Chronicle 31 10 2015 by Guyana Chronicle

GUYANA No. 104358

SATURDAY OCTOBER 31, 2015

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman

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

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‘Oil is coming’ –Trotman promises prudent management of resources

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Dancers perform at the Green Conference and Expo yesterday at the Parade Ground, Georgetown (Cullen Best Nelson photo)

Gov’t to roll out drug strategy master plan Page 7

Child rapist put 10 away for 18 years Page

KEVIN JORDAN

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

Guyana Chronicle journalist cops international media award FIVE young journalists, among them Guyana’s Neil Marks, have been selected to join the upcoming climate change conference (COP21) in Paris in December. The journalists — winners of a ‘Voices2Paris’ storytelling contest run by UNDP and Oxfam — will help to cover the conference and the critical issue of tackling climate change. Over 130 articles were submitted from more than 40 countries globally. “One of the objectives of the contest was to encourage further local coverage of climate change impacts and solutions. ‘Voices2Paris’ is already a success if we consider that the articles were published in more than 40 countries in mainstream as well as climate-related publications, and contributed to greater public awareness on cli-

mate change,” noted Sarah Bel, UNDP Communication Specialist in Geneva. The stories were judged based on their content, structure, photographs and relevance, and how well they incorporated climate science. A group of senior journalists from top-tiered media — including EFE, the Economic Times of India, Climate Central, Climate home, Le Monde, Panapress and Thomson Reuters Foundation — scored the entries, and after two rounds of scoring, selected the five best stories. In addition to the winners, the top 25 articles will be disseminated through the media and online. “Reading and judging these stories took me quite vividly sometimes to the parts of the world that have done the least to cause global warming, but that are already suffering from its

Guyana Chronicle journalist Neil Marks most dangerous effects,” noted John Upton from Climate Central. “The major themes that emerged in the entries were flooding and heat and the impacts of climate change on farming. The developing world doesn’t just need help adapting and responding to climate change, it needs help understanding it. Kudos to the journalists who are telling these stories, and to the scientists and others who are helping them,” he added. In addition to Marks, the contest winners, who will join UNDP at the COP21 in Paris, are: Diana Omondi Makimario (Kenya); Shahani Singh Shrestha (Nepal); Augustina Armstrong-Ogbonna (Nigeria); and María del Pilar Celi Frías (Peru). Journalists whose entries are among the 25 best stories will also have the opportunity to continue learning, and will now work with mentors to deepen their investigation and fine-tune their articles for international publication before COP21. UNDP and its partners, including OXFAM, Care International, China Dialogue, Deutsche Welle and Thomson Reuters Foundation, will disseminate the articles widely throughout November. UNDP has been a leading supporter to developing countries throughout the COP21 negotiations and in the development of climate targets. The winning journalists will join UNDP’s delegation, including Administrator Helen Clark, in Paris for the conference, where UNDP will push heavily for post-Paris action to combat climate change. The African Press Organisation, Deutsche Welle and Oxfam Hong Kong are special partners of the contest. (PANOS Caribbean)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday october 31, 2015

‘Oil is coming’ –Trotman promises prudent management of resources

By Svetlana Marshall “OIL is coming,” and Guyana must be prepared, Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman said as he underscored the importance of having the “entire nation” involved in the development of the Hydrocarbon Sector. Trotman was delivering remarks at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre where a two-day seminar is being convened under the theme: “Building Capacity for Man-

aging the Hydrocarbon Sector in Guyana”. This forum marks the first of its type for the David Granger Administration in the development of a framework to manage the emerging oil and gas sector. It attracted not only the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Khadija Musa but other representatives from Australia, Kenya, Peru, Trinidad and the US, among others. The Minister of Gover-

nance, in his address, said though preparation for the development of a “fullfledged” Hydrocarbon Sector will take several years, the entire nation needs to get on board with a single “plan of action”. “An entire nation has to get on board together and with one plan of action. I ask aloud and rhetorically -- will we allow our political differences to divide and diminish our potential once again?” Guyana, he said stands before an opened door –

a door that leads to great opportunity but while the country is eager to enter, it must do so with “care, caution and patience for what lies behind, though full of benefits, can also bring misery and grief”. “The great opening before us is about the tangibles of oil, gas and prosperity and also about the intangibles such as sustainable development, conservation, protection and preservation. It is about new opportunities, a new

Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman, UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Khadija Musa, and Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Deputy Commissioner Newell Dennison at yesterday’s forum

Guyana, and a new people. This is what today’s seminar is about.” MAJOR CHALLENGE It was pointed out that managing a new extractive industry is a major challenge and as a result over the last 30 years many governments have been unable to adequately develop institutions and regulatory frameworks that allow for an effective functioning of the industry.

Well established institutions and frameworks, the Minister of Governance emphasised, allow for the utilisation of oil and gas revenues to finance policies that are economically conducive to both growth and poverty reduction, or to weather the storms of oil price swings. “Those that choose to run through the open door unmindful of the force behind it have paid a heavy See page 8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

UG Registrar plugs student-friendly registry, open-door policy By Rabindra Rooplall

THE University of Guyana (UG) is promoting a greater involvement of productiveness in curriculum development and a student-friendly environment in order to prepare students for the world of work. UG Registrar Dr Nigel Gravesande was speaking at the time in reference to UG students who recently vented

their frustrations, according to a report on Monday in this newspaper under the caption: “UG students decry slothful registration process, hike in tuition fees.” Among the aggrieved students according to the report were Stephan Sookram, Rosheni Takechandra, Rhinold Cameron and Alva Solomon. Pointing out that he had initiated the conversation with this publication, the

registrar noted that appointments have been made with all the affected students who had highlighted their opinions in the Guyana Chronicle. “None of them have graced my office, I am at my desk at 7AM every morning and since I assumed responsibilities 391 students, both at Turkeyen and Berbice have visited my office.” Dr Gravesande who has nearly three decades of experience at executive and senior levels in tertiary education, the public and private sectors and diplomacy was appointed last August as the new Registrar at UG, replacing Vincent Alexander. Highlighting in chronological order the issue of two of the aggrieved cases, the UG Registrar said that Rosheni Takechandra is a student enrolled in the field of communications at the diploma level. Her grade was received by the Office of the Registrar on the 29th September, 2015 in respect of exams she had done in the last academic year. “That’s an issue for the faculty; we can only update student’s profiles when we get the grades from the lec-

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turers. On 2nd October the Director of Communications recommended her admission to the Bachelor’s Degree programme. This was approved on 4th October, 2015 and Ms Takechandra formally conveyed her acceptance on the 6th October. She attempted to register for the first time on the 23rd October at 11:49AM.” He said that he then tried contacting Ms Takechandra yesterday to make an analysis of her complaints. Dr. Gravesande said he left a voicemail on her cell phone and later called a home number through which he reached her mother who stated that the young lady was on an overseas trip for two weeks. Meanwhile, he said Stephen Sookram is another student in the communications programme. He applied to do the Bachelor’s Degree on the 3rd August, 2015 which was prior to his appointment at the institution. Sookram was recommended as a suitable candidate and was endorsed on the 19th August, 2015, Dr Gravesande said, but there were some outstanding grade

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issues that were received only at the end of August. An e-mail was dispatched to Sookram on 9th September, 2015 and he accepted the offer. He was duly registered on 21st September, 2015 and this was subsequently approved the following day. However, this was not completed since a loan agency outside the remit of the university did not complete payments. The registrar said since his appointment he had indicated to staff that he plans to transform the registry into a student-friendly environment. OPEN-DOOR POLICY Emphasising that all students have access to his office, Dr Gravesande said “no student needs an appointment to see this registrar; in fact, I have been seeing students every day. I am available to see students from the time I arrive, my staff can independently validate this and I am prepared to provide 391 students who had engaged me… so on the basis of three complaints the registry cannot be captured as inefficient.” Emphasising that UG’s faculty and staff have a fundamental responsibility to deliver students’ grades on time, Dr Gravesande said the students also have a corresponding responsibility

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and through his intervention many grades that were outstanding since 2010 were received. “I will not rest on my laurels until the registry is transformed into a student-focused and student-friendly environment. Our students are our most important constituency and I believe we must serve them. My office would be one of service,” the UG Registrar declared. The Registrar said further that he would help to forge strategic linkages with regional and international tertiary institutions to benefit from a diversified and wider human resource base and one that can facilitate technical and other assistance to the university. As part of Dr Gravesande’s plan to make UG the premier tertiary institution in the Caribbean, he plans to attract students from Community Colleges and Sixth Forms across the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM, deliver student services efficiently and effectively and develop a structured programme of community service for all UG students. During his tenure, he also plans to contribute to expanding UG’s resource base through strategic arrangements with industry and organisations locally, regionally and internationally.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday october 31, 2015

EU ambassador calls for abolition of death penalty –decriminalisation of same-sex intimacy

HEAD of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Guyana, Jernej Videti, is calling on the Government of Guyana to abolish the death penalty, decriminalise same-sex intimacy and strengthen efforts to combat domestic abuse and trafficking in persons. Speaking at the launch of the Human Rights Film Festival at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday, the diplomat said that on November 23 and 24, the EU will be organising here in Georgetown a Caribbean Regional Conference on the abolition of the death penalty. The forum is expected to bring experts and media from the Caribbean and Europe to discuss the abolition of the death penalty and raise awareness of this issue throughout the Region. Europe has been dealing with its own human rights issues, one of which currently is the issue of migration. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 500,000 people have made their way to Europe. The vast majority of them are fleeing either war in Syria, the terror of the Islamic State in Libya, or dictatorship in Eritrea. Many of the men,

women and children trying to escape danger have unfortunately lost their lives in the Mediterranean, owing to their exploitation by people-traffickers, who pack them onto unsafe vessels.

