Guyana chronicle e paper 12 13 2017

Nearly 4000 to train under HEYS Programme Page 16

Edghill suspended No. 105125

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017

Price: $80 (VAT Inclusive)

…arrested, released after breaching police barrier … Clerk writes him over loss of pay, allowances

Page 15&11

‘No reward for bad behaviour’ Page 3

…PM backs Speaker’s decision to disallow questions on some agencies

27 per cent decrease in murders

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… 99 persons killed in 2017

Stand back! Police threw up barricades to prevent suspended Member of Parliament Juan Edghill from entering the compound on Tuesday (Adrian Narine photo)

Suspect held over illegal aircraft

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$57M passport office for New Amsterdam Page 21

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

‘No reward for bad behaviour’

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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… PM backs Speaker’s decision to disallow questions on some agencies

By Svetlana Marshall SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland on Tuesday moved ahead with the consideration of the 2018 National budget by disallowing questions on the estimates of some agencies that were slated to be scrutinized on Monday but were held hostage when Opposition, Member of Parliament Juan Edghill was ruled out of order.

The opposition protested this move and accused the government and Speaker of trying to muzzle them and dodge scrutiny, but in a quick reaction Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Leader of the House emphasised that there was a time that was agreed to for each ministry to be examined.

He said if by their own act the PPP decided on Monday to frustrate the process “by gross disorderly conduct then you have to suffer the consequences.”

“Their bad behaviour cannot be awarded with additional time. The Speaker quite correctly put the matters that were left over from Monday for approval and that was done…This is not an opposition that you are likely to convince by reason or by principle it is a runaway train and will remain so once Bharrat Jagdeo is in driver’s seat,” the Prime Minister declared.

Among the agencies whose budgets were approved without questioning were: Ministries of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Ministry of the Presidency, which included the Prime Minister’s Office. The total budget for those agencies amounted to around $23.3B. The Speaker’s decision was met with objec-

tion by the Opposition – People’s Progressive Party (PPP), who took a decision to walk out of the Chambers but not before hurling insults not only at the Government Members of Parliament but the Speaker as well.

EDGHILL FIASCO At the convening of the National Assembly

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland on Tuesday, the Speaker reminded the House that the Capital Expenditure for the Ministry of Presidency was not considered on Monday because of the Juan Edghill fiasco which resulted in the work of the Committee of Supply being suspended.

The consideration of the estimates for the Guyana Defence Force, the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Business, Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources was also affected as a result of the crisis that faced the National Assembly on Monday in which police were called in to remove Edghill.

Dr. Scotland informed the Parliamentarians that as a result of the situation, questions will not be

permitted for the agencies that were scheduled for Monday December 11, 2017. But this was met with shouts of no from the Opposition benches. “The Speaker is complicit,” the Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo said. “This is rape of democracy” another opposition member shouted even as the Speaker attempted to maintain order at the level of Committee of Supply, to which he chairs.

Despite major objection on side of the Opposition, the Speaker held fast to his decision. “Honourable Members I am not entertaining questions until we get to Tuesday, on Tuesday’s agencies, members are free to ask questions…

I propose to treat with all the agencies that were untreated yesterday (Monday), without debate,” he told the Parliamentarians.

After being repeatedly told that they are not permitted to ask questions on the agencies that were scheduled for consideration on Monday, the Opposition MPs took a decision to walk out of the Chambers for yet another time.

Subsequently, the Capital Expenditure for the Ministry of the President Ministry was approved to the tune of $1.8 billion.

Additionally, estimates for the Prime Minister – $839 million; Ministry of Agriculture – $16.8 billion; Ministry of Business – $2.1 billion and the Ministry of Natural Resources – $1.8 billion were also approved without any explanation.

Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira upon exiting the Chamber told reporters that the Speaker’s decision is a threat to Parliamentary Democracy. “We are taking the blows one after another and it is showing that the government doesn’t

want transparency, doesn’t want accountability, and in fact what is going on in this Parliament is a threat to Parliamentary Democracy,” she alleged.

The opposition members returned in the Chamber when the Committee of Supply had completed the agencies listed under Monday’s schedule and was about to commence the consideration of agencies for Tuesday.

WITHOUT BASIS Meanwhile, Nagamootoo argued that the opposition’s protest is entirely without basis.

He said the Standing orders provided for a maximum of seven days for the consideration of the estimates with the Committee of Supply meeting from 2pm to 10pm for seven days. He said they have decided to meet from 10am to 10pm which accounts for 12 hours per day for five

days totaling 60 hours. The Prime Minister added that by a motion moved by him and approved by Assembly the time was regulated to 10 am to 10pm. “We are meeting four hours more…

The opposition has more time to scrutinize the estimates. But in keeping with their policy of non-cooperation, there was a stalemate to settle on the time schedule and they chose instead to come to parliament floor to use this issue for political propaganda,” the Prime Minister told the Guyana Chronicle.

Responding to accusation of the government muzzling the opposition, Mr Nagamootoo said the PPP had raised this issue before. However he said the records would show in the 10th Parliament under Donald Ramotar the National Assembly met for 88 sittings.

He said the APNU+AFC Government is just midway in the 11th

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Parliament and has met 80 times. “This is hardly likely to be a Parliament where they are muzzled because by the time we go into recess for Christmas we will be just four sittings behind the 10th Parliament.”

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo leading the way as the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) MPs make their way out of the Chamber

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

‘We are one’ World losing battle --Palestinian Christians, Muslims against climate change unite against Trump’s Jerusalem call

--French President warns PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a bleak assessment on the global fight against climate change to dozens of world leaders and company executives on Tuesday, telling them: “We are losing the battle.” “ We ’ r e n o t m o v i n g quickly enough; we all need to act,” Macron said, seeking to breathe new life into a collective effort that was weakened this summer when President Donald Trump said he was pulling the United States out of an international accord brokered in the French capital two years ago.

Macron, who has worked to establish his role as a global leader since his sweeping election win in May, said modern-day science was revealing, with each passing day, the danger that global warming posed to the planet.

“We are losing the battle,” he said, urging a new phase in the fight against global warming.

France announced a raft

of 12 non-binding commitments, from a $300M pledge to fight desertification to accelerating the transition towards a decarbonised economy. But there was no headline promise likely to reassure poor nations on the sharp end of climate change that they will be better able to cope.

Public and private financial institutions pledged to channel more funds to spur the transition to a “green” economy, and investors said they would pressure corporate giants to shift towards more ecologically-friendly strategies.

Among the commitments, more than 200 institutional investors with $26 trillion in assets under management said on Tuesday they would step up pressure on the world’s biggest corporate greenhouse gas emitters to combat climate change.

That, they said, would be more effective than threatening to pull the plug on their investments in com-

Wednesday, December 3, 2017 Thursday, December 14, 2017 Friday, December 15, 2017

panies, which include Coal India (COAL.NS), Gazprom (GAZP.MM), ExxonMobil (XOM.N), and China Petroleum & Chemical Corp (600028.SS).

The European Commission, meanwhile, said it was “looking positively” at plans to reduce capital requirements for environmentally-friendly investments by banks in a bid to boost the “green” economy.

Climate change is causing more frequent and severe flooding, droughts, storms and heatwaves as average global temperatures rise to new records, sea ice melts in the Arctic, and sea levels rise.

Developing nations say the rich are lagging with a commitment dating back to 2009 to provide $100B a year by 2020 -- from public and private sources alike -- to help them switch from fossil fuels to greener energy sources, and adapt to the effects of climate change.

On Tuesday, the Europe-

an Commission announced 9 billion euros worth of investments targeting sustainable cities, sustainable energy, and sustainable agriculture for Africa and EU neighbourhood countries.

Yet the United Nations Environment Programme says the cost of adapting to climate change in developing countries could rise to between $280 billion and $500 billion per year by 2050.

“Despite the hype, the One Planet summit is delivering little for the world’s people who are the most vulnerable to climate change,” said Brandon Wu, director of policy and campaigns at ActionAid USA. “Rich countries continue to pretend that new schemes for businessmen to increase their profits will be the centre of the solution for the poor.”

Macron used the eve of the summit to award 18 grants to foreign climate scientists, most of whom are currently U.S.-based, to come and work in France.

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) Less than an hour after U.S. President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Palestinians protested by turning off the lights on the Christmas Tree outside Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity, the traditional birthplace of Jesus.

It was a timely reminder that while headlines focused on Islamist calls for uprisings and Trump’s references to Jewish historical ties, the president’s words also stirred deep feelings among the Palestinians’ small Christian community.

Coming out of the Sunday service in his Assyrian Catholic Church in Jerusalem, Fredrick Hazo accused Trump of “dragging all the world into trouble,” and called on the U.S. leader to reverse his decision.

“We are united; Christians, Muslims. We are one,” said the 59-year-old Palestinian musician, standing in an alley in the heart of the Old City, surrounded by shops selling religious trinkets.

He was frustrated by the politics, but confident the delicate balance the three faiths kept in the holy city would prevail. “In this sacred place, God is protecting us all. We are guarded by his angels in Jerusalem,” Hazo added.

Christians make up around just one per cent of the Palestinian population in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem, though they punch above their weight in local and national politics.

Back in July, Hazo protested alongside Muslims against Israel’s installation of security scanners at the nearby al-Aqsa mosque, Islam’s third holiest site, after two Arab-Israeli gunmen shot dead two Israeli police officers at the site.

It removed the metal detectors after days of bloody clashes, scenes that have not been repeated in the city since Trump’s declaration.

quo in the city to be respected.

The Episcopal Church of the United States said Trump’s announcement “could have profound ramifications on the peace process and the future of a two-state solution.”

But Trump’s decision found strong backing from another corner of the Christian community, many among his own country’s politically powerful evangelicals who see God’s hand in the modern-day return of Jews to a biblical homeland.

Trump convened a circle of evangelical advisers during his presidential bid, and he was the overwhelming favourite of white evangelical voters in last year’s U.S. election.

“We are all bible-believers, and we believe that this is the bible-land and that Jerusalem is the ancient capital of Israel back to the days of King David,” said Dallas-based Mike Evans, part of an evangelical group that met Trump on Monday.

“So, for our president to stand up and declare it makes us extremely proud and honoured.”

For Palestinian supermarket cashier, Mohammed al-Hawa, however, Trump’s words and the logic behind them ignored the more complex reality on the ground.

People of all faith in Jerusalem were united in prayer, the 33-year-old said, even if they were divided over politics.

“Christians, Jews and Muslims live in this city together; there is no problem between them. Only the politics. The governments want to make wars,” he said.

“This is my city; my blood, my life,” added a 7 0 - y e a r- o l d P a l e s t i n i a n walking through the pilgrim-packed courtyard of Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, revered by Christians as the site of Jesus’s tomb.

The church is packed into a small parcel of land that also holds the al-Aqsa compound and Judaism’s Western Wall.

“I can go to the church, to anywhere in Jerusalem; not Trump nor Netanyahu can stop me,” added the man who identified himself only as “a Jerusalemite”.

UNITED IN PRAYER The appeals to religious unity inside Jerusalem’s walls stand in contrast to the more divided voices outside.

In the hours running up to Trump’s statement, Pope Francis called for the status

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

ACP seeking changes at WTO conference BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, CMC – African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries say they are looking for “critical” changes at the three-day World Trade Organisation (WTO) high level trade talks that opened here on Monday.

“We come to Buenos Aires embracing some critical messages,” Bradley Felix, Minister of Commerce and Industry of St. Lucia said as he opened the ACP ministerial session leading up to the official opening of 11th Ministerial Conference (MC11) of the WTO. “First is the centrality of development in the work of the WTO for ACP countries, especially recalling the commitment to devel-

opment issues adopted at (the WTO ministerial conference in) Doha in 2001, as a means to rebalancing the multilateral trading system for greater inclusion by enabling developing countries to realise the benefits from increased trade,” he said, adding: “We are all small, developing, and least developed countries, and appreciate the importance of special and differential treatment to enable us to have the policy space to pursue our development related goals.”

In October, ACP trade ministers issued a declaration, calling on all WTO members to take all decisions through a transparent, inclusive and consen-

sus-based process.

They demanded concrete steps to conclude the remaining issues of the Doha Development Agenda, while keeping development at the centre of the work programme. Although it spans 79 member states, the ACP Group contributes only one to two per cent of world trade, and the aim is to increase this share, while transferring the benefits of global trade to the one billion people living in these countries.

Guyana’s Ambassador based in Geneva and coordinator of the ACP Group at the WTO, John Deep Ford stressed the importance for ACP countries to rally together as a united voice at the Buenos Aires

meeting.

“We have been working all year to emphasise the added value of the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries standing strongly together on issues that are important to our sustainable development,” the Guyanese diplomat said.

“The ACP strongly supports the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and the recognition of trade as an important vehicle in the social, economic and environmental dimensions of the SDGs,” he added.

ACP officials have noted that despite the cloud of uncertainty shrouding the MC11, the 79-member ACP grouping is rallying to ensure meaningful out-

comes are generated over the three days of deliberations here.

The bi-annual event follows months of strenuous negotiations amongst representatives in Geneva, including a failed effort to put together a draft ministerial declaration for Buenos Aires, and breakdown in talks on some contentious issues such as special and differential treatment (SDT) for developing countries. At best, only minimal convergence on almost all areas under negotiations was achieved.

Despite this, a significant amount of work was completed in 2017, and ACP ministers are focusing on advancing on some of the key proposals put on

the table by various groups.

Specifically, the ACP Group is eyeing possible outcomes on fisheries, including on Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated fishing (IUU), overfishing, overcapacity and subsidies disciplines, agriculture including cotton, special agricultural safeguard, and development including special and differential treatment for developing countries.

But the ACP official acknowledged that the crux of any of the ACP positions is that a rulesbased multilateral trading system is crucial to global progress, and development must remain at the heart of this system.

France promises further cooperation with Haiti

PARIS, CMC – France says it will continue to work with Haiti for the changes essential to the recovery of the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, and the improvement in the living conditions of the population.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at a news conference following talks with President Jovenel Moise, said that he had discussed with his Haitian counterpart international and bilateral issues.

“I am very happy to have exchanged with him of international topics that we have in common, as well as on bilateral topics,” Macron said.

“This first interview allowed us to salute the quality of the Franco-Haitian relations, and to express our common will to work for the change essential to the recovery of his country and the improvement of the living conditions of its population.”

Macron said he was pleased with “the very important work” being done

by Moise in the fight against

corruption, the reinforcement of the rule of law, and the full support of France in this context.

“I welcome the fact that, in the coming days, a headquarters agreement with Expertise France can be finalised, which will make it possible to work on this issue, as well as the bilateral initiatives that have been taken in terms of training of the public service and high Haitian civil service, which is an important element of the structuring of the rule of law,” he said, adding: “Our wish is also to be able to consolidate international aid with regard to France, and also to consolidate the share of French investments in Haiti.

“Haiti is one of the priority countries of our cooperation, and we attach great importance to the bilateral relationship in this context.”

He told reporters that he was also pleased with Haiti’s commitment to seek international assistance for its developmental needs, as well as implementing the reforms to provide a framework for foreign investment.

Said he: “In terms of education, the action plan

established in 2015 will be fully implemented with Euro 50 million (One Euro=US$1.29 cents) announced, and in terms of climate change the work carried out for two years has allowed to led to the Green Fund.

