Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 08 12 2016

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No. 104759

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Cathy: VAT on internet data necessary P.9

‒ Gov’t seeks to roll out transformational initiatives ‒ Reliable internet service for 600 gov’t buildings ‒ ICT hubs for several Amerindian communities ‒ Centre of Excellence in IT to be opened next year

The 2017 budget debate continues for a fourth day today. In photo, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo gestures during the presentation by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira Wednesday evening.

(Samuel Maughn photo)

Specialist doctors for hinterland 2 P.

…as gov’t ramps up spending to boost maternal care

5Bs put scores back into P.3 classrooms

Venezuelans buying rice from Guyana

‒ in private arrangement P.9

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Specialist doctors for hinterland …as gov’t ramps up spending to boost maternal care

By Svetlana Marshall GOVERNMENT next year will deploy specialist doctors to certain hinterland regions and will also spend heavily in services and training to boost maternal and child health care here, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings, has said.

Speaking on Tuesday during the ongoing budget debate, Dr Cummings said understanding the budget can be difficult, but once understood persons will soon realise that the 2017 estimate is a “people’s budget.” “Mr. Speaker, after the initial hangover of misinformation is [sic] subsided, Guyanese are recognising that they will benefit more from Budget 2017 than any other budget in the history of this beautiful country,” she told the National Assembly. The opposition has criticised the budget, deeming it anti-workers.

SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERTS Dr Cummings told the house that: “The social media mathematicians and economists have all withdrawn into obscurity, now that their pseudo-economic theories have been debunked by ordinary people, who simply took the time to read and understand this budget.”

According to Minister Cummings, the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government within 19 months has set about working assiduously to maximise the potential of Guyana on all fronts, positing that all sectors are being given strict attention and budget 2017 will assist in moving the process forward.

Dr Karen Cummings

Turning her attention to her subject ministry, health, the Public Health Minister pointed out that $31.2B has been for the health sector in 2017 – representing the largest budgetary allocation to be given to the sector.

“The provision of the best healthcare to all Guyanese remains a national priority,” she assured the House, while noting that the 2017 budget will boost the capacity of the sector to meet the demands of the population.

“As a Government, we are committed to reducing the inequities and the inequalities of access to quality healthcare, as we strive to make universal primary health care a lasting reality in this country,” she posited.

In the public health sector, $2B has been allocated for infrastructural works, thereby allowing for the transformation of some healthcare facilities to accommodate the people of their communities, including the differently-abled.

She noted that a special effort will be made to upgrade health facilities at the district level, along with the establishment and improvement of comfortable living quarters. These steps, she said, will encourage more medical personnel to work in areas such as Baramita, Kamarang, Bartica, Mahdia, Port Kaituma and Annai.

“Improved living conditions are a significant motivator, since it satisfies one of the

basic human needs in our hierarchy of needs,” Dr. Cummings further contended.

In 2017, the Public Health Ministry, she said, will increase the number of specialist doctors that will be sent into certain regions to treat particular illnesses with major emphasis being placed on paediatrics, internal medicine, gynaecology, obstetrics, dental health and general surgery.

“Initially, the doctors will be deployed specifically in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine,” she stated, while noting that once these placements are done, Government will save enormous sums of money on medical evacuations, which were pegged at an alarming $48.4M in 2016.

MATERNAL HEALTH On the troubled issue of maternal care, Dr Cummings said the institutional strengthening of Maternal and Child Health within the ministry is another key area that will take centre stage in 2017, with close attention being placed on the services offered in Regions Three, Four and Nine. “The provision of this enhanced healthcare in this area, Mr. Speaker, will commence through a US$8M project that will contribute significantly towards the reduction in maternal, pre-natal and neo-natal deaths in Guyana,” she reported.

This project, she further explained, will improve the supply-chain management of new types of contraceptives, drugs and blood products.

Additionally, Government will continue to upgrade maternity waiting homes, improve health literacy and train more health workers, while building capacity within the entire unit.

Additionally, $6.5B has been budgeted for the procurement of medicines and medical supplies.

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5Bs put scores back into classrooms

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

‒ Min Ally says while unveiling agenda for social cohesion

By Ariana Gordon PRESIDENT David Granger’s 5Bs initiative, which was initially geared to provide transportation for schoolchildren, has helped put scores of students in the hinterland and other areas back in school, Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally said on Wednesday, as she laid out her ministry’s plans for next year.

Ally said the 5Bs programme aims to bridge the inequality gap in the country, a programme she said the former PPP/C administration lacked “the foresight to introduce.” “The Ministry of Social Cohesion has been tasked with the responsibility to manage this programme, because it is relevant to Social Cohesion…Mr Speaker, access to education is fundamental to the development of our human capital; it is an essential criteria [sic] to effectively participate in any democratic society such as ours and everyone has the right to education, regardless of where they live, their race, culture or geographic location and I urge all to embrace this,” Ally said.

She highlighted the efforts of the government’s

corporate partners who have also assisted in driving the programme and noted that as a government it is a necessary social, economic and moral imperative to have the political will to remove barriers to education. “Our work is incomplete if we believe we can just build schools. We have to find creative ways to get our children to access those schools; to receive a full course of primary and secondary education; that is the primary purpose of the Bs initiative,” declared Ally.

The Minister of Social Cohesion informed the House that the 5Bs programme,the brainchild of President Granger, seeks to provide boats, buses, bicycles, breakfasts and books to schoolchildren has already reaped benefits as more children have been able to attend school regularly. As a result, that ministry is working with the Ministry of Education to continuously measure the impacts of the programme across the country.

“In 2017 we intend to intensify our monitoring and evaluation efforts to measure the impact of the Bs programme…[and] seek ways in which we can improve this programme,” she said, while expressing confidence

Minister of Social Cohesion, Amna Ally

that her government is on the right path to improve access to education here.

Noting that the country’s literacy rate will be restored to above 96 percent, Ally said the coalition government is aware that schools are strategic institutions that can have significant impacts on social cohesion in Guyana. “Schools are critical institutions in the promotion of social cohesion through the transmission of knowledge and shaping of attitudes of

individuals towards diversity; schools can foster or retard students’ tolerance.”

Additionally, the minister noted that the schools can prove powerful in forging a national identity which can unite the country’s diverse communities. On that note, the minister said her ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to create a booklet on civic education which would be distributed in all primary schools.

“It is intended to educate our primary-aged students about [the] value of being good citizens, love and respect, knowledge about our multi-ethnic society and valuable contributions made by our diverse groups,” she said.

STRATEGIC PLAN Meanwhile, Ally said that the 2017 budget which has been chided by the opposition will allow her government to roll out its Strategic Plan and noted that there has been and will continue to be engagements with the Muslim, Christian and Hindu communities. “These groups are now collectively working along with my ministry to seek implementable programmes that can foster social cohesion.”

The Ministry of Social Cohesion’s Strategic Plan is currently in its final stage of formulation and a validation workshop to be held early next year will see the unveiling of the draft plan. $90.1M has been allocated to the Ministry of Social Cohesion in 2017 and according to Ally, that sum will be used for national, regional art competitions and exhibitions to recognise positive contributions, diverse groups of Guyanese to the development of Guyana and these will be based on cross-cutting themes, race,

religion and gender.

The objective she said, is to recognise, promote and celebrate achievements of diverse groups of Guyanese to the development of Guyana. “Our schoolchildren will have opportunities to be part of these initiatives as we continue our collaboration with the Ministry of Education,” she said, while noting that at the community level, the sum allocated to the ministry will be used to organise inter-village and inter-regional youth exchanges that will allow 250 young people from indigenous backgrounds and minority groups to be part of a multi-cultural exchange programme.

That programme will see participants being exposed to lifeskills and practical strategies which will lend for access to employment and furthering educational pursuits. “This programme will allow young people the opportunity to explore positive, internalised attitudes and stereotypes–the expected outcomes are to have a cadre of young social cohesion ambassadors at the community levels. Mr Speaker, budget 2017 will allow the ministry to organise a week of activities to signal a stand against racism and intolerance for diversity…This initiative includes a day of prayer.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8,2016

Trump to pick foe of Obama climate agenda to run EPA: source

(Reuters) Donald Trump will pick an ardent opponent of President Barack Obama’s measures to curb climate change as head of the Environmental Protection Agency, a Trump transition team source said on Wednesday, a choice that enraged green activists and cheered the oil industry.

Trump’s choice, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, fits neatly with the Republican president-elect’s promise to cut back the EPA and free up drilling and coal mining, and signals the likely rollback of much of Obama’s environmental agenda.

Since becoming the top prosecutor for the major oil and gas producing state in 2011, Pruitt has launched multiple lawsuits against regulations put forward by the agency he is now poised to lead, suing to block federal measures to reduce smog and curb toxic emissions from power plants.

He is also a leading figure in a legal effort by several

states to throw out the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, the centerpiece of Obama’s climate change strategy that requires states to curb carbon output.

In an interview with Reuters in September, Pruitt said he sees the Clean Power Plan as a form of federal “coercion and commandeering” of energy policy and that his state should have “sovereignty to make decisions for its own markets.”

Pruitt, 48, has also said he is skeptical of climate change. In an opinion piece in an Oklahoma newspaper this year, he wrote that he believes the debate over global warming is “far from settled” and that scientists continue to disagree on the issue. An overwhelming majority of scientists around the world say manmade emissions are warming the planet.

The Obama administration finalized the Clean Power Plan in 2015 as a key part of meeting U.S. obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement, an accord among

nearly 200 countries to curb global warming. Many scientists say warming is causing rising sea levels, drought, and an increase in ferocious storms.

Trump vowed during his campaign to pull the United States out of the Paris deal, saying it would put American businesses at a competitive disadvantage. Since the election, however, Trump has said he will keep an “open mind” about the climate deal, and also met with leading climate change activist and former Vice President Al Gore. [L1N1E025U] Trump, a real estate magnate who takes office on Jan. 20, is in the midst of building his administration and is holding scores of interviews at his office in New York.

‘FOX GUARDING THE HENHOUSE’ Environmental groups and former Obama officials bristled at the choice of Pruitt.

“Scott Pruitt running the EPA is like the fox guarding

Scott Pruitt,Attorney General of Oklahoma, arrives to meet with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., December 7, 2016. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid

the henhouse,” said Gene Karpinski, president of the League of Conservation Voters, which supported Trump’s opponent in the election,

Democrat Hillary Clinton.

“Time and again, he has fought to pad the profits of Big Polluters at the expense of public health.”

Heather Zichal, a former Deputy Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change under Obama, said Trump’s choice was alarming.

“You can meet with Al Gore on Monday, pledge to keep Teddy Roosevelt’s environmental legacy alive on Tuesday, but if you nominate the Clean Power Act’s leading opponent to head the EPA on Wednesday, you’re making an unequivocal statement about the direction of your leadership,” she said.

But representatives of the oil industry, and some Republican lawmakers, were cheered by the pick.

Scott Segal, an energy industry lobbyist at Bracewell LLP called Pruitt “a measured and articulate student of environmental law and policy” who helped “keep

EPA faithful to its statutory authority and respectful of the role of the states in our system of cooperative federalism.”

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma, also a climate change skeptic, said “Pruitt has fought back against unconstitutional and overzealous environmental regulations like Waters of the U.S. and the Clean Power Plan; he has proven that being a good steward of the environment does not mean burdening tax payers and businesses with red tape.”

Trump aides praised Pruitt’s conservative record.

“Attorney General Pruitt has a strong conservative record as a state prosecutor and has demonstrated a familiarity with laws and regulations impacting a large energy resource state,” one of the aides said on a transition team briefing call on Wednesday.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Wave of fear in Trinidad after tsunami ‘warning’

-east coast residents want to be prepared (Trinidad Express) A wave of fear swept across Trinidad’s east coast on Tuesday evening after social media began sharing a tsunami warning, triggered by the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that shook the island less than an hour before.

It turned out the warning was bogus, written and posted by an unknown person then shared by thousands of people terrified by the quake, and what it could mean if monster waves came ashore along the coastline where thousands live.

Some residents who panicked over the false alarm spread on social media criticised the authorities for not making the public aware of the situation sooner.

A similar concern happened along Trinidad’s east coast in 2004 as a result of the Indian Ocean 9.1 magnitude earthquake that triggered tsunami that killed

an estimated 280,000 in 14 countries.

President of the Guayaguayare/Ortoire/Maryaro Fishing Association Francis Arjoon said on Wednesday afternoon that he was yet to hear from the Office of Disaster Preparedness Management (ODPM).

The ODPM did issue a disclaimer on social media on Tuesday night, denying any tsunami warning.

Arjoon said that he was listening to the newscast about the earthquake and was told by a relative of a possible tsunami. He said he panicked over the news and was uncertain what to do.

“It was night and I got the call that there might be a tsunami. I live about 200 feet from the Mayaro beach and we didn’t hear anything about it. I was watching the news to hear if they would say anything about that but I didn’t. this is something

serious. We never got anyone from the ODPM doing any kind of drills or talks with us about safety. Right now the sea is rough and it is very

panic Chief executive officer Dr Stephen Ramroop said that that false information which was being spread created the unnecessary panic and that the people should

Trinidad’s east coast

windy. What I am saying is that they (the authorities) need to inform the public as soon as something happens so we know,” said Arjoon.

Stupid people causing

rely on the relevant governmental agencies to share the information.

He said: “the statement was not an ODPM statement.

This was intended by people who really don’t have much

Brazil top court rules Senate head can stay, defuses crisis (Reuters) Brazil’s Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned an injunction that ordered the indicted head of the Senate, Renan Calheiros, to step down, voting to allow him to continue in the post but not in the presidential line of succession.

The 6-3 ruling defuses a clash between the top court and the Senate that threatened to derail austerity legislation at the center of President Michel Temer’s plan to bring a widening budget deficit under control and end a two-year recession.

The decision removed uncertainty about the final approval next week in the Senate of a constitutional ceiling on federal spending

that investors consider a crucial step for Brazil to regain investment status.

The removal of Calheiros, who was indicted last week on embezzlement charges, would have left the Senate leadership in the hands of a leftist senator whose Workers Party opposes the spending cutbacks at the heart of Temer’s efforts to restore fiscal discipline.

Calheiros, whose mandate in charge of the chamber expires when Congress goes into its Christmas recess in a few days, refused to step down on Tuesday, heightening the standoff between the legislature and judiciary.

He was second in line to Brazil’s presidency after

Brazil’s Senate President Renan Calheiros, REUTERS/Adriano Machado

the speaker of the lower house, as the nation currently has no vice president.

Justice Marco Aurelio de Mello defended his injunction issued on Monday based on a majority vote by the court a month ago that no person indicted for a crime could be in the presidential line of succession.

But in Wednesday’s ruling, the majority decided that, while no indicted person can be in line for the presidency of the country, that does not mean they have to step down from other positions.

to do with their time but to cause panic to people in the nation. The only people to give tsunami warnings is the government agencies in particular the ODPM on the advice of the pacific tsunami warning centre”.

Asked about the panic coast caused by the fraudulent tsunami alert that purportedly came from the ODPM, Ramroop said: “Why would we (the ODPM) give a communication when the media is on the radio and television telling you please heed the authorities, there’s no tsunami. What else do the people want? Do they want me to come down and say did you pack your disaster bags?

Do you know where your shelter is? Could you go out to the coast and see the water receding and you better run to a very high spot? Is that what you want me to go and tell them? What you have to understand is that there is a system of communication”.

Need for Tsunami drills However, vice president of the Rio Claro Chamber of Commerce Nigel Ramnasibsingh said that there has been no recent drill sessions with the people of the com-

munity.

He said: “As far as I can recall the ODPM has had no community programmes or sessions with the public.

This has hit home and everyone needs to take heed and prepare themselves and especially not to panic.”

Ramnasibsingh said that the Chamber has contact information for various organisations to assist the people in the event of a natural disaster, however, “these things are not planned and can’t be predicted.”

He said that he spoke to an official at the Mayaro/Rio Claro Regional Corporation disaster management unit who said that there were no reports of structural damage or human injury.

“It was more of a scare or shock to the people of our community. We hope that this is a wakeup call for everyone in Trinidad and that the ODPM will continue to educate and engage the community as to what needs to be done in case of a disaster,” said Ramnasibsingh.

On Tuesday night, Mayaro Member of Parliament Rushton Paray utilised social media to inform the public that the country was not under any tsunami watch

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Editor-In-Chief

Nigel Williams Editor

Godfrey Wray

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

Editorial

Miscarriage of justice

OUR December 6 edition carried a story of a 35-yearold woman who was found guilty of child neglect at the New Amsterdam Magistrates Court.

From the court’s report, this young woman has 13 children and was charged with three counts of child neglect of her children, ages: five, seven and 10. She has been fined $100,000 for each child, which together is $300,000, or six months imprisonment. Anita, the woman’s call name, told the magistrate she cannot afford to pay the fine and opted to serve the time in prison. In getting a clearer picture of this woman’s biodata from the hearing, she is employed as a domestic, shares her home with a partner/husband, and is living with four of her children, including a three-monthold baby. The three children whom the court ruled that she neglected, were thankfully taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital for treatment.

