GUYANA No. 104388
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015
The Chronicle is at http://www.guyanachronicle.com
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In three years time! CHOGM 2015…
… Granger says border controversy could end
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Winners of the 13th award of the Guyana Prize for Literature and 2nd Caribbean Awards 2014 with Prime Minister and acting President Moses Nagamootoo at the award ceremony held at the Savannah Suite, Guyana Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown on Sunday night. From left to right: Youngest winner in the Best First Book of Fiction category Subraj Singh (Rebelle and Other Stories); Winner of the Best First Book of Poetry Stanley Niamatali (The Hinterlands); Maggie Harris, winner of the Best Book of Poetry Award (60 Years of Loving); Professor David Dabydeen, Best Book of Fiction (Johnson’s Dictionary); acting President Moses Nagamootoo; winner of the Caribbean Prize for Best Book of Fiction Barbara Jenkins of Trinidad and Tobago (Sic Transit Wagon); Edward Baugh of Jamaica, winner of the Caribbean Award for his book “Black Sand” in the Best Book of Poetry category; and Al Creighton, Secretary to the Management Committee for the Guyana Prize for Literature. In absentia was Harold Bascom. He won two awards: Best Book of Drama (Desperate for Relevance) under both the Guyana Prize for Literature 2014 and the Caribbean Awards 2014. (Adrian Narine photo)
Better pay for cops 2
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Gynaecologist blamed for baby’s death 7
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
Better pay for cops – as part of reform plan for Police Force By Neil Marks in Malta MEMBERS of the Guyana Police Force are likely to benefit from increased sala-
ries next year as part of the government’s plan to reform the Police Force and curtail criminal activities. “We hope to have a better
equipped, better trained, better paid Police Force next year,” President Granger said in Malta Sunday on the programme “The Public Interest” which is
produced by the Ministry of the Presidency and aired on state TV, NCN. “There will be an announcement [in the January budget] of a reform plan for the Police, which will incorporate improved conditions of service,” he said, pointing out that poor pay is one of the reasons four to five Police officers leave the force every week. Mr Granger said he asked Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud to present a memorandum to the Commission of Inquiry into the Public Service, which is responsible for reviewing salaries and working conditions across the Public Service. While the full report of the commission may not be ready in time for the budget, the President said he has asked for an interim report “to know the direction they are thinking”. He said the recommendation of the Commission “is not a rule,” but the report will go to Cabinet for consideration. The President noted that while the force brings in 200300 recruits every year, “you can’t retain people because the pay is so low”. Since taking office following the May 11 general elections, the new administration
UK Prime Minister David Cameron, President David Granger and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr Keith Rowley await the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta
has faced an uphill battle in curtailing crime. Mr Granger said the current spate of criminal activities is the legacy of the damage which was done to the Guyana Police Force since 1999. He said in the period since then, the previous PPP government rejected a number of interventions proposed by overseas governments and other organisations. “The previous administration methodologically and systematically ignored recommendations for over 15 years,” the President said, noting that it would have been “impossible” to turn around the crime situation in such a short period of time.
“The Police Force is badly damaged; it was under-funded, under-equipped; the members were underpaid, under-motivated. We are now trying to correct the damage that has been done and I expect things will get better in the fullness of time.” At the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, Mr Granger said he personally spoke with British Prime Minister David Cameron to restore the security sector reform plan which was abandoned by the previous government. He said that apart from soliciting assistance from foreign governments, there is work within the Police Force to improve operations. He said horses are being moved into the Rupununi to help with patrols there, and the Commander of the Police Division which oversees security in the hinterland is being relocated to Bartica from Georgetown. Further, Mr Granger meets with the Police Commissioner and the Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan every week as part of a National Security Committee. “We will bring crime under control,” he said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
CHOGM 2015…
In three years time!
… Granger says border controversy could end By Neil Marks in Malta PRESIDENT David Granger on Sunday said Guyana was satisfied with the backing it has received from the Commonwealth on the border controversy with Venezuela, and sees this as part of an ongoing process by the United Nations that could see the matter resolved in three years. “We do feel that the final communiqué gives full expression to the desires of [the] Guyana government to have the territorial issue placed fully before the international community; it is embedded in the communiqué and we are very satisfied with the text of the communiqué, specifically with regard to the territorial matter,” Mr Granger told the programme “The Public Interest” in Malta. The programme is produced by the Ministry of the Presidency and aired on state TV NCN. In the communiqué, Commonwealth Heads “reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the maintenance of safeguarding of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”. They “expressed
President David Granger and Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge at an event at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, Sunday (Kawise Wishart photo)
their full support for the United Nations Secretary General to choose a means of settlement in keeping with the provisions of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, to bring the controversy to a definitive end”. The Geneva Agreement was reached after Venezuela claimed that the 1899 Arbitral Award which demarcated the countries’ borders was null and void. The Commonwealth Heads
recognised that the Arbitral Award “definitely settled the land boundary between Guyana and Venezuela.” President Granger said the statement from Commonwealth Heads is part of the process towards resolving the border controversy and he expressed thanks to the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma for their role in pushing the
process. Thanks to pressure from Guyana, Mr Granger said under the UN Secretary-General, there is “intensified engagement by the UN to bring the controversy to an end. “There is, I would say, an intensified engagement, and we are moving much further along the road, much more quickly along the road,” Mr Granger stated. “Guyanese can be satisfied that this year the process
has moved closer to finality than it has for several years. If we maintain this pattern and this pace, I think they [Guyanese] can see the controversy coming to a satisfactory conclusion within three years.” MEETING WITH BAN On the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, President Granger was again able to meet with Mr Ban on the controversy. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said that the objective of giving the controversy prominence in the international community “is to arrive at a point where Venezuela withdraws its claim, and or Venezuela is restrained from trying to use threats or force to achieve borders that are different from the agreement it signed in 1899”. Following recent statements and actions by Venezuela, President Granger indicated to Mr Ban that the process of talks has worn out and that it is time for a final legal settlement to Venezuela’s claim that the arbitral award of 1899 which settled the countries’ borders is null and void. Guyana’s position was laid out when Granger met
Mr Ban in the presence of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last September. Since then, the UN has sent two teams to Guyana to move the process further. Guyana has accused Venezuela of a series of acts of aggression, starting with a Presidential Decree of June 1968. The border controversy flared early this year when American firm Exxon Mobil announced that it had made a “significant” oil discovery. After threatening the company, the Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro issued a decree on May 26th this year, seeking to extend Venezuela’s land claim to also annex this country’s maritime space. Two years ago, the Venezuelans sent a naval ship into Guyana’s waters and seized a U.S.-chartered oil survey ship and escorted it to Margarita Island. In September, Guyanese authorities also said the Venezuela army was up the Cuyuni River. More recently, late last month, Canada-based mining company Guyana Goldfields said it had received an “unfounded” notification of possible legal action by Venezuela over its operations in Guyana.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
Global rallies demand climate action HUNDREDS of thousands of people are marching worldwide to demand action to stop climate change, but one protest in Paris was marred by violence. More than 2,000 events are happening globally on the eve of a UN summit in the French capital. In Paris, police fired tear gas at a large group of demonstrators gathered in the Place de la Republique. They were apparently protesting against France’s state of emergency, and have been disowned by the main organisers. Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said 208 people were arrested, of whom 174 are still in custody. The order, banning public gatherings, was put into place after the November 13 attacks in the city, in which 130 people died. Many of those involved in the clashes wore masks or covered their faces. Protesters and Police walked over candles and tributes left for the attack victims at a makeshift memorial. President Francois Hol-
lande said it was “scandalous” that the clashes happened “where flowers and candles have been left in memory of those who were killed by the terrorists’ bullets”. He added that the clashes had “nothing to do with those who protect the environment”. Nicholas Haeringer, of the campaign group 350. org, said protests should still be allowed to continue, adding that campaigners would “stand against any attempts by the French authorities to use the incidents this afternoon to unnecessarily clamp down on civil liberties”. Earlier in Paris, a human chain was formed by hundreds linking arms along the 3km (1.9 miles) route of a march that was called off after the November 13 attacks. A gap in the chain was left in front of the Bataclan concert hall, where 89 people were killed. Hundreds of pairs of shoes were left on Place de la Republique to remember those left frustrated in their plans to march.
Among them were a pair donated by Pope Francis, who has called for urgent action on climate change. Elsewhere in Europe, organisers said some 10,000 people turned out in Berlin with close to double that in Madrid. An estimated 50,000 people took part in a march in Central London, where Opposition Leader Jeremy Corbyn addressed crowds. Activists want action to limit the rise in the average global temperature to 2C (3.6F) above pre-industrial levels. In Sydney, many people carried placards reading “There is no Planet B” and “Solidarity on a global scale”. “In 10 years’ time our children are going to say, ‘Mum, did you know about this? What was everyone doing’?” said Kate Charlesworth, a doctor and mother, in Sydney. Mayor Clover Moore tweeted to say that, according to organisers, the true number of demonstrators was “at least 45,000”,
France’s president criticised the fact clashes took place at the memorial which would make it the biggest ever such march in Sydney, if confirmed. “Those who did the least to cause the problem are feeling the impacts first and hardest, like our sisters and brothers in the Pacific,” said Oxfam campaigner Judee Adams in a protest of some 5, 000 people in Adelaide. Further demonstrations
are being held in Sao Paulo, Mexico City and New York, among other cities. About 150 world leaders are due to attend the Paris talks including US President Barack Obama, China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Narendra Modi and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Mr Hollande says he hopes a deal can be achieved,
but that it will not be easy. “Man is the worst enemy of man,” he said. “We can see it with terrorism. But we can say the same when it comes to climate. Human beings are destroying nature, damaging the environment.” The UN Climate Conference begins on November 30 and ends on December 11. (BBC News)
EU, Turkey seal migrant deal TURKEY will help stem the flow of migrants to Europe in return for cash, visas and renewed talks on joining the European Union (EU) in a deal struck on Sunday that the Turkish Prime Minister called a “new beginning” for the uneasy neighbours. Leaders of the 28 EU states met Turkish Premier Ahmet Davutoglu in Brussels on Sunday evening to give their collective political blessing to an agreement hammered out by
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diplomats over the past few weeks. A spokesman for summit Chairman Donald Tusk, the European Council President, said a joint statement had been agreed. He gave no details but a draft seen earlier in the day by Reuters was in line with proposals discussed in the past few days. A key element is three billion euros (US$3.2 billion) in EU aid for the 2.2 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, intended to raise living standards and so persuade more to stay put rather than attempt the perilous crossing to the Greek islands and the EU. Also on offer to Ankara, which has driven a hard bargain but also wants to revive relations with its European neighbours as it faces trouble in the Middle East and from Russia, is a “re-energised” negotiating process on Turkish membership of the EU -- even if few on either side expect it to join soon. And many Turks could also benefit from visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen zone within a year if Turkey meets conditions on tightening its borders in the east to Asian migrants and moves other benchmarks on reducing departures to Europe. “Today is a historic day in our accession process to the EU,” Davutoglu told reporters on arrival. “I am grateful to all European leaders for this new beginning.” (Reuters)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
Warner files judicial review to block extradition on corruption charges CORRUPTION accused Jack Warner has filed an application for judicial review, challenging his extradition to the United States. Warner, through his attorneys Senior Counsel Fyard Hosein, Rishi Dass, Nyree Alfonso, Sasha Bridgemohansingh and Anil Maraj, is asking the High Court to stay the proceedings and declare the extradition order and the Authority to Proceed (ATP) issued by Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi null and void. Warner, 72, is accused of 29 counts of racketeering, wire fraud, money laun-
dering and bribery during his time in football’s world governing body, FIFA.
JACK WARNER The former FIFA Vice-President has denied all allegations, but extradition
proceedings have begun before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar. However, those proceedings will be stayed pending the outcome of the judicial review application. The judicial review notes breaches of natural justice in the issuance of the ATP – the document required to begin the extradition process; the failure to provide Warner with a fair hearing; as well as the issue of bias as the Attorney General was advised by lawyers representing the interests of the US in the proceedings in the courts. (Caribbean360)
Cuba, US to discuss migration and war on drug trafficking THE United States and Cuba will hold talks today on migration and the war on drug trafficking, as part of the process of normalisation of their bilateral relations, the State Department said. Representatives of the two governments will meet on Monday at the State Department in Washington to maintain their biannual migration talks, and on Tuesday they will hold the second round of their dialogue on drug trafficking, also in the US capital, the Cubadebate website said. Cuba will reiterate its opposition to the Cuban Adjustment Act and related regulations, like the dry foot-wet foot policy and the Parole Programme for Cuban medical professionals, which
encourages illegal emigration to the United States, the local Foreign Ministry confirmed. The foundation of the migration dialogue between the two countries lies in the agreements of 1994 and 1995, by way of which the US and Cuba committed themselves to maintain a “safe, legal and orderly” immigration and meet every six months to review the implementation of these agreements. The last session of the migration dialogue was held in January 2015 in Havana, and the one corresponding to mid-2015 was postponed until now because it would have coincided with the reopening of embassies in the respective capitals, added an official note by the State
Department. According to the text, the Cuban delegation will be headed on Monday by the Director General of the United States Office of the Foreign Ministry, Josefina Vidal; and that of the United States by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for South America and Cuba, Alex Lee. On Tuesday, officials of the Cuban Government and of several US agencies – the State Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Coast Guard – will hold a meeting on drug trafficking. The meeting will focus on “discussing ways to stop the illegal flow of narcotics to and from Cuba and the
United States, and exploring ways in which the two countries can cooperate in this matter,” the note by the State Department read. (Caribbean News Now)
Chile ‘medicinal’ pot-smoking mum denied access to baby A Chilean mother says a hospital is restricting her access to her newborn baby because she said she smoked marijuana. Sindy Melany Ortiz said she smoked pot for medicinal reasons to alleviate pain in one of her arms. She says she is not being allowed to breast-feed her daughter and can only see her for two hours a day. Hospital officials in the southern city of Talcahuano said they were following protocol and the baby was at risk. “They have violated my rights as a mother,” said Ms Ortiz, “I use this drug only for the pain in my arms, it was recommended by a medical professional to me and I am absolutely not a drug consumer. “They started to ask me if I smoked or took anything and I told them. When my daughter was born they said she would stay a little with me but I couldn’t breastfeed her because I had consumed marijuana which is bad for the baby.” The hospital said it had alerted a local court that tests had found substances that could harm the child. The court has ordered that the baby remain in the Las Higueras Hospital until it takes a decision on Thursday. In July, Chile’s Congress approved by a wide margin a bill that seeks to decriminalise personal use and cultivation of marijuana. The law, if passed, currently allows the possession of up to 10g of cannabis and the growing of up to six plants. It is being seen as a way to stop the persecution of medicinal users and to allow them to access a medicine they can grow in their gardens. Santiago, Chile’s capital was the site of Latin America’s first medical marijuana farm earlier this year. Chile’s marijuana bill will move to the full Chamber of Deputies before passing to the Senate, a legislative process that could take years. (BBC News)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
Guyana
The President and the Presidency Editorial
The Commonwealth and its importance to Guyana
THE Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations ended their meeting on Sunday in Malta, where they had deliberated and planned a way forward for its constituents, who comprise 33 per cent of the world’s population. This year’s theme “Adding Global Value” accordingly sets out to utilise international political strengths to influence and effect change on important global issues. These include issues such as youth empowerment, women’s rights, integration, economic development and the plight of low-lying states,such as Guyana. The pre-eminence of the Commonwealth to this country’s protection and development can be traced to the Forbes Burnham PNC Government, under whose leadership independence was attained on May 26, 1966. At independence Guyana joined this institution, working with it as a platform in protecting and advancing our national interest. The importance of this institution to Guyana’s development saw the then government working assiduously to ensure its then Foreign Affairs Minister Sir Shridath Ramphal elected Secretary-General (SG). Serving from July 1, 1975 to June 30, 1990, Ramphal was the second Secretary- General and thus far holds the distinction as the longest serving. Prior to being Minister of Foreign Affairs, he was the nation’s Attorney General; a new nation whose legal infrastructure he helped to define and shape. This was the period on the international front when young Guyana was navigating the Cold War conflicts, opting for the path of Non-Alignment, and experiencing aggression at its borders by its neighbours, Suriname and Venezuela. Simultaneously, on the domestic front the country was engaging in efforts to forge a unified society on the aspiration of “One People, One Nation, One Destiny,” having come out of serious physical/ racial conflicts where lives were lost and communities were divided. Even as Guyana sought to make its mark in influencing and shaping global human development, this institution afforded us a fillip in doggedly communicating and advancing the case in various parts of the world on our stance as it relates to the aggression that was taking place on our borders. Our case was communicated not only through Heads of Government meetings, but other fora such as the Commonwealth Trades Union Congress forum which yearly brings together trade union leaders during the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Annual Conference. Representatives of Guyana’s trade unions strengthened the country’s case at this forum by the utilisation of strategies built on the universal principle of solidarity, to
THE presidency does not belong to any political party, since the officeholder, though she/he ran on a party slate, would be elected through a process participated in by the citizens. Further, this is a constitutional office whereby holders are remunerated from the state coffer which is funded by taxpayers with party political and apolitical interest. When the President is elected, the holder of this office is in service to all the people. As such, his/her legacy becomes a part of the nation and therefore belongs to the nation. The major role of a sitting President is not to pursue partisan political interest. As Head of State and Head of Government, the presidency shoulders the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the state and protection of citizens through policies and programmes that ought to be shaped consistent with laws, universal conventions and charters. In this environment the President, while elected on a partisan political ticket, becomes the Chief Public Servant, operating in service to all the people and is answerable to all the people. Thus, the action of the present government in calling on the previous government to account for their stewardship, and in the specific instance the acquisition and usage of the Red House augurs well for political growth. Moreso, it is just and fair. The PPP government’s decision to dedicate usage of the Red House to the preservation of the legacy of Cheddi Jagan even as similar treatment has not been given to others, notably Jagan’s predecessors, coupled with the party’s continuous public assault on Forbes Burnham speaks to a primitive outlook to governance and an absence of understanding of the presidency and role of the President.
