GUYANA No. 104382 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2015
The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com
GUYANA’S MOST WIDELY CIRCULATED NEWSPAPER
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Several mega projects due next year … Budget likely in January Page7
Port Kaituma miner cries ‘broke’ … refuses to pay workmen Page
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Young entrepreneurs get $200,000 for business startup 5 Page
Woman killed, Page 10 dumped on Church St
Baramita students get city tour
Students of Baramita Primary and their teacher exit the Guyana Zoo following a tour of the Georgetown facility (GINA photo)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
Shrimpers down tools over ‘short-weight’ By Shauna Jemmott CAPTAINS and fishermen employed with the fisheries department of Prettipaul Investments have taken industrial action against the company. They allege they have been robbed by the company on the weight of shrimp delivered, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars being deducted from their paychecks. Many of the the striking workers, some 196 of them in total, assembled outside the gates of the McDoom, East Bank Demerara facility yesterday, declaring they had no alternative but to take strike action as their employers have no regard for them. They also allege that the company has been falsifying the weight on their catches, and charging them for what they had already delivered. But efforts to confirm this with management proved futile. When the Guyana Chronicle arrived on the scene early yesterday, a number of men were gathered outside the compound, refusing to meet again with their employers. The men said when they met with management on Sunday, the owner of the company chased them out of the office, which they felt was very
disrespectful of him. As such, they’ve refused to meet with management again, unless the owner apologises for treating them in the manner in which he did. NEVER BEFORE One of the captains said he has been with the company since 1974, which was before it changed hands and Prittipaul became the new owner. And in all those 41 years on the job, he said, he has never had such an experience. They have always used one size of basket to pack the catches of shrimp, he said. Each ship is required to fill several baskets, each with the capacity of holding at least 80lbs of shrimp, and have never before, through the years, fallen below that. He explained that upon delivery one day recently, he was called in by a manager who averaged one of the baskets weighed less than 70lbs. He said he had cause to tell the manager that as far as he knew, each basket has the capacity to hold no less than 80lbs of shrimp. This was proven to be true when the same basket of shrimp was weighed in front of him, and came in at 94 pounds, topping even his own average. “ To t h e b e s t o f m y
knowledge, since we are working on trawlers, there is one size of basket we are using. One basket of shrimp can’t drop below 80lbs.” He said it was from that day on that he noticed an unusual fluctuation in the weight of shrimp whenever the crew delivers a catch. “From then, it been going down,” the man said, adding that the best he’d heard was last Sunday, when the fishermen delivered and were told that their weight on a full basket of shrimp was only 42lbs. A WEIGHTY MATTER Some of the crew members also weighed in on the situation, expressing their anger and disgust at what was happening. They said they were family men, and that they worked hard, seven days a week at sea with only one day off before returning to work. “We work night and day; a drag comes up every three hours,” one crew member explained. Another said the company would give them a target which it expects them to deliver, and they always worked to fulfil that requirement. He said that even if they do fall short at times, it would not be by a
Some of the Pritipaul Investment’s captains taking strike action outside the McDoom facility yesterday significant amount. Whenever the fishermen deliver shrimp that is less than the required amount, they are responsible for paying the company for the difference between the required target and the amount delivered. They are paid between G$10 and G$14 for each pound to be divided among a crew of seven on each of the 28 boats. They also pay NIS and other relevant taxes. Their responsibility, they said, is to catch the shrimp, clean, process and pack them
in ice buckets. They work seven days at sea, with just one day off before returning for another seven days. They said they are prepared to protest for as long as the company takes to make right their weight. “The weight that we are getting is not right; we need our weight for our shrimp,” said one of the fishermen. Another said he’s been working with the company since he was 14; now in his mid-30s, he’s still the main bread-winner of his family. The men explained
Some of the fishermen on strike yesterday (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson)
that an arrangement was made that Prettipaul take 5,000 pounds of the catch for themselves, for which payment is excluded, and would pay the fishermen for the remaining weight. They said whenever they deliver baskets that were not full, they would give those over to the company without any request for an extra monetary reward. While many of them have made it clear that they are not afraid of voicing their concerns, some fear they may have already be identified for dismissal, and are seeking the attention of Minister of Labour within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, to help. When the Guyana Chronicle contacted Chief Labour Officer Aubrey Ogle, he said he was extending an invitation to the workers to visit the Department of Labour at the earliest opportunity. The workers are not unionized, and Ogle told the Guyana Chronicle that while two trade unions have already visited with interest in their affairs, no one voted to be represented.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
Lawyers urged to help safeguard judiciary’s ‘independence’ EVEN as he called for a review of the separation of powers between the Judiciary and the Executive, as contemplated by the Guyana Constitution, Senior Counsel Miles Fitzpatrick has charged local lawyers to help guard and strengthen the independence of the local judicial system. In an address made at last week’s Anniversary Dinner of the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Women Lawyers Association, at which Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Chief Justice Ian Chang and Professor Justice Pollard were among the officials present, Fitzpatrick said that in America, judges appointed to the Supreme Court are nominated by the President, but this decision is thoroughly examined by a Congress that the President invariably does not control. “In Guyana, the reality is that judges are selected by the Executive or persons
appointed by the Executive. The separation of powers is, by that fact alone, compromised,” he argued. In underscoring the importance of an independent judicial system, Fitzpatrick said, “The separation of powers mandates an independent judiciary; independent from the Executive.” JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE He argued that judicial independence can be achieved with the help of the Bar. He noted that securing the independence of the Judiciary is the responsibility of the entire legal fraternity, and not just the judges. “But our constitution hinders, rather than helps, in this respect,” he submitted. Quoting Chief Justice Bhagwati of India, Fitzpatrick said, “While judges maintain our personal integrity, it is the Bar that fiercely maintains the independence of the
Judiciary as an institution. The Bar has a vital role to play in safeguarding judicial independence. The legal profession must raise its will and fight in defence of the independence of the Judiciary.” He recalled that during the last Constitutional Conference, the Guyana Bar Association had called for the Judicial Service Commission to be strengthened by including a member from the Law Faculty of the University of Guyana who was selected by the Faculty of that institution. This measure was implemented by the ANC in South Africa immediately after apartheid was defeated. However, in Guyana, it was rejected by the government of the day. “The whole area of judicial independence should be reviewed in Guyana. Given the Burnham-style Presidency that was criticized by the then opposition but later embraced by it after it
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife are in company of the President of the Guyana Bar Association won the 1992 election, it is virtually impossible to have a fully independent judiciary. Without a Head of State that does not belong to (much less lead) a political party, political considerations can never be separated from the assessment of professional and personal
Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Legal Affairs Minister and Attorney General, Basil Williams, accompanied by their wives during the Anniversary Dinner held by the Guyana Bar Association and the Guyana Women Lawyers Association
qualifications for such office,” he submitted. Fitzpatrick is of the opinion that the proposal put forth by the Guyana Bar Association during the last constitutional conference merits reconsideration. DISCRIMINATION In addressing another major issue, the Senior Counsel said the system still discriminates against women lawyers, although they are, and have always been, the backbone of one of the greatest creations over the last generation -- the Guyana Legal Aid Centre. “Why haven’t we had a female S.C.? Over the last decade or two, I have known at least three female counsels who would have been appointed in a more equal environment. One left Guyana and two have since accepted judgeships,” he pointed out. Though highlighting a number of major concerns which face the legal fraternity,
President of the Guyana Bar Association, Christopher Ram, said new Attorney General Basil Williams has demonstrated a “refreshing openness and accessibility to the profession.” According to Ram, such access is necessary if the problems that have plagued the profession for decades are to be addressed. Ram pointed out that, in less than one month, Chief Justice Ian Chang will proceed on pre-retirement leave, thereby creating a huge void on the Bench. This vacancy, he lamented, also creates another opportunity to “end, once and for all, the unhealthy practice of longterm acting appointments in the judiciary.” “It cannot be overstated that such a practice is unhealthy for the society, and undermines the independence of the judiciary,” he declared.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Port Kaituma miner cries ‘broke’, refuses to pay workmen - Minister vows to take action
By Ariana Gordon WORKERS at a mining camp located in the Port Kaituma backdam are alleging that they are victims of labour trafficking by a man they consider to be their employer. Noel Sambach says he was employed by Elvis Cameron, the owner of a medium-scale mining operation in Port Kaituma, to operate a bulldozer and also work as a mechanic. Sambach told the Guyana Chronicle that he worked with Cameron for six months, but was only paid $180,000. He says he is owed some $1.6M for the period worked. “I used to work with Elvis Cameron at Port Kaituma backdam. I worked there for six months, and he never sent home a cent for my family.” The frustrated 46-yearold said because of his inability to provide for his family, his two sons, aged 15 and 16, were forced to work at a sawmill in Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice. The Crabwood Creek resident said whenever he tries to contact Cameron, the man either does not answer his mobile or if he does, he
usually contends that he is not in a position to pay. “When I call Elvis, he tell me tomorrow he going to send some money. Up to now, Elvis never send a cent to me; nothing at all,” Sambach said. NOT UNIQUE But Sambach’s situation is not unique, as many of his colleagues have complained that they, too, have not been paid money owed to them. “I leave my other colleagues in there; they have no money to come out from the ‘backdam’. Every day they keep calling me, asking for a raise so that they can go home,” the man said, shaking his head in despair. While he was in the Port Kaituma backdam, Sambach said, Cameron had sent $180,000 to his wife. Unfortunately for him, however, he volunteered to help Cameron secure parts for a machine that had broken down. He said the parts were sourced and his wife used $80,000 out of the $180,000 she received to pay for them. Now, Sambach wants that money back so that his sons can enjoy their childhood.
Noel Sambach, former mechanic and bulldozer operator for Elvis Cameron
Natasha Daniels, wife of Glendon Critchlow who is currently stranded in the Port Kaituma backdam
He says he regrets that his children were forced to work while he was in the ‘backdam’ as he could not provide for his family. The frustrated man said many a time, the boss would leave the camp without food and water, because he knows the workers have no means of leaving. Money, he said, is not available to the workers of the camp, so many of them are forced to stay in the ‘backdam’.
ruary, and is owed $2.7M. Since he began working with Cameron, his wife was given $347,000 in March. “He said he is not coming home unless he gets all of his money,” Daniels told this publication yesterday. “I have bills,” was all she could say, so emotional was she. When she came to herself, she said the situation is so bad that she and her son have had to make do with what they had. “For two weeks,” she said, “me and my son had to eat salt and rice.” In tears, the mother of two boys said, “In August, Cameron claimed he sent money with his wife, but I
SALT-AND-RICE In the case of Natasha Daniels’s husband, Lendon Critchlow, he has been in the ‘backdam’ since Feb-
am yet to receive the money. “He answered his phone and said he didn’t get through yet. Next day, he said the same thing; the man didn’t bring the money yet. Up to now, he never called me back. Since then to now, no money.” The Friendship, East Bank Demerara resident said her older son helps her from time to time. He lives in Antigua. Both boys, she explained, trouble with eczema. Her younger son’s condition is getting worse, she said, but she is unable to get medical treatment for him as she has no money. “Things not easy,” she said, sobbing. Daniels explained that people often feel refreshed after sleeping, but she wakes up with the burden of not having money. The frustrated woman said attempts to contact Cameron have all failed, and efforts to speak rationally with his wife were all futile as well. “I called his wife phone; she cussing people. Sometimes my husband gets so frustrated, I have to call and tell him don’t do nothing rash; just come home. He said he is not coming home without his money; and even if he comes home, he has no money,” Daniels said. Speaking to this publication briefly, Lendon Critchlow said: “Three nights ago, I talk to him. He said he had no money; he was broken. “I am here, and he brought in another operator. I told him he has to pay me once I am here. He agreed. I finish doing my job, but this man is not paying us; he is wicked. It is hard on me and my family, really hard.” NO WAY OUT Another worker, Mark Blake, General Manager of the mining camp, says he is owed $750,000, but is also stranded in the Port Kaituma ‘backdam’, as he had no means of leaving the
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location. “I have been in here five months now,” he said. “A lot of times he fails to leave food and water for us to eat. The fella got money, but don’t want to pay. I don’t know why he not paying us. “I deh here couple months; I want go home. My mother wants me to go home; she keeps calling me, but I can’t move; I got no money to come out.” The frustrated man said whenever he asks Cameron for his money, he always promises to pay, but never does. Several attempts to contact Cameron proved futile, and all his wife could say, when contacted, was: “I don’t know anything about that; I am not in the interior; I have no idea.” Asked, for instance, when last she saw her husband, Mrs. Cameron said, “He gone in since September.” She could not state when he would return to the city. LABOUR TRAFFICKING Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes has vowed to bring an end to the torture that Cameron’s workers suffers daily. She said, “This is labour trafficking; I will have the police investigate this.” Minister Broomes, stressed that under her watch, she would not allow such a situation to continue. “We can’t have this! This woman’s child is sick! Children are dropping out of school; this will break up homes; this is bad for the family!” She promised the victims that they would be paid their wages. “You have to be paid! I am going to call you, rest assured!” she said. “These things have to cease! We have to protect the workers; that’s why I am here! I will deal with this matter!” she assured the workers.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
First Lady: ‘Caring for the elderly a major niche market’
- as the Palms begins caregivers training programme THE PALMS yesterday commenced a programme of training of caregivers for elderly persons; and addressing the forum as its keynote speaker, First Lady Sandra Granger made the following observations: Caring for the elderly is a “major niche market”, although it is being overlooked. It is an important occupation that requires special skills to deliver the love and affection the elderly require, and to acquire the requisite patience and forbearance needed to properly handle elderly folks. “It is a major niche, because women practise caring all their lives -- caring for their children, husbands, relatives and other persons -– and (they) do not see it as a skill. But once you are caring, you have to possess several skills,” the First Lady
A view of the participants yesterday
Mrs. Granger delivering her charge to the participants
said. She said that participants in the programme being run by the Palms will learn the importance of caring for the elderly “during the week.” Further, she stressed that as the elderly population in the country grows, the trainees would find out that they are in a niche market, because they will develop various skills and the confidence going into a new kind of job. The First Lady called on
other agencies besides the Ministry of Social Protection to continue training persons in this regard, so that trained persons can take their skills back to the various communities and help to care for the elderly in their respective areas of residence. Mrs Granger called on the trainees to develop a love for caring for the elderly, and not to see it as a mere job because of the difficulties they would face at times while dealing with the elderly.
