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Maduro agrees...

No. 104326

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER

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to accredit new Guyanese envoy, restore ambassador in Georgetown

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…Venezuela scales P.4 down sabrerattling at border President David Granger shakes hands with his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro before their scheduled meeting with UN Secretary General (also in picture) on Sunday at the UN Headquarters

Two shot as bandits invade EBD fishing port

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 28, 2015

Granger wants Cuba’s backing on border controversy with Venezuela

President David Granger and his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro, with their respective delegations during the conference

By Neil Marks in New York PRESIDENT David Granger has asked for Cuba’s backing as Guyana looks to pursue a legal settlement of the decades-old border controversy with Venezuela. Cuba and Venezuela are

strong allies, and following a meeting with Cuba’s President Raul Castro yesterday, Mr Granger said he hoped the weight of Cuba could be brought to bear in helping to resolve the controversy. “We are aware that Cuba is very close to Venezuela, and we

would certainly want Cuba to use its influence to exercise a moderating influence on Venezuela, so that we can bring this controversy to an end as quickly as possible,” the President said after his meeting with Castro. The meeting is among

several other bilateral conferences the President is having on the margins of the 70th United Nations General Assembly, and he is using every meeting to make world leaders aware of the controversy. “The Foreign Minister and I will take every opportunity

President David Granger and Cuba’s President Raul Castro greet each other in New York

to present Guyana’s interest, and to make sure that this obnoxious claim on our territory is removed, so we can get ahead with our development,” Mr Granger said. In particular, the President and his team are looking to meet with as many Commonwealth states before the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta this November. “Guyana has lost territory to Venezuela, as you know, in the 1899 tribunal award, and we want to get ahead with our development. And we believe that Cuba’s weight in the Caribbean could influence the outcome in ensuring that the Caribbean remains a zone of peace,” the President stated. On Saturday, the Guyana Defence Force carried out a number of military manoeuvers to define its

strength ahead of the country’s 50th anniversary, and to demonstrate its readiness to defend the country’s borders. “There are internal procedures which have to be carried out by the Guyana Defence Force to ensure that it is ready to respond to any threat to Guyana’s territorial integrity,” President Granger said of the exercises. The military mobilisation and readiness exercises were conducted at all Army bases across Guyana. Addressing troops at Base Camp Stephenson and at the GDF Air Corps, Chief of Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips said: “Be assured, Guyana’s border issue with Venezuela was settled in 1899; we stand prepared and will always remain prepared to defend that border.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 28, 2015

Maduro agrees…

Venezuela to accredit new Guyanese envoy …agrees to restore ambassador in Georgetown

Presidents David Granger and Nicolas Maduro are about to get down to talks facilitated by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Also in photo are the Foreign Affairs Ministers of both Guyana and Venezuela (Gordon Moseley photo)

By Neil Marks AFTER Guyana laid down “the facts” regarding the border controversy with Venezuela in a meeting with the United Nations Secretary General, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro agreed to backtrack on some of his earlier positions as Georgetown seeks a legal end to the controversy. At a meeting convened by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon with President David Granger and Maduro in New York, the Venezuelan

President agreed to send back his Ambassador to Guyana and to accredit the new Guyanese Ambassador Cheryl Miles. He had put the accreditation of Miles on hold after complaining about statements Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge allegedly made to a Florida conference earlier this month. Venezuela also agreed to accept a UN team in Caracas to investigate its claims that the 1899 award which settled the countries’ borders is null and void. Afterwards, the team will report to the UN Secretary General for him to continue discus-

sions to find a lasting solution to Venezuela’s claim. At the meeting, President Granger made it clear that Guyana’s sole concern at this time is for a legal settlement to Venezuela’s claim. “All we said [last night] was factual about the territory, about the Venezuelan aggression, about the obstruction of Guyanese development. “We just spoke with facts. We took the opportunity to reiterate that we must have a juridical settlement; it’s a legal problem, there must be a legal solution,” President Granger said after the meeting.

“The Secretary General has a menu of measures which he cited. He knows very well it has reached a stage where there has to be further legal investigation,” the President added. “We’re waiting on the Venezuelans to send their ambassador back to Georgetown. We’re waiting on the Venezuelans to grant agreement to the nominee of Guyana to be an ambassador and we’re waiting on the United Nations team to Caracas to report back to the Secretary General and we’re available after that to have further negotiations,

to have further discussions with the Secretary General.” President Granger said Guyana was “very grateful” to the Secretary General for facilitating the meeting. President Granger insisted that it is the Secretary General who has specific responsibilities for dealing with this matter, “and it was logical that we should come back to him and we’re very grateful that he facilitated the meeting today.” The meeting with Maduro was the first the President has had since he was elected to office last May. The men walked into the room in a sober mood and the Secretary General tried to diffuse the tension by joining their hands. But after they sat down for talks, it was down to “serious” talks, the Foreign Minister Greenidge said, describing the mood of the meeting as sombre. Both sides had an opportunity to explain their positions. President Granger said the Venezuelan position is based on the Geneva agreement, “but they avoided the fact that the matter was resolved, was settled finally in 1899. “The Venezuelans were unable to provide any evidence that the 1899 award was void, that it was null. “We, on our side, the Guyana side, we felt that the controversy was essentially a legal one and we asked for a legal solution. “So the Venezuelans really had no case,” President Granger said. Granger suggested that Venezuela had all the odds stacked up against it; that Venezuela was the one who initiated all the acts of prov-

ocation. “It was the Venezuelans who withdrew their ambassador from Georgetown; it was the Venezuelans who refused our nominee for an Ambassadorship, Ms Cheryl Miles,” he said. “It was the Venezuelans which held the military manoeuvres on the border,” Granger added, referring to the military buildup on the western frontier. Further, he said it was the Venezuelans who promulgated the decree on the 26th of May,” namely the decree in which Maduro sought to annex Guyana’s maritime space, including the area where American firm ExxonMobil discovered a “significant” oil field. Added to that, the President said “it was the Venezuelans which sent a naval corvette into our waters on the 10th of October 2013,” referring to the case when the Venezuelan navy seized a U.S.-chartered oil survey ship from Guyana's waters and escorted it to Margarita island. Granger noted that Guyana has never refused to talk, noting that Maduro himself was in Guyana in August 2013. “Guyana has always been willing to speak. Presidents have exchanged visits over the years but we have arrived at a situation where Venezuela is making a claim, a spurious claim, and it has no evidence to support the claim.” During the meeting, President Granger said he pointed out that in the arbitration award of 1899, Venezuela received 13, 000 square kilometres of Guyanese territory “and Mr Maduro could not deny that.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Venezuela scales down sabre-rattling at border By Ariana Gordon

THERE has been a significant scaling back of Venezuela’s military troops at the Guyana-Venezuela border, according to Minister of State and Secretary to the Defence Board Joseph Harmon. Harmon told the Guyana Chronicle yesterday that the scaling back of the Venezuelan military commenced on Saturday. “Yes, there is a scale-down in the deployment. It appears that the intention is to show Maduro is responsive to public concerns prior to his proposed meeting with President Granger at the United Nations, and also give the impression of reasonableness,” Harmon said. The move by the Venezuelan army comes just one day shy of a planned meeting last night between President David Granger and Venezu-

ela’s President Nicolas Maduro. Harmon, a retired army colonel, said, Guyana has analysed the increased level and quality of armaments “as sabre rattling with a political and strategic objective. “However, as a nation, you can never discard the military objective of land seizure, which can only be dislodged by similar action.” The Minister of State noted, too, that Guyana’s move to publicise its deployment may have been the reason for the Venezuelan Army’s retreat. “So, our publicising of the deployment, and the demonstration that the GDF was prepared to carry out its duty in the end might have succeeded in the calling of President Maduro’s bluff,” he told this publication. Guyana will, nevertheless, remain vigilant, despite the scaling back of troops by Venezuela at the border.

--but Guyana remains vigilant

“We have to remain vigilant, as history has shown, where military action is concerned, a withdrawal might be a regrouping to come again,” Harmon said. On Tuesday last, the Guyana government announced that apart from heightened military presence along the border of the two countries, the Venezuelan military had launched a number of armed vessels in the Cuyuni River. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said that the move by Venezuela was of great concern to the administration. “So, in addition to mobilisation of personnel and equipment, including missile launches, on the other side of its borders, or our borders, they have also, as far as I am concerned, illegally positioned ships in the waterways of Guyana,” Greenidge said. But even as Guyana raised alarm over the opera-

tion of the Venezuelan military, that country’s Minister of Defence Vladimir Padrino Lopez said military officer of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) were conducting “operational exercises” in east Venezuela. He did not indicate the number of soldiers that wereb deployed. It was later announced that a significant number of military troops were stationed at the border, a situation that developed three days prior to the Guyana government’s announcement. Despite the armed patrols on the Cuyuni River and the heightened presence of troops at the border, Guyana will remain vigilant, and will continue to monitor the developments at the border and in its rivers.

The unannounced move by the Venezuelan military has been deemed strange, as under international practice, and out of common courtesy, neighbouring territories inform each other of impending military exercises. “If the international practice is to be taken as a guide, normally, your neighbours would advise of such exercise; planned exercises,” Greenidge said. “And they would normally advise with good notice so they would plan to keep clear of the area, and that there may be unusual activities. We have not been informed of any such exercise,” he told this publication last week. As Guyana continues to monitor the scaling back of military troops, strong calls

are being made for all Guyanese to be alert and careful. Guyana remains steadfast in its position that the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award settled the border controversy with Venezuela, and that that Award is a full and final settlement. Venezuela’s illegitimate claim to the Essequibo region and Guyana’s maritime space resurfaced in May following the discovery and announcement of a significant oil find by US oil giant, ExxonMobil. Over the years, the UN has attempted to resolve the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, but President Granger believes it is time that the issue is settled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

At Family Farming forum…

IICA expert stresses need for farmers to get accurate weather forecasts

By Clifford Stanley TECHNICAL Director of the Institute for Inter-American Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim has stressed the need for accurate, short and longterm weather forecasts to be provided to the Region’s farmers in a timely manner. He said that this service was becoming more and more critical for the farmers since the traditional planting seasons are shifting.

He said: “There is a lot of noise sometimes about farmers knowing when to plant but the climate is changing. Things are changing, local grassroots knowledge on the seasons is becoming rapidly outdated.” The IICA expert, who is Guyanese-born, was speaking on the topic: ‘Sustainable Development of Family Farming and Climate Change in the Caribbean: Challenges and Opportunities’. He referred to the current situation in Central America where farmers planted beans in May with the expectation of rains but since then their crops are being devastated by a long dry season because of the El Nino effect. He said the accurate and

“It is not only shocks but also stress; stress is something that is gradually coming; that you can see is going to occur. Shock is like a hurricane that comes suddenly,” Dr Ibrahim said, adding: “Farmers need a lot of quality information, in terms of weather forecasts; they need information on when there is going to be drought Dr. Muhammad conditions; how long will Ibrahim it last; when to plant; the planting season can be very understandable weather data important was necessary for building “I don’t think the farmers resilience in the regional ag- are having precise informaricultural sector. tion on this, and if they are He defined resilience as getting the information, they the capacity of a system to are getting it too late.” experience shocks, while reIn addition, he noted taining essentially the same that family agriculture has functions, structure, feed- to be able to adapt to threats backs and therefore identity. and to envisioning an ideal

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future and this is where there is need for better forecasting and prediction of what the weather is going to be. In that light, he noted that: “This information has to be public goods. We need to develop a good system of sharing information and getting information downscale.” He added that most of the weather information given is coarse-grain information – that is, it is too broad. He said: “You find people presenting data on climate change and weather and they show you the whole red of the Caribbean Region; but you want more fine-grain analysis, you want more precise information.”

