2015 9 26 by Guyana Chronicle

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IDB pursues new financing strategy with Guyana No. 104324

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– Granger welcomes move to cure ‘anaemic’ economy

Gov’t to crackdown on negligent airlines

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President David Granger gestures during his meeting with IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, in New York

– as attempted illegal entry numbers increase

GDF tests readiness of troops

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…in countrywide mobilisation Members of the Special Forces at the GDF Air Corps Base at Timehri, yesterday (Delano Williams photo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 26, 2015

IDB pursues new financing strategy with Guyana – Granger welcomes move to cure ‘anaemic’ economy

President David Granger gestures during his meeting with IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, in New York

By Neil Marks in New York THE Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is pursuing a new financing

strategy with Guyana, the bank’s president Luis Alberto Moreno said yesterday. Moreno met with Presi-

dent David Granger yesterday at Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York. “We have an active portfolio (with Guyana) and we’re looking to start the Bank’s new strategy with the new government,” Moreno said after the meeting. An IDB team is expected in Guyana soon in the process towards finalising the new strategy. That new portfolio, Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge said, could include conces-

From left, Finance Minister Carl Greenidge, IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno, President David Granger and Ambassador Audrey Waddell following a meeting yesterday in New York

sionary financing for transportation and improvements in the electricity sector. This is apart from the role the IBD plays in disbursing funds under the forest-saving deal with Norway, which had committed US$250 million to Guyana. All of those funds have not been released, and President Granger said his government was interested in ensuring that Guyana complies with the requirements for disbursing all of the funds to support renewable energy solutions. Mr Moreno said the IDB was keen on ensuring that its “scarce resources” are for the benefit of all the people of Guyana. During his meeting with Mr Granger, the IDB President was briefed on the aggression by Venezuela on the country’s western frontier and how this has had a nega-

tive impact on the economy, hindering development. He made specific reference to the case two years ago when Venezuela seized a U.S.-chartered oil survey ship. The Teknik Perdana was carrying out a seabed survey for Texas-based Anadarko when Venezuela’s navy boarded it in Guyanese waters and escorted it to Margarita island. “In terms of the economic impact, it has scared away investors…,” President Granger told the top IDB official. The funds are needed as the new coalition government pursues an economic revival. Granger, who led the APNU+AFC coalition to victory at general elections in May, said the new government inherited an anaemic economy and access to concessional funds could keep the economy floating.

“As you know, the Guyanese economy, when we took it over at the end of May showed serious signs of anemia.” The President referred to the fact that significant funds have been spent to keep sugar alive, and the same has been the case in the rice industry, which recently lost the lucrative Venezuelan market. Further, he said bauxite sales have been “fairly flat” while gold prices have dipped. The President said the new government has to cope with these challenges to the economy while investing heavily in the social sectors to ease poverty. But in order for this spending on the social sector to continue, the President said there is need to keep the economy boiling and the IDB would prove to be “a very important partner in this regard.”

Pregnant Guyanese woman arrested for TIP in T&T A NINETEEN-year-old old woman from Guyana has been arrested as part of a human-trafficking operation uncovered by detectives from the Arouca Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Trinidad and Tobago. She is said to be preg-

nant, the Trinidad Express has reported. Three women — two Venezuelans, aged 22 and 23, and a 26-yearold Trinidad and Tobago woman from Princes Town — were rescued from a rented house at Dookie Street in Arouca by police officers on Wednes-

day. Officers have since launched a manhunt for a Trinidad and Tobago businessman described as the “mastermind” behind the human-trafficking ring. The Express was yesterday contacted by a man who claimed to be the “mastermind.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 26, 2015

UN Sustainable Development Summit…

Granger: New UN development goals border on peace, security By Neil Marks in New York PRESIDENT David Granger yesterday threw Guyana’s support behind the new sustainable development goals of the United Nations, but stressed that those goals cannot be achieved in the face of threats and the use of force by one State against the other. “Guyana calls on all nations to eschew recourse to the threat, or use of force in the resolution of controversies,” said Mr Granger at the United Nations headquarters in New York. His statement was an obvious reference to the border controversy with Venezuela and ahead of a possible meeting he could have with the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, as arranged by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Kimoon. “Guyana recognises the links between peace, security and the rule of law and the successful implementation of this agenda,” the President said. “ G u y a n a u rg e s t h a t friendship and understanding should underpin relations between states, in consonance with the principles of international law and in a renewed spirit of global solidarity and partnership,” he added. Leaders of the United Nations are meeting to put their stamp on the so-called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which outline the global way forward to end all forms of poverty. This follows the expiration of the

President David Granger addresses the United Nations summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda in New York (UN Photo/Amanda Voisar)

Secretary General of the ACP, Guyanese Ambassador Patrick Gomes shares a light moment with President David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, and Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) this year. The 17 SDGs are pegged under three broad areas, namely economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability. Mr Granger said that Guyana’s development experience is built on the path of sustainable development. He said Guyana’s policy is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and to promote lifelong opportunities for all. Education - SDG goal No. 4 - is the mother of other goals, the President stated. Education, he said is the gateway to reducing inequality and to empowering all

women and girls - goal No. 5. He said education will boost national efforts in the fight against poverty - goal No 1. “Guyana over the next five years will have, as one of its foremost priorities of national development, the provision of inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.” “Guyana will work tirelessly, in accordance with our national plans and aspirations, to build a modern, peaceful and prosperous nation, in which all citizens share equally in the benefits of development,” the President stated, as he supported

the 2030 ‘Agenda for Sustainable Development’. Mr Granger said Guyana is conscious of the fact that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for all will require high levels of political commitment. “This Summit is only a start,” he said, urging nations to work with each other “to confront the difficult but necessary choices which must be made to realise the goal of sustainable development.” The President said that a reformed and revitalised United Nations development system and intergovernmental machinery, including the Economic and Social Council and the High-Level Polit-

ical Forum, will be needed to exercise core functions in such a manner that will provide impetus, enable accountability and actualise course correction. “There must be policy integration to address competing priorities and demands. We count on the United Nations system for effective support in this regard.” Mr Granger noted that financing will be required to contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and that both developed and developing nations will be required to play positive roles in accordance with their diverse circumstances and situations. He pointed to a recent financing conference in Addis Ababa and said the action agenda can provide a strong impetus to efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda. This,

he said, is pertinent if the goals would be achieved. These, he outlined, as being a new global social compact for the delivery of social protection and essential public services for all; increased international cooperation in tax matters; debt sustainability; intensified efforts to end hunger and malnutrition; bridging the critical infrastructure gaps; operationalising the technology facilitation mechanism, and employing the Economic and Social Council forum for the follow-up to Financing for Development. The President ended his speech in giving the commitment that Guyana will work untiringly for the full realisation of the SDGs. “We are determined to achieve all the sustainable development goals and their targets,” he declared.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Saudi suggests pilgrims at fault over haj deaths, Iran angry (Reuters) SAUDI Arabia on Friday suggested pilgrims ignoring crowd control rules bore some blame for a crush that killed over 700 people at the haj pilgrimage in the annual event’s worst disaster for 25 years. The kingdom’s regional rival Iran expressed outrage at the deaths of 131 of its nationals at the world’s largest annual gathering of people, and politicians in Tehran suggested Riyadh was incapable of managing the event. Hundreds of demonstrators protested in the Iranian capital, chanting “Death to the Saudi dynasty”. With pilgrims frantically searching for missing compatriots and photographs of piles of the dead circulating on social media, the tragedy haunted many on the haj a day on. “There were layers of bodies, maybe three layers,”

said one witness who asked not to be named. “Some people were alive under the pile of bodies and were trying to climb up but in vain, because their strength failed and they dropped dead. “I felt helpless not to be able to save people. I saw them dying in front of my eyes,” he told Reuters. An Algerian pilgrim told Algeria’s al-Shurouk television: “We saw death: People were stepping over the mutilated bodies in front of you, four or five on top of each other.” Saudi King Salman ordered a review of haj plans, and Health Minister Khalid al-Falih said an investigation would be conducted rapidly and a final toll of dead and wounded calculated. At least 863 pilgrims were injured in the disaster, in which two big groups of pilgrims collided at a crossroads in Mina, a few km

A Muslim man (C) weeps after getting the news of his family members, who died in Thursday’s stampede in Mina, at their residence in Ahmedabad, India, September 25, 2015. Reuters/Amit Dave (miles) east of Mecca, on their way to performing the “Stoning of the Devil” ritual at Jamarat. The stampede “was perhaps because some pilgrims moved without following instructions by the relevant authorities,” the minister said in a statement. The kingdom’s critics were likely to see the statement as an attempt to deflect responsibility. Safety during the haj is highly sensitive for

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the ruling Al Saud dynasty, which presents itself internationally as the guardian of orthodox Islam and custodian of its holiest places in Mecca and Medina. The effort to uncover the facts and assign blame was likely to grow more acute and possibly more political. “CATASTROPHE” A pilgrim who gave his name as Abu Abdallah said security forces appeared on

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high alert after the deaths. “What happened is a tragedy and many people ... are terrified, but in the end we can only pursue our haj duties,” he said. Hakim, from Morocco, said: “It is simply scary to hear how people crushed one another. More frightening is that we do not know how it happened.” The Saudi civil defense service reported on Twitter that a fire had occurred in three storage facilities in Mecca’s al-Maaseem neighborhood, and 10 fire and rescue units were in attendance. No further details were immediately available. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani, in New York to attend the U.N. General Assembly, echoed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in blaming Saudi Arabia for the incident. “I ask the Saudi Arabian government to take responsibility for this catastrophe and fulfill its legal and Islamic duties in this regard,” Rouhani said in a statement. Iranian state television said the demonstrators in Tehran were showing their anger at “Saudi incapability and incompetence to run the haj”. “The world will not accept excuses like the weather was hot or the pilgrims were disorganised,” Tehran Friday prayer leader Mohammed Emami-Kashani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency. Iran’s deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Ab-

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dollahian also called “Riyadh’s negligence inexcusable” and announced a committee has been established to look into the incident. Iranian pilgrims who survived described Saudi’s response “too little, too late,” according to Iran’s state run Press TV. They said rescuers arrived two hours after the incident and started collecting dead bodies first instead of helping the injured. Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry spokesman Major General Mansour Turki was quoted in Saudi media on Friday as saying the security forces had immediately responded and begun to rescue those who fell in the crush. “This year’s haj ceremony was disorganised as the Saudi government had hired young and inexperienced people,” Saeed Ohadi, Head of Iran’s haj and pilgrimage organisation told Iran’s state broadcaster in a live interview from Mecca. Speaking in New York, Pope Francis expressed “my sentiments of closeness” with Muslims after the tragedy. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the United States offered condolences. Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, an ally of Iran and foe of Riyadh, said the incident was “proof of the incompetence of the organizers”. He said the haj should be placed under the authority of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the world’s largest Muslim organisation.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Mexico to create new prosecutor for missing students’ case (BBC News) MEXICAN President Enrique Pena Nieto has announced the creation of a special team to look into the case of the disappearance of 43 students last year. He was speaking after meeting relatives of the 43 ahead of the first anniversary of the tragedy on Saturday. He said a special investigative team and prosecutor would handle the case. The families want an international commission of experts to take over. Its report says the government investigation is fundamentally flawed. Among the families’ demands is that the government should look into the possible role of the army in the disappearance of the students. They also want an investigation into those responsible for the initial enquiry, which they believe was intended to mislead them.

