Chronicle 02 20 2016

96

CHANG’S SWANSONG No. 104468

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2016

Price: $80

(Vat Inclusive)

…AG flays ruling on technocrat ministers

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GOOD REPORT Page 3

Festive mood! It was quite a challenge on Friday for these Guyana Defence Force soldiers and other labourers as they tried to raise the Golden Arrowhead on to the 200ft flag pole at the Durban Park Square (Sherod Duncan photo)

…Granger pleased with work

by UN to end border controversy

President David Granger met with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon

Crum-Ewing murder probe

Hinds implicates 11 Abdulla Page

GuySuCo, GAWU deadlocked on incentive Page 12 package

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

Gold mining is ‘trigger’ for $$ growth - says Conservation Int. Vice-President

GUYANA Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and Conservation International Foundation Guyana Inc have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the primary objective of addressing the drivers of deforestation in Guyana.

The MoU, which forms part of a US$5.7M Regional Project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation

(NORAD), provides a framework for GGDMA and Conservation International to build a network of support for the mining value chain by which the sector can improve its net contribution to Guyana’s green economy.

The MoU was signed on Friday by GGMDA President Patrick Harding and Conservation International Vice President David Singh at Conservation International’s Robb Street location.

en the building capacity of the association to foster best practices for improving efficiency, thereby simultane-

youth, women entrepreneurs and producers of various forest products will also be engaged. They will also pro-

plained that the MoU, which has a lifespan of five years, will help miners to effectively address the environmental

GGDMA President Patrick Harding; Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock; and Conservation International Vice President David Singh signing the MoUs in the presence of Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman and Conservation International Senior Vice President for the Americas Field Division, Sebastiann Troëng According to the MoU, which was seen by Guyana Chronicle, GGDMA and Conservation International will collaborate to strength-

ously enhancing the contribution of the sector to the national green development.

Under this initiative, underserved communities such as forest-based indigenous people, small-scale miners,

mote greater alignment between the public and private sector mineral resource management policies that focus on REDD+ strategies.

The Conservation International Vice President ex-

challenges they often face in the execution of their work.

Acknowledging that the gold mining industry is a “big trigger” for economic See page 5

GOOD REPORT

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

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…Granger pleased with work by UN to end border controversy

By Ariana Gordon

PRESIDENT David Granger on Friday said he is pleased with the progress being made by the United Nations to bring a peaceful resolution to the decades-old border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela.

He made the comment following a meeting with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, at the UN’s New York Headquarters to discuss the matter.

President Granger was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, along with Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, George Talbot.

In an interview immediately following the meeting with the UN Secretary-General, President Granger told reporters that Guyana has expressed its satisfaction with the work that is being done by the United Nations Secretary-General in an attempt to bring the border controversy to a “successful conclusion.”

On February 17, Guyana observed the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Agreement, which involved the United Kingdom, Guyana and Venezuela.

“Guyana, in a few days, will observe its Republic anniversary, and so we made the point that the entire existence of Guyana as an independent state had been living under the shadow of an unjustified territorial claim

by Venezuela to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory,” said President Granger.

The President stressed that Guyana is at a point where it believes that nothing else but a juridical settlement can bring an end to the controversy.

“Today was basically a matter of updating the Secretary-General on Guyana’s position,” he said, noting that Guyana has cooperated with every initiative of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon over the last 10 months.

“We will continue to work within the framework of the United Nations and the Geneva Agreement, to ensure there is a peaceful settlement to this controversy; one that is acceptable not only to the Guyanese people, but also the Venezuelan people, and always by virtue of the United Nations.”

President Granger said, too, it is critical that the international community be made

end through a juridical resolution. We felt that Venezuela was not actually behaving in good faith; it was dilatory and was not cooperating as fully as we expected,” he stated.

The President referred to the meetings that were held in both Guyana and Venezuela by the UN Mission team headed by former Chef de Cabinet Susanna Malcorra.

“We are anxious to move the process

United Nations, and it is he who has an obligation and responsibility under the Geneva Agreement to determine the course of action [going] forward.

APPEAL “We’d like that course of action to be consensual, and we’d like to urge Venezuela to cooperate more fully with the UN

President David Granger addresses the media following his meeting with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Also in the photograph is Sir Shridath Ramphal (extreme left), Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge (second left), Guyana’s Permanent Mission Representative to the UN Ambassador George Talbot (Second right) and UN Counsel Payam Akhavan (extreme right) aware of Guyana’s contributions to the peaceful resolution to the controversy.

When asked by the media for his message to the UN Secretary-General, given Guyana’s complaints against Venezuela’s attitude on the issue, President Granger said Guyana held firm to its position that the only means of resolving the border controversy is to go the juridical route -- something which only the UN Secretary-General can decide based on the obligations bestowed upon him.

“We were very cooperative from the onset. As you are aware, we were pursuing the

forward quickly. We have accepted the delegations…and we feel Venezuela has not been doing the same.”

Time, the President added, is passing, while pointing out that Guyana is celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary. “For 50 years, we have not been able to bring this matter to a conclusion. We wish to deal with that more promptly through the initiatives of the UN Secretary-General,” President Granger told reporters.

The President stressed that the entire legal and peaceful process is currently in the hands of the Secretary-General of the

Secretary-General,” the President said.

On the issue of lobbying regional bodies on the border controversy, President Granger reminded journalists that it is the United Nations Secretary-General who is responsible for the resolution of the controversy, and not regional bodies of which Guyana is a member.

“It is not that we are unwilling…we do not feel anymore juice could be squeezed out of the regional orange,” President Granger said, noting that Guyana is prepared, as See page 5

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

Challenge to technocrat ministers

AG flays Chang’s ruling … says he wasn’t heard, to challenge decision

OUTGOING acting Chief Justice Ian Chang, in one of the most controversial acts on Friday, came out of pre-retirement leave and ruled that Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and his colleague, Keith Scott, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, cannot sit as technocratic ministers in the National Assembly.

Government has since indicated that it will challenge the ruling, with Attorney General Basil Williams indicating that he was not given an opportunity to respond to the petition, and that the decision was flawed. Williams also questioned the motive of Chang coming out of pre-retirement leave to make a decision on a political matter. He said that by virtue of the President appointing someone to act as Chief Justice, it is inconceivable that Chang would usurp that role and come out of pre-retirement leave to announce his ruling.

At the time when Chang, as Chief Justice, proceeded on pre-retirement leave -- which officially expires next week -the parties had the understanding that the matter would have been re-tried before another judge.

Attorney General Basil Williams The decision on Friday came about as a result of a constitutional motion filed by PPP/C member Desmond Morian back in July last year, seeking legal intervention for the removal of Felix and Scott. The party had expressed concerns over the selection of Citizenship Minister Felix and Minister Scott as technocrats to serve in the 11th Parliament.

According to former Attorney General Anil Nandlall, who represented Morian, the APNU+AFC parliamentarians are taking up posts that have been allocated in an unconstitutional and unlawful way.

In his ruling, Chang declared that Felix and Scott are elected members of the National Assembly, and that despite their status of elected members of the National Assembly, they do not hold seats and cannot sit in the National Assembly, since their names were not among those extracted from the APNU + AFC list of candidates to hold seats on behalf of the persons named in that successful list.

Additionally, Chang said that Article 105 of the Constitution has no application to elected members of the National Assembly; viz: persons whose names were on a successful list of candidates. He said that despite their appointment by the President to be executive Ministers of the Government, such an executive appointment does not entitle Scott and Felix to hold seats or sit as members

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of the National Assembly.

REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE’S ACT Williams, however, argues that the learned Chief Justice did not address his mind to section 98 of the Representation of the People’s Act. This was made pursuant to the provisions of Article 160 (3) (a) (v) which says that parliament may make provision for the extraction from the list and the declaration of names of candidates who have been elected. Williams explained that this is provided in the Constitution, and it is from this document that the Parliament then subsequently makes provision in the Representation of the Peoples Act Cap 1:03.

Section 98 says, inter alia, that when seats have been allocated to any list of candidates, the representatives or deputy representatives of such list shall extract from the said list as many names belonging to candidates selected by him for the purpose as can be so extracted, without their number exceeding the number of seats allocated to that list.

“Further if the representatives of the list could only extract names not exceeding the 33 seats that we have, how could it be said that the other members of the list are elected members?” Minister Williams questioned. Therefore, after those names are extracted they now have to be sent to the Chief Election Officer, who shall declare them in the order of extraction to be the names of candidates. So, in other words, you cannot have an elected member of any list until their names are extracted by the representative of the list and the Chief Election Officer declares those names in the order of the extraction to be names of the candidates on such list.

“It is fallacious to say that, as you’re now saying, that as a result of every member of the list being elected, the President could not properly appoint Mr. Scott and Felix from being names on that list,” Minister Williams said.

MORIAN’S MOTION Morian’s motion was premised on the grounds that Articles 60, 103, 105, 160 and 232 of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Chapter 1:01, conjointly set out the qualifications of persons who are elected and non-elected members of the National Assembly, voting and non-voting members of the

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National Assembly; that having regard to the clear language and the intendment of Articles 60, 103, 105, 160 and 232 of the Constitution of Guyana, the said Winston Gordon Felix and Keith Winston Harold Scott are not lawful members of, and cannot sit in, the National Assembly of the 11th Parliament of Guyana.

In an earlier comment, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, had said that the PPP/C’s position and interpretation of the law was incorrect.

POLITICAL MATTER Williams, in describing Chang’s ruling as controversial, said: “The ruling in this matter signifies a dot on the administration of justice in this country…we are going to take whatever recourse we consider necessary in this matter. What would impel him to do that? I find it unusual, and it’s something we will address further,” Williams said.

Among the options that can be pursued are to appeal the decision and file a stay of execution. Williams said, too, that during the trial, Nandlall was given an opportunity to make substantive arguments in the matter despite objections from him. “I had appealed to the Chief Justice to just limit ourselves as he had no jurisdiction to proceed to hear the matter because it was not by way of an election petition,” MINISTER WILLIAMS EXPLAINED Williams said the Chief Justice would have committed to hearing the entire matter before making his ruling, and he undertook to communicate by way of notice when the Attorney General woul present his substantive arguments on the case.

“However, the Chief Justice failed to communicate, thereby denying the Attorney General the opportunity to present his substantive arguments. As a result, the Attorney General was not given an opportunity to respond to submissions made by attorney for the petitioner, Mr. Nandlall,” Williams complained.

“I was informed today (Friday) that the matter was for decision at 1pm. I’m very surprised that the learned Chief Justice would purport to proceed to give a decision without hearing from me,” Minister Williams contended.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

GOOD REPORT ...

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From page 3

Venezuela says, to have the matter resolved by the UN Secretary-General.

Granger noted that Guyana is a member of several regional bodies, including the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), MERCOSUR, the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); and Guyana has been voicing its concern over Venezuela’s unjustified claims to Guyana’s territory for 50 years.

“This is very much a work in progress. We

have not felt that any of the initiatives have been able to bear fruit in terms of bilateral or any other efforts,” said President Granger.