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CLIMATE-SMART He said that the challenge was to simplify the long and short-term weather data to get the users to understand and to use them for climate-smart agriculture. He pointed out also that “it is not only adjusting the dates for planting but also deciding what varieties to plant. You need more early maturing varieties because the next rainy season could be short.” T h e I I C A t r a i n ing programme on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and adaptation of family farming to climate change w a s h e l d i n G u y a n a for regional agricultural and land use officials last week.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Beepats commissions US$8.5M warehouse

Two shot as bandits invade EBD fishing port ARMED bandits yesterday struck at the Meadow Bank wharf on the lower East Bank, relieving a fish glue trader of a significant sum of money and injuring two persons who happened to be in their line of fire. The victim, who was robbed of $380,000 was identified as Omar Esau, 49, of Providence, East Bank Demerara. Injured was 47-yearold Pooran Singh of Unity, East Coast Demerara, who was grazed in the abdomen by a stray bullet, and an unidentified woman, who was also hit by the same bullet. Fishermen plying their trade at the wharf yesterday said many questionable characters are always present at the wharf in the wee hours of the morning when business is being transacted and there is need for regular police patrols.

The calls yesterday for more security are not new, since there have been a number of previous robberies that have elicited appeals for an impactful police presence at the Meadow Bank wharf. Reliving the incident, Esau told the Chronicle: “I would normally go to the wharf like normal to transact my fish-glue business. As soon as I park up my bus at about 3:50am, I hear a loud sound; then I see my windscreen at the driver side door get smash with a brick.” The next thing he knew was that there was a gun pointing at him. “It was two men,” he said. “They didn’t tall, but they were young. The one with the gun took all my money, my cell phone, and even my driver’s licence. Then they run out, When they gone, I get back my licence,

Acting President Moses Nagamootoo cuts the ceremonial ribbon Saturday to officially declare the new Beepats warehouse open BEEPATS Company on Saturday commissioned a brand new US$8.5M warehouse at Denis Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. The warehouse, reputedly the largest such facility in Guyana, measures 75,400 squarefeet, and will facilitate the timely receipt and delivery of goods. This new warehouse replaces the company’s old one at Ogle, on the lower East Coast, which was destroyed by fire back in 2013. Kristofer Beepat, a company representative, said for the past 50 years, the company has had non-stop delivery service to Berbice, Essequibo, Linden, Bartica, East and West Coast Demerara and the East Bank Demerara and Georgetown. However, since the October 2013 fire, the company has experienced great travails, as they had to rent warehouse space, a task that proved quite expensive. “It was with this in mind, and looking to the next 50

years, that it was decided to build this new warehouse,” Beepat said. The new facility, he said, allows for the offloading of a 40-ft container within half an hour, as opposed to approximately six hours at the company’s Regent Street store and other warehouses. “It is also hoped that, once the kinks have been ironed out, orders taken for goods in the administration building will be sent electronically to the warehouse, and by the time the customer has paid for the goods, they will be ready for delivery,” he added. Acting President, Moses Nagamootoo, who officiated at the opening ceremony, congratulated the Beepats for their unwavering commitment to investing in Guyana. He told the gathering at the simple commissioning ceremony: “Sophia is an area that is a maiden spot for business,” and that there is “a reservoir of labour” to be tapped into in that communi-

ty. “I am glad that business people have decided to open business here,” he said. He noted that government will create an “even playing field,” since “there is room for retail business; room to supply the network of all the businesses…and open competition.” The new warehouse comes fully equipped with modern facilities for storage, handling, and inventory control systems. Pre-engineered by Allied Steel Buildings, it sits on three acres of land, two-anda-half of which is dedicated to the warehouse proper, while the remaining half-acre is being used to house the administrative building, vehicle workshop and parking area. The main building is complete, and support facilities should be fully functional before year-end. The company got its financing from Demerara Bank and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited.

CJ grants 12 petitioners $4.5M bail -pending determination of their cases

ACTING Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang, S.C., on Friday granted 12 petitioners bail in the sum of $4,545,000, pending determination of their cases. Particulars follow: For possession of narcotics, Seon Brewster was placed on $150,000 bail; Rayon Baldeo was placed on $100,000 bail; Conrade Hackett, $650,000 bail; Paul Coleman, $650,000 bail; Clorunda Evans, $275,000 bail; Mervyn Griffith, $300,000 bail; and Shiwogobin was placed on $300,000 bail. For discharging a loaded firearm, Mahadai Singh was placed on $150,000 bail. For break and enter, Errol Johnson was placed on $400,000 bail.For unlawful assault, Lennox Fortune was placed on $20,000 bail. For robbery under arms, Anthony David was placed on $850,000 bail.And for possession of firearm and ammunition, Neon Howard was placed on $700,000 bail.

The minibus that Omar Esau uses to ply his ‘fish-glue’ trade

because, like they throw it on the ground, because it had no value to them.” It was his third robbery in less than a year. The first was on November 7 last year, when, at the same Meadow Bank wharf, gunmen held him up while he was waiting in his minibus with a friend. They took all his money and valuables on that occasion. The second was just last month. Thankfully, he was not at home at the time, but it was around 08:00hrs on the morning of Sunday, August 23, that gunmen decided to pay his Providence home a visit. He would later learn from his wife and children that three bandits had stormed his home, using the open back door to gain entry. They carted off jewellery, laptops, cell phones, cash and even some fish glue. “People in the area said they saw a silver-grey Toyota Sprinter with four men,” Esau recalled. “The driver waited in the car, while the other three rush into the house, and later went away with everything.” The popular Meadow Bank seafood trading facility is frequented daily by scores of customers from as early as 05:30hrs. Persons travel from far-off communities to make their purchases, as fish and shrimp are sold at competitive prices. Police visited the scene yesterday, and statements were taken. (Rabindra Rooplall)

Guyana

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy

UN SG should be asked to take matter to Security Council Dear Editor,

EDITORIAL

What belligerence?

GUYANA is currently facing aggression from Venezuela. This past week the Venezuelans have taken that aggression to another level. They have amassed troops on our borders and from all reports have shown every intent to escalate the already delicate situation. Our government has responded by readying our troops to monitor the Venezuelans and to potentially defend our country. In addition, the President has embarked on an aggressive campaign to whip up diplomatic support for our cause and in the process to deter Venezuela from continuing its aggression. In the meantime, the opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has pledged its support for the country, but it expressed its opposition to the government’s decision to ready the troops. According to the Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo Guyana should avoid belligerence. What belligerence? We support an effort for a diplomatic resolution to the problem, but we reject the idea that we should not make any military moves in self-defence. Self-defence should not be equated with military belligerence. Guyana is the victim of military belligerence; not the other way around. Since when mobilising against a threat to your territory being pilfered amounts to belligerence? There comes a time when political bickering and grandstanding must give way to national interests. This goes for both the government and opposition. You cannot, in the face of the threats from Venezuela, be playing political games and trying to score political points. The threat of war is not beaten back only by a military response, but also by the capacity of a country to mobilise its citizens in support of its efforts. And the opposition is critical to such mobilisation—they hold the support of half of the nation. Having said the above, Guyana cannot and should not court war, even if we could win. There are no winners of wars. It is for that reason that we must support the diplomatic and judicial routes. Our judicial case is strong. The 1899 Agreement was universally accepted. To unilaterally seek to nullify it through aggression or whatever other means smacks of bullying. Venezuela cannot preach against United States imperialism and set itself up as a bulwark against such imperialism while at the same time practising imperialism against a small neighbour. The rest of the world, friend or foe, should not tolerate such behaviour. If Guyana cannot be allowed to pursue its economic development without humbug from Venezuela, then the latter must be discredited and deterred. Our leaders must continue to build world opinion against Venezuelan aggression. There is no other way. In this regard the solidarity of our sister CARICOM countries is important. We know of the benefits they enjoy from Venezuela’s kindness. But that should not blind their eyes to that country’s aggression against their sister country. We may be poor countries but we should not allow our mouths to be muzzled by the oil we consume. Guyanese, at home and abroad, must join the cause. In the end all we have is ourselves. To the Venezuelans we ask them to be true to their stated values and turn against war and greed. That’s not the Bolivarian way.

I READ with considerable concern, coupled with mild amusement, some cacophonous utterances allegedly issuing from three high officials of the administration whose troubled demeanours spread across the printed media were unwittingly calculated to elicit utter distress from a bewildered citizenry. For whereas the Chief-of-Staff was disposed to mobilise his forces to “define” aggression, the honourable Minister of State was disposed to inform and sensitise Guyanese about disturbing movements by Venezuela on our eastern border by way of an appropriate “defence”, the Minister responsible for Governance and Natural Resources was inclined to make a fatuous distinction between a show of force, the threat of force and the use of force. In the meantime, no clearer definition of aggression could have been

discerned than the illegal occupation and militarisation of Guyana’s half of Ankoko Island located in the Cuyuni River and the alleged deployment of gunboats in the said river by the Venezuelan military commander. Some four decades ago, I had the honour of representing Guyana on the United Nations Committee on Defining Aggression, a mandate inherited from the League of Nations which had valiantly but unsuccessfully wrestled with the issue of defining aggression and which the United Nations inherited and has been unable to resolve definitively and conclusively despite the elaboration of the Declaration on the Definition of Aggression (GA Resolution 3314 XXIX) 1974 and Article 5 of the Rome Treaty Establishing the International Criminal Court (1998). What our Chief-of-Staff may usefully occupy himself in doing is to establish and bring to the attention of the current administration acts of military aggression on the

part of Venezuela in respect of Guyana’s land territory and maritime space. If, as alleged by our Chief-ofStaff, the Cuyuni River is wholly within Guyana’s territorial space and armed vessels have been deployed by Venezuela therein, a blatant commission of aggression, undeserving of definition, has clearly been committed thereby entitling the Guyana Defence Force to repel the aggressor. Our Commander-in-Chief need not be concerned in these circumstances with the commission of aggression by our soldiers unless the response to the Venezuelan initiative is indisputably disproportionate. One plausible interpretation of current events is a strategy being employed by Venezuela to intimidate the Guyana Head of Government into engaging in a oneon-one negotiating meeting prior to his firm rejection of Venezuela’s ambitions in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday.