In this regard, the PPP’s response to the idea that the Red House be used as home of the legacies of all presidents is not only crass but disrespectful. But this notwithstanding, visionary and political shrewdness can bring about positive results. For instance, the PPP’s proposal-though not well intended-that the homes of Burnham and Desmond Hoyte be used to store their works is deserving of examination. As this issue is being examined, the opportunity is taken to either minimise or eliminate the controversy. Consequently, it is being suggested that efforts be made by the State to acquire access to the homes of the Jagans, Burnham and Hoyte to house their works during their public life. To do this relieves the nation of the burden of determining which President’s work will be held at the Red House. The Red House has its own history. The property belongs to the State and it can be renovated to serve as the nation’s premier guest house to host foreign dignitaries. While Burnham’s home is owned by Stanford Solomon, a prominent African businessman, it becomes important if the government is serious about protecting the legacies of the Presidents to reach out to this gentleman, with a view to using the residence at Belfield for such purpose. The children of Cheddi and Janet Jagan are actively involved in social issues and they also must be engaged as to using their parents’ residence in Bel Air. Desmond Hoyte’s residence on North Road seems to be un-occupied and an approach must similarly be made to the beneficiary of the property for storage and exhibiting of his work. The usage of these homes brings to the nation an intimate insight into the
lobby and gain the support of other external trade unionists and their organisations, which constituted support of the Commonwealth working-class for the protection of Guyana’s sovereignty. Our presence in the Commonwealth and historical modus operandi has secured Guyana’s pre-eminence, solidarity of member states and the institution against every external aggression. The decision of the David Granger APNU+AFC government to participate in this year’s conference and its stated position that Guyana will advance its case on the borders issue is continuing the rich tradition, which is commendable. For the Commonwealth is not only a place for speeches, it is also the forum where world decisions are influenced, shaped and refined, consistent with the goals, dreams and aspirations of its members and their peoples. And where the world has shifted to sustainable development and a number of issues such as human rights, climate change and poverty are important tools in measuring growth, the Commonwealth is another platform for the English-speak-
lives of these leaders, how they lived, including their choice of furnishing and fixtures. For these tell their own stories, whet the appetite, and create vistas for understanding into the minds of these men. The opportunities to have their works form part of the nation’s education and tourist attraction/destination are also of utility. It is a stain on this nation that 30 years after the death of Burnham (the nation’s first President with executive responsibility) and more than a decade after Hoyte’s death (second President with executive responsibility), their contributions to society in this capacity are still to find proper storage by the State and access to the public. What we have been witnessing instead is an infantile approach by sections of society with their negative and/or selective portrayals of these men’s legacies, as Jagan is presented as a saint. As leaders we have a responsibility to the society to make sure there is contextualisation of the work of every President to assist present and future generations to understand the contributions each made. There must be growth in our politics. An aspect of this growth will see attention paid to the message and not necessarily the messenger. Attention paid to the content of the message and not necessarily the tone of the message. In the utilisation of such approaches, one can find a comment, however crass and divisive it may have been said and intended and/or who may have spoken it, that can spark a brilliant idea and action. Whatever the final decision on the Red House, it must not be tit for tat but the realisation of a solution acceptable to this society and will take cognisance of the importance of putting systems in place that will see the legacies of all Presidents protected.
ing Caribbean, including Guyana to pursue its collective agenda for the benefit of its peoples. The charters that guide understanding and approach to these issues ought to be woven into the national policies, programmes and laws which must see rigid respect and implementation in furtherance of the nation’s development. Aside from Guyana advancing its interest, the election of Baroness Patricia Scotland of Dominican birth as the sixth Secretary-General is advancement for the Commonwealth’s peoples. This is the first time a woman has been elected to the post and marks a positive step for equality which is ensconced in the Commonwealth Charter. Conversely, it is noted that the Caribbean put up more than one candidate, and supported these all the way to the elections, which is a first for the Region. As the institution moves forward under Baroness Scotland’s leadership, it behoves Guyana to ensure that its primacy and agenda are not subsumed by moving to take advantage of the strategic position of this organisation to further its national interest.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
Canadians returning in droves for 50th Independence celebrations By Frederick Halley WELL-known Guyana-born Logistics Associate Dessie Fanfair, who has been residing in Canada for over 30 years, is leading the charge to mobilise her fellow Guyanese-Canadians to attend various events in Guyana during the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations next May. Fanfair was also at the forefront of last year’s John/ Rimple Family reunion held last year in Guyana which saw over 150 family members from England, Canada, and USA returning to their homeland, some for the very first time. She is once again hoping to attract droves of Guyanese for the big occasion. The decision to organise next year’s visit was prompted by the success of last year’s family reunion with several members raving about what took place, so it was no surprise when family members and mostly friends, contacted Fanfair to organise the trip for next year’s celebrations, a release from the organising committee said. Apart from Fanfair, the other members of the committee are Janice McRae and Roxanne Marques and they are tasked with organising events prior to the departure of those travelling to Guyana, and also during their stay. Branded Guyanese-Canadians -GT 50, one of the main events is slated for Palm Court on Friday, May 27, 2016, starting at 15:00 hrs According to the organisers, a rehearsal video on the event will be released shortly, but aspiring patrons are ad-
vised that the dress code will be white and jeans. The organisers also pointed out that the event “is quickly becoming a social-media phenomenon and is slated to be an inclusive cultural event for all ages. They are also urging patrons “to watch the video on social media, learn the dance, follow the dress code, arrive on spot at the start time, do your thing to Adrian Ducthin’s “I am Guyanese” and “go”. It was also disclosed that the event will be videotaped and is actually going to be the catalyst for Guyanese flashmobs events all over the world. The trio is also encouraging their fellow Canadians to attend all Guyana Independence 50th events and will be posting and emailing everyone with schedules when the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, presents its official schedule. Meanwhile, the Canadians are planning a few events of their own, and are encouraging everyone to attend and experience the Canadian hospitality. These events include a tour of Georgetown, a Red, White and Green Barbecue, Massive Throw Back Thursday, Bell Bottoms and “FRO Dance Party. Some will also be staying on for the triangular one-day tri-series featuring West Indies, Australia and South Africa scheduled for the Guyana National Stadium from June 10, 2016. In the meantime, Canadians are urged to book their flights now on Fly Jamaica or Caribbean Airlines and those desirous of booking hotels to check with Princess, Regency Suites or Millennium
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DESSIE FANFAIR
Gynaecologist blamed for baby’s death A GYNAECOLOGICAL consultant has been accused of failing to act effectively to save the life of an unborn baby girl at the New Amsterdam Hospital last Thursday. The baby, named Milody Joy Maria, had been healthy in the uterus, but was still-born when she was delivered by caesarian section a day after it was noticed there was no foetal heartbeat. The baby’s father Lindon Benn, of Williamsburg, Corentyne, is alleging that the consultant, a Cuban national, failed to respond urgently to the telephone call made by an intern on duty at the Maternity Ward just after 14:00 hrs. During the wait, the 23-year-old expectant mother, Tarita Sewraj Benn, was having routine checks done on her,when it was discovered that although there was a foetal heartbeat, the results from the pelvic assessment showed she required the intervention of a specialist. TWO HOURS LATE But the specialist at reference reportedly never showed up until more than two hours after the call was placed, which put her time of arrival at around 16:00 hrs, and upon examining the patient was overheard saying, “Not in labour, not in labour.” Subsequently, with the aid of a foetal stethoscope, the said doctor was overheard saying, “No foetal heartbeat,” before changing the patient’s position to make further checks. About half an hour later, the baby’s mother was taken to the ultra-sound department, where she was told that the baby was not moving. The father, who was looking forward to holding his first child, recalled seeing his wife being returned to the
Maternity Unit, where blood samples were taken before labour was induced. During this period, however, his wife was heard complaining of severe pains, in spite of his repeatedly asking why was she not being taken to the operating theatre to have the child removed, since there was no foetal heartbeat. It was not until the following morning, he said, that his request was heeded, and the baby delivered by caesarian section. PEEVED The Benn’s relatives are very peeved over the lackadaisical attitude of the doctor, and the hospital’s non-compliance with standard procedure. They are adamant that their child would have been alive had the doctor responded immediately the called. Meanwhile, word doing the rounds within the medical fraternity is that the baby had died, in utero, three days earlier. Family members are, however, challenging this, on the ground that two days before admission, the expectant mother had visited the high-risk clinic at the New Amsterdam Hospital, and was told that everything was okay. She was also advised that if the baby was not born by December 1, they would admit her. Further, a subsequent visit to the Whim Health Centre at midday on Thursday, after she complained of pains in the lower back was again proved that nothing was wrong with the pregnancy, except for a pelvic arch, which was preventing the baby from being delivered normally, resulting in the midwife taking her to the Lindon Benn with his wife Tarita Sewraj Benn during regional health institution. Baby Milody Joy Maria has since been laid to rest. her pregnancy
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
Lawrence calls for concerted action to fight hunger – at forum in Peru CARIBBEAN and Latin American (LATAM) governments must be “more proactive” in the fight against hunger and under-nourishment faced by some 35 million residents of the two Regions. If the Caribbean and LATAM states are serious about the ‘CELAC 2025 Plan for Food Security and Nutrition and Hunger eradication’ and the Strategic Development Agenda which will come to an end in 2030 and which were agreed to by 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries, “Governments have to be more proactive,” Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence said. Lawrence, who is just back from this week’s threeday VI Forum of the Parliamentary Front against Hunger (PFH) in Lima, Peru, pushed for continued national, regional and international dialogue to “place the eradication of hunger and
malnutrition atop the political agenda, as elements that contribute to the progressive realisation of the right to food”, during her address. She believes prudent spending on budgetary allocations to combat the physical and psychological effects of starvation is key in the Caribbean and Latin American struggle to beat food insecurity among their populations. However, school-aged children and the family must be the principal targets in the quest, Lawrence said. “We consider school-feeding policy as a fundamental tool to fight against hunger, food insecurity and under-nourishment. Therefore, we will work on legal frameworks in this matter to reach food security for all children. Towards this end, exchange of experiences between parliamentarians from countries with different degrees of advancement on this issue,” she said.
and malnutrition and to ensure smart spending of these budgetary allocations,” Lawrence said.
Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence
She also highlighted The fundamental role that family-farming programmes play in food security and nutrition, as the main food suppliers; hence, the need to begin work on legal frameworks to reach food security for all our children.” “We commit to continue to work with our governments and stakeholders to give priority in the national budget to programmes that would impact positively on the eradication of hunger
SUPPORT HAITI For the Caribbean specifically, Lawrence lobbied the global Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to remain steadfast in its backing of Haiti, “Since this country has the highest number of persons suffering from hunger in the Caribbean so the statistics would not change for the Region if this is not addressed.” Chronic, low levels of food production combined with a whopping US$4.75 billion annual extra-regional food import-bill has left Caribbean peoples very vulnerable to food insecurity. In addition, continuing inadequate public policy incentive frameworks to stimulate private-sector participation and investment, lack of sufficiently inclusive participatory
frameworks, weak public sector, private sector and civil society institutions and partnerships and inadequate legislative approaches and frameworks are not helping, particularly the Caribbean. But low agricultural production, a high food-import bill and a weak social infrastructure are not the only enduring obstacles threatening food security in the Caribbean. Last month, Jorge O’Ryan, FAO Governance Officer for the Caribbean, also highlighted low to negative growth rates, high public debt, and declines in foreign-exchange flows resulting from a decline in remittances, foreign investment and inflows from tourism and exports as additional obstructions to regional food security. O’Ryan addressing the theme ‘Governance for Food and Nutrition Security in Guyana,’ also singled out
loss of competitiveness in the traditional agricultural export product markets, e.g. sugar and bananas; high inflation and high economic losses from disasters due to the sub-Region’s “proneness to natural hazards, including hurricanes, droughts, flooding, landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions” as perennial challenges confronting CARICOM countries. These must have influenced Minister Lawrence’s call for a pact to be forged between the PFH of the Caribbean and LATAM states and extra-territorial regions, such as Africa, Asia-Pacific and other parliamentary organisations such as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) to “reinforce the legislative initiatives against poverty, hunger and malnutrition, and share experiences especially in developing nations.”