“With the US$30 million watershed adaptation and management project, Haiti could become one of the first, if not the first country, to get an adaptation project under this Green Fund. We agreed to accelerate the work in terms of public works, in terms of electrification and to accelerate the bilateral cooperation which will also allow the realization of concrete projects.”

Macron said that he was also looking to “intensify our relationship” with CARICOM, as Haiti takes over

the presidency from January 1 next year.

Macron said he was also hopeful that more French companies invest in Haiti, saying: “We will push them by punctual initiatives and accompaniments.

“I believe that all the reforms you are conducting on the rule of law, the investment framework and the modernization of the economy will make it possible to work effectively in this direction.”

For his part, Moïse acknowledged that the two countries have strong ties of friendship and solidarity. “We fully share the vision expressed by President Macron,” he said. “Haiti believes that development is a decision and a national process.

“During our discussions,

we agreed to strengthen trade links between the two countries, cooperation in education at all levels, especially higher education and vocational training and also the capacity of Haitian state institutions to better face the challenges of development.”

Moïse said that Haiti strongly supports a sub-regional mechanism to enable island states to better adapt their economy, their environment to the effects of climate change, as he praised

Macron for his “leadership and deep commitment” for the holding of the climate finance summit, two years after the historic Paris agreement on climate change.

“You can count on us,” he said. “We are working to ensure that French, as we have said it well, which is our official language, is also the language of CARICOM and we are working for our brothers from Martinique and Guadeloupe.”

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Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

MP Edghill’s unbecoming behaviour THE brawl -- for that is what it was -- in the National Assembly on Monday, 11th December, should see some Members of Parliament (MPs) downing their heads in shame at the dishonour they brought to the Honourable House. History has taught that honourable behaviour requires respecting rules, laws, and exhibiting propriety and decorum.

If some may have acceded to serve in the nation’s highest decision-making forum and per chance earlier socialisation did not place premium on these values, at least by now society expected they be cultivated, particularly when in the House.

The events of Monday have been witnessed by all and sundry, at home and abroad. And while the unbecoming may think it represented their finest political moment, they have brought dishonour if not to themselves to the House, an important branch of government. Standing Orders in the

National Assembly are made by the MPs to govern their conduct in the House. To make rules and subsequently decide they will be respected because it could make a political statement does not justify the disrespect.

Efforts to justify People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) MP Juan Edghill’s refusal to respect Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland’s ruling is not with merit. There can be no justification for refusing to respect the ruling of the Speaker and being supported by colleagues in doing likewise. The adamant refusal of MP Edghill to leave the chamber after ordered to do so by the Speaker set in train the brawl that ensued, and the MP must take full responsibility for what happened thereafter. What is even more conflicting in addition to being a politician, he is known as a man of the cloth and better was expected, especially given that his faith promotes the value of leadership by example.

To assume the Speaker

should have handled the issue differently such as allowing Edghill to speak is beside the point. The crux of the matter is that of the ruling and the refusal to conform, which was a challenge to the authority of the House and brought both the august body and MP into disrepute.

Mr. Edghill is a MP and a participant in the business of the House. Being an elected member, does not grant or vest in him any authority or privilege to flout the rules and directives of the Speaker. The Speaker, whether elected from the List of Representatives or selected from outside of that List, has been appointed in accordance with the Guyana Constitution. He is therefore vested with the authority to ensure the Standing Orders are respected, on every occasion, and by every member.

MP Edghill and PPP/C colleagues could have dealt differently with the apparent disagreement with the Speaker’s initial ruling on conformity to time allotment.

Disagreement does not require being disagreeable, particularly among those expected to possess maturity and intelligence. After the Speaker’s initial ruling was ignored and challenged, he then ordered the MP to leave the chamber and not return for the session.

Respect for the Standing Orders should have seen the MP obeying the first ruling, then at the break the Chief Whip and Opposition Whip could have sought audience with the Speaker to address the problem. Opposition Whip Gail Teixeira, instead of providing leadership in finding a solution, encouraged the lawlessness, leaving reasonable minds to speculate whether MP Edghill’s actions were pre-planned to create the brawl.

It is uncanny that Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo was MIA at the beginning, but appeared after the brawl had escalated and members of the Guyana Police Force were in the chamber, to thereafter pronounce

that it was all the fault of the Speaker. As a former president, Mr. Jagdeo could have seized the opportunity to positively distinguish himself in de-escalating the conflict and help to salvage the reputation of the House and the unbecoming behaviour of his party’s colleagues. The view held by some that if the PPP/C is not in government, the party’s leadership would subvert and undermine governance is something of which to take note.

Mr. Edghill’s be haviour was totally uncalled for. It is hoped time will be spent attending to how unbecoming it was and on reflection embarrassment is not devoid of remorse. Monday 11th December was another dark day and a further

slide into degeneracy by this 11th Parliament and the desecration of the title Honourable. Finally, the attempt to conflate Monday’s unbecoming conduct to that of the person who invaded the House dressed as Santa Claus is false equivalency. The MPs’ behaviour represented disregard for the rules (Standing Orders) governing their conduct, diminished the authority of the Speaker presiding over the House, and undermined governance. The Santa Claus case was a prank (silly) by a non-Member of the House. Conflating the two skirts the seriousness of the brawl, the role of the legislature and the standards to which MPs must be held.

This is their right and duty which should neither be denied nor throttled Dear Editor, ON Action Line last Monday evening, a resident of West Demerara called to complain about the uneven and unfair rate structure being applied by taxi drivers.

His plea was for an intervention by the Government.

The moderator spent some time to explain the realities of a free open market economy, and that there was nothing that can be done in the circumstances. I understand the point the moderator was making but don’t agree that citizens or consumers must accept meekly what appears to be unfair practices by others.

Sections of our media have been exposing, attacking and criticising perceived missteps, mistakes and al-

leged misdemeanours by the governmental apparatus at several levels. This is their right and their duty which should neither be denied nor throttled. In passing I must state that as a known supporter of His Excellency, David Granger and the Coalition, that the Government needs to do much more in the area of public relations, including keeping citizens informed on all aspects of the Administration’s activity that ought to be of public interest.

This must be done in a timely manner and not wait to react when matters of interest are brought to the fore by others.

Having said that, there is an area that requires urgent attention by the media and civil society. It comes under the rubric of Consumer Protection. There is need for both the Consumer’s

Association and the Bureau of Standards to be more aggressive exist.

Editor, I will share with you three worrisome recent experiences. Recently, I purchased a mop bucket and mop stick to replace the ones used in the house for several years. Some I saw in three stores were made of slender plastic that clearly could not last more than a few weeks.

There was mops with a few strands of cotton which was described by an aide as a joke. I asked the salesperson whether people bought what was clearly inferior and near useless plastic items. With a smirk on her face she said ‘yes,’ poor people buy them all the time. The old story of ‘penny wise pound foolish.’

Next, I purchased an electric iron from a popular store in Regent Street, in late

September, 2017. Co-incidentally, while listening to the Action Line Programme, I plugged in the iron and after attempts at several points, discovered that the iron was dead. When I reported this to my wife, she reminded me that whilst in Miami last week she purchased an iron for use in Trinidad, but I refused saying that I recently purchased one in Guyana.

Earlier, I was cautioned about buying certain items in Guyana but I am a patriot.

Next, in August, I purchased a certain eye-drop and paid $8,000 dollars for a 10ml vial. Yesterday the agents were out of stock since they do not bring in large supplies of that particular item, but advised that a pharmacy in the ‘middle’ of the city, should have supplies.

I called to enquire and ‘yes’

they had but the price was $13,000thirteen thousand dollars for the same 10ml vial. I called a second time and asked to speak with the manager, confident that the price quoted was an error.

The person answered the second time insisted that the price was right,(thirteen thousand dollars) and the tone of the sales person clearly insinuated take it or leave it. I am now making arrangements to have the drops sent to me from Trinidad where it’s available at a lesser cost.

It is clear to me that there is in Guyana, a group of business people I have dealt with who are reasonable and offer quality goods at acceptable prices. However, clearly we have in our midst those who are exploiters and care little about jacking up prices knowing fully well that the

item may be in short supply.

But is this the price the consumer and citizens must pay for a free open economy?

I must be forgiven, but as a youngster, I grew up in Guyana where the British had a price controlled unit that disallowed the kind of rampant exploitation evident in the pharmacy that has put on a five thousand dollars profit on a single item. I call on the Chamber of Commerce and other business and industrial associations to come to the rescue of the so far silent majority, the victims of those whose only concern is maximising profit. Mr. Editor, speaking we must do something about this rape upon the poor.

Regards HAMILTON GREEN

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Caribbean countries commit to refugee protection

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, applauds the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for its leadership role hosting the second meeting of the Caribbean Migration Consultations (CMC), a regional platform developed to address common challenges related to increasing flows of refugees and migrants arriving in the region.

“Close cooperation among the countries of the Caribbean is the key to addressing flows of refugees and migrants in ways that are safe and humane, and the

Caribbean region is setting standards for other parts of the world in its approach to this issue,” said Matthew Reynolds, UNHCR Regional Representative for the United States and the Caribbean.

At the two-day meeting on December 5-6, delegations from 18 countries, CARICOM, the CARICOM Implementing Agency for Crime and Security, UNHCR, and the International Organization for Migration discussed developments in the region related to refugee protection and statelessness.

Country delegates de-

scribed the progress made over the last year, including good practices in developing refugee legislation and standard operating procedures, alternatives to immigration detention, the integration of refugees into host communities, and the development of innovative approaches among diverse stakeholders to respond to large-scale forced displacement. UNHCR presented a Checklist for a Comprehensive Asylum System, and provided an overview of identity management and registration mechanisms.

“The Government of The

Bahamas was delighted to be given the opportunity to host the second CMC,” said Jewel Major, Chief Counsel at the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs. “To be a leader in this discussion regionally is a privilege and we hope to continue to provide leadership that motivates and stimulates our region,” said Major.

Consistent with global trends, a rising number of people fleeing life-threatening violence and persecution have sought protection in the Caribbean in recent years.

The registered population of

refugees and asylum-seekers in the region has risen by more than 50 percent from January 2017 to November 2017, underscoring the urgency for governments to develop coordinated policies that effectively address new challenges, such as forced displacement as a result of natural disasters.

“The countries and communities that receive and host refugees are the mainstays of the international protection regime, and their generosity is truly remarkable,” said UNHCR’s Reynolds. Following

the commitments made in the Brazil Plan of Action, a regional protection framework for the Caribbean and Latin America, Caribbean countries established the CMC in 2016 as a State-led process to promote consistent approaches towards mixed migration. All States participating in this year’s meeting agreed that their active engagement in this regional forum presented an important achievement and that cooperation was essential to address the challenge of refugee protection and mixed migration.

Someone ‘fit and proper’ should be appointed to manage the scrap metal trade Dear Editor,

SCRAP metal dealers are pleading with you to please ensure that someone who is ‘fit and proper’ be appointed to manage the scrap metal trade in Guyana. Mr. Ian Smith, the newly appointed head of the Scrap Metal Unit, does not have any experience in the scrap metal trade, and is not capable of managing this industry, that thousands of our people depend on for a living.

Mr. Neilson McKenzie was managing the scrap metal trade from February, 2017 up until August, 2017 when he was interdicted from duty.

When Mr. McKenzie started his employment at the Ministry of Business in 2016, he told other staff members that he really wanted to go to law school to pursue studies in law, but that he could not afford it. Shortly thereafter, Mr McKenzie was handing out his business cards with the credentials LLB, LLM behind his name. Because of

his bogus credentials he was tasked with the responsibility of preparing new legislation for the scrap metal trade by the minister. What he prepared as the Scrap Metal Bill which is presently before Cabinet for consideration is a ‘bundle of nonsense’ and will have to be redone all over again because the scrap metal trade cannot be conducted within the scope of that proposed legislation.

Mr. McKenzie was demanding several millions of dollars from scrap metal dealers for permits to export scrap metal. We reported the matter to the minister and he responded by closing down the trade. Anyhow, the three months opening permitted by Cabinet, was up at the same time. After the closure Mr. McKenzie continued to sell more permits to export. He was caught, the police were called in and he is presently on bail and interdicted from duty. Before Mr. McKenzie started his employment at the Ministry of Business, he was working at ‘Hits and Jams’.

He was caught on videotape stealing GY$94,000 and was immediately fired.

In February, 2017, the Ministry of Business advertised the vacancy for the head of the Scrap Metal Unit. The required qualification was a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration or Public Management with at least eight years’ experience in a senior managerial position. The minister set up a committee to find a ‘fit and proper’ candidate for the job. Over 50 persons with a Bachelor’s degree and 10 with a Master’s Degree applied for the job. Interviews were held and a few names were shortlisted and submitted to the minister for consideration.

However, in July, 2017 the Mmnister employed Mr. Ian Smith to head the Scrap Metal Unit. Mr. Smith never submitted an application for the job, nor was he interviewed by the committee.

When Mr. Ian Smith started out at the Ministry of Business, he told staff members that he has a ‘Diploma from

the University of Guyana’. But on his ‘Linkedin’ page for his qualification he stated Penn Foster, 2012-2016, no stated credentials whatsoever. Penn Foster only offers unaccredited online courses. For his experience he stated only the time he was appointed head of the Scrap Metal Unit, September, 2017. Our investigations revealed that Mr. Ian Smith never graduated from Penn Foster in 2016, nor did he successfully completed high school in Guyana and he has no managerial experience.

Sir, we have nothing personal against Mr. Smith but from his performance at the ministry and his interaction with the scrap metal dealers, we are convinced that Mr. Ian Smith is not capable of managing the scrap metal trade in Guyana, and we will continue to suffer as long as he is the head of the unit.

Among the numerous qualified applicants who applied for the job, we know of the following: 1. Ms. Oslyn Armstrong –

She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management and is employed for several years in a senior position in the Public Service. She was the Special Assistant to former Prime Minister, Mr. Sam Hinds and was the head of the Scrap Metal Unit for several years under him. She is presently the Special Assistant to the Hon. Ms. Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

2. Ms. Christina Harding who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management. She worked as the Administrative Assistant at the Guyana Metal Recyclers Association for over seven years. She is extremely knowledgeable in the scrap metal trade.

3. Mr. Michael Burnett – Mr. Burnett has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a JD Degree in Law. He is a US attorney, who is now settled and residing in Guyana for the last seven years.

He personally exported scrap metal from Guyana in the past, and has worked closely with

the Guyana Metal Recyclers Association since his return to Guyana. Because of his extensive knowledge on the scrap metal industry worldwide, Mr. Burnett is considered a world expert in this business. Mr. Burnett is personally known to the following cabinet members, Hon. Mr. Basil Williams, Hon. Mr. David Patterson, Hon. R. Raphael Trotman, Hon. Mr. Joseph Harmon and Hon. Ms. Cathy Hughes.

Your Excellency, as our President and the conscience of this nation, we are pleading with you to please ensure that someone, anyone who is qualified, ‘fit and proper’ be appointed to manage the scrap metal trade. Mr. Smith has no experience in the trade, is not qualified and is not capable of moving this trade forward and this entire industry will continue to suffer as long as he is the head of the unit.

Regards Concerned Scrap Metal Dealers

Let us align ourselves to his ways Dear Editor, THIS missive serves to be a voice of reassurance to my fellow citizens. That better days are ahead, regardless of the challenges this dear land has experienced and is presently experiencing.