In the premises, what appears to be required is an approach to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, in whose court the ball has now been firmly located, to invoke Article 99 of the Charter to bring the aggressive acts of Venezuela, which undeniably threaten international peace and security, to the attention of the Security Council with an invitation for that body to secure from the International Court of Justice an Advisory Opinion on the current controversy between Venezuela and Guyana. This having been said, our honourable Attorney General may be left undisturbed to focus on other important juridical issues and our Chief-ofStaff on efficacious military initiatives. Yours respectfully, PROFESSOR JUSTICE DUKE POLLARD,

Pope’s views reflect those of Dr Cheddi Jagan

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) welcomes the views expressed by Pope Francis in his address to the joint session of the United States Congress and the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Pope Francis views on poverty, war and peace, the environment, migration, joblessness, family disintegration and the plight of young people reflect by and large the views expressed by Cheddi Jagan in his call for a New Global Order. In his address to the US Congress Pope Francis mentioned; “the many geopolitical and economic crisis”. In this regard he declared; “Even in the privileged world, the effects of unjust structures and actions are all too apparent.” The Pope’s call on the American people to “move forward together as one in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity cooperating generously for the common good” is instructive not only for America but for the peo-

ple of the world. In this regard, the relations between the North and the South are brought into sharper focus. Moveover, the Pope’s call to the effect that; in this regard Dr. Jagan stated; “The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially its causes” is reminiscent of Cheddi Jagan’s views expressed in his address to the World Food Summit held in Rome, Italy in November, 1996; “Today hunger, poverty and social disintegration stalk the globe, not just in the South but also in the North, and the gap in living standards between the North and South contuse to widen”. In offering a solution Dr. Jagan recommended; “A new North built partnership must be fashioned in the search for more positive and innovative ways to cope with effects of globalization and liberalization which are marginalising millions of people and even many nations”. It is apposite to note that

following the Pope’s address, to its Joint Session of the US Congress Bernie Sanders one of the presidential hopefuls had this to say; “The Pope is right in saying all of us must address the grotesque increase in wealth inequality we are seeing throughout the world.” Addressing the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Pope Francis reminded world leaders: “the International Financial Agencies should care for the sustainable development of countries and should ensure that they are not subjected to oppressive lending systems which, far from promoting progress, subject people to mechanism which generate greater poverty, exclusion and dependence. Turning his attention to the long-standing and unresolved matter of reform at the UN and it Bodies, Pope Francis expressed the view that; “Reform and adaptation to the times is always necessary in the pursuit of the

ultimate Goal of granting all countries, without exception, a share in and a genuine and equitable influence on decision making processes.” The PPP supports the call for Reform at the United Nations. Dr. Cheddi Jagan, in a paper presented to the United Nations sponsored World Hearings On Development held in June 1994, had this to say: “The United Nations must become the Centre for economic growth and human development for radical reform towards the creation of a New Global Human Order.” The PPP is convinced that the progressive, democratic and peace loving forces in countries both in the North and the South will continue to work together to address the problems of the poor and the powerless towards the strategic objective of creating a New Global Human Order. CLEMENT ROHEE General Secretary PPP

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Sex and religion Dear Editor I WANT to talk about sex, particularly about sex among religious people. I am not talking about love making. I am not talking about romance. There is sufficient skirting around the issue. I am talking about sex. My friend, Dr. Hilton Garnett, former President of the Guyana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, himself a counsellor, invited me to return to Guyana from the USA. But just before accepting the invitation to return home I was able to convince another friend of mine in the USA, Dr. Jackson, to construct on his land, private individual cubicles and to conduct workshops on sex. The intention is that folks would come to this lake-side facility; listen to professionals present on topics of romance and sex. Then they would retire to their self-contained cubicles and practise what they have learned. The hope is that the time spent there would improve the sexual side of the marriage. All over the world there is a huge problem with sex amongst us, religious people. We all know there is a problem. In fact, we have developed methods to pun-

ish those who break our religious sex-codes. Yet we sheepishly refuse to speak to the issue as we wish the problems away. Somehow or the other we have allowed our sexual, God-given, gift to be usurped by the Devil. We have bought into the notion that even if we are married sex should remain a taboo subject and we engage in the act of sex – or in any discussion about it – in very unhealthy ways. A Christian woman who speaks publically about it is considered a slut and a man who speaks up about it is frowned on as a cheat. Even as I write this letter, I am searching my mind for defensive ways of justifying this article among my religious brethren. Many will agree with what I am saying but more will rebuke me for saying it. This act of vilification and resentment towards formally addressing sexual matters is not doing the religious community any good. A great number of the sermons preached is directed towards religious leaders trying to keep their followers sexually “pure”. Further, what we have is a plethora of sexually unfilled and emotionally, unhappily married folks within our congregations because

we are failing to address the topic and art of sex and sexual fulfilment. If you doubt me, ask the next ten females if they are sexually satisfied and the majority – if they are truthful – will tell you “no”. And this lack of sexual fulfilment is not unique to females. Some wives could care less if their husbands are sexually satisfied. Editor, I have been studying this matter of sex and religion for many years now. Like I noted earlier, I was able to convince a millionaire in the U.S. to invest in this subject because he too knew and understood that what I was suggesting made sense. Over the years I have been able to share my views on the topic with a fair measure of success amongst those who follow my suggestions. As a pre-marital and marriage counsellor, the subject of finance and sex take up the bulk of the counselling time, for I have found that they are the two most problematic areas within the marriage. However, I focus on the area of sex more because the nominal marriage vows seem to insinuate that the couple should stay together for better or worse (financially and physically) but not sexually. So the marriage holds

Jagdeo must tell us the whole truth Dear Editor: OPPOSITION Leader Jagdeo is quoted in the press that “under his watch the PPP will return to power”. Editor, it is with an interrogating mind I ask - to do what? Under his watch he boasts of nine consecutive years of economic growth but let us properly analyse this situation. On average over those nine years the growth rate averaged at 4. 3 percent. B u t E d i t o r, J a g d e o failed to tell us the whole truth? He did not tell you that the average transfer of wealth from the European Union because of preferential sugar prices averaged 5 percent for most of those years. Then

when the preferential prices for sugar ceased at the end of 2012, it was replaced by preferential rice prices in 2013 and 2014 from Venezuela at almost 55 percent more than the world market prices with aggregated wealth transfer from Venezuela in 2013 and 2014 valued at over US$105 million. This is what Venezuela paid in excess of the world market prices for Guyana’s rice in those two years. Let us do the arithmetic since this seems not to be his forte. If we were to take away the additional revenue from the preferential EU sugar prices and the preferential rice prices offered by Venezuela in 2013 and 2014, the economy would have actually regressed. So

any financial analyst worth his salt should not be surprised that the economy is “flat-lining” in 2015 since it is final on stage in the real world with our products being sold at world market prices. No artificial props! For the first time since 1978, we have to compete in the world market without some kind of free transfer of cash from our trading partners and we are found very wanting. This has nothing to do with the APNU-AFC coalition; they were dealt a very bad hand by the Ramotar administration. What is done with this bad hand is what matters now. Regards SASE SINGH

during financial crises and health/physical crises. These problems seem to bring with them some level of patience and workability. And many marriages survive them. But the crises of sexual issues seem to disable any ability for the partners to be rational, understanding and forgiving. The elephant of sex sits in the room, while everyone pretends not to see it. The man is not sexually fulfilled because his wife does not know how to sexually satisfy him and he does not want to ask certain questions or suggest certain things. He is either afraid that doing that will embarrass her, or she might think he is being fulfilled by someone who is doing

what he is now asking her to do. So the man remains less than fulfilled sexually. On the other hand, the woman is left without her much deserved orgasms – the man fast asleep or long gone. She dares not tell him what she thinks or how she feels for fear that her requests might be miss interpreted as her being sexually fulfilled outside of the home or worse, she might be termed a sex-freak. So what we have is a large set of our religious population, endowed with God-given sensory nerve-endings, designed to bring us blissful bursts of bountiful pleasure and joyful ecstasy. Then we get married and find ourselves dabbling in the doldrums of sexual

lack or truncated sexual excitement. There is a lack of marriage and relationship counsellors in Guyana and the few that we have are only able to speak on peripheral issues. Maybe if the religious organisations would have more of their spiritual leaders formally trained in these areas there would be less marital disasters in the country. Depending on the discussions derived from this letter, I will write on ways that couples could improve on their sex lives. Let the discussion begin. Pastor Wendell P. Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries Founder/President

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 28, 2015

Felix says...

Review of Births and Deaths Registration Act ‘to commence immediately’ By Ravin Singh A LEGISLATIVE review of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act is expected to commence “immediately” in an effort to achieve 100 per cent registration of births in Guyana. The disclosure was made on Friday by Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix, who announced that the Ministry of the Presidency Department of Citizenship, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), will additionally spearhead a multi-year communication plan to support the drive to universal birth registration. The collaboration is expected to last a minimum of 2 years. The first component of the two-phase plan

is expected to be reeled out immediately, with the second phase taking effect in 2016. Minister Felix has said that the first component, which involves the review of the births and deaths legislation and the proposal for new legislation, will commence “immediately.” “There is an act which came out some time ago, and we are looking to use that act to compare it with the Registration of Births Act to look for inconsistencies; and we hope that a review will bring these [inconsistencies] up,” Felix said. As to who will be spearheading this operation, the Minister revealed that UNICEF will be supported by a consultant, identified as Patrick Triumph.

The two partners -- Triumph and UNICEF -- Felix said, will work towards having this review done within a specified time. When the review is done, the results will be shared with the relevant stakeholders, including the Citizenship Minister. This will be part of a number of first steps to ensure that Guyana’s vision for 100 per cent registration is realised through the full articulation and implementation of policies which promote, among other things, free and universal birth registration. The second component of the plan involves development of a multi-year communication plan to support the drive to universal birth registration.

UNICEF will be responsible for recruiting expertise for designing the communication campaign, which is expected to start soon. The campaign will utilise media such as television, radio and social media. Though an amount was not disclosed, funding for this campaign will be provided for by UNICEF. UNICEF Representative for Guyana and Suriname Marianne Flach, who was present yesterday at the short meeting, expressed the view that a child who has not been registered at birth is as if he/ she does not exist, which warrants the need for such an initiative. “For children to have access to education (and) health, and be able to vote,

they need birth registration. Without registration, the child does not exist, and so I am extremely pleased with this collaborative effort,” Flach said. Noting that Guyana has attained between 89 and 92 per cent birth registration, Minister Felix noted that there is a great need to “get the word out in outlying areas” for persons to register births. These “outlying areas” include hinterland and other remote areas. “We have experienced the ill-effects of not having birth registration. We have found at elections time that there is a mad rush to get birth certificates. The problem is great; I have seen persons get a birth certificate without a name,”

Minister Felix told reporters yesterday. He noted that these first steps will be accompanied in the future by a larger plan, and action which would address issues such as supply and demand; decentralisation, and access to efficient and quality services; budget and expenditure that is supportive of increased birth registration; and management and coordination issues to support birth registration for all Guyanese. The Minister, a few months ago, announced his intention to take steps towards implementation of electronic registration of births for Guyanese, as well as upgrade of current laws and policies under citizenship.