Commonwealth to develop sustainable plan for Iwokrama – Hub to help small states access millions for climate change By Neil Marks in Malta COMMONWEALTH Heads of Government have mandated the bloc’s London office to develop a plan to ensure the sustainability of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation. “What the heads told us to do is help in the creation of a sustainable financial business plan for Iwokrama and we are happy to work in that direction,” outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General Mr Kamalesh Sharma told Guyanese media Saturday evening. The Commonwealth once funded the Iwokrama project, but the body no longer provides budgetary support to projects anymore, Mr Sharma said. The announcement from Sharma came as Commonwealth leaders agreed to a new arrangement to help small states access funding for climate change. The Iwokrama Centre has had to be bailed out by government twice this year; it
Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma speaks during a press conference on Saturday in Malta
received two separate grants of US$100, 000. A high-level team has since been appointed to determine the way forward for the centre. President David Granger came to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Malta to lobby the Commonwealth to recommit its support to Iwokrama. The 371, 000- hectare
Iwokrama forest was offered as a gift to the Commonwealth in 1989 by then President Desmond Hoyte. In 1996, the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) was set up to manage the rainforest, “In a manner that will lead to lasting ecological, economic and social benefits to the people of Guyana and to the world in general.” Guyana is committed to Iwokrama and the viability of Iwokrama is tied up with the whole issue of global warming and climate change. Apart from 16 local communities, Iwokrama brings together scientists engaged in ground-breaking research into the impact of climate change on the forest and measuring the scope and value of its ecosystem services. HARVESTING Recently, the Iwokrama Centre announced that it has begun harvesting trees in the second phase of a project designed to bring in revenue and at the same time
demonstrate sustainable use of the forest. The centre will employ a 60-year cutting cycle, harvesting a maximum of 1,800 hectares per year (which is less than 0.5 per cent of the Iwokrama Forest) under a very selective harvesting regime, which will result in only a few stems per hectare being removed and no large gaps being created in the forest canopy. The setting up of a hub to help small states have greater access to funds to tackle climate change could be what Guyana needs. The initiative comes just ahead of the opening of the UN Climate Summit in Paris. The Commonwealth Finance Access Hub will help countries successfully bid for climate-action funding. “The flow of international climate funds for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed States, which are the most vulnerable to climate change, has remained problematic. The hub will assist in unlocking existing and new climate
funds for urgent adaptation and mitigation,” said Prime Minister of Mauritius Sir Anerood Jugnauth. Mauritius has agreed to host the hub, which will be linked to technical advisers across the Commonwealth. Australia has pledged US$1 million to the Climate Finance Access Hub. AMBITIOUS AGREEMENT The Commonwealth Heads of Government have called for an ambitious, equitable, inclusive climate-change agreement in Paris that will limit the rise in global temperatures to below 2 or 1.5 degrees. “We are deeply concerned about the threat posed by climate change, which continues to grow and to put at risk the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of our member states and citizens. Many of our most vulnerable states and communities are already facing the adverse impacts of climate change, which can roll back decades of development gains,” their statement said.
On Friday, developed Commonwealth countries reaffirmed their commitment to play their part in mobilising the US$100 billion every year by 2020 to address the adaptation and mitigation needs of developing countries. During the special CHOGM session on climate change, Canada pledged $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries cope with the issue and the UK £21 million for disaster management and £5.5 million for the ocean-based economy. “Forty-seven of the 53 Commonwealth nations have already declared their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, in other words, the concrete actions they will take to address climate change. We are very proud of this achievement and the fact that diverse nations with different perspectives were able to come together and speak with one voice on this issue which is so critical to our survival,” the Commonwealth Secretary-General said.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
GGDMA calls attention to alleged bullyism in mining industry THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is calling on the relevant authorities to arbitrate in a dispute between a miner operating a dredge on the Mazaruni River, and the Isseneru village council. “Miners cannot be subject to arbitrary double-tribute systems, and the whims of greedy village councils who have no right to bully and intimidate legitimate operators. The GGDMA condemns this sort of bullyism, and calls on the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, and the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs to recognise that this is not a “helpless” village council; rather, it is a council that has misled them
about the facts,” the GGDMA said in a statement Friday. In that statement, the association refutes as “erroneous utterances” media reports to the effect that a certain miner, despite being issued a cease order by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, was still operating in the area.
WIDESPREAD CONFLICT The area in question is near residential Isseneru on the Mazaruni River, in Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), which, again according to reports, was the source of widespread conflict between the miner and
the villagers. The said conflict reportedly led to Vice-President of the Amerindian People’s Association (APA) Tony Jones pleading for something to be done immediately to resolve the matter. But the GGDMA is adamant that the miner at reference, “Who has been operating in the area legally and uninterrupted for several years, volunteered to reduce his operations to allow for an impartial inspection to be carried out by the GGMC. This was done; no fault was found. The miner was cleared of all accusations of impropriety and he was allowed to resume his operations.” According to the GGD-
Pizza Hut returns under new franchise
From left are Corum Group’s Padma Kunj Beharry, Latin America’s Franchise Coach Carlos Martines, Pizza Hut’s Director of Marketing Navin Singh and Banks DIH Marketing Executive Carlton Joao
By Alex Wayne PIZZA lovers will now have their expectations deliciously fulfilled by going no further than Pizza Hut which is back in Guyana under new franchise ownership. The extensive menu of the new Pizza Hut will include Cheesey Sticks, Cinnamon Sticks, Brownies, Hershey Dunkers, , and next year will include the Wing Street Line. The Corum Group which includes Gravity Lounge, Marble Slab Creamery and the distribution of Maybelline, Revlon, and Loreal products will now be adding the illustrious brand to its portfolio. At a brief launching ceremony at the Gravity Lounge on Thursday, Pizza Hut’s Director of Marketing, Navin
Singh told the media that six stores will be opened in the span of three years, providing direct employment for over 350 employees. Two stores will be opened before the end of 2015 at Camp and Regent Streets, Georgetown, and at Stabroek Square, and strictly Coca Cola products will be used at both locations. BULK and SLICES He said to meet the pockets of every Guyanese, the new Pizza Hut will be the only pizza provider selling in both bulk and slices. Banks DIH Marketing Executive, Carlton Joao expressed his company’s delight to be involved in the initiative, and very pleased to be working with all the parties involved. Franchise Coach for Latin America, Carlos Martinez said he was excited that Piz-
za Hut is once again back in Guyana and the Caribbean. He said that several exciting initiatives are planned for the new year, especially for the upcoming Olympic festivities. He further stated that the recent partnership among all parties involved is a positive initiative, since it will provide employment for many Guyanese. Padma Kunj BeHarry, Corum’s Director of Sales and Supply Chain said that the company is finding a way to ensure all Guyanese enjoy almost all the offers that are available overseas right here on the local shores. HOCKEY SPONSORSHIP Moreover, they will be sponsoring the GCC Girls Hockey Team for the next three years as well.
MA, the miner has donated some 32 ounces of gold since he began working downstream from Isseneru earlier this year. “This was after a discussion with the council, and a demand for payment of a 12% tribute. Despite not having any legal right to collect such tribute,” the GGDMA said, adding: PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENT “What has not yet been communicated to the public is the fact that the village and the miner also had a previous arrangement, whereby he was granted permission to operate the same river dredge on village lands (in the village buffer zone) in exchange for a 12% tribute. This deal was negotiated and put in place by the village council which collected the tribute.” The arrangement between the Village Council and the miner, GGDMA said, was stopped by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), as it is illegal to mine in a buffer zone. According to the GGDMA, “The current/new arrangement for the tribute for the river dredge was an additional agreement, based more
on previous partnerships rather than in a legal right to demand tribute for lands which are not within the village’s title.” The Village Council, it contends, should not be collecting tribute for lands that are not within their boundaries; and the Mazaruni River is not part of any village’s land. “Permission to operate in this river is the sole jurisdiction of the State and its agent, the GGMC,” the association said, adding: “One would have expected that this would have been made clear by the ruling in October this year by the Honourable Chief Justice.”
COURT RULING Back in October, Chief Justice Ian Chang and Puisne Judge Rishi Persaud ruled that the Village of Jawalla does not own, possess or control the Mazaruni River. “It is clear that the Mazaruni River is not part and parcel of the village lands of Jawalla,” the two judges said in their judgement, adding: “It also appears that the Mazaruni River does not pass through the village lands of Jawalla, or lands contiguous with the village lands of Jawalla.” They further ruled that the Mazaruni River appears
to “pass along” rather than “through” the village. The Village Council of Isseneru has also claimed that the “dragga” (water dredge) was mining on lands near the school and health centre, as well as upstream from the village. But according to the GGDMA, “These are all fabrications. The “dragga’ has been mining downstream, and unless the village is subject to special laws of nature, the water will not reverse its flow upstream. The truth can be verified by the GGMC and from the report of the investigative team.” The association maintains that the miner is within his legal right; “a right he pays for, to operate a legitimate, certified and regularly inspected operation.” According to the GGDMA, as recent as Wednesday, November 24, the ‘dragga” was inspected by GGMC officials, and given the ‘all clear”, meaning that “no violation was found.” The association said while it is not saying that the village doesn’t have a right to object to operations that endanger their village, the clause “is being used in an ad hoc manner, even where there are no credible threats, as coercion to bully miners into paying tribute or other donations.”
Rich Indian art forms celebrated THE Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha yesterday hosted its annual festival of arts, Kala Utsav, at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra, Prashad Nagar. More than 200 young people under the age of 25 participated in friendly competitions in the categories of Ramayan chanting, male and female singing, duet singing, classical dance, folk dance and kirtan. Kala Utsav, introduced by the Sabha more than 20 years ago, was conceived as an innovative way of propagating and preserving the Indian art forms. It aims to motivate young people to continue the traditions of their foreparents and to achieve excellence in the various art forms, while at the same
The audience at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra was captivated by a series of enthralling performances (Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha photo)
time building the talent bases in the various regions. It is widely seen as a launch pad for talented youths across the country and allows talent to be discovered for future development.
Trophies, certificates and cash incentives were given to all the participants. The visiting troupe from the National Ramlila Council of Trinidad presented a short piece to open the Utsav.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
President: LGE will mend broken communities By Shauna Jemmott
WITH the holding of Local Government Elections by March next year, local communities will have the opportunity to take the lead in rebuilding the shattered communities in the society. This was the view of President Granger, who was at the time speaking at an elaborate ceremony to celebrate the 29th anniversary of St Francis Community Developers, and the commissioning of St Francis Guest House at Rose Hall Town, Berbice. While some communities have become disorganised with unsanitary conditions – potholed roads, clogged drains and canals, infrastructural neglect and abandonment among others – and some still burn or bury garbage, as others ignore building and zoning codes. The postponing of Local Government Elections over
years has created a managerial gap and left many communities in a state of neglect. Local Government Elections were last held in 1994. Recently, the government announced that the long overdue elections will be held in March 2016. “The over-centralised local government approach is no good. We are going to have Local Government Elections by March next year. We need communities which are elected,” he stated, winning hearty applause from hundreds in the audience. Region 6 is the only region in Guyana with three towns, and the President said the government is working to establish at least one town in each of Guyana’s 10 administrative regions. Earlier press reports named Mabaruma, Region 1; Bartica, Region7; Mahdia, Region 8; and Lethem in Region 9 as the government’s
choices for township upgrade before Guyana celebrates 50 years as an independent nation. Local governments, Mr Granger said, “Are in touch with the needs of the people [and given] their familiarity with the local conditions, [local officials] can mobilise resources.” With the establishment of such units, Granger said social problems such as alcoholism, drug abuse and suicide, which the region complained about, can be more adequately addressed. He encouraged NGOs to partner in this initiative. “We need the NGOs to partner if you are to overcome these problems. These organisations are favoured channels [and] donor organisations seek these organisations to boost community development.” IMPORTANT VALUES Education and other im-
portant values must Ministry of Communinow be considered by ties, Guyana will see community organisachanges in partnership tions, since communiwith NGOs. ty development has to “Guyana has to see be taught. a change, a change in They must inculorientation, a change cate “The values of in organisation. That is responsibility, relithe reason the Ministry ability, integrity [and] of Local Gov’t was regional identity,” renamed the Ministry values which he said of Communities. It is “cannot be learnt inmeant to change the tuitively, but have to attitude of the ministry be inculcated in the to the regions,” he said. uninitiated.” The President addWith Guyana goed that the change he ing green, citizens David Granger addresses the anniversary speaks about supports gathering (Photo by Cullen Bess-Nelson) have to understand the building communities importance of change, instead of imposing Let’s get energy from wind, adjust to using alternative from water, from the sun,” government. sources of energy, and man- the President said. “It is not a cosmetic age solid waste, among other Mr Granger also said his change, it emphasises a ways. government is committed to new policy and we intend to “We are so caught up ensuring NGOs survive, but create that change, not only with petroleum, we’ve for- the organisations will have to through the ministry but in gotten bio-gas, we’ve forgot- be accountable for the funds partnering with NGOs. We ten water. But East Berbice, in order to attract more need- do not intend to impose any Corentyne is almost an island ed support. policy on civil society with… let’s understand the enviHe is optimistic that with out extensive, exhausted ronment in which we live. government’s creation of the communication,” he said.
Granger stands behind Trotman to Vandal reportedly admits killing Essequibo granny lead Guyana at climate summit – says Jagdeo’s criticism unfair, unhelpful By Neil Marks in Malta PRESIDENT David Granger has dismissed criticism by former President Bharrat Jagdeo that Minister Raphael Trotman “has very vague understanding” of climate change issues and would not be able to adequately represent Guyana in Paris. “...we sent Minister Trotman to Paris and we have not heard what this government’s position on climate change is,” Jagdeo said this week. “I do not believe it is a fair comment,” President Granger said on the programme “The Public Interest” which is produced by the Ministry of the Presidency and aired on state TV NCN. Granger said he believes former presidents should be more prudent in their comments and Jagdeo’s comments about Minister Trotman just ahead of the Paris Climate Summit is “very unhelpful.” “We met him [Jagdeo] before; he knows our contact numbers and if he has a strong view , we can meet and sit and discuss it; we are an inclusionary government, we are an inclusive government. “We are prepared to sit and benefit from his experience, but to stay afar off and start to attack the representatives of this government is
not the behaviour we expect of a former head of state. “…I would welcome Mr Jagdeo sitting down and giving us the sort of brief, I feel, the new government is entitled to,” Mr Granger stated. The new administration has taken on board Jagdeo’s flagship programme on the environment – the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), but has modified it to suit its push towards a “green economy.” Granger said the LCDS was deficient in many areas and it was not understood by the masses, “and have made some modifications and we expect those modifications will guide us in the future.” “We do not support fully the design of the programme. “Many people got the impression that the whole idea or that a large part of the motivation under the previous administration was simply to get funds. “The result is that many people at the bottom did not really understand how the strategy would work for him. “Climate change is not just a matter of getting funds from another country.” Granger said the government is preparing a more complete strategy which includes coastal zone management (including sea defence and managing fresh-water reservoirs), water supply in the hinterland, and new av-
enues for generating energy. “We have modified the policy; we are looking at a more holistic strategy.” Climate change is not a money- making venture; it’s not a device to get money from one country and simply transferring it; it is a means of transforming the economy.” President Granger said Guyana will tap into the Commonwealth hub to help small states have greater access to funds to tackle climate change. The Commonwealth Finance Access Hub will help countries successfully bid for climate-action funding. “The hub will assist in unlocking existing and new climate funds for urgent adaptation and mitigation,” said Prime Minister of Mauritius, Sir Anerood Jugnauth. Mauritius has agreed to host the Hub, which will be linked to technical advisers across the Commonwealth. Australia has pledged US$1 million to the Climate Finance Access Hub.The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting has called for an ambitious, equitable, inclusive climate change agreement in Paris that will limit the rise in global temperatures to below 2 or 1.5 degrees. “We are deeply concerned about the threat posed by climate change, which continues to grow and to put
at risk the economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being of our member states and citizens. “Many of our most vulnerable states and communities are already facing the adverse impacts of climate change, which can roll back decades of development gains,” their statement said. On Friday, developed Commonwealth countries reaffirmed their commitment to play their part in mobilising the US$100 billion every year by 2020 to address the adaptation and mitigation needs of developing countries. During the special CHOGM session on climate change, Canada pledged $2.65 billion over five years to help developing countries cope with the issue, andt he UK pledged £21 million for disaster management and £5.5 million for the ocean-based economy. “Forty-seven of the 53 Commonwealth nations have already declared their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, in other words the concrete actions they will take to address climate change. “We are very proud of this achievement and the fact that diverse nations with different perspectives were able to come together and speak with one voice on this issue which is so critical to our survival,” the Commonwealth Secretary- General Kamalesh Sharma said.