I know that God is in control and he has a plan for Guyana.

The reports of death by horrific vehicular accidents, moral failings by some of our leaders, corruption, domestic violence and suicide have taken a toll on the psyche of this nation; but

the destiny of the land is in the hands of God. He determines the appointed times and boundaries of our habitations.

Be assured that better days are dawning on us as a nation and, thus we ought not to be negative in our projections because of the state of affairs we are presently experiencing. There is always darkness before light and valleys before mountains.

So as a nation let us be optimistic, desire good and dedicate our energies towards climbing out of the valley of decadence.

The great Nelson Mandela said “There is no easy walk to

freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain top of our desires”. The destiny of this great nation is not in the hands of man, but in the hands of the Omnipotent God. Let us align ourselves to his ways and he will exalt this Nation.

Regards BISHOP JOSEPH INNISS

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

$10M cleared for law reform office

THE Committee of Supply of the National Assembly, on Tuesday approved some $10M for the setup of the long-awaited Law Reform Commission and also cleared a total of $867M for current expenditure.

A sum of $200M was approved for capital expenditure for the Ministry of Legal Affairs.

These allocations will go towards: the provision of buildings to house the Law Reform Commission and Justice Improvement Programme; staffing of the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA); provisions for enhancing the DPP’s Chambers and the Magistracy; as well as strengthening of the criminal justice system and the launch of pilot legal aid programme.

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams was thoroughly grilled by Opposition Shadow Minister, Anil Nandlall on the estimates.

The Committee of Supply considered and approved $4M for capital expenditure under programme 523 Attorney General’s Chambers; Purchase of furniture and equipment, Agency 52; $195M for capital expenditure under programme 521Main Office; Provision for institutional strengthening, justice reform and purchase of equipment - IDB and, Purchase of furniture and equipment, Agency 52; and $494M for capital expendi-

ture under programme 524State Solicitor; Provision for equipment, Agency 52.

Williams in response to queries said increases under his portfolio are for the development of the ministry and its programmes for 2018. Nandlall wanted to

explained that the monies would be catering for three existing vehicles which were crashed and need repairs.

Alluding to the rental of building under line item 6241, Nandlall questioned about location and purposes of the rental under the

Opposition shadow Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall

know why under line item 6231-fuel and lubricants, in relation to agency 52 of main office, in 2014 a sum of over 800,000 was expended but for 2018 only $2.2M is budgeted.

The subject minister

$8.6M allocation, with the Attorney General responding that a building on Hadfield Street Georgetown is being rented for the Justice Education Society (JES) improvement programme and its operations. Further,

Nandlall asked about line item 6271, in relation to telephone charges, as he pointed out that in 2014 $668,000 was paid but for 2018 the amount budgeted is $1.2M reflecting a 100 per cent increase.

But Minister Williams

Touching on line item 6281 – security services, the former attorney general noted that the Special Constabulary had provided such services at a nominal fee of $90,000 annually in 2014. “This has increased to $3,066,000 an increase by

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams

pointed out that the amount budgeted for 2018 is the same as obtained in 2017 and that it catered for the services used for various secretariats and IDB projects under the ministry.

3000 per cent. I am asking for an explanation because I am aware that the Special Constabulary still continue to provide services,” Nandlall said.Williams said in response that there is need for

additional security services at the JES building in Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

Under line item 6321 which deals with subsidies to, and contributions to local organisations, Nandlall queried the purpose, use and which local organisations will be utilising monies from the $260M that has been set aside. Minister Williams answered that the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) will be using a major part of the sum to offset its operations.

Meanwhile, Nandall observed an increase in monies budgeted for contracted employees in the Attorney General Chambers’ expenditure under line item 6116. The amount in 2015 was $61M but has increased to $86.6M in 2018. The Legal Affairs Minister explained that the difference was as a result of an increase in salaries and officers for the ministry.

Questioning the progressive increase in line item 6241 from zero in 2014 to $10M in 2018 for the rental of buildings, Nandlall notied that in 2017 a sum of $8M budgeted and it continues to increase and wondered what purpose does this serve. The Attorney General said the increase is budgeted for a building on Robb Street Georgetown to house the Law Reform Commission which is being rented for $815,000 a month.

Min Jordan urges more support for local products

“It is time for us as Guyanese to support our own,” said Finance Minister Winston Jordan during his closing Budget 2018 speech last week Friday before the National Assembly.

The minister made an impassioned plea as he reiterated a call for Guyanese to support local businesses and their own products. Minister Jordan

recalled a visit to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport where the only operating snackette, in the arrival waiting area only sold water from Jamaica. He stated to loud applause and approving nods, that, “Everybody here knows that there is no better tasting water than that provided by Banks DIH or DDL.” The minister also noted

that during a recent visit to Berbice for an official engagement, he was accosted by the well-known businessman and hotel owner who claimed that the government was not doing enough to support local enterprises. He noted that after being soundly rebuked, he responded by asking the afore-mentioned businessman to look around his own

conference room and see what was wrong. He was unable to do so. Minister Jordan added that he then pointed out the bottled water offered was from neighbouring Suriname.

He questioned, “What are we doing? What are we doing to our own businesses? We have to do better, we have to support our own first!” Minister Jordan stated

that he is one of those who support the ‘buy local’ effort and is at the forefront of setting aside funds to ensure that a significant portion of the government’s spending is done to purchase local products and businesses.

The Finance Minister has often stated that “Charity begins at home”, and as such Guyanese

must put their support towards local businesses and products first if the local economy is to continue its upwards growth.

The ‘Buy Local’ campaign was originally launched in the 1970’s and has gained prominence as the government seeks to boost local businesses and food security. (DPI)

Commodity-dependent countries need to boost efforts to diversify their economies Without a renewed commitment to policy change, commodity-dependent developing countries (CDDCs) are by 2030 set to lag behind countries with more diverse economies in their social and economic achievements, UNCTAD and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said in a report issued earlier this week.

The Commodities and Development Report 2017 argues this is a likely scenario given that global food and non-food commodity

prices - with the exception of oil - are expected to remain at their 2010 levels.

They may even increase slightly in the years leading to 2030 - the target date for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed by the international community in 2015. However, the report notes that these global price patterns may diverge once broken down to the regional and national levels.

The 2003-2011 commodity price boom drove up export revenues and, generally, economic growth

rates for many CDDCs, but this trend has either slowed down or has been reversed since global commodity prices stabilized at a lower level, the report notes.

This in turn has brought to light the importance of investing in human capital and social protection as well as of redistributive policies, considering that strong overall economic growth alone does not necessarily translate into poverty reduction and food security achievements.

The report stresses the need for CDDCs to pursue

structural transformation to improve their social and economic prospects, reduce poverty, realize food security and achieve the SDGs at large. To support its policy recommendations, the report reviews policies pursued by several countries and their respective socio-economic impacts. The case studies cover such commodities in producing countries as soybeans in Argentina and Brazil, rice in Bangladesh, diamonds in Botswana and Sierra Leone, cotton in Burkina Faso, coffee and bananas in Costa Rica, co-

coa in Ghana, nickel in Indonesia, sorghum in Mali, oil in Nigeria, and copper in Zambia.

According to the report, policies that can promote inclusive growth over the next 15 years include economic diversification, expanding the linkages between the commodity sector and the national economy, adopting countercyclical expenditure policies which build commodity revenue buffers during price upswings to use them during downswings, adding value to

raw commodities, and investing in social protection, health and education.

CDDCs will require more policy space in order to tailor the right policy mix to fit their economic conditions and circumstances and drive their sustainable economic development in an increasingly globalised world. Ultimately, structural transformation should result in the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, of which the SDGs are the core, the report concludes.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, decembER 13, 2017

Caribbean leaders launch plan to make region 27 per cent a 'climate-smart zone,' with IDB support decrease in murders

THE Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB Group) announced its support for the newly formed Caribbean Climate-Smart Coalition, a public-private initiative aimed at funding an US$8 billion investment plan to transform the region into the world’s first “climate-smart” zone and benefit an estimated 3.2 million households in the region.

The Coalition’s work will focus on coordinated action on four initial critical priorities: scaling renewable energy and energy efficiency; building low-carbon, resilient infrastructure; creating innovative financing models in exchange for progress on policy reforms to promote climate-smart growth; and strengthening the capacity of Caribbean countries to plan for long-term resilience strategies. The announcement of the creation of the

Coalition came at the One Planet Summit, convened by the Government of France to review progress on the Paris climate agreement, adopted two years ago today. envisions that the Caribbean region will become the world’s first “climate smart zone.”

In the wake of the devastating impacts of the category five Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the Caribbean’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change is coming into sharper focus. One IDB estimate indicates that the economic impact of the “new normal” climate effects under “business as usual” scenarios could exceed $22 billion per year by 2050, roughly 10 percent of the Caribbean’s current GDP. In response the IDB Group aims to develop a public and private investment framework for investing in resilient infrastructure, providing contingency resources

for responding to disasters and approving additional loan financing to buttress the region’s policy framework for confronting climate and natural disaster risk. The IDB Group will work with the Caribbean Development Bank to support OECS borrowing member countries.

The IDB Group’s support will include new public and private-sector financing commitments of $1 billion over the next five years. In tandem with its announced loan targets, the IDB Group also launched its Sustainable Islands Platform, designed to help island territories pursue sustainability and climate-resilient investments.

The Platform will benefit 11 Caribbean Basin island states and continental countries whose territory includes islands: The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicara-

gua, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago. The Platform will promote economic growth and climate-resilient investments through an innovative approach that applies the principles of the Blue and Circular Economy. The Blue Economy focuses on the sustainability of oceans and coastal areas, as opposed to land-based models, while the Circular Economy emphasizes reuse, recycling and the regeneration of natural capital such as mangrove swamps and barrier reefs.

Support for the private-sector activities associated with the Coalition will be coordinated by IDB Invest, the IDB Group’s private-sector arm, and will include partnering with impact investors, bilateral sources and other multilateral institutions on blended finance solutions, as well as the development of new instruments.

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… 99 persons killed in 2017

THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday disclosed that they recorded a 10% decrease in serious crimes at the end of November, 2017 relative to the same period last year.

A press release from the Force said that there was a 27% decrease in murder; an 11% increase in robberies where no instruments was used; a 16% decrease in robbery under arms where firearms were used; a 5% decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used a 43% increase in robbery with violence; a 47% increase in robbery with aggravation; an 11% increase in larceny from the person; a 6% decrease in rape; a 3% decrease in Burglary and a 16% decrease in Break and Enter and Larceny.

The breakdown in the categories of Murders thus for the year states that they GPF tallied 48 disorderly; 16 domestic; 14 robberies; seven executions; 12 unknown and two others bringing it to a total of 99 murders.

This year 115 illegal firearms have been seized as compared to 97 for the corresponding period last year. Statistics revealed that 66 pistols, 19 revolvers, 18 shotguns, 12 rifles were taken off the streets by the police in ‘A’ Division 51; ‘B’ Division 10; ‘C’ Division 13; ‘D’ Division eight; ‘E’ Division five; ‘F’ Division 28 and ‘G’ Division none were seized in the eight policing divisions.

Bahamas strengthens CARICOM ties with new Ambassador

THE Bahamas on Monday underscored the importance of maintaining strong relations within CARICOM with the accreditation of a new Ambassador.

The Ceremony took place at the Headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana.

Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in accepting the credentials of H.E. Reuben Rahming, noted that The Bahamas has been a valued member of CARICOM, promoting the Region’s interests in tourism, for which the Prime Minister has lead responsibility within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.

With respect to The Bahamas’ leadership of the tourism sector, the Secretary-General said he looked forward to working with Mr. Rahming to advance the work of the Interim Tourism Working Group, whose establishment was mandated

by CARICOM Heads of Government in recognition of the primary role of tourism in the regional economy.

The Working Group has completed significant work with regard to the identifi-

cation of strategies aimed at stimulating tourism, and maximizing the employment, entrepreneurial and revenue potential it can bring to the Region, Secretary-General LaRocque stated.

Mr Rahming, in his new position, is now a Member of the CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors, and in welcoming him the Secretary-General said his involvement will assist in keeping the Community’s institutions aligned with the goals and aspirations of the Strategic Plan. “The Members of the Committee perform a critical role as the link between the national and regional agendas. As part of its remit, it facilitates and drives the Change Process at the national level. The Ambassadors also have the fundamental responsibility to identify challenges to the implementation of decisions taken by our various Organs and make recommendations to resolve them,” the Secretary-General noted.

He said the Region must enhance its resilience against the deleterious effects of climate change together. “It is that spirit of togetherness that builds our Community and

The new Ambassador of The Bahamas to CARICOM HE Reuben Rahming (l) presents his credentials to CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque maintains our unity that is strengthened by the work of you and your colleague Ambassadors to CARICOM.” The new Bahamian Ambassador said he has taken note

of the many successes his country has experienced as it remained engaged in all organs and institutions of CARICOM, by collaborating with other Member-States, and

through the co-ordination of the Region’s foreign policy.

He said that this past hurricane season which devastated Dominica, Barbuda and other parts of the Lee-

ward Islands, The Bahamas, Cuba, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Martin (and St Maarten), and the British and US Virgin Islands, “underscored how vulnerable we are as a region and the importance of maintaining strong relations within CARICOM.” He expressed sympathy to all of those affected by the storms and conveyed his best wishes for the quick recovery of the affected islands. He also expressed appreciation to the Governments and peoples of CARICOM who assisted The Bahamas, in particular, following the passage of Hurricane Irma.

“I also take this opportunity once again to thank you and the Chair of the Conference, the Prime Minister of Grenada, for the solidarity and leadership you demonstrated in visiting the impacted countries, including The Bahamas, and in organising the recent Donor Conference at the United Nations that resulted in the commitment of some $2 billion of support,” the Ambassador Rahming added. (Caricom Secretariat)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Trickle-Down Feminism

By Akola Thompson

THE best thing about being a writer is that I have documentation of everything I have written.

The worst thing about being a writer is that I have documentation of everything I have written.

It is useful in the sense that I am able to see growth from my previous work to now. But sometimes I would rather not have reminders of how misinformed and surface level a lot of my politics were.

Over the past year, I have done a lot of self-reflection regarding my beliefs on what I assumed to be critical feminist thought. I’ve come to accept my own previous ideations of feminism as vague and lacking of the intersectionality needed in a women’s movement. My ideas previously centered on the missive of “equality of the sexes” and concerns of equal pay. This sort of feminism does very little to reimagine women’s role in the world. It is more concerned about the privi-

leged few that will be able to ascend while marginalised sub-groups such as coloured and queer women are told that they just need to work harder.

This simplistic and singularity of thought is one that was challenged long ago by women of colour, particularly black women.

It was these radical thinkers that would galvanise a movement that did not believe that women should adjust themselves to the system, but rather- the entire system needed to be challenged, upturned

and restructured. It was through women of color that we now have a feminism that resists not only the ideas that we are unequipped to stand on the same scale as men, but also combines and resists the struggles of class structures, racism and homo and trans phobia, just to name a few. Why this was necessary was because, even though women were connected in their mutual oppression, white and/or rich women were the ones who gained support from men. It was up to revolutionary women to reshape the way in which we discuss women, gender, class, sexuality and the interconnectedness of it all.

