GUYANA
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WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2015
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… was promised $1.7M on terms 13
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Wow! President David Granger exclaims after being shown the solid gold bar by Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman at the Aurora Gold Mines commissioning ceremony on Tuesday (Delano Williams photo)
Aurora Mines ‘pours first gold’ …Granger urges end to corruption, pollution
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State media boards appointed … entities charged to end abuse, bankruptcy
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Modern building on cards for Chronicle - NCN to extend reach in far-flung regions
By Tajeram Mohabir
The Guyana Chronicle will soon be housed in a modern building as the administration moves to look after the welfare of the staff and transform the image of the newspaper. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo yesterday said discussions on constructing a new building for this publishing house is in progress and disclosed that a funding agency has expressed
willingness to undertake the project. With a new board in place, this initiative will now be channeled through the new members to see it to fruition. The Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL) in the past few years has been flooded during heavy rainfall, and according to Prime Minister Nagamootoo, the new building will take care of the comfort of staff and the interest of the company. Meanwhile, the new GNNL Board has been asked
to investigate if employees who are shareholders have received dividends, pointing out that the company ought to have been making money. “And if it had not, then someone has to answer why not. There is a reason why the employees must be shareholders because the employees are citizens of Guyana and must be able to stand up through their unions to tell the management of the newspaper that we don’t like what you are doing,” the Prime Minister told the new board. Nagamootoo had also pointed out that sister State agency, the National Communications Network Inc (NCN) has
also fallen on hard times, mainly because it did not communicate properly nor was it national. “It is a network and it is a network that Bish Panday (new NCN chairman) and his team would inherit but still has a lot of cobwebs that have to be cleaned,” he said. NCN he said has tremendous potential, but yet its reach is not national today as it was before. The Rupununi and the North West District at one time received the Voice of Guyana (VoG) but no long do. “Could you imagine living in Guyana and you can’t receive the Voice of Guyana? How awful it is that you are tuning in and you are receiving the
Voice of Venezuela, the Voice of Brazil and not the joyous voice of Guyana? It
the aesthetic of the building, pointing out that the company has the money to carry out
is an indictment,” the Prime Minister said. He said he has been in touch with veteran broadcaster Dr Rovin Deodat and from their discussions the prospect for extending the reach of radio appears bright. There are plans also to extend the reach of radio to the North West District, Region 8, to the Rupununi, beyond Radio Paiwomak or use Paiwomak as a booster and set up other transmitters to take signals way down south of the border. These plans, Nagamootoo said will be shared with the new NCN Board. And still on NCN, he said that there are also plans to enhance
these works. A Bob cat will be taken to the company to do some clean up works while 14 derelict vehicles will be removed. The new board also heard that NCN was owed in excess of $600 million, but has managed to cut this down to $200 million. NCN, the Prime Minister said is not in debt but in receivables. The pile up in receivables occurred with the company continuing to engage persons who owe it outstanding sums. This will happen no longer, said new Chairman Bish Panday. NCN can be transformed with good leadership, Nagamootoo said.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
State media boards appointed
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… entities charged to end abuse, bankruptcy
By Tajeram Mohabir THE members of the boards for the Guyana National Newspaper Limited (GNNL) and the National Communications Network Inc (NCN) were yesterday appointed and have been charged to help lift the two entities out of years of abuse and bankruptcy even while ensuring they become viable and competitive enterprises. The new members of
both entities bring to the fore a wealth of experience in journalism and media management. They were installed at a simple ceremony at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. The GNNL Board chaired by Amerindian activist and Programme Manager of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) Jean La Rose comprised of Karen Davis, Imran Khan, Scherazade Ishoof-Khan,
Ruel Johnson, Bert Wilkinson, Tabitha Sarabo, Patricia Woolford, and Sohan Poonai. The board for the electronic State media is headed by prominent businessman Bishwa Panday, Mark Archer, Dr Paloma Mohamed, Margaret Lawrence, Kojo McPherson, Dhanwanti Sukhdeo, Carolyn Walcott, Imran Khan and Colin Thompson. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo congratulated the new board members of the two entities
and explained that Director of Public Information (DPI) Imran Khan has been appointed to sit on both boards as his representative. The Prime Minister, who also has responsibility for Public Information, was very candid about the State media. “The NCN and the GNNL are both State media owned 100 per cent by the State, 100 per cent shareholder and under the law, the government represents the State, so that I wish to be clear about.”
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo flanked by GNNL General Manager Michael Gordon and GNNL Chairman Jean La Rose
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo with the board members of GNNL and NCN
Both NCN and GNNL are incorporated under the law under the Companies Act which provides for the appointment of directors. The boards will decide on policy issues and will engage management on the efficient administration of operations, and Prime Minister Nagamootoo said the abuse of the State media, which was more pronounced at the Guyana Chronicle under the PPP/C, will stop. FRESH APPROACH He said there will be a fresh approach to the management of the newspaper and the GNNL directors will be the drivers of this. “The Chronicle newspaper, which is the primary source of income of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, has been one of the most abused newspapers in any part of the world politically speaking. It was allowed to be reduced to the status of a political rag or a political broadsheet where views, except those of the ruling party/government were allowed. And therefore, there is a credibility problem that the members of the board will have to confront. And the credibility problem is being able to tell the people of Guyana that this is your property, this is reflective of
all of us, all of our views,” the Prime Minister said. He, however, pointed out that while the State media will be carrying opposing views, it will be doing so responsibly, noting that it will not be used as a tool to denigrate anyone. The Prime Minister was referred to as an “intellectual jackass” by the Guyana Chronicle under the former administration. INCLUSIVE AND ACCEPTABLE “The board will have to guide the newspaper on issues of policies to make the newspaper national, make the newspaper inclusive, make the newspaper acceptable, make the newspaper something that you would want to read; that it has wholesome information on entertainment, sports, cultural items that may satisfy the needs of all the people of Guyana.” Prime Minister Nagamootoo spoke highly of the new Chairman, contending that as a member of a minority group, her appointment is historic. But he urged the board to make GNNL a national newspaper, one that is viable, competitive and sustainable, not trapped in debts by those who book ads and cannot pay, would not pay and never intended to pay. “ I t i s t h e re i n t h e market, it is a competitive market and while it is a State paper, it has to fend for itself. It has to be able to sell goods that are saleable and at the same time make profits to keep itself viable and to be able to provide minimum standards for the employees who occasionally have to don long booths to walk in water when the rains come down or have to sit in a canteen that is surrounded by asbestos or something objectionable that no one will feel comfortable eating in that environment,” Prime Minister Nagamootoo told the new GNNL Board. Both La Rose and Panday in accepting their appointment say that the look forward to working in their new role and to transform the respective state media they have been assigned to viable, truly national and competitive entities.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Migrant crisis
Hungary’s closed border leaves many stranded (BBC News) HUNDREDS of migrants are stranded at the Serbia-Hungary border after the Hungarian government closed the frontier with a new razor-wire
fence. The move aims to stop migrants who are trying to enter the EU. After new Hungarian laws came into effect over-
night, police sealed a railway crossing point that had been used by tens of thousands of migrants. Some have been searching for a way through the
Hundreds have been waiting at the newly closed border fence fence, while others threw down food and water in protest. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has suggested his country is planning to build a fence to keep migrants out along part of its border with Romania - a fellow EU member - to prevent the bypassing of the current frontier. The EU is facing a huge influx of migrants, many fleeing conflict and poverty in countries including Syria, where a civil war has been
raging since 2011. Right next to the border, refugees and migrants are searching in desperation for ways into Hungary. One group from Afghanistan crowded in front of a portable cabin built into the fence. A boy tried to open the door handle. The group hoped that this cabin might be a new front door into the European Union. But no-one answered them. A few metres away, another group began a protest.
They sat on the road and threw their bottles of water and loaves of bread into a pile. “We don’t want food or water until we cross the border,” shouted one man. An hour later, a crowd right next to the border fence started to move forward. The hunger strikers abandoned their protest to join the bigger crowd - in the hope of finding a way into Hungary. But I didn’t see anyone being allowed to cross.
‘Dislike’ button coming to Facebook
Facebook has been mulling the idea of a dislike button for some time (BBC News) FACEBOOK would be a way for people to is to add a “dislike” but- express empathy. He said Facebook was ton to its social network, founder Mark Zuckerberg “very close” to having it ready for user testing. has said. A “dislike” button has In a Q+A session held at Facebook’s headquarters in been constantly requested Menlo Park, California, the by some users since the in31-year-old said the button troduction of the now-iconic
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“like” button in 2009. “People have asked about the ‘dislike’ button for many years,” Mr Zuckerberg told the audience on Tuesday. “Probably hundreds of people have asked about this, and today is a special day because today is the day that I actually get to say we are working on it, and are very close to shipping a test of it.” However he went on to say he did not want it to be a mechanism with which people could “down vote” others’ posts. Instead, it will be for times when clicking “like” on “sad” posts felt insensitive.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Missing drugs US$100-m ganja deal linked to Cedros bloodbath …Canadian company to develop medicinal products from J’can marijuana for int’l market
(Trinidad Guardian) SATURDAY’S bloodbath in Icacos, Cedros, may be a hit from overseas as police sources say the intended target Amit Samaroo, was a known drug and gun dealer with connections to a South American drug cartel. Investigators said they were still verifying some of the information. However, police informants suggest that Samaroo, 29, also known as Sánchez, had the help of several law enforcement officers to get
Amit Samaroo
shipments into the country and transport it to different locations. It is believed he was involved in a drug shipment some months ago but millions worth of the illegal cargo went missing. It was also believed a string of murders over the past months may be linked to the missing drugs. Investigators are still trying to determine from which country the drugs came and which cartel Samaroo was linked with, but they strongly believe the hit on his life came from overseas. This hit also claimed the life of his 19-year-old sister-in-law Kimberly Mohammed and the wounding of six other people.
(Jamaica Observer) CANADA-based Timeless Herbal Care Limited (THC) announced Saturday it has secured a US$100-million deal to develop medical marijuana products here in Jamaica for the international market. Courtney Betty, the Jamaican-Canadian who heads THC, did not go into great detail, but said the deal would create job opportunities for many Jamaicans. He said the deal was buttressed by the decision of the Jamaican Government to decriminalise ganja for medicinal purposes. Betty used the oppor-
tunity in a speech at the Association of Consultants and Physicians of Jamaica (ACPJ) Reception and Banquet, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, to urge physicians and private sector businesses to get on board with medical marijuana treatment, saying Jamaica was destined to become a hub for investment in medical marijuana. “This is not about smoking marijuana, but it is about developing medical products that will be able to help patients,” said the president and CEO of Timeless Herbal Care, a nutraceutical pharmaceutical company
that produces medical marijuana products. “It really is about private corporations and businesses, and our expectation is that there will be many companies that will start coming to Jamaica looking to invest because of the tremendous intellectual property and resources that sit here at the University of the West Indies.” A high point of the ACPJ banquet was the honouring of its past president and consultant neurologist Dr Amza Ali and Dr Hafeezul Mohammed, outstanding cardiologist, internist and consultant physician.
Haunted by death Health Ministry activates emergency protocols as nurses withdraw services
(Newsday) THE turmoil surrounding a Barrackpore family, already rocked by the death of a man and the subsequent suicide of his wife, deepened further yesterday with a surviving member trying to take her life, was overcome by the pain and haunted by the death of her loved ones. First, prison officer Robert Seecharan, 36, was killed with his licensed firearm at the hands of a teenaged relative. Two weeks
after his death, Seecharan’s common-law wife Sherry Ann, 35, took her own life by consuming a poisonous substance. Now, one month later, Sherry Ann’s daughter is now warded in serious condition at San Fernando General Hospital after drinking a toxic substance at the family’s Barrackpore home on Sunday night. The teen was found frothing from her mouth in a bedroom of the house by a relative. Police reported
that a bottle containing paint thinners was found on the ground nearby. The young woman was rushed to hospital in an ambulance. Medical sources said that up to late yesterday she was undergoing psychiatric assessment and counselling at the hospital.
(Jamaica Gleaner) THE Ministry of Health says it has activated its emergency protocols in response to high levels of absenteeism by registered nurses in the public sector. The health ministry says an average of 52 percent of nurses have been reported absent at several health facilities across the island. It says while there has been no official notification of industrial action by the Executive of the Nurses’ Association of Jamaica, the health ministry has alerted the ministries of Finance and Planning and Labour and Social Security. T h e A s s o c i a t i o n ’s president Janett Farr has said nurses, upset
about the government’s protracted delay in paying retroactive money from the reclassification of the health sector, have withdrawn their services. Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson, says the ministry’s Emergency Operations Centre and emergency protocols are in place to ensure that operations at health facilities are not severely hampered. Ferguson says Regional Technical Directors have all been alerted and directed to monitor the situation at the local level. He also says the team at the centre has been contacting all hospitals and health centres to ascertain the extent of the problem.
