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Staying clear No. 104697

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

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Gov't says will not intervene in GECOM’s scandals

honoured CENTRE

President and Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, David Granger, presents the Cacique Crown of Honour to Dr Enid Lucille Denbow for her long and dedicated service in the field of medicine (Delano Williams photo)

Mom jailed for Boosting air putting cocaine in transport .2 …Cabinet clears $340M to son’s suitcase .4 upgrade hinterland airstrips P

Linden town clerk sent on .9 leave P

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

Boosting air transport …Cabinet clears $340M to upgrade hinterland airstrips

By Ariana Gordon SEVERAL hinterland airstrips will be rehabilitated over the next few months following government’s no- objection to the award of approximately $304M to several local contractors. Minister of State and Cabinet Secretary Joseph

Harmon told reporters on Thursday during a post Cabinet press briefing, held at the Ministry of the Presidency, that the identified airstrips will receive much-needed enhancement. The Eteringbang airstrip located in Region 7 will be rehabilitated by STP Investments at a cost of $76,605,100, while the

Kurupung airstrip, also in Region Seven will be rehabilitated at a cost of $28,984,000. That contract was awarded to MMC Inc. In Region Eight, the Paramakatoi, Kato, Kopinang, and Monkey Mountain airstrips have been selected for upgrades. $39,947,430 was awarded to N&A Construction Com-

pany for rehabilitation of the Paramakatoi airstrip, while Colin Talbot Contracting Services has been awarded the contract for the upgrade of the Kato and Kopinang airstrips. That contracted was awarded $65,627,935.00 and $38,711,235respectively. Meanwhile, the Monkey Mountain airstrip will be

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

upgraded by K.P. Thomas and Sons Contracting Inc. to the tune of $23,825,300. In Region Nine, $56, 948, 600 was awarded to SYMS General Contractor Inc. for rehabilitation of the Annai airstrip. The 2016 Budget highlighted the APNU+AFC coalition government’s plan to carry out major infrastructural projects in hinterland communities. Government had budgeted $241M to rehabilitate the airstrips. Last November, the Guyana Chronicle had reported that a contract was awarded to Kares Engineering Inc. to the tune of $60.8M for the upgrade of the Eteringbang airstrip in Region Seven. It is unclear whether the new allocation announced on Thursday by the Minister of State is for additional works. Attempts to contact the Ministers of Public Infrastructure for clarity proved futile. $50.7M was allocated by government last year for the upgrade of the Mahdia airstrip in Region Eight; that contract was awarded to Technocon Investment, Procurement and General Contracting Solutions. Members of the local aviation sector have been lobbying the government to rehabilitate hinterland airstrips. Asked whether with the number of airstrips under rehabilitation, the government has taken steps to ensure there is total radar coverage of the country to monitor possible incursions and illegal activities, Harmon said that would be a major assignment to cover

216,000 square kilometres of land space. He told reporters that steps are being taken by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority to deal with those issues. “Insofar as radar coverage, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the Civil Aviation Authority are part of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) …that will provide them with the information, sometimes that information is real time and sometimes, it might be dated.” He said in relation to smaller airstrips that are in close proximity to the country’s borders, “it is indeed a major issue and government is seeking international help to ensure that “we can detect any aircraft which violates our airspace and in fact lands on any of these airstrips. “That is an ongoing exercise; it is quite a challenge because of the vastness of our borders, and the space that is therefore smaller type aircraft to get below the radar and land in these areas. We have to depend a bit on human intelligence – people in communities to report,” said the Minister of State. Recently, an illegal aircraft was found at Yupukari, Rupununi, Region Nine. A Commission of Inquiry has since been launched to investigate the illegal aircraft. In the past, several other illegal aircraft were found in hinterland locations. Community jobs Minister Harmon also stressed that those contractors awarded are implored to employ residents from the communities in which they will be working. He said it is government’s intention to have the economic activities of residents in the identified areas boosted, as well as ensure a better quality of work. Finally, he said residents can benefit tremendously from projects and can even be sub-contracted to work on state-sponsored projects.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 7, 2016

Staying clear

…Gov’t says will not intervene in GECOM’s scandals By Ariana Gordon AMID swirling allegations of corruption levelled against top officials at the Guyana Elections Commission, the David Granger-led administration said it will not intervene in the affairs of that constitutional body. In recent weeks there have been several media reports of corrupt financial transactions and racketeering that have ensnared Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and his deputy, Vishnu Persaud. Both Lowenfield and Persaud have sought to deny the allegations. Speaking at his post-Cabinet news briefing on Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon made it clear that government will not intervene in the affairs of GECOM. He said while government provides financing for entities such as GECOM, it is not within its ambit to conduct audits of the entity. “At this point in time, we will have no consideration to say let us do an audit… these are now independent bodies and as so we cannot go and say to them, do this and do that. The commission is being run by commissioners and they have a structure and the government and people of Guyana would have to put pressure on that structure to function,” said Minister Harmon. He stressed that the APNU+AFC coalition government has promised that constitutional agencies will remain independent and it intends to fulfil that promise. “We have actually provided funds for these agencies and for them to spend their funds without government intervention or interference. Secondly, what seems to have happened from the reports I am reading in the media, is that there seemed to have been

a breakdown in the procurement system that occurred even before we came into office.” He said notwithstanding the revelations coming out of GECOM, his administration will continue to finance the entity. FULL PROBE Earlier this week, the opposition, People’s Progressive Party called for a “full and comprehensive investigation into the allegations of corruption at GECOM and for the publication of the results of the audit.” The PPP said that observers claim that Granger may be tempted to set up another Commission of Inquiry into the charges of corruption at GECOM with a view to taking greater control of GECOM’s machinery and to insert APNU+AFC operatives on a full-time basis in the system. “Such a move along with Granger’s refusal to make public the imminent retirement of Dr Steve Surujbally, Chairman of GECOM and to invite in [sic] the Leader of the Opposition for consultation on the naming of a new chairman, forms part and parcel of the administration’s prevarication to address in a timely and transparent manner reforms at GECOM.” The PPP also called for the immediate removal of Surujbally and Lowenfield from GECOM and for the process to be initiated with respect to finding replacements for both Surujbally and Lowenfield respectively. Top officials at GECOM have told this newspaper that the opposition might be using Persaud to leak information to the press about the procurement transactions at the commission -- a charge which the DCEO has denied.

GECOM’S Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Vishnu Persaud DOUBLE SIGNATURES Meanwhile, despite having a Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Persaud carried out some of that officer’s duties during the last elections, documents shown to this newspaper have revealed. Sources within the commission told the Guyana Chronicle that Persaud took charge of all Civic and Voter Education responsibilities despite it falling within the ambit of the PRO. However, Persaud denied those allegations. In 2014, Persaud while appointed as DCEO, wrote and signed documents as the entity’s Public Relations Officer. In documents seen by this publi-

cation, Persaud signed as PRO and DCEO. It was observed in a recommendation and justification as to why TroyTec Video Production should be awarded a contract to provide infomercial advertising for Polling Day staff working during the 2015 General and Regional Elections. In the contract valued at $9,507,490, VAT inclusive, the commission was required to pay the company awarded in three tranches: an advance of 40 per cent of the total contract, payment of an additional 40 per cent upon completion of 50 per cent of the work and a final payment of 20 per cent on completion of the works and tear sheet as well as documentation attesting that the works have been satisfactorily completed. Final payment had to be made on the submission of a written request to GECOM by the contractor. On March 3, 2015, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board approved the contract for the publication of notices about the General and Regional Elections-2015 to TroyTec Video Productions. Persaud who was DCEO at the time wrote Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield on the publication of notices

RUSAL opposes tax-free overtime

…to hold talks with gov’t on way forward THE Bauxite Company Guyana Inc. (BCGI,a subsidiary of Russian Aluminium (RUSAL),has refused to sign on to the tax-free overtime agreement, saying that it does not support the workers’ representative,the Guyana Bauxite Union, as a signatory to the pact. Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Keith Scott, confirmed that the company has refused to comply with the order, saying that they do not agree with the approach being taken. Scott said that the company has proposed a different approach to treat with the issue and discussions are being held currently on the matter. In August, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence had said that the tax waiver was a done deal, but while BOSAI and Oldendorff Carrier have signed onto the agreement, BCGI is withholding its signature. Tax-free concession on overtime work was implemented in 1988. This concession was enjoyed by workers up until 2007, when it was taken away by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Administration. The move by the PPP Administration had adversely affected the earnings of bauxite workers from Linden and Kwakwani, and was viewed by critics as a punitive exercise for not supporting the PPP.

Document showing GECOM’S Deputy Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud signing as both Public Relations Officer and DCEO, at a time when the commission had employed Public Relations specialist Richard Francois.

about the 2015 elections outlining why Digicel Inc and Knights Video Production were not best suited for the job. He described the quotation provided by TroyTec as “more inclusive” than the others and recommended that that company be “considered favourably” for the job. To justify his selection, Persaud in attached appendices showed why Digicel Inc fell short. In the case of Knights Video Production, no NIS and GRA compliance were provided and that entity was therefore ineligible for selection. In appendix two and three of the said missive to the CEO, Persaud showed the comparison and at the bottom of both, signed as “Vishnu Persaud, Public Relations Officer” and “Vishnu Persaud, Deputy Chief Elections Officer/ Deputy Commissioner of National Registration.” “Persaud did do everything himself…he picked TroyTec and then made a recommendation to the Administrative Manager who then forwarded it to Lowenfield who wrote the Tender Board,” said the GECOM source. According to the source, it was the responsibility of the PRO at the time, Richard Francois, to fulfil the functions which Persaud, who was the previous PRO, did. “He knew what he was doing, that’s why the new PRO couldn’t do those things.” The GECOM source said too that an Evaluating Committee should have been set up at the Commission but it was never done. “Evaluating Committees were only set up for public tendering which is done through the Ministry of Finance.” Another source told the Guyana Chronicle that Persaud was allowed to get away with the signing of the documents as PRO though he no longer held the position, because he was encouraged to do so by Surujbally. It is reported that commissioners

were aware that Persaud was signing the documents as PRO and urged him to desist from same. When questioned Thursday night, Persaud told Guyana Chronicle that it was impossible for him to sign under both posts. “Something is wrong, fraudulent document… I can tell you that without any doubt,” he said. “I am extremely careful not to get involved in stuff like that. It would mean that the appendices that you have ought not to be attached to that document, but some earlier document. It was tampered it. This is a manipulative move,” Persaud continued. He said as PRO he was entrusted with conducting civic and voter education by the commission and noted that there was no need for the former PRO Francois to take on that responsibility. “Civic and voter education is a separate activity from public relations to the extent that there is a position for a substantive civic and voter education manager--I did it as PR- because the Commission had entrusted it to me… it wasn’t my responsibility, he explained. He said it is an operational function and it was not necessary for Francois to take it up. “At that time the office was vacant,” added Persaud. Addressing the allegation of handpicking TroyTech Video Production, Persaud stressed that in every instance the production company was awarded, advertisements were placed in the media. He said GECOM’s Administrative Manager Michelle Ward was responsible for publishing the advertisements in the newspapers. “When the evaluations are done they return to the CEO for his approval, it then goes to the tender board for their checks and approval, in the case of $32M that had to get cabinet’s approval…anything over $15M goes to Cabinet. I followed due process to the T,” he added.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 7, 2016

Justice George takes salute as Bagotsville gets new $65M sluice October session begins By George Barclay

JUSTICE Roxanne George on Tuesday inspected a Guard of Honour at the traditional ceremonial parade and later took the salute during a march past to mark the opening of the October Criminal Session in Demerara. The High Court judge, one of three judges assigned to the 144-case session, then started the ball rolling with the beginning of the Port Kaituma murder trial, where Alvin Gounga called “Orvin” or “Captain” is facing trial for the murder of Desmond Henry. Following an argument

at Port Kaituma on May 14, 2005, Orvin shot Henry to death with his bow and arrow. Police investigations led to him being arrested and charged with murder. At his trial before the judge and jury, Orvin pleaded not guilty and was represented by Attorney-at-Law, Dexter Todd. In her opening address to the jury, Prosecutrix Miss Narissa Leander disclosed that the five elements in her opinion showed that the accused was guilty. But she warned that while the prosecution would say that the case was proven beyond all doubt it was for them, the jury, to decide whether this was so.

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She however advised them that they should return a verdict of guilty once they were satisfied that the case had been proved against the accused but warned that in the event that they were left in doubt, they should set the accused free. On the other hand, the star witness Sergeant Winter to whom the accused had given a caution mentioned that the accused did tell him that Henry was the aggressor, who had threatened to kill him and had actually attacked him with an axe and a fork, causing him to use his bow and arrow in defence. The hearing is continuing.

