Guyana chronicle 11 11 14

GUYANA No. 104008 TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

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In decisive political showdown…

PRESIDENT SUSPENDS PARLIAMENT

– pledges to continue engaging Parliamentary Opposition in constructive ways Darkest day for democracy in Guyana - says Granger

David Granger

President briefs diplomatic community on decision to prorogue Parliament Page

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Opposition MPs statements can be seen as

THREATS

to the President - Teixeira

Gail Teixeira

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Dr. Myles Munroe, Civil wife killed in horrific Society plane crash supports proroguing of 10th Parliament Page

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

THE local diplomatic community was briefed by President Donald Ramotar yesterday afternoon at the Presidential Complex in Georgetown. The Guyanese Head of State informed the foreign representatives of his decision to prorogue Parliament, and provided them with copies of the Address he gave to the nation along with the Official Gazette in which the proclamation to prorogue is published.

President Ramotar updated the officials on the current state of Parliamentary affairs and clarified Government’s position and the way forward, within the country’s constitutional framework.

During President Ramotar’s national address on November 4, he indicated Government’s desire for the National Assembly, in its post-recess sittings, to deliberate and give priority to important matters. He said these were related to “the development of our

country and the future of all of our people. I also extended a hand to the Opposition for us to put the nation’s business first rather than political gamesmanship”.

He added that were he to be provided with reasons to believe that the Parliamentary Opposition intended to disrupt Government’s business by forcing a debate on their No Confidence Motion; he resolved to respond immediately by exercising his Constitutional options to either prorogue or dissolve Parliament paving the way for the holding of general elections.

The President explained that his administration will use the time during the period of prorogation to continue to engage the Parliamentary Opposition in constructive ways.

The high-level meeting was attended by representatives of the diplomatic comPresident Donald Ramotar and Members of his Cabinet at yesterday’s meeting with the munity, along with senior Cabinet officials.

(GINA) diplomatic community in Guyana

President briefs diplomatic community on decision to prorogue Parliament

President’s proclamation is democratic - AG Nandlall says it provides chance for all political leaders to show maturity MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Mr. Anil Nandlall said the President’s Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament is legal, and most importantly, it will give the members of the combined Opposition an opportunity to demonstrate maturity.

President Donald Ramotar yesterday issued a proclamation, proroguing (discontinuing or suspending) parliament.

The Attorney General, speaking on a television programme on the National Communications Network, on the 10th Parliament and the way forward, defined what it means to prorogue, stating that it is nothing new, though it may be new to the Guyanese culture.

“Prorogation is that you can have different sittings in the Parliament that can be suspended by the instrumentality of a prorogation; the effect is that it brings to a halt all the business of that sitting of the Parliament.”

Further, the first sitting of the 10th Parliament has come to an end. However if Parliament is to resume this would be considered the second sitting of the 10th Parliament and all the business that were part of the first sitting will have to be brought afresh back on the agenda.

Prorogation is a feature of the Westminster constitutional model, which Guyana inherited from Britain. It has been a feature of the British legal

AG Anil Nandlall system dating back to the When Britain delivered days of Magna Carta (the independence to all its colfirst document imposed onies, it drafted a constituupon a King of England tion, called the Westminster by a group of his subjects, Model Constitution and it the feudal barons, in an included in the repertoire of attempt to limit his powers provisions and parliamentary by law and protect their mechanisms, the concept of rights) about 800 years prorogation. ago, so it is not a new conThis concept has been cept. used throughout the British Commonwealth by countries over the years to meet the exigencies of different situations unfolding in their respective territories. Significantly, it has been used regularly in the face of a no-confidence motion.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General also gave clarity on the effect of a prorogation as opposed to dissolution.

“Prorogation terminates a sitting of the Parlia-

ment, unfortunately we in Guyana have had a culture of using sitting and lives of Parliament interchangeably, and we have not had a history and culture of sitting as distinct to life of the Parliament so it may be difficult practically for persons to understand.”

He explained that the life of a Parliament begins when Parliament resumes after a general election, and it terminates five years hence or at the time Parliament is dissolved. If it is before the five-year period, the life of that Parliament comes to an end, that’s dissolution.

The Attorney General also reiterated that prorogation is an instrument and it takes effect from the time it is published in the Official Gazette of the country. The proclamation was gazette yesterday.

He pointed out that this must be done as it is a stipulation contained in section 21 of the General Clauses and Interpretation Act in the Laws of Guyana which states that every proclamation must be published in the Official Gazette and it takes effect from the time it is published.

POLITICAL MATURITY Further the Attorney General said this historical period for Guyana will be the opportune time for all political leaders to let their

actions match their words, by cooperating in the interest of all Guyanese.

“As the President said, prorogation offers the country an opportunity for the political players to come together and find a common path forward.” AG Nandlall said the option of proceeding with a ‘no confidence’ motion inevitably results in the dissolution of Parliament.

“What that means is that it’s an act that results in finality, prorogation on the other hand leaves all the options available.”

He added that ever since the President’s address to the nation on November 4 where he hinted his intention to either dissolve of prorogue the Parliament, there have been talks by APNU about working together for national unity.

“I have no doubt that the AFC would want to express those sentiments, the prorogation presents all those persons who are making these declaration to match their words with deeds.”

The Attorney General added that if the decision was taken to go down the road of a no-confidence motion, then it would have abruptly ended any such possibility for talks.

“The prorogation has opened a vista for all parties to come together and work out an agenda that is beneficial to all Guyanese,” he reiterated.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

In decisive political showdown…

PRESIDENT SUSPENDS PARLIAMENT – pledges to continue engaging Parliamentary Opposition in constructive ways

By Mark Ramotar ARMED with a few options but with back-againstthe-wall and recognition that his Government’s exhaustive ‘olive branch’ approaches and appeals to the Parliamentary Opposition to exercise political maturity have “fallen on deaf ears”, President Donald Ramotar yesterday issued a Proclamation to Prorogue (suspend) the 10th Parliament of Guyana.

The move to Prorogue Parliament, which puts a damper on the Opposition’s affirmation and commitment to go ahead with their controversial “no-confidence” motion against the Government during yesterday’s scheduled reconvening of the National Assembly, was well thought out in the interest of the country and the Guyanese people.

It was also widely anticipated and, as the President pointed out, well within the exercise of his Constitutional powers conferred on him by Article 70 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana.

President Ramotar ’s Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament also lived up to the earlier hype and anticipation that yesterday will go down in history as the ‘Decision Day’ for the future of parliamentary governance in Guyana as currently represented in the 65-member National Assembly by the PPP/C and the Opposition alliance of APNU and AFC which, together, have a oneseat majority against the ruling party’s 32.

The President, in a televised address to the Guyanese Nation approximately 90 minutes prior to the scheduled reconvening of Parliament, said his decision to exercise this constitutional option was not taken lightly, but it was the sole recourse that was left to him to ensure that the life of the 10th Parliament was preserved.

“It is no secret that the Parliamentary Opposition parties had, at every conceivable opportunity, made known their clear intention to have their motion of ‘no-confidence’ against my Government debated instantly at the first post-recess sitting

“Fellow Guyanese, I have taken this step with the hope that the time gained would be used for the benefit of our people. I wish to appeal to all for political maturity and the exercise of good judgment to put Guyana, our blessed nation, and, its people first.” – President Ramotar According to him, the Opposition in Parliament

PRESIDENT DONALD RAMOTAR

which was called for today, November 10. Their one-seat majority in Parliament could only mean its passage and the immediate irreversible dissolution of Parliament,” the President said in his address.

“My appeals to return to normalcy, to constructively address the many important issues confronting us in Guyana, appear to have fallen on deaf ears,” the President lamented.

intends to end the life of the 10th Parliament with immediate effect, dashing all hopes for urgent attention to issues relating to economic growth, social services and the holding of Local Government Elections.

President Ramotar alluded to the fact that some may ask why is it that his government has gone this Constitutional route and not

go along with the debate.

“The answer lies in the practical choice between an atmosphere of confrontation, as the ‘no-confidence’ motion debate would fuel, or that of possible accommodation, as a prorogued Parliament can facilitate, if there is a genuine intent on all sides,” the President posited.

“I also want to assure all that my decision ensures that the life of the 10th Parliament is preserved up to a maximum of six months, as permitted by the Constitution of Guyana,” the President said.

He also told the Guyanese people, in his address to the Nation: “I pledge to you, to have my administration use that time during the period of prorogation to continue to engage the Parliamentary Opposition in constructive ways, in addressing the issues confronting Guyana.”

President Ramotar also made it clear that during this period of prorogation, his Government will continue to attend to the provision of basic goods and services. “Your Government intends to abide strictly to the Constitutional provisions relating to this period. I will not allow any interruption of the stability and progress of our nation.

Further, we will be keeping all stakeholders abreast of developments.”

The President also issued an appeal for “political maturity and the exercise of good judgment” in putting Guyana and its people first.

“Fellow Guyanese, I have taken this step with the hope that the time gained would be used for the benefit of our people. I wish to appeal to all for political maturity and the exercise of good judgment to put Guyana, our blessed nation, and, its people first.”

President Ramotar also

recalled that, in an earlier address to the Guyanese Nation on November 4, he had indicated his Government’s desire for the National Assembly, in its post-recess sittings, to deliberate and give priority to important matters relating to “the development of our country and the future of all of our people”.

“I also extended a hand to the Opposition for us to put the nation’s business first rather than political gamesmanship,” the President said.

“I further advised that should I be provided with reasons to believe that the Parliamentary Opposition intends to disrupt Government’s business by forcing a debate on their ‘no-confidence’ motion, I resolved to respond immediately by exercising my Constitutional options to either Prorogue or Dissolve Parliament paving the way for holding of General Elections,” the President declared.

President Ramotar indicated, however, that it is his genuine desire to have the prorogation of the 10th Parliament ended sooner were his Government and the Opposition to reach an agreement for a return to normalcy.

“Further, were these entreaties of cooperation by my Government to be unsuccessful, I would then take the necessary steps for the holding of early General Elections so that the democratic will of our people can be freely exercised,” President Ramotar told the nation.

DRAMA INSIDE & OUTSIDE THE HOUSE Reports that the President decided to Prorogue (suspend) Parliament began circulating early yesterday morning, and was confirmed in his televised address to the

nation at 12:30 pm, some 90 minutes before the scheduled start of the post-recess sitting of the National Assembly.

This, many felt, would have averted the looming showdown in the National Assembly. However, in dramatic fashion, all 33 Members of the joint parliamentary Opposition (APNU and AFC) turned up for what became a ‘special meeting’ convened by the Speaker Mr. Raphael Trotman, comprising only Opposition parliamentarians, in the 65-seat National Assembly. No Member from the governing PPP/C showed up.

Speaker Raphael Trotman, addressing the Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs), described the move

by President Ramotar to prorogue the 10th Parliament as “most unfortunate and undemocratic”.

Dubbing the move an “illegality”, Trotman recalled the suspension of Guyana’s Constitution in the 1950s, and said this current development is more distasteful, as then (in the 1950s), it was done by the mother country but now it is being done by our own.

“It has been a long and arduous road that brought us here, a road filled with features of impediments, imperfection, imponderables and even impudent of times. Along the way, we have slipped and slid from the sublime to the ridiculous and even from scandal to threats,” Trotman asserted.

Trotman said democracy in Guyana will enter into a new orbit and will see Guyana’s Parliament joining the ranks of Parliaments that have passed through fire and turmoil.

“Along the way I have learnt, today a spec tomorrow a hero. Hero or monster you are consumed, like a jig shakes the loom, all are involved and all are consumed,” Trotman said.

Leader of the OpposiTurn to page 8

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Nigeria school blast in Potiskum kills dozens (BBC News) AT LEAST 46 students have been killed by a suicide bomber at a school assembly in the north-eastern Nigerian town of Potiskum, police have said.

A suicide bomber dressed as a student is believed to have caused the blast at the boys’ school in Yobe state .

Police suggested the militant group Boko Haram carried out the attack.

Yobe state’s governor has shut all public schools around Potiskum and criticised the government for not tackling the group.

In a statement governor Ibrahim Gaidam said: “Urgent action must be taken right now to restore a fast-waning public confidence by doing whatever it

Parents of dozens of wounded children have gathered at the hospital in Potiskum takes to stop the escalating from going to school. It beviolence.” lieves girls should not attend Boko Haram has targeted school and boys should only schools during a deadly five- receive an Islamic education. year insurgency aimed at However thousands of establishing an Islamic state. people, not just schoolchilIt is waging a sustained dren, have been killed by the campaign to prevent children group.

On 17 October the Nigerian government claimed to have negotiated a ceasefire with Boko Haram.

But two weeks later the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, denied these claims and said in a video: “We have not made ceasefire with anyone. We did not negotiate with anyone. It’s a lie.”

‘Devastating attack’ The explosion ripped through the assembly hall at the Government Science Secondary School.

Police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu told the BBC Hausa service the attack had left 47 people dead, including the suicide bomber. Another 79 were wounded.

Dozens of students were injured so severely medics were unable to save them.

Aide to Islamic State’s Baghdadi killed near Falluja: Iraqi TV (Reuters) - AN aide to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has been killed in an air strike near the city of Falluja, Iraqi state television reported on Monday.

State television identified the man as Abu Huthaifa

al-Yamani. It did not say when the strike took place or give further details. It was not immediately possible to confirm the death or whether Yamani was an aide to Baghdadi.

Iraqi security officials have not confirmed the death.

The Pentagon said on Monday it could not corroborate reports that Baghdadi had been either killed or wounded in Iraq, acknowledging conflicting media reports from the region.

“We do not have any information to corroborate

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reports out of Iraq that Baghdadi has been either killed or wounded,” Colonel Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, told reporters.

The contradictory accounts from Iraq followed U.S. air strikes on Friday night.

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Ukraine’s currency plunges as ceasefire fears grow

(Reuters) – UKRAINE’S currency lost nearly 5 percent of its value on Monday after a weekend that saw the heaviest shelling in a month hit the main rebel stronghold in the east and signs that Moscow had dispatched troops and tanks to reinforce separatists.

The prospect that a twomonth-old ceasefire could collapse and all-out war return to eastern Ukraine has weighed down the economy and helped drive the currency 12 percent lower since the central bank abandoned an unofficial peg a week ago.

The country of 46 million people is near bankruptcy, dependent on international loans, and deeply in debt for natural gas to Russia, the former imperial master it accuses of waging war on behalf of separatists on its territory.

The central bank offered to sell dollars on Monday at 15.2 hryvnias to the dollar, an all-time low and 4.8 percent lower than the last auction on Friday.

The bank abandoned a peg of 12.95 to the dollar a week ago, leaving the currency in free-fall. It said

Islamic State, which swept through northern Iraq in June virtually unopposed by the Iraqi army, has declared a caliphate in the parts of Iraq and Syria it controls.

Falluja is an Islamic State stronghold to the west of Baghdad in the Sunni Muslim heartland Anbar Province.

The United States and its

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on Monday it believed the fall would now stop and the currency would settle between 15 and 16 to the dollar.

After fighting over the summer that killed 4,000 people, a truce has largely held between government forces and separatists in the east. But it appears to be fraying in recent days.

Kiev says Moscow has sent an armored column of additional reinforcements to aid the pro-Russian separatists in enclaves populated mainly by Russian-speaking ethnic Ukrainians, which the Kremlin now refers to as “New Russia”.

Moscow denies that its troops have fought in Ukraine, even though many of them have died there.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, a body that includes Russia, Ukraine, the United States and Western European countries and operates in east Ukraine with the permission of all sides, confirmed that a column of troops and tanks without insignia had been spotted in rebel held territory. allies launched a barrage of attacks against Islamic State over the weekend, conducting 23 air strikes in Syria and 18 in Iraq against the militant group since Friday, U.S. Central Command said.

In Iraq, seven strikes hit near Baiji and others in or near Falluja, Mosul, al-Qaim, Haditha, Ramadi and Rutba.