Head of Delegation of the EU to Guyana, Jernej Videti “The most immediate objective of the EU’s policy on migration is to save lives and prevent the exploitation of these innocent people. We have redoubled our efforts to tackle smugglers and dismantle human-trafficking groups. We have tripled our presence at sea. Over 122,000 lives have been saved over the last few months. The EU is committed to dealing with this crisis in a manner that is fully in accordance with international law and re-

spect for human rights,” the ambassador said. He said the festival will give some of Guyana’s civil society organisations the opportunity to highlight the invaluable work they do to promote human rights of all in Guyana. The EU has, for many years, provided support to these organisations. PROFOUND SADNESS Ambassador Videti also took the opportunity on behalf of all who work at the EU Delegation to express profound sadness at the passing of Zenita Nicholson. “Having recently arrived in Guyana, I never met Zenita myself. However, my colleagues inform me that she was very highly thought of, both as a person and due to her outstanding work on behalf of equal rights for all. Our deepest sympathy to all her family, friends and colleagues,” he said. The EU has made human rights the silver thread that runs through its foreign policy, assisting democratic transitions around the globe and helping minorities, social groups and non-governmental organisations to voice their concerns. A number of local civil society organisations

which are active in promoting human rights in Guyana gave presentations on their work. These organisations includ ed Childlink, SASOD, Camp4Change, Help & Shelter, and the Justice Institute. A tribute to Nicholson, who recently passed away tragically, was also done by Joel Simpson of SADOD.

The films, which have been provided by a number of EU countries, each address several key human rights issues such as migration, the death penalty, and the rule of law. The films were to be screened at the EU Delegation at 11 Sendall Place on Friday, October 30, and from Monday, November 2 to Thursday, November 5 at 18:00 hrs. All screenings are open to the public. The films, in order of screening, are: The Co-

lour of the Ocean (Germany), which addresses the issue of refugees; Honk! (France), which addresses the issue of the death penalty; Burden of Peace (The Netherlands), which addresses the issues of rule of law and corruption in politics; A Small Act (Sweden), which addresses the issue of human rights generally; and Democrats (Denmark), which deals with establishing constitutional reform in Zimbabwe.

Wanted bulletin issued for murder suspect K E M O Ty r o n E v ans is wanted by the police in relation to investigations into the murder of Farouk Hamid which occurred on April 16, 2015, at 97 Colin Wood Avenue, Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara. The police issued the wanted bulletin for the man on Friday afternoon after repeated efforts to locate him at his known address proved futile. Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Kemo Tyron Evans is asked to contact the police on telephone

Murder suspect Kemo Tyron Evans numbers 225-6411, 2261333, 225-2722, 226-

9941, 911 or the nearest police station. The police, as always, have vowed that all information provided to the law enforcement agency will be treated with strict confidentially. They provided the details on the suspect and are asking that members of the public come forward with any information they have that could lead to his arrest. The suspect’s address was given as Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara or Sophia and he is said to be 20 years old.

Guyana

GTT charging us for Internet we don’t need Dear editor THE Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company is taking advantage of the Guyanese people by forcing us to pay for Internet whether or not we want it. They have forced us to become postpaid customers without having a bill posted

EDITORIAL

Breast Cancer Awareness

BREAST Cancer Awareness Month, an annual international health campaign by major breast cancer organisations to increase awareness of the disease, will end today; yet thousands of our Guyanese women are yet to be tested for one of the most common cancers among women. Advocates here have for years urged our women folk to get tested, as it is one sure way of fighting the disease, but there has not been any major shift in attitude. Organisations such as the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) have, over the years, stressed that women of all ages need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and understand their risks. In the Americas, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. An estimated 400,000 women were newly diagnosed, and more than 92,000 women died from breast cancer in the Americas in 2012. The number of new cases is expected to increase by 46% in the Region by 2030, if current trends continue, PAHO has said. But women also need to understand that millions of their counterparts around the world are surviving the disease, thanks in part to early detection and improvements in treatment. Early diagnosis of the disease, coupled with treatment, definitely saves lives. Most women who are diagnosed with early stage (I and II) breast cancer and receive treatment can expect a favourable outcome, with five-year survival rates of 80% to 90%. According to PAHO, while the causes of breast cancer remain largely unknown, risk factors include age, family history of breast cancer, early age at menarche and late age at first childbirth, hormone use, obesity, and alcohol consumption. Breastfeeding, physical activity, late menarche, early pregnancy, and early menopause are all protective factors against the disease. Right here, groups have been actively fighting breast cancer by helping women get tested to find the cancer earlier, and helping them understand their treatment options and cope with the physical and emotional side effects. In Latin America and the Caribbean,

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 31, 2015

to us. I can’t recall signing any contract to become a postpaid customer. I went and paid for my Internet to be reconnected, and went home hoping it was reconnected. Unfortunately, it was not, so I called in, only to be informed that I have to pay for half of a month they claim I owe. This is a total rip-off, and I

hope the agencies responsible for looking after the welfare of the Guyanese people can rectify this. I can only beg the government to be serious, stop playing with the Guyanese people and pass the telecommunication bill so this rotten behaviour can stop, and we would have the option of another provider with better

service in all respects, from customer service to the delivery of reliable bandwidth at a cheaper cost. We pay almost the same price as citizens of developed countries, but they are given far better bandwidth and service. God be with our people. K. NARINE

Poor management and alleged corruption at the GRDB Rice Research Station Dear Editor, THE rice industry in Guyana plays a vital role in the country by contributing greatly to the GDP. The Burma Rice Research Station, which should be the principal institution for rice in Guyana and farther afield, is very poorly managed by a team of incompetent persons, headed by Dr. Mahendra Persaud. Some people would say it is like having square pegs in round holes. The reason for saying this, as I have previously indicated through the press, is that there are serious problems in the industry. Apart

from the lack of high-priced markets for our rice, there are the following issues: (1) Rice weeds, (2) Paddy bugs and other issues, and pest and disease problems, (3) Poor quality of seeds produced at Burma, and (4) Poor marketing and biased distribution to the farmers of the seed paddy produced by the station, etc. These are all clearly due to having “square pegs in round holes”, who enjoy fat salaries and other allowances in excess of 8.5 M annually because of the ‘our boy’ syndrome employed by the previous PPP administration. It is also alleged that, apart from poor management of the research work,

there are other highly corrupt practices happening at the Research Station, which are covered up and kept as top level secrets. Thousands of litres of fuel and fertilisers go unaccounted for, and losses are incurred due to spillage, sole sourcing of contractors to effect repairs to residential houses, buildings and other infrastructure at the research station, and misuse of the board’s vehicular resources etc. These are all allegations the Hon. Minister Mr. Jaipaul Sharma and his audit team should look into and investigate. In my view, the slow pace at which Dr. Mahendra and his team are working

on addressing these issues facing the rice industry and mismanaging the board’s resources will surely precipitate a massive disaster in time to come. This is a call to His Excellency, President David Granger; to the Minister of State, Hon. Joseph Harmon; and to Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Noel Holder, to look into these issues and make the necessary changes, so that the rice farmers of our country can receive better service from the GRDB Burma Rice Research Station. Yours faithfully, T. ROSS

We need to unite to dispel the darkness

THE Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha beckons all Hindus and spiritual leaders to unite for Deepavali. The celebration of Diwali as the “victory of good over evil” refers to the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance, the ignorance

that masks one’s true nature. As we illuminate our homes with lights and firecrackers, it is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity. We have travelled from darkness

breast cancer ranks as the first cancer type both in terms of new cases and deaths. Besides, a greater proportion of breast cancer deaths occur in women under 65 years of age (57%), as compared to North America (41%). Earlier diagnosis, coupled with advances in treatment, has led to better outcomes and longer survival for women with breast cancer. Yet, many LAC countries continue to have limited access to these life-saving interventions. On Thursday evening, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence, led a candlelight vigil in front of Parliament Buildings to raise awareness on how to beat breast cancer and stay alive. Minister Lawrence explained that the simple act of lighting a candle, a symbol of life, is a way of encouraging women to be strong and fight the good fight. She also reminded attendees that men also are afflicted by cancer, and urged our male folk to be vigilant and

unto light — the light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds, which bring us closer to divinity. Diwali will be observed on the 10th November, 2015. As most of us would know, Diwali is celebrated on the night of Amawasya.

Hence we must be aware of the time when the Amawasya Tithi starts and ends in order to correctly determine which night falls between the tithi for us to celebrate. According to the calculations of Panchang or PaSee page 7

empowered. Cancer survivor and member of the Periwinkle Cancer Club, Bridgett Calendar, was also on hand, explaining that she has battled with cancer and won, and has remained cancer-free for over 10 years now. Her testimony, like those of several others, must be used to inspire a change in the attitude of our women, who have largely shied away from being tested. Government, too, must be more proactive in engaging our women to understand the importance of being tested early, which must include programmes that cater for our young girls to become more aware of the disease. The yearly marches, lighting of candles and holding vigils would not stop the cancer, but a more aggressive approach to educating our womenfolk about the disease will certainly go a far way in preventing it.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 31, 2015

Gov’t to roll out drug strategy master plan - Granger - NANA to be launched

President David Granger PRESIDENT David Granger has announced that his administration will roll out a National Drug Strategy Master Plan while simultaneously establishing the National Anti-Narcotic Agency (NANA). Based on the theory that criminal violence results from the drug trade, President Granger said although the crime wave has long ended and the “so-called ring leaders” of the perceived drug gang warfare are “all gone”, there is still a high level of crime.