The five-day workshop regarding caring for the elderly was rolled out by officials at the Palms Geriatric Home, but the initiative is the brainchild of the First Lady. Speaking more about the workshop, Ismay Griffith, an official of the Palms, disclosed that the idea is to provide general overviews of the major issues which relate to the aging process. “The participants at the end of the training will be better able to understand the challenges faced by the elderly, who provided for others and themselves in the past,” said Ms. Griffith. This training, she said, will be a pilot exercise and will be evaluated for best practices as the geriatric institution continues to look at lessons which can be learned from this exercise, so that similar training with necessary modifications can be reproduced in other communities. (Navendra Seoraj)
Young entrepreneurs get $200, 000 each - to start their own business By Svetlana Marshall
FIFTY young entrepreneurs, trained under the Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment (SKYE) Project, are now financially empowered to execute their business plans. This is thanks to USAID, and a pledge from the Guyana Government to finance another 50. The successful entrepreneurs were yesterday presented with their awards during the SKYE Youth Entrepreneurship Grant Award Ceremony at the Pegasus Hotel. To date, 70 entrepreneurs have benefited from this initiative, which amounts to approximately $14M, with each award valued at $200, 000. US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry; SKYE Chief-of-Staff, Magda Fiona Wills; President and CEO of the Education Development Centre, David Offensend; SKYE’s Juvenile Justice and Gender Specialist, Dale Erskine; and USAID Mission Director, Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Christopher Cushing, were among the officials present
at the ceremony. Through SKYE, at-risk youth in Guyana are exposed to education, skill-building and employment opportunities. The primary goal of the project is to reduce youth crime and violence by strengthening economic participation and civic engagement. PROJECT REPORT According to Wills, the project has reaped tremendous success, attracting over 2600 youths from Regions 3 (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), 4 (Demerara-Mahaica), 5 (Mahaica-Berbice), 6 (East Berbice-Corentyne), 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). “We have successfully trained over 1800 youth, of which over 910 have been linked to employment and further studies. 70 are new entrepreneurs, and coaches are currently working with 700-plus youth, some of whom are the new entrepreneurs,” Wills said as she painted a vivid picture of the project’s remarkable success. It was explained that under the “Be Your Own Boss” component of the project,
275 youths were trained, and 112 business plans submitted. However, Wills said USAID was only able to finance 70 of the business plans. Government has since pledged to finance 50 additional ones. The other components of the SKYE initiative include Detention Prevention, which involves a system of alternative sentencing and diversion for minor offenders; ‘Welcome Home’, which allows for the reintegration of youth offenders; and the ‘Get Ready to Work’ component. To date, 92 youth have been alternatively sentenced, with two back in the system. Wills said when the project moves on or changes shape, its aim is to have all materials and methodologies developed under the project distributed among the “right” group of people to ensure that “Work-Ready Training” remains in Guyana. NEW FOCUS “Our new focus within this year,” she said, “will be on a basic literacy curriculum that the EDC has successfully implemented, and is currently being assessed to be adapted for the Guyanese
The successful SKYE youth entrepreneurs who received grant awards yesterday youth who are not literate.” To ensure that the project has a greater reach, Wills said the SKYE team has moved to establish the SKYE Coach Volunteerism initiative. “Today, we have two sets of volunteers. We have a group of volunteers who answered the call that went out via social media and to the disciplined forces. We have members of the Prison
Service, Fire Service, Police Service, University of Guyana lecturers and students. We have entrepreneurs and teachers… “Our second group of volunteers are our very own SKYE Youth who came through and are ready to give back,” she explained. A total of 48 Coach Volunteers have been trained in SKYE’s coaching methodology using
the ‘assets’ based approach. JOB WELL DONE US Ambassador, in applauding the work being done by USAID through its SKYE initiative, said it is gratifying to know that the grants will not only aid in the launching of businesses, but will help to generate income. “The SKYE programme has reached those see page 17
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Guyanese road users must exercise more care Dear Editor,
EDITORIAL Rethinking retirement RETIREMENT is influenced by socio-economic and political circumstances in society, and it is within these factors that an individual makes the decision to retire. In society, the economic dynamics have been an influential factor in determining whether one takes early retirement, works for full retirement, or seeks employment after retirement. In the world today, citizens have new options as to how they will plan their lives, based on various factors. There is the view that, to make a stipulated age mandatory for retirement, the employer, group, or government is practising what is considered ageism. While this practice has been a feature of society and has been inherited from the colonial era, modern day features which are aligned with the United Nations strive to uphold the tenet that “Older persons are increasingly seen as contributors to development, whose abilities to act for the betterment of themselves and their societies should be woven into policies and programmes at all levels.” As Guyana seeks to be respected and governed by 21st century instruments, there is need to be mindful that universal instruments and tenets are not violated. A government sets the tone for society. In examining retirement dynamics, it would be observed that these vary among agencies, jobs, sectors, and even individuals involved. Consequently the entire issue is deserving of examination; for where the public sector has stipulated requirements for retirement, in the private and corporate sectors, flexibility exists. The development of every society depends on its people. It is public knowledge that Guyana has a large population resident abroad; suffers from brain drain, where more than 75 percent of university graduates migrate; professionals such as nurses and teachers are recruited by regional and extra-regional governments and institutions; and skilled artisans like electricians, masons, carpenters and plumbers are also lured. The evidence of skills depletion poses challenges to national growth and development. For those who have taken the decision to remain, or would like to remain, the means has to be established where their contributions can be of relevance, and moreso cause persons to earn and sustain their livelihoods. There are cases involving teachers and nurses who, after compulsory retirement at 55 years, migrated and found employment in the state and private sectors using the skills acquired here, which skills have been put to pasture based on what has been considered retirement. These persons will, for approximately another decade or more, play roles in other countries building another nation before they exercise the option of retiring. In this situation, both the personal and national needs for growth and development are being met.
I AM venturing into deep water here. I am about to leverage a layman’s comparison on a complex crisis. My comparison is born out of observing the way of life in Guyana since my return in 2009, having been gone for 24 years prior. I have been observing the way the average Guyanese use the roadways, both as pedestrians and as operators of vehicles and cycles. I observe their scant regard for their own lives and that of others in the way they ride and drive. We were taught in school to walk on the right-hand side of the road, facing the oncoming traffic. Today, children and adults walk – sometimes three abreast – backing the traffic. The cyclists no longer stops at major roads; they just ride straight across, or turn in front of the oncoming vehicles. The pedestrians –- young and old alike -– seem completely oblivious to the tooting of horns. Some of them don’t even flinch as the horns are blown just behind them. I have lived in, and travelled to, other countries, and I have never seen the kind of lawless disregard for the usage of the roadways being practised by both pedestrians and motorists as I see in Guyana. Now, here’s my comparison. I am wondering if the chronic and pervasive hopelessness of the Guyanese citizenry is not contributing to how we use the roads. I am figuring that if these folks who walk and drive in the wanton way they do had hope for betterment in life, they would be a lot more careful. Were they to see themselves owning their own homes; working for livable wages; travelling the world; enjoying their retirement or earning enough to comfortably enjoy life, they probably would not be so careless with their lives or the lives of others.
Utilisation of these skills here mean that, at the individual level, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs are met (physiological, safety, social esteem, self-actualisation) and the society also gains from the institutional memory and experiences acquired over the years being used as guides in refining new systems and approaches for on-the-job training for new recruits. Further examination will show that many who, based on mandatory retirement, have had to leave a particular employ have not retired from working. Some of this is due in part to economic need, or the individual not feeling that the time is right to sit at home in a rocking chair; and this is ok. At the end of the day, what matters is how one feels about life and living, and society must be adaptable to meeting these needs. Many retirees find employment primarily in the private security sector. For some, this brings with it a dilemma where it becomes difficult to readjust. For instance, a retired headmaster is placed in a position to compete for this job with persons who may not have completed secondary education, or having to guard the premises of the person whom she or he taught at school. While no honest work is demeaning, that the headmaster’s knowledge and skills are not being utilised in the preferred education system means that such knowledge and skills are being underutilised in post-compulsory retirement, and places that knowledgeable and skilled individual in an untenable situation. Consequently, there is need to revisit the various retirement standards set by government. The executive and legislature are branches of government, but retirement for those employed in those fields is not determined by the standards set for the teaching, public and military services. A number of persons who have retired from serving in those branches are today involved in politics. Opportunities exist for these individuals through absence of ageism legislation that sees them continuing to give service to society. 21st century society requires universal standards applicable to the dynamics in society. For these reasons, stakeholders must rethink retirement, making it optional and not mandatory, which is consistent with modern society.