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Colombian indigenous court convicts Farc guerrillas (BBC News) AN indigenous court in western Colombia has convicted seven leftwing Farc guerrillas over the murder of two leaders of the Nasa tribe.

Five were sentenced to between 40 and 60 years in jail and two others will receive 20 lashes.

The two victims had been removing posters praising a Farc leader when they were killed.

Indigenous authorities in Colombia have jurisdiction in their own territories unless this contravenes national law.

The verdict and sentences were decided after several hours of debate by an assembly of about 3,000 members from the indigenous reserve in the Cauca province town of Toribio.

Gabriel Pavi, leader of the Northern Cauca indigenous councils association, said the guerrillas were captured “in uniform and with

The seven accused appeared before some 3,000 members of the Nasa community rifles” and that “all are indigenous”.

The harshest sentence 60 years in jail - was given to a man who confessed to killing the two native leaders.

Four other defendants received 40 years each for

having “fired indiscriminately” on other members of the community, said Mr Pavi.

Two teenagers also arrested - reportedly aged 14 and 17 - were sentenced to 20 lashes. They are to be held at a rehabilitation centre until they are 18, at which point a

new assembly will reconsider their cases.

Following the trial, the weapons used by the guerrillas were destroyed in front of the tribal court.

The sentences will be served in the state prison at Popayan, capital of Cauca.

Housing dilemma - Develop solutions for low-income earners - former NHT boss (Jamaica Gleaner) MORE DISCUSSION is needed on the issue of providing proper housing for low-income earners, according to Earl Samuels, assistant general manager at the Jamaica National Building Society.

Samuels said over the weekend that the debate about affordable housing continues to be one-sided, excluding low-income earners from the discourse.

“The majority of the beneficiaries under the National Housing Trust (NHT) are those in the middle-income category, and there is a reason for that. Those at the lower-income level, they can’t afford it,” he argued.

“Even at $4.5 million at zero per cent interest, a significant portion of the contributors would still not be able to afford it,” stressed Samuels, a former managing director of the NHT. His comments follow on discussions raised about the issue during the recent two-day Regional Housing Conference, organised by the Caribbean Association

of Housing Finance Institutions, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in St Andrew.

NHT Chairman Easton Douglas said during the conference that low-income earners represent about 20 per cent to 25 per cent of beneficiaries, while middle-income earners make up some 40 per cent of beneficiaries, although near equal numbers of middle-income and low-income earners make up the more than 350,000 contributors to the NHT. Samuels’ revelation is supported by findings by the Caribbean Policy and Research Institute (CaPRI), which have indicated that

the NHT has only been able to provide housing for some 12 per cent of the population.

The CaPRI says more than 600,000 Jamaicans are not eligible for mortgages from the Trust.

In a draft paper on the issue, CAPRI says with more than half a million Jamaicans living below the poverty line, the gap between effective housing demand and need is increasing.

Also speaking at the conference, Doreen Prendergast, chief technical director in the Ministry of Transport, Housing and Works, noted that partnerships with private developers to construct low-income housing have not been the best solution either as pri-

vate companies are about generating profit.

She said the NHT has, in the past, offered special financing to private developers, which had low take-up.

“Given the situation in the low-income market, we will need some committed Jamaicans who are willing to see a change in the sector and come forth and decide that ‘yes, it is essential to make a profit, but it is essential to do something for the public good,’” she maintained.

Rare flesh-eating bacteria attacks 30-year-old man ( Tr i n i d a d G u a r d i a n ) MEDICAL director at the San Fernando General Hospital Dr Anand Chatoorgoon said doctors did all they could to save Navin Singh, but the flesh-eating bacteria that attacked him affected all of his vital organs with a vengeance, and removing the dead tissue from his leg and high-powered antibiotics proved insufficient.

Chatoorgoon said even if the doctors at the Princes Town District Health facility had diagnosed Singh as suffering from necrotising fasciitis when he first sought medical attention there, five days before his death, chances are that he would not have survived. He said investigations into the death are continuing, but from a first glance, he did not think the doctors who failed to pick up the cause of Singh’s illness were negligent.

“This condition, rare as it is, is lethal. It kills, it gallops, it destroys the tissues. It poisons the tissues in the leg, which in turn ends up releasing toxins which attack all of the organs of the body. “So by the time you really make the diagnosis, by the time it more or less comes to the surface of the limb, the patient is very sick by then and in most instances, it is very difficult to reverse the condition,” Chatoorgoon said.

“We treat bacterial infections with antibiotics, but then you have to know which bacteria you are dealing with, because not all bacteria are sensitive to all antibiotics. That is a challenge, to find out which organisms you are dealing with and which high-pow-

Navin Singh ered antibiotics you can give.”

When Singh was referred to the hospital, he said, he was far gone, but doctors did everything possible to ensure his survival, taking him into the operating theatre to remove the dead tissue from his leg, which was poisoning his bloodstream and affecting his brain, heart, liver and kidneys. But he said what the doctors encountered was a rotten leg and try as they might, they could not have reversed the condition.

Chatoorgoon expressed sympathy for Singh’s family, saying how helpless the doctors felt when they could not save him. But, he concluded, “There was nothing more we could have done.” He said hard as it is for the family to accept, he wanted to tell them that maybe this was Singh’s destiny. “It is hard and sad for the family to hear, but he came for 30 years on this earth. When God wills, man could do nothing to stop it.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

GUYANA

EDITORIAL

The leonine roar of a President PERHAPS former President Bharrat Jagdeo was more immediate and forceful in his decision-making, and had no tolerance for hypocrisy or procrastination, especially where the nation’s business was concerned; so he was dubbed all manner of unpleasant names.

Conversely, President Donald Ramotar has exhibited limitless tolerance for the grandstanding, anti-developmental, unpatriotic, destructive Joint Opposition’s ploys to bring the upward mobility of Guyana’s social development and economic growth to a halt; and even to reverse the tangible and intangible equations that were propelling Guyana on an upward trajectory under a PPP/C administration.

Yet, he, too, has been subject to adverse criticism for not acting decisively against an intractable cabal bent on taking the nation down a retrograde path.

Today, President Donald Ramotar has demonstrated his determination to put the people’s business before any other consideration; and his roar will thunder down the corridors of Guyana’s history for generations to come.

For the entire duration of his Presidency, the Head of State has faced one impediment to his governance after another, and the people’s business was stymied time and again, because of the theatrics of the Joint Opposition and their acolytes and satellites, including some media houses, NGOs, and even members of the Diplomatic Community.

GECOM was sending out mixed signals to an electorate clamouring for Local Government Elections.

Disgruntled PPP members, who opted to join and/or support the AFC, thinking that it would provide a sane Third Force that

would provide sober deliberations and debates in the National Assembly, were appalled that the Party they had put so much faith in had joined forces with the albatross of Guyana, the PNC, to destabilise every developmental programme and initiative of the Government, to the detriment of all stakeholders, including their own supporters.

Their latest anti-national act, attempting to force a No-Confidence Motion against the Government and consequently bring the people’s business to an abrupt halt, was puerile and irresponsible to the maximum. It forced President Donald Ramotar to show he was made of sterner stuff, a legacy of Cheddi Jagan that all PPP/C Presidents have displayed, time and again, whenever the nation was threatened.

He roared his challenge to those who are bent on destroying the gains made by the

PPP/C administration, and Parliament was prorogued. The Guyanese Head of State did not take to the streets to destroy, and he did not proceed to engage in polemics. He had spent the duration of his Presidency so far trying to placate an intractable Opposition, attempting to compromise and reach consensual positions in and out of Parliament. He has engaged all stakeholders in the land on policy-making decisions to no avail.

Today, Guyana’s President has spoken and his voice has reverberated in the soul of an embattled nation forever held ransom to the dictates of an Opposition collective that has

blackmailed his Government, holding the people’s business hostage.

The President has decided that the people’s business should take precedence; and the Tenth Parliament has failed them. So, President Donald Ramotar has exercised his mandate and taken the mantle of leadership, his prerogative provided to him by his people and the Constitution of Guyana and proven that he is indeed ‘leonine’ when he sees the welfare of the people he is mandated to protect coming under the direst threat.

Today, a PPP/C President once again stands tall, and has created history.

Despite Order to prorogue Parliament…

Trotman commits to convening meetings with MPs MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) will continue to meet in the National Assembly’s Chambers, according to House Speaker Raphael Trotman.

He yesterday explained that these meetings are a means of addressing current and topical issues of national concern.

Trotman’s comments follow President Donald Ramotar’s move to prorogue the Sitting of the National Assembly, via a Proclamation issued yesterday, which is constitutionally provided for.

Prorogation of a Parliament results in the termination of a National Assembly session. Parliament then stands prorogued until the opening of the next session.

The period of prorogation can last up to six months.

Trotman, despite the proroga-

tion order, met with MPs from the combined Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), in Chambers yesterday.

The meeting commenced at 2:00pm, the scheduled time for the Sitting that was expected to have been held yesterday.

Also at the meeting was Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Sherlock Isaacs, and other officials from the Parliament Office.

There, the Speaker decried the prorogation order as unfortunate and stated that it is compounded by the fact that no date has been set to bring an end to the prorogation order.

“The National Assembly stands ready, willing and able to discharge its mandate,” Trotman stressed.

President sends condolence message on death of Myles Monroe IT is with deep shock and sadness that I learnt of the plane crash in which Bahamian Pastor and motivational speaker Dr. Myles Monroe, his wife and seven others lost their lives.

In January 2010, we were happy to welcome Dr. Monroe to Guyana to attend a Men’s National Rally and Leadership Summit at which he was the keynote speaker.

I wish to express deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of Dr. Monroe and Mrs. Monroe, to the Christian community, as well as to the relatives and friends of those who also lost their lives.

President Donald Ramotar

Donald Ramotar President of the Republic of Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

Civil Society supports proroguing of 10th Parliament MEMBERS of civil society yesterday supported the action taken by President Donald Ramotar to Prorogue the 10th Parliament of Guyana.

Among those who publicly made their views known are Captain Gerald Gouveia and Trade Union Leader, Carvil Duncan who both expressed confidence that the President acted within the ambit of the Constitution of Guyana.

Speaking on a television programme titled, ‘The Way forward for the 10th Parliament’, which was aired yesterday, Gouveia observed that because of this “…there should be no calls for the disruption of the peace of Guyana.”

However, if this happens, he explained, it will have very serious consequences on job creation. Gouveia noted too, that the Constitution was creat-

ed through consultations with the people, and any disruption to the peace would be very wrong.

This use of the Constitution should have no negative effects on Guyana, the civil society member pointed out, stating that Guyanese who disrupt the peace would create more trouble than the country could afford.

Meanwhile, Carvil Duncan who is President of the largest bloc of trade unions, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), noted that from a labour perspective, the Constitution has been used for the national good as it should be. Duncan said the 10th Parliament has created unnecessary pressure on workers through the political Opposition.

Pointing to the projects

which were voted down, Duncan stated that they could have created numerous jobs for Guyanese, notwithstanding, the President still tried to get the Opposition to put Guyana first.

Even in the proroguing of Parliament, the President has created the opportunity for talks with the Opposition on the way forward.

This, he pointed out, should be supported by those who understand, especially workers who could have benefits accrued to them. Anyone who attempts to use this to gain political mileage would actually be aiding in sullying Guyana’s image.

The 10th Parliament, Duncan noted, has seen many attempts to stall progress despite the fact that the Opposition has a one-seat majority to do otherwise, but instead has con-

sistently done this. The budget cuts which were opposed by the private sector and trade unions among others were continued over a three-year period, he pointed out, despite talks with the Opposition.

Gouveia insisted that job creation was essential for Government to accommodate through investors. Observing that all political leaders need to understand this, he said this could be accommodated through the fostering of investor confidence, and this should be recognised by all political leaders, in the interest of the future of the young people of the country.

The actions of the Opposition affect the economy, he stated, and these bring about feelings of disappointment, created by the Opposition by not approving projects.

Gerry Gouveia

Carvil Duncan

Gouveia also pointed out that moving the economy ahead calls for continued support and stability of the country, which if not done would affect job creation which would be a serious disservice.

He reiterated that the proroguing of Parliament is legal and those who object and react to it because they did not get their way are being illegal.

Pointing to the recent graduation at the University of Guyana, Gouveia reiterated the need to create jobs for the young people, observing that Guyana will continue losing them if the economy is continuously being disrupted.

He said the President has created a space for dialogue for which the door should never be closed.

Opposition MPs statements can be AFC’s position on suspension of Parliament…

‘No Talks without Reconvening’ seen as threats to the President - Teixeira

PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Governance, Ms. Gail Teixeira has condemned the statements made by Opposition Members in Public (Parliament) Building yesterday, stating that some of the utterances were distasteful, unacceptable and can be seen as threats to the Head of State.

Following the President’s Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament, the combined Opposition proceeded to convene a meeting in the chambers of Parliament building for their own purpose, all of which was streamed live.

Teixeira and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, appeared on the programme ‘The 10th Parliament and the way forward’ on the National Communications Network (NCN) last evening.

The Government’s Chief Whip said the events that followed the President’s proclamation came as no surprise, but were all alarming.

Teixeira said that APNU’s Carl Greenidge’s reference to King Charles I, losing his head for proroguing parliament, is a subliminal message, and it is one that should not be taken lightly.

THREAT TO INVESTORS Greenidge went on to warn that investors should not look forward to his party’s support for any agreement made during the period of prorogation.

According to Teixeira, this statement is very irresponsible coming from a party which is always condemning the Govern-

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds

ment saying that it is not doing enough. She questioned the statement, nothing that such a comment can be seen as a threat to potential investors who are interested in investing in Guyana with the aim of building the local economy.

She added that the utterances made yesterday in Public Buildings are as a result of the President’s proclamation for which the combined Opposition was evidently not prepared.

Teixeira said she does not want to believe that the combined Opposition was not aware of the President’s options given their experience.

She, as well as the Prime Minister, condemned the protest action that took place outside of the public building saying that the combined Opposition has suggested that the president’s decision can be seen as one to provoke violence, but their actions tell a different story.

Some of the protestors all of whom were dressed in green showing support to the APNU stormed the Public Building, pushing away several metal barricades that were set up by the

Ms. Gail Teixeira

police.

She suggests that given the time at which the proclamation came, the combined Opposition may have believed that the Government would have caved in with the no-confidence motion.

Nevertheless, she said that this historic move should be seen as one that is taking Guyana forward as it provides an opportunity for open dialogue with the Opposition parties.

The Prime Minister said he is optimistic that the situation will force open dialogue, but this would be the best way forward.

However, he noted that if this avenue is not explored, then he is confident that the Guyanese people who have been looking on will be the judge.

“Then let us go to the people, to the masses and let them decide.

Over the past 22 years we have made a good case, and our track record will show that we have brought about development for all Guyanese.”

Both the Prime Minister and the Presidential Adviser reminded the general public that the PPP/C administration is willing to work towards consensus, dialogue and compromise.

IN a special meeting of Opposition Parliamentarians and Parliamentary Officers including House Speaker Raphael Trotman in the Public Buildings yesterday, Alliance For Change (AFC) Parliamentarians Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo took to the floor of the House outraged by the decision of President Donald Ramotar to prorogue the 10th Parliament.

The decision taken by the President is a constitutional one but came in light of the Government’s intention to have further discussion with the combined Alliance For Change, A Partnership for National Unity political Opposition to deter a motion of No Confidence, also constitutional, against the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government.

The MPs collectively declared that they will not bow to the will of the Government. Ramjattan, as Leader of the AFC, called for the creation on all fronts of an “anti-dictatorial unity” as he called the move by the Government, which was absent in the House, an attempt at “elongating their status in office.”