According to him, part of the reason is the inability to eradicate the narcotics trade, “gun running and their associated ills”. Speaking on the weekly programme “The Public Interest”, the President said in an effort to create a dent in the narco-trade, his administration would be moving to adapt the National Drug Strategy Master Plan. In his book “Public Security – Criminal Violence and Policing in Guyana”, Granger recalled that in 1992, Home Affairs Minister Feroze Mohamed had inherited a counter-narcotics plan dubbed “Guyana’s Strategy for Dealing with the Drug Problem” and a National Drug Law Enforcement Committee, which received regular reports from an active Joint Anti-Narcotics Operations Committee. The plan and committee were established in 1988, but were discontinued following the change in admin-

We need to unite ... From page 6

tra, Amawasya starts at 11:54 am on November 10 th and continues through the night of November 10 until it reaches the end time, which will be 1:46 pm on November 11. Therefore, we cannot light diyas and perform Maha Lakshmi Puja on the 11th November, 2015 when Amawasya (the darkest night) would have already passed on the night of the 10th November? We appeal to leaders of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha to maintain the tradition of calculating the correct Tithi, so that we can unite for the sake of our Hindu brothers and sisters, and prevent segregation amongst our people. We need to demonstrate the universal nature of Satya Sanatan Dharma, and how it is based on eternal truth which can be applied to anyone from any background. It is such a pro-

found culture that we need to show it is not only for a few Hindus, but for the upliftment of all humanity. We are a part of the hope for the future. We should have confidence in what we can do, because history has shown that we have already made a difference. In this way, if we all become ambassadors of Sanatan Dharma, then everyone will see a great coalition that brings a bright future, wherein the Spiritual Truths that have been found and presented in the Sanatan Dharma will gain respect and be accepted by many more millions of people across the planet. This could certainly change the course of history, and manifest the spiritual dimension of the world. Spiritual Head of Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha: PT. UBRAJ NARINE

istration in 1992. H o w e v e r, i n 1 9 9 7 , the PPP/C administration launched the “National Drug Strategy Master Plan 1997-2000”, and subsequently established a National Anti-Narcotics Commission. However, it was not until 2005 that the third plan was launched. The plan was subsequently shelved by the PPP/C. But though the current plan has some deficiencies and loopholes, the government through the Public Security Ministry will implement aspects of the plan and make necessary changes as time progresses. WORK IN PROGRESS “This is a work in progress. We will see what is

workable and implement those parts that are workable,” President Granger said, noting that the establishment of NANA is one of the major developments emanating from the plan. He was also optimistic that transnational crimes such as contraband, smuggling, people smuggling, and gun-trafficking would also be brought under control. The launching of the NANA would ultimately result in the merging of the Police Narcotics Unit and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU). SECURITY SECTOR REFORM ACTION PLAN Meanwhile, the President also said that the government has consulted with the UK Government to reintroduce

the Security Sector Reform Action Plan – a project which was shelved by the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration. Mr Granger disclosed that while attending the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in September, he had met with Prime Minister David Cameron and made a formal request for the reintroduction of the Security Sector Reform Action Plan. In 2009, the UK Government had offered its assistance to finance the project but the PPP/C administration had declined the offer, contending that the British Law Enforcement would have had a leading role in its implementation. Although, Prime Minister Cameron has not responded to the request to date, President Granger is convinced

that the proposal will be considered. On a different note, Granger said he is satisfied with the progress made thus far in the crime fight. “Although crimes are being committed, there are better responses, better investigations and there will be more prosecutions,” he said. However, the President underscored the importance of assessing some of the social factors that may be contributing factors to crime. “We need to look not only at crime but the causes of crime.” “There have been rapes, there have been murders. These are not crimes which are preventable by the state. We can investigate, we can prosecute, but we need to bring about certain changes in our society,” he said.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

Islamic Development Bank officials meet with President Granger GUYANA is looking to expand the list of international financial organisations

with which it does business, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is vying

to be the newest addition to that list. On Thursday, President David Granger met with the bank’s senior economist Dr Salman Syed Ali, and its Division Manager of Advisory Services Yahya Aleem ur Rehman. The officials were accompanied by members of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) -- Shaik Moen-ul-Hack, Dr Carl Niamatali, “Kads” Khan and Fazil Hack. The meeting was held at the Ministry of the Presidency. During the meeting, the President was updated on the bank’s activities in the Region, and discussions were held on Guyana’s potential for financing. In a brief comment, the bank’s divisional manager told the Government Information Agency that “it was a good discussion. The President was very supportive of the idea. He mentioned that Guyana [has]… identified the priorities of the government in terms of the

President David Granger in conversation with the visiting delegation at the Ministry of the Presidency infrastructure and the energy sector.” The IsDB is an international financial institution established in 1973 in pursuance of the Declaration of Intent issued by the Conference of Finance Ministers of Muslim Countries, held

in Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where its headquarters is located. Its main purpose is to foster the economic development and social progress of member countries and Muslim communities individually, as well as joint-

ly, in accordance with the principles of Islamic law. It comprises five arms: the bank itself, the Islamic Research and Training Institute, a private sector body, a trade-finance and cooperation body, and an insurance arm.

‘Oil is coming’ From page 3 price. Time can be a friend or foe depending on how we utilise it. Guyana will respect time and not rush it.” Alluding to the fact that the demand for energy is projected to grow by 37 per cent in 2035 while oil prices is expected to increase from today’s average of US$46 per barrel to an average of US$59 in 2016 and climbing, Trotman said it is clear that there is room and much benefit for Guyana to not only provide for its energy needs but also to join the energy provision market. This development, however, raises a number of issues that must be treated responsibly, thereby embracing “a new world order that expects transparency in the management processes and equity in the sharing of natural resources as equally as it demands respect for the environment… and the movement towards the greening of the economy.” As such, the Governance Minister said the establishment of the Hydrocarbon Sector must be implemented on the basis of the country-specific political and socio-economic context while capitalising on the experiences, lessons and policy recommendations from seasoned experts and practitioners. “Guyana is being proactive in its approach to this emerging sector to ensure that all mechanisms necessary for the effective management and the best outcomes for its people are in place even before the first barrel of oil is brought to the surface, refined and sold. “Today is one such step in that direction as the Government of Guyana with support from the evergreen and ever ready UNDP seeks to build the capacity of technicians, policymakers and other interest groups on the issues and challenges surrounding this emerging sector,” Trotman

noted. He added, that Guyana is not only willing to take advise and support embraced by the UNDP, but also the Commonwealth Secretariat with its support in the development of the Draft National Upstream Oil and Gas Policy; the Canadian Government’s offer of the depth of resources available in the University of Calgary to guide the development of a Sovereign Wealth Fund; and the United States Government’s support through the Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI). REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Currently, the Government is seeking to establish regulatory framework and prudent fiscal management policies that would not only ensure transparency but provide clear standards and expectations for this sector. “The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is one international mechanism that seeks to ensure the transparency in the management of the extractive industries and is currently at the top of Governmental agenda to be pursued. A focal point and group of stakeholders have already started to be engaged to take Guyana’s efforts forward in this regard. Another is the Open Government Partnership (OGP) that promotes similar ideals of transparency, and the sharing of information,” Trotman explained. Meanwhile, in addressing Guyana’s action plan for the development of the Hydrocarbon Sector, he said recognising the need for a highly skilled workforce, the Government plans to revamp the public education system through informed analysis intended to address the supply of educated labour and its current and anticipated demand. He stressed that “integrat-

ing the supply and demand of labour into a flexible, technical vocational education and training system to rapidly raise skills so as to make even the non-oil sectors competitive internationally” is critical. Additionally, issues relating to the environment such as oil spill prevention and response, and social safeguards, and the alignment of the management of the sector with the country’s environmental priorities are also being addressed “adequately”. “At the macro level Guyana’s priorities are being aligned with its commitment to international obligations and responsibilities for the post-2015 developmental agenda. The Sustainable Development Goals have set a bench mark which we wholeheartedly embrace,” he further added. Meanwhile, in renewing the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) commitment towards the establishment of Guyana’s Hydrocarbon Sector, the Resident Coordinator underscored the importance of establishing the requisite capacity and policies needed to effectively develop the sector, emphasising that nationwide consultation is also critical in the process. Often times having resources such as oil and gas are seen as a “curse,” but Musa said these resources are seen as a curse when weak systems have been implemented. “These resources only become a curse if there is no capacity within the country, wrong policies are implemented, and if consultation is not made throughout the community in order to develop the resources. Then it becomes a curse.” She pointed out that the Middle East and countries of the Gulf have reaped tremendous benefits from the development of their oil and gas sectors.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday october 31, 2015

Bartica wants extended borders to become as ‘independent as possible’ – Regional Chairman

BARTICA, which is to be proclaimed a town, should benefit from the collection of royalties once its borders are extended to include quarries and logging concessions, in order to transform its economic landscape. According to Region 7 Chairman Gordon Bradford, speaking with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, towns are known for depending on government subventions, but Bartica could become independent with the collection of royalties. He said further that the collection of rates and taxes would not likely be sufficient to sustain the town. “We would like to be independent as much as possible.” EXTENSION OF BOUNDARIES Bartica has applied for an extension of its boundaries, and if the extension is granted, all quarries within the region would be included, taking in BK Quarry, Big Hope Quarry, Durban Quarry and St. Mary’s Quarry, in addition to a number of small logging concessions. The new boundary, which extends the community’s borders to almost three times the current size, would also include Marshall Falls, the Regional Chairman said. “We have made an application for an extension of the village boundaries; we have gone to about 14

square miles. Bartica at present is 5 square miles, and so we hope to go to approximately 14 square miles. So the township will now take in all the quarries that we have in the Mazaruni,” Bradford had said in a previous interview with the press. The Region 7 Chairman told this newspaper that an arrangement similar to what obtains in indigenous communities should be put in place to benefit the impending mining town. During the period 2006-2011, approximately $49M were collected in royalties for mining in Indigenous communities. By 2012, the royalties were transferred to these communities. Bradford further contended that similar arrangements should have been in place for the region, since, in spite of its wealth of minerals, it is the “most underdeveloped and poorest region.” Considering Bartica’s impending township status, Bradford said a major infrastructural upgrade is needed, from rehabilitation of roads to the establishment of proper market facilities. He noted, too, that the supply of water and health services within Bartica must be improved as well. “The transition plans are many, because we have to look at every aspect of development, from village status to township status. We look at our infrastructure and

Region 7 Chairman, Gordon Bradford we have to improve upon that. Of course it won’t be done within this given time frame that we have.” TOWNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES Bradford said the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) are currently engaging the public, “trying to get as many people on board.” “We can only do that by educating them about the responsibilities when we become a town. We have to educate our people on the laws of the township also, because we have been living in a village status for so long, it is obvious things will change,” he added. Alluding to President David Granger’s vision for Bartica to be transformed into a “Green Town,” Bradford said residents have commenced the planting of trees. “In

certain strategic areas -school compounds, along our streets and so on -- we have started planting not only decorative plants, but fruit trees and so on… We want to bring back the days when going to school (one could) stop here and there to pick fruits,” he said. And Gifford Marshall, one of the regional councillors, has told Guyana Chronicle that the residents of Bartica are eagerly awaiting the status of township. He says it is long overdue. “It is a known fact that Bartica is a beautiful land with beautiful people. It is undoubtedly one of South America’s major tourist attractions, and (is) the gateway to some of the world’s most valuable natural resources - gold and diamond. So it’s our belief that our township status will benefit Guyana economically, politically and socially,” Marshall said. He said that while President Granger and his administration are moving ahead with their plans for the community, work on the ground is moving a little slowly. He noted that residents and regional officials definitely need to play

“catchup.” Nevertheless, he said that some residents have formed themselves in groups with the aim of enhancing their communities. TOURISM DESTINATION “I am presently working with a small group of youths with the express purpose of promoting Bartica as a tourism destination. We have just

completed a few promotional materials, and will very soon be releasing some “whopping” promotional materials.” President Granger, during his visit to Bartica in June, had announced that the mining community would gain township status by April 23, 2016, in keeping with an Ordinance made by the British Government some 178 years ago.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

Effort to quash no-pay leave decision fails ––Marshall loses battle for Certiorari & Mandamus Orders By George Barclay HIGH Court Marshall, Mary Ann Morrison, who was seeking prerogative reliefs from the Registrar of the Supreme Court for refusing to honour a 59day sick leave relative to illness overseas, has lost the legal battle. She was ordered to pay $40,000 costs to the Secretary of the Public Service Commission.