I think that the way Guyanese use the roads tell the horrid story of a hapless and hopeless nation, in which the rich are getting richer and poor are getting poorer. We see in this singular regard a behaviour steeped in desperation and despondency, where a dark cloud of gloominess has sapped the viable possibilities of a good life out of the citizens. Something is definitely wrong with the way Guyanese view life, and it is obvious in how they use the roadways. And this did not happen overnight. I want to wonder also if our record suicide rate is not tied directly to the prevailing hopelessness we are made to experience. I am just wondering. Maybe one of the professionals in the field could guide me on this matter. Pastor W. P. Jeffrey Practical Christianity Ministries Founder/President
Let the communities decide on their leaders without political interference
Dear Editor,
THE announced intent of the APNU+AFC and PPP that they are going to be participating in the Local Government Elections (LGE) is an indication that the national politicians have an interest in determining and occupying every political space, stifling the free-spiritedness and local camaraderie of the people. There is a culture that pervades this society -- and we have observed it -- when persons of any political party express an alternative opinion to that of their leaders in Georgetown, they are being attacked, demonised and marginalised. Our politics must grow sufficiently to include respecting the right to dissent or hold alternative views to those of the establishment. For such actions are healthy for germination of ideas which can lead to growth and development of the nation’s body politic. In the 1994 LGE, President Desmond Hoyte took a decision that the PNC would contest the municipalities, and in the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), citizens would form themselves into groups and participate with a view to managing their own affairs. Though a view is held that Hoyte’s decision was out of concern for losing at the NDCs, it was one of the most progressive steps in this nation in furtherance of realising the devolution of power to the people at the grassroots level. This was an act of deepening and strengthening the people’s right to self-determination. This nation must strive to build on it. This nation has seen, in their neighbourhood, persons across political and racial divide sharing positive relations, irrespective of the party they supported at the General and Regional Elections (GRE). The strengthening of this neighbourly relationship will see efforts at further nurturing that would allow the people to identify and elect their leaders, regardless of the political persuasions that would have influenced their GRE votes. LGE is about allowing the people to elect leaders from their communities to manage their affairs within their neighbourhoods. It is not about the national leaders at Freedom House, or at the APNU headquarters, or at the AFC headquarters, determining who in which neighbourhood must be on the list. We must build on 1994, and allow the communities the opportunity to heal and build a natural cohesiveness, free of partisan party political influences at the most basic yet still vital aspects of government. There is legitimate concern, given the statements coming from the national leaders, that their participating in LGE is an act to control the communities and to determine for the communities who must be their candidates and see page 7
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
National discussion on suicide needed
Dear Editor,
THERE has been yet another suicide at Kaieteur Falls. It is a very sad situation in Guyana, with all these suicides being committed by young people. There needs to be a national discussion on why there is so much apparent hopelessness among our youth, and what can be done to stem this growing phenomenon. While we are all saddened at people senselessly taking their own lives, we must also be concerned about the image being created of our internationally famous tourist attraction -- Kaieteur Falls -- as a suicide destination for distraught locals. Many might not agree with me, but this could have a negative impact on our tourism. Imagine a family with young children having to experience someone taking their own life by jumping off the Falls. Such an experience could leave scars for life. I would like to recommend for discussion and consideration that airline/ excursion tickets to Kaieteur not be sold to a single individual who is not holding a foreign passport. In short, Guyanese purchasing tickets to visit Kaieteur must be accompanied by at least one, or perhaps two other persons. This is certainly not the solution to the suicide problem in Guyana, but it may reduce the incidence of such senseless acts at our top tourist attraction. Let it be noted that I said I offer this suggestion for discussion and consideration. Regards, Wesley Kirton
Let the communities... From page 6
representatives, which goes against the grain of the right to self-determination. This behaviour is synonymous with the appointment of Interim Management Committees (IMCs) by the PPP. The message being sent to the people is that national leaders are going to take away their right to determine who must be their local leaders. This act of political parties running in the NDCs will not contribute to the devolution of power or shared governance, consistent with the spirit and intent of the constitution. What it will surely do is ascribe more power and authority to central government and political headquarters than the constitution intended. It also represents a new form of political imposition, and makes a mockery of respecting the tiers of government. There are political parties which cannot muster three votes in some communities; but in joining a coalition, where they are recognised, they have created for themselves opportunities to enter communities or be assigned seats on the pretext of political representation. That is not representation; it is the use of association to impose one’s will on the people, and it goes against the grain of democracy and what elections ought to be. The political parties must not be participating in elections in the NDCs, since their presence can poison the atmosphere and lead to further loss of trust among the citizens in the political process. Opportunity presents itself for each party -- be it PPP, PNC, AFC, WPA, GAP, JFAP, IP, etc -- to mobilise and contest in each of the towns. In so doing, the votes they acquire will reflect the support they have among the populace. Elections allow for gauging the will of the people in terms of who they want to represent them. This basic tenet must not be lost sight of, or sacrificed for the benefit of any individual or group. Local government gives the communities the opportunity to identify and elect their leaders, and the people’s choice must be respected. The society must agitate for, and accept, no less. Regards, Lincoln Lewis
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Several mega projects due next year …Budget likely in January
By Rabindra Rooplall GOVERNMENT intends to spend big on infrastructural development, and next year’s Budget will see allocations for a number of mega projects, President David Granger has said. The administration is currently doing its round of consultations for the 2016 Budget, and the President has given assurance that the estimates will be ready early January. Speaking on the Ministry of the Presidency’s Public Interest forum, President Granger acknowledged that Guyana cannot be developed without proper infrastructure, and as such in the 2016 Budget, various projects will commence this developmental foundation before superstructures are built. “This country cannot be developed without proper infrastructure; without proper highways and bridges, ferry stellings, airdromes, Harbour Bridge. If we are to develop this country, we have to have a solid infrastructure base before we can build superstructures. “These will be addressed in the Budget of the financial year 2016,” President Granger asserted during the interview. DEL CONTE PROJECT One of the mega projects which are likely to commence next year is the Del Conte road project. Only last month, Geoffrey Vaughn, Coordinator of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure’s Works Services Group, told the Government Information Agency (GIAN) that the feasibility studies for the Del Conte road project would soon be completed, after which work will commence. “This is one of the roads that came on stream (and) which would add towards the mining industry, and persons using it as one of the alternative routes in getting to those areas such as Bartica,” Vaughn had explained to GINA. This road project fits
completely into the entire National Transport Network, as it provides a complete ring in the current transport network. “You can ring around the East Bank Road, get into the highway to Linden, get from Linden into Lethem and other mining industries, then you come in from the other end, which is East Bank Essequibo, and you can also access and meet to Linden…” Vaughn said. “You’re looking at a complete link now, so it makes things either better for some persons who may be coming from the Essequibo Coast, Leguan, Wakenaam and those areas, and who may want to get into the mining industry, and instead of having to use the longer route, you can actually drive across, and then use your necessary alternative transportation to get into the hinterland,” he added. This project forms part of the administration’s overall plan, which is to ensure accessibility around the economic activities in Guyana. The Del Conte road begins at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, and goes all the way down the East Bank Essequibo area into Goshen. For persons to get from Goshen to Bartica, a boat may have to be used. BRIDGING THE ESSEQUIBO However, the Ministry is exploring a number of options, including the building of a bridge network across the Essequibo River. “The feasibility studies are ongoing, and we are expecting that as soon as that feasibility study is wrapped up, we will be able to make some decisions in terms of whether or not we use a bridge, or go with a steamer service or pontoon, whichever way works in terms of economic feasibility,” Vaughn had further outlined. The government’s thrust is also being aided by donors, with the European Union (EU) recently renewing its commitment to supporting infrastructural development in Guyana. EU Ambassador to Guy-
PRESIDENT DAVID GRANGER ana, Jernej Videtic, in discussions with Ministers of Public Infrastructure David Patterson and Annette Ferguson, recently reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with Guyana in its development process. Guyana-EU cooperation commenced over 40 years ago, with priorities including sea defences and transport infrastructure, inter alia, the Bartica/Berbice ferry services, the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) rehabilitation and the Ogle International Airport (OIA) extension. During the meeting, the two parties discussed several ongoing projects, including the ‘Power Utility Upgrade Programme’ which is co-financed by an EU grant of €19.3M, and a loan by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) of US$37.6M. GPL UPGRADE The project, which is being administered via Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc, is geared at enhancing the operational efficiency and corporate performance of the utility company. It will cater to the upgrading of infrastructure to reduce energy and revenue loss, while also improving GPL’s management and administrative efficiency. It was agreed by the two parties that close monitoring of project implementation is necessary to make best use of available resources. Ambassador Videtic, along with Ministers Patterson and Ferguson, also discussed
ongoing cooperation programmes on sea defences, including capacity-building and training, strengthening the functionalities of the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), opportunities for studies in renewable energy, and the exploration of possible future EU/Guyana collaboration in the area of renewable energy, transport infrastructure, tourism and logistics. POVERTY ALLEVIATION Meanwhile, underscoring that focus will also be strongly placed on the alleviation of poverty and promotion of social cohesion, the President also disclosed that “the Budget is on stream, and we’re likely to present it in January. “In fact, there will be two budgets in 2016, since we want to produce the 2017 budget in December of 2016, so that we will be able to start the first day in 2017 knowing where the money is going to be spent.” Finance Minister Winston Jordan has already indicated that Budget 2016 will see an early presentation. Jordan had presented a $221B Budget to the National Assembly for the 2015 fiscal year under the theme, “A Fresh Approach To A Good Life In A Green Economy”. It was the first fiscal budget for the APNU+AFC administration. Fiscal budgets are usually presented in March/ April; however, due to the holding of General Elections in May, the 2015 Budget was presented on August 10 instead.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
Verdict in ‘granny’ murder trial due today By Michel Outridge
FOLLOWING the close of the prosecution’s case in the June 30, 2011 Robb Street ‘granny’ murder in the High Court yesterday, State Prosecutor Teshanna James-Lake, in closing remarks, addressed the court and the 12-member jury. She told the court that since the lengthy trial was coming to an end, she would be short in her presentation. Lake said the four accused present in court and seated in the prisoner’s dock were charged for the murder of Clementine FiedtkouParris. She added that the State presented the evidence, which was heard in court where several police witnesses testified; and they had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the men were responsible for the murder of the 72-year-old woman at her home. Lake stated that four months after the murder, the
four accused were arrested by the police, and they began ‘singing’. Each man told the police the part he played in the crime through his caution statement. She told the jury also that they were judges of the facts, and that it was up to them to come to a conclusion. Lake explained that the four accused each narrated their stories to the police, which were brought as evidence in the case; and that two of the four men were picked out during separate identification parades by the victims’ brother, Fitzroy Fiedtkou, who is now deceased. Lake yesterday detailed the involvement of the four men in the crime, and said that their motive in the matter was one of greed, where they did not want to work, but to get money the easy way by taking cash to kill an elderly woman. She pointed out that the witnesses who testified on the State’s behalf had no reason to lie, and that
Guilty plea saves teenage shopkeeper EIGHTEEN-year-old shopkeeper Recola Smith of 118 One Mile Wismar, Linden was yesterday ordered by City Magistrate Fabayo Azore to complete three months of community service, and pay a fine of $5,000. This was after changing her plea to guilty of the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. Last Saturday, in the Mazaruni River area, Smith had in her possession four grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking . She made her first appearance unrepresented, pleading not guilty to the charge, was placed on $35,000 bail, and is expected to return on December 7 at Court Two. On her second appearance yesterday, when she was represented by Attorney-at–Law Peter Hugh, she changed her plea to guilty. In his submission, the lawyer stated that his client was a first-time offender, and since it was a small amount, he was asking the magistrate for a reasonable sentence.
the truth was presented in court, since justice is a two-edged sword. And from listening to the evidence, she said, it can clearly be concluded that the four men committed the act, even though the mastermind is yet to be brought to the High Court. Lake told the jury to take into consideration the evidence Government Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh gave in court on the post mortem he performed on the body of Fiedtkou-Parris, which said she died within minutes of receiving the fatal wound. Lake explained that the intention of each of the four men present in court was highlighted, given the part each played in the murder of Fiedtkou-Parris. She stated, “The evidence is overwhelming and compelling, and these are the persons who killed FiedtkouParris.” Orin Hinds, called “Redman”, of Burnham Boulevard, Mocha, East Bank Demerara; Kevin October, called, “Troy”, of Second Street, Agricola, East Bank Demerara; Cleon Hinds, and Roy Jacobs, called
“Chippie” or “Black Boy”, of Evans Street, Charlestown, are currently facing Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury for the murder. According to the indictment, the four men m u r d e re d C l e m e n t i n e Fiedtkou-Parris pursuant to an arrangement whereby money was to be passed from one person to another. On the evening of June 30, 2011, two men went to Fiedtkou-Parris’s Robb Street home asking for ‘Auntie’, a title by which she was called. They were directed up a side step, and as Fiedtkou-Parris emerged from her bedroom, one of the men pulled out a gun and shot her several times to the upper part of her body. The men then jumped into a waiting car, while the injured woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. Today, the 12-member jury will deliberate and come up with a verdict in the High Court, which will bring an end to the weeks long murder trial.
Accused in Festival City killing remanded TWENTY-four-year-old Rickford Jones, of 3093 North Ruimveldt, appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore yesterday to answer to the charge of murder. It is alleged that on November 8, along with another person in Festival City, he murdered Christopher Wharton, also known as ‘Taps’ or ‘Chrissy.’ His lawyers, in their application for bail, made mention that their client suffered several injuries at the hands of the police. The Prosecutor submitted a medical certificate which stated that the accused was examined, and he had no
injuries at the time. Jones was remanded to prison, and is expected to appear in court on December 8. Wharton, 37, was executed in cold blood by two gun-toting young men while he was sitting at home with his five-yearold son. The gunmen fired several shots in Wharton’s direction, and after he fell off the stairs, one of the men stood over him and continued to shoot. The gunmen then reportedly fired two more shots in the air to ward off onlookers, before making their escape on a bicycle.
Cocaine swallowers busted at CJIA TWO men are in police custody after being busted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Saturday with unknown quantities of pellets in their stomachs. The duo, a St. Lucian national and a Guyanese, were both outgoing passengers. The St. Lucian national was reportedly heading to London from Guyana. The man is currently a patient at a local hospital, where he is in the process of excreting the pellets. The Guyanese national was heading to New York; he too had a quantity of pellets in his stomach. He has since been admitted to a city hospital for treatment. CANU head, James Singh, told the Guyana Chronicle that the recent busts at the CJIA is a collaborative effort among CANU, CJIA security and the police. “Any success at the airport is always a collaborative effort,” Singh said. Asked whether he believes that persons are resorting to swallowing pellets as a result of the rigidness of the security at the airport, Singh said, “This is merely trafficking. It is not something new…they are swallowers.” The rigidness of the security at CJIA he stressed is as a result of “great collaboration”. Singh said, too, that there will always be those traffickers who pass through the system, but the fact remains that more busts are being made locally. “We have several joint operations,” he added. Last week, Guyanese hairdresser Shureen Giddings was busted at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) airport, New York with 105 cocaine pellets in her stomach. The woman was intercepted shortly after arriving at the JFK on a flight from Guyana. Two St. Lucian women were also caught at CJIA with cocaine in the shape of dildos lodged in their vaginas. The duo has pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to prison.
Step-father says he’s not guilty ACCUSED Rene Gordon appeared at the Demerara Assizes yesterday and pleaded not guilty to a three-count indictment allegedly committed on his stepdaughter. The allegations are that the accused committed the first act of sexual penetration when the girl was 10 years old; that the second act was committed sometime in July 2010, when the accused tried to put his tongue in the mouth of the 10-year old girl; and that the third count was committed on June 12, 2012 when the accused was said to have touched the breast and buttocks of his stepdaughter. Prosecutrix Miss Orienthia Schmidt is conducting the case for the prosecution while Mr. Satesh Kissoon is defending. The case continues today before Justice Roxane George and a mixed jury.