Speaking on what he per-

ceived to be the Government’s ‘fear’ of the pending No Confidence Motion, which will see the Government dissolved with general elections in 90 days, Ramjattan said: “They now have done this to dislodge a constitutional process moved by the Alliance For Change... we must realise that it is an extraordinarily responsible act in the context of so much illegalities and criminalities by those who yesterday were pro-democracy but today are ‘pro-rogues’.”

AFC Parliamentarian Moses Nagamootoo, for his part, also expressed a view that the Government might be dodging the no-confidence motion. “We have confidence and faith in our people and we have no doubt that should we return to the poll... they would affirm our decision here that the PPP does not enjoy the confidence of this National Assembly.”

“That is what this is all about,” Nagamootoo urged, adding: “They [PPP] saw the No Confidence Motion as a potent people’s weapon to be able to set the things right... to be able to bring to account a recalcitrant and renegade government.”

He lamented that it is the

responsibility of the National Assembly to be critical of the Government to ensure “scrutiny” of public spending but with the decision of President Donald Ramotar to prorogue with a request for dialogue from the Opposition, Nagamootoo was adamant that the President should not have used “prorogation as a dagger at our throat and ask us to negotiate what is a threat to democracy.”

Nagamootoo said his party would not “submit to this kind of bullyism and state terrorism upon the National Assembly.” The AFC’s position has been made clear to the Government that unless the Parliament is reconvened then there is no hope for dialogue.

Nagamootoo in his closing remarks gave all assurance that the Opposition will not stop in its pursuit to have the motion debated whenever the President reconvenes Parliament. “[This] will not deter us from coming back again to bring this motion. When the Parliament reconvenes and to make sure that justice is done... we could go back to the polls and we could review our mandate to the people.” (Derwayne Wills)

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

PRESIDENT SUSPENDS... tion, Brigadier (Rtd.) David Granger told the meeting that yesterday was “the darkest day for democracy in Guyana”. Granger said his party, A Partnership for National Unity, is enraged at President Ramotar’s promulgation of a Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament. According to him, the Proclamation has

effectively “paralysed the parliamentary process and smothered the voices of the people’s legitimate representatives in the National Assembly”.

“It is an affront to the Guyanese people who, three years ago, in November 2011, voted for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)

and the Alliance For Change (AFC) to have the majority of seats in the National Assembly,” Granger declared.

Staring at the empty seats on the Government side of the House, Granger told the ‘special meeting’ that President Ramotar has now single-handedly engineered a constitutional crisis.

From page 3

“He has no grounds for his crude smothering of parliamentary independence,” the Opposition Leader said, adding that APNU will not accept this denial of democracy and will not be intimidated by the PPP/C’s dictatorial behaviour.

“APNU is resolved to resist the President’s Proc-

lamation. APNU calls on all the good people of Guyana everywhere to join in a civil movement for the restoration of parliamentary democracy by peacefully resisting the PPP/C’s resort to dictatorship and to call for the revocation of this Proclamation,” Granger said.

Also addressing the

‘special meeting’ yesterday were APNU’s Shadow Finance Minister Mr. Carl Greenidge, AFC Leader Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan and AFC Vice Chairman Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, in whose name the ‘no-confidence’ motion was moved, and APNU Member Mr. Basil Williams.

Mr. Carl Greenidge, APNU’s Shadow Finance Minister speaking yesterday

Speaker Raphael Trotman addressing the ‘special meeting’ he reconvened yesterday.

Seated next to him is Clerk of the National Assembly Mr. Sherlock Isaacs

Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, AFC Leader

Mr. Moses Nagamootoo, AFC Vice Chairman

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

9

An historic incident of watershed proportions

THE announcement by his Excellency, President Donald Ramotar, of a proclamation, proroguing the Tenth Parliament, is definitely a historic incident of a watershed kind in the political history of this country.

OBSERVER supports the President’s view that this constitutional option has been exercised as a last resort, in order to avoid what may have surely deteriorated into a confrontational Sitting of the Assembly. And lest there are those who will listen to the combined Opposition’s view of a Government wanting to wield dictatorial powers, because of the President’s action, let them be reminded that the latter’s action is constitutionally sanctioned. All that has occurred is a pre-emptive measure that stopped the combined Opposition in its tracks.

When, three years ago, so much had been promised because of the peculiarities of the 2011 national poll result, that it is unbelievable that Guyana has been brought to another critical stage of its current status of a middle-income country, not so long declared.

Therefore, should there have been the threat of a No-Confidence Motion originated by a mere little pip-squeak, political infant Party called the Alliance For Change (AFC)? Absolutely not!

However, a little digression here.

There is the conclusive belief that the senior Opposition Party, the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and its leader have been reluctantly dragged into this unnecessary gambit by its junior partner. Without relating all the details, it was clear that Granger’s incessant calls for the holding of

the Local Government poll reflected an entirely different thought process. In fact, Granger, having disappointed many of his constituents with his tactless and abysmal show of leadership in dealing with his Party’s internal wars, apparently decided that supporting such a Motion advances his image as a decisive leader. Unfortunately, it has not; for, not only is it thoroughly unnecessary, but in terms of being categorised as a national priority, it is not!

Often, OSERVER has posited that much had been expected of this retired army commander now political leader, given his extensive service to such a pivotal institution of this country as the army, and, of course, his extensive academic background. These vantage points definitely give him an objective perspective in

understanding what the needs of this country are; and, as Opposition Leader, his first commitment is to the national interest.

Instead, history will judge him as an Opposition Leader whose parliamentary conduct, together with the AFC, has made this Parliament one of very little legislative achievement for advancing the lives of even his Party’s followers.

So much could have, and should have, been achieved, had it not been for the false presumption that having a one-seat majority gives both these two Parties claims to demanding the right to perform executive functions a la crafting of the National Budget! OBSERVER wonders from whence they derived such an understanding?

There is no doubt that had both these two Parties not supplanted power-play politics in the

place of consensus, much in the line of cooperation would have been achieved; all for the national good.

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project, critically important to Guyana’s socio-economic future, both suffered because of Opposition bullyism.

It is evident that the President’s action, as widely described, is a ‘cooler’ designed for the Parliamentary Opposition to re-think their conduct, especially asking themselves whether Guyana would have benefited from actions that have been wholly unpatriotic. Their contribution to national development is ever so much welcomed.

Ball in dem Court!

Rohee: PPP not running from anything - no-confidence motion or not, elections is the same ‘buddup’ No-Confidence Motion was not considered. The Main Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) had, prior to yesterday, signalled its intent to support the push through of the Motion.

Had it not been for the Proclamation to prorogue Parliament, if the No-Confidence Motion was passed, Guyana would have been headed to early general elections within three months.

According to the Head of State, the move to prorogation was intended to pave the way for greater dialogue among political parties, while

By Vanessa Narine T H E r u l i n g P e o p l e ’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration is “not running” from anything, including the muchtalked-about no-confidence motion, according to PPP General-Secretary Mr. Clement Rohee.

“We are not known for running from anything; instead of running from, we run for. We don’t run from; we run for and we run with.

‘For’ meaning we run for election; we run to win elections, and we run with the people. It’s not a question of what you’re running from; it’s what you’re running towards,” he said yesterday at the Party’s weekly press conference at Freedom House on Robb Street.

MOVE TO PROROGATION President Donald Ramotar yesterday announced, in an address to the nation, that he has issued a Proclamation to prorogue Parliament, which essentially means that the current session is suspended for up to a maximum of six months, a

PPP Executive Secretary, Zulfikar Mustapha and PPP General-Secretary, Clement Rohee at yesterday’s press conference at Freedom House (Adrian Narine photo) move that is provided for in which have not received RoySection 70 (1) of Guyana’s Constitution.

‘We are not known for running from anything.

The effect of ending a Instead of running from, we run for. We don’t run session by prorogation is to from, we run for and we run with. ‘For’ meaning we terminate business. run for election, we run to win elections and we run Members are released with the people. It’s not a question of what you’re runfrom their parliamentary duning from; it’s what you’re running towards’ – PPP ties until Parliament is next General Secretary, Clement Rohee summoned. All unfinished business is dropped from, or “dies” on the Order Paper, the National Assembly’s agenda, and all committees lose their power to transact business, providing a fresh start for the next session.

No committee can sit during a prorogation. Bills

al Assent before prorogation are “entirely terminated”, and in order to be proceeded with in the new session, must be re-introduced as if they had never existed.

As a result, the Alliance For Change (AFC)’s

keeping the 10th Parliament alive.

However, he has made it clear that if these efforts prove futile, there will be a move to fresh general elections.

“Elections are inevitable, no-confidence motion or not; it is the same ‘buddup’…” – Rohee On this note, Rohee pointed out that there are merits to keeping Parliament “alive”, in the interest of seeking solutions to the current political dynamic, and highlighted that the differences between prorogation and dissolution are “crystal clear”.

“With prorogation,” he said, “the Parliament remains alive and can be called.”

ELECTIONS INEVITABLE According to the PPP General Secretary, elections are inevitable, no-confidence motion or not.

“It is the same ‘buddup’; elections are inevitable…We know it is inevitable that the no-confidence motion will pass. With the passage of the no-confidence motion, it automatically means that the House will dissolve and elections will be called in three months; that is what we’re faced with,” he said.

On that note, in response to a question, he disagreed with the contention that the PPP is taking “too much baggage” into early general elections.

“We are going in with a whole host of goodies,” Rohee countered, adding that like the combined Opposition, and as per campaigning norms, political parties will use tools of their choice on the campaign trail.

Rohee also made it clear that the ruling party does not have to wait on the “blessing” of a no-confidence motion to defend its record.

“We have been defending our time in Government every day. Three-hundred and sixty-five days a year, with the exception of a leap year, we’re out there defending the Government. We don’t have to wait on the blessings of no-confidence motion to defend ourselves,” he said.

The PPP General Secretary added that this task is performed by no less than the President himself, as well as Government ministers and the party.

The last general elections were held in 2011.

10

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

Rohee: Dr. Jagan ‘probably’ would have opted for prorogation

THE fact that dead men tell no tales was acknowledged

by General Secretary of the ruling party, Clement Rohee, yesterday at the party’s weekly press briefing at Freedom House, Robb Street.

However, he conceded that the founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, “probably” would have prorogued the National Assembly, as the current Head of State Donald Ramotar has done.

“It is difficult to predict, but knowing the man and knowing that he listens to his comrades, 15 of them in the Executive Committee and 35 of them in the Central Committee, and doing the necessary soundings with the stakeholders, he probably would have ended up in this situation too….he probably would have prorogued,” Rohee said.

ment and made way for fresh general elections.

As such, the President, in keeping with his November 4 commitment, moved to prorogue the Parliament to pave the way for greater dialogue, in the interest of the Guyanese people.

President Donald Ramotar

Dr. Cheddi Jagan

Clement Rohee

President Ramotar yesterday announced, in an address to the nation, that he issued a proclamation to prorogue Parliament, which essentially means that the current session is suspended up to a maximum of six months – a move that is provided for in Section 70 (1) of Guyana’s constitution.

The President’s decision followed a prior address to the nation, on November 4, 2014, in which he stated that it was his desire for the National Assembly, in its post-recess sittings, to deliberate and give priority to important matters relating to the development of the country and the future of all

Guyanese.

Unfortunately, the combined Opposition parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), indicated their intention to push ahead with the AFC-sponsored no-confidence motion, which would have triggered a dissolution of the 10th Parlia-

Dr. JAGAN’S REASONING This premise, according to the PPP General Secretary, would have been the reasoning of the late Dr. Jagan also.

“He would have run on the same track because he was a believer in dialogue.

He was a believer in consultation, but when faced with a political situation in which he would have gone down a particular road, he would have prorogued,” Rohee said.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS DIES The principal effect of ending a session by proro-

gation is to terminate business. Members are released from their parliamentary duties until Parliament is next summoned. All unfinished business is dropped from or “dies” on the Order Paper, the National Assembly’s agenda, and all committees lose their power to transact business, providing a fresh start for the next session. No committee can sit during a prorogation.

Bills which have not received Royal Assent before prorogation are “entirely terminated” and in order to be proceeded with in the new session, must be reintroduced as if they had never existed.

The Presidential right to prorogue Parliament is one that is common in the constitutions in Commonwealth countries, making it a commonly-used tool Governments resort to.

However, in Guyana, this is the first time such a move has been made.

To address Ebola...

Guyana helps regional stakeholders create National Risk Communication Strategy

Barbados’ Minister of Health (ag), Mr Donville Inniss delivering his remarks at the opening ceremony of the workshop

for emergency risk communications in the respective countries along with their bilateral partners.

At the opening ceremony, Barbados’ Minister of Health (Ag), Mr Donville Inniss noted that there is great need for the building of strength in the area of risk communication, as he expressed his gratitude for the initiative and welcomed the participants to the beautiful Island.

The participatory workshop was aimed at threading together knowledge, skills, practice and planning, using adult learning techniques. It focused on current and poten-

IN PREPARATION for a possible outbreak of the Ebola Virus, Guyana recently joined some 30 of its regional sister countries in participating in a Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) workshop aimed at working together on developing a National Risk Communication Strategy.

The three-day caucus, held at the Crane Resort in the Barbadian parish of St. Philips, commenced on November 4, and sought to strengthen national capacity

A group photo of workshop participants and facilitators

Members of one of the groups working on an exercise during the workshop

tial risks to people’s health, such as influenza-like illness/ pandemic; dengue haemorrhagic fever, Chikungunya; and Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in order to strengthen national risk communications capacity, building on

efforts made to establish and maintain it in compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), and the 2014-2016 National Extension Action Plans, and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework.

The areas focused on also included the 21st Century Challenges to Risk Communication, applying the principles of emergency risk communication, dealing with the media and social media in emergencies, pandemic

communications response – lessons learnt, developing a National Risk Communications strategy and plan and best practices of a systematic approach.

Approximately 100 participants from the Caribbean attended the workshop, among them national epidemiologists; officials in charge of risk communication at the various Ministries of Health; Government Information Service Officers; Chief Medical Officers; the United Nations (UN) Agencies and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA); and representatives from the Ministry of Tourism or Tourism Boards in the various countries.

Guyana was represented

by Dr. Morris Edwards and Dr. Collin James of the Ministry of Health; as well as Ms Angela Hoyte of the PAHO Guyana Office, and a representative of the Government Information Agency (GINA).

The sessions allowed for lots of interaction among participants, and saw fun learning moments as the various representatives became acquainted with each other, as well as the facilitators.

Turn to page 11

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

CAIC commends Gov’t, Attorney-General for job well done – in saving Guyana from being blacklisted PRESIDENT of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), Mr Ramesh Dookhoo said Sunday that thanks in no small measue to the efforts of the Government and Attorney-General, Mr Anil Nandlall, the Private Sector can rest easy for the moment.

“The Private Sector is not happy, but we are certainly no longer at the edge of our seats. I think Mr. (Anil) Nandlall and the Government of Guyana should be given some credit. I know the President has spent many hours dealing with this situation,” Dookhoo said in obvious reference to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) giving Guyana a chance to get its house in order where passage of the contentious Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) (Amendment) Bill is concerned.

The occasion was the annual meeting of the National Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC) to elect a new executive, and voice their concerns on issues affecting the business community here.

The meeting was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, and saw participation from representatives of the Upper

Bill; the inavailability of cheap energy; and the illegal importation of goods through the Suriname border.

One of the issues Dookhoo touched on specifically was that every Tom, Dick and Harry, many of whom

has huge potential to complete the missing gap Guyana has, in terms of regional businesses.”

He also felt that it was high time the business community expand into uncharted waters, such as potato

from the Suriname Chamber of Commerce, will put paid to that particular exercise.

“If we are to make contact with manufacturers, suppliers etc in Suriname, I believe it will do a great lot in reducing smuggled items,”

often comes at a price, Dookhoo said that big corporations and other entities have an obligation to ensure that the social impacts that come with the terrain are at a minimum.

