Chronicle 11 12 2015 by Guyana Chronicle

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Guyana seeks deeper ties with Arab States No. 104370

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His Excellency, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier David A. Granger with His Highness, King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Fourth Summit of the Arab and South American Countries (ASPA). Also in photograph is Guyana’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Carl Greenidge

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Guyana commits to stronger ties with OIC PRESIDENT David Granger on Wednesday held talks with the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he committed that his government will participate more in OIC activities. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the fourth summit of Arab and South American Countries (ASAC). During the meeting, the Secretary General outlined the OIC’s endeavours with regard to political,

cultural and social affairs, as well as its interest in the issues of women and children along with the economic aspects, especially of micro-financing. He noted that a number of upcoming OIC conferences are meant to address these issues and expressed his hope that the Republic of Guyana will be among the effective participants in the OIC’s activities, according to an OIC press release from Riyadh. For his part, the President of Guyana welcomed the OIC Secretary General and

President David Granger on Wednesday held talks with the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani

expressed his belief that their meeting will open up new horizons for his country’s participation in the OIC’s conferences and meetings.

President David Granger further affirmed that Guyana looks forward to participating in the upcoming Islamic Summit Conference due to

be held in Turkey next year. Granger could become the first Guyanese head of state to participate in an OIC summit. Among its main objectives, the OIC aims to promote respect for the right to self-determination and non-interference in the domestic affairs of its member states and to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of each of its member states and develop science and technology and encourage research and cooperation among its members. He also added that Guyana is currently working to

join the membership of the Islamic Development Bank. Last month, President Granger met with the bank’s senior economist, Dr. Salman Syed Ali and its Division Manager of Advisory Services, Yahya Aleem ur Rehman, where he was updated on the bank’s activities in the Region and discussions were held on Guyana’s potential for financing. “These are two initiatives that we will continue to work on to strengthen economic relations,” President Granger said. Earlier on Wednesday, Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and President Granger discussed a number of issues on the agenda of the ASAC summit, in addition to issues of common interest between the two countries.” The meeting was attended by Saudi Minister of State, Dr. Muasaed Al-Aiban; Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom, Adel Al-Jubeir; Acting Chief of the Royal Court, Khalid Al-Essa and Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge. Guyana, a small state, is keen to enhance its multilateral diplomacy as a means to defend its territorial integrity, amidst renewed claims to its territory by two of its neighbours, Suriname and Venezuela after a major oil discovery in Guyana. With a small army, and lack of conventional weapons like Venezuela, the new government of Guyana is looking to more actively participate in multilateral forums such as the OIC.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Guyana seeks deeper ties with Arab States PRESIDENT David Granger, who is currently in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, described Guyana’s participation at the Fourth Summit of the Arab and South American Countries (ASPA) as fruitful and a success. He said that it is an important forum for Guyana to advance its interest with some of the major states in the Arab world and South America. In his presentation at the summit, which ended on Wednesday, the President called for the peaceful settlement of disputes and spoke of the importance of cooperation between Arab and South American countries. He also urged the leaders who were present, to work steadfastly on the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Sustain-

President David Granger being escorted into the VIP lounge by on his arrival in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the summit

able Development Goals, which were agreed upon in September at the UN General Assembly. “We support the thrust of the Arab and South American partnership, which was initiated by

former President of Brazil, Lula Da Silva 12 years ago. We feel that it is a very useful forum for building international cooperation,” President Granger said. On the side-lines of

the summit, the President and his delegation held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Iyad Ameen Madani. This is the second largest

inter-governmental organisation after the United Nations which has membership of 57 states spread over four continents. [see other story on page2] The resolution of the ongoing crises in Yemen, Palestine and Libya dominated the discussions from the Arab side. President Granger expressed Guyana’s support for the call for Palestinian sovereignty and statehood. In terms of the Syrian crisis, the tremendous loss of lives and the prolongation of the conflict remains a matter of concern; both the Arab and South American countries agreed that a peaceful resolution should be sought in accordance with the Geneva Communique. Similarly, calls were made for Yemen to fully implement the res-

olutions adopted by the UN Security Council. President Granger informed that from the South American side, the main issue that was raised was that of Argentina’s claims on Falkland Islands and said that Guyana reserved its position in this regard. The next summit will be held in another three years in neighbouring Venezuela. Guyana’s delegation, which was led by the President, included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Audrey Waddell; Mr. Kadim Khan from the private sector and Guyana’s representative to the UN, Troy Torrington. (Ministry of the Presidency)

Work moving apace on Merriman Mall, Roxanne Burnham Gardens – Children’s Committee to be established WORK on the redesigning of the Merriman Mall and the development of the Roxanne Burnham Gardens is moving apace, Town Clerk Royston King confirmed yesterday. “Works are on schedule, and we are proceeding according to plan,” he said. “As known by now, we are developing recreational parks for children, among other interventions,” King told the Guyana Chronicle.

Speaking of interventions, King said the most important of them all is what has come to be known as ‘The Presidential Project’, which is being developed on the eastern-most half of Merriman Mall. The whole purpose to the exercise, he said, is to devote the entire area to adult recreation. “Through this project, we will seek to create a fitness and exercise section; a recreational area for seniors

to sit, relax and enjoy a band, while we will put restrictions in place to ensure it remains green and open,” King said. One of the things they’re not compromising on, he said, is allowing persons to stake claim to any particular area of the facility. The whole idea, he said, is to foster a sense of collective ownership, in that the facility belongs to everyone in Georgetown; hence no one Turn to page 9 ►

A view of the newly erected play park at Merriman Mall

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Afghan Hazara killings spur EU to offer Africans aid, other thousands to march in Kabul benefits to cut migration: plan

(BBC News) Afghan security forces have fired warning shots into the air at a protest in Kabul, injuring seven people, according to officials. Police fired the shots to disperse protesters marching outside the presidential palace. Thousands are protesting against the recent abduction and killing of seven civilians from the Hazara ethnic minority. It is not clear who carried out the killings. The bodies were found in the southern province of Zabul where fighting between Taliban factions has escalated recently. Some of the victims had had their

throats slit. The marchers carried the coffins of the dead through the streets of Kabul in the pouring rain. “Today they kill us, tomorrow they kill you,” some chanted. Others carried banners bearing photos of the victims and shouted “Death to the Taliban”. The murdered Hazaras included four men, two women and a nine-year-old girl. Officials said they were among dozens of Hazaras kidnapped in a number of abductions dating back to last year. Afghan security forces have reportedly stopped live coverage of the protests by private television channel

Ariana News TV. Afghanistan has a large population of minority Hazaras who are mostly Shia Muslims. But unlike in neighbouring Pakistan they have been largely spared attacks by Sunni militants in recent years. The killings have fuelled concern over security in Afghanistan. President Ashraf Ghani’s government has come under increasing pressure to address the issue. “This issue doesn’t belong to a family, a tribe or an ethnic group, but it belongs to all Afghans,” said Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, speaker of the lower house of parliament.

(Reuters) THE European Union has offered African states a range of aid as well as easier visa access and lower costs for migrants sending cash home in return for help to curb migration into the EU, including by taking back illegal immigrants. A 17-page action plan to be agreed by EU and African leaders at a summit on Malta on Thursday, seen by Reuters, sets out dozens of initiatives, many long established, others fresh, for what leaders say should be a partnership to combat the poverty and insecurity driving Africans north and ensure that migration which does take place is safe and beneficial to all involved.

Groups of women carried coffins through the streets of Kabul

EU officials said the plan had been finalised on Wednesday in negotiations among EU and African officials. Alongside a commitment to conclude more agreements between EU and African states to expand and accelerate the return of illegal African immigrants from Europe to their home countries, EU governments would offer cooperative African states easier visa access for people to travel to Europe, including for work. The number of African students and university teachers taking part in an EU-run educational exchange program would be doubled next year from the level in 2014.

The plan also addresses African concerns that curbing migration could crimp remittances from Africans to families back home -- U.N. officials estimate that remittances may provide twice as much to the African economy as official aid. Acknowledging complaints that Africans are charged too much to send money home -- as much as 10 percent or more in many cases -- the plan commits governments to cutting that cost to below 3 percent by 2030 and encouraging a substantial reduction in transfer costs within five years.

(L-R) Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande attend the Valletta Summit on Migration in Valletta, Malta, November 11, 2015. Reuters/Yves Herman

Spain’s top court suspends Catalonia’s secession bid

(BBC News) SPAIN’S Constitutional Court has suspended a motion passed in the Catalan parliament earlier this week, which backs independence from Spain. The court agreed to hear the Spanish government’s appeal against the motion. The resolution passed on Monday called on the Catalan regional assembly to aim for independence in 18 months. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called the motion a “blatant disregard for the state’s institution... they are trying to do away with democracy”.

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He announced the decision to involve the Constitutional Court after an emergency cabinet meeting earlier on Wednesday. “We’re talking about the defence of an entire country. They are trying to liquidate the unity of a nation with more than five centuries of history,” he said. The Constitutional Court had been expected to rule in favour of the government. T h e 11 - j u d g e p a n e l agreed to hear the government’s lawsuit against the Catalan move, meaning the motion is automatically suspended for a number of

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months while legal hearings are held. The panel also agreed to Madrid’s request that the judges “personally” notify acting Catalan President Artur Mas, his cabinet and the president of the regional assembly, Carme Forcadell, of the consequences should they decide not to abide by the court’s ruling. The pro-secession parties had fully expected Monday’s motion, passed by Catalonia’s regional parliament, to be declared illegal and as part of the motion argued that the court lacks legitimacy.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

FISHING TRAGEDY

Two men drown when boat overturns in Ortoire River

( Tr i n i d a d E x p re s s ) A BOATING accident at Ortoire River, Mayaro claimed the lives of two fathers on Monday evening. Wayne Samaroo drowned after he became entangled in a fishing net, while Larry

DEAD: Larry Phillip

Phillip was struck in the head when the boat overturned. He never regained consciousness. Unaware of the tragedy that had taken place, their wives waited for their return from the fishing trip.

Sita Phillip, who was married to Larry for the past two years, sat in the car with their only child, six-month-old Sofia, while Lydia Samaroo, who had been with her husband for the past 28 years, was at home.

DEAD: Wayne Samaroo

Man pulls gun from crotch, shot dead at police station ST Catherine – OBSERVER ONLINE has been informed that a man was shot dead at the Spanish Town Police Station after pulling a gun on a police officer. The incident is said to have occurred around 4:45 pm on Tuesday, in the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) area of the police station. Information is that the man was taken to the station on a road traffic offence when he allegedly pulled a gun from his crotch, pointed it at a police officer and was shot.