GNRSC: Accident rate ‘alarmingly high’ THE Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) has revealed its calendar of activities for Road Safety Month, celebrated anually in October. And while on the subject of road safety, GNRSC Chairman, David Pompey, told a press conference Friday at the Guyana Red Cross Society that the organisation is deeply concerned about the alarmingly high accident rate, and as such is encouraging all road users to observe every rule governing the use of our roads. He disclosed that branches of the association have since been formed on the East and West Coasts of Demerara, and the association is looking to open branches in other divisions, such as in Essequibo. The Association is in the process of planning its activities for Road Safety Month, and is encouraging persons to come on board for the Road Safety March, which will take place in front of Parliament Buildings. Pompey said the GNRSC will also hold a Road Safety Awareness walk, besides engaging itself in press briefings, symposia, and other activities. Acting Traffic Chief Dion Moore, disclosed that 71 fa-

At Friday’s ‘presser’ are, from left: Chairman of the West Coast Demerara Road Safety Association, Owen Trotz; GNRSC Coordinator, Ramona Doorgen; Traffic Chief, Dion Moore; and GNRSC Chairman, David Pompey

tal accidents have occurred for this year, as against 90 for the corresponding period last year. He said this shows a 21% decrease in road deaths. He also said that this year, 85 persons died on our roads, as against 98 for 2014, which reveals a 13% decrease; and this year, 12 children were killed in road accidents, while for the corresponding period last year, 11 children died. Moore said that, in terms of serious accidents, 291 have been recorded to date, in comparison with 311 last year; and as for minor accidents, 369 have been record-

ed this year, as compared to 376 tallied last year. He added that there have been 611 damage accidents in 2015, with 586 being recorded for last year, whereas, at the end of July, we were at an increase. Moore told reporters that the police have since embarked on a rigid enforcement campaign in August, and this has seen a reduction in road accidents as compared to the previous year. He said the police have a task force and currently work in four divisions -- 'A', 'B','C' and 'D'. He said the team would go into the divisions,

conduct enforcement activities, and return; and one of the enforcement strategies implemented is the testing of drivers for alcohol content. The senior officer said the police have noted with great concern that drivers imbibe more alcohol than the law allows, and that speeding remains one of the major contributory factors to fatalities and accidents. Moore disclosed that for this year, the police have charged 1451 persons for speeding, and 727 persons who breached traffic light-controlled signals have so far been charged. The

police have been aided by the use of Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) in place. The Task Force has been doing a great job; and with the support of the public, a lot more can be done in terms of reporting an infraction by drivers, as well as by police officers who themselves commit traffic violations. Moore is asking members of the public to give the police information they possess, so they can retrain ranks to be more professional in dealing with the public, and all road users can be safe on the roads.

Moore reported that by the end of 2015, the police intend to have a reduction in road accidents by at least 10%, and they are optimistic that by the end of the year they will achieve this overall goal. He said the police are working with the GNRSC and all the road safety associations, as well as the Ministries of Public Security and Public Infrastructure, and the police are getting good support. As such, accidents and deaths will be significantly reduced on our roads. (Michel Outridge)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 28, 2015

Denbow says…

Political will required – for Guyana to become FAA-compliant By Ariana Gordon TO achieve a Category One status under the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Guyana must first demonstrate political will, says former President of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Hugh Denbow. In an interview with this publication, Denbow said without political will, the aviation sector will remain in bad shape. He said over the years, there has been “a lack of political will to achieve what the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is requesting.” While it is a costly exercise, more effort must be made to ensure that Guyana is compliant. “It is costly! It is not a walk in the park!” he said, while pointing out that obtaining Category One status is good, but maintaining it is critical. “You don’t only have to achieve compliance; you have to maintain it, because this month you can get a Category One rating, but next month, you can move down,” Denbow explained. According to Denbow, the lack of knowledge by Guyanese at all levels of the aviation sector and what it takes to ensure that the sector is progressive is beyond comprehension. “We need trained and experienced staff; you need to demonstrate that will to maintain whatever you achieve. It is amazing that a lot of people in Guyana do not understand Civil Aviation,” said the former GCAA chairman. With 42 years experience in the aviation sector, Denbow believes much more can be done. He said the ICAO has highlighted areas that Guyana must improve on before being deemed compliant, but to date that has not been done. There are many limitations to Guyana attaining Category One status under the U.S. FAA ranking. Many of those limitations have been highlighted through both the ICAO and the FAA. “Guyana has been negligent for many reasons in terms of conforming or being in compliance with the standards. This is my personal view. Guyana is one country found to have given low priority to aviation.”

Guyana, he explained, as a member of the ICAO is contractually bound to enact legislation and regulations aimed at establishing systems and procedures for the effective monitoring and control of registered and licensed air operators here. The established systems are required to meet the minimum standards of the ICAO. NOT RATED Many have opined that Guyana is currently a Category Two country as it is non-compliant with the minimum requirements, but Denbow said that Guyana at the moment has no ranking. “The U.S. has knocked out the Category Two; you either comply or don’t... Currently, Guyana is not rated because an assessment has not been conducted on Guyana recently.” In 1990, following the crash of an Avianca Airlines Boeing B707 aircraft at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established an International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating system aimed at determining whether countries whose airlines operate in the U.S. comply with the ICAO standards. Countries that have been deemed Category One countries are those that have complied with the ICAO standards. The FAA would have assessed the country’s Civil Aviation Authority and found it capable to license and oversee air carriers, in accordance with the ICAO aviation safety standards. Category Two countries, on the other hand, refer to countries that do not comply with the ICAO standards. What it means is that upon assessment by the FAA, it was discovered that the country is incapable of carrying out regulatory responsibilities in accordance with the minimum safety standards. Given that Guyana has

been deemed a Category Two country, it means the country lacks the requisite laws and regulations needed to support certification and oversight of air carriers, in accordance with ICAO standards; the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) lacks the technical expertise, resources and organisation to license or oversee air-carrier operations; the GCAA lacks adequately trained and qualified technical personnel; does not provide sufficient inspector guidance to ensure the enforcement and compliance with minimum ICAO standards; GCAA has insufficient documentation and records of certification and the resources for the resolution of safety concerns. TRAINED PERSONNEL Denbow stressed the need for the Civil Aviation industry to be staffed by knowledgeable persons. He said “Civil Aviation in Guyana has always been staffed by air traffic controllers; there was the concept that you had to be an air traffic controller to manage or run civil aviation in Guyana, which has turned around to haunt the development of aviation in Guyana.” He explained that air traffic controllers represent only a small aspect of the civil aviation sector. “It is not even part of the heart of Civil Aviation; it is a service provider,” said Denbow, who noted that there are persons who hold senior positions in the sector that have never received the requisite training. “There are people who started out as air traffic controllers who have reached the height of director, director general, but have never been exposed or trained in the management of civil aviation,” he added. Denbow said he has observed over the years that there are “no efforts to train a group of people to take up the role of managing and developing civil aviation in Guyana. I worked with Guyana Airways Corporation (GAC), but when asked to go on the Board of GCAA in 2012 or thereabouts, it was amazing to find that there were people at high levels that had no exposure, and have never even been qualified in the area... Just air traffic controllers; nobody!”

public service mentality.”

Former GCAA Chairman Hugh Denbow

He believes that an assessment needs to be done to ensure that those who hold senior positions in the sector are qualified, and adequately trained. But while he thinks the assessment would be a good start, he feels it would be resisted. “The first step is to do an assessment; but you’d get a lot of resistance… As you know, the Civil Aviation [Authority], until 2000, was part of the Public Service; and persons are promoted based on seniority… So, right now at the GCAA, the bright people; the qualified people are at the bottom of the ladder, but they cannot surpass those [above], because they still have the

LEGISLATION As part of the ICAO, FAA recommendation, it is critical for Guyana to update its legislation, a task Denbow says has begun. He explained that the GCAA is working with ICAO on the revision of the civil aviation laws. Denbow explained that prior to Independence, Guyana’s aviation was controlled by the British and the Overseas Colonial Air Navigation Act. “When we became independent in 1966, one of the things we should have done was enact Guyana’s own legislation. But this was not done until 1996, some 30 years after.” He said the 1996 legislation was short-lived because, in 2000, a new Act was passed in Parliament. “This Act enables regulations to govern various aspects of civil aviation operations in Guyana,” Denbow said. “They were very slow in terms of developing the regulations; and when they did, they were not sufficient to regulate what was taking place in Guyana,” he added. Guyana, he said, is “unique in terms of its aviation operations,” noting that the situation in Guyana

with respect to operations is similar to that of Canada, Australia, India and Nigeria. “Those countries have large domestic territories. Take for instance, Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, they don’t have. In Guyana, we have a large hinterland. What is still needed is regulation to govern that type of operation.” There is a debate, he said, on whether legislation should deal collectively or separately with domestic and international operations. “It is lacking in terms of domestic regulations,” he stated. ICAO regulates civil aviation worldwide and has 19 annexes which are referred to as standards that must be complied with. The annexes speak to personnel licensing, rules of the air, meteorological service for international air navigation, aeronautical charts, units of measurement to be used in air and ground operations, international commercial air transport, aircraft nationality and registration marks, etc. The annexes also speak to airworthiness of aircraft, facilitation, radio navigation aids, commun i c a t i o n s p ro c e d u re s , communications systems, surveillance radar and collision avoidance systems, aeronautical radio frequency spectrum utilisation, air traffic services, search and rescue, aircraft accident and incident investigation, aerodrome design and construction, heliports, aeronautical information services, environmental protection - aircraft noise, environmental protection - aircraft engine emissions, the safe transport of dangerous goods by air and air traffic management (PANS-ATM).

Tip-off leads police to ‘ganja’, cocaine find ACTING on a report that armed men were observed in the Powis Landing area of the Five Star Backdam in the North West District, a party of policemen travelled to the area on Wednesday night, and came under fire at a house, where they unearthed a quantity of marijuana and what is suspected to be cocaine. Police reported that at about 20:30 hrs on Tuesday September 23, 2015, police

ranks, acting on a report, went to a house in the area where armed men were reportedly seen, and the place came under fire. The ranks returned fire, and a number of men managed to run out of the building and escape. The premises were searched, and 550 grammes of marijuana and 40 grammes of what is suspected to be cocaine were found. Investigations are in progress.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 28, 2015

Jagdeo says...