He also touched on the

CAIC President, Mr Ramesh Dookhoo, addressing the ARCC meet

Corentyne, Rupununi, Linden and Georgetown Chambers of Commerce among other stakeholders. Participating in the meet also were representatives of the Guyana Horticultural Society and the Kanuku Mountain Community group. The meeting was held under the theme: ‘Promoting Enterprise throughout Guyana’.

Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce, Mr Irfaan Ali was scheduled to deliver the feature address, but was unable to attend.

Members of ARCC highlighted factors that are affecting business growth in Guyana, namely: The political situation; the non-passage of the ammended AML/CFT

Members of the ARCC gathered for the Annual General meeting at the Guyana International Conference Centre Sunday

do not even own a business, feels he is an authority on the economy. “Too much guess work,” Dookhoo said, adding: “In order for businesses to proceed; for the Government to set the correct infrastructure for businesses to flourish, we must have Private Sector unity. ARCC

farming in places like the Kanuku Mountains, or even wheat farming.

On the issue of backtrack trading between Guyana and Suriname, Dookhoo is hoping that the planned exposition in the border township of Corriverton come January 2015, which anticipates seeing participation

he said, adding: “Cross-border trade is of huge importance to us, so I think a carefully designed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CAIC and ARCC can work to the advantage of both of us as we move ahead into the future.”

Noting that development

high cost of electricity and how it’s affecting value-added production, saying that something needs to be done about it, and fast.

“The hydro-project is now history, having been destroyed by many deskbound economists and propaganda experts,” Dookhoo said. (GINA)

Dairy Queen Grill and Chill is here Guyana helps CAMEX Restaurants Inc., franchisee of Church’s Chicken, Mario’s Pizza, Quiznos and Dairy Queen recently opened their new ‘Dairy Queen Grill and Chill’ outlet at Middle and Camp Streets, Georgetown.

The new location is housed in the same building as Church’s Chicken holdings.

A FIRST Dairy Queen was founded in 1940 and today boasts close to 6,000 restaurants worldwide. DQ is one of the most popular chains of soft serve ice cream in the fast food industry. The opening of their Grill and Chill concept in Guyana will be the company’s first in the Caribbean and South America, according to officials.

The Grill and Chill offers a variety of delicious hamburgers, hot sandwiches, chicken strips, hot dogs and

their famous ice cream treats.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, their representative, Lisa Insanally noted that their mission is to create positive memories for all who choose to dine at their location.

She noted that whether fans are getting their favourite Blizzard Treat served upside down, or celebrating at home with a DQ cake, it is their vision to be the favourite treat destination for their customers.

She explained that to do so they are committed to worldwide growth so that their fans can easily enjoy their favourite DQ treats.

Dairy Queen is the original soft serve ice cream retailer and it is today the largest ice cream chain in the world.

This business continues to be the gathering spot in many communities and cul-

regional stakeholders...

From page 10

Pleasant and polite staffers attend to the demands of customers at their recent opening

tures around the globe and folks there noted that they are excited to be sharing their heritage as they celebrated the grand opening here in Guyana.

Camex Restaurant plans to open several more Dairy Queen stores across Guyana in addition to the current three locations: Camp and

Middle Streets, Avenue of the Republic and Vreed-enHoop, West Bank Demerara.

Persons are urged to contact Lisa Insanally on telephone number 623-9780 for more information or to schedule a visit to the store.

Fans can also visit them on their website www.dairyqueen.com

The interactive session was aimed at enabling participants to: Describe and analyse the major challenges to effective emergency risk communications; develop clear communications outcomes; use audience analysis and segmentation tools; develop simple strategies to deal with perceptions and misperceptions in emergencies; construct talking points, sound bites and key messages to use with a variety of stakeholders; describe what the media wants and needs; as well as to deal with media requests with more confidence, among other objectives.

As a result of the training sessions, participants are expected to benefit from the re-invigoration of pandemic communications in countries

and territories in the Caribbean sub-region; strengthen collaboration amongst staff from different units and sectors contributing to pandemic communications and emergency risk communications in the sub-region; and revise, update and consolidate existing risk communications strategies and plans in countries and territories in the Caribbean sub-region.

On the final day of the workshop, country representatives were able to share their views and give an evaluation of the sessions. This saw many expressions of praise and gratitude by participants as they all committed to sharing the knowledge they gained with colleagues in their various countries.

(GINA)

12

Gov’t, Opposition voice positions on prorogation of Parliament

By Derwayne Wills

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar’s decision to exercise the constitutional right of his office to prorogue the National Assembly has evoked responses from the General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party and from the APNU Shadow Minister of Finance, Mr. Carl Greenidge, on the effects of a six-month suspension of the 10th Parliament and on budgetary preparations for the 2015 fiscal year.

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Mr. Clement Rohee, said during a press conference at Freedom House on Robb Street: “…it is a little too early to say that”, but he did not comment on the effects of a Parliamentary suspension.

Nevertheless, he opined that dissolution of the life of the 10th Parliament would mean “you can’t come with any budget.”

The PPP General Secretary did say that another option before the Government is to “recall the Parliament to consider the estimates”, with possible “negotiations prior to that.”

Rohee called for the Gov-

Clement Rohee

Carl Greenidge

ernment and the Opposition to be given a chance to sit down and “try to settle those things once the possibility is there.”

Presenting his party’s position, Rohee lamented that Opposition Leader Brig. (rtd) David Granger had “shut the door on political dialogue,” which Rohee said is a “useful practice often used by politicians in times like these.”

Mr. Carl Greenidge, Shadow Finance Minister and Parliamentarian for the coalition ‘A Partnership for National Unity’ (APNU), said in an invited comment from this publication yesterday that the intentions of the Government remain unclear. He said that in normal circumstances, “you would expect them to convene” a sitting of the National As-

sembly to consider the financial estimates; but he lamented, “You have a Government that feels it can do whatever it likes regarding budget and other matters.”

Asked whether the Opposition would respond to a call by the President for a sitting of the National Assembly to consider budgetary estimates during a six-month prorogation, Greenidge responded that while he could not speak on behalf of the Opposition, “my advice to them will be to ignore such a call.”

G re e n i d g e s t re s s e d there is need for the Government to recognise the Opposition’s majority in the National Assembly, so: “If it (Gov’t) wants a majority of MPs to vote for something, it has to speak to them properly.”

Parfait Harmonie man remanded on gold chain larceny charge A Parfait Harmonie taxi driver yesterday denied stealing a gold chain from a woman on Regent Street last Tuesday when he appeared before Chief Magistrate, Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

Gregory House, 43, of Lot 60 Recht Door Zee, Parfait Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, on Tuesday, November 4, at Regent Street, Georgetown, allegedly stole one gold chain valued $65,000, property of Natasha Sheriff.

The defendant told the court

that he is a taxi driver. House was represented by attorney-at-law, Paul Fung-A-Fat, who asked for reasonable bail and told the court that his client was beaten by the Virtual Complainant’s family.

According to the particulars of the offence, on the day in question at 11:45hrs on Regent Street the defendant approached the VC and snatched her gold chain. The woman quickly alerted a public-spirited person, who caught the defendant and detained him until the police arrived.

During a search of his person by the police the gold chain

was reportedly found in his pocket.

Police Prosecutor Michael Grant objected to bail, citing the nature, gravity and prevalence of the offence. He also told the court that defendant is well known for such criminal activities, recalling that House was convicted for a similar charge before the court, a break and enter matter and he has other larceny charges before the court.

Bail was refused and the defended was remanded to prison until November 28 when he has to appear before Magistrate Judy Latchman.

Taxi driver shot at Enmore during $1.5M robbery INVESTIGATIONS are being conducted into the shooting of taxi driver, Imran Khan at about 11:30hrs yesterday at Enmore, ECD, during an armed robbery while he was sitting in his vehicle.

According to reports,

Imran Khan of De Hoop, Mahaica was hired by a man who had travelled to a city bank to transact business and who had stopped at a business place at Enmore, leaving a bag in the vehicle.

While Khan was wait-

ing in the vehicle, two men rode up on a motorcycle and one of them shot him to his left shoulder and took away the bag with $1.5M and they escaped.

Khan has been admitted to hospital for medical treatment.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

No Confidence Motion would invalidate Preliminary List of Electors – PPP General Secretary

By Derwayne Wills

FOLLOWING approval of the certified List of Electors on Thursday, October 31, 2014, People’s Progressive Party General Secretary, Clement Rohee has cautioned that the list could be rendered “invalid” if a No Confidence Motion were passed in the National Assembly yesterday.

He saw this as “resulting in the nation going to the polls three months later, on February 9, 2014.”

In a news conference yesterday at the PPP headquarters in Robb Street, Georgetown, Rohee reasoned thus: “GECOM (Guyana Elections Commission) will be caught off-guard should this situation arise in the coming weeks. GECOM will have to re-think its strategy of recruiting and training Polling Day staff to that of revising the existing voters list.”

That position, Rohee said, is highly welcomed by his party, since he was confident that not only does the record show “a significant number of persons uplifting birth certificates after the

claims and objections period would have concluded”, but the record has also shown that “(a) number of Guyanese… would have returned from neighbouring countries, as well as the (presence of a) large number of remigrants from the USA and Canada.”

It could be recalled that the People’s Progressive Party, over the past few months, has had many concerns with the “readiness” of the national elections monitoring authority (GECOM), and Rohee has maintained his misgivings over GECOM’S responses to the concerns expressed.

He listed registration issues, mobile registration

by GECOM’s mobile units, the hinterland registration process, the presence of the names of underage and dead persons on the preliminary list of electors [PLE]; and proper verification of electors and their addresses as some of the concerns raised by his party.

Rohee also challenged the database of the National Register of Registrants (NRR) and the integrity of GECOM’s preparations for

local government elections, with his concerns being about the constituency lists and boundaries, staffing issues, and the training of whole day staff.

Commenting on his party’s demand for free and fair elections, with the need to ensure that no one is disenfranchised, Rohee said: “… one must be cognisant of the fact that the struggle for free and fair elections dating back to the 1950s was single-handedly led by the PPP, and (that party) continues to do so today, to ensure every eligible Guyanese is on the final voters list.”

Rohee denounced public commentary regarding the party losing confidence in current GECOM Chairman, Dr. Steve Surujbally and Chief Elections Officer, Keith Lowenfield. He asserted “The party wishes to make it pellucidly clear that this is a far cry from the truth.”

He noted that the PPP will not remain silent on “issues that remain unresolved”, and said that position “would have been the same in the past.”

Gold Board General Manager resigns – fraud probe at Bartica sub-office still on GENERAL MANAGER of the Guyana Gold Board, Mr. Anantram Balram has resigned after he was sent on five-months leave in March.

A source close to the investigations told the Guyana Chronicle that Balram was sent on leave in June in order to facilitate a full investigation into a multi-million fraud at a GGB sub-office in Bartica. The source said that the matter is still under investigation and Balram had sent in his resignation early last week.

After the multi-million dollar fraud at the Bartica sub-office, it had shut its doors and remains closed.

Efforts to contact Balram and a representative from Guyana Gold Board were all

Mr. Anantram Balram

futile since the phones rang out while some calls went straight to voicemail.

On April 04, 2014 the Board of Directors of GGB had called in the police to investigate an issue of gold being tampered during the purchasing process.

“The Guyana Police Force is currently questioning several persons, including the employees of both

the Bartica sub-office and the main office in Georgetown,” Secretary of the GGB Board of Directors, Bobby Gossai said in the statement.

In order to facilitate this investigation, the Ministry said it has accepted the decision of the Board of Directors of the Gold Board to temporarily close all operations at the Bartica sub-office.

The Natural Resources Ministry said a meeting has been convened with the GGB, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), licensed dealers and other stakeholders to ensure that this matter does not disrupt the overall trading of gold, particularly in the Region 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) location.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

Stanley Greaves celebrates 80th birthday with ‘Dialogue with Wilson Harris’ at Castellani House INTRIGUED Stanley Greaves was intrigued by the mystery of the forest from a young age and after reading Harris’s Palace of the Peacock and The Whole Armor years later, indentified with nature more than just as an observer.

Other Harris novels based on the Guyana hinterland

favour of presenting a single dramatic moment or image as a symbolic interpretation,” the artist said.

MUSICAL RENDITIONS Before Minister Anthony declared the exhibition opened, those present at the ceremony were treated to wonderful musical rendi-

Minister of Culture, Dr Frank Anthony giving his address as Stanley Greaves listens in

RENOWNED Guyanese artist, poet, writer and musician, Stanley Greaves celebrated his 80th birth anniversary last Saturday in a manner befitting his talents and achievements.

His latest series of paintings called ‘Dialogue with Wilson Harris’ was launched at the Guyana National Art Gallery, Castellani House.

Described as the ‘Leonardo of Guyana’ by Deputy Chairman of the Castellani House Management Committee, Philbert Gajadhar, Greaves’ exhibition attracted a full Castellani House that included many of his friends and well-wishers.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, in his address to the gathering, expressed his gratitude to the famed artist for all he has done over the years to promote art in Guyana. He noted that although Greaves resides overseas, he is always available as a mentor to the students of Burrowes School of Art and an eager judge in the National Visual Arts

Competition.

According to the artist, “The entire exercise of reading the novels and relating events, concepts to my own experiences allowed the paintings to be done. This is the reason for the title of the series ‘Dialogue With Wilson Harris’. This series had a start in the 1960’s but I was not really prepared to continue until 2011, finishing in April 2014.”

“It is quite possible to do 24 paintings each on several novels. Restraint had to be exercised. The last novel ‘The Ghost of Memory’ is particularly seductive.

Who knows what the future holds?”

Wilson Harris, who initially wrote poetry, has become a well-known novelist and essayist. The writings of Sir Wilson Harris are often described as experimental and innovative. Harris, in his life, worked as surveyor and subsequently possessed a deep connection to the Guyana Forest, which is enforced and identified in his works.

The ‘birthday boy’ in conversation with a guest at the exhibition

Guests observing a painting in ‘Dialogue With Wilson Harris’

provided him with a link to understanding the nature of the impact of the landscape on life forms and its impact on his own way of seeing/ sensing the place of things/ events in his works. To create paintings based on reading the novels, therefore, seemed one way to deepen such experiences.

VISUAL LANGUAGE “The problem was finding a related visual language given the complexity of the novels…at the conclusion of the project, I felt that the paintings showed the evolution of a visual language where the visual complexity, illustrative mode in the earlier series was shunned in

tions by Ras Camo Williams, drumming by Osaze, poetry recitals by friends of Greaves, Konya Addo, Vanda Radzik and a ‘Salute to Stanley Greaves’ by Dr Rupert Roopnarine.

Greaves then reminded his guests that he was also a man of music and gave a surprise guitar performance with his former band mate, vocalist Ena Harvey who wooed the audience with her beautiful renditions.

And, of course, the birthday celebrations saw Greaves ‘carving’ his birthday cake and doing his birthday ‘shake-a-leg’ (dance).

Stanley Greaves was born 1934 in Guyana where he received his formal education.

Stanley Greaves ‘carves’ his birthday cake

He taught at the St. Stanislaus Secondary School, Berbice High School, Queen’s College and Burrowes School of Art. He was a member of the original Arts and Craft panel that designed the first syllabus for the Caribbean Examination Council.

RENOWNED PRIZE WINNER Greaves has won prizes nationally, regionally and internationally for his works in

the art disciplines of painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, pen and ink drawings and calligraphy. He has worked consistently in art and poetry together over the years.

The captivating ‘Dialogue With Wilson Harris’ will be exhibited until November 29 at Castellani House, on the corner of Vlissengen Road and Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown. Admission is free.

ARCC AGM aimed at reviving chambers THE National Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce of Guyana (ARCC) under the theme ‘ p ro m o t i n g e n t e r p r i s e throughout Guyana’ held its annual general meeting Saturday with the aim of resuscitating and encouraging the chambers.

The Small Business Bureau (SBB) under the umbrella of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce plays a big part in the promotion of the ARCC.