Gov’t blocks media (Jamaica Observer) CHAIRMAN of Parliament’s Internal and External Affairs Committee, Derrick Smith, has described as “abominable” Tuesday’s lockout of media personnel from the question-and-answer segment of Police Commissioner Dr Carl Williams’ highly anticipated appearance before the committee. Smith, who strongly opposed an in-camera session, had to relent as government members insisted that the meeting should be private. He later told the Jamaica Observer that this is the first time in the committee’s history that a meeting was closed to the media and the public. “It’s pure politics, and the Opposition is totally against any suppression of the press,” he stated. Williams and his team

were summoned weeks ago to appear before the committee to give an account of the status of crime in the country. Until Tuesday, there have been no public objections to the commissioner’s appearance before the committee. Government members Mikhail Phillips, Arnaldo Brown, and Dr Winston Green were unrelenting as they closed ranks on the issue shortly after the commissioner and members of the police high command took their seats in the chamber. They argued that information could come out in the meeting which could compromise national security. “Some unfortunate comments were made outside this chamber, and we can’t divorce ourselves from those comments and the context in which this sitting is taking place... we should not ex-

pose the commissioner and his team to the likelihood of any intemperate and inappropriate questions being asked. Let’s have the thing in-camera,” Brown told the chairman. “It is my right, as a member of this committee, to put it to the chair and the committee that we take a vote on the matter,” Phillips insisted. “There is no need to get ourselves worked up. The committee approved the invitation, the committee members are very mature and experienced, and they are aware that we are dealing with matters of national importance and national security. As such, I would believe that certain types of question would not be asked. So I don’t see what we are getting our backs up about this morning,” Smith said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Ministers Trotman, Patterson pleased with ETK Inc/Sandspring Resources Ltd

EDITORIAL

Local gov’t election and the good life

THE APNU+AFC’s elections campaign theme ‘The Good Life’ has a sense of wellness, from the standpoint of a promise to society for growth and development in personal life and governance. For many Guyanese, who desire these, this theme was a drawing card. As the government settles in, many are beginning to see evidence of this promise, with some of the programmes and actions that already have been taken. To the student a good life means quality education, reliable electricity supply, being able to afford school supplies, nourishing meals and transportation to school. Our First Peoples desire respect for their way of life and minimum intrusion. The pensioner sees the good life in a dignified retirement where at least the basic amenities of life are affordable and accessible. To the worker this means being able to earn income in an environment that is safe and respecting of their labour. The homemaker desires finances to meet the needs of the family. The unemployed sees opportunity for employment with decent pay. The farmer desires bountiful crop and market for the produce. To the vendor it means being able to eke out a decent living. Though the identifiers are by no means exhausted, they capture the fact that there is no one size fits all to the good life. The good life also has a communal desire. Every Guyanese desires appropriate, reliable and affordable social services and proper infrastructures. Citizens want to live with low crime rate and feel assured police officers are adequately equipped to respond to challenges. This means a good life for these officers entails provision of all the requisite tools, inclusive of appropriate crime fighting techniques, safety, training and insurance plan. At the environmental level, communities desire an absence of garbage build-up, stagnant water and mosquito infestation. The respect for fundamental rights and freedoms is the cry of every citizen and community. Guyanese want assurance, through action, that the good life also means elected and appointed officials who abuse their authority will be subject to the rule of law and have their day in court like the average man and woman. It is with these in mind many are heartened by the government’s code of conduct for public officials, which it had promised and delivered and its push to hold local government elections which Guyanese have been denied for the entire life of the previous administration. The good life is also both individualistic and communal, in the home and wider environment. Yet these needs can be

MINISTER of Governance, with responsibility for Natural Resources and the Environment Raphael Trotman and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, on Tuesday paid a visit to the ETK Incorporated; a subsidiary of Sandspring Resources Limited, a Canadian company which is located at Toroparu, Region 7 (Cuyuni- Mazaruni). The visit was intended to give Minister Trotman an overview of the company’s operations and to enlighten Minister Patterson on the hydro-power project being undertaken by the company to support the running of its day-to-day activities. The Toroparu Project, which is still in its exploration stages, is expected to be larger than the Guyana Goldfields/Aurora Gold Mines Project and Troy Resources, Karouni Gold Project. As such, Minister Trotman noted that the visit was a necessity. “Our job is to facilitate investments into the industry and the country and to ensure that the Essequibo is beneficially occupied and the resource base is explored and developed. I am equally excited about the prospect of the hydro project that would accelerate development in the region and even be able to provide energy to the grid,” Minister Trotman said after the visit. According to the company’s website, in April 2013, Sandspring signed a Mem-

The team heading into the ETK Incorporated Mining Camp orandum of Understanding with the then Government of Guyana granting the company the exclusive right to develop the Kurupung River Hydroelectric Project (KRHP). Located approximately 50 km southwest of Toroparu, it is estimated that the KRHP can support more than 100 megawatts of run-of-river hydroelectric capacity. An initial 50-megawatt run-ofriver facility would support the Toroparu Project and other enterprises located within 120 km of the power plant. Sandspring estimates that the use of hydroelectric power could reduce its cash operating costs by US$60 to US$80 per ounce of gold produced. Such a reduction would not only result in significant cost savings over the life of the Toroparu Project, but also increase the economic viability of mining additional resources not currently in its mine plan. Given the government’s new push for a green econ-

met through the embrace of guidelines outlined in the Guyana Constitution, laws and international principles. Article 13 of the Constitution is the best starting point since it speaks to inclusionary democracy, requiring the involvement of stakeholders in the management and decision-making processes of the state on matters that impact their lives. Consequently, the call for the reactivation of the Village Movement economy can be seen as one plank in working towards this, since the village movement is known to mobilise and utilise resources indigenous to the village for the citizens of the community. What is absent today however is the mechanism for the realisation of this project. The enjoyment of the right to self-determination allows for the enabling environment to be created for citizens to conceptualise and develop economic programmes indigenous to their needs, which can also realise appreciation of and taking responsibility for their surroundings. Bottom line is that the good life is underpinned by good governance and this is what has eluded citizens for almost two decades. They will be counting on this new government to deliver.

Minister Trotman listens as this technician at the ETK Incorporated Toroparu Mining Camp, explains the procedure for storing the ore material omy, Minister Patterson has expressed interest in this venture. In the meantime, however, the visit also provided the opportunity for the Minister of Public Infrastructure to determine the transport needs in the area. “I am looking at two things here in this region; the roads and bridges, which come under my ministry and the possibility of hydropower here. My visit, however, was primarily to check on the roads. This company maintained it in the past but they have indicated that they cannot continue to do so, and so we are looking at the various options available to maintain the road because lots of miners use it but the hydropower plan is very economical and very interesting,” Minister Patterson said. After a brief presentation on the operations of the company, the ministers and team, which included Sir Shridath Ramphal, Permanent Secretary, Department of Natural Resources and the Environment (DNRE), Joslyn McKenzie, Ministerial Advisers, Clayton Hall (DNRE) and Kenneth Jordan (Ministry of Public Infrastructure) and President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Norman McLean, were given a

tour of the current operations. Chief Executive Officer of ETK Inc/Sandspring Resources Ltd, Rich Munson, who accompanied the team to the camp, pledged his commitment to work with the government as he expressed optimism and confidence in having a successful venture in Guyana despite falling gold prices. The Toroparu Project is a conventional open-pit mine. The company’s website says that it has a 4.1 million ounce proven and probable gold reserves, 211 million pounds of economic by-product copper, and a 16-year mine life. The ore-processing facility is being designed to accommodate two ore types with varying amounts of copper. It will consist of flotation and leaching circuits, and produce gold-bearing copper concentrates for shipment to a smelter, and gold doré bars that will be poured on-site and flown to a refinery. This facility is expected to process an initial throughput of 19,000 tons per day, and increase to 22,500 tons per day in its fourth year of production. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Norton mulls instituting drastic, punitive measures - against negligent public healthcare professionals By Ariana Gordon

PUBLIC Health Minister Dr. George Norton has come up with a novel way of sanctioning those healthcare professionals found culpable in the death or injury of patients in the public healthcare system. He believes that reducing their emoluments would be an effective way of ensuring that they take their jobs more seriously. Expressing his dissatisfaction with the manner in which serious matters are dealt with by some healthcare professionals in the public health sector, he used as a case in point the new-born baby boy who reportedly fell off a bed last week in the Maternity Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). A HUMAN ERROR “The baby can’t roll off the bed! The baby can’t wriggle off the bed! That is a human error that we are investigating,” he said. “If criminal negligence is found, so be it; you will go to the police. I say this, being a healthcare worker myself,” he told the Guyana Chronicle on Tuesday. While he has ordered an investigation into the incident at reference, Dr. Norton said he strongly believes that the

explanation provided by the healthcare professionals he spoke with at the hospital is unacceptable. “The first thing you hear is that it was an Apgar of 10; baby was born strong. I don’t care how much! It could be an Apgar of 20, if such existed; the baby can’t roll off that bed! It is a human error; it has to be negligence!” the minister said passionately. An Apgar score, which can range from zero to ten, is a medical way of assessing the health of a newborn baby. Noting that Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Morris Edwards has been tasked with investigating the incident, Dr Norton said: “We will leave no stone unturned.” And though he could not say for certain when that report would be ready, he does not set too much store by them. “Reports are chronicled in such a way that only the reports look good,” he said. “It doesn’t give you the true picture of what is taking place.” PUNITIVE MEASURES Though the Minister recognises that the Public Service Law does not permit the reduction of an employee’s salary when they are found guilty of acts of negligence, he believes that emoluments

must be reduced as a punitive measure. No one should be allowed to operate as if it’s business as usual, the Public Health Minister stressed. “It must not happen again! If the Public Service Law says you cannot touch the people’s salaries when they are at fault, then it must be changed,” Dr Norton posited. “Because, if you are going to keep an ectopic pregnancy misdiagnosed for hours in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department, causing the mother to die, then I don’t think sending you back to the institution in order for you to regain your knowledge without interfering with your emolument is right.” He said that as a punitive measure, “the salary scale should be affected; and then people would realise that we mean business. “It might not be in accordance with Public Service rules and so on, but Public Service rules can’t bring back a maternal death. We have got to be prepared to do this; if not, we will end up worse. And the year isn’t even finished as yet!” Dr. Norton believes that if drastic measures are not taken against defaulters, cases of negligence will continue to spiral out of control. This, he said, is not something he is prepared to have happen

under his watch. “These are things I berated while I was in opposition. I did it then; and I would do it again.” MORTALITY RATES And while he is the first to admit that the country’s maternal mortality rate is not going to change dramatically, he noted that the core problem is the lack of proper systemic care. “Our maternal mortality and infantile mortality rate is a reflection of our health system,” he said. “And it starts from our first tier: Our community health workers; it starts from there.” More emphasis must be placed on Community Health Workers, Dr. Norton said. “I think that our strength lies in our Community Health Workers; simply because it is our first tier.” He acknowledged that many community health workers have limitations while noting that they have come a long way. Many of the Community Health Workers have received formal training; an initiative of the former administration. “I hate to go to a health hut where a midwife and a community worker have to deliver the baby on a regular bed, as opposed to a birthing bed, especially when I see birthing beds scattered in certain institutions. Hats off

Labourer remanded for 2013 murder of Diamond businesswoman

THIRTY-two-year-old labourer Colin Grant, a father of one and resident of Lot 1161 Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with the murder of 36-year-old businesswoman, Sirmattie Ramnaress. The murder of the businesswoman, also known as Parvati Singh, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was allegedly committed between August 30 and 31, 2013 during the

course, or furtherance, of a robbery. After two years of investigation, the police have reportedly managed to crack the case and arrest and charge Grant. The facts of the indictable charge were not read to the court, but Grant has been remanded and the matter has been adjourned to December 15. The body of the businesswoman was found in the garage of her posh home by an employee who had

turned up as usual at her residence for work. Stab wounds were evident on the body, and it appeared to have also been beaten on the head. Her house had been ransacked, and the upper flat had been drenched with dieseline, although it had not been set ablaze. A storage bond aback of the premises had been gutted by a blaze that was doused by firefighters who were summoned to the scene. Ramnaress, who had lived in the house alone, had been seen sweeping her yard

on Saturday morning, August 31, within a property that was well protected by alarm systems. However, footage from the surveillance cameras was missing, as were cash and jewels from the home. Neighbours did not recall hearing any distress calls emanating from the businesswoman’s home, nor did they see anyone entering or leaving the place. Her motorcar was later found abandoned on the public road at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. (Sherah Alleyne)

Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton to whomever started it; we recognise the value in our community health workers, but we have got to do better than that.” The Minister believes that while the GPHC may take a lot of flak for maternal deaths, oftentimes it is the pregnant women who do not heed the calls of the healthcare professionals. “We have had situations where doctors said to the patient, ‘Please do not get pregnant; your heart can’t take it.’ And the next thing you know, she comes pregnant,” he said. “We have got to start at that level,” he said. “You see, many a time, we take the blame fair and square; that is happening at the GPHC. Why? Because, so many times, they (the women) reach there so late. By the time they get there, there isn’t anything that can be done.” CHANGE OF CULTURE Accordingly, the Minister believes that there is a need for a change in culture to be effected. Pregnancy, he said, must be seen as a “fragile” period. “While we would very often say it is a natural process, we have suffered too much just to regard it as a natural process,” Dr Norton said. “We have got to start looking at our pregnant

mothers as something fragile; something that is supposed to be there in a glass case.” As such, pregnant women need to be sent off from work earlier, and need to remain on maternity leave longer. He believes, too, that after delivery, mothers should be entitled to six months maternity leave; something he is pushing to effect. “We say, ‘Oh, you must breast feed for six months.’ But then, you are only giving three months maternal leave. Do the math!” Citing the 2014 report, titled, ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality Estimates 1990 to 2013’, Dr. Norton said statistics show that Guyana was poorly ranked. As a result, he said there must be several changes in the country’s health care system. The collaborative report produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Bank and the United Nations Population Division demonstrated that many countries were not on the path to achieving Millennium Development Goal 5 which calls for the reduction of maternal mortality ratio by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. Guyana was ranked as one of five countries in the Americas with the highest maternal mortality rate.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

New aviation body pushing for reforms at Ogle Airport Inc

President of NATA, Annette Arjoon-Martins, and Chief Executive of Roraima Airways Inc, Captain Gerry Gouveia (standing) are flanked by NATA board members during their maiden press conference yesterday

By Rabindra Rooplall

SEVERAL local aviation operators have come together to form a new organisation to help regulate and implement reforms in the operations of the Ogle Airport Inc. The decision was birthed after an allegedly draconian document was presented to the board of directors of the OAI for implementation of rigid rules which, they said, would affect the way operators manage their businesses. Calling themselves the National Air Transport Association (NATA), the body aims to ensure that all aviation officials are treated equally. Nine of the 10 Guyanese aircraft operators have committed to forming the association. This was disclosed at a press conference held at the Chamber of Commerce Building on Waterloo Street yesterday. NATA will be headed by its president-elect, Annette Arjoon-Martins; and the members will include Chief Executive of Roraima Airways Inc., Captain Gerry Gouveia (Vice President); Chairman of Hinterland Aviation, Captain Emile Jahan; President of Oxford Aviation, Captain Raj Persaud; General Manager of Fenix Airways Inc and Founder of Flights of Hope Missionary

Outreach, Captain Orlando Charles; Account Manager for Jags Aviation, Briony Tiwarie (Treasurer); Manager of Wings Aviation, Carl Bowen; Director of Operations of Hopkinson Mining Aviation, Seratu Phillips; and Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Major General Norman McLean. All the members expressed positive remarks on the formation of the association, since, according to them, all stakeholders, whether large or small, will have a voice and level playing field in the decision-making process within the aviation industry. Members collectively agreed that the NATA will pursue its objectives in the aviation sector in a transparent, accountable, equitable, and truly collaborative manner, and will be meeting with the government, private sector organisations and regulatory agencies soon. The association will include pilots, engineers, senior traffic controllers, mechanics, flight operations personnel, ramp attendants, administrators, owners, operators, as well as aviation, medical and legal personnel. Sharing one of the issues that broke the proverbial camel’s back and prompted formation of NATA, Captain Gerry Gouveia said:

“What I believe caused a trigger at Ogle was a document presented by the board of directors of the airport, which went to the board for approval, and this document was demanding that the operators at Ogle sign this document that hands over our planes, vehicles and boats, or whatever we own at Ogle, to the airport, so that if we owe landing fees, they could seize our planes and our buildings.” He explained that the document even insisted that operators present a list of the customers using planes along with many other issues, which will be further dealt with after NATA officials decide on the way forward. “It triggered an alarm bell in the operators that whoever has the audacity to craft a document like that, and to present it to operators to sign, was extremely disrespectful to the industry,” Gouveia stressed. He disclosed that, over the last four days, problems facing operators for the past two years have been addressed by the management of Ogle as a result of the formation of NATA. “We are pleased that we are already seeing results. Colleagues have been calling to meet with administrators for months and could not get

an appointment, and within the last two days, there were three appointments, and things that could not have been solved in seven months are being solved today,” Gouveia declared.

RENAMING OF AIRPORT NATA also disagrees with renaming of the Ogle Airport to the ‘Eugene Correia International Airport’, Gouveia said. “We, on the airfield on a daily basis, believe that President David Granger, when he made the suggestion, did not take into consideration naming the airport after one of the major competitors of the airport, because one of the problems facing the industry at Ogle is that you have a competitor regulating his competitors. And if it is taken further and renamed after the competitor, you compound what is already a difficult and oppressive situation,” Gouveia said. Chairman of Hinterland Aviation, Captain Emile Jahan, said that the newly-formed association will advocate for, and represent, all sub-sectors of the aviation industry with leadership composed of a team of experienced aviation professionals. He said NATA will ensure fair and equitable representation of all aviation

professionals, aircraft owners, operators, and associates from the entire aviation sector. “The leadership of this organisation will be democratic and observe term limits of two one-year terms for the presidency, in order to ensure that there is always equity and balance of governance. This leadership is based on the tenets of objectivity, application of due process, transparency and equality,” Jahan emphasised. He added that discrimination against members or application of unfair preferential treatment on the representation of issues will not be condoned. Jahan said that through its leadership, the association will support and encourage implementation of policies that would promote flight safety, responsible management of aviation facilities, and aircraft operations. “The leadership would also pursue strategies that would enable sustainable growth in all of the subsectors within the aviation industry. NATA is committed to working closely with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, the Aircraft owners Association of Guyana, and all relevant government and private sector agencies for the advancement of the aviation sector,” Jahan ex-

plained. Arjoon-Martins said although the air transport industry in Guyana has made tremendous contributions, the industry has not benefited from broad-based representation of all aviation stakeholders. “It is timely for such an association to be formed in order to correct this shortcoming. NATA is Guyana’s first broad-based aviation association which will amalgamate the views, interest and needs of all aviation stakeholders,” she said. The NATA President noted that aviation professionals who are licensed by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority will be eligible for full membership. Unlicensed aviation professionals involved in the aviation sector are eligible for associate membership. “Initially, nine of the 10 Guyanese aircraft operators have committed to the formation and development of this association,” she revealed. Ogle Airport Inc. was formed by a local consortium of airline operators to manage, operate and develop Ogle Airport to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards. They assumed management of the airport on December 1, 2001.

Man killed in car accident on Sheriff street FORTY-seven-year-old Julian Leitch of Lot ‘C’ Enachu Street, Bel Air Park Georgetown met his demise on Tuesday, November 10, at approximately 18:30 hrs in an accident that

occurred at the junction of Sheriff and Duncan streets in Campbellville, Georgetown. Superintendent Jairam Ramlakhan, Public Relations Officer of the Guyana

Police Force, has said the ‘A’ Division Police Traffic Department is investigating the fatality. He said Leitch was reportedly struck down by Attorney-at-Law Keshia Chase as she drove motor car

PRR 8181. “She (Chase) was proceeding east at a normal rate of speed when she suddenly saw the pedestrian on the centre of the road in front of her vehicle; but because of

the closeness, he was struck down,” the police said in a statement. Leitch was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he died at 20:45 hrs while receiving

treatment. His body is presently at the Georgetown Public Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem, while the vehicle driver is in police custody assisting with the investigation.

Lindeners anticipate administrative renewal GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

– in imminent local gov’t elections By Vanessa Braithwaite LINDENERS are excited about impending local government elections because they anticipate, in the municipality, administrative changes with which the communities would have better opportunity of reformation and development. Since establishment of an Interim Management Committee in 2003, the Linden municipality continues to experience issues that residents believe are retarding the town’s development. One businessman, who opted to remain anonymous, lamented the poor management and quality of leadership emanating from the Mayor and Town Council. “These individuals are tired and need to be removed,” he said. “We need to see new faces -- and faces that will have the interest of the community at heart -- and work together with the community to develop it and to serve the needs of the people.” Linden’s Parliamentary Representative Mrs. Valarie Patterson, who shares similar sentiments, anticipates the installation of a council that would work with the people to find solutions to the town’s

financial, developmental and management problems. “The solutions are with the people, and we need persons (who) would involve the communities in their decision-making process,” Patterson said. She added that Lindeners also need to take ownership of their town and be more outspoken when displeased with management. Local government election would allow for more community representation, rather than political representation, and this would eliminate several present concerns and irregularities, such as accountability and efficiency, since a recall mechanism would be implemented. Head of the Interim Management Committee, Orrin Gordon, also looks forward to the holding of local government elections and changes to the current administration. He voiced his opinion on the issue, saying that he believes a lot of changes need to be made before local government elections are held, as the successors to the Linden IMC will be faced with the same issues that the current interim administration is facing. He said the previous government’s lack of appreciation for the role local govern-

ment plays in the governance of any country is the underlying factor for issues being faced not only by the Linden municipality, but by all others except Georgetown. “With the lack of democratic renewal for years, local government is geared a lot on voluntarism; and with the absence of remuneration and motivation, efficiency will be absent,” Gordon opined. He said the municipality needs competent people who would be committed to giving of their time, energies and expertise to the development of the town, and this is anticipated with the plural representation the town would enjoy after local government elections. SERIOUS FINANCIAL ISSUES The present (IMC) committee is forced to run a municipality with limited resources, as its members stand as an independent body entirely dependent on the collection of rates and taxes. With the current tax regime, which has not been updated since 1976, the monies accumulated can suffice for only 25% of the council’s expenses, according to Mr. Gordon. “Persons are paying rates and taxes (of) between $600

Salvation Army to launch Annual Christmas Kettles Appeal– at GSL THE Salvation Army will tomorrow launch its traditional Christmas Kettles Appeal on the lawns of the Guyana Stores Limited on Church Street, Georgetown. Proceedings begin at 10:00 hrs, and the Army has said that His Excellency President David Arthur Ganger has been invited to be the Special Guest and to formally launch the Appeal. A Christmas Message will be delivered by Chair-

man of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Mr. Edward Boyer, and the programme will be richly spiced with the singing of Christmas Carols, led by Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Major Caroline Cumberbatch; special musical renditions by the Police Steel Band and the Divisional Band; and dance sequences by the Divisional Youth Timbrel Brigade, among other items. Immediately following

the launch, Christmas Kettles will be placed at strategic points in the city, and the Salvation Army urges that members of the public generously donate to a most worthy cause. In keeping with the Salvation Army’s mantra: “Sharing is Caring”, funds raised will help to extend The Army’s assistance to the less fortunate in society this Christmas and beyond. (Shirley Thomas)

Head of the Interim Management Committee, Orrin Gordon

and $800 per year, and this is because the valuation level has never changed since 1976. This is very outdated, because of inflation and other factors,” Gordon mentioned. The committee has recommended to the government several changes which

will save the new administration, when elected, tackling issues responsible for the council’s current financial state. Among recommendations are that the valuation regime be geared towards Linden’s current standard of living, and that part proceeds from every ton of bauxite and timber leaving the town should be given to the municipality. Operation of the toll booth, which the previous government halted so as to give concessions to Bai Shan Lin, should be re-established. The municipality lost in excess of 200 million dollars from non-use of the toll booth when Bai Shan Lin was transporting lumber out of the town, it has been learnt.