This intersectional approach was in direct opposition to the ideals of the often-connected white, lite and neo-liberal feminism in which we are often fed sound bites of “empowerment” as if it is now a commodity.

This sort of neo-liberal feminism is the belief that women in high positions will cause more women to achieve same-as if feminism thrives under a trickle down system rather than one that seeks to remove barriers for all women. At a quick glance, it seems as if all our problems as women will disappear if only we achieve equality with the men. If only we are allowed to ascend into positions of power. On closer inspection, most of these arguments remind me of a little sister begging her older brother and his friends for a chance to play on the big boys team.

Because of the relevance and popularity around women’s liberation and equality, many elements of feminism have been incorporated into popular culture and political movements. The women filling these roles however are often more concerned with their own ascendency, agendas and pledged political loyalties.

Often, as we have seen both at home and abroad, they act in direct contradiction to the catch phrases they offer to the public. Just note how former Minister of Social Protection,Volda Lawrence failed women and children by going to the defense of an accused sexual molester only last year and labelled it as a “family matter.” Just recall how no big hoorah from women in leadership was made when - with no sense of irony - alleged child molester.Kwame McKoy was appointed on the Rights of the Child Commission.

It would be too dismissive for me to label these women as just props of the establishment because this does a disservice to them. It assumes that they themselves are not capable of recognising their role in the continued upholding of economic and social barriers for less privileged women. That idea just assumes that they are not making a conscious decision to encourage subjugation through silence and timidity.

To assume that of them would be giving them a bit too much credit and relieving them of their role

to not add to our collective struggles. We cannot call for the equality and protection of the sexes if we actively contribute to the culture of diminishing women’s experiences.

There is the belief that we no longer need feminism; that women’s place in the world has been improved and there is no more to do. It is important that we recognise the failings of neoliberal ideas concerning equality of the sexes because it is these very same ideas that have been used in arguments to keep us content with our lot. It reminds me of how capitalists use religion and the virtue of “hard work for success,” to ensure that inequality of the class system remains the same.

The competitive nature of capitalism always ensures that there is oppression.

These pseudo-feminist ideas, however, are then mass reproduced and promoted aggressively in the media. There are many names for it: white feminism, faux feminism, and lite feminism. This is not done by mere coincidence.

There is vested interest in ensuring that women’s movements never move past catchy sound bites.

To erase the concept of intersectionality is to erase the concept of protected humanistic freedoms and to disregard the need for solidarity amongst women. In a world that continuously tries to force us into little subsets of womanhood, it has never been a more important time to stand together.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Edghill will lose pay, allowances

CLERK of the National Assembly has written to Opposition Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill informing him that he will lose pay and allowances as a result of his suspension from Parliament for disobeying the Speaker on Monday.

The letter to Edghill of which Guyana Chronicle has seen a copy outlined that on Tuesday a motion pursuant to Standing Order 47 (2) caused him to be suspended from the service of the House for four consecutive sittings.

“Please note that as a result of your suspension you are not entitled to attend sittings of the National Assembly or meetings of Parliamentary committees or enter the precincts of the National Assembly until

the termination of your suspension,” the to Edghill from Isaacs noted.

It added: “also during your suspension, you will not be paid salary and allowances and not be entitled to some of the other benefits of a member of the National Assembly.” Further, Isaacs told Edghill that he would not be entitled to lodge questions or submit notices of motions during his suspension.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland on Monday night told a news conference that it was the first time in the history of Parliament that a member has refused to withdraw from the Chamber on the orders of the Speaker. Speaking at the press conference Dr Scotland told the media

that as the head of the National Assembly, “The buck stops with the Speaker”, and according to him, he acted in accordance with the Standing Orders.

He recounted that Edghill attempted to ask a question after the time allotted for the agency under review had expired. The Speaker said the procedures regarding time for consideration for each agency was discussed prior to the sitting, and it was agreed to during a meeting of the Committee of the Whole.

He said that on Monday, he indicated to Edghill that he would not allow further discussion beyond the time that was allotted, and the MP was ordered to take his seat, which he refused to do.

He said Edghill was ruled “out of order”, and he later informed the MP to take no further part in the business of the House for the remainder of the sitting. This was done in accordance with the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.

He said he directed the Sergeant-at-arms to take steps, as required, to enforce his order and he withdrew from the National Assembly while the sitting was suspended for the day.

The Speaker told the media that the Standing Orders existed before his entry into Parliament, and they have been in place for many years. He said all members of the National Assembly have agreed to abide by the Standing Orders.

PSC concerned over police involvement at Parliament PM: pity PSC could not defend the integrity of parliamentary democracy

THE Private Sector Commission said it notes with great concern the events which took place on Monday in the National Assembly saying that the involvement of law enforcement was an unacceptable overreaction. But Prime Minister and Leader of the House, Moses Nagamootoo said he is very disappointed that the private sector found nothing disrespectful in the disorderly behaviour of Juan Edghill.

In a statement the body said the objective of Parliament is to allow deliberation on questions of interest to the nation, and to arrive at the will of the Assembly in a civilized manner. “The Private Sector Commission firmly believes that Parliament is the forum where its members must be free to challenge each other, including the Honorable Speaker, as they pursue the relentless representation of

the people of Guyana.”

According to the PSC the procedures to be followed by Members of Parliament in the conduct of their deliberations are clearly set out and the methods for dealing with dissenters are also established. Members enjoy certain privileges when seated in Parliament and, if these are abused, are subject to disciplinary action as determined by the Speaker in consultation with the Privileges Committee. “The involvement of law enforcement, apart from being an unacceptable overreaction, is an unfortunate occurrence.

It does not augur well for our democracy.

Any such display of lawlessness should never reoccur.”

The PSC said the damage has already been done but the Commission expects that all involved will critically review the events of Monday. “It is a time to analyze and re-

flect on the negative impact these have had on our nation’s image internationally. The Private Sector Commission believes that, in the interest of the nation, Parliamentarians have a right to seek clarification and a full understanding of the Budget as approved

by Parliament. The debate should not be

hijacked. The Budget affects the life of each and every Guyanese and discussions around it are necessary. There should be patience and understanding on both sides of the floor.”

Meanwhile, in an invited comment, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said it is a pity that the PSC could not find it fit to defend the integrity of Parliamentary democracy but sought to react to the lawful involvement of unarmed policemen who are stationed at the Parliament Buildings.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Special education training facility opens at CPCE A SPECIAL education facility aimed at training persons to manage individuals with disabilities was commissioned on Tuesday in the compound of the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).

The Regional Centre for Stimulating the Development of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities, aims to train persons to manage individuals with disabilities. The training will include evaluation and diagnosis, language and occupational therapy, psychological treatment, prevention, rehabilitation and social integration services with a psycho pedagogical and socially inclusive approach.

The facility is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Public Health, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Cuban Government. In December 2016, a Tripartite

Cooperation and Technical Assistance Agreement was signed between the three parties to establish a centre which will provide training for individuals who will provide a service to persons living with disabilities.

The facility will foster the development of processes of prevention, diagnosis, early stimulation learning for life and social inclusion favouring the access to culture, services, honourable employment and their comprehensive development. Additionally, the training centre will stimulate the realisation of research to improve the quality of education attended to persons with disability. It also aims to improve professionalism among technicians and other agents, providing training and who are involved in providing education and attention to those with disabilities.

The facility will comprise several classrooms,

The Regional Centre for Stimulating the Development of Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities

Students from the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre cut the ribbon to commission the training facility

a physical rehabilitation room, a conference room, play area and training quarters. The CPCE was considered the most suitable location for the establishment of the facility catering to the training of the special needs educators. Cuba’s tangible contribution will take the form of training and technical assistance.

At the commissioning ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Colette Adams reflected that “In April 2014, the then Ministry of Health, was tasked with establishing a committee that will aid in the execution of this project. Initially, the West Demerara Regional Hospital was identified as the location to house the centre, however, after

careful consideration and re-examination of the project…it was agreed that the focus was more of an educational nature rather than health-based.

“The purpose of this whole scenario here is to contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness of the educational services to children, adolescent and youth with disability, through the theory and practical preparation of different scenario agents in the region”, the Permanent Secretary added.

Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Julio Caesar Gonzales Merchante said that, “This is a centre that contributes in a very special way to prepare all these persons that will be dealing with the persons with

disabilities. This will be a centre of excellence in which Guyana will be able to show the world… that we can prepare persons to make others happy.”

The training centre will officially open its doors on January 8 and the programme will last for two months. During the period a maximum of eight persons will be trained. It is hoped that a total of 48 persons from across the Caribbean will be trained annually.

The Ministry of Public Health, The Cuban Government, the Ministry of Education, CARICOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the mediating body, will work closely to ensure the project is maintained. (DPI)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

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Edghill arrested, released after breaching police barrier

By Lisa Hamilton

PEOPLE’S Progressive Party (PPP) Member of Parliament (MP) Juan Edghill was on Tuesday arrested and later released after breaching law- enforcement barriers in an attempt to enter Parliament from where he has been suspended for four days.

When Edghill arrived prior to the commencement of Parliament, he was denied entry at the barricades on the intersection of Brickdam and High Street. He quickly enquired about the whereabouts of the senior official who gave the instructions to prevent him from entering the Parliament’s precincts. The MP was annoyed by the fact that he was, upon arrival, being addressed by a traffic rank instead of the officer in charge.

“I’d like to comply with the law and I would like to be told under what law and under what statutes I’m prevented from entering the National Assembly of which I

am an elected representative of the people,” Edghill said.

As groups of civilians noticed the commotion and began to gather around the roadblocks, the PPP MP told the media that he and his family had been under surveillance from around 07:00hrs on Tuesday and that he was obstructed several times on his way to Parliament on Cemetery Road.

“You know how long I’ve been trying to get here? They’ve had vehicles following me, that are cutting in front of me, parking, I have to sit and wait…these are unmarked vehicles,” Edghill explained.

He went on to comment, “If I have committed a crime, please arrest me, charge me and prosecute me for that crime and until such a time, as I have not committed a crime, I am prepared to stand as an elected representative of the people and defend the people of Guyana.”

Shortly afterwards, the opposition representative was approached by Police See page 14

Member of Parliament Juan Edghill in his attempt to enter Parliament

Member of Parliament Juan Edghill being asked to enter the police vehicle by third in command of ‘A’ Division, Phillip Azore (photos by Adrian Narine)

Third in command of ‘A’ Division, Phillip Azore, speaks to MP Juan Edghill at the barricades at the intersection of Brickdam and High Street.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Suspect held over illegal aircraft

A PRIME suspect who allegedly fled the jurisdiction while he was being sought for questioning in relation to an illegal aircraft found at Santa Fe, North Rupununi, Region

Nine on August 13 is now in police custody.

He was handed over to police in the presence of his attorney.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) said the man

is in the custody of a team of detectives led by a senior officer who travelled to Lethem two days ago to receive him.

The suspect, who is a businessman and resides at Tabatinga, Lethem, will be brought to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown for further questioning.

The Beechcraft King Air 350 aircraft was found by the security forces in the Rupununi on August 13.

No one has come forward to claim ownership of the aircraft, and to date, the Brazilian companies with which its registration is affiliated have not reported it as stolen.

The aircraft which was found abandoned at Santa Fe on August 13 The twin-engine aircraft is tied to an investment bank in neighbouring Brazil. The financial institution, Banco Bradesco, facilitated the sale of the aircraft between its

owners, a Rio-based company and another private entity.

The bank is listed by the Brazilian authorities as the owner, since the process

of transfer of ownership is ongoing.

The aircraft was found near Santa Fe in the North Rupununi on a recently cleared illegal runway.

Edghill arrested, released ...

From page 13

Superintendent, Anthony Vanderhyden and third in command of ‘A’ Division, Phillip Azore, who told the MP that it was a direct instruction from the speaker which prevented him from entering the Parliament or its precincts. The PPP MP proceeded to question the officers on whether the speaker had indeed given them this order, after which he proceeded to give the media his recount on what had transpired on Monday.

During the recount, Edghill commended his fellow party members for their backing on the matter and further stated that he was not afraid to do what he needed to do in order to make his way into Parliament. “All my colleagues must be commended, they stood with me yesterday [Monday] because they know exactly what is the game plan, they know the government wants to avoid scrutiny and I have the assurance of all of my colleagues,” Edghill said.

He continued: “Many of them have been in conversation with me because their vehicles were being searched this morning on their way into Parliament as if Edghill will come to sneak into Parliament.” “I

am not a sneaker! I’m a public figure who has been in the public eyes for more than two decades. I cannot hide and I will not hide. I will do what I have to do.”

When asked to expound on what exactly he plans to do as the Parliament session was about to begin, Edghill told the media that

Parliament.”

This is exactly what the PPP MP intended to do as he strutted past the barricades, only to be stopped by more police officers, after only covering a few feet from where he previously stood. The MP told the officers who surrounded him, “I can-

Anil Nandlall came to the defence of Edghill who was now being asked by Superintendent Azore to enter the police vehicle on arrest of breaching the barriers of law enforcement.

Edghill refused to enter the vehicle despite multiple requests and exclaimed instead, “I will walk vol-

Member of Parliament Juan Edghill walks to the Brickdam Police Station surrounded by law-enforcement officers. he would proceed into the building with his belongings, as per usual. “I am here and I’ve asked the police in charge to remove the barricade that I can enter. The next step I will do is that I will park my car peacefully somewhere, I will pick up my briefcase and my books and I will make my entry into the

not be arrested! I have immunity as a Member of Parliament in the House of the Assembly; I have not committed any crime.

And if any police officer is going to arrest me, at minimum, they must tell me what [is] the crime I have committed or what is the law I have broken.”

At this point PPP MP

untarily to the Brickdam Police Station.”

The MP did as he declared. He then walked to the station surrounded and secured by law-enforcement officers as members of the public watched on. Edghill has since been released from custody at the Brickdam Police Station.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Edghill suspended … Gov’t moves motion to suspend Edghill for four sittings … Speaker says conduct was extraordinary, unacceptable

By Svetlana Marshall

OPPOSITION Member of Parliament Juan Edghill has been suspended for four sittings by the National Assembly for disobeying the instructions of Speaker Dr. Barton Scotland after Social Protection Minister and Government Chief Whip, Amna Ally successfully moved a motion to have the House sanction him.

The motion was carried in the House on Tuesday morning, minutes after the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Parliamentarian was taken into custody for “breaching a police barrier.” Amid heightened police presence in and around the Public Buildings, Edghill in an attempt to access the compound breached the barrier despite being repeatedly cautioned by the police on the ground to desist. He was subsequently released. The Speaker had suspended him from Monday’s sitting after he refused to take his seat when instructed to do so. His refusal to sit during the Committee of Supply, during the consideration of the Budget Estimates for the Ministry of the Presidency had dragged the House into its worst crisis with police ranks stationed at Parliament being summoned to the chambers.

In his absence on Tuesday, Dr. Scotland, in no uncertain terms, told members on both sides of the House that “Edghill behaved in an extraordinary, unacceptable manner, disregarding the directions of the Speaker

Standing to her feet was Ally.

In accordance with Standing Order 47(3), Ally moved a motion for Edghill to be suspended from the service of the Assembly for the next four sittings because of his “gross disorderly conduct”

Government Chief Whip, Amna Ally moving a motion to have PPP MP Juan Edghill suspended and making it clear that he will follow his own determinants.”