From left are President of CAIC, Mr. Ramesh Dookhoo, Chairman of ARCC, Mr. Murray and CEO of SBB, Mr. Derrick Cummings

COMMERCIAL LEVELS Derrick Cummings, Chief Executive Officer of SBB speaking at the meeting held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, at Liliendaal, ECD, explained that the bureau

is to develop the micro and small business (MSB) sectors to its optimum and enable them to move from subsistence to commercial levels.

He noted also that currently the SBB’s focus is

problems will pop up from time to time but the organisation is poised to take care of them as speedily as possible.

to facilitate the expansion of business development services and to promote self-sufficiency and sustainability initiatives for the MSE’s via the upcoming Low Carbon Micro and Small Enterprise Develop-

ment Project.

During the Chairman’s Report, Mr. Gyandat Marray acknowledged that over the years the ARCC has embarked on numerous activities while remaining vibrant. He noted that some

FORMAL COMPLAINTS He noted also that many members have made formal complaints about the service at Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and also about certain banks having additional charges to services without notice. This, he said, will be discussed and will determine how this situation can be rectified.

Speaking also to participants, President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), Ramesh Dookhoo urged members to maintain their focus and not shift

from their course of action.

He encouraged persons attending the meeting to be a part of the organisation as this will not only help the country but their business as well.

“For us to get to where our business flourishes we have to get private sector unity,” Dookhoo said.

Dookhoo said, “I am happy to see that the persons all the way from Lethem took the time out to attend, this shows interest as well as unity. This is what we need.”

The meeting continued for the remainder of the day with a closed door session to ‘iron out’ some issues and the election of ARCC’s Executive for 2014 to 2016, among other matters.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

Prime Minister oversees smooth 'Because We Care' grant distribution at St. Rose’s High PRIME Minister, Samuel Hinds on Saturday was on site at St. Rose’s High School, Church Street, Georgetown, to oversee the ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 grant distribution.

Speaking to the gathering of parents, teachers, and guardians, he explained the driving force that motivated Government in devising such an initiative.

“We have no doubt that people, young ones in partic-

ular, are what build a society, and so we in the Government saw it fit to focus on people, and more importantly, our education system.”

This view is reflected and proven every year in annual budgetary allocations.

“If you look at our budgets over the years, you would see that we spent the largest portions on education.”

The gigantic strides made in education must be

taken into consideration with the state of the education system that was handed over by the PNC Government in 1992. The Prime Minister took the gathering back in time, reminding how the newly elected PPP/C Government initiated a transition from the then dire, underdeveloped, and underfinanced education system.

“There was a lot to do, on coming into office, and one couldn’t do everything

at the same time. We started first in education by focusing on improving the physical appearance.”

Once the atmosphere was deemed comfortable, the focus was on supplies, teachers and curriculum, he said.

Recipients welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that not only would it continue, but increase in the future.

Bernette Jones, a mother of one, showered praise on

the Government for the initiative, stating that the Government is trying its best to meet the needs of the people.

She said that the $10,000 was $10,000 more than she received last year, and the small start was accepted wholeheartedly.

The ‘Because We Care’ grant initiated by the PPP/C Administration was budgeted for this year to the tune of $2B, ensuring that every child in the public

school system will receive $10,000. This initiative will cater for 188,406 families.

T h i s p ro j e c t i s t h e first of its kind in the Caribbean, and supports Government’s desire to provide the best education system possible. It is complemented by a yearly uniform voucher, school feeding programmes and other indirect investments such as teacher training.

(GINA)

Parents uplifting their $10,000 education vouchers

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds speaking to parents at the St Rose’s High School

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds oversees the distribution of the Government’s $10,000 education grant

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds presents a parent with the $10,000 education grant

Accused in Mahaica slaughterhouse murder to face new trial MARK Major, the accused in the Mahaica slaughterhouse murder, who allegedly knifed his cousin, Orin Forde to death in January 2012, will have to face a new trial.

The mixed jury which tried the case before Presiding Judge Brassington Reynolds

at the Demerara Assizes, disagreed on a verdict after deliberating for four hours.

Mr. George Thomas defended, while Mrs. Tashana Lake prosecuted.

According to the facts of the case, the accused, Mark Major, and the deceased, Orin Forde, were cousins.

On January 6, 2012, they were arguing at the Mahaica slaughterhouse. In the course of the argument there was a fight. Wilston Forde went to part the fight, when the accused pushed him and stabbed Orin Forde in the chest. Forde later died.

The accused, in a cau-

tion statement, said that the deceased was attacking him with a piece of wood and he stabbed him to defend himself.

Chief Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh who performed the post-mortem, gave the cause of death as perforation of the liver.

On the resumption yesterday, Judge Reynolds began his summing-up and did not conclude until 13.00 hrs.

The mixed jury, after three hours' deliberation, returned to the courtroom for further directions in relation to the laws of murder, defence, accident and provocation.

Despite a thorough explanation by the judge, the jury took four hours before acknowledging they could not reach a verdict.

Judge Reynolds thanked them for their service and remanded the accused to prison to await his re-trial at a future session.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

At Remembrance Day Reception…

$2.3M collected for legionaries and ex-soldiers THE Guyana Veterans Legion, previously the Guyana Legion, Sunday amassed $2.3M which is to be used for the benefit of the legionaries and ex-soldiers who have retired after serving the military in various capacities.

The collection was done during a reception hosted by the Guyana Veterans Legion to commemorate Remembrance Day. The venue was Coghlan House, the Legion’s headquarters on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds made the first donation of $500,000 on behalf of the Office of the President, and a further $300,000 on behalf of the Office of the Prime Min-

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds addresses the Legion’s Remembrance Day Reception

Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Thereafter there was a spirited competition, with the Guyana Police Force making a pledge of $200,000.

But the Guyana Defence Force was not to be outdone, and so Brigadier Mark Phillips headed to the podium and

$50,000; the City Constabulary of the Mayor and City Council (MCC) pledged $50,000; Mr. Lyken (MCC) pledged $60,000. Another donor in the audience gave US$100; Beverley Somerset gave $5,000 and the (Kingsley) Nelson family - $10,000. Box collections around the room totalled $13,840.

Wi t h i n a r e c o r d t e n minutes, the donation segment secured a whopping $2,355,840 ($2.3 M) in pledges and liquid cash.

REFURBISHING LEGION’S HOME Meanwhile, Brigadier Phillips assured that the GDF will contribute meaningfully to the refurbishing of the Legion’s home – Coghlan House. He said

President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Col. (Ret’d) George Gomes addresses the gathering. In the background Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, is flanked by (at left) Brigadier Mark Phillips and the Legion’s Vice President, Col. (Ret’d) Frank Bispham

ister.

That proved to have had a springboard effect for immediately after Brigadier (Ret’d) David Granger, who is also PNCR/APNU Leader, made a pledge for $100,000 on behalf of A

announced that the army was making a pledge of $1M. GFS CASH DONATION Meanwhile, the Guyana Fire Service made an onthe-spot cash donation of

the estimate is already obtained and secured and the GDF stands ready to deliver in 2015.

The Legion, formerly the Guyana Legion, was amalgamated with the Ex-Guyana Defence Force

A section of the gathering at the Guyana Veterans Legion Remembrance Day Reception

soldiers on April 6 last to become the Guyana Veterans Legion.

Prime Minister Hinds, on behalf of President Ramotar who is patron of the Legion congratulated the move and promised to give them his support.

And Brigadier Phillips, eminently proud of this accomplishment, referred to the camaraderie as ‘a crescendo on this day.’

The commemoration reception was held to honour those men and women who served in World Wars I and II and paid the extreme sacrifice so that others may live in peace.

Also acknowledged were local ex-soldiers present at the reception, who fought in World War II. Prime Minister Hinds delivered the feature address at the commemoration reception. Other speakers acknowledging the sacrifice made by the slain servicemen and women were President of the Legion, Col. (Ret’d) George Gomes; Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips; Canadian High Commis-

Prime Minister Hinds poses with Ms. Norma Scott, who at age 82 is the oldest female ex-soldier alive. Enlisted in the first batch, her regulation number was Pte. 3181

sioner, Ms. Nichola Giles and the Legion’s General Secretary, Mr. Kingsley Davis.

Meanwhile, other special guests at the reception were Sergeant Steve

Boyd, Canadian Forces Military Police, Military Police Security Services; Major General (Ret’d) Joseph Singh; and Lt. Colonel (Ret’d) Joseph Harmon.

CJ grants 8 petitioners $2.2M bail pending outcome of cases CHIEF Justice (Ag.) Mr. Ian Chang, S. C., last Friday ordered eight petitioners to pay $2.2M pending the hearing of their cases.

Following are the offences, and the

total bail granted to each offender pending the hearing of their cases.

Possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking: Troy Thompson - $200,000; Ronald Forde - $300,000;

Ana Dias Araijo - $300,000; Sharon Shamsher - $200,000; Assault: Jomo Gravesande $25,000; Possession of firearm and ammuni-

tion without licence - Ana Dias Araijo $400,000; Tiffenee Allicock - $300,000; and Robbery under arms: Alstar Anthony Culpepper - $500,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

SUSPENSION OF PARLIAMENT...

What the PSC Chairman, Opposition MPs and Deputy Mayor had to say

By Ravin Singh

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar yesterday announced, in an address to the nation, that he had issued a Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament, which essentially means that the current session is suspended for up to a maximum of six months, a move that is provided for in Section 70 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana.

Several Members of Parliament (MPs), Chairman of the Private Sector Commission and the Deputy Mayor spoke to the Guyana Chronicle, expressing concern over the move by the President.

RUPERT ROOPNARINE (APNU Member of Parliament): “The shutting down of the Parliament effectively is not in the best interest of the country. I think that we are in a deep political crisis RAMESH PERSAUD (Chairman of the and I think the prorogation of parliament Private Sector Commission): deepens the crisis. Right now, I believe that “The Private Sector Commission is what is ahead of us is the search for a poconcerned and disappointed that the litical solution. And we should ensure we continued absence of political comget the political solution that we need. promise between our Government “My personal feeling and the and the Opposition has led to feelings of the WPA (Working Peothis abnormal situation. ple’s Alliance) is that the time has “It is obviously not a sitcome for us to put the issue of a uation conducive to a stable national Government back on the business environment or encouragenda. And any engagement aging to business investment. We we have with the Ramotar adcan only hope that good sense will ministration, I believe, should prevail and that the national interests be aimed at that. The PPP, from predominate over potentially destrucAugust of 1977, had put forward tive narrow political intent.” proposals for a National Patriotic Front, because they recognised at that time that the political crisis we were in required a political solution. I BASIL WILLIAMS (APNU Member of believe that we are back in that situation, Parliament): “It’s a dark day in Guyana. What a political solution is what is required and the President has done is usher in a period of we must try to use the space provided by the dictatorship. It’s a period where he proposprorogation to arrive at such an agreement.” es for his minority party to embark upon a one-party rule of Guyana, and as you know, to the exclusion of the majority of the people who voted against them.

RONALD BULKAN (APNU Member of “This is the first time in the history Parliament): “Well, what the President of Guyana we are having a dictatorhas done is effectively shut down the ship in the land. They can’t govern legislative arm of the Government.

Guyana alone for more than six I don’t know if Mr. Ramotar’s months. Because the constitution intention is to rule by decree, but provides a limit of six months what I do know is that it’s not a and when the Parliament rules question of the Opposition who that certain spending should have declared no-confidence in not occur, and they still spend, the PPP and in Mr. Ramotar. It one could clearly imagine without was the citizens of Guyana; more Parliament being there what will particularly, the electorate who happen to the people’s money. made that statement and decision on “It’s clear, they now have a clear November 2011, when they decided pass to empty the coffers. And so the they have no confidence in the PPP people of Guyana will have to know if to give them a majority in the National they are going to allow the PPP to exAssembly." clude the majority of the Guyanese people from participating in the governance of this country and access their money without any scrutiny. It’s a very serious thing and a very dark day.”

CHRISTOPHER JONES (APNU Member of Parliament): “Well, like every member of

PATRICIA CHASE-GREEN (Deputy Mayor of Georgetown): “We are

in some serious times. It is most unfortunate that the President would choose that route. But we are hoping for the best. And the Opposition, for whom we are representing, will not stand for lawlessness. We are not going to stand for any dictatorship."

the House and all citizens, I am completely disappointed with the decision taken by the President. The Parliament is the one forum in which the voices of the people can be heard. And to deny that right is to deny democracy in Guyana. What the President has done essentially is to proclaim himself to be a dictator and we have always said in the past that the Government has been expressing some amount of dictatorial tendencies. And with today’s proclamation, which was made by the President, it is now being confirmed; it is no longer viewed as a move by the Government, but it has been concluded that they are indeed moving to a dictatorship."

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

17

President promises to move to elections mode -- should talks during ‘prorogation’ period fail

-- causes major upset in Opposition camp with suspended sitting

By Vanessa Narine PARLIAMENT was yesterday prorogued by President Donald Ramotar, which essentially means that sittings of the 65-member National Assembly, under the 10th Parliament, are suspended for up to a maximum of six months, via a Proclamation that was gazetted, as required by law.

And in an address to the nation, the Head of State made it clear that the move was to allow for talks in the interest of the Guyanese people.

However, should this course of action fail, Mr. Ramotar was clear in stating that there will be a move to early general elections.

“I have taken this step with the hope that the time gained would be used for the benefit of our

people... Were these entreaties of cooperation by my Government to be unsuccessful, I would then take the necessary steps for the holding of early General Elections so that the democratic will of our people can be freely exercised,” he said.

On that score, Mr. Ramotar has appealed for “political maturity, and the exercise of good judgment” from all stakeholders in the political arena, to put Guyana and Guyanese first.

CAUSE FOR UPSET Meanwhile, in the Opposition camp, the President’s announcement has triggered major upset.

APNU Leader Brigadier (rtd) David Granger, in a public statement, contends that Mr. Ramotar’s move “has effectively

paralysed” the parliamentary process.

He said, “President Ramotar has now single-handedly engineered a constitutional crisis…it is an affront to the Guyanese people. “…APNU will not accept this denial of democracy and will not be intimidated by the PPP/C’s dictatorial behaviour.

“APNU is resolved to resist the President’s ‘Proclamation’. APNU calls on all the good people of Guyana everywhere to join in a civil movement for the restoration of parliamentary democracy by peacefully resisting the PPP/C’s resort to dictatorship and to call for the revocation of this ‘Proclamation.’”

The AFC Leader, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, expressed similar sentiments, adding that the proroguing of the National Assembly has left

the combined Opposition more unified in its bid to ensure that the current administration is “displaced.”

“They dislodged a constitutional process (the moving of a no-confidence motion)…what we are being led into could be terrible,” he said, stressing that his party has the interest of the country at heart.

Also, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, also an AFC Executive, was emphatic in stating that the President was “wrong in his decision to prorogue the National Assembly. “Yes it was a bad decision,” he said, in an invited comment.

According to him, there needs to be a fresh look at Guyana’s Constitution. “We need to relook our entire Constitution, because things they thought they wouldn’t be looking at and using are being

used at the moment and not for the right reason.”

Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, meanwhile, has defended the legality of the President’s actions.

In a televised programme yesterday, he stated that the President’s decision is neither “unconstitutional” nor is it “undemocratic” – as it is provided for in the laws of Guyana.

“It presents an opportunity for leaders to come together and actually work together. The nation will see how they take this ‘glorious opportunity’ to move our country forward,” Nandlall said.

Section 70 (1) of the Constitution states that: “The President may, at any time, by proclamation, prorogue Parliament.”

Prorogation of Parliament creates space for political dialogue – Rohee THE move by President Donald Ramotar to prorogue Parliament, his constitutional right, will “create space” for political dialogue.

This is according to General-Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Clement Rohee, yesterday at the party’s weekly press conference at Freedom House, Robb Street.