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Guyana
PM is the best choice for unity talks with PPP Dear Editor,
EDITORIAL
Brick by Brick
NATIONS, and the children of nations, are built brick by brick, to summarise an Emperor of Ancient Rome. Many who have actually been bothered to read the worthies mistake the “brick by brick” saying as meaning actual bricks, but the bricks are really ideas. Nations are built upon ideas; all nations, without exception. Ideas are not one-liners and BBM or Facebook platitudes that always seem to be more about self-admiration and hubris rather than anything of substance. Ask anyone to expand upon these one-liners and you will get nothing, because to write thoughts really is about development and coherence. One brick does not a wall make. One trite or halfbaked idea does not a nation create. There was this man, said to be the finest mind that ever lived, writing about movement and weight, he wrote: “No element possesses gravity or levity in its natural state. Gravity and levity are caused by one element being drawn into another.” Sheer brilliance in its accuracy and succinctness! This man’s name was Leonardo da Vinci, and he wrote that in the 1400s! Leonardo invented the first camera, designed the first aeroplane, the first submarine, the first armoured vehicle (it’s in the British Museum), designed a mask against biological warfare, charted the first human musculature system; charted the human vein structure, pre-empted Newton’s theory of gravity, pre-empted Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, charted air and water flow with precision, engineered drainage systems that saved European cities; and there are too many other inventions to mention here. Oh, and he also painted that masterpiece, The Mona Lisa! That painting represents the perfect coming together of Art and Mathematics. The Faculty of Princeton University, after a great deal of work, drew up a list of ten men of all time who have done most to advance human knowledge: Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Galileo, Leonardo, Pasteur, Shakespeare, Newton, Darwin, and Einstein. These people have built the world that we have inherited by their imaginative and intellectual genius and sheer work, yet we do not have the simple decency of knowing or remembering their names, much less what they have bequeathed to us. We drink milk and take it for granted. We use cell phones and cameras with such glibness! We turn on light switches and fly in planes without a second thought. In Guyana, we are mere consumers of things invented by others, but we show no respect by acknowledging the inventors. We simply consume but do not create. We may repair,
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
I wish to thank H.E. President David Granger for taking the first initiative to offer the opposition PPP power sharing in his new government. This can be considered a bold move to bring unity among the six races of Guyana, where we can once more live in peace and harmony. This nation has suffered for too long over racial strife, and this is the opportune time to bring the two parties together, regardless of their ideology and differences. President Granger’s tactics through the APNU+AFC coalition have proved correct in practice. While the government concedes the racial factor in Guyana’s politics, it has warned on the political campaign that the decisive factor is not race but economics, that there is an interconnection and interaction between the economic base and the political and ideological superstructure. The value of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo’s work
in this respect is that he will attempt to present impartiality and to obtain its objectives in his function as the negotiator. Already we have seen coming from the Opposition Leader an objection to the Prime Minister heading the negotiation with him. Because of his great effort to derail this talk, the Opposition Leader may have done a disservice to the 49% of the people who voted for him. In the same vein, he should negotiate in good faith with Prime Minister Nagamootoo, and show his maturity as a leader for his party by burying the hatchet. Actually, inclusive government or power sharing is worthy of a place in the field of objective history, setting out, as it does, honestly and impartially. At this time, there are serious undertones appearing to be brewing by the Opposition Leader. It is evident that the Opposition Leader is facing tremendous challenges with the Prime Minister, and there will be rising expectation from him
and his party at large. If he is really interested in unity, he needs to work for national cohesion and national unity; then we can have an inclusive and power sharing government and a national democratic state. This does not mean that the government should accept everything that the opposition places on the table. The President is confident that the Prime Minister is the best person for the job; that is the reason why he has nominated him to meet and talk with the Opposition Leader. After all, the Prime Minister is no stranger to the members of the opposition, he was one of the longest serving members of the PPP. He has a wealth of experience in politics, with no inferiority complexes, and he is truly an intellectual and an agitator. I personally feel he is the best person to deal with his counterparts in those talks. Once both parties agree to the terms and conditions of “Shared Governance” , the reform must pave the way for a revolutionary approach to the
problems. Fundamentally, the way forward in multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-cultural developing countries is a new socio-economic order -- a national democratic state. This is the state that represents the interests of all classes, groups and social strata. It is an inclusive state. The Prime Minister knows that our major racial groups must find the means to cooperate, including in political power sharing. This must not, however, become a recipe for opportunism, vacillation and capitulation. It must be creatively applied in the concrete situation. Disputes the two parties , PPP and APNU+AFC , having different manifestos and ideologies that are known to exist for generations on end and are not easily resolved, as true leaders and patriots, lovers of the nation, the people and country, it can end and become a reality. Yours faithfully MOHAMED KHAN
Amnesty should net huge cache of guns Dear Editor, I left the country just as the government was launching the gun amnesty programme. I came back last weekend, anxious to find out how the venture was progressing. I have seen this kind of gun amnesty and gun buy-back work in several countries where I have lived and travelled, including the USA and Canada. However, as I listened intently to the summations from a recently held press conference on the gun amnesty, I heard that it is decided that there will be ballistics tests conducted on all weapons and ammunition handed in to ascertain whether they are linked to any crimes; and that further, there will be amnesty on the possession of the illegal weapons but not for crimes
committed using the weapons. And this, Editor, is where I was taken aback. Why would the authorities, in the middle of an amnesty drive, divulge information that is likely to stymie the drive? What should have been the highlight of that press conference is the lauding and praising of those who would have taken the bold steps of doing the right thing and returning those weapons. There should have been a clarion cry for such behaviours to be emulated. However, the message has now been blurred with the suggestion that there are likely to be arrests and imprisonments related to the said amnesty. It is very likely that criminals, or the friends and family members of criminals, are the ones who turned in the guns and ammunition. Why then would the author-
but do not bother to begin to create. We have no bricks. And those who may have created are quickly ignored or forgotten in Guyana, while the world acknowledges. A good example is the writer Sir Wilson Harris. Harris has produced a formidable body of work -- novels and essays. His most remarkable novel is called Palace of the Peacock. It is a spectacular work, changing the English Language and the form of the novel forever. It is recognised by people outside of this country as being one of the finest works to have been produced in the post-colonial era. We have scoured the bookshops for that book. It is not to be found anywhere in this Guyana. Someone at Austin’s Bookstore promised to order a copy -- that was five months ago. If you meet people on the streets, or in schools or these workshops and seminars and such, and mention Wilson Harris, hundreds of them would give you a blank look. Who? Mention the name in the UK,
ities publicly announce that the very person/s making use of the amnesty might probably be arrested for a related crime? I am not saying that ballistics tests should not be conducted on the weapons and ammunition, neither am I suggesting that there should be amnesty for any related crimes. I am just wondering why the authorities, in the middle of the drive, would do even the slightest thing to proverbially shoot its self in its own foot. We saw the same approach to the Shawn Hinds situation, where right in the middle of Shawn’s bombshell confessions, it was said that he would not benefit any from such confessions and divulgence. I am convinced there is something that the politicians and public security personnel know in Guyana that my years
of training and dealing with similar situations have not yet revealed to me. But I am sure that the current administration has the best possible advisors available to them, so I continue to sit on the sidelines as I carefully observe and learn. I do hope, for the sake of the safety of all Guyanese, that this amnesty nets a huge portion of the guns used to inflict grievous bodily harm and even death. I also pray that the reluctance to engage criminals in any kind of quidpro-quo (something for something) or plea bargaining work to the advantage of the security personnel in Guyana, and aids in the reduction of crime. PASTOR W. P. JEFFREY Practical Christianity Ministries Founder/President
Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand and people know! But here is the thing: Sir Wilson Harris is a Guyanese from New Amsterdam. His Palace of the Peacock is set right here in Guyana. So are many of his other works, including his essays. There is a journal in Guyana called The Arts Journal. It is the best journal in Guyana, hands down! Who reads it? The Arts Journal has several articles on Harris, some of them quite good. Here is the other thing: Almost all of Harris’s body of work -- the novels, the lectures, the essays -- has to do with heterogeneity, or what we today call “Social Cohesion”. So in addition to holding these well-meaning “conferences” on social cohesion or ethnic relations, we would do well also to obtain all of Wilson Harris’s works and we can all sit down for a day and read.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
A slap in the face of neo-liberal capitalism Dear Editor
THIS week’s announcement of Jeremy Corbyn’s victory in the British Labour Party’s leadership contest with a landslide -- almost 60% of the vote -- and Tom Watson’s ascension to a position of Deputy Leader is a victory not only for the poor and marginalised millions in Britain, but for the poor and marginalised worldwide, and for all progressive and revolutionary forces resisting neo-liberal capitalism and its global march of death and destruction. I first met Jeremy Corbyn many years ago in Libya, then Africa’s most prosperous country, now destroyed and left in chaos by the very people and policies that Corbyn has spent a lifetime resisting. I know him to be an ally of the poor and oppressed, not only in his own country, but throughout the Global South. He has consistently taken a stand against injustice -- from Apartheid in South Africa, the Israeli occupation of Palestine, the illegal invasions of Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria; to the inhumane treatment of the thousands of refugees that are streaming into Britain and Europe as a result of these imperial wars. In an age when we are being bombarded with the concept of the ‘end of ideology’ by the defenders of capitalism and Empire, Corbyn’s win is a slap in the face of all proponents of this absurd notion that there is no alternative to neo-liberal capitalism. Imagine, they have even coined and circulated an acronym, ‘TINA’, which stands for ‘There Is No Alternative”. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Bloc, this ‘end of ideology’ argument was taken a step further by Francis Fukuyama when he declared ‘the end of history’. By this he meant that, with the collapse of Soviet style communism, we had witnessed the victory of one ideology, that is, western liberal democracy and its sidekick, neo-liberal capitalism. Fukuyama’s argument implied that this ideology had finally, absolutely and permanently won the conflict of ideas and would forever dominate human thinking. There was to be no other competing ideology, and sadly, many of our misleaders have fallen for this deception. Jeremy Corbyn’s win points to the fact that this is absolute rubbish. Within 24 hours of his victory, 15,000 British citizens joined the Labour Party. Far from living in a post-ideological world, as the likes of Tony Blair would have us believe, the reality is that ideology must, by necessity, guide and underpin every social project. The battle is always a battle of ideas. In his acceptance speech, Tom Watson told cheering crowds to be in no doubt that Labour is the last line of defense for millions of
people who suffer in Tory hands. He told the room full of supporters that there is only one Labour, dismissing Tony Blair’s concept of a “New Labour”. He said that Labour must once again be “the guardian of decency and fairness, justice and equality in the UK”, adding, “That’s not the Tory way. They don’t play fair, they believe in the primacy of the market, but their market is arbitrary and unforgiving, whereas we believe in the wealth the market can create, but not in the unfairness that comes if it is not mediated.” This was a direct and bold attack on neo-liberal capitalism. Jeremy Corbyn sent the crowds wild when he called for action on what he described as “grotesque levels of inequality in Britain”, and stated that the victory will be for the whole of society when Labour shows that, “we don’t have to be unequal, it doesn’t have to be unfair, poverty isn’t inevitable and things can and will change”. Organisation for the Victory of the People (OVP) welcomes Corbyn and Watson’s victory. It can only strengthen the global resistance to the totalitarianism and tyranny of the so-called free market and those who enforce it worldwide. It is this same neo-liberal capitalist agenda -- rejected by President Burnham and his government, and then accepted by Presidents Hoyte, Jagan, Jagdeo, Ramotar, Granger and their
governments -- that has Guyana in ruin. We in Guyana must understand that poverty and social inequality are not products of a natural order, something we must accept as a given, as proponents of neo-liberal capitalism so desperately want us to believe. Poverty and inequality are human constructs, and can therefore be deconstructed by humans. We live in one of the most resource rich countries in the Caribbean, with a population of less than a million, and yet, we are told by both external and internal forces that Guyana is too poor to offer its citizens economic justice in the form of livable wages, free healthcare and education, decent and affordable housing, adequate nutrition and dignity. Take sense out of nonsense. This is a lie. Of course a better Guyana and a better world are possible. It requires a redistribution of wealth and resources- a democratisation of the economy- - and that is something that we in OVP will continue to fight for. The new acronym must be TIAA – ‘There Is An Alternative’. The Victory of the People is Inevitable! GERALD A. PERREIRA Leader, Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)
I mean no disrespect to the Communities Minister Dear Editor
KAIETEUR News claims that I was disrespectful to the Government of Guyana for not attending a meeting at the office of the Junior Minister of Communities responsible for Housing Keith Scott. Please note that, at 16:30 hrs, I received the communication regarding a meeting from one the office staff. I contacted my secretary and she said she was unaware of any such meeting. Nonetheless, immediately after seeing the press release, I responded in writing to the Honourable Minister Keith Scott, expressing regrets. I also advised in the letter that I was ill. Please note that my company was represented by my partners of Sunset Lakes. My companies have many partners and associates, both foreign and local. Kaieteur News reported on September 11, 2015
that I sold for US$9,000,000 land earmarked for housing. That is not true. Sunset Lakes is still the owner of 100 acres of land. I am in the process of constructing four houses, of which two are almost complete. I have also built a lot of internal roads. Because of certain constraints, work is proceeding slowly at the site. I am not being disrespectful to the minister or the government , nor will I ever be disrespectful to any member of the government. In fact, I have been very supportive to the present leadership, even before the coalition formed the new Government of Guyana. It is my intention to continue to work with the government to initiate progress and development always. I hope that I have clarified the situation. Yours respectfully BRIAN TIWARIE
GuySuCo CoI must address cane yields Sugar production(tonnes) Tonnes Cane per Hectare
2004 2009 2010 325,00 234,000 221,000 74
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Dear Editor, IN recent times, there has been a plethora of commentaries on the state of GuySuCo’s financial viability by many self-proclaimed experts and commentators on sugar. In almost all cases, the commentaries have been devoid of in-depth analysis of the industry’s problems, but have been mere generalisations. Despite poor analyses, commentators and experts present proposals for the industry’s future. The results have been proposals that are impractical, economically unsound, and providing great potential for chaos if pursued. In this regard, a commission of inquiry (CoI) is a welcome move, since it should provide detailed analysis of the problems before solutions are sought. GuySuCo’s financial problems have their genesis in operational cost, production decline, and reduced sugar prices. To simplify, the company’s expenditure (operational cost) is rising while income is lowering (production & price). The end result is a certain and increasing deficit, which triggers repeated requests to Government for support. Such support is nothing strange or alien, as commentators and experts attempt to suggest. Other governments do support their industries in a finite way. Support can come in various forms, and anyone can research this at their convenience for other industries. It is anticipated that the many self-proclaimed experts and
2011 237,000
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commentators on sugar would be making submissions to the CoI. It will be interesting to see how the CoI distils these submissions to support the Prime Minister’s declaration at the National Cane Farmers Conference, when he said: “Gov’t will not abandon sugar in troubled times” (KN, August 15th, 2015). If there is serious intention to support the Prime Minister’s declaration, the CoI must examine at minimum the cause of increased operational cost, what caused production to decline, and the reduced sugar price; and provide strategies to reverse those trends. While cause for increased operational cost and reduce sugar price are easily identifiable, the CoI must address in detail the issue of drastic production decline. In 2004, the industry produced 325,000 tonnes sugar, and its cane fields produced 74 tonnes cane per hectare for the year. Though far from potential, the performance in 2004 is considered excellent when compared to recent past. Enter the era of 2009- 2014, sugar production and cane yield slumped to their lowest level in 2013. This is explained in tables below: The figures indicate that GuySuCo has a grave problem growing cane, which obviously precipitated low sugar production, hence the state of the company. The obvious question is: What caused yield to drop from 74 tonnes to 56 tonnes per hectare? This cane growing problem must be arrested immediately to return the industry to viability.