Asked whether he is concerned about the change in the Chef de Cabinet to the United Nations, President Granger said he is not at all worried about the change in Chef de Mission, noting that the border controversy is in the hands of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

“Susanna Malcorra was well known in Guyana because of her positive attitude, and I think she ably represented the UN Secre-

Gold mining is ‘trigger’ ...

From page 2

development in Guyana, Singh emphasised that the MoU will play its rightful role in the sustainable development of the country.

“Not only from the perspective of contributing to the social and economic well-being of the country, but also responding effectively to the environmental challenges that are associated with the mining Industry,” he further explained.

He said the MoU forms part of a larger project which involves Peru. In Peru, Conservation International is focusing on the agriculture industry, particularly the production of cocoa and coffee.

Conservation International will be building synergies between the two countries at the end of the project – “Addressing Drivers of Deforestation in Guyana and Peru” which was initiated in April, 2015.

BUILDING SOLUTIONS “The work will concretely look at local management planning processes, understanding and building solutions from an evidence-driven manner so that we will eventually be able to influence policies,” Singh added.

Just before signing the MoU, Harding said GGMA was pleased to collaborate with Conservation International – a collaboration that would see the local mining industry embracing better mining practices, thereby reducing the loss and degradation of intact

ecosystems.

“Over the next five years, we expect that we will be able to look at better mining methods; better recovery methods, especially for the small and medium scale miners; better exploration methods, and better ways of mining in general,” he posited.

In addition to the MoU signed between GGDMA and Conservation International, another MoU was signed between Conservation International and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs. Under this MoU, the Ministry and Conservation International will collaborate to realise improved well-being of villages and the maintenance and sustainable management of natural capital, using nature and community driven solutions within a changing climate, and traditional knowledge.

As such, Conservation International will work with the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs to establish community development plans, link community development and actions with regional and green economy goals, and simultaneously share experiences from other countries in the region through technical enrichment exchanges. Unlike the MoU between GGDMA and Conservation International, this one is not being funded by Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation.

Vice President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said he was pleased to be a part of the process of change. “We are now confident that we have a partner to ensure that we have an environ-

tary-General in trying to bring this matter to a conclusion. It is a pity she has been promoted; but we are confident that the Secretary-General’s choice will continue the good work of the office, and he personally has been engaged and I don’t think he is going to take his hands off the process.”

President Granger noted that although Guyana was impressed with, and misses, Malcorra’s commitment, he is confident that Edmond Mulet, the new Chef de Cabinet, will continue the good work. Mulet was appointed

by Ban Ki-moon on November 24 last year after Malcorra took up her post as Argentina’s Foreign Relations Minister.

“Right now we would not advocate a reversal or resort to any other process, as we have passed through all those processes…

The stage we are at is on the desk of the UN Secretary-General,” President Granger said.

He is hopeful that, within a few months, Guyana can receive a follow-up from the UN Secretary-General on the border controversy.

ment that would be there for generations to come,” Minister Allicock said.

He said the collaboration provides the opportunity for the Ministry, regional and local bodies to find the answers that the communities need.

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, who attended the signing ceremony as an observer, said Conservation International had managed to find that “sweet spot” between development and conservation, positing that objectives behind the MoUs

augured well for the development of Guyana, particularly in the realisation of its green economy.

Minister with the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe; Conservation International’s Senior Vice President for the Americas Field Division, Sebastiann Troëng; and the Managing Director – Policy Centre for Environment and Peace, Kristen Walker Painemilla, were among the officials present.

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

The burden of showing proof

THE People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) holds a weekly press conference, hosted by General Secretary Mr. Clement Rohee. It is not peculiar to want to know what Mr. Rohee seeks to achieve with the statements made.

The PPP/C is in the opposition. Being there after more than two decades in Government may not be the ideal situation the party expected or desires. That is understood.

Having been dealt the hand of being placed in the Opposition by the citizens, the PPP/C owes this society some degree of prudence. Having to hear complaints, often in the absence of evidence, or being uptight when such is sought, will not help the growth of this society or the image of the party. Holding elected office is not an entitlement; it is a privilege granted by the people. Whether this privilege is to serve in the Opposition or Government, it is not one to be trifled with.

The General Secretary, at a press conference held in June 2015, said the PPP/C wanted GECOM Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally to be removed. This is allegedly based on dissatisfaction with his performance. At this presser, when asked if the party will contest Local Government Elections (LGE) if the present chairman is at the helm, Mr. Rohee replied, “Not with Mr. Surujbally.”

The Party’s claim of poor performance was one the public was unaware of, until after 2015 General and Regional Elections.

LGE is next month. The PPP/C on Nomination Day submitted its List of Representatives. Dr. Surujbally is still at the helm of GECOM. It is understandable that a person/group can have a change of mind. In this regard, the PPP/C’s change of heart is noted. With that being said, the party is intensifying its claim that GECOM practices racial discrimination in its hiring practices.

None is fooled, given historical antecedents of conflicts primarily between Africans and East Indians, the latter being a majority of the PPP/C’s base. Racial discrimination is a serious accusation. It is reasonable to believe that if not both groups, at least one group would want proof. It is understandable why this would and should be a matter of concern, and this is not because Mr. Rohee has so accused.

Indeed, if racial discrimination is happening in hiring practices, credibility/validity has to be established on some basic factors, such as: (i) the number of applications based on race; (ii) how many met the qualifying conditions for the vacancies vis-a-vis race; (iii) were applicants rejected without being interviewed, and if so, how many vis-a-vis race; and (iv) was there a final criteria for securing the job

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday February 20, 2016

Former Chief Magistrate weighs in on the Rodney CoI fiasco Dear Sir,

KINDLY permit me some space in your newspapers to discharge a civic duty which, as an experienced lawyer, it is my responsibility to discharge. I have been handed this news link by someone whose friendship I highly respect, and had been requested to give my legal opinion on a very troubling situation of important national and international proportions.

The content of this article concerns the issue of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry and the delivery or non-delivery of the Report of the Commission’s findings. The facts of this matter are many and various, but it is imperative to decipher what facts are important and what issues are of similar nature. The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (CoI) was made up of “…commissioners Seenath Jairam, SC, and Sir Richard Cheltenham and Jacqueline Samuels-Brown, QC…”, with Sir Richard Cheltenham being designated the Chairman.

An impressive array of legal Silk, Senior Counsels, and with one of them holding the status of knighthood. I can imagine why other lawyers will not be prepared to go “head to head” against this set up.

However, everyone knows that I am not one to be cowed by any one person,

or even groups of persons, where issues of right and wrong, legal and illegal, justice and injustice are concerned. In this case, a very serious case of illegality, injustice and total wrongdoing is about to be perpetuated against the Guyanese population, and more particularly against the high office of the Presidency of this country.

This Commission of Inquiry was set up, and hundreds of millions of Guyanese dollars were spent on its operations. This fact was already established. The fact that the Commission was a Presidential Commission was also established. This paragraph appeared in the GuyanaCaribbeanPolitics article. “…the CoI was set up two years ago by the then Donald Ramotar-led government, which said it wanted to clear up all outstanding questions surrounding Rodney’s death…”

Since this was a Presidential Commission, then the legal eagles should have known that only a recognized “Presidential Dispensation” by the current sitting President of Guyana would be proper and legal termination of this activity.

The legal “luminaries” do not need me or anyone else to advise them that the “Onus”, or legal burden, was on them all, singularly and together, to faithfully carry out all instructions and directions to have the law on their side when their

(such as examination or attending training) and if so, what is the success rate vis-a-vis race.

The accusation by the General Secretary carries concomitant responsibility to show proof, given its dire implications.

She/he who accuses shoulders the burden to provide proof.

Here is where this society, supporters and non-supporters of the party, are deserving of being shown the evidence.

Ours is a multiracial society. This paper editorialised on the importance of this nation reaching a stage where Equal Opportunity for all is a matter of practice (Equal Opportunity - 25th January, 2016) and remains interested in the goal being achieved.

It is our belief that Equal Opportunity can aid reduction

charges and duties came to an end.

Here is where the situation becomes interesting.

The newspapers and other news media are reporting that the Commissioners are alleging that they have completed their work and have handed in their report to the Secretary of the Attorney General, on the instructions of His Excellency, Mr. David Granger, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. This is the first injustice to the name of Mr. David Granger as a person, and then to the office of the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. In my opinion, the facts asserted that His Excellency the President NEVER SPOKE to any one of the Commissioners, or even the Chairman. The Commissioners themselves said as much.

Some news reports carried this statement from them, that they acted “…following instructions reported to have come from President David Granger…”.

The Commissioners never saw the President, neither did they even speak to him on the phone. They knew this. No proper lawyer should have found themselves in that situation, moreso a bunch of “legal eagles”.

The Commissioners were offered a direct link to the president.

The news report in the GuyanaCarribeanpolitics

read as follows: “The Attorney General (Mr. Basil Williams) said that the President was unavailable to receive it at any of the times indicated. He further advised that he, the Attorney General, would be out of office early on Tuesday morning but that we (the Commissioners) should deliver the Report to his office,” it was noted.

According to the commissioners, despite this advice, they felt that it would be “improper and inappropriate” to deliver a presidential report to the AG’s office…’’

The Attorney General is this country’s representative on all legal matters, and is the direct legal adviser to the country’s President, so when the commissioners decided to ignore the instructions and directions, they were putting themselves outside of his protection. The law caters for this situation, and every law student will tell you that they will then be regarded as having “gone off on a frolic of their own”, and that whatever ill should befall them down that road, that they should thereon consider themselves responsible for their actions.

Here is the legal frolic: The news reports stated that the commissioners issued a statement claiming

See page 7

in racial tension and forge a level playing field for all. It is hoped the General Secretary of the PPP/C has similar interest and desire. The majority of the population is 40 years and younger. Though constantly reminded or made aware of the racial conflicts of the 1960s, this segment of our population has never lived through the experience, and is content not to be constrained or held back by it. This is not to say there is presently an absence of racial tension, racism and prejudice; but in order for the nation to confront these, it requires honest, frank and open conversations, supported by the enabling laws and institutions. The task is now Mr. Rohee’s to help all Guyanese by providing the evidence on GECOM in order that conversations can be meaningful.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

Restive industrial relations climate Dear Editor

THE protest by the workers on Thursday, 18th February, at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) in Georgetown against their union, the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), and its leader, Carvil Duncan, is an interesting development. It needs to be addressed and contextualised not merely by how one feels, but within laws, conventions, charters and time-honoured principles.

It is reported that the GLU was picketing the management of the City Council, with which it has a collective labour agreement, from which flows disagreement between the two parties. The union was engaged in an exercise consistent with its constitutional right, with a view to getting the employer’s attention to have

the parties come to the negotiating table to discuss and agree to issues that are outstanding.

In the course of the union picketing, workers were organised to come to picket the union (i.e. counter-picket) that had made an effort to advance and protect their rights, as enshrined in Article 147 of the Guyana Constitution and Section 23(1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act. Immediately on concluding the counter-picketing exercise, the management of the City Council issued a statement giving tacit support to the workers on the picket line against their own union.