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FARMERS and residents of Bagotsville could expect less flooding during the rainy season. A $65 million sluice was constructed to help drain the area. Senior Engineer of National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Dave Hicks told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that for years the sluice in the area was not functioning and residents were complaining of flooding. Hicks explained that when it rained, most of the water was channeled to the Canal Polder area, “but it couldn’t take off the capacity. During the rainy (season) they’ll be flooding in

the farmlands and some residential areas and there were a lot of calls to install pumps,” Hicks said. The NDIA realised that it would be more cost effective to install a sluice in the area where there was a good flow and less siltation to the Demerara River. This was a better option when compared to installing a pump. The senior engineer noted that the construction of the sluice was completed three months ago through a collaborative effort between the NDIA, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and local regional representative. He said that he does

not foresee any major flooding to the Bagotsville area since the sluice was designed with the requisite capacity for the area and is fully functional. Approximately 8000 acres of land lies between Bagotsville and Canal Number One. Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder in his 2016 budget speech had noted that flooding would be addressed through the NDIA and the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary-Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ ADA). The sum of $3.15B was allocated to NDIA in the 2016 budget. (GINA)

Jailed for putting cocaine in son’s suitcase COLDA Towler, 41, was sentenced to three years imprisonment when she appeared before Magistrate Lerone Daly on an illegal possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charge on Thursday. Towler of Lot 1, Mandela Avenue, East La Penitence, Georgetown, had earlier changed her plea to guilty and was sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined $2.7M. She, along with Ian Griffith of North East La Penitence, was charged with the possession of narcotic. The charged read that on Au-

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Colda Towler gust 26, 2016 at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), they attempted to smuggle 1.004kg of cocaine

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out of Guyana, using Towler’s 15-year-old old Guyanese born son, who is a US resident. It was alleged that the two placed the cocaine in the handles of the teen’s l u g g a g e . To w l e r i n h e r first appearance told the court that she along with Griffith packed the suitcases which they borrowed from a friend and they were unaware that cocaine was concealed in the handles of the suitcases. The teen was traveling alone and was about to board an Eastern Airlines flight to the US when he was intercepted.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 7, 2016

Hurricane Matthew kills 140 in Caribbean en route to US

HURRICANE Matthew, the strongest storm poised for US landfall in more than 10 years, blasted The Bahamas on Thursday as it headed for Florida after killing at least 140 people in the Caribbean, mostly in Haiti. Matthew, carrying winds of 140 mph (220 kph), pounded the northwestern part of the island chain en route to Florida’s Atlantic coast, the US National Hurricane Centre said. The storm was likely to remain a Category 4 on the fivestep Saffir-Simpson scale of hurricane intensity as it approached the United States, where it could either take direct aim at Florida or tear along the state’s coast through Friday night, the centre said, warning of “potentially disastrous impacts”. Hurricane conditions were expected in parts of Florida later on Thursday. Some 136 people were killed in Haiti, local officials said, and thousands were displaced after the storm flattened homes, uprooted trees and inundated neighbourhoods earlier in the week. Four people were killed in the Dominican Republic, which neighbours Haiti. As the storm passed near The Bahamas capital of Nassau, howling gusts of wind brought down palms and other trees and ripped shingles off the rooftops of many houses. Bahamas Power and Light disconnected much of Nassau as Matthew bore down on the town. It was too soon to predict where Matthew might do the most of its damage in the United States, but the National Hurricane Centre’s hurricane warning extended up the Atlantic coast from southern Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina. More than 12 million people in the United States were under hurricane watches and warnings, according to the Weather

A view of destroyed houses in Jeremie. (REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins) Channel. The last major hurricane, classified as a storm bearing sustained winds of more than 110 mph (177 kph), to make landfall on US shores was Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Jeff Masters, a veteran hurricane expert, said on his Weather Underground website (www.wunderground.com) that Matthew’s wind threat was especially serious at Cape Canaveral, which juts into the Atlantic off central Florida. “If Matthew does make landfall along the Florida coast, this would be the most likely spot for it. Billions of dollars of facilities and equipment are at risk at Kennedy Space Centre and nearby bases, which have never before experienced a major hurricane,” Masters wrote. NASA and the US Air Force, which operate the na-

tion’s primary space launch site at Cape Canaveral, have already taken steps to safeguard personnel and equipment. A team of 116 employees were bunkered down inside Kennedy Space Centre’s Launch Control Centre to ride out the hurricane. “We’ve had some close calls, but as far as I know it’s the first time we’ve had the threat of a direct hit,” NASA spokesman George Diller said by email from the hurricane bunker. ROADS FILLED WITH EVACUEES Roads in Florida, Georgia and North and South Carolina were jammed, and gas stations and food stores ran out of supplies as the storm approached with high winds, strong storm surges and drenching rain.

Florida Governor Rick Scott warned there could be “catastrophic” damage if Matthew slammed directly into the state and urged some 1.5 million people there to heed evacuation orders. “If you’re reluctant to evacuate, just think about all the people... already killed,” Scott said at a news conference. “Time is running out. This is clearly either going to have a

direct hit or come right along the coast, and we’re going to have hurricane-force winds.” Scott, who activated several thousand National Guard troops to help deal with the storm, warned that millions of people were likely to be left without power. Florida, Georgia and South Carolina opened shelters for evacuees. As of Thursday morning, more than 3,000 people were being housed in 60 shelters in Florida, Scott said. Those three states as well as North Carolina declared states of emergency, empowering their governors to mobilise the National Guard. President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency in Florida, a move that authorised the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts. Hundreds of passenger flights were canceled in south Florida, and the cancellations were expected to spread north in coming days along the storm’s path, airlines including American Airlines, Delta Airlines and United Airlines [UALCO.UL] said. A FedEx spokeswoman also warned of possible disruptions to package services. At about 5 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT), Matthew was about 100 miles (160 km) east-southeast of Florida’s West Palm Beach, the hurricane centre said. It was heading northwest at about 13

mph (20 kph) and was expected to continue on this track through Thursday. On Tuesday and Wednesday Matthew, the strongest hurricane in the Caribbean since Felix struck Central America in 2007, whipped Cuba and Haiti with 140 mph (225 kph) winds and torrential rain, pummeling towns and destroying livestock, crops and homes. In Florida, fuel stations posted “out of gas” signs after cars waited in long lines to fill up. At a Subco gas station in Orlando, the gas pumps ran dry on Wednesday afternoon. The shop was a stopping off point for coastal residents seeking shelter inland from the coast. Among them was Jonas Sylvan, 44, of Melbourne, Florida, who planned to hole up in a hotel with his wife, two daughters and dog. “We’re just trying to get away from the coast,” he said. “It’s safer here.” Bumper-to-bumper traffic extended for more than 10 miles (16 km) on the main highway leading west to Orlando from the coast. In the central Florida coastal city of Jupiter, people scrambled to make preparations. “Our house is wood construction, so who knows what will happen,” said Libby Valentine, 75, of Jupiter. “The whole idea is to stay safe and hope you have the grace to deal with the aftermath because you might not have a house.” (Reuters)

Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com

Editorial

The U.S. presidential election WITH the United States (U.S.) presidential election a mere month away, support for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton is pouring in from all quarters and most notably, some unlikely ones. This is not the normal election for many reasons, among which is the Republican candidate Donald Trump and what he represents in the eyes of the public, the U.S., and farther afield. There is concern and real fear of a Trump presidency and what it will mean for country and international relations. The Washington Post Editorial (30th September) in its critical analysis of the candidate titled the ‘The clear and present danger of Donald Trump,’ warns that “It would be reckless not to consider the damage Mr Trump might wreak. Some of that damage would ensue more from who he is than what he does. His racism and disparagement of women could empower extremists who are now on the margins of American politics, while his lies and conspiracy theories could legitimise discourse that until now has been relegated to the fringe. But his scope for action should not be underestimated, either.” The interest attached to this election has also seen external governments and influential figures making known their view(s) on the candidates and preferred choice to hold the world’s most powerful office, and that candidate is not Trump. International allies were never this forward in U.S. domestic politics. An exception to this however is Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is playing a politics in U.S. affairs that has the semblance of Cold War influencing and positioning, though it is fair to say his opinion was sought by a member of the U.S. media on the candidates. In the case of Trump, the U.S. society seems welcoming to have the support of external forces, including heads of government warning against his presidency. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in his address to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, subtly made known his discomfort, citing an approach to immigration policy touted by Trump, even though his name was not called. President Barack Obama has also been using the global stage to influence thinking in a similar direction. In addressing the UN Refugees and Migrants Summit, he expressed displeasure with treating with the crisis and immigration by building “walls.” This is a clear reference to Trump’s campaign pledge to build a wall on the U.S./Mexican border, and an aspect of his immigration policy. The U.S. newspapers have historically played a role in endorsing candidates, and it is something candidates and their campaigns look forward to during the political hustings, conscious of the influence and scope of the media. In this area there has been occurring from unlikely quarters, support being thrown behind Clinton. The Arizona Republic Editorial Board (27th September) which has always endorsed Republican candidates broke from tradition to endorse Clinton, calling her “the only choice to move America forward.” The

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

Gov’t of Guyana proactively preparing for oil production Dear Editor THE Ministry of Natural Resources has noted the perspectives and opinions expressed by members of the public on how the country should be preparing for the oil and gas sector. The ministry welcomes healthy discourse and remains committed to continuing these conversations in an inclusive and consultative manner. However, we also recognise that there is need for accurate information and wish to take this opportunity to provide such and also remind the public of the progress being made by the ministry in preparing the nation for oil production. International financial experts have assured that despite current market trends, Guyana will benefit when production commences, provided that the operations of the well perform as projected. They have also assured that no international company will sanction a project if the break-even price is higher than its forecast, noting that large oil companies are especially well known for having very low price-forecasts before they pour their resources into a project. Further, the experts have assured that despite the push for renewable sources of energy, oil demand – now at 94.1 million barrels per day worldwide – is still very high and growing. We also ask that the following points from the 2015 OPEC World Oil Outlook (WOO) be considered - Global energy demand is set to increase by almost 50% in the period to 2040, with the overall energy mix continuing to be led by fossil fuels at almost 78%. Combined, oil and gas are expected to supply around 53% of the global energy demand by 2040. Medium-term oil demand is revised upward, compared to the WOO 2014, rising above 97 million barrels a day (mb/d) by 2020; Oil demand is projected to be at 110 mb/d by 2040. While we recognise that the oil industry is fraught with uncertainty, we do believe that industry experts’ projections can serve as a guide as to where the industry is headed over the medium and long term. In Guyana’s case, while there are many

variables that may affect production and the revenue that the country might earn through production-sharing, taxes and other arrangements, we would be doing ourselves a disservice if we do not do everything possible well in advance to prepare for oil and gas production. To this end, the Government of Guyana, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources is in an accelerated process of development and capacity-building to prepare for this new economic reality. The approach has included building and reinforcing legislative, financial and institutional capacities, drafting plans for the short, medium and long term, as well as developing a robust communications strategy to keep all stakeholders informed of developments. Permit us to share some of our achievements to date. 1. Technical Support The Government of Guyana will soon be signing an MOU with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for technical support and cooperation in the area of oil and gas. There is also a visit scheduled to Trinidad and Tobago to further the cooperation with a view to preparing Guyana for the oil and gas industry. This cooperation includes exchange visits between the two Caribbean countries and the offering of scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are also being pursued through several engagements with the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP), while support in capacity-building was received from the University of Calgary and the Government of Canada for the development of a Sovereign Wealth Fund. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has also provided support to bring regional and international experts together for discussions and knowledge-sharing. 2. Development of a legislative framework With the support of external expertise, the ministry is actively working on creating a Local Content Policy to guide participation of local services and skills in the sector. The Government of Guyana is also

receiving support from the Commonwealth to prepare legislation for the oil and gas sector. In the coming months, the Minister of Natural Resources is expected to table eight pieces of legislation -- all connected to the oil and gas sector -- and which are necessary for the establishment and strengthening of the regulatory and fiscal policy frameworks. 3. Financial Management Members of the sub-committee of Oil and Gas in Cabinet last week met with members of the Bank of Montreal (BMO) upon the bank’s invitation. The Canadian banking institution, which specialises in the natural resources sector, discussed financial investments, sovereign wealth funds, pitfalls to avoid, and managing risk and uncertainty in the industry. That two-day engagement ended on September 29, 2016. In addition, Guyana is receiving support from the United States Government in terms of governance through the Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative (EGCI). This is intended to build capacity to responsibly manage oil and gas revenues. 4. Transparency The Ministry of Natural Resources is taking the lead in ensuring that Guyana signs on to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) with a view to ensuring that there is transparency in the sector when the revenues from oil are received, as well as that of other extractive sectors. While some processes require more time than others before tangible benefits are seen, the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Natural Resources remains committed to the task of advancing efforts to explore Guyana’s oil-and-gas potential for the benefit of all Guyanese. We remain responsive to requests for information and invite the public to reach out to us. Regards N. Johann Earle Public Affairs and Communications Officer Ministry of Natural Resources

Coalition should never have allowed PPP to upbraid them Dear Editor

THE coalition government should have never put itself in the position where the PPP/C has to upbraid them for not appointing constitutional bodies. When

in Opposition, the parties in the APNU+AFC were part of the group, along with the trade union community, that called for the PPP/C government to appoint these commissions, respect rights and uphold the rule of law. The differentiating