The council also recommends that the Local Government Act be reformed, as this act has cost the municipality several projects, because absolute authority was not granted the municipality to pursue several developmental projects. “These recommendations need the immediate attention of the government, so that an atmosphere will be created to attract a new administration of vigour and efficiency, (which) will commit themselves to the service of the people,” Gordon declared. The interim management committee has been in operation for 13 years now, and the people of Linden are anticipating local government election so that the municipality can progress.

Work moving apace on...

From page 3

The presidential project being worked on

will be allowed exclusive rights. In terms of preserving the integrity of the facility, a fence is currently being erected around the perimiter of the entire Mall so as to prevent soil from slipping into the nearby trenches. As an added bonus, said trenches are also being revetted. And in order to deter the parking of heavy-duty vehicles and suchlike on the shoulders of the road, the authorities have elected to erect roadside pickets at strategic points. Apart from the foregoing preservative measures, a rate system is to be developed for those entitities which, because of the line of busi-

ness they’re in, release heavy gases into the atmosphere. “We have to ask them to pay a little more to compensate for the environmental degradation,” King said. Meanwhile, M&CC has reportedly been working assiduously on refurbishing bridges, rails and so forth, all in the interest of developing a ‘green’ economy. Also, they are currently in the process of developing a community ground of sorts, whereby youths of all ages and from all walks of life can interact and engage in extra-curricular activities. CHILDREN’S COMMITTEE Plans are also in the

pipeline to establish a children’s committee which will work alongside the M&CC on all youth-related projects. A case in point is a proposed Christmas Village. “We will be creating a Christmas Village at Parade Ground, for which we will be taking advice from the Committee to finalise what should be showcased at the village,” King said, adding: “We are working in consultation with the children on these projects, because we want a stakeholder approach; and as such, youth advocates are needed in order to help protect and preserve these facilities.”

US$2.4M pact signed for road upgrades – to give better access to farmlands GUYANA and the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) yesterday signed a US$2.4M loan agreement, paving the way for a number of roads in Parika, Ruby, Onverwagt and Laluni to be upgraded. The areas at reference are in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice). This mutli-million-dollar project is expected to benefit more than 35,000 citizens, who will soon have better access to their farmlands. Finance Minister Winston Jordan signed the agreement along with the CDF Chief Executive Officer, Rodinald Soomer. In a press statement issued shortly after the signing, it was explained that Guyana is benefiting from the additional sum through the Country Assistance Programme under the CDF. Under the agreement, approximately 12km of asphaltic concrete roads will be constructed, another 13km of all-weather roads will be upgraded, and two reinforced concrete bridges will be built. ACCESS TO BACKLANDS “These upgrades will help alleviate many of the problems hindering access to the backlands which are often impassible as a result of damage caused by adverse weather and heavy duty machinery,” the Finance Ministry explained. The loan will also be used to rehabilitate bridges that have been compro-

From L - R: Finance Minister Winston Jordan and CARICOM Development Fund (CDF) CEO Rodinald Soomer signing the agreement yesterday

‘An estimated 9,500 farming households will directly benefit from access to prime agricultural backlands in all seasons as government aims to help farmers in these areas increase production, incomes and exports in cash crops. This in turn will contribute to price stability for green vegetables mainly on the domestic market’ – Finance Ministry mised. All the roads are expected to be completed by August, 2016. In measuring the impact of this multi-million dollar initiative, the Ministry said “an estimated 9,500 farming households will directly benefit from access to prime agricultural backlands in all seasons as government aims to help farmers in these areas increase production, incomes and exports in cash crops. This in turn will contribute to price stability for green

vegetables mainly on the domestic market.” This new allocation supplements US$9.1M that Guyana received in July, 2013. Soomer, in brief remarks, said “Achievements to date have been impressive as all the works have been completed within budget and on schedule.” He added that Guyana can benefit from additional resources to finance other projects in agriculture and other sectors as it automatically qualifies for further

support by virtue of having paid up its full assessed contribution to the Fund. In thanking the CDF, Minister Jordan said that Soomer’s comments augur well for future collaboration with the development fund as the government continues with its agenda for all Guyanese to realise the good life. It is the first signing for a loan done by Minister Jordan since the APNU+AFC government came into office. The CARICOM Development Fund provides technical assistance to disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to enhance their prospects for successful competition within the Community, and to redress any negative impact of the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Former Chief Probation Officer Cromarty dies FORMER Chief Probation and Welfare Officer, Mr. Nigel Cromarty, of Sixth Street, Alberttown, died at the Georgetown Public Hospital on Sunday, following a brief illness. He was 69. A relative, Mrs. Hazel Belgrave, told the Guyana Chronicle that Cromarty suffered a stroke a few

weeks ago, leading to his death on November 8. A graduate of Queen’s College, he had been a senior public servant for many years, moving up to the position of Chief Probation and Welfare Officer before his retirement. He was a staunch member of the St. George’s Cathedral.

Cromarty is survived by one sister, Jean Younge of the United Kingdom; Belgrave, a cousin who lives in the USA; and other relatives. A Thanksgiving Service for his life will be held at the St. George’s Cathedral this afternoon, followed by interment at Le Repentir Cemetery.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Court hears failure to honour $6,000 debt resulted in murder

– Mark Major on trial for allegedly killing cousin, Orin Forde By George Barclay JUSTICE Roxane George and a mixed jury heard how $6,000 lent by one cousin to another, who refused to repay the debt, resulted in murder. The alleged money lender was Mark Major of Supply, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. He is on trial at the Demerara Assizes for the murder of his cousin, Orin Forde, who had allegedly refused to repay the debt in accordance with an agreement. Major, who works at a slaughter house, alleges that following an argument over the money, his cousin attacked him with an axe handle, causing him to retaliate with a knife. Forde allegedly died as a result of injuries sustained. Miss Shonette Austin, prosecuting along with Miss Tamieka Clarke, told the jury in her opening address that the killing was neither an accident nor provocation, but was intentional. She said evidence would be adduced

to show that what had happened that day was not done in self-defence. According to her, the incident took place on January 6, 2012 at the Helena Abattoir in Mahaica. She said the prosecution will call 15 witnesses, who will testify from the witness box, and added: “They will tell you a story that the accused, Mark Major, and the deceased, Orin Forde, were cousins; and that on the 6th of January, 2012, the deceased and the accused had an argument over money. “As jurors, you are the final judges in this matter. You are the sole adjudicators of facts. What that means is that you are to decide on the guilt or innocence of the accused based on the evidence of the witnesses who will testify.” Attorneys-at-Law Messrs. Clevaun Humphrey and Jermaine Jarvis are defending. They are leading a defence of self-defence. The hearing continues today.

Crackdown on firecrackers – as cops raid market stalls POLICE ranks recently confiscated and destroyed large quantities of firecrackers and other illicit explosives from several stallholders in the Stabroek and Bartica markets. Following these raids, several persons were taken into custody and charged and they are to appear in court shortly. The police are pursuing a countrywide crackdown to curtail the extensive use and sale of firecrackers (squibs) this Christmas season.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

M&CC to implement new Magistrate to hand down disposal tracking system decision on Nov 25 – to improve efficiency of city disposal services ‘Grey Boy’ trial...

THE future of Regan Rodrigues, also known as ‘Grey Boy’, hinges on the decision of Magistrate Fabayo Azore. It follows the prosecutor’s presentation of closing arguments in the case involving the defendant escaping from lawful custody, and alleged possession of a gun and ammunition. Rodrigues, of Riverview, Ruimveldt was in July charged with possession of a Taurus pistol and 14 live rounds of ammunition. He was read an additional charge of escaping the custody of an officer, pending a charge for gun and ammunition possession. At yesterday’s hearing, police prosecutor, Corporal Bharrat Mangru, made his final arguments in this case, telling the court he is satisfied that he had proven beyond reasonable doubt all the elements attached to the offence to convict Rodrigues. He said that with the aid of his witnesses’ testimonies, and the evidence that was presented on the prosecu-

allegedly searched his house and uncovered a firearm and ammunition. After the back-to-back arguments presented by the prosecution and the defence, Magistrate Azore informed both parties that she would make a ruling in the matter on November 25.

Regan Rodrigues, also known as ‘Grey Boy’

tion’s behalf, the prosecution has proven its case. However, Attorney Adrian Thompson, who is representing the accused, said the prosecution, having the burden of proof, had failed to prove its case against Rodrigues beyond a reasonable doubt. Further, Thompson questioned the prosecution’s case, which, according to him, did not prove to the court that the defendant was present at the premises when the police had

CRUM-EWING Rodrigues was, in July, charged with the murder of political activist Courtney Crum-Ewing, who was shot execution-style on May 10, 2015 at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. Rodrigues is currently on remand, awaiting the commencement of this trial. The weapon was reportedly found by police when they conducted a search of Rodrigues’ Riverview, Ruimveldt home. He had fled during the search, but had given himself up to the police a day later. Ballistics tests later carried out on the weapon allegedly confirmed that it had been used in Crum-Ewing’s killing. (Clestine Juan)

Rice production continues its record-breaking trend DESPITE challenges, including unusual weather patterns, the high cost of inputs and unfavourable market conditions, Guyana’s rice industry continues to progress steadily. Acting General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Nizam Hassan, has reported that with approximately seven percent of lands left to harvest, Guyana’s rice farmers have already surpassed the 2014 production by 9.6 percent. Hassan told the Government Information Agency that as of November 6, paddy production stood at 1,017,741 metric tonnes, which is equivalent to 661,532 metric tonnes of rice. Paddy production for 2014 was 977, 289 metric tonnes, and the rice equivalent was 635, 238 metric tonnes. The year 2014 was deemed a successful one for the sector, with rice production coming in at 635,238

metric tonnes. This was an increase by almost 100,000 metric tonnes from the previous year that recorded 535,555 metric tonnes. Rice production for 2013 exceeded the 422,057 tonnes produced in 2012, thereby showing an increase of 25.43

percent. The 2012 rice production grew by five percent over the 2011 output. Positive strides in the rice sector are part of the current government’s steady focus for making possible the ‘good life’ for all Guyanese.

By Navendra Seoraj THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC), in its continued effort to rid the city of refuse, will on Monday roll out a new disposal tracking system which will see sanitation contractors signing on to a document after every disposal. The initiative will serve as a “pilot” and evaluation system to the business community first, to determine its success before expanding its use to other parts of the city. At a press conference yesterday, Ron Eastman, Director of Solid Waste, highlighted that a form will be placed in all business places, requiring the signatures of both the contractors and M&CC officers. “It is not only to track the disposal, but also to test

Ron Eastman speaking to members of the media yesterday

how (garbage) is being disposed…given that the contractors are now obligated to pick up waste within these areas twice per day…these include Vlissengen Road, South Road, Avenue of the Republic and North Road,”

Eastman explained. The disposal of waste and the effectiveness of the disposal services will be better managed through this system, Eastman declared. Further, contractors will have to collect waste at specified times, to which they would have agreed via contract. The M&CC, via this means, intends to not only evaluate the services but also to expose how businesses store their refuse and determine whether their systems would be improved with the assistance of the M&CC. With the Christmas season imminent, Eastman said the M&CC is expecting that businesses would generate more waste, thus this strategy would prove ideal when it comes to the improvement of solid waste management.

GuySuCo’s 2015 target within reach

– over 200,000 tonnes achieved so far THE Guyana Sugar Corporation’s (GuySuCo) current ‘crop-to-date’ total as of 06:00hrs yesterday stood at 120,385 tonnes, with the cumulative ‘year-to-date’ figure at 201,528 tonnes. The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Errol Hanoman told the Government Information Agency of this development, stating that “We are confident that we will achieve and even surpass this year’s set target.” Mr Hanoman lauded the sugar workers for their hard work and for putting protest action on hold. The industry has been experiencing excellent weather which has ensured the sugar canes ripen to their fullest. In enumerating the various estates and their grinding-off dates, CEO Hanoman detailed that Uitvlugt has closed off,

GuySuCo’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Errol Hanoman

and that Wales will be finishing off this week. The estates still in operation, and expected to ‘grind-off’ in December are: Blairmont-05; Skeldon-12; and Albion and Enmore -19. Hanoman added a further note of optimism, explaining that the traditional incentive for sugar workers is on track.