Remanded on gun charge SHAWN James, 27, of Republic Park, East Bank Demerara, yesterday appeared before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore where he plead not guilty to the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm without being the holder of a licence. It is alleged that on Friday, November 20 at 14-Mile, Issano, James had in his possession one Smith and Wesson 9MM pistol in his pants pocket. He was remanded until December 7.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
EU, UK press Guyana to end death penalty By Tajeram Mohabir
Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman, sharing his views at the opening of the conference on the abolition of the death penalty (Cullen-Bess Nelson)
Lord Navnit Dholakia addressing the gathering yesterday (Cullen-Bess Nelson)
The officials at the opening of the conference on the abolition of the death penalty at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre (Cullen-Bess Nelson)
The abolition of the death penalty in Guyana might not reflect the popular will of the people, but the European Union (EU) and the British High Commission are of the view that political leadership is required to move forward. Capital punishment is part of the statute books of more than 50 countries the world over, though not all implement it. Of the more than 50 countries, 13 are in the Caribbean and all Anglophone countries have retained the right to utilise the ultimate punishment. Lord Navnit Dholakia, a member of the UK All Party Parliamentary Committee on Abolition of the Death Penalty, though acknowledging the issue has been a cause for much debate, said politicians are best placed to take control. He said if an opinion poll is conducted in the region, it is likely that public sentiments would be against the abolition of capital punishment. But Lord Dholakia said public opinion, though important, is not always the best gauge in measuring fairness. Speaking at the opening of the Caribbean Regional Conference on the Abolition of Death Penalty at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre yesterday, the Britisher had a message for politicians. “Do we follow public opinion or do we lead? What do we mean when we talk about public opinion? Do politicians go around asking for a referendum on every issue… the answer is no,” he said. According to him, the debates on the death penalty are often used by countries for ratcheting up other parts of the penal justice process so that harsher punishment could be dispensed. Change, he said, will not come about if governments wait on the public opinion to change, but it can happen by taking the lead in small steps. Lord Dholakia told the gathering, which included Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, EU Ambassador Jernej Videtic, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society, that in the UK some 50 years ago, a small group of reformers was able to influence legislators against capital punishment. But today, if an opinion poll is conducted in the UK, it would probably show that more than 50 per cent of the respondents are in support of the death penalty. He said if politicians can exploit the cause of the Please turn to page 10
Patterson meets Dutch team on local drainage issues THE Government of Guyana will be taking a “holistic” approach to the country’s drainage and irrigation systems with the aid of Government of The Netherlands, which will play a key role through the provision of consultancy services. Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, on Monday met with a three-member team from the Government of the Netherlands’ Dutch Risk Reduction Team (DRRTeam). The team, which arrived in Guyana Sunday evening, will work in a consultancy capacity over the next few days. The meeting was held in the boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture. Also present at the meeting was Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture. During remarks, Minister Patterson indicated that the partnership with the Netherlands would lend to a comprehensive approach to drainage and irrigation in
Guyana. Minister Patterson recalled that, in July of this year, Guyana recorded about eight inches of rainfall in less than 24 hours. “Arising out of that, the Government felt that it was time we had a more holistic view, not only of Georgetown, but of the nation,” Minister Patterson said. He added that while work would have been done in the past to address Guyana’s drainage issues, a more “comprehensive” a p p r o a c h w a s u rg e n t l y needed. To d a y ’ s m e e t i n g came four months after Minister Patterson would have made a request for assistance on July 21, 2015. In his correspondence, Minister Patterson sought assistance in a number of areas, including urban drainage; hydraulic and coastal engineering; water resource management and planning; and disaster and risk management. Rob Steijn, Team Leader for
the DRR-Team, emphasised the importance of proper water management to a nation’s development. The visiting DRR-Team also
two dozen local officials, including engineers from across the administrative regions. Additionally, a presentation on Guyana’s
importance to the visiting team were the highlighted causes of flooding in Guyana, which included an increase in impervious
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson during the meeting with the Dutch Risk Reduction (DRR) Team and local engineers. Present also is Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder consisted of civil engineer Fokke Westebring and social scientist Judith Klostermann. The meeting also saw the attendance of nearly
drainage was made. During this presentation, both local and international players shared information and posed relevant questions on the way forward. Of significant
areas; infilling of drains; reduction of maintenance; use of drains for refuse disposal; establishment of illegal housing on drainage reserves; relative rise in
sea levels; and inadequacy of secondary and roadside drainage systems. Also of significance was the recognition that flooding has increasingly worsened over the years, with the second highest amount of rainfall in decades being recorded in July 2015. Meanwhile, the DRRTeam is scheduled to leave Guyana on Friday morning. Their visit will see them conducting a number of land visits as well as a flyover to get a better understanding of Guyana’s drainage system. The team will also be visiting some local agencies, including the Guyana Hydrometeorological Department. At the conclusion of the visit, the team is expected to produce recommendations which will in turn be used as part of a subsequent proposal from the Guyana Government for funding from an international agency, Klostermaan said. (GINA)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
Government in favour of regularisation request - made by small-scale miners at Marudi Mountain SMALL-scale gold miners deserve the good life too. As Guyanese, they are entitled to that, says Minister of Governance and Head of the Department of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. He made the observation recently in relation to the plight of small-scale miners at Marudi Mountain in Region 9 (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) who fear they might be evicted from the land on which they work in favour of a foreign largescale miner. The miners last week called on the government to take urgent action to regularise their mining of gold-bearing lands at Marudi. The group, organised under the Rupununi Miners Association, raised a racket last week because they said they were aware of recent moves by a foreign-owned mining company to resume operations in the area, which could see their being harassed and subsequently evicted. THE ISSUE The company at the centre of the controversy, the Canadian mining firm Romanex, was granted permission some years ago to mine at Marudi Mountain, but had ceased operations there over a year ago. Then, just recently, the company
indicated a renewed interest in resuming operations there, thereby sparking concerns among the subsistence miners about possible eviction. Asked what he thought of the situation, Minister Trotman said the government is in sympathy with the small miners, and is fully supportive of them, particularly those seeking to regularise their operations. He said the President has always said there are three classes of miners in Guyana, namely: The smallscale miners who subsist by mining for their families; the medium-scale miners; and the large-scale miners, such as Guyana Goldfields Limited and Troy Resources Inc. And since all three categories of miners are considered bona fide, then the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will therefore have to make provision for them.
tipped too much towards medium-scale mining. We don’t want to get rid of
PAST BIASES Trotman is, however, of the opinion that the mining administration had been too biased towards supporting medium-scale mining. “I think that, generally, the support was leaning too much towards medium-scale mining,” the minister said, adding: “I believe that, in the past, the scale had been
medium-scale mining, but we just want to balance the scale.” He has every reason to believe that the government will slowly but surely bring back some degree of balance to ensure that the small man and woman can get somewhere to mine. And this is not to just put bread on the table, but also to set up
a good life, because they are entitled to it as Guyanese. “It is our duty, as the
Miners at Marudi met to air their concerns last week government, to set up the good life for the small man and woman who sees mining as a worthy activity. And you can quote me on that,” Minister Trotman said. In regard to the request by small-scale miners to have their subsistence operations regularised, Minister Trotman said: “At Marudi, what some people are calling subsistence
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EU, UK press Guyana ... tension, then they can equally be made to work toward an abolition. He contended that public opinion is a flimsy ground on which to determine the sanctity of life. “There must be more to it,” the UK All Party Parliamentary Committee on Abolition of the Death Penalty member said, while noting that an abolition is not a miscarriage of justice nor does it mean that perpetrators have gotten away with it. For Lord Dholakia, a sound criminal justice system is required to handle these matters. A sound system takes all sentencing variables into account and prescribes sentence that are honest, legal, decent and proportionate, he said. In the UK, he said, the people at the lower end of society are treated in the worst possible manner in the prison system. Deputy Head of Division for the Caribbean European External Action Service, Fernando Ponz Canto, was also forthright in his presentation. He said from the work of criminologists, it has been found that the death penalty is not a deterrent to crime, as it is difficult to establish a correlation with the implementation of the penalty and a reduction in criminology. Justice has an element of punishment, and according to Canto, it is better to get perpetrators to understand the nature of their crime rather than execute them. Some persons who have killed, he argued, can change, pointing out that some have become different persons after they served their time in prison. He made it clear that while the EU is against the death penalty, it is strongly in support of fair and proportionate justice. Guyana, Canto said, can take the lead, but will need political courage to do so.
mining others are calling illegal mining.” Noting further that
MORATORIUM Minister Trotman said, in Guyana, though the death penalty remains enshrined in law, in practise there is an unwritten and unspoken moratorium in effect. For more than two decades, Guyana has not applied punishment by the way of death. And in 2010, Trotman pointed out, through wide consultation, an amendment to the Criminal Law Offences Act was made, removing the mandatory death penalty for murder. The courts in Guyana are empowered to examine the circumstances of the crime and apply different penalties. “The 2010 amendment brings us to a new direction and we must never be afraid to move forward,” Minister Trotman told the gathering as he welcomed the initiative by the EU and the UK to lend commitment to the processes that will engender change and see development on all paths towards human dignity and human rights. The EU has been the leading institutional actor and largest donor to fight against the death penalty. Abolition of capital punishment is a precondition for candidate countries seeking accession to the EU. The union opposes the death penalty at all times, and in all circumstances, and sees it as cruel and inhumane. It believes that abolition of the penalty is essential for the protection of human dignity and for the progressive development of human rights. The International Commission Against the Death Penalty is working to make the Caribbean region free of the capital punishment, but also strengthening its justice systems.
the situation at Marudi is presently engaging the attention of the GGMC Board, Minister Trotman said: “We are looking to see how we can set aside lands for small miners, even if it means taking back some. But right now, the matter is being discussed by the Board.”
FAVOURABLE OUTCOME And while he did not wish to pre-empt the decision of the Board by commenting f u r t h e r o n t h e m a t t e r, Minister Trotman said he was confident that, in keeping with the policy of supporting all three categories of miners, including small miners, the concerns of the miners there will be favourably considered. During a meeting organised by the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) last week, the miners at Marudi admitted that their operations were illegal, since the relevant authorities have not granted them requisite mining permits, but they portrayed their case as assistance on humanitarian grounds, since employment hardly exists in the area, and they have been forced to resort to small-scale mining to feed and raise their families. “If we are evicted, where do we go? This is our country, and we have a right to live and work here. Guyanese should, and must, be given preference over foreigners,” they reasoned, adding: “Instead of fighting us down, the authorities s h o u l d re g u l a r i s e o u r operations so we can operate legally and make our contribution.”
Woman killed, dumped on Church St A dispatcher attached to the Georgetown Hospital Ambulance Services died hours after she was discovered dumped on Church Street with stab wounds about her body Monday night. The bloodied body of Melissa Skeete was discovered on the street and was immediately rushed to the hospital, sources told Guyana Chronicle. She died around 21:00h. When Guyana Chronicle visited the Georgetown Public Hospital, news of Skeete’s death had just surfaced. Her colleagues wept openly, hugging each other for comfort. One senior colleague was in disbelief when he heard of the incident. He said it was only Monday morning that he handed over to the young woman while they changed shift. She worked until 15:00h. Sources told this newspaper it is believed that the young woman had decided to end a relationship with a man and he is suspected to have inflicted the fatal wounds to her body before dumping her.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
Gov’t to file injunction against Celina Resort today - for refusal to comply with cease orders
GOVERNMENT will today file an injunction against Celina Atlantic Resort, after prolonged efforts to halt its operations have proven futile. Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson told this publication
yesterday by telephone that subsequent to a meeting, a decision was made to file an injunction against the management of the resort. “At least three cease orders to halt construction taking place there have been issued; they have been
Yesterday at the Celina Atlantic Resort
ignored. As such, we will be filing the injunction today,” the minister said. This publication visited the site at the Kitty seawall and discovered that despite calls by the government to halt operations, management of the hotel is still moving at
a rapid pace with the work of construction. Some of the contracted workers disclosed that they were unable to speak with this publication, as neither their managers nor the actual owners of the resort were present at the time; that they stop by from time to time to check up on them. According to reports, the hangout bar and restaurant, which made the news in recent months because of the massive construction work, is also finding itself in
trouble with the sea defense authorities. It has illegally cleared mangroves, trucked sand, placed containers and disturbed the beach area at Kitty without acquiring permission. Reports also indicate that Celina’s Managing Director, Bernard Yhun, was written to about the unauthorized construction taking place on the Kitty foreshore. Thus, he was advised that the construction was in breach of the lease issued by the Lands and Surveys
Commission. The Infrastructure Ministry is unhappy that Yhun had breached regulations when he stockpiled construction materials, operated heavy equipment across the seawall, excavated the foreshore area, cut mangroves, and did modifications to existing buildings. Yhun was ordered to cease all work and remove the equipment and workers from the site, but he has not complied with the order. (Navendra Seoraj)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
Lawyers urged to help safeguard ... Man chopped to death over woman From page 3
NEW RULES The Guyana Bar Association has been invited to a meeting with the Chancellor next week, to discuss the introduction of the New Rules of Civil Practice. “ T h e C h a n c e l l o r ’s commitment made to the Bar Association is that 2015 will be the last year for what are referred to as Rules of the High Court, and which some still refer to as the RSC. This has another positive benefit. The absence of the new Rules has been the reason given for the Judicial Review Act to be still-born,” Ram said. The Bar Association President also referred to the tentative steps taken in 2015 towards the long-awaited constitutional reform. He is
hopeful that the reform would allow for the vision of an inclusionary democracy to be realized. “One week ago, there appeared in the Gazette Bill No. 12 of 2015, the Law Reform Commission Bill, to be laid by the Attorney General. The Bar Association is heartened by this development, and will be making a submission on the Bill for consideration by the National Assembly,” Ram revealed. “It means that one out of every three members is a member of the Council of the Bar Association. I may hear that that has always been the case. So it might, but speaking for myself, I do not see how the Association can succeed with such minimal numbers.