USA Today which has never endorsed a candidate came out against Trump, in an editorial (30th September) declaring him “unfit for the presidency.” The New York Times on 1st October ran an incisive story on Trump’s taxes, making known that he has paid no federal taxes for almost two decades. Trump’s campaign has reacted by accusing the media of acquiring the document illegally, though Trump’s sue-sensitive disposition has not seen him threatening to sue. It should be

lines between an APNU+AFC government and PPP/C government are blurring. If it was wrong then it cannot be right now. Governments that ignore citizens’ response to certain behaviours, or the negative response to other governments,

said however, that Trump’s non-payment of federal taxes is not illegal, but mere capitalising on what is called the “loopholes” in the tax system to avoid paying. What it raises however is the question of morality and a system that will allow the rich to escape, but holds the poor accountable, which the public seems incensed about. The concern with a Trump presidency is multifaceted. It ranges from his paucity of knowledge on critical issues such as governance, policies,

displaying similar attitudes or similar behaviour, are likely to suffer the same fate. Is this regime courting such a destiny, wittingly or unwittingly? Regards Lincoln Lewis

and global issues to his outlook on ethnic relations, terrorism, and immigration, to that of reliance on attacking the person not the issue, positions he seems comfortable retaining. And where the media, to some extent facilitated a campaign that opted more for optics, dumbing down and reality-type politics given the ratings and sales it has attracted, now the proverbial genie has escaped the bottle and the election draws nigh, concern as to the possibility is hitting home.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

The PPP/C worked for all Guyanese Continued from yesterday:

Dear Editor SIMILAR levels of attention and albeit less cash support were required in managing the bauxite operations with their non-core activities and responsibilities for their associated communities, along the Berbice River. Recall that ALCOA after it had bought REYNOLDS, announced that it had no need for the Aroiama operations, another occasion of a potential shutdown! WE

PPP/C took it over, merged the operations along the Berbice River and managed it until we attracted a core partner, RUSAL, which gained a 90% equity position in the core operations. We owe a huge debt of thanks to Mr. Morrie Stuart, the old miner man from Australia who managed the Demerara and Berbice operations in turn, in the difficult circumstances and restrictions of Government ownership at that time. We worked at encouraging the development of new economic activities in

Linden, offering non-core bauxite assets for new use, and seeking outside work as appropriate. I can mention that we arranged with the company which won the contract for rehabilitation of the Demerara Harbour Bridge to sub-contract the Bauxite Plant Machine Shop to assemble (weld-up) the large unit pontoons; the extension of farming at West Watooka (from which pumpkins were exported to Barbados); the encouragement and facilitation of the small loggers of Linden, Ituni, Kwak-

GPSU knocks Doerga over wage hike comments

THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has come under fire over statements made by its President Vishnu Doerga that public servants should be appreciative of the wage/ salary increases being offered by the government. In a statement, the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) said GCCI is now following in the footsteps of the Finance Minister Winston Jordan and Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin in making public statements to the effect that “Public Servants should set aside their efforts, through their union to secure wages and salaries increases above the insubstantial offer made by the Government of Guyana.” The union is accusing GCCI of seeking to influence against its efforts to lift Public Servants out of poverty. “Mr Doerga is not the first private sector official to make utterances that reflect an absence of value for the role of Public Servants, despite the fact that the business support

organisation (BSO) that he heads depends on the services of various public sector organisations in their quest to maximise their profits, which is their primary interest,” the union stated. The GPSU said that Doerga appears not to recognise the nexus between the higher level of efficiency in the Public Service and a more incentivised Public Service. “Or is it that Mr Doerga and those other entrepreneurs with a similar mindset would wish that Public Servants be cast permanently in the mould of hewers of wood and drawers of water?” It said that the GCCI President, like Minister Jordan and Minister Gaskin, has failed to give consideration to the issue of a living wage “not a level of earnings that support the kind of lavish life-style enjoyed by many members of the business class, but earnings that afford a decent living, which, properly defined, can be taken to mean enough to afford themselves and their families a reasonable and comfortable

level of existence.” It added: “Is Mr Doerga aware that there are Public Servants who, by virtue of being prisoners of meagre wages and salaries, continued to be victims of a mundane and miserable existence?” It said too that GCCI must also speak on the more than $40B duty- free concessions and remission of taxes which are offered the private sector. “This, incidentally, is more than what is required to pay government employees in and out of uniform i.e. army, police, teachers, public servants wages and salaries, etc. There is, as well, the issue of private sector operatives who do not pay their correct taxes as was mentioned by the Finance Minister Mr Jordan in a press statement on September 25, 2016,” the union pointed out. It is therefore recommending that GCCI better incentivised Public Service in the interest of the public sector, the private sector and the country as a whole.

wani (who have now found themselves increasingly in limbo over the last year); the convenient, successful small-man, private-sector, competitive river-crossing at Kwakwani (under threat recently) which replaced the steadily more uncertain, no-charge company service; our repeated persevering attempts to emplace IT/call centre’s in Linden (the last, longest surviving one an eventual casualty of the 2012 disturbances). Despite the attention and subsidies occasioned by the state of the bauxite companies, our fellow citizens of Linden and Region 10 benefitted no less in the provision of infrastructure and social services. On the recommendation of a group of local engineers, we gained approval for a more economic design for the first rehabilitation of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway – the savings enabled the upgrade of the bridges and the rebuilding of the main roads in and through Linden, including Burnham Drive and Avenue of the Republic. Works on school buildings in Linden were not delayed. I recall accompanying then Minister of Education, Dr. Dale Bisnauth on Valentine’s Day in 1997 on a tour of about a dozen school buildings which had

major repairs or were being built anew, and Linden benefitted equitably in subsequent education improvement programmes. It took sometime but in time, we the PPP/C had the funding to build the new McKenzie Hospital and for the major reworking and expansion of potable water supply in Linden. Our housing programme got going in Linden after we had made some headway to remedy the acute situation in Georgetown and its environs, yet we can all be proud of the Block 22 and the extensive development in Amelia’s Ward at mid-2015. The proposal entailed adopting and utilising the (less) subsidised GPL pricing formula, but in the first stage consumers in Linden would only be charged half of what is calculated and the savings would have been utilised in helping consumers to transit. The PPP/C is not the problem for African-Guyanese: the propaganda and focus on Indian-Guyanese as the nemesis of African-Guyanese is the problem and it distracts many African Guyanese from really getting on with their lives. I have put a lot into presenting the facts in this letter, well aware that those sentiments presented by Dr. David Hinds are

matters of perception and emotion shared by too many African-Guyanese. And yet facts matter. Nonetheless, we of the PPP/C -- every member, supporter, and friend – should hold ourselves challenged to overcome those perceptions and emotions which arise in the course of the hundreds of interactions, even just fleeting ones, which we have each day with fellow Guyanese who are African-Guyanese. Being right, and doing right should be beyond question, but that is not all. There is much that we can add and learn by trial and error, and little by little, once we hold in mind and act out our desire for good for every fellow citizen. As all the sages have said, we should be ready to share the other’s burdens, walk any number of miles with him: there should be no problem, no hardship for us of the PPP/C, for we Guyanese are all on the same journey. Our (PPP/C) smiles and attitudes of friendship will eventually undo the historical decades of propaganda against us of the PPP and PPP/C. Regards Samuel A. A. Hinds Former President & Former Prime Minister

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

Berbice ‘backtrack’ route loses vibrancy ̵ as Suriname’s economy declines

By Alva Solomon

IT is a trip which lasts an average of 20 minutes and the men who stood around awaiting prospective passengers lamented the reduction in the number of persons who once traded between the “Back-Track” port at the Corantijnstraat, an area on the western border of Suriname and Corriverton, Berbice. For years, the route, which is semi-legal, has been in existence and many persons would take advantage of the less hassle the trip brings, including a substantial reduction in time it takes to travel between the two locations. While it takes hours to travel to and be processed at the South Canal ferry terminal where the Canawaima ferry operates across the Corentyne River to Moleson

Several vehicles parked near the back-track crossing last Friday

passengers continue to use the route for several reasons, including medical care and the trade in contraband. On arrival at the “backtrack” port last Friday, the midday sun beamed down on the area while taxi drivers and relatives awaited their

era. Suddenly, after 15 to 20 minutes of waiting, a taxi driver shouted, “boat! boat!” The men ran towards the edge of the water on the beach outside the “backtrack” route, some forgot to fold the bottom of their trousers or were concentrating on

Persons await the arrival or departure of the next vessel at the crossing

Creek, the “back- track” trip is almost hassle-free. But in recent years, the once busy port of departure has seen a vast reduction in activity; trading has decreased significantly, but

loved ones’ arrival on the next boat. Several men played a game of cards while others seemed uneasy when this publication arrived at the area. Many stared at the cam-

from gas stoves, clothing to cooking utensils and food between Corantijnstraat and Corriverton. He said that he once traded clothing, a lucrative business which was profitable, but as the Suriname economy slid and the Suriname Dollar

Taxi drivers and relatives move closer to the water as the boat arrives from Corriverton, Berbice

the small boat with approximately 15 passengers which was heading to the beach from Corriverton. At first glance, the boat appeared filled to capacity; no one onboard

Annandale man arrested with guns, ammo A 24-YEAR-OLD man of Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD) is in police custody for unlawful possession of arms and ammunition. Police said that around 12:40h on Thursday ranks acting upon information received, arrested the suspect in South Ruimveldt with two unlicensed handguns (a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol) and three rounds of ammunition. An investigation is in progress.

Passengers arrive at the crossing from Corriverton

seemed interested in life-jackets and as the boat neared the beach, the waiting taxi men ran into the water as the boat’s engines died. Some persons were ferried on the backs of the men from the boat towards the beach and the taxi operators competed

for passengers. NORMALCY Moments later, the passengers disappeared in the waiting cars and everything seemed normal again. The men sat under the sheds and awaited the departure/arrival of the next boat. The entire episode from the boat’s arrival to the passengers’ dispersal lasted a mere 15 minutes. It’s an occurrence which happens almost daily. The passengers pay a fee of Suriname Dollars (SRD) $50 or GYD$1354 to cross the river. According to persons at the crossing, four to six boats ply the route and passengers would disembark at two locations at Corriverton. They said the boats bound for Guyana leave early during the morning hours. Back in Nickerie, a former trader noted that five years ago the route was busy, as persons would trade items

(SRD) continues to slip in value against the U.S. dollar, trading has decreased significantly. Ashwin Budhram, a taxi driver who operates at the “back-track” crossing, said that he has been working at the port for about 10 years. He said that persons utilised the route for its ease. “People just go [to Guyana] and go back,” he said. On the contrary, persons travelled to Suriname in search of work, mainly in the fishing and banana industries. “But is the exchange mek people don’t come here anymore,” he said. Boat operator Amir told this publication that three years ago the port was bright, and trading between the two locations occurred daily. VIBRANCY DROPPED Since then, the vibrancy has dropped. “Now Guyana get plenty Chinee,” Amir

added. He explained that commodities such as clothing, which businesspersons once sought in Suriname, are similar to those being sold in the Chinese stores on the Guyanese side of the border. But there remains an important reason the back-track operation remains a viable option of travel, especially for the Guyanese population. During a drive past the public hospital in Waterloostraat, Nickerie, last weekend, one would have observed the ambulances parked spick and span, several nurses and other medical staff lingering around aimlessly on the benches outside the hospital, while the gates and doors to the morgue at the side of the medical facility were locked. According to reports from the Guyanese community in Nickerie, medical care comes at a cost, and depending on the type of ailment, some find it difficult to source money to pay medical bills. At the local supermarket, the foreign proprietors informed this newspaper that medication such as paracetamol tablets were not available. Later, it was revealed that there is no over-the -counter trading of medicine. Back at the crossing at Corantijnstraat, the men informed the Chronicle that Guyanese travel into the Berbice area to access medical care. It was noted too that some Surinamese also travel to obtain medical supplies and check-ups at the hospitals on the western side of the Corentyne River. The crossing is viewed by those who utilise it as vital for travel, and while the economy in the Dutch-speaking nation is experiencing a difficult time, persons continue to travel along the back-track route, at least for medical reasons.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

Linden town clerk sent on leave THERE was high drama on Thursday in front of the Linden Town Council when the Town Clerk (TC) ,Jonellor Bowen, was issued a letter to proceed on administrative leave pending investigations into her conduct on the job. The police had to be called in after Bowen had initially allegedly refused to hand over crucial documents for the council. Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland issued Bowen the letter which stated that she has been sent on administrative leave. The council had months ago, after moving a no-confidence motion against Bowen, recommended that she be sent on administrative leave, but had to be given permission by the Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan to do so. The council received a correspondence from Minister Bulkan on Thursday giving them the go-ahead to send the TC on leave. Immediately, Bowen was issued a letter even as she was awaiting the results of a private hearing that ended about two weeks ago. The hearing was conducted by the Ministry of Communities to ascertain whether the grounds listed by the council for her to be relieved of her duties were true. Several councillors and

Some of the documents the town clerk had refused to hand over

administrative staff of the LMTC testified at the hearing. Bowen did confirm to media operatives that she on Thursday received a letter from the mayor which stipulated that she will be temporarily relieved of her duties. According to reports, she was stopped from leaving the council’s compound with pertinent documents which she refused to hand over. The police and several other regional officials were on the scene even as Bowen tried to leave with the doc-

uments. Mayor Holland told the Guyana Chronicle that he was successful in retrieving the documents from the town clerk after the police intervened. Last Wednesday the council for the second time boycotted the statutory meeting in protest against the town clerk. Holland said that they had refused to work with Bowen. The council and the town clerk have been at loggerheads since they took office in March.