He stated that contingent upon particular estates reaching their targets, workers will be rewarded with their requisite one-day bonus. In recent years, GuySuCo fell on hard times, continually encountering major financial difficulties. In fact, it is still mired in apparently massive debt. However, government is committed to ‘turning things around’ and once again making the sugar industry viable. Just recently, overall production recorded a ‘highest weekly production’ for the first time in six years. There was also the just-ended three-day strike, and even though many issues regarding workers’ wages are still in limbo, GuySuCo is functioning, at all levels, in a way that suggests better management and futuristic thinking.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Gov’t looking to eliminate ethnic discrimination where it exists MINISTER of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally, has acknowledged that government recognises that there is ethnic discrimination and, as such, is looking to deal with it. This comes after a recent report from the United Nations which stated that there is ethnic discrimination occurring in Guyana. During a recent interv i e w w i t h t h e G o v e r nment Information Agency (GINA), Minister Ally said she agrees with the report that was published. She pointed out that it is because the fairly new government has recognised the prevalent ethnic conflicts in Guyana, it prompted the creation of the Social Cohesion ministry. In addition, the Minister noted that during the last general and regional elections,

ethnic conflicts were very evident. The report also called for a revision of the discrimination act which focuses on only unfairness in the work place. In response to this, Minister Ally stated that, “This ministry hopes by and large, not only to focus on the laws, but to focus on things you can do to bridge the gaps…ethnic relations are barriers, but we are going to look at the causes.” Some of the bases she noted are poverty and inequality in a number of communities. Minister Ally said that government recognises that it has to find different ways to deal with the matter. “Outside of adhering to laws, looking at the laws or implementing laws in order to curb this, we are going to look

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally

at various avenues that we can use,” the minister said. Minister Ally noted that the reason for the different approach is due to the consciousness of government that even though there are laws, too often people do not adhere to them.

New UG Chancellor to address 2015 graduating class NEWLY appointed Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Eon Nigel Harris is expected to deliver the keynote address at the 49th Convocation of

the University of Guyana, Turkeyen campus, on Saturday, November 14, at 16: 30 hrs on the University Square, Turkeyen campus. More than 1,000 students

Thursday, November 12, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Friday, November 13, 2015 - 05:00 hrs Saturday, November 14, 2015 - 05:30 hrs

UG Chancellor, Professor Eon Nigel Harris

are expected to graduate from the Faculties of Agriculture and Forestry, Education and Humanities, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Technology and the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. This ceremony will also mark the graduation of the first batch of students with the Post-Graduate Diploma in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and the Certificate in Industrial Engineering. Meanwhile, the Berbice campus Convocation is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2015.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

PNCR expanding its North American outreach

Some NAR New Executive Members, standing from left are: Basil Blackman, Ovid Morrison, Errol Lewis, Jocelyn Wilson and Morris Wilson. Sitting from left are Valda Forsythe, Basil Williams and Jennifer Ferreira-Dougal

THE North American Region (NAR) of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) held its 4th Biennial Conference on the weekend of 6th - 8th November, 2015 in Miami, Florida. The Conference

was held under the theme, ‘Keeping Our Eyes on the Party’s Objectives’. Delegates and observers from PNCR groups throughout North America travelled to Miami to engage in intensive discussions and a

“road-mapping” session for the party’s operations in the diaspora. Many supporters and well-wishers were also invited to participate in a massive cocktail reception and to listen to the feature address by the Attorney

Attorney General Basil Williams at a cocktail reception during the recent 4th Biennial Conference in Miami

General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mr Basil Williams, who is also Chairman of the PNCR. According to a statement from the party, AG Williams used the opportunity to apprise Guyanese in the diaspora of many of the achievements of the almost six-month-old Granger-led administration. Minister Williams spoke of the challenges the government is saddled with and pledged his government’s commitment to overcoming them. The highlight of the weekend’s conference was the election of new office bearers to manage the affairs of the North American Region of the PNCR for the next two years. Following are the results of the election: Chairman – Lawrence (Larry) London Vice Chairperson – Lurlene Nestor

Secretary – Jennifer Ferriera-Dougall Treasurer – Joycelyn Thomas-Wilson CEC Representative – Basil Blackman Committee Members: (George Maynard, Errol Lewis, Dawn Simmonds) On this occasion, 27

Guyanese from various professional backgrounds were each presented with an Instrument of Appointment from the Ministry of the Presidency. The newly appointed officials were presented with their certificates of appointment by Minister Basil Williams.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Wanted man killed in Bagotstown

- suspect’s house set ablaze By Svetlana Marshall POLICE have launched a murder investigation after 24-year-old Jermaine Simon of 46 Norton Street, Bagotstown, was gunned down on Tuesday night on the street where he lived, in full view of his family. And in an apparent retaliation, the suspected shooter’s house was set on fire yesterday morning, even as he evades the police. According to the Guyana Police Force, the shooting occurred at around 20:30hrs on Tuesday in Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. Based on investigations, at the time of the shooting Simon was passing the suspect’s house on a bicycle when the man rushed out of his yard and discharged a round at him, hitting the 24-year-old to his head. Simon subsequently died at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) while receiving treatment. When contacted, ‘A’ Division Commander Assistant Commissioner Clifton Hicken told this newspaper that police investigators have already identified the suspect and a wanted bulletin will soon be issued. However, up to press time, the suspect was still on the run. Meanwhile, at the home of Simon’s grandmother at Lot 46 Norton Street, Bagotstown, relatives mourned his passing. His mother, Nicola Simon, still traumatised at seeing her son being shot on Tuesday night, cried silently as she sat apart from the rest of the family on the stairway leading to the one-flat wooden house. According to the distraught mother, her son was at the corner of the street hanging out with some of his friends when he decided to pay his grandmother a visit but his granny had gone to a nearby shop and so he went in search of her. “By the time he reach to the (suspect’s) fence…. He (the suspect) aimed a gun straight to his forehead and he fall off his bike,” she added, noting that Simon had been shot. The suspected shooter had reportedly pointed the gun at Simon’s mother and other relatives when they were attempting to rush the wounded man to the hospital. “He aimed at the fence and calling pun he phone

Jermaine Simon and saying I just done kill Jermaine. I don’t know is who he calling, if it is his rest of criminals or wuh and that was it,” the woman stated. Simon was rushed to the Diamond Regional Hospital but was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital. He died while receiving treatment in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department. Questioned what may have led to the shooting, Simon’s mother said she was clueless. “As far as I am concerned, meh son and he (suspect) had no problem.” But then she recalled that “they had an old grievance lang now,” but the woman insisted that the matter was resolved by the police. “Nothing come out of it be-

cause nothing serious happened to nobody.” But this is not the first time Simon was attacked. According to his mother, in March this year the same gang in which the suspect is reportedly a member, had bombed down his house in Agricola. “He sleeping with his wife and stepson and them come and bomb him down 2 o’clock in de morning with channa bomb,” she recalled. In addition to the suspect, Nicola said that Ryan Sooklall, the teen her son was accused of killing in March, was also part of the attack on his family. “He mek a report, Providence Police, and nothing come out of the story… that triggered him.” Following the murder

The house of the suspect which mysteriously went up in flames yesterday of Sooklall, the police had issued a wanted bulletin for Simon. Nicola yesterday neither confirmed nor negated the act allegedly committed by her son. “People seh meh son kill that boy but I don’t know but dem trigger he fuh do all dem thing. Is lang dem after meh son,” she lamented. “I want justice because I see meh son get gun down and meh son go through a lot with these people; they wrong deal he,” she cried. Another family member told reporters that the gang which has members in Bagotstown, Agricola and Providence would usually terrorize the area, robbing residents and demanding money from targeted businesses. According to the woman, targeted

persons must pay up their “royalties” when demanded by the gang members, noting that Simon, who sold barb-que at the head of Norton Street, was often a target. “Royalty money….you have to pay them when they turn up, if you don’t pay them it is problem for you….They are gunmen and everybody in the village frighten them…. them does close down this village about 8 o’clock when you pass you want to know if it is a ghost town. Them would rob you if them see you coming.” Meanwhile, the wooden two-storey house, in which the suspect lived along with his brother, went up in flames yesterday shortly before midday. When the Chronicle visited the scene

Mother of the deceased Nicola Simon speaking with the Guyana Chronicle a short distance away from where her son was gunned down yesterday, two policemen were guarding the building.

Major fire disaster averted in Kitty

- thanks to GFS, public-spirited citizens By Svetlana Marshall FIREFIGHTERS, assisted by public-spirited persons, yesterday prevented a two-storey house at Lot 86 Pere Street, Kitty from being completely destroyed by a fire which reportedly began in the upper flat of the building at about 13:50h, when the occupants were out. Divisional Fire Officer Compton Sparman told reporters that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) was notified about the fire at 14:01hrs. “Well, we received a call around 14:01 that a house was on fire in Pere Street Kitty, (and) we immediately dispatched three appliances, two from Central and one

from Campbellville. When we arrived on the scene, the entire top row was engulfed in flames, and we started fire-fighting operations,” Sparman explained. He said neighbouring buildings were being threatened at the time, but with assistance from persons within the community, a major disaster was averted. “The persons within the community, they were the first responders; and them and us, we contained the fire to the one building. I must commend the persons around, because they played a pivotal role in ensuring that the fire was not spread to other buildings.” While the fire destroyed the upper flat of the building, the lower flat suffered only

water damage. According to Divisional Officer Sparman, based on preliminary investigation, no one was at home when the fire started. This newspaper was informed that Veronica Griffith resided in the upper flat of the building, while her sister Jocelyn and her family resided in the lower flat. Jocelyn (only name given) would only say: “I received a phone call that my house was on fire, and I came. That’s all I know.” Questioned whether anyone was at home when the fire started, she responded: “No one was in my house.” The other occupants remained tight-lipped, refusing to divulge details on the

The Pere Street, Kitty house on fire fire and the occupants of the house. Nigel Ramkellawhan, whose house is located at the front of Lot 86 Pere Street, Kitty, said he was inside his house when he heard a little girl screaming. He couldn’t confirm

whether the child was in the house when the fire started, but he said she was traumatised by the event. “We burst the tank and started throwing water; some people came and help us until the fire tenders came,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Special welfare committee set up to target homeless MINISTER of Social Protection Volda Lawrence has revealed that her ministry will be working side by side with a welfare committee that was established to target the homeless. This will ensure that persons are evaluated and, where possible, re-integrated into society.

Through the National Task Force Commission, which is responsible for Project Restoration Guyana, the welfare committee, chaired by Major General (Ret’d), Joseph Singh was established. The committee comprises persons from the Ministries of Social Protection, Public Health, Public Security, Ag-

riculture and the Mayor and City Council. Its objective is to deal with the welfare management for the homeless, mentally challenged and the addicted. During an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Minister Lawrence explained that the committee has already done

its preliminary investigation, and is at the stage of preparing a budget. “There must be an evaluation because you have various persons out there; you have the addicted, the mentally challenged, the homeless and persons who see it as an economic means. We will try as hard as pos-

sible to have the families involved, after which we will look at capacity within the health sector to take on those persons, and the centres under the Social Protection Ministry. So we are waiting to see what the budget will look like, and then we will decide whether we will do it by a percentage or take it by areas, but the Government is working on that,” Minister Lawrence emphasised. As it relates to beggars on the streets, Minister Lawrence revealed that a bit more will have to be done to target this group. She said it is not just teaching them a skill, or providing the assistance, but also to deal with the mental aspect. There are an increasing number of children begging on the streets and Minister Lawrence said these “children are to be taken care of, they are to be nurtured, and

Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence

they ought not to be out there working because that is child labour”. She said a programme has to be instituted to educate persons who use begging as an economic means. Taking the homeless and beggars off the street is one aspect of the multipronged approach the government has employed to restore Guyana.