A Bar Association needs to do much more than issue an occasional press release,” Ram contended. Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams, said the government has proposed a number of plans that will create a menu of opportunities for lawyers, allowing them to operate outside of the traditional realm. “Besides the traditional legal offices of the State, job opportunities beckon in many ministries, including that of Energy (Green) oil and mining; the Environment; Trade; Foreign Trade re public and private international contracts,” he pointed out. In alluding to the Cybercrime legislation, Minister Williams said
introducing cybercrime offences create a window, a whole new regime that would require investigators, prosecutors, defence counsel, magistrates and judges to understand and execute. Similarly, in the Oil and Gas Industry, lawyers are required to understand and execute international petroleum contracts in their various permutations -- concessions; production sharing and joint ventures. “Our attorneys can represent the government or international petroleum companies, service companies and the like. Key clauses required in such contracts include arbitration and settlement of disputes,” he explained. “There is also a shortage of legal draftspersons throughout CARICOM”, he disclosed. (Svetlana Marshall)
A 37-year-old man met his death brutally Monday night after a man whom he wounded seized his own weapon and murdered him in a brawl over a woman in Garnet Street, Kitty Georgetown. Another man was grievously wounded and is a patient at a city hospital. Dead is Troy Brutus. The other man, 36-yearold Michael Raley, sustained wounds about his body and is a patient at a city hospital. Police said Brutus went to the home of Raley at 182 Garnet Street and waited on him to return home from work. As Raley entered his house around 19:00h, he was greeted by Brutus, who dealt him several chops to his nose and hand. Raley, a fisherman, managed to take the weapon from the other man, and in a rage, chopped him about his body, dealing him a fatal wound to his neck in the process. He was also chopped to his nose, mouth and hand. Information received by Guyana Chronicle state that the wounded man was at the time in a relationship with a young woman who had walked away from Brutus because of allegations of abuse directed towards her by the man. Brutus apparently flew in a jealous rage and launched the attack on his killer. Police are investigating.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
PPP says integrity of the voters list essential for LGE THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is proposing that the verification process for the Claims and Objections period for Local Government Election (LGE) be done the day after the registration. Such a decision, they say, would serve to discourage any thoughts of fraud, and preserve the integrity of the voters list as well. “We requested that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) do not do the verification the same day. For example, if someone goes and registers from an area -- because everyone has to come from a constituency -- we ask them that this person’s verification should be done the following day, so we can ensure that people are living in the right address. “I can come and borrow an address for a couple of hours, go and register, and say I am from that address; go to the home and relax, GECOM then visits and verifies me, but I am not living at that address permanently,” PPP parliamentarian Zulfikar Mustapha said at the party’s weekly press conference yesterday at Freedom House. Mustapha said GECOM has been doing verification the same day of the registration process, and the PPP scrutineers have objected to it. “We will be making a note of the various names, and will be making representation to GECOM,” Mustapha said. Another bone of contention, he said, is GECOM’s demarcation of boundaries, which, if not done properly, can affect the outcome of any elections. “We told GEOCM that there will be a need for more persons who would need transferral now than (in) the previous National Elections; and all the boundaries within the country should have been demarcated before they embark on the campaign of Claims and Objections,” he said, adding: “But while they are doing claims and objections, they are still fiddling with the boundaries, since the 580 constituencies have to be demarcated properly; but there are problems in Anna Regina, Lethem, Bartica, Corriverton; they are still trying to demarcate those boundaries.” Expanding on the subject, Mustapha said many new communities have not been included in the new boundaries, and this which can affect voters. Meanwhile, General Secretary Clement Rohee has said the party has representatives in all villages, so that should any issue arise, it would be dealt with accordingly. GECOM recently announced that the Secretariat is preparing for the 2016 Local Government Elections and will address every one of the PPP’s concerns prior to the elections. Although the Constitution stipulates that the elections should be held every three years, the last local government elections were held in 1994. The protracted delay was caused by reforms agreed to by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government and the People’s National Congress, with the last pieces of legislation being passed this year. Over the years, there have been numerous calls and protest actions for the then PPP government to hold local government elections. The PPP had even vowed that, once it was re-elected in the 2011 General and Regional Elections, local government elections would be held within the span of a year. GECOM commenced its Claims and Objections Exercise for Local Government Elections on November 9 to produce a Register of Voters (RoV) for each of the nine municipalities and sixty-two Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). The exercise will end on December 13, 2015.
PPP parliamentarian Zulfikar Mustapha, and General Secretary Clement Rohee
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
Parliamentarians want more women in the House - and more rural, hinterland representation THE Caribbean Institute for Women in Leadership (CIWiL)
hosted a forum at which female parliamentarians addressed the issue of
gender inequality. The unbalanced representation of not only
women from other regions, but men as well, was brought to the attention of the international participants at the forum. Female parliamentarians voiced their concern at the prominence of city representatives, while they alleged that persons from the other regions, especially those from the hinterland and rural areas, were being short-changed. E x p r e s s i n g disagreement with the system that obtains, parliamentarian Valarie Patterson highlighted the imbalance in representation from persons in the hinterland region, moreso women. “The bulk of the
parliamentarians hail from Region Four, while a small minority is chosen from the other regions,” Patterson lamented. Other parliamentarians and female ministers present at the forum agreed with her expressions, and posited similar sentiments. “The other regions have persons of substance, too, and there should be a balance when choosing Members of Parliament,” one minister said. Parliamentarian Yv o n n e P e a r s o n , representing Indigenous women, addressed the issue of poor Indigenous representation, not only in the National Assembly, but in public office as
Tuesday November 24th, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday November 25th, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Thursday November 26th, 2015 - 05:00 hrs
well. She said that after 30 years of public office, she was given the privilege of being a Member of Parliament. Pearson said there are only approximately eight female toshaos throughout the entire hinterland. “Indigenous women need to be more involved in politics and in leadership roles,” Pearson said, adding: “Indigenous women are stigmatised as weak and incapable of certain responsibilities, such as taking up public office; and there should be campaigns to edify and motivate these women to step out of their comfort zones and represent their gender and their communities.” “We need to meet these women at the grassroots’ level and empower them to liberate themselves from mental slavery and become examples to their ethnicity a n d g e n d e r, ” a ff i r m e d another parliamentarian. It was further noted that there is only one female regional chair person, and no female mayor in Guyana. It is, however, hoped that this unfortunate reality would change after the upcoming local government elections. It was also recommended that m o re f u n d s b e m a d e available for hinterland women’s activism, and this should be budgeted t h ro u g h t h e R e g i o n a l Democratic Council. It is generally felt that these recommendations, if implemented, would eradicate historically derived prejudices and stereotypes affecting the progress of minority w o m e n . ( Va n e s s a Braithwaite)
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
CCJ President calls on President Granger
PRESIDENT David Granger was yesterday paid a courtesy call by President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, at the Ministry of the Presidency. In a brief comment after the meeting, Sir Byron said it is a protocol requirement for him, as Head of the CCJ, to visit countries that have acceded to the Court’s appellate jurisdiction when those countries have elected a new Head of State. He also disclosed that during his meeting with President Granger, a number of issues were discussed regarding the Caribbean region and the CCJ in particular. Sir Byron, a Kittitian by birth, is the second person to be appointed to the Office of President of the CCJ. He was sworn in in September 2011. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and was appointed a member of Her Majesty’s Most Honourable Privy Council in 2004.
President David Granger greeting Sir Dennis Byron just before they formally met at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday morning
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PRESIDENT David Granger in conversation with President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Dennis Byron, and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, at the Ministry of the Presidency
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Amerindians not ready to sign on to EU FLEGT …urge more time, express concerns over land rights
Indigenous communities are not yet comfortable with the scheduled signing of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) by the Government of Guyana and the European Union (EU) next March. Stakeholders have proposed that the Agreement be signed at the end of 2016. “From what we have gathered from these workshops is that indigenous communities are not ready for the EU FLEGT. It should not be signed in March 2016, we are simply not prepared,” said Lenox Shuman, Toshao of St. Cuthbert’s Mission.
Shuman, at the Amerindian People’s Association’s (APA) launch of two reports on the subject Monday at Regency Suites, Hadfield Street said, “Indigenous communities must be involved at every single step of every single policy or agreement that affects indigenous peoples. That should be done from the inception to the end, not in some of these cases where indigenous peoples are coming in only at the last step to be a rubber stamp to some of these documents.” Before the implementation of the VPA, the St. Cuthbert Mission’s Toshao believes ad-
equate time must be provided for the dissemination of information to the communities. “Give communities enough time so that they can understand and be able to object.” Michael Mc Garrell, Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Policy Advisor (APA) said there are many concerns by the indigenous people of Guyana. One such concern is that the VPA could lack solid protections for land and other rights. Thus far there have been three sets of negotiations with the fourth scheduled for later this month. Mc Garrell said “Communities
feel enough is not being done” to educate the people about the VPA and the benefits that can be derived therefrom. “Guyana is currently in negotiations with the EU regarding commitments made under its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) which areexpected to lead to a VPA with the EU under their FLEGT initiative. These negotiations have been ongoing since 2012 and are meant to ensure that only legally sourced timber is imported to EU markets.” Mc Garrell noted that while there has been some level of awareness on the ini-
Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, Valarie Garrido-Lowe and other invited guests listen to a presenter at the APA’s launch of the two VPA related reports. tiative in Amerindian communities by state entities, “inputs into the development of the documents during this period appear to have not captured some of their concerns.” It is believed that the current governance structure and other systems could be improved and strengthened under the VPA to ensure that long-standing land conflicts do not escalate and that communities do not suffer negatively from a system that is meant to improve the conditions of forest stakeholders. Issues It has been observed that many indigenous community members have little or no knowledge about the VPA process and as such those communities must be able to participate in meaningful discussions on the VPA whether through more outreach programmes and consultations done by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the APA and the NTWG. New information resulting from continuous discussions is not being passed on to community members by those who attend workshops. The sharing of information is critical to understanding the VPA. Another major issue if the communication of information to the respective indigenous communities; the APA and its stakeholders feel that the communication of such important information must be done in the language of the indigenous communities. In this regard, audiovisual discs have been prepared and are being distributed in the varying indigenous languages to ensure that all stakeholders understand what the VPA intends to do. “Moving forward, we hope that the communication strategy is clear,” said both Mc Garrell. Mc Garrell like Shuman stressed that not enough consultation has been done to ensure that the product (VPA) is one that is representative of the people of the indigenous communities. Recommendations Several recommendations have been put forward to ensure that all stakeholders are properly informed of what the signing of the VPA means for indigenous communities and the benefits that can derive therefrom. It has been recommended that the criteria and framework for indigenous communities to meet FLEGT approval reflect the particular and unique situations of indigenous communities especially related to land tenure; laws and policies must
respect the customary rights of our indigenous peoples in relation to land; all relevant land laws including the Amerindian Act, the Mining Act, the Forest Act must be revised to fully recognise and respect indigenous rights and to avoid conflicts before the implementation of the VPA; the VPA must take into account international laws, especially human rights laws; all rights issues in relation to indigenous peoples land ownership must first be addressed before making any agreement with the EU. Also, recommendations have been made for there to be a more profound and extensive VPA consultations with indigenous communities while VPA documents should be made available in indigenous languages as well as in simple English to assist in making informed decisions. Independent legal counsel is a must to ensure that communities are adequately represented. The final draft of the VPA must have the support of all indigenous peoples and a statement endorsing the support must be attached. Stakeholders are also requesting that there be more independence with respect to forest management for indigenous communities and no logging should be permitted on untitled traditional lands for which communities have applied for title, extension, or which are being occupied or used. A d d i t i o n a l l y, i t h a s been recommended that one FLEGT- certified indigenous company cater for all indigenous communities and there be more collaboration between the APA and the National Toshaos Council (NTC) in representing the VPA recommendations. Under the VPA, a legality assurance system is being developed here to ensure that timber and timber products entering Europe originate from legal sources. Formal negotiations began in December 2012. The reports launched by the APA represent a summary of the outcomes of twelve community workshops carried out by the APA and the Forest Peoples Programme, in Regions 1 and 2 between June 2014 and January 2015. The other report titled, ‘A seminar on essential elements for a legality definition and Legality Assurance System (LAS) in the Guyana- EU FLEGT VPA’ highlights the many issues voiced by representatives of indigenous communities.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Baramita students get city tour
TWENTY-three students from Baramita, Region One, are in the capital city – Georgetown – on a familiarization tour – learning more about their country. The students, the majority of whom are gearing to write the National Grade Six Examination, arrived in the city on Sunday, and were greeted by officials from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and the Pan America Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The
tour is designed to boost the children’s self-esteem and simultaneously increase their knowledge, skills and attitude in relation to social and economic issues facing Guyana. Jennifer Williams, Senior Mistress of the Baramita Primary, said the aim of the tour is to allow the students the opportunity to become more aware of their country, other than where they live. Initially, the trip only targeted Grade Six students; however, a few others from lower classes were chosen.
The students of Baramita Primary having breakfast with PAHO/WHO Guyana Representation, Dr. William Adu-Krow.
Minister of Education, Rupert Roopnaraine and students of the Baramita Primary School during a visit at his Office on Brickdam
According to Williams, the children are very excited to be in the capital city. She explained that for many of them, it is their first trip to the city. In addition to Williams, they are accompanied by another teacher and three
Young entrepreneurs get... from page 5
SKYE Chief-of-Staff, Magda Fiona Wills delivering remarks in the presence of SKYE’s Juvenile Justice and Gender Specialist, Dale Erskine; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry; US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway; USAID Mission Director, Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Christopher Cushing; and President and CEO of the Education Development Centre, David Offensend most in need through mentoring, counselling, and work related training. “As a result, 200 youth have continued their studies; over 1900 youth received workforce development training, 700 are now employed; and 60 entrepreneurs started businesses. “These successes represent achievements that empower youth and change lives,” Ambassador Holloway said as he underscored the critical role the project continues to play. According to Ambassador Holloway, his country’s role in supporting the interests and aspirations of youth in Guyana is a representation of its democracy and governance programmes that foster youth engagement in
political processes and health programmes. “The SKYE programme,” he said, “is making a valuable contribution and the partnerships developed along the way will continue to have lasting impact on the programme’s sustainability and on participants’ lives. “The SKYE volunteer initiative…is an example of a strong partnership focuses at involving those who are best positioned to understand the needs within their communities and who have a desire to play a role in their communities’ transformation.” He said that though the project will come to an end in September 2016, the US Government will remain committed to the development of youth in Guyana.