Supporters gathered in Mexico’s during the meeting of the families with President Enrique Pena Nieto found a number of flaws. It concluded the bodies The students disap- detained the students and peared on 26 September, turned them over to the lo- of 43 students could not 2014, in the city of Iguala cal drug gang, which then have been burned at the in Guerrero state. allegedly killed them and rubbish dump in Cocula as the government mainThey had gone there to burnt the remains. gather for a commemoration But a team of interna- tained. The government says in Mexico city. tional experts sent by the InThe federal govern- ter-American Commission it has identified two of the ment has said local police on Human Rights spent six students from the burned from Iguala and the near- months reviewing the gov- remains recovered from by town of Cocula had ernment’s investigation and the rubbish dump.

Oil find in Guyana positive step for T&T - lawyer

(Trinidad Guardian) HUGH Howard, attorney-at-law and former executive at Shell and Trintoc, believes the discovery of large oil reserves in Guyana earlier this year could be a positive development for T&T’s industry. “T&T has had experience in the energy industry that spans over 100 years. Guyana, a country without that kind of background, will be looking for assistance like technical expertise from other countries. What better place than from the sister Caricom country of T&T? “In addition, T&T cannot remain dependent on a one crop industry which is oil and gas. Therefore, services in that energy industry are an avenue to earn foreign exchange,” he said. Howard’s comments were made in the context of increased border tensions between Guyana and Venezuela. In June, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro demanded that Guyana stop oil exploration in disputed offshore territory by United States energy company, ExxonMobil. A recent ExxonMobil discovery in the Atlantic Ocean off Guyana suugests that the country may hold oil and natural gas riches 12 times more valuable than its entire economic output. Raphael Trotman, Guyana’s Minister of Governance, said The Liza-1 well, which probably holds the equivalent of more than 700 million barrels of oil, may begin producing crude by the end of the decade. The prospect would be on par with a recent Exxon find at the Hadrian formation in the Gulf of Mexico and could be worth about US$40 billion at today’s international crude price. Howard said there was no need for T&T to see Guyana as a competitor in the future. “Guyana does not have a refinery, nor the kind of infrastructure like pipelines which T&T has. “The question would arise, where would they refine their crude? Would they build a refinery, or would they sell their crude to T&T? A number of permutations can be worked out that would benefit both countries,” he said. He said he was a strong advocate of Caricom countries working together, not only in the area of energy, but other areas as well. “There could be a lot of synergies for T&T and Guyana in terms of our assistance in developing the oil and gas industry there.

Guyana

EDITORIAL

Guyana and Venezuela

THE current aggression of Venezuela towards Guyana should be of concern to each and every Guyanese. The movement of serious war equipment towards our borders is an act of aggression that ought to have alarmed the international community of nations. The condemnation ought to have come in thick and fast from peace-loving countries. Guyana has never been an aggressive nation to any of our neighbours, although we have had our share of border disputes. But all of those disputes were dealt with and decided upon through the legal and diplomatic processes. Any responsible nation would know that these diplomatic and legal paths are the way to go. One of the moral duties of powerful countries is to protect weaker nations, and it is always reprehensible when strong nations resort to tactics that amount to bullying. Family bullies, school bullies, and street bullies are bad enough; but when one nation that happens to be militarily stronger than another and resort to bullying tactics, great harm could be done. Lives could be lost on great scales. History is rife with examples, and we still read in awe of the Macedonian bullying and eventual sacking of the great city of Troy. The feeble excuse way back in ancient times during which that war occurred was that Helen of Troy had to be returned. The real reason was power and territory. The latter was the same reason that launched World War II, although the deadly idea of racial superiority was added to the mix. The result was the loss of millions of lives. The current aggressive posture of Venezuela towards Guyana demonstrates that little or nothing has been learned from the lessons history clearly teaches. Conventional thinking holds that the Venezuelan aggression comes from two reasons. The first is oil. A substantial deposit of oil was discovered in Guyana. In today’s world, oil is money. The second is that Venezuela is due for elections, and election is about political power. The current President of Venezuela is under severe pressure from opposition forces, and he is predicted to lose. An external “enemy” provides an incentive for the citizens of a nation to close ranks and offers a distraction of citizens from their own suffering. This is also said to be a motive. In both cases, it amounts to nothing short of greed. It does not matter that this Guyana/Venezuela border issue was laid to rest by a Treaty as long ago as 1899. It does not matter that there are legal avenues extant which can be used. It does not matter that there are diplomatic avenues readily available. Guyana stands ready to employ those avenues. The Venezuelan leadership does not seem to be ready to be reasonable. Bullies are never reasonable. To the credit of our current political leaders, Guyana has responded in calm and

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Support ‘green and clean’ Guyana -- Nagamootoo appeals for Guyana-Norway type partnerships to keep Iwokrama viable

ACTING President Moses Nagamootoo has appealed for the embrace of the dream of a “green and clean” Guyana as he called for sustainable funding for international conservation and research organisation, Iwokrama. The acting President said Iwokrama is both relevant to Guyana and the world, and in the framework of the 2015-2030 sustainable development agenda, it has the potential to contribute to the battle against climate change. Climate change aside, he pointed out that it also has a role to play in the reduction of poverty by developing low-volume, high-value markets for forest products and services and encourage local, national and international partnerships for development. Speaking at an Iwokrama-sponsored diplomatic business luncheon yesterday, Nagamootoo said the non-profit organisation illustrates Guyana’s rich biodiversity, the benefits that can accrue from the sustainable use of forest resources, the accumulation of carbon stocks which are now being costed worldwide and the provision of eco-system services. The mission of Iwokrama is “to promote the conservation and the sustainable and equitable use of tropical rain forests in a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general, by undertaking research, training and the development and dissemination of technologies. “ We t h e r e f o r e n e e d to explore opportunities to keep the vision alive and the centre viable. Like many other non-profit organisations, Iwokrama has suffered from recent upheavals in the world’s financial architecture which has impacted heavily on its own financial stability. The Secretary General of

the Commonwealth was briefed about the financial constraints faced by the centre and Guyana’s inability to continue its financial support to the centre on its own,” the acting President told the luncheon. He added: “Our task therefore is to promote the value of sustainable forest management nationally and internationally within the context of the 2030 sustainable development agenda. I understand that the Commonwealth Secretariat completed a financial review of the centre and has been seeking additional sources of finance to support the work of the Board of Trustees in placing it on a secure financial footing. Unfortunately, it has at the same time expressed its inability to increase funding for the centre.” NEW BUSINESS PLAN Against this backdrop, Iwokrama has since commissioned a new business plan which will pursue the development activities within the centre with a view to reducing its dependency on donor funding. To this end, the centre embarked on sustainable timber operations in 2015 and continues to invest in its eco-tourism business. Training services continue to grow with universities and educational groups using the Iwokrama Forest as a living laboratory. Nagamootoo reminded the esteemed gathering at the Herdmanston Lodge of the growing international awareness of the reality of climate change and an acceptance that it is being caused by human actions. And on that score, he pointed to the fact that a Working Group of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change has advised that sustainable forest management and reducing deforestation are cost-effective mitigation measures.

reasonable ways. This calm political demeanour and political politeness must never be interpreted as weakness. Too many people seem to fall into that trap: they mistake kindness and politeness for weakness. This is the time for all Guyanese to put away their political differences and support the Government by words and by readiness for action. Not just the politicians, all of us. This is not the time to emphasise our differences, however many those differences may be. Ethnic differences and political affiliations and social stratifications are all irrelevant at this time. This nation -- its Government and its political Opposition

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo addressing the forum at the Herdmanston Lodge This, he said, further reinforces the relevance of Iwokrama’s work in the context of the inter-relationship between climate change and sustainable forest management. WIN-WIN PARTNERSHIPS “Despite its high promise, and the real benefits to Guyana and the world, particularly in mitigation efforts against climate change, Iwokrama still needs a stable funding base. At the governmental level and through diplomatic initiatives, action is being taken to have the Commonwealth and climate-conscious countries enter partnerships similar to the 2009 Guyana/Norway agreement that would be a win-win situation for all. Iwokrama’s current financial model includes funding from various sources including earned revenues from services and investments [from businesses and partners], donor funding and intellectual property and services [including eco-system services] to meet its core costs of an estimated US$1.2 million annually,” the acting President said. He charged the gathering to examine how partnerships can be developed to finance and further the work of Iwokrama, pointing out that in the debates and negotiations for the 2030 sustainable development agenda, much emphasis was placed on the means of implemen-

tation of the new agenda and particularly on the need for a revitalised global partnership for sustainable development. “What are needed to move forward are political will and an understanding across every divide of the importance of sustainable development to the creation of a better world and the critical role that entities such as Iwokrama can play. I invite you to share in a Guyana Dream to help make the world clean and green, to preserve Iwokrama as a world patrimony, as an irresistible project that seeks your generous support and solidarity,” a passionate Nagamootoo said. The Iwokrama Rainforest Programme was launched under Commonwealth auspices following Guyana’s offer at the 1989 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malaysia to set aside some 371,000 hectares of tropical rainforest for research and to demonstrate methods for conservation and sustainable use of tropical forest resources. The acting President believes that too little recognition and credit have been given to the late President Hugh Desmond Hoyte, for this visionary programme which captured the world’s attention at the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil.

and all of its citizens must stand together and speak with one voice: Not one blade of grass! This Land is our Land and this nation is our home! No one should be allowed to defile our nation by their greed, whether that greed be for territory or for oil or for political mileage. The people of this Republic of Guyana shall not allow it. And it is imperative that our international partners stand firm and say that they will not stand idly by while bullies run wild. We may be out-gunned and out-numbered, but we are armoured with Truth.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Jagdeo mum on Venezuela’s troop build-up