By Leroy Smith
AN Essequibo man yesterday reportedly confessed to killing 73-year-old Suroojpattie Ramlakhan, called “Aunty Carmen,” who was found murdered in her Richmond Essequibo home in February this year. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday afternoon, Divisional Commander Superintendent Kevin Adonis said that at the time of the confession, the suspect was being investigated for a break and enter offence which was committed on Saturday last. According to Adonis, investigators, while matching the man’s prints against those found at the murder scene earlier this year placed him at the crime scene. It was also reported that the same man was held in February for the woman’s murder, but there was not enough evidence to charge him with the crime. Police ranks over the weekend questioned the man about the role he played in the woman’s death and he reportedly detailed to them how he committed the act. Those details were, however, not communicated to this publication as the police are continuing their investigation into the matter. In February also, the police had picked up the woman’s nephew following her murder, but he was later released as the evidence
against him was not strong. He had been held back then because of information that the murder might have stemmed from a property dispute. Ramlakhan lived by herself and she had no children. On the day the woman’s body was discovered, neighbours had observed a reptile crawling into her yard and began shouting for her. However they got no response and upon checking they found her door ajar. When the persons pushed the door they discovered the woman sprawled with a bottle inserted into her private parts and there were marks of violence on her neck. They immediately exited the home and telephoned the police who turned up and conducted investigations. The incident had caused the residents to call on the police to ensure that there are more police patrols in the communities and along the Essequibo Coast. Meanwhile, Commander Adonis told the Guyana Chronicle that the suspect will be charged with two counts of break and enter while the file pertaining to the alleged murder confession will be prepared and sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for advice. The suspect is said to be known to the community as he would often enter people’s homes illegally and make good his escape before the arrival of the police.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
More foster parents needed – some 700 abandoned children live in orphanages By Svetlana Marshal THERE are in excess of 700 abused and abandoned children living in orphanages across Guyana, but the alarming figure can be reduced significantly if persons take up the mantle of becoming foster parents. Since 2009, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) has managed to put approximately 200 children in foster homes. Due to lack of foster parents, they are institutionalised in 23 homes, much to the dissatisfaction of the agency and the Social Protection Ministry. “Too many children are being institutionalised,” Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence said, adding that it is not good for a child to grow up from a tender age until adulthood in an orphanage. Hence, she said the need for foster parents is great. “To become a foster parent doesn’t mean permanently parenting a child, but is filling a gap until the process of reunification is completed.” CURBING MANY SOCIAL PROBLEMS In taking up such a challenge, the Social Protection Minister said persons would directly and indirectly help to curb many of the social problems facing society. “We are trying to decrease crimes committed by our young people and the decay in morals… and foster care can help. They
can enjoy a family relationship, share love, and have someone to talk to and to explore all the possibilities of being a child and growing up normal.” The minister was at the time speaking to the Guyana Chronicle at a Fun Day held at the YMCA ground on Saturday to mark the end of Foster Care Month, which is observed annually in the month of November. CCPA Administrative Manager of the Foster Care Department, Colleen Khan, who was also present at the event which allowed foster children to bond with their guardians, explained that foster care in Guyana was instituted approximately five years ago with the aim of reducing the high number of children who are institutionalised. Children are often removed from their primary caregivers because they were abused or faced the likelihood of being a victim of abuse, whether it is a case of physical or sexual abuse, neglect or abandonment. “Foster care is an alternative arrangement for children who would have been removed from their biological homes for a variety of reasons. It gives them that family base,” she further explained. IT’S NOT AN ADOPTION The process of becoming a foster parent is very simple, since it is not an adoption and does not require the legal process of going to
“We are trying to decrease crime committed by our young people and the decay in morals…and foster care can help. They can enjoy a family relationship, share love, and have someone to talk to and to explore all the possibilities of being a child and growing up normal” - Social Protection Minister
Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence interacting with one of the foster parents during the fun day at YMCA
the court to get custody of a child. Any person desirous of becoming a foster parent would need to complete an application form provided by the agency before a home study and visit are done. Additionally, the agency would conduct criminal and medical checks on the applicant before an appointment is made with the CCPA Director. The director has the authority to approve or disapprove the application based on the findings. However, if the approval is granted, the applicant will be placed on a foster care register before being matched with a child from one of the residential homes. MONTHLY STIPEND “After placement, each case is assigned to an officer
who is tasked with monitoring the child on a monthly basis. A monthly stipend is given which amounts to $18,000 per month,” Khan explained, while adding that programmes have been established to offer additional support. According to her, children are often fostered for a period of three to six months before the process of reunification takes place. However, there are times when children would remain within their foster homes for more than a year. The Guyana Chronicle caught up with one of the parents who has been fostering children for more than four years. Melanie Writes, a 39-year-old officer of the Guyana Police Force, said she was inspired to become a foster parent approximate-
The Child Care and Protection Agency Administrative Manager of the Foster Care Department, Colleen Khan
Melanie Writes and her foster son
ly four years ago, having read about three children who were abandoned by their mother. Writes upon reading the story contacted the CCPA with the hope of caring for the specific group which included a baby, but instead was matched with two other children, “a blessing in disguise,” for her. At the time, the children were ages two and four. They were taken to the agency by their grandmother, who at the time had indicated that she was unable to care for them. Their mother
reportedly made “trips into the interior.” Writes said fostering those two children, who only this year were reunited with their parents, allowed her the opportunity to teach them how to read and write. “I taught them how to read and trained and groomed them for society,” she added. By mid-2015, Writes opted to foster again, this time a three-year-old boy. Based on her investigation, his mother has seven children, including him and begs for a living.
Oldendorff, PUGWU sign labour agreement By Clifford Stanley WORKERS of Oldendorff Carriers (Guyana) Incorporated (OCGI), the company contracted by the Russian Bauxite Company of Guyana Incorporated (BCGI) to trans-ship bauxite from mines along the Berbice River, will soon benefit from trade union representation after a hiatus of four years. This “much-anticipated development” was reported to Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes during a meeting with top officials of the company at its office on Esplanade Road, New Amsterdam, Berbice, Friday last. Marlon Jaundoo, OCGI
Senior Finance and Administrative Manager, said that all of the clauses in a Collective Labour Agreement (CLA) with the union of the workers’ choice, except one relating to arbitration, had been agreed by both parties. NO MAJOR OBSTACLE He said he did not see the impasse over the arbitration clause as a major obstacle to the signing of a CLA by early next month. OCGI provides employment for a large number of Guyanese. The union which will be providing services to the many workers who have been without representation since 2011, is the People United and General Workers Union (PUGWU).
contracts, ranging from one, three and six months, and that even after many years of service, many are still not permanently employed. According to PUGWU General Secretary Micah Williams, OCGI was using employment contracts and the casual classification as a mechanism through which to rob Guyanese workers of their benefits, and tamper with their welfare. Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes
As recently as June last, officials of that union had alleged that the company employs a large number of Guyanese workers on short-term
NO GUARANTEES The OCGI short-term contract does not guarantee any long-term employment. The contracts contain clauses that provide for OCGI to terminate workers’ employment at any time without any reason being given, and as
such, the contract does not guarantee job security. The union, in its generally agreed draft CLA, provides for all workers to be permanently employed after serving a three-month probationary period, with satisfactory performance. Last Friday, Minister Broomes said she was eager for the signing of the CLA to become a reality. A WELCOME DEVELOPMENT Her ministry, she noted, had played a major role in pushing the process forward, and the much-anticipated signing would be a welcome development, not only for the ministry but for all at the company, particularly the
workers. In January 2006, Oldendorff Carriers commenced operations in Guyana under an 11-year contract with one of the carrier’s long-term customers, RUSAL, via its affiliate, Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc. The contract consists of a one-year period in which an intermediate transloading solution was in place, and a 10-year period, where the operation forms a complete logistics solution facilitating barging, offshore loading and ocean transportation of around two to two-and-a-half million tonnes per annum of bauxite from mines located some 131 nautical miles up the Berbice River.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
Accused swindler Onset of Christmas brings mixed reaction fearful for life According to Ferrier in his press statement, he was charged in July, 2015 with fraudulent conversion of $240,000,000 (two hundred and forty million dollars) from Mohammed’s Enterprise.
Businessman Eon Ferrier
BUSINESSMAN Eon Ferrier who is accused of swindling $120 million from Nazar Mohamed, proprietor of Mohamed’s Enterprise on Lombard Street, is fearful for his life. In a press release distributed to all media outlets, Ferrier stated: “I continue to receive direct threats to my life and reports that my life is in danger. I believe that a resort to sending this press release to the media is the only form of fighting back against imminent danger and insuring myself and family against injury or worse.” It is alleged that between June 22 and 23 at Bartica, Ferrier was entrusted with the sum of $120 million to purchase gold by Mohamed. However, Ferrier reportedly converted the money to his own use and benefit. The defendant first appeared before Magistrate Ann McLennan on July 1 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to prison. The matter was subsequently transferred to the Bartica Magistrates Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess. Magistrate Bess recused himself from hearing the case against the businessman and had announced that he was sending the matter back to the Chief Magistrate and that he would no longer preside over the matter. Last July, Ferrier was granted bail in the sum of $15 million by acting Chief Justice Ian Chang.
KIDNAP ATTEMPT “I formerly served as an agent for the largest gold purchaser for Mohammed’s while operating out of Bartica. On or around the 28th day of June, 2015, the proprietors of Mohammed’s Enterprise swarmed my office, accosted myself and another worker, opened the safe and carted off 1,173 ounces of gold, 510 ounces of which belonged to a customer Mr. Davenand Seenarine, and $7.5 million Guyana dollars. “I was then accosted and [was] in the process of being taken away to a waiting private plane by the proprietors of Mohammed’s Enterprise and their heavily armed ‘security guards’. My sister arrived at the premises and was alarmed at what she reasonably believed to be an attempt to kidnap me. The police were alerted and I was handed over to their custody, an intervention which probably saved my life. I was then formally arrested and charged,” Ferrier stated. Prior to this incident, he said he was badly beaten by one of the proprietors associated with the entity who had threatened to “out” me on behalf of his handlers. With threats being made on his life and that of his family, his sister (who had never done any business with Mohamed’s Enterprise) was forced to sign a promissory note for in excess of $1 billion in favour of the proprietors of Mohammed’s. CHARGED He explained that after his arrest, he was taken before the court and charged with the offence of fraudulently converting $120,000,000 on a single case jacket and subsequently an additional $120,000,000 on four other case jackets, totalling $240,000,000 on
five different case jackets. He continued: “I was also denied my pre-trial liberty. After several weeks, I was admitted to bail in the unprecedented sum of $20 million. The special prosecutor appointed by the DPP and paid for by Mohammed’s Enterprises was forced to withdraw the charge which alleged that I had fraudulently converted the sum of $120,000,000. After the matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrates Court, the presiding magistrate informed the court that he had been instructed to recuse himself from hearing the case.” Ferrier explained that a new magistrate who was identified and transferred to Bartica to hear this particular case, subsequently refused an application by his attorney to have the matter ultimately determined by a jury, but instead decided that he alone should be the sole arbiter. His attorneys subsequently approached the High Court for Prerogative Orders challenging the decision to remove the regular Bartica magistrate from hearing the case. An Order Nisi was granted in his favour requiring the authorities to show cause why the decision to remove the previous magistrate was not a decision which was biased and not one made by the magistrate himself. This matter continues to engage the attention of a judge of the High Court, but the magistrate has already indicated that he does not intend to await the outcome of these proceedings. Meanwhile, in November, Ferrier was accused of invading a mining camp at Puruni, Region 7, and beating, raiding and terrorising the occupants. Brazilian Nide Carneiro Malhao identified Ferrier as one of a nine-member gang that mercilessly beat his brother. The gunmen who were armed with high-powered rifles also threatened to kill Malhao’s employees if they remained on the camp grounds.
By Clestine Juan WITH the busiest season of the year once more upon us, the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday headed out to the Giftland Mall at Turkeyen to find out what the public thought of it. The following are some of the responses we got:
FRANCINE FRANCE: “For me, Christmas is time to be with family; it’s filled with cooking and cleaning.... But most of all, it’s an exciting time for the children.”
KEISHA PARKS, sales representative: “The Christmas Season is on; that means work and more work. But I can’t wait to decorate my house and the Christmas Tree, and to spend time with my family.”
KESTER HUSTON: “Well, the season has kicked in. For me, as a father, it’s all about the family and the warmth of the house, filled with meals and laughter.”
SHARIE SINGH: “Right now, I’m not feeling the spirit; I am the Christmas Grinch. But this season, I will be donating to charity, and looking forward to receiving tons of gifts.”
DENZEL THOMPSON, Salvation Army Officer: “It is the season of giving, and we are going all out to take care of the less fortunate to make this Christmas one of the greatess. But I will be spending it with my Salvation Army family, since my own family is home in Jamaica.”
YOLANDA SKELDON: “I was expecting this season to be a little better, but with the slowdown of the economy.... But the highlight of the season is the beautification of Guyana and the city.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
Planning is everything for last minute Christmas shopping in G/town By Rabindra Rooplall THE season is here, with its wonderful anticipation and all-pervasive feeling of bonhomie magically charging the atmosphere. Of all the holidays in a calendar year, Christmas is easily the most exciting. You may be one of thousands of Guyanese who wait until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts; or you may not know exactly what to get for whom; or sometimes you may just have so many people to buy for that you never seem to get finished without the last-minute headaches. Amidst the annual Christmas cluster in Georgetown, which is prompted by last minute deals, discounts and just the entire social aspect of being in the City at that time of year, here are some ideas for how to avoid the last minute fluster. This advice is based on a cumulative compilation based on women who were willing to share their opinions on condition of anonymity.
local store in Guyana who were smart enough to have sponsored ads circulating, making things easier for consumers. Resolve to spend more time in preparation and less in the actual shopping.
BE PREPARED Preparation is the key to avoiding holiday stress. If you’re not the type that has a schedule or notepad in front of you and plot out what would be the best days and hours to do your holiday shopping, then there will be last minute blunders; and on many occasions you will end up spending over your budgets and still not getting what you really wanted. Try to avoid peak shopping times and overcrowded holiday spots. Early morning weekday hours during the
beginning of the week are a good time to avoid crowds. KNOW WHAT YOU REALLY WANT Window shopping and wasting time can increase stress when shopping actually begins, so going from store to store looking for that one right gift won’t really solve the issue. Simply check your local newspapers for advertisements that interest your appeal, and budget for that gift; or, better yet, Facebook has everything under the sun being advertised; yes, and there are those
DON’T HAVE ENOUGH CASH? Many may not have the extra cash for the holidays, but there are homemade gifts that are actually heart-warming, once given sincerely, since they are more personal and unique than commercial gifts. Thus the appeal and memory can last from year to year. For example, organising the compilation of family photos and making an album is priceless; having children compile songs they sing on a CD for a loved one is also unique; or simply making a dish or a picture frame for someone who would appreciate such is amazing; or buying those gift vouchers that are also tangible. In addition, consider gym memberships, flowers and
chocolates delivered to the address of the recipient. Trust me, it works. INTERNET SHOPPING CRAZE Some people are notoriously difficult to buy for. If you are faced with buying a gift for the person who has everything, perhaps the easiest method for avoiding stress is simply to ask them what they want, and go to ZoOn Online Shopping in Georgetown, PAS Cargo online shopping in Waterloo Street Georgetown, or one of the innumerable online sources to shop from. However, there are a lot of scammers out there, so I would advise consumers to buy from reputable and trusted or well-established online stores or marketplaces, and ensure that sellers or merchants have a good reputation and track record. If you see deals or offers that are too good to be true, then they probably are; try and avoid them. Shoppers are often tempted into taking up unbelievable offers, and in
doing so, purchase a product that never arrives; or they inadvertently divulge their private and financial details to scammers. When purchasing online, always make sure you’re using a secure payment method at the checkout. This will ensure that the information being sent in the transaction is encrypted and can’t be intercepted. You can confirm that an online store’s checkout is encrypted by making sure there is a little lock icon visible in the address bar, followed by ‘https’ and not ‘http’. Many people have been scammed locally. You might receive an unsolicited email saying that you’ve received a prize in a competition, or a parcel that needs to be delivered, but to receive it you first need to pay an administrative fee or extra postage. Be very wary! Don’t give out any details or pay any fees upfront to claim a ‘free’ item from someone via an unsolicited email, message or phone call.