The Council inferred that the union did not inform M&CC before it engaged in the picketing exercise. The M&CC got it wrong.

In industrial relations’ principles, there is no obligation on the part of the union

to inform the employer that it will be picketing its premises, unless it involves a work stoppage.

In this case, what is troubling is that while Carvil Duncan can be seen as a villain and should do the decent thing and resign from his constitutional offices, given that he is charged criminally and is before the court; and while his actions to date indicate he has no intention to do so, the workers must not be used to pursue an objective that undermines their rights.

It is also important to note that President David Granger can exercise his power and authority under the laws to have Duncan removed from these offices. As one examines the rights and responsibilities of the members of the trade union, it is interesting to note that workers are always used as pawns in the pursuit

of the leaders’ political objective, to the point where they are engaging in acts calculated to subvert their fundamental rights.

The industrial relations climate under the APNU+AFC government is troubling. The Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) is picketing every week, and as reported by the media, is prepared to go on a countrywide protest if the employer (the government) continues to refuse to resolve the grievances.

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and the National Association of Agriculture, Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE) have matters outstanding since 2015 that GuySuCo (which is state-owned) is not attending to. The Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union (GB&GWU) has matters

outstanding for more than six years with the Bauxite Company Guyana Incorporated (BCGI), which is a company part-owned by the Government of Guyana.

This is an example of what is taking place in the industrial relations’ arena.

By some strange twist of fate, this government has been able to attain unison on its programme to treat the labour movement with contempt.

Unlike the PPP government, which engaged in trade union segregation and targeted unions they perceived not friendly to or independent of their administration, this government is sending a clear message that it is intolerant of the trade unions and is not prepared to allow them to exist consistent with their constitutional rights and responsibilities.

The trade union move-

ment belongs to the workers, and it is there to protect their interest on and off the job, and must be dictated by them and not by external agencies/ forces. Any group of workers who have problems with their leaders can be addressed within the rules of the organisation. It is against this backdrop that every worker is urged to acquire a copy of the rules of their union, which will empower them to act accordingly and hold their leaders to account.

To collude with the employer to undermine your union is tantamount to working against one’s interest.

Removing Duncan from the GLU leadership cannot be done by sporadic protests, but by using the rules that authorise the members to do so.

Regards, LINCOLN LEWIS

Former Chief Magistrate weighs ...

From page 6 that they tried to get into the Office of the President to speak to the president and that they tried calling.

They stated that “…On a third try, they said the call was answered by a woman who confirmed that she was the president’s secretary…” By that time they were pretty much on their own. How could they confirm anything about who was saying what?

In the meantime, the Office of the President issued this statement, “…the Ministry of the Presidency last evening said the president was disappointed at the commissioners’ inability to arrange their work so as to enable them to present the report at the agreed time and date after several requests for extensions were granted…”

His Excellency the President was, and is, quite within his right to expect that all engagements and appointments for his time are strictly kept by members

of the public, who expect to have any audience, interview or other appearance before him. The Commissioners did not show up at the time and date that was appointed for them.

This is the President of our country, and all must abide by the rules, whether you reside in this country or not. That is where the law stops: On the side of Mr. David A Granger, and what were his expectations.

However, there is a much more serious matter that negates the existence of this so-called Commission and the transfer of funds from the nation’s treasury and into the private pockets of the individual commissioners.

The facts seem to suggest that there was no legal contract for the setting up of this commission and its operations and obligations towards the Guyanese people. The GuyanaCaribbeanpolitics article had these two (2) paragraphs, “…

Williams told reporters at Parliament last week that

the commissioners could not have been paid because there was no contract. The contract attending this entire exercise was requested from the Chairman of the Commission, and on that question being asked, he disclosed that they never had any contract,” Williams said, while adding that he found the revelation “disturbing…”

M r. B a s i l Wi l l i a m s used the word “disturbing”, and he is being kind.

In my experience from practice at the Crimi nal Bar, where sums of money had been removed from the National Trea-

sury without legal and proper documentation, such actions amount to indictable offences triable before judge and jury in appropriate cases. These “legal eagles” should have known better.

This could mean a lot of trouble for them. If Mr. Williams should set foot inside the CID office, without a doubt, the nation could see a massive investigation into this entire affair. This whole matter has the potential to go very far in the interest of justice for the Guyanese people.

As a Republic, the remedies for wrongdoing

against the nation can go in the form of exile for some nationals. In the prevailing circumstances, the learned Attorney General has all of the cards.

The commissioners should urgently make contact with him and make ar-

rangements to make this situation right. It is the only legal advice that they should take from me.

Yours faithfully, JULIET HOLDER-ALLEN Attorney-at-law

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

Pit bulls maul Pouderoyen woman –owners renege on compensation agreement

By Leroy Smith

TWENTY-six-year-old Chamela Ganesh is looking for all the legal help she can get.

This is to ensure that her injured mother, 45-year-old Radhidai Ramcharran receives justice after she was attacked by four pitbulls at Vreed-en-Hoop one week ago.

Ganesh’s plea comes after the reneging on a verbal agreement between her and the

The man who was attacked by the dogs as he attempted to rescue the woman owner of the dogs. The dog’s owner is said to have changed his mind about making the commitment to stand the medical bill for the injured woman, who remains a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday morning, Ganesh said that she was not comfortable with the level of care her mother was receiving at the Public Hospital, and it seemed her physical condition was deteriorating.

It was when she sought to make arrangements to have her mother transferred to a private medical institution that the owner of the dogs dropped the bombshell that he could not take on a hospital’s expense at that time.

Ramcharran, a housewife, was attacked by the four dogs on February 6, and had to jump into a trench to seek refuge. The dogs jumped in behind her and continued the attack. That incident took place at an area called the Jetty at Vreed-en-Hoop.

On the day of the attack, Ramcharran was reportedly walking from her daughter’s home when the dogs pounced on her. She received several bites to her body, mostly on her head, before she was able to make it into the trench.

It was only after she began shouting for help that a passer-by entered the trench. The dogs then turned their attention to the man and began attacking him.

He managed to fend them off but not before sustaining several bites to his hands.

As the dogs were attacking the man the woman managed to make it to the other side of the dam.

BLOODY A taxi was summoned and the woman was taken to the West Demerara Hospital and later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. She lost a lot of blood, according to her daughter.

The matter was never reported to the police, until Thursday, after the dogs’ owner, whose name was given as Ryan, reneged on his promise to take care of the injured woman’s medical bills.

Detailing the conversations that she had with the young man regarding her mother’s condition, the woman said she was not willing to approach the press.

Ganesh said that when she visited her mother at the GPHC on Thursday and she

The injured woman on her hospital bed saw her condition, she telephoned Ryan and told him of her plans to move her to a private hospital. She said that the young man told her that he would get back to her, but never did.

It was after then that she visited the area and spoke with the mother of the young man, who said her family could not stand the

The poor fence at the premises where the dogs are held

Anna Catherina murder accused freed

By Michel Outridge AFTER more than three hours of deliberations on Friday afternoon, the 12-member jury returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty in the trial of Alvin Semple, who was charged with the 2011 murder of Anna Catherina resident Balram Teekaram during a home invasion.

After the verdict was announced, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow told Semple that he was found not guilty of the offence and was being given a second chance to reform.

Justice Barlow said: “You know what your life has been so far, and you are

given a chance to go forward to do positive things, and don’t end up back here again.”

The judge ordered that Semple be unshackled and released as he stood expressionless, before bolting from the courtroom with his father in tow.

The state prosecutors were Shawnette Austin and Tamieka Clarke, while the defence counsel was Madan Kissoon.

According to reports, Teekaram and one of his two sons were at home when in the wee hours of the morning of April 13, 2011 three bandits entered their home and robbed them Teekaram was shot and

later succumbed from a gunshot injury to his eye.

The Route 32 minibus driver was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and was hooked up to a life-support machine before he died.

The robbers reportedly took away $700,000 in cash, a silver chain, a cellphone, some other jewels and an iPod from the Teekarams’ home.

Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh testified that Balram Teekaram died from cerebral haemorrhage due to gunshot injuries.

The trial saw several witnesses testifying, including the sons of the deceased via Skype.

expense of a private hospital. She was also informed that all her son could give to the injured woman was $10,000 per week for 24 months and that they were planning to stick to that arrangement.

Ganesh said that when she visited the area, she took photographs of the premises where the dogs were kept and found that the pen was not properly reinforced to secure the dogs, nor was there any proper fence at the location to keep the dogs from venturing out of the premises.

Mrs Radhidai Ramcharran suffered severe head injuries as a result of the attack, and also lost her right ear. The family has since made contact with a hospital in Trinidad and Tobago to have an operation done to replace the woman’s ear, but that operation is said to be one million Guyana dollars, something that the owner of the dogs and his relatives are not prepared to take responsibility for.

The dogs’ owner reportedly paid three visits to the injured woman at her hospital bed The police are waiting for the injured woman to recover in order for them to take a detailed statement from her. The other young man who was also attacked by the dogs has already provided the police with a statement.

Freed murder accused Alvin Semple

Four remanded for NY cocaine find

THREE Immigration officers along with a female security officer were on Friday remanded to prison by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after they made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court charged in connection with the discovery of 1.3 kilogrammes of cocaine on a Dynamic Airways aircraft in New York.

Oral David, 29, of Non Pariel Park, East Coast Demerara; Orin Harris, 24, of Timehri; Raduskie Wright, 24, of No 77 New Housing Scheme, Corriverton, Corentyne; and 29-year old Dianne Jackson, a security officer attached to Roraima Airways of Soesdyke, pleaded not guilty to the charges which stated that at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, East Bank Demerara, they conspired with each other and other persons known to traffic a quantity of cocaine on February 2, 2016.

Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones in his submission to the court stated that the police were in possession of three caution statements and an oral confession. He said that the recently established local office of the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) would be working along with the prosecution on the matter.

Wright’s lawyer Glen Hanoman told the court that the particulars did not constitute a criminal offence known to the laws of Guyana. He mentioned that police had no admissible evidence that drugs were seized, and not everything that was analysed in New York might be admissible in Guyanese courts.

According to a police report, the cocaine was found in the baggage compartment of the Dynamic Airways flight which landed at the John F Kennedy International Airport from Guyana.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

Dream Makers & Game Changers Are you the dream maker or the game changer?

GARY THOMPSON

By Gary Thompson

DREAM Makers are visionary leaders /entrepreneurs who nurture transformational ideas in the interest of collective human and sustainable economic development.

Game Changers are the proactive and transformational corporate leaders who interpret, translate and nurture revolutionary ideas into reality long before the competition makes a move.

One set of Guyana’s Dream Makers (APNU+AFC) has just been elected to government.

They are now expected to deliver the promise as the Game Changers to the populace of Guyana.

Two of the issues that we must address immediately as Dream Makers & Game Changers are: the context in which we treat the subject of sustainable human development, and the integration of Guyana’s private sector into regional and international trade. These two issues are unavoidably linked and interrelated, and must therefore be treated as such.