Acting Chief Justice, Mr. Ian Chang, S. C., who on April 16th , 2015, issued a Nisi Order of Certiorari directing Acting Registrar, Mr. Raschid Mohamed to show cause why his decision should not be quashed, has now discharged the Nisi Order against all the named respondents. The Chief Justice added: “It follows that the writ of Mandamus to compel pay-

ment does not lie against any of the named respondents. There will be costs to the Secretary of the Public Service Commission in the sum of $40,000.” In his judgment the Chief Justice had said: “While this court does not see the applicability of Rule H46 to the applicant as a person who was given leave to be spent abroad and who took ill abroad while on vacation

abroad, it is clear that Circular No.4/1972 provides:“Public servants who have been granted leave to be spent overseas frequently apply for extension of time of leave on medical grounds. Where there is a Guyana Mission, such applications must be recommended by a medical practitioner nominated by that Mission, failing which requests will not be entertained.

“Directly it becomes apparent to a public servant while on overseas leave that ill health might prevent him/her from travelling to resume duty on time at the expiration of leave, he/she must promptly communicate with the appropriate Guyana Mission so that arrangement could be made for him/ her to be seen by a Medical Practitioner nominated by that Mission.” “The judgment added: “It does appear that the applicant was in breach of P.S.M. Circular No. 4/1972 and therefore rendered herself liable to loss of pay or disciplinary action. “It does appear that the Permanent Secretary made a decision which was very favourable to the applicant since all he did was to decide not to grant sick leave pay to the applicant only in respect

of days of sick leave absence not covered by medical certificates, i. e. 4th December 2014 to 31st January, 2015 – 59 days . It appears that it is not all within his power to grant a public servant pay for sick leave for days not covered by any medical certificate. “He therefore cannot be sensibly or reasonably accused of not granting to the applicant in respect of the 59 days’ leave of absence for reason of illness when there was no medical certificate attesting to her state of health in respect of those days. The Order or Rule Nisi of Certiorari and Mandamus granted against him on the 16th April, 2015 must therefore be discharged,” Chief Justice Chang stated when he delivered the judgment recently.

Child rapist put away for 18 years CITY businessman Kevin Jordan will spend the next 18 years behind bars after being convicted yesterday of the offence of buggery. The sentence was originally 20 years but because of a favourable probation report Justice Dawn Gregory deducted two years from the sentence handed down. The judge said it was a sexual offence involving a child and the sentence was to protect the public from harm. The probation report highlighted his favourable character exhibited in his generosity and free-handed nature. Justice Gregory told the packed court room that because of the age of the child and the circumstantial evidence put forward by the state, she wanted to hand down the 20-year maximum sentence but the report influenced the final decision. After the sentence was handed down sevKEVIN JORDAN eral relatives of Jordan began crying and one person said out aloud: “Bear up, don’t give up” as the seemingly bewildered man was led out the court room. Another woman however, stood in the court room and began crying openly saying; “The justice system is a failed one.” The probation report said Jordan, 56, of Lot 16 Broad and Charles Street was charged for buggery. He is the second of 10 siblings and had three wives with whom he had several children. It stated that in 1992 he opened a spare parts business at Broad and Charles Street and was a family-oriented man. It said Jordan distributed kites and hampers to residents in the community and was deemed a very generous man The accused denied the charge in the proceedings, saying he never touched or had anal sex with boy or girl. On October 12, 2015 Kevin Jordan was found guilty by a 12-member High Court jury of one of two counts of raping the seven-year-old boy. Jordan, the owner of Jordan’s Spare Parts store, was previously arrested in 2007 after four boys, between the ages of six and eight years old, alleged that he had molested them at his business place. The boys were students of a nearby primary school. The trial was heard in camera.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday october 31, 2015

Police make breakthrough in major criminal investigations

THE Guyana Police Force yesterday reported being able to nab three primary suspects in the murder of one Akeem Yorrick of Plaisance Squatting Area, which occurred on August 1st of this year. The release from the law enforcement body detailed that ‘C’ Division police are now breathing a sigh of relief, after nabbing the suspects. A police press release also reported that its ranks were already able to secure legal advice in the matter from the Director of Public Prosecution. Additionally, the police reported success in arresting two other persons who were part of a three-man gang that reportedly robbed Mahaica resident Gansham Jorie and two family members of a motor car, cash, jewellery, and other items on October 29 last. The suspects have been positively identified during an identification parade, and the

vehicle which the suspects had stolen has also been recovered by the police, along with some amount of the booty they had taken. Charges are expected to be laid shortly. In another GPF release, police claim that, acting on intelligence, they conducted a joint operation in a section of the city and were able to nab one of the most evasive suspects, a person wanted for questioning in the murder of Sanasie Lewis, who was gunned down in September while at a bar in Albouystown. This suspect is also wanted for a series of armed robberies and other violent crimes. The man remains in custody even as the police continue investigating the matter. ‘D’ Division police have also been able to dismantle a criminal networking gang that operated in Region 3, and police remain on the hunt for three other armed men who robbed and injured two West Bank Demerara

residents. The police release has said that investigations are ongoing. Three masked men armed with handguns on Thursday evening entered the grocery shop of 25-year-old Mohabir Singh of First Street, Goed Fortuin West Bank Demerara, and gun-butted the young man to his head before escaping in a waiting vehicle with a quantity of cash. A customer on the premises at the time was also relieved of his mobile phone and approximately $20,000 in cash. The police revealed that the community has a very vibrant policing group operating under the chairmanship of Mr. Vickram Vieira, but the group was unfortunately not out on patrol at the time of the robbery. Crime sleuths in the division believe that the gang would be apprehended soon, since they are closing in on those suspects through diligent investigations.

375 soldiers added to GDF SOME 375 new soldiers were yesterday promoted to the rank of Private in the Guyana Defence Force as simultaneously conducted Basic Recruit Courses concluded. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) in a release said some

itary institution and discipline underlies and drives everything we do,” he said. “Additionally, you are expected to learn, understand and embrace the standards and values of the force. In fact, you are expected to conform to them.

ready to serve the GDF at locations throughout Guyana. You must understand your rights and duties under military law. Your continuing education must be in your focus at all times while you perform your duties as soldiers. At all times you must learn,

Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips inspects the new soldiers at the passing out ceremony at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama 283 of the soldiers are being added to the Regular Force, while 92 are being added through the Reserve Force. The new soldiers passed out yesterday at a simple but significant ceremony at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama. Congratulating the new troops and welcoming them to the GDF, Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Mark Phillips, emphasised the need for discipline to be their hallmark. “As soldiers in the GDF, everything you do, hinges on your consistent demonstration of discipline. The GDF is a mil-

Your attitude must be exemplary and you must earn the respect of all the citizens of Guyana. This can be easily achieved once you embrace our standards and values.” The Chief of Staff entreated the soldiers to commit themselves to serving the people of Guyana. “Yours must be a commitment to serve. To serve anywhere within the bounds of Guyana’s borders, and, even if deployed overseas, you are to be dedicated and exemplary ambassadors of Guyana. ‘Service’ is our motto!” he emphasised. He added: “You must be

know, practise and uphold the values and standards. “Remember, you have made a transition over the last 10 weeks, so you now have to behave as responsible adults. Beginning on November 1, the GDF will celebrate its 50th anniversary. That is, 50 years of service to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. The theme for our 50th anniversary is ‘Commemorating the past, Celebrating the present, and Carving the future’. You are the present and future soldiers and leaders of the Guyana Defence Force, go forth and be the best soldiers you can.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

Linden Hospital gets equipment worth $$$ millions –from visiting Chinese delegation By Joe Chapman A CHINESE delegation from the Jiangsun Provincial Commission of Health and Family Planning, headed by Dr. Lan Qing, visited the Linden Hospital Complex on Wednesday morning to have a

dollars. These included an anesthesia machine, pulse blood unit, pectoral cavity hemostat, laparoscopic flush head, laparoscopic suction head, sphygmomanometer, atomisation high energy chips, and transcutaneous jaundice meters.

