Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 11 10 2016

No. 104701

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016

Price: $80

(VAT Inclusive)

Gafoors burns …millions go up in flames as fire rips through bond

P.3

Firefighters battle to put out the blaze that started in the company’s Houston Complex, East Bank Demerara bond Monday evening (Samuel Maughn photo)

Lord Canary passes on P.2

DEA expands

…U.S triples size of Georgetown unit, increases info sharing P.10

Difficult to hide a Guyanese P.2

‒ Greenidge tells consultation on Witness Protection Bill

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Difficult to hide a Guyanese ‒ Greenidge tells consultation on Witness Protection Bill co-president said there is no vigorous public procurement process that can speak to strict accountability. He said the bill does not address the major need to revitalise the notion of citizenship, and there is need for people who hold both public and private offices to be held accountable for their actions.

He reminded that the Commissioner of Informa-

the country needs to have a Commission of Ombudsmen, as opposed to one Ombudsman.

Speaking specifically to the Witness Protection Bill, McCormack said there is “the continued resistance to gender neutral language in the bills.” He described the lack of gender neutral language as “offensive”.

More needs to be done at

public consultation, he said.

Similarly, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, in brief remarks, alluded to the concerns raised by McCormack. He described the two bills as “complex but important”, and called on the drafters, the Attorney General’s Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs, to “pay attention to the point being made by Mike Mc Cormack”.

Minister Greenidge said it is obviously true what

The minister noted the challenges small societies like Guyana face in trying to tackle witness protection.

He said no matter how much a person’s name and background are changed, people can still be identified.

“It is rare that you can take a Guyanese and carry them in a community and they won’t be recognised,” he said, while noting that there are both advantages and disadvantages in the witness protection programme.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, speaks to participants at the public consultation

SEVERAL concerns were raised on Monday during a public consultation forum on the Witness Protection and the Protected Disclosures (Whistleblower) Bills 2016, held at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

Notwithstanding the handful of participants at that public consultation, the issues of confidentiality (non-disclosure), the state of inquiries, the lack of a political framework, consultative processes, and transparency were among the topics discussed.

Mike McCormack, co-president of the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), said that, for the

year, that entity had participated in three public consultations prior to Monday’s; and noted that each piece of legislation focuses on mechanisms that are to be introduced, but not political framework that can assess the usefulness of the legislation.

He spoke of past approaches to public consultations, which resulted in a “consultation paper, or green paper” being presented.

Based on the responses to the legislation, amendments would be made, and those would be taken to Cabinet on a white paper, after which the bills would be submitted to Parliament for approval.

Speaking on the issue of corruption, the GHRA

A section of the audience at the public consultation on the Witness Protection and Protected Disclosures (Whistleblower) Bills 2016, at the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown

tion has been entirely silent for a prolonged period, and pointed to there being a “multiplicity of mechanisms” that lack the human capacity to be properly addressed.

He spoke of the need for a single Rights Commission with sub-commissions, as opposed to several Human Rights Commissions. Moreover, he is of the opinion that

‘Lord Canary’ passes on POPULAR Calypso singer Malcolm Corrica, called ‘Lord Canary’, died on Monday at the Diamond Diagnostic Hospital, EBD, where he had been hospitalised after suffering a stroke.

Family members confirmed that Corrica died on Monday afternoon while undergoing treatment. He had been suffering from diabetes, and had one of his legs amputated some years ago.

Corrica once served as Minister of Culture, and was also a Member of Parliament in the Forbes Burnham Administration.

In his book ‘The Lord Canary’, it was written that as a member of the second Parliament -- 1969-1973 –Corrica, a former member of the People’s National

the level of stakeholders to ensure that instances of corruption are rooted out, said McCormack.

Chief Parliamentary Counsel Cecil Dhurjon accepted the many observations and comments made by the GHRA head, describing him as “enlightened”. The Senior Counsel noted, too, that the drafters of the legislation would bear in mind all concerns raised and try “to enrich” the legislation accordingly. It is not too late to take into consideration the concerns highlighted at the

Mc Cormack had referred to as public conformity and private descent. He said it is a fact that, to a large extent, the failure to enforce the laws has caused this state of affairs. He opined that perhaps the process by which consultation and decision-making is made needs to be more open and extensive.

He believes that institutions need to be put in place to allow for “a more realistic dialogue”, rather than the public’s unwillingness to express their views and concerns without being harassed.