There are clear deficits with the available human capital that are pertinent and aligned to giving an authentic interpretation, control implementation and demonstrate the full commitment to the developmental vision of entrepreneurs. The Private Sector needs intellectual capitals that can pro-act rather than react; than can transform rather than inform; that can lead rather than follow. This business column “Dream Makers & Game Changers” will put to the public essential pointers that will inform, transform, and hopefully re-brand the thinking of the specific interest groups.

Guyana’s private sector is in urgent need of a “National Human Development Strategy” (NHDS). That NHDS must be strategically aligned to the diverse and sustainable developmental needs of the range of industries within the private sector. That strategy must translate to the relevant interest groups a clear and realistic national human development agenda that is achievable.

Guyana’s National Human Development Strategy must have the foresight to envision where its wants our human capital (HC) to be within the next 10 to 20 years. The proposed NHDS must inform us on where Guyana sees its HC over the next 20 years. The proposed NHDS must identify successful models and best practices to inform its actions; and finally, the proposed NHDS must adopt a no-fail policy in the DRIVE to achieve the NHDS strategic objective, integrity and completion criteria. The full development of the private sector, and by extension the national economy, is completely dependent on the vision, leadership, integrity and commitment of its intellectual authors who are empowered to govern these social organs.

Guyana’s National Human Development Strategy must be completely aligned to a new private sector development agenda. It must recognise the rich potential of the extractive industry for value-added wood production and agro-processing of agri-cultural produce, and ensure that those resources are developed to their fullest potential. It must recognise the rich

and untapped potential of the service industry and identify and adopt best practices in the development of this industry with the designed intention to integrate and export our service industry to world markets. The new development agenda must nurture competency within the construction sector, where its players can be branded and better able to leverage their skillsets to regional and international opportunities.

The Guyana private sector’s sustainable growth, diversification, expansion and integration into world trade are completely dependent on visionary and transformational leadership, which has to be informed by the NHDS. Guyana’s private sector, in collaboration with state support, must be given adequate support to nurture the ability to become proactive rather than reactive; transformative rather than informative; and lead rather than follow, as we set ourselves up to producing products and services that are relevant to world trade.

Guyana must design and implement a plan that must inform and shape global opinions of our readiness to compete and win in world markets. That plan must be the Dream Makers & the Game Changers that enable our industries to attain global relevance and prompt access to world markets. All relevant stakeholders must dance to one melody of injecting capital, time, energy and resources to nurture Guyana’s private sector to demonstrate transformational leadership that can make it truly become iconic as a Dream Maker and Game Changer in the global world of business.

Dream Makers & Game Changers are driven by a deeper sense of self (DSS). That DSS is significantly influenced by mind-sight rather than eye-sight. They believe that whatever the mind can conceive they can achieve.

The public sector, the private sector and civil society must launch a collaborative strategic engagement that allows them to nurture mindsight on where we want our HC and productive sectors to be 20 years from now. The strategic engagement must be completely informed by successful models, best practices, and a national transformational ideology. That strategic engagement must have a game plan, and that game plan must have a no-fail policy established in the minds of all stakeholders.

A cultured mind is a beautiful thing, it gives us whatever we believe we are entitled to achieve.

Strategic engagement and cooperation between the public sector and the private sector can create an environment that allows our corporate innovators and leaders to transform the landscape of how we do business in Guyana.

We must press the reset button on human and business development in this new dispensation.

There is no reason why we must settle for second best regarding nurturing visionary leaders that can, and will, transform the land-scape of how we do business. Why should Guyana settle to be average in our human competencies and corporate leadership and innovation?

The private sector is the product of its thoughts and the results of its actions. We must

press the reset button on corporate-inspired action in this new dispensation. What new steps are we taking to separate ourselves from the competition and attain and maintain the competitive advantage in world trade?

Guyana’s business sector must be strongly influenced by a heavy injection of Dream Makers and Game Changers’ ideology that can first inform and then transform the thinking of our corporate leaders. We must craft our foot-prints and local content into regional and international trade.

Guyana has a forestry sector that can significantly diversify our product portfolio. Guyana has an extractive industry that has the potential to brand our economy as a major player in world trade. Guyana has a service industry that is virtually untapped. Guyana has the potential to become a social and economic force to reckon with. Dream Makers & Game Changes will show you practical steps to unlocking Guyana’s potential.

The primary aim of this column is to illustrate a new, transformative and fresh approach to business practice and business development.

This column will take an open-minded approach, but will have an analytical and complete look at corporate and national developmental issues such as: 1) Guyana’s National Human Development Strategy or lack thereof, its potential impact on the private sector & national sustainable development.

2) The Chambers of Commerce/Trade Association as drivers of national and economic development: the strengths, weaknesses, opportunity and threats that are associated with these social organs, as economic builders are essential talking points etc.

3) Guyana’s Private Sector Development Bank & its potential impact on Guyana’s global integration and competitiveness 4) The Small Business Act of 2004 and its potential impact on national development will be examined. The laborious or barriers to its full implementation in 11-plus years will also be a critical talking point.

5) Private Sector Tax reform, Tax Incentives and Tax Holidays and their potential impacts on increased private sector activities and Guyana’s development agenda 6) Canada has adopted a unique tax reform national development policy that provides a

springboard for new business start-ups, project and product diversification and corporate expansion. DM&GC will examine the applicability of these models to Guyana’s development agenda. Etc. 7) Guyana’s private sector integration into the world market as agents of FDI is also a critical talking point.

The potential of the business sector to transform the social and economic landscape in a mixed economic system such as Guyana’s is untapped. This column Dream Makers & Game Changers will give a critical analysis of the range of resources that lie untapped and propose recommendations and concrete plan of action where the collective, (meaning the State, The private sector & civil society) can begin to fully appreciate and harness the rich potential of human, technical and natural resources of this nation.

Guyana’s private sector is the biggest employer in our economy. These productive industries have to be driven by our human capital; but if their knowledge, training and exposure are not properly aligned to a national developmental agenda, it will impede progress and the diversification process of the private sector and our economy.

The full development of the private sector is dependent on an integrated and collaborative effort between the public & private sectors and civil society. This tripartite body must launch a collaborative strategic engagement that allows it to nurture a new and clear path of human and private sector sustainable development based on mind-sight. Guyana urgently needs a “National Human Development Strategy that is properly informed and fully aligned to advance the diversification process and export market integration potential of the business community. The National Human Development Strategy is necessary in this new dispensation. The NHDS must be informed by clear goals and objectives: Each of the G’s & O’s of the NHDS must be time-lined against performance criteria. The NHDS must be monitored and controlled against the project objectives and integrity.

Guyana, the collective, must take concrete action to transform the thinking and culture of the Private Sector, and that transformation can be best informed by the “National Human Development Strategy”.

Sex worker,other on $25,000 bail A PEER educator and a sex worker were on Friday placed on $ 25,000 bail each after they appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann MacLennan charged with larceny.

Twenty- two-year-old, David Bissoon of Best Road, Vreed-en –Hoop and 22-year-old Colin Abrams of Enmore North, East Cost Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charge which

stated that both of them along with others on February 17, 2016, stole from the person of Ray Anthony La Cruz one radio set valued $100,000 and $50,000 in cash, property of the said La Cruz.

The facts of the matter were not stated and the matter was adjourned until March 7 and transferred to Court Six.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

All not well in Anna Regina ––pensioner in race to fix the township’s problems

By Ariana Gordon

CHANGING the culture of residents of the municipality of Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast; beautifying the environment and ensuring that young people have access to sporting facilities are critical to the development of the town.

Eustace Vincent Collins, a 68-year-old resident popularly known as “VC”, believes that much needs to be done over the next three years to ensure that Anna Regina is returned to its former glory.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Friday, Collins said poor leadership has, over the years, contributed to “much stagnation” in

Eustace Vincent Collins the town.

“I feel the quality of leadership in the town is poor. There is no proper vision that can enhance the development,” he stated, noting that it is his desire to make a difference in his town.

He spoke to issues such as roadside vending, drainage and irrigation, and sporting facilities for the youths.

On the issue of roadside vending, Collins said there have been several complaints by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) and the previous Mayor and City Council (M&CC), but nothing has been done to have these vendors removed.

“We cannot put the people on the bread line, but we have alternatives. One such alternative is to increase the market space by going up one flat,” he said.

He said if the Anna Regina Market is rehabilitated, then those vendors that sell outside the market and along the streets can be accommodated within the market. He estimates that there are approximately 80 roadside vendors in Anna Regina.

Roadside vending has been a bone of contention for many years, Collins told the Guyana Chronicle, noting that removing the vendors is one thing, but finding suitable accommodation for them is another. He explained that most of roadside vendors depend heavily on selling to maintain their families.

Asked whether sufficient resources are available to rehabilitate the Anna Regina Market, Collins said, “I am sure resources can be found. There are many donor agencies that would be willing to provide funding. We have to seek assistance, and I am sure that we’d be able to garner the resources.”

The Anna Regina resident recalled that, about five years ago, a Canadian municipality had requested the Mayor and Councillors of Anna Regina to put together a development plan geared at receiving funding. This was not done, he said.

“What needs to be done is a proposal; a developmental plan…a Canadian municipality was willing to assist us. The Anna Regina municipality is twinned with a Canadian municipality,” the Guyana Chronicle was told.

“I don’t believe securing funds would be an issue. If you don’t try, then that is an issue; because we’d remain with the same problems that faced us previously.”

Collins believes that the Anna Regina Council needs to “operate like a business.” He told the Guyana Chronicle it is important that the council generates income and stop being dependent.

“I have been able to observe how the council operates: It does not operate in a business-like manner; it depends heavily on rates and taxes and subventions from central government.”

He also said that being able to generate its own financial resources is critical to the maintenance of the town.

“It must act like a business,” the Anna Regina resident stressed. Collins, who is a businessman, said he can’t understand why the council had “gotten rid of” a garbage truck the town had acquired a few years ago. The council then proceeded to hire a private garbage contractor to collect garbage from around the town.

“My understanding is that the garbage truck was sold upon the instruction of a former minister; it is no longer within the municipality,” Collins told the Guyana Chronicle.

The council, he advised, has to “get into income-generating activities” in order to ensure the town is developed.

ONE WAY STREETS AND DRAINAGE Additionally, it is Collins’s desire to see the narrow streets of Anna Regina be converted to one-way streets. He said there are too many accidents on the streets because of their narrow nature.

“We can’t wait until there is an accident to decide to change the narrow streets to oneway,” he said.

Turning to the drainage system, Collins said Anna Regina is dependent on gravity flow to provide drainage for the community. But due to clogged drains, there is a disruption of the flow of water when it rains.

“I am not happy with the drainage system; Anna Regina is dependent on gravity flow to provide drainage for the area. In some cases, the eastern side (towards the seawall) is lower than the western side, and as such, there is a natural flow of water going towards the sea; but because

of the disruption of the drainage system, the water is now forced to go uphill, towards the west, which is against the natural flow,” he explained.