Most commentators identified the new Skeldon factory as reason for the industry’s state. A logical question to those commentators at this point is: Did the new Skeldon factory cause cane per hectare of land to move from 75 to 56? In addressing the yield decline, it is hoped that the Col examines in detail the structure and operation of the agriculture department of the industry, and how decisions are made relative to growing and estimating cane. The company’s Head of Agriculture Operations should be providing answers, since one can conclude that cane disappeared from the field under his watch, based on recent yield numbers. In any other industry, such performance would initiate some sort of action. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Guyana, because the same head is advising the present and past CEOs. In fact, all public utterances from the company relating to agriculture have been glowing and without any hint that there is such devastation in the cane field. Guyanese now await the usual GuySuCo explanations and reasons for poor yield, such as high rainfall, low rainfall, too much sun, too little sun, heavy breeze, labour shortage, wild cat strikes, etc. that will be provided to Col members; and they wait to see whether the Col members will deem those as acceptable. If this Col does not adequately address the issue of the increasingly depressed cane yield, which has caused the industry to be in intensive care, the entire exercise will be futile and akin to abandonment of sugar in troubling times. This will be a stark contradiction to the Prime Minister’s recent declaration at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. . Yours faithfully FREDRICK YUVRAJ
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
President receives investment proposals from business group in Canada PRESIDENT David Granger wrapped up what was described by organisers as a successful three-day visit to Toronto on Sunday during which he made repeated calls for Guyanese living in Canada to return and invest their skills and capital to help move this South American country forward. The President also received investment proposals from a group of businessmen who are willing to start up small businesses in the hinterland and other parts of Guyana. President Granger was accompanied by First Lady Sandra Granger and Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally. During his stay in Toronto the President met with members of the organising committee that planned the visit on Friday evening, delivered the keynote address to over 700 supporters at a dinner and dance in his and the First Lady’s honour Saturday night, addressed business leaders and professionals at a brunch and spoke to local media at press conference on Sunday at the Riverstone Golf Club in Brampton, a Greater Toronto Area suburb. Throughout the visit whenever he spoke President Granger assured the audience that his new government is working hard to improve and strengthen the security sector
internally and on the external front is aggressive in its use of the appropriate diplomatic channels to settle once and for all at the International Court Venezuela’s claim to Guyana’s territory. “We are pursuing all the diplomatic channels to have this matter settled once and for all at the International Court so don’t be afraid to return and invest in Guyana,” he told over 200 businessmen and professionals during the brunch. The President was passionate in addressing Ve n e z u e l a ’ s c l a i m explaining the origins of the dispute between Britain and Venezuela and the eventual 1899 Arbitral Award that defined Guyana’s current boundaries. “We have the Chinese investing in forestry, the Russians in bauxite, the Brazilians in gold so why is it you Guyanese in the diaspora can’t work with me,” he asked to loud applause. President Granger said Guyana needs like yesterday engineers, financers, information technology specialists, educators and other skilled professionals to return and invest and help develop the country’s almost non-existent infrastructure in the hinterland. He repeatedly also boasted of the huge ecotourism potential in Guyana’s hinterland waiting to be
President David Granger and First Lady, Sandra Granger at the dinner in Toronto exploited and he said he would prefer Guyanese in the diaspora work with him to develop a world class eco-tourism product. Other areas he addressed included the country’s high suicide rate, plans for a diaspora conference before the end of the first quarter next year and the establishment of a Diaspora Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guyana’s
50th Anniversary celebrations next year, new appointments to the Foreign Service, health and transportation services and the green restoration of Guyana. This is the second time this year the President touched down in Toronto. Back in April he visited while campaigning for the May 11 elections as Opposition Leader. Then the mood was hopeful that he would succeed in leading the coalition to victory. This time around people were simply overjoyed to see him back as President and he reminded those at the events that he is the President for
all Guyanese and that he was engaging the Opposition Leader to work with him to achieve unity and a good life for all. “The Opposition represents 49 per cent of the Guyanese population and the governing coalition 51 per cent and I’d be foolish not to engage the Opposition,” he said. During a break between the end of the press conference and the start of the brunch S u n d a y t h e P re s i d e n t met with several business groups - in a format much like speeding dating – who presented proposals to invest in Guyana. Projects
included information technology proposals to deliver internet to the hinterland, mini hydro systems mounted on barges using water flow in rivers to generate electricity, investment banking, carbon sequestering using the country’s vast forests and small tools manufacturing among others. The President promised to have the Minister of Business visit Toronto within the next few months to follow up with those who presented proposals with the aim of helping make as many of the projects as possible a reality.
CJ grants seven petitioners bail amounting to $3.8M - pending determination of their cases
ACTING Chief Justice Mr. Ian Chang, S.C., last Friday granted seven petitioners bail amounting to $3,805,000 pending determination of their cases. Particulars are as follows: For the offence of robbery under arms, Audill Doobay was placed on $1.4M bail, and Kurt Kendall was placed on $800,000 bail. For forgery, Mahese Baichan was placed on $125,000 bail. For trafficking in narcotics, Shanol Nichols was placed on $600,000 bail. For breaking into a property with intent to commit a felony, K.O.H. Mc Common was placed on $80,000 bail. For attempting to commit murder, Leon Mouderson was placed on $300,000 bail. And for simple larceny, Kweusi Langhorne was placed on $500,000 bail. (George Barclay)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
PPP in volte face criticisms of “party hacks” on state media boards By Tajeram Mohabir The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has criticised the government’s appointees to the boards of the State media, even as it ignores while it was in office these bodies were packed with its activists. In a statement the PPP accused Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo of backpedaling on his promise to make these boards free of political activists, saying that it is not surprised at the recently-named state media boards. The GNNL Board is chaired by Amerindian activist and Programme Manager of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) Jean La Rose. The other members are Karen Davis, Imran Khan, Scherazade Ishoof-Khan, Ruel Johnson, Bert Wilkinson, Tabitha Sarabo, Patricia Woolford, and Sohan Poonai. The board for the electronic State media is headed by prominent businessman Bishwa Panday, and the other members are Mark Archer, Dr Paloma Mohamed, Margaret Lawrence, Kojo McPherson, Dhanwanti Sukhdeo, Carolyn Walcott, Imran Khan and Colin Thompson. According to the Opposition party, the new boards of the Guyana National Newspaper Limited
(GNNL) and the National Communications Network Inc (NCN) are dominated by political appointees of the APNU+AFC coalition. The PPP in support of its contention quoted a statement appearing in sections of the media, reportedly made by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, the Opposition party alleged said: “I am not going to be a minister responsible for information and who puts party hacks into these boards, to just draw stipends for not working, but to do party propaganda.” ALLEGED BACKPEDALING Accusing the Prime Minister of straying from his word, the PPP said Director of Public Information Imran Khan was a APNU+AFC Candidate in the May 11th General and Regional Elections; new GNNL Chair Jean La Rose was an APNU+AFC Candidate; Tabitha Sarabo was an APNU+AFC Candidate for the May 11th General and Regional Elections; and Patricia Woolford, a member of the PNC/APNU. According to the PPP, Ruel Johnson is an open supporter of the APNU+AFC as well as Scheherazade Ishoof Khan. “Khan again found himself on the NCN
Board of Directors, which includes Director of Public Communications Mark Archer, an APNU+AFC
Corporation (GBC) and as a member of the board of the then GTV. GBC and GTV were merged to form NCN.
Hydar Ally
Kwame McCoy
Candidate for the May 11th General and Regional Elections; [and] Kojo McPherson, a known supporter of the APNU+AFC who was part of the election campaign,” the PPP/C said, even accusing new NCN Chair Bishwa Panday of being a known financier of APNU+AFC Elections Campaign and relative of Alliance For Change (AFC) leader and Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan. Panday under the former administration served as Chairman of GNNL. He also served as Chair of the then Guyana Broadcasting
Panday, a businessman was chosen to head the NCN Board largely because of his success as a business man. Key on his agenda will be to turnaround the woeful financial fortunes of the State broadcaster.
Kaieteur Fall tragedy
Special Forces struggle to retrieve body
RANKS of the Guyana Defence Force Special Forces continued to struggle yesterday to retrieve the body of Kaieteur National Park tourist Laleta Sivanand who went missing two weeks ago, and was located and secured on Monday. Late yesterday afternoon the Guyana Chronicle was informed that the woman’s remains were in an advanced state of decomposition, preventing the Special Forces team from properly retrieving it and placing it into a body bag. As a result, the body remained at the base of the falls. Meanwhile, there was much anxiety among family members who had expected that her remains would have been brought to Ogle International Airport yesterday, and then an autopsy would have been performed. On Monday the woman’s husband said the family had hoped that she would have been found alive, despite reports that she had plunged to her death. On Monday evening also the Ministry of the Presidency confirmed that the GDF Special Forces had located and secured the body which was found in a rocky area at the base of the falls. The body was spotted late Saturday afternoon by a National Parks ranger at a spot that was submerged previously because of the high water level. Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman on Sunday indicated to the Guyana Chronicle that the Government, through the relevant agencies, would try its best to ensure that the remains were brought out of the area to allow the family to afford the woman the final rites. Sivanand reportedly plunged to her death during a tour at the Kaieteur National Park that was organised by Air Services Limited. A search operation was launched immediately after the woman was discovered missing from among the other tourists. According to reports, the woman did not indicate to her relatives that she was going to the location and only after she was reported missing that contact was made with them and they became aware that she had gone on such a tour. Persons on the flight said that she was crying and appeared to be distressed. Meanwhile, the ministry has expressed sympathy to the family of Sivanand and thanked all the officials and agencies that supported the work of the Guyana Police Force and the GDF during the search and recovery exercise.
OLD BOARD Meanwhile, despite its criticisms of “party hacks” the old board of the GNNL was chaired by Marcia Nadir Sharma, daughter of former PPP MP, Manzoor Nadir. It also included, controversial PPP activist, Kwame McKoy, PPP executive, Hydar Ally, Jason Abdulla and Vidya Looknauth- all bosom members of the former administration. The other members of the old board were Tota Mangar (University of Guyana lecturer), Pat Dyal (consumer advocate), Tracy Gipson (Bank of Guyana analyst) and Jawhar Persaud (Accountant General, Ministry of Finance). Prime Minister Nagamootoo speaking at the appointments of the boards of NCN and GNNL maintained that the new members have been tasked with professionalising the state media, ending years of abuse by politicians and returning both
entities to being viable and competitive. “The C h ro n i c l e n e w s p a p e r, which is the primary source of income of the Guyana National Newspapers Limited, has been one of the most abused newspapers in any part of the world politically speaking. It was allowed to be reduced to the status of a political rag or a political broadsheet where views, except those of the ruling party/ government were allowed. And therefore, there is a credibility problem that the members of the board will have to confront. And the credibility problem is being able to tell the people of Guyana that this is your property, this is reflective of all of us, all of our views,” the Prime Minister said. Nagamootoo said while GNNL and NCN are State entities, they have to fend for themselves, be able to sell goods that are saleable and at the same time make profits to keep itself viable.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
25 mining deaths in past 12 months - 75 per cent due to collapse of mining pits
MINISTER of Governance Raphael Trotman, who h a s re s p o n s i b i l i t y f o r the Natural Resources a n d t h e E n v i ro n m e n t sector, on Monday met with a delegation from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) separately, to discuss the recently released Mining
Report which was produced by the Commission of Inquiry mandated to investigate mining accidents. Minister Trotman first met with the delegation from the GGMC, which included Acting Commissioner Newell Dennison; Legal Adviser Kara Duff; Administrative Manager Ruth Howard; Manager of Mines Derek Babb; Assistant
Commissioner (Finance) George Scotland; and Senior Mining Engineer Carlos Todd. M i n i s t e r Tr o t m a n ’s delegation included Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie; Advisor to the Minister Clayton Hall; Legal Technical Officers Tamara Khan and Joanna Homer, Euileen Watson, Technical Mining Officer and Technical Assistant Teresa Gaime.
The meeting was held at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment’s boardroom on Brickdam. It was facilitated with the aim of giving the GGMC an opportunity to present its response to the recommendations, which were made in the Commission of Inquiry’s Mining Report into mining accidents. The CoI, which was headed by former Commissioner of the GGMC D r G r a n t l e y Wa l d r o n , revealed that 25 deaths have been recorded in 16 accidents within the past 12 months; 75 per cent of which were due to the collapse of mining pits. Among the findings was that the principal cause of pit failure accidents was the neglect of safe mining practices. In addition there was evidence that shortcuts were being taken in an effort to raise production. The CoI was set up and mandated to investigate mining deaths by President David Granger after a mining pit at Mowasi, Region 7 collapsed on May 17, killing 10 miners, in what has been described as the worst accident of its kind to
Acting Commissioner, GGMC, Mr. Newell Dennison
date. It has also been noted in the report that from 2010 to 2015, a total of 62 miners, particularly young men, have died in the industry. The CoI also found that there exists, a laidback culture to safety and as such, clear rules must be applied and enforced. A draft plan of action was presented by acting
Commissioner of the GGMC Newell Dennison and included strategies for Occupational Health and Safety. In addition it includes plans for collaboration with the Ministry of Social Protection, improvement
Please see page 11
Minister Raphael Trotman meeting with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association
Minister Trotman makes a point to President of the GGDMA Terrence Adams
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
25 mining deaths ...