However, he said, the option exists for those in the programme to be relocated to other CARICOM jurisdictions as a means of protecting their identities. Like those who spoke at the public consultation, Greenidge said the issue of information and confidentiality is important, but information is always in the public domain.

He said there is no easy or definitive solution to that problem. “I don’t expect that the legislation drafted can solve that problem,” he remarked.

Duncan withdraws from tribunal ‒ to challenge its ‘legality’ in court

Malcolm Corrica, aka ‘Lord Canary’

Congress Youth Organisation, forerunner of the YSM, was assigned various projects under the aegis of the Ministry of Works. One of his proudest achievements was overseeing the

completion of the Bel-Lu Clay Brick Factory on the West Bank of Demerara.

This was Prime Minister Burnham’s trademark local project, and it was a virtual pioneering brand.

CHAIRMAN of the Public Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Carvil Duncan, facing an accusation of fraud, plans to challenge the legality of the tribunal appointed to determine whether he should be removed from the constitutional offices he holds.

Duncan’s attorney, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, in an interview with reporters on Monday, said the tribunal, chaired

by Justice Roxane George, overruled his objections to the proceedings, and as such, Duncan will challenge the

legality of the tribunal at the level of the High Court.

Duncan and his attorney have accordingly taken a decision to withdraw their participation from the process which was initiated by President David Granger in mid-September when he swore in the members of the tribunal: Justice George, Justice (ret’d) Winston Patterson and Attorney-at-Law Robert Ramcharran.

According to Nandlall, several considerations should restrain the tribunal from proceeding with its work. “There are criminal proceedings pending in the Magistrates’

Courts, and those proceedings have not been completed,” he posited.

He also noted that Duncan is innocent until proven guilty, and is thus far not guilty of committing any crime. “To establish a tribunal to investigate his removal from office on the mere institution of a charge before the determination of any guilt is (an) infraction of that constitutional protection which guarantees him innocent until proven guilty,” Nandlall contended.

Nandlall is adamant that setting up the tribunal is Turn to page 3 ►

Gafoors burns 3

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

‒ millions go up in flames as fire rips through bonds

By Svetlana Marshall THE owners and employees of Gafoors complex at Houston, East Bank Demerara watched on in shock on Monday evening as fire ripped through newly-constructed bonds which had replaced those destroyed in a fire five months ago.

As he busied to put out the blaze, an angry Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, expressed frustration at having to confront another fire at the same location. “This place just had a fire, and we are dealing with the same crap all over again,” he told the Guyana Chronicle as he tried to direct a number of firefighters on the ground.

He told the Guyana Chronicle that the bonds which were engulfed in flames contained “a lot of combustible stuff”, and “due diligence” was not done in ensuring that fire prevention measures were in place.

He said that, at about 18:30hrs, the Fire Service first received reports of smoke and fire at Gafoors, and units at West Ruimveldt and Alberttown were dispatched. When it became clear that a major

A distraught Sattaur Gafoor speaks with reporters on Monday (Samuel Maughn photo)

fire was underway, reinforcement was sent in.

A short distance away from where the firefighters were battling to contain the raging fire, proprietor of Gafoors Huston Complex, Sattaur Gafoor, sat quietly in a chair as family members, friends and employees watched with much disbelief.

When approached, Gafoor, clearly in a state of shock, repeatedly said: “I really don’t

know,” to the initial questions put by reporters.

However, it was not long after that the popular businessman opened up to the press. According to him, he arrived at the Huston Complex from Land of Canaan at around 19:00h, and while he was speaking with a manager, another employee brought him the devastating news.

At that time, Gafoor said, the entire complex had closed

Duncan withdraws from... “premature and an infraction and violation of that constitutional protection.”

Additionally, Duncan, through his attorney, is contending that he never received a letter from Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, calling for him to show why the tribunal should not be established.

In March 2016, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had written Duncan, asking him to show why a tribunal should not be established to address the question of his removal from constitutional office. Nandlall is contending that no such letter was ever received by Duncan.

“He (Duncan) said they have checked all (his) offices and his home and at the post office and no such letter was found. I wrote to the Prime Minister and I asked him to state the date, time and place, and to whom (the letter) was delivered; and to produce any evidence to show that the letter was sent or received.

The Prime Minister never answered those questions,” the lawyer said.