Region Two REO laments sloth in filling vacancies

DESPITE complaints about a lack of jobs around the country, the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Rupert Hopkinson, is pleading with the Ministry of the Presidency, which is in charge of the public service, to have a number of vacancies filled. In a letter which was seen by the Guyana Chronicle and addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Presidency, Reginald Brotherson, Hopkinson stated that, “it is becoming increasingly challenging to execute our work programmes in Region Two.” This situation, Hopkinson disclosed, is due largely to the number of vacancies for key positions such as, Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Engineers, Regional Health Officer and several others in the region. Additionally, it was outlined that development has been affected by poor work performance, particularly in the Administration, Finance, Agriculture and Public Works programmes. “While this could be attributed to the workload in the various areas and

Region Two REO, Rupert Hopkinson

poor supervision, it can be said that it is also due to the deliberate efforts to slow down production and stagnate development in the region,” lamented the region’s REO. One particular area of underperformance he noted is the Drainage and Irrigation department, specifically trench-cleaning, he added, while emphasising, “farmers continue to complain that they suffer from poor drainage because of drainage trenches not being

properly cleaned.” “As Regional Executive Officer, I have lost confidence in senior workers in the region. It is my firm belief that unless we fill existing vacancies immediately, we will continue to witness daunting challenges in Region Two, despite the best efforts of dedicated staff,” highlighted Hopkinson’s letter. Hence, he proposed the urgent employment of persons, most of whom have more than 25 years of relevant experience, having served in various capacities in Region Two and who were recently called upon to assist in bringing stability to our programmes. Also, it was indicated that those employed be given oneyear contracts or month-tomonth attachments, until the situation in the region returns to normalcy. Among the vacancies to be filled are: Admini s t r a t i v e O f f i c e r , M echanical Superintendent, Caretaker, Librarian, Heavy-Duty Vehicle Driver, Farmhands, Typist Clerks, Checker, Junior Departmental Sister, Pump Operator, Accounts Clerk II, Cleaner, Handyman, Porter, Ambulance Driver, Vehicle Driver, Chef and a Librarian.

Tuschen residents bemoan spike in robberies By Clestine Juan

TAXI drivers, vendors and residents of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo do not feel safe, noting that their community has been plagued with robberies and murders in the past few years. Their concerns have been reiterated with the recent brutal murder of Roland Jodmie, 24, who was shot and killed on Tuesday night. During a visit to the community on Wednesday, several taxi drivers spared no effort to express their frustration with the crime situation in the community. They are seeking an audience with Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan as they want more police presence in the area. The taxi drivers, most of whom declined to state their names, told the Guyana Chronicle that with the recent spike in crime, a police out-

post should be placed at the head of the new scheme. The men also bemoaned the state of the community police outpost stationed at Block 8, in the housing scheme. The building is made out of an iron container and is covered by a zinc shed and several sheets of plyboard. “I don’t feel safe working here at night, especially in the ‘Blacka’ where Roland was shot,” one taxi driver said. He said that area is known to be a dangerous place, pointing out that a lot of criminal activities occur there. “Three years ago another taxi driver was murdered in that same area… them bandits stabbed him five times about his body and rob him,” the man said. Another taxi driver also told this publication that the officers there would always refer complainants to the

Leonora Police Station. “Last week bandits broke into my home and when I went to the outpost, the officer told me to go to Leonora, because they can’t do nothing,” the man stressed. The drivers disclosed that at night the market area would become a safe-haven for drug addicts and criminal activities. The community this year has had more than seven murders and a number of break and entries, robberies and petty larceny. Meanwhile, vendors are calling for more police presence in the scheme in light of its growing population. “I report to the officers at the outpost last week that a man stole my bicycle and 100 sapodillas, but I see that the man still walking the road,” R Ally, a vendor who was not afraid to be identified, said. Ally plans to voice his concern about police officers and criminal activities

The police outpost located in Block 8, Tuschen Housing Scheme

in the area with Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner Leslie James. Another vendor related that drug addicts usually target market stalls at night.

“Monday thief broke into a lady stall and raid the place… now the woman say she’s afraid to sell in this place because it don’t have proper policing,” the vendor

said. According to vendors, because of the spike in crime, many persons have abandoned their businesses and stalls.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

Harbour Bridge to reintroduce night retractions THE Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) plans to restart night retractions in an effort to ease morning congestion at the bridge, General Manager Rawlston Adams told the Govern-

the captains of pilot boats and examining schedules and tidal conditions to see how best night retractions can be reintroduced. The opening span of the bridge is retracted to allow the passage of vessels.

and update them regarding the process. The night retractions will only facilitate large vessels and will not allow slow moving vessels, including barges, to pass. According to Adams, preparations are being under-

An aerial view of the Demerara Harbour Bridge

ment Information Agency (GINA). In a GINA report, Adams explained that the company is currently in discussions with

The night retractions are expected to commence before the end of the month. Meetings were held with staff of the DHBC to inform

taken to correct the necessary works for the re-launch of the night retractions. “We had to reinstall some navigational lights that are on

the West Coast of Demerara and in the sugar terminal compound, there were some existing towers they hadn’t light, so we installed the lights. We’ve installed the solar panels that would charge those lights,” Adams said. Pointing out that the lights were not used over a period of time and overgrown vegetation obstructs the line of vision, Adams said that once these are cleared, the process will begin. The General Manager noted that day retractions will not be abandoned; however, the length of time would be reduced. One of the issues with the day retraction is not being able to open at the optimum tide, which heavily impacts the bridge. “Vessels cannot carry their maximum loads or even if they do, that puts them at a risk in terms of them working against the tide because most time the tide would be falling and that means they will have to compensate by increasing their speed through the bridge. That can have impact on the bridge in terms of drag and we have had incidents where that has happened and it caused damage to the

Vendors under Stabroek Market canopy to be removed

̶ area a haven for criminal activities

VENDORS under the Stabroek Market canopy are likely to be removed after a rifle was found in a bag belonging to a man who bolted from the City Police on Wednesday night. This was disclosed on Thursday morning by Chief Constable Andrew Foo, during a press conference at the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) in Georgetown. Town Clerk Royston King is expected to meet with vendors outside the Stabroek Market to discuss the proposed removal. The Chief Constable explained that after innumerable complaints of illegal activities, narco-trafficking, and the site being a haven for criminals, a plan was made to address the issue and many sting operations will be implemented with the intention of apprehending all involved in criminal and other nefarious activities. “Two persons were seen and when challenged by the ranks, one of them dropped a bag and ran away causing the ranks to give chase. A

Chief Constable Andrew Foo (second from left) with the rifle next to him during the press briefing on Thursday

subsequent check was done and the rifle was found in the bag. The firearm will be handed over to the Guyana Police Force where verification and checks will be done on the rifle,” the Foo explained. He said recently an exercise was carried out by the City Police and a quantity of marijuana was confiscated, along with items used by criminals for the purpose of breaking and entering. Superintendent Gordon Langevine said that on Thursday night, law-en-

forcement officers carried out a sting operation at the Stabroek Market area and at the time, a young man of East Indian ancestry who was wearing a hood was sitting on a stall. As the young man was confronted, he dropped a bag and ran away. When the bag was searched, a rifle was found. “Persons are using the Stabroek Market as a safe haven to sell illicit drugs and even firearms. We also received reports of people using firearms to rob per-

sons,” the superintendent said. He explained that a comprehensive plan is being made for the Christmas season and many exercises will be carried out at the Stabroek and Bourda Markets. “It’s time we rid the markets of these elements, because they use the market by night to carry out their criminal activities,” Langevine said, noting that “the Constabulary is now well equipped and prepared to deal with the situation.”

DHBC General Manager Rawlston Adams

bridge,” Adams explained. Meanwhile, the cost to maintain the bridge continues to increase. The General Manger said that the repetition of heavy loads crossing the bridge and corrosion of pontoons are driving up maintenance costs. He noted also that in the last seven years there has been a shortfall in maintenance and operation cost. “We’re only making $450 million and expending $847 million, so the Government through subvention has been making up that shortfall. Revenue is not adequate for the maintenance and this bridge does not have the ability to sustain itself,” Adams

explained. In 2015, the Government advertised for Expressions of Interest for the undertaking of a feasibility study and design of a new bridge across the Demerara River. One was received and that is engaging the attention of the authorities. In the 2016 budget, the sum $150 million was allocated for the purchase of materials and continued maintenance of the bridge. The DHBC is a vital link for commuters especially between Regions Three and Four. It is estimated that close to 10,000 vehicles traverse the bridge daily, the GINA release said.

Local testing for Zika in three weeks

LOCAL laboratories are expected to perform testing for the Zika virus infection in the next three weeks, said Minister of State and Secretary to the Cabinet, Joseph Harmon has disclosed. At a news conference on Thursday, Harmon stated that the minister within the Ministry of Health, Dr Karen Cummings briefed Cabinet on the ministry’s approach to the management of the Zika virus infection, generally and particularly as it relates to pregnant women in Guyana. The Cabinet Secretary said it was reported over the last week or so that there were two or three cases of the Zika virus affecting persons who delivered at the Georgetown Public Health Corporation GPHC. As a result the ministry highlighted its action plan and outlined objectives of this plan, which includes the early detection of foetus/ infant infection, adequate post-diagnosis management of mothers and children

and the reduction of the incidence of infection in pregnant women. Harmon stated that the ministry also outlined that the action plan is an intended and ongoing activity in relation to awareness, surveillance and reporting, training and the strengthening of health services to prevent and combat the zika virus infection generally. “The Ministry of Health continues to work with Pan-American Health Organization and the World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) to have the zika virus infection, chikungunya and dengue fever addressed in a holistic way,” said Harmon. Cabinet noted that there are a number of reported cases of the zika virus infection in Guyana, and urged that every effort is made by the ministry to address this matter. It made a number of suggestions to the ministry’s plan of action including, campaigns to sensitise the public, especially expectant mothers.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 7, 2016

Procurement, Local Gov’t Commissions this month --President Granger says

By Svetlana Marshall THE Public Procurement Commission (PPC) and the Local Government Commission are expected to be up and running this month, President David Granger has said. He made the disclosure in an invited comment to the Guyana Chronicle during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Turkeyen Campus on Thursday, October 6, 2016. The President said he was ready to swear in the commissioners for the Public Procurement Commission “two weeks ago”; however, he is awaiting the finalisation of some administrative matters, including emoluments. Last August, Members of Parliament on both sides of the National Assembly approved a motion which listed possible candidates who will sit on the constitutional body. The members to be appointed by President David Granger following their nomination by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly are Emily Dodson, Car-

ol Corbin, Ivor English, Sukrishnalall Pasha, and former Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Kishore Gopaul. The establishment and operationalisation of the PPC will effectively end Cabinet’s role in the award of multi-million dollar contracts. The amended Constitution which paved the way for the PPC some 14 years ago, allows for the dismantling of the Bid Protest Committee and reducing the responsibilities of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. Turning his attention to the Local Government Commission, President Granger stated that Cabinet has already seen the final proposal from the Ministry of Communities for the acquisition of a building to house the secretariat. The absence of a Local Government Commission is in no way, shape or form hindering the operations of local democratic organs in Guyana, Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan has assured. Of recent, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)

President David Granger has been calling on Government to put into operation the long-awaited commission. Bulkan, in an interview on Wednesday, said the operationalisation of the Local Government Commission remains high on Government’s agenda – a commitment which it will uphold. NO STYMYING He made it clear that the absence of the body is not stymying the work of the Regional Democratic Councils, municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils. “I have said before that despite the fact that these commitments have been given for the operationalisation of the commission, the absence of this commission in no way, shape or form hinders the operations or the functioning of our local democratic organs,”

Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan the Minister of Communities stated. He said when put into operation, the Local Government Commission will be responsible for the regulation and staffing of local democratic organs. These functions are currently being discharged by his ministry. Minister Bulkan said he has taken note of the calls by the Opposition. “I have said before and I will say again, that our local democratic organs have had their democratic credentials renewed with the holding of Local Government Elections earlier this year and these organs are now peopled by councillors who understand that they are operating within a new framework, one in which they have the authority and are allowed to manage and govern the affairs of their

Hot days are here

WAS September the hottest month for 2016 in Georgetown? This may have been the case since temperatures soared and peaked at an average of 33 degrees celsius, with the daily temperatures for the last week of last month peaking at 35 degrees daily. Around Guyana many persons have complained of the hot weather, including heat of the baking sun and the hot nights. Some have noted that the nights appeared hotter than normal. But a quick assessment of the online weather portal AccuWeather.com, the database where weather data is stored for various jurisdictions globally, will indicate that the month of September recorded a continuous trend of high temperatures. The temperatures for each day ranged between 30 and 35 degrees with higher temperatures recorded on most days. The only exception was on Saturday September

…temperatures peaked at 33 °C in September 24 when the number dipped to 29 degrees. However, the following day, on Sunday, September 25th, the temperature climbed to 35 degrees and each day of that week the number remained the same until Friday September 30th. Similar figures were recorded in the early days of this month. In August , there were indications that the weather would prove hot in the weeks after, since the numbers ranged between 30 and 36 degrees celsius for most days, with the latter figure being recorded one day that month, on August 15th. In the months prior, the temperatures were lower, ranging between 28 and 34 degrees celsius and most days the situation saw more humidity as compared to August and September.