In offering government’s commitment to offer financial grants to 50 additional entrepreneurs under the SKYE initiative, Minister Henry expressed gratitude to USAID for its unwavering support in equipping at-risk Guyanese youth with requisite skills, knowledge and finance needed to contribute the development of Guyana. “To get dividends,” she said, “one has to invest and for youth that means investing in education, skills, training….and all the other services that will provide you with opportunities.” In closing, she challenged the beneficiaries to contribute to the development of Guyana. “Go on! Contribute to society! Guyana needs you!”
parents. Already, they had the privilege of meeting President David Granger and Education Minister Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine. They have also visited the National Communications Network (NCN),
the Botanical Gardens, Bank of Guyana and the National Library. Community Liaison Officer Virgil Ferreira said that he is excited to be accompanying the students because a lot of negative
things have been coming out of Baramita, and “we are trying to rebuild.” He said that the youths in Baramita need attention, and this is just one of many initiatives that will be organised to target them. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the students are expected to visit a number of schools around Georgetown, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Parliament Building, the National Museum, and monuments among other public places. The students will also participate in a workshop sessionwhere they will be educated on self-awareness and self-esteem, personal hygiene, how to stay healthy and suicide prevention. They will be returning to their village on Thursday. Baramita is currently battling high suicide rates as well as a general breakdown in the social fabric of the society.
Two shot in separate city robberies
Two men sustained gunshot wounds in separate robberies Monday night in Georgetown, police have confirmed. Armed bandits barged into the home of businessman Nicholas Coates at Eping Avenue, Bel Air Park around 20:15h, gun-butted him to the head and shot him to his right knee in a failed robbery attempt. Speaking to Guyana Chronicle Monday evening at the hospital, Coates, 30, said he had retired from a day’s work and had just walked into the patio with a cup of tea in his hand when five masked bandits, armed with handguns and pistols, walked up the stairs and into his home demanding that he hand over to them valuables. “They hit me and tell me “let we see what you gat,” he related to this publication. He said he threw the cup of hot tea on the gunmen and fought his way out of the patio running into his bedroom. While he was about to close the bedroom door one of the men pushed his hand holding a gun into the room and shot him to his knee. Coates slammed the door but while reaching for his gun the men managed to charge into the room and he began discharging shots. The gunmen then ran out of his home and into a waiting car. It was then that he believes one of the bandits might have been wounded since he saw trails of blood on the floor of his home along the path the men took to leave. Coates said during the altercation with the bandits he observed that while some of them tried to pull the trigger gunshots were not fired and he suspects that the barrels of the guns were empty. He is a patient at a city hospital. Meanwhile, in another robbery in Albouystown, another businessman was relieved of a quantity of cash and jewelry and was shot multiple times. Berkumar Ramketan, 46, a vendor at La Penitence Market in Georgetown was up to press time in Intensive Care Unit receiving emergency surgical attention at a city hospital. His aunt Anita Argune sat nervously outside the theatre block at the hospital hoping for good news. She told this newspaper that around 17:50h she was at home with her grand-daughter when her nephew who had just closed up the market stall, was walking into the yard. She said she heard an altercation and gunshots rang out triggering her and the teenage child to run for cover into their kitchen. “I was in the hammock with this little girl when we hear the scramble. We run and shots were fired. She holler and I push she in the kitchen and pull the door,” she told this newspaper. As she was about to lock the door a bullet grazed her left foot, and the bandits escaped into a waiting white car the woman said. Neighbours telephoned the police who responded quickly and transported the wounded man to the hospital. The woman said he received gunshot wounds to both legs and in the area of his left side abdomen. Those of the bandits she saw were all masked and “they short and squatty,” the woman said. The man was robbed of a quantity of cash which he received from the day’s sales, and two gold rings. Police are investigating.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Life’s a virtual nightmare for accident survivor Brian Devine - but he still believes, trusts in God By Shirley Thomas
THE ongoing pain and agony that sexagenarian Brian Aubrey Devine has had to endure for almost one year, after he was injured in an accident that claimed the life of his friend George Barker, 61, of Freeman Street, East La Penitence on New Year’s Day 2015, have now become almost unbearable. For the first few months, even though seriously injured, Devine, 64, was generally referred to, even by
doctors, as being ‘rather strong’ to even survive the accident, let alone endure the pain associated with his injuries. Besides a cut on his leg which took more than 30 stitches to close, he had also suffered a broken leg, broken ribs, and head and spinal injuries. And as if that were not enough suffering for one man to bear, Brian Devine is almost paralysed in his right hand, and has difficulty reaching the top of the cupboard to take down his meals whenever he has to.
It would appear that his immune system has also been compromised, for the pains that had long left him have now returned, and life for him is again a virtual nightmare. More recently, he has been plagued by a profusion of bed sores, which, compounded by the intense heat these days, is making the healing process extremely difficult. Both grief and failing health have now taken a toll on this man, who initially seemed indefatigable. Devine, who has been on an ‘even keel’ under the professional and compassionate watch of medical staff at the Georgetown Public Hospital, now lies grief-stricken in bed, constantly groaning with pain. He fears the worst. Why? A great portion of his body, he claims, is now infested with worms, which were once confined to the lower region of his back. GRATEFUL But make no mistake, he is indeed grateful to the doctors and nursing staff of the institution, who, even after he had been officially discharged, have continued to treat, manage his condition, and accommodate him, because he has no one to care for him. The patient claims that his worst experience since being in the hospital was when a young cleaner dared
Unable to bear the suffering of 64-year old Brian Aubrey Devine, the road safety official (at centre) turns on his heels and slowly walks away
Ranks of the Police Traffic Department and Road Safety officials after touring the GPHC Accident Wards. Third and fourth left are: Traffic Chief (Ag) Dennis Stephens, and Co-ordinator of the National Road Safety Council, Mrs.Ramona Doorgen. Second and third right are: Victor Graham and Shahab Hack (Photos by Cullen Bess-Nelson) to place his ‘potty’ and urinal bottle on the cupboard, along with his food and utensils. The medical staff at the hospital continue to be quite patient with Mr. Devine, but his needs go beyond what they can offer. He has financial needs, to which some family members contribute, but he is now reacting to the fact that, not one day since he was struck down by a speeding or sleeping driver, has the motorist come to visit him. He has never tried to make contact with either the injured man or the man’s relatives. Devine’s sister and a nephew, who are very concerned about his condition, are trying in vain to get particulars about the whereabouts of the driver, so as to
be updated on the progress of police investigations. But not even the police could give them answers. SURPRISE VISITORS Last Thursday, a visiting party comprising the Acting Traffic Chief, Assistant Superintendent Dennis Stephens, and other traffic ranks of the Guyana Police Force; Coordinator of the National Road Safety Council, Mrs. Ramona Doorgen; President of the Georgetown Road Safety Association, Victor Graham; and Public Relations Officer of the West Demerara Road Safety Association, Shahab Hack, visited the Accident Ward of the GPHC and stumbled upon the languishing Brian Devine. Though feeble now,
his voice is still strong, and he is quite vocal, so he was able to state his predicament to the Traffic Chief (Ag) and other officials. The Chief has promised to look into his matter and have him updated soonest. The police visit was part of the activities in observance of National Road Safety Month, currently being observed in Guyana. For Brian Devine, it has been 11 hard months of pain and uncertainty, but behind it all, he is trusting, caring, and has great faith in God as his Creator. He is hoping that the driver who injured him can have a change of heart and one day visit him is hospital and see and respect his needs.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 24, 2015
Another Guyanese woman busted with cocaine at JFK airport A JOINT operation conducted last Saturday by local and US drug enforcement agents at the John F Kennedy Airport in the U.S. succeeded in snaring yet another Guyanese woman with cocaine. The woman, who is alleged to have had several pellets of the substance in her stomach, has been identified as Shellon Beckles, and taken into police custody at the American airport. Her apprehension comes mere weeks after a similar operation saw a Guyanese hairdresser being busted at the said JFK with over 100 pellets of cocaine in her
stomach. Beckles was nabbed by Customs and Border Protection officers who engage in a daily battle against drug mules trying new ways to conceal their cargo. Two weeks ago, 26-year-old Shureen Giddings was charged for unlawfully importing cocaine into the United States. Giddings was apprehended on November 9, after arriving on a flight from Guyana. According to court documents, Giddings was subjected to a Customs and Border Protection examination. The court documents revealed that during the examination, Giddings appeared nervous, prompting the officers to conduct a ‘pat-down’. However after extensive questioning, she admitted swallowing the cocaine-filled pellets, and told the agents that she could no longer hold them, requesting to use the bathroom, the court documents revealed. One hundred and five pellets were expelled from her body, carrying a total weight of just over three pounds. She was immediately arrested and charged. Meanwhile, US officials have noted that within the International Arrivals Building at Kennedy Airport’s vast terminals, there is a daily battle of wits between drug mules trying to conceal their illicit cargo in everyday objects like salt shakers, food, wigs, underwear, kitchen pots, prosthetic limbs and body cavities. Of the nearly 14 million travellers passing through the terminal last year, about 400 were targeted for further investigation, and 26 per cent of those targeted were caught with contraband, officials said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Blatter, Platini face December ruling from ethics judges
North Georgetown takes... From back page
of the beginning of the track competition of the championships. “From my own analysis we would have won the swimming championships, for ten years now,” Williams said. “We’re very much confident about tomorrow [today], we expect to dominate every aspect of
the track, and we’re going to try and war with the field events, because we haven’t done any training this year.” Meanwhile, President David Granger is expected to provide the feature address at today’s opening ceremony. The ceremony is expected to begin promptly at 10:00 hrs.
Motie bowls... FIFA President Sepp Blatter addressing a news conference at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland June 2, 2015 and UEFA President Michel Platini (R) attending the 65th FIFA Congress in Zurich, Switzerland, May 29, 2015. (Reuters/Ruben Sprich/Files)
ZURICH, (Reuters)-FIFA's ethics judges said on Monday they were aiming to decide the fate of suspended president Sepp Blatter and the man who hopes to succeed him, Michel Platini, by the end of December, following an investigation into graft allegations. The investigation into the 2 million Swiss franc payment from FIFA to UEFA president Platini in 2011 form part of a broader corruption scandal shaking the world football body. The pair were provisionally banned for 90 days by FIFA on October 8, pending the full investigation by FIFA's Ethics investigators which concluded on Friday. The body could, if they deemed it suitable, impose a further ban on one or both. Blatter also faces a Swiss criminal investigation over the matter. “The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee...has today opened formal adjudicatory proceedings against Joseph S. Blatter and Michel Platini based on the final reports submitted by the investigatory chamber,” said a statement
from Eckert’s spokesman. The payment was made in 2011 for work Platini had completed nine years earlier, the Swiss attorney-general's office has said, adding Platini was considered "between a witness and an accused person". Both men have denied wrongdoing. Blatter is due to stand down as FIFA president after a vote to choose his successor at a special FIFA congress in Zurich on February 26. Platini submitted his nomination papers to run in that election shortly before his suspension but his bid is on hold pending the outcome of his case. The Frenchman has challenged his provisional ban in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and is also expected to appeal the final verdict with the Lausanne based body, which is sport's highest tribunal. The Ethics investigators said on Friday that they had submitted their final reports on Blatter and Platini and requested unspecified sanctions against the pair. Blatter's lawyers issued a statement on Saturday saying he was confident of being cleared. "President Blatter looks forward to having this matter decided impartially and based on the facts, and he is confident he will be vindicated when the facts are independently examined," said a joint statement from Blatter's Swiss lawyer Lorenz Erni and U.S. lawyer Richard Cullen. FIFA became embroiled in the worst corruption scandal in its 111-year history in May when 14 football officials, including two FIFA vice-presidents, and sports marketing executives were indicted in the United States on corruption charges. Swiss authorities also instituted proceedings.
the remedy to remove both batsmen while the tail did not put up a fight. Kevin Stoute (06) the captain, Ashley Nurse (02), Sulieman Benn (00) and Tino Best (03) all went cheap to Motie while Mario Rampersaud was left unbeaten on 16 as Barbados fell for 272. Guyana then needed 40 runs for victory with over a session left in the day but they steamed to 43-1 in 7.4 overs. Shimron Hetmyer (14) was trapped LBW to Sulieman Benn but Assad Fudadin (09*) and Johnson
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who struck an aggressive unbeaten 9-balls 20 which included three fours and a smashing six off Sulieman Benn (1-31) to seal the deal. The defending champions have now taken their points tally to 54 with one more round to go before the season breaks for the Christmas holidays. The Jags now turn their attention to the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force team whom they oppose at the Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad from December 4-7.