Dr Lan Qing, at left, and Dr. Farouk Ryasat, at right, signing certificates concerning equipment received by the LHC first-hand look at the work of the Chinese medical teams and to donate to that institution equipment worth millions of

They were received by Linden Member of Parliament Valarie Patterson; recently appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary

in the Ministry of Health, Ms. Collette Adams; Chief Executive Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex, Dr. Farouk Ryasat; and Administrator of the Linden Hospital Complex, Trevor Vangenderen. After a brief introduction by Vangendren, Dr. Qing expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Health for the support given to the Chinese medical teams to Guyana over the past twenty-odd years. He noted that over the past twenty years, eleven teams of Chinese doctors have provided services to the Linden Hospital Complex and critical services in the field of health. Dr Qing said the team was “not here to relieve these medical teams, but to partner with the Linden Hospital Complex so as to provide improved health care to the people of Linden. In Dr Qing’s opinion, the Chinese medical teams have been performing very well and are accomplishing what they have set out to do, and he said it is their intention to open new opportunities to assist the Linden Hospital Complex, whose mission statement is “to provide a high quality of health care through teamwork and with

compassionate care”. Dr. Qing said a joint effort is necessary to ultimately benefit the people of Linden. On behalf of the Jiangsun Provincial Commission, he urged that persons continue to work assiduously. Dr. Farouk Ryasat welcomed the Chinese delega-

as a whole, particularly the entire Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice). Deputy Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health, Ms. Collette Adams, speaking on behalf of the Ministers of Health and the Permanent Secretary, who were not there, said it was great to be in Lin-

system of the region. Regional Member of Parliament Ms. Valarie Patterson thanked the Chinese delegation for the equipment which was presented, saying the items are much needed and will enhance services to the people of Linden. She said the aim is to

Trevor Vangenderen, at left; Dr. Marks, Dr. Qing and Dr. Ryasat outside the laparoscopic theatre tion and recalled that, about one year ago, he was able to visit the Jiangsun Province, where he obtained first-hand experience on how the medical teams operate. He noted that it has been over twenty years since the Linden Hospital Complex has been benefiting from the Chinese expertise; and he said that, over those years, several specialists have come to the medical institution and have worked every day to serve the people of Linden. He said the presence of the Chinese medical teams would help expand the services provided to the people of Linden and the country

den. She expressed hope that scholarships would be provided for Lindeners to go to China to further their studies. She thanked the Chinese delegation for coming, and expressed gratitude for the many medical missions which have served the people of Linden and Guyana over the years. On behalf of Regional Health Officer Dr. Pansy Armstrong, Medex Baird thanked the Chinese team members for their gesture and assistance given in providing more medical equipment to the Linden community. She said the donations would uplift the health care

upgrade the Linden Hospital to a tertiary level, make the Upper Demerara Hospital at Wismar a Grade 4 facility, and the one at Kwakwani a Grade 3 medical institution. Dr. Marks, Chief Medical Officer of the Linden Hospital Complex, identified some of the equipment and medical items which were handed over as valuing millions of dollars. The Chinese team also visited the Laparoscopic Health Theatre, which was opened last September, and held certain discussions with the management of the Linden Hospital Complex.

The Chinese delegation and LHC management team outside the laparoscopic theatre

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

President confident about 3.4% growth projection By Svetlana Marshall

IN dismissing contentions that Guyana will experience a financial crisis due to the slow down of the economy, President David Granger said he is confident the country will achieve its 3.4% growth projection. At the time, he was responding to a question posed by the Guyana Chronicle during the televised Public Interest programme at the Ministry of the Presidency. Guyana’s economy has dropped by 2.5% during the first half of the year, when compared to the same period in 2014, signalling a growth rate of just 0.9%. The Leader of the Opposition had expressed fear that the decline in the economy is an indication of the financial crisis that may face the country long before it experiences an economic crisis. But yesterday President Granger wasted no time in dismissing this concern by the Opposition Leader. In alluding to the “unnecessary strike” that caused Guyana’s sugar industry to grind to a halt earlier this week, President Granger said Mr Bharrat Jagdeo should use his influence over unions which are known to be affiliated to his party to ensure that there is greater industrial stability. He stressed that Guyanese should be encouraged to contribute to the development of the country and by extension its economy. “I do not believe that there are grounds for instability. He came into the presidency having been Minister of Finance, so he is quite aware of the problems, the

fiscal problems that face us - for example, I have a clear recollection during the 2000s, he said while he was president, that we were losing over $7B a year from evasion of taxes on fuel alone,” President Granger noted. Using the “knowledge” he has, the President opined that the Opposition Leader should not only convince the unions, but his supporters as well, to endorse a lawful economy which is going to be the basis of Guyana’s transformation. In reference to the growth of the economy, the President said “I am confident that we are going to reach this projection (of

President David Granger 3.4%).” It was explained that the projection is based on recovery of excise taxes from basic commodities such as rice, sugar, bauxite and gold. EFFICIENT TAX COLLECTION “At the same time, we need to look at other mea-

sures in the government, for example, fiscal measures,” he added, noting that the government must improve the efficiency of the collection of taxes, while simultaneously reducing tax evasion, smuggling and other forms of contraband. President Granger said his government must ensure that revenues collected are paid into the treasury. It was pointed out that “in the past some of the revenues were diverted to other agencies such as NICIL,” an entity which went about the business of building hotels and other projects. Nevertheless, he is optimistic that once the structural programmes are initiated by the government, in years to come Guyana’s economy will grow by 5-8%. Asked whether his government would consider using aspects of the late President Desmond Hoyte’s 1989 Economic Recovery Programme, given the fact that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 6% in 1991, President Granger said there is no need to go backward. It was explained that the economic recovery programme at the time dealt with short and medium-term measures which were needed to reverse flaws within the financial system in the 1980s, which evolved mainly because a large part of the economy was state-owned. “So the Economic Recovery Programme was a programme designed to re-balance the economy by giving greater emphasis or a more important role to the private sector,” the President further explained.

Road closures to facilitate funeral of NYPD cop THE Guyana Police Force Traffic Department will later today announce several road closures in order to facilitate the funeral of NYPD officer Randolph Holder today from 0830hrs. While the body of the fallen cop is being viewed at the Merriman Funeral Home at Lime and Bent Streets traffic will be restricted from moving north into Lime and Bent Streets, restricted from travelling east into Bent and John Streets, restricted from heading west into Bent and Louisa Rowe and restricted from heading south into Lime and Hadfield Streets. While the funeral service is ongoing at the Brickdam Cathedral, traffic flow will be restricted from heading south into Brickdam and Smyth Street, restricted from heading south into Pollard Place and Croal Street, restricted from heading north into Pollard Place and Hadfield Street, restricted from heading north into Bent Street and George Street, restricted from heading north into Hadfield and

Bent Streets, restricted from heading west into Brickdam and United Place, restricted from heading south into Camp and Croal Street. Once the service is completed, the funeral proces-

Slain NYPD officer Randolph Holder sion is likely to move along Brickdam to the Square of the Revolution that decision is tentative. If there is a stop there however, there will be other road closures before the body is taken into Le Repentire Cemetery. If there is a procession at Cuffy traffic heading along Vlissengen road will have to turn east onto

Homestretch or west onto Croal Street as they will not be allowed to go beyond the junction. Additionally restrictions will be in effect to prevent the flow of traffic north into Hadfield Street and Vlissengen Road, restricted from going north at Durban Street and Vlissengen Road, restricted from heading north into Norton Street and Vlissengen road, restricted from going south along Princess Street and Cemetery Road and depending on how heavy the traffic flow or congestion is, the police will also close off the western section of Cemetery Road. Randolph Holder is receiving a full military funeral today, sponsored by the Government of the United States of America through the New York Police Department. The Guyana Police Force is facilitating the process locally to ensure uninterrupted proceedings especially at the level of mobility for the many relatives of the fallen police officer and officers of the NYPD who are presently in Guyana.

He said while Hoyte’s recovery programme was necessary at the time, it was not sufficient for the restructuring of the economy, pointing out that it catered mainly for the “six sisters” - sugar, rice, bauxite, gold, diamond and timber. “Essentially, Guyana’s economy is still based on agriculture, mining and forestry and this limits our ability to grow,” President Granger said as he underscored the

importance of diversifying the economy to a larger extent. “There is no point going back to the Hoyte’s reform,” he emphasised, noting that while the principles that were enshrined in the economic recovery programme are still valid, the country must liberalise its economy. “We are not going to move backwards, we are not going to start re-establishing

state corporations; we would like to see a greater role for the private sector, but at the same time the State has the responsibility to provide the infrastructure which the private sector will not provide in order to allow those industries to function.” Guyana, he added, must work to restructure its economy in a fundamental and strategic way in order to experience real transformation.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

IICA gets kudos on 40th anniversary By Clifford Stanley

THE local office of the Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) has received special praise for its work and achievements in supporting agricultural development in Guyana since its establishment 40 years ago.

Agriculture Minister Noel Holder Agriculture Minister Noel Holder yesterday made appreciative remarks of the work of the IICA during a simple ceremony to mark the 40th anniversary of its establishment in Guyana. Minister Holder stated that Guyana has benefited greatly from the work of IICA in myriad forms of assistance and support over the period. These include technical assistance in promoting food safety and agricultural health; development of value chains in agricultural production; institutional strengthening; productivity and sustainability of family agriculture for food security and the rural economy; rural development actions and resilience and comprehensive management in agriculture, among others. He said: “We are proud to be associated with IICA in Guyana on this important milestone. We reflect with gratitude on the past, and look forward to even greater collaboration and partnerships for the continued upward thrust of agriculture in the years ahead.”

Local representative of IICA in Guyana, Mr. Wilmot Garnett, disclosed that the mission of IICA is to encourage and support member states in their efforts to achieve agricultural development and rural wellbeing through international technical co-operation of excellence. Its vision is, in partnership with member states, to create a competitive, inclusive and sustainable Inter-American agriculture programme that feeds the hemisphere and the world, while at the same time generating opportunities to reduce hunger and poverty among farmers and rural dwellers. Mr Garnett outlined many of the achievements of the institute in Guyana from 1975 to date. These included successful support for projects which helped Guyana to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the agricultural sector; the strengthening of agriculture’s contribution to the development of rural areas and the well-being of the rural population; the improvement of agricultural capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change and make better use of natural resources and improve agriculture. He referred to four IICA flagship projects currently ongoing, namely: Competitiveness and Sustainability of Agricultural Chains for Food Security; Productivity and Sustainability of Family Agriculture for Food Security and the Rural Economy; Resilience and Comprehensive Risk Management in Agriculture; and Inclusion in Agriculture and Rural Communities. He pledged IICA’s continued support for Guyana in developing production protocols and coordinating mechanisms for legumes and cassava production through preparation of a situational analysis for farmers’ organisations in new settlement schemes;

strengthening of the statistical capacity of the Resource Development and Planning Division of the Ministry of Agriculture; and rehabilitation and establishment of a coconut hybridisation programme, in collaboration with the Mexican Government, among others.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 31, 2015

PSC disappointed Guyana still on FATF monitoring list

THE Private Sector Commission (PSC) has expressed disappointment that Guyana’s status with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), has not changed. This is in light of Guyana meeting the legislative requirements

by passing the amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CTF) Act. “We acknowledge that a significant step has been taken in remedying Guyana’s AML/CFT deficiencies in the passing of this Act and we would like to congratulate the government on achiev-