“The conduct of the Honourable Juan Edghill is unprecedented in the annals of this House,” the Speaker stated. It was on this note that he called on a Minister of Government to move a motion regarding the matter.

during the 79th Sitting. His suspension will end on Friday December 15 when the Consideration of the Budget Estimates will come to an end. In response to the motion, which had the full support of the 33 members on the governing side of the House, the Speaker announced that Edghill will

Suspended Member of Parliament, Juan Edghill surrounded by police on Tuesday morning (photos by Adrian Narine)

remain on suspension. He noted that the Standing Order to which reference was made provides for a penalty that goes to the end of the session.

“So grave is that conduct, that allowing the person the benefit of four days, four additional days suspension is the most lenient that it can be treated,” the Speaker said.

Jumping to his feet on a point of order was Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo but although being cautioned by the Speaker that there is no provision for the matter to be debated, and that it was already dealt with, he proceeded nonetheless. “Mr. Speaker I just wish to record our significant dissatisfaction with what you just said in this Chambers. You spoke about the unprecedented nature of the behaviour of Bishop Juan Edghill but you did not speak about the unprecedented presence of police in this House, police in this House that assaulted people,” Jagdeo said even as he was repeatedly cautioned by the Speaker.

The Opposition Leader said the suspension is an attempt to muzzle Edghill.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland Jagdeo also used the opportunity to question who instructed the police to evict the Member of Parliament from the Chamber. Outside the Chamber, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira also protested the decision to arrest Edghill on the public road.

“The pre-suspension starts at the gate of this Parliament.

If they wanted to stop him from coming in, it should have been at the gate of the Parliament not at the traffic light that is public road.

He has a right as a citizen to be on a public road.

This is a constitutional matter and we should be concern,” the Opposition Chief Whip said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Nearly 4000 to train under HEYS Programme

BY the time the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme comes to an end in 2018, close to 4000 Hinterland and Indigenous youths would have benefited from the initiative with many becoming their own bosses and jobs-ready, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock has said.

The Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister and his deputy, Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe defended the agency’s budget estimates, which totals $2.2B, when they came up for consideration on Tuesday at the level of the Committee of Supply.

After close to two hours of grilling by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Members of Parliament, Minister Allicock and Minister Garrido-Lowe were successful in having the proposed

estimates approved. The sums of $1,183,274 and $1,036,686 were approved in the 2018 National Budget for capital expenditure

and current expenditure respectively.

The HEYS programme was inspired by President David Granger’s vision

Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Valerie Garrido-Lowe

for charting a course of sustainable livelihoods for hinterland and Indigenous youths. In the 2018 National Budget, the HEYS project was catered for under the line item Amerindian Development Projects, for which $981.7M was budgeted and approved. It was noted that during the first phase of the project, 1976 hinterland and Indigenous youths benefited from the programme. In 2018, some 2000 youths are in line to benefit.

In giving a detailed breakdown of how the monies allocated under the project will be expended, Minister Allicock, in responding to Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira, noted that $6.7M has been budgeted for five programme monitors, while $2.3M has been set aside for the project coordinator, $2.3M for the assistant project coordinator, $1.9M for the administration assistant, $1.3M for 10 workshop facilitators and $9.8M for a total of 200 facilitators. Approximately $15M has been budgeted for transportation and meals under the initiative.

Additionally, the sum of $420M has been budgeted to cater to the needs of the 2000 youths under the project.

In response, Teixeira questioned the ministry’s reason for catering for the project under Capital Expenditure when it contains money for wages, salaries, transportation and meals.

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) front-bencher Irfaan Ali had also grilled the Indigenous People’s Affairs Minister on the decision, but on their repeat of the question, the minister maintained that it was a special project.

He explained that upon completion of the two-year project in 2018, its output or success will be analyzed and a determination would

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Sydney Allicock (photos by Adrian Narine) be made as to if it will continue in the preceding years.

Meanwhile, under line item Buildings (Capital Expenditure) for which $140.007M was approved, Minister Allicock while responding to PPP MP Pauline Sukhai, disclosed that $94.8M will be used for the construction of a new dorm at Liliendaal, while $25.1M will be used for extension of the Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministry Head office at Thomas and Quamina streets. Approximately $28M has been budgeted for the extension of the Amerindian Hostel.

The subject minister explained that the new dorm will house hinterland students attending the Cyril Potter’s College of Education (CPCE), the Government Technical Institute (GTI) and other tertiary institutions in and around the city.

Additionally, under line item Land and water transport (Capital Expenditure), $40.3M was approved for the purchase

of vehicles, boats, and engines.

Under Current Expenditure ($1,036,686), PPP Member of Parliament Yvonne Pearson queried the figures for national events which saw $210M spent in 2017, and $203M being requested in 2018.

Minister Garrido-Lowe, who responded to questions for Current Expenditure, explained that there will be no Heritage pageant next year, nor will Guyana host the 2018 Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) Traditional Knowledge Meeting, hence the reduction of the figures.

Opposition MP Allister Charlie queried the money allocated for the line item ‘Other Good and Services Purchased’.

In response, Minister Garrido-Lowe stated it will be utilised for consultations on the Amerindian Act and legal fees. It was announced that $15M has been budgeted for consultations pertaining to the Amerindian Act.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

State Minister hands over vehicles for GL&SC regional office

MINISTER of State, Joseph Harmon on Tuesday handed over four vehicles to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission’s (GL&SC) Regional Offices.

The handover was made at the Commission’s General Staff Meeting held on the grounds of the GL&SC Headquarters in Durban Backlands, Georgetown. The Minister handed over two Honda ATVs for the offices in Barima-Waini (Region One) and Cuyuni-Mazaruni (Region Seven) and two

Toyota Land Cruisers for the offices in Demerara-Mahaica (Region Four) and Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine), as part of the 2017 budget allocation.

They will be used to aid in the work of the Commission for land administration, monitoring, and enforcement.

Minister Harmon, who took a short break from budget debates in Parliament to attend the meeting, praised the Commission for its excellent performance thus far. “I’m extremely proud of

the work that is being done by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission… I believe that good work is being done here and quality work is being done here,” he said.

Minister Harmon also encouraged the staff to continue to exemplify of the value of hard work to other departments in the Government. “Lands and Surveys Commission must be one of the shining examples in Government as to how, with a dedicated work force, you can turn around an entity in a very short space of time.

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon presents the keys to the vehicles that were handed over to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) regional officers from the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine). Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Ms. Abena Moore and Commissioner, GL&SC are pictured, in the background, first and second from left.

DNA testing at forensic lab to be reality soon MINISTER of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan has said that the procurement process to acquire equipment for the Forensic Laboratory has been approved.

The cost for the equipment falls within the vicinity of US$1M and has been provided for under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) of the Ministry of Public Security. Minister Ramjattan also disclosed that over the next six to seven months, the laboratory, located at Turkeyen, will have its security upgraded to safeguard integrity of exhibits, ventilation works completed and the certified training of staff who will be conducting various forensic tests.

“The Americans experts through their ambassador indicated that we haven’t as yet reached the stage for that quality of DNA testing. And we had to wait until we get all the other things fixed: the infrastructural work, the integrity system and the ventilation system, because these exhibits have to be maintained at a certain temperature and also the design of that original lab wasn’t there yet.”

The Public Security Minister said it is disappointing that this has not yet been achieved.

He, however, emphasised that the “accreditation and the certification, will come when we get it 100 percent fixed.”

Minister Ramjattan opined that much of the laboratory’s ‘design work’ was incorrectly done previously. This resulted in the government being forced to recall the Barbadian expert, to conduct an assessment of the facility as it currently stood. Subsequent to her findings, he added, reconstructive works began. The Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) is a government initiative with the long-term goal of providing quality laboratory services to support forensic and non-forensic investigations.

The GFSL offers forensic analyses of samples related to criminal investigations in the areas of toxicology, questioned documents analysis, trace evidence and chemical analysis and non-forensic laboratory testing relating to matters not associated with criminal investigations. (DPI)

So, I want to congratulate all of you for that and for being that shining light in Government,” he said.

The programme fea-

tured holiday performances from the GL&SC staff as well as presentations of the Managers’ Reports from the commission’s

Finance and Surveys Divisions, and Human Resource and Land Administrations. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

GAWU again invited to the table –– to be part of re-organisation of GuySuCo

ANOTHER invitation to be part of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) decision-making process has been extended to the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) by the sugar company.

GuySuCo Chairman, Professor Clive Thomas

told Guyana Chronicle that despite having the right to sit on the GuySuCo’s board to be a part of the decision-making process as the workers’ representative, GAWU has failed to do so.

He said it is not courtesy that GAWU be given a seat on GuySuCo’s board, but they have a right as a

stakeholder to be part of the process.

“They should be a part of the board and the management. We opened our arms to them. If they want to join the process, we are willing to have them. There is no hostility.”

Thomas however believes that GAWU is not

interested in working with the corporation.

“They don’t want to exercise their rights because they want the best of both worlds; to stay outside and criticise but not to be part of the decision-making.

The only way they can do that is not to be part of the management or the decision- making process.”

GAWU President Komal Chand is a long-standing member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and is an opposition parliamentarian.

The PPP has heavily criticised the move to make sugar workers redundant.

And although the party had been in Government more than two decades, it had not addressed the woes facing the loss-making entity.

“They (PPP) are glad to shift the burden of what they should have been doing to this Government.

They are crying crocodile tears. They would have wanted to do this, but didn’t have the courage to do it because they wanted the votes. But we have to think about the future of the country,” Professor Thomas related.

GuySuCo’s CEO Errol Hanoman had told the newspaper that in 2015, there was no option remaining for GuySuCo as the entire company was on the verge of collapse and the threat of an industry wipe out existed.

It was found that of about eight estates only three could remain if GuySuCo is to return to some point of viability.

In the process, some four thousand workers would have to go home and that re-organisation strategy is currently in motion.

Professor Thomas insisted that one harsh reality that must be kept in mind is

that considering all expenses, sugar is being produced at 45 cents per pound and selling at 15 cents.

“Whom do you think we are subsiding? The people who buy the sugar. Europeans, Americans; and Guyana cannot afford to do that. You can’t do that and call it a solution to help the people of Guyana.

“It takes political courage, some amount of will if you want to make a decision and restructure and stick to it. Not every time you run into a problem you will put your hands in the air and say ‘oh God’. If we do not do this, the situation will be worst, next year, two years, three years from now…”

Apart from offering alternative livelihoods for redundant workers, the company said the staff will receive their severance pay before December 31.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Make lands affordable for domestic use

… Harmon tells GL&SC

MINISTER of State Joseph Harmon has urged the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) to be thoughtful of Guyanese seeking lands for domestic use, recommending that the rent, for such, be at an affordable cost.

He made the call, last Friday, whilst addressing GL&SC staffers at its Visioning Retreat held at the Impeccable Banquet Hall on Brickdam. Minister Harmon, while urging the Commission to continue finding creative ways to improve its revenue base, said it should do so without having to increase land rent for domestic use.

“I ask that you find creative ways especially as it relates to domestic use. I believe that we should always try to find ways that our people have access to land, that is cheap and that is reasonable.”

Minister Harmon stressed that he was not putting a “caveat” on the commission in relation to commercial lands, “but certainly lands for domes-

tic use I ask that you pay careful attention to that so that the small man is not burdened, by high renting fees.”

Meanwhile, the Minister drew attention to the growing incidences of marijuana cultivation across the country. According to him, it is found that much of the cultivation is being done on state lands. He said in instances where the illegal act is done on private lands, the law requires that those leases should be cancelled. “Where these large cultivations of marijuana are found by the police, the lands on which they are cultivated, I’m asking that you repossess them and reissue to persons who want to do legitimate agricultural activity”, Minister Harmon posited.

He also stressed on the issue of the illegal occupation of state reserves, which often causes delays with government projects, including plans for infrastructural expansion and development. He said the Commission must therefore, be firm in its resolve

Evening of reflection for Martin Carter MINISTER of Social Cohesion, with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. George Norton is hosting an evening of reflection to celebrate the work of the late national poet, Mr. Martin Carter and honour his legacy to mark the 20th anniversary of his death.

The event, titled “Celebration of Martin Carter’s Work and its continuing relevance in Guyana, Tributes, Readings, Music,” will be hosted this evening at the Umana Yana, Kingston at 19:00hours and is open to the public.

Martin Carter is widely regarded as Guyana’s greatest poet and one of the most important in the Caribbean region. A political activist by profession, his “Poems of Resistance from British Guiana” is his most notable work.

Mr. Carter was bestowed with the National Award, the Order of Roraima, in 1994.

to correct these anomalies and ensure that there is an end to the illegal occupation of state and local authorities’ reserves. Land rights he said also remain a

burning issue and an obstacle to achieving the ‘good life’ for many citizens.

He reminded, “At the individual level, the flawed policies of the pre-

vious administration has left much confusion with regard to house lot allocation, with more than one person having title to the same land and several

persons having several house lots and state land leases, while many others have been waiting for years for an allocation.”

(DPI)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE wednesday, december 13, 2017

ARIES Your agenda may clash with someone else’s today, yet you do not feel like compromise is in your vocabulary. Instead of searching for ways to establish common ground, you are fixating on the differences as the Moon-Mars alignment prompts you to take control. Although your intentions are clear, open conflict won’t necessarily bring the results you seek now. Resist your natural urge to resolve a disagreement with a show of power. Knowing when to walk away reveals your true intelligence.

TAURUS You wish that everyone would just speak the truth without beating around the bush, but complex interpersonal politics make real communication unlikely now. You’re particularly sensitive to the feelings of those around you today. In fact, you can derive just as much meaning from what they don’t say as from what they tell you.

But you’re not interested in extracting the hidden message one question at a time.

Ironically, taking a few steps back gives the other person enough room to come out of their shell without feeling threatened. Confucius wrote, “When anger rises, think of the consequences.”

GEMINI You are so focused on finishing whatever you start today that you are likely to miss something important when it enters your field of awareness. Although you’re often distracted by shiny objects and sparkly ideas, your power of concentration is so intense now that it will take a significant event to pull you off course. Fuel your ambition by re-evaluating your priorities and goals to avoid ending up at the wrong destination.

Historian John Maynard Keynes wrote, “When the facts change, I change my mind.”

CANCER Although you already have a busy work schedule today, you can’t ignore your muse when she stops by for a visit. You might not like the timing of your creative urges, but something tells you that you must respond immediately when the waves of inspiration wash over you. Nevertheless, you can’t walk away from your regular responsibilities since they won’t take care of themselves on their own. Cicero wrote, “Whether its public or private life, nothing is devoid of moral obligations.”

LEO There are many conflicting emotions rattling around in your head today and the more you focus on them, the more irritated you become. You might feel as if you’re nearing your boiling point, yet you don’t want to lose your temper. Unfortunately, turning the energy inward in an attempt to avoid creating a scene only amplifies your frustration.

It’s been said that holding onto your anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Express your concerns without asking for anything in return.

Allow others the time to respond authentically.

VIRGO You don’t want to miss a chance to clearly state your position on a personal matter.