From page 10
at the technical levels, continuous and systematic training, enhancement of education and instituting a certification requirement for the General Managers of the mining operations, and public and miners’ education. Minister Trotman told the delegation that the meeting was not called to lay blame at any one agency or party but to collectively solve a crisis, which is of utmost concern to the President and the Government of Guyana. He told the GGMC delegation that while it is virtually impossible for accidents and mishaps to be eradicated, there must be no excuses for the current number of accidents and deaths and these must be brought to a minimum. He acknowledged that the work to be done would
require additional resources to be given to the GGMC and as such, he will be looking to increase their budget allocation. He also committed to exploring the setting up of a Court, which will deal only with mining related matters so that these cases can be expedited, saving the GGMC valuable time and resources. He however, highlighted the importance of GGMC utilising other forms of dispute resolution so as to ensure the swiftest protection of the rights of all parties involved. Immediately after this meeting, Minister Trotman met with the new executive members of the GGDMA at their office to discuss matters emanating from the Report as well as other matters, which were of concern to the representative body.
Minister Raphael Trotman pays rapt attention as acting Commissioner GGMC, Newell Dennison presents the draft plan That meeting was attended by newly elected President of the GGDMA, Terrence Adams; immediate past President, Patrick Harding; Colin Sparman, who served on the Commission of Inquiry; Edward and Hilbert Shields, Andron Alphonso, Azeem Baksh, Charles Da Silva, Conrad St, Romain and William Woolford. Trotman said the number of deaths which have been recorded is alarming and
‘Junkie’ denied food at GPH succumbs - was thwarted from earlier death plunge
By Shirley Thomas RONALD Walcott, said to be a ‘junkie’ (drug addict), was thwarted during a suicidal plunge from a window of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) last Tuesday but he succumbed just before midnight Sunday at the institution after reportedly being denied meals for over a week. However, it is still not known why he was not served any meals during that time, nor was he being given saline, according to fellow patients in the Male Surgical Ward. The man had surgery just over a week ago and was warded at the hospital for about ten days. But after becoming frustrated with the treatment he was receiving, he said he wanted to die and made about three suicide bids. Asked why he wanted to die, he said he had become frustrated since he had already spent more than a week in hospital and was never given medication. He then began calling for a gun or knife. “Is six days since ah deh in dis place and can’ get a tablet to drink…I ain’t getting no treatment, suh ah wan dead,” he bemoaned. But this newspaper was shocked to learn two days later that the man had not been served with meals for the duration of his stay in Room 3 of the Male Surgical Ward. On Friday, September 11, this newspaper was present
when around 18:00hrs a nurse entered the ward and distributed food to the patients. She walked around the ward, deliberately avoiding Walcott even though his eyes began dancing with excitement at the thought of getting a box of food.
DEAD: Ronald Walcott This reporter asked her whether the patient was on special diet since she had not given him anything to eat. She replied affirmatively and went outside and brought a Styrofoam cup with something in it. She chucked it onto the cupboard and walked away. This reporter also asked her how was he going to get it since he was bound hand and feet and was prostrate on the bed and could not reach the cupboard. The nurse replied that it was her time to come off duty, adding that the incoming nurse would look after him. It was then that the other patients in the ward, disappointed and out of
compassion, disclosed to this newspaper: “Dat man deh in hay over a week now and never get anything to eat.” He was dehydrated and kept crying out for help. Needless to say, he was never fed what was brought for him in the cup and it had to be thrown out the following day. The first episode in his suicide attempts was early last Tuesday afternoon when he sneaked out of the ward and attempted to drown himself in a deep-water drain outside the Procurement Stores in the hospital compound. However, he was taken back to the ward by porters and restrained on a bed in Room 3. Again, around 15:45 hrs, he sneaked into another ward, climbed onto the window sill about twenty-five feet above ground and was half way through when he was spotted and snatched to safety by porters. The man threw himself on the floor and began vomiting fluids. Then he began shouting: “Ah want a gun; ah want a knife.” Asked why he wanted gun or knife, he repeated, “…I ain’t getting treatment suh ah wan’ dead.” This matter was reported to the Chief Executive Officer (ag.), Mr. Allan Johnson who promised to launch an investigation. Walcott was often seen around Bourda Market transporting goods for stallholders in a hand cart, which was his means of earning an income.
must not be allowed to persist. In this regard, he said the association and the miners must become involved since a collective and a proactive approach must be taken. The Association has
given its promise to Minister Trotman to work hand in hand with the Government of Guyana to ensure that the recommendations, which were made in the CoI Mining Report, are implemented for a better mining sector.
An agreement was also reached to have bimonthly meetings between the Minister and GGDMA, and a combined meeting between all parties, including the GGMC, is planned for the new week.
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‘A’ Division CPG to get equipment to tackle noise nuisance
MEMBERS of the ‘A’ Division Community Policing Group (CPG) will, in the near future, be equipped with noise nuisance decibel equipment to tackle the noise nuisance problem in our society. This was disclosed by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, during a meeting with the group at the Brickdam Police Station on Monday.
He also reported that that group would be integrated in the US$2.5M Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) project to monitor closed circuit television cameras in the city. A command centre will, in this regard, be established in the next two years. Scores of CPG members graced the meeting with Minister Ramjattan, and aired their concerns, which he addressed.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan, as he addressed the CPG members Monday afternoon Ramjattan encouraged CPG members to become the civilian eyes for the Guyana Police Force (GPF), and to speak out if they see wrong-doings by cops, since government will eventually rid the force of all rogue cops. He said, “By our silence, we condone evil; so, as CPG members speak out, (they must) go to the officers and talk to build culture. And do
A section of the gathering at the Brickdam Police Station compound for the CPG meeting with Minister Ramjattan
not hide it (knowledge of wrong doing), since speaking out is the right thing to get high quality.” The minister added that the IDB has approved the “Smart City Police System” which, in two years’ time, is expected for a Command Centre that will be linked to all the CCTV cameras which will be in every street in Georgetown. He told the gathering that CPG members and civilians will man that command centre, which would record images in real-time and would be monitored on a 24-hour basis by very large screens with a modern system. But, he said, before all that happens, the city will have to be brightly illuminated. Ramjattan noted that street patrols and the 911 system will also be incorporated in the command centre, and businesses will be asked to outfit their properties and surroundings with more lights, since the cameras will be of high quality. The minister also disclosed that when the ‘Smart City Police System’ is established, ranks of the GPF will be trained to use audio/ video evidence in court for more successful convictions. He further expressed
support for more communitybased projects such as the construction of playgrounds for youths, and skills training in communities so that the youths will be engaged in meaningful activities. Ramjattan was impressed with the level of passion portrayed by CPG members present at the meeting on Monday afternoon. He said it indicated a willingness to have a better CPG and policing relations. As for funding for CPG, which is auxiliary to the GPF, the minister told the group that a stipend is not possible at this time because of the state of the national economy, but he expressed appreciation for the time the CPG members have invested in voluntary work, and has also promised that, in the near future, resources will be allocated to facilitate the needs of CPG members. He, however, asked that the CPG involve itself in fund-raising activities in order to acquire finance to purchase fuel, provide a stipend for members who are dedicated, and encourage members of the business community and citizens to pitch in and assist the CPG. Ramjattan added that CPG members will, for now,
have to set aside some money to cater for repairing vehicles assigned to them, but he promised to make provision for this contingency in the near future. He said the contingency was never previously funded by the ministry, so, in the meantime, fuel should come from the citizenry since they are the beneficiaries of the CPG. The minister said government has sought overseas help to acquire body armour for CPG members, and will scrupulously look at licensing CPG members to carry firearms eventually. Acting Commander of ‘A’ Division, Rishi Das, said the police will conduct oncemonthly training sessions for CPG groups in ‘A’ division, once an imminent system has been put in place. He added that there is need for CPG and police personnel to collaborate more in community-based projects in which youths can benefit, and declared that before any firearm licence is issued to any CPG member, that member must first be thoroughly screened. David Pompey, CPG Administrator, was present at the occasion, as were senior officers of the GPF and other invitees. (Michel Outridge)
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Herstelling killer nabbed
By Leroy Smith OSWALD Junior Yaw, 21 years, of East Ruimveldt Back Circle, who was allegedly hired by the wife of Herstelling block-maker Nathan Persaud to kill him, was arrested last evening by police who had staked out a city location for four days. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has confirmed that the man was arrested by ranks of the Major Crime Unit who had received intelligence about his whereabouts. The man was taken to the Criminal Investigation Department headquarters last evening where he reportedly confessed to the crime and gave details about the contract to kill 47-year-old Nathan Persaud last Thursday on the instructions of his wife Gwendolyn Persaud. She was remanded to prison on Monday when she appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennon charged with the murder of her husband. The hitman told the police that he was promised $1.7 million by the man’s wife to murder the man. He explained that on the day in question he caught a minibus and travelled to Diamond where he met the woman and the final plans for the murderous act were settled.
… was promised $1.7M on terms
According to him, the woman told him that she would sell a pool table from her shop to give him a part payment and subsequently he would be paid in installments for the job. Those
Nathan Persaud installments were to be paid at $100,000 per month until the entire $1.7 million was paid off. On Sunday when this publication spoke with one of the woman’s sons, he said that his mother had sold off a few of their assets, including a large pool table which she had in her shop. Ya w e x p l a i n e d t o investigators that after the plan was finalised he and the woman caught a minibus out of the community and during the journey she continued to instruct him on how the
killing must be done and provided him with directions to the man’s house. The minibus then stopped at Herstelling where the hitman disembarked and the deal was for him to meet her in Georgetown after he had killed her husband. The man followed the instructions and after murdering the man he travelled to the city. Ya w a l s o t o l d t h e police that he went into the community and searched for the address and after locating it, he befriended the man and had a cordial conversation with him. During the conversation the hitman realised that he could not commit the murderous act in the open and so he requested to use the man’s washroom. As the man entered the house first to direct him to the washroom, he saw a clay brick and immediately picked it up and lashed the victim to the head. At that point the man began fighting up and he picked up a knife and stabbed him. He then used a hammer and bashed the man to the head and face. He told the police that once he was satisfied that the man was dead, he left the house and boarded a bus to Georgetown. The suspect also confirmed that he was interested in securing the
money for the hit in order to visit his girlfriend in Antigua to surprise her for her birthday. Nathan Persaud was laid to rest on Monday while his wife who admitted to hiring a hitman to murder him was charged and remanded to prison on Monday also. The husband and wife who were married for approximately 23 years were involved in a bitter property dispute. The dead man’s mother on Sunday said that what her daughter-in-law did was very heartbreaking as she had treated her like one of her own children. The woman’s son expressed disgust at the role his mother played in murdering his father and described it as a very, very messed up move by her.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Commander Stephen Mansell inspecting the construction of a wooden shed at Den Amstel Post Office
Seated in front row is Commander Stephen Mansell, senior staffers of LTVC and another senior officer
Police in ‘D’ division plugging social intervention programmes By Michel Outridge COMMANDER of ‘D’ Division, Stephen Mansell, is implementing several social and crime prevention programmes aimed at enhancing the lives of residents on the West Coast Demerara and East Bank Essequibo, with particular focus on youths and the elderly. He teamed up with several businessmen in Region 3 and embarked on the construction of the shed at the Den Amstel Post Office which will shield pensioners from the blazing sun and rain when they go to uplift their monthly pension. The construction of a wooden shed has commenced after materials were donated by several business people and is expected to be completed shortly. The Den Amstel Post Office will also be outfitted with chairs and a washroom facility, all for the comfort of the elderly and is expected to be finished by this month-end. Mansell and a team comprising officers and businessmen also spearheaded a project in Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara, in which a wooden shed was in an area that was prone to flooding but the land has since been filled with dirt and cemented. The shed has since been painted and the nearby drains cleaned and the yard weeded. In addition, there is a seating accommodation and washroom facility for pensioners who visit to conduct business there and that project is nearing completion and will soon be commissioned by several ministers including Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence. Meanwhile, 83 youths drawn from several villages on the West Coast Demerara graduated from the six-week skills training at Leonora Technical and Vocational Training Centre (LTVC) last month and were awarded with a certificate each and the top performers were given trophies. Of the 83, 70 youths have since enrolled for the one-year diploma programme under the ‘D’ Division sponsored Project C-Pets Creating Positive Environment Through Safe Communities and Partnership with LTVC.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
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Bush fire destroys Woman in bar charged Pomeroon coconut farm brawl - gets $120,000 bail for wounding another - 80-yr-old owner appeals for assistance to replant
FIRE of unknown origin last Saturday swept through a five-acre coconut farm a t M a l b o ro u g h , L o w e r Pomeroon River, destroying every dried thing in its path and leaving in its wake a trail of scorched coconut trees. Farm owner, 80-yearold Naomi Duncan, said she watched in disbelief as, fanned by a steady breeze, the fire took control of her farm and destroyed her only source of livelihood. The pensioner suspects the fire was started when the intense heat of the sun caused dry grasses to go up in flames. Saying she had wanted to replant her farm but didn’t have the money to purchase coconut seedlings, Duncan is appealing for assistance in this respect from government and the Ministry of Agriculture. (Rajendra Prabhulall in 80-year-old Naiomi Duncan Essequibo)
TWENTY-one–year-old Shonette Gonzales of 73 Dowding Street, Kitty appeared yesterday before city magistrate Ann McLennan and denied the charge that on Saturday, August 29, at Seeta’s Bar in Kitty, she unlawfully wounded Alana Duncan during a bar brawl. Prosecutor Deniro Jones did not object to bail, but requested that same be granted in a substantial amount, since Duncan had received severe stab injuries and had to be hospitalised. Curious about the relationship between the two parties, the magistrate enquired and was informed that on the day in question, the two persons were sitting separately at the bar when an argument ensued. The prosecutor said the women were unknown to each other until the bar confrontation, but Duncan explained that they had worked at Seepaul’s Bar together, but Gonzales had been laid off a few months ago. Gonzales was released on $120,000 bail and was ordered to return to court on October 14. (Clestine Juan)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Man on $200,000 bail for ‘ganja’ trafficking KESHON Rhobe of Lot 1720 Priority Place, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown appeared before city magistrate Ann McLennan, on Monday, and pleaded not guilty to a charge detailing that on September 10, at Providence, East Bank Demerara, he had in his possession 30 grammes of cannabis-sativa (marijuana) for the purpose of trafficking in narcotics. Attorney-at-law, Paul Fung-a-Fat, pleaded that his client be granted reasonable bail, since he was just a visitor to the place where the alleged substance was found. The lawyer explained that Rhobe was visiting his grand-mother-in-law when the illicit drugs were found in a vacant lot. Police prosecutor Deniro Jones, however, said that according to the prosecution’s facts, the prohibited substance was found in the said yard in which Rhobe was at the time. The father of three was eventually placed on $200,000 bail, and the matter was transferred to the Providence Court for a September 28 recall. (Geeta Rampersaud)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Duo busted with 12.31 kg cocaine in suitcase BEAUTICIAN Chrishell Browne, 26, of Lot 32 Lamaha Park, Georgetown and taxi driver Andre Shawn Pilgrim, 33, of Lot 83 Lamaha Street, Georgetown appeared before city magistrate Ann McLennan on Monday and pleaded not guilty to a charge of cocaine possession. Details of the indictment are that on Friday, September 11, at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, they had in their possession 12.31 kilogrammes of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Browne was represented by attorney-at-law Mark Waldron, who told the court that his client is a mother of one. Pilgrim was represented by attorney-at-law Adrian Thompson, who told the court that his client is married, has a child, and has no pending or prior matters before the court. Both defendants were remanded to prison and the matter was adjourned to October 9 for report. Reports are that, following a tip, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) arrested the duo on Friday evening in the vicinity of the Soesdyke/Linden Highway Junction with a quantity of cocaine placed in milk packets and concealed within the false walls of a suitcase. Browne was intercepted on her way to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), where she was due to board a Fly Jamaica flight destined for the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. (Geeta Rampersaud)
Seaman on $70,000 bail for larceny of a cell phone SEAMAN Orvin Hubbard was, on Monday placed on $70,000 bail by city magistrate Ann McLennan after he appeared before her to answer a simple larceny charge. The defendant of Grove Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara pleaded not guilty to the charge detailing that on Friday, September 11, at Houston Wharf, East Bank Demerara, he stole a Galaxy Note 2 Cellular phone valued at $75,000, property of Lorenzo Hamilton. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones said the defendant was identified from the security footage in the area. Statements were ordered to be filed and the matter was put off to October 14.