In several communities across Guyana, it was evident that it had not rained for long period, such as at Black Bush Polder in Region Six, where persons reported that it had not rained for several days, sometimes weeks. In the capital city, the situation has been no different, since there have been days of continuous sunshine during September, as the ordinary man in the street complained of the heat. The situation may not change until the end of October, since AccuWeather predicts that the temperatures would remain in the 30s until approximately the third week this month. It must be noted that the forecast for the weeks in October also indicate that there may be chances of rain, thunderstorms and partially cloudy to cloudy conditions. However, the latter conditions are predicted from the

last week of this month and the forecast also predicts that there will be a simultaneous drop in temperature. Those conditions are expected to last into December. Guyana has experienced various changes in the weather patterns over the past year. Last August, El Nino dry weather conditions commenced and lasted into the first quarter and partially the second quarter of 2016. Those conditions created a dilemma for many communities across the country and the farmers were the ones who felt the brunt of the dry conditions, given the lack of water for their crops. In outlying areas, the situation impacted several communities, as the wells and other sources of water were depleted as the dry conditions progressed.

PPP Executive Member Zulfikar Mustapha leading a protest on Tuesday in front the Ministry of the Presidency respective communities,” he explained. The Minister of Communities made it clear that his ministry is not interfering in the functioning of the local organs. “The ministry is not engaged or involved in some sinister campaign to usurp the authority of our local democratic organs which are currently being allowed to function with independence,” he assured. However, the minister did not indicate when he will submit his nominees for the commission. President David Granger is also mandated to submit his nominations to form the commission of eight.

Former Town Clerk Carol Sooba and former Local Government Ministers Norman Whittaker and Clinton Collymore are the nominees put forward by the PPP to sit on the commission. On Tuesday, the PPP picketed the Ministry of the Presidency calling for the commission to be established. PPP Executive Member Zulfikar Mustapha told reporters that the minister has been in the habit of postponing the appointment of this vital body. It was pointed out that September 30 was the last date given by the minister for operationalisation of the commission, but this is still to materialise.

Battered body of Hague resident found on village seashore

THE battered body of a father of two was found on the seashore of Hague, West Coast Demerara (WCD) Thursday morning. Dead is Prakash Mahipaul called “Sunil” of Hague Jib, WCD. The machinist recently returned from vacation in the United States with his family. His body was taken to Ezekiel Funeral Parlor. Residents in the area said that Mahipaul’s face appeared to have marks of violence, while others speculated that he may have taken his own life. Police have since arrested the man’s wife and are looking for another suspect to assist with investigations. Mahipaul was described as an easy-going, quiet and decent man who is friendly. Others said that the man was in a troubled relationship. Neighbours and res-

Dead: Prakash Mahipaul idents flocked outside of the man’s home where they were very vocal about the man’s death, laying all blame at the feet of his wife.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 7, 2016

No formal proposal yet --says Greenidge on OIC funding of Guyana/Suriname bridge

By Ariana Gordon WHILE Suriname has been in talks with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) for funding the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River that would link Guyana to Suriname, Guyana is yet to receive a formal proposal. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge told reporters on Wednesday that as far as he is aware, the OIC does not fund capital projects but the Islamic Development Bank, which is part of the wider group of the OIC, does. “I have not seen a proposal to fund a bridge, but they have invited us and the Ministry of Finance has been speaking to them about funding things in which we have an interest, a range of projects,” Foreign Affairs Ministry said. Greenidge also said he is aware that the Suriname Government has received an offer from the bank to fund construction of the bridge. “… and I believe that they signed an agreement for a loan… that discussion has taken place,” said Greenidge, who disclosed that Suriname’s President Desi Bouterse had mentioned the loan to Guyanese officials recently. On Thursday, Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters that while information relative to the OIC funding construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River is indeed coming from the Surinamese end, “We believe that the destinies of the people of this continent are linked and therefore rivers should not be considered as separating people, but every effort we can make to bridge or join the continent is important.” He reminded reporters that President David Granger has been speaking about the forest coverage within the Guiana Shield and noted the combined effect of the forest coverage between Suriname and Guyana and what it does for the world’s eco system. “It would seem to me an appropriate step to ensure that we bridge our rivers rather than making them boundaries. This of course, would have to do with several issues which we’d have

to clarify with the other side.” NOT NEW Minister Harmon reminded reporters that the proposal for a bridge across the Corentyne River is not new. Under the former People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Administration efforts were made to seek funding from China for construction of the bridge. “We had asked for some information on it which was a closely guarded secret. I think the issue at that time was the funding for it, so the information that now surfaces about the OIC having an interest in it, is something of course which would have to come to us, we would have to discuss it,” he said. On Wednesday Caribbean News Now contributor Ray Chickrie reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Suriname has announced that the OIC is willing to finance the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River. The announcement by the Surinamese Government followed a visit of the Secretary-General of the OIC, Iyad Ameen Madani and team to both Guyana and Suriname last week. Once on stream, the project is expected to enhance regional integration and economic development within the Union of South American States (UNASUR). Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Niermala Badrising said the OIC and its financial arm the Islamic Development Bank, are in favour of the execution of major infrastructural projects in South America, one of which is the bridge linking Guyana and Suriname. Badrising in a statement said the bridge “Could become a reality if the countries involved are in agreement and if the project is feasible. It is one of the opportunities that we have to utilise OIC funds, and the project will complement UNASUR’s regional integration vision.” While in Suriname, Madani told reporters that “We are not a religious organisation, and the OIC hails Suriname as an ex-

Friday October 7, 2016 - 08:30 hrs Saturday October 8, 2016 - 09:30 hrs

ample of a multicultural country where different ethnicities and religions peacefully coexist.” He said too that the OIC has no interest in that country’s internal affairs, Caribbean News Now reported. “Suriname and Guyana’s membership in the group should be used to its fullest so as to contribute to regional integration and economic development,” he was reported as saying. Meanwhile, President Desi Bouterse on Friday defended Suriname’s relationship with the OIC and the IsDB and urged Suriname to take advantage of the US$1.8 billion soft loan from the bank. The Islamic Development Bank has financed many projects

globally in the areas of infrastructure, human development, renewable energy, urban development, agriculture, health care and education. It has a membership of 57 countries. Guyana became the 57th member and the second CARICOM member of the bank earlier this year. Guyana has said that with its membership, the bank will allow the country to obtain alternative financing to highly concessional resources, including interest-free loans. The IDB was established in 1973 with the purpose of fostering economic development and social progress in member countries and Muslim communities.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 7, 2016

‘Crapo’ murder trial opens at Demerara Assizes By George Barclay

THE trial of Hamid Latiff called “Crapo” for the murder of Mulchand Murilall in 2013 began on Wednesday at the Demerara Assizes before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a mixed jury. State counsel Shonette Austin is prosecuting, while Bernard De Santos, SC, is defending. In her opening address to the jury, Austin urged jurors to bear in mind that the prosecution has to prove the following elements or ingredients of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt. According to her, those elements are: that Mulchand Murilall died as a result of the injuries received; that Mulchand Murilall died within a year and a day of receiving the injuries; that this accused caused the death of Mulchand Murilall; that at the time he intended to kill him or to cause him grievous bodily harm; and that the death was not an accident, it was not done in self-defence, nor was there any provocation. The prosecutrix went on to tell the jury that the ingredients will be proved by the evidence of the nine witnesses the prosecution intends to call. State counsel said that the witness would tell them a story that the accused Hamid Latiff called “Crapo” was the ex-brother-in-law of the deceased Mulchand. Hamid lived with Mulchand’s sister Bhagmattie,

but over time the relationship soured. Narrating the facts, Austin went on to tell the jury that on Friday, November 8, 2013 at about 17: 00 hrs, an incident occurred between Bhagmattie and Hamid on the roadway and she made a report to the police at the Cane Grove Police Station. At about 20:00hrs that same evening, the accused and Mulchand got into a confrontation and he threw Mulchand into a trench. The accused was seen with a knife. When Mulchand was taken out of the trench, his skin was covered with what appeared to be blood. The police were summoned to the scene but Mulchand died that night. On November 9, 2013, the accused was arrested by the police at Number 78 Corriverton, Berbice. He was later charged for the offence and brought before the Court. On November 11, 2013, a post-mortem examination was performed by Dr Nehaul Singh on the body of Mulchand Murilall at the Georgetown Hospital Mortuary. The cause of death was stated as perforation of the heart and lung due to a stab wound. The pathologist Dr Singh, the prosecutrix pointed out, would explain all of the details to the jury. The prosecutrix exhorted the jury to consider no other source but the sworn testimony of the witnesses. The trial will continue.

Norton St. man gets 4 years for narco possession

OTIS Ptolemy Halley of Norton Street, Geogetown was on Thursday sentenced to four years imprisonment for possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The sentence was handed down by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. Halley was also fined $ 5.7 million. It was alleged that he had in his possession three kilograms, 832 grams of cannabis on June 22, 2016 at his Norton Street home. The magistrate in her ruling stated that the prosecutor’s witnesses who testified were consistent with evidence they presented before the court and it was

Otis Ptolemy Halley crystal clear against the defendant.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

Outstanding Guyanese ho

By Alva Solomon SEVERAL persons who were recognised for their exceptional service to the country were bestowed with awards on Thursday afternoon by President David Granger. Speaking at the 2016 Investiture Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre after pinning the awards to the recipients, President Granger said the awards promote a sense of national identity. “We must not neglect these honours,” he said, adding that Guyana will continue to pay homage to its citizens. Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Carl Singh, said the ceremony represented a two-tiered event, which began when the names of those who were recognised by the Head of State earlier in accordance of the Constitution of Guyana. He said at the inception, there were only the Order of Excellence, the country’s highest award and the Medal of service. In 1976, the Order of Roraima, the second highest national award was implemented in accordance with constitutional amendments. Justice Singh said that a number of awards are provided to persons in the public and private sectors. The awardees include Senior Counsel Rex McKay and Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland, who were both conferred with the Order of Roraima. Inderjeet Beharry of the Edward B Beharry Group of and Companies and Roman Catholic Priest, Father Malcolm Rodrigues, received the Cacique Crown of Honour. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Guyana’s independence, National Awards were announced for 86 persons. Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart was announced as an awardee of the Order of Roraima for his dedication and commitment to the Caribbean Community and his unflinching support for Small Island Developing States.