In an examination of this case, there is obviously more to it than that of child neglect, which is a transgression of the Rights of the Child and an offence under the law that once found guilty the offender pays the penalty. From this standpoint, one may think that the police and the court would have done their jobs. But has the wider society, including the institutions of state, done theirs.

Anita is a product of our society and her case should be examined on the basis of the existing circumstances.

Neglect of children, while it is an offence, has to be examined within the context of support institutions that are in place to prevent same and ensure future protection.

Being unrepresented -- and it is reasonable to assume this had to do with her economic circumstance as a domestic, and/or the failure of the state to offer/provide her with legal assistance for representation-- can be considered as a miscarriage of justice. In cases of this nature, it requires not reading the law to the letter, but understanding the circumstances that surround the entire issue, and making decisions based on same.

At a psychosocial level, it is not known if this woman had interaction with care-providers such a social worker, or was sent for medical evaluation. Could she be suffering from stress or post-partum depression? It was important that these issues should have been factored in and form part of the evidence leading to conviction or not. There was a case in October of similar nature to Anita, in which another mother had abandoned her baby. She was found guilty, and fined $100,000 or face three months imprisonment. This newspaper did an editorial titled “Child endangerment charge,” addressing the issue.

No excuse is being made for either of these women or any woman who chooses to act in like manner. At the same time, the society, most notably the institutions of state, cannot ignore what is seemingly a behavioural pattern, that should it be properly examined and attended to can be eliminated. In Anita’s case, nine of her children are not living with her. This suggests that persons have provided her with some of the support she needed. But for the four children she has, she may still need support, be it financial or psychosocial.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8,2016

Afro-Guyanese are historically indomitable and resourceful

Dear editor,

I WRITE you in relation to Lincoln Lewis’s response on a letter I had written to the media and which was subsequently published. First and foremost, I am a strong advocate for social cohesion and racial harmony.

I serve as the National Chairman of a Peace Federation which is an organisation geared towards promoting peace and love among all Guyanese.

Over the course of this year, this multi-faith, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural organisation has embarked on a campaign of bringing all races, political parties and cultures into a stronghold of peace.

The remarks made by Lincoln Lewis are devastatingly misguided and malicious. As I said in my first letter on the African Business Chamber: “I am someone who does not know what racism is, I do not like it, I do not believe in it and I do not tolerate it.”

I believe that we all have enshrined democratic rights, to believe or not to believe, to agree and to disagree. It is unfortunate that Mr. Lewis would turn a philosophical disagreement into a racist and ethnic rant. Some people do not see race, and I am grateful to be such an individual. When I enter the market, I do not look for people of a certain race from whom I would buy goods; if I need medicine, I look to purchase from a pharmacy where I feel happy and comfortable and in most cases, they are Afro-Guyanese. I believe that every race and every person has the right to develop themselves. My point is that in Guyana, we have various chambers that account for all races, so there is simply no need to segregate our commerce by race. All I

have tried to highlight is that any ethnic chamber of commerce could move towards apartheid, starting with businesses then trickling down to the people. I pray this never happens.

My aim as always is to call for harmony and cooperation in business throughout Guyana. My goal was just to say that I do not believe in apartheid -- in business or humanity. My disagreement with the formation of the African Business Chamber does not mean that I don’t believe that people have a right to open businesses. If a chamber were started by the Indians in Guyana, what would Lincoln Lewis say about this development, especially under the previous Government? If the Portuguese started such a movement, what would have happened? Any specific race forming a chamber could be very detrimental, although lawful. If some persons felt that the existing chambers of commerce were not inclusive enough, there should have been dialogue to solve this problem. I am not a current member of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), but I am aware that there is a diverse group of members inclusive of Africans. Linden has a Chamber, and other races are apart, so why was this ethnic chamber formed to begin with?

Africans in Guyana are historically very indomitable and resourceful. Anyone who denies this reality should have his/her brain examined. Our history books tell us that the owner of Plantation Northbrook, a cotton plantation on the East Coast of Demerara, decided to sell this land to a group of 83 Africans for 30,000 guilders, equivalent to 2000 British pounds or $10,000. These Africans, like many others, had saved money that they had earned from over-time work

over the years. They were mainly headmen and mechanics from Grove, Paradise, Hope and Enmore; and since much of the money they had saved was in the form of coins, they had to transport the payment in wheel-barrows to the seller.

Shortly after, Queen Victoria agreed to a request from the new owners to rename the plantation Victoria, in her honour. By 1839, Africans had purchased plantations of Lichfield, Golden Grove, St. John and Providence in West Berbice. These examples inform us of the African dynamism in organisation and business.

I recall when an Indo-centric individual who was based overseas a decade or two ago started an “Indo-centric” party and I was approached to be part of its membership, and to lend various forms of support even if I did not accept membership. My answer to the gentleman was this: “My brother, I, Roshan Khan, can never ever be ungrateful to African people in this country. They were my teachers, mentors, nurses, my mother’s mid-wives, and neighbours, essentially, my family. Africans have always been special and close to me so I am sorry my brother, I cannot associate in any way with any Indo-centric political entity.”

Again, I wish to reiterate that I believe in a one-world society, where people are judged by character and not by the colour of their skins or political affiliations. If anyone misunderstood or felt injured by the caption of the first published article, I am saddened and wish to assure everyone that I remain a true Guyanese and a patriot of Guyana.

Regards, Yours sincerely, ROSHAN KHAN

Budgetary allocations for parenting programmes welcomed Dear Editor, THIS is the third of our letters to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The Childcare & Protection Agency (CPA) -- which has responsibility for overall protection of children, and whose mandate requires that cases of child abuse be reported to them -- lacks the human and financial resources to adequately respond to the number of child abuse cases reported to its personnel.

While there have been many consultations and promises of collaboration between the CPA and NGOs such as Help & Shelter, this has not materialized, except for a few referrals, usually to our shelter. Prior to the setting up of the CPA, Help & Shelter had offered successful psycho-social counselling and court support services to hundreds of

child survivors of abuse, including survivors of sexual violence; and that our face-to-face and court-support counselling services are not being fully utilised by the agency is hard to understand.

In keeping with the Protection of Children Act and related legislation, we refer all cases of child abuse to the CPA, and follow up on cases we refer.

As such, we are well aware of the deficiencies and absence of an effective, inclusive, transparent and well publicised national child- protection policy, plan and system.

The UNICEF Situational Analysis reports that only about 100 social workers, child protection officers and school welfare officers are employed in the entire country. This number is wholly inadequate, and it is imperative that it be increased and that the skills and services available

Something must be done as a matter of national priority to address situations of this nature. Placing cases such as these before the courts without ensuring obvious areas of concern are addressed in itself constitutes a miscarriage of justice. Our judicial system is one of retributive justice. When the Anitas would have served their time and released back into society,

in the NGO and civil society sector be utilized for the prevention of, protection from, and safety and well-being of victims and survivors of all forms of gender-based violence. We welcome the provision in the budget for parenting programmes, and agree wholeheartedly that all child-protection programmes have a duty and responsibility to not only address the needs of children, but also work with parents and guardians in the best interest of children and their families.

This is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough.

Regards, DANUTA RADZIK SELINA LEPPS COLIN MARKS DESIREE RAMDEEN For Help & Shelter

where little or no effort is made to have them properly evaluated, and where needed given the requisite support, then the society would have failed what is evidently a very vulnerable group crying out for help. The Ministry of Social Protection may find it necessary to examine these cases and ask that the police and courts inform them of same.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Arrogance and being disconnected can lead to heavy downfall

Dear Editor

THERE is much to be said about the 2017 National Budget, which will be done over a period of time. What continues to be striking is the callousness within which the politicians are going about doing the people’s business.

Having followed the debate so far, I am concerned over the absence of depth and understanding of the theme under which this budget has been presented. This year’s theme speaks to “Building a diversified green economy: delivering the good life to all Guyanese.” In pursuing a green economy, unlike a budget that is presented and guided by the Gross Domestic Product, the objective is to bring people out of poverty, using indicators outlined in the Human Development Index.

To first and foremost tax health services and have a minister stand up and defend it by saying that those who seek private health services have to be rich, speaks to disconnect as to what is happening in the society. The public healthcare system is overburdened and in many cases cannot provide the basic services that citizens need.

A green economy also includes a focus to quality health, with the aim of ensuring the people engage in productive endeavours, as well as ensuring their longevity. When the state has a health system that is not adequately serving the people, and where the private sector service supplements the state’s, compassionate governance requires creating a balance, not making it prohibitive. On the issue of condoms being taxed, it must matter not to us under which government it is being taxed. What must be of concern to us is, where government cares about the health of its citizens, including that of sexually transmitted diseases, the most serious being HIV, it would not lose sight of the fact that prevention and management of these value condom as a very important tool.

Taxing has to be strategic. Condom, health services, water and electricity are necessities and vital to persons’ health and wellness. It is known that the minsters of government exercise the option at the taxpayers’ expense, and without their approval, to seek healthcare overseas.

While the average citizen/worker cannot afford to, they watch their taxes providing this service for others, as they resort to either depriving themselves of the care or being at the mercy of a state-run system that needs an overhaul.

If it is the Government’s intent to bring about conservation and optimum realisation of water and electricity through changed behaviours, it did not communicate so. The budget failed to say what role government will play in assisting or redirecting changed behaviour outside of the punitive tax. It would have helped had government started a public awareness programme to re-educate citizens of the need for conservation, and secondly, put in place technical support to help track and manage consumption, with the goal of staying within the non-taxable range.

Talks about conservation over the years have been absent of any sustained programme of helping citizens tracking the equipment and appliances of high consumption, the periods when they use more of these utilities, and rewarding reduced consumption with credits, even though these have proven to be great incentives in achieving the objective. It needs to be noted that VAT is to be paid on the total amount once the maximum non-taxable is surpassed. If we are talking about changing behaviour, it must be across the board, and applicable to government officials, given that the taxpayers are paying their bills. Government officials who occupy State residency, or where the State is paying their bills for where they occupy, must be subject to paying their utility bills once these attract VAT. The point advanced that other societies pay taxes on water and electricity at this same time ignores that those taxes are not as high as ours. The government is surely not listening to their supporters and the citizens and for this they have lost touch with the people. It needs to step back and listen to the people, not only how they are thinking, but how they feel about them. The Local Government Elections, which they lost badly, should serve as a barometer in gauging the people’s feelings. This election came after salary increases for the president, ministers, and Members of the National Assembly even as citizens/workers were told the government inherited a bad economy.

Arrogance and being disconnected can lead to a heavy downfall.

Regards LINCOLN LEWIS

Should schools be closed to allow teachers to attend union meetings?

Dear Editor, AT midday on Monday, 5/12/16, I noticed with much surprise that all the schools in the Corriverton area, where I live, were being closed for the day.

Upon inquiring, I was told that the schools were being closed to allow teachers to attend a Guyana Teachers Union meeting. Assuming that what I was told is correct (and I have no reason to doubt it), as a very concerned citizen, I am forced to question the wisdom and propriety of such a (mal)practice occurring at a time when our schools are performing so badly, as can be gleaned from the national examinations results, especially in Maths and English.

I am by no means anti-union; indeed, as a high school teacher in New Amsterdam, I used to be the secretary of the Berbice Branch of what was then known as the

AMM (Association of Masters and Mistresses), the equivalent of a union for high school teachers; but we used to keep our meetings in the afternoons or at the weekends. I am firmly of the view that neither should the students suffer nor should parents be inconvenienced, in order to facilitate a union meeting which can just as easily be held in the afternoon after the normal closure of schools, or at weekends or during school holidays (the Xmas break is just around the corner!).

I plead with our dear teachers and the GTU to kindly reconsider this modus operandi with a view to neither robbing the poor students of valuable classroom work, nor imposing inconvenience on hardworking parents.

Regards, NOWRANG PERSAUD

Sase Singh falls short of the noble ideal

Dear Editor,

I WRITE to offer a brief response to Mr. Sase Singh’s letter published in the Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, December 3, 2016, under the caption, “Sase Singh’s take on the budget.” When I read Mr. Singh’s opening paragraph, which said, “This 2017 Budget has caused me to reflect on a question I have always toyed with all my adult life: Why can truth and politics not go together?” and his claim of the positive influence on him from a writer on India, I became excited at the thought that my mind was about to be exposed to an enlightening discussion by him on what is required to take this country forward.

Given the moral concern expressed by Mr. Singh, on the need for truth in politics, I expected an objective analysis from him on the budget and not the usual politically partisan interpretations that have now become the norm. In his review of the budget, Singh sees nothing positive. More importantly, he shamelessly repeats the PPP’s propaganda line of “doomsday” for the economy and country. His remarks could have been construed as fair comment, only if he had not stated his lifelong concern that truth and politics should go together.

I am not interested here with Singh’s forecast on the budgetary measures, since that is

not the focus of this letter, and he is entitled to his opinions, neither am I concerned here with the fact that his letter was nasty and low and not becoming of a civilized public debate.

However, I am not prepared to ignore Singh’s profound dishonesty in dealing with the budget, bearing in mind that he is not a layman when it comes to economic matters. How could he in good faith claim that VAT on electricity and water will put serious burdens on the working poor/”small man,” ignoring the fact that the measures will affect only households with light bills above $10,000 and in relation to water, only households whose bills are in excess of $1.500. In both cases, the majority of the poor and working-people households will not be affected by the VAT. I chose this simple fact to expose Sase Singh’s dishonesty. This simple truth in relation to the budget Mr. Singh finds it difficult to concede. His intent is not objective analysis. Instead, in his resolve to ridicule and cuss out the coalition, he abandoned his stated concern for truth in politics. I conclude by saying that Mr. Singh in his letter has indeed demonstrated how elusive truth can be in relation to politics. Even with the inspiration of his motherland (India), he fell far short of this noble ideal.

Regards TACUMA OGUNSEYE

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Police, gunman Serial thief back in exchange bullets court again in Werk-en-Rust POLICE retrieved a gun and matching ammunition from a suspected serial robber on Tuesday night when he dropped it and fled after he opened fire on the cops, who discharged rounds at him. A police blotter reported that ranks on foot patrol on Tuesday night in Werk-en-Rust, were confronted by an identifiable male, who discharged his unlicensed firearm at them and escaped, dropping the weapon with ammunition in the process.

The incident occurred at approximately 23:00h and according to the police, the ranks were inside of the four-entrance compound

The unlicensed firearm and ammo recovered by the police

of the St. Phillips Anglican Church located at Durban and Smyth Streets, where several persons using the entrances to gain access to adjoining streets, have been victims of robberies.

The suspect who was approaching from an opposite direction, upon see-

ing the police whipped out a handgun and discharged a round at the ranks, who immediately returned fire. The suspect dropped his unlicensed .38 special revolver with three live matching rounds and a spent shell, scaled the fence and escaped.

Duo busted with ganja in car trunk A DRIVER and an occupant of a motor car are in custody, after an early morning search of the vehicle uncovered twenty nine (29) kilograms of compressed cannabis, at Number 5 Village, West Coast Berbice.

According to a police release, ranks

acting on information, intercepted the vehicle which was said to be Georgetown-bound about 08:00h Wednesday and found the illegal substance concealed in its trunk. The suspects, both of whom hail from the East Coast of Demerara, are being processed for court.

A 26-YEAR-OLD minibus conductor was remanded to prison on Wednesday

by Magistrate Faith McGusty at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court for the offense of attempted break and enter.

Rico Persaud of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, who is no stranger to the court, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He appeared before Magistrate McGusty recently on a charge of a similar nature.

The court heard that on December 3 at Parade Street, Kingston, Persaud attempted to commit a felony, that is to say, he attempted to break into the

office of Merisha Coswick.

According to Police Prosecutor Seon Blackman, the accused was positivity identified by Coswick as the person who tried to break into her office.

Blackman objected to bail based on the seriousness, prevalence and nature of the charge.

He also pointed out that the accused was previously charged before the said court for a similar offence.

A beaming Persaud turned to the Magistrate and said “your worship this is the second time I come before you…. This isn’t nothing like the last time.”

Magistrate McGusty in

response told the accused “the last time you also said the same thing that it was your second time….and I’m going with the same thing.” He was remanded to prison until December 21, 2016 when he will appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

In May, Persaud was sentenced to nine months imprisonment by Magistrate McGusty after he pleaded guilty to the theft of a $100,000 cellphone.

“Your Worship I see the phone, I pick it up and tek it,” Persaud had told the Magistrate when she asked him why he stole the phone.

24 months jail for theft CITY Magistrate Faith McGusty on Wednesday sentenced a man to 24 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to breakig and entering the National School of Dance Building and carting off several items.

Mahase Sarjou confessed to two counts of break and enter and larceny. The court heard that he broke into the building of the National School of Dance at Thomas Lands, Kingston between No-

vember 28 and November 29, 2016 and carted off several items valued $432,900.

He also confessed to breaking into the building a second time between November 30 and December 1, 2016 and stealing over $76,795 in items.

“I done get ketch; let me go sit down and do my time,” the man said as he begged the magistrate to sentence him.

However he added “nothing too big, nothing too small.... just give me reasonable time.”

Police Prosecutor, Corporal Seon Blackman explained that upon being caught on December 3, the accused confessed to the crime and even assisted the police in recovering some of the items.