However, you can’t seem to find the right words to make your point. It’s almost as if the cosmos is conspiring against you now. But you’re unwilling to give up so quickly while the passionate Scorpio Moon teams up with warrior Mars in your 3rd House of Communication. In fact, woe to anyone who dares to impede your progress today. Dr. Albert Schweitzer wrote, “One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.”

LIBRA You are part of a group that must make a practical decision today. Although people may stereotype you as an indecisive Libra, it’s essential to share your opinion now.

You know exactly what you want to say and you hope everyone hears your message.

Unfortunately, you might be so confident with your conclusions that you trample over someone else’s considerations. Softening your approach allows your words to come through loudly and clearly. Simply put, you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

SCORPIO When you speak today, everyone else listens because of the authority your voice carries. The potent Scorpio Moon joins forceful Mars in your 1st House of Self, encouraging you take an issue under your wing and let the world know the truth. But rather than playing to their emotions, it’s crucial to stick with the facts now. Quietly engaging a few people in a meaningful dialogue has greater influence than shouting your message from the mountain top. E.E. Cummings wrote, “I’d rather learn from one bird how to sing than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance.”

SAGITTARIUS Attempts to put your best foot forward are admirable, but your actions might not create the impact you seek. Naturally, you want others to see you shine, but it may be more useful for them to encounter the true you rather than the polished version of you. Suppressing your emotions for the sake of expediency is not a sensible strategy in the long-run. Expressing your anger or fear can improve the possibility for real intimacy, but you must be willing to be honest for the process to work.

CAPRICORN Participating in a group project isn’t always easy. You have a very specific strategy in mind to reach your idealistic goals. Your dilemma stems from the fact that setting your standards so high can alienate friends and associates whose dreams are not as ambitious. This level of excellence is difficult to maintain if they don’t share your work ethic. Nevertheless, you might choose to fly solo since you don’t want to water your plans down just to include others. T Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

AQUARIUS You can see things that aren’t really there, yet these invisible apparitions influence your actions. You may be so close to the success you are striving for now that you believe it’s possible to reach out and grab it. However, each time you try, you come back empty-handed. Nevertheless, you’re motivated by the thought of professional recognition and won’t stop until you achieve your goal. B.J. Gupta wrote, “Hard work doesn’t guarantee success, but improves its chances.”

PISCES You have put a lot of research into your personal ideology and won’t easily change your position today, even in the light of new data. Although your assumptions are well-informed, there are many ways to interpret the same set of facts. Be wise and consider all the possible factors before writing off the opinions of everyone else.

Aristotle wrote, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, decembER 13, 2017

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$57M passport office for New Amsterdam

BERBICIANS will soon benefit from a $57.5M Passport and Immigration Office following the symbolic turning of the sod by Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and Mayor Winifred Haywood last Saturday.

The office will be located at Garrison Road, Fort Canje, New Amsterdam.

The single-flat, 40x100 feet concrete edifice will be built by M&P Investment (Maria and Pierre Walcott) and construction is expected to commence on December 15 and be completed on April 2018.

The building will have an upper flat and 95 per cent of the workforce will be drawn from the New Amsterdam township.

The building when completed will be a fulfilment of a promise made by the coalition government to decentralise immigration services.

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony, Minister Felix said prior to the government taking office, about 400 passports were prepared daily, but that number increased to 650 afterwards.

Most of the people seeking passports came from the Ancient County.

“The David Granger Administration is creating a new engagement all over the country. It involves bringing the services from Georgetown to all the capital towns in the country, which includes Anna Regina and Linden, so that those living in the town can access government services.

“We want to get rid of the inconvenience of long lines and with your comfort in mind, improvement and efficiency within the immigration services.”

The minister recalled that the lines had been too long in the not-too-distant past, but those lines have since diminished drastically after additional equipment were purchased to enable the delivery of a better quality of service.

The minister urged the contractor to deliver quality work.

Meanwhile, just before the turning of the sod, Mayor Haywood reminded her audience that it was a red letter day for the New Amsterdam township, which is the oldest in the country. She expressed optimism that citizens will also benefit from other government projects.

Citizenship Minister Winston Felix and Mayor Winifred Haywood turned the sod in the company of others last Saturday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Psychiatric care to be decentralised next year

By Nafeeza Yahya

THE decentralisation of psychiatric care will begin in Region Six and across the country early in 2018, Health Minister Volda Lawrence has said.

The minister made the announcement at the re-commissioning of a medical complex at the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital, Fort Canje, East Berbice, Corentyne last Saturday.

“To the patients who are here, there will be a new programme which we will be rolling out in terms of how we deal with them, whether we keep them in house or offsite and added to that, we will be taking over all of the health facilities that are presently under the control of GuySuCo in this region and other regions, placing some of their services that you offer here at those facilities, so it’s closer to the neighbourhoods. It is within the community’s reach and people won’t have to pay

much transportation cost to get here and most importantly we can treat patients from an outpatient,” she said.

The new and improved building houses a doctor’s office, nurse’s station, pharmacy and waiting area, all done in collaboration with PAHO/WHO. Minister Lawrence also said that greater focus will be placed on the facility and mental health next year.

“We know that the methodology used to attend to psychiatric illnesses has changed over the years. We have had some interaction with other countries through the assistance of PAHO/ WHO… It cannot be what it can be if we don’t have your input from the central/ regional level. We want to ensure that we can be able to have this place fixed in such a way that you are comfortable to work here and it puts you in a new frame of mind to be able to render service to others.”

The minister said the

commissioning of the complex comes on the heels of a promise made to improve services, working conditions and security at the institution.

In addition to the services offered at the facility, some new ventures such as poultry-rearing and greenhouse initiatives, among others, will be introduced soon.

The National Psychiatric Hospital Complex which only recently looked like a ghost town is undergoing a multimillion-dollar upgrade.

The dilapidated wooden structures will be demolished and replaced by a modern patient and staff-friendly facilities.

Works on the compound have already started, while the demolition exercise will commence soon.

PARADIGM SHIFT PAHO/WHO Country Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, said he has seen a paradigm shift in the approach that has

Health Minister Volda Lawrence is assisted by a little girl in cutting the ribbon to commission the medical complex at the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital, Fort Canje, East Berbice, Corentyne, last Saturday

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017 been adopted by the ministry and pledged PAHO’s assistance to the minister and team in any way possible.

He continued that the transformation he has seen over the past few years was humungous, having seen the facility in its previous state to present.

He also cautioned on the use of the term “inmate” as was previously used to refer to patients at the facility, pointing out that the word “inpatient or outpatient” is more appropriate since the facility is a hospital.

Acting Medical Superintendent Vinashri Khirodar also reflected on the transformation.

“Conditions were very adverse, but with the dedication and constant motivation of staff who worked around the clock in spite of these conditions, today we are on a far better horizon for a Psychiatric Hospital where we were and where we are today its far better, not just for us but for the staff as well.”

Khirodar and a few other healthcare personnel recently returned from a visit to Belize where they were able to interact and learn new methodologies being used in

mental health.

The visit was part of the upgrading of the level of care for mental health patients, moving from institutionalising patients to out-patients.

Regional Health Services Director Jevaughn Stephens thanked the Health Ministry and PAHO/WHO for their support and asked that they continue to support the region, since he believes with continued support, Region Six has the opportunity and potential to provide the best healthcare in the country.

Stephens posited with the continued support of his staff and the Ministry’s Liaison` Alex Foster, they should by August 2018 be closer to making this a reality.

He cautioned however that while there has been tremendous improvement over the past two years, the need for sustainability in the quality of service is paramount to the success and achieving set goals.

Minister Lawrence was on an all-day outreach in Region Six where she met with medical administrators and other staff to listen and address concerns affecting the region.

During the outreach,

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Health Minister Volda Lawrence participated in a tree-planting exercise in the compound of the National Psychiatric Hospital the minister also participated in a tree-planting initiative and inspected the New Amsterdam and Skeldon hospitals.

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Ming’s Optical, Durban Park Lions bring cheer to students

By Stephan Sookram

MINGS Optical and the Durban Park Lions on Tuesday teamed up to bring Christmas cheer to several primary school stu-

dents in Georgetown.

The two entities which share a 15-year relationship were responsible for the screening and subsequent donation of 18 pairs of spectacles to students

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Members of the Ming’s Optical family stand with the Durban Park Lions and the students who received spectacles from five different schools in the city. The students had their eyes tested prior to the distribution at which parents were allowed to query about the optical health of their children.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Michelle Ming said the idea is to always ensure optimal optical health among children as it can be a major hindrance to them accessing quality education.

“I know the importance of having your eyes checked frequently. If you need glasses and don’t have it, then it can make school frustrating.

You can’t see what’s on the board because it’s not clear or you get a headache from not wearing glasses.”

She noted that the event is held every year to coincide with World Sight Day which is usually observed on the second Thursday in the month of December.

Some of the several par-

ents who were present took the opportunity to find out what were the varying reasons for their children having to wear spectacles.

And, Dr. Ming was eager to explain the ‘do’s and ‘don’ts of wearing a pair of spectacles to the students, which included cleaning and care when handling.

Meanwhile, Durban Park Lions representative, Marcia Edwards expressed gratitude for the support they were given towards making the project a success. “We see this as giving back to the communities, especially the children. Sight and learning is important for them ( the children) and World Sight Day gives us that opportunity.”

The participating schools were St Pius, St Thomas Moore, Smith’s Memorial, Enterprise Primary and South Ruimveldt Park.

One of the Ming’s Optical optometrists showing a student how to care for her spectacles

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Ten witnesses to testify in Blue Iguana murder trial

TEN witnesses are expected to testify in the preliminary inquiry (PI) into the murder of Collis De Abreu who was shot and killed outside the Blue Iguana nightclub in 2003.

This was disclosed by police prosecutor Inspector Neville Jeffers on Tuesday in the courtroom of Chief Mag-

istrate Ann McLennan when the matter was recalled for the second time.

According to Jeffers, he had attempted to make contact with the witnesses which proved futile since more of them had either migrated or had changed numbers.

Additionally, most of the police witnesses in

Alcohol entered the fray; one man knocked unconscious A 21-YEAR-OLD porter of Port Kaituma was on Tuesday released on $70,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the offence of unlawful wounding.

Particulars of the charge alleged that Kevin Williams on December 8 at Water Front, Port Kaituma, unlawful and maliciously wounded Raywatram Bersooku.

According to reports the two parties were conKevin Williams suming alcohol when an argument ensued, causing Williams to arm himself with a bottle and knock Bersooku unconscious.

The matter was transferred to the Matthews Ridge Magistrates' Court.

Serial narco-smuggler, 62, to know fate next week

COME December 22, Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan is expected to make her ruling in the drug-trafficking case against 62-year-old Dennis Jones who is on trial for attempting to smuggle over 23 pounds of cocaine through the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC).

On Tuesday Jones led his defence while his attorney Eusi Anderson made his submission, which was followed by a reply by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) Prosecutor Kunyo Sandiford.

The indictment against Jones alleges that on January 18, 2017, at the GPO he had 10.618kg of cocaine, which he attempted to post out of Guyana for the purpose of trafficking.

Anti-narcotics agents intercepted a box containing a total of nine kilos in Baking / Custard Powder bags and 1.62 kilos of liquid cocaine in two Banko wine bottles found in mail destined for Canada. The package was due to leave Guyana on January 20 via a Fly Jamaica flight in a mail consignment.

Jones, who was deported from the United States for drug trafficking, was allegedly busted at his South Ruimveldt home hiding in the ceiling after CANU had made the discovery.

Jones is currently on trial before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore for forging a national identification card in the name of Josiah Jones knowing it to be false between September 1, 2016 and September 30, 2016 in Georgetown.

Back in 2012, Jones had pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in jail after he was busted attempting to ship over 700 pounds of cocaine to Niger, West Africa. The cocaine was hidden in soap powder packets.

the matter had since left the Guyana Police Force.

Mark Lowchee called Marc Lee is on remand for the September 21, 2003 murder of DeAbreu at Fifth and Light Streets, Alberttown, Georgetown.

Lowchee is partly handicapped due to a stroke to his left side and uses a cane for assis-

tance. Nevertheless, the chief magistrate transferred the matter to Magistrate Leron Daly for December 20.

According to reports, on the day in question there was a misunderstanding between the accused and the owner of the night club over a glass belonging to the Blue Iguana.

It is further alleged that the accused pulled out a gun and discharged several rounds in the vicinity of the nightclub, hitting De Abreu to the chest and injuring other patrons.

DeAbreu was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital and was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Mark Lowchee

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SCS to charge for time instead of space

By Telesha Ramnarine

SMART City Solutions (SCS) has now agreed to re-programme its parking meters in Georgetown to accommodate payment for time instead of for space.

“So you can park for five minutes here and then drive up the road and park for another five minutes;

once you have time on the card. So it works like a prepaid system now and the rates have been adjusted,” chairman of the re-negotiating committee Akeem Peter told the Chronicle on Monday.

“We cornered them (SCS) to a wall as it relates to the prices. We did not want to go too low, because we still want it to be a deter-

rent and a means of traffic management. So we will keep it at a middle figure,” he explained.

Peter declined to state the new prices that have been agreed between the City Council and SCS and noted that they will be made public shortly.

Explaining why the committee pushed for paying of time instead of for

space, Peter said: “That was one of the things high on my list of priorities. This will benefit the citizens more than the concessionaire (SCS). So instead of burdening the citizens by paying for space where you could pay for 15 minutes but spend only five, and your 15 minutes go down the drain; it gives you more time for your money.”

Meanwhile, Peter maintained that the City Council is bounded by the contract with SCS until such time as the court makes a decision.

“We do not have the authority to determine the legality of the contract.

That is the responsibility of the courts. But until the court rules, we also have a responsibility to the contract because we have signed it. So as a partner to that contract, we chose to negotiate based on those grounds.”

CONCERNS VALID Peter said the concerns by the Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) are valid, but only not to the City Council. “It’s a valid concern to the courts, so until it rules, that is when we can say it’s an illegal contract.

Until then, it is a binding contract.”

MAPM, however, said in a statement earlier this month that it stands ready to return to the streets to protest the illegal contract.

The movement said while it is unopposed to a structured system for traffic regulation within the central areas of the city, including measures to facilitate the orderly parking of vehicles and the need for the M&CC to increase their revenue base, it is against the current agreement with SCS. “We therefore stand ready to mobilise our supporters to resume our street protests and exercise any and all options available to us to prevent this abomination from moving forward,” the statement said.

It sought to highlight once more the numerous irregularities and discrepancies in the contract between SCS and the M&CC and thus related, “The MAPM will not compromise on its position that the contract between the City Council and SCS suffers from a number of procedural and other deficiencies and may be deemed illegal due to breaches of various laws.”

UMBRAGE The movement takes

Councillor Akeem Peter umbrage at the announcement of possible resumption of the contract with SCS despite scores of Guyanese relentlessly highlighting the numerous deficiencies in the process of selecting and engaging Smart City Solutions as the provider of parking meter services in Georgetown.

Furthermore, it said: “The 13 councillors who voted to renegotiate this corrupt contract have demonstrated their laxity for transparency and due process,” and highlighted that the five members of the renegotiating committee of this corrupt contract were some of the same aforementioned 13 who allegedly have no regard for impartiality.

Also, MAPM said it “speaks volumes” that there is the renegotiating of a project that lacks a public feasibility study and cost analysis seeking to perhaps resume the project. The study and analysis were pertinent features requested time and time again by the public; it was even highlighted in the chairman of the former renegotiating committee Malcolm Ferreira’s report.