Gov’t can always buy out BBCI – if it’s really serious about reducing fares By Rabindra Rooplall THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) will support any move by government that will benefit citizens, especially where lowering the fares of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) is concerned. This is according to former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who, at a press conference at Freedom House on Friday, said that if government is really serious about fulfilling its Manifesto promise, it could buy out the Berbice Bridge, since Guyana is not a bankrupt country. “You still have about $30 billion in the semi-autonomous agencies; the so-called private accounts that the government can transfer (at) any time, and should have transferred, based on their election promise.” Jagdeo

declared. “I remember they had said that this money was held outside the budget, and its only purpose was for us (PPP government) to steal it. So the Government has money to negotiate a settlement and take back the bridge, since there are resources available.” Jagdeo said on the $80+ billion that was budgeted for the year: “The Government has the ability to spend $850M per day, and I doubt whether they (Government) can spend it.” Jagdeo said the administration could purchase the necessary shares in the BCCI. The equity for the Bridge is $400 million. This is the sale of an ownership interest to raise funds for business purposes. The remainder was financed by debentures. The former President said government could put

in place a different structure, which could allow for the equity to be increased; which could see the equity doubling, thus providing funds to pay bondholders and the preference shareholder, which is the National Insurance Scheme (NIS). He noted that Berbice business persons can also invest in the project, which would cause the equity to be reduced and immediately cut some of the overhead expenses of the BBCI. That, he added, will be a win-win situation for all, including Government, investors, and users of the Berbice Bridge. Asked why the PPP is now supporting a reduction in fares for the bridge, Jagdeo said the PPP had never promised a reduction of the fare in its Manifesto. The former Head of State said the issues surrounding the BBCI were being

The Berbice Bridge

politicised. “We want the suggestions to come from the people. I don’t want to get involved personally; but, like I have said, anything that will bring down fares on the Berbice Bridge, I am supportive of, once it is fair

to all of the shareholders.” The former President, who ended his three-day outreach to Berbice with the business community meeting on Wednesday, addressed the bridge issue at several meetings during

the three days. According to the Opposition Leader, without any consultation with the BBCI, government took a unilateral decision to reduce the bridge toll by $300 for vehicular traffic.

Rights group pickets Berbice NIS office – urges field officers to be more proactive By Jeune Bailey Vankeric THE National Insurance Scheme (NIS) in New Amsterdam is the latest entity to be demonstrated against by the ‘Justice for the Unjust’ organisation (JFTU), as that NGO intensifies its protest actions in attempting to get justice for underprivileged groups. Armed with placards which highlighted several issues affecting contributors, the organisation’s members collectively issued a call for the NIS field officers to be more proactive in order to arrest alleged discrepancies faced by the working population, particularly those employed by the private sector. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, JFTU Vice-President, Mr. Ishmael King, said: “There are a lot of private firms not paying the NIS contributions for their respective workers, and NIS is sitting idly, not doing anything about it. We are calling on the field officers to be more active and go and check the records of these businesses, and let them be responsible for paying their staff contributions. “You see, when these people [employees] become old and attain the pensionable age, and on visiting NIS, they then learn there are no contributions although there is evidence that monies were deducted from their salaries and

wages, there are no records to prove that the persons were employed by certain entities. “However, if monies were paid, many times NIS would say that the individuals had an insufficient contribution, which would result in the issuing of a grant instead of a pension. “Therefore, we are calling on the coalition government to address the issue of insufficient contributions, and set aside monies so that, instead of persons benefiting from a grant, persons can receive a pension. “Government can offer a subsidy for the benefit of the elderly. If the government and NIS fail to address this concern, then the private sector will continue to exploit their workers, who have toiled to make Guyana a better place.” King argued that many contributors died before receiving their benefits, while others who attained the age of 60 and failed to meet the relevant contributions are left with a paltry sum; a grant, which is inadequate to meet their needs. F u r t h e r, h e e m p h a sised that cost of living is high; life expectancy is short, and few persons are living beyond age 65. JFTU President Mr. Dion Thomas highlighted the urgent need for monies borrowed by the Berbice Bridge Company Inc to be returned to the

National Insurance Scheme, so that the contributors can become beneficiaries. The protestor told the media he was unable to recall being invited to a meeting where contributors were told that their monies would be lent to assist in financing the Berbice River Bridge. He also highlighted the many security firms which offer services in Region 6, East Berbice/Corentyne, yet fail to honour their obligations by paying the deducted sums in favour of their employees’. “Many of these firms have no documents to prove the amount of persons in their employment. NIS supervisors are saying that records are kept in Georgetown. But if a person works here, a record must be kept here, and the field officer must be able to access that record when necessary,” Thomas contended. Further, Thomas said that in attempts to assist scores of persons with their various complaints, he journeyed to Whim, where an official complaints desk is located. He, however, deemed the operations as a fraud, as he is yet to receive acknowledgement or a response from the liaison officer or the respective government agencies. He urged politicians not to only come to the Ancient County when it’s time to cast the ballot, but that they remember Berbicians, and pri-

marily New Amsterdam, the land that time forgot, so as to take employment, electricity and development there.

Since being registered two months ago, this NGO has protested for the removal of the overage lone

labour officer Mr Ronald Bissoondyal, and for the reduction of the Berbice River Bridge tolls.

Visa-free travel to Russia for Guyanese

Foreign Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, signing the agreement that will ensure visa-free travel between the two countries for their citizens

FOREIGN Affairs Minister, Carl Greenidge and his counterpart of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, on Sunday signed an agreement, on behalf of their countries, which will facilitate visa-free travel for citizens, between the two States. The signing took place on the sidelines of the United Nations 70th General Assembly, United Nations Headquarters. Minister Greenidge said it is a process that is aimed at encouraging movement between the two

countries. This new agreement will now afford citizens from these two countries the opportunity to travel between the two countries without a visa and stay for a maximum of six months. This new development will also see a major boost for the local tourism and business industries the minister said. In addition, the minister said he views this move as one that will also remove a major barrier and one that will enhance business relations between the two countries.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 28, 2015

Ramjattan reveals...

Gov’t mulling construction of new prison –‘somewhere in the Demerara River area’ PUBLIC Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has told the Guyana Chronicle that given the overcrowding situation at the Camp Street Prison, and because the location is very residential, there are talks of the possibility of constructing a prison somewhere in the Demerara River area, preferably on one of the islands. The minister disclosed that he observed the A and B Blocks of the Capital Section of the Camp Street Prison were very crowded, and that many prisoners had shouted out to him to complain about prison life and its difficulties. He said those incarcerated asked to have early trials, since they have been languishing in jail for a long time, awaiting trial. Following Thursday night’s collapse of a water tank trestle at the Camp Street Prison, and the resultant damage that had been done to

a section of the zinc fence and the ablution area of the Condemned Block, Minister Khemraj Ramjattan, as Public Security Minister, visited the jail Friday to get a first-hand assessment of the damage. The minister described the incident as very unfortunate after touring the penitentiary. He spent about one-and-a -half hours interacting with prison officials and inmates. Minister Ramjattan said repairs are being effected to the Brick Block, the damaged section of which houses three washrooms for condemned prisoners. He disclosed that prisoners housed there would be relocated until rehabilitation works have been completed to both the fence and damaged section. The trestle would also have to be rebuilt to accommodate water tanks which provide potable water to the ablution area, where there are three washrooms. Minister Ramjattan said

The damaged fence of the Camp Street Prison after a water tank trestle collapsed on Thursday night

he has learnt that when big trucks pass the Camp Street Prison via D’Urban Street, another water trestle on that side would shake uncontrollably, and he said it has to be fixed before it collapses. He said he is nevertheless thankful that no one was injured when the trestle col-

Zinc sheets sealing the damaged section of the wall of the Condemned Block of the Prison

lapsed on Thursday night at about 21:00 hrs, and he was proud that prison officials, backed up by the police, took control of the security of the prisoners. The minister added that the authorities are in consul-

tation with engineers, and when he goes to Cabinet on Tuesday, he would lobby for some money to be spent on rehabilitation of the damaged section of the Camp Street Prison. Minister Ramjattan re-

vealed that, since the incident, security in and around the prisons has been increased, and more roadside patrols are being done during the night until rehabilitation works are completed. (Michel Outridge)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Bourda Market drainage being restored

WHAT was once unbelievable is now true: that drain east of Bourda Market, which once seemed perpetually blocked, has been desilted and the water is being drained once more! City Hall is currently carrying out major drainage works in the Bourda/Lacytown wards. Begun two Sundays ago, the works include desilting drains running south along Orange Walk, from North Road all the way to South Road, off the Dorothy Bailey Municipal Centre, and amazing success has been realised. Work on desilting the drain to the east of Bourda Market was continuing apace Saturday in keeping with other works being done in the Bourda/ Lacytown area. Various items of heavy equipment were being employed on the desilting works, while huge trucks were taking away the

sludge. Notable success has been accomplished in clearing the massively cloggedup culvert spanning the width of Regent Street and taking water all the way through to be deposited in the South Road canal. And, water from the Bourda Market drain (to the east of the market) can also be drained along Orange Walk, all the way through to the North Road canal. “What this means,” says City Engineer Colvern Venture, “is that the water would no longer accumulate on the roadways or around Bourda Market when it rains. Better still, there will be no more flooding of the market, resulting in hardships and losses suffered by businesses through damage to their goods by water seeping in from overflowing drains.” Venture said what is even more heartening in the scheme of things is that the

Desilting the Orange Walk drain east of Bourda Market

money being expended to offset the cost of such massive infrastructural works is being realised through the payment of rates and taxes by residential property owners and businesses. Town Clerk Royston

King is elated at the response. He claims that none of what has been expended on this segment of the drainage works so far has come to the national treasury. Commenting on the response to the amnesty by ratepayers, King disclosed that, so far, the response has

been heartening, particularly from residential property owners. “What has been noted is that residential ratepayers are coming forward and paying their taxes, and in far greater numbers proportionately than businesses; so we are urging the businesses to pay up,” King said. “The

target set by City Hall for collection of rates and taxes through the amnesty granted is $1B.” The amnesty, which began on September 1, will come to an end on September 30, after which defaulting ratepayers stand to be prosecuted. (Shirley Thomas)

The newly-resurfaced Orange Walk was blocked to facilitate drainage works under way in the area

Silt removed from the clogged drains being loaded onto trucks for removal

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Children’s safe-house opens on Essequibo Coast