Magistrate McGusty, after considering Sarjou’s early guilty plea and the fact that he did not waste the court’s time, sentenced him to 24 months imprisonment on each charge. The sentences will run concurrently.

Teenager dies in Diamond accident Repeat offender charged with armed FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD Mark Anthony McCoy, called ‘Markie’of Lot 561 Cinema Street, Diamond, East Bank Demerara, is the country’s latest road fatality.

The police have reported that around 19:00hrs on Tuesday at Diamond Public Road, minibus BVV 989 was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road, while the pedal cyclist was proceeding north on the western side of the road, towing a male on the handle of the cycle.

It is alleged that the cyclist swerved into the path of the minibus, during which the male who was being towed jumped off and the cyclist collided with the bus.

As a result of the impact, Mark, who fell onto the road surface, was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre in an unconscious state and died while receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, the 46-yearold driver of Kaneville, Grove, also of the East Bank

Dead: Mark McCoy

of Demerara, who was given a breathalyser test and recorded no blood alcohol, is in custody, assisting with the investigation.

The victim’s sister, Alicia McCoy, told the Guyana Chronicle that her brother was at home just before 19:00hrs when a friend, who lives next door came and called him out of the house.

She related that her brother put on his jersey and said they were going to make a purchase of beers for his friends’ relatives, who were at the time imbibing and he

left on his bicycle.

The grieving woman added that the family was informed of the accident and upon rushing to the scene, they found mark lying on the road in an unconscious condition.

“My brother was alive but they took a long time to take him to the hospital, which is not far away; to top it off the friend seeing the impending danger, jumped off the bicycle and ran home and didn’t even tell us what happened.”

According to her, her brother was rushed to the hospital some 20 minutes after the accident occurred and they are still to locate his bicycle. McCoy added that her brother received serious internal injuries. The Guyana Chronicle during a visit to McCoy’s house, observed that the police had re-visited the spot where the lad was killed, accompanied by the minibus driver and the teenage friend.

The teen told reporters at the scene on Wednesday that

robbery

A 25-YEAR-OLD accused of armed robbery, was the highlight of Magistrate Faith McGusty’s courtroom when he made an appearance before her on Wednesday morning.

Jason Adams’ appearance was nothing short of a sitcom as he entered the courtroom with a broad smile and sat while handcuffed and shackled in the prisoner’s docks, sharing he went with McCoy to visit his grandmother’s residence to drop off some food on a bicycle. He noted that while they were returning home, the accident happened when his neighbour overtook a car and rode directly into the path of the bus.

The driver said he could not stop when he saw the teen and as such, there was a collision after which he went to the Grove Police Station, a short distance away to report the accident.

out chewing gums to other prisoners.

“How he get duh? They does search them men? Eh eh is a pack of Dentyne Winterfresh he get deh,” one woman said while poking at another female sitting next to her.

Adams is accused of being armed with a hammer on December 6, 2016 at Brickdam, Georgetown and robbing Baskh Mohammed of two cell phones valued $40,000. He did not have legal representation and pleaded not guilty to the charge; he explained to the Magistrate that he is innocent and is not a Guyanese national. According to Adams, he is from France, where he served their military as a Sergeant.

“I don’t live here… I stop in at Pegasus Hotel but I does also stay by my sidechick in Durban Street,” Adams said. Magistrate McGusty broke out in a smile while the courtroom went hysterical. The Magistrate in her bid to outsmart

Adams asked him questions in French; in response he said, “Wee-wee” in a strong Guyanese accent. The court was not buying Adams’ case.

“Madam you know who is me? I’m from the Gaza…. Kartel is meh family; see we last name?” the defendant told the Magistrate. The Magistrate nevertheless remanded Adams until December 21, 2016 and transferred the case to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Recently, his family took him before another City Magistrate to plead his insanity, where he was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

In 2014, Adams was charged for a series of robberies and assaults, where he was granted bail. Additionally, in 2010 he was accused of stealing plucked chicken from the owner of a Chinese cook shop in Bourda, Georgetown. The matter was later dismissed.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Cathy: VAT on internet data necessary ‒ Gov’t seeks to roll out transformational initiatives ‒ Reliable internet service for 600 gov’t buildings ‒ ICT hubs for several Amerindian communities ‒ Centre of Excellence in IT to be opened next year

By Ariana Gordon WITH $1.58B budgeted for investment in government’s E-governance initiatives, Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes on Wednesday said that the proposed implementation of taxes on internet service is necessary.

“VAT on data has also received harsh criticisms, but I want to remind us all that there is a necessary revenue stream, given the range of transformational measures…,” she said, noting that in the long-run with the new liberalised environment, the sector will see more competition.

“I expect to see our high cost of internet access when compared to other parts of the Caribbean reduced in time,” said Hughes, amidst shouts of “what about quality internet?” from opposition members.

According to the minister, citizens will be able to benefit from free internet access at several ICT hubs across the country. Last week, GTT’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Justin Nedd described the budget as “less business- friendly” than previous ones.

Nedd said some tax measures as indicated by Finance Minister Winston Jordan will allow for increased rates and noted that “businesses cannot absorb that increase, which

will inevitably be passed to some consumers.”

He argued that if VAT is placed on data, whether broadband, Internet, mobile phone or for corporate customers, there would be an increase of US$6M per year for the current services.

“I would like to say US$6M that would have to be passed to the customers which would stymie demand for services and create a negative cycle – how much we are able to invest in growth— we are well aware of the demands for increased Internet speeds and that negative cycle will only reduce the ability of the company to grow.”

Meanwhile, Hughes noted that $114M has been allocated for the provision of proper internet access to over 600 government buildings across the country.

These public internet access points she said, will increase the opportunities and channels through which thousands of Guyanese would be able to access online resources and this is in keeping with the government’s aim to bridge the digital divide and to improve interconnection and association with government.

Hughes disclosed that key to the initiative is the transformation of strategically located post offices into “comfortable, refurbished ICT hubs, which would pro-

vide citizens and especially pensioners and opportunity to visit these hubs to also access free of charge related government services.”

She said all post offices within the reach of e-government network s,especially those located in communities considered “digitally excluded”; communities such as Lethem, Linden, Mahdia, Port Kaituma, Bartica, and Mabaruma will all become community ICT hubs.

The sum of $90M will be used to provide ICT access for the hinterland regions as well as for far and remote areas across Guyana and the Minister of Public Telecommunications told the House that there is a plan to expand the reach of government services to the hinterland; community ICT hubs will be established in Annai, Lethem, Waramadong, Paramakatoi, Aishalton, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Bartica, Mabaruma, and Kwakwani, and other areas.

“The aim …is to improve the livelihood of persons and to reduce the digital divide that exists between the coast and the hinterland, the haves and the have nots.”

Additionally, another 30 pilot community ICT hubs serving approximately 60,000 residents will be established in Regions Two, Four, Five and Six, while Regions One, Seven, Eight, Nine and 10 are being considered for similar develop-

ment.

These hubs are expected to provide residents with access to information and services with an estimated $30M being allocated for the projects.

“All of this would be accommodated through the e-government network; therefore, maintaining and expanding the reach of this network is of critical importance,” said Minister Hughes.

Another $435M has been allocated for this activity, while $70M was budgeted for the expansion of the network into unserved areas including Timehri, Amelia’s ward, and Diamond, among other locations.

That aside, Hughes announced that $50M has been allocated to ensure cyber security of government’s network and $275M for the maintenance and technical support services that are going to be required. A further $674M has been allocated towards the provision of connectivity and internet access to over 140 Government locations already connected to the e-government network.

Additionally, with all the advances scheduled to take place in the ICT sector, emphasis is being placed on the boosting of ICT human capacity and as such, $160M will be spent on the delivery of specialised ICT training in collaboration with the Government of India. The train-

Minister of Public Telecommunications, Cathy Hughes, makes a point during her presentation before the National Assembly on Wednesday

ing will be done at the Centre of Excellence in Information Technology.

“The fully renovated, refurbished and adequately equipped centre will be opened in 2017 and will focus on the training of the trainers’ programme- basic and advanced areas of ICT specialisation,” Minister Hughes added.

Moreover, the minister said the highlight of government’s transformational strategy is the implementation in a phased manner a safe city, smart city programme called “Smart Guyana.”

“Imagine an ICT-driven programme integrating all sectors, services into one cohesive whole. A safe- city model that is already being implemented by the Ministry of Public Security that

uses technology, cameras on street corners, a command centre monitored 24/7 and new communication tools that would ensure that if you do the crime, you will do the time.

“No matter which side of the political fence you may be, most should accept that never before have we solved so many crimes in a short space of time in Guyana.”

Hughes noted that the Smart City concept builds on our efforts to bring up-todate technology to government services, to teaching, to taking a doctor through skype or another form of technology to remote villages.

“Can we do it? Yes, we can!” she declared as her government colleagues hit their hands against the desks in full agreement.

Venezuelans buying rice from Guyana ‒ in private arrangement

By Ravin Singh THE exportation of rice from Guyana to Venezuela is ongoing, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder confirmed Wednesday evening.

The arrangement is a private-to-private one, he said.

“Yes. Not government to government, but private to private,” the minister said, when asked by this publication if exports had resumed.

He noted that the process has been ongoing for the last four to five months, and involves buyers coming to

Guyana with hard currency, buying rice from millers, and taking it back to Venezuela.

Minister Holder revealed that since this resumption, at least 10,000 tonnes of rice has been exported to the neighbouring country, and this figure is increasing.

“I can’t predict how much more will be exported, but it is increasing,” he confirmed.

Head of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), Dharamkumar Seeraj, concurred with the minister that rice was being exported privately.

However, he noted that the economic turmoil currently being experienced in Venezuela is not one which gives “confort.” As a result, the GRDB has been making efforts to collect payment for rice which will be exported before the rice is actually exported. He acknowledged though, that the board has not been able to achieve much in this regard but remain committed to trying.

The Guyana Chronicle understands that millers who are shipping rice to Venezuela are receiving approximately US$550 per tonne, which will allow the millers

to pay rice farmers between GY$2500-$2700 per bag of paddy.

Guyana’s relationship with Venezuela has been tense of recent, with President David Granger making strong statements at the United Nations General Assembly and to Parliament, condemning Venezuela’s aggression on the border controversy.

Guyana is insisting on a juridical settlement to the border controversy, in which Venezuela claims that the arbitral award which settled the two countries’ borders is null and void.

The political and social

upheaval in oil-rich Venezuela has worsened in recent months, with a recession leaving millions unable to find or afford food amid shortages and spiralling inflation.

The shipping of rice from Georgetown to Caracas is expected to help alleviate the challenges faced by Venezuelans in accessing basic food items. Shipments are expected to continue and this is expected to further boost the rice industry in Guyana.

One industry insider has noted that this development is likely to provide a boost to small rice farmers, as millers

will not be looking to them to augment their supply to meet the demand for rice from Venezuela.

Meanwhile, Minister Holder also revealed that a Mexican team will be coming to Guyana in January to hammer out a rice deal between the two countries.

“They [the Mexican team] just got the clearance for the phytosanitary arrangement between the two countries. A team will be coming in January” he said, adding that Mexico’s demand is 1.8 million tonnes, while Guyana can produce only 600,000.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Rethink budget measures ‒ Opposition parliamentarians urge

By Ariana Gordon THE Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Wednesday continued their mantra for the government to withdraw the 2017 budget, saying that if the government were to consult with it, a new budget could be crafted to the benefit of the masses.

Championing this call was Dr. Vindhya Persaud.

She pleaded with the government to rethink the 2017 budget, suggesting that if the government didn’t want to take it from the PPP, then it should listen to the reactions of citizens.

“Do not give them this as a Christmas present gone wrong; listen to the people!” demanded Dr Persaud, who charged all those who are dissatisfied with the 2017 budget to be bold.

“We must not be afraid!

Stand up and say you do not want this budget!” she declared, as she examined the budget measures presented by the Finance Minister.

The Member of Parliament labelled the budget “anti-people” and a “traves-

ty.” She said the proposed tax measures, which according to her are not absolutely required, amounts to “legalised larceny.” She urged the APNU+AFC coalition government to think of the burden that would be placed on citizens, given the new tax measures.

Dr Persaud, like many of her party colleagues, referenced the fact that once the budget is passed, citizens will be required to pay 14 per cent VAT on electricity and water above specified amounts.

“VAT is increasing taxpayers’ burden,” she stressed, while quoting an analysis on the 2017 budget done by Chartered Accountant Christopher Ram on Wednesday.

“When we talk of tax reform, and progressive taxes, you need to have a detailed list of tax measures that you’re going to have along with policy statements along with medium- term and shortterm objectives.

“You also want to have the plans, advantages and disadvantages…,” she stated.

Dr. Persaud said too that marginal increases in disposable income cannot compen-

Collin Croal

sate for the direct or indirect taxes that will be passed on to consumers.

“The poor will get poorer; the growing middle class will contract and shrink,” said the parliamentarian, who claimed that a “vicious cycle has been launched on the people of Guyana.” “…where is that entrepreneurial spirit of which you speak/” Meanwhile, her colleague parliamentarian on the Opposition side, Ganga Persaud, said the “good life” the coalition government speaks of is elusive. He argued that the budget contradicts the campaign promises made by the APNU+AFC and described it as “disappointing.”

“Budget 2016 is a great disappointment to all of us in this country,” said Persaud, who also threw jabs at government’s proposed tax measures on water and electricity and questioned whether the people of Linden would be subject to the proposed tax measures.

“Will this VAT be paid by the people of Linden?” he asked, while urging President David Granger to have his

Dr Vindhya Persaud

administration withdraw the budget and craft a new one that will benefit all Guyanese.

In his maiden speech, the PPP’s Vickram Bharrat also focused on the tax measures, opining that the 2017 budget “will further decapitate the

Vickram Bharrat

economy.”

“Taxes and more taxes!” he exclaimed, while questioning, “Where is the good life when there are empty rice pots?”

“Budget 2017 reduces the spending power of the peo-

ple,” Bharrat stated, noting that the imposition of VAT on electricity and water will have “rippling effects.” Like his fellow parliamentarian, Dr Persaud, Bharrat also alluded to the fact that the budget measures as stated by Finance Minister Winston Jordan will negatively impact small entrepreneurs.

“Our people deserve more, they deserve better; withdraw this budget and let due process take its course in order to alleviate the burdens,” the Member of Parliament stated.

Meanwhile, Collin Croal also of the Opposition PPP/C focused his presentation on several aspects of the 2017 budget, including the administration of the Local Government Commission, National and Regional Solid Waste Strategies and local authorities.

Croal like his other colleagues, believes that the “budget was presented in a vacuum” and noted that while the PPP/C has strong views on the proposed budget, there are other vocal players, including the Private Sector Commission (PSC),that have several similar concerns about the measures.

Ganga Persaud

GBTI funds 9 NGOs THE Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Limited Wednesday made monetary donations to nine Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and presented cheques to six secondary school students whose works of art were used for the Bank’s 2017

almanac.

Held under the theme “Ensuring Environmental Sustainability,” the launch of the 2017 Almanac came immediately following the presentation of donations to the NGOs – both taking place at the Bank’s Young Street, Kingston headquarters.

The organizations receiving donations were: Uncle Eddie’s Home; The Salvation Army; Help and Shelter Crisis Service; Dharm Shala Home for the Poor of all Races; Guyana Red Cross Society; Guyana Society for the Blind; Artistes in DiTurn to page 18 ►

GBTI staff members join representatives of NGOs who received donations Wednesday

11

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

2017 Budget Debate…

Sharma: Gov’t had to ‘clean up the mess’ to pave way for development ‒ Teixeira downplays ‘fresh start’

speaks about the “good life” when the immunisation statistics show differently.

“This is the fresh start?

This fresh start is an abysmal fail” she added.

Teixeira, who served as a Presidential Advisor on Governance, took several more jabs at the executive, noting that it has a “green strategy” that it has no clue of defining.

In relation to the economy, she argued that the APNU+AFC government inherited a country that was registering positive, consistent economic growth. However, she noted that economic growth has since dropped to 2 per cent, which is lower than what the Finance Minister had projected for 2016.

The Chief Whip also rejected government’s justifi-

over 200 new tax measures, just ahead of the Christmas holidays, “so people will forget about it by next year.”

“Walk the streets, and see the empty barber shops, ask the vendors how is business. I encourage you to walk the street and convince people that all of them [citizens] are wrong [about the budget],” she said, implying that citizens were not happy with the budget.

The Opposition MP, whose presentation time had expired at this point, hurriedly referenced a budgetary analysis report by Chartered Accounting firm, Ram and McRae, which stated that, Guyanese can expect a “rough ride in 2017.”

But Minister Jaipaul Sharma, who was the last

claiming otherwise, the Junior Finance Minister maintained that it was empty and funds which were expended by the 19-month-old government were raised through revenue collection.

“We got the money from prudent administration... It is from revenue collection. It wasn’t there,” he said, adding that every sector was catered for in budget 2017.

“Budget [2017] has raised the spirit of Guyanese with the exception of a small, disgruntled minority. It is focused on equity and fairness. Our coalition government, after cleaning up the mess, will now be in a better position to achieve our goals,” Sharma added.