President David Granger confers the Order of Roraima on Senior Counsel Rex McKay

President David Granger confers the Ord Dr B

Businessman Inderjeet Beharry of the Edward B Beharry Group of Companies Limited receives his award from President David Granger

Senior Superintendent of Police Maxine G Services Me

A section of the Awardees at the Investiture Cerem

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

onoured

der of Roraima on Speaker of the National Assembly, Barton Scotland

Graham receives from President Granger, the Disciplined edal for Meritorious Service

mony Thursday afternoon

Cubana Air Disaster

Guyana, Cuba remember victims at moving ceremony GUYANA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a zone of peace when a commemorative ceremony was held to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster on Thursday. The ceremony was attended by President David Granger, Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana Julio César González Marchante, Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament, Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force Brigadier George Lewis and members of the Diplomatic Corps, among others. Minutes after laying a wreath at the monument erected at the University of Guyana Turkeyen Campus to remember the 73 persons who were killed on board of Cubana 455, President Granger said such an act

President David Granger lays a wreath at the monument erected at the Turkeyen Campus to remember the victims of the October 1976 terrorist attack

Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, Julio César González Marchante narine Kumar – all of whom of terrorism should never were heading to Cuba to re-occur, stating clearly that study medicine, engineering Guyana “abhors the crime of and other disciplines. international terrorism when“We intend that, by reever and wherever it occurs.” membering the horror of the On Wednesday October past at this solemn commem6, 1976, Cubana Airways oration, we could spare presFlight CU-455 was scheduled ent and future generations of to fly the following route: Caribbean citizens of the reGuyana to Trinidad, Trinidad currence of such transnational to Barbados, Barbados to Ja- crimes,” the President said. maica, and finally Kingston He recalled that the to Havana, Cuba. However, deadly assault on humanity at 13:24hrs, nine minutes af- occurred four years after ter it took off from Barbados’ Guyana, Trinidad and TobaSeawell International Airport go, Barbados and Jamaica (now Grantley Adams Air- had made the “courageous” port) two bombs exploded in démarche of establishing dipthe plane causing it to crash lomatic relations with Cuba. into the Atlantic Ocean. “The Cubana terrorist All 48 passengers and 25 attack ensnared the Caribcrew members were killed – bean Community in a Cold 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese and War conflict which was not five North Koreans. The 11 of the Region’s making. The Guyanese were: Raymond terrorist attack constituted an Persaud, Rawle Thomas, Jac- assault on the freedom-loving queline Williams, Rita Thom- peoples of the Caribbean. It as, Harold Norton, Gordon was an attack on the right of Sobha, Ann Nelson, Margaret the small states of the Region Bradshaw, Violet Thomas, to determine their internaSabrina Harrypaul and Sesh-

tional relations in their own national interest,” President Granger added. I n D e c e m b e r, 2 0 0 5 , during the second CARICOM-Cuba Summit in Barbados, calls were made for the Government of the United States of America to consider favourably, the request for the extradition of the suspect to Venezuela in order to ensure that he is brought to justice on charges of terrorism. Such a move, President Granger noted, would have been in accordance with the U.S. obligations under international law and their own national legislation. The Cuban Ambassador, in no uncertain way, said “The culprits had proven links with the Central Intelligence Agency of the United States and still enjoy impunity and protection in the territory of that country.” He said it must be noted that the policy of state terrorism perpetrated against Cuba is responsible for the grief and pain of many Cuban families, the destruction and ravaging of the people’s estate and facilities. As such, he said Cuba has designated October 6 as the Day of Victims of State Terrorism. “The execution of [a] number criminal acts and sabotage has also been proven as well as the use of mercenaries and not only against Cuba, but also against other countries considered friends of ours. The very Senate of The United States investigated and publicly acknowl-

edged the countless CIA plans to assassinate leaders of the Cuban Revolution and its dedication to this task for several years,” Ambassador Merchante pointed out. Notwithstanding the many attempts, he gave the assurance that Cuba will continue to condemn and fight terrorism. “May serve this commemoration to reaffirm the unbreakable will of Cuba to fight terrorism, its deepest rejection and condemnation of all acts, methods and practices of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations by whomever, against whoever and wherever they are committed; whatever their motivations are, including those in which States are directly and indirectly involved,” he stated. As such, he said Cuba strongly supports the collective efforts of the United Nations against terrorism. According to reports, two Venezuelan nationals, Hernán Ricardo Lozano and Freddy Lugo, joined the flight in Trinidad and Tobago. However, they disembarked in Barbados after setting the bombs on the plane. At the time, they were working for Luis Posada Carriles. They were subsequently sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, while Carriles was held for eight years while awaiting a final sentence but eventually fled. He subsequently entered the U.S. where he was held on charges of entering the country illegally and was released on April 19, 2007.

GUYANA CHRONICLE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 07, 2016

Ruqayyah’s ‘You don’t own me’ speaks against domestic violence By Jasmaine Payne IT didn’t take long for Ruqayyah Boyer’s new found singing career to pick up and the songstress has wasted no time in touching on the heavy topics. Her second single ‘You don’t own me’, which was launched on October 1, 2016, coincided with International Day of Nonviolence and tackles the ever present social ills of domestic violence. The song shares the same name and directly samples from the 1963 song ‘You don’t own me’ by Lesley Gore. Much like the original, Ruqayyah’s version, also has a spirited message for women who may be trapped in abusive relationships, but have mustered the courage to finally get out. Ruqayyah uses the hip-hop beat to frame the song as a type of musical monologue, detailing one young woman’s struggle to stand up to her partner. But the idea for the

Ruqayyah Boyer recently launched her new song, speaking against domestic violence song was birthed since 2011, long before Ruqayyah decided to start recording. “I was first given the soundtrack to play around with by Kendabeatmaker of Brutal Recording studios…”

Ruqayyah told The Buzz. “I had the track for about three months before waking up suddenly one morning knowing exactly what I wanted to say in the song. I wrote the entire song under 1 hour.”

And having been part of her focus during her stint in pageantry at the time, the subject of domestic violence seemed more than a fitting topic for the beat. “[Lesley Gore’s] version was created as a feminist anthem, while my remake of the classic is focused more on the issue of gender based violence plaguing our country. It speaks about a young woman who underwent the abuse so many of our women face, but she survived and escaped. In some ways it is also my tribute to the legend of what Gore is and was. She stood for something more than herself and that’s inspiring,” Ruqayyah said. Some aspects of the song were inspired by women whom she interacted with on social media about their personal struggles. “I did what I could to help and other times I felt so helpless to the core… I ultimately decided that the best way I could truly help was through my craft and talents,” she said. Even though the song was launched only a few

Rihanna’s new dreadlocks look is #goals RIHANNA always wanted dreadlocks since she was a teenager and now she has them, even if they are not authentic. The Bajan pop star debuted her new look on Instagram, postings photos of her dreadlocks extension. “Buffalo $oldier,” she captioned one of the photos. Since she posted the pics several reggae/dancehall artists have cosigned her long thick locks including Mavado and Spice. One fan asked Rihanna on Twitter why she chose to get dreads and she responded, “since I was 14, but mama Fent’z wasn’t havin it! Hehe.” Rihanna has always been a huge fan of Bob Marley and his music and often credited him for paving the way for her on the world stage, coming from a small island in the Caribbean. “Bob we miss & LOVE u! U made this lil journey of mine possible by blessin the world wit ur legend, which lives on thru generations to come. RIP,” she wrote on Twitter in 2011, while the world was celebrating the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley’s death. (Urbanisladz.com)

Rihanna

days ago, ‘You don’t own me’ has already been able to garner support from local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the diaspora, which advocate against domestic violence in Guyana. “I have also been in talks recently with the Ministry of Social Protection about having the song as an awareness magnifier during the months of November and December when a lot of activities will be ongoing surrounding the issues highlighted in the song,” she said. Ruqayyah continues to work with stakeholders to help promote the song throughout Guyana with the hope that her words are heard and can inspire women who are in a similar situation. As she continues to grow in her new singing career, Ruqayyah says that she is now discovering herself as a musical artist and is therefore exploring the types of songs she will put out from hereon. Nevertheless, she believes that songs which focus on topics like these are

important. “At some point, (as) human beings (we) will want messages that feed our souls because music is supposed to heal and inspire, as much as it entertains… Overall I’ll be aiming to have as much fun with the stories I decide to share, while consciously striking a healthy balance with its portrayed content both lyrically and visually,” Ruqayyah explained. Meanwhile, even as she continues to work on several other upcoming singles, she is still in negotiation as it relates to other aspects of her new career, such as management and the composition of an album. Ruqayyah said that plans for the music video to her first single ‘Sunshine’ have begun and production will begin next year. Meanwhile her song ‘You don’t own me’ continues to enjoy significant airplay around Guyana, as well as in other countries such as Trinidad, Barbados, England, New Zealand and the United States.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 07, 2016

Young entrepreneur to launch Mentorship Programme

a business-owner over the past your own course. Business will six years and so she is thankful give you purpose and keep you IT was when she was just 16– and proud of how far she has grounded. You dedicate your years-old that Ashaka King reached, adding that it is cer- time to it; you put your all into knew that she wanted to enter tainly empowering to know that it. So it is good for women to the field of business. Being “It is important for women to have the budding fashionista that their own. There is no greater feeling she was, the teenager decided of self-empowerment than being able to invest her allowances in to chart your own course. Business statement accessory pieces, will give you purpose and keep you which she will import and sell grounded. You dedicate your time to in Guyana. After some trial and error, it; you put your all into it. So it is good three and a half years later, for women to get into that. Women are Ashaka officially launched so creative, we can do it all; I think ‘Pieces and Things,’ a retail everyone should try it.” store which specialises in accessories. Now, with two store locations and preparations to get into that. Women are so launch an e-commerce web- she can provide for herself. “It is important for women creative, we can do it all; I site for her brand, this business-owner is seeking to step to have their own. There is no think everyone should try it,” into other areas in order to help greater feeling of self-empow- she said. Ashaka stated that getting inspire young women in the erment than being able to chart fashion and business world. Through the establishment of the charity ‘My Sister’s Keeper’, a mentorship programme, Ashaka hopes to partner with businesswomen and other notable women in society to work with young girls by providing them with role models who will help to mentor them in different areas of their life. “I grew up in a household where charity is a way of life, and while I believe it is something that should be kept private so that it does not take away from its purpose, I realise that I have also reached a stage where I am capable of giving back and so I have that responsibility to live up to,” Ashaka said in an interview with The Buzz. Though she herself is new to the realm of charity, Ashaka said that she will invest in the relevant research and will also partner with organisations to work to get the programme running in the near future. However, her sense of responsibility comes from the Ashaka King, owner of Pieces and Things success that she has enjoyed as By Jasmaine Payne

Ashaka prepares a model for a photo shoot where she is at the moment was no easy task and she admits to stumbling in key areas in establishing her business. She noted that now, with her current location in Georgetown and her second store recently opened in Linden, it is fair to say that ‘Pieces and Things’ has indeed come a far way. “One of my biggest rewards as a business owner is being able to truly watch something I have created grow into something bigger than that. The more it grows the more it proves to

me that I wasn’t crazy,” she said. Moreover, she also feels extremely blessed that she is able to inspire her peers and other young women, adding that it helps to keep her motivated, knowing that there are people who look to her for inspiration. It is these feel-good sentiments that contribute to her drive to give back through her foundation, she indicated. “The fact that I have built something that is now in a position to give back is amazing.

It is a humongous success for me,” she said. Most of all, Ashaka believes that her business itself helps many women to make bold fashion statements through the provision of her one of a kind accessory piece. In a small country where trends can become saturated, she advises that it is accessories that help to make that difference. “When a woman is well put together, she carries herself better and that it what accessories do: they complete the job,” she said.

Kim Kardashian regrets flaunting her $4 million ring... but doesn’t want Kanye to replace it [Dailymail.co.uk] – CRITICS have suggested Kim Kardashian brought her armed robbery on herself by flaunting her wealth on social media. And now the reality star, who is said to be still in shock after the violent attack, is also ‘blaming herself,’ People reports. The KUWTK star was bound and gagged in her luxury apartment in Paris in the early hours of Monday morning, after armed men pretending to be police forced their way into her hotel apartment and made off with $10 million in jewelry. Part of their haul included

Kim Kardashian

a stunning $4 million diamond ring that had been recently gifted to Kim by husband Kanye West. “She’s tearing herself up that she Snapchatted the ring so much and wore it all the time,” a source told the magazine. Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, the French police and a former Pink Panther jewel thief have all said Kim attracted the robbers’ attention by showing off her gems on social media, while her former bodyguard is convinced the robbery was an inside job. “Kanye wants to buy her the ring again but she just says she doesn’t want to think

about it,” they added. “He says he wants everything to go back to normal and for the incident to not affect their lives.” However, that’s unlikely in the wake of the shocking incident. The rest of the Kardashian-Jenner family wants to change things, and Kim will be scaling back her public appearances, another insider said. Already, the famous family have been spotted with extra bodyguards and have maintained a rare silence on social media since the attack. Kim now plans to add extra security, including plainclothes and undercover

bodyguards, to trail her every move and keep her safe. “This scared everyone,” says the source of the violent robbery. “ T h e y ’re n o t t a k i n g chances... It was a really scary situation for the entire family and it’s just not worth it to put themselves out there unnecessarily right now.” Meanwhile, US Weekly reported that Kim’s neighbours didn’t hear her screams for help on the night of the theft. The reality star yelled for help after wiggling free of her restraints after the thieves fled.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 7, 2016

The ‘Spotlight’ shines bright!

-premiere a success By Tamica Garnett MANY who tuned in for Wednesday night’s premiere of locally produced E-Networks/RED Entertainment talent show ‘The Spotlight’ were rightfully blown away by the overall quality of the show as the final 15 talent acts began their last lap in the race for the 2.5 million grand prize up for grabs. Some tuned in at home, others on the live stream, while others kicked back with the production crew and contestants in the electric atmosphere at the viewing party in the packed 704 Sports Bar. From the get-go, show producers had promised a program that would be “top notch” and “of international standard” but as we know, ‘self-praise is no recommendation’; so there was always some skepticism as to what to expect when the show finally aired. However, kudos to the production team, because oh my God, did they deliver! It has definitely raised the bar on the standard of talent shows in Guyana. A testament to this came in the form of the many comments from those who saw the show on FB since they just couldn’t believe they were watching a local production. “Wow!!! This is Guyana??? Love this!!! Where was this? As in the venue? The stage and everything looks very modern,” said Antoinette Skinner. “So proud of

Dance group Euphoria with host Faizal Khan my country I’m in awe at the quality of this production,” was how Onika Fox felt, and Steven Shim added “E-Networks Just Raised the bar in production and entertainment in Guyana ...Kudos!!!” And the comments just kept rolling in! QUALITY OVER QUANTITY With just 15 opening acts, in addition to a soon to be revealed wild card entry, the show really is about quality over quantity. The stage setting was truly commendable and the organisation of it all was well put together. But enough about the show’s appearance, let’s get down to what this show is really all about: the contestants. Each act had 90 seconds to put forth a display worthy of getting them through to the

next round with the bottom five acts having to compete in another episode where only two will advance to the next round. Of the 15 acts, there were those who stood out, those who were admittedly nervous, and those who were disappointingly lackluster. However, the judges: Alana Seebarran, Russell Lancaster and Christian Sobers, were liberal when praising those contestants who were able to take past advice and work on their acts. The acts they found not good enough were told to return with improvements. At the end of the show this week’s bottom five were revealed to be young break dancer, Asiraf Mohammed, singers Shamar Ramsammy, Ronald Chan Yen, Kellon Rover and the band, “Behold the Jury”.