He said that because of the drainage issue, the town of Anna Regina is flood-prone.

“It means that people are not able to maintain their kitchen gardens, etcetera.”

Collins said that, as an agriculture-based economy, Region Two depends heavily on proper drainage.

CAR PARK AND SPORTING FACILITIES Once elected as a councillor, Collins said, he will propose that minibus and taxi drivers who utilise the space on a daily basis pay a fee for its usage. He said that, once collected, the fee will serve to maintain the area.

According to Collins, the car park is the responsibility of the municipality, and as such, the municipality has to find the requisite resources to maintain the park.

“It means (that) when the car park has deteriorated, the municipality has to fund the

Collins also said he wishes to see the young people of the town engaged in more sporting activities. He noted that the grounds in the town are of poor standard.

“The largest ground is the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground. All other grounds, apart from Kayman Sankar’s ground, fall under the municipality. These grounds are not being properly maintained, and I don’t know why.

The council doesn’t have any special interest, or they don’t seem interested in lifting the standards of sporting facilities,” the impassioned man told Guyana Chronicle.

It is his desire to have all grounds rehabilitated. Should he be elected, he would propose that a “Special Community Committee” be established to manage the grounds.

“A committee that would operate under the council but would have special mandates to generate income and manage the grounds,” Collins added.

He said the roof of the pavilion of the Anna Regina Community Centre is in need of repair, and the centre has been locked up for years.

A scene in the township of Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast, Region Two repairs. Yet they are not collecting the fees. It has to generate money so it can be sustained,” he said.

In the past, Collins said, a proposal had been put to the council for taxi and minibus drivers to pay a fee, but politics became part of the consideration and that recommendation was shelved.

He said that, like the car park, there is need to have the lone public convenience in the town in good working order. He said, too, that it is his desire to see additional public conveniences installed to avoid placing tremendous burden on anyone.

“If you go around central Anna Regina, there is one public convenience. It is not in good order, nor is it cleaned regularly,” Collins told this newspaper, while highlighting that the town of Anna Regina does not have bins along the streets.

“We don’t have bins, so we can’t stop littering. The council has some drums, but they are parked up for over one year in the yard,” he added.

“The place is in a state of disrepair. What normally happens is (that) the ground is used to host fund-raising activities. What you find is [that] there is no control as it relates to [the use of glass] bottles when activities are held at the ground,” he said, noting that broken bottles make it unsafe for persons to participate in sporting activities there.

“No (glass) bottles and vehicles ought to be allowed on the grounds when activities are being held,” he told Guyana Chronicle. “If I am elected, I’d be happy (to introduce this rule). I think I have the vision, the mission and the ability to serve in the best interest of the people, and to develop the town of Anna Regina,” said Collins, who is contesting under A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance For Change coalition (APNU+AFC) in both the Proportional Representation and the Firstpast-the-post systems.

“I’d like to see Anna Regina transformed, and it is my hope that people would crave to visit the town of Anna Regina,” said Collins.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

Crum-Ewing murder probe

Hinds reportedly implicates Abdulla AFTER denying knowing anything about the Courtney Crum-Ewing execution last year while speaking to a television journalist, self-professed hitman Sean Hinds has reportedly told police investigators that it was Jason Abdulla who allegedly murdered the activist on a Diamond roadway on March 10, 2015.

Up to late Friday, the police were still questioning four persons, including high profile People’s Progressive Party (PPP) member Kwame McCoy, in connection with the murder of Crum-Ewing.

There was no confir-

mation as to whether police had picked up other persons, even as the

PPP activist Jason Abdulla probe widens. According to sources, Hinds, Abdulla

and Okeene Fraser have to some extent been cooperating with the police.

This newspaper was informed that the police are likely to wrap up their investigations into the matter over the weekend, and should all go well, would be presenting their findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice on the way forward.

Meanwhile, the police on Friday sought and were granted an extension by the court to keep McCoy, former Press and Publicity Officer at the Office of the President, in custody for an additional 72 hours.

That would see him remaining in custody until

Monday. The extension of this detention comes one day after the High Court granted similar privileges to the police on Friday for the continued detention of Abdulla, Fraser and Hinds.

There have been reports that McCoy has not been fully cooperating with the police in their investigations into the matter, and was answering only basic questions.

The probe into the killing of Crum-Ewing was revived earlier this

week when police picked up Abdulla on Monday, Fraser on Tuesday and Sean Hinds on Wednesday. Many observers have previously contended that Crum-Ewing’s murder was politically motivated.

The view was even expressed by former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Joe Singh, at the funeral of Crum-Ewing at the Heavenly Light Church in Albouystown.

Crum-Ewing had served as a soldier in the GDF

while Singh was the head of the army.

The then President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, had called on the police to leave no stone unturned in bringing the killer of Crum-Ewing to justice as he, too, condemned the killing.

However, although several persons were questioned in connection with the murder while the PPP was in office, no charges were brought against anyone.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

2,500 to benefit from CDB project

BASIC NEEDS Trust Fund (BNTF) will be rehabilitating roads in Samatta Point and Fyrish, using US$267,000. The multi-million-dollar project, which will benefit more than 2,500 residents, is being funded by Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through a grant.

On Wednesday, the Government through BNTF awarded contracts to Courtney Benn Contracting Services Limited and N Lachman Business Establishment and Civil Works for the rehabilitation of a bridge and the upgrade of roads in Samatta Point and

Fyrish.

Critical rehabilitation works on the main access bridge and roadways in the Samatta Point on the East Bank of Demerara will be executed by Courtney Benn at a cost of G$32.5M. These works include repairs to the bridge, upgrading the road surface to asphaltic concrete, constructing clay shoulders and speed humps, and desilting roadside drains.

Meanwhile, residents of Church and Sixth Streets, Fyrish Village, Corentyne will also benefit from a Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST), finished with Sand

Saturday February 20, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Sunday February 21, 2015 - 14:30 hrs

BNTF Project Manager Michael Singh handing over the contract to N Lachman – the CEO of N Lachman Business Establishment & Civil Works, in the presence of Finance Secretary Dr Hector Butts and other officials Seal road network, north of the signing on behalf of the projects that Government road and water projects, buildthe Corentyne Highway.

Government. plans to implement. ing more disaster-resistant N Lachman Business EsDr Butts, in delivering The projects were iden- structures, community skills tablishment & Civil Works brief remarks, reminded the tified by BNTF under its 7th training and support for small was awarded the contract to contractors of Government’s cycle Community Access and and medium-sized enterprises. the value of G$22,140,000 demand for high quality work Drainage Sector Portfolio, and It has engaged the serBNTF Project Manager and efficiency of service. He are expected to be completed vices of CEMCO Inc to Michael Singh signed both also assured the contractors by May 31, 2016. provide architectural and contracts. Finance Secretary that they were welcome to bid The CDB provides financ- engineering services for the of the Ministry of Finance, for similar as well as the larger ing for social and economic design and supervision of Dr Hector Butts, witnessed infrastructure development infrastructure such as schools, the projects.

GuySuCo, GAWU deadlocked on incentive package

THE RECENT call by the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) for sugar workers to strike, has led to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) threatening to halt operations on the current crop.

In a statement on Friday, GuySuCo disclosed that, “such behaviour by the union would leave the Corporation with no alternative, but to put a halt to the current crop until the union gives its fullest commitment to allowing the crop to

discuss Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2015 under the Chairmanship of the Chief Labour Officer and it was at that point the union was informed that GuySuCo had not prepared any meals.

Nevertheless, GuySuCo’s statement concluded that the parties, GuySuCo and GAWU on February 19, 2016 reconvened at conciliation under the auspices of the Chief Labour Officer to conclude on Annual Production Incentive (API) for 2015.

The last meeting was

proceed unhindered.”

The issue which arose following GAWU’s dissatisfaction with the Annual Production Incentive (API) offered by the Corporation in 2015 has escalated on many occasions into strikes by sugar workers across the nation.

Again, on Friday members of GAWU negotiating team picketed GuySuCo’s Ogle Head Office over the alleged denial by the Corporation of meals to the union’s delegation.

The union in a statement disclosed that the picketing followed the conclusion of a conciliatory meeting to

held on December 11, 2015 where both parties presented their submissions to the conciliator, after which he informed the parties that he recognised they had reached an impasse and that before he declared a deadlock he would prefer to consult with his subject minister.

PARLOUS FINANCIAL STATE On Friday, the conciliator declared a deadlock in relation to the 2015 API negotiations. GuySuCo’s representatives requested and reiterated the position to have the matter settled

at conciliation level in view of its current “parlous financial state”.

“However, in keeping with the established grievance procedure the Corporation reluctantly indicated to

cost.”

Notwithstanding, a deadlock was declared by the conciliator. The Corporation implored that this matter should end at this level with the union accepting the 2.72

the conciliator that it had no reservation in moving to the next level that is, arbitration, if the union did not agree for the matter to be concluded yesterday (Friday).”

Meanwhile, the statement stressed that GuySuCo’s total revenue for 2015 was G$18. 4B with sugar sales contributing G$17.2 B. The revenue generated by no means covered the employment cost which stood at G$21.6 B for 2015.

Further, the meeting was also advised that the Corporation was docile to the payment of incentives.

“The seven estates in 2015 achieved 94.41 days, thereby, allowing the workers to earn G$1.099B in Weekly Production Incentive [WPI]. In addition, a sum of G$1.009B was also earned as Personal Performance Incentive (PPI) by cane harvesters. Those incentives compare to G$2.1 B of tax free earnings to our employees. This is approximately 10 per cent of the Corporation’s employment

days’ pay valued at approximately G$223M. This would allow the Corporation to go ahead and make the payment in keeping with its commitment to the employees.

It was also advised with great concern the union’s calls to the Corporation’s workforce to strike on every Tuesday. The union leadership has also hinted in sections of the media of this strike action intensifying over the coming weeks.

“Given the Corporation’s very poor financial health, if this call were to be answered by the workforce in the coming weeks, it would cause a major disruption of the current crop and would only deepen the financial woes of GuySuCo. It would mean the factories having to stop and start on a regular basis, a situation that would not be financially sustainable. All the stakeholders, including the union are fully aware of the negative implications of this action, the GuySuCo statement lamented.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

GWMO urges help for abused girl

By Shauna Jemmott

GUYANA Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) is calling on the relevant authorities to rescue a 10-year-old child who is suspected to be a victim of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) before it is too late.

GWMO President Urica Primus told Guyana Chronicle in a recent interview that her organisation is deeply concerned that a 10-year-old sister of the pregnant 12-yearold girl who was rescued by the organisation is still in her father’s custody and could be facing greater danger.

The child is one of the two underage girls rescued from the backdam in Port Kaituma and transported to Georgetown on medical referral from a Medex in the area after it was observed that their blood pressure was extremely low.

On January 15th, 2016, Stephanie Miguel, a Region One representative of the GWMO, and Fiona Hudson rescued two young girls. They were brought to Georgetown by health officials from Region One. The girls, a 13-year-old with a nine-dayold baby and a 12-year-old who was five months pregnant, were diagnosed with low blood pressure.