He was convinced that the budget is in keeping

Gail Teixeira, Opposition Chief Whip. (Samuel Maughn photo)

By Ravin Singh THE country’s Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma Wednesday argued that the coalition has had to “clean up the mess” left by the PPP in order to create a path to development.

He credited prudent financial management by the now 19-month-old government to raise revenues after staring down a bare treasury left by the PPP after 23 years in government.

His comments in the National Assembly were meant to counter sharp criticism of the 2017 budget by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira.

In her contribution to the budget debate, she said malnutrition has increased after recording a steady decline for more than two decades.

Delivering what was expected to be a fiery speech in

the House during the budget debate, Teixeira’s contribution was greeted with deafening silence from all Members of Parliament (MPs), except for sporadic outbursts from the other side of the House, which was accused of presenting an “anti-people and anti-developmental” budget.

The Chief Whip, like many of her colleagues who presented before her, rejected the $250B Budget which was presented by Minister of Finance Winston Jordan on November 28.

“I support wholeheartedly the Opposition’s call for the withdrawal of the 2017 budget and the removal of the repressive and oppressive taxation measures,” she told the House, adding that the opposition party stands ready to offer its knowledge, experience, and expertise to craft a new budget.

She contended that even

ministers of Government, who had already made presentations, had difficulties defending the budget - a budget, she said the man in the street is opposed to.

“You appear oblivious; you seem to be living in la la land,” Teixeira told the Government MPs. She supported her argument of why the government appears to be oblivious to the plight of the Guyanese people, by referencing malnutrition statistics which appear in the appendix of Budget 2017.

“For the first time in 23 years, that the immunisation rates in this country has dropped. How dare you in a matter of 19 months take our immunisation figures [and] drop them from what was 96 per cent, to 70s and 69? How dare you do that?”

She noted that this was a flagship of Guyana, and it is ironic that the government

Minister Jaipaul Sharma. (Samuel Maughn photo)

cation for presenting an early budget to commence injecting money into the economy at the earliest point in 2017.

According to her, this was an attempt to introduce

speaker for the day, did not leave some of Teixeira’s claims unanswered.

With the government claiming it had inherited an empty treasury, and Teixeira

with Guyana’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and it will “ease the financial burden on citizens and give them more money in their pockets.”

Public to be consulted on renaming of regions PUBLIC consultations are to be held on the possible name changes for the 10 Administrative Regions in keeping with the Government’s agenda of providing for regional empowerment and regional pride.

Speaking in the National Assembly Wednesday, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan said that the consultations led by the Regional Democratic

Councils (RDCs) in the 10 Administrative Regions, will begin early in 2017 to allow “people to be consulted on whether they wish to maintain the names given to their regions or if they wish to have another name.”

Minister Bulkan explained that in 1980 when the Local Government Systems were created, names were given to regions.

“It was not meant to be permanent,” the minister stated.

He said that “36 years later, most of our regions are referred to by numbers.

That tells us either that the name does not resonate or that they are too cumbersome.”

Minister Bulkan questioned, “How many persons, for example, do we hear say, they are from the

East Berbice, Corentyne Region? Not many. It is commonly referred to as Region Six.” He noted that it is same for the remaining nine administrative regions. He explained that the consultation is to find out whether persons would want a different name for their regions that resonate more with them.

Minister Ronald Bulkan makes a point during the 2017 Budget debate. (Adrian Narine photo)

12

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

GPHC board was a failure ‒ Dr Norton taps lawyer as next chairman

By Shauna Jemmott PUBLIC Health Minister Dr George Norton has said the outgoing board of directors of the Georgetown Public Hospital was a complete failure and he has tapped a lawyer to head that body of the country’s premier state-run hospital.

Norton told the Guyana Chronicle that someone active in the legal profession is likely to Chair the new Board of Directors, given that the life of the previous board, chaired by Dr. Carl Max Hanoman, ended on November 30, 2016.

Dr. Norton did not disclose the name of the person likely to head the board, but said his ministry had taken a decision not to renew the life of the Board headed

by Hanoman because its performance was not satisfactory. Dr. Hanoman on Tuesday called a press conference at his office located at Brickdam Georgetown and accused the minister of interfering too much in the affairs of the main public health institution.

However, in an invited comment, Dr. Norton said as the hospital’s Board Chairman, Hanoman bypassed him many times and sent correspondences to President David Granger instead concerning hospital matters.

The minister said many times President Granger redirected

Former Chairman of the GPHC Board of Directors Dr. Carl Max Hanoman displaying both letters

the letters to him instead and was concerned that hospital complaints were being sent directly to the Ministry of the Presidency. Norton said he had expected much under the Hanoman-led board but it was a “failure.”

DRUGS SHORTAGE Hanoman also claimed that the hospital was suffering shortages of drugs and blamed this on “political” reasons.

“When they (APNU+AFC government) came into power, I think GPC (Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation) was giving them drugs and they had the bond…you don’t get drugs overnight like that, you have to smooth out the thing…If you know this is the source

of supply and the other supply was very small because the rest of people didn’t have the bond… you have to try gradually (to) change what was wrong in the (previous) government … so that people wouldn’t suffer,” Hanoman said.

But Dr. Norton said that the supply of drug was not a direct responsibility of the Minister of Public Health but rather the Board of Directors had a responsibility to oversee the proper management of the GPHC, including the supply of drugs. Another issue with Norton, Hanoman said, was the use of the Sussex Street drug bond to store hospital drugs.

He accused Norton of striking his own deal with his own friend instead of making

decisions in the best interest of the GPHC. “We cannot put drugs in Sussex Street bond…We at Georgetown Hospital should build our own bond or use the Kingston Bond or Diamond Bond or one of those things until such time we’re gonna have a place to accommodate (the drugs). But you cannot facilitate friendship for a bond… that is wrong,” Dr. Hanoman said.

He also said whenever Norton makes a mistake he does not apologise, and is being protected. “We keep protecting and protecting, we cannot protect. If you do something wrong come out and say and let’s change the system, let’s change the status quo,” Dr. Hanoman said.

The outgoing chairman said he still cares about the operations and development of the GPHC but will never return at the helm if he is recalled while Dr. Norton is Minister of Health. This, Hanoman said, being as a result of the board not enjoying the independence it needs to effectively execute its functions in running the institution. “He tried to micro-manage. All decisions he wants to go through him… the board is not allowed to function independently. He is myopic…What the minister doesn’t understand is that Georgetown Hospital is a corporation. He believes everything you do there has to go through him– not so. The intention of the corporation

City Hall bars Driver convicted of DUI has media from licence suspended budget indefinitely discussions

THE public and members of the media were on Wednesday shut out of a discussion on the presentation of the Mayor and City Council’s (M&CC) $3.7B budget for 2017.

Chairman of the Finance Committee, Councillor Oscar Clarke, moved a motion to have the budget presented behind closed doors and it was seconded by Councillor Junior Garrett. Eleven councillors voted in favour, 10 against and one abstained.

City Constabulary officers could not explain who passed down the orders to shut every-

one out, although they insisted that they were given “specific” orders.

Several officers at City Hall were puzzled as to why no one was allowed in, as in the past years, reporters were always on hand to cover the presentation.

Reporters were told that provision is made in the laws governing the City Council for “in camera” or private sessions.

Members of the media could not even go near the stairs leading up to the chamber and were even asked to leave the City Hall compound.

A DRIVER who was convicted a third time for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) has had his licence suspended indefinitely by Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

Tirendra Totaram, 21, called “ Gopaul” of 61 Grant 1805, Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol. He appeared in court on November 21 when the order was handed down.

Police said he was previously convicted twice for the said offence. The first

conviction was on January 04, 2015 and the second on June 08, 2016.

Tirendra Totaram called “Gopaul”

is to make it independent so that it’s gonna function… he should not interfere and micro-manage,” Hanoman told members of the media.

Hanoman also said he felt disrespected after receiving a letter from Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Public Health on November 29 informing him that the life of the Board of Directors will come to an end the following day. Another letter from Minister Norton responding to one sent by Dr. Hanoman was also shown to the press.

The letter dated November 29, 2016 and sent from the PS, stated, “We wish to inform you that the life of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation Board of Directors ends on 30th November,

2016.” It also wished him “every success in your future endeavours.”

Dr. Norton in response to a correspondence sent

by Hanoman concerning the appointment of a new Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the GPHC, stated, “… While I applaud the efforts made, I would instruct that this process be put on hold until the new Board is appointed. The life of the current Board comes to an end on November 30, 2016 and as such, the new Board should be allowed to make that decision.” Dr. Norton’s letter was dated November 25. However, Dr. Hanoman said “I still would like to help the hospital.”

Region Five to benefit greatly from Budget 2017 GOVERNMENT Member of Parliament (MP), Jennifer Wade, representing Region Five, in her budget presentation to the National Assembly on Tuesday, said Region Five residents will experience great benefits from the 2017 budget.

MP Wade said the sum allocated will be spent wisely throughout the region, in all areas earmarked.

“I am proud and excited about the prospects of delivering the good life to all of Region Five; the Government delivered in 2016 and we will also deliver in 2017,” MP Wade said.

Government respects women and will place much emphasis on their empowerment, the MP said.

She reminded that the First Lady empowered women to manage small businesses and most of them are involved in skill programmes, creating employment for themselves and other villagers.

As it relates to culture, youth and sports, Wade said that this Government is concerned about youths and has given opportunities to them to keep fit, focused and active.

Wade said that recreational facilities in villages are being upgraded throughout the Region and the Government Youth Policy should be applauded be-

cause it focuses on reducing risk factors.

“Our programmes will generate support and allocate resources to make youth comfortable in the region,” Wade said.

Region Five is agricultural in nature, producing the largest amount of rice, and vegetables. MP Wade added that in 2017, $2.3 Billion has been allocated to the Region for drainage and irrigation. Wade noted that this Government will continue to support the agriculture industry and will continue the push to access new trade partners.

“The rice industry remains challenged in terms of cost of production and competitiveness and I can say to the farmers of Region Five that you will benefit greatly from the 2017 budget,” Wade said.

Government has an obligation to assist in stabilising the process to benefit farmers and also ensure that the necessary systems are in place to protect their livelihood, Wade said.

Budget 2017 was presented on November 28, under the theme “Building a Diversified Green Economy Delivering the Good Life to all Guyanese.”

The MP said Region Five welcomes this fresh approach in charting a new development path for Guyana. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Banks DIH repurchases shares in Barbados beverage giant ‒ says transaction was in best interest of all stakeholders ONE year after Banks DIH Limited sold its shares in Barbados beverage conglomerate Banks Holdings Limited (BHL); it has decided to repurchase the 15 per cent shares as of December 1.

“The Directors of Banks DIH (BDIH) Limited believes that the transaction was in the best interest of all the stakeholders as BDIH. Throughout the whole process the directors of BDIH were guided by the company’s financial and legal advisors,” a statement signed by Company Secretary, Terrence Bynoe noted on Wednesday.

According to the company, in December 2015, it was informed through a press release that BDIH had sold the shares which it held in BHL’s issued capital being a total amount of 4,358,815 common shares, constituting approximately 6.7 per cent of BHL’s capital.

This was in the context of the takeover of BHL in

Barbados by AMBEV. At that time, BHL held 20 per cent of the issued capital for BDIH. In 2015, Banks DIH Managing Director, Clifford Reis had announced a $600M payout to shareholders as a special interim dividend from the $1.146B it had acquired from the sale of Banks Holdings Limited.

In 2015, reports reveal that Banks DIH Limited stated its recent sale of shares in Barbados beverage conglomerate Banks Holdings Limited (BHL) was both “financially and commercially advantageous” and will increase shareholder value.

Banks sought to clarify the sale, which was seen as key to a takeover of BHL

by Brazilian beer giant AmBev, and it noted that its directors were guided by financial and legal advisors.

Banks sold its shares to SLU Beverages, a subsidiary of AmBev, for BDS $7.10 per share, which

was ten cents over what Trinidadian conglomerate ANSA McAL, was offering.

ANSA McAL remains a strong competitor with Banks DIH for the local market. As a defensive

measure against the takeover bid, Banks DIH and BHL acquired shares in each other.

The ANSA McAl bid did not succeed. The Barbados Nation’s newspaper report had stated that Bar-

bados’ Chief Justice, Sir Marston Gibson had on November 13, 2015 lifted an injunction to halt the trading of BHL shares, paving the way for Banks DIH and others to sell their shares and eventually allowing

AmBev to gain majority control.

ANSA has challenged this decision. According to the Banks’ release, the company sold 4,358,818 shares, equaling 6.7 per cent of BHL’s issued capital, to SLU for BDS $7.10 per share (BDS $30,947,607 in total) on December 2.

It noted that accounting firm KPMG had advised that the upper limit of the valuation was BDS $5.60 per share.

Meanwhile, in the press release Wednesday, BDIH stated on December 1, 2016 it repurchased 15 per cent of the shares held in BHL’s issued capital at the price of G$36.79 per share.

“That price was based on a valuation conducted

by PricewaterhouseCoopers in December 2015, which valued the 20 per cent shareholding of BHL in the issue capital of BDIH, at fair market value between $37.00-$40.00 per share,” the release said.

14

A busy year GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

‒ Tender Board handled over 4000 requests as of Nov. 2016 THE National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) have handled over 4000 requests for awards as of November 1, 2016.

This is according to NPTAB Chairman, Berkley Wickham who addressed participants Tuesday at the opening of four-day workshop on Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

The event is being hosted at the Regency Suites Hotel, Hadfield Street, George-

NPTAB Chairman, Berkley Wickham

town.

Wickham said the public procurement system will be strengthened and upgraded in 2017 as existing legislation will be reviewed to facilitate e-procurement, while the website will be improved to satisfy timely posting of advertisements of procurement opportunities and awards.

E-procurement (electronic procurement) is the business-to-business or business-to-consumer or business-to-Government purchase and sale of supplies, work, and services through the Internet, as well as other information and networking systems, such as electronic data interchange and enterprise resource planning.

“In my opinion we are poised to take procurement out of a long period of stagnation and into a future where electronic Government procurement is the major tool to build a worldclass procurement process in Guyana,” the Chairman told the workshop.

Thirty participants drawn from all 10 regions are participating in the level-two certificate procurement training programme.

The programme is fi-

nanced under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Public Procurement Modernisation Programme and Financial Management Technical Assistance Programme for Guyana under the Ministry of Finance.

The training is being facilitated by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Procurement Specialist, Rodofo Sanjurjo.

Wickham said two similar programmes involving 60 trainees from the public sector will be undertaken in January 2017.

The initiative is aimed at changing the long held perception of a tainted public procurement process.

The NPTAB Chairman said the difficulty of the task was never underestimated, but its success is rooted in achieving transparency, accountability, fairness, integrity and efficiency.

He said the initiative is one component of an overall capacity-building programme.

In February next year, there will be further training in contract compliance and management in a bid to improve transparency and accountability.

15

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Hastings-Williams defends VAT on water, electricity GUYANA is on the trajectory of economic inclusiveness, resilience and pro-growth, said Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Dawn Hastings-Williams in her budget presentation to the National Assembly Tuesday evening.

“The stance of the recalcitrant Opposition with respect to Budget 2017 is not surprising… they are criticising for the sake of criticising…. But what the populace are not cognisant of Mr. Speaker, is the fact that all of these measures were first introduced by the previous administration, for example VAT,” Minister Hastings- Williams said.

In explaining the true implications and impacts of the proposed adjustment of VAT on water and electricity, the minister said data collected from GWI indicates that the total amount of metered customers stands at 163,359 of which 155,011 or 94 per cent currently pay $1,500 and below.

Minister Hastings-Williams also pointed out that the 14 per cent VAT will cost $1,044 per month for some 8,324 customers who are currently paying $1,500 and more.

“Not to mention these 8,324 customers are hotels, restaurants, Government agencies, malls etc. Mr. Speaker, there is no way that the 14 per cent VAT on water charges will distort consumption pattern with a mere additional charge of $1,044. …This measure will achieve exactly what it sets out to accomplish, and this is to reduce inequality and better position GWI finally to achieve financial breakeven,” she told the House.

Adding that for the year 2017 Government had allocated $2.8 B to the water sector in keeping with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the Junior Communities Minister said many provisions will be made for the construction and installation of filters, aerators and quality assurance systems at the Central Ruimveldt, Covent Garden, Grove and New Amsterdam water treatment plants.

The water authority will also be upgrading the billing system as it seeks to curb loss reduction.

SOLE OBJECTIVE Elaborating on VAT on electricity, Minister Hastings-Williams noted that the

This fiscal space expanded, allowing Guyanese to increase spending to improve overall growth and protect many social gains that were achieved in 2015.

She asserted that spending on infrastructure is a stimulus and “we have for the Guyanese people a $37.2B economic stimulus package, an increase by

Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings-Williams

sole objective is to reduce the dependency on non-renewable energy and turn to cleaner and safer alternative energy sources.

“Mr. Speaker, fuel and lubricant on average make up approximately 28 per cent of our total import bill or 12 per cent of our GDP. Mr. Speaker, with the reduction of energy consumption, Guyana can save millions in foreign exchange,” the Minister said.