SCOREBOARD
GUYANA Jaguars 1st innings 337 Barbados Pride 1st innings – 104 Barbados Pride 2nd innings K. Corbin c Hetymer b Motie 24 K. Braithwaite lbw b Permaul 15 J. Carter c Singh b Johnson 89 S. Brooks lbw b Jacobs 53 M. Cummins c Fudadin b Motie 06 R. Chase c Hetmyer b Jacobs 50 K. Stoute c Hetmyer b Motie 06 Mario Rampersaud not out 16 A. Nurse b Motie 02 S. Benn b Motie 00 T. Best c Jacobs b Motie 03 Extras: (b-4, nb-1, lb-3) 8 Total: (for 10 wickets; 138 overs) 272 Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-82, 3-166, 4-174, 5-222, 6-223, 7-257, 8-260, 9-264, 10-272 Bowling: Beaton (13-5-19-0), Jacobs (24-3-69-0), Permaul (27-11-45-1), Motie (16-3-26-1), Johnson (1-1-0-1) GUYANA Jaguars 2nd innings S. Hetmyer lbw b Benn 14 A. Fudadin not out 09 L. Johnson not out 20 Extras (none) Total: (for 1 wicket 7.4 overs) 43 Bowling: Cummins 1-0-10-0, Benn 3.4-0-31-1, Nurse 3-1-2-0
South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:20 hrs Arabian Bay 08:55 hrs Honeybush Tea 09:35 hrs Tripp Force 10:15 hrs One Yesterday 10:50 hrs Heptagon 11:25 hrs Urgent Fury English Racing Tips Southwell 08:10 hrs Peace Lilly 08:40 hrs What Could She Be 09:10 hrs Good Trip 09:40 hrs Frivolous Lady 10:10 hrs Countermand 10:40 hrs Lexington Bay 11:10 hrs Spowarticus 11:40 hrs Air Of Work Sedgefield 08:20 hrs Snowed 08:50 hrs Libby Mae 09:20 hrs Cerca Trova
09:50 hrs Runswick Relax 10:20 hrs Wakhan 10:50 hrs Urban Gale 11:20 hrs What Happens Now Lingfield 09:00 hrs Jessber’s Drteam 09:30 hrs Albatros De Guye 10:00 hrs Wabanaki 10:30 hrs Minstrels Gallery 11:00 hrs Rocky Bender 11:30 hrs The Poodle Faker American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 Old FashioneD Song Race 2 Oh My Dear Race 3 Discreet Duke Race 4 Jessethemarine Race 5 Miss Athena Race 6 Cousin Michael Race 7 Red Rei Rei Race 8 Good Feng Shui Race 9 La Colonial
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Kenyan runners occupy athletics HQ A group of Kenyan athletes have occupied the headquarters of the sport's national governing body, stopping officials from entering. They want Athletics Kenya (AK) officials to step down over corruption allegations linked to a deal with Nike, the BBC's Anne Soy reports. AK Vice-President David Okeyo has denied the allegations. The athletes also blame the administrators for failing to deal with doping in the
sport. Kenya is one of the world's top athletics nations and topped the medals table at August's athletics world championships in Beijing. Dick Pound, the man looking into doping for world athletics governing body, the IAAF, said that Kenyan athletics had a "real problem" with athletes taking performing-enhancing drugs. The protesters say they want former runners to manage AK. "We are looking forward
to being led by athletes. Those who understand the pain of running," said protest organiser Julius Ndegwa from the Professional Athletes Association of Kenya. AK President Isaiah Kiplagat told the BBC that "serious athletes are training, they have no time for demonstrations". Mr Kiplagat added that the protest had led them to cancel a meeting that was supposed to address the issues that the protesters are complaining about. (BBC sport)
The athletes are protesting over alleged corruption in the governing body Athletics Kenya.
Warriors on cusp of history after defeating Nuggets The Sports Xchange) Golden State guard Klay
Thompson scored 21 points, Stephen Curry had 19 and
seven assists, and the Warriors won their 15th straight
Klay Thompson scored 21 points
to match the best start in league history with a 118105 win over the Denver Nuggets. The Warriors are the third NBA team to start the season 15-0 and the first defending champions to do so. The 1948-49 Washington Capitals and the 1993-94 Houston Rockets also began with 15 straight wins. The Rockets went on to win their first of two consecutive NBA titles that season. "It's a huge accomplishment coming off a championship and taking care of business 15 straight times to start the season," Curry said. "You couldn't ask for a better start, obviously." The Warriors have not avoided talking about their record-setting start, choosing to acknowledge it often as the wins piled up. "Maybe two games ago it became a real conversation in
the locker room," Curry said. "Now that we're at 15 let's get 16." Golden State will go for the record at home tonight against the Lakers. The Warriors are on the cusp of history without head coach Steve Kerr, who is recovering from two offseason back surgeries. Interim coach Luke Walton has kept in constant communication with Kerr and credits his system for the success. "All we're doing is following his leadership," Walton said. "I'm just glad to not be letting my boss Steve down." Darrell Arthur, who started because forward Kenneth Faried was out with a sprained left ankle, led Denver with a season-high 21 points. Danilo Gallinari and Will Barton had 19 points each and Emmanuel Mudiay had 17 and eight assists for the Nuggets (6-8). "Darrell was terrific," Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. "He comes out 9-of-12, 21 points, eight rebounds. Darrell stepped up and had a heck of a game." LOOKING TIRED The Nuggets wanted to be the team to stop the streak but could not keep up with the reigning champions. "Personally, I cared a lot," Mudiay said. "I wanted to stop the streak just because I hate records being set on me or any of my team
mates." Curry took just 16 shots for his season low in points, but the Warriors did not need the MVP to hand the Nuggets their third straight loss. He scored nine points in the third quarter when the Warriors extended their halftime lead to 91-79. Golden State built on the lead with the starters on the bench at the start of the fourth. Andre Iguodala and Leandro Barbosa hit jumpers to make it a 16-point game. After Mudiay and Barton brought Denver within 11, reserve guard Ian Clark converted two running layups to make it 99-84 with 9:09 left and the Warriors' bench erupted in celebration. "You love to see everybody contribute to the game," Curry said. "When Ian got in there he tried to make some plays. Two straight layups opened the game up." The Warriors led by as many as 21 in the fourth quarter. Walton said he was glad to limit Curry's minutes. He played just 28, one more than his fewest this season, and he got some valuable rest. "He looked tired out there," Walton said. "It's hard to play in Denver. A lot of our guys looked tired. We have a great bench and it's a perfect chance to get them extra minutes."
Real president Perez backs coach Benitez MADRID, (Reuters)-Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has backed coach Rafa Benitez despite Saturday's humiliating 4-0 drubbing at home to arch rivals Barcelona in the La Liga 'Clasico'.
"We analysed the sporting situation and I want to inform you that our coach Rafa Benitez has our full support and our full confidence," Perez told a news conference after a board meeting at the Bernabeu stadium in Madrid.
Real's thrashing prompted angry fans to chant for construction magnate Perez to step down but he has not heeded their calls and said he expects the world's richest club by income to return to winning ways soon.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
11th Diamond Mineral Water Sensational Campbell leads hockey festival Launched Scorpions past T&T Red Force
From L-R Carib Brand Executive Richard Singh, DLL Brand Executive Larry Wills, President of the Guyana Hockey Board Philip Fernandes, and Treasurer Devin Hooper.
By Stephan Sookram Demerara Distillers Limited’s (DDL) Diamond Mineral Water has joined forces with Ansa McAl’s Carib Brand for the 11th edition of the Guyana Hockey Board’s International indoor festival set for this week. Officially dubbed the Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival to shorten the name, the tournament will commence on Thursday and run until Sunday, featuring teams from North America and the Caribbean. During yesterday’s launch, President of the GHB
Philip Fernandes said, “The tournament continues to attract top teams from the Caribbean Region and North America and is a key Ingredient for keeping the level of hockey in Guyana on par with that of the Region.” “This year’s competition will once again feature some of the top talents in the game, “continued Fernandes. Brand manager of Diamond Mineral Water Larry Wills, the tournament’s platinum sponsor contended, “From the beginning of the festival, we have seen a strong competitiveness and great sportsmanship as well as fair
conduct and refereeing of games.” “We are also heartened that the tournament recognises equality in sport through the participation of both male and female teams,” Continued Wills. Carib Brand Executive Richard Singh said, “Asna Mcal is pleased to be associated with this tournament once again. Over the years we have been able to see the quality of players and games.” Included among the foreign teams are Revamp HQ from Canada, Malvern and Carib Hockey clubs from Trinidad, and Tobago and
the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) from Barbados, bringing the number of competing teams to 18. The winner of the tournament in both the male and female divisions will cart of US $1000 while the runners up will take home US$500. On the veteran end of things, the winner will take home US$500. The most valuable player trophies will also be up for grabs and will be presented after the tournament on Sunday evening, at the National Gymnasium, the tournament’s exclusive venue.
Windsor Park pitch under investigation ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) confirmed yesterday that the pitch used for the third round match between Windward Islands Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the Professional Cricket League Regional 4-Day Tournament in Dominica will be investigated. The Volcanoes completed an eight-wicket victory over the Hurricanes inside two days at Windsor Park, located in the Dominica capital of Roseau. WICB director of cricket Richard
Pybus will gather the reports of the match referee and umpires, as well as captains and coaches of each team, along with officials of the Volcanoes franchise regarding the preparation and performance of the pitch. “We will speak to all of the relevant parties to get a clear picture of what took place at Windsor Park and decide on the course of action once we have reviewed all the reports,” he said. In the match, Hurricanes declared their first innings before lunch on the opening day last Friday on 24 for seven
Williams upsets... West (District 1) running away easily with the event, to score the upset win in a time of 35: 56.4s well ahead of all his competitors. Delroy Leitch of Corentyne (District 6) finished second in a time of 36:38.1s while Mckenzie of North Georgetown (District 11) who was said to be having some knee problems finished in third in a time of 36:43.0s. Finishing fourth with a time of 36:50.4s was Trolston Embrack of New
Amsterdam (District 15), while Donte Forde of South Georgetown (District 13) rounded out the top five with a time of 38:47.0s. Meanwhile, on the distaff side, Beverley Ignacio of Rupununi (District 9) copped her second female title having won the event in both 2013 and 2014. Ignacio clocked 43:26.4s to win the event well ahead of Delicia Harper out of West Coast Berbice (District 5), with a time of 45:34.0s. Niocy Anthony of Up-
before Volcanoes gained a lead of 116, thanks to a half-century from opener Tyrone Theophile in the face of a career-best, seven-wicket haul from teenaged fast bowler Alzarri Joseph. Nkrumah Bonner then stroked his third half-century in six innings before spinners Liam Sebastien and Alston Bobb shared nine wickets between them and the Hurricanes were bowled out for 170, leaving the Volcanoes with the modest target of 55 for victory.
From page 31
per Demerara/ Kwakwani (District 10) was third in a time of 47:36.0s while Janella Peters of Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon (District 2) finished in fourth with a time of 49:02.1s. Mariah McKenzie of North Georgetown (District 11) rounded out the top five females with a time of 50:03.0s. The event will continue today with the start of the track and field championships from 9:30 hrs with a grand opening of the event.
John Campbell took seven wickets for 73 with his offbreaks and came back with the bat for an unbeaten 83.
JOHN Campbell's sensational performance with the ball, was followed up with solid batting, as his knock of 83 led Jamaica Scorpions to a six-wicket win over Trinidad and Tobago Red Force in the WICB Professional Cricket League (PCL) at Sabina Park yesterday. Final scores: T&T 271(J. Solozano 110) and 175(J. Campbell 7-73). Jamaica 291 (A.MCCarthy 121 and 1565(J. Campbell 83 not tout) Beginning the final day with a second innings lead of 67 runs, with the score at 87 for 4, the twin-island republic-based team pushed its total to 175 all out, leaving the Scorpions needing 156 to win. Overnight batsman Yannic Cariah added 11 to his
overnight score before being dismissed by Nikita Miller, while his partner Yannick Ottley only managed 29 before falling victim to Campbell. Steven Katwaroo added 29. Campbell, who took four wickets on Sunday, continued his devastation with the ball, taking a further three to end the innings with seven for 73. In pursuit of the target, opener Campbell stood firm as captain Paul Palmer (17), Kirk Edwards (20), Andrew McCarthy (17) and Tamar Lamer (13) all departed before the target could be reached. Chadwick Walton was still at the crease having made one run. Campbell received the man of the match award. Points - Jamaica 16, Trinidad & Tobago 5 (Sportsmax.com)
Notable Dates
Guyana’s only Olympics medallist Michael Parris was not a heavy handed fighter. In fact, Parris relied more on slick moves and hand speed to defeat opponents. His lack of power is evident in the small number of stoppages in his 13-year career. Paul Lloyd became the last of three Knock Out victims for Parris on November 24, 1995. The fight was held in the United Kingdom and the Guyanese, at the ripe old age of 38, TKOed the Englishman in round four of the bout that was scheduled for eight.
Lloyd would later become the Commonwealth bantamweight champion. Parris won a bronze medal in the 1980, Moscow Olympics. He turned pro two years later and in a sterling career had two epic battles with Anthony `The Pearl’ Andrews and Darius Ford. He was crowned the bantamweight champion of Guyana in 1983 but lost the title the following year. Parris has been honoured by the Guyana Olympic Association which named the gym in the National Park after him.
Guyana’s lone Olympics medallist Michael Parris
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
Pepsi on Board Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament
By Stephan Sookram
THE Guyana Amateur Boxing Association (GABA) has received a shot in the arm from the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) through their Pepsi Brand for the upcoming Caribbean Development Boxing card set for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Brand Manager Larry Wills on Monday handed over his company’s contribution to the GABA, adding that “DDL and Pespi are proud to be a part of boxing In Guyana. When we were approached by the GABA, we had no hesitation in supporting this event. ” In receiving on behalf of GABA, President Steve Ninvalle said, “We, at the level of the GABA, are pleased with the level of sponsorship that we have received over
GABA President Steve Ninvalle (left) collects sponsorship from DLL Brand Manager Larry Wills for the upcoming Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament.
the years from DDL. DDL, as a matter of fact, is one of the first companies to come
on board with our Caribbean development Tournament that we will be having.”