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‘A’ Division CPG briefs Public Security Minister on concerns
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
By Michel Outridge MEMBERS of ‘A’ Division Community Policing Group (CPG), on Monday, had a meeting with Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan at the Brickdam Police Station compound and utilised the opportunity to highlight a number of concerns. Chairman of the ‘A’ Division CPG, Pamela English, said she was elected to the position for four months and met the group in a somewhat ‘zig zag’ state and is trying to bring about improvements. She told the large gathering that, so far, she has visited some groups within Division ‘A’ and listened to their many concerns, and they have had several training sessions and meetings. English said further that in two weeks’ time they will have a fundraising activity which should bring members together and she also wants to encourage them to come out for training and to attend statutory meetings. Eon Thorne of Tucville CPG told the gathering he is concerned that rural constables are not being fully utilised at police stations but they should be able to work along with the
Some CPG members during the meeting on Monday afternoon with Minister Khemraj Ramjattan (Adrian Narine photo) police. Orin Forde of Campbellville CPG observed that although they do voluntary work, they also have to put gas in the vehicle out-of-pocket and if they have to do repairs on the vehicle it is also at their expense. He also requested protective gear for members on patrol duties, especially at nights. In addition, he said they need vehicles and bicycles and asked for a monthly stipend to be allocated for members as a form of encouragement. Meanwhile, Robert Chang of Queenstown CPG said his group needs hand-held radios and proper gear for patrols while Gary Thompson of Festival City CPG noted that his group can only be effective if they are utilised fully as the area had become a hub for criminal activities but they are ill-equipped to respond.
He stated that they are willing to activate crime prevention programmes in that community but would need the assistance of the police, especially in reaching out to unemployed youths via skills training and other social projects to enhance their lives. Others talked about the need for better collaboration between the CPGs and the police and also highlighted the need for resources. One female member spoke openly about school-age youths being involved in crime in her community and pointed to incidents of marijuana use which was affecting their lives. She also expressed concern about schoolchildren fighting with knives and other weapons at school and on the street and pinpointed a need for them to be guided.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Public Service Ministry court cases…
Defence signals intention to apply for indefinite stay of trial - says process being abused
By Geeta Rampersaud BEFORE city Magistrate Ann McLennan, one of the attorneys representing former Public Service Minister Dr. Jennifer Westford and Chief Personnel Officer Margaret Cummings -- Mr. Neil Boston -- informed the court yesterday that on the next scheduled court hearing, the defence would apply for the matters to be stayed indefinitely for abuse of process. Dr Westford and Margaret Cummings were yesterday served with their statements in relation to the charges they face. Their matters were adjourned, and both defendants are expected to make their next court appearance on October 8. The former minister was placed on $200,000 bail on each of the four charges she faces, and the former Chief Personnel Officer was placed on $300,000 bail on each of the four charges she faces
when they first appeared in court. The 54-year-old Dr. Westford of Lot 55 AA Victoria Avenue, Eccles, EBD and the 36-year-old
Dr Jennifer Westford Cummings of Lot 709 Section ‘A’ Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara both made their appearance before City Magistrate Ann McLennan and separately denied the charges laid against
them. The former minister has answered to four counts of attempting to commit a felony, one of which detailed that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, at the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street, Georgetown, being an employee of the Government of Guyana, she attempted to commit larceny when she sought to transfer motor vehicles PJJ 8113 and PKK 2175 to the name of Wayne Walker when the vehicles were the property of the Government of Guyana. Another charge stated that, during the same period at the Public Service Ministry, in an attempt to commit larceny, Dr Westford also sought to transfer motor vehicle PFF 1780 to the name of Delroy Lewis when that vehicle was the property of the Government of Guyana. Thirdly, during the same period at the Public Service M i n i s t r y, D r We s t f o r d attempted to commit larceny
when she sought to transfer motor vehicle PJJ 3444 to her name. She further denied that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, at the Public Service Ministry, she also attempted to commit larceny in seeking to transfer motor vehicles PKK 6400, PEE 8783 and PJJ 6675 to the
name of Gary Beaton. Margaret Cummings meanwhile, has denied the four counts of forgery levelled against her. One of the charges state that between July 18, 2014 and April 15, 2015, at the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street, being an employee of the Government of Guyana, she attempted to defraud her employer when she forged certain documents purporting to be a receipt for the purchase of vehicle PFF 1780 by Delroy Lewis. It is also alleged that during the same period at the Public Service Ministry, with intent to defraud, she forged certain documents purporting to be a receipt for the purchase of vehicles PJJ 8113 and PKK 2175 by Wayne Walker.
It is further alleged that, during the same period at the Public Service Ministry, with intent to defraud, she forged certain documents purporting to be a receipt for the purchase of vehicle PJJ 3444 by Dr. Webster. Lastly, Cummings has been charged with forging certain documents between July 18, 2014 and April 15, 2015 at the Public Service Ministry with intent to defraud. The documents purport to be a receipt for the purchase of vehicles PKK 6400, PEE 8783 and PJJ 6675 by Gary Beaton. Dr Westford and Ms C u m m i n g s w e re b o t h represented by attorneysat-law Bibi Shadick, Keisha Chase, Dexter Todd, Husi Anderson and Neil Boston.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Aurora Min first gold’ t By Ariana Gordon
President Granger addresses the audience at the opening ceremony of the Aurora Gold Mine-First Gold Pour
“DO not leave abscesses on our landscape,” was the plea of President David Granger yesterday at the Aurora Gold Mines first ‘gold pour’ ceremony in the Cuyuni. The President called on those in the mining sector to be more environmentally conscious. “The days of the free-forall are over and we need to be more environmentally conscious if we are to hand this country over to our children
and grandchildren in the condition that we found it when we took it over from our parents and grandparents,” he said. Granger said it is government’s intention to ensure that there is mandatory land reclamation and reforestation by miners, noting that the environment is not the sole responsibility of the government. “Traditional gold mining practices which expose our hinterland residents to environmental degradation and destruction must be discontinued.
Inquiry into public service opens
…commission receives over 30 statements
THE Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the Public Service was formally launched on Tuesday with some 30 statements already been sent in by Guyanese living here and abroad. The inquiry panel identified by the government to spearhead the operation which will investigate the working conditions, wages, and other issues affecting public servants are: Professor Harold Lutchman who will serve as Chairman to the commission, Samuel Goolsarran and Sandra Jones, both of whom will serve as commissioners. At a press conference held yesterday at the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Service Department, Waterloo Street, Georgetown, it was revealed by secretary to the COI, Geeta Chandan Edmond that over 30 statements and memoranda have been received by its secretariat. These statements, she said, were received from stakeholders in Guyana, the Unites States of America (USA), Canada and one from the United (From left) Sandra Jones, Chairman, Harold Lutchman, Samuel Goolsarran, and Secretary Kingdom (UK). The role of the CoI, according to the Chairman, is guided Geeta Chandan Edmond of skills and stimulated active learning through case studies, by a Terms of Reference (ToR) which stipulates that the COI and willing to work. But this, according to him, can only be simulation and group projects. is to inquire into, report on, and make recommendations on achieved, if it is understood, how these public servants can As part of the training, the successful applicants are introthe role, functions, recruitment process, remuneration and be motivated. duced to the roles, functions and capabilities of ministries and conditions of service for public servants. Jones too, expressed similar sentiments, adding that the government agencies and exercises. “All new entrances into Though it is not written in stone, the life of the commis- activity is one which is highly anticipated, given the amount public service will receive training before they take up their sion is expected to last for about five months, Lutchman said, of people it will impact. appointments. This is the basis of the first initiative. At the highadding that this is subject to change, given the nature of COIs. Additionally, she explained that it is an opportunity to er level of course, we want to see more career public servants He explained that upon nearing conclusion, a new finding understand the plight of the working class and a forum to ask so that when new ministers or political appointees enter their could have such an impact to alter recommendations which question, which will provide greater insight into the opera- jobs at whatever level, there will be a cadre of trained public would have been under considerations, which would push the tions of this sector. Recommendations would then emanate servant who could advice and guide, do research and provide hearing back even further. from these findings which will in turn aid in further devel- information for them. So we expect during the course of the The public hearings, which are opened to the general pub- oping the sector. next 5 years, there will be a stronger and more professional lic for oral presentations will be conducted at the Secretariat public service than we have at present,” the President told the Building of the Public Service Ministry on Waterloo Street, Guyana Chronicle and Stabroek News in a recent interview. STAFF COLLEGE Georgetown. He reasoned that without an efficient public service, Meanwhile, with Public Service Staff College taking According to Lutchman, the aim is to have a professional shape, President David Granger has committed to building a the vital agencies of the State will be unable to function public service which will serve as an engine for whatever Gov- public service of professional men and women who are dedi- well—not aviation, not public health, and not law enernment is in power. “The success of a government is largely cated to serving under whichever administration is in power. forcement. “So what I want to do is ensure that people are dependent on their ability to mobilise the public sector in the The President in the first week of assuming office announced properly education and well trained before they enter the implementation of its policies” the Chairman said yesterday. the need for a strong professional public service, noting that public service. Second, regardless of which political party Noting that policy making is something that involves part of the professionalism will be instilled through training. is in office, I want to see the public service performing contributions from both politicians and public servants, he On August 28, the Ministry of the Presidency under which their functions efficiently, providing advice and informaunderscored the need for such exercise to fine tune what is the Public Service Ministry falls, closed the application tion to their ministers and carry out their duties… I want happening in the public sector. He highlighted too, the fact process which was opened to persons between ages 17-21. to see an unbribable public service so that when a foreignthat this CoI is, “not a wages and salary commission,” since The successful applicants have been admitted to the Public er comes in, an investor comes in, he will see in the public this is not their 9the commissioners) main focus. Instead, Service Staff College where they will undergo a 6-month servants, whether in or out of uniform as somebody who they are guided by the TOR which mandates their operation. introduction/orientation and mandatory training which is is committed to enforcing the laws of Guyana and serving Contributing too, was Goolsarran, who stated that the geared at providing them with theoretical concepts and issues the public.” President Granger was optimistic that in his views of interested parties will be heard when the hearing while placing emphasis on the delivery of content through first term, his administration will be able to re-professionbegins shortly. He noted that for quality services to be pro- participatory methods. alise the public service, and Guyanese, whether they go vided by the Public Sector, public servants must be motivated The focus is on the development and practical application to the post offices or police stations, they will get service.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
nes ‘pours …Granger urges end
to corruption, pollution There must be a mandatory process of land reclamation and reforestation, not optional…mandatory.” President Granger stressed that “uncontrolled and indiscriminate mining are the leading causes of environmental degradation… sometimes large areas are cleared for mining but after the mining ceases you just have holes in the ground to show for posterity.” He stressed that the industry must be conscious of the impact mining has on communities and settlements, making reference to the many health issues that result from mining such as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and the polluting of water used by communities to cook, wash and clean. “River banks are destroyed by reckless, destructive mining practices; many rivers once looking like tea are now looking like chocolate. The waterways are silted, polluted; high levels of turbidity owing to the discharge of dangerous mining effluent,” he said.