Challenging the concept that the cost of production will skyrocket following the introduction of VAT, she pointed out that the cost of electricity in most cases are fixed charges and make up on average 20 per cent of total cost, depending on the nature of the operation.

“Now, Mr. Speaker, if 14 per cent VAT is charged on total electrical cost for that firm, overall the cost of production will increase by a mere 2.8 per cent. And if this burden is passed onto customers, where in some cases it might, in others might not, the increase will surely not exceed 2.8 per cent,” she said.

Adding that in a worst case scenario there can be a 4.5 per cent inflation, Minister Hastings-Williams said it is a golden inflation rate compared to that of 2007 when it was a brutal 14%, and even better than 2008 and 2010 when it was 6.4 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively.

“Hence, the burden on VAT on electricity will definitely be neutral.”

According to the minister, prudent financial measures that the APNU+AFC Government had adopted since taking up office in mid-2015 is confirmed by the projected reduction in debt to GDP ratio by 1.8 per cent to 46.4 per cent and overall growth in GDP for 2016.

158.3 per cent from $14.4 B in 2016. Mr. Speaker, the construction sector will boom. The demand for construction workers, drivers, carpenters etc. will surge.”

Hastings-Williams also said that the mining and quarry industries will increase as demand for sand and stone will grow.

“Private consumption

and disposable income will surge, given the high level of propensity to consume.”

Underscoring that in order to have a good life there must be economic and social development, Minister Hastings-Williams said due to the adjustment in the current income tax, everyone will benefit from more money on an annual basis.

“Mr. Speaker, given the meticulous and painstaking analysis in crafting a budget that speaks to the well-being of our people, 2017 will not mark the end of our economic problems, but the beginning of the end, as we welcome the good life in a diversified economy,” Minister Hastings-Williams declared.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Climate-financing partnerships with Guyana are a global good ‒ President Granger at concert to mark Paris Agreement ratification

President David Granger and First Lady Mrs. Granger seem transported by the music as Ambassador Jernej Videtic’s young daughter, Ms. Celeste Videtic performs ‘Hark the Herald Angels’ on violin. She is accompanied by professional violinist, Mrs. Chie Clarke (Ministry of the Presidency photo)

PRESIDENT David Granger Tuesday evening outlined three critical partnership areas for Guyana in support of climate financing in the international fight against the effects of climate change.

These are improved coastal zone management, better drainage and water storage and supply systems and more modern hydro-meteorological services to improve weather forecasting.

The Head of State made these remarks at concert organised by the European Union (EU) to mark the ratification of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. It was held at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston.

Emphasising the importance of working with the EU and other countries and international organisations, President Granger said that Guyana can develop an international partnership

model that the rest of the world could emulate. “The Guyana-European Union partnership has remained relevant, resilient and responsive to the changing threats for over four decades. Guyana is grateful for the support it has received from the European Union and expects further, fruitful cooperation in the future, especially for climate adaptation… Guyana is pursuing a low-carbon, low-emission, green trajectory of economic development. Guyana will become a ‘green state.’ Cooperation with Guyana is a global good,” he said.

The President noted that adaptation is necessary in order to build greater resilience against the effects of climate change. However, this could be extremely costly for a country like Guyana which he said, requires a level of financing

that is beyond its slender resources. “Climate financing, in the context of the potential disruption to national development by climate change, must be viewed as an integral element of development financing,” he said.

The President spoke of his recent participation at the 22nd Meeting of the Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Marrakesh, Morocco where he called for climate financing for adaptation of Small Island developing states (SIDs) and low-lying coastal states.

“The Caribbean, an archipelago of small island developing states and low-lying coastal states, is threatened by climate-induced threats… Guyana is a victim of climate change. Its low-lying coastland where the majority of its population lives is susceptible to

droughts and floods which can have devastating consequences for the country’s agriculture. It is vulnerable, also, to over-topping of its river defences and to land erosion and degradation, which can destroy infrastructure and damage arable lands. Guyana, however, is also part of the solution to climate change,” the Head of State explained.

Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Jernej Videtic informed that the EU has forged a strong alliance with the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) States of which Guyana is a member and said that it plans to work with its partners to ensure implementation of the Paris Agreement.

The Ambassador also lauded the Government for its commitment to preserving its forests as a way of providing vital environmental and ecological services

to the rest of the world. “We acknowledge and welcome the Guyanese Government’s actions on climate change for example the Low Carbon Development Strategy and the green agenda and of course Guyana’s early ratification of the Paris Agreement,” the Ambassador said.

He noted that the meeting in Marrakesh showed an increasing momentum internationally towards achieving the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as many of the EU’s partners indicated their commitment to transition to a low carbon economy. “The Marrakesh conference proved once again our strength, when we work together. The European Union has a most ambitious emissions target…Let us see the Paris Agreement and the low carbon transition for what it is, the growth

engine for our economies,” the Ambassador said.

He also spoke of the EU’s support for its partners in the climate change fight. Last year the Union provided over €18B to help developing countries combat climate change. “This is a significant increase compared to the previous year and it is a clear sign that we are committed to doing our fair to meet the goal of delivering $100M per year by 2020.”

France’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Michel Prom said that Caribbean countries, particularly Guyana is at the forefront of the fight against climate change. He noted, however, that a lot more needs to be done to reach the 2020 goals. He informed that France has committed to increasing its yearly funds for the climate from €3B to €5B in 2020.

The Paris Agreement was adopted on December 12, 2015 at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Paris and was signed on April 22, 2016 in New York. It provides the framework for accelerating the global transition to a climate resilient, low carbon future.

Today, it has been ratified by 115 Parties, representing 79 percent of global emissions.

The formal part of the ceremony was followed by a concert performed by the Clemsville Music Ensemble, a local orchestra that specialises in classical chamber music. Stand-up performers were Guyana’s Russel Lancaster, who delivered a stirring rendition of M.A. Cossou’s ‘My Native Land’, Mrs. Katusha Fraser, whose opera styled performance of Georges Bizet’s Habanera from Carmen was a high point of the evening and Mrs. Chie Clarke on the violin with J.E.F. Massenet’s Mediation de Thais. (Ministry of the Presidency)

17

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Diplomatic Corps donates US$1,000 each to Five Bs’, Shoes That Grow Members of the Diplomatic Corps on Tuesday morning presented two cheques valued US$1,000 each to the Office of the First Lady and the Ministry of Social Cohesion in support of the Boats, Buses, Bicycles plus Breakfast and Books (Five Bs) and the Shoes That Grow programmes.

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Russia’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Nikolay Smirnov, presented the symbolic cheques to First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger and Ms. Sharon Patterson, Programme Coordinator of the Ministry of Social Cohesion, at a simple ceremony held in the Conference Room of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation (ICRC) on High Street, Kingston.

The First Lady expressed profound gratitude to the group for the gesture, noting that ensuring children are able to get to school is important for their development into productive citizens.

“I want to express my appreciation to… the Diplomatic Corps for thinking of the transportation aspect not just walking, but the use of the bicycles for the children, who often have to go many miles to school and it helps them to get to and from school quickly and on time… I really want to say thank you very

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Russia’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Nikolay Smirnov and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, display the symbolic cheque valued US$1,000 that members of the Diplomatic Corps donated to her office in support of its Shoes That Grow programme. Also in picture, from left to right: Chile’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Claudio Rojas Rachel, Cuba’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Julio César González Marchante; Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Ivan Robero Sierra Medel; Ms. Sharon Patterson of the Ministry of Social Cohesion; UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka; Mr. Dane Gobin, Treasurer of the Diplomatic Corps and CEO of the ICRC and British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Greg Quinn(MoTP photo)

much, to all of you for this very thoughtful gesture and I know that the schoolchildren

of Guyana will appreciate it.

Thank you very much,” Mrs. Granger said.

Ambassador Smirnov said that the nations of the Diplomatic Corps took a

decision to utilise resources from the fund established to support Aboriginal peo-

ples and those in need to provide assistance to the programmes. [“It] is very important because without shoes, nobody can move properly… It’s a good start…

The shoes and bicycles will be quite useful for their dayto-day activity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dane Gobin, Treasurer of the Diplomatic Corps and Chief Executive Officer of the ICRC, said every year the diplomatic community identifies charities and other worthwhile causes to provide assistance to. Last year, the Joshua House and the Phoenix Recovery Project benefited from donations and this year, the group was very impressed with the impact that the ‘Five Bs’ and Shoes that Grow programmes have had on the well-being of children.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Greg Quinn; Chilean Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Claudio Rojas Rachel; Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Julio César González Marchante; Mexican Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Ivan Robero Sierra Medel; and United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka, also attended the ceremony. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GPHC lift spirits for the holidays ‒ with towering, colourful xmas tree

By Shirley Thomas THE Georgetown Public Hospital on Tuesday evening brought added light, colour and glitz to the spirit of Christmas, with the lighting up of its amazing Christmas tree in its compound.

Launched in 2014, this activity has become an annual feature that brings much life and joy, not only to patients of the institution whose spirits might be low, but to all those who have experienced and know the meaning and beauty of Christmas.

The fabulous and colourfully decorated evergreen stands about 20 feet tall and is centrally located in the

hospital compound, between the Administrative Building and the Accident and Emergency Unit.

The switching on of the lights is the central feature of a well planned and executed programme, rolled out in an elegant setting and spiced with carols and rich steelpan music rendered by iconic pianist and steel panist, Ras Camo Williams.

The programme is organised by the GPHC’s Public Relations Department and other support staff, with sponsorship from the Guyana Lottery Company, which has been on board from the inception.

“Without the kind support of the Lottery Company, the programme would

not have been the success it is,” said Public Relations Consultant, Mr. Vic Insanally, who noted that the initiative was the brainchild of Public Relations Officer, Ms Mitzy Campbell, who has a passion for helping and responding to the needs of the poor and needy.

Meanwhile, as the children were asked what, in their estimation, was synonymous with Christmas, there were answers such as toys, black-cake and ginger-beer, the Salvation Army’s Kettles in the streets, and, not least, “The GPHC’s Christmas tree!” Insanally urged the children and their parents to see the most important symbol of Christmas as being the birth of the Christ Child.

Each year, the programme is attended by patron, Ms. Tracy Lewis, General Manager of Guyana Lottery Company, and pediatric patients are brought out of the wards into the open air to experience the ambience and fascinating display of colours illuminating the Christmas tree, and to share in the fun and goodies specially prepared for them.

Better known to the children as ‘Auntie Tracy’, Ms. Lewis said she hoped that whenever they see the tree, it brings about a spirit of love, hope and peace. “At this time of the year, as you pass by, or when you look out of the window, you can pause just for a moment to think and remember what the reason for the season is,” she said.

Ms. Tracy Lewis and other stakeholders along with the paediatric patients of the GPHC under the freshly lit up Christmas tree in the hospital compound on Tuesday

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Fire ravages Canje home A FIRE believed to be electrical in origin on Wednesday destroyed a two-storey house in Galaxy Street, Canfield, East Canje, Berbice, leaving in its wake an estimated $10M in losses.

According to Garfield Fyfe, who lives in the three-bedroom house with his wife and brother-in-law, he was out shopping when he

received a call from his wife telling him smoke was coming from the room downstairs.

“I was going for sand and me girl call and said come now that fire deh in we front room downstairs.”

Fyfe said when he arrived at the scene several minutes later; the entire house was already engulfed in flames.

He related that he suspects

the fire to be electrical in origin since the very room from which it started housed the main electrical panels.

“The front room downstairs get the fuse box but nothing ain’t went on so, I can’t really say how come the fire start in deh cause that is the only thing in deh.”

Fyfe stated that the house belonged to an overseas-based

The two-storey house in Galaxy Street, Canfield, East Canje, Berbice on fire

Guyanese named “Sandra”; however, he has been living there for over 12 years and furnished the home through his savings from his hollow-block business.

According to Neeta Basdeo, a neighbour, around 11:45 hrs, she heard shouts of Fire! Fire! from Fyfe’s wife and upon investigation, she saw smoke coming from the lower flat of the building.

“I hear she calling out loud, loud and when I watch, I see heavy smoke coming from the downstairs so we start fuh shout too.”

As more people became aware of the fire, a bucket brigade was quickly formed to try and out the fire; however, the inferno was too much since the fire quickly engulfed

the entire house.

Residents tried to save items but were forced to give up their attempts due to the intense heat. They, however, managed to save a three-piece sofa set.

By this time three fire tenders from the New Amsterdam Fire Station had responded and the firemen quickly got to work and managed to contain the blaze and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring houses.

A distraught Fyfe stated that he plans to seek refuge with his mother until he can pick up the pieces again, noting that the loss is a major one since he had accumulated the items over the years and it would be difficult to get them all back.

GBTI funds... rect Support; Guyana Relief Council and Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA).

Meanwhile, the nine winners awarded for outstanding art work used to design the almanacs were: Aaron Gangadeen, 12, of Line Path Skeldon, Corentyne; Mya Hall, 13, of Bishop’s High School; Haymesha Persaud, 14, of Marian’s Academy; Poonraj Lall, 14, of Anna Regina Secondary School; Somita Paul, 16, of School of the Nations and Renatta Nickram, 13, of Bishop’s High School.

Manager (Administration) Mr. Seon Noel said that the donations are done every year as GBTI believes that Christmas is a season of sharing and caring, noting that “that’s what we are do-

From page 10

ing here, and starting off our season in the right way.”

Other speakers at the ceremony were GBTI’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. John Tracey; Guest Speaker, Ms. Shevon Wood, Head of the Energy Statistics Division of the Guyana Energy Agency and Ms. Pamela Binda who gave an overview of the Calendar Competition and Launch.

Ms. Lynette Carter of the Guyana Relief Council, on behalf of the other NGOs, expressed gratitude to the GBTI for their humanitarian gesture.

Meanwhile, the GBTI officials said that the bank recognises the work of the recipient donor organizations and extends best wishes to them in the upcoming year.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Stories and Pictures by Vanessa Braithwaite

District 10 does it again

THE DISTRICT 10 National School Championship team, after being declared champions of this year’s recently-concluded competitions at the national stadium, jollified with upbeat music as its entourage entered the town of Linden.

The team in the official colour of yellow and black shook the foundation of the main thoroughfare, grabbing the attention of their fellow Lindeners as the athletes showed off the numerous trophies and medals after one week of vigorous competition. To many Lindeners, this victory was not a surprise,

town of Linden on November 20 in time for the competition that commenced the next day. There was no room for over-confidence given the record of their toughest rivals. They had to remain focused and to put into practice all that was instilled in them by the various coaches in the months of preparations. The team did just that and the win was enough compensation.

Many wonder what’s the secret behind the district’s regular wins, but as the old saying goes: “If you don’t’ know my story, don’t envy me for my glory.”

On Tuesday, the four coaches responsible for the

and Field, sifts out students from sometimes the tender age of six if they display passion and athletic skills.

More than 90% of the students who participate in the National School Championships are a part of these clubs, hence practice and training are a part of their daily routine. The coaches would also take the initiative to go to the riverain areas such as Kwakwani and Ituni to give periodic training to these students as well.

As the championship nears, the clubs would come together and train as one.

“Because of the clubs, we have a nursery, so as fast as

equipment present several challenges. In addition to this, limited finances on the part of the athletes also pose as a challenge. “We would normally have to go and borrow Georgetown mats, hire a truck and bring it to Linden because the Region doesn’t have a jumping mat or a pole. Everything we do is make-shift.”

Despite these challenges the team continues to shine not only at the National level but several of its members also represent Guyana at various regional and international events such as the Inter Guiana Games and the CARIFTA games.

and we would do it. It calls for a lot of dedication and commitment for the persons who are involved and that is how Upper Demerara would normally get the support of the team members and we would work to the end.

At this year’s championships, the district broke six records in the track and field championships. These champion athletes include Dequan Farrel who was the Under 8 champion boy, Deshanna Skeete was the under 16 champion girl, Jonathon Copeland broke the male under 16 record, Shantoba Bright broke the long jump record while Daniel Williams was

for the swift reopening of the Mackenzie Swimming Pool so that the team can have a facility for regular training sessions that would allow them to emerge winners next year. The Coach is also calling for sponsors as there was need for financial assistance for the betterment of the team.

Weak Areas Despite emerging the champions, the coaches have not failed to notice the weak areas that deserve more attention and more training. Attention will be given to the younger athletes as well as the teachers who compete. Recom-

District 10 athletes smartly dressed at this year’s march pass at the National Championships

as District 10 is no stranger to bringing home the bacon.

But what prompted the extra celebrations, was the fact that this year’s victory, allowed Upper Demerara/ Kwakwani to become the first district to win the most championships after entering this year deadlocked with District 11 (North Georgetown).

A well prepared and optimistic team left the bauxite

district’s numerous victories, not only at the national level but at many international championships, spoke of the untiring and rough journey of becoming champions. For the Upper Demerara Kwakwani District, the secret lies in the continuous preparation. In fact the formation of two clubs: The Upper Demerara Schools and the Christianburg Wismar Tract

the athletes step out, those in the nursery step in, so as fast as an under16 athlete goes up, new students are stepping up all the time,” one coach revealed Challenges The coaches revealed that preparations for the championships are never a walk in the park as the absence of an all-weather track and limited sporting

After competing at these competitions 98% of the time, Linden athletes, return with medals. “Sometime the preparation for the team is not easy. We would go home like 12 o’clock in the night, or 1 am in the morning just to get the children ready. Sometimes the teachers have to fund the children to go home.