--GTUC calls for establishment of Public Procurement Commission ing this milestone. It should be noted, however, that Guyana agreed to an Action Plan with the Financial Action Task Force in October 2014,” the PSC said, adding that the implementation of this plan remains crucial to the removal of the country from any list of countries that need to be monitored by the FATF and, until all the elements agreed to have been effectively dealt with, transactions emanating from Guyana will continue to be subject to additional scrutiny. The Action Plan included a commitment to ensuring a fully operational and effectively functioning financial intelligence unit, the establishment of effective measures for customer due diligence and financial transparency and the implementation of an adequate supervisory framework. The PSC said it is deeply concerned with regard to Guyana being on the monitoring list by FATF and called on the government to urgently take the necessary steps to remedy the strategic AML/CFT deficiencies, so that Guyana can be removed from the monitoring list. Meanwhile, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) in a statement said it has noted the PSC’s concern that Guyana’s monitoring status on FATF and CFATF remains, even though the legislative requirements have been met by the passing of an amended AML/CFT legislation. This status was expected, the GTUC said, pointing out that the nation would recall that CFATF Financial Advisor Mr Roger Hernandes who visited Guyana in February 2014, had informed that this status will likely remain for a minimum of two years, with removal contingent on implementation/enforcement of the laws. This inconvenience, though necessary, the umbrella trade union organisation said should be laid at the feet of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) who since 2009 had engaged in dilatory tactics in moving Guyana towards international compliance. The APNU+AFC government, the GTUC said, now has a responsibility to move to have the other supporting structures established that would lead to the required accountability, demonstrating Guyana’s commitment to honour its obligations under international AML/CFT conventions, as a member of the international community. Only then, it said Guyana’s monitoring status is likely to change as the AML/CFT law is governed not by gut-feeling, but by a body of rules that guides implementation and concurrence. “GTUC takes this opportunity to remind the government of its obligation to establish the constitutionally required Public Procurement Commission and Integrity Commission, the former of which would ensure the integrity of government’s contracts and later that of public officials. Both are hinged to countering money laundering and financing of terrorism. As such, establishment must be a matter of immediacy. “Where the PPP regime failed to get the important pillars of governance in order, it behooves this administration to fix the anomalies in the system,” the GTUC said.

First Lady wraps up second business workshop

A GROUP of women from communities in Region 10 have wrapped up a fourday “Self Reliance and Success in Business” workshop which was rolled out under the auspices of the Office of the First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger. The First Lady who was present at the launch last week in Linden, yesterday returned to the mining town at the Blueberry Hill Secondary School, where the closing ceremony was held. In her brief remarks to the participants, she lauded them for staying the course as she committed to offering further assistance to the group in an effort to help

them realise their true business potential. “We hope to see you as success stories and hope you can help and guide others, and in that way help to give back to your communities,” the First Lady told the participants. Mrs Granger was very encouraged by the commitment and keen interest shown by the participants in the workshop. She said she was pleased that they had chosen to clean their surroundings as their community project. The participants were also urged to become active players in their respective villages and to work See Page 17

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 31, 2015

First Lady wraps up second business ... From Page 16

along with the regional and local authorities in an effort to build and strengthen their communities. Meanwhile, one of the participants, Montayne Solomon, lauded the initiative, stating that the community had been starved of such programmes. “This is the platform to extend our knowledge and to go forward in our business ventures. Your

initiative was well received,” Solomon told the First Lady. The workshop, which was opened on October 20 last, was facilitated by Wayne Barrow of Interweave Solutions, which is a Non-Governmental Organisation that helps local organisations and congregations to develop and create self-reliance by providing them with the necessary training to implement and promote their own business plans.

First Lady Mrs Sandra Granger and participants who completed the “Self Reliance and Success in Business” workshop which ended yesterday, at Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden

The aim of these workshops is to empower women and teach them to manage and sustain their small entrepreneurial ventures. Over the coming days, the participants will be guided through a mod-

el that focuses on three key life areas: business, home and community. As outlined by the facilitator, when the strengths of these three spheres come together, every circle is

made stronger through education, and this will enable people to achieve the social and economic self-reliance essential to growth and development. The first workshop was

held at Good Hope, East Coast Demerara with a total of 15 persons. A graduation ceremony will be held next week at State House for all the successful participants.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

‘Women on the Move’ to hold cancer awareness walk-run tomorrow

THE ‘Women on The Move’ organisation of Linden, in collaboration with other groups and organisations, will stage the 15th Cancer Awareness Walk-Run in Linden tomorrow morning (Sunday) from 06:00hrs. Coordinator Ms. Judy Gravesande-Noel has said that plans are on stream for an even bigger event this year,

and unlike in years gone by, registration will be held this evening (Saturday) outside the Wisroc/Amelia’s Ward Park. The exercise will commence at the Linden Utilities Services and Cooperative Society Limited (LUSCSL) on the Wismar shore, and move along Burnham Drive to the Wismar/ Mackenzie Bridge, into the east of Linden via the Washer Pond Road, Sir David Rose

Avenue and Republic Avenue, then end at the Linden/Georgetown Bus Park. Among those organisations to be represented in the event are the Linden Hospital Complex, Linden Care Society, Virtuous Women with a Mission, Women of Mission International, Rotaract, Lions, Leos and the Upper Demerara Football Association.

All participants are expected to be present in groups or individually by 05:30hrs for a prompt start to proceedings by 06:00hrs. There will be several tokens for the participants in the various age categories, and certificates will also be handed out to those who complete the run-walk, since it is not a competition.(Joe Chapman)

Saturday, October 31, 2015 ––– 05:30 hrs Sunday, November 1, 2015 ––– 09:00 hrs Monday, November 2, 2015 ––– 10:00 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Saturday October 31, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 31 , 2015

Burns, Khawaja named for first two New Zealand Tests By Ian Ransom

(REUTERS) - Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja have been given the chance to cement their place in Australia’s revamped top order after being picked for the first two Tests against New Zealand. Two-Test opener Burns and Queensland captain Khawaja were preferred to uncapped youngster Cameron Bancroft and the more experienced Shaun Marsh, who played a big part in the Ashes defeat in England. Burns is likely to slot into the retired Chris Rogers’ opening spot, with Khawaja to round out the top order with captain Steven Smith for the opening Test in Brisbane starting November 5 and the following match in Perth.

Joe Burns The 26-year-old Burns returns to the side after playing the final two Tests against India during the last home summer, while lefthander Khawaja will play his first Test since August 2013. “Usman is a very good player of fast-bowling and

South Africa Racing Tips Turffontein 08:40 hrs Chestgnuts N Pearls 09:15 hrs Main Submission 08:55 hrs Shaama 09:40 hrs Toro Rosso 10:25 hrs Muwaary 11:10 hrs Zambezi River 11:45 hrs China Beach 12:20 hrs Rushmore River

is a fine technician; we feel he will make a really solid contribution towards our batting this series,” chief selector Rod Marsh said in a team statement yesterday. “Joe thoroughly deserves his chance and was unlucky to miss out on the West Indies and Ashes tours off the back of two decent performances in his last Test match for Australia in Sydney. “He also put in terrific performances during the recent Australia A series in India.” Following the retirements of Rogers, captain Michael Clarke and all-rounder Shane Watson, Smith will lead a team in transition into the three-match series which wraps up with cricket’s first day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Wetherby 08:50 hrs Ennistown 09:25 hrs Southfield Royale 10:00 hrs Rock On Ruby 10:30 hrs Bantam 11:05 hrs Dynaste 11:40 hrs Mon Successeur 12:10 hrs Boogie In The Brn Irish Racing Tips Down Royal 08:35 hrs Missy Tata 09:05 hrs Round Tower 09:40 hrs Fethard Player 10:10 hrs Ptit Zig 11:15 hrs The Doorman 11:50 hrs Death Duty

English Racing Tips Newmarket 08:30 hrs Cersel 09:00 hrs Swiss Range 09:35 hrs Celebration Day 10:05 hrs Fireglow 10:35 hrs Ghinia 11:10 hrs Top Noch Tonto American Racing Tips 11:45 hrs Mitchum Swagger Keenland 12:20 hrs Foolaad Breeders Cup races Race 1 Leys Vaporizer Ascot Race 2 Sheik of Sheiks 08:40 hrs Antony Race 3 Songbird 09:10 hrs Altior Race 4 Lady Shipman 09:45 hrs Voix D’eau Race 5 Cavorting 10:15 hrs Bellenos Race 6 Legatissimo 10:50 hrs Sign Of Victory Race 7 Private Zone 11:25 hrs Houblon Des Obe- Race 8 Make Believe aux Race 9 Brody’s Cause 11:55 hrs Cultivator Race10 Golden Horn

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Usman Khawaja Mitchell Marsh has taken the all-rounder baton from Watson, while middle order batsman Adam Voges has been retained de-

spite a patchy Ashes series. Opening batsman and vice-captain David Warner has been named after recovering from a broken thumb. The bowling lineup remains unchanged with lone spinner Nathan Lyon supporting a pace attack led by left-armers Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson. Josh Hazlewood will vie for the third seamer’s spot with veteran workhorse Peter Siddle. Squad: Steven Smith (capt), D a v i d Wa r n e r, J o e Burns, Josh Hazlewood, Usman Khawaja, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Adam Voges

Sri Lanka and West Indies aim to earn crucial points WITH eight sides confirmed for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, the race to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 begins in Colombo tomorrow when Sri Lanka host the West Indies in a three-match series. Sri Lanka currently sit in fifth position on 103 points, while the West Indies are ranked eighth on 88 points. Each One-Day International (ODI) played over the next 23 months will count as the top eight sides on the ICC ODI Team Rankings as on September 30 2017 will progress to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, while the bottom four sides, along with the top sides from the ICC World Cricket League Championship and the ICC World Cricket League, will head to the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 to fight out for the two remaining slots. As such, all 12 sides on the ICC ODI Team Rankings will not only be aiming to play as many matches as possible but also to win most of the matches so that they can make the cut and secure direct qualification for the pinnacle 50-over tournament, to be hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board from May 30 to July 15, 2019. As regards to the forthcoming series, Sri Lanka can collect a maximum of two points while five points will be up for grabs for the West Indies. However, they will only be able to pocket these points if they win all three matches of the series. Both sides will retain pre-series points if the home side win the series 2-1, while a 2-1 result in favour of the visitors will mean they will move to 91 points and the hosts will slip to 102 points. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 31 , 2015

Australia ready for physical battle with New Zealand By Julian Linden

LONDON, England (Reuters) - It’s not quite David and Goliath proportions but the Wallabies have vowed to stand toe-to-toe with their fearsome New Zealand opponents in today’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham. While conceding the Australians were giving away a weight advantage to the giant All Blacks pack, the Wallabies’ coach Michael Cheika said his players would not back away from any physical confrontations. Asked by reporters what his team were expecting from New Zealand, Cheika replied: “It’s pretty much their modus operandi. They know how to play the game physically. “They’ve got leg drive and they’ve got great intent around the way they want to play the game physically.” But Cheika, an old-school player and coach who has always relished tough, physical battles, said he welcomed the challenge of taking the Kiwis on at their own game after spending months preparing his team to absorb any punishment they received. “I love that style of play as well so we know we want to bring that too. We want to bring physicality to the game as well,” he said. “I know we’re probably a little bit smaller but it’s all about what you bring technically and what’s inside you, what’s your drive, why do you want to do it?”