…but backs talks between Granger, Maduro

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is urging President David Granger to meet Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in New York to discuss the border controversy between the two South American neighbours, although he has failed to comment on Caracas’s deployment of a large contingent of soldiers and war equipment at its border with Guyana. Venezuela has also deployed its maritime craft in the Cuyuni River, in what it described as a military exercise, but denounced by the Guyana Government as provocation. Jagdeo made his comment at a news conference on Friday. His PPP party has said in the past that it will back the current government on matters of sovereignty, but since the troop build-up, that party has not issued a release or commented on the issue. However, Jagdeo told reporters that if both parties agree the meeting will take place in the framework of the United Nations General Assembly, with the support of

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. The border controversy with Venezuela has been simmering for more than 100 years. Venezuela’s aggression also comes at a time when that country is preparing for General Elections later this year and amidst food and other critical supplies shortages. Reports disclose that the border issue with Guyana and other neighbours of Venezuela has been seen as a ploy by Maduro and his party to distract voters ahead of the elections. President Granger was expected to address the issue Friday at the U.N. General Assembly gathering. Venezuela has long claimed Essequibo that comprises about 40 percent of Guyana’s territory. The socialist country re-asserted those claims this year after a subsidiary of ExxonMobil Corp. announced a significant oil discovery off the coast of Guyana. Jagdeo said, “I want to urge President Granger to meet with President Maduro in New York, since dialogue is the only

way forward there is no room for belligerent, pugnacious or arrogant policies. Our only strength as a small country is in diplomacy and dialogue” He continued: “We can aggressively pursue the integrity of our borders and our sovereignty and we should do so with all the strength in our bodies, but at the same time we have to maintain a channel open for dialogue, trade flows and functional cooperation between our neigbours and that’s going to never change and so I believe that it’s only through dialogue that you can resolve problems,” the former Guyanese leader said. Jagdeo explained that a diplomatic solution should be reached since all sectors in Guyana will suffer especially the rice farmers. He noted that rice farmers are suffering since Guyana lost the Venezuela market. “I believe it is only through dialogue that you can resolve problems and so I hope that that meeting will take place in New York, that it will lower tensions between our two countries and at the borders; it will allow us to resume functional cooperation and it will allow us to get back the rice market to Venezuela,” Jagdeo stressed. Meanwhile, the former President shied away from commenting on Venezuela’s recent deployment of war equipment to its border with Guyana, saying he is waiting to be formally briefed by the government. “Government has not contacted us...I don’t want to say anything that would put the government in a difficult position.” He said

Guyana lobbies India on Venezuela - in first bilateral meeting aggression at UN Summit

PRESIDENT David Granger on Thursday evening began the first of a series of bilateral meetings with visiting Heads of Government participating in the 70th United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, when he held talks with the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. In a briefing with Guyanese media operatives after the meeting , President Granger said the border controversy with Venezuela was discussed with Prime Minister Modi. “We have very strong bilateral relations with the Republic of India and the meeting with Prime Minister Modi served See Page 8

President David Granger greets the Prime Minister of India Narendra Damodardas Modi, during a meeting in New York, on Thursday. Both leaders are in New York to attend the 70th United Nations General Assembly

Guyana has the full support of CARICOM but efforts should be made to garner support of solidarity from the Commonwealth. Fifty-three countries are members of the

Commonwealth. However, President Granger has already stated that he is willing to meet with Maduro. Last weekend there was a buildup of Venezuelan military

personnel and equipment close to Guyana’s border, sending the government in defence mode and increasing tensions between the two countries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Denbow plugs PPP for aviation sector By Ariana Gordon

FORMER Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Hugh Denbow has touted the need for Public/Private Partnerships (PPP) amid calls from local

aviators for the government to do more for the sector. According to Denbow, it is not the responsibility of central government to develop and maintain hinterland airstrips. “The government doesn’t

have unlimited money… so the cries of those in the aviation sector will fall on a list of priorities… how far up on that list is another story,” he said in an interview with the Guyana Chronicle. The former GCAA boss

agrees that there is an urgent need for the rehabilitation of most of the hinterland airstrips, but said a different approach needs to be adopted. “Most operators are calling for government to do more, they too need to do more…the government cannot be controlled by the private operators.” In this regard, Denbow, who has been working in the field for more than 20 years, said “public-private partnerships are critical to the achievement of the many demands.” He told this publication that he understands fully well the many challenges facing the aviation system, but noted that while those who have invested heavily in the sector need to see improvements, they too could be the change they want to see. COLLABORATION Only recently, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Trans Guyana Airways (TGA) Michael Correia Jnr., at the launching of the company’s Raytheon Beechcraft 1900D aircraft, called on the new administration to assist the sector with its many needs. He decried the former administration for what he deemed to be a lack of interest in the sector. “I can say publicly that we asked for US$7.5M to be invested over a three-year period, at least, to put us back on track with the GAC (Guyana Airways Corporation) days. Sadly, we were continuously ignored by our past minister. Instead, large sums of money have been allocated

Former GCAA Chairman Hugh Denbow for politically-driven rather than development-driven priorities,” Correia stated. Denbow said investing in more aircraft is good, but doing so with the same challenges may not be the best choice. He said many of the modern aircraft that are being bought to operate domestically will experience difficulties. He explained that many of the operators are calling for the airstrips to be paved, as unpaved airstrips can cause damage to some types of aircraft. “The new types of aircraft are coming with a glass cockpit. A glass cockpit is an electronic flight instrument system that has digital displays…it is both expensive and sophisticated,” the former GCAA chairman said. He explained that with unpaved airstrips, dust will affect the glass cockpit that “must be kept sterile at all times.” Glass cockpits are meant to be more efficient for pilots, but if dust is accumulated problems can arise.

GOVERNMENT AS FACILITATOR “Most operators are calling for paved runways… they should help to pave the runways,” said Denbow. He argued that government plays the role of facilitator while the private operators can play a financial part. Denbow explained, however, that he is by no means suggesting that private operators should be the sole spenders. He believes it is the responsibility of the government to assist in the development of hinterland airstrips, but stressed that “private operators can do more to work with the government to achieve desired results.” That aside, the GCAA’s former chairman alluded to other challenges in the aviation sector. He pointed to safety issues at some runways where cattle are allowed to roam freely or houses are built too close to the airstrip. These, he said, are issues for the government to deal with as the presence of both persons and animals in close proximity to the airstrip could prove catastrophic. “A house has been built just off a runway at Port Kaituma; I believe…this is dangerous…the minister needs to look into this,” he remarked. Safety is critical in the aviation sector and Denbow believes that for far too long issues of safety have been placed on the back burner. He emphasised that issues of safety must be paramount at all times.

Guyana lobbies India on Venezuela... From Page 7 as a renewal and a recommitment, not only to our long-standing friendship and our cordial relations, but also to the specific commitments to agreements entered into over the last 10 years,” the President said. President Granger said that for the first time in the life of the controversy not only are there Venezuelan gunboats in Guyana’s waters, but that Venezuela attempted to appropriate a huge area of Guyana’s sea space, where petroleum exploration is taking place. He added that while there was no attempt to gain any assurances from India on its position at this time, he will be meeting with Prime Minister Modi again in November in Malta during the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. The Head of State point-

ed out that over the past week, there has been a gradual build-up of armed forces on Guyana’s western frontier, including the deployment of tanks, missiles and an increase in the number of troops near the Cuyuni River. “We have alerted the international community and we look to India, particularly as a strong member of the Commonwealth, to give us support and to lead the debate to ensure the security of small states is guaranteed,” President Granger said. Further, the President said that he is willing to meet with the Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, at a meeting being organised by the United Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon. The President added that he will again be putting to the United Nation’s Secretary General that the matter should

be taken to the International Court of Justice. “For our part, we have decided that after 50 years of harassment and provocation, we need to aim at a juridical settlement and we have indicated to the United Nations that we prefer to go to court. So the actual Good Officers process, after several decades, has not borne fruit. We don’t feel the prolongation of that process will be helpful,” President Granger said. He reiterated that the Venezuelan claim is not only hampering Guyana’s economic development and exploitation of natural resources, such as petroleum, but it is also becoming aggressive. “It is becoming a serious problem, not only in Guyana on our western frontier and Cuyuni area, but in the Caribbean Region,” he added. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 26, 2015

PPP urges int’l probe into faked SOPs By Rabindra Rooplall OPPOSITION Leader Bharrat Jagdeo is calling for an international agency to conduct a forensic audit into the allegedly faked statements of poll (SOP) that his party ‘discovered’ at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) during the recent election period. Expressing this desire yesterday at a press conference at his party’s Freedom House headquarters, Jagdeo said: “The same night, when the media asked [GECOM Chairman] Steve Surujbally how many SOPs are fraudulent, and he said ask [Chief Elections Officer] Keith Lowen-

field; and when asked, he said many, then immediately they should have called in the police, because any attempt to subvert the will of the election laws is a criminal matter.” Jagdeo argued: “Let’s get a group from abroad to investigate where the fake SOPs came from, and then if they conclude if we are unable to determine where the SOPs came from, then we will believe that. But not Surujbally, we don’t believe him because we think he was part of the problem.” Jagdeo contended that if there are persons in the employ of GECOM who sought to corrupt the system with the faked ‘SOPs’ -- with the in-

tention of generating incorrect results to thwart the will of the electorate -- then this confirms the long-held view of the PPP that there is an urgent need for an overhaul of the GECOM machinery as one of the several elections reforms that must be addressed in the not-too-distant future. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has rejected, in a missive, this statement made by GECOM Chairman, Dr. Surujbally: “It would be impossible to prove who took the false statement of poll into the Commission…and I couldn’t see why we would proceed with an investigation.” The PPP has noted that

such a statement is a reflection of GECOM’s gross incompetence, and is an indictment of that organisation’s inability to conduct free and fair elections unless there are reforms of the GECOM machinery. “The statement is also a confession of the extent to which GECOM’s security procedures and quality control measures have been compromised. Further, the statement smacks of another unilateral conclusion reached by [Dr] Surujbally, thus confirming grave suspicions of many about his biased judgment,” the PPP added. “It is doubtful whether this is the conclusion of the entire GECOM or Suru-

The PPP says GECOM Chairman Dr Steve Surujbally was ‘part of the problem’

jbally’s personally. If it is the latter, then this is an extremely serious and dangerous development. Mr. Lowenfield, Chief Elections Officer at GECOM, must answer to this development.” The PPP has stated it is convinced that had the party been returned to office following the May elections, and with such an allegation hanging over the Commission, the APNU+AFC in opposition would have “refused to accept the results, claimed the elections were rigged, probably burnt the city down, and [would have] demanded another forensic audit.”