PICKING A FRONT RUNNER If many persons had hopes of picking front runners based on what they saw Wednesday night it would have definitely been difficult. Many of the acts were not their best, including the night’s opening act-singer, Delisha Wright. Wright did not give the premier a good start, understandably though as it was later revealed that she was nursing a sore throat. Next up was Asraf Mohammed and let’s just say off the bat that Asraf is the cutest thing, and no matter how the cookie crumbles we admire his braveness for not only coming on the show but for making it this far. So you just got to put some respect on it. However that aside, Asraf is rolling with the big

What’s Buzzing IT LOOKS like a relatively quiet weekend, but we can still find something to do! Here’s what’s Buzzing this weekend.

Today Lose your mind at Pulse Entertainment’s Bazodee, which will be hosted at

Palm Court from 21:00hrs. Come get dazed, Lightheaded and caught up in the magical moments that will make you forget everything else around you as you par-

ty the night to the hottest mix from Machel Montano by DJ Anisah and DJ Ryan. Tickets cost $2,000. Sunday It’s been all the Natural Hair Community has been talking about for months, now it’s finally hair. Curlfest Guyana Natural Hair and Beauty Expo will be hosted at the Promenade Gardens from 09:00hrs to 18:00hrs. Get deals on hair and beauty products, demos from salons and cosmetologists, makeup tips and skin care tutorials, a natural hair show and much more! Tickets cost $1,000 for adults and $500 for children.

Singer, Delisha Wright started off the night’s performances boys now and competing for 2.5 million, so figuratively speaking he’ll have to “take it like a man.” Like a lot of Wednesday night’s acts he could also use a little work. When asked by Khan how he thought he did, the Swarsat Primary student simply replied “not too good” in a disheartened tone. Bollywood singer Latchman Singh was one of the acts applauded by the judges for showing improvement, when he did a pretty good cover of Sonu Nigam’s very emotional “Kal Ho Naa Ho”. It was the all-boys dance group Euphoria, who really got things pumping with what was arguably the most entertaining 90 seconds of the show. The flexibility of contortionist Robert Wall was definitely a sight to behold, though watching his bone

breaking movements may make some uncomfortable. The other acts of the night included the show’s second dance group ‘Now U C Me’, musical group ‘Safe’, speed painter Winston Alexander, and singers Kimberly Samuels, Wayne Errol Frank, and Trevaun Selman. Though if you were thinking it, unless you are a close family member or close friend of a contestant, catching the show live is impossible. Filming is done at a private location prior to the show being aired, and only a few are allowed to be part of the audience. Despite this, you can catch the weekly airings on Wednesday nights at 8 on E1, or watch the rebroadcasts throughout the week, as well as the videos being posted on Facebook.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 07, 2016

NIS fashion show & talent night leaves lasting impression By Tamica Garnett THE striking designs of

Randy Madray, Isaiah Luther and veteran Guyanese designer Sonia Noel among

others, dazzled as another well-executed NIS Sports Club Fashion Show and

staff talent came to an end. The event was held at the Patrick Martinborough Multipurpose Complex on Carifesta Avenue recently. Back by popular demand, the show saw models donning pieces from Madray’s “Roses” and “Evening Gowns” collections, while Luther was out with pieces from his September 2016 collection “Red”, and Neilson Nurse continued promotion of his “Guyana” line. A collection of handmade leather and knitted pieces were also showcased by Fiona Alert. Most of the designers displayed 10 to 15 pieces and included quite a few show stoppers, including a floral print “can-can” well flaunted by Traits model, Xameira Kippins. Described as a passionate line, focused on those ladies keen on looking their best at all times, but with a little 70s flare, Luther’s collection tried to rekindle a love for the maxi pants and broad belts. The line contained chic pieces catering to the needs of the working woman, or anyone just looking to make a sophisticated statement. Nurse’s ‘Guyana’ collection speaks for itself; originally on display at the launch of the Guyana Fashion Week in early May, the pieces pay homage to the Golden Arrowhead in noteworthy style. Noel displayed several of her signature ponchos, dresses and shirts. But it wasn’t just the fashion pieces that had the patrons glad that they were there. The talent segment was fun filled with laughter and loud applauses, and included a performance by the debonair Abel Stokes, who has been making quite the rounds at most of these fashionable events. There were also songs by Ronell Archer, Kemol King, Daria Barrow, a spoken word performance by Jasmine Clement and Fitzroy Leitch and a dramatic poetry display by Ayanna Glasgow. Then there was the moment when NIS General Manager, Doreen Nelson was put on the spot after an impromptu request was made for her to walk the runway. Rising to the occasion, Doreen killed it and got a fitting standing ovation for her mini performance. Doreen, who is on pre-retirement leave, is set to leave the NIS establishment after over 30 years of service. And what a way to go! Like the show, she too left a lasting

MC, Tamika Henry and Project Coordinator Keith Allicock take the last walk on the runway

Traits model Xameira Kippins in a piece from Isaiah Luther’s “Red” collection impression. Overall the ambient event set quite the tone and lived up to the standard of what events like this should be all about. The third of its kind, the semi-private show was put together as part of the NIS 47th Anniversary celebrations and was organised by Project Coordinator, Keith Allicock, who had also arranged similar shows in

2009 and 2012. The models were mainly National Insurance Scheme (NIS) employees, but also included in the event were a few models from the Traits Model Management Agency, who were trained by Keith, a runway coach himself. The night was emceed by former Miss Guyana Universe, the beautiful, Tamika Henry.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday October 7, 2016

Sharapova’s scapegoat scheme isn’t working MARIA Sharapova is serving up bitter criticisms of tennis authorities on a gloating victory lap after getting her drug suspension reduced. But the International Tennis Federation returned the shot Thursday, essentially saying Sharapova is using revisionist history in her criticism of the ITF’s handling of her ban for using the prohibited drug meldonium. In an interview with PBS, Sharapova was asked whether the ITF was trying to make an example of her, as a former world No. 1, five-time major winner and the world’s highest-earning sportswoman. “I never wanted to believe that, but I am starting to think that,” she said. “I got a 24-month suspension, but they [the ITF] wanted four years for me.” Sharapova was cleared Tuesday by the Court of Arbitration for Sport to return to action in April after her two-year suspension was reduced to 15 months. The administrator of the Tennis Anti-Doping Program denied it had sought a four-year ban for Sharapova and, in a statement, rejected suggestions by the Russian that its independent tribunal was “not neutral.” The ITF also emphasized it had not known, prior to this year when the drug was put on the banned list, that meldonium was in common use by Eastern European athletes. Sharapova, 29, also has said other sports federations had been more effective at communicating with athletes

Sharapova says she’s “really excited to get back on the court for a great

MARIA SHARAPOVA and hoped the ITF would take note. Her lawyer John Haggerty described the ITF’s procedure for relaying rule changes as a “night-and-day difference” to the “vivid and direct warnings” from others. “The ITF did not try to ban Ms. Sharapova for four years, as has been suggested,” the tennis governing body said. “The ITF stated clearly that it was the responsibility of the Independent Tribunal — and subsequently the CAS Panel — to determine what the appropriate sanction should be. “Ms. Sharapova has stated that the Independent Tribunal was ‘not neutral,’” it added. “Ms. Sharapova’s legal team was given the opportunity to object to the appointment of any member of that Tribunal in advance of the hearing, and they agreed in writing that they had no such objection. “It was accepted by Ms. Sharapova in the hearing before CAS that the ITF did not know before 2016 about the extent to which meldonium was used by athletes from any region, or that Ms. Sharapova herself was using meldonium.” Sharapova returns to the court for the first time since her doping ban was reduced when she makes her World Team Tennis Smash Hits debut next week in Las Vegas. WTT announced Wednesday that Sharapova will play in the charity event, co-hosted by Billie Jean King and Elton John, on Monday at Caesars Palace.

cause.” She joins a field that includes John McEnroe, Andy Roddick and

Martina Navratilova. The event will be shown live on ESPN2.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 07, 2016

ITF hits back at Sharapova’s criticism

(REUTERS) - The International Tennis Federation (ITF) hit back yesterday at criticism over its handling of Maria Sharapova’s drugs

ban for meldonium. The administrator of the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme denied it had sought a four-year ban for the former

world number one and, in a statement, rejected suggestions by the Russian that its independent tribunal was “not neutral”.

The ITF also emphasised it had not known, prior to

Maria Sharapova this year when the drug was put on the banned list, that meldonium was in common use by eastern European athletes.

English Racing Tips

Five-time grand slam winner Sharapova was cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to return to action in April after her two-year suspension was reduced to 15 months on Tuesday. The 29-year-old said then that other sports federations had been more effective at communicating with athletes and hoped the ITF would take note. Her lawyer John Haggerty described the ITF’s procedure for relaying rule changes as a “night and day difference” to the “vivid and direct warnings” from others. “The ITF did not try to

ban Ms Sharapova for four years, as has been suggested,” the tennis governing body said. “The ITF stated clearly that it was the responsibility of the Independent Tribunal - and subsequently the CAS Panel - to determine what the appropriate sanction should be. “Ms Sharapova has stated that the Independent Tribunal was ‘not neutral’,” it added. “Ms Sharapova’s legal team was given the opportunity to object to the appointment of any member of that Tribunal in advance of the hearing, and they agreed in writing that they had no such objection.”

RACING TIPS Newton Abbot

13:30 hrs Taj Mahal

Newmarket

08:55 hrs Black Corton

14:00 hrs Ambassadorial

08:35 hrs Courage Under Fire

09:30 hrs Old Guard

14:30 hrs Indrahar

10:00 hrs Listen And Learn

15:00 hrs Manorov

11:05 hrs Popping Along

15:30 hrs Lightening Stricks

11:40 hrs Misrobin

16:00 hrs My Fantasea

09:05 hrs Double Lady 09:40 hrs Jallota 10:10 hrs Spatial 10:45 hrs New Calidonia 11:20 hrs Alouja 11:50 hrs Lady Of Camelot York 08:45 hrs Battered 09:20 hrs Keystroke 09:50 hrs Her Terms 10:25 hrs Master Blueyes 10:55 hrs Tylery Wonder 11:30 hrs Raheen House 12:00 hrs Honeysuckle Lil

12:15 hrs Misterton South Africa Racing Tips

American Racing Tips

Fairview

Belmont

08:45 hrs Tracy’s Legacy

Race 1 Mary Pray for Us

09:25 hrs Imperial Velvet

Race 2 Harlan’s Hunch

10:00 hrs Just Rock ‘N Roll

Race 3 Instant Replay

10:35 hrs Afrikaburn

Race 4 Felini

11:10 hrs Neptune’s Jewel

Race 5 Another Genius

Irish Racing Tips

Race 6 Investigator

Dundalk

Race 7 Burdines

12:30 hrs Arabian Verse

Race 8 Keen Ice

13:00 hrs Matriarch

Race 9 Tracking Stock

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Friday October 07, 2016) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE-176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1)

3-0 (PAK)

(2)

58 times

Today’s Quiz:

(1)

Where and when did the WI and Pakistan contest the first ever ODI against each other?

(2)

Who struck the first ever ODI century for Pakistan against the WI?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 07, 2016

Younis ruled out of First Test GRFU slams (ESPNCricinfo) - Younis Khan has been ruled out of Pakistan’s first Test against West Indies, with doctors advising 10 days of rest for him to regain his strength after recovering from a bout of dengue fever. “Younis has informed chief selector Inzamamul-Haq that he won’t be able to play the first Test,” a PCB spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “The selectors are yet to announce the squad, but it is confirmed that Younis will not take part in the opening game in Dubai. He asked for rest

Younis Khan

to be fully fit before his national selection since he has recently recovered from dengue.” Last month, the 38-year-

old Younis contracted a high fever that was later diagnosed as the mosquitoborne disease dengue, for which he was treated in a Karachi hospital. This forced him to miss the first round of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament. Doctors have advised Younis to extend his rest for another 10 days. He is expected to be available for the second Test in Abu Dhabi. Younis last missed a Test match in May 2011 also against West Indies, coincidentally, in St Kitts -

and has since featured in 41 successive matches, scoring 3839 runs in that period, at an average of 59.06. He is now Pakistan’s leading rungetter in Tests with 9 456 runs at 53.72, and in his last appearance scored 218 against England at The Oval. Pakistan will begin their three-match Test series with a pink-ball, day-night match at the Dubai International Stadium from October 13. The second Test begins on October 21 in Abu Dhabi, and the third in Sharjah on October 30.