Sometimes we would have to give them a little snack

the under 18 champion boy.

The district emerged winners of the track and field category while bringing second in the swimming and cycling categories. Some of the challenges faced by the swimming team were limited female swimmers and the absence of a public swimming facility to have regular practice sessions. Swimming Coach Mary Chung is calling

mendations were given for track events and field events to be held separate days and at the same venue as it is physically tiring for an athlete to compete in different types of events on different field surfaces.

This year’s championship win can be added to the other years: 1986, 88, 91, 92, 97, 98, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8,2016

Linden Youth Leaders call for more business investment

IN AN EFFORT to curb the high unemployment rate in the mining town by selling Linden to potential and established investors, the young and buzzing youth group, Linden Youth Leaders is taking part in several initiatives to educate the masses on the importance of investment for the growth of Linden’s economy.

The latest of these initiatives was a three-day investment forum which saw the participation of several investors in and out of Linden as well as the Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland, President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce Kevin De Young, Investment Specialist of Linden Enterprise Network, Walt Glasgow and Wayne Barrow of Interweave Solutions Guyana.

Executive member of Linden Youth Leaders.

Aqilah Sheperd, highlighted the need for investment in Linden and most importantly for new investments and not just a replica of what is already available. “There are still fields of businesses that have not been explored to its full capacity in Linden, and there are numerous individuals who still remain unemployed, hence there is a dire need of investment in new business,” Shepherd pointed out.

Touching on the reality that investors may cringe at the thought of investing in a small hinterland town, Sheperd disclosed the many benefits of doing so. “There are

many skilled and qualified youths who are unemployed so the work force is there, there is cheap electricity and availability of land,” she said.

If these investors take up the challenge, then Linden’s economy will now be diversified, the tourism sector will grow, more money will be circulating and the standard

that you can aspire to,” Gaskin posited Gaskin said that it is not difficult for Linden to become the economic gearbox of the country but the authorities need to attract such investments by guaranteeing that investors make profits.

“You need to examine what it is that Linden has that will make it attractive to inves-

the bureaucracy of the process and the many unrealistic rules.

“There are several overseas Guyanese who want to invest in Linden and they want an easier way. Someone said she wants to open a 20 room hotel in Linden but when they approached Go Invest, they said that they didn’t reach the criteria so for

Chamber of Commerce Kevin Deyoung expressed excitement on what was to come from the twinning of Linden.

He encouraged the youths to network and to gather the much needed information in preparation for what is to come. De Young affirmed that it was time for Lindeners to change their way of thinking that Linden was a

Some of the members of the Linden Youth Leaders pose with Minister of Business Dominic Basking ( first right) and Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland also right

of living will increase.

Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin also highlighted the need for more investment in Linden and the many benefits of doing so, given Linden’s geographical location. “The region certainly has a geographical centrality, it connects with almost every other region in this country and therefore it very well could be the economic hub that controls the national economy and it is something

tors. You need to identify those strengths and what it is you have that can turn into a profitable venture. It could be natural resources, human resources....whatever it is you need to identify it and you need to package it in the form of investment opportunities.”

Challenges Mayor of Linden Carwyn Holland revealed that some investors expressed interest in setting up businesses in Linden but are stunned by

them that is a big setback and that is something they have been saving their monies for,” Holland contended. He said that Linden was in dire need of those investors as the economy was struggling.

He revealed that the municipality was in the process of twinning with developed cities such as Newark and Chonqing to bring investment to Linden and other forms of development.

President of the Linden

depressed community. “For us to move forward, Lindeners need to change their way of thinking and to change the perspective of ourselves first before we can encourage foreign investors to look at us differently,” he said Produce our own Walt Glasgow of Linden Enterprise Network said

that one of the issues with Linden’s economy was that everything was imported and nothing was produced locally. He contended that that needed to change if Linden’s economy was to grow and foreign investors attracted.

He concluded that Linden was in an economic quagmire because of its dependency.

“Let us start an economic revolution. First of all we need to encourage production and once we get that going here we first eat what we produce then move on to the sales market,” posited Glasgow.

The second day of the forum saw an agro processing fair with several locally produced items on display.

Some of the Linden businesses that had products on display were: Chanzars Enterprise with local seasonings and spices and its competitor House of Flavour. Guyana Marketing Corporation also exhibited its local products.

Deputy Mayor of Linden Waneka Arindell in a short address encouraged young people to open their minds and initiate creative ideas to commence their own agro processing businesses. The forum ended with a family cohesion day. Director of Youth Mrs. Melissa Carmichael officially launched the youth group and promised to work closely with them to ensure its success in the quest to boost Linden’s economy.

Beauty of the Week

SVETLANA Marshall Abrams is the epitome of beauty and exquisiteness.

Standing at 5ft 6’’, this Linden born-and-bred glamour girl has made many a heart flutter throughout her life’s journey. Whether it is her captivating smile or her charming personality coupled with a confident gait, experiencing these was de-

scribed as a blessing.

Not only does she possess beauty, but the qualities of a well brought-up, virtuous Christian girl who has made meaningful contributions to society. She is the holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Communication studies having graduated from the Center of Communication Studies last year with distinction.

Svetlana is currently a senior reporter at the Guyana Chronicle and has recently been named the overall winner of the World Health organization media awards for excellence in health journalism.

This proud Lindener is a wife and a mother of one who takes these roles seriously in addition to being an ambassador of good will. Her favourite quote is: If the world is sitting, stand; if the world is standing, stand out; if the world is standing out, be outstanding.

21

GUYANA CHRONICLE Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Linden Hospital Complex staff calls for renewal of CEO’s contract OVER 100 staff members of the Linden Hospital Complex, inclusive of nurses, doctors and administrative staff, have attached their signatures to a correspondence addressed to the Minister of Health, Dr. George Norton, seeking his intervention in the renewal of the contract of Dr. Farouk Riyasat, Chief Executive Officer of the complex.

The employees were privy to information that a n o t h e r j u n i o r d o c t o r, Quincy Jones, who returned from Cuba two years ago, w a s b e i n g r e c o m m e n ded for the position by the Chairman of the Board, Mr. Mortimer Mingo and Vice-Chairman, Minister in

Chairman of the Board Mortimer Mingo also the General-Secretary of the Region 10 Guyana Public Service Union.

Butters on Monday told the media that he was informed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of

level of the board and the decision by Mingo could be deemed unilateral. The union representative stood by the employees’ request, that Riyasat’s contract be renewed as he was the only senior and experienced medical officer at the institution. “Based on my knowledge -- and I was there at the last meeting -- this matter was never discussed at the board. This is not the first time we find decisions being made, approaches made to the ministry and the board is not being officially informed about these approaches,” he exclaimed.

Butters said that during Riyasat’s tenure, the hospital had experienced the

be an injustice to the people of Linden. Many times, he goes on vacation or holidays and he does not enjoy his vacation, because many times there are emergencies and he is called out and he does not make a fuss about

of the hospital.”

He said that according to the constitution of the hospital, the position of CEO, if available, must be advertised, internally and externally, but this has not occurred. He also revealed

the age of retirement and had given yeoman service beyond the call of duty.

Dr. Riyasat, who returned to duty on Tuesday, told this publication that he was not aware of the recommendation and he had

Chief Executive Officer Dr. Farouk Riyasa (left) receiving equipment for the hospital

Maurice Butters the Ministry of Communities, Valarie Patterson.

The employees expressed concern that Dr. Riyasat, who was at the time on his annual leave, would have his contract terminated and the position would be given to Jones.

This was corroborated by another board member Mr. Maurice Butters, who is

Health, Mr. Trevor Thomas, that he has received a recommendation stating that Dr. Jones should be appointed as CEO by the Chairman of the Board, Mortimer Mingo, who claimed that this was recommended by the entire board.

Butters said that this was never discussed at the

best period of stability.

He spoke at length about Riyasat’s dedication and commitment to the betterment of the hospital and his selfless service to the patients.

“We have come a long way at that hospital; to remove Dr. Riyasat means we are looking to destroy what was built and it will

it to resolve whatever. He is there days and night. Where would we find someone with that kind of commitment to an institution?”

Butters questioned.

Though his intent was not to degrade the recommended Dr. Jones, Butters said that Jones did not possess the needed experience to man three hospitals with three different types of staff. “To bring someone who would not have had one day of administrative experience in the Mackenzie Hospital to deal with these issues, we are looking for trouble.”

When asked the reason why a recommendation has been made for another doctor to be appointed CEO by the Chairman, Butters said that he believes it might be something personal. He criticised the way in which the board and hospital were being managed. “Mingo manages the hospital, he goes in there and he tells them what he wants to happen and this is what is destroying the management

that according to the contract, Riyasat should have been given three months notice, if the board did not want to renew his contract and this did not happen.

“There are rules, and anyone who does not observe these rules are deemed to be autocratic,” he said.

This was echoed by the employees who in the correspondence stated that Dr. Riyasat had not reached

returned to duty following the end of his vacation.

Chairman of the board Mingo is currently overseas and efforts to contact him were futile.

Vi c e - C h a i r m a n o f t h e board, Minister Valarie Patterson, however, when contacted, said that she was aware that a recommendation had been made for the appointment of Dr. Jones as CEO.

22

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8,2016

‘Re-open the aluminum plant’ AS THE CENTENARY observance of bauxite mining in Guyana comes to a close, calls are still being made by several experts in the field, as well as the Head of State, President David Granger for the re-opening of the aluminum plant. It is felt that the production of aluminum will be more beneficial to the country’s economy and the sustainability of the bauxite industry.

Currently, the aluminum plant stands abandoned in Mackenzie, Linden and is known as a harvesting block for scrap iron dealers and a haven for vagrants.

The plant was opened in 1961 but sadly was closed in 1981, 11 years after nationalization of the bauxite industry. Upon its closing, 1,600 workers were laid off.

The purpose of the plant was to transform raw bauxite into

downhill and had it not been for the present company - Bosai Minerals Group Guyana - which stepped in, bauxite mining would have been a thing of the past. When Bosai commenced production in 2007, production was low but this gradually increased and this has prompted callsfor research to be done in an effort to identify the amount of bauxite reserves left in Region 10.

A glimmer of hope According to chairman of the bauxite centennial committee Horace James, who worked in the bauxite company for over three decades, research has confirmed that there is an average of 100 more years left in the region’s reserves.

A survey discovered that there was 200 million tonnes of bauxite located at block 37, 18 million tonnes

-President adds to call

– the US housing market continues to enjoy a solid recovery.

In Europe, demand is set to remain stable but downside risks are growing due to heightened post-Brexit uncertainty. Alcoa Inc., the largest U.S. aluminum producer, in its 2015 report said that demand grew by 9.3 percent. It still expects global aluminum demand to double between 2010 and 2020.

Local mining experts and old bauxite employees have posited that aluminum production should recommence in Guyana and the aluminum plant should be reconstructed into a modern aluminum facility. One of these is Mr. Norvell Dennison who also says that with the demand for the resource and a ready and skilled labour force in Linden, with the commitment of the industry players, Guyana

to the industry if it should be reinstituted is the usage of cheap renewable energy, preferably hydro energy. “We have to go to a mix of natural gas and hydro, natural gas is clean, it is going to come off of the diesel and I think we must use it because it is cheap energy and clean energy,” Mr. Sylvester Carmichael posited. This was echoed by Mr. Norvell Dennison who articulated that one of the major downfalls of the aluminum industry is the high cost of production and this should no longer be.

President Granger at his feature address to Lindeners at the unveiling of the bauxite arch in Linden also made calls for the reopening of the aluminum plant. “The aluminum plant added value to our bauxite. It lasted 20 years, and I hope that we won’t have to wait 20 years before

should seriously consider the reopening of the aluminum plant as another means of gearing big from the industry.

This was also echoed by Sylvester Carmichael who in his analysis revealed that from the commencement of aluminum production in 1915, 50-70 tonnes were produced.

In 2015, this increased to 55 million tonnes. With Guyana being classified as the 5th bauxite producer, Guyana should be a major player in aluminum production.

Use cheaper energy The bauxite experts believe that one of the main changes that should be made

it returns,” he said.

“We still have enough reserves to allow production for the next 100 years… the development of the industry requires significant investment, and that is why we welcome our partners from the People’s Republic of China - people who are prepared to invest.

We welcome them as collaborators to help to develop this important industry.

Therefore, it is necessary that the region, the Upper Demerara-Berbice Region, must remain attractive to foreign investors,” he declared.

The Vintage Plant

alumina on site and export it to smelters all over the world to be further processed into aluminum.

The plant had a production capacity of 230,000 tonnes per year. One of the main reasons for the closure of the plant was the high cost of production especially the financing of energy needed for the manufacturing. This was coupled with the rise in the competition on the world market as well as the advent of synthetic material to produce the same products formerly made by aluminum.

After its closure, the bauxite company continued

at Bamia, 40 million tonnes at East Montgommery and an unproven amount at Tiger Jump. The amount averages 40 million. In total, the survey showed that there is over 300 million tonnes of bauxite reserved in the Guyana shield.

James said that with the current production of less than one million tonnes per year, the calculation with the above mentioned tonnes in the reserves make a remaining 100 years of mining accurate. “There is more bauxite in the reserves that was mined for the last 100 years,” James posited.

Given this fact, calls are being made for the reopening of the aluminum plant so that value can be added to the raw bauxite that Bosai currently exports. These include Refractory A Grade, Super Calcine Bauxite (RASC),Super Chemical Grade Bauxite (SCGB),Cement Grade Bauxite (CeGB) and Abrasive Grade Bauxite (AGB).

James revealed that for the last 100 years of bauxite mining, 23 of those were used to produce aluminum and this number should increase for the next 100 years of mining. “For the next hundred years, we should at least produce aluminum for

50 of those years. We should work on getting back a modern aluminum plant,” he said.

Still in demand Several of the mega aluminum production companies and experts around the world have reported increases in profits for the past five years and have all categorically concluded that the demand for aluminum has not dropped but the competition has tightened. According to the aluminum forecast and analysis aluminum demand has seen a growing five percent in 2016. In North America, demand should also remain robust, mainly due to building and construction

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Bolt shocked by Jamaica's abstention in IAAF reform vote

By Kayon Raynor |

KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - Usain Bolt has said he was shocked by the decision of Jamaica's athletics federation to abstain from an IAAF vote on a sweeping reform package at the governing body of world athletics.

The reforms, aimed at changing how the IAAF operates, were overwhelmingly passed at a special Congress in Monaco on Saturday, after members voted 182 to 10 in favour.

“I was very shocked I actually learned about that today,” Bolt told Reuters on Tuesday at the Caribbean premiere of the film "I Am Bolt" in Kingston.

"I find it ridiculous and funny at the same time to know that the IAAF is trying to take big steps like this to make the sport better and we (Jamaica) are doing so very well in the sports, why would we not support it going in the right direction?

"So it was kind of a letdown to know that the JAAA (Jamaica Athletics

Administrative Association) did not support it," added the nine-time Olympic gold medallist and double sprint world record holder.

The ‘Time for Change’ proposals, the centrepiece of IAAF president Sebastian Coe's agenda for moving the sport forward from its tainted past, established new independent anti-doping, integrity and disciplinary functions along with a greater voice for athletes in the organisation and more gender balance.

The reforms also placed

Khan ends FACC... race champion, rode at a steady pace and captured all six prime prizes that were on offer and crossed the finish line unchallenged.

Second was Curtis Dey, while veteran cyclists Sybrone Fernandes and Samuel Mootoo placed third and fourth respectively.

By winning the overall event, Khan automatically

more governance power in the hands of the IAAF Executive Board.

“I think people should respect the right of every federation to look at the package and do what they think is best,” JAAA president Warren Blake told Reuters when asked whether he regretted not casting a ballot.

“A lot of people have criticised us for not voting but I would say to the people: go and look at the constitution and exactly what the changes were."

From back page

won the juvenile category ahead of Rakheel Gordon, Ralph Seenarine and Alex Burnett in that order.

The event was coordinated by the club’s coach Randolph Roberts.

Trophies for the event, which was held under the theme `Youth Cycling Against Crime’, were donated by Acting Com-

mander `B’ Division, Senior Superintendent Errol Watts, Senior Superintendent Kevin Adonis, Superintendent Budnarine Persaud, Assistant Superintendent Keith Williams, Inspector Clay Rose, businessman Sherwin Ford, Crystal Net Internet Café, the Foster Family and Naziam Khan among others.

Cricket set to introduce...

right way for younger kids."

The committee also decided that no changes were required to the current ball-tampering laws despite recent incidents.

The age-old practice of shining the cricket ball has become a grey area for some cricketers who called for clarity after South Africa captain Faf du Plessis was

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From back page

declared guilty of ball-tampering by the International Cricket Council last month.

Television footage appeared to show du Plessis applying saliva to the ball while sucking on a sweet during the Hobart Test against Australia leading to him being sanctioned and losing his entire match fee.