Eddie Jones believes the Wallabies have no chance against the All Blacks in today’s Rugby World Cup final. Australia were given a taste of what to expect when they upset New Zealand in August to win the southern hemisphere’s Rugby Championship. A week later, the two old rivals played each other for the Bledisloe Cup and the Wallabies were smashed 41-13 by a ruthless New Zealand team that battered the Australians from kickoff. “They always say if you look backwards you’re only going to get a sore neck, so what happened before means nothing,” Cheika said. “I’ve got a lot of belief in my team; we’ve worked really hard and trained really hard. We know it’s going to be extremely physical and we want to be able to last.” Australia’s players went through their final training session at Twickenham yesterday

and are all chomping at the bit to play. Openside flanker Michael Hooper, whose clash at the breakdown with New Zealand captain Richie McCaw looms as one of the key factors in determining the outcome, said the players were trying to treat it as just another game but it was impossible to block out the magnitude of what was at stake. “We’ve got no illusions about how big it is and we’re excited about that,” Hooper said. “There are 31 guys here who would give their left leg to be playing today and that’s been the mentality from the word go. Even the coaches would run out there if they could. “It’s 80 minutes, four sticks, one footy and we‘re throwing it around and we’re going up against a great opposition with a huge opportunity and goal at the end of it.”

Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket

Skeldon, No. 56, Massiah primary schools victorious SKELDON Primary, No. 56 Primary and Massiah Primary recorded victories in their Corentyne District preliminary round matches in this year’s Scotiabank Kiddy Progression One Cricket. In the match at the No. 71 ground, Massiah Primary challenged No. 68 Primary, as the latter won the toss and batted first. Their innings was halted on 70 as Makee Katown was too good with the ball, claiming 4-1. Massiah then bulldozed their way to the target with 13 overs to spare. Latasha Singh and Salim Khan were unbeaten in the end on 30 and 25, respectively. At the Skeldon Community Centre ground the home team won by ten wickets against Crabwood Creek. Skeldon won the toss and gave the opposition first strike but they could only get 65 on the board in 14 overs. Shazim Khan (18) was the only batsman to reached double figures as Stephon Welcome and Tierra Fraser grabbed two wickets for five and six runs, respectively. Skeldon Primary chased down the target without losing a wicket in just six overs. Fenny Adrian (35) and Zakeel Flats (24) were the chief scorers. Over at the No.59 ground, No. 56 Primary came up against No. 59 Primary, with the latter batting first and posting 97-9 in 14 overs. Ganesha Umbra was the main contributor with the bat with an unbeaten 27 while Tresesh Chatterpaul, Haymen Bhajnauth, Paul Douglas and Marica Rose took two wickets each for No. 56. In reply, No. 56 carefully progressed as they reached 98-3 with two overs to spare. Gomesh Reece and Trish Chinchilla were both unbeaten on 33 and 18 respectively. The competition resumes next week Wednesday when F.E. Pollard and J.E Burnham clash at the National Racquet Centre.

Clippers thump Mavs, Grizzlies rally to beat Pacers THE Los Angeles Clippers saw off the Dallas Mavericks with ease to secure back-to-back NBA wins. The Los Angeles Clippers recorded their second win of the new NBA season on Thursday, as they thumped the Dallas Mavericks 104-88 at Staples Center. Blake Griffin had 26 points and 10 rebounds and Jamal Crawford contributed 15 points for the hosts. DeAndre Jordan, who verbally agreed to join the Mavericks in the off-season only to go back on his word, returned for his first game against Dallas since the controversy and added six points, 15 rebounds and four blocks. The Clippers’ strong bench showing enabled them to pull away in the second half as Austin Rivers netted 14 points. Dallas star Dirk Nowitzki had 16 points but the Mavs were without injured starting guards Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews.

Blake Griffin nets 26 points and 10 rebounds. Elsewhere, the Memphis Grizzlies produced a fourth-quarter rally to beat the Indiana Pacers 112-103, to go 1-1 in the Western Conference. Spanish centre Marc Gasol scored eight of his teamhigh 20 points and forward Jeff Green contributed six of his personal 12 in the final

four minutes, as Memphis notched 39 points in the final period. George Hill led the Pacers with 20 points, while Paul George clocked 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists. It marks the first time in six years the Pacers have started a campaign with successive defeats. In the other game, the Atlanta Hawks beat the New York Knicks 112-101 for their first victory of the year. Jeff Teague hit 23 points and Al Horford clocked up 21 to help the Hawks bounce back from their opening-day defeat. Atlanta opened up a 16-point lead at the halfway point of the game and despite being outscored in the latter periods, held on at Madison Square Garden. Carmelo Anthony was the Knicks’ most prolific scorer with 25 points. He also had seven rebounds and three assists. (Sportsmax)

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 31 , 2015

Brusche, Hamid conduct basketball clinic in Linden THE Brusches Classic Basketball final is on tonight. On Thursday the Brusches Basketball Foundation, through former national captain and United Statesbased James Brusche, held a basketball clinic for primary school pupils at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

Some forty children benefited from the clinic and Photo shows Brusche (left) and Hamid (right) with teachers and the children who were given tokens and certificates at the end of the programme which lasted for about two hours. Brusche was assisted by Abdulla Hamid.

GCB/Banks DIH/Digicel/NSSCL

IBE thrash Buxton Secondary by 185 runs … St John’s Secondary scrape home by one wicket

THE Institute of Business Education (IBE), led by Kedar Amsterdam’s brilliant all-round effort, made light work of Buxton Secondary, winning by 185 runs in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) National Secondary Schools Cricket League (NSSCL), sponsored by Banks DIH Coco Cola and Rainforest Waters along with Digicel. Playing at the Enterprise ground, IBE batted first and posted a mammoth 256 for 8 wickets in just 22 overs as Amsterdam scored a blistering 89. He was well supported by Khemraj Punaram who scored 50 and Avinash

Ramsaywak 49. Bowling for Buxton Secondary, Anis Goodluck took 4/56 while Shamar Adams and Esau Williams took two wickets apiece. Buxton Secondary in reply folded for a paltry 61 in 14 overs as Amsterdam returned with the ball and captured 3-14 while Mohammed Khan grabbed 4-9. At Zeeburg ground on the West Coast Demarara, St John’s Secondary scraped home by one wicket in a low-scoring thriller. Stewartville Secondary won the toss and elected to take first strike and were

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Saturday October 31, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) 374 (SL vs SA, Colomo SSC, 2006) (2) 12,400 runs Today’s Quiz: (1) Sir Gary Sobers scored 8032 Test runs. How many he scored batting at number six? (2) How many Test triple-centuries have been scored to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Paul Jethro

bowled out for 67 runs in 10.1 overs. Antonio Narine scored 23. Bowling for St John’s Secondary, Reiz Hoosein, Paul Jethro and Manesh Gopaul took two wickets apiece. St John’s Secondary, in reply, were made to work hard for their runs in what was thought to be an easy run-chase. They found themselves in an embarrassing situation at 62-9, before the last pair held their nerves and got them over the line. Jethro top-scored with 19, while Jeremiah Albert

fought to the end with the ball, finishing with figures of 4-14. Action in the League continues next week. On Monday, Kingston High will clash with School of the Nations at Everest ground. On Tuesday, Campbellville Secondary take on Gamaliel’s Academy at GNIC ground, Friendship Secondary battle Covent Garden Secondary at Thirst Park, and Canje Secondary go up against Berbice Educational Institute at the Berbice High School ground.

NOTABLE DATES

REGINALD (Reggie) Ford came from a family of boxers. His younger brother Patrick was the first Guyanese to challenge for a world title and was a former Commonwealth featherweight champion. His cousin Winfield Braithwaite won a gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games held in Edmonton, Canada. His nephew Darius Ford was a promising bantamweight who had two epic professional fights with Guyana’s lone Olympic medallist Michael Parris. On October 31 1978, Forde, a middleweight had his first of two encounters with Trinidadian Eddie Marcelle. The Guyanese won the 10-round affair on points. However, the following year, Marcelle turned the tables. Enjoying the home court advantage (the fight was held at Sparrow’s Hideaway in Port of Spain) Marcelle won by a technical knockout in round nine of the 10-round event. A tough and dedicated fighter, Ford never ducked an opponent. His nine-year professional career saw him match gloves with the likes of Marvellous Marvin Hagler, Mike McCallum, Bob Watts, Dave `Boy’ Green and Ayube Kalule to name a few.

Reggie Ford

COURTS Pee Wee U-11 Schools quarterfinals on today THIS year’s semifinalists of the COURTS Pee Wee Under-11 Schools Football Tournament will be decided today when the quarterfinal stage is contested, along with the 9th to 16th-place playoffs at the Banks DIH ground, Thirst Park. The Petra-organised event kicks off at 10:00hrs as Winfer Gardens take on North Georgetown while F.E. Pollard battle St Stephen’s. St Agnes then oppose St Ambrose at 11:00hrs while Comenius engage Smith Memorial at the same time. At noon, the first two scheduled quarter-final matches will get underway; St Margaret’s meet West Ruimveldt and Tucville tackle St Angela’s to see who will move one step closer to the title. Defending champions Stella Maris tread a familiar road; this time their opponents will be Enterprise. On the other side of the park, St Pius, last year’s runners-up, challenge South Ruimveldt. These two matches, which are scheduled to commence at 13:00hrs, will wrap up the day’s proceedings.