THE Ministry of Social Protection, in collaboration with Blossom Incorporated, the Child Care and Protection Agency, and RIVAH, has opened a new Children’s Advocacy Centre at Three Friends Village on the Essequibo Coast. The intention is to provide a safe and comfortable place for children who are victims of abuse, and for their non-offending family members to access child abuse services. Speaking at the launching ceremony, Region 2 Chairman Mr Devanand Ramdatt said he was very pleased that the advocacy centre has been opened in the region, as he believes in the ‘public-private partnership’ (PPP) approach. He therefore expressed his gratitude to Digicel, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Beharry Group of Companies for supporting the work of Blossom Incorporated through the Children’s Advocacy Centres in Regions 2, 3, 4, and 5. The regional chairman noted that sexual abuse is one of The newly commissioned Children’s Advocacy Centre at Three Friends on the Essequibo Coast the worst forms of abuse in the world, and he said the Pomeroon/Supenaam region has in the country one of the highest rates of suicide involving children. Ramdatt said he firmly believes that young people are an asset to be developed, and not a problem to be dealt with. Senior Probation and Welfare Officer of the Ministry of Social Protection, Phillip Anthony, also team leader of Region 2, said yesterday’s event marks an important achievement, because another Children’s Advocacy Centre has been opened in the country. While acknowledging that the State is mandated to provide protection for the nation’s children, Anthony commended Blossom Incorporated and donors such as Digicel Guyana, the Beharry Group of Companies, and GGMC for opening another centre at Three Friends on the Essequibo Coast. Digicel Guyana’s Marketing Executive Ms Jacqueline James, in her address, thanked Blossom Incorporated for inviting the company to be on board for the opening of the new Children’s Advocacy Centre. She said Blossom had indeed climbed the ladder, and Digicel is supporting the entity to create a safe haven for the nation’s children. Commander Adonis of the Police ‘G’ Division, called Part of the crowd at the launching ceremony Friday for all to collaborate to rid the society of “sick” members. He advised that this has to start from within the homes, and he called for parents to be involved. The Commander said children must be happy at home. He said some people are complaining from the inside, and not from the outside; but in such cases, no one will know what is happening. Commander Adonis also took the media to task, calling for investigative journalism before sensitive articles involving children are published in the press. He said the police welcome all non-governmental organisations coming on board to help combat sexual and physical abuses. The commander said the police are always in support of dealing with such issues. Shaundell Shipley, who chaired the programme, said the launch of the Region 2 CAC coincides with the activities for Child Protection Week, which is being observed during the period September 20th to 26th under the theme “Strengthening Families to Protect Children”. She said the first CAC in Guyana was established in November 2013, and to date there are five centres, including the one at Three Friends. She said there are plans to develop more across the country. Some of the services that will be offered at the centre are forensic interviews, crisis interventions, counselling, trauma-focused therapy, parenting sessions, child and family advocacy; and referrals such as medical examination; social services assistance; case review and tracking; and education and prevention activities. (Rajendra Prabhulall in Essequibo)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, September 28, 2015

Emerging technologies to take centre stage

– at regional telecommunications confab By Rabindra Rooplall GOVERNMENT ministers and senior officials from across the Caribbean Region will be meeting this week to discuss practical steps needed to make basic government services available through smartphones and

other Internet-connected devices. These talks, hosted by the BVI Government and by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), will take place under the theme: “Kick-starting the CARICOM single ICT Space by Accelerating e-Government Services”, and will begin today and end Thursday. On Wednesday in Tortola, British Virgin Islands (BVI), talks will take place as one of a series of high-level gatherings during ICT Week. Guyana is part of the 20 member states within the Caribbean Telecommunications Union. The seminars seek to educate and promote understanding of ICT and its potential to advance the social and economic development agenda of Caribbean countries. According to the CTU, the ministerial strategic ICT seminars create a forum for government ministers, regulators and senior policy makers to engage industry players in order to gain greater understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on diverse spheres of operation; to express participants’ concerns regarding the use of information and communica-

tion technologies (ICT); and to obtain the necessary insight for informed decision-making. The seminars will feature an executive council and a general conference of ministers on the first two days, and the second Caribbean Regulators’ Forum, to be on the second day, will highlight roaming charges and other important challenges facing industry regulators as the Caribbean telecommunications environment converges. This is the second forum of its kind to be held in the Region. At the first regulatory forum, held on December 10 and 11, 2014 in Port of Spain, Caribbean regulators met first with stakeholders, and then in private, to formulate a regional response to the US$3 billion acquisition of Columbus Communications by Cable and Wireless. The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) is a Caribbean intergovernmental organisation that is dedicated to facilitating the development of the regional telecommunications sector. The CTU was established by the heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in 1989 in Nassau, The Bahamas.

Monday, September 28, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Tuesday, September 29, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday, September 27, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Top-tier trio make serene Kipchoge, progress, eye tougher tests ahead Cherono win ... By John Geddie

LONDON, (Reuters)-For all talk of the narrowing gulf between the top nations and Rugby World Cup stragglers, Australia, Ireland and Scotland all picked up maximum points yesterday as they set their sights on the business end of the group stage. A second-string Wallabies side ran 11 tries past minnows Uruguay in what amounted to little more than a warm-up for their crunch encounter with hosts England on Saturday. Two tries in five minutes from winger Drew Mitchell was the highlight as Australia moved to the

top of Pool A ahead of a Twickenham contest that could consign England to an unprecedented groupstage exit after losing to Wales the previous day. Bonus points could yet come into play if Fiji spring a surprise against Wales on Thursday, but that was far

a group that contains South Africa, Samoa and Japan. “It was a tough team talk at halftime,” Scotland captain Henry Pyrgos said after the match. “Obviously the USA played really well in that first half, but we weren’t clinical enough, we made a lot of mistakes

89,267 crowd at Wembley, surpassing the tournament best set at the same stadium last week. The Irish started with the oldest team in World Cup history; experience that helped them to take full advantage when Romania centre Csaba Gal was

Australia celebrates after the game .Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers from the mind of Australia coach Michael Cheika after yesterday’s romp established the Wallabies as the tournament’s top try scorers. “No one’s won the World Cup unless they’ve won every game. I’ve never been here before, but I figured that’s what you’ve sort of got to do,” Cheika told reporters. “I’m not being a smart Alec, our plan is not to just scrounge through, we’ve got to just play well every game and let the results take care of themselves.” Scotland also made it two from two, regaining their spot at the top of Pool B by clocking up five late tries to turn around a first-half deficit against a physical United States. Trailing 13-6 at the break, the Scots found their composure in the second half to claim the bonus point that could prove crucial in

and put ourselves under pressure. “But credit to the boys, we came out in the second half and got a try straight away, which settled the nerves and allowed us to kick on and ultimately we got the five points.” Worryingly for Scotland, however, playmaker Finn Russell limped off midway through the second half -- a potentially heavy blow if he were to miss next Saturday’s clash with South Africa in Newcastle. South Africa have also been dealt an injury blow, with captain Jean de Villiers retiring from international rugby after breaking his jaw in the game against Samoa. In yesterday’s late game, Ireland wore down a dogged Romania to claim a comfortable 44-10 bonus-point victory in front of a record

sent to the sin bin. Ireland proceeded to cut loose in the second half, ensuring maximum points from their opening two matches and a slim advantage over France in Pool D, though Joe Schmidt was quick to warn against complacency ahead of their next match against a desperate Italian side. “Italy we be a whole different kettle of fish. They know that their tournament hinges on our game next Sunday ... and we know it hinges a bit for us as well, so that is going to be a massive challenge,” Schmidt told reporters. Off the pitch, Argentina lock Mariano Galarza lost his appeal against a nine-week suspension for eye-gouging during the Pumas’ opening Pool C game against New Zealand and will miss the rest of the tournament.

From back page second place but also in personal best 2:05:22. Ethiopian Feyisa Lilesa came in third in 2:06:57. “I am happy to win on my second appearance on the Germany soil with personal best…the Berlin roads seem to be loving me,” Kipchoge said. “I started to have problems with insoles with only 1 km into the race and that reduced a lot of time.” BROKE AT 30KM MARK Kipchoge said he decided to break at the 30km mark. “I still felt strong despite the problematic shoes but I hope to return next year and this time around for the World Record,” said Kipchoge, who won with the fifth fastest time ever. He becomes the 15th Kenyan to win the men’s race. Kenya’s Dennis Kimetto set a new World Record time of 2:02:57 at the same course in 2014. Kipchoge, Emmanuel Mutai, Geoffrey Mutai, Eliud Kiptanui, Feyisa Lilesa, and Tamirat Tola formed the first group behind three pacers as they passed 15 km in 43:53. SHOES PROBLEM Kipchoge had a problem with his shoes as both the insoles come off. However, they passed half marathon mark at 61:53 and the 25km at 1:13:24. Despite his problems Kipchoge led the group together with Emmanuel Mutai as Geoffrey Mutai lost ground. Kipchoge and Emmanuel passed 30 km in 1:28:10 as the rest followed. Cherono, the 2013 World 10,000m silver medallist passed the 40km mark in 2:13:20 before winning with a time that placed her among 18 women to run under 2:20. She becomes the second Kenyan to win in Berlin after Tegla Loroupe (1999-2:20:43 WR) and Florence Kiplagat (2011, 2013). “I had a chance for the course record but the pacesetters were slow. “I also decided to push alone after the rest stayed behind,” said Cherono, who now wants to plan on how to break the World record of 2:15:25 currently held by Paula Radcliffe.(AFP)

Wasim puts Zimbabwe in a spin to claim first T20 for Pakistan

HARARE, (Reuters)-Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim took career-best figures of four for 11 as Pakistan beat Zimbabwe by 13 runs in the first Twenty20 international at the Harare Sports Club yesterday. Set 137 for victory, the home side could only muster 123 for nine in reply after Pakistan had won the toss and elected to bat. Wasim, 26, proved chief destroyer as he bagged the wicket of

Imad Wasim’s four-for dented Pakistan’s run chase in Harare.

in-form opener Chamu Chibhabha for a duck before reducing Zimbabwe to 66 for five when he dismissed Sean Williams (14) in the 12th over. Captain Elton Chigumbura (31) was the only home batsman to muster much resistance to the visitors’ attack, before he became the third run out of the innings in the final over. Shoaib Malik (35) top-scored for Pakistan as they posted 136 for eight in 20 overs and

wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan finished unbeaten on a measured 33 from 32 balls. Seamer Chamu Chibhabha was the pick of the home bowlers with three for 18, his best figures in Twenty20 internationals. The final match of the 20-over series will be played at the same venue tomorrow, after which the teams will contest three one-day internationals starting on Thursday.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Hamilton equals Senna’s tally with Japanese win By Alan Baldwin SUZUKA, Japan-(Reuters)-Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday to equal the late Ayrton Senna’s tally of 41 Formula One victories and move 48 points clear of Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg with five races remaining. On a sunny afternoon at Suzuka, in marked contrast to the dark and tragic 2014 race that he also won, the double world champion seized the lead from pole-sitter Rosberg at the start and never looked back. The win was the Briton’s eighth of the season, with Rosberg anchoring the eighth one-two finish for dominant Mercedes as the champions returned to form after a mysterious dip in Sin-

Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain holds his trophy after winning the Japanese F1 Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit in Suzuka, Japan, yesterday. Reuters/Thomas Peter gapore last weekend. “For me to come here to a race where I used to love watching Ayrton drive, to match his wins... I can’t really describe it. It doesn’t feel real at the moment,” said Hamilton after saluting the fans from the podium. Rosberg took the chequered flag 18.9 seconds behind Hamilton with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, the winner in Singapore, finishing third in an exact repeat of last year’s top three at Suzuka. Hamilton now has 277 points to Rosberg’s 229 with Vettel dropping back on 218 but refusing to give up his championship hopes until mathematically ruled out. “It’s not done until it’s done. So, the chance is there -- and what kind of racing driver would I be if I stopped believing?” said the German. “You have to keep believing otherwise I guess it’s pointless rocking up and trying to fight.” Mercedes, who have now won 11 of 14 races, moved a step closer to retaining their constructors’ title with 506 points to Ferrari’s 337. If last year’s post-race ceremonies

were muted in the aftermath of the late Jules Bianchi’s horrific and ultimately fatal accident, only a brief microphone failure prevented Hamilton from expressing his joy on the podium this time. “I am so happy right now,” he said, before Vettel poured champagne over his rival’s head. “The team did a fantastic job this weekend, it’s great to be back up here as a team with a one-two. “The car was beautiful to drive today.” Rosberg had gone into the first two corners side by side with Hamilton but was forced wide to avoid a collision and dropped to fourth as Hamilton made his getaway. “Lewis just got a better start, fair play and it was a good battle into turn two,” said the German. “He had the inside and just made it stick and that was the end of it there. Then it was great to fight to second place. “Second was the best possible after that so I’m happy with the fightback.” Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen was fourth with fellow-Finn Valtteri Bottas fifth for Williams, whose other driver Felipe Massa was involved in a first-lap collision with Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo. That incident left both Massa and Ricciardo, who was overly optimistic in going for a gap between the Brazilian and Raikkonen, limping back to the pits with punctures. “I haven’t seen the footage and don’t want to put the blame on anyone so we’ll call it a racing incident for now,” said Ricciardo. Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg was sixth for Force India, with the Lotus duo of Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado seventh and eighth in a boost for the financially-troubled team. Dutch hotshot Max Verstappen who turns 18 next week completed his last race as a 17-year-old in the points, taking ninth place for Toro Rosso ahead of Spanish team mate Carlos Sainz. There was disappointment and dismay for McLaren at engine partner Honda’s home track, with Spaniard Fernando Alonso making his feelings painfully clear for the Japanese manufacturer on the way to 11th place. “I am getting passed down the straight like a GP2 (car),” he exclaimed angrily. “This is embarrassing, very embarrassing.” The double world champion returned to the theme later as Verstappen passed without problem to drop him out of the points: “GP2 engine, GP2 engine,” he exclaimed. The comments earned the Spaniard a rebuke from team boss Ron Dennis: “It does not show the professionalism that I would like all of our drivers to show,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Platini no longer odds on favourite to succeed Blatter at FIFA (REUTERS)-Bookmakers lengthened the odds that European soccer boss Michel Platini will succeed Sepp Blatter as head of global soccer body FIFA, after Swiss prosecutors said they were investigating Blatter over a payment to Platini. Platini, a former French midfielder and head of European soccer body UEFA since 2007, had been “odds on” favourite to succeed Blatter when FIFA elects its new leader in five months, meaning he was seen as likelier to get the job than not. H o w e v e r, b o o k m a k er William Hill said it had lengthened its odds on Platini getting the job to 11/10 from 1/3. Instead of being three times as likely to become

FIFA president as not, Platini was now likelier than not to lose out. “He is no longer oddson favourite,” said William Hill spokesman Joe Crilly. Platini has the strong support of a number of national soccer associations, especially in Europe. However, if he himself were to become the target of an investigation by FIFA’s ethics body, he could be suspended, making it impossible to stand. FIFA was thrown into fresh turmoil on Friday when the Swiss attorney general’s office (OAG) opened criminal proceedings against Blatter, who was questioned at his federation’s headquarters, on suspicion of criminal mismanagement.

The OAG said Blatter, who has been FIFA president since 1998, was suspected of making a “dis-

MICHEL PLATINI loyal payment” of 2 million Swiss francs ($2.04 million) to Platini in 2011. Platini was also ques-

tioned as a witness. UEFA, where he is now president, said the questions concerned a payment Platini received for work he did for FIFA on contract from 1999-2001. Several media outlets have speculated that FIFA could launch its own investigation into Platini, Blatter or both, potentially resulting in a provisional suspension that might coincide with the election for a new FIFA boss. A spokesman for FIFA’s chief ethics investigator Cornel Borbely would not comment on whether either man would become the target of an investigation, but said the committee had the power to investigate anyone in global soccer regardless of position. “If there is an initial

suspicion, the Investigatory Chamber of the Ethics Committee initiates a formal proceedings. These rules apply to all people in football regardless of their position or name.” People who are placed under investigation may or may not be suspended, depending on the circumstances. Any request for a provisional suspension has to be approved by Hans-Joachim Eckert, a Munich-based judge who is responsible for deciding on sanctions when the FIFA ethics code is violated. Candidates must formally submit their intention to stand for the FIFA presidency by October 26, four months before the

election. Provisional bans last for 90 days and are renewable for another 45, long enough to make Platini potentially miss the deadline. If he stands for president, Platini must also face an integrity test conducted by Borbely’s committee. When seven soccer officials and sports marketing executives were arrested in Zurich in May after being indicted in the United States on corruption charges, they were provisionally suspended by the ethics committee the same day. However, as Blatter was not arrested or charged and Platini was only questioned as a witness, the cases are not as clear-cut for the ethics committee.

Former England fast bowler Tyson dies aged 85 (REUTERS) - Frank Tyson, the former England cricketer regarded as one of the fastest bowlers of all time, has died at the age of 85. Tyson, who passed away at a hospital on the Gold Coast, emigrated to Australia after he retired from cricket in 1960, working as a school master, coach, commentator and author. Nicknamed “Typhoon”, Tyson played just 17 Tests for England, between 1954 and 1959, but captured 76 wickets at an impressive average of 18.56. Arguably his finest performance came in the 195455 Ashes in Australia, when he helped England to a 3-1 series win. After a slow start, Tyson finished the five-match series with 28 wickets, including 10 in the second test in Sydney and career-best innings fig-

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here in Australia, the country where he had become a household name. “Over many years he became a much-loved and greatly admired member of the Australian cricket community where he coached and mentored countless players in

Frank Tyson during the 1954-55 Ashes where he claimed 28 wickets

ures of 7-27 in the third test at Melbourne. Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive officer James Sutherland paid tribute to the fast bowler. “Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson will forever be remem-

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Victoria and Queensland. “He also made a wonderful contribution to the coverage of the game in Australia as a broadcaster and cricket writer.” Tyson was born in 1930 in Farnworth, Lancashire and graduated in English litera-

ture from Durham University. He played 244 first-class matched between 1952 and 1960, bagging 767 wickets but his unusual bowling action, which enabled to deliver the ball so quickly, took a toll on his body and he retired at age 30.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

Albion join RHT Gizmos and Gadgets st in Tenelec 1 Division last six ALBION Community Centre defeated Upper Corentyne by 140 runs to book a place in the last six of the Bobby Deonarine and Tom Gruntzel sponsored Tenelec Inc round robin fifty overs first division cricket competition. A classy 92* (6x4) from fast emerging batsman David Latchaya, a responsible 82 (3x4) from national wicket keeper batsman Anthony Bramble and a six wicket haul from West Indies left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul all helped the effort. In a match that was played under sweltering heat at the Port Mourant ground and not at the Albion ground because of the Kumar Sanu show, saw Albion winning the toss and taking first strike. They had a steady start of 40 by openers national

under 19 all rounder Balchand Baldeo and former

VEERASAMMY PERMAUL Guyana youth opener Kandasammy Surujnarine before

the latter went caught behind off skipper Lakeram Latchman for 25. National Under 17 opener Adrian Sukhwa joined Baldeo but did not last long going lbw to Davanand Chatterpaul for 4. Bramble came to the crease just before Baldeo went for 47 stumped off Naeem Yacoob. Latchaya, who many felt was unlucky not to be selected in the national Under- 19 team last year, joined forces with Anthony Bramble and put on a huge partnership that took the wind out of the Upper Corentyne team before Bramble was bowled by Omesh Kumar for 82. Controversially dropped West Indies left arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul who is fast developing into a genuine all rounder came in and raced to an unbeaten 31.

Latchaya was still there on 92 N O as Albion ended

in a one-day and Twenty20 International home series. The day-and-night series will be played in St Lucia and Grenada, respectively, between October 13 and 31. “Most of the players do have respect for me, and I definitely have a lot of respect for them,” said the 24-year-old Taylor, who in 2013 was voted ICC Women Cricketer-of-the-Year.

“I, therefore, definitely think that I will get the support of, if not most, maybe all.” The one-day leg of the Pakistan tour will form part of both teams’ bid to finish in the top four of the round-robin ICC Women’s Championship. The regional women cricketers are soon expected to assemble in St Lucia for a training camp.

ANTHONY BRAMBLE on 291 for 4 off their allotted 50 overs. In reply, UCCA had a

New West Indies Women captain Stafanie Taylor

Australia and Bangladesh hopeful cricket tour will proceed MELBOURNE, (Reuters)-Cricket Australia (CA) is sending its own security expert to Bangladesh to determine whether or not it is safe for the Australian team to proceed with its planned tour. The Australian team has delayed its departure to Bangladesh after being warned by its government that there was a potential security risk from militants. Australia and Bangladesh cricket officials are both hopeful the tour will still go ahead and are in talks about safety arrangements. “Our position is that we want the tour to go ahead as

planned,” CA Chief Executive James Sutherland told a news conference on Sunday. “This has obviously come very suddenly and we needed to make this response. “Our preferred position is to continue the tour but the safety and security of our players and staff is the absolute priority.” Sutherland said CA’s head of security Sean Carroll was on his way to Bangladesh and would report back after meeting with local officials and assessing the risk. “The response at this stage is very much to get our head of security on the ground,” Sutherland said.

“Meetings will commence on Monday. We’ll have a much better understanding there. It’s just one step at a time at the moment.” The Australians delayed their planned departure after Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issued a warning on Friday that militants in Bangladesh could be planning an attack on tourists. Bangladesh Cricket Board Chief Executive Nizam Uddin Chowdhury released a statement saying he understood Australia’s concern but was sure the team would be safe and the

151, losing by 140 runs. Totaram Persaud topscored with 29 N O. Balram Samaroo supported with 25. This means that Albion has already secured a place in the last six teams of the competition. They have joined Rose Hall Town Gizmos and Gadgets in their zone and the two teams will clash shortly to determine the zone winner.

Notable Dates

New Windies Women captain banking on team support KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) - Newly appointed West Indies Women’s captain, Stafanie Taylor, says she is depending on the support of her teammates to carry her through her first stint as skipper of the regional outfit. The Jamaican all-rounder replaced long-standing captain Trinidadian wicketkeeper Merissa Aguilleira to lead the regional side against Pakistan

good start of 35 between Parmeshwar Chatterpaul and Naeem Yacoob. The other partnership of significance was between Balram Samoroo and Lakeram Latchman which yielded 40 runs. West Indies lost is Albion gain as Permaul came on to bowl and ripped through the rest of the batting line up ending 6 for 14 off 8.3 overs to help bowl out UCCA for

tour would go ahead. “There is no alarm regarding security as far as we are concerned and we have taken the opinion of all relevant agencies because safety of the Australian team is our priority, as it is with all visiting teams to Bangladesh,” he said. “The CA has stated its commitment to the series already in a media release and we are confident that the tour will commence with minimum delay.” Australia has not played a Test match in Bangladesh for a decade but were scheduled to play back-toback Tests in Chittagong and Dhaka in October.