Fisherman remanded for armed robbery FISHERMAN Richard Bourne of Lot 14 Stanleytown, West Bank Demerara appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, charged with robbery under arms. Bourne denied that on Monday, November 9, in Georgetown, while being armed with a knife, he robbed Roopnarine Shaw of a gold and silver hand band, a silver chain, and $47,000 cash, all totalling $117,000. It is alleged that on the day in question, the virtual complainant was about to enter his motorcar when the 43-yearold defendant approached him from behind and demanded, at knife point, the articles mentioned in the charge. He then made good his escape, during which Shaw’s band fell to the ground. The prosecutor also told the court that the defendant is known to the police, since he was charged in 2013 for the theft of a Jialing 110-8 motorcycle valued at $168,000, property of Andre Vince, and also has had prior brushes with the law. Chief Magistrate McLennan refused the defendant bail, and remanded him until December 14, when he is scheduled to make his next court appearance. (Clestine Juan)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Barbados to support Guyana in setting up its hospitality institute GUYANA has invited the Director of the Hospitality Institute of Barbados to visit and help with the implementation of a phased approach to a local hospitality institute. This is according to Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh. Speaking with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Haralsingh explained that this same person

completed the feasibility study for the local hospitality institute with funding and backing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). Whilst the feasibility study is completed, Guyana is still to do additional work on the hospitality institute that is desperately needed to build capacity, to train and help Guyanese, and make Guyana’s tourism industry more competitive, Haralsingh

noted. But whilst the country awaits this infrastructure, critical to making the industry far greater, Haralsingh pointed out that the GTA continues to facilitate training, and is in fact, one of the key agencies that lead in tourism training and capacity building locally. For this year alone, he noted that the agency has trained hundreds of persons

Woman, cousin on $300,000 bail

– for allegedly robbing sleeping paramour TWENTY-three-year-old Sasha Mentore and her 21-year-old cousin, Melissa Isaacs, appeared yesterday before Providence Magistrate Leron Daly jointly charged with allegedly stealing Raymond Nandlall’s car from his residence at Parker Street, Providence, East Bank Demerara on November 5, and carting off several valuables from his home while he was asleep. Particulars of the offence allege that apart from the vehicle, the two women also carted off a DVD player, an amplifier, a laptop and other items, to the total value of $1.65M. Represented by Attorney-at-Law Leslie Sobers,

the women pleaded not guilty to the charge read to them, and the attorney asked that they be released on bail. He told the court the offence is bailable and the allegation against his clients is false. Sobers explained that Mentore and Nandlall share a relationship, and she would normally use the vehicle to go out. He said that on the day in question, the complainant became fearful that Mentore would not return the car because she had no driver’s licence, although he had told her to take the car to her cousin’s residence. The attorney noted that a report was strangely made at the station alleging that the women had stolen the arti-

cles, which were in the car. However, the police prosecutor, Inspector Michael Grant, informed the court that on the day in question, Mentore had invited her cousin over to Nandlall’s home, and when Nandlall had fallen asleep, the defendants uplifted the items mentioned in the charge and made good their escape. Grant did not object to the defendants being granted bail, but asked that same be granted in a substantial amount, to ensure their return for trial. The two women were ordered to post bail in the sum of $300,000, and to return to court on November 25 for statements. (Clestine Juan)

across Guyana, thus far, even as it has as part of its agenda some key training coming up. Recently, the GTA completed Dutch language training at the border at Moleson Creek. This effort saw Guyanese working with the Canawaima ferry including the security personnel, port health, and customs and immigration officials among others being trained in conversational Dutch. Haralsingh explained that GTA also produced a booklet in conversational Dutch and an accompanying CD to assist with the training. The agencies have also completed Spanish training with the front desk operators among others at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Haralsingh said. Moving forward, he said that in two

weeks’ time, the agency is set to conduct some level of Portuguese language training at the border in Lethem. Meanwhile, First Aid and CPR were completed with the speedboat operators plying the Parika-Supenaam, Parika-Bartica and Vreeden-Hoop-Stabroek route. Working in connection with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), GTA also completed training with boat captains for their licences. And as it relates to educating the public on the importance of fostering tourism for the benefit of the country, Haralsingh explained that this is done through school talks and through the agencies’ participation at local trade shows and fairs.

The agency is working with the Ministry of Tourism to have the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s module for primary school implemented in the school system as part of pushing this agenda. At the level of the secondary school, this will be handled with the ministry as soon as next year, as a Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) approved tourism education curriculum will be implemented. And for the public, he explained that what is being examined is a general programme, whereby the ‘War on bad manners’ campaign is revived and rolled-out all across Guyana, “so that every Guyanese can be a good salesman or saleswoman for our country.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Urling clears the...

From backpage

football. I wish the Media would highlight the more positive things impacting on the sport that we have done,” Urling stated. Meanwhile presidential candidate of Team Integrity, Wayne Forde, in an in-

vited comment told Chronicle Sport, “The manner in which it was done is very disrespectful and unconstitutional. It is unreasonable for anyone to drastically make a decision to change the legal identity of the GFF without consulting

or notifying membership. They have created an unnecessary controversy.” F o r d e ’s o p p o s i t e from Team Unity, Nigel Hughes opted not to comment since he was not in possession of all the facts.

Nedd, Blake to... From backpage

the GABA boss declared. The Caribbean Development Tournament has attracted 14 countries and will run from November 26 to 29 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Ninvalle expressed confidence that it would be the largest gathering of countries in Guyana for any sport discipline, in decades.

Last week, the French-speaking island of Guadeloupe became the 14th nation to register for the grand event. Guadeloupe registered a four-man team comprising two boxers and two officials. Lightweight Keshan Jacoby and light welterweight Jeremi Cointre will be

Island, French Guiana, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago as countries registered to participate in the competition which has regional bragging rights at stake. Close to 100 boxers and over 25 officials are expected in the compe-

accompanied to Guyana by team manager Omer Gumbs and coach Fredic Pierre. Guadeloupe joined Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman

tition which is touted to have positive spinoffs for the tourism industry. Meanwhile, Grenada yesterday confirmed the participation of one of its referee/judge.

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:25 hrs Ntoma 09:00 hrs Bull Valley 09:35 hrs Sapsan 10:15 hrs Flaming Ace 11:00 hrs Hearts’R Pumping Irish Racing Tips Clonmel 08:55 hrs Arkwrisht 09:25 hrs Indian Rupee 09:55 hrs Master Appeal 10:25 hrs Felix Yonger 10:55 hrs Vroum Vroum Mag 11:25 hrs Don Vincenzo 11:55 hrs Noble Inn English Racing Tips Taunton 09:10 hrs Minella Bliss 09:40 hrs Kayf Willow 10:10 hrs He’s A Bully 10:40 hrs Modus 11:10 hrs Template 11:40 hrs The Italian Job 12:10 hrs Walkami

Ludlow 09:30 hrs Who dares Wins 10:00 hrs Helium 10:30 hrs Dalia Pour Moi 11:00 hrs King Massini 11:30 hrs Robins Reef 12:00 hrs Kings Prayer Chelmsford City 12:25 hrs Le Manege Enchante 12:55 hrs Cadland Lad 13:25 hrs Ennaadd 13:55 hrs Pirouette 14:25 hrs Shall We 14:55 hrs Charlies Mate 15:25 hrs Exceeding Power 15:55 hrs Mercury American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Irish Cat Race 2 Bounty Park Race 3 Regia Marina Race 4 Midnight Bounty Race 5 Transcend Race 6 Stay Tuned Race 7 Pine Needles Race 8 Madroos Race 9 Barrel of Dreams

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Hafeez leads Pakistan to easy win over England

(REUTERS) - Mohammad Hafeez made a fluent unbeaten 102 to lead Pakistan to a comfortable six-wicket victory over England in the first one-day international in Abu Dhabi yesterday. England spluttered to 216 all out after winning the toss and the hosts, who won the recent Test series 2-0, overcame the loss of two early wickets to coast to their tar-

get with more than six overs to spare. Hafeez struck a six and 10 fours in his 11th one-day international century, sharing an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 106 with Babar Azam to guide his side to victory. Azam finished on 62 not out off 62 balls, reaching his fifty with a huge six off Chris Woakes shortly before the

end of the match. England lost Jason Roy, Joe Root and Alex Hales with just 14 runs on the board before a fine partnership of 133 between captain Eoin Morgan and James Taylor dragged them back into the game. Morgan hit 11 fours in his 76 and Taylor made 60 but the dismissal of the skipper prompted another collapse as Jos Buttler, Taylor, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid followed him back to the pavilion for the addition of 33 runs. Woakes hit 33 before being run-out to end England’s innings with two balls of their 50 overs remaining. The second game in the four-match series is in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.

ENGLAND innings J. Roy b Irfan 0 A. Hales c Y. Khan b An. Ali 10 J. Root lbw b An. Ali 0 E. Morgan c S. Ahmed b Malik 76 J. Taylor c Az. Ali b Malik 60 J. Buttler run-out 1 M. Ali c B. Azam b Shah 7 C. Woakes run-out (S. Ahmed) 33 A. Rashid c sub. b Irfan 7 D. Willey b Irfan 13 R. Topley not out 0 Extras: (lb-5 w-4) 9 Total: (all out, 49.4 overs) 216 Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-7, 3-14, 4-147, 5-148, 6-157, 7-161, 8-180, 9-213. Bowling: M. Irfan 10-2-35-3 (w-3), An. Ali 6-0-32-2, S. Malik 10-0-45-2, Y. Shah 10-0-38-1, W. Riaz 9.4-1-29-0 (w-1), B. Asif 4-0-32-0.

Mohammad Hafeez celebrates his hundred against England in Abu Dhabi, .

PAKISTAN innings Az. Ali lbw b Topley 8 B. Asif lbw b Topley 2 M. Hafeez not out 102 Y. Khan c Rashid b Topley 9 S. Malik c Roy b Ali 26 B. Azam not out 62 Extras: (b-2, lb-2, w-4) 8 Total: (for 4 wickets, 43.4 overs) 217 Fall of wickets: 1-12, 2-15, 3-41, 4-111. Bowling: D. Willey 7-0-43-0, R. Topley 9-1-26-3 (w-3), C. Woakes 8.4-0-40-0, A. Rashid 9-0-60-0, M. Ali 7-0-32-1 (w1), J. Root 3-0-12-0.

Diack resigns as honorary IOC member - IOC BERLIN, Germany (Reuters) - Former world athletics (IAAF) president Lamine Diack has resigned as honorary member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following the launch of a formal investigation against the Senegalese for suspected corruption and money-laundering, the IOC said yesterday. Diack, who was provisionally suspended by the IOC on Tuesday and has also resigned as president of the International Athletics Foundation, is alleged to have received more than one

million euros (£0.70 million) in bribes in 2011 to cover up positive doping tests of Russian athletes. The 82-year-old, an IOC member from 1999 to 2013 before becoming an honorary member a year later, was placed under formal investigation in France this week and questioned by authorities before being released on a bail bond of 500 000 euros and banned from leaving the country. His resignation from the Olympic body comes two days after the publication of a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) independent commission report on allegations

of widespread corruption and collusion by Russian officials, including state security services, to cover up results of drug tests, destroy samples and intimidate laboratory staff. The report also identified “systematic failures” by the IAAF governing body, already rocked by the probe against Diack and other officials. Diack served as president of the IAAF from 1999 until August this year when he was succeeded by Briton Sebastian Coe. His son Papa Massata Diack and three others have also been charged with various alleged breaches of the IAAF’s Code of Ethics.