“MAPM is not prepared to support, neither allow the successful renegotiation of this corrupt contract or the resumption of the parking meter system in Georgetown by SCS, regardless of the minimal cost attached,” the release said.

The Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan was also called on to not release the suspension of the parking meter by-laws.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Police search for clues in teen’s murder

POLICE are working diligently to establish a motive for the gruesome murder of 18-yearold Raynelle Benfield whose body was found on Monday morning in a cemetery along Beterverwagting Main Road, East Coast Demerara.

The five male suspects who were arrested hours after the teen’s body was

discovered remain in police custody up to press time. Police reported that the body of Benfield, a telephonist attached to Qualfon Call Centre was found about 07:00hrs with her face smashed.

The victim was last seen alive about 18:00hrs on Saturday last by her colleagues.

The body is at the

One ounce of gold ‘disappears’ after truck crashes

A 37-YEAR-OLD Port Kaituma resident was on Tuesday granted $150,000 bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for fraudulent conversion.

Seon Goodman called “Bat,” denied that on December 6 at Black Banana Backdam, North West District, while being solely entrusted by Joan Jeffery with one ounce of raw gold valued $220,000 to deliver to Marlon Pierre, he fraudulently converted it to his own use and benefit.

According to Goodman’s lawyer Tiffany Jeffery, her client is a truck driver who supplies Seon Goodman goods to Port Kaituma and Black Banana Backdam. Her client was given a parcel by the victim but along the Backdam trail, Goodman said he crashed and the parcel along with other items were either damaged or lost.

Police prosecutor Arwin Moore made no objection to bail being granted to the accused.

The magistrate released Goodman on $150,000 bail and transferred the matter to the Matthews Ridge Magistrate Court for February 6.

Fatal accidents down by 20% THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Tuesday reported that there was a 20% decrease in fatal accidents at the end of November, 2017 as it continues its efforts to improve traffic management.

In a press release the police said that serious, minor and damage accidents have been reduced by 10.1%, 8.3% and 19% respectively. Additionally, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and inattentiveness were the three main causes of the fatal accidents, followed by failing to confirm to sign and pedestrian crossing in the path of approaching vehicles.

The police force added that between January 1 to November 30, 2017 69,976 traffic violation cases were made out of which 23,616 persons were charged for speeding; 3,297 for breach of condition road service licence/music, 1,751 for driving under the influence of alcohol, 1,051 for using cell phone while driving; 1,062 for breach of traffic light signals; 1,543 for tinted motor vehicles, 701 for unlicensed drivers, 1,880 for failing to wear seat belt; 1,050 for dangerous driving; 1,105 for careless driving, 739 for failing to wear safety helmet; 1,979 for overloaded mini bus; 1,519 for obstruction; 1834 for failing to confirm to sign; 1660 for crossing double yellow line and 25, 189 for other offences.

GPF credits this success to the continued excellent collaboration that exists among law enforcement and members of civil society which it said is gradually gaining momentum.

Lyken’s Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Detectives are of the opinion that she knew her attacker (s) and was probably held at gunpoint or knifepoint and taken forcefully into the cemetery where she was beaten to the point where her head was bashed in.

The body was found with her jeans pulled

down almost to her knees.

Her hands were resting on her stomach near one of the many tombs in the burial ground.

The face of the young woman was unrecognisable in which it appeared to have been peeled off.

Police said a handbag which relatives said belong to the teen was retrieved near the body

but her cell phone is not among the items in the said handbag.

The body was found when a passer-by decided to check after experiencing a strong stench emanating from the cemetery.

Police were later summoned and they cordoned off the scene and the body was removed.

Dead: Raynelle Benfield

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P rize-winners r eceive spoils for Turbo KO football

By Stephan Sookram

THE Guyana Beverage Inc. (GBI) from all intentions will be back in 2018 with their signature Turbo Knockout Football tournament.

This was revealed by the Turbo commercial manager Samuel Arjune yesterday at the presentation of trophies for the 2017 tournament which was won

by Camptown Football Club.

He added that while the company was pleased with the recently concluded tournament, they are looking forward to more advancements, including the introduction of Hinterland teams.

“I want to challenge the football fraternity. Recently I read that it is part of the GFF now, but more than that, we need more activities for Hinterland Sports men and women,” he said.

The GBI executive continued, “We at the Guyana Beverage Inc. will support such initiative that seeks to provide an opportunity to young people in the hinterland area.”

Meanwhile, co-director of the Petra organisation Troy Men-

donca stated that they are happy to have found a partner in the Petra organisation.

“I think we look forward to a tournament that football, at the end of the day, won. We’ve seen a camaraderie among teams,” the Petra co-Director added.

He singled out teams like Grove Hi-Tech, Pouderoyen, Silver Shattas, Winners Connection, Kuru Kuru and Mahaica Determinators as those with whom the body enjoyed working outside of the usual Georgetown unit.

“Even on the field of play, they demonstrated that organisation and enthusiasm and I think this tournament would have been able to fuse teams from other sub-associations and Georgetown.”

Winners Camptown FC were presented with a trophy and $500 000 for beating Police FC 1-0 on December 3 at the Ministry of Education ground.

Police also pocketed $125 000 for their efforts on the night.

Third place went to Pouderoyen, who also won 1-0 over Grove Hi-Tech in the earlier game.

Black Caps sweep ...

left-arm pacer Neil Wagner.

Wagner claimed three for 42 while fellow seamers Trent Boult (2-52) and Tim Southee (2-71), along with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner (2-13) were the other wicket-takers.

The signs were there from the first session when West Indies lost opener Brathwaite for 20, Shai Hope for 23 and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich without scoring, to tumble to 106 for five at lunch.

Brathwaite, resuming on 13, was the first to fall in the sixth over of the morning when his firm cut was taken at gully by captain Kane Williamson, to give Boult his 200th Test wicket.

Hope played a couple of beautiful drives but followed on the stroke of the first hour, caught at long leg hooking at Wagner, and Dowrich lasted just two balls before fending a short one from Wagner to short leg.

In free fall at the interval, the Windies found renewed hope in Chase and Reifer as

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Continued from back page

they added 78 for the sixth wicket, to keep the Black Caps without success for the next hour.

Chase faced 80 balls and struck eight fours in just under three hours at the crease while Reifer stroked five boundaries in an innings lasting a shade over 2-1/2 hours and 109 deliveries.

The right-handed Chase appeared completely at ease until seemingly losing concentration in the second over following the drinks break, and falling to a catch at deep backward square off an ill-advised hook at Wagner.

Reifer departed four overs later, brilliantly caught at gully

by Williamson sparring at a wide ball from Southee, as the Black Caps closed in for the kill.

Roach then smashed a four and a six in a 44-ball cameo, as he put on 37 for the eighth wicket with Miguel Cummins (9) but it was a partnership which only served to delay the inevitable.

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England on the brink at WACA house of pain

By Ian Ransom MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) - England’s hopes of clawing their way back into an Ashes series fast slipping from their grip will be put to the ultimate test at the WACA where the tourists have won only once in nearly 50 years.

The WACA bore witness to the meek surrender of the 2013/14 series by Alastair Cook’s England, and at 2-0 down after Brisbane and Adelaide, Joe Root’s men face a similar predicament when the third Test starts tomorrow.

With its traditionally quick and bouncy wicket playing to the strengths of home pacemen, the WACA has been a house of pain for English cricket and Australians will be hoping for more of the same when the ground hosts its final Test.

One has to delve deep in the records to even find the last time England drew a match.

That was in 1986, when Mike Gatting’s unlikely band of hard-partying tourists put on 592 in the first innings to frustrate Allan Border’s team.

The maiden win was in 1978 when Mike Brearley’s side thrashed Graham

Yallop-captained Australia by 166 runs, a victory that might otherwise have been remembered as a triumph of English cricket, but for the fact that the hosts had been gutted by the World Series Cricket rebellion.

Australia have beaten England in their last seven matches at the WACA and with the hosts’ pacemen licking their lips, it may take something truly special from Joe Root’s men just to keep the series alive to the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Managing that would be a victory of sorts, given England need only to square the five-Test series at 2-2 to keep the coveted urn.

Having fought hard but ultimately crumbled at both the Gabba and the Adelaide Oval, England’s chances of rallying at the WACA have been given short shrift by bookmakers.

Their week has also included further off-field problems with coach Trevor Bayliss left fuming after English Lions batsman Ben Duckett poured a drink over the head of James Anderson in a Perth bar.

And yet, a small increase in application by the tourists could ensure a contest at the WACA. England have paid dearly for a few dreadful

The Aussies have beaten England in their last seven Tests at the WACA.

sessions and the scoreline has, to an extent, flattered Steve Smith’s Australia.

The vulnerability of the home side’s batting was on full display in the second innings at Adelaide Oval as they crashed out for 133 to raise England’s hopes of an unlikely victory.

Several of Australia’s batsmen are under pressure, most notably number five Peter Handscomb, whose place could be taken by Mitchell Marsh, an all-rounder with a poor batting record at Test

level.

Anderson and the England seamers, meanwhile, will have enjoyed a boost of confidence from Adelaide, where Craig Overton provided much better support than Jake Ball at

the Gabba.

More will be needed from the English batsmen, though, given none has managed a century this series.

Root and his most senior batsman Alastair Cook have been particularly culpable for

failing to set the benchmark by converting promising starts into big scores.

Both were present for England’s last capitulation at the WACA and will be desperate to make a contribution to avoiding another.

Cook focused on beating Australia in his 150th Test … has `no idea’ when he will be retiring

SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) - Alastair Cook has “no idea” when he will be retiring and is completely focused on beating Australia in his 150th Test this week to keep the Ashes series alive, the former England captain said yesterday.

biggest of our lives coming up,” Cook said in Perth.

Cook captained England on their last Ashes tour Down Under when spinner Graeme Swann retired mid-series with the tourists 3-0 down and headed for a 5-0 whitewash.

Former Australian pace-

Alastair Cook is England’s most prolific Test run-scorer.

Cook, England’s most prolific Test run scorer, has made 62 runs in four innings as the tourists have gone 2-0 down in the five-match series and some former players-turned-pundits have suggested he might be about to call time on his career.

“I haven’t made any decision on anything. All my focus is on this game, the

man Mitchell Johnson and England batsman Kevin Pietersen have suggested that Cook had the look of a man who might be ready to hang up his bat. ”For the people who are saying that, they’ve had no contact time with me,“ Cook, who is 33 later this month, said. ”They wouldn’t know the extra

nets I’ve been doing behind closed doors. ”I was with (my batting coach) yesterday for an hourand-a-half in the morning, desperate to keep working on my game.

“That’s probably not a guy who’s given in. To be honest with you, I have no idea (when I’ll retire). And I’ve said that since I gave up the captaincy.”

The opener said retirement might not end up being his own choice if he continued to fail to make runs and said becoming the first England player to play 150 Tests was “quite special”, especially as the last 147 have been consecutive.

Cook has enjoyed an Ashes triumph in Australia in 2010-11 as well as the 201314 debacle and said the current party would not fail for want of trying.

“I will say this about this England side, I’ve never seen a side work as hard as this side,” he said.

“Win, lose or draw, whether we play well or we play rubbish, the effort from the guys is unbelievable.

There’s a group of men in there, 16 or 17 of them, desperate to do well.”

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Zidane delighted to call on ‘world’s best’ Ronaldo

MADRID, Spain (Reuters) Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said he was delighted to be able to call on the “best player in the world” in Cristiano Ronaldo, as his side gear up to defend their Club World Cup title.

Ronaldo won his fifth Ballon d‘Or, for world player-ofthe-year, last week, to draw level with his rival and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

The debate about who is the greater player is a perennial feature of soccer punditry, but Zidane is convinced he has the world’s best at his disposal.

“I have the best in the world and he is showing it in this shirt,” Zidane told a news conference in Abu Dhabi yesterday. “I am delighted to have him, for me he is the best.”

Madrid face United Arab Emirates league champions Al Jazira on their home soil in the semi-final today, with the final on Saturday.

Although Madrid’s next La Liga match is a crucial Clasico clash against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on December 23, Zidane said his squad is fully focused on the inter-continental tournament.

Williamson lauds record-equalling Taylor NEW Zealand captain Kane Williamson singled out Ross Taylor for praise after the batsman’s historic 17th Test ton inspired the Black Caps to a series sweep against West Indies.

Taylor was named manof-the-match after his record-equalling century guided New Zealand to a 240-run win over the Windies in the second and final Test in Hamilton yesterday.

The 33-year-old joined Martin Crowe and skipper Williamson atop the country’s list for Test hundreds after finishing 107 not out on day three.

Speaking after the Kiwis bowled out West Indies

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane shakes hands with Cristiano Ronaldo as he is substituted off. (REUTERS/Javier Barbancho)

”We will do everything we can to win this competition,“ he said. ”It will not be easy; first we have to get to the final.

We’re only thinking about winning the Club World Cup. ”There are no easy games. We have a semi-final against, a team that people say is easy, but we don’t

think that it will be - quite the opposite.

“Look at last year against Kashima (Antlers). Against Real Madrid everybody wants to have a great game and for that we will go out focused.”

Madrid won the competition for the first time in 2014 and again last year, when they

beat Japanese side Kashima Antlers 4-2 after extra time.

The Spanish champions can become the first side to successfully defend the trophy since the tournament began in 2000 and can pull level with arch-rivals and record winners Barcelona on three victories.

Ross Taylor was named man-of-the-match after his record-equalling century.

Ireland, Afghanistan set to play consistent Test cricket IRELAND and Afghanistan’s desire to play consistent Test cricket is on the verge of fulfilment as both countries are scheduled to play a combined total of 29 Tests in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) (2019-23).

Ireland will play 16 Tests while Afghanistan are scheduled to play 13, in a calendar which is due to get a final approval at the ICC annual conference in June 2018.

It is a big shot in the arm for both Ireland and Afghanistan, who secured Full Membership in June. Even before the new FTP kicks in, both countries have secured opponents for their maiden Tests. Ireland will host Pakistan in May 2018 in Malahide while Afghanistan are set to travel to India next year with the itinerary likely to be finalised shortly.

Ireland and Afghanistan, along with Zimbabwe, are not part of the Test Championship League, which will commence immediately after the 2019 World Cup. Nonetheless, the new FTP allows both to cut their teeth in Test cricket, albeit at a slower pace compared to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe - the last three entrants into the format. In their first five years

for 203 on the fourth day, Williamson said: “Ross’s ton was a special moment for him; he’s a world class player.

“To get us to a good score and set up a declaration, it was a considerable knock from a lot of angles.”

Williamson added: “This was a good Test wicket, there was little bit off the deck. We saw how it played out.

“Fortunate to be on the right side of the result and yet learn a lot. Not a huge amount of Test cricket this year, but in terms of how we wanted to execute, we were superb.”

Taylor said: “It’s been nice to get there, but the main

Bangladesh played 40 Tests while Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe played 24 Tests each.

Ireland’s roster is somewhat richer in comparison to Afghanistan’s in that they play half of the top-nine countries. Ireland are scheduled to play a one-off Test against Australia (2019), Sri Lanka (2020), England (2021) and then host New Zealand and South Africa in 2022. In addi-

tion, Ireland will face Afghanistan (5 Tests), Zimbabwe (4 Tests) and Bangladesh (2 Tests).