CORRUPTION President Granger said government has a zero-tolerance on corruption in the mining industry. He said several systems and controls will be introduced at the levels of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold Board to eradicate white collar crimes. “Our government is committed to the task of ensuring that no one pays bribes for any services in this sector and no public official will escape the long arm of the law; we need honest mines officers, not bribe-able mines officers, who will end the practices of graft,” he said. Corrupt individuals, the President said, will be prosecuted. “Accusations of graft must become a thing of the past and it must put mining on a footing that is on par with any international mining enterprise.” “Gold mining in Guyana does indeed face tremendous challenges but these challenges are sometimes made by persons in the industry them-
A section of the Aurora Gold Mine Plant selves; persons who try to deprive the state of royalties and smuggle gold out of our country and against the law,” Granger said, making reference to the smuggling of 476 pounds of gold valued at approximately US$11 million to Curacao in 2012 and the smuggling of
IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE, SECURITY Dubbing the current hinterland infrastructure the “worst”, President Granger stressed the need for much “improved infrastructural developments.” “We need to improve
the minerals they search for, the President said. “We therefore have to become more concerned about safety standards and the enforcement of those standards. That is the task of the Minister of Governance.” As such, the President
“Traditional gold mining practices which expose our hinterland residents to environmental degradation and destruction must be discontinued. There must be a mandatory process of land reclamation and reforestation not optional…mandatory” - President Granger 30 pounds of gold at Moleson Creek, Corentyne in 2008. “Some of these crimes are as a result of corruption; the consequence of incompetence or a combination of both,” the President stated.
the infrastructure, facilitate the construction of the aerodromes, bridges and roads and stellings, these improvements will encourage greater economic activity,” he noted. The President stressed that infrastructure is a benefit and not a liability. “Entrepreneurs will follow the roads and bridges, greater investment…” One of the biggest threats to investment, the President stressed, is the lack of security, adding that government intends to “intensify efforts” in this regard. “There must be better security in the mining industry; we are at present developing a plan to better security,” he said. “Gold mining is also becoming increasingly dangerous; miners are being killed. Criminal elements are moving into these areas, murdering and robbing miners,” Granger observed. The lives of those who work in the mining industry are way more valuable than
believes that the national economy would be significantly enhanced and the livelihood of residents in the hinterland and miners would be enriched if placed on safer administration and surer economic bases. “This will be dealt with on a more comprehensive and collaborative approach rather than confrontational approach… which you have been accustomed to between the State and the industry. The gold mining sector is an important pillar of our national economy; it continues to contribute to economic growth.” Gold production must be placed on a “much safer footing, the President stressed. “We need to repair the rotten regional and local government systems which have been an impediment to stability,” Granger said. He hopes that with Local Government elections fast approaching the gold sector can thrive.
TECHNOLOGY The President also called for an improvement in the technology used to recover minerals. “We want a modern, safe, technologically advanced gold mining sector; we want gold to be linked with other sectors of the economy.” Guyana he said must “make a leap forward, upward and outward into the international community. We need new technology in all stages of mining… and must penetrate the small and medium and not just the large.” Meanwhile, Founder and Executive Chairman of Guyana Gold Fields, Patrick Sheridan dubbed the Aurora Gold Mines as “Guyana’s next big gold producer”. He said the company employs hundreds of locals who have good jobs, salaries and great benefits. Country Manager Violet Smith in brief remarks expressed gratitude to former Prime Minster Samuel Hinds and Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn for their commitment and assistance over the years. “This is the first time in 19 years we finally poured a bar of gold,” she remarked. Smith noted that the company spent some US$411M in capital investment over the years. Aurora Gold Mines, located in the Cuyuni Mazaruni District, is expected to produce approximately 15,000 ounces of gold per month over a 35-year period. The company started exploration in 1996 and began construction in 2013, while operations commenced in 2015.
President David Granger having a light moment with representatives of the Aurora Gold Mine as he holds the gold bar
Lindy Sharp, Junior Mining Engineer explains Aurora Gold Mine Operations at Rory’s Knoll
Section of the audience at the Aurora Gold Mine First Gold Pour Opening Ceremony. L-R Robeson Benn, Major General Retired Norman Mc Lean, Chief of Staff Guyana Defence Force Mark Phillips, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Natural Resources Joslyn Mc Kenzie, Chairman GGMC,Clinton Williams and Major General Retired Joseph Singh
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Visitors from Suriname comprise 14% of annual tourist arrivals
THE Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has revealed that visitors to Guyana from Suriname account for 14% of all tourists annually. The Authority recently met with a group of tourists from Suriname who had come to Guyana for a mini vacation. GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh explained that many tourists take advantage of the school recess during the months of August and September to come to Guyana for a mini vacation. This, he noted, is the peak travel time for those tourists. “Approximately 960 persons travel weekly during this peak period”, he said, noting that while many come to Guyana to enjoy the shopping and simple luxuries, some persons come to seek the possibility of opening up businesses here in Guyana. “Some persons come to seek business opportunities and to seek to collaborate with existing businesses,” he declared. He also highlighted that many businesses stand to benefit from this influx of tourists from Suriname. “Businesses in Guyana benefit tremendously from (this influx of tourists) -- the hotels, restaurants, shopping complexes, Splashmins among others -- all derive revenue from the increase in travel.” The Guyana Tourism Authority will, in the month of October, facilitate a Conversational Dutch Language Training Programme at Moleson Creek as part of its plan to improve communication at the border crossing. (Rebecca Ganesh)
- GTA Director Haralsingh
Visitors from Suriname comprise 14% of Guyana’s annual tourist arrivals
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Alicia Ali’s murder is still a mystery
By Michel Outridge WHO killed 15-year-old Alicia Ali? That’s the burning question which highlights the persistent mystery ever since her nude body was discovered on the foreshore in March this year, among boulders in the vicinity of Turkeyen seawall, East Coast Demerara. Only a few persons know exactly how the former Campbellville Secondary School student of Sixth Street, Cummings Lodge,
East Coast Demerara, met the dreadful end but so far they have managed to conceal the truth. According to sleuths, initially several persons, including close relatives of Alicia Ali, were taken into custody and questioned but later released after there was no evidence to solidify their suspicion. T h e g i r l ’s m o t h e r , Maylene Williams, her stepfather and two boyfriends were among those interrogated by detectives following the discovery of
her nude body. Police had said that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reviewed the case and recommended that they do some more work since there was nothing substantial to effect an arrest. Speculation was rife following the discovery of the body, when a letter was found in the teen’s room indicating that the schoolgirl probably took her own life, but after the results of the post-mortem were released, the police deemed it a
MURDERED: Alicia Ali
homicide. The post-mortem revealed that Ali was strangled but died of asphyxia due to drowning compounded by a compression injury to the neck. Ali’s mother told police that she had sent her daughter to a nearby shop to make a purchase on the evening of March 24, 2015 but she failed to return home and a search was launched for her. The clothes the teen was wearing at the time of her murder are yet to be found. It is believed that she was
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killed elsewhere and her body stripped and dumped at the seawall location during the wee hours of the morning of March 25. The body which had several marks of violence was discovered at about 08:00 hrs by joggers who were running along the Turkeyen seawall. Police in ‘C’ Division said the case is still ongoing but no new arrests have yet been made and they remain optimistic they will get a breakthrough and solve the murder.
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Duo get 56 months for robbing minibus passengers
- at Agricola By Clestine Juan
CITY Magistrate Judy Latchman, on Monday, handed down a 56-month sentence on two men accused of robbing minibus passengers at Agricola, East Bank Demerara. Jermaine Daley of 44 Cooper Street, Albouystown and Akeem Charles of Lot 178 West Ruimveldt,
Georgetown appeared before Magistrate Latchman on two charges of robbing passengers in a minibus at Agricola in May, 2015. Particulars of the first charge are that on May 25, at Agricola, they robbed Bibi Raziah of one shoulder bag, one purse, $35,000 cash, a GBTI bank card, a Western Union card, and other items totalling $40,000. The second charge stated that on the same day, at Agricola, the defendants, in the
company of others, robbed Bibi Khan of one gold chain valued at $80,000. The magistrate took into consideration all mitigating factors and informed the court that she found the defendants guilty after a trial that had been going on for over four months. The magistrate also emphasised that the robberies were planned and the accused had used violence against Bibi Raziah. Additionally, she pointed out
that she considered the seriousness and prevalence of the offence and the need to impose a sentence that could serve as a deterrent. According to the prosecution, on May 25 at about 10:45 hrs, Razia and Khan joined a route 42 minibus to travel to Georgetown, and the two accused also joined the vehicle. Daley and Charles, however, requested to be put off at Flour Mill Road in Agricola. The number one accused, Daley, dealt Khan
several cuffs to her face and relieved her of a gold chain, while the number two accused, Charles, took away the articles belonging to Razia. The report made at the Agricola Police Outpost by the bus driver caused the police to go on a mobile patrol in Agricola, where the bus driver positively identified the two accused. The prosecution had called six witnesses, including the two victims and the minibus
driver. The two defendants, in addressing the court before sentencing, were still in denial of the offence. Dailey in protest told the magistrate, “I ain’t want serve time fuh sumting I ain’t do,’’ while his accomplice, Charles, denied knowledge of robbing the two women. Both defendants were jailed for 56 months respectively on each charge but the sentence will run concurrently.
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19-yr-old attempted murder accused granted $200,000 bail A NINETEEN-year old attempted murder accused was on Monday released on $200,000 bail by City Magistrate Ann McLennan pending his court trial. Nigel Fraser, 20, of 17th Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara
(EBD) had been on remand since August, charged with inflicting wounds on Brutus Taylor, with intent to murder him on August 7, at Golden Grove Housing Scheme, EBD. However, his attorney Leslie Sobers made an application for his client to be admitted to bail. Pros-
ecutor Corporal Deniro Jones had no objection but requested that the bail be substantial. The accused was released on bail and was ordered to keep 50 feet away from the virtual complainant. The matter was adjourned until October 15.
Father of seven gets three years for armed robbery - after probation report
By Clestine Juan A FATHER of seven who was charged with armed robbery since 2006 was, on Monday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment by City Magistrate Dylan Bess
after a probation report. Phillip DePaul, 38 years, of East La Penitence was charged with armed robbery on November 6, 2006 at Georgetown when being armed with a gun he robbed Ceon Small of $26,000 cash, a $47,000
Wednesday September 16, 2015 - 05:00 hrs
Motorola Razr cellphone and a quantity of gold jewellery, a total value of $873,000. The father of seven was also charged with the abduction of Small, and that matter was recently committed to the High Court. However, according to the probation report, which was read in the court on Monday, DePaul lived with his parents and was not known to be a violent character in his community. The charge of robbery had attracted a stigma, making it hard for him to obtain a job. The report further revealed that DePaul had pleaded with the court for mercy to give him an opportunity to prove himself to society. Magistrate Bess, in his ruling, considered all the mitigating factors, including the fact that the accused is the father of seven, the findings of the probation report and his wish to reform himself. However, the magistrate explained that the court could not ignore the commission of the offence and during imprisonment he could utilise the time to reform himself.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Aries You should pay attention to your dreams, but tonight your subconscious might send you some garbled information that means next to nothing. If the message is obvious, pay attention to it, but if you have to perform too many mental gymnastics to discern what the symbols mean, they might mean nothing. Sometimes a dream is just a dream. Taurus A miscommunication with a business or romantic partner might cause some ruffled feathers today. You can divert this by explaining the facts clearly whenever you give information. Make sure your partner understands what you’re saying before they go and act on it! For your own part, don’t be shy about asking what someone means. Remember, it’s better to ask a stupid question than make a dumb mistake! Gemini Do you work with a lot of documents? If so, you might find today that some of the papers you need are missing. They might seem to have vanished into a black hole. Look everywhere, of course, but chances are that someone has them and isn’t aware of it. Don’t be too shy to ask people about the papers. You could save yourself a lot of unnecessary effort this way. Cancer A missed communication - or miscommunication - with a romantic partner could find you waiting in the wrong place. If you’re planning to get together with someone special tonight, make sure you get the full details of the location, including the exact address, cross street, and driving directions. Write it down! And don’t forget to note the time. Leo Today you could find that you’ve left something at home, perhaps a book or letter that you need. There’s no way around it, you’ll have to go back. This could make you late. Stay calm! This is a temporary irritation that will pass. Making yourself crazy over it will only stress you out. At lunch, treat yourself to a glass of wine or a soothing cup of tea. Virgo You may need to spend a lot of time in the car today. You could hit traffic and miss some of the people you need to see. Irritations could quickly turn to anger if you aren’t careful. Park your car and walk to some of the places. This will get you out of the crush of cars and work off your frustration at the same time. Libra Paperwork involving money may need doing today, and this could take you away from what you love most - working on your own projects and spending time with a love partner. Don’t get too crazy over it or you might make mistakes. Correcting those errors would eat up more time. Take care of it methodically and quickly and you’ll be able to get back to your life. Scorpio An unhappy visitor, probably a woman, could come to your home today. This person has a lot of anger right now and probably won’t make much of a conversationalist. If you can’t make your excuses, put on some music or perhaps a funny movie. You might be surprised at the results! Some soothing chords or a few laughs might accomplish wonders. Be clever! Sagittarius Have you been expecting an important letter? If so, it may not arrive for a while. If it doesn’t appear today, call the person who sent it and ask for a duplicate because the original could be lost in the mail. Better to have two copies than wait for one that will never come. Capricorn After a few days of moving in slow motion, today you will get back all of your energy. Your instincts will be excellent and draw you to the people who can help you. It might be an excellent day to write any reports - or even your memoirs. Don’t be afraid to grab a pen and paper - you will be wonderfully prolific! Aquarius A lot of tedious paperwork is probably waiting for you, and you will want to get it done as quickly as possible. You might be distracted and irritated by everyone goofing off. Don’t worry about everyone else. Concentrate on your own work. You will only cause further irritation by getting upset with everyone. You will be done with your tasks when they’re just getting started on theirs! Pisces Some facts that you may need for certain projects might prove elusive today. No matter what website or periodical you consult, you’ll probably come across some interesting stuff but not exactly what you’re looking for. If the task isn’t urgent, it might be a good idea to put it off for a bit. Otherwise you’ll spend too much time looking for the impossible.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday september 16, 2015
Toronto mayor says not right Blatter must face time for 2024 Games bid criminal probe By Frank Pingue
TORONTO, Canada (Reuters) - Toronto will not bid for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, the mayor of Canada’s largest city said yesterday while promising to create a panel to advise on bidding for future major sporting events. Stressing a desire to improve more pressing infrastructure and transit needs, Toronto Mayor John Tory said the city would benefit from hosting an Olympic Games but not in 2024. “I can’t look people in the eye at this point in our city’s development and tell them that an Olympic bid is the best use of our time, our energy or our investment,” Tory, who announced his decision on the final day to submit a letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee, told a news conference. “But now I can look in the eyes of my colleagues at other levels of government and say this, together we should be making the investment talked about
in the context of the Olympics.” Despite deciding against a bid for the multi-sport event, Tory said he will form an advisory group to look at
Toronto Mayor John Tory the merits of competing for international events in the future, including the Olympics and FIFA World Cup. While opponents have argued that an Olympic bid would consume too much public money, backers were greatly encouraged after Toronto successfully hosted this year’s Pan American Games.