LAMINE DIACK Diack was a powerful figure within the IOC as he controlled the flagship sport of the Olympic Games for more than 15 years, with athletics also a big beneficiary, along with swimming, of the IOC’s Olympic Games financial contributions.

Russian Olympic Committee urges against punishment of ‘honest’ athletes MOSCOW, (Reuters)-The Russian Olympic Committee said yesterday it was urging international athletics organisations not to punish honest athletes when taking actions against doping practices in sports. The Committee said it supported the efforts by the International Olympic Committee and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in their fight against doping. “The Russian Olympic Committee calls ... to take into account the right of honest athletes to participate in international sports competitions, which should not be subject to limitations,” the Committee said in a statement.

Cavaliers make it seven straight wins … Durant hurt in Thunder loss

LeBron James THE Cleveland Cavaliers extended their winning streak, while the Oklahoma City Thunder’s victory came at a cost. LeBron James helped the in-form Cleveland Cavaliers rally to beat the Utah Jazz 118-114 in the NBA, on Tuesday. The Cavs trailed 95-86 midway the final quarter in Cleveland but a season-high 31 points from James saw the hosts to their seventh successive win. James converted a three-point play after he was fouled as he made a layup, with the Cavs moving to within four of the Jazz. The four-time NBA MVP’s efforts sparked a 10-0 run as the Cavs hit the front 104-98, a lead they never relinquished. James was supported by Maurice Williams and Kevin Love, who posted 29 and 22 points respectively. The Jazz had six players with double-digit points, including Alec Burks with 24 points. An injury to Kevin Durant overshadowed the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 125-101 win over the Washington Wizards.. Durant left the game at halftime with a strained left hamstring in his return to Washington. The 2013-14 MVP had 14 points and 10 rebounds in the first half. Thunder team-mate Russell Westbrook led the charge following Durant’s exit, finishing with 22 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in a triple-double display. Marcin Gortat and Ramon Sessions notched 15 points apiece for the Wizards. The New Orleans Pelicans, meanwhile, finally opened their 2015-16 account with a 120-105 win at home to the Dallas Mavericks. New Orleans opened the season with six consecutive defeats, but claimed their first win thanks to Ryan Anderson’s double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds. The win did come at a cost, though, with Anthony Davis (17 points) hobbling off at halftime due to a bruised right hip. In other results, the New York Knicks won 111-109 and condemned the Toronto Raptors to their first home loss of the campaign. The Charlotte Hornets accounted for the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-95, the Miami Heat were 101-88 winners over the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks lost 99-83 to

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Parmanand Persaud wins SeaLand Golf Tournament AS IF determined to show that his Guyana Open performance was not up to his standard, Parmanand Persaud, nephew of golf champion Pur Persaud, dominated the Lusignan Golf Course with some massive drives and excellent putts to finish a clear winner of the first SeaLand-sponsored tournament. Known to many as ‘Max’, Persaud achieved a fantastic gross 75, to earn him the Best Gross title of the day with his 17 handicap and was clearly

unchallenged for the Best Net performance producing an amazing 58. Last Saturday was really Persaud’s day, as he also won the Nearest to The Pin prize – earning for himself three of the five trophies put up by SeaLand. Rosana Lall of Muneshwers Limited, the senior SeaLand Sales executive, was on hand with other SeaLand Customer Services Representatives to present the trophies.

SeaLand, a subset of Maersk Guyana, is a unique shipping company that aids in the exports and imports within the Americas (29 countries from Canada to Argentina). Club vice-pesident Patrick Prashad expressed gratitude to SeaLand on behalf of the Lusignan Golf Club and looked forward to continued support from the shipping company to help boost and promote the game of golf in Guyana.

From far right are Rosana Lall and the male winners of today, VP Patrick Prashad, Penko Ramsundar (with white cap), and Max Persaud (with blue top and cap). The five others in the picture are SeaLand staff.

Brazil will counter-attack against Argentina, says Martino By Luis Ampuero BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (Reuters) - Brazil will sit back and absorb Argentina pressure before breaking out in counter-attacks in today’s World Cup qualifier, according to home coach Gerardo Martino. “I think it will be a match in which attacking should permit us to have less defensive worries,” Martino told a news conference yesterday. “It will determine if we are going to suffer more or less from quick breaks by Brazil, who will surely wait for us in their own half,” he said on the eve of the South American ‘clasico’ at the River Plate stadium. Martino, looking for his first win against Brazil after a 2-0 defeat in a friendly in Beijing last year, said another key factor was his captain Lionel Messi’s absence through injury. Argentina are a lowly seventh in the 10-nation South American group after picking up only one point and failing to score in Messi’s absence in their first two qualifiers. “Leo’s absence is always directly linked to the team’s result ... Whenever we win, ‘Messi-dependence’ doesn’t exist, but where we lose it’s because of his absence and that’s not unimportant,”

GT&T Indoor Hockey Championship

Simon steers Old Fort to 3-0 victory over Pumas

OLD Fort first division midfielder Aderemi ‘Dove’ Simon shrugged off an injury received on the first night of the GT&T-sponsored Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) indoor championship being played at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue, to steer his team to a 3-0 win against their rivals. Simon staged a dominating performance against the Pumas on the second night of the Championship. While the young Pumas certainly had fitness and foot speed on their side, Old Fort’s experience and skill proved too much to handle. With Simon launching several attacks from deep in his own half, it took the first 11 minutes before Old Fort

made their breakthrough, as a certain goal was prevented by the foot of a defender resulting in a penalty stroke. It was Simon himself who stepped up to score the opener, giving Old Fort the 1-0 lead. Wi t h f o r w a r d s J o h n Abrams and Jason Clarke threatening Pumas’ goal on several occasions, Clarke pushed his team further ahead with a powerful flick in the 15th minute. Simon then returned in the second half to add another goal for the road with seven minutes remaining on the clock and ensuring the 3-0 victory for Old Fort. Old Fort now enjoy a narrow lead atop the points table in the men’s first division competition. GCC maintained their strong standing in the men’s first division competition

with a dominant 5-3 performance over Jaguars while Phoenix enjoyed a goal-fest against Saints in winning their match 9–3. The GCC Tigers registered the largest goal tally in the ladies competition to date, as they routed Old Fort 6-1. Ashley DeGroot was the leading goalscorer for the Tigers with a penalty stroke and two powerful penalty corners, while sisters Kerensa Fernandes and Sonia Jardine added one each. Carol Caine opened the Old Fort account in the very first minute of the match, capitalising on a Tigers defence error but Old Fort failed to muster any further goals. The Hikers taught the young Under-21 girls a lesson in hockey, as they se-

cured a 3-1 victory. Nicole Eastman scored the goal-of-the-match with a powerful flick into the roof of the net from the baseline on the right, before adding a second to join a single from teammate Latacia Chung. Aliyah Gordon led a brave performance by the Under-21 and was rewarded with a goal for her efforts. GCC and Old Fort continued to dominate the men’s second division competition with victories over Saints (2-0) and Phoenix (4-1) respectively. The Hikers, meanwhile, recovered from a narrow loss on the previous evening to upstage St Stanislaus College 5-0. Matches continue throughout the week with the four finals set for Sunday from 17:00hrs.

Martino said. Martino’s opposite number Dunga has a good record against Argentina with victories in a 2006 friendly in London, the 2007 Copa America final in Venezuela, a World Cup qualifier in Rosario in 2009 and last year’s triumph in Beijing. Dunga was sacked after a 2010 World Cup quarter-final defeat by the Netherlands but earned a recall last year after his country’s poor tournament on home soil while Martino inherited the runners-up from Alejandro Sabella and led them to second place at this year’s Copa America in Chile. Newspaper reports say that with Argentine FA presidential elections next month, Martino would have been closely scrutinised in yesterday’s match and their next qualifier away to Colombia on Tuesday. “They would be discussing my continuity anyway, it’s got nothing to do with the political year,” he said brushing aside suggestions his job was on the line. However, Martino could be made to suffer today by

Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino Neymar, to whom he gave his debut at Barcelona when he was their coach in the 2013-14 season and is now in brilliant form for the Spanish champions. “Every player needs time to adapt. I trained a very good Neymar but what he’s doing now puts him on a level with the two footballers we consider above the rest,” he said, referring to Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.

NOTABLE DATES

TERRENCE Alli was a 23-year-old lightweight boxer when he challenged Puerto Rican Ivan Montalvo on November 12, 1983. The fight was held at the Showboat Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and was his eighth bout in the USA. Montalvo was stopped in the fifth round of a scheduled 10-rounder which improved the Alli’s record to 183-1. Alli was undefeated in five fights during that year, with three victories coming by way of stoppage. The following year the quick-fisted dapper boxer reeled off six victories in as many fights. He made three unsuccessful bids for world titles. Two were in the lightweight division while the other was as a junior welterweight. Based in the USA, Alli returned to Guyana in September 1996 to clash with local star Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis. The fight was held on the 14th of that month at the world-famous GCC ground. A power-puncher, Lewis put away the ageing warrior in two rounds. Alli had three more fights before permanently hanging up his gloves. His career spanned 18 years and he boxed a total of 549 rounds for an average of 30 rounds per year.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

GFF launches Scotiabank Academy Training Centres

THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday proudly launched its Scotiabank Academy Training Centres, which are designed to target the development of grassroots level football throughout the country. This programme is the brainchild of the federation’s Technical Director Claude Bolton who disclosed that the initiative is one that will produce youth players for the Guyana team with the talent to qualify to major international tournament. Obviously results of this aptitude will not be immediate, but according to Bolton progress on a large scale can be evident after four years. He further stated that after a decade to a 15-year stretch with the structured programme in full swing Guyana will have an immaculate youth pool to work with.

The technical director made mention of the sponsor Scotiabank, whose timeless support has assisted Guyana’s football to progress. They have partnered with Scotiabank previously to host a successful Women’s programme. Bolton was adamant that this programme is the key to the development of the youngsters as is the Stag Elite League, the tool to expand competitiveness for the Senior National Team. There are 12 Scotiabank Academy training centres that fall under three districts which span the entire country. Each centre will be run by a Youth Development Officer (YDO) chosen by the GFF, based on experience on and off the field. District 1 YDOs are Travis Bess (Essequibo), Vurlon Mills (Georgetown) and Clement Brown (West

GFF Technical Director Claude Bolton Demerara) Bartica also falls under District 1 but the officer is yet to be decided. District 2 YDOs are Collie Hercules (Upper Demerara), Devon Winter (East Bank), Sampson Gilbert (East Coast) and Keith

O’Jeer (Berbice). District 3 YDOs are Royston Fitzpatrick (Lethem), Frank Jacobs Allicock (Annai) and Gary La Rose (Aishalton). The YDO for Karasabai is also yet to be determined.

Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket continues across the country

THE GCB/Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket resumed across the country as Aurora, Riverstown and Fisher Primary Schools won in the Essequibo Coast zone, while New Diamond, St Stephen’s and Bel Air Primary Schools won in the East Bank Zone. Bel Air Primary sneaked past Comenius Primary in a thriller thanks to Shania Smith’s last-over heroics. Asked to bowl the final over with Comenius Primary needing just six runs for victory, Smith displayed great composure and accuracy as she snared three wickets. Despite being denied the hat-trick when a simple catch was put down, she held her nerve as she allowed only one run in the over, sparking wild celebrations from the Bel Air Primary camp. Earlier, Bel Air Primary were held to 96-5, D’Andre Alexander took three wickets while Dequan Welcome topscored with 16. However, as it turned out 96 runs were just enough to secure victory as all of Comenius Primary’s hopes of advancing to the next round were dismissed by Smith. At the Racquet Centre, St Stephen’s Primary dispatched Ketley Primary by 32 runs. St Stephen’s won the toss and elected to bat first scoring a competitive 132-12

in 14 overs. Leading the way with the bat was Jequan Cole who scored 36 while Ketley Primary could manage only 100-12 before their overs expired. Meanwhile, New Diamond defeated Grove Primary by two wickets. Batting first, Grove Primary limped to 72-4 off 14 overs despite the effort of Jagro who topscored with 31. In reply, New Diamond Primary squeezed past the 73 required for victory for the loss of 12 wickets in 12 overs. Mark Smith, Rajin Danraj and Meride Pryce had 2 wickets each for Grove Primary. At the Hibernia ground, Good Hope Primary won the toss and chose to bat. They posted 139-1 in 14 overs as Joshua Hackett made a commanding 55. He was well supported by Narindra Dusraj who scored 31 while Guri Seeraj took the only wicket to fall. In reply, Aurora Primary were led by Ramesh Seeram who struck a polished 45 while Sherwin Davson made 28 as Aurora Primary won by nine wickets. Over at Ponoma ground, Riverstown won the toss and elected to bat; they scored 164-2 off 14 overs thanks to some worthwhile extras from the Huist Dieren bowlers. Russhella Beveney topscored with 22. In reply, Hu-

Shania Smith ist Dieren could only manage 108-7 off their 14 overs. Only Gaurav Sahadeo managed to reach double figures with 15, as Aliya Persaud had figures of 2-3 for Riverstown. Meanwhile, at NOC ground, Suddie Primary batted first and made 87-5 against Fisher Primary. Mahendra Singh (16) was the only batsman to get to double figures as Movin Persaud had 2-2 for the opposition. In their chase, Fisher Primary raced to 89-4 in 13.1 overs, a total which was aided by extras as only Devaster Fall reached double figures with 10. Devanand Bernaud

was the pick of the bowlers for Suddie with 1-1. Matches continue today as Mae’s Primary battle Bel Air Primary in the first semi-final of the East Georgetown Zone at the Racquet Centre. On Friday Redeemer Primary will take on Stella Maris Primary in the second semi-final also at the Racquet Centre. In the Essequibo Coast zone, Queenstown Primary will face Capoey Primary at Capoey ground while Charity Primary will play against Better Hope Primary also at Charity ground.

Goodluck holds three-point lead over Braithwaite

FORMER national champion Ransford Goodluck is on course for championship honours this Sunday when the curtain comes down on the National Rifle Shooting championships at the Timehri rifle ranges. The veteran marksman holds a three-point lead over defending champion Lennox Braithwaite going into the final day of competition. Goodluck has so far recorded 248 points with 19 V-bulls to lead Braithwaite who has recorded 245 points with 20 V-bulls while national vice captain Dylan Fields is currently in third with a grand total 242 with 13 V-bulls. Sunday’s second day action saw Goodluck amassing 114 points with eight Vs following shooting at the 500, 600 and 1000 yards ranges. He shot 33.1 at 500, a possible 35.2 at 600 and 48.4 at 1000 yards range. Fields came in second on day two with 115 points and

7 Vs with possible at 500 and 600 yards (35.1, 35.4) and 45.2 at 1000 yards. Peter Persaud had scores of 30.0, 31-2 and 45.2 for a day’s tally of 106.4 and a grand aggregate of 227.8 while Lt. Col. (Retired) Terrance Stuart recorded 87.1 with scores of 28.0, 21,0 and 38.1 for an overall aggregate of 210 points with six Vs. Ryan Sampson who did not compete on day two remains on 124 points with eight Vs. Goodluck was also at the top of the leader board on the opening day and held a slim one point lead over Braithwaite while Fields was placed in the third position. Robert Tewari and Gordon Richards who are competing in the Tryo Class (Beginners) shot only two ranges. Tewari recorded 70 points with two Vs while Richards secured 64 with one V. The championships continue on Sunday starting at 10:00hrs.

Windies Test squad unchanged for Australia tour

(REUTERS) -The West Indies have named an unchanged 15-man squad for their three-Test tour of Australia, with the main change coming in the reinstatement of head coach Phil Simmons. Simmons was suspended in September for questioning the continued omissions of all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard. But neither Bravo nor Pollard is included in the squad for Australia, with the selectors opting to keep faith in the same players who have just lost two Tests in Sri Lanka. Before that, Australia beat West Indies in two Tests in the Caribbean in June. All-rounder Jason Holder

captains the side for Australia, which also includes leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo, one of the few bright spots from the June series. Bishoo took 6-80 in the first innings of the first Test in Dominica. The first Test in Australia will start in Hobart on December 10, followed by further Tests in Melbourne (from December 26) and Sydney (January 3). Squad: Jason Holder (capt.), Kraigg Brathwaite, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajindra Chandrika, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Denesh Ramdin, Kemar Roach, Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, Jomel Warrican

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday November 12, 2015)

COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Suranga Lakmal-3/15 (2) Sunil Narine-3/21 Today’s Quiz: (1) How many dismissals SL wicketkeeper Kusal Perera effected in the just-concluded WI/SL ODI series? (2) How many dismissals WI wicketkeeper Dinesh Ramdin effected in the just-concluded WI/SL Test series? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Banks DIH Limited teams up with organisers of first Trail Marathon

BANKS DIH Limited has teamed up with the organisers of the first-ever Guyana Trail Marathon, which takes place on Saturday at Santa Mission, as the main beverage provider. The local beverage giant has provided sponsorship through its Rainforest Waters and Powerade brands for the prestigious event, which will see both local and international athletes participate in the race through the trails of the Amerindian village. The sponsorship packages were handed over to officials of the race during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park last Friday. Communications Manager of Banks DIH Limited, Troy Peters, said the race will showcase Guyana to the world and the Company has continued to demonstrate its commitment to supporting athletics in Guyana. He said participating athletes and officials will be hydrated with top quality

Aubrey Samuels receives the sponsorship cheque from Errol Nelson while Sevak Tsaturyan, Leslie Black and Gavin Jodhan look on. products. Peters said Rainforest Waters, one of the company’s newest products, will lend to the theme of the event. Race Director Sevak Tsaturyan and Village Chief of Santa Mission, Aubrey Samuels, both thanked Banks DIH Limited for its generous sponsorship of the event. Rainforest Brand Manager Errol Nelson made the

presentation to the race officials including Organiser Leslie Black and Banks DIH Branches Controller Gavin Jodhan. The mission of Guyana Trail Marathon is to bring athletes and amateur runners around the world for a cultural awareness of the Amerindian community and to raise funds for the local Elementary School.

PCL teams encouraged with cash incentives ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) is excited to announce that the prize-money pool for the 2015-16 Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional 4-Day Tournament has received a significant boost, jumping from just over US$30 000 to more than US$120 000. The R4-Day opened last Friday and the first round concluded on Monday with Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, Barbados Pride and

reigning champions Guyana Jaguars clinching conclusive victories. In addition to the usual Player-of-the-Match and season-ending awards, teams in each round will now receive US$3 000 for each outright victory under the new pay structure for the tournament. “We are sure that the increase in prize money will encourage the players to play more purposefully and we hope will really help to build the competitive envi-

ronment in the tournament,” said Chief Executive Officer of the WICB, Michael Muirhead. “We ultimately want as many players as possible fighting for the 11 starting spots in the West Indies Test team, and the WICB is committed to doing all that we can, to encourage robust performances from our players and we believe this new cash prize incentive is one way to achieve this.”

Sport

CHRONICLE

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

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Reuters) - West Indies ended their dismal tour of Sri Lanka with a consolation victory after Dwayne Bravo’s all-round brilliance secured a series-levelling 23-run win in the second and final Twenty20 International yesterday. Blanked in the preceding Test and one-day series and beaten in the first Twenty20 International on Monday, West Indies posted 162-6 before bowling out the hosts for 139 to salvage a bit of pride. Bravo blasted a run-a-ball 31 before returning to claim four wickets at the R Premadasa Stadium. For Sri Lanka, Tillakaratne Dilshan top-scored with a breezy 52, and Shehan Jayasuriya made 30 before Ravi Rampaul (3-20) and Bravo wrecked their middle and lower order. Opting to bat first, West Indies made a quiet start, managing 17 runs off the first four overs before plundering 44 of the next two. Johnson Charles (34) clobbered off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake for three consecutive sixes and followed up with a boundary off the final ball of the over. His opening partner Andre Fletcher (23) hit Dushmantha Chameera for three boundaries in the next over before Milinda Siriwardana trapped him lbw. Marlon Samuels paid the price for his lax running in the same over as West Indies lost four quick wickets to lose momentum. Bravo chipped in with a quick-fire cameo and Denesh Ramdin remained not out on 34 to take the visitors past the 150-mark. Sri Lanka skipper Lasith Malinga produced excellent death-bowling again, claiming two wickets for 16 runs in four tidy overs.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, November 12, 2015

Nedd, Blake to manage Team Guyana at Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament VICE-president of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GBA) Gordon Nedd has been named manager of the Guyana team selected to participate in the upcoming Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament. Nedd will have as his assistant Sebert Blake, SEBERT BLAKE one of two Guyanese AIBA-certified Three Star coach. Blake is also chairman of the GABA Coaches Commission that picked the 38-member team of boxers due to commence encampment today. “Both of these gentlemen have the aptitude, attitude and discipline needed for such an undertaking and the association is fully confident that Guyana has started out on the right foot with the two on board,” GABA president Steve Ninvalle said when contacted yesterday. The team travelled yesterday morning to Camp Soweyo on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway for two weeks of encampment. Ninvalle was high in praise of the Guyana Defence Force and Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Mark Phillips for providing support to the “national cause”. “The Guyana Defence Force and Brigadier Phillips were with us last year February when we hosted the inaugural Caribbean Goodwill competition. With their support, Guyana were able to win that competition and secure both the Best Male and Female Boxer titles. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Chief-of-Staff and assure that with his support, emulation of last year’s performance is just weeks away,” see page 24

Urling clears the air on incorporation of the GFF By Ras Wadada

IN three days’ time the newly elected executive of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) would take over the governance of the sport, which continues to get uglier by the day, here in Guyana. A recent news item in another section of the media yesterday revealed that members of the Normalisation Committee (NC) have taken over ownership of the GFF. In over a year’s rule as dictated by FIFA the NC has tightened the grip on ownership of the Federation, much to the astonishment of the

membership and stakeholders, the article informed. It is written in the newly adopted Constitution and has always been in the past that the Congress of the GFF is the Supreme decision-making body so this revelation smacks in the face of Integrity, if it is true, and from the Media that broke the news the incumbent Chairman of the NC has admitted. Article 20: 1 of the GFF’s Constitution clearly states – ‘The Congress is the supreme and legislative body’ - so it does appear that there has been as infringement and a serious one too. The Incorporation as a

Business entity of the GFF has seen the separation from the Friendly Society Acts and so it was imperative to name a Board of Directors, but the question that begs, is: Why was the Congress not consulted or even notified of such a move? According to Chairman of the NC, Clinton Urling this was done in consultation with FIFA and was a mandate as part of the new Constitution. In clearing the air, the Chairman further stated that this is not new information indicating that this was already circulated to the members and he finds it rather amusing to read that the NC

has taken over ownership of the GFF. Urling explained that the new direction the GFF has taken is one that is mandatory if the Federation is to access funding for the Goal Project and other benefits of the world governing body FIFA. “Come after the new executive is elected. They would write us the Board of Directors and ask us to resign, and we would oblige and they would elect their board. It is as simple as that and I must add it is a positive move for Guyana’s see page 24

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Chairman of the NC, Clinton Urling THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015