Both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will play nearly equal number of Tests at home and away. Ireland will play seven home Tests and nine away while Afghanistan will play seven at home and six away.

Currently, Australia are the only upper-tier country

to play against Afghanistan in the new FTP. Both countries will play a one-off Test in 2020 and 2022. Afghanistan’s other opponents will be: Ireland (5 Tests), Zimbabwe (4 Tests), Bangladesh (1 Test) and West Indies (1 Test).

Zimbabwe are scheduled to play 17 Tests in the four-year cycle. Out of the 17, Zimbabwe will play Bangladesh in six

Tests followed by four each against Ireland and Afghanistan, two against Sri Lanka and one against West Indies.

Playing fewer Tests and focusing on limited-overs cricket are now part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s restructuring plans.

Compared to 17 Tests (12 at home) Zimbabwe will play 40 ODIs and 31 T20s during the next FTP.

Afghanistan celebrate claiming the 2015-17 Intercontinental Cup title. (Peter Della Penna)

thing is if you get a hundred and the team wins, there’s nothing better than that.

“It was nice to have some throw-downs in the morning and change a couple of little things which worked.

“We came here wanting to win the series, West Indies put us under pressure at different times but we were able to ride that.

“With a lot of big names coming in for West Indies, the one-day series will be competitive.”

Stand-in captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who deputised for banned skipper Jason Holder, lamented West Indies’ batting as the Caribbean tourists failed in their pursuit of 444 for victory.

“They did a great job.

For us, we didn’t really bat well, especially in the first innings. I thought the bowlers did a magnificent job, obviously it was tough on their bodies. Kemar Roach struggled a bit,” he said.

“I did enjoy the captaincy, it was a good experience. The guys gave me a lot of support, but Holder will be back and we’re all looking forward to welcoming him back. This was a tough loss; we’ve to be better with our shot selection.”

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Gayle smashes record-breaking 146 as Rangpur Riders win 2017 title CHRIS Gayle smashed a record-breaking 20th T20 century that catapulted the Rangpur Riders to an emphatic 57-run victory over the defending champions Dhaka Dynamites and the 2017 Bangladesh Premier League title on Tuesday.

Gayle struck a record 18 sixes and five fours for his unbeaten 146 that came off just 69 balls as he and Brendan McCullum (51) posted a partnership of 201 for the Riders who scored 206 for 1 off their 20 overs.

Gayle went past his own record of 17 sixes, during his unbeaten 175 against Pune Warriors in the 2013 IPL. Johnson Charles who opened the innings with Gayle failed to reproduce the form that saw him score an unbeaten hundred to propel the Riders to the finals. He made only 3, out caught and bowled by Shakib Al Hasan.

McCullum joined Gayle at the crease, and was, for the most part, a spectator to the Gayle typhoon that was unleashed at the other end.

McCullum faced 43 balls for his unbeaten half-century that included four fours and three sixes.

Chris Gayle struck a record 18 sixes and five fours for his unbeaten 146.

Notwithstanding the onslaught Al Hasan gave up only 26 runs off his three overs and claimed the only wicket.

However, the same cannot be

said for his teammates who were brutalised by Gayle and McCullum.

Abu Hider’s two overs went for 26 while Kieron

Pollard’s two went for 33.

However, Khaled Ahmed came in for the worst treatment as his two overs yielded 39 runs.

The defending champions seemed shell-shocked as they began their chase.

They were quickly in trouble at 2 for 1 eight balls into their innings losing Mehedi Maruf and JL Denley for ducks in the space of five balls.

They were soon 29 for 4 after losing the wickets of Evin Lewis for 15 in the fourth over and Kieron Pollard for 8 in the fifth.

Had it not been for an even half-century off 38 balls by Juhurul Islam, the situation would have been much more embarrassing for the Dynamites who managed to muster 149 for 9 off their 20 overs.

Shakib Al Hasan, 26; Lewis and Sunil Narine, 14, were the only other batsmen to make double figures as the Dynamites wilted under scoreboard pressure and tight bowling from the Riders.

Sohag Gazi, I Udana and Nazmul Islam each claimed two wickets for the new champions who have Gayle to thank for the ease at which they claimed the title.

Brusches Basketball Foundation donates backboards, equipment to Wismar Hill Primary TRUE to a promise made by former National captain James Brusche and his brothers Mike and Clifton, who are also former national players and are all now residing in the

United States of America, the second donation, consisting of two complete backboards, rings, nets and basketballs, was made yesterday in Linden.

This time it was the Wis-

mar Hill Primary School which benefited. At the simple handing-over ceremony were Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, Headteacher of the school Kemraj Dharamwattie, Dawn McCam-

A young student scores after shot taken at Brusches Basketball Foundation donated basketball backboards and ring yesterday morning.

mon-Barker of the Brusches Basketball Foundation and Clyde Brusche, organiser of the basketball foundation.

McCammon-Barker noted that this was the second such donation. The first was given in October this year.

Mayor Holland thanked the Brusches Basketball Foundation, saying they were delivering on what they said they would do, as he reminded the pupils and teachers of the need to care the equipment and to ensure they serve the purpose for which they were donated.

Headteacher Dharamwattie also was in high praise of the Brusches family and said that the school is not all of schoolwork and academics but wanted the children to be rounded individuals. He proudly reminded that Guyana’s South American gold medallist Deshanna Skeete was a product of that school as he urged that in a few years’ time the school will also produce basketball players at the national level.

Not bidding for World Cup matches a backward step - Aguilleira

Former West Indies Women’s team captain Merissa Aguilleira

FORMER West Indies Women captain Merissa Aguilleira, believes the T&T Government’s decision not to bid to host matches in the 2018 T20 Women’s World Cup represents a backward step in the development of the sport in the region.

Last Friday, the Trinidad and Tobago Government failed to meet the deadline date of bidding for matches citing the economic situation of the country. That decision was frowned upon by Aguilleira, who was a member of the Windies Women’s team that won the title in India in 2016.

“I am very much disappointed with that,” she said during an interview with Newsday.

“It was something that I have been wondering about, why is it not happening? Trinidad and Tobago is one of the powerhouses in women’s

cricket. We have been doing extremely well in tournaments.”

T&T won the Women’s Regional Super50 tournament earlier this year and the veteran cricketer believes young girls would not get a chance to see their heroes play and this could be a setback for the sport.

“I believe a lot of the young people would have been looking forward to something like this, to actually see the international teams like the Australians and the English and even the West Indies team,” she said.

“People would have been looking forward to that and these young girls now would just have to sit down and look at it on television instead of coming out and seeing it live.”

SCOREBOARD

NEW ZEALAND 1st innings 373 WEST INDIES 2nd innings 221 NEW ZEALAND 2nd innings 291-8 decl.

WEST INDIES 2nd innings (target: 444 runs) (overnight 30 for two) K. Brathwaite c Williamson b Boult 20 K. Powell c Southee b Boult 0 S. Hetmyer c Wagner b Southee 15 S. Hope c de Grandhomme b Wagner 23 R. Chase c de Grandhomme b Wagner 64 S. Ambris ret. hurt 5 S. Dowrich c Nicholls b Wagner 0 R. Reifer c Williamson b Southee 29 K. Roach b Santner 32 M. Cummins c Boult b Santner 9 S. Gabriel not out 0 Extras: (lb-5, w-1) 6 Total: (all out, 63.5 overs) 203 Fall of wickets: 1-4 , 2-27, 3-43, 4-68, 4-80, 5-80, 6-158, 7-166, 8-203, 9-203.

Bowling: Southee 19-3-71-2, Boult 16-1-52-2, Wagner 15-542-3 (w-1), de Grandhomme 9-5-20-0, Santner 4.5-0-13-2.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Wednesday December 13, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Raymond Reifer (2) Tim Southee Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored for NZ in the first innings of the recent

second Test against the WI? (2) What was the value of NZ last wicket partnership in the

first innings of the recent second Test against the WI?

ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

43

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Shepherd leads Sparta Boss to the ‘promise land’ …to play ‘Gold is Money’ in Saturday’s Guinness Greatest of the Streets final

A goal from the penalty mark

by Sheldon Shepherd was all it took for Sparta Boss to brush aside Leopold Street in an entertaining encounter yesterday afternoon, to book their third trip to the finals of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown zone, where they will face a wellknown foe, ‘Gold is Money’ on Saturday.

Sparta Boss, the defending champs, in front of a large crowd at the Burnham Basketball Court, were made to work hard for their win, with Leopold Street, behind Okanie Fraser and Omallo Williams, gave their supporters every reason to believe, but in the end, they went down 1 – 0 to the usual favourites, Sparta Boss.

On Saturday, at the Demerara Park Tarmac, Thirst Park, where Sparta Boss will make their third consecutive appearance in the final, fans could expect nothing short of fireworks, given the ‘bad blood’ between the two sides,

considered the favourites for all the tournaments they’ve so far played.

Rawle Welch, Coordinator of the tournament, described yesterday’s semi-final

Kudos to Leopold Street, they were brilliant throughout the tournament and will always be a force to be reck-

oned with in this version of the game,” said Welch.

Looking ahead to Saturday, Welch said “the finale is going

The Hero! Sparta Boss’ Sheldon Shepherd

clash between Sparta Boss and Leopold Street as a “thrilling matchup worthy of a final.”

Broken arm forces Ambris out of NZ ODI series

Batsman Sunil Ambris is out of ODI series.

HAMILTON, New Zealand (CMC) – A broken arm has put the luckless Sunil Ambris out of the one-day series against New Zealand starting next week.

The 24-year-old was struck on the forearm by aggressive left-arm seamer Neil Wagner while batting during the second innings of the final Test here yesterday, and was forced to retire hurt on five.

Subsequent X-rays revealed a broken ulna bone in his left arm.

It meant Ambris could not resume his innings as West Indies plummeted to 203 all

“Both teams battled hard and the contest could have gone either way, but the defending champions prevailed.

out and slid a 2-0 defeat in the short series.

The Vincentian has endured a torrid run of luck on his first Test tour, twice dismissed hit-wicket in successive Tests in identical fashion, trodding on his stumps as he attempted to turn short balls into the on-side.

All told, he scraped together 25 runs from four innings.

His replacement in the oneday side is expected to be announced shortly.

West Indies clash with New Zealand in three one-day matches in Whangarei and Christchurch, December 20-26.

Omallo Williams (first from right) is caught in this Delano Williams photo, being hunted down by Sparta Boss’ Gregory ‘Jackie Chan’ Richardson. Sparta Boss won 1 – 0.

to be a monumental clash between two great teams that have history.”

Gold is Money earned their place in the finale, after edging the much hyped Bent Street in the first semi-final 2-1 on penalty kicks, following a 1-1 score at the end of normal and extra time.

Meanwhile, North East La Penitence will oppose Kingston in the finale of the Guinness Plate Championship, following semi-final wins over GTI Ballers and Upsetters respectively.

Winner of the overall event will walk-away with $500,000 and the championship trophy along with automatic qualification for the National Playoffs.

The runner-up, third and fourth place finishers will receive $250,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. The winner of the Guinness Plate Championship will pocket $60,000. The tournament is also sponsored by Colours Boutique.

Narine cops feature 25-mile cycle road race in Berbice THE Flying Ace Cycling Club, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force `B’ Division (Berbice), held its feature 25-mile road race for cyclists living or based in Berbice last Sunday.

The much-anticipated race which attracted 10 starters wheeled off from the corner of Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam, to Rose Hall Town Arch then returned to finish at the place of origin.

After a swift start which saw the riders challenge one another, Balram Narine broke away from the pack and signalled his intention in the vicinity of Number 1 Road.

Narine led the race from then on. His closest rival was Adriel Ross, who looked determined but could not muster enough energy to catch Narine.

Narine comfortably rode away with the win, in excess of 2 miles ahead of his closest competitor Adriel Ross, who came in second. Sybome Fernandes took third place, Ralph Seenarine fourth, Donovan Fraser fifth and Ajay Gopaul sixth.

In addition Balram Narine took the two prime prizes that were up for grabs.

There was also one female rider, Shenika Teixeira, who pedalled her way from starting point, Kris Jagdeo’s residence, Number 1 Road and proceeded to the finish at

Alexander Street, New Amsterdam.

The BMX riders had their chance to shine when they took off in front of the Berbice High School, going on to finish at Alexander Street.

In the 6-9 age groups for

the BMX riders, Lumesh Singh skilfully wheeled his way to first place as Arafaan Blair took second and Gregory Daniels third. In the 9-12 category, Gemal Daniels took first position, Daniel Blair second and Malachi Devanand third.

Club coach Randolph Roberts and Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper, Second-in-Command of `B’ Division, were the persons in charge of the activity, which forms part of the Guyana Police Force Road Safety Month.

The BMX riders pose with their hardware with FACC coach Randolph Roberts. At centre is Senior Superintendent Edmond Cooper as well as winner of the 25-mile race Balram Narine.

Shepherd leads Sparta Boss to the ‘promise land’ See e pag 43

Black Caps sweep Windies with 240-run victory

Trent Boult struck early in the day to celebrate his 200th Test wicket.

HAMILTON, New Zealand batting plan for the second (CMC) – West Indies suffered innings never took shape. a 2-0 clean sweep here yester“Individuals have different day after New Zealand needed styles but the key was to take it just two sessions to wreck the over by over, session by session,” remainder of the Caribbean Brathwaite said. “Obviously it side’s innings and inflict a didn’t work out that way. punishing 240-run defeat in the “(The message was) don’t second Test at Seddon Park. think much about the 444 but Resuming the penultimate take it over by over – unfortuday on 30 for two in pursuit of nately we didn’t do it.” a world record 444 for victory, Roston Chase top-scored the Windies lost their last eight with 64 and tail-ender Kemar wickets for 173 runs, to be dis- Roach entertained with 32, while missed for 203 at the scheduled Raymon Reifer resisted for 29, tea break. but none of the key batsmen The defeat followed on the stayed around long enough to heels of the innings-and-67-run turn the game into a real contest. loss in the opening Test in WelTheir misery was comlington, which also ended inside pounded by the loss of Sunil four days, and extended the Win- Ambris who was forced to redies’ unenviable streak of having tire hurt on five with a broken not won a series on New Zealand arm, after being struck by a soil in 22 years. short ball from the aggressive Captain Kraigg Brathwaite SEE SCOREBOARD ON PG. 42 said afterwards the Windies Turn to page 39

TTFA fail to get AGM going again

TTFA president David John-Williams

Prize-winners receive spoils for Turbo KO football … GBI looking to the future with Petra The various winners of the Turbo knockout football tournament collect their spoils yesterday at the GBI’s Diamond East Bank facility.

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THE Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), for the second time in a month, was forced to adjourn its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The AGM, scheduled for the National Cycling Centre in Couva last Saturday, could not find a quorum after only 15 of the TTFA’s members of the 49 registered turned up.

The TTFA has now reconvened the AGM to December 23 after it was originally set for November 25.

On that occasion, members of the TTFA deemed the AGM unconstitutional, this time around, the TTFA only issued 16 invitations, saying the others were not compliant, according to a FIFA mandate and were therefore unable to vote during an AGM. According to TTFA president David John-Williams, extensions were sent to the members who were not in compliance but no action had been taken.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2017