Massive city clean-up Nereid’s yachting rally campaign continues departs Guyana – vendors willing to pay introductory $1000 environmental tax A MASSIVE clean-up campaign initiated by the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) a few weeks ago will continue with Water Street being targeted on Sunday. In an invited comment, M&CC Solid Waste Director Walter Narine, explained to this publication that the initiative has thus far recorded “tremendous success.” He said the present focus is on commercial areas, given that most of the improper solid-waste disposal issues arise in those areas. He said Regent Street, which primarily facilitates businesses, has been the primary location where most of the work has been done; but work has also been done in Robb and Water streets since the start of the project. With Bourda Market already cleaned, Narine said the team has continued working along Regent Street, but has stopped at Cummings Street. Work was, on Wednesday, also done along North Road and at the La Penitence Market, which is desperately in need of sanitation work. On Sunday, the team will commence cleaning Water Street from Guyana Stores Limited to the popular Ice House, situated a few corners away. Narine boasted that the support from corporate Guyana has thus far been “tremendous,” since all are benefitting from this exercise. He mentioned that the owners of a popular Chinese

Nereid’s rally team and Gem Nascimento at their recent farewell event at Hurakabra An illegal dumpsite being removed by the solid waste team

store on Regent Street willingly demolished an illegal structure they had erected, and other business owners have also responded in like manner. The Solid Waste Director further revealed that an introductory environmental tax of $1000 will be levied on vendors to aid in the preservation of a clean environment. He said the Council adopted this strategy to facilitate the cost to routinely clean these commercial areas. This cleaning will be done daily. He was eager to add that introduction of this tax was greeted positively by the vendors, who have expressed intention to comply. “Not a single person has objected or said no to the introduction of this tax,” Narine disclosed. This move will, however, be short-lived because the vendors will soon be relocated to a permanent operating area.

Furthermore, he noted that if support is not received from the vendors in relation to the cleaning, they will be given an invitation which, if not complied with, will result in them being temporarily suspended from operating their stalls at their traditional location. Upon the successful completion of these highly-commercialised areas, the target will then be community-based areas. “Subsequent to this [cleaning of commercial areas], we will then commence work on the domestic areas. In fact, we have started working in Agricola, and we will continue this,” Narine disclosed. In an effort to preserve the sanctity of the environment, Narine said the exercise will be maintained through monthly cleaning of communities, which will be spearheaded by City Hall. (Ravin Singh)

THE 3rd Nereid’s Yachting Rally departed the Essequibo River, last Saturday for Suriname then to finally conclude in French Guiana at St. Laurent du Maroni. The fleet of 10 yachts with its occupants from New Zealand, Britain, Scotland, Italy, Australia, France and USA enjoyed true Guyanese hospitality. They were officially welcomed to Guyana by Minister of Tourism Ms. Cathy Hughes, and welcomed to Hurakabra River Resort by Mr. Kit Nascimento and were hosted to a lunch at Hurakabra River Resort by the Minister of Tourism. The Chairman of Region 7 Mr. Gordon Bradford, also welcomed the Rally to Bartica and the region and on Monday 14th September took the Rally participants on a tour of Bartica, the Cuyuni/ Mazaruni area and Marshall

Falls rapids. Hurakabra River Resort has expressed its appreciation for the sponsorship of the Rally’s visit to Guyana by Banks DIH Limited and the additional wifi data access provided to the cruisers by Inet Communications, facilitating the cruisers being able to upload pictures of Guyana to friends and family overseas and on the social media. During the Rally’s visit to Guyana, a number of the visitors enjoyed visits to Kaieteur Falls, Iwokrama and Rock View, arranged by Hurakabra Tours, and were fortunate to get an introduction to the International Music Festival while visiting Rock View on the day prior to the opening of the festival. The visiting yachtsmen and women expressed considerable pleasure at having the opportunity to visit the wonders of Kaieteur Falls

and Guyana’s beautiful hinterland tourism attractions and remarked on the efficiency in which all the resorts linked up for their connection and transportation to these interior locations. During the Rally, the visiting boats anchored off Bartica and Baganara Island Resort, as well as Hurakabra River Resort, getting a true taste of the many attractive and safe anchorages offered on the Essequibo River for visiting yachts. The Nereid’s Rally has served to bring attention to Guyana’s Essequibo River as a growing and attractive destination for cruising yachts and resulted in many other yachts arriving immediately prior to and following the Rally. There are currently some eight yachts in the Essequibo River enjoying our waterways, flora and fauna.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 26, 2015

Gov’t to crackdown on negligent airlines – as attempted illegal entry numbers increase THE Government of Guyana will now be seeking to clamp down on errant airlines, which are responsible for flying individuals to Guyana, who do not have the required documentation. According to Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, his ministry will be collab-

orating with the Minister of Tourism Catherine Hughes, to circulate the Standard Operating Procedures to several airlines, as there has been a record number of attempted illegal entries over the last few months. At a press conference yesterday at his office, Minister Felix disclosed that

during the course of this past week, several persons were denied entry into Guyana, since they did not have the necessary financial and documentary resources to sustain their visits. “On September 23, we had about seven Haitians arriving at the airport and they were refused entry be-

Police come under fire at Powis Landing POLICE on Wednesday night came under fire when they visited a home at Powis Landing area, Five Star Backdam in the North West District following a report

that armed men were there. According to a release, the police returned fire and the men ran out of the building and made good their escape.

The premises were searched and 550 grams of marijuana and 40 grams of suspected cocaine were found. Investigations are in progress, the release said.

Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix

cause they had insufficient funds. They said they wanted to stay for two weeks but I don’t know how they could do it when the highest amount of money any of them had was US$200. They did not even have anyone there to receive them,” Felix told media operatives. In addition, most of the visitors lacked a Guyana visa. The minister noted that there have been attempted entries by citizens of The Dominican Republic as well. “Not only did they lack

Possible sanctions for airlines bringing immigrants without visa as 7 Haitians, 3 Dominican Republicans denied entry sufficient funds, but they wanted to stay at the Princess Ramada Hotel and Kanuku Hotel. I don’t understand how they would have stayed there when they lacked funds and again they didn’t even have visas,” he said. The minister disclosed that a Syrian was allowed into Guyana from Brazil, and was scheduled to travel to St Kitts. He was, however, found in Montserrat and as such, was deported by authorities from the CARICOM nation back to Guyana. “It would appear that a number of people seem to want to use Guyana like a conduit to get to other countries, through illegal means. However, that will not happen. We have to tighten up our ports so that our country is not misused,” said Felix. Minister Felix made it clear that the government and his ministry will not condone such activities and negligence and as such, the

first step against such occurrences will be taken as soon as the new week commences. “We do not have problems with the regular established airlines. It’s just the airlines that have become well known for this type of negligence. Right now I have on my desk a document to circulate to the Minister of Tourism and they will send it to the airlines to ensure that these airlines are notified that these are the requirements,” he said. If this circulation fails to curb the situation, Minister Felix said the government will then contemplate instituting sanctions so that the airlines can be brought in line. “At first you try education to stop people from going in the wrong direction. Thereafter, we will have to talk about possible sanctions against bringing persons here without [the requirement],” Minister Felix said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 26, 2015

New U.S. Ambassador to Guyana arrives NEW United States Ambassador to Guyana Perry Holloway arrived in Guyana on Thursday, after having been confirmed by the U.S. Senate in August. According to the Georgetown-based U.S. Embassy, he was sworn in as Ambassador to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on September 18, 2015. Ambassador Holloway, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counsellor, most recently served as Political-Military Counsellor at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan (2013 – July 2014). “Known as a talented leader, consensus-builder and manager with broad, high-level policy experience in Latin America and in managing the inter-agency process, Ambassador Holloway will bring essential skills to

U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway arrived in Guyana with wife Rosaura, on Thursday

the task of furthering bilateral relations with the Government of Guyana, an important U.S. partner in Latin America and within the Organization of American States,” the Em-

bassy stated. Previously, Ambassador Holloway served in the Department of State as Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia

(2010 – 2013); Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Asuncion, Paraguay (2009 – 2010); Director, Narcotics Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia (2007 – 2009); Deputy Director, Narcotics Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia (2005 – 2007); Andean Counterdrug Initiative Coordinator, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Washington, D.C. (2004 – 2005); Director, Narcotics Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Guatemala City, Guatemala (2000 – 2003; General Services

Officer, U.S. Embassy Quito, Ecuador (1997 – 2000); Administrative Officer, U.S. Consulate Tijuana, Mexico (1994 – 1997); General Services Officer, U.S. Embassy San Salvador, El Salvador (1992 – 1994); Ambassador’s Staff Assistant, U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia (1990 – 1991) and Consular Officer, U.S. Embassy Bogota, Colombia (1989 – 1990). Before joining the Foreign Service, he was a manager of Radio Shack stores in Georgia and South Carolina Ambassador Holloway earned a B.A. in foreign lan-

guages from Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a M.A. in International Business Sciences from the University of South Carolina, and a M.A. in National Resources Strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in Washington, D.C. He is the recipient of three Senior Foreign Service Performance Awards, eight Superior Honour Awards and two Meritorious Awards from the Department of State. He speaks fluent Spanish. Ambassador Holloway, and his wife Rosaura, have two children.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 26, 2015

Suriname-based Guyanese wants police to investigate accident – that occurred a month ago at Enmore

By Shirley Thomas SURINAME-based Guyanese Savitri Shivdass was

injured in an accident while travelling on a bus from Campbellville to Suriname on August 24 last, and is

incensed that, to date, she has not been contacted by neither the bus driver nor the police in relation to the

accident. The 65 year old regularly travels to Guyana to be with her husband Randolph Beaton at their home at 38 Seaforth Street, Campbellville. On the morning of the accident, she was returning to Suriname after spending some time in Guyana and the arrangement was that a bus from ‘Champ Bus and Taxi Service’ would pick her up at about 05:30 hrs to take her to Moleson Creek, Corentyne, from where she would join the ferry and be picked up by another ‘Champ’ bus on arrival in Nickerie. This second bus was expected to take her from Nickerie to Paramaribo. She had given all her contact information to the driver known as ‘Champ’: Her name, address and phone number, and that was how he was able to phone her early that morning and inform her that he was on his way to pick her up. Similarly, he was in a position to contact her/her husband in the event of an emergency and similarly do any related follow-up. Savitri recalls that throughout the journey, the driver was on his cell- phone calling passengers who had booked to travel ahead of his picking them up. The woman claimed that he was driving at a fast rate (literally speeding), but the approximately nine

Savitri Shivdass was injured in an accident while travelling to Suriname aboard a ‘Champ Bus and Taxi Service’ vehicle

or 10 passengers fearfully endured the ride without a word of objection. Whilst travelling along the East Coast thoroughfare, the driver got a call to pick up a passenger at Mahaica. He was heading for that pick-up around 06:30 hrs when, in the vicinity of Enmore, the speeding bus became uncontrollable and suddenly careened and tumbled towards the trench. There was no other vehicle in its path, Shivdass recalled, and it was not a case of him trying to take evasive action. Hysteria reigned supreme for the next few moments as

passengers, badly hurt and some bleeding, tried to exit the vehicle. They were pulled to safety by some men on the opposite side of the road, who took photographs of the bus in distress. The injured passengers were taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by another bus; and being alerted, the police visited the scene of the accident and commenced investigations. Shivdass said she suffered a hard blow to her head and also injured her back and shoulder, but was treated at the GPH and sent home. However, over time, the pains have intensified and she is unable to use her hand properly. The injuries, she said, are causing her considerable inconvenience, since, being a housewife and temporarily incapacitated, she is unable to perform the duties which devolve on her, and has to find other means of having her duties performed. Ms. Shivdatt is appalled to know that even though the bus company has agents in Suriname, where she lives, and Guyana, where her husband resides, no one has so far made contact with either of them. She is seeking the help of the police to have this accident thoroughly investigated and justice done to the affected passengers.