GUYANA CHRONICLE, Saturday October 31 , 2015

Guyana Softball Cup 5 underway THE Guyana Softball Cup 5 got off to a flying start yesterday morning at various venues in Georgetown. In the first of the open games at Everest Regal XI defeated Warriors by 4 runs. Batting first, Regal XI made 211 for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs thanks to Richard Latiff, 83, Sachin Singh 39 not out while bowling for Wolf Warriors Mark Harold had 25-2 from 4 overs and Wazir Hussain 27-2 from 4 overs. Leo Singh and Shalendra Ramnauth took one wicket each. Wolf Warriors in reply made 207 for 8 in 20 overs compliments of Ravindra Ramnauth 63, Safraz Karim 38 and Azad Azeez 32. Bowling for Regal XI, Khalid Hashim 30-2 from 4 overs, Richard Latiff 37-2 from 4 overs, Roohit Dutchin 46-2 from 4 overs. At the same venue, Shakib XI beat Petama by 1 wicket.

Part of the action at the GCC ground, Bourda. Batting first, Petama made 192 all out in 19.3 overs thanks Z. Haniff 114 and Khelawan Tulkhan 19 while Shakib XI’s bowling attack N. Boodhoo had 27-3 from 4 overs and Marvin Bobb 46-3 from 4 overs. Shakib XI in reply made 194 for 9 in 20 overs with Ameer Khan 58, Nandshyan Boodhoo 37 and Quaz-

im Yusuf 28 leading the charge. Bowling for Petama, Kelvin Orford had 14-4 from 4 overs and Lionel Persaud had 29-2 from 4 overs. Other matches included the Karibee Strikers beating Zameer XI at Malteenoes by 5 wickets, Mercenaries thrashing Corriverton by 8

wickets at GCC and NYSCL All Stars thumping Hyde Park by 7 wickets at the same venue. In the Masters category, over at the GNIC ground Invaders Masters beat NY President XI by 4 wickets. Batting first, NY President XI Masters made 179 for 5 wickets in 20 overs thanks

to Danny Mohanram 65 not out, Mark Bobb 37 and Rudy Rodrigues 24 while bowling for Invaders Masters Richie Bishop picked up 26-2 from 4 overs and a wicket apiece went to Devanand Madho, Gopaul Deen and Kassim Bacchus. Invaders Masters in reply made 185 for 6 in 18.5 overs. Raj Rampersaud 34

not out and Linden Daniels 31 were the lead scorers while bowling for NY President XI Masters, Rickey Persaud had 25-2 from 4 overs and Mark Bobb 36-2 from 4 overs. Savage Masters overcame Parika Defenders at Everest by 20 runs in another game while Industry Super Kings could not match the skills of Better Hope New York at Ogle and won by 7 wickets. Also in the winners’ circle were Wellman as they won their game against SCI Miami at DCC by 6 wickets, GFSCC trounced Orlando Masters by 138 runs, Mahaicony All Stars whipped Tri-State Masters at Police ground by 4 wickets and Regal Masters won their clash against New York Legends by 7 wickets. Albion Masters also registered a 9-wicket win over Brooklyn Queen Masters. Matches continue today at the various venues.

Calvin Ming confident ahead of Formula 4 debut By Stephan Sookram FRESH from his debut in the F1600 class and podium finish, overseas-based Guyanese Calvin Ming says that he is relaxed and confident ahead of his Formula 4 debut this weekend in Mexico City. The F4 driver spoke with

Chronicle Sport yesterday from Mexico before his first official practice session in which he came in fourth place. He continued, “Once I apply the concepts and techniques that I would have learnt over the last year in the (United) States at team

Lens Craft Optical/EBFA U-13 League ends today

AGRICOLA assured of title, play Kuru Kururu Warriors in final game

THE inaugural Lens Craft Optical-sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-13 league is set to conclude today with the final game between champions Agricola Red Triangle and Kuru Kururu Warriors at the Grove ground. Agricola are on 12 points - the same as second-placed Grove High Tech and third-placed Herstelling Raiders. Agricola’s goal difference of +16 is superior to Grove’s with a +7 and Herstelling’s +6 and they can end with 15 if they win today. Mocha Champs took the fourth place on better goal difference (GD) ahead of Diamond United FC, both having ended on 9 points. Mocha finished with a +4 GD to Diamond’s -13. Kuru Kururu Warriors have 4 points and can increase that with a draw or a win over Agricola. Craig did not earn a point. Meanwhile, the Kuru Kururu Warriors Club will collaborate with the Guyana Beach Soccer Association to run off a familiarisation programme in which matches will be played on November 1 (tomorrow), at Kuru Kururu involving Herstelling and Diamond football clubs also.

Confident: Calvin Ming during F4 testing in Mexico Pelfrey, I can prevail. I feel teams, testing and setting Junior Champion was 1 min pretty confident I can apply up at a track in Puebla, 25 23 secs. them on the track.” where the elevation is 7 The crew team are very “We were supposed to do 000 ft. above sea level like optimistic that he can finish the (mandatory) track walk Mexico City. in the top three in tomorrow’s Thursday at 4, but we didn’t On his first run Tues- F4 race which is scheduled get to do it until 5, so we day afternoon, the team to start at 10:00hrs. finished at like 7 o’ clock at had issues with the engine This weekend’s race night but I’m pretty excited,” temperature and operat- will act as a precursor to added Ming. ing parameters but they the Formula 1 Grand Prix Ming earlier had sessions were resolved late in the and will feature the FIA’s at several tracks in the Unit- afternoon. F4 concept for the first ed States before he got to He then went out and did time this weekend as a new Mexico. 10 laps, three of which were Mexican series is introHe also told Chronicle the fastest for the F4 cars, duced. Sport that he had long re- since testing started a few The exhibition-style race searched the track and had weeks ago. for Mexican F4 will be held done some simulation on the His fastest time was 1 on the revamped Mexico facility. min 24.88 secs while the City circuit, the Autodromo O n Tu e s d a y, C a l v i n 4th fastest time which was Hermanos Rodriguez tomorj o i n e d t h e r e s t o f t h e set by the Mexican National row morning ahead of the

country’s first Grand Prix since 1992. A full 2015-16 season will then begin at the Puebla circuit November 28-29. Officially named the F4 NACAM Championship after the body of FIA members in North America and Central America, it will use the same combination of Mygale chassis and Ford engine as its British equivalent MSA Formula, but run on Pirelli tyres. Ferrari F1 reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez lends his initials and acts as adviser to the MartigaEG team, headed up by former Champ Car and A1 Grand Prix racer David Martinez. Mario Dominguez, another ex-Champ Car driver, will be involved in the championship as a coach. FIA F4 championships have run in Britain, Germany, Italy, Northern Europe, Australia, Japan and China this year, while others have recently been announced in the United States, Benelux and Spain for 2016. Following the F4 race in Mexico, Ming will bring one of his two cars down to Guyana for an exhibition run at the upcoming Caribbean Motor Racing Championships Final leg on November 14-15

Sport CHRONICLE

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

Guyana Softball Cup 5 underway See story on page 31

Team Coco’s `Obeahman’ Jeffrey wins third stage … top positions not affected in Five-Stage road race

TEAM Coco’s Raynauth `Obeahman’ Jeffrey won the third stage of the National Sports Commission’s (NSC)-sponsored `Tour of Guyana’ FiveStage cycle road race yesterday, but the win for Jeffrey does not affect the placings of the top six leaders. Jeffrey, race leader Carlos Ospina and Raqul Leal all crossed the finish line in 57 minutes 13 seconds, with Jeffrey winning ahead of his Team Coco’s team mate and Colombian rider, Ospina, and Team Gillette Evolution’s Leal in third place. Yesterday’s third stage started from the Wales Police Station and ended at Bushy Park on the East Bank of the Essequibo. Eight seconds later there was a bunch sprint for the other top six places and this was won by Team Coco’s Hamza Eastman from Alanzo Greaves (Roraima), Barbadian Marloe Rodman (Heatwave), Michael Anthony (Gillette Evolution), Barbadian Daren Matthews (Coco’s), Marlon `Fishy’ Williams (Gillette Evolution) and Mark Harris (United) respectively.

Team Coco’s Raynauth `Obeahman’ Jeffrey (right) celebrates winning the third stage of the NSC `Tour of Guyana’ Five-Stage road race, yesterday.

Team member and tour leader Carlos Ospina finishes ahead of Team Gillette Evolution’s Raul Leal. (Samuel Maughn photos)

GABA names National Open after Terrence Alli FORMER lightweight and junior welterweight world-rater Terrence Alli has been honoured by the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association which has named this year’s National Open competition after him. The competition, which is being sponsored by the National Sports Commission and Queensway Security Service Inc., kicked off yesterday at the Andrew `Six Head’ Lewis gym in Albouystown, continues today with 13 fights and concludes tomorrow.

Terrence Alli

President of the GABA, Steve Ninvalle, said that the executive was forced to shift to the gym as the East Ruimveldt Community Centre ground was not available. He noted that the shift may not have gone down well with a few but the show “needed to go on”. “The point is that we have an international competition coming up later this month. A prerequisite for being selected to represent Guyana is participation in the National Open.

So, after all things were considered, the Andrew Lewis gym was selected.” Following the conclusion of the National Open a squad will be selected for encampment. Alli, who campaigned in the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions, allowed Guyana’s flag to fly high during the 1980s and early 1990s. He thrice challenged for world titles and made frequent appearances on international television network ESPN. This year, GABA

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has honoured several former boxers by naming tournaments after them. The National Novices was named after Guyana’s first World champion Andrew Lewis while the nation’s first Commonwealth champion Lennox Blackmoore had his name added to the National Intermediate competition. The Under-16 competition is now known as the Pepsi Michael Parris competition in honour of Guyana’s first and only Olympic medallist.

Sri Lanka and West Indies aim to earn crucial points See story on page 28

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2015