For 16 days in July, Toronto had a taste of the Olympic experience and ate it up with gusto as over 1 million tickets were sold and Canadian athletes enjoyed unprecedented success in the multi-sport event between countries from North America, Latin America, South America and the Caribbean. But in the end, it was not enough to convince Tory to enter Toronto into a race for the 2024 Games that already includes heavy favourites Paris, Los Angeles, Rome, Budapest and Hamburg. Toronto has failed in five previous attempts to host the Olympics, the most recent being a bid for the 2008 Summer Games that ended in a second-place finish to Beijing. Rio de Janeiro will host the Summer Games next year with Tokyo holding the event for a second time in 2020. “I believe that one day Toronto will be a great venue for the Olympic Games, but not in 2024,” said Tory. “Let me be clear, I am not saying no to the Olympics, I am saying not this time.”
England must treat World Cup like Ashes ENGLAND must give the 50-over World Cup as much importance as the Ashes to make the most of the younger players, says ex-one-day captain Paul Collingwood. England have never won the World Cup but host the next edition in 2019. “We’ve got to make sure that the World Cup is equal to winning the Ashes,” said Collingwood, who is taking on a consulting role with the one-day side. “It’s a huge opportunity for the youngsters coming through and the guys already there to do something special.” After limping out of the 2015 World Cup in the group stage, England played a more aggressive
brand of one-day cricket on home soil over the summer. They beat World Cup finalists New Zealand 3-2
PAUL COLLINGWOOD and suffered a 3-2 defeat by winners Australia after regaining the Ashes. in August. Collingwood, who captained England to their only global limited-overs trophy at the World Twenty20 in 2010 and won three Ashes series, believes there is a
core of players capable of challenging for the 50-over title in 2019. “From what I’ve seen, it’s a really exciting time to be involved in English cricket,” said Collingwood, who will help coach the limited-overs teams against Pakistan in the UAE in November and at the World T20 in India in March next year. “We have a group of players who can move forward very quickly and hopefully get to the very top and be one step ahead rather than one step behind all the time. “It’s a few years away but if we can get some great ideas, tactics and approaches on how we are going to go about it, it’s crucial that we get the right players in the right spots as soon as possible.” Collingwood, England’s most-capped ODI player with 197 appearances, added: “I can’t tell Jos Buttler how to hit a reverse sweep over backward point but hopefully I can create the confidence in their game to go and do it out in the middle without any fear.”(BBC Sport)
- former FIFA adviser
ZURICH, Switzerland (CMC) - A former FIFA anti-corruption adviser is calling for a criminal investigation against president Sepp Blatter for selling under-valued World Cup television rights to Jack Warner, the former vice-president of football’s governing body. Mark Pieth made his comments after Swiss broadcaster SRF published a Blatter-signed FIFA contract from 2005 that sold the Warner-controlled Caribbean Football Union rights to the 2010 and 2014 World Cups for a combined US$600 000. Warner licensed the rights to a company controlled by his family before selling for a reported sum of about US$20M to a Jamaica-based broadcaster. “Blatter has to defend himself against a form of embezzlement charges,” said Pieth, a Swiss professor of criminal law. THAT’S A TOPIC THEY NEED TO DISCUSS In 2011, after he vacated his position as vice-president in the face of bribery accusations, Warner claimed that FIFA let him control cheap World Cup rights in exchange for helping Blatter win presidential elections. Warner was indicted in May in a United States probe of football corruption implicating senior FIFA officials. However, the sale of under-valued World Cup tele-
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vision rights appears to be a separate case which could threaten Blatter directly. “They have prima facie evidence. That means they have to open an investigation,” Pieth said on the sidelines of an international meeting of federal prosecutors attended by the attor-
SEPP BLATTER ney generals of the U.S. and Switzerland. Meantime FIFA has defended the Caribbean rights deal, claiming that it required a 50-50 profit share between the CFU and FIFA when the rights were sold on. According to FIFA, CFU “made several breaches to the contract and failed to meet its financial obligations”. The TV deal was terminated in July 2011 and FIFA reclaimed the 2014 World Cup rights, after Warner resigned his positions to avoid sanctions in election bribery.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
WADA hopes to get doping report by mid-November By Mikael Nilsson COPENHAGEN, Denmark (Reuters) - The World Anti-Doping Agency is hoping to receive the much-awaited report on allegations of widespread doping in sport before its board meeting in mid-November, WADA Director General David Howman said yesterday. The report of the independent commission, ap-
pointed by the agency and headed by former WADA chief Dick Pound, into claims made by German television regarding doping involving mostly Russian and Kenyan athletes had been initially expected this month. But it has since been combined with fresh allegations in August that hundreds of suspicious drugs tests had not been followed up by world athletics body
IAAF. “We gave a mandate to the independent commission and asked them if they would complete their work, their investigation and file their report with us before the end of this year,” Howman told Reuters Television in an interview. “We hope they can do it well prior to the end of the year because we have a board meeting in mid-November
and we would certainly like our board members to be able to discuss that report at that occasion.” The allegations made by German broadcaster ARD and the Sunday Times newspaper shook the world of athletics with the IAAF coming under fire for allegedly not following up suspicious test results from more than 800 athletes -including dozens of Olympic and world champions -- between 2001 and 2012. “Well I think you can say that because at the present there is a controversy which involves athletics,” Howman said, when asked if athletics was now succeeding cycling as a major doping offender in world sport. “I think it would be unfair to concentrate on any one sport. It’s probably better if we said look there are problems out there in sport, there are issues that we need to address with the various sports and we’re doing that. “At the present athletics is in the limelight. Athletics is the sport which needs some
assistance and we’re going to give them that assistance after we receive this report.” Among the athletes now viewed with greater suspicion are also the Kenyans, who topped the medal table
David Howman - Director General of WADA at last month’s world athletics championships in Beijing. There have been claims of extensive doping among the African country’s athletes while testers have been accused of tipping them
off ahead of unannounced drugs tests. “They need a lot of help in Kenya. It’s not just Kenya, there is Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda and a few others who form part of a regional anti-doping organisation which we assist in the funding of and assist in the work,” Howman said. Two Kenyan athletes were suspended for anti-doping rule violations in Beijing with the country’s athletics federation pledging to fully cooperate with the IAAF. “What we’re trying to do with Kenya in particular, however, is develop their national programme,” Howman said. “It’s difficult because the government money in the country is very hard to get hold of, so we’re in process, if you like, of trying to make sure they are alert to the major issues that the world is focusing on and that they do respond themselves. “We can’t do their work so we need that positive response from the Kenyan government.”
Uncapped Ansari wins place in England Test squad … Collingwood, Jayawardene named consultants
(REUTERS) - Uncapped Surrey all-rounder Zafar Ansari was named in England’s squad yesterday for the forthcoming three-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. Left-armer Ansari, 23, is the third spinner in the 16man team alongside Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. Moeen could be used as an opening batsman with captain Alistair Cook, although uncapped Alex Hales has also been included, despite failing to impress in the one-day international series against Australia. There was no place, however, for opener Adam Lyth or Gary Ballance, both deemed to have failed during the Ashes Test series against Australia that England won 3-2. Batsman James Taylor won a Test spot after some impressive performances in the one-day international series against the Australians. “Zafar Ansari’s potential excites us and he will provide strong competition for Adil Rashid and Moeen Ali in the Test squad after enjoying an excellent domestic season with both bat and ball for Surrey,” national selector
James Whitaker said in a England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) statement. “Alex Hales has scored heavily for Nottinghamshire in first-class cricket this sea-
Uncapped Surrey all-rounder Zafar Ansari son, has shown he can play match-winning innings for England in white-ball cricket and fully deserves an opportunity to compete for a place at the top of the order in our Test side.” Ansari, who has a degree in politics and sociology from Cambridge University, played down his chances of breaking into the playing
eleven. “It’s going to be hard,” he told Sky Sports News. “There are a lot of guys there who have been playing well. “If the opportunity comes, then great, but if not, I’m gonna run on with the drinks with as much energy as possible!” The first Test starts on October 13 in Abu Dhabi, followed by matches in Dubai (October 22) and Sharjah (November 1). A four-match ODI series and three Twenty20 matches follow. Left-arm spinner Stephen Parry of Lancashire has been recalled to the Twenty20 squad, which also features Sussex paceman Chris Jordan, now fully recovered from the side injury which ruled him out of international contention midway through the season. Ben Stokes has been rested for the limited overs matches. “Ben has been an outstanding performer for England this summer and this decision reflects a desire to manage his workload across a busy winter period in all three formats of the game,” Whitaker said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday september 16, 2015
Ronaldo scores hat-trick in Real Madrid win By Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport CRISTIANO Ronaldo moved three clear of Lionel Messi at the top of the Champions League scoring charts after a hat-trick against Shakhtar Donetsk. A mistake let Karim Benzema tap-in for Real in their group stage opener before Shakhtar had Taras Stepanenko sent off. Ronaldo scored a penalty after Darijo Srna was controversially punished for handball and added another spot-kick when Marcio Azevedo handled. Ronaldo’s third was a header which took him to 80 Champions League goals. Real Madrid’s main cause for concern from the game was forward Gareth Bale having to go off injured after 32 minutes. The Wales international was holding his calf before being replaced by Mateo Kovacic, while the Spanish club’s centre-backs Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos were also substituted with knocks. RAMPANT RONALDO Ronaldo was level with Barcelona rival Messi on 77 Champions League goals before Real Madrid began their quest for a record 11th
crown in Europe’s top competition. But after the Portuguese had bagged five goals against Espanyol on Saturday, he scored his third Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored 80 Champions League goals. hat-trick to move clear on his own at the top. Ronaldo and Messi have constantly overtaken each other for the honour of the competition’s most prolific scorer and the latter will have the chance to respond when Barcelona meet Roma today. The first of Ronaldo’s goals came after Srna was adjudged to have handled the ball, despite a shot from the Real forward appearing to hit him on the back.
“I feel so proud and happy to score eight goals in two games but that is not my goal - my aim is to be good all season and for the team to succeed, which is the most important for me, and win trophies,” said Ronaldo. “It is just the beginning of the season. The league is long. It is too early to say we are amazing or bad. Let’s work the same way and let’s see what happens at the end of the season.” “Without playing a brilliant match we still created a lot of chances,” said Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez. “Bale had a spasm in his calf muscle. We must wait a day or two to see how serious it is. He had a similar issue last year.” Elsewhere in the Champions League Former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria scored the first goal of this season’s Champions League group stages when he put Paris-St Germain on the way to a 2-0 victory against Malmo. The Argentine sent an angled shot into the top corner for his first goal since scoring for United in an FA Cup tie against Yeovil in January, with an Edinson Cavani header following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s backheel completing the win.
Ramdhani selected for Pan Am training camp in Colombia GUYANA’S top badminton player Narayan Ramdhani was selected by the Pan American Badminton Federation Development Committee to attend the Young Talents Camp in Medellin Colombia which opened yesterday. The 10-day camp is being conducted by Professor Qadafi Muamar of Indonesia. Ramdhani will also participate in the 6th Colombia International Championships on September 23 and 25 in the Men’s Singles events as part of the programme. The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) is pleased that its local player is being looked at, at the International level and also that his Junior World Ranking has moved up from 491 to 269 in the World after participating in a mere three international tournaments to date this year. Those tournaments are: CAREBACO Under-19 International, the XXIV Pan American Junior Under-19 Championships and the XVII Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. The GBA is hoping that Ramdhani’s ranking will get higher since he will be competing at three more international tournaments this year. The GBA expressed its gratitude to the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) for its assistance in helping Ramdhani attend the camp in Colombia.
Wolfsburg brought in Julian Draxler from Schalke as a replacement for Kevin de Bruyne and he scored the only goal in the 1-0 win over CSKA Moscow when he stabbed in a shot after his initial header was saved. Atletico Madrid made a strong start to their campaign as they won 2-0 in Galatasaray courtesy of two first-half goals from Antoine Griezmann.
Borussia Monchengladbach were back in Europe’s top competition after a 37-year absence but lost 3-0 to Sevilla. The Spanish side had three penalties in the match. Kevin Gameiro scored the first but missed the next before handing over spot-kick duties to Ever Banega, who made no mistake for their second goal.
Yevhen Konoplyanka’s shot from the right wing caught Monchengladbach keeper Yann Sommer out at his near post for Sevilla’s third. Champions League debutants Astana were the first team from Kazakhstan playing in the competition but were beaten 2-0 by Benfica after goals from Nicolas Gaitan and Kostas Mitroglou. (BBC Sport)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
ICC gives okay to Warne, Tendulkar all-stars league THE International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly given thumbs up to Shane Warne and Sachin Te n d u l k a r ’s p ro p o s e d Twenty20 all-stars league. The ICC provided clearance for the league, a one-off event in November which will see a host of former stars play a series of matches in the United States, after talks with Warne and Tendulkar, the Times of India reported. Warne hinted on social media earlier this week that he would soon release further details of the league, tweeting “Hopefully will have some exciting cricket news for you this week.” The ICC clearance paves the way for Tendulkar and
Warne to sign a slew of legends for the series, including Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Rahul
Sachin and Shane at the Lord’s Bicentenary match (Getty Images)
RAMNARESH SARWAN RAMNARESH Sarwan, the former Guyana and West Indies captain, has ruled himself out of playing for Jamaica Franchise for the 201516 Professional Cricket League (PCL) campaign. The middle-order batsman had expressed an interest in representing the franchise, but Courtney Francis, the chief executive officer of the Jamaica Cricket Association, confirmed
Dravid, Jacques Kallis, Sourav Ganguly, Brian Lara, VVS Laxman and Wasim Akram.