He noted the company’s commitment to boxing since the under-16 programme,
Four teams taste victory on fourth night of Guinness Futsal Upsetters, Albouystown A, West Front Road and Alexander Village were the only teams to taste victory on the fourth night of the 2015/16 Guinness Greatest In Da Street Futsal Competition Georgetown League at the Albouystown basketball court. Like their name suggests, Upsetters upset West Back Road 2 – 1. West Back Road drew first blood in the 3rd minute when Josiah Charles scored. However, Orlando Ricketts found the equaliser in the 14th minute, and then Joshua Brit-
ton gave them the lead in the following minute. West Back Road searched but the equaliser evaded, giving Upsetters a welcome three points. West Front Road salvaged a 1 – 0 victory over East Front Road with Hubert Pedro scoring the decider in the 9th minute. In the Costello Housing Scheme versus Alexander Village showdown, a 2nd-minute strike from Chavez Lescott was all it took to give the latter the win. Albouystown A also needled Queen Street Tiger
Bay following Osafo Peters’ 18th-minute goal. The other battles were all draws. Laing Avenue and South Sophia battled to a 1-1 result while Back Circle’s match with Broad Street Bullies ended with the same score line. Meanwhile, the matches that were goalless draws were Old School Ballers versus Cross Street and Albouystown B versus Stevedore Housing Scheme. The action resumes tonight with eight matches at the Cultural Centre Tarmac. In match one Sophia South
meets Upsetters then Young Ballers faces Island Allstars, Hope Street Tiger Bay goes up against Stevedore Housing Scheme and Queen Street Tiger Bay battles Jamoon Drive to complete half of the programme. The latter half of the night will see Bent Street versus South Ruimveldt, Festival City Street Fighters versus Shopping Plaza, Gold Star versus Broad Street Bullies and Sparta Boss versus Back Circle to cap off the evening. Kick off time is 19.00 hrs.
STAG Elite League Semi-finalists decided! – Alpha to play Pele FC, Slingerz and Fruta Conquerors to do battle The STAG Elite League wrapped up its preliminary round of matches on Sunday with Slingerz FC finishing on top, Pele FC second, Alpha United third and Fruta Conquerors wrapped up the top four teams who will play in
the semi-finals, set for Wednesday at the GDF Ground. Slingerz defeated Alpha United 1 – 0, thanks to a Vurlon Mills goal in the 77th minute, while Pele FC came from a goal down to beat the Guyana Defence
Force (GDF) 2 – 1. On Wednesday, Slingerz FC will come up against Fruta Conquerors in the first semi-final at 19:00 hours, and then Pele FC collides with Alpha United from 21:30 hours.x
adding that “Some of the boxers, who would have participated in the last DDL U16 programme, (and that’s why the U16 programme is so important), will be fighting on this card.” “We expect it to be the largest congregation of countries in Guyana for a sporting activity in some time. It’s not about who wins because boxing will be coming out as the winner on Sunday November 29th,”continued Ninvalle. The GBA boss praised the assistance of the Guyana Olympic Association for their initial support and getting the tournament to what it is today. 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, one of two Guyanese AIBA-certified Three-Star coaches. Blake is also chairman of the GABA Coaches Commission that picked the 38-member team of boxers that commenced encampment recently. Guadeloupe, Anguilla, Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Island, French Guiana, Grenada, Jamaica, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago have 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 competition which is touted to have positive spinoffs for the tourism industry.
Bolt signs deal with Telkom to promote 'Boltspeed Fibre' WORLD’s fastest man Usain Bolt has partnered with South African communications company Telkom to promote its fibre-to-thehome broadband offerings. In fact, the Jamaican track star was recently filmed in his homeland to promote the broadband product, aptly re-branded ‘Boltspeed Fibre’. “We believe that Bolt, as the fastest person in the world, will assist us in creating awareness of the speed, consistency and reliability that fibre technology offers,” said Telkom chief marketing officer Enzo Scarcella in a statement. The telecommunications operator described the alliance as a “first of its kind between a South African telecommu-
nications company and an international sprint star”. With the exceptions of the ‘fast just got faster’ tagline, not much information has been released regarding the actual speed of the product. The ‘Boltspeed fibre’ product is, however, assumed to be the company’s 100Mbps service. This is not the first time Bolt has been used to promote broadband services. Virgin Media used Bolt in multiple advertisements for its “superfast broadband” in the United Kingdom. The specifics of the deal, however, and how much was paid for the sprint star to promote the product have been kept under wraps. (Sportsmax.com)
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER
(Tuesday November 03, 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) Clifford Roach-122 (WI vs ENG, Barbados, 1930) (2) Roy Fredericks-105 (WI vs ENG, The Oval, 1973) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who is the first WI to capture a five-wicket haul in Tests? (2) Who is the first WI to claim a five-wicket haul in ODI cricket? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, November 24, 2015
GTU’s 55th Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field championships
Districts 10 and 6 dominate cycle road races on first day of competition By Michael DaSilva
District 10 (Upper Demerara/Kwakwani) and District 6 (Corentyne), dominated the male and female categories respectively of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) 55th annual cycling championships which got underway yesterday on the East Coast of Demerara. Riding in brilliant sunshine, District 10 dominated the boys’ category of the 40K event, taking the top three spots on the podium, while in the female 25K category, District 6 was dominant, occupying the top spot, while District 10 took the other two top positions. Seasoned riders from national cycle coach Hassan Mohamed’s `Teach Them Young’ cycle programme were among the top six finishers in the boys category, so too were the top two finishers in the girls’ category. The boys’ event was won by District 10’s Akeem Arthur in a time of 1 hour 4 minutes.2 seconds. Second and third places were won by Arthur’s Districts mates Silvio Inniss and Shaquil Agard. South Georgetown’s
overall District winner of the championships will be announced. Among the cycle events carded for today at the National Stadium are; 1000-metre boys and girls open, 1000-metre boys and girls under 16 years of age, 1000-metre boys and girls under 14 years of age, 2000 metres boys and girls open, 2000 metres boys and girls under 16 years of asge2000 metres boys under 14 and 16 years of age and 400 metres for girls and boys under 14 years of age. The official opening ceremony of the 55th annual event will get underway from 10:00 hrs at the Providence National Stadium.
(District 13) Jamaul John placed fifth while District 11’s (North Georgetown) had to settle for fifth place. The record holder of the boy’s 40K race is Raul Leal (District 13) who covered the distance in 1 hour 1 minute .53 seconds in 2012. In the girls’ category, Corentyne’s (District 6) Whitney Poyer romped home an easy winner of the 25Km race ahead of District 10’s
Niomi Alsoop and Olesa. Poyer’s time for the race was 56 minutes, 48.02 seconds, but District 10’s Marica Dick is still the record holder, having clocked 48 minutes .39 in 2012. The cycling aspect of the annual event will continue today at the Providence National Stadium with 14 track races for both boys and girls and will climax on Friday at the same venue when the
Williams upsets Mckenzie – Ignacio wins to win male title for 2nd time THE National Schools Championships got off to a brilliant start yesterday morning with the 10k road race, and the case as usual, was that athletes from the hinterland regions dominated by crossing the finish line at the Children’s Monument in the National Park, well ahead of their competitors. The race got off to a blistering start with male favourite Matthew McKenzie taking the early lead to carry the pace. McKenzie, a regular feature in 10k’s in Guyana with credible finishes, fell all the way to third with Reckey Williams of North Turn to page 29 ►
Beverley Ignacio of Rupununi (left) along with Reckey Williams of North West pose after winning the 10k event
In this Samuel Maughn composite photo Akeem Arthur (right) of District 10 and Whitney Poyer of District 6 cross the finish line unchallenged to win the boys’ and girls’ categories of the GTU National Cycling championships yesterday.
Guyana gets favourable draw for CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers – Lady Jags to play Canada on February 11 in Texas THE Lady Jags will play Thursday, February 11, 2016 at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Texas, in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifier tournament. Guyana was placed in Group B of the tournament, along with Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala, while World Champions USA heads the ‘Group of death’ that also includes rivals Mexico, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica. By virtue of defeating Jamaica 2 – 1 last Friday in the twin-island Republic, the Lady Jags qualified for their second CONCACAF tournament, making them the country’s most successful football programme, given the fact that our men’s national team are yet to play in a major confederation championship. “If there’s such a thing as a good draw, this would be it,” explained an excited Mark Rodrigues who attended the draw which was held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Doral, Miami yesterday. “I’m really excited that we got such a group and that we’re going to be playing Canada in our first game. It’s a game that we always wanted; and we’ll also get a chance to play Trinidad because we also always wanted to play them again. But I’m satisfied with what we’ve got. And now it’s time to focus on the task ahead,” said the Lady Jags head coach. It will be only the second meeting between Guyana and Canada with the first being at the 2010 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Looking ahead, Rodrigues said that he had spoken to U.S. Women’s Head Coach Jill Ellis for a possible friendly against them before the qualifiers, “She (Ellis) said that she’ll look into it and see if we could have that game between now and February; even
if it’s their U-20 girls. I’m actually looking to see if we could [beat] any of the teams in the opposite group.” The World Cup Champion (USA) will face Costa Rica to open the eight-team CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament. The United States had won the past three tournaments that determined the Olympic representatives from CONCACAF, and went on to win the gold medal in the last three Olympics. The top two finishers earn Olympic berths. The event is scheduled for Feb. 10-21 in Houston and Frisco, Texas. The Schedule: Wednesday, February 10 – Toyota Stadium 6 pm (5 pm) Puerto Rico vs. Mexico 8:30 pm (7:30 pm) USA vs. Costa Rica Thursday, February 11 – BBVA Compass Stadium 6 pm (5 pm) Guatemala vs. Trinidad & Tobago 8:30 pm (7:30 pm) Canada vs. Guyana Saturday, February 13 – Toyota Stadium 1:30 pm (12:30 pm) Costa Rica vs. Puerto Rico 4 pm (3 pm) Mexico vs. USA Sunday, February 14 – BBVA Compass Stadium 1:30 pm (12:30 pm) Guyana vs. Guatemala 4 pm (3 pm) Trinidad & Tobago vs. Canada Monday, February 15 – Toyota Stadium 6 pm (5 pm) Mexico vs. Costa Rica 8:30 pm (7:30 pm) USA vs. Puerto Rico Tuesday, February 16 – BBVA Compass Stadium 6 pm (5 pm) Trinidad & Tobago vs. Guyana 8:30 pm (7:30 pm) Canada vs. Guatemala Friday, February 19 – BBVA Compass Stadium 5:30 pm (4:30 pm) 1B vs. 2A 8:30 pm (7:30 pm) 1A vs. 2B Sunday, February 21 – BBVA Compass Stadium 5 pm (4 pm) Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2
Sport CHRONICLE
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Guyana gets favourable draw for CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers P. 31
North Georgetown takes swimming championships
..President Granger to give feature address at today’s opening
BACKED for another year by a string of leading athletes including national record holders Amy Grant, Leon Seaton, and Accalia Khan, North Georgetown (District 11) amassed win after win throughout the day yesterday to end as the eventual winners of the swimming segment in the National Schools Championships which was completed at the National Aquatic Centre on the East Coast of Demerara. According to some results, North Georgetown District 11 is said to have ended with 866 points after all 54 events of the swimming competition were completed; keeping them on their toes was archrival Upper Demerara/Kwakwani (Linden) District 10, who ended with 790 points for second place . Also with a number of good performances of the day, Bartica District 7 is said to be in for third place with 551 points. Also out of Georgetown, East Georgetown District 12 took fourth place with 479 points, while North West District 1 followed with 452 points, and Essequibo Coast/Pomeroon District 2 came next with 448 points. Rounding out the top ten were Rupununi District 9 (432 points), South Georgetown District 13 (415 points), East Bank Demerara District 14 (284 points); and East Coast Demerara (226 points). Despite ending just after 16:00 hrs, points for the swimming competition were still being verified late into the night yesterday. Placing either first, second or third in almost all of the events of the day left District 11 feeling confident in their ability to win the swimming and getting off to an assuring start in the five-day competition, which continues today at the National Stadium. District 11 representative, Mariska Williams was already celebrating her team’s win ahead of the release of yesterday’s results. Williams also prophesied a great day for the team today, ahead Turn to page 27 ►
Number one! The North Georgetown District 11 celebrating their win of the swimming competition of the National Schools Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships, yesterday
Motie bowls Jaguars to victory over Barbados Pride LEFT-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie finished with match figures of 9-98 as Guyana Jaguars completed a comfortable nine-wicket win over Barbados Pride in their third round 2015/16 West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League (PCL) Regional Four-Day match at the Guyana National Stadium yesterday. That win takes Guyana to three consecutive wins for the season after they
brushed aside the Leeward Islands and Windward Islands in the first two rounds. Guyana needed seven wickets for victory on the final day of the match which resumed with the home team still ahead by 67 runs. Motie struck five times today to finish with 6 – 79 adding to his first innings figures of 3 – 19. This performance follows his 11-105 in the previous match. The former West Indies Under-19 spinner now has 23 wickets
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and three five-wicket hauls from only three matches. Pride resumed from their overnight score of 166 – 3 with overnight batsmen Shamar Brooks and Miguel Cummins (06). Cummins, the night watch, was the first to fall on the final day, and also Motie’s first wicket of the day. That brought Roston Chase (50) to the middle who played an attractive innings along with Brooks (53) but Steven Jacobs had Turn to page 27 ►
Gudakesh Motie returned match figures of 9-98 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2015