WELTERWEIGHT Michael `Tyson’ Benjamin needed just two rounds to get rid of Trinidadian Desbourne Seaton when the two met at the National Sports Hall on September 28, 1991. Benjamin was 25 years old at the time and had loss only three times in 21 fights. The TKO victory over the Trinidadian served as ample preparation for Benjamin’s next fight which was against the slick Anthony `The Pearl’ Andrews. In the first month of 1992 Benjamin put his national welterweight title on the line against Andrews who was two years his senior. The packed National Park fell silent after he TKOed the skilful Andrews in the fourth round. Benjamin was MICHAEL BENJAMIN crowned Guyana’s lightweight champion following a win by Majority Decision over Jeff Roberts in November 1987. The stocky boxer added the World Boxing Council Continental Americas lightweight title to the collection when he defeated, via unanimous decision, former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion Ernesto Espana of Venezuela. The fight was held in Guyana in August 1988. At one time Benjamin was the quintessence of true grit and determination. He was the total package and could be a slugger in one instance and a master boxer in another. His record reads 23-8-2.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday September 28, 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:

Dennis Atkinson-219 & 5/56 (WI vs AUST, Barbados, 1955) WI vs AUST (in WI), 1991

Today’s Quiz:

Which two never made a Test century? Leonard Baichan; Basil Williams; Steve Comacho; Joey Carew; Sew Shivnarine Who is the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in an ODI game?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday September 28, 2015

PM Mitchell condemns interference in WICB selection process

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, (CMC) – Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has labelled as “disturbing” claims by West Indies head coach, Phil Simmons, of outside interference in the selection of the One-Day International squad for Sri Lanka. Mitchell, the Chairman of CARICOM’s Sub Committee on Cricket Governance, said Sunday any selection panel needed to be “free of interference, fear, or favour”, and joined with Simmons condemning “any act that undermined his leadership and the discretion of the Board of Selectors to field the best team.” “It is my view that West Indies cricket is fortunate to have a leadership team that includes head coach Phil Simmons, captain Jason Holder and chairman of selectors, Clive Lloyd,” Mitchell said in a statement. “The team is now at an important crossroads, and it will require wisdom and good leadership to chart and follow the right path. It will therefore take the skill, motivation and priorities of the men who lead and the players who follow, to restore the team to world prominence.” He continued: “To that end, the leadership unit must receive the full and unequivocal support and cooperation of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), and the backing of an independent selection panel, that is free of interference, fear, or favour. “The head coach’s comments about the selection of the West Indies one-day team to tour Sri Lanka are highly disturbing.” Speaking to media in Barbados on Friday following the end of the West Indies camp for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, Simmons lashed out at what he termed “too much interference from outside”, as he explained the continued absence

of Trinidadian all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard from the ODI side. Both players were dropped ahead of the ODI series in South Africa last January and also overlooked for the subsequent ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

NOT PLEASED: West Indies coach Phil Simmons (right), here with Clive Lloyd at the training camp at the 3Ws Oval last week. Though the ODI side for Sri Lanka has not been announced by the WICB, Simmons took the unusual step of revealing that neither Bravo nor Pollard, would be a part of it. Simmons said both he and chief selector Clive Lloyd had been in favour of the players’ re-inclusion, but the five-member selection panel had voted 3-2 against.

Courtney Walsh, Eldine Baptiste and Courtney Browne are the other selectors on the panel. “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,” Simmons chided. “It is wrong and I don’t like it and that is my beef with the selection of the ODI team.” Echoing Simmons’s sentiments, Mitchell said it was important the selection process ensured that West Indies always had their best sides available. “Opposing teams, cricket lovers around the world and supporters of West Indies cricket expect to see the best West Indies teams on the field. Clive Lloyd, the chairman of selectors, recently made that same point,” Mitchell said. “Together with the head coach, he urged selectors to bury their hatchets and trade the self-defeating, mean-spirited and losing culture of exclusion for a cooperative and winning culture of inclusion and unity. The West Indies public expects and deserves nothing less. “I fully endorse the sentiments and position taken by the Chairman of Selectors and the head coach, and I join with Simmons in condemning any act that undermined his leadership and the discretion of the board of selectors to field the best team.” Simmons was appointed West Indies head

coach in March after nearly eight years in charge of Ireland’s side. He subsequently presided over a 1-1 draw in a three-match series against England and a 2-0 defeat to Australia. Mitchell said he believed the Trinidadian had the ability to transform the fortunes of the Windies team once given adequate support, and urged leadership to avoid the dangers of “polarisation, anger, hatred, resentment, exclusion and adversarial attitudes.” “I believe that if Simmons is given the right tools to do his job, the liberty to make critical cricket decisions, the autonomy to create learning environments in which young players can grow and prosper, and the freedom to field the best teams, West Indies cricket will flourish,” Mitchell pointed out. “Already the head coach and his coaching team have taken a great step forward by gaining the trust, respect and loyalty of the West Indies players. These are things that administrators and other West Indies coaches struggled with and failed to achieve during the last fifteen years.” He added: “A sports organisation needs good management and administration to function at its best, but throughout its ranks. The organization must not be divided unto itself. “Only a few days ago, Pope Francis in a speech at the United Nations, reminded the world about the dangers of polarization, anger, hatred, resentment, exclusion and adversarial attitudes, and the benefits of inclusion, kindness, unity, cooperation and common purpose. “We sincerely hope that his words were heard and heeded by our cricket administrators.”

Lara stars but WICB President’s XI rule Dominica charity game BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, (CMC) – Former batting star Brian Lara stroked a typically elegant unbeaten half-century but the WICB President’s XI still got the better of the UWI Vice-Chancellor’s XI by seven wickets in the Dominica Relief Celebrity charity game here Saturday night. Opting to bat first at Kensington Oval, the Vice-Chancellor’s XI rallied to 154 for six off their 20 overs, with the left-handed Lara finishing on 63 and Dwayne Bravo, 35. Off-spinner Stafanie Taylor, the West Indies Women’s captain, snared two for ten while leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo claimed two for 16. In reply, the big-hitting Kieron Pollard struck a 22-ball 49 and veteran left-hander Shiv Chanderpaul, an unbeaten 46, as the President’s XI coasted to their target with 32 balls remaining. Ex-West Indies left-arm seamer Ian Bradshaw picked up two for 32. The game, staged to raise funds for the rebuilding effort in Dominica following the devastation caused by

Tropical Storm Erika, was a collaboration between the West Indies Cricket Board and the University of West Indies, and UWI Vice-Chancellor, Sir Hilary Beckles, hailed the effort as a resounding success. “Dominica won both sides. Heads Dominica won, tails Dominica won. We were doing this for Dominica,” Sir Hilary said. “Dominica is one of the jewels of the Caribbean. It is one of the most beautiful islands with some great people and what has befallen them, all of us have to rally and we have rallied and I believe the people here represent the core of Caribbean decency.” Lara, still showing much of the class that made him perhaps the finest batsman of the contemporary era, stroked eight fours and a six off 53 balls as he put on 31 for the first wicket with fellow left-hander Darren Bravo (14). The former West Indies captain also added 64 for the third wicket with Darren’s older brother, Dwayne Bravo, whose 35 came from 32 balls and included two fours and two

sixes. In reply, the President’s XI lost Garth Garvey in the second over for one with the score on six and though Marlon Samuels stroked a cameo 26 off 11 deliveries with five fours and a six, his side were still 34 for two in the third over. However, Pollard and Chanderpaul then took charge of the innings, posting an entertaining 70 for the fourth wicket. The right-handed Pollard crunched two fours and five massive sixes in a typical flurry of savage strokes while Chanderpaul, a lefthander, faced 38 balls and counted two fours and two sixes. By the time Pollard retired at 132 for three in the 13th over, the President’s XI were well on their way to victory. The contest also featured the likes of Jamaican sprint star Yohan Blake, ex-Trinidad and Tobago and Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke and legendary former fast bowler, Sir Curtly Ambrose.

Former batting star Brian Lara hit a top score of 63 for the Vice-Chancellor’s XI.

Sport CHRONICLE

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PM Mitchell condemns interference story 23 in WICB onSeepage selection process

Slingerz register first win in Stag Elite League

SLINGERZ Football Club bounced back after two draws to taste victory for the first time in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League last evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground. T h e We s t / D e m e r ara based team trounced Monnederlust 3 – 0 to move up to five points behind current League leader Fruta Conquerors who are on six. Slingerz are also the only team in the league with a clean sheet after three rounds. Last night Monnederlust’s approach was decoded by the opposition quite early which led to them being on the defensive end for most of the encounter. Even when they had chances to score it was squandered by possession change or no one was moving forward in support. As the game progressed they withered under the pressure of the Slingerz offence.

Slingerz FC’s goal scorers – (From L-R) Dwain Jacobs, Vurlon Mills and Tichard Joseph

Tichard Joseph put Slingerz ahead in the 21st minute via a penalty which was picked up for a foul in Monnederlust’s 18-yard box. Dwain Jacobs doubled his side’s lead in the 37th minute when he finished effortlessly in front of goal following a cross from the left flank. The very next minute the third and final goal of the match was recorded when Vurlon Mills got a break away, pressed toward goal and finished past the custodian. Up to press time Alpha United and the home team, GFC, were preparing for action in the feature match of the double header. The league continues tomorrow at the Tucville playfield with another double-header. At 18:00 hrs Pele takes on Buxton United then the night will wrap up when Fruta Conquerors go head-to-head with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) from 20:00 hrs.

Kipchoge, Cherono win personal best in Berlin Marathon KENYANS Eliud Kipchoge and Gladys Cherono swept to their maiden Berlin Marathon victories in personal best times yesterday in Germany. Making his second appearance in Berlin, Kipchoge, who won the London Marathon six months ago, triumphed in 2 hours, 04 minutes and 01 seconds for his fifth career marathon victory. It was joy for Cherono who secured her first marathon victory in 2:19:25 on her second appearance over the distance. Cherono had just made her debut in

marathon in January in Dubai where she finished second in 2:20:03. It’s on his first show at the 2013 Berlin Marathon where Kipchoge, 30, set personal best 2:04:05, behind Wilson Kipsang who broke the World Record in 2:03:23. Sunday, Kipchoge, who passed the 40km mark in 1:57.29 after breaking away from the forest of legs at the 32km mark, braved a problematic insoles to Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge (right) and Kenya’s Gladys Cherono pose with their beat compatriot Eliud Kiptanui to medals and wave Kenyan flags after the 42nd Berlin Marathon, yesterday. See page 19 Kipchoge failed in his bid to set a third straight world record at the Berlin marathon. AFP photo.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2015