Young pilot recalls trauma of spotting Kaieteur jumper By Shauna Jemmott A YOUNG pilot has credited his military training for holding his ground during a testing experience when he was the first to spot the body of the woman who recently plunged to death at the world-famous Kaieteur Falls, utilising his binoculars as he hung off a nearby cliff. Captain Gerry Gouveia Jnr said he had never before experienced such trauma and believes that a woman in the worst state of distress could have been met somewhere else along the path of depression if officials had found it vital to reach out. On November 21, Roshinee Pagwah, 21, of Reliance Abandon, East Canje, Berbice, plunged to her death over the 741-foot Kaieteur Falls around 11:00 hrs, and was later confirmed dead by personnel of the Ministry of Tourism. The media reported that she had stopped and took a long, thoughtful look at the Kaieteur Falls just moments before running for the fatal jump. The Guyana Chronicle reported the following day: “According to Tremayne Junor, Roraima Airways Marketing and Public Relations (PR) Assistant, who was pres-
Captain Gerry Gouveia Jnr
ent at the scene, the young lady appeared to be very reserved during the trip to the world’s largest single-drop waterfalls.” The story further stated that Pagwah had travelled alone and had appeared “withdrawn from the group” of 11 persons, which included two tour guides, a Kaieteur ranger and a staff member of Roraima Airways, Junor. The passengers were taken on a Roraima Airways flight, piloted by the young Gouveia, for a day view of the Kaieteur known for being the world’s longest one-drop falls, pouring 741 feet into its gorge. “It was definitely shocking,” Gouveia told the
Chronicle. He stopped during his busy schedule preparing for the final send-off of their company’s Chief Pilot Alvin Clarke, who died of cancer earlier that same morning in his brother’s bed in Canada, while visiting there for medical evaluation. He said hearing that a passenger had plunged over the waterfall was one of the worst things he has ever heard since he had become a pilot. “When the girl [staff] was running up to me, I figured maybe she was bringing me some food. When she told me [what had happened] I was in shock,” he recounted. “She had to say it two or three times and when it registered, I just started making my way down to the falls because I knew if there was nothing I could do for her, I needed to help my other passengers who were down there. So I was lucky enough to be down there within minutes of the event and the passengers had just made it up to the guest house.” “I’m not sure if it was the military training, [but] a different part of me took over. Emotions weren’t a part of it. It was very mission-oriented. So I made sure everyone was ok and I checked on them and assigned one of the tour
guides to take them back up,” he said. He said he then took the only man who saw the entire episode and they retraced the steps. “And that’s when I started my look for her.” Gouveia Jnr, along with a small number of tour guides and colleague Captain Emil Jahan were at the side of Kaieteur with binoculars searching for the body, and “then I finally found the body, identified that it was her and then I had the tour guides track her location.” However, he said the experience was not “very emotional” but was “definitely a
very mission-oriented experience.” At 28 years old, he had already spent close to eight years in the Canadian military, both in Infantry and Airforce bases, and has a tendency to switch personalities in an emergency situation with the soldier being foremost. He flew in Canada for five years before returning home and has been a pilot employed with Roraima, flying into the jungle of Guyana about a year now. “That kind of training, it sticks with you. When these kinds of emergency events happen a switch goes off
and you start thinking objective-oriented and mission-oriented.” He believes Pagwah’s life could have been saved if Guyana’s mental health systems had prevented it. “It is just unfortunate that our mental health systems in Guyana could not have prevented this. There’s only so much you can do on the receiving end at the falls itself, but if someone is determined you have to get to them long before they actually make the decision,” he said, adding that, “We could have gotten to her sooner.”
Murder charge awaits hospitalised man THE Paradise, Essequibo Coast man who reportedly murdered his 24-yearold wife last Saturday and later attempted suicide is likely to face a murder charge if he makes it out of hospital alive. Vishnu Narine, 25 years, reportedly stabbed Malini Narine to death following a domestic dispute and then used the same
knife to inflict a wound to his neck. The incident took place at the couple’s Paradise, Essequibo home. Police Commander Kevin Adonis said yesterday that based on information received, the couple had a heated argument and Narine advanced to Malini with the kitchen knife and stabbed her. When police investiga-
tors arrived at the scene, they found Vishnu lying on his wife’s body and after it was found that he was alive, they rushed him to the Suddie Hospital where doctors are trying to save his life, as he remains under police guard. The man who is reportedly an alcoholic and his wife were home alone at the time of the incident.
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ONE LAST FLIGHT
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
– return of the body of the late Captain Alvin Winston Clarke from Canada
Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes comforts the daughters of Captain Clarke
By Shauna Jemmott HEROES come and heroes go, but even as Captain Alvin Winston Clarke has passed on to the Great Beyond, Roraima Airways Chief Executive Officer Captain Gerry Gouveia, gave him a “Hero’s welcome” when five airplanes, a sky-van and a helicopter lined the airwaves in arranged choreography as they transferred his body from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport to the Ogle International Airport late on Friday afternoon. The night sky was lit with the lights of airplanes as the entourage, which included team-leader Gerry Gouveia, several pilots, Roraima Airways staff, family, a few friends and the media surrounded the sky-van on the aerial return and landed at 5:38 pm on the runway, which the late Captain Clarke used to dominate with his take-offs and landings as a pilot. Clarke’s body was flown from Canada by Fly Jamaica airline, and touched down at 4:20 pm on Friday. He was given a welcome deserving of the hero he had become to thousands over the years. A fleet of airplanes, led by the BK Skytruck, departed Ogle airport for the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), and awaited his arrival. On the tarmac at the CJIA, scores of aviators formed an honour passage as his body, taken off the Fly Jamaica Jet, was transferred onto the BK Skytruck. The fleet of seven air-
craft, led by the Skytruck, flew over the city of Georgetown before touching down at the Ogle Airport, where his body was borne by pilots and placed in the Merriman’s Funeral Home hearse and taken away. Captain Clarke was fighting for his life but lost to the dreaded disease cancer on Saturday, November 21, while he was in Canada for a medical evaluation. He was remembered today as hero, friend, pilot, dad, humorous, handsome, and a man worthy of great honour. Captain Clarke was known as one who cared deeply about the survival of those whose lives were at stake, and he flew at any hour at nights to transport passengers in need of urgent medical help. A HERO He had been hero and friend to Attorney-at-Law and Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Nigel Hughes, who credited the pilot with saving his life. Speaking to the media at Ogle on Friday, Hughes declared, “I am alive today because of him”. He explained that it was Clark who had travelled into the interior at an hour many would not feel is worth the sacrifice, and had flown him miles out of Guyana’s hinterland to where he could access medical help. “When I had my heart episode in Purudi at 1:00 am in the morning, he flew into Aishalton with unlit runway with flambeaux (lamps) inside and flew me out, and that’s what saved me; and
Pilots bearing the body of Captain Alvin Clarke during the hero’s welcome given to him by Captain Gerri Gouveia and Roraima Airways
One final flight: The fleet of aircraft transport Captain Clarke away from Timehri
that’s about four hours after I had the heart attack.” Hughes said that when he heard of the pilot’s illness eight months ago, he knew he needed to be there for him and his family through a very difficult period. Now that Clark has passed on, Hughes joined the party to welcome his hero one final time, “Only to make sure that he arrives here and he is treated with the dignity that he deserves. As a friend, that’s the least I could do.” Captain Gouveia, Clarke’s employer and closest buddy, said that for the 40 years they had bonded, he had found Clarke to be dependable. Even strangers trusted his sure response every time there was a distant emergency call. “He was dependable. When the people on the hinterland of Guyana -- all over this hinterland -- when this country was sleeping at night, they know they could have called Roraima and they know that Roraima would respond. I could have stayed in my bed because I know that he would do it, and if he
couldn’t do it and didn’t do it, I had to do it. And because he was there, I didn’t have to do it, and he did it and he did it for years, and he did it well,” Gouveia said. WOULD BE DIFFERENT With sadness printed all over his face, Captain Gouveia stood strong to receive the late Captain Clarke, managing the event and speaking to the media. He said work at Roraima and life in general would be different with his Chief Captain gone forever. “…but I’ll miss him. He was a fantastic guy. I will tell you that a Guyanese hero died in the realest sense of the word.” Gouveia said Clarke had a fantastic sense of humour. He is the pilot’s pilot. He is tall, dark and handsome,” he reflected with his first smile. After leaving the army, Clarke became one of the leading Medivac pilots at Roraima and in Guyana, generally risking his life to save a life almost weekly, Captain Gouveia revealed. “Medivac in Guyana is very difficult because me-
divac means you’re actually going into that jungle in the dead of the night, sometimes in the worst weather conditions, and landing on runways with flambeaus on it to save people’s lives; and he’s done it countless times, sometimes five/six times a month. So he’s really an exceptional guy.” He reminisced on the night Hughes’s life was saved: “It was a terrible night, raining, and he went. And we know the confidence that we have that every time we launch him in the dead of the night, we know that he is coming back.” Gouveia said that after learning of Clarke’s illness and that he was terminally ill, he and Hughes had written President Granger. “We asked the President to consider giving Alvin a national award when he was still alive. If there was a person who deserved a national award, not only because he was a pilot -- but he was a pilot of exceptional skills, but more particularly of exceptional courage, and I think that is what nation-
al awardees are made of, that’s the purpose of national awards. And if there is anyone that deserved a national award, he did,” Gouveia said, holding back tears. Speaking of the welcome home the pilot received from Roraima, Gouveia quickly alluded, “But you know, what we honoured him this afternoon. He deserved it,” he said. Roraima, in a statement to the press, said: “Captain Clarke served as an officer and pilot in [the] Guyana Defence Force, and gained ‘Veteran Medivac Pilot’ status over the years, belting more than thirteen thousand (13,000) hours of flight time. He also served as Roraima’s Chief Pilot from April 1, 2005 up to the time of his death. He was nominated for a National Award by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes and Roraima Airways for his sterling contribution to aviation and medical evacuations. It is our hope that this nomination is considered by the Government of Guyana”.
GUYANA CHRONICLE MONday, NOVEMEBR 30, 2015
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
Renee Chester: one of Guyana’s m By Shauna Jemmott
RENEE Chester has become one of the most
sought after make-up artists in Guyana. Her work is celebrated by those who recognise great art work;
and she has miraculously managed to become the distributor of a major universal brand, a lecturer in
the application of cosmetics, and one who is on an upward move which seems eternal.
President David Granger, on a countrywide campaign to stir up his approval of youth entrepreneurship, is
Founder of Bromeliad.rnc, Black Opal authorized distributor Renee Chester
encouraging Guyanese to own their own; and Renee Chester, founder of Bromeliad.rnc., stopped to talk with this publication about her miraculous breakthrough and a career which has synchronised her fashion lifestyle, effecting passion and success. Renee said it was just one walk looking for one shade of make-up that opened doors she never imagined she would have been able to walk through so easily. “This career literally bumped into me while (I was) strolling around in Bridgetown, Barbados,” she said in an interview with this publication. “I walked into the office of the product manager of Black Opal Barbados, hoping she could match my shade and sell me the right foundation. She did (match the shade), we chatted (and) exchanged numbers, (and) she told me that I should think about taking some products back to Guyana and sell. I said okay. “I did do that, (and) sold out in the first week just by using my BBM (Blackberry Messenger) contacts. And that was it!” It could be Renee’s model look, charming personality and communication skills which propelled her into the prosperous industry as a Black Opal Guyana resident representative, being trained by the company for which USA First Lady Michelle Obama and the world’s named number-one black supermodel, Alek Wek, have been faces in marketing. Chester has developed
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
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most sought after make-up artists talents of a master in the sector, and is now a recognized trainer with the rights to certify new professional make-up artists here. Before that, she had been a poet, writer, professional dancer, model, and designer, and the woman known to carry strong resemblance to Guyana’s first Miss Universe representative, Miss Guyana 1999 Morvenia Sobers. Her public life was always known to be positive, but with a profession in dance, poetry or fashion, progress could be a turtle’s approach. That is why she loved the idea of being her own entrepreneur, but never thought it would come so easily. “I’ve always known that I’d be better off as an entrepreneur; but, before 2010, I honestly didn’t know it would have been in the beauty industry, especially as a make-up artist. “I am internationally trained and certified as a Professional Makeup Artist (MUA). Under the Bromeliad.rnc umbrella, my services cater makeup application for any occasion. I’m mainly sought after for bridal makeup and pageant makeup application. I’m constantly booked for photoshoots, TV/film and many random events. “I also teach and certify persons as makeup artists. My programme is actually called “Become a Makeup Artist”.” Black Opal is known as a popular “beauty destination for women of color”, and Renee was made authorized distributor here. She is founder of “Bromeliad.rnc”, the makeup studio located
at 28 Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown, and she explained that it represents her target group, women. “The Bromeliad is a tropical plant comprising of over 3100 species. Part of the description of a Bromeliad is (that they) feature exotic
One of the gorgeous Black Opal faces of Bromeliad.rnc. looking foliage that can come in a variety of colours. This foliage differs widely from species to species. Leaves can be broad and fleshy or needle thin, proportionally displayed or asymmetrical, sharp and spiky or smooth and soft.” She added: “We (women) too come in a variety of colours, tones, shades. It is no secret the Bromeliad is defined as ‘a beautiful flower’, and I’ve used this comparison to structure my skill in helping women realize this through makeup.” Renee says she loves See page 22
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
Formalise moratorium on death penalty THE European Union (EU) has called on Caribbean countries which have retained the death penalty to formalise their unofficial moratorium on the punishment. The EU made the recommendation at the recently concluded Caribbean Regional Conference on Abolition of the Death Penalty held at the Arthur Chung International Conference Centre. The conference hosted in collaboration with the International Commission against the Death Penalty, also recommended that countries that still have capital punishment respect international and regional human rights law and standards relating to the death penalty; continued engagement with governments in the Caribbean Region as they take steps towards eventual abolition of the death penalty; the strengthening of justice system structures, including ensuring that it is sufficiently resourced, that it has the capacity of effectively investigate crimes, ensuring that victims are supported, ensur-
ing adequate legal assistance to vulnerable sections of society; and advance human rights education as part of the curriculum for citizenship studies. The conference concluded that there have been and always will be cases of executions of innocent people. “No matter how developed a justice system is, it will always remain susceptible to human failure. Unlike prison sentences, the death penalty is irreversible and irreparable. “The death penalty is often used in a disproportional manner against the poor, minorities and members of racial, ethnic, political and religious groups. “The death penalty violates the right to life, which happens to be the most basic of all human rights. It also violates the right not to be subjected to torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. Furthermore, the death penalty undermines human dignity, which is inherent to every human being,” the EU said in
a statement that includes the recommendation and conclusions of the recently held forum. LACKS DETERRENT EFFECT It added that the death penalty lacks the deterrent effect, which is commonly referred to by its advocates. The General Assembly of the United Nations had recently stated: “There is no conclusive evidence of the deterrent value of the death penalty” (UNGA Resolution 65/206). “It is noteworthy that in many retentionist states, the effectiveness of the death penalty in order to prevent crime is being seriously questioned by a continuously increasing number of law enforcement professionals. “Public support for the death penalty does not necessarily mean that taking away the life of a human being by the state is right. There are undisputed historical precedents where gross human rights violations had had the support of a majority of the
people, but which were condemned vigorously later on,” the EU said. The EU also said that it is the job of leading figures and politicians to underline the incompatibility of capital punishment with human rights and human dignity. “It needs to be pointed out that public support for the death penalty is inextricably linked to the desire of the people to be free from crime. However, there exist more effective ways to prevent crime,” the European governing body noted. The conference was funded by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights and the British High Commission in Guyana. Twenty-five participants came from Europe and the Caribbean Region, as well as numerous participants from
Guyana. The European External Action Service, the International Commission against the Death Penalty, the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Abolition of the Death Penalty, the World Coalition against the Death Penalty, Greater Caribbean for Life, Parliamentarians for Global Action, Guyana Human Rights Association, Justice Institute Guyana, Human Rights Commission Belize, National Human Rights Defence Network Haiti, and the Ministry of Legal Affairs of Guyana also participated at the conference. CITIES FOR LIFE DAY Meanwhile, today is Cities for Life Day when cities around the world celebrate the abolition of the death penalty. On this day in 1786, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany became the first civil state in the world to get rid of capital punishment. Over 414,000,000 South Americans can join in today’s celebrations. Each and every one of them lives in a country
that has abolished the death penalty, the Justice Institute Guyana said, but noted that Guyana still retains the death penalty. “The Justice Institute Guyana calls upon the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to begin immediately a national inquiry into the causes and factors which contribute to murder in Guyana. The Justice Institute notes that the Guyanese people did not choose to have the death penalty. It is the result of colonialism. On 26th May 2016, Guyana will celebrate 50 years as an independent state. The Justice Institute Guyana calls on the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to begin an immediate public education campaign with a view to abolishing the death penalty no later than midnight on the 25th May 2016. This great Golden Jubilee of Independence should not be tainted by such a barbaric remnant of colonialism as the death penalty,” the institute said in a release.