He said, “It is the Party’s view that prorogation provides for the recall of the 10th Parliament and for the creation of necessary political space for the Administration and the parliamentary Opposition to resume dialogue. “…the PPP is of the view that prorogation will preserve and sustain the life of the 10th Parliament, unlike dissolution, which the Parliamentary Opposition is hell-bent on enforcing by way of their no-confidence motion, which, when inevitably passed, will result in shutting down and ending the life of the 10th Parliament and denying the passage of important Bills which would bring immense benefits to the people of Guyana.”

THROWN OUT The PPP General-Secretary decried the fact that the Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Brigadier (rtd.)

David Granger, in recent comments, has “thrown the baby out with the bath water” as is relates to continued dialogue.

He said, “It was Mr. Granger himself who threw out the ‘baby with the bath-water’, when like Pontius Pilate, he publicly and proudly proclaimed that he has ‘washed his hands’ of any further engagement with the PPP/C Administration in an effort to reach agreement on a date for Local Government Elections. By his own statement, Mr. Granger effectively shut the door on political dialogue, a useful practice often used by politicians in times like these.”

This, Rohee contends, is regrettable, particularly since prorogation is not the ‘end all’ of the work of the 10th Parliament.

He said, “The PPP is of the view that contrary to the big lie peddled by the Parliamentary Opposition, prorogation will be unlike Fukiyama’s ‘End of History.

“Neither will prorogation usher in a ‘dictatorship’ of any shape or fashion as the PNC is seeking to make out; rather it will provide the political space which is so necessary at this time for nurturing political maturity and continued dialogue with the Opposition and the resumption of the 10th Parliament.”

DOUBLE STANDARD Rohee also underscored the fact that there is a clear double standard coming from the combined Opposition, as it relates to making use of avenues constitutionally provided for recourses.

On one hand, he pointed out that the Alliance For Change (AFC) has moved ahead with its no-confidence motion, a constitu-

“From all indications, it appears that for the Opposition it is “ok” for them to proceed with their infamous “No Confidence Motion”, but it is heresy for the PPP/C Administration to utilise constitutional means at the disposal of the President to thwart the Opposition’s nefarious game plan. “..it is the understanding of our Party that with prorogation, the

“It was Mr. Granger himself who threw out the ‘baby with the bath-water’, when like Pontius Pilate, he publicly and proudly proclaimed that he has ‘washed his hands’ of any further engagement with the PPP/C Administration in an effort to reach agreement on a date for Local Government Elections. By his own statement, Mr. Granger effectively shut the door on political dialogue, a useful practice often used by politicians in times like these.” – Rohee tional mechanism; while, on the other hand, the President’s move to prorogue the Parliament is opposed.

Rohee said, “The PPP denounces both the Alliance For Change and People’s National Congress for their political bullyism and dictatorial behaviour in the wake of the PPP/C Administration’s move to utilise enshrined constitutional tools to address the current impasse in the National Assembly.

10th Parliament can be recalled after a limited six month period to continue with outstanding and other important matters of interest to the Guyanese people.”

On that note, the PPP General-Secretary stressed that the ruling party will not be “threatened, intimidated nor bullied” by the combined Opposition.

“Invoking Burnham-like scare-tactics, aggressive and hostile rhetoric will do no good

and will prove counter-productive.The PPP is a fighting Party, it has weathered many political storms, its cause is just and it will overcome,” Rohee said.

RESPONSE TO UNREST Additionally, he addressed the possibility of unrest as well as comments that could be interpreted as a call to arms by the combined Opposition.

“With his recent mouthing Granger has given a signal to the anti-PPP elements in society to resort to their well-established practice of disrupting the peace and good order in our country,” Rohee said.

However, the PPP General-Secretary, also the Minister of Home Affairs, made it clear that the law enforcement agencies will fulfill their responsibilities to their level best, and in accordance with the laws of Guyana.

“The PPP is confident that these dark, disruptive forces will not succeed. The extant correlation of social and political forces in our country, as well as the overwhelming majority of Guyanese, prefer a path that allows for the peaceful and orderly development of our country, rather than the chaotic and anarchistic road preferred by the PNC,” Rohee concluded.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife dead in horrific plane crash…

‘Dr. Munroe was a man of immense charisma and persuasive appeal’ – Bahamas PM THE leader of Bahamas Faith Ministries Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife Ruth have been killed in a plane crash in Grand Bahama.

The crash took place on Sunday afternoon and killed all nine people on board the private jet. The plane reportedly struck a crane at the Grand Bahama

Ship Yard, exploding on impact and crashing into the ground near a junkyard area.

The Department of Civil Aviation reported that the plane was a Lear 36 executive jet which departed the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) for the Grand Bahama International Air-

port.

The plane left LPIA at 16.07 hrs with nine people on board and crashed while making an approach for landing at Grand Bahama International Airport at 17.10 hrs, the Department of Civil Aviation said.

A police source on the island previously said two were feared dead. However, police sources later confirmed that all those on board had been killed.

Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife Ruth who were killed in a plane crash on Sunday

Rescuers looking for survivors but came out empty handed

The police source also said it was believed the group was heading to a conference hosted by Pastor Munroe.

The identities of the other people on board have not yet been confirmed.

The statement said while the department was advised of fatalities, it was awaiting confirmation from police on if there were any survivors.

The Grand Bahama Airport Company Crash Fire Rescue Department responded to the incident, and the Police and Bahamas Air Sea Rescue (BASRA) are presently on the scene.

The department said a full scale investigation will start tomorrow morning at daylight, which will include the Department of Civil Aviation Aircraft Accident Investigation Prevention Unit.

Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Mr. Perry Chris-

tie said on Sunday night after the crash that he was left “shocked” and “saddened” by the tragic death of Dr. Myles Munroe and others who were on board his ill-fated plane.

His comments came at an impromptu press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Free National Movement Leader, Dr. Hubert Minnis and Democratic National Alliance Leader, Branville McCartney also expressed condolences about the tragedy last night in separate statements.

“It is utterly impossible to measure the magnitude of Dr. Munroe’s loss to The Bahamas and to the world,” Mr. Christie said.

“He was indisputably one of the most globally recognisable religious figures our nation has ever produced. His fame as an ambassador for the Christian ministry preceded him wherever in the world he travelled. He was a towering force who earned the respect and admiration not only of Christian adherents but of secular leaders both here at home and around the world.”

The Prime Minister remembered Dr. Munroe as a man of “immense charisma and persuasive appeal.”

He said while he and Dr. Munroe disagreed on things over the years, he saw him as a friend and spiritual mentor.

I leaned on his counsel in a number of important matters, most recently in the consultations with religious leaders on the pending constitutional bills, a process in which he took an enthusiastic and constructive part, helping even to re-draft one of the bills that had met with a great deal of public controversy.”

He lauded Dr. Munroe as a “great Bahamian of universal renown” who leaves the country as a better place because of his work. (www.tribune242.com)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

Making ‘Because we Care’ distribution a tremendous success …

Education Minister says heartfelt thanks to teachers and support staff AS the distribution of the ‘Because We Care’ cash grant comes to a close in Georgetown and in most of the other Regions, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand has expressed thanks to all the teachers, schools and regional support per-

sonnel from the Departments of Education, Parent Teacher Associations, and Officers from the Central Ministry for their time and commitment to seeing this programme through to the end.

During remarks made at

the Cummings Lodge Secondary School, Minister Priya Manickchand expressed these sentiments to parents and guardians who came to uplift their ‘Because We Care’ vouchers.

She said that if it were not for the dedication of these

A parent of the Cummings Lodge Secondary School thanks Minister Manickchand for the cash grant vouchers she received

hard working people, the process of serving the thousands of families would have been very difficult. “For the last five to six weeks we have been out every single day serving people...the staff whom you never get to see, have been working incredibly hard to make sure you get your money.” She assured the parents that the ministry plans to continue to work very hard to ensure that children get a quality education.

During the distribution last Saturday more than 700 parents of children from the Cummings Lodge Secondary School uplifted vouchers.

Also 16 additional schools in the city were served at 10 locations where $97M was distributed.

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS More than 55 public consultations were held. The following questions were examined whether parents would prefer to be able to receive cash or exchange a voucher for goods in the manner that the uniform voucher programme is currently operated, and if

One dead in East Coast drag race crash – despite police warning AN East Coast Demerara family is now mourning the loss of a loved one after he and other friends failed to heed police warnings against drag racing along the ECD public road early Sunday morning.

D e a d i s 1 9 - y e a r- o l d Christopher Baichan of Oleander Gardens, ECD, who was seated as a passenger in motor vehicle PPP 3838, a Runx, when it flipped in the vicinity of Sparendaam, ECD, causing him to be thrown out of the vehicle as it turned turtle.

The driver of the vehicle was reportedly tested positive for being over the legal limit for alcohol consumption. According to information received, the driver and the deceased were among several persons who were imbibing at a location along East Coast Demerara prior to the accident.

The accident reportedly occurred at 01.50 hrs Sunday morning as the car slammed into a fence opposite the Sparendaam Police Station.

The police in a press statement yesterday confirmed that the driver of the vehicle had tested above the legal limit for alcohol consumption while being the driver of the vehicle.

He was promptly taken into police custody after receiving medical attention to ensure that he was not suffering from any life threatening injuries.

DRAG RACE WARNING Meanwhile in speaking with this publication, persons said that the police very late on Saturday night observed that the very car and others were driving up and down the East Coast Demerara public road at a

fast rate and cautioned them against what the police saw as drag racing.

The police further advised the men that if they continued with their actions they would be arrested and charged in accordance with the law.

DISMISSING POLICE CAUTION However, the seemingly inebriated young men reportedly threatened the police who had cautioned them that should they be stopped or charged, calls would be made to certain senior officials which would land the police in trouble.

Despite this threat the police insisted that the men would be charged once they are found drag racing along the roadway since the practice puts at risk the lives of innocent persons.

According to sources

close to the group of men, the drinking spree on Saturday night was a ‘prime up’ as they prepared to go to the motor-racing event scheduled for the Timehri circuit Sunday.

When the Chronicle visited the scene of the accident, the destruction to the fence that the car slammed into told the story of speed while several alcohol beverage bottles were present in the ill-fated vehicle.

The 19-year-old deceased suffered the brunt of the injuries as the vehicle flipped on its left side first. A look at the vehicle which was parked at the Sparendaam Police Station compound also indicated the speed at which the vehicle was travelling when the driver lost control. The interior of the multi-coloured tinted vehicle was also in total disarray.

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand with a Fifth Form Cummings Lodge student

en-cashing where the preferred option, which service would parents prefer to use to be able to en-cash their vouchers. Choices ranged from the Banks, Mobile Money, Western Union/Bill Express, the Post Office, Money Gram.

Almost unanimously parents chose to receive cash as opposed to goods and an overwhelming majority chose to be able to en-cash at Western

Union/Bill Express money services. Where, geographically, there is a limitation of financial services different arrangements would be made.

The ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 Cash Grant programme was launched on October 11, 2014 in Bartica. Parents were reminded that vouchers should be encashed at any Western Union Office before November 30.

Joint services monitoring political atmosphere - Chief of Staff – urges citizens to follow rule of law CHAIRMAN of the Joint Service Coordinating Council, Brigadier Mark Phillips, Sunday said that the joint services is monitoring the development very closely regarding the recent political statements and atmosphere.

The Chief of Staff, in an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, was asked about statements by Opposition Leader, David Granger following questions by members of the media on his view about the possible prorogating of Parliament by President Donald Ramotar.

Granger said that any such move by the President and his administration would be a shutting down of the voice of the people and the Opposition will have no discussion with the Government under such circumstances.

He further said that the people are angry with the Government and “heaven knows” how they would react should the President go ahead with such a move.

The Opposition Leader was also quoted in some sections of the media as saying that “I believe that the dissatisfaction with the PPP has crossed ethnic lines already.”

He went on to say that any move by the people to protest the Government’s decision to silence their voices would be supported by the Opposition.

FOLLOW RULE OF LAW Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff who chairs the Joint Services Coordinating Council said that the people have a right to protest but they are being urged to ensure that their demonstrations and picketing exercises are conducted with the relevant permission and in a peaceful manner.

He stated that the Joint Services will be prepared to deal with any security breach and any other security concerns and again called on the citizens to follow the rule of law when carrying out their exercises.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

13th PANCAP AGM commits to working towards AIDS-free Caribbean THIS week leaders and key decision-makers gathered in Guadeloupe to strategise and to identify the actions needed to achieve the goals set out by the recently adopted Caribbean Regional Strategic Framework (CRSF) 2014-2018.

A recurring theme of the discussions at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Pan Caribbean Partnership Against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) was the achievement of universal access to health care in the face of the inequality that still exists across the Region, a press release stated.

Participating in the meeting were representatives from civil society, including the Caribbean Network of People Living with HIV, the Caribbean Council of Churches, the Coalition of Vulnerable Com-

munities and the CARICOM Youth Ambassador.

Minister Marcella Liburd, Chair of the meeting, said that PANCAP is at a ‘critical junction’. She urged participants to use this meeting to develop innovative and creative solutions in order to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free Caribbean in the face of challenges.

Mr. Victorin Lurel, President of the Regional Council of Guadeloupe, welcomed PANCAP on behalf of Guadeloupe and congratulated CARICOM for uniting countries across the Region despite their differences. He called for the further strengthening of regional integration and for the ministers to “support Guadelope’s inclusion in the regional organisation.”

In committing to the goal of an AIDS-free Caribbean and in-line with the theme of

the meeting, ‘Positioning the Partnership for Post-2015, the meeting resolved to address three priorities. The first priority was defined as reducing stigma and discrimination.

The meeting acknowledged that beliefs deeply-rooted in Caribbean culture remain drivers of the epidemic. The Partnership recommitted to providing the leadership needed to advocate for change at the highest political levels.

EXPANDING TREATMENT The second priority was to commit to expanding treatment for all by the national programmes, with special attention paid to key populations such as men who have sex with men, migrants, sex workers and the youth.

The third priority centred on sustainability. The meet-

ing called for regional efforts to mobilise resources and to reduce the cost of anti-retroviral treatment, including second and third-line treatment.

KEY STEPS In addition to the priorities, the meeting adopted four key recommendations. These are: commissioning an analysis of regional laboratories; conducting an assessment of the state of young people in relation to HIV; accelerating the dialogue on the legal age of consent for access to health services and developing and implementing related policy; developing an investment strategy and pursuing an integrated approach to resource mobilisation.

It was also agreed that

specific attention be paid to achieving the UNAIDS 9090-90 targets: 90 percent of those living with HIV knowing their status, 90 percent of those people being retained on anti-retroviral treatment and 90 percent of those having an undetectable level of the virus.

During her keynote address at the official opening, Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator of the United States Government Activities to Combat HIV & AIDS Globally, Dr Deborah Birx, challenged the region to reaching ‘100-100-100’. That challenge was echoed during the discussions.

The 13th Annual General Meeting was made possible primarily with funding from

the Region of Guadeloupe, Centre Hospital Pointe-a-Pitre and the Interreg Caraibes Project, the release added.

Additional funding was provided by German Corporation and its subsidiaries GIZ and KfW and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

PANCAP is a sixty-two member partnership which was established by CARICOM Heads of Government in 2001 to respond to the HIV and AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean.

The Annual General Meeting is the highest decision-making organ of PANCAP and is the principal forum of expression for its broad membership of 62 formal partners.

GTSA holds third AGM to review unattended matters, assess progress over past two years

President of the Guyana Taxi Service Association, Hemwantie Khan, making her remarks

THE Guyana Taxi Service Association (GTSA) recently held its third Annual General Meeting at Cara Lodge in Georgetown, to discuss matters that are yet to be attended to and also to review its achievements over the past two years.

Speaking at that meeting, GTSA President Hemwantie Khan said her presidency lasted an extra year because of the failure of the Committee to hold an election in 2013.

Khan, who began her term as President in 2012, noted that, during her time, she worked to the best of her abilities to ensure that all the needs of the taxi drivers and other members of the committee were met.