Prime location, uniforms, for Georgetown coconut vendors WHEN the heat of the midday sun penetrates a pedestrian, resulting in dehydration, one of the quickest remedies is to stop by a coconut vendor -– they are usually stationed on street corners in the city -- and be refreshed with some cold coconut water. But these highly skilled individuals who have mastered the art of controlling a cutlass, will not be allowed to solicit sales at any random point in the city, as currently obtains. Solid Waste Director of the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) Walter Narine, on Thursday revealed that the local government body is currently in the process of exploring the option of having all coconut vendors stationed at one point in the city, from where their products can be accessed. This decision comes at a time when City Hall, supported by volunteers and vendors,

has been making tremendous efforts to restore Georgetown to its traditionally described “Garden City” status. Narine said no definite decision has, as yet, been made in relation to this proposal but it was discussed with the coconut vendors and they were all receptive to this new initiative. He said that for the initiative to be operationalised, it must first be discussed by the Finance Committee, which is expected to meet next week. This issue will be featured on the agenda. Besides relocation, Narine said the possibility of having these vendors wear uniforms will also be explored. This idea, he said, is to push a culture of uniformity at a time when efforts are being made to reorganise the socio-economic orientation of Georgetown. This proposed introduction, he said, was also well received by the vendors.

A man enjoying a drink of coconut water

He noted that a fee will be implemented for coconut vendors to have their shells disposed of after a day’s work. “Those shells are huge, and sometimes the shavings and even the whole shell are left on the road or in drains. So we will be seeking to implement a system for them [the vendors] to pay a fee which will be used to provide disposal services,” Narine explained. The practice currently exists in Jamaica for coconut vendors to be at a prime location, dressed in their uniforms. (Ravin Singh)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 26, 2015

House collapses at D’Urban Backlands

Shelly Beckles looks on in disbelief at her collapsed house (Adrian Narine photos)

– couple displaced By Michel Outridge A TWO-BEDROOM wooden house constructed on stilts at D’Urban Backlands in Georgetown collapsed on Wednesday afternoon, displacing Shelly Beckles and her husband, Oswald Simon. Ms Beckles told the Chronicle that she was resting in bed, home alone at about 14:00 hrs, when she suddenly heard a cracking sound and felt the house quivering. And before she realised what was happening, her house had come crashing down, flinging her off her bed to be trapped under some debris, where

she sustained injury to her back and feet. Beckles said that when neighbours saw what had happened, they came to render assistance, and she was rescued and taken to safety. She said, “I am still in disbelief, because the house was not very old and shaky, and suddenly it fell from its pillars to the ground just so, plunging myself and husband in distress.” She related that she and her husband have been occupying their house at that location for the past 18 years. She noted that, prior to the incident, the edifice used to shake slightly. It was constructed about nine

feet off the ground on wooden support posts, and was reputedly a relatively strong structure before it collapsed. Beckles said she is very thankful she had survived the ordeal with only minor injuries, but she now walks with a limp. She expressed deep gratitude to her neighbours for reaching out to her and her husband apart from coming to her rescue, and she explained that her neighbours have even been providing meals for her and her husband since Wednesday, because all her household appliances, including her stove, have been damaged beyond repair, and neither she nor her husband has anywhere else to go. Beckles said what little of her belongings she has

managed to salvage is at her neighbours. Since the incident the couple has been trying to put the pieces back together, and have begun clearing the

backyard to construct a cottage, where they will reside until they can rebuild, since they are presently not in a strong financial position. Beckles said they

would welcome any assistance at this time, because they need it, since they lost almost everything in terms of material possessions. (Michel Outridge)

GDF test

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

…in countrywid By Leroy Smith

THOUSANDS of troops from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were yesterday morning mobilised simultaneously at army bases across the country for “base musters” on the heels of the recent activities by Venezuela at its border with Guyana. The troops, many of whom reportedly came out from their annual leave, days-off and other personal engagements, were also part of the mobilisation “base musters.” Army Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips first addressed the ranks at the Air Corps at Timehri, East Bank Demerara who were mobilised at 07:00 hrs. The army head made it clear that the mobilisation was not a sign that Guyana was ready for war, but moreso to define aggression against this State at the border with Venezuela. GDF bases in Anna Regina, Corentyne, Lethem, the Soesdyke-Linden Highway and other parts were also part of the exercise, the Chief of Staff confirmed.

Chief of Staff Mark Phillips uses a microphone to address ranks at Camp Stephenson

“This is not only to mobilise, but also to test the readiness of our troops, equipment and weapons,” the army head told the Air Corps troops as he pointed out that Guyana is a peaceful country.

The GDF Sky Van just after take-off with some paratroopers

He reiterated that the objective is to define aggression at our borders and not to initiate a war. Among the troops who gathered at the Air Corps base were members from the Special Forces and paratroopers. The paratroopers also did several jumps as part of their exercise to show off their capabilities and readiness for the Chief of Staff and some of his senior officers. STRENGTHENING AIR CORPS On the issue of strengthening the Air Corps, Mark Phillips told the media that they are presently in talks with the

Members of the Special Forces at the GDF Air Corps Base at Timehri, yesterday (Delano Williams photos)

ts readiness of troops

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

de mobilisation

government through the new Defence Board on capacity-building for the Air Corps over the next five years. He stated that presentations have already been made to the Defence Board and the unit will be built structurally. Phillips, however, made it clear that the GDF was not engaging in an arms race. Phillips made that comment after being reminded that Suriname recently boosted its Air Corps with the purchase of several helicopters. To this, Phillips explained that Guyana will boost its Air Corps depending on the needs of the country and the department. He further went on to comment that the Air Corps will see what it needs and those needs will have to be in keeping with the functions of that arm of the Guyana Defence Force and its mission and only then will a determination be made with respect to what needs to be purchased or not. On the issue of the very aged Bell 412 chopper which has been an asset of the GDF for years, the Chief of Staff told the media that the future of the aircraft is still under active discussion, even as it is out of service at the moment. He confirmed that there was an assessment done of the helicopter, which showed that it is in need of extensive works. Phillips explained that the cost ventures of the bell 412 are now being done and the expenses are being looked at also.

versy with Venezuela was settled back in 1899 and as far as the GDF is concerned, that is the final position on the matter. With that said, he commented that it is now the work of the GDF to define any forms of aggression on the border, while pointing out that the border also includes the Cuyuni River which should be monitored for any form of incursion. The troops were also told by their head that while their BORDER ISSUES SETTLED primary focus at this point is to define aggression at the borOver at base camp Stephenson, Phillips met another der and report same to their superiors, they also have to be set of troops whom he reminded that the border contro- ready to defend Guyana.

Female ranks of the GDF ready to define and defend aggression on Guyanaâ€™s frontier, pose for a photo opportunity

One of the GDF Choppers which is part of the Air Corp

Today (Saturday), the GDF will be having a route march around the streets of the city where it is expected that they will be showing off their artillery and part of their human capacity. Asked for an update on the situation at the border, the Chief of Staff told reporters that based on his information, there is no indication that the Venezuelan Government has increased the troops that were placed there a few days ago. He stated however, that the GDF is still monitoring the activity even as he confirmed that the Venezuelan Army still continues to have a presence at the border.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday, September 26, 2015

In moving farewell...

Auto mechanic in Schoonord smash-up cremated at Ruimzeigt

THE body of 23-year-old Mahindra Sugrim, who was killed in a horrific accident on the Schoonord Public Road, West Bank Demerara just over a week ago, was on Wednesday cremated at the Ruimzeigt Cremation Site, West Coast Demerara. Cremation of the body

works auto-mechanic of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, was attended by loud eruptions of wailing as hundreds joined in paying him their last respects, mourning his tragic loss, and consoling his parents Mr. and Mrs. Jagdesh Sugrim and his sister Arti and other family members.

Mahindra met his demise when one of two Tacoma motor vehicles which had reportedly been racing on the main West Bank thoroughfare, lost control and hit the other Tacoma and a Toyota Carina before eventually crashing into Mahindra’s Avensis motor car, number PRR 5229, causing it to end up in a canal

that runs alongside the road. Mahindra suffered multiple injuries as authenticated by the post-mortem performed on Tuesday last. His family members are now trying to verify reports that a policeman from within the sub-division was overseeing the Tacoma race which claimed Mahindra’s life.

His deeply distraught mother Mrs. Sugrim, has said that a police rank informed the family that the driver responsible for Mahindra’s death was placed on station bail, and that the file is with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) pending advice. She also said that a particular police rank, who had asked her how she had acquired money to buy an Avensis car, seemed quite eager to have the post-mortem performed and the body disposed of. She said he had called her on Thursday night to tell her that the P.M. would be done on Friday (next day) and she should fast track plans for Mahindra’s cremation. She said that out of curiosity, she called his number at 11:38 pm the same night and he replied, but he is now denying ever having called her. The post-mortem was, however, performed on Monday and the cremation took place on Wednesday. “I am still wondering what was his special interest in my child’s

Mahindra Sugrim

cremation,” Mrs. Sugrim pondered. She said she met the grandmother of the offending motorist while at La Grange, and that the woman visited her home the following day to offer her sympathy. She added that the offender’s mother lives abroad, and that he had grown up with his father and stepmother. The offender’s father has taken the accident badly, and was too emotional to meet with the bereaved Sugrim family. (Shirley Thomas)

Saturday, September 26, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Monday, September 28, 2015 - 05:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Klitschko postpones next month’s Fury fight due to injury BERLIN, Germany (Reu-

ters) - Boxing heavyweight champion Vladimir Klitschko has postponed his title fight next month against Briton Tyson Fury following a tendon injury in training, he said yesterday. The 39-year-old Klitschko’s WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO crowns were to be on the line when the pair met in the German city of Duesseldorf on October 24 but the Ukrainian sought medical treatment on Thursday after tearing a tendon in his calf. “I was looking forward to this fight,” Klitschko said in a statement.