The committee also

agreed that the game had tilted too far in favour of the batsmen and therefore recommended specific bat size limitations to the edges and depth of a bat.

The new laws will be implemented at all levels of the game from October 1 next year, subject to approval by the MCC's main committee.

Taunton 08:30 hrs Port Navas 09:00 hrs Bistouri D’Honore 09:35 hrs Cottesloe 10:40 hrs Clic Work 11:50 hrs Captain Woodie

08:25 hrs Crack Mome 08:55 hrs Neddyvaughan 09:25 hrs Clondaw Warrior 10:00 hrs Theatre Run 10:35 hrs Motown Bob 11:05 hrs Smadynium 11:40 hrs Pylonthepressure

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American Racing Tips Aqueduct Race 1 Can Can Babe Race 2 Touch Old Bird Race 3 Lord Commander Race 4 Catapult Jack Race 5 About That Base Race 6 Double Dose Race 7 Saratoga Giro Race 8 Indian Soldier

27

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Airline boss arrested in Chapecoense air crash inquiry THE authorities in Bolivia have arrested the head of the airline involved in a crash last week that killed 71 people, including most of the Brazilian football team Chapecoense.

Gustavo Vargas, a retired air force general, has been detained as part of an investigation into the crash.

The plane, operated by the tiny LaMia airline, was taking the team to Colombia when it ran out of fuel.

A Bolivian official says she warned the pilot of the problem before departure.

The official, Celia Castedo, has now sought asylum in Brazil, saying she suffered threats and abuse.

Chapecoense were travelling to the city of Medellin to play the first leg of the Sudamericana Cup final against Atletico Nacional.

The British-made Avro RJ85 aircraft ran out of fuel

from LaMia’s offices in Santa Cruz .

Her asylum process could take a year to be processed, the authorities in Brazil said.

Bolivian Government Minister Carlos Romero urged the Brazilian authorities to turn her back.

“What she has done is very serious,” he said. “It’s a way of escaping the judicial system.”

Fans and relatives took part in a funeral service at the Chapecoense stadium on Saturday. as it approached the airport in Medellin on November 28.

In a leaked tape, the pilot, Miguel Quiroga, can be heard warning of a “total electric failure” and “lack of fuel”.

‘ESCAPING JUSTICE’ A Bolivian official, Ce-

lia Castedo, says she warned Mr Quiroga before departure that the long flight between southern Bolivia and Medellin was at the limit of the plane’s maximum range.

She has now sought asylum in Brazil, saying she is being persecuted.

Image copyright Reuters Image caption Paris Saint Germain were one of many clubs to pay tribute to Chapecoense in the latest round of the Champions League Image copyright EPA Image caption Bolivian prosecutors seized material

‘NO WARNING’ Six people survived the crash. One of them, crew member Erwin Tumuri, said an initial stop for refuelling in the northern Bolivian city of Cobija had been dropped by the pilot.

There was no warning to the crew or the passengers that the plane was facing electrical or fuel problems, Mr Tumuri told Brazil’s Globo TV. LaMia was originally registered in Venezuela, before moving its headquarters to

Bolivia. It had three planes, but only two of them were operational.

The plane had been chartered by Chapecoense for the biggest match in the club’s history - against Atletico Nacional.

The club, from the southern Brazilian city of Chapeco, was founded only in 1973 and had never reached a final of an international tournament.

A day after the tragedy, Atletico Nacional said theywanted to forfeit the title.

On Monday, the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) declared Chapecoense official champions of the Sudamericana Cup, the second most prestigious continental competition.

For their gesture, Atletico Nacional have been granted Conmebol’s special centenary fair play award.

(BBC Sport)

Jennings to be Cook’s latest Diamond League gets opening partner for England championship-style

By Sudipto Ganguly

MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Keaton Jennings will make his England debut as captain Alastair Cook’s latest opening partner in the fourth and penultimate Test against India at the Wankhede Stadium today.

Left-hander Jennings will replace teenager Haseeb Hameed, who broke his little finger during England’s defeat in the third Test in Mohali and returned home to undergo surgery.

Jennings, the son of South African former wicketkeeper and coach Ray, arrived in India only on Monday after being called up from the England Lions squad in the United Arab Emirates.

He’s going to play. He’s going to open the batting and another great opportunity for a guy to come in and play,” Cook told reporters, adding he was reminded of his own debut in 2006 when he flew into India 48 hours ahead of the game and hit a century in Nagpur.

“He’s in good touch, spending a bit of time in the middle with the Lions, getting hundreds and stuff. Pretty

special day for him tomorrow.”

The 24-year-old Jennings, who scored six centuries for county side Durham last season, is Cook’s 11th partner at the top of the order in the game’s longest format since the retirement of Andrew Strauss four years ago.

“I will just make sure Keaton plays the way he wants to play, keep him calm I suppose. Obviously it’s disappointing about Has; we obviously found a player there.

“But if Keaton comes in and does well again, it’s just

Keaton Jennings will make his England debut in the fourth Test today.

Cook said the frequent changes of his opening partner did not impact his own batting.

“It doesn’t really affect me,” the 31-year-old said.

“You don’t just bat with your opening partner, you bat with people at three, four, five as well.

adding to our top-order players.”

Fast bowler Stuart Broad, who suffered a foot injury during the second Test in Visakhapatnam and subsequently missed the game in Mohali, was still doubtful for the Mumbai match, Cook added.

The Wankhede Stadium, overlooking the Arabian Sea, has been a happy hunting ground for England, who have won their last two Test matches against the hosts at the venue in 2012 and 2006.

England made a strong start to the series in Rajkot when they made India fight hard in their second innings to eke out a draw but lost the next two Tests to trail 2-0 against the world’s number one Test side.

They drew lot of flak for defensive batting while chasing an improbable 405 to win the second Test and coach Trevor Bayliss said it was time for the side to show more positive intent.

“It’s a clear message I knew was coming out,” Cook said. “We do have to take that second innings in Vizag out of it, where we played that way.

“But I wonder whether that did kind of tie into the third game and there was a bit of hangover and we did go back into our shells a bit.

“After chatting around a bit I think it was quite clear message that we wanted to play a little bit more aggressively and with a bit more intent.”

new format

(REUTERS)-The Diamond League will have two endof-season finals with a prize pool of $3.2 million (2.54 million pounds) following changes to the structure of the competition announced by the International Association of Athletics’ Federations (IAAF) yesterday.

Under the new format, athletes will earn points in

IAAF president Sebastian Coe the first 12 league meetings of the season to qualify for the finals in Zurich or Brussels, where $100,000 will

be up for grabs in each of the 32 disciplines, including $50,000 for each winner.

Athletes who finish second in their respective disciplines will earn $20,000 each, with $10,000 awarded for third place, effectively turning the season into a championship-style race to reach the finals, which will each feature 16 events.

Previously, the winners in each of the disciplines were decided by how many points they accumulated during the season, irrespective of whether they won the final event.

“After seven seasons which have established the IAAF Diamond League as our premier circuit it is important to assess its impact and build for the future,” IAAF president and the league’s chairman Sebastian Coe said in a statement.

“These decisions are the first step to growing the attractiveness of the series.”

28

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Baksh questions criteria

used to select West

Berbice franchise team

… says Blairmont Cricket Club unfairly treated

By Rajiv Bisnauth PRESIDENT of the Blairmont Cricket Club, Shabeer Baksh, said he is baffled by the criteria used to select the West Berbice franchise team, adding that transparency in the selection remains questionable.

Colin Stuart Baksh is questioning the selection process, and at the same time is of the view that the Blairmont Cricket Club is unfairly treated.

“Based on the West Berbice franchise make-up during the three-day version of the league, definitely there seems to be some issue with the transparency in the selection process,” Baksh hinted.

He added, “During the

three-day version of the league there was a squad of 18 players, of which 13 were from Achievers, two from Blairmont, one from Port Mourant and three central contact players; so who were the persons responsible for selecting the team and what were the criteria used?

Baksh is also puzzled, with regard to the two squads selected for this weekend practice game, which will be used to select the West Berbice franchise team for the upcoming Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Jaguars Franchise League one-day tournament.

“The club is unaware of the practice game, in fact, I was made aware of the game through the media. Again the selections of those players are unknown to the club, and to make matters worse, out of the 28 players called up, only four are from Blairmont,” Baksh said.

Meanwhile, a comment from president of the West Berbice Cricket Association, David Black, was not obtained.

Further Territorial De-

velopment Officer (TDO) of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Colin Stuart, disclosed yesterday that the squad for each franchise is

Shabeer Baksh

selected by the committee appointed by the GCB. The former West Indies fast bowler indicted that the committee is made up of personnel from the GCB’s cricket development committee, competitions committee, the coaches for the respective franchise, and where possible the franchise representative.

According to Stuart, the GCB can also include any other personnel from the league area who they feel will make a valuable contribution towards the selection process.

IOC extends Russia doping sanctions

By Karolos Grohmann | LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday said it had extended provisional measures against Russia over its doping scandal “until further notice” pending the evaluation of a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)-commissioned report.

The measures, first imposed on July 19 following the publication of the first part of the so-called McLaren report, include having no IOC-sanctioned events in Russia and urging sports federations to look for alternative locations for events.

Some of the other measures, such as a ban on accreditations for Russian officials, were linked to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Canadian law professor Richard McLaren will deliver the second part of his report into state-sponsored doping in Russian sport on December 9 at a London hotel.

A view through a fence shows the Russian Olympic Committee headquarters, which also houses the management of Russian Athletics Federation in Moscow, Russia. The Russian Sports Ministry said on Tuesday it was open for closer cooperation with the World... REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTS697U

The much-anticipated report is expected to provide more details on an elaborate doping scheme operated by Russia at the 2014 Sochi Olympics which McLaren outlined in his original report released in July.

That led WADA to recommend that the entire Russian team should be

excluded from August’s Rio Olympics.

Although Russian track and field athletes and weightlifters were banned from competing at Rio, the IOC rejected a blanket ban and let international sports federations decide which athletes were eligible to compete.

29

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Late Reus equaliser means Dortmund beat Real to top spot (REUTERS) - Real Madrid failed to win their Champions League group for the first time in four years when a late goal by substitute Marco Reus allowed Borussia Dortmund to equalise and clinch a 2-2 draw yesterday.

Zinedine Zidane’s side looked to be on their way to securing first place in Group F when Karim Benzema knocked in Dani Carvajal’s cutback in the 28th minute and the French striker stretched their lead by nod-

Borussia Dortmund players celebrate at the end of their match.

(REUTERS/Susana Vera)

Subhan, Nowrangilall star in Blairmont CC U-15 matches

IN preparation for the 2017 cricket season, the Blairmont Cricket Club organised three Under-15 matches, which were played recently at two separate venues.

Right-handed wicketkeeper/batsman Farook Subhan made the best use of those matches, scoring a hundred and two half-centuries, while left-arm spinner Gourav Nowrangilall was the most outstanding bowler, claiming three five-wickets haul.

Subhan blasted an unbeaten 131 against Young Warriors, while he smashed 79 against D’Edward Sports Club

and an unbeaten 53 against Achievers Cricket Club.

Marvan Prashad also scored two half-centuries.

Summarised scores are as follows: At D’Edward, Blairmont made 206 batting first, with Subhan 77, Vishwar Adin 43 and Marvan Prashad 34, being the principal scorers.

Akash Heeralall took 4-45.

D’Edward in reply were bowled out for 51. Nowrangilall took 5-8 and Shahid Baksh 2-10. Batting a second time Blairmont reached 69-2 declared. D’Edward then reached 64-9. Nowrangilall was again among the wickets, claiming 5-12.

In game two, Blairmont

made 264-4 in 40 overs, with Subhan hitting 131 not out, Marvan Prashad 83 and Vishwar Adin 18. Young Warriors in reply were skittled out for 75. Nowrangilall bagged 8-14, while Shahid Baksh had 2-15.

In the final game, Blairmont were bowled out for 145, with Marvan Prashad hitting a top score of 57.

Achievers Cricket Club in reply were bowled out for 62. Shahid Baksh took 5-14.

Batting a second time, Blairmont reached 1001 declared. Farook Subhan made an unbeaten 53.

Achievers then reached 36-3.

ding in James Rodriguez’s cross in the 53rd.

Dortmund hit back on the hour with a close-range finish from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a goalline clearance from Reus stopped Cristiano Ronaldo restoring Real’s advantage shortly afterwards.

T h e G e r m a n y i n t e rnational, who had begun the game on the bench after falling ill on Tuesday, tapped in a low cross from Aubameyang to complete the comeback and

score his third goal in two Champions League games.

Real equalled a club record of 34 games without defeat in all competitions but the late equaliser left a sour taste on what had been a night of celebration.

Dortmund finished t o p o f t h e g ro u p w i t h 14 points, two ahead of Real, who will play the second leg of their last16 tie away from home for the first time since 2012/13.

Sammy’s Kings to clash with Dhaka Dynamites in BPL final DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC) – Darren Sammy’s Rajshahi Kings booked their spot in tomorrow’s final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) when they produced a clinical performance to beat Khulna Titans by seven wickets in the semi-final here yesterday.

West Indies left-hander Nicholas Pooran … entertained briefly for Titans.

In a lopsided affair at

the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Kings easily chased down a modest target of 126 to win their second game in two days, following their emphatic three-wicket win over Chris Gayle’s Chittagong Vikings on Tuesday at the same venue.

Tomorrow’s championship game will see Kings take on heavy favourites Dhaka Dynamites with West Indies all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell.

Opting to bat first, Titans struggled from the outset and needed an unbeaten 32 from Ariful Haque in order to reach 125 for nine.

West Indies Twenty20 batsman Nicholas Pooran hammered a breezy 10ball 22 which included two fours and two sixes. He put on 37 for the fourth wicket with captain Mahmudullah

who made 22.

Trinidadian all-rounder Kevon Cooper failed with four down the order.

Vincentian seamer Kesrick Williams, who has played a single T20 International for West Indies, was once again excellent in his four overs, taking one for 18 while medium pacer Sammy claimed one for eight from two overs.

In reply, Kings were guided by Sabbir Rahman’s 43 not out and an unbeaten 30 from New Zealander James Franklin as they reached their target with four balls to spare.

The pair put on a match-winning 62 in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand which lifted the Kings from 67 for three in the 12th over.

Seamer Cooper finished with one for 32 from his four overs.

Porto crush Leicester to ease Into Champions League last 16 (REUTERS)-Porto eased into the Champions League knockout stages with an embarrassingly simple 5-0 win over Leicester City’s hapless second-string side in the Estadio do Dragao yesterday.

With their qualification as Group G victors assured, the English champions rested key players, leaving their Portuguese hosts to cash in hungrily with a double from Andre Silva and fine strikes

from Jesus Corona, Yacine Brahimi and Diogo Jota.

Leicester had only conceded one goal in their previously unbeaten first Champions League campaign but shipped three in 45 minutes with Silva starting the rout by heading home unchallenged from Corona’s corner after six minutes.

One-way traffic and two brilliant goals ensued, Corona’s magnificent first-time volley from Alex Telles’

Leicester City’s Wes Morgan and Ben Hamer look dejected after FC Porto’s third goal Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic

cross in the 25th minute being followed by Brahimi’s

cheeky backheel finish from Maxi Pereira’s delivery just

before halftime.

After a fairytale start to their European adventures which matched their Premier League heroics last season, Leicester, who had left the likes of Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy at home, were suddenly left with nothing but thoughts of damage limitation.

They improved markedly but Danny Drinkwater’s 65th-minute foul on Silva allowed the striker get up

and slot home his fifth European goal of the season from the spot before Jota crashed home a fifth.

Even worse for the hopelessly outclassed visitors, Drinkwater, one of the few first-team regulars on duty, limped off with an ominous-looking injury.

With Copenhagen winning at Club Bruges in the other group game, Porto finished two points ahead of the Danish side and two adrift of Leicester.

30

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

Jaguars-Pride clash headlines pivotal Digicel Regional 4-Day fourth round

… Scorpions host Red Force at Sabina Park today ST JOHN’S, Antigua – One of Caribbean sport’s longest-running rivalries will again grab the headlines when Guyana Jaguars and Barbados Pride meet in the feature match of the fourth round in the Digicel Regional 4-Day Tournament, starting tomorrow.

Action resumes in the R4-Day following the oneweek, early-season break, and the top-of-the-table clash between the two sides that inaugurated first-class matches in the Caribbean more than 150 years ago again takes centre-stage.

In addition to the key match, this round gets going today when Jamaica Scorpions host Trinidad & Tobago Red Force at Sabina Park in another crucial contest. The following day, Windward Islands Volcanoes and Leeward Islands Hurricanes meet in another bitter rivalry game at Windsor Park.

With a 6.6-point spread dividing the top five teams in the R4-Day, a victory and a huge collection of bonus points will be critical, as the teams try to separate themselves as they count down to the break following the next round of matches to

accommodate the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, plus the Regional Super50 Tournament.

At Providence, Guyana: A battle-royal is expected between the Jaguars and Pride, two teams that have set the pace in the R4-Day over the last two seasons and are currently sitting on top of the standings with just 0.2 points separating them.

