to the Linden community and as such went ahead with the hosting of their final.
It was also argued by Linden that a final in Linden would not be a hindrance to the final being played 65 miles away. The suspended executives had full support from the clubs affiliated to the UDFA who until now did not recognise the decision handed down by the-then GFF Congress.
Sport CHRONICLE
Harris back in ring tonight See story on page 27
Bent Street and Sparta Boss set up final showdown See story on page 30
Guyana Chronicle’s Samuel Maughn was on hand on Wednesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to capture the action in the Petra Organisation/GT Beer Futsal tournament.
Local football to hit ‘Cable TV’ as E-Networks joins the Stag Elite League
E-Networks Inc. Business Development coordinator Nadia Bulkan (right) makes the presentation to GFF Normalisation Committee member Tariq Williams.
See story on page 31