“I am really sorry not to be able to box on October 24 and that of course goes for my opponent as well who has been preparing for this fight for weeks. I will do everything possible to get fit as soon as possible.” A new date will be announced next week after further medical checks, with the location of the fight remaining Duesseldorf. Klitschko has not lost for 11 years and has a record of 64 wins and three defeats, while the 26-yearold Fury is undefeated at 24-0.

Ukrainian boxer Vladimir Klitschko and British boxer Tyson Fury (L) pose during a news conference in Duesseldorf, Germany, July 21, 2015. (Reuters/Ina Fassbend)

ENGLISH RACING TIPS Newmarket 08:30 hrs Seventh Heaven 09:00 hrs Foundation 09:35 hrs Besharah 10:10 hrs Shalaa 10:50 hrs Bronze Angel 11:25 hrs Al Sailiyah 12:00 hrs Al Shahaniya 12:35 hrs Mr Win MARKET RASEN 08:40 hrs Leoncavallo 09:15 hrs Swansea Mile 09:50 hrs Gray Hession 10:25 hrs Forever My Friend 11:00 hrs Viens Chercher 11:35 hrs Don Padeja 12:10 hrs Desertmore Hill HAYDOCK 09:10 hrs Chicadoro 09:45 hrs Satish 10:20 hrs Exchequer 10:55 hrs Maljaa 11:30 hrs Monasada

12:05 hrs English Summer 12:40 hrs Mc Creery IRISH RACING TIPS Navan 08:50 hrs Okotoks 09:25 hrs Cillian’s Well 09:55 hrs Cloudy Morning 10:30 hrs Snow Falcon 11:05 hrs Full Cry 11:40 hrs Russian Regent 12:15 hrs Sizing Alberta SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Vaal 08:50 hrs Maria Theresa 09:25 hrs Precursor 10:00 hrs Strip Tease 10:40 hrs Easy Street 11:15 hrs Ahlaam DURBANVILLE 09:10 hrs Hard Day’s Night 09:45 hrs Parachute Man 10:25 hrs Seven Grand 11:00 hrs My Emblem 11:35 hrs Inanna

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Brathwaite aiming to be genuine all-rounder BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Carlos Brathwaite says one of his aims is to transform himself into a genuine all-rounder and he plans to focus on developing his batting further. The 27-year-old will travel with the 15-man West Indies squad to Sri Lanka at month end where the regional side will clash with the hosts in two Tests. “I want to be a genuine all-rounder but the way I see myself selected for the team at this present time, I think my fast bowling has got me into the team with the addition of being able to bat,” the Barbadian said. “However, in the future I would like to, even if my bowling isn’t going well, be seen as someone who can play as a batsman and add bowling.” Brathwaite is yet to play a Test despite being on the selection fringe in recent years. He made his international

debut in 2011 but has played four OneDay Internationals and two Twenty20s

CARLOS BRATHWAITE

since. In the three-day tour game against the touring Australians in April, Brathwaite impressed, blasting an unbeaten 50 from 42 deliveries and snatched three for 39 with his seam bowling. He said his performances in the subsequent Caribbean Premier League, however, had been instrumental to his confidence. “If I look at my career from the beginning up until then and now, I think that was a turning point in the CPL. Just after I batted without fear and it is something I want to incorporate into my game going forward, but I have to be a little smarter especially in tight situations where the team requires me to bat a longer period but it is a learning process,” he explained. “And with the help of the coaching staff, management and a lot of friends

– because I see all the guys on the team as my friends, comrades and colleagues – with that knowledge being branded around hopefully I learn quicker on the job.” Though he has not had many opportunities, Brathwaite said he had learnt much from being around the West Indies set-up. “Having been with the team for the England series and playing the One-Day series in South Africa and making my debut here back in 2011, one of the main things that I got from all of those series is that mentally the ones with the strongest minds are the ones who come out on top,” he pointed out. “Everyone has a similar skill level – obviously some guys are ridiculously talented – but the core group of players have the same skill level. It is just the ones with the tougher minds that take themselves from good to great.”

Swiss target world football ...

From back page

explanation. He had been due to speak for the first time since his number two, Jerome Valcke, was suspended last week following accusations regarding ticket sales at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Valcke denied the allegations. In a sign of concern over the implications of the deepening investigation, Russia was quick to say that it would not affect its hosting of the 2018 World Cup, one of the biggest and most lucrative events in sport. FIFA’s awarding of the 2018 and 2022 competitions to Russia and Qatar is one of the strands under scrutiny from U.S. and Swiss authorities investigating corruption in the organisation - a worry for tournament sponsors such as McDonald’s Corp, Coca-Cola and Visa. The scandal exploded in May, when 14 football officials and sports marketing executives were indicted. Seven were arrested by Swiss police in a dawn raid on a five-star Zurich hotel. PLATINI TESTIFIES The Swiss OAG said Blatter had been questioned by its representatives, and that Michel Platini, the former French midfield football star who runs European football body UEFA, had also been asked to give information. Platini is favourite to win the election to replace Blatter when he steps down in February. Blatter once de-

scribed their relationship as “like father and son”, but it broke down irretrievably earlier this year when Platini urged him to quit. A Swiss law enforcement source said that Platini had provided Swiss prosecutors with evidence against Blatter and was not regarded as a target of investigators at this point. Swiss investigators have been putting together their case against Blatter for some time, a law enforcement official said. The official said Blatter is not in custody and is free to travel, though he has largely avoided leaving Switzerland since May. According to the Swiss criminal code, Blatter could, if convicted, face a custodial sentence of up to five years depending on the circumstances of the offence. The OAG statement said he was suspected of a “disloyal payment” of 2 million Swiss francs (£1.34 million) to Platini at the expense of FIFA, allegedly made for work performed between January 1999 and June 2002. The payment was executed in February 2011, the OAG said. It did not say why the payment was “disloyal” or what became of the money. Platini said in a statement: “Regarding the payment that was made to me, I wish to state that this amount relates to work which I carried out under a contract with

FIFA and I was pleased to have been able to clarify all matters relating to this with the authorities.” CARIBBEAN CONTRACT The OAG said it also suspected Blatter of signing a contract in 2005 with the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), then headed by Trinidadian football baron Jack Warner, that was unfavourable for FIFA and had “violated his fiduciary duties”, or duties of trust. Richard Cullen, a U.S. lawyer for Blatter, said: “Mr Blatter is cooperating and we are confident that when the Swiss authorities have a chance to review the documents and the evidence they will see that the contract was properly prepared and negotiated by the appropriate staff members of FIFA who were routinely responsible for such contracts, and certainly no mismanagement occurred.” According to a FIFA document seen by Reuters, the 2005 agreement required that FIFA be paid both upfront “rights fees” and a 50 percent share of revenue from “broadcast sponsorship and commercial airtime opportunities”. But according to the document - a July 2011 letter signed by FIFA’s now suspended secretary general Valcke Warner’s CFU did not make any of the payments that were due. FIFA said in a statement yesterday that it had been cooperating with the Swiss

authorities since May and had complied with all requests for documents, data and other information. “We will continue this level of cooperation throughout the investigation,” it said. A spokeswoman for U.S. prosecutors declined to comment. The FBI said it did not comment on other agencies’ investigations. Damian Collins, a British Member of Parliament and co-founder of campaign group NewFIFANow, said the opening of the criminal probe against Blatter and the questioning of Platini showed the need to overhaul football’s governing body under an independent interim administration. “The house of FIFA is tumbling down,” he said. Blatter has survived a series of scandals during his term in office, including widespread accusations that Qatar bought the right to stage the 2022 World Cup. Qatar has always denied any wrongdoing. Despite widespread calls for Blatter’s resignation when the U.S. indictments were issued in May, he refused to withdraw his candidacy for a fifth term at the helm of FIFA. He was duly re-elected, telling delegates: “Football needs a strong and experienced leader.” As the scandal reverberated around the world and his position became untenable, he announced only days later that he would step down, though for the time being he remains in office until the election of his successor.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Pumas ease past Georgia; England and Wales primed for battle By Justin Palmer LONDON, England (Reuters) - Argentina picked up their first Pool C win at the Rugby World Cup by dispatching Georgia in convincing fashion yesterday as the tournament prepared to lower the drawbridge for the Twickenham blockbuster between England and Wales. The Pumas had given holders New Zealand a scare

or two in their opener at Wembley but gave their noisy and plentiful support in Gloucester even more to cheer, serving up a seven-try treat as they cantered to a 54-9 victory. Georgia’s physicality ensured a tough first 40 minutes, but the complexion of the game changed when Mamuka Gorgodze was sent to the sin bin and the Pumas pounced with a three-try

blitz. Wingers Santiago Cordero and Juan Imhoff scored two tries apiece while the boot of flyhalf Nicolas Sanchez weighed in with 15 points, including the tournament’s first drop goal, as the Pumas moved into second place in Pool C behind New Zealand. Away from Kingsholm, much of the attention focused on the build-up to today’s 127th clash between

bitter rivals England and Wales. The hype has been unrelenting, with so much at stake in a group that, with Australia also in the mix, contains three of the top teams in the world. England have won their past two meetings, including a 21-16 victory in Cardiff in this year’s Six Nations Champi-

attracted more attention than most at this tournament and the expectation levels were only increased when England coach Stuart Lancaster named him to start at inside centre against Wales. England duo Burgess and Brad Barritt’s midfield battle with the Welsh centre pairing of Jamie Roberts

gressing beyond the group stage. South Africa, however, would be left in an even more precarious position should they follow the shock defeat against Japan with another against Samoa at Villa Park today. Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer has rung

Martin Landajo scores the fifth try for Argentina. (Reuters/Dylan MartinezLivepic) onship, but Wales are hungry to bloody their noses in their own backyard. While it is unlikely that Wales coach Warren Gatland, as a proud New Zealander, would have any knowledge of Anglo-Welsh wars long since forgotten, he will have fired up his troops to storm the citadel of English rugby. Gatland, his ire ignited earlier in the week when Wales were warned for using non-World Cup squad players in training, is never shy of stoking a fire and yesterday he promised his side would “smash” rugby league convert Sam Burgess along with the rest of the England team. GREAT EXPECTATIONS Hard-hitting Burgess has

and Scott Williams promises to be an explosive affair, though Lancaster’s decision to axe flyhalf George Ford in favour of Owen Farrell has also put England on the defensive. Farrell responded drily yesterday when asked about the media reaction to his selection, questioning coach’s decision. “What reaction? People can say what they want. It’s the people inside the camp that count to me,” Farrell said. “External factors don’t matter to us. The people who matter are inside the camp, not outside. All I want to do is my job.” Lancaster and Gatland know that defeat today would inflict serious damage on either team’s chances of pro-

the changes after the Japan debacle, but the newlook team will face a stern test against a Samoa side brimming with confidence after opening their Pool B campaign with a 2516 win over the United States. Samoa captain Ofisa Treviranus said his team is prepared for all that South Africa will throw at them. “I know they will come in really hard. It will be a physical game. We know they are really angry because of that (Japan) game,” he said. “We are ready for that. We are ready to dominate them physically as well.” Italy and Canada kick off today’s action at Elland Road in Leeds, both seeking their first win in Pool D.