Guyana Jaguars captain Leon Johnson

Both teams suffered setbacks in the previous round when it looked like they could have been in pole position for victory. Their chances were badly affected by rain which led to draws in all of the matches during the round.

The Jaguars – on home soil – are always a challeng-

ing prospect for visiting teams, but the Pride have been one of the few who can look past conditions and put their hosts on the back-foot.

The two teams have met five times at this venue since it has become the main arena for major regional and international matches in the country and the Pride have equipped themselves well with two wins, including one of the narrowest in the history of the R4-Day, two seasons back.

The Jaguars have a settled squad and are likely to enter the match with three frontline spinners, hoping to take advantage of a typically low and slow pitch.

Off-spinner Eon Hooper, a cousin of former Guyana and West Indies captain Carl Hooper, has been brought back into the unit in place of fast bowler Romario Shepherd.

But the Pride have been significantly boosted, particularly in the batting department, with the return of five regulars from the West Indies Tours of the United Arab Emirates and Zimbabwe.

They are captain Kraigg Brathwaite, left-hander Jonathan Carter, wick-

etkeeper/batsman Shane Dowrich, middle-order batsman Shai Hope and off-spin bowling all-rounder Ashley Nurse.

To this end, the match could ultimately be decided upon how well the powerful Pride batting handles the varied Jaguars attack which also comprises the fast-medium bowling of Keon Joseph and left-armer Raymon Reifer, no stranger to the Pride, as well as the medium-fast bowling of Christopher Barnwell.

In Kingston, Jamaica: Another topsy-turvy clash is expected between the Scorpions and the Red Force - two teams that have promised much, but are striving for greater consistency, especially from their batting.

The Scorpions gained a slice of good fortune when the weather disrupted their contest against the Pride in the previous round at the same time that the Red Force gained valuable batting practice only on home soil against the Hurricanes.

Just 1.6 points separate the two teams in the tightly-bunched table, but they have already suffered stumbles this season, due to weak batting which led the Scor-

Young Persaud thrilled to be a part of WI U-19 training camp

By Rajiv Bisnauth

TALENTED wicketkeeper/ batsman Joshua Persaud and his Guyanese counterpart Bhaskar Yadram will leave for Grenada tomorrow to join 18 of the region’s best youth cricketers for a 12day training camp, which ends on December 20.

The camp officially starts the WICB’s preparation for the 2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup to be held in New Zealand.

After the camp is completed a West Indies Under-19 team will be selected to compete in next month’s Regional Super50 tournament.

The 20-member preliminary squad will undergo training, and will also receive physical assessment along with life skills sessions and mental preparation.

However, Persaud says he’s ready for the training camp, adding that the achievement is another opportunity for him to show-

case his talent.

At 16-year-old, Persaud was the youngest member of the national Under-19 squad this year, and according to the Chase Academy student, the opportunity this time will further develop his game.

Joshua Persaud “I see this as a great opportunity for me. It will develop my game even better, in terms of working with different coaches and being among other players from across the

Caribbean,” Persaud related.

Like any other young cricketer, Persaud has his goals set out, knowing he has put in the work and it is just a matter of execution as he prepares to make an impact with every given opportunity.

“We have two practice matches, and I am looking forward to do well, and at the same time score at least a century in one of the games,” Persaud said.

He added “One of my main goals is to work hard and secure a spot in the final squad.”.

The Under-19s will do battle in Group A of the Super50 which runs from January 24 to February 18 in Antigua and Barbados.

Title-holders Trinidad & Tobago Red Force, along with Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Windward Islands Volcanoes and visiting English County Kent Spitfires, have also been installed in Group A. Group B, meanwhile,

comprises last year’s losing finalists Barbados Pride, Guyana Jaguars, Combined Campuses and Colleges Marooners, Jamaica Scorpions and ICC Americas.

The tournament will serve as part of the build-up for the Under-19s as they ready themselves for the defence of their ICC Youth World Cup title captured earlier this year in Bangladesh.

A management team, led by head coach Graeme We s t a n d c o m p r i s i n g Dwain Gill, Anthony Gray, K h e v y n Wi l l i a m s a n d Zephyrinus Nicholas, will oversee the camp.

SQUAD: Keagan Simmonds, Kirstan Kallicharan, Cephas Cooper, Navin Bidaisee, Matthew Patrick, Te-Shawn Alleyne, Johann Jeremiah, Emmanuel Stewart, Johnnel Eugene, Daneal Dupigny, Alick Athanaze, Jerellius Louis, Javier Spence, Kian Pemberton, Joshua Persaud, Bhaskar Yadram, Jeavor Royal.

pions to lose against the Jaguars and Red Force to lose against the Pride.

Oddly enough, however, both teams in the last three seasons have found it easier to win against each other when they are playing on the road, so that recent history favours the Red Force this weekend, with them having won the last three

Barbados Pride captain Kraigg Brathwaite matches the two sides have contested at this venue.

The Scorpions have brought in last year’s captain Paul Palmer and West Indies all-rounder Rovman Powell in a bid to fortify their batting, which it appears the return of Jason Mohammed from the West Indies Oneday Tour of Zimbabwe has done for the Red Force.

Both sides are well served in the bowling – with this being a special match for Jamaica-born West Indies left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell, playing on home soil for the first time since his transfer to Port of Spain. So the batsmen will definitely have to play their part in grabbing victory.

In Roseau, Dominica: The Volcanoes and the Hurricanes, two teams seemingly heading in different directions, will be looking to take advantage of each other in the all-Islands clash.

The Volcanoes seemed fortunate to have escaped with a draw against the Jaguars in the previous round thanks to the weather which also prevented the Hurricanes from a chance to

build on their strong start to the season, including a record-breaking victory against the defending champions.

The Volcanoes, a side which in previous seasons had toppled some of the giants in the regional game, have endured a rocky start to the season and now occupy the bottom place in the table, where the Hurricanes had been for much of the last few seasons.

This match between two sides that had once teamed up to take on the rest of the region is a chance for the Volcanoes to get their season on track and for the Hurricanes to give further proof that they have begun to make strides in redressing the balance of power.

When the two sides met last year at this venue, the contest was marred by questions about the quality of the pitch, after the Hurricanes declared their first innings on 24 for seven and went on to suffer an eight-wicket defeat.

In the return match in the United States Virgin Islands territory of St Thomas, however, the Hurricanes gave a much better showing in a drawn contest and broke a sequence of five straight losses to the Volcanoes and will look to obliterate that statistic and begin a winning streak of their own.

The Volcanoes welcome back West Indies opener Johnson Charles from the tour of Zimbabwe and have added Tarryck Gabriel in a bid to strengthen their inconsistent batting, and the return to action of West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph – following personal leave to attend to his ailing mother – will have the Hurricanes cock-a-hoop.

Bowling is the strength of both teams with both well served on the fastand spin-bowling front, so batting will be the key to which side will grab the lion’s share of points.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Thursday, December 08, 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) Rajendra Chandrika-224 runs (2) Veerasammy Permaul-14 wickets Today’s Quiz: (1) Which batsman has recorded a century against Guyana in the current WICB PCL to date?

(2) How many dismissals Guyanese wicketkeeper, Anthony Bramble, has effected in the current WICB PCL to date?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, December 8, 2016

NSC names elite squad for CARIFTA preparation

By Tamica Garnett

SOUTH American Youth Championships record-holder Jason Yaw, and medallists Chantoba Bright, Tyrell Peters and Daniel Williams are among a team of 37 athletes, handpicked by the National Sports Commission (NSC) to be part of a National Elite Camp that will begin in January of next year.

The 37 athletes, of which 32 would have been selected because of outstanding performances at the recently concluded National Schools Championships, are expected to be groomed with the aim of preparing them for the 2017 edition of the prestigious CARIFTA Games.

The squad breaks down to 20 boys and 17 girls, with age categories ranging from the Under-14 to the Under-20.

The athletes are sourced from all across Guyana, taking into consideration ath-

sprinting stars Kenisha Phillips and Deshanya Skeete, and distance athlete Claudrice McKoy and Joanna Archer. They are all on the Girls’ team along with Bright.

Others on the distaff end are Iyonte Phoenix, Princess Browne, Yesinia Andrews, Kissanna Glen, Cassie

Chantoba Bright letes from as far as the Rupununi and North West areas.

There are also athletes from Berbice, the East Coast and West Bank of Demerara, and of course the athletics hub of Linden and Georgetown.

CARIFTA Games silver medallist Natricia Hooper also made the cut, as did

and Kelanie Griffith.

In addition to Yaw, Peters and Williams, on the

Jason Yaw

Kenisha Phillips Small, Toyan Raymond, Denita Jackson, Maria Urquhart, Kezra Murray, Avon Samuels

Boys’ squad there are Orvil Daniels from Rupununi and Joshua Williams from the North West, as well as Joel Williams, Tyrese Wharton, Loneil Marks, Nicholas Daw, Jermaine King, Joshua Williams, Murphy Nash, Godwin Humphrey, Samuel Jordon, Samuel Lynch,

Compton Caesar, Delroy Leitch, Ruel Chester, Linton Mentis, Stayon Williams, and Linden’s Matthew McKenzie.

The initiative is the brainchild of NSC Commissioner Edison Jefford, who made the decision to identify the athletes based on their performances at Nationals.

The NSC will be collaborating with the Ministry of Education, Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG). The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) is also expected to be approached to be a part and support the initiative.

The athletes are expected to come together every weekend from the point of commencement for training and development. All transportation and nutrition needs of the athletes are expected

to be attended to during the programme.

“We have to fund this; we don’t want our athletes having to worry about transportation, meals, nutrition, or those things. I think it’s time we end that era of sports management in this country. We have to end that struggle. We need support from every sector, AAG, the NSC, the Government, the GOA. Every stakeholder has to support this initiative for it to succeed in the way that it should.” Edison said.

Coaches being considered to take charge of the athletes’ training include Julian Edmonds of the Running Brave Athletics Club and Mark Scott from the Police Progressive Youth Athletics Club as well as Wanda Richmond, Johnny Gravesande from Linden and Rawle Griffith.

Belgian Saintfiet appointed TTFA head coach but given ultimatum PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Well-travelled Belgian Tom Saintfiet was yesterday appointed head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago national side but could face the sack after just two games in charge, if he does not keep the twin-island republic in contention for the World Cup finals.

The 43-year-old was announced by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association(TTFA) as the replacement for Stephen Hart who was fired last month after the country’s poor start to the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying final round.

Saintfiet, who has already coached in multiple countries, will be in charge of the national side for their two upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Panama and Mexico next March, and TTFA president David John Williams said he would be held to a very high standard for those two encounters.

“He came highly recommended as well, he worked in difficult situations in Africa and we feel he can do the job for us,” John Williams told a media conference here.

“I will also tell you this, if he doesn’t get the job done on March 24 and 28 (2017), he will be looking for a job and I make no apologies for saying that.

“We are very serious because if we don’t get the result on March 24 and 28, we may as

well kiss our campaign goodbye.”

Trinidad lie one from bottom in the six-team final round without a point, after losing both their opening games last month.

They went down 2-0 at home to Costa Rica on November 11 and four days later, suffered a 3-1 defeat to Honduras away in San Pedro Sula at the Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano.

Hart, who led the squad for 3-½ years, paid the price with his job and John Williams argued that results was the nature of professional football.

“Football and professional sport is a brutal game,” he pointed out. “World Cup qualifying, it’s about results and getting to the World Cup. If the results don’t go your way you have to do something different.”

Saintfiet has coached extensively in Africa, leading

Tom Saintfet

Namibia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Togo and Malawi, as well as a stint with Asian nation Bangladesh.

Facing the media for the first time, he praised Trinidad and Tobago as a country with a “huge history” but with a “more huge future” and said he believed he could play a role in advancing the national programme.

He said he also believed T&T could still rescue their World Cup dream of reaching Russia 2018.

“I believe it’s possible.

Two games have been played.

We are in fifth position and we have to be in the top three or if needed, to be in the fourth position for the playoffs but they are still eight games to go,” Saintfiet said.

New Trinidad and Tobago head coach, Tom Saintfiet said with positive results against Panama and against Mexico, we are back in the running and everything is possible to go to

Russia.

“If these results are negative, then it doesn’t matter how long your contract is, every coach knows that he is in the end responsible for

that, and I take it like that.”

Meanwhile, former Italy striker Carolina Morace has been appointed to lead the women’s national side on a 2-½ year contract.

The 53-year-old, who made over 150 appearances for Italy and scored over 100 goals, has also in the past managed Italy and Canada’s women side.

Australia squad unchanged for Gabba Test

AUSTRALIA’s revamped 12-man Test squad that won against South Africa in Adelaide has been retained for the first Test against Pakistan at the Gabba.

The selectors had made sweeping changes after Australia’s crushing defeat in Hobart, where South Africa secured the series, and only six of the XI from that Test retained their places for the day-night Test in Adelaide.

Matt Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson all made their debuts in Adelaide, where Australia picked up a consolation victory.

The Gabba Test is also a day-night affair, and given Australia’s success in Adelaide and the desire for stability, there is every chance they will take an unchanged XI into a Test for the first time in more than a year.

The only possible alteration would be if Adelaide 12th man Chadd Sayers came into contention, and he did his chances no harm

by taking eight wickets in the Sheffield Shield this week.

“We were very pleased with how the team came together in Adelaide after some significant changes following the Tests in Perth and Hobart,” the interim selection chairman Trevor Hohns said. “This is a young group with a lot of promise and we believe all deserve their opportunity again in this upcoming Test.”

Of Australia’s debutants from the previous match, Maddinson in particular will be keen to prove his Test worth at the Gabba, having fallen for a 12-ball duck in his only innings of the Adelaide Test. Maddinson bounced back from that disappointment with 80 in the first innings for New South Wales this week in their Shield game against South Australia.

The other Adelaide debutants, Handscomb and Renshaw, both enjoyed longer stays at the crease in their first ap-

pearance for Australia.

Handscomb scored a half-century in the first innings and then hit the winning runs in the second, while Renshaw occupied the crease for 137 balls in Australia’s chase to help them secure victory.

Shaun Marsh was not considered as he continues rehabilitation after a broken finger suffered against South Africa in Perth. “Shaun has yet to resume batting and will have a follow-up x-ray this week that will be reviewed by a specialist,” the CA head of sports science Alex Kountouris said. “This will determine when he can resume cricket training.”

Squad David Warner, Matt Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, Matthew Wade (wk), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird, Chadd Sayers.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

NSC names elite squad for CARIFTA preparation 31 P.

Bolt shocked by Jamaica's abstention in IAAF reform vote

Cricket set to introduce red cards for unruly player conduct

P.26

The MCC World Cricket committee has recommended umpires be given powers to eject players from matches for serious misconduct.

By Sudipto Ganguly |

Usain Bolt of Jamaica turns to look at Andre De Grasse of Canada as they compete in the men's 100m semifinals at the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil, August 14, 2016.

(REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

Khan ends FACC 2016 season on a high

Zaman Khan (right) accepts the winning trophy from GPF Assistant Superintendent `B’ Division’s Keith Williams while club coach Randolph Roberts looks on.

BERBICIAN Zaman Khan ended the 2016 Flying Ace Cycle Club’s (FACC) cycling season on a high note last Sunday, winning the club’s 28-mile road race in convincing fashion.

The event, which was opened to FACC members only, saw Khan and other juvenile riders benefit from a five-minute head-start after being sent on their way by Guyana Police Force (GPF) `B’ Division Coordinator of the Police Community Relations Department, Assistant Superintendent Keith Williams, at 09:15hrs at Tacama Turn, Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice, from where the participants of the GPF `B’ Division-sponsored event proceeded to the Rose Hall Town Arch before turning back for the finish line at Main and Alexander Streets, New Amsterdam.

Relishing his five-minute advantage, Khan, the Turn to page 26 ► national juvenile road

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MUMBAI, India (Reuters) - Cricketers could be 'red-carded' by umpires and ejected from the ground for the duration of a match from next October after the sport's lawmakers yesterday recommended on-field sanctions to address declining standards of player-behaviour.

The world cricket committee of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the guardian of the game's laws, has recommended that a player should be removed from the field for threatening an umpire, physical assault or any other act of violence.

Match officials currently report players or incidents to the match referee at the end of the day after which action is taken.

Following a two-day meeting in Mumbai, MCC world cricket committee chairman Mike Brearley said umpires needed to be empowered to impose on-thespot sanctions, noting that there were more disciplinary problems in the lower-tier leagues.

"There was a survey done

of the umpires and 40 percent said they are considering giving up the game or giving up umpiring because of verbal abuse," former England captain Brearley told reporters at the Wankhede Stadium.

"Anecdotal evidence from people who are familiar with leagues in parts of England say that the behaviour has got worse.

"The umpires have to be respected and given the best possible chance and I think cricket is the only game in which there isn't this possibility of an in-match punishment or deterrent."

ROLE MODELS The committee discussed sanctions like run penalties and sin bins but felt it would be hard to apply them consistently around the world.

"It got to the state where something had to happen to prevent those things happening on the international stage," former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, a member of the committee, said.

"The modern players now understand their role in society, about being role models, and want to play the game the Turn to page 26 ►

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016