BENEFITS She said that the GTSA has thus far provided train-

ing for its members, which include dispatchers and drivers; and has recently met with the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfan Ali, when he took part in signing the New Code of Ethics for Taxi Drivers.

Khan noted that since escalation of the criminal activities involving taxi drivers, the committee worked assiduously with the Police Commissioner to ensure that a special radio frequency was established so that taxi drivers can contact the police immediately in event of an emergency.

WITHSTANDING MATTERS She said there are matters that are still not attended to by the necessary authorities.

Khan noted that she is calling on the Bureau of Standards (GNBS) to monitor the quality of spare parts for cars

being shipped in from foreign countries for local use.

She added that complaints have recently been coming in from various taxi services across the country about the prices for travelling and about many other flaws which are still to be brought to the board.

COMMITTEE’S AIMS Khan noted that the committee would be implementing new training programmes for its members in the New Year, some of which include programmes on how to foster a better relationship with customers, and more.

She also said the GTSA was aiming to train approximately 100 dispatchers before the end of January 2015.

Khan, in closing, noted that the GTSA would be doing its utmost to ensure there is a stable pricing rate for taxis.

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

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AG rubbishes naysayers’ criticisms of ‘Because We Care’ initiative

SINCE the launch of Government’s ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 cash grant initiative there have been criticisms from some quarters on the merits of the programme.

However, Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall last Friday took the naysayers to task, rubbishing their negativity as “unfortunate and irresponsible” commentary.

“Those who criticise this programme have nothing better to offer you. We’ll be the first to tell you that $10,000 is not enough, and we hope to increase this amount as our economy continues to grow. But it is $10,000 more than you currently have,” he told a packed auditorium at the New Campbellville Secondary School, during the continued disbursement of the vouchers.

The $10,000 cash grant initiative was announced by Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, during the presentation of Budget 2014, at which time he noted that the programme is meant to provide more support to parents with school-age children and to increase their disposable income with a view to raising enrollment and attendance rates.

And in line with the decisions taken after more than 55 public consultations, parents and guardians are able to uplift their vouchers and encash them at Western Union/ Bill Express locations. The vouchers can also be cashed at Banks, Mobile Money and

Anil Nandlall MoneyGram locations, as well as at post offices.

This is in fact the first programme of its kind in the Caribbean and indeed anywhere else in this part of the world where every public school child is entitled to this benefit.

INVESTMENT IN YOUTH According to him, the programme is evidence of the current Administration’s continued investment in Guyanese youth.

He said, “The Government of Guyana is investing heavily in our youth... your children, the leaders of tomorrow. We are spending billions to educate Guyana’s children, because we believe that education is the only sure way out of poverty.

“But as a nation we have an obligation to provide our children all the resources to better prepare them to take our country forward. We are

the leaders today, but they will be the leaders of tomorrow in a more technologically advanced and challenging world.”

Nandlall pointed out that the world today is radically different from past years, with tremendous advances that are being made in technology.

“Climate change is a real phenomenon that is affecting food production; the way industries now operate; and our very own way of life,” he said, adding that the youth of today need to be prepared for these challenges.

The AG warned that if children are not educated and prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow, they would not be able to compete in the job market here or with nationals from other Caribbean countries, especially now that there is an agreement to allow free trade and employment opportunities among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States.

BUDGET CUTS This year, the national budget allocated $32.3B, over 30 per cent, of a whopping $220M budget. The national estimates were geared to fulfill the many promises made to the people of Guyana during the 2011 campaign. However, it was slashed by the Opposition.

This year the cuts totalled a whopping $37.4B, reducing the $220B National Budget to $182.6B. Last year, the combined Opposition cut the Budget by $31B; and in 2012

by $21B. Prior to 1992 the investment in the social sector was a measly eight per cent of a small National Budget, as compared to the 2014 and prior budgets. Also, in 2013 for example, 15.9 per cent of the National Budget was spent in the education sector, followed by 13 per cent this year. In 1992, it was a mere five per cent.

The roll out of Government’s ‘Because We Care’ $10,000 cash grant initiative continues across the country until November 21.

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - 8:30 hrs Wednesday, November 12, 2014 - 8:30 hrs Thursday, November 13, 2014 - 9:30 hrs

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday November 11, 2014

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

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SUNDAY CHRONICLE October 26, 2014

25TH KASHIF AND SHANGHAI TOURNAMENT

Normalisation Committee in place but tournament still in limbo … despite verbal commitment from Urling

By Calvin Roberts DESPITE the presence of the FIFA-installed Normalisation Committee and even as verbal commitment from that body’s chairman Clinton Urling, the commencement of the 25th Kashif and Shanghai Football Extravaganza, which will incorporate all 69 first division teams in Guyana, is in limbo.

The Normalisation Committee was ordered by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Head of Member Associations, Premo Cavaro, and CONCACAF Director of Legal Affairs, Marco Leal, and will run Guyana’s football until September 2015.

Prior to such a welcome announcement, the K&S Organisation had submitted to Christopher Matthias, the ousted president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), their intentions to organise the annual year end tournament, for which they were given certain requirements that needed to be fulfilled.

Having met those requirements and, in an informal meeting with Urling, the K&S Organisation was given the green light to commence the tournament for the 25th successive year amid several hiccups along the way, hence they disclosed their plans for another successful tournament two weeks ago to the media.

Plans included the hosting of a category called ‘The Knockout’, which will involve all 69 playing first division teams from sub-associations across Guyana who are affiliated to the GFF. “We, at the K&S Organisation would be funding the playing of this knockout tournament, which will involve all the teams from all the sub-associations, which are Georgetown (16), Linden (13), West Demerara (12), East Bank and East Coast (8 each), Berbice (7) and Bartica (5) and which kicks off on November 14.

From this tournament, the best 8 teams out of Georgetown, 2 each from Linden, West Demerara and East Bank, 3 from East Coast and one from Berbice with an alternate also coming from Linden will advance to the actual tournament which gets under way on December 14 with the Crème de

la Crop,” said Kashif Muhammad co-director of the K&S Organisation.

Proceeds from matches contested in ‘The Knockout’ will go towards the sub-association in which the game was hosted. The K&S Organisation will provide the prize for the top three finishers of this stage of the tournament, giving teams the right to battle for supremacy.

According to an official within the K&S Organisation who chose to remain anonymous to Chronicle Sport yesterday, the treatment being meted out to his body is nothing else but vindictive and it needs to stop sometime or the other.

“Upon his elevation to the chairmanship of the Normalisation Committee, Mr Urling told us verbally that our tournament would be played, as he wishes to see football in Guyana return to the days of yore where teams battled hard for supremacy, while places on the Golden

Greaves to defend Payless Variety feature 35-lap cycle race on Saturday RORAIMA Bikers Club’s Alanzo Greaves will be out to make a successful defence of his Payless Variety Store win when national cycling coach Hassan Mohamed coordinates the third annual event around the inner circuit of the National Park this Saturday from 09:00hrs.

Last year, Greaves returned a time of 1h. 18mins: 07.05secs in winning the event and will be facing up to the likes of Geron Williams, Paul DeNobrega, Marlon `Fishy’ Williams and Orville Hinds who have all been in good nick recently.

Last Saturday’s Troy Humphrey Memorial cycling programme saw the return of Team Coco’s to competitive cycling, hence riders such as Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey, Hamza Eastman, Christopher Holder, Mark Harris and Andre Abdool will be in action.

Alanzo Greaves

The day’s 11-race card will also see Eastman defend his juvenile 10-lap title which he won last year in a time of 25 mins: 50 secs, while Shameer Baksh is expected to defend his Veterans’ Under-50 title which he also won last year in a time of 12mins :14 secs.

Jamal John and Richard Charles will be going all out to defend their Boys 12-14 years three-lap race and mountain bikers’ five-lap race respectively which they won last year, with both of them stopping the clock at 14 mins.06 secs.

Greaves will be beaming with confidence come Saturday but winning the feature event will be a humongous task since his fellow riders especially the unrelated Geron and Marlon Williams will be looking to grab the spoils.

Geron Williams and Jeffrey especially will be using this event as preparation for the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games scheduled for Mexico later this month, making the feature event a highly competitive one.

Jaguars were up for grabs.

In addition to that, we got the okay from the associations who are affiliated to the GFF. One of the criteria that was outlined to us by the-then Christopher Matthias-led GFF and which we were told to undergo by the Normalisation Committee as well; with all 69 clubs welcoming the return of the tournament and applauding the new ideas we had in mind,” said the official.

“However, despite going through all this after the verbal commitment and even though we gave the Normalisation Committee an extra week for our starting date, pushing back from this weekend (November 14), we were astonished to hear that we may not be allowed to host our tournament.

Why this is so? Because an association expresses its desire to host a tournament at the same time and one that involves only teams within its jurisdiction, which means a national tournament with the magnitude of our tournament is of no meaning to even the Normalisation Committee but the Association’s tournament is of utmost importance, hence I say vindictiveness,” said the official.

“Really and truly, it is heartrending to know that a national tournament that is being looked forward to earnestly by some Associations who had stood to gain and even clubs under their affiliation, can be given a push to the back burner for a tournament which will only involve clubs within one Association.

“Therefore I am tempted to ask, ‘Does Mr. Urling really wish to see football and its development being placed back to the days of yore when we had players of the calibre of Anthony Stanton, Randolph ‘Blackhead’ Jerome and Collie ‘Hitman’ Hercules battling it out on the field or he just needs to see the same old players doing battle among themselves?’

As I have said before, the K&S tournament holds 80% responsibility for the rise of the Golden Jaguars into the FIFA rankings and unless we do something about the mediocre tournaments that are trumping up only for financial gains, our football will go further than the doldrums it is in, with or without the Normalisation Committee.

24-round boxing card billed for Berbice on December 13 A 24-ROUND professional boxing card is billed to be staged in the Ancient County of Berbice on December 13 and will see six of the country’s upcoming professionals trade punches at the Rose Hall Town Community Centre.

The card, which is being organised by Berbice businessman Mark Thom in collaboration with the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) through their match-maker Eion Jardine, will see Richard Williamson face Dillon Allicock for the vacant super bantamweight title of Guyana in the feature bout

over 12 rounds.

The opening contest is a junior welterweight one over six rounds and will feature Mark Murray and Kishawn Simon, while the main supporting bout brings together Derick Richmond and Romeo Norville over six rounds in a super middleweight affair.

The six boxers were to ink their contract today, but because the promoter has pressing overseas matters to look into, it will now be done next Tuesday at 13:00hrs in the office of the GBBC president Peter Abdool on Avenue of the Republic.

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

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Pakistan take firm control (REUTERS) - Pakistan are in firm control of the first Test against New Zealand in the UAE after their in-form batsmen revelled in ideal conditions in Abu Dhabi to re-write the record books.

The home team’s topfive batsmen all scored in excess of 80 for the first time in Test cricket and three of them went on to hit centuries before Pakistan declared for the fourth successive Test innings, which was also a first.

Their declaration on 566 for three left New Zealand facing an awkward seven overs and, although Brendon McCullum, who was again opening instead of Hamish Rutherford, and Tom Latham were able to safely negotiate a varied attack from Pakistan’s four specialist bowlers up to close of play on the second day, they face a difficult task if they are to force a draw.

The only disappointment for Pakistan was the loss of opener Ahmed Shehzad with a minor fracture of his skull after being hit on the head by a short delivery from Corey Anderson in the 116th over of the innings.

He was out hit-wicket owing to the impact, for a career-best 176, and taken in considerable pain for CT scans which revealed the damage.

“The specialist surgeon has confirmed minor fracture and has advised 48 hours of close monitoring.

Misbah-ul-Haq (left) and Younis Khan walk off after the declaration. (Getty Images) Misbah-ul-Haq continued In case the pain doesn’t bouncer from Anderson and the run spree. subside, then the surgeon the ball crashed into the right Pakistan scored 124 may opt for decompression” side of his helmet, dropping runs in the second session said team manager Moin his bat onto the stumps as he wheeled away and collapsed and, after tea, the fourthKhan. “ wicket pair cruised Buoyant after their 2-0 to the ground.

It was the first time untroubled towards the series win over Australia, declaration.

Pakistan resumed day two Pakistan had two 150-plus They were neck and on 269 for one and Shehzad, partnerships for the first two neck in the race to a 126 not out overnight, wickets, Shehzad having put quickly pushed Trent Boult on 178 with fellow opener through cover to bring up Mohammad Hafeez on the the century stand with Azhar first day.

The tourists had to wait Ali, who then clipped Tim 53 overs for their first wicket Southee through midwicket and another 63 for their to pass fifty for the fourth second but the third came time in five innings.

New Zealand were on relatively quickly when the brink of a third wicket- Azhar, on 87, was deceived less session out of four by Ish Sodhi’s leg-break, but when, in the final over that was as good as it got before lunch, Shehzad tried for New Zealand, though, unsuccessfully to hook a as Younis Khan and captain

hundred - both were on 99 at one point - before Younis got his fourth century in five innings off 141 balls and Misbah completed his hat-trick of centuries off 162 balls as they took their unbroken partnership to 193 before the declaration.

Scoreboard PAKISTAN 1st innings (o/n 269/1) M. Hafeez c & b Anderson 96 A. Shehzad hit-wicket b Anderson 176 Azhar Ali b Sodhi 87 Younus Khan not out 100 Misbah-ul-Haq not out 102 Extras: (nb-1, b-2, lb-2) 5 Fall of wickets: 1-178, 2-347, 3-373.

Bowling: Boult 26-7-620, Southee 23-5-62-0 (nb-1), Craig 33-1-1260, Sodhi 43-6-162-1, Anderson 19-3-68-2, Neesham 16-0-50-0, B. McCullum 10.5-1-32-0.

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings T. Latham not out 5 B. McCullum not out 9 Extras: (nb-1) 1 Total: (without loss, off 7 overs) 15 Bowling: Rahat Ali 3-21-0 (nb-1), Khan 1-0-4-0, Zulfiqar Babar Ali 2-0-60, Hafeez 1-0-4-0.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

WICB sends letter of apology to BCCI - Patel DELHI, India (CMC) - The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) says it has received a letter of apology from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) for the sudden and dramatic cancellation by the senior West Indies cricketers from their tour of India.

BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said yesterday the WICB has sent “an apology letter” for the decision by its players to pullout in the middle of the tour at the height of an internal pay dispute, leaving five fixtures still to play, including three Tests.

“We have received a letter from WICB a couple of days ago,” Patel told media persons yesterday. “It said that they are apologetic and bankrupt and they urged us to resolve

the issue through the Disputes Committee.”

Reports from India quote a reliable source in the BCCI as saying that the world’s richest cricket body has informally proposed to WICB to part with 50 percent of their income earned through revenue sharing of ICC till 2023.

It is estimated that WICB stand to gain US$100 million from the ICC during the next eight-year cycle and BCCI wants at least US$50 million of that amount, paid through instalments, to compensate for the loss of revenue.

BCCI has decided to reply to the WICB’s letter after consulting with its members during the annual general meeting in Chennai on November 20.

Windies women in top-of-the-table clash with Australia SYDNEY, Australia (CMC) - West Indies Women will square-off with Australia Women today in a top-of-thetable clash in round two of the ICC Women’s Championship.

The early pace-setters are seeking to cement their advantage in what is set to be a thrilling series opening in Sydney and continuing at the same venue on Thursday before moving to Bowral on Sunday.

“Our previous trip to Australia was for the ICC Women’s World Cup five years ago and we did not have much success, so we want to continue working hard and making progress to leave a lasting impression,” said Merissa Aguilleira, the West Indies captain.

“We need to remain focused because it will be a tough contest. We top the standings right now and want to be there when the series is finished.”

Australia, the reigning world champions, and the West Indies are on equal points after the first round, but the Caribbean women occupy the top spot due to their better net run-rate.

Australia blanked out Pakistan while the West Indies brushed aside New Zealand in first round matches.