GVF donates balls, net to Buxton Youth Developers THE Guyana Volleyball Federation (GVF) continued its drive to expand the game throughout Guyana and kept good its promise to the village of Buxton, handing over a quantity of volleyballs and a net to the Buxton Youth Developers School. At a small presentation ceremony on Tuesday at the Buxton Youth Developers School, GVF president John Flores was excited by the prospect of what can happen as a result of this initiative by his federation. He pointed out the realistic possibility of the sport developing within the community to the point that the community can field senior and junior teams at local competitions and he expects that youths especially will benefit from the donation.

Receiving the donation on behalf of the institution, Robin Phillips was also noticeably elated by the donation of balls and a net which will replace the old equipment currently in use by the 94 children at the institution. Phillips explained that the boys and girls ranging from 6 to 18 years old will begin to benefit from the donation as early as of today. The GVF intends to continue its expansion drive but is yet to announce its next stop as they now have to give significant attention to the remaining events on its calendar for 2015. A premier league for males and females, elite teams and the Tradewind Tankers International tournament are scheduled for October and November respectively.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Faulkner hopes to dust off baggy green cap in Bangladesh By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - Since playing his sole Test for Australia in 2013, every so often a wistful James Faulkner has pulled out his baggy green Test cap to stoke the aspirations for a career yet to bloom. The 25-year-old all-rounder now hopes to give the cap a proper dusting off on tour in Bangladesh after replacing injured team mate Pat Cummins in the 15man squad.

JAMES FAULKNER

Like fellow one-Test wonder Cummins, who took seven wickets on debut against South Africa in 2011, Faulkner also made a splash in his only start for Australia, bagging six wickets against England in a dead rubber at The Oval. While Cummins’ ambitions have been thwarted by injuries, Faulkner has been frustrated mainly by selectors, who have preferred Mitchell Marsh as a back-up all-rounder to veteran Shane Watson, now recently retired. With Watson gone and

Judge freezes Neymar’s assets in tax evasion probe

SAO PAULO, Brazil (Reuters) - A Brazilian judge has accused Barcelona striker Neymar of tax evasion and frozen 188.8 million reais (£31.4 million) of his assets, authorities said yesterday. Neymar is accused of not paying 63.3 million reais in taxes between 2011 and 2013. The judge froze three times that amount for security reasons and to cover potential interest and fines, according to a judicial order explaining the seizure. The action covers property and vehicles and is a preventive measure to stop the player selling assets before the case is settled. He will still have access to

bank accounts and other liquid assets. Judge Carlos Muta accused the 23-year-old of “omitting sources of income from abroad”. Barcelona Football Club was cited as the source of unreported money. The frozen assets were in the name of the Brazil player and three companies in which he and his father are the principal owners. Neymar’s total assets were given as 244.2 million reais. Neymar joined the Spanish club in June 2013 after a successful career at Santos but his transfer has been a source of controversy. Then Barcelona president Sandro Rosell said

Neymar cost 57.1 million euros (£37.6 million) but the deal was shrouded in secrecy. His successor Josep Maria Bartomeu eventually admitted the total cost came to 86.2 million euros once additional payments to the player and his family had been included. Rosell resigned in January 2014 after a judge decided to investigate and call him to testify in the case. A Brazilian investment firm which bought an interest in Neymar has taken legal action against the player, his father and Barcelona in a bid to secure a bigger slice of the transfer fee.

Mourinho launches new attack on Wenger By Steve Tongue LONDON, England (Reuters) - Jose Mourinho’s long-running feud with Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger continued yesterday when the Chelsea boss said there was one exception in English football to the rules applying to every other manager. “I think in this country only one manager is not under pressure,” Mourinho told a news conference ahead of today’s Premier League game at Newcastle United. “Steve (McClaren) is under pressure, I am under pressure, Brendan (Rodgers) is under pressure, (Manuel) Pellegrini is under pressure,” he added of the men in charge at Newcastle, Liverpool and Man-

chester City respectively. “We cannot lose matches, we cannot be below expectations. There is one that for some reason is outside that list. Good for him. “He can speak about the referees before the game, can speak about the referees after the game, can push people in the technical area (as he did at Chelsea last season), can cry in the morning, can cry in the afternoon, nothing happens,” said Mourinho. “Can be not achieving, keep the job, still the king. It’s a privilege.” Declining to name Wenger, who has been Arsenal manager for 19 years and has not won the league since 2004, he replied “you know” after being asked who he was referring to.

Mourinho avoided further reference to the controversial 2-0 win last weekend over Arsenal who had centre half Gabriel’s ban rescinded after he was sent off. “If I answer I’m going to be suspended,” said the Portuguese. “I don’t want to touch that because I want to sit on the bench.” Mourinho has not won any of his five league visits to Newcastle although he has enjoyed two League Cup victories there. A win this time would be his 200th in two spells in charge, making him only the second Chelsea manager to reach that landmark. Champions Chelsea are 15th in the table while Newcastle are second from bottom.

Cummins sidelined with a lower back fracture, the door has creaked open a little for Faulkner, though he may well end up carrying the drinks for the Tests in Chittagong and Dhaka. “I get (my Baggy Green) out every now and again and have a look at it but there might be a little bit of dust on it because it’s been a good couple of years,” he said at Cricket Tasmania’s season launch in Hobart yesterday. “It’s a different feeling and I’ve only got the taste once, but it was enough to keep driving me to get back into the squad and hopefully I can get an opportunity again and do well.” A handy left-arm paceman and a dashing lower-order batsman, Faulkner has

been a fixture in Australia’s limited overs sides since the start of 2013. He underlined his quality with a man-of-the-match performance against New Zealand in Australia’s victorious World Cup final in March. He narrowly missed out on a place in Australia’s Test squads for the tours of the Caribbean and England earlier this year, but selectors chairman Rod Marsh left few in doubt there were big plans ahead for the Launceston-born player. Those plans were shelved for a time in England, where Faulkner was caught drink-driving after a night out with wicketkeeper Tim Paine. He was promptly dumped from the squads for the limit-

ed overs matches and feared it was a mistake he might regret for the rest of his life. The wheel of fortune has since turned to put Faulkner back in the frame but he still faces stiff competition for a place in Bangladesh. Marsh aside, spin-bowling all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is similarly desperate to carve out a niche in Steven Smith’s team. Little wonder Faulkner was busy yesterday pressing the case for a multiple allround assault. “I think most teams around the world now are playing two or three all-rounders so there’s no reason why we can’t all play together especially in those conditions as well,” he said.

NOTABLE DATES JUNIOR middleweight Kenny Bristol would not be remembered as a knockout specialist. In fact, Bristol had only one KO in a career that spanned eight years and included 20 bouts. His lone stoppage victory came on September 26, 1979. The lanky southpaw Guyanese travelled to Italy to face Celestine Kanynda from Zaire (now Democratic Republic of the Congo). Twenty-seven years old at the time, Bristol stopped Kanynda in the seventh round. The victory improved his record to 11-0 and came two months after he defeated Pat Thomas to win the Commonwealth title. The decision over Thomas, who was born in St Kitts and Nevis, allowed Bristol to become the only Guyanese to win a Commonwealth title on home soil. The gangly southpaw had turned pro in October 1976 and in December 1978 won a hardfought unanimous-points victory over Reggie Ford. He called it quits in February 1984 following a defeat by then unbeaten James Shuler. During his eight years in the ring Bristol scored 15 victories and five defeats.

FIFA sets winter dates for Qatar World Cup

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - FIFA announced yesterday that the 2022 World Cup, to be held in Qatar, will start on November 21 with the final to be played on December 18 - cutting four days off the length of the competition. World football’s governing body had previously announced the date of the final but the start date of November 21 means the tournament will be just 28 days in duration -- the shortest since the competition switched to a 32-team tournament in 1998. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was held over 32 days while the shortest 32-team tournament had been 31 days. The Qatar tournament will mark the first time that the event is held during Europe’s winter months - previously the competition had been held in June and July.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Saturday September 26, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market &The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512)

Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Greg Chappell-123 & 109* (AUST vs WI, Brisbane, 1975-76) (2)Deryck Murray (WI vs AUST, ARG, 1978)

Today’s Quiz:

Who is the first player to make a pair on his Test captaincy debut? Courtney Walsh took 227 ODI wickets. How many did he capture as captain?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Simmons slams ‘outside interference’ for Bravo, Pollard omission

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – West Indies head coach Phil Simmons yesterday courted controversy when he slammed “interference from outside” as the reason for the omission of Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard from the one-day squad, for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The 52-year-old Simmons, who took charge of the squad back in March following the ICC Cricket World Cup, said he, chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd and captain Jason Holder were all in favour of the Trinidadian duo’s re-inclusion but “people” had used their “influence” to keep them out of the squad. In a candid interview with reporters on the final day of the West Indies camp at the 3Ws Oval, Simmons castigated such interference as “wrong” and said it had robbed the region of its best ODI squad. However, he did not say who the interference was coming from. “I think it’s disappointing from the fact that I haven’t got the best 50-over ODI squad that we can select in the Caribbean,” an irate Simmons said. “The chairman, Mr Lloyd, he came and he gave an exceptional speech saying that he thinks it is time they are back in the squad and he gave exceptional

reasons for them being back in the squad. “Unfortunately, when we went into the selection (meeting) we lost it 3-2. Him and myself – the captain doesn’t have a vote in this – but the

West Indies head coach Phil Simmons ... upset with selection of ODI squad. captain also gave his views as why they need to be back.” He continued: “That’s not the disappointing fact, the disappointing fact is that you can lose 3-2 in a vote-off but there is too much interference from outside in the selection of the ODI squad and it’s disappointing for me to know that in any aspect of life … (people would use) their position to get people into a squad for in this case, get

people left out of a squad. “It is wrong and I don’t like it and that is my beef with the selection of the ODI team.” Bravo was sacked as captain and along with Pollard, controversially axed for the ODI series in South Africa last January and also overlooked for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The decision by selectors provoked the ire of many, with several critics branding the move as victimisation, stemming from the role both players had in the controversial abandoned ODI tour of India last October. Simmons said it was now “disappointing” that with both Bravo and Pollard available for selection, those with influence were ensuring the players remained sidelined. “I don’t think that it (selection) was done as professionally as it should be done, (there was) too much interference from outside and in this case, I even go as far as saying maybe influence because the reasons that were given for them being out,” Simmons complained. “It’s disappointing for me … because we want to have our best squad. The chairman put it to us that we need to have our best squad and it’s not so, so I’m disappointed about that squad.” After taking over as coach, Simmons met with

both players who indicated their willingness to continue representing West Indies, but only in the shorter formats. The Trinidadian said while he could not guarantee Bravo and Pollard their selection, he had secured their commitment to the management set-up of the squad. “There was no agreement reached (with the players). I can’t go and say, ‘oi, you’re selected’. I had a chat with every one of them saying ‘this is the way I think things should be done, are you happy with the way I’m going to do things’,” Simmons explained. “And everyone to a (man) was happy with the way things were going to run, happy with the captain, happy with everything that was to move forward. So once they had bought into our philosophy as to the captain and myself then it’s about selection. “I can’t go and tell them, ‘hey, you’re in the squad’ so I think that’s all I could have done.” Bravo averages 25 with the bat and has taken 199 wickets at 29 apiece with the ball in 164 ODIs while Pollard averages 25 from 91 ODIs and has scored just one century and half-century in 2-1/2 years. The ODI squad is yet to be formally announced but is expected to be named next week.