TRAFFICKED BY THEIR FATHER The pregnant girl indicated to GWMO in a statement that she and her 10-year-old sister had been trafficked by their father,

who took them to mining camps and logging sites as sex workers for adult men in exchange for small bags of groceries or some cash.

The girls were among three children to have witnessed their mother’s gruesome treatment allegedly at the hands of their father, which led to the woman’s death.

Last October the organisation reported to this publication that the mother of the girls had done a caesarian section delivery, and when she was discharged days after, her husband requested sexual intercourse.

The woman refused because she was not physically ready but the man raped her and dragged her through their yard after she began haemorrhaging profusely, leaving her there to die.

The children’s cries had alerted neighbours who tried to transport her out of the backdam area but she died before that could happen.

The organisation has since been concerned about the children’s safety, even after they were prevented from attending their mother’s funeral. It was reported that the children were in the custody of their aunt and grandmother, but Guyana Chronicle is unclear of how they returned to their father.

The GWMO had sent a letter to various Government ministries, including the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Ministry of Social Protection, calling for their in-

tervention in this and other matters, but reports are that the man is still at large and has done further damage to the lives of his vulnerable children.

PREGNANT KIDS The GWMO is also concerned that a 12-year-old pregnant mother may not receive justice if the Ministry of Social Protection and the Guyana Police Force do not involve the organisation in its investigations.

The 12-year-old girl was transported from the backdam area of Port Kaituma a few weeks ago by the GWMO to the Port Kaituma Hospital, where a Medex who examined her and a 13-year-old maternity patient with child referred them to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for further medical care.

Primus said the organisation is disappointed with the way they have been pushed aside from being a key part of the investigations, since the pregnant girl trusted the members of the group enough to disclose information which revealed that she was trafficked.

Since the two girls were transported to Georgetown, Primus said, “The organisation has cared for and supported them for the weeks that they were hospitalised, (and) during this process, one of the girls recounted to various members of the organisation that her father would take her to various mining camps, where she was forced to have sexual relations with miners for a small bag of food.”

The GWMO President expressed disappointment that the organisation was not informed when the police were taking the statements from the girls, and was not aware of what information was revealed. She said after following up the issue they realised that this information was not included in the girl’s statement. The Child Protection Agency and the Counter-Trafficking Unit (CTU) were notified.

GWMO requested to be present while statements were taken from the girls, since they had already shared a relationship of trust with the organisation to reveal certain sensitive information. One month has passed and the pregnant girl has not yet given the police or the CTU information leading to the rescue of her younger sister, who remains a victim of TIP. “Creating a more comfortable environment for the victims only aids in them opening up and revealing more; which results in them getting justice for all that they have experienced. Our sentiments were not shared, since we were denied our request. It has been one month since both girls are in the city.

They are yet to open up to the Counter-Trafficking Unit. This is an unnecessary delay of justice.”

Primus said that all efforts should be made in the best interest of the victims.

She is not pleased with the approach of the Ministry of Social Protection in handling the matter.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

Shade houses for five Region 9 schools

THE House has approved the 2016 budgeted spending for Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) that outlines the implementation of a number of key priorities in education delivery and the provision of services in health and public works.

The region’s budget for 2016 includes strategic investments in the construction of a nursery school at Tabatinga; annexes at Pai Pang and Baishandrun Primary schools; living quarters at Sand Creek Secondary and sanitary blocks and trestles at Surama, Aishalton and Wowetta Nursery and Quatata Primary schools.

Additionally, investments are also included to support the upgrading of health centres at Karasabai and Sand Creek; the construction of bridges at Sand Creek, Aishalton and Baishaidrum; the upgrading of roads at Nappi, Parishara, Quaiko, from Karasabai to Tiger Pond and from Tiger Pond to Pai Pang; the construction of culverts at Aranaputa, Kwatamang and Kabanawaw, and the upgrading of bridge approaches at Kumu and Buro.

The sum of $1.9B for Region 9 was approved by the House.

The region plans to spend $161.718M on regional administration and finance; $70.078M on agriculture; $291.4M on public works; $971.18M on education delivery and $424.42M on health services.

Communities Minister Ronald Bulkan, who was questioned about the region’s budget, explained that an allocation of $34.62M will provide for the construction of shade houses in support of the agricultural programme being executed in five secondary schools in the region.

The allocation also provides for an All Terrain Vehicle that will be used by an extension officer based in Annai, the minister explained. Also covered under the allocation, he explained, is the rehabilitation of abattoirs at Sand Creek, Aishalton, Annai and Karasabai and the provision of new pasture at Annai and Shulinab.

He also clarified that $31M will cover the construction of bridges, while $38.7M will be spent on upgrading roads. An amount of $30.15M will go towards infrastructural development.

A provision of $9.561M will support the upgrading of an electrical system at St Ignatius Secondary School.

The sum of $30.2M will be expended on water supply systems at Awarewaunau, Katoonarib and Sawariwau, and for the provision of solar water systems at Taushida, Quaiko and Massara.

The minister explained that a four-wheel drive land cruiser retro-fitted at a total cost of $9M will function as an ambulance.

He also promised that indigenous contractors and labourers will be given first preference with regard to employment as it relates to the construction of sanitary blocks at Cracrana, Toka, Sawariwau, Achiwuib and Yupukari health post and Lethem Regional Hospital.

This will also apply to the upgrading of health centres at Karasabai and Sand Creek.

The region is budgeted to spend over $47.839M on these investments, the Government Information Agency (GINA) reported.

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The House has approved $34.62M for the construction of shade houses in support of the agricultural programme being executed in five secondary schools in Region 9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

GPL CEO booted

INTERIM Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Colin Welch, who has been fingered in much controversy over the last few months, has reportedly been fired by the Board of the company.

According to reports, the termination of his employment was allegedly linked to several decisions

made by him regarding the awarding of contracts for GPL. In December of last year, reports had surfaced that Welch had interfered with the tendering process of a contract for the supply of 28,000 prepaid meters to Guyana. The contract was valued at over US$4M. However, the then CEO had vehemently denied the

accusation, deeming it a “total fabrication”. Subsequently, there was public outcry for the Government to take action against Welch.

During that time, the Board of the power company had not been installed and it was expected that Welch’s fate would lie in the hands of the Board after a probe.

Evidence had been accumulated from a series of

chat messages and Skype calls reportedly made by Welch with regard to the meter transaction. These were subsequently sent to senior Government officials.

And according to a Newssource report on Friday, two senior Government officials have confirmed the firing by the Board. Further, the officials indicated that the reason may have to do

with recent decisions taken by the CEO regarding the awarding of contracts for the power company.

Welch was installed as the interim CEO after former CEO Bharrat Dindyal was sent packing by the Government last year. According to reports, Deputy CEO (interim) Renford Homer is expected to fill the capacity of CEO.

Former GPL CEO Colin Welch

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

‘Wrong and flawed’

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… lawyer slams Chang’s ruling on elections petition

ACTING Chief Justice Ian Change has given the green light to the elections petition brought by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), allowing the matter to go to trial-a ruling described by a lawyer as “wrong and flawed.”

Chief Elections Of-

ficer Keith Lowenfield, through his attorney Roysdale Forde, had sought to block the summon filed by the PPP through its agent, Ganga Persaud.

The PPP had argued the Validity of Elections Act allows it to access additional information held

by GECOM, and as such

the court does not have the power to quash the petition on the contentions advanced by Forde.

Forde had submitted that the challenge brought by the PPP is baseless as it void of any material facts and sufficient grounds to allow the matter to go to trial.

Justice Chang on Friday ruled that there are sufficient grounds for the matter to go ahead, and in accordance with Article 163 of the Constitution, the court does not have jurisdiction to quash the petition.

Forde, in a brief comment, told the Guyana

Chronicle that the decision of the outgoing acting Chief Justice is “wrong” and “flawed”.

Persaud had, in July last year, filed the petition on behalf of the PPP/C List of Candidates. Among other things, notwithstanding there was international acclamation

Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield that the May 11 election was free and fair, he had asked the court to find that contrary is the case.

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Emulate Bishops’ High

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

–First Lady hails school’s proud tradition of excellence FIRST Lady Mrs Sandra Granger has praised Bishops’ High School students on their success, noting that the school has a proud tradition of excellence which must be emulated across the country.

“Guyana cannot afford to have its students drop out of school at the alarming rate of 4,000 every year,” she said.

The First Lady made these remarks in her address to students, parents and teachers at

the School’s Annual Prize-giving Ceremony. Bishops’ High hosts the ceremony every year to honour students for their outstanding performances, both in academics and extra-curricular activities.

“You have succeeded because you’ve all put your noses to the proverbial grindstone, and as a result of your efforts and your parents’ and teachers’ guidance and support, you can celebrate your

achievements today…. You have confronted challenges and achieved a measure of success, and you are being afforded the opportunity of pursuing higher learning in a country where I am sure you have heard of the alarming rate of school dropouts,” Mrs Granger said.

According to a Ministry of the Presidency release, the First Lady noted that many children go to school hungry,

while others simply cannot attend school because they do not have uniforms or school supplies or transportation.

Some are forced to stay at home to take care of their younger siblings while their parents earn a living.

The First Lady added that her husband’s government recognises these challenges, and has launched a programme to alleviate some of these difficulties.

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger delivers her address at the Bishops’ High School Annual Prize-giving Ceremony (Ministry of the Presidency photo) “It is my hope that recent initiatives to provide buses, bikes and boats to enable children to get to and from school, [for which the] scope is now being expanded to include breakfast and books, will lead to the decline in the number of children dropping out of

within the Ministry of Health Dr Karen Cummings, a proud alumna of the school, urged the students to be responsible citizens of their country; to uphold the values of discipline, honesty and honour at all times; and to give of their very best in whatever field they choose to venture into.

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger presents a trophy to Form Two student Krishan Singh (Ministry of the Presidency photo) school each day, until every single child in our country benefits from his or her right to free education,” Mrs Granger said.

HARD WORK Turning her attention to the school, she said that Bishops’ High School has a proud tradition of academic excellence, primarily because teachers and students alike have held firmly to the tenet that the fruit of hard work is success.

“The school has been blessed with head teachers of vision and teachers who recognise the importance of discipline, and that is evident in their performance,” the First Lady said.

The First Lady noted that the Government of Guyana is working to strengthen the education system by developing and enhancing the facilities for learning in every region, increasing the number of trained teachers, and helping students to become comfortable with innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Meanwhile, Minister

“Each one of us must use education to feed the fires of ambition…. The sky is your limit in all that you do, aim for high standards. Become a standard bearer so that others would want to emulate your actions,” Dr Cummings urged.

In 2015, the Bishops’ High School recorded 100 per cent passes in 16 of the 27 subjects written at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations, with an overall matriculation rate of 97.4 per cent. At the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE), 17 subjects were written, and the school achieved an overall pass rate of 95 per cent.