“During the series against New Zealand, we had a mission - we wanted to win every game and we accomplished it. We gave evidence that we were maturing as a team,” said

Aguilleira.

“We had players coming out in every match and putting their hands up and performing. There is still room for improvement however, and we are

“We are expecting a fierce contest for the top spot on the ladder and we have a squad that is well equipped to prevail.”

The Australia-West Indies series will be live

Merissa Aguilleira looking forward to this new challenge against Australia.”

The matches will count towards the ICC Women’s Championship, a qualifying tournament for the ICC Women’s World Cup. Later this month, India will host South Africa in another second round fixture while the schedule of Pakistan-Sri Lanka and England-New Zealand matches will be announced in due course.

“We are looking forward to the second round of the ICC Women’s Championship when we take on the West Indies, whom we currently share top position on the points table,” said Meg Lanning the captain of Australia.

streamed via the Cricket Australia website and the squads read: Australia (from): Meg Lanning (captain), Kristen Beams, Alex Blackwell, Nicole Bolton, Jess Cameron, Sarah Coyte, Rene Farrell, Alyssa Healy (wkp.), Julie Hunter, Jess Jonassen, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Elyse Villani West Indies (from): Merissa Aguilleira (captain/wkp.), Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Kycia Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Subrina Munroe, Shaquana Quintyne, Tremayne Smartt, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor.

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

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‘Pur’ Persaud takes Banks DIH/GT Beer/Citizens Bank golf tourney PATANJALEE ‘Pur’ Persaud continued his impressive form this season when he won the fifth Citizens Bank Players Championship while Pacifiers carted off the GT Beer team title at last Sunday’s GT Beer/Citizens Bank-sponsored Golf Classic at the Lusignan Golf Course, East Coast Demerara.

With over 48 golfers in attendance, the day’s play provided an exciting battle for supremacy as 12 teams competed in the foursome tournament which had individual prizes at stake including the prestigious Players Championship.

After five hours of gruelling competition following the tee-off by Citizens Bank Managing Director Eton Chester, ‘Pur’ Persaud who shot a net 65 came out victorious beating into second position Vijay Deo on 66 while Canadabased Jaipaul Suknanan placed third with net 67 in a close contest.

Previous winners of the Citizens Bank Players Championship are Mohanlall ‘Santo’ Dinnanauth, Andre Cummings, Patrick

The champion Patanjalee ‘Pur’ Persaud (second left) with other winners Vijay Deo, Sunil Lauton and Jaipaul Suknanan, flanked by Banks DIH Communications Manager Troy Peters and Lindel Harlequin (Senior Manager – Credit and Marketing) of Citizens Bank.

Prashad and George Bulkan. Sunil Lauton had the best gross of 73.

Meanwhile, Pacifier, led by veteran

Pakistan’s Shehzad suffers cheek bone fracture

(REUTERS) - Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad fractured his cheek bone when he was struck by a short-pitched ball during the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said yesterday.

A CT scan carried out after Shehzad was taken to a hospital in some pain in Dubai showed a depressed fracture of the zygomatic arch (cheek bone) of his skull, a press release said.

“The specialist surgeon has confirmed a minor fracture and has advised 48 hours of close monitoring. In case the pain doesn’t subside then the surgeon may opt for decompression,” team manager Moin Khan said in the release.

Shehzad was hit by a ball from Corey Anderson and was out hit-wicket for 176 runs owing to the impact in the 116th over of the Pakistan innings on the second day of the Test.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday November 11, 2014) Compliments of THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL CO. LTD-83 Garnette Street, Campbellville (Tel: 225-6158; 223-6055) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Winston Davis (Albion, 1983) (2) England (Bourda, 2004) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who delivered the first ball of an ODI game at Bourda? Who faced it?

(2) Name the first two teams to contest an ODI game in the Caribbean.

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

golfer Patrick Prashad (77) and whose other three members were Vijay Deo (66), Roy Cummings (69) and Mahendra

Bhagwandin (69), captured the team title with the lowest combined net score of 281.

Second place finishers were Crown Mining with net 284, with their players being Pur Persaud (65), Lakeram Ramsundar (74), Sookram Deosaran (72) and Permanand ‘Max’ Persaud (73), while third place went to Lusignan Super Stars whose quartet comprised Kaylyn Tiwari (68), Troy Cadogan (75), Sunil Lauton (71) and Munaff Arjune (72), with net 286.

Lindel Harlequin, Senior Manager – Credit and Marketing of Citizens Bank who spoke at the presentation ceremony said the Bank was extremely pleased to sponsor the tournament in observance of its 20th Anniversary being celebrated this month.

He presented the sponsorship cheque to president of the Lusignan Golf Club David Mohamed who thanked Citizens Bank and Banks DIH Limited for sponsoring the tournament. He expressed gratitude to Clifford Reis, Chairman of Banks DIH Limited and Citizens Bank for his support and participation in the tournament.

JCA explains Samuels’ exclusion KINGSTON, Jamaica - The Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) says senior West Indies middleorder batsman Marlon Samuels does not qualify to represent the Jamaica Franchise in the new-look West Indies Four-Day Tournament this season as a result of allegedly violating a JCA selection policy criterion.

Samuels, who was left out of a Jamaica provisional 13-man squad which was named last Thursday for the team’s first game against Windward Islands Volcanoes, beginning on Friday at Sabina Park, is to have violated section 1.1 of the JCA’s selection policy criteria.

“He (Samuels) is not qualified to represent Jamaica in the upcoming regional first-class tournament,” JCA Chief Executive Officer Courtney Francis told The Gleaner.

“This is on the basis that he is in breach of the JCA’s selection policy.

He (Samuels) needs to play 80 per cent or more national competitions, or otherwise give an acceptable reason for his absence.

“This includes if he is on West Indies duties, or provide evidence that he is injured and cannot take part in national competitions. He got dropped for the New Zealand and Bangladesh series and was supposed to turn out for Melbourne during the (two-day) Senior Cup and he did not.”

SELECTION POLICY Section 1.1 of the selection policy states that: “As part of the JCA’s commitment to Regional and International cricket, the player must

Marlon Samuels participate in local cricket when not representing Jamaica, the West Indies or any other competition sanctioned by the JCA, the WICB, or, the ICC.” The section, which has been in existence for close to two years, also goes on to add: “The quality of local tournaments is enhanced by the participation of the best players from the clubs and parish associations, and, therefore, it is imperative that they make themselves available for selection for the duration of the tournament/competition/series.”

“Only in, exceptional circumstances, should the JCA excuse a player from participating in a local tournament,” the section reads.

The exclusion of Samuels, who scored two centuries in three matches for the West Indies one-day team before their abandoned tour of India last month, is expected to leave a void in Jamaica’s batting.

This is after the selectors named Tamar Lambert, all-rounder David Bernard Jr and wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh Jr as the squad’s most recognised batsmen, while newly capped West Indies Test batsman Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Shacaya Thomas, André McCarthy, and John Campbell are the other specialist batsmen.

Samuels is not the only Windies player who is not contracted otherwise, who was not named in the squad, which was named following Jamaica’s fifth and final trial match last Thursday and was to be ratified by the JCA at the weekend.

Fast bowler Jerome Taylor has also not been selected and according to Francis, Taylor, who was also a part of the ill-fated tour of India, requested time off to deal with some personal matters.

“He (Taylor) has asked the JCA for some time off to take care of some personal matters and it was granted.

He is expected to turn out for training next Friday, which means that he is set to miss the team’s second game away to Barbados next weekend as well,” said Francis.

The Jamaica selection panel is headed by Wavell Hinds and includes Robert Haynes, Delroy Morgan, Wayne Lewis, and Cleveland Davidson. (First Published in The Jamaica Gleaner.)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Ladies to carry Table Tennis flag at CAC

By Leeron Brumell A QUARTET of ladies including overseas-based Trenace Lowe will carry Guyana’s hopes of medalling in Table Tennis when the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games opens in Veracruz, Mexico later this week.

Lowe will join forces with locals Chelsea Edghill, Natalie Cummings and Akecia Nedd, who will represent the Golden Arrowhead in the sport at the Games, under the guidance of coach Idi Lewis.

The four will contest the singles, doubles and team event and while Lewis would not make any medal predictions ahead of the games, he said ‘It’s an uphill task, the Central American teams are very strong and they’re very prepared.’

He, however, believes the girls have the ability to be a force to be reckoned with.

“This group of players we have here I think is one of the best prepared teams we’ve had in a very long time because for this year. The girls have been together and they’ve been to the Pan American festival in Mexico.

“Trenace and Chelsea trained in China, they also played the

Guyana’s CAC Games-bound Table Tennis players from left are Akecia Nedd, Chelsea Edghill, Natalie Cummings, with coach Idi Lewis.

Commonwealth Games and Chelsea also played in the Olympics, so the girls have been very busy from the high level competition as a team so I

expect them to give a good account of themselves,” said Lewis.

President of the Guyana Table Tennis

Association (GTTA) Godfrey Munroe puts it down to mindset.

“It’s all about mental conditioning going out there and doing your best, giving yourself a chance. They have the ability and capacity to medal at a bronze medal level but it’s still tough, because a lot of the other countries are doing a lot, in terms of investment in their athletes, going on circuits and training in China and things of that nature,” said Munroe.

He said Guyana, though making progress, are still playing the catch up game, adding, ‘They’re very good at the Caribbean level but this involves Central America, but we will hold our own, but it depends on the seeding we get and how they apply themselves.’

The ladies qualified for the event by virtue of their performance in the 2013 Caribbean Championships and world ranking and they are among the best 12 teams in the CAC. The average age of the team is 20. The youngest player is Edghill, who is already an Olympian and unfortunately for the men, financial constraints prevented them from participating in a qualification event in El Salvador.

RHTYSC and Busta launch 11th Annual Champion of Champions Tournament THE ROSE Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) and the Guyana Beverage Company Limited last Sunday launched the 11th edition of the Busta ‘Champion of Champions’ Tournament which will be contested among the top eight teams in the Ancient County of Berbice.

The tournament which has been organised by the RHTYSC since 2009 is one of the most popular cricket tournaments in Berbice and many teams have looked forward to it over the years, including the red hot Albion Community Centre team, who have been sweeping all competitions in the Ancient County of late.

Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster at the launching announced that this year’s tournament would be contested by defending champions Rose Hall Town Gizmos

and Gadgets (RHTGG), West Berbice, Blairmont, Bermine, Young Warriors, Port Mourant and Upper Corentyne.

The 50 overs per side tournament would start on Sunday, November 23, with four first-round matches at venues across Berbice.

Upper Corentyne will clash with the RHTGG at the Area ’H’, West Berbice will meet Blairmont at Blairmont, Young Warriors and Port Mourant face each other at Cumberland, and Bermine go up against Albion at the Albion Cricket Ground.

According to Foster, the standard of cricket is expected to be high as most of the country’s top players would be playing, even though several of them such as Assad Fudadin, Devindra Bishoo, Veerasammy Permaul, Anthony Bramble and Narsingh Deonarine would be unavailable due to national duties.

General Manager of Guyana Beverage Company Robert Selman (green top) hands over T-shirts to RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, while Marketing Manager Shameiza Yadram and other staff members proudly display others.

However, such players of the calibre of Jonathan Foo, Sewnarine Chattergoon, Royston Crandon, Jason Sinclair, Anthony D’Andrade, Raun Johnson, Eon Hooper, and Lloydel Lewis would be involved for their

respective teams.

Foster expressed gratitude to both Robert Selman and Ms Shamiza Yadram of Busta for their support and also pledged that the tournament would be well organised while fulfilling all of its objectives,

as the Club aims to spread and promote its “No to Suicide and No to Drugs” message to youths.

Selman, who is the General Manager of the Guyana Beverage Company, expressed his gratitude to the RHTYSC

for its excellence in organising the tournament over the years, saying the Busta brand has been well promoted due to the tournament.

The tournament in its 10-year history has never had a problem and Selman expressed confidence that this year’s tournament would be the same while he encouraged the eight teams to play the game in a friendly environment and expressed the hope that new talents would emerge.

The winning team would receive $100 000 and a trophy, the runnersup $50 000 and a trophy while the Man-of-theFinal would take home $15 000 and a trophy.

The tournament is expected to be aired live on NCN Radio and will be contested under lights at the Albion Sports Complex.

GUYANA CHRONICLE TUESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2014

31

Sport CHRONICLE

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

25TH KASHIF AND SHANGHAI TOURNAMENT

Normalisation Committee in place but tournament still in limbo

… despite verbal commitment from Urling See story on page 26

2014/2015 WICB PCL

Guyana Jaguars unveil logo during intense preparations for first-round clash

By Calvin Roberts FOLLOWING a miserable first-class season earlier this year and with the implementation of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Professional Cricket League which bowls off this weekend, local cricketers were hard at training with the aim of being one of 15 players to attract contracts.

With Cricket Guy Inc..

(CGI) getting same out of the way by retaining its 10 players and later contracting another five including Barbadian Raymon Reifer, it was down to preparations for the 2014/2015 WICB Professional Cricket League, which replaces the old first-class season.

Yesterday, members of CGI’s team known as the Guyana Jaguars were hard at training in sweltering heat at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground, after undergoing several intense net sessions at that venue and the Chetram Singh Centre

of Excellence indoor facility at LBI, East Coast Demerara.

During the course of the day, secretary of Guyana Cricket Board Anand Sanasie unveiled the logo for the Guyana Jaguars, which consists of a jaguar’s head bursting forth over the Golden Arrowhead with claws drawn ready to pounce for action.

In an invited comment as it relates to the team’s preparation and composition for Friday’s first-round fourday game against the Leeward Islands franchise team, Sanasie said he was definitely pleased with the reports as regards the encampment period, which began shortly after the GCB’s Inter-county tournament.

“First of all, our logo incorporates the colours of the national flag with the jaguar, symbolising strength, dexterity and courage and we do hope same transcends from the players and is shown in their performances in their three home matches at the commencement of this tournament.

Here we go guys! Four members of the Guyana Jaguars unit, Devendra Bishoo and Veerasammy Permaul (forefront) and Raymon Reifer and skipper Leon Johnson (background), do some abdominal stretches yesterday morning at the Georgetown Cricket Club ground.

“We’ve had very long preparations, commencing at the end of our Inter-county tournament, followed by a lengthy encampment period with two practice matches that were keenly contested while the technical staff’s report on the level of discipline and fitness was impressive.” said Sanasie.

He added, “Hoping to see the team go out there and win their first three games which will be played at home, as they are not short of cricket or cricket-related activities over the past three weeks during which time the weather was kind to us also, aiding in our preparations.”

As it relates to the composition of the 13-man squad for the first round clash, Sanasie believes that the technical staff was faced with a herculean task in arriving at the final

13, since there was a good batch of players to select from, outside of the 15 contracted players.

“When you look at the caliber of players we have available at our disposal at the moment, you will see a good batch including the 15 who were contracted by the WICB, but unfortunately only 11 can play on the field and they were tasked with selecting the best possible 13, from which that final 11 will be chosen.

“There is a long season ahead while some players from that same 13-man squad would be departing to represent the West Indies against South Africa and who they are I don’t know; but I do know the battle for a place is truly on and I am happy to know that Guyana’s cricket has reached a point where players are now battling hard for a place on the

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national team,” said Sanasie.

The Jaguars will be led by West Indies Test opener Leon Johnson and he will have West Indies ‘A’ team middle-order batsman Assad Fudadin as his deputy, while the 40-year-old Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Narsingh Deonarine, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo, Ronsford Beaton and Christopher Barnwell, who all played for the West Indies in various formats of the game, are included.

The 13-man squad reads: Leon Johnson (captain), Assad Fudadin, Rajendra Chandrika, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Trevon Griffith, Vishaul Singh, Narsingh Deonarine, Raymon Reifer, Anthony Bramble, Christopher Barnwell, Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo and Ronsford Beaton.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

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