Beausejour ODIs to be played under lights ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – All four OneDay Internationals of the Home Series between West Indies Women and Pakistan Women will now be played under lights. The games were previously scheduled to start at 10:00hrs but the West Indies Cricket Board said Thursday the starting times would be moved to 14:00hrs to allow for

increased viewership. “We believe the adjusted times will allow more people to view the matches and give our players a new playing experience,” said WICB operations officer of women’s cricket, Josina Luke. All four ODIs are scheduled for the Beausejour Cricket Stadium in St Lucia, from October 13 to 24.

The starting times have also been revised for the three Twenty20 Internationals, with all three fixtures now bowling off one hour earlier at 13:00hrs. Grenada’s National Stadium will host the T20 fixtures. An 18-member West Indies squad will start a preparation camp in St Lucia from next Thursday in preparation for the series.

JOSINA LUKE

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday September 26, 2015

Atwell to replace injured Azore on Next Generation card ... October 24 is new fight date

THE Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) has announced Clive ‘The Punisher’ Atwell as the replacement for the injured Iwan Azore in the upcoming Next Generation Boxing-Giftland Showcase Pro Am card set for October 24. Trinidad-based Azore was originally scheduled to fight Guyana’s Dexter Gonsalves for the national welterweight title over 12 rounds tonight. However, injury has forced Azore out of contention causing a postponement. Gonsalves, present during a press conference to announce Atwell’s entry says that he expected to ‘knock him (Atwell) out in 4 rounds”, adding that many boxers “have mouths to talk” but oftentimes fail to

measure up to such words in the ring. In response, Atwell, speaking to the media from his Dominica base said, “Everyone has a right to talk about knockouts, but I’ll use the example of Johnny Gonsalves who also said he’d knock me out.” Atwell, also known as the wonder-kid, says he undergoes training daily with the local amateur fighters and continues gym work. He heightened preparation for the event yesterday. The two, Atwell and Gonsalves will meet in the 140lb class. GBBC president Peter Abdool said, “Quite unintentionally, we have ended up with a world class boxing match, and fans will be in for a treat.” Meanwhile, Aleem Hus-

sain, NexGen Global Production, the promotion company responsible for the fight, is encouraging fans to be seated by 18:30hrs as bell-time for the night is 19:00hrs. Other fights on the night will feature professional debutant Imran Khan taking on David Thomas in a lightweight fight over four rounds The opening bout of the night features debutant Terrence Adams against Keeve Allicock over four rounds in a featherweight contest while the main supporting bout has Anson Green and Quincy Gomes in a six-round junior welterweight contest. In the amateur division, at the Youth lightweight level Orin Bancroft of the Forgotten Youth Foundation (FYF) is matched against Harpy Eagles’ Travis Hubbard while in the Elite fly-

Aleem Hussain of NexGen Promotions, GBBC president Peter Abdool and Dexter Gonsalves, seated at the head table, announce details for the Next Generation Boxing-Giftland Showcase Pro Am card. weight division Tefon Green (GDF) faces Dexter Wray (Republican). Welterweight action would see Glenroy Smith (Essequibo Boxing Gym against Republican’s Clifton Graham while Nanku-

Trophy Stall golf tournament set for today MANAGING Director and proprietor of Trophy Stall, Ramesh Sunich, is pleased to continue sponsorship of golf tournaments, scheduled to be played off at Lusignan today. Sunich is currently the vice-president of the Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) and has been involved in sponsorship of sports in all the disciplines in Guyana for many years. He proudly remarked that it is about 16 years now he has been in association with the Lusignan Golf Club, supplying trophies for most of their tournaments, and in fact has been sponsoring tournaments for some six years or so. He expressed his desire to continue sponsoring this great game in Guyana. Today’s game is expected to attract a large number of players. Up for grabs are trophies for 1st to 3rd position of the Overall Best Net golfer, Best Gross and Nearest to the Pin. Tee-off is 12:30hrs. The greens are very fast and true while the

In photo, Managing Director and proprietor of Trophy Stall Ramesh Sunich hands over one of the trophies to president of Lusignan Golf Club Oncar Ramroop. fairways and rough are much improved. Keen competition is expected as veteran golfer Patrick Prashad, who has won the

best gross over the last two tournaments, will be up against the very consistent Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud and the fast-learning

12-year-old Laksmana Ramroop, the winner of last week’s Demerara Mutual tournament, among others.

mar Singh (Republican) and Kelon King (FYF) would have a lightweight contest. The event’s corporate sponsors are: Banks DIH Limited, COURTS Guyana Inc., Giftland OfficeMax, Ansa McAl, Guyana Oil Company, Hand-

in-Hand, GTM, Digicel Guyana Inc., Guyana Beverages Inc., Guyana Tourism Authority, King’s Jewellery World, Massy Industries Guyana Limited, Queen’s Atlantic, Fly Jamaica and Top Brand Distributors. (Stephan Sookram)

Warner faces December extradition hearing PORT of SPAIN (AFP) - Former FIFA executive Jack Warner will face an extradition hearing in December after authorities in Trinidad and Tobago quashed attempts to have the case against him tossed out, officials said yesterday. Warner, 72, was indicted in May by a U.S. grand jury on 12 charges of wire fraud, racketeering and money-laundering over an escalating scandal at FIFA, football’s world governing body. “I do not think I can accede to the request,” Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington told a hearing, ruling against a bid by Warner’s legal team to dismiss the case. Wellington set a December 2 date for Warner’s extradition hearing. U.S. authorities have charged 14 FIFA officials and sports marketing executives of soliciting and receiving more than $150M in bribes and kickbacks over two decades. On July 23, U.S. authorities asked for Warner, a former head of football’s governing body in North America, Central America and the Caribbean (CON-

CACAF) to be extradited to face the charges. So far only three of those charged are in the jurisdiction of New York. Warner and nine other

Former FIFA executive Jack Warner defendants are still fighting extradition to the United States -- six from Switzerland, where they were arrested in a May swoop on a Zurich hotel -- two from Argentina and one from Uruguay. Warner says that the U.S. case against him is politically motivated and that America is trying to exact revenge because it lost out to Qatar in the vote to host the 2022 World Cup.

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Simmons slams ‘outside interference’ for Bravo, Pollard omission See story on page 30

Swiss target world football chief Blatter in criminal probe By Brian Homewood and Mark Hosenball ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into Sepp Blatter, the head of world football body FIFA, on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, the Swiss attorney general’s office said yesterday. It said Blatter was interrogated after a meeting of FIFA’s executive committee in Zurich, and authorities carried out a search at the organisation’s headquarters yesterday. “The office of the FIFA president has been searched and data seized,” the office of the attorney general (OAG) said. It was the first time that authorities investigating corruption in the world’s most popular sport had pointed the finger directly at Blatter, the 79-year-

old Swiss who has run its powerful governing body for the past 17 years. He has denied wrongdoing and his U.S. attorney said he was cooperating with the Swiss probe. A source close to FIFA said that as Blatter has not been arrested, charged or indicted it would probably be for him to decide whether he stays in his post until February when he is due to step down. However, the source said: “It is over for him now, it is finished.” The news of the investigation broke shortly after FIFA had abruptly cancelled a Blatter press conference at 15 minutes’ notice, offering no FIFA chief Sepp Blatter

See page 27

Fruta Conquerors stop Monedderlust … GDF needle Buxton 2–1 to remain unbeaten United 1-0 for first win FRUTA Conquerors defeated Monedderlust 2-1 and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) outclassed Buxton United 1-0 when the Stag Elite League continued at the Tucville Community Centre ground Thursday night. Kwamie LaFleur (51st minute) and Dennis Edwards (83rd minute) scored for the SM Jaleel-sponsored team who remain undefeated and climbed atop the eight-team table after notching their second win in as many matches. Monedderlust, who had came from behind to stop the GDF in their opening game, saw Kimba Brathwaite score in the 77th minute but the forward’s father, Gordon Braithwaite who coaches the Berbicians, will have to head back to the drawing board. Fruta Conquerors head coach Calvin Allen had to dig deep to find

Fruta Conquerers Eon Alleyne

a late winner against Buxton United in their first match of the League, but on Thursday, he ensured that his team this time, made all their chances counted with the Tucville unit troubling Monedderlust early. Eon Alleyne, the usual troublemaker from Fruta Conquerors on the pitch in the early minutes of the heated contest called the Monedderlust goalkeeper to work when he (Alleyne) lashed onto a loose ball. The first half, though ending goalless, was interesting, since both teams created their fair share of goal-scoring chances. Meanwhile, in the night’s opening game between Buxton United and the GDF, the East Coast team should have won the contest and would want

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to blame their forwards for squandering their sometimes clear goal chances. The team outplayed the GDF but it was Delroy Fraser in the 44th minute that put the Army in the lead. Their (GDF) defence led by captain Selwyn Isaacs stood firmly against an inexperienced Buxton attack who, after Thursday’s game, are at the bottom of the table. The Stag Elite League will continue tomorrow at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground with another double-header. I n t h e o p e n i n g g a m e f ro m 18:00hrs, Slingerz FC will be chasing their first win of the league when they come up against Monedderlust while the GFC and Alpha United clash from 20:30hrs.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2015