Bishops’ High School was established in 1870 by the Anglican Diocese in Brickdam as an all-girls learning institution. The school settled in its current location at Carmichael and Quamina Streets, Georgetown, in 1921.

It was handed over to the Government of the then British Guiana 80 years ago, in January 1936, and became a co-educational institution in 1975.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday February 20, 2016

FIFA faces day of Hand-in-Hand reckoning as threats mount unveils $18M

By Brian Homewood

ZURICH, Switzerland (Reuters) - The spotlight at next week’s FIFA Congress will fall on the presidential election but the real key to the future of football’s beleaguered governing body is embedded in a document with the unglamorous title ‘Draft statutes - Congress 2016’.

Drawn up over the last eight months, it suggests changes to stop the scandals that have left the organization, supposed to lead the world’s most popular sport, facing its greatest threat for decades.

The most obvious challenge is criminal investigations in the United States and Switzerland that have already resulted in the indictment of several dozen football officials for corruption - many of them serving - or former presidents of national or continental associations.

U.S. prosecutors have continued to call FIFA a victim of corrupt individuals.

But if FIFA as an organisation were criminally charged, sponsors and other partners might be reluctant to do business with it.

But that is not the only concern. In the last month, talk has resurfaced among Europe’s most powerful clubs of a breakaway European Super League, as well as complaints about the amount of time players spend with national teams.

National team competitions depend on a calendar agreed between FIFA and the clubs, which commit to release players to their national teams on certain dates.

If the clubs, which are

always eager for more opportunities to play lucrative friendlies abroad, were to pull out, it would throw international football into chaos.

There was similar discontent in the 1990s, when European football’s governing

Jerome Champagne body UEFA became deeply critical of Joao Havelange, the Brazilian president of FIFA at the time.

UEFA produced proposals that included handing more power to the continental confederations, rotating FIFA’s presidency and limiting it mainly to organising the four-yearly World Cup. Leading clubs including AC Milan and Manchester United then sought to build support for a breakaway league, and top players found themselves in a tug-of-war as clubs refused to release them for internationals.

OLD AND NEW CHALLENGES FIFA’s response was to threaten national associations (FAs), clubs and players with suspension if they linked up with the proposed league, and UEFA quelled the threat by reorganising its compe-

titions.

But FIFA now faces similar challenges, added to the menace of match-fixing organised by illegal betting syndicates, all while trying to shake off a series of scandals that have seen FIFA president Sepp Blatter banned for ethics violations and cast a shadow over the awarding of at least three World Cup finals. Clearly, it cannot afford to get its reforms wrong.

“If there is not a strong F I FA , f o o t b a l l w i l l b e grabbed by a lot of people who have no interest in the game and want to use the game for other reasons - political, business or even criminal,” said Jerome Champagne, one of five candidates for president.

The reform proposal on the table includes term limits for top officials, to avoid another 18-year presidency such as Blatter’s, as well as disclosure of their salaries.

More radically, it would take responsibility for everyday business decisions away from the “political” representatives of national associations. These would sit on a new-look 36-member FIFA Council, which would have at least six female members, and set a broad strategy for world football.

Day-to-day management would instead pass to a new, professional general secretariat, more akin to a corporate executive board, which, like the Council, would be overseen by a fully independent Audit and Compliance Committee.

The proposals also place a greater onus on continental

confederations and national associations to police themselves.

The 209 national associations, who ultimately hold the power in FIFA through the Congress, and vote for the president, are often seen as a significant part of the problem.

LACK OF TRANSPARENCY Most of those indicted in the United States committed their alleged crimes while carrying out duties for their national FAs or continental confederations.

In November, the anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International said the vast majority of FAs were failing to make basic information public, creating a potential breeding ground for corruption.

“The (proposed) statutes do generally address the obligations of confederations to observe the FIFA statutes,” Transparency researcher Gareth Sweeney told Reuters, “but they do not adequately explain how FIFA can oversee the confederations’ and the FAs’ compliance.”

“FIFA is effectively answerable to its Congress, but how transparent are its member FAs? It’s clear that has been inadequate until today.”

Sweeney also bemoaned the lack of independent participants on the FIFA Council, whose members will all be elected by the FAs. “While that opportunity has been lost, the draft statute reforms do cover a lot of required checks and balances that could limit the type of corruption we have seen in the past.”

Other critics believe the only way to deal with FIFA is to start all over again.

“We believe they need to dissolve it, and by ‘they’ I mean the Swiss government, they have the power to do so,” said Jaimie Fuller, a member of the New FIFA Now campaign group.

He said that FIFA’s failure to organise a presidential debate with the five candidates standing on February 26, three of them with current or former ties to FIFA, showed a lack of will to reform.

“If FIFA were genuine in saying they want to be a reformed organisation, they should have been conducting the presidential debate themselves; instead it’s the same old system today, and this reinforces the fact they have no desire to reform,” he said. “It’s the same men doing deals behind closed doors.”

deal with GCB

… to sponsor U-19 Inter-county tournaments for next three years

By Rajiv Bisnauth THE Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies yesterday unveiled a three-year sponsorship deal with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

Under the partnership, the insurance company will become the board’s official sponsor for the Inter-county Under-19 three-day and limited overs competitions.

It was confirmed by Director and Fire Manager of the Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies Howard Cox that the deal was worth $18M over the three-year period.

Speaking during the unveiling of the deal at the Company’s Avenue of the Republic, head office, Cox said the company is excited to be a part of the development of the sport, adding that the company has a long history in the involvement of cricket, either administratively or as a sponsor of the game.

“Throughout our long history, we have been involved in cricket either in the administration or sponsorship of the game. Indeed, the year of our founding - 1865 - was the year when the first inter-territorial matches between then British Guiana and Barbados were played,” Cox said.

He further pointed out that despite the off-field contentious issues remain to some extent unresolved; the company feels that the game is bigger than any issues or disagreements.

“It is amazing that in the past few years even with all that is going on our cricketers from the Under-15 to the senior level have proved to be the best in the region. There is obviously a desire to play and this desire should not be stifled in any way.

“There is more talent out there and it must be brought to the fore and we will play our part,” Cox concluded.

Meanwhile, secretary of the GCB, Anand Sanasie welcomed the company on board, adding that GCB looks forward to the meaningful partnership, which is set to embrace a new dimension of professionalism.

“This sponsorship comes at a welcoming time, as the GCB sets out to implement a formidable cricket structure geared at creating fair play, discipline, competitiveness, commitment, professionalism and excellence,” Sanasie said.

The West Indies Cricket Board Director also mentioned that for the GCB to attain such a valuable cricket model, the board requires the support and sponsorship of reliable and trusted partners, and as a consequence, Hand-in-Hand fits the role perfectly.

Sanasie also mentioned that the Under-19 tournaments are viewed as essential, since that level captures a cadre of young and exciting talents, in a competitive environment fit at promoting player and team growth.

Also making brief remarks was GCB president Drubahadur, who thanked Hand-in-Hand for coming on board in such a huge way.

Meanwhile, four teams are set to participate in both tournaments. The national Under-17 team will join the three county teams.

The three-day tournament has produced most of Guyana’s Test cricketers, with the exception of left-arm orthodox bowler Neil McGarrell and former West Indies off-spinner Clyde Butts.

Prior to the unveiling of the sponsorship deal, the company congratulated the Guyanese trio, Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach for their achievements at the just concluded ICC Youth World Cup where West Indies won for the first time in its history.

The youngsters received a token each for their achievements.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

Morris breaks English hearts again

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, (Reuters) - Chris Morris again proved the scourge of England’s bowlers after smashing 14 off the final over to power South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 at Newlands yesterday.

The visitors, though, had a chance to tie the scores and send the match to a ‘super over’ when paceman Reece Topley fluffed a straightforward opportunity to run-out Kyle Abbott off the last delivery.

Having earlier compiled a modest total of 134 for eight, England strangled the runrate on a wicket that both sides found difficult to score on and looked set to win after leaving South Africa needing 15 runs from Topley’s last over.

Number eight batsman Morris, however, clubbed a six and a four to lead the home team over the line.

The all-rounder also hit a swashbuckling half-century in the fourth game of the oneday series last Friday to help his side scramble a one-wicket

Chris Morris rescues South Africa in the final over in Capetown.

triumph.

England were put in to bat in the opening match of a series of two Twenty20s and blazed their way to 50 in six overs for the loss of opener Jason Roy (15).

The in-form Alex Hales (27) was then caught by JP Duminy at deep square-leg, despite a sickening collision with a charging Kagiso Rabada that thankfully left both fielders unhurt, and his dismissal sparked a slump to 81 for six.

Leg-spinner Imran Tahir was the chief destroyer for South Africa as he equalled career-best figures of four for 21.

Jos Buttler top-scored with an unbeaten 32 from 30 balls.

Captain Faf du Plessis (25) led South Africa’s reply from the front but excellent bowling spells from Chris Jordan (3-23) and Moeen Ali (2-22) appeared to swing the contest England’s way until Morris produced his late cameo.

The second game in the series, which is serving as a warm-up for the World Twenty20 in India next month, is in Johannesburg tomorrow.

Kenya wants two more months to meet anti-doping demands

By George Obulutsa NAIROBI, Kenya (Reuters) - Kenya wants two more months to show the global anti-doping agency it has cleaned up its athletics, hoping to avoid the risk of being barred from this year’s Olympic Games, its sports minister said yesterday.

Kenya, a world-beater in long-distance running, missed a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) deadline last week to implement new regulations in a country where some 40 athletes have been banned for doping in the last three years.

Sports Minister Hassan Wario said he was confident

Kenya Sports Minister Hassan Wario WADA would agree a twomonth extension to enable

Kenya to pass legislation and launch a fully opera-

tional anti-doping agency.

“Have we had anything from WADA? We haven’t. But normally there is a window of two months’ extension, which we hope to capitalise on once we get it,” Wario told a news conference in Nairobi.

A top Kenyan athletics official said on Thursday that the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), itself under pressure to get tougher on doping, was planning to ban Kenya from the Rio Games so “the world will understand how serious they are”.

The IAAF could enact a ban if WADA declared Kenya Non-compliant with its rules.

WADA spokesman Ben

Nichols said the organisation’s Independent Compliance Review Committee was due to make recommendations on Kenya in the coming days.

“We can’t confirm a timeline yet,” he said, “We required a number of assurances from Kenya in relation to the establishment of their anti-doping agency. These were predominantly to do with the need for them to put in place the legislation and rules so that the agency can be established.”

Sports Minister Wario said it would have been impossible to get legislation passed in time for the original WADA deadline.

“It was very clear that we were not going to make the February 11 deadline because the law and the policy, as you know, in this country take a longer time.”

But two months would be enough to put things in order, he said, including a law that would set heavy fines and at least three years in jail for those found guilty of doping.

“Are we serious about dealing with doping matters? We are extremely committed and open about dealing with doping and dopers,” Wario said.

“Kenya is keen on ensuring ‘the whoever wins does so’ in a clean and fair manner.”