Group petitions gov’t for extension of Walter Rodney CoI THE Justice for Walter Rodney Campaign presented a 1,000+ signature petition to Governance Minister Raphael Trotman on Thursday, calling for the inquiry to be extended to facilitate a more comprehensive closure. The Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (WRCoI) Report is scheduled for submission by 30th November. The campaign, spearheaded by Guyanese in London, requested Karen de Souza to hand over the petition on its behalf, a release from the campaign said. On November 13, the petition was handed over to officials at the Guyana Embassy in Washington DC., and at the Guyana High Commission in Jamaica. Petitioners are demanding that President David Granger allow the WRCoI the two additional weeks it requested to properly complete its work. The administration is reportedly refusing the request for a mere two additional weeks after 34 years of evasion by succes-
sive governments. The alleged 1980 assassination of Guyana’s pre-eminent historian, scholar-activist, and author of ‘How Europe Underdeveloped Africa’ remains Guyana’s most traumatising political incident. A proper investigation was at various times avoided, and was allegedly frustrated by the PNC under Forbes Burnham, and then by the PPP/C under four Presidents, including Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who was President for 12 years. The WRCoI formally commenced under President Donald Ramotar in 2014. The refusal by the Granger-led coalition government to allow the commission to complete its work now threatens to undo more than one year’s work, and to deny Guyanese the opportunity to finally establish the truth of the death of one of Guyana’s greatest sons. The APNU+AFC coalition came to power in May 2015 with a narrow cross-racial win over the discredited PPP government,
Dr Walter Rodney
the campaign has said. It has promised national reconciliation; yet, within days of its win and amidst some admittedly unsavoury revelations about certain financial transactions, the administration began to undermine and discredit the WRCoI without proposing a better alternative. According to the campaign, Dr Rodney’s renowned legacy in Guyana endured sufficiently to curb racial voting for the first time in Guyana’s 50-year
post-colonial history, thus enabling Granger’s win. “Rodney’s political teaching had exposed the exploitative nature of Guyana’s historic ethnic Indian/ African conflicts, which stymied its post-colonial development,” the campaign said; but Dr Rodney was allegedly seen as a direct threat to Forbes Burnham’s power and the politics of party paramountcy. The campaign has said that “a new dispensation for the WRCoI could resolve previous abuses which were not of the commission’s making. However, new ministers -- Attorney General Basil Williams, who represented the PNC at the WRCoI, and Governance Minister Raphael Trotman -- simply asserted that the two-week extension was disallowed to save taxpayers’ money and, more ominously, ‘further embarrassment’.” “As November 30 approaches”, the campaign says, “we urge Guyana’s government to announce a reversal of its short-sighted decision
that has brought a premature end to the WRCOI. This plea is in keeping with what has been called for by all three commissioners; the lawyers representing Rodney’s party, the much depleted Working People’s Alliance, now part of APNU; Rodney’s brother Donald, in whose car the fatal
bomb was detonated; and the rest of Rodney’s family.” The body stressed that Guyana needs, and deserves, a proper inquiry in which all key witnesses give evidence under oath. “Only then can our country begin the journey of healing and reconciliation,” it posits.
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IPED takes action against rice farmers
– says move was last resort The Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) was recently forced to commence enforcement of security on the assets charged by seven rice farmers and took possession of the relevant assets of three farmers as settlement. IPED in a release said the other four negotiated arrangements that it found satisfactory. “In cases where possession was taken, the loans were in arrears for more than one year and renegotiations were either unsuccessful or the farmer may have been uncooperative. Under no circumstances is possession of assets a first choice. In fact, it is the last course of action,” IPED said. The entity said it fully understands the crisis being faced by farmers and have
been working with all affected persons who are cooperating and putting plans in place for their future crops. IPED is a not for profit non- governmental organisation, which is self- sustainable and one that is helping people who are helping themselves for 30 years now. IPED’s facility to rice farmers is structured to facilitate repayment based on seasonality and other factors affecting the rice industry. “Where necessary, appropriate flexibility is exercise to ensure that farmers can continue to cultivate and carry on their businesses. However, in a few cases when these efforts fail to bring about the desired results IPED is forced to enforce the security it has against such facilities,” the release said.
ACIC/SADR to observe countrywide Eid programmes By Rabindra Rooplall UNDER the theme “Celebrating Mercy - The Universal Messenger to all creation - Prophet Muhammad” the Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) and The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman will be associated with a series of programmes countrywide to mark the Birth Anniversary of the Beloved Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The programmes will commence during the Islamic month Rabi-ul-Awal (the month in which the Prophet was born), are expected to commence on December 13, 2015, and will climax in April 2016. Eid Milad un Nabi, or Youman Nabi, has been observed by these organisations for decades, and is observed in nearly all countries where Muslims are present. Set to open the four-month-long series of programme, is the visit of Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Dabbaagh, a world renowned Sunni Scholar who has done wonderful work for the Ahlus Sunnatwal Jamaat against the doctrines of the Salafis and Wahabbis.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 - 09:00 hrs Wednesday, December 2, 2015 - 10:30 hrs
According to ACIC President, Hakeem Khan, his visit to Guyana, a first for him and his team, has been made possible through the courtesy of the Anjuman Sunnatul Jamaat Association of Trinidad & Tobago Inc. (ASJA), the twin-island’s largest Muslim organization and several of its leaders will accompany the delegation to Guyana. The main programme featuring Shaykh Dabbagh will be held at Guyana’s most famous Islamic institution — ACIC -- on Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 13.00hrs or 1.00pm. Several other programmes are slated to be held throughout Guyana for Shaykh Dabbagh and his team. Khan said the twelvenight programmes will commence on Thursday, December 10, 2014 at 18.00hrs (or 6.00pm) with the “Welcome to Rabi-ul-Awal Program” at the ACIC. Thereafter, each night until December 23, 2015, there will be programmes at the ACIC. At these programs the life of the Prophet of Islam will be discussed, as well as the importance of showing love and gratitude for this greatest of all human beings.
World renowned Sunni scholar Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Dabbaagh
Imam of ACIC, Imam Abdool Fazeel, and Shaikh Masud of Suriname will make nightly presentations. Special videos will be shown on “big screen” featuring His Eminence, Shaikh/ Professor Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri, one of the world’s foremost Muslim scholars and founder of Minhaj University, as well as other scholars of Islam. Guyana, through ACIC, will again join Muslims around the world in an event themed “International Mawlid in the city Event”. The original inspiration for holding the “Mawlid in the
City” event was drawn from the hugely successful event held three years ago outside Google’s London headquarters. The ACIC President explained that the portrayal of Muslims by the media as an angry, violent and bloodthirsty community must stop. This year, “rosethemed” events are organised in over 70 cities throughout the world. It’s a very simple concept - offer a rose as a peaceful gesture to people, and at the same time convey the true message of Islam.
Palms to get facelift Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence has announced that some rehabilitation work will be done at the Palms, Brickdam, Georgetown, follow-
Monday, November 30, 2015 - 08:30 hrs
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, November 30, 2015
ing complaints by inmates there. The minister made an impromptu visit to the institution last Monday. According to a release,
Lawrence said residents of the State-run institution have complained about conditions of the wards, especially on Monday mornings. The minister said the res-
idents are unhappy with the performance of staff working the night shift “who do not complete their responsibilities”. As a result, they create difficulties for their colleagues who take over from them, especially on Monday mornings. “Having visited the Palms I have to have follow up meeting(s) with the administrator,” of the institution, the minister said. Her unexpected stop at the geriatric institution will also result in an urgent facelift for the aging wooden structure and emergency works to fix the plumbing system. “This is priority. What has to be done is not huge but technical. If there is no funding remaining in the 2015 budgetary estimates I will be seeking emergency funding,” to get this done before the end of this year, Lawrence promised.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
Region 10 taking steps to grow more By Vanessa Braithwaite
REGION 10 buys more than 80 per cent of the agricultural produce it consumes, and this comes mainly from Region 4, in that most of its market vendors who sell agricultural produce travel to Georgetown approximately twice weekly to purchase stocks. Moreover, about eight or nine trucks filled with vegetables, fruits and ground provisions travel to Linden and other Region 10 communities on several days over a week to do business. This sad reality has been ongoing for decades, as there has never been a driving force behind agricultural production in Linden. The few pockets of farmers who brave the high competition for patronage have not been given maximum support by the residents of Region 10 or by the persons in authority. These farmers hail mainly from small settlements located down the Demerara River. What they find most challenging to their survival is the diffi-
culty to transport their produce to the market, and then being faced with tremendous competition for patronage, especially from extra-regional vendors.
Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian This has caused a decrease in agricultural activities, not only in Linden but in Region 10 as a whole. One determining factor to this failure is that an agricultural programme has not been added to the four programmes that the Regional Council advances. There is currently a programme responsible for ed-
ucation, one for health, one for public works, and another for administration; but there has never ever been one for agriculture. “With implementation of an agricultural programme, Region 10 can see an upsurge in agricultural activities which will secure jobs and make cheaper agricultural produce available on the market,” attested Region 10 Chairman Renis Morian. In recognition and agreement with the Minister of Finance, whose budget speech advocated increases in agricultural activities to benefit the environment and boost its economy, Region 10 has created an Agricultural Committee which has been mandated to create a network among farmers in the region, rather than focus on those from outside the region. Farmers from areas such as Moblissa, Blue Berry Hill, Victory Valley and Amelia’s Ward, among other places, have been targeted for enlistment with this Agricultural Committee. An agricultural seminar was recently held by the Re-
gion 10 Farmers’ Committee, and all the region’s farmers benefited from advice and recommendations from international agriculturists, and were provided with the same amount of seeds which were used for testing to ascertain the levels of output possible. The farmers have embraced this initiative of the Regional Council, and are working in harmony with them
to reach the goal of supplying Region 10 entirely with produce grown within the region. In addition, Partners for The Americas undertook a project to grant structural and technical assistance to persons in Region 10 who have an interest in agriculture, to enable them to earn incomes by expanding their farming activities; and this has enabled the establishment of 22 shade
houses across Linden. With these steps having been taken, Region 10 may soon be identified as the hub of agriculture in Guyana. Lindeners are urged to support their local farmers, rather than patronise farmers coming from other regions to do business with them. When local farmers are supported, the region as a whole will benefit.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
Cannabis reform must be priority in constitutional reform By Ras Wadada
IN recent years there has been a global paradigm
shift in policies and prohibition of cannabis, but while the international trend continues to be one
of relaxing here in Guyana, the powers that be continue to stubbornly or intentionally resist alterna-
tive policies while creating institutions of non-violent criminals. Over the past week, the hot topic on the tongues of Guyanese, at home and abroad, particularly the football fraternity, has been the three-year incarceration of a football icon and scorer of Guyana’s historic first World Cup goal at GCC, Bourda on July 4th, 1976. Vibert “Dordee’ Butts, who has been a devout Rastafari for over two decades and a father of 13 children, pleaded guilty to possession of 46 grams of cannabis and a smoking utensil (two coconut shells) and now his freedom and more importantly the maternal and paternal care he was giving to his 8-yearold son and 5-year-old twin daughters no longer exists. This unfortunate arrest and conviction would have never happened elsewhere, especially in the perpetual revelations of the real benefits of this most unique and special plant provided by the Almighty Father for the service of man or as some would have it, ‘The healing of the Nations’. The Draconian Laws on cannabis, adopted from the state of Alabama in the USA and enacted wholesome into the Constitution of Guyana under the Hoyte regime in 1988, remains intact and seemingly there are no plans to amend or ease the archaic penalties being meted out daily, hence the repeated Human Right violations on the Nation of Rastafari and other minority people. Amid
this oppression and discrimination of a plant, the real and already proven destructive man made drugs, alcohol and cigarette are legally available. The clear evidence of an international reverse in the recognition of the magnitude of health, industrial and environmental benefits of the cannabis plant have seen the recent legalisation in countries like Uruguay, Croatia, Spain, most states in America and closer to home Jamaica. Argentina, Colombia and Mexico have recently decriminalised cannabis in small amounts. It was only last month the US Department of Justice announced the release of 6,000 non-violent drug offenders, while in Canada Justin Trudeau openly voiced his support for the legalisation of cannabis during a nationally televised debate while campaigning to be elected Prime Minister. The son of former PM Pierre Trudeau prevailed at the polls and it was big victory for the ‘Legalise Cannabis’ fans of Canada. A quick glance at Europe would reveal that in Portugal possession is not a criminal offense and is punishable only by fines and treatment referrals; Italy gives verbal warning and repeat offenders are interviewed by social workers. In extreme cases a drivers license or passport is taken away. Possession is not a criminal offense. Denmark has no punishable penalty unless linked to other crime but it is a criminal
offense for being found in possession. Finland hands down a fine or gives up to six months imprisonment for possession and in France while it is a criminal offense, only about 10 per cent of cases lead to prosecution. First offenders can be held for 48 hours, then cautioned and warned, while repeat offenders can be jailed for up to one year. In Guyana, once found guilty of being in possession, you get a mandatory three years and a fine of three times the value of the amount of cannabis. The Magistrate is not empowered to alter penalty and that is cruel. So you are fined and confined for three years at the expense of the state in an environment conducive for denigration and not rehabilitation. Imagine going in as a decent citizen and coming out a hardened criminal or an abused individual just for being in possession of a part of a plant given by the Most High to be used by all. We must continue to fight for the dismantling of this failed experiment of prohibition that has destroyed so many futures, homes and human resources. Let us take the positive out of ‘Dordee’s’ misfortune and set a solid platform to break down these barriers of oppression on minority people. Let us establish a United Front advocating for the decriminalisation of cannabis while preparing Constitution reform adjustments to present to the Attorney General.