BCCI given one day to

implement recommendations (ESPNCricinfo) - The BCCI has been asked by the Supreme Court to give an undertaking by Friday, October 7 (today), that it will “unconditionally” implement all the court-approved recommendations of the Lodha Committee. If the board failed to provide such an undertaking, the Supreme Court indicated it would pass an order today to replace the board’s office-bearers with a panel of administrators. The court asked the BCCI’s legal counsel Kapil Sibal to check with the board and respond by today. It is understood that Sibal had asked for more time but the court refused. “What do you want?” TS Thakur, the Chief Justice of India and head of the three-judge bench hearing the matter, said. “Either we pass orders tomorrow or you give us a statement that you will abide unconditionally by the recommendations and directions of the Lodha Committee.” The latest developments in the tussle between the BCCI and the Lodha Committee took place in the Supreme Court yesterday. The court was hearing the BCCI’s response to the status report filed by the Lodha Committee last week, which recommended that the BCCI office-bearers be superseded because they were impeding the implementation of the recommendations passed by a Supreme Court

order on July 18. There was a dramatic turn of events towards the final half-hour of the hearing. Sibal’s argument that the BCCI needed approval from two-thirds of its member associations, according to the Tamil Nadu Societies Act under which the board was incorporated received sharp response from Chief Justice Thakur. Thakur said the BCCI had been the “face” and “forefront” of defiance against the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. “You are giving the lead to the associations,” he said. “You are trying to obstruct

time until October 17, keeping in mind that the court will take a 11-day break next week, but the request was denied. Sibal was asked whether he could give the BCCI’s undertaking of acceptance by today, and when he said it was not possible because the board needed approval from its state associations, he was told: If you don’t implement the recommendations, we will pass the orders.” Justice Thakur reminded the BCCI and the state associations that their money was public money. He warned that funds would be stopped to states that did

ing yesterday, the court heard submissions made by the amicus curiae Gopal Subramanium. If it were to approve the Lodha Committee’s recommendation to supersede the BCCI office-bearers, the court asked Subramanium, would there be eligibility criteria for the people comprising the panel of administrators, and whether they needed to be cricketers? He said there were no criteria as long as the new administrators were of impeccable stature and integrity. The court was also told that ICC chief executive David Richardson had said the

The BCCI has been given less than 24 hours to fall in line with the Lodha Committee’s recommendations.

the Lodha panel.” His suggestion to the BCCI in response to its members’ resistance was to either block their funding or to debar them. At that point, Thakur gave the BCCI an ultimatum: agree to push through the recommendations, agree to discuss with the Lodha panel and “stop wasting our time”. The BCCI then asked for

not want to accept the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. When Sibal said the state associations had their own bylaws and the BCCI had no control over them, the court said: “If the associations are reluctant to reform, why do you continue to give them money? You are giving crores of money to them even as they refuse to reform?” At the start of the hear-

BCCI president Anurag Thakur had asked the ICC for a letter saying it would not allow any government nominee on the BCCI Apex Council. The Lodha Committee had recommended that one official from the Comptroller and Auditor General’s office be part of the nine-member Apex Council, which would replace the existing BCCI working committee.

RAN Finals … late transport, field issues listed By Stephan Sookram

THE Guyana Rugby Football Union is crying foul over the recently concluded finals of the Rugby Americas North (RAN) 15s championship against hosts Mexico. Guyana lost 33-3. In that final last Saturday and while the GRFU is not placing the blame entirely on their treatment in Mexico, some factors cannot be overstated, according to president Peter Green. During a press briefing yesterday morning, the president did not mince words in saying, “The layout of the field accepted by the referees and match commissioner was illegal. The point remains that the rugby field according to international regulations was wrongly laid out.” He noted that, in particular, the goalpost was on the dead-ball line and the try line was in front of the goalpost. Those issues, he said, caused a series of confusion to the players, with the body currently penning a legal document to the International Rugby Board. “Right now, I’d say congratulations to Mexico, but at the same time, we are awaiting our objections to world rugby. That was an un-level playing field.” “People would ask us, ‘why didn’t we object’? Simply because in our haste to warm up, no one realised that the marks were strange. I realised when the game started but that was too late,” Green admitted. Apart from the field layout, the team was also late to the venue after the bus, organised by the Mexican federation, failed to show up, leaving the management to

find its own transportation to the ground. Upon arrival, the manager Robbie Roberts had requested of the said match commissioner an additional 45 minutes to an hour for warm up, to which they were told the maximum time awarded would be 15 minutes. According to Roberts, their troubles in the North American country seemed deliberate as they were given no justice for those issues raised. The loss, however, while due in part to the frustrations faced were not the only factors that influenced the loss, according to coach Lawrence Adonis. “We started out well in that game against Mexico, we had them down in their half and we were really pressuring. But we left a lot of points on the court because we threw away at least three penalties. We had chances to really score and we didn’t.” According to the coach, on return to the second half, the unit, in attempting to pressure Mexico, made mistakes which their opponents capitalised on. He also praised the work of Argentine coach Deigo Giannantonio whose tactics ensured that the unit excelled in certain areas adding, “I don’t think that we will make a mistake like that moving forward. I think it’s a very resilient team moving forward and we will rebound.” After thanking the relevant stakeholders, the government of Guyana (the National Sport Commission and the Ministry of Education), the Argentine government and John Fernandes, the GRFU boss turned his attention to the 7s game which begins shortly.

SWIM MEET ORGANISED FOR DIFFERENTLY-ABLED PERSONS THE Colgrain Swimming Pool will today be the venue for the National Sports Commission (NSCsponsored swim meet for differently-abled persons from 09:30hrs. The meet will feature 18 events in backstroke and freestyle in three age categories. The categories in-

clude Under-15, Over-16 and Open for both males and females. Competitors who cannot swim will take part in the Open Aquatic Walk and Flotation events. Admission is free and persons are encouraged to come out and lend support in addition to cheering on the competitors.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 07, 2016

Guyana’s golfers excel in Suriname

GUYANA’S golfers excelled in the Suriname Open Golf championships securing some of the top prizes when the two-day event was staged last weekend in Paramaribo. Digicel Guyana Open 2015 champion, Shanella Webster, emerged as the champion lady golfer when she took the Ladies’ ‘A’ Flight by storm. Shanella created history in the championships, by being the first Guyanese lady to win the A Flight. Playing off a handicap 17, she accumulated 69 points, three points more than her Guyanese counterpart, Christine Sukhram. Christine won the

13 of the 15-member Guyana contingent. (From Left) Alfred Mentore, Dr Philbert London, Patanjalee Persaud, Lakeram Ramsundar, Troy Cadogan, Kalyan Tiwari, Mike Gayadin, John Tracey, Deanand Bissessar, Patrick Prashad, Parmanand Persaud, and sitting, Shanella Webster and Christine Sukhram. Best Gross in the female category.

Meanwhile, on the men’s side, Deanand ‘Deno’ Bis-

sessar, won the ‘C’ Flight category after he acclimated

NSBF U-19 Quarter-finals bounce off today

… exciting weekend ahead By Daniel Haynes

THE Youth Basketball Guyana’s (YBG) 11th Annual National Schools Basketball Festival (NSBF) will tip into its final quarter today, with a series of Under-19 games from 17:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Action in the tournament has been ongoing for two weeks and today’s quarterfinals mark the first of the last three days in the event. The first game of the day will see defending champions Kwakwani Secondary match up against Mackenzie High. The Mackenzie side will be looking to deny the defending champs another run at

the title. However, it will not be an easy task since Kwakwani will be led by Road to Mecca 3 MVP Stanton Rose. For Mackenzie, shutting down Rose will only be a small part of the game plan with Kwakwani boasting two other Junior National players in Damair ‘Bubba’ Gladstone and Troy ‘Rambo’ David. Following their matchup, President’s College will take on Linden Technical Institute (LTI). Both teams are coming into the game with dominating performances against their opponents in the opening rounds. Jaleel Duke will be hoping to lead his East Coast side into the semifinals

while Tahquille Johnson of LTI will be looking to spoil the party. LTI have a history of excelling in knockout stages, but with a fairly new cast, the Linden side will have pressure on their shoulders. St Rose’s High will take on New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary (NAMS) in the third game of the day. This will be an interesting matchup with both teams boasting high-calibre big men as well as guards. New Amsterdam will have to find a way to cut off the head of Rose’s offence in duo guards Patrice Agrippa and Shamar Huntley. For NAMS, Ramone Fogenay and Kelmar Carmichael’s point guard combo will be

crucial. The battle of the big ones will see NAMS’ Neil Marks, Tafawa Daly, Sherland Gillis take it to St Rose’s Akil Vaughn and Leon Ross. So far, Marks has seemed unstoppable with Daly spreading the floor to hit threes and Gillis’ scrappers approach to the game giving NAMS the edge. Georgetown Technical Institute received a bye and will head straight to the semi-finals to await an opponent. Tomorrow will see all semifinals played with the final and closing ceremony on Sunday. The tournament is sponsored by Digicel, Banks DIH Limited and Beharry Group of Companies.

65 points. K a l y a n Ti w a r i a n d

Sukhram recorded the Longest Drive on day one in the male and female categories respectively, while Alfred Mentore recorded the Nearest-to-the-Pin and Webster the Longest Drive on day two. In addition, Dr Philbert London finished fourth in the Men’s ‘B’ Flight category. The Suriname Open Golf tournament was played under the Stableford System. Golfers’ total scores were taken from 36 holes to determine their final placement. Participating countries this year were Australia, Curacao, French Guiana, Guyana and hosts Suriname.

Jaguars Franchise League 3-Day tournament reaches final round THE Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars Franchise League Three-day tournament will conclude this weekend with its final round of matches, starting today at four different venues countrywide. Table-toppers, Lower Corentyne will clash with West Berbice at Port Mourant, while West Demerara and Essequibo will do battle at the Tuschen Community Centre ground, Georgetown will host Upper Corentyne at GCC and East Coast Demerara will play East Bank at Enterprise. Lower Corentyne have played unbeaten in the eightteam tournament so far, and in the process have accumulated 95.3 points. West Demerara are second

on the points table with 76.8. The points standings for the remaining teams read: East Coast Demerara (68.5), Upper Corentyne (51.2), Essequibo (41.6), Georgetown (40.9), West Berbice (32.5) and East Bank (258.5). Apart from the Threeday competition, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) also has in the pipeline a Jaguars 50over League and the Jaguars Premier League T20 tournament. Replacing the traditional Inter-county competition, the leagues will be streamlined to feed into the WICB’s Professional Cricket League (PCL) Four-day competition and the Regional Super50, as well as the Caribbean Premier League T20.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 07, 2016

YMCA cart off Jeet Brothers-sponsored dominoes

THE Young Menâ€™s Christian Association (YMCA) led from the start and never relinquished the lead, as they emerged winners of the Jeet Brothers-sponsored dominoes tournament, played at their headquarters, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

and Roger Browne (13) lent valuable support. The top players for Canal Six were Scotty Ramroop with 15 games and Oudit Prittipaul and Kedar Seopaul with 14 each. For International Six, there were 16 games for Martin Permaul, 15 for Soomdat Jeet and 14 for

Sponsor Soomdat Jeet (right) hands over the winning trophy to Brian Allen in the presence of other members of the victorious team. (Cullen Bess-Nelson photo)

The eventual winners tallied 79 games to win from Canal Six on 73 and International Six who trailed on 70. It was all YMCA from the outset as they led off with 17 games, leaving Canal Six on 13 and International Six on a mere eight. Apart from the second sitting, when Canal drew within two games of the leaders, the hosts took complete control to romp home easy winners. Rishi Das led for YMCA with 16 games while Brian Allen (15), Adit Singh (14)

Navin Samaroo. Trophies were presented to the winning and second-placed teams and the top player in each team, who were Das of YMCA, Ramroop from Canal Six and International Sixâ€™s Permaul. Members of the winning team also received caps, compliments of the sponsors. The game was coordinated by popular dominoes enthusiast Manniram Shew. The Jeet brothers reside in New York and are currently holidaying in Guyana.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, October 07, 2016

Younis ruled out of First Test See Page 29

GRFU slams RAN Finals … late transport, field issues listed

See Page 29

From L-R, National Coach Lawrence Adonis, GRFU President Peter Green, Manager Robbie Roberts and PRO Daniel Anderson. (Delano Williams Photo)

Guyana’s golfers excel inSee Page Suriname 30 NSBF U-19 Quarter-finals bounce off today See Page 30

BCCI given one day to implement recommendations

See Page 29

YMCA cart off See Page 31 Jeet Brothers sponsored dominoes