The games are set to be played in November on drop-in pitches at three baseball stadiums – Wrigley Field (Chicago), Yankee Stadium (New York) and Dodger Stadium (Los Angeles). A portion of the earnings from the three T20 matches will go to the ICC to help grow the game in the country. “Myself and Sachin had an idea – why not take cricket to America and be the Harlem Globetrotters, go around and do free exhibitions at schools … help grow the game of cricket (in a country where there are already) 45 teams in LA,” Warne told News
Sarwan no longer seeks to represent Jamaica Franchise
that the Guyanese-born middle-order batsman has since made an aboutturn. “He (chairman of selectors Wavell Hinds) informed me that he is in receipt of an e-mail from Mr Sarwan expressing regret that he is unable to attend our trial matches and our training, based on commitments that he has in Guyana,” Francis told OBSERVER ONLINE on Monday.
Francis explained that as per Franchise guidelines, squad members are required to participate in physical assessments and trial matches. “That (his absence) would eliminate him based on those criteria,” said the local cricket CEO. The second season of the Professional Cricket League (PCL) is scheduled to start November 6. If selected for Jamai-
ca, Sarwan, 35, was expected to be paid on a game-by-game basis. He has been dogged by fitness concerns throughout much of his senior career with the West Indies. Sarwan made his Test debut against Pakistan at Kensington Oval in Barbados in May 2000.The batsman played the last of his 87 Tests against India in Barbados in mid-2011. (Jamaica Observer)
Gayle, Pollard and Bravo to feature in new T20 tournament LAHORE, Pakistan (CMC) – Top-rated West Indies cricketers Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo are among headline names for the inaugural Pakistan Super League (PSL), a franchise-based T20 tournament to be held in Doha in February next year. West Indies players Darren Sammy and Sunil Narine are also part of the PSL draft pool along with former England batsman Owais Shah.
The agency that manages Gayle, one of the most valuable Twenty20 players, confirmed that he had signed the pre-draft agreement on Monday. “Obviously top guns like Gayle are stars who attract fans,” Najam Sethi, head of PCB executive committee, said. “They lend commercial value, showbiz glitz and tournament credibility. They are also sources of inspiration and emulation for our
budding players.” The PSL matches will be played at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium, with a capacity of about 13 000, used last year for a women’s limited-overs tri-series involving Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka. The first edition of PSL will feature five franchise-based teams from Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and Islamabad - with prize money of $1 million.
Ltd in June. “We’ve signed around 28 players who have all said, ‘If you and Sachin are doing it, we’d like to do it as well’. We’ve got all the players you’d want to see from the past 20 years.” In May, Lee’s manager Neil Maxwell confirmed his client had received an offer from Warne and Tendulkar and would be seeking permission from CA to play. “I can’t see anything wrong with it, it’s a group of retired blokes playing a game of cricket,” Maxwell told News Corp. When news of Warne and Tendulkar’s plans first surfaced in May, a Cricket Australia spokesman suggested it could be a positive
way to promote and grow the game in an emerging market like the United States. Warne took to Twitter in January to foreshadow the plans, hinting at an “exciting announcement to make soon” of a deal with Tendulkar. Warne wrote on Instagram: “Me & the little master have an exciting announcement to make soon. We look forward to sharing it with you all ... Pumped !!!!!” before adding the hashtag #BBL04 and posting a picture of himself and Tendulkar from the Lord’s bicentenary match, a game that featured a mix of past and current greats. (Cricket.com)
New sports minister promises athlete development NEW sports minister Darryl Smith has highlighted athlete development as the primary focus of both himself and the new Trinidad and Tobago government. Last week, a People’s National Movement (PNM) coalition, led by Dr Keith Rowley, won 23 of the 41 seats in the National Assembly, ousting the coalition People’s Partnership that was led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the country’s first female prime minister. Smith, a former national youth player, replaced former national player Brent Sancho as sports minister and outlined his plans in an interview on a T&T radio station. “I don’t want my legacy to be about buildings. I want it to be about our athletes, not only those who are national athletes, but all the young people who would want to use sport as a social tool to improve their lives,” Smith said. Focusing on his immediate environs, Smith promised to bring the work environment up to acceptable standards, even if it meant relocating the ministry. Smith also promised to listen to the voice of stakeholders before making decisions, and to ensure the legacy of the country’s sporting personalities. (Sportsmax)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday September 16, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)
Answers to yesterday’s quiz:
CHRIS GAYLE The tournament, featuring 24 matches, is scheduled to run from February 4 to 24, one month before the World T20 in India.
(1)Gordon Greenidge-107 (WI vs IND, Bangalore, 1974-75) (2)Brian Lara-125 matches
Today’s Quiz:
Who took the other wicket when Jack Noriega once took 9 /95 in a Test innings for the WI? Which WI has scored most ODI runs without hitting a century?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday September 16, 2015
Thomas will be hard-pressed to defend COURTS 10K title By Michael DaSilva WHEN the starter fires his pistol to signal the start of the 5th Annual COURTS 10K run on Sunday, defending champion Cleveland Thomas will be hard-pressed to make a successful defence of the title he won last year. This is so, because Guyana’s premier 10K athlete, Cleveland `Little Kenyan’ Forde will not miss out on this year’s event as happened last year when he was battling a bout of chikungunya and dengue fever. Forde has beaten Thomas on a number of occasions over the distance and come Sunday, both athletes will be seeking to set a new time for the course and distance. Last year, Thomas did well to return a winning time of 32 minutes 56.13 seconds, which is faster than the 33.58 he recorded last Sunday in the Massy 10K run won by Forde in 33.15. Unlike the Massy 10K run which was held during the morning when the sun was in all its glory, the COURTS event will be held in the afternoon when the weather is much kinder to athletes. After placing second to Forde last Sunday, Thomas had told Chronicle Sport that Forde and himself were pacing the race together and when Forde accelerated nearing the west-
ern end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge it caught him (Thomas) by surprise. “I wasn’t expecting him to
FLASHBACK: Cleveland Thomas (right) crosses the finish line ahead of Kelvin Johnson to win the 4th Annual COURTS 10K run. do that at that point.” He said he would have a different race plan come Sunday but did not disclose what his plans are. Thomas said even if Forde was
part of last year’s event, he (Thomas) would have run the same time he clocked then. Forde, a two-time winner of the event (2012 and 2013) on the other hand said he (Forde) does not get the kind of competition he looks forward to in order to lower his timings and is hoping that come Sunday he would be able to eclipse his 10K record time. In 2013, `The Little Kenyan’ clocked 33.2 to finish ahead of Thomas. Kelvin Johnson (33.31.81) placed second to Thomas last year and it is not clear if he (Johnson) will be a part of this year’s activity as he is currently based in Trinidad along with another top Guyanese 10K athlete Lionel D’Andrade who is also doubtful to face the starter on Sunday. Other athletes who will be pushed to retain their respective titles on Sunday are Matthew McKenzie (junior male) and Shontell Hinds (junior girls). McKenzie won his category last year in 34.44:17, while Hinds returned 43.07:76. Calvis Scott (35.22) placed second to McKenzie, while Marlon Nicholson (35.42:55) was third. Delicia Harper (43.07:36) was second to Hinds last year, while Cassey Kirton (46.02:19 was third.
Guyana Volleyball Federation to receive FIVB support PRESIDENT of the Guyana Volleyball Federation (GCF) John Flores disclosed that the federation will be receiving support from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) following a meeting with members of the South American Confederation during a Volleyball Congress. Flores was able to secure support in the form of coaches for early 2016 to help the sport progress, during the Peru-hosted event. The GVF president said, “At the regional level the confederation said they are looking at the issue of sending coaches and hosting referee courses early next year. So basically I’ve managed to get some technical help for this new body.” He believes technical support has always been an area of weakness in the sport locally. This is why the executive has commitment itself to ensure Guyana gets support and a solid infrastructure. According to Flores, a draft of
the job description for the coach, if all the plans fall into place, would be to basically assist all the clubs and
JOHN FLORES national teams during preparatory stages. Flores is also hoping that the arrival of a referee can be confirmed for October or November
of this year which will go a long way in assisting the federation’s plan to move forward. Meanwhile, a cheque for $400 000 was presented to the GVF to assist with the airfare to Brazil for the 15-member National Volleyball team. Nicolette Henry, Junior Minister within the Ministry of Education, was pleased her Ministry could assist for the upcoming CSV Male indoor Championship, set for Maceio, Brazil from September 27 to October 5. Flores thanked the Guyana Government for its contribution which he said should go a long way in helping with the cost of the trip and promised the minister that the team will give of their best in Brazil. A return air ticket to Brazil costs approximately US$1,200. Last Thursday the Reds Perreira Foundation presented $200 000 to Flores to assist with the trip event.
EBFA General Council adopts new constitution … Elections date to be set shortly
THE General Council of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) on Monday evening met and adopted a new constitution that will govern the administration of the sport in the association going forward. As mandated by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and guided by the world governing body FIFA, the EBFA’s affiliates which included Kuru Kururu Warriors, Soesdyke Falcons, Grove Hi Tech, Diamond United, Herstelling Raiders, Mocha Champs and Agricola Red Triangle met for just over three hours at Tapie Bar, Herstelling. After being guided through the document by secretary Franklin Wilson, the new constitution on the East Bank was unanimously adopted. The new executive will be an eleven-member body constituted of a president, two vice-presidents, secretary, treasurer, assistant secretary/treasurer and five committee members. The two-year term for the life of each executive was maintained with a new clause (Article 35:4) stipulating that the officers may seek re-election at the following year’s AGM. However, no member of the executive shall serve for more than 2 (two) consecutive terms. EBFA president Wayne Francois complimented members present for their commitment and support in charting a new way forward for the association in support of the overall forward thrust for the sport in Guyana. A date for the election of office-bearers as stipulated by the new document will be set shortly following a meeting of the executive committee.
Surrey all-rounder injured hours after England call-up ALL-rounder Zafar Ansari’s hopes of an England Test debut are in doubt after he dislocated his thumb while fielding. Surrey’s Ansari, 23, hurt his bowling hand against Lancashire on day two of their County Championship match, hours after receiving a first Test call-up. He was taken to hospital and Surrey later confirmed the injury was an “open dislocation”, adding that it would be assessed in the coming days. England begin their three-Test series with Pakistan in the UAE on October 13. They leave in a fortnight’s time, arriving in the UAE on September 30 and playing two warm-up games in Sharjah. Before then, Surrey face Gloucestershire in the OneDay Cup final at Lord’s on Saturday. “It didn’t look very good. He was in a lot of pain in the dressing room,” said Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart. “What should have been a day of celebration for Zafar, we are now hoping he will be okay. The way he was, there must be some doubt. “He dropped a catch at cover point. The ball came out of the sun, he saw it late and it hit him hard on the left thumb. He is not in the greatest shape.” Left-arm spinner Ansari, who has taken 44 wickets and scored more than 700 runs this season was picked to provide England with a third spin option after Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid. (BBC Sport)
Sport CHRONICLE
The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com
Blatter must face criminal probe - former FIFA adviser See story on page 35
Experience was the determining factor - Stephen Vieira
(By Stephan Sookram in Barbados, compliments of Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies, National Sports Commission, A&R Jiwanram Printers, Rent-a-Tent, GMR&SC and Buy Me Auto Sales)
VERY few have the ability to dominate a class unblemished but Guyanese bike champion Stephen Vieira completed such a feat at the Super-stock class of the Caribbean Motor Racing Championships, Barbados leg last Sunday. Vieira picked up two first-place finishes and one third en route to being crowned Champion Rider at the recent meet, adding, “I just put down my head and focus and go, from the get go, I just went fast. He continued, “I know to myself that I have a better chance in the wet, I think
I got more over them, so it was like I had more confidence than the other riders.” Stephen, the eldest of the Vieira riding clan, was full of praise for his Guyanese competitors, who featured on each podium spot in all three races. He added, “The Bajans are honestly stepping up their game and they are improving a lot. Honestly they are on par with us but we had a little bit of an edge Sunday. I hope by next year they can get even more competitive.” Vieira completed a clean sweep of the CMRC super stock class crossing the line all three times in first place. However, in Race 3, he was adjudged to have jumped the lights, thus he picked up a 5-second penalty which dropped him to third.
Stephen Vieira collects his Champion Rider trophy from a BPMSI representative. (Photo by S.E.A.G. Productions)
‘Jackie Chan’ and ‘Zorro’ back at Pele FC REGARDED as one of Guyana’s most gifted players, Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson and his long-time wingman Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant will be suiting up for Pele FC when the Stag Elite League kicks off on Friday at the Leonora Track & Field Football Facility. Pele will face Georgetown Football Club (GFC) in the opening game at 18:00hrs, while Slingerz FC and Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United are set to collide in the night’s second encounter. With $15M in prize money up for grabs, the eight participating teams are stocking their roster to ensure that they cash in heavily on the lucrative Guyana Football Federation (GFF) league. Richardson and Grant returned to the club that brought them to prominence after playing with Alpha United last season. Richardson, popularly known as Jackie Chan, became the first Guyanese to land a contract in the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS) after securing a
Flashback! (L-R) Konata Manning, Travis ‘Zorro’ Grant and Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson after scoring for Pele in 2012. deal with the Colorado Rapids in 2009. The deal came in a trade with Toronto FC where Richardson had spent a few weeks on tryouts. In exchange for the Guyanese striker, Colorado sent their natural second round 2010 Super Draft pick to Toronto FC. Known for his ability to ‘smartly’ evade defenders, Richardson came to eminence during the CONCACAF Club Championship with his Trinidad and Tobago Pro-League club Joe Public when he devastated MLS top club New England Revolution scoring a hat-trick in his club’s 4-0 win. He also single-handedly ripped apart several other top clubs in the tournament. Several international news agencies linked the striker
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with moves to New England Revolution and other top MLS clubs, including Columbus Crew and San Jose Earthquake. Richardson has featured on almost every national team for Guyana since first playing at the U-17 level. His first game at the international level was against the Netherlands Antilles when he netted a double in Curacao. Grant, one of the top midfield players in Guyana, is better known for his accuracy and crafty style of play which has earned him a spot on the Golden Jaguars and player that was highly favoured by head coach Jamaal Shabazz, especially during the country’s historic 2014 World Cup Qualifier. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2015