Irate Man United fans turn on their own team

(REUTERS) - Manchester United fans turned on their own team after a Europa League defeat to Danish minnows Midtjylland, chanting obscenities that under-pressure manager Louis van Gaal admitted were justified.

United’s travelling support sang their displeasure as the 2-1 loss on Thursday evening dented the team’s best hope of returning to the Champions League next season.

Midtjylland were Danish champions last year but had won just one of their previous ten fixtures and not played a competitive match since December. van Gaal, whose team trail fourth-placed Manchester City by six points in the Premier League, had played

up United’s “positive” start to the year after they came through their first four games of 2016 undefeated.

But United have now recorded just two wins in six since they beat Liverpool on January 17, increasing the pressure on their manager once again.

“The fans can criticise. They are disappointed, like we are,” the Dutchman said, when told what supporters had been singing. “They can do because when you see the second half maybe they are right. We have to improve and then the fans shall support us again.”

With keeper David de Gea injuring a knee during the warm-up to join a lengthy casualty list that includes

captain Wayne Rooney, van Gaal cited injuries as a factor in the defeat.

“It is difficult to cope with such a list of injured players,” he said.

That defence did not go down well at home.

Columnists at the Manchester Evening News described the defeat as a “new low” and called for van Gaal to be sacked, while many irate fans took to Twitter.

“Please, please just sack van Gaal; he is the worst thing that has ever happened at United,” one user tweeted.

“The level of Man Utd’s uselessness is unmatched,” said another.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday February 20, 2016

New protocol Kent sign South Africa arrangement for IGG fast bowler Kagiso Rabada

By Stephan Sookram

KENT have signed South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada as an overseas player for a spell in June and July.

The 20-year-old was the top wicket-taker in the recent Test series against England, taking 22 wickets at an average of 21.90 in three matches.

Rabada will move to Kent in June after playing in South Africa’s tri-series with Australia and the West Indies.

He is eligible for six T20 Blast matches, two Championship games and one One-Day Cup fixture.

The right-armer, who had been linked with Durham, took match figures of 13-144 as South Africa won the fourth Test against England by 280 runs at Centurion.

Rabada also impressed for the Proteas in the one-day international series against England, taking nine wickets at an average of 19.88 and an economy rate of 4.73 runs an over.

His debut for Kent is expected to come in the Twenty20 fixture against Sussex on June 30 and he will remain at the St Lawrence ground until their One-Day Cup fixture at Middlesex on July 24, after which he will report back for international duty against New Zealand in August.

Kent did not have an overseas player last season, but Australia bowler Doug Bollinger had a spell with the club in 2014. (BBC Sport)

Kagiso Rabada made his Test debut for South Africa in November 2015.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday February 20, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) run out (2) Javed Miandad (PAK) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first Berbician to play Test cricket?

(2) What is Shiv Chanderpaul’s highest ODI score?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

A NEW protocol agreement among participating Inter-Guiana Games countries is expected to be inked shortly with a meeting planned to take place in the near future.

According to the National Sport Commission’s Director Christopher Jones, Guyana and its neighbour Suriname stand ready to solidify and ink the new protocol agreement and are awaiting the third member, French Guyana, to signal its intention.

Though the countries have committed verbally to needing new protocols, they have been unable to ratify and put pen to paper for a new document to govern the multi-discipline event.

A meeting was scheduled for last week but had to be postponed on account of the

French Guianese, who only completed the installation of a government in December

of last year.

Jones, however, is optimistic that in the near future

his kin directors across the three states will be able to meet to ratify these issues.

R e c e n t l y, J o n e s i n an exclusive interview with this newspaper said, “There are certain aspects of the Protocol that puts Guyana at a disadvantage.

For example there’s an aspect that speaks to participants being school-aged children being 19 and under and as you would know, Guyana’s academic year ends at 17-18 years old.”

He continued, “Suriname and French Guiana would be at an advantage because their athletes would be much older. That aspect of the Protocol I would want to see changed to accommodate our athletes that are currently in school.”

It is for this reason that Guyana sought the ratification of the Protocol.

GTT/GRFU League resumes today

FIRST division rugby action resumes at the National Park today in the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU)/Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company’s 15s tournament.

League leaders the UG Wolves start round two this weekend against the Police Falcons before Sunday’s action pits the Pepsi Hornets against the Yamaha Caribs.

Both the Hornets and the Caribs are on 10 points for a joint second place while the Falcons languish at the bottom of the table with no point.

Games will commence at 14:00hrs.

Action between the Yamaha Caribs and the UG Wolves last weeken

NOTABLE DATES TERRENCE Alli is arguably the best lightweight boxer produced by Guyana. In his prime, the son of Mahaicony was swift, tenacious and ready to rumble with all and sundry. Alli could take as much as he could give and stunned many with his ability to absorb punishment.

Alli was 32 years old when he collided with Mexican Juan Carlos Nunez on February 20, 1993. The fight was held in Mexico City. By this time the Guyanese had moved up to the junior welterweight division. Nunez lost by technical knockout (TKO) in the fourth round to improve Alli’s record to 52-7-2.

The bout marked the last time that Alli secured a victory in boxing. He had eight defeats in the next nine fights

and one no-contest. Based in the USA, Alli returned home in 1992 to fight Steve Larrimore and produced a fifth-round knockout victory.

It was the first time that the quick-fisted Guyanese had fought at home since losing to Walter Smith on March 1, 1980.

The quick-fisted local idol again returned to Guyana in September 1996 to battle rising start Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis.

Alli had three more fights before permanently hanging up his gloves. His career spanned 18 years and he won 52 fights, lost 15 and drew two. Alli boxed a total of 549 rounds for an average of 30 rounds per year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday February 20, 2016

GCA second division final set for today at Bourda GEORGETOWN Cricket Club and Demerara Cricket Club will clash in the final of the Georgetown Cricket Association/New Building Society second division 40-over tournament today at Bourda.

An enthralling final is anticipated, since both teams boast a number of exciting players. For GCC: skipper Devon Lord, Martin Pestano Belle, Ronaldo Mohamed,

Manny Forde and Steffan Wilson are all expected to play key roles while DCC will depend on skipper Lyndon Lyght, Sherfene Rutherford, Dennis Squires, Raymond Perez, Ashmead Nedd and West Indies Under-19 player Tevin Imlach Speaking with Chronicle Sport yesterday both captains expressed confidence of a victory.

Action gets underway

Ambrose urges Joseph to strive for excellence

Alzarri Joseph WEST Indies bowling great Sir Curtly Ambrose has challenged West Indies Under-19 strike bowler Alzarri Joseph to remain focused and strive for excellence.

Ambrose was addressing the young fast bowler on his return to Antigua on Wednesday night.

The 52-year-old Ambrose, who has 405 Test wickets and is widely considered one of the best fast bowlers of all-time, also urged Joseph to remain humble and respectful, saying that the young quick was free to lean on him when necessary.

“I am Antiguan, you’re Antiguan and I am proud.

Anytime you need any advice or any help and as long as I am on the island, you can call on me anytime,” said the West Indies bowling consultant.

“You’ve been playing First Class cricket already for the Leeward Islands and you’ve been doing very well so the next step is international cricket but take it one step at a time.

“There is a start, (there is) a middle and there is an end and this is the start.

You will get to the middle and you will get to the end, which is international cricket.”

Joseph snared 13 wickets during the ICC’s Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh which included a haul of 3 for 39 in the final against India.

Ambrose believes that Joseph has demonstrated that he has the qualities to be a great fast bowler and that he should always try to improve upon his skills.

“I’ve watched most of the games and you have the fast bowler’s streak; you don’t smile much and I like that about you,” Ambrose said.

“You are very aggressive but I just want to say that it’s now the work will start.

Now that you are in the eyes of the world, everyone will be watching you, so I want to say to you just keep working hard, maintain your fitness, continue to develop your skills.”

On his return home, Joseph was greeted by his mother Sharon Joseph, Minister of Sports EP Chet Greene, Senator Colin James, Cricket Association president Leon Rodney and Leeward Islands Cricket Board chief, Enoch Lewis.

Coach Pernell Joseph and grandmothers, Janice Hughes and Eileen Joseph, also greeted the young Antiguan cricketer on his arrival. (Sportsmax.com)

at 10:30hrs and the umpires are Javed Persaud and Deon Faessal.

Meanwhile, in the Trophy Stall/GISC/Star Party Rentals first division two-day, Malteenoes Sport Club will host UG while Everest Cricket Club will take on Transport Sport Club at Eve Leary.

Devon Lord (right) and Lyndon Lyght pose with the winning trophy.

Pride close day on 274 all out BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbados Pride, who won the toss and batted, were dismissed for 274 in 88.3 overs in their first innings against leaders Guyana Jaguars, at the close of play on the opening day of their seventh round, top-of-thetable regional Professional Cricket League (PCL) first-class match at Kensington Oval here yesterday.

Kevin Stoute 56 and Shamarh Brooks who also made 56 were the joint top-scorers for Barbados Pride.

Brooks hit seven fours and a six off 122 balls in 168 minutes while Stoute stroked five fours and a six off 99 balls in 146 minutes.

Other useful contributions came from captain Kraigg Brathwaite (40), Jonathan Carter (38) and Shai Hope (27).

Hand-in-Hand unveils $18M deal with GCB … to sponsor U-19 Inter-county tournaments for next three years

Director and Fire Manager Howard Cox hands over the sponsorship cheque to GCB president Drubahadur in the presence of another staff member of Hand-in-Hand and Guyanese trio Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Tevin Imlach, who represented West Indies at the just concluded ICC Youth World Cup. (See Page 28)

CARICOM insists WICB be dissolved

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PEAKING upon his arrival from Belize Thursdayt night T &T Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said the deterioration of Windies cricket, and the lack of proper management by the WICB, were discussed by CARICOM Heads.

He says based on past discussions with the WICB, CARICOM Heads have decided that nothing more can come from discussions with the board.

Dr Rowley said based on recommendations of a cricket sub-committee, CARICOM is now insisting that the WICB be dissolved.

“CARICOM will now discontinue any further discussions on the matter with WICB and the decision of the heads is that we insist that the recommendations of the committee be implemented … Is that the WICB be dissolved and that an interim body be put in place to begin the restructuring of the management of West Indies Cricket. This is a position which is resolutely opposed by the WICB and in seeking to impose upon us that nothing is wrong with the management of West Indies Cricket.”

Dr Rowley adds that CARICOM will also inform the ICC about the position of the Heads of Government.

“Against the background that WICB has taken the position that they are in fact a body corporate outside of the region … By the interest of the heads of government of the region the heads of government determined on Thursday that we will go over the head of the WICB and we would inform the ICC and the BCCI of the position of the heads of government and let them be put on notice of the position of the heads of government of the region. In short the heads of CARICOM will have decided that the time has come in trying to save West Indies Cricket. “ The PM says CARICOM is also ready to take legal counsel, following the response of the WICB. He adds that CARICOM will again discuss responses of the WICB, at their meeting in July.

(WICRICNEWS).)

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Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2016