Renee Chester: one of Guyana’s ... From centre everything about her career, and is filled with joy when customers are comfortable. “Focusing on Bromeliad.rnc fills me right up. (At) nearly every fashion show, I’m working backstage preparing the models’ faces for the ‘lights, camera, action, strut!’” she said. Makeup, she explained, is “just an accessory on top of the beauty you were born with; like a ‘blinged’ out broach on a plain black jacket! I know there’s a huge difference in the perspective of makeup, hair styles and nail styles. Wearing makeup does not make you vain. If you can’t feel comfortable in your natural skin, then you may have self-esteem issues that may need to be addressed by a professional. I can go to the shop down the street quite comfortably without an ounce of makeup on and
still feel and know that I am beautiful. If you can’t accomplish this, then you don’t understand how beau-
columnist for GEM Magazine, Assistant Creative Director & Project Coordinator for House of Pear-
Giving her best, Renee takes time to create the perfect look on a customer’s face. ty works.” In applying make-up, she advised women to “keep it minimal and as flawless as possible”, (and) remember “time and place”. Renee is also a beauty
son by Fashion Designer Quinton Pearson, and Assistant Creative Director of fashion photographer for Infinity Photography by Photographer and Editor Azikiwe Denheart.
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Rosberg ends F1 season on a hat-trick high By Alan Baldwi ABU DHABI, (Reuters)-Nico Rosberg wrapped up the Formula One season on a winning high in Abu Dhabi yesterday with team mate and triple world champion Lewis Hamilton second in a record 12th one-two finish of the year for dominant Mercedes. The German’s third win in a row, from a sixth successive pole position, dashed Hamilton’s hopes of a 44th career victory in car 44 on the 44th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates. The Briton, who clinched the title in Texas last month with three races to spare, finished 8.2 seconds behind after an attempt at a different strategy failed to produce the desired result. The win was the 16th in 19 races for Mercedes. “Austin (in Texas) was a tough weekend and since then I’ve just come back a lot stronger,” said Rosberg from the podium after spraying the sparkling rosewater used instead of the usual champagne. “I’m excited about how the end of the season went and next year -- it can come any moment, it could start tomorrow if it were up to me, no problem. I don’t need any holidays.” Hamilton had asked over the team radio with 15 laps to go whether he could go to the end having made only one pitstop to Rosberg’s two but was left in no doubt that such a move would not work. He then pitted on the next lap, any hopes of a wheel-to-wheel battle over the final laps effectively disappearing into the night as he did so. “In hindsight, once Nico had pitted I probably would have backed off a little bit and gone a bit longer...As that didn’t work out, the stop, going too long was probably not the right thing to do, but we gave it a try,” he said. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen took third place ahead of team mate Sebastian Vettel, who started 15th, for only the Finn’s third podium appearance of the season. Rosberg’s win was his sixth of the season, 14th of his career, and a hat-trick first for the German who had never before managed to win three races in a row.
Hamilton ended the championship with 10 victories, one fewer than in 2014, but he took more poles and fastest laps than anyone else. “It’s always tough to race Lewis, he’s doing an awesome job,” said Rosberg. “So it’s an even better feeling to win. It’s a great battle internally all the time, that’s what I race for and I look forward to more next year.” Mexican Sergio Perez finished fifth, with Australian Daniel Ricciardo sixth
Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg celebrates after winning the raceMandatory Credit: Action Images / Hoch Zwei for Red Bull and splitting the Force India cars with Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg seventh. Brazilian Felipe Massa took eighth place for Williams, ahead of Frenchman Romain Grosjean in ninth in his final race for Lotus before moving to 2016 newcomers Haas. Russian Daniil Kvyat secured the final point for Red Bull. Rosberg, who made a clean start and was never threatened, was only the second driver to win the day-to-night floodlit race from pole position since Abu Dhabi first appeared on the calendar in 2009. Hamilton was comparatively slow off the mark on an opening lap that saw McLaren’s Fernando Alonso collide with Lotus’s Pastor Maldonado. The Venezuelan retired while Alonso, who cannot end McLaren’s worst-ever season fast enough, was given a drive-through penalty. Finland’s Valtteri Bottas also fell foul of the stewards when Williams released him into the path of Alonso’s team mate Jenson Button at the first pitstops, with the Finn losing half his front wing in the impact.
Local boxers bag five gold and three silver medals ... From back page seconds of the first round. Kevin Benn (Guyana) secured a silver medal in his welterweight fight against Anguilla’s Curlan Robinson. Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Cayenne (French Guiana) and St. Marteen all won gold medals in the junior category also. In the women’s category, Barbados won three gold medals to be crowned women’s champion, while Trinidad and Tobago and Cayenne won one each. In the Elite category, Guyana secured a gold and a silver medal in the light flyweight division through Teusimar Peters and Tyron Lashley respectively. Peters registered a two-minute 40 seconds TKO win against his countryman Lashley. In the Elite category, the locals won all four of their bouts to make it into the finals which was scheduled for last evening. In the light welterweight division, Jason Phillips and Antigua and Barbuda’s Alston Ryan won by the TKO route at two minutes 31 seconds of the third round; Dennis Thomas registered a TKO win at two minutes 15 seconds of the second round in his middleweight contest against Hubert Feriander of the Bahamas; Desmond Amsterdam scored a unanimous points decision against Ian Darby of Jamaica in their light heavyweight contest and Jason Barker recorded a TKO win at two minutes 48 seconds of the first round against Barbados’ Akeem Isidore in their heavyweight contest. The `Back to the Future’ boxing tournament was scheduled to conclude last evening.
SOUTH AFRICA RACING TIPS Fairview 08:50 hrs Apostolos 0 9 : 3 0 h r s C A P TA I N Blackwater 10:05 hrs Maximo 10:40 hrs Arcsign 11:15 hrs Pipette ENGLISH RACING TIPS Wolverhampton 08:55 hrs Ruzeiz 09:25 hrs Secret Interlude 09:55 hrs Russian Radiance 10:30 hrs Ripoll 11:00 hrs Rosenbaum 11:30 hrs Masqueraded 12:05 hrs Miracle Garden PLUMPTON 09:10 hrs William Bonney 10:10 Milicent Silver 10:40 hrs My Lord
11:10 hrs Leith Hill Legasi 11:40 hrs Relight The Fire Kempton 10:20 hrs Thane Of Cawdor 10:50 hrs Sunbaked 11:20 hrs Hawk Moth 11:50 hrs Golden Stunner 12:20 hrs Up To You 12:50 hrs Dukes Meadow 13:20 hrs Foreign Diplomat 13:50 hrs The Big Lad AMERICAN RACING TIPS Philadelphia Park Race 1 Prodigious Race 2 Summer Braek Race 3 Shades of Indygo Race 4 Cash Is Prime Race 5 Linda’s Last Race 6 For God ‘n Country Race 7 Gentediva Race 8 Jar of Hearts Race 9 Rosa Carina
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
First day-night Test ends in three days Australia win series 2-0 By Ian Ransom ADELAIDE, Australia beat New Zealand inside three days to win cricket’s first ever day-night Test match, wrapping up a three-wicket win on Sunday evening. Paceman Peter Siddle
185-7 in pursuit of a modest victory target of 187, Siddle pushed two runs past point and his injured batting partner Mitchell Starc hobbled up and down the pitch with a broken foot to complete a nervous three-wicket win. “It was certainly a very
To get 123,000 people through the gates in three days is absolutely amazing.” Australia took the series 2-0, ending New Zealand’s run of seven consecutive series without loss, dating back to 2013. Australian batsman Shaun
The Australian players pose with the series trophy after their victory over New Zealand in Adelaide, yesterday.
struck the winning runs under the Adelaide Oval floodlights to seal the series-clinching victory after Australia all but collapsed late on day three of the third and final Test. With the hosts reduced to
tense finish. Thankfully we were on the right side,” Australia captain Steven Smith told reporters, praising the inaugural day-night test as a “great innovation”. “(It was) a great spectacle.
Marsh fell just short of a half-century with victory in sight but his 49 anchored important stands with Adam Voges and his younger brother Mitchell. Fired by a five-wicket
haul by seamer Trent Boult, who swung the specially developed pink ball with venom, New Zealand mowed through the top order and captured late wickets to turn what should have been a procession into a cliff-hanger. The 187 runs ultimately proved too few to defend and Siddle’s inelegant shot to seal the win sparked a thunderous roar from the crowd of 33,923. Paceman and man-of-thematch Josh Hazlewood was vital for the hosts, capturing a career-best 6-70 in the absence of injured spearhead Mitchell Starc to limit New Zealand to 208 in the third innings. Boult dismissed Voges for 28 straight after the dinner-break but all-rounder Mitchell Marsh joined his older sibling at the crease and compiled a brisk 28 to push Australia within 26 runs of their target. Mitchell Marsh bashed a six over the head of spin-bowling all-rounder Mitch Santner but was out swiping at the next delivery, the skied topedge well-caught by a scrambling Kane Williamson. Shaun Marsh grew jumpy as victory and his 50 approached and he holed out with a needless push at a Boult delivery which ended in the slips and left Australia 11 runs short of their target. Wicketkeeper Peter Nevill also fell to Boult, caught
behind for 10, before Siddle finally pushed Australia over the line. The match was won earlier in the day, however, when Hazlewood took three wickets as New Zealand could only add 92 runs to their overnight total of 116-5. The 24-year-old struck with the ninth ball of the day to remove wicketkeeper BJ Watling for seven and had Mark Craig nick behind for 15.
He later wrapped up New Zealand’s innings by bowling Boult for five, with Mitchell Marsh capturing 3-59. “It’s pretty hard to separate the two teams over the last two Test matches,” New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum told reporters. “We’ve got a bit of a mantra within our team, that if you are going to get beaten, then make it bloody tough for the opposition to do so.”
SCOREBOARD NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 202 (T. Latham 50) australia 1st innings 224 (P. Nevill 66, S. Smith 53) New Zealand 2nd innings (Overnight: 116-5) T. Latham c Nevill b Hazlewood 10 M. Guptill c M. Marsh b Hazlewood 17 K. Williamson c Nevill b M. Marsh 9 R. Taylor lbw b Hazlewood 32 B. McCullum lbw b M. Marsh 20 M. Santner st Nevill b Lyon 45 B. Watling c Smith b Hazlewood 7 M. Craig c Nevill b Hazlewood 15 D. Bracewell not out 27 T. Southee c Lyon b M. Marsh 13 T. Boult b Hazlewood 5 Extras (b-6 lb-2) 8 Total (all out, 62.5 overs) 208 Fall of wickets: 1-29 M. Guptill,2-32 T. Latham,3-52 K. Williamson,4-84 B. McCullum,5-98 R. Taylor,6-116 B. Watling,7-140 M. Craig,8-175 M. Santner,9-192 T. Southee,10-208 T. Boult Bowling: J. Hazlewood 24.5 - 5 - 70 – 6, P. Siddle 14 - 6 - 35 – 0, M. Marsh 14 - 2 - 59 – 3,N. Lyon 10 - 1 - 36 - 1 AUSTRALIA 2nd innings (Target: 187 runs) D. Warner c Southee b Bracewell 35 J. Burns lbw b Boult 11 S. Smith lbw b Boult 14 A. Voges c Southee b Boult 28 S. Marsh c Taylor b Boult 49 M. Marsh c Williamson b Santner 28 P. Nevill c Watling b Boult 10 P. Siddle not out 9 M. Starc not out 0 Extras (lb-2 w-1) 3 Total (for 7 wickets, 51 overs) 187 Fall of wickets: 1-34 J. Burns,2-62 D. Warner,3-66 S. Smith,4-115 A. Voges,5-161 M. Marsh,6-176 S. Marsh,7-185 P. Nevill Did not bat: J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon Bowling: T. Southee 16 - 1 - 58 – 0, T. Boult 16 - 3 - 60 - 5(w-1), D. Bracewell 11 - 2 - 37 – 1, M. Craig 6 - 0 - 22 – 0, M. Santner 2 - 0 - 8 – 1.
No regrets on exposing Russia doping: whistleblowers
LONDON,(Reuters)-The husband and wife who blew the whistle on doping in Russian athletics say they have no regrets about speaking up and exposing cheats despite being accused of betraying their own country. Yulia Stepanova, an international runner who was herself suspended for doping offences, and her husband Vitaly, a former Russian anti-doping agency official, secretly recorded Russian coaches and athletes over almost two years describing how they used performance-enhancing drugs. Their evidence formed a major part of an investigation that led to Russian athletes being suspended from international competition this month, but came at a high personal cost. Both have been heavily criticized in their homeland and have spent the past year living abroad but say the sacrifice was worth it. “In the sense that I believed in something that I thought was right, and I tried,” Vitaly told the Sunday Times newspaper in Britain. “You can have fake values, animal instincts or you can be more human. “Because if this year has proved anything, it is that sports are run by the wrong people.” The Stepanovas first took on the role of whistleblowers last year when they featured as witnesses in a television documentary that alleged widespread corruption
and drug-taking in Russian athletics. The pair had been in hiding since but agreed to be interviewed by the Sunday Times. In the interview, the pair said their actions had been vindicated by the World
Whistleblowers Yuliya and Vitaly Stepanov Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Independent Commission’s (IC) report into allegations of widespread doping in Rus-
sian athletics. “I knew that I was right, I didn’t need the report to tell me that,” Vitaly told the Sunday Times. “It did make me feel that a naive person can make a difference in this complicated world. I was a spy without a cover, and everyone was looking at me as an idiot, but I could still manage to get this thing going. “I felt very alone but right now it seems the whole athletics world is discussing what I have been talking about for the past five years. I keep thinking about this. This happened to me. This happened to Yuliya. This is our life. This is our story. A true story. I’ve told it as it is. People should know the true story.” Vitaly said he believed Russia should be banned from competing at next year’s Rio Olympics because of its doping record but doubted that would ever happen. “Sports officials and politicians in Russia did a lot worse than what athletes were doing, so I think fair punishment for Russian Athletics would be four years. Learn from your mistake, change and come back in four years. See you in Tokyo,” he said. “(But) I estimate there is a one per cent chance of Russia not being at the Olympics. For this to happen, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would have to change and that’s not going to happen in the next six months.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
Tense finals predicted in all classes of DWM Hockey Festival
THE Pizza Hut GCC ladies completed the most dominant run on Saturday evening in the ladies competition since the inception of Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival. Pizza Hut GCC brushed aside the Old Fort Shooting Stars 7-0 and the Hikers 5-1 to coast into the final as the heavy favourites for gold. The Pepsi Hikers men meanwhile easily brushed aside Malvern of Trinidad to complete their unbeaten run in the men’s pool A while Bounty GCC duplicated the feat with a win over Phoenix in pool B. The veteran division saw the same two clubs leading the table going into the final day of action. The Pizza Hut GCC ladies controlled the game from the opening whistle against Old Fort as Ashley DeGroot only needed two minutes to get on the scoreboard through an overlapping move on the right side. DeGroot would add a second later in the match with her double score matched by prolific strikers Sonia Jardine and Kerensa Fernandes while Captain Tiffany Solomon completed
In-form Vishaul Singh quietly eyeing Test spot GEORGETOWN, Guyana, (CMC) – Guyana Jaguars batsman Vishaul Singh is keen on forcing his way into the West Indies Test squad but said he is aware his present form needs to continue if he is to break into international cricket. The 26-year-old left-hander has hit back-to-back centuries in the last two rounds to help propel Jaguars to three wins in as many outings, and to the top of the standings in the Regional First Class Championship. “My goal is to score as much runs as possible this season. When the tournament began, my goal was 700 runs and to play a meaningful role in helping Guyana to retain the title,” he told Kaieteur News. “I won’t put a time frame on how far I am away from Test cricket but if I am to be selected in the near future I know that will only happen if I continue to score heavily at the regional level and make a case for myself.” Vishaul opened the season with scores of 48 and 24 against Windward Islands Volcanoes but then carved out a superb 150 against the hapless Leeward Islands Hurricanes in the second round and 121 against Barbados Pride in the recent third round. He has now piled up 343 runs from four innings at an average of 85. Last season, he gathered 479 runs at an average of nearly 40. Vishaul said the main reason behind title-holders Jaguars extending their success into this season was the maturity of the squad. “The squad has now matured with the average age being 27 with Shiv’s (Chanderpaul) experience being beneficial to everyone plus we are playing as team, we are comfortable with each other,” Vishaul explained. Jaguars have been convincing. They beat Volcanoes by 104 runs in the first round, followed up with a thumping innings and 35-run victory over Hurricanes before hammering Pride by nine wickets on Monday. They have 53 points, 19 clear of the second placed Jamaica Scorpions.
CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Monday November 30, 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:
Deryck Murray-24 (22 catches/2 stumpings: WI vs ENG, 1963) Jeff Dujon-204 (183 catches/21 stumpings)
Today’s Quiz:
Which two made their Test debut in the same game? Gordon Greenidge; Viv Richards; Andy Roberts; Len Baichan; Bernard Julien How many runs Rohan Kanhai made in his first ODI game?
Answers in tomorrow’s issue
the GCC tally with a penalty corner goal. The Hikers fared a similar fate when they met the GCC ladies later the same evening as Jardine chalked up three first half goals to put her team in cruise control by the midway point.
Jonathan Roberts scores for The six against Old Fort
The Hikers gambled on the bold move of replacing their goalkeeper with an extra field player and were rewarded with a Maria Munroe field goal four minutes into the second half but the celebration was short-lived as Kerensa Fernandes and Aliyah Gordon both scored shortly after to give the Pizza Hut ladies an easy 5-1 victory. With the Pepsi Hikers men earning the top semifinal spot of Pool A with a 6-1 victory over Malvern and Bounty GCC doing the same in pool B with a 6-3 win over Phoenix, the final match of the evening proved the most entertain-
ing as Old Fort fought to keep their semifinal hopes alive against an experienced The 6ix side from Canada. Canadian national Jeewan Bath struck first in the 11th minute of play by weaving his way from left to right across goal before deceiving Old Fort goalkeeper Audwin Graham with a nifty tap in. Old Fort’s Ascofu Simon however kept the local supporters in the game as he responded just one minute later with a swift counterattack to find a space in the far corner beyond advancing goalkeeper Pardeep Koonar. Aderemi Simon, the other half of the lethal Simon strike force then put Old Fort in the lead in a similar manner by the 18th minute but Bath silenced the crowd with a smashing penalty corner high into the Old Fort net to take the score to 2-2. The second half saw more end to end action and fine goalkeeping by both Graham and Koonar but a Dwight Sullivan penalty corner rebound slanted the match in Old Fort’s favour two minutes after the resumption. This would be the final reason to celebrate for the Old Fort fans however as Jonathan Roberts, Micah Texeira and Satnam Dosanjh chalked up three unanswered goals for the 5-3 win. The victory secured the second semifinal spot in Pool B for The 6ix. Earlier in the evening, the National Under-21s secured the second semi-final spot in Pool A with when they scored six unanswered goals against Malvern for the easy victory. The veterans division saw no surprises as GCC continued their successful run with a 5-2 victory over Old Old Fort and a 3-0 win over YMCA. The Hickers also continued their fine form with a 3-2 win over Malvern and a 5-1 victory over Carib HC. GCC and the Hickers sit in the first two spots of the veterans division with the semifinalists to be decided after yesterdays’s morning’s matches. The Pepsi Hikers will face The 6ix in the first men’s division semifinal while Bounty GCC is match against the under-21 in the other. The ladies final is set to be contested between Pizza Hut GCC and the Old Fort Shooting Stars.
Day-night Tests ‘here to stay’ - McCullum
three days, people are voting with their feet and I think it’s here to stay, which is great. “In general, spectators would want see results in games. And will want to see captains start to try and force results. Sitting in changing room after hard fought Test win that’s By Daniel Brettig in Adelaide what’s most memorable as a cricketer. Sometimes fighting draws are great and I think NEW Zealand captain Brendon McCullum has declared day-night Test cricket “here to stay” after the we’ll find captains will try and push home some advanconclusion of the inaugural floodlit match at Adelaide tage to get Test victories.” Smith was naturally relieved after seeing out a series Oval, a popular success despite its meagre three-day victory over a fast-finishing New running time. Zealand, and he had little hesitaA crowd of 123,736 poured into tion in describing the contest as the ground across those three days, a “great” one. “The whole Test and similarly strong television audimatch was a great innovation, it ences made it a spectacle to delight was a great spectacle,” he said. broadcasters and administrators “To get 120,000 people through alike. the gates in three days is absolutely But the verdict of the players amazing. I thought it was a great was always going to be critical to spectacle and a great Test match. the future of the concept, and in the “It was a game that was domglowing words of McCullum and inated by the bowlers. New Zeahis opposite number Steven Smith land’s bowlers bowled just as well there was ample evidence that the as ours. But it was one of those game’s elite practitioners will be games - if you got yourself in you comfortable with doing this kind of could still score runs, it just wasn’t thing more often. to be this game for a lot of the The only reservation raised by both McCullum and Smith was Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc embrace batters, we got starts and couldn’t go on with it. I think the contest the amount of grass left on the after a tense finish in Adelaide. is there if you’re willing to have a Adelaide Oval pitch, which they game plan and bat some time you agreed was the major factor in the can certainly score runs.” game’s short time span. Like McCullum, Smith noted the thick grass coverBut they were equally adamant that players would be able to adapt with greater experience, with the added in- age presented for the pink ball, but was happy enough centive now of having played a Test match in front of such to live with that after finishing the match as a narrow winner. “I think the wicket here compared to the two a celebratory and voluminous gathering. “It’s a great concept,” McCullum said. “As pink Shield games that have been played on it and particuball cricket evolves as I am sure it will grow into a larly the pink ball shield game we played, it looked like global game and I think we will see the pitches probably the grass was a bit more lively,” he said. “I think it was the same height as the grass in the Shield won’t have quite as much grass on it. The thing about day-night Test cricket is it is meant to allow Test match game but it was probably just a tad greener. “That created a little bit more movement for the bowlers cricket to be played at night time, it is not meant to be and kept the ball together and swinging for a long period. to change how Test cricket should play. But I think it was great to see something different, “There was a fraction too much grass on it, I think we saw under lights that the pink ball probably responded a the first two Test matches were dominated by the bat, so little bit much, but I would say that because I am a batter. it’s great to see something different and see the bowlers Overall it was a roaring success and 120,000 people over coming into their own.” (ESPN Cricinfo)
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday November 30, 2015
GKC completes successful grading THE Guyana Karate College (GKC) yesterday successfully completed another grading ceremony for its Karatekas at the Carifesta Sport s Complex on Carifesta Avenue. Forty-four students underwent grading exercises under the watchful eye of International Karate Diagaku’s founder and current leader Sensei Frank Woon-
A-Tai. Moving from to Nidan (second Kyu black belt) were Britteny Bettencourt and Aaliyah Seeram while the Shodan (first kyu Black belt) movers were Motilall Mattadin, William Jean Paul Grant and Jonathan Ramlal. Meanwhile, Aditya Seeram moved from second kyu brown belt to first kyu brown belt while
Alyssa Ramotar, Jonathan Robinson and Jessica Callender all moved from third kyu to first kyu. Bruce young, Kellisha Jupiter and Aaron Hendricks each moved from third kyu (brown belt) to second kyu. Danielle Denny, Josiah Dyall and Rudy Austin each moved from Purple belt to first Kyu brown belt while Ray Samaroo
Sensei Frank Woon-A-Tai (fourth from left in the back row,) stands with GKC Vice President and senior Instructor Sensei Jeffrey Wong (third from left in the back row) as well and his graduates of the recent IKD Grading.
jumped one belt from Blue to brown; skipping purple. Persons who moved from blue to purple belts included Zaine Bispay, Daniel Denny, Jonathan Ng-a-Fook and Taissa and Diego DeNobrega while those who moved from Green belt to blue belt were Joshua Dyall, Jayden Jettoo and Nathaniel Archer. Those orange belt karatetas who skipped the green belt and went straight to blue were Nadia Ramlal, Nalini Rampersaud and Paula Louis Grant while Tristian Richards went from yellow belt to orange belt. Moving from white belt to yellow and white were Jonathan Mohan, Laurence Baptiste, Shamar Duguid, Joshua Gibbs, Lemuel Wilson, Micaiah De Peazer, Jerome Blyde, Justin Peters, Randy Austin, Nicholas Parasaram, Omar Shariff, Jared Bird, Jadon Lee, Aaron Joshua and Angelina Champayne. (Stephan Sookram)
Windies spinner Sunil Narine suspended for illegal action (REUTERS)-The West Indian spinner Sunil Narine, the world’s top-ranked bowler in both forms of limited-overs cricket, has been suspended from bowling in internationals after his action was ruled to be illegal. The International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement yesterday that an independent assessment found his bowling action was illegal
SUNIL NARINE
because his elbow extended beyond the maximum limit of 15 degrees. The ICC said the suspension would take place with immediate effect but Narine could reapply for a re-assessment after modifying his action. The 27-year-old Narine is currently rated as the number one bowler in the ICC’s rankings for 50-over
One-Day Internationals and Twenty20s. His action was reported to the ICC earlier this month during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, a series marking his return to international cricket after more than a year when he was first reported during the 2014 Champions League Twenty20 tournament.
Hamburg drops 2024 Games bid after referendum defeat By Karolos Grohmann BERLIN, (Reuters)-The citizens of Hamburg yesterday rejected a bid to host the 2024 summer Olympics with more than half voting against the project, killing off the candidacy and leaving bid officials in shock. “We expected a different result,” bid CEO Nikolas Hill said. “The result nevertheless is clear for us, we have to accept it. There will be no discussion or rethinking it. That is it. That is what they wanted.” Close to 52 percent of the 650,000 votes cast went against the 7.4 billion euro (£5.2 billion) project that was bidding along with Los Angeles, Rome, Paris, and Budapest to host the world’s biggest multi-sports event. Hill said a string of unrelated events, including the Paris attacks earlier this month and global sports scandals in football and athletics, affected voters. “The attacks in Paris, the (German World Cup 2006) affair, the refugee situation, the doping scandals. They did not have anything to do with this but it has been irritating and disturbing people,” Hill told a conference call. Germany must accept a second referendum defeat in two years after Munich’s plans for the 2022 winter Games were thwarted by a 2013 local vote. Hill said the latest result was “not going to make it easier in the future (for Germany) to get into the Olympics.” The rejection is also a blow to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) whose wide-ranging reforms voted in last year were aimed at making the Games more attractive to host cities. Hamburg’s concept involved the Games being held in the Kleiner Grasbrook area, technically an island but only a 10-minute walk from the city centre, that would have become the Olympic park and offered athletes and spectators short distances to travel to the competition venues. “The people of Hamburg took a decision and Hamburg will not be bidding to host the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mayor Olaf Scholz told reporters. “The senate and myself would have wished a different result but it is clear. It is a binding decision,” he said. Germans never showed widespread support for Hamburg, picked over Berlin earlier this year, and even a narrow victory in the referendum would not have won it any bonus points with the IOC, eager to see strong local support in potential or host cities of the Olympics. “We have to accept the vote of the citizens,” said German Olympic Sports Confederation chief Alfons Hoermann. “Olympics and Germany are not a good match at the moment.” The IOC will elect the hosts for the 2024 Games in 2017.
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GKC completes successful grading
See story on page 31
Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament
Local boxers bag five gold and three silver medals on penultimate night By Michael DaSilva LOCAL amateur boxers continued their dominance of the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament, dubbed `Back to the Fu-
ture’ which was slated to conclude last evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall with the finals in the Elite category. At the end of Saturday night’s card which saw pu-
Part of the action in Saturday night’s Back to the Future boxing tournament. Cullen Bess-Nelson photos)
gilists’ from the 13 participating countries vying for honours, the locals came out on top in the men’s junior category with three gold medals and a silver to win the junior crown. The local women failed to impress in their category as they were far below the standard of their Caribbean counterparts which saw Barbados chalking up three gold medals, while Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and host Guyana won one each. In the Elite category, Guyana secured one gold medal on Saturday evening and was looking to add to their tally last evening in the finals of the other weight divisions.. Of the 26 fights that were staged on Saturday, the most memorable one for those who were present would be the final bout on the night’s card that involved Guyana’s Akiel Mounter and Anguilla’s Japhat Olion in a middleweight contest in the men’s junior category. Unfortunately, after putting up a good showing in the opening round of their
Anguilla’s Olion was caught with a perfect straight right hand to his jaw and fell to the ground. three-round contest, Olion was caught with a perfect straight right hand to his jaw and fell to the ground . At the count of six, the Anguillian got to his feet and indicated to the referee that he was able to continue and as the referee was about to say `Box’ Olion, he fell on his face and had to be tended to by the two ring-side doctors.
Even after leaving the ring before the presentation of medals, Olion was still dazed and was receiving treatment from the doctors and his handlers were advised to secure observation treatment for the boxer at a medical institution. The other gold medal winners for Guyana on Saturday night were; Delroy Elcock who regis-
tered a technical knockOut (TKO) win against Barbados’ Iwasika Austin at one minute 37 seconds of the second round in their flyweight contest and Kevin Allicock then forced the referee to stop his light flyweight contest against Mosses Dempster of Barbados at one minute 28 See page 28
Briton Fury crowned world champion after beating Klitschko DUESSELDORF, Germany(Reuters)-Underdog Tyson Fury caused a huge boxing upset on Saturday, stunning Wladimir Klitschko with a points victory to snatch the champion’s four titles and become the first Briton to hold a world heavyweight crown since 2011. Undefeated Fury, who improved his record to 25-0 and now has the WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts, was never troubled by the 39-year-old Ukrainian who suffered his first loss in 11 years and has already demanded a rematch. “He’s been a great champion, but every good dog has its day,” challenger Fury told a 50,000 crowd at Duesseldorf’s Esprit Arena. “Tonight is that start of a new era. I will be the most charismatic champion since Muhammad Ali,” he said before serenading his wife in the crowd with a song by American band Aerosmith.
Tyson Fury secured a unanimous points decision to become the new world heavyweight champion.
“I worked for six months for this in the gym, it’s a dream come true,” Fury said while draped in his new world title belts and unable to hold back the tears. The fight, postponed once due to a Klitschko injury, almost did not take place with Fury’s team complaining earlier on Saturday over the thick ring canvas that they claimed limited his movement. Modifications were made and Fury, quick, despite his 2.06 meters, was better from the start, showing no problems with the new canvas. He kept landing left-right combinations with Klitschko, not used to fighting taller men than him, struggling with Fury’s reach. Klitschko managed to get close with a few good left jabs in the second round but Fury landed a powerful right, pushing the Ukrainian back. Fury, constantly changing between
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southpaw and orthodox stance, kept chipping away at Klitschko’s defenses with his combinations and by the eighth round the champion was bleeding from a cheek wound. Fury, who shed 32 kilos in five months to get in shape for the fight, landed a bruising left uppercut in the ninth that wounded Klitschko’s right eye. Sensing the titles slipping away, Klitschko threw everything he had in the final round in search for a knockout but ended up losing on all three of the judges’ scorecards, putting an end to his winning run that stretched back to 2004. “Tyson really stepped on the gas,” said a disappointed Klitschko, fighting in front of a home crowd with his base in Germany. “I was missing my speed today and I struggled with his reach. “I knew I was behind and had to land the punches. I tried but it did not work.” MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015