The former Minister of

Legal Affairs also pointed out that, as a member of the Public Service Commission, Duncan exercises supervisory jurisdiction over judges, in-

The embattled Carvil Duncan

cluding Justice George, chair of the tribunal. Additionally, he said it was wrong for President Granger and the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, to have approached Duncan.

“The President and Mr. Harmon ought not to have any engagement with an independent constitutional office-holder. That would tend to invite him to remove

From page 2

from office. The reason why you have independent constitutional offices is because they are not supposed to be influenced by the Executive; and here it is you have two leading members of the Executive inviting Duncan, who has security of tenure, to resign and accept what is essentially a bribe,” Nandlall contended.

While Duncan did not speak to reporters on Monday, he said in a statement issued over the weekend that, following an invitation in February, he met with the Minister of State. “I turned up at the meeting with Mr. Harmon, who said to me that he was instructed by President David Granger to have me resign as Chairman of the Public Service Commission, which would automatically be followed by my resignation from the other constitutional service commissions; namely, the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission,” Duncan stated.

Duncan is alleging that it was during that meeting that the Minister of State

operation for the day. He explained that the manager was awaiting his arrival for a brief meeting before exiting the premises.

It is unclear where the fire started; however, up to press time, it had managed to consume Bonds Five and Six of the Houston Complex.

“I can’t believe it,” the distraught businessman said, while noting that he is at a

loss to figure out what could have caused the blaze.

“Because of the last fire, up to now there is no electricity there. There is no combustible material there. So I am wondering what could have caused the fire. It is very difficult, very difficult; and we would have taken a lot of precautions to ensure that nothing goes wrong,” he told reporters.

Tiles and sanitary ware were among the materials stored in the two bonds.

Asked about a possible sabotage, Gafoor said only the investigator could make that determination. “Can’t say it is sabotage…only investigators can say that,” he posited.

Following the first fire, in May 2016, the Guyana Fire Service had furnished the management of the Houston Complex with a menu of recommendations, which according to Gafoor were implemented.

He, however, acknowledged that the sprinklers were not installed.

“We ordered the sprinklers. They should be here shortly. They are not available in Guyana, so we had to import them. It takes four (to) five months to get them,” he

asked him to consider a financial package that would accompany his resignation.

“My answer to him was that I had preferred to speak with the President on this matter, and I then exited his office,” he said.

A meeting was set up later that day with President Granger and Minister Harmon, according to Duncan.

never in receipt of any letter sent by the Prime Minister. I also checked at the post office in my area, which informed me that it had no outstanding mail for me. It may be opportune to note that I was also never contacted by the Prime Minister or any of his agents,” he contended.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

Anil Nandlall, former Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister

“During our discussions, President Granger insisted (that) I resign as Chairman of the Public Service Commission, to be followed by the other constitutional service commissions. He then said to me, as much as three times, that he “does not want any

posited.

The livelihood of some 80 employees has now been affected by the blaze, but Gafoor hopes that no one will be out of a job. He is asking all employees of the Houston Complex to report for a meeting today at the said location.

Though saddened by the situation, Gafoor said the Fire Service’s response was “excellent”.

“Excellent! Can’t get better…I want to say that Mr. (Compton) Sparman (the Officer-in-Charge of Operations at the Guyana Fire Service) and Mr. (Winston) McGregor, they personally involved here and doing an excellent job.”

The police were also out in their numbers to allow for traffic control and to ensure that the Fire Service could do its work with minimum interference from curious members of the public who flocked the scene.

One employee told the Guyana Chronicle that workers had on Tuesday begun stocking the bonds which were built in place of those destroyed by a major fire on May 9. In that fire, the company had lost millions of dollars, and six firefighters had been injured in trying to put out that blaze.

blood on his carpet,” forcing me to move in the direction of resigning by the deadline of March 15, 2016.

“The President offered me a financial package under the same conditions as had been offered by Minister Harmon if I were to resign as he insisted,” Duncan further alleged.

He said it was after several attempts to contact Minister Harmon that he read in the news that the Prime Minister had indicated that he (Duncan) had failed to respond to his letter.

“I had checked with both of my offices, which were

DEBUNKED However, the Office of the Minister of State categorically denied the claims made

by Duncan -- that he was offered money by Minister Harmon and the President to resign.

“A meeting was held with Mr. Duncan, during which he was invited to gracefully vacate the positions he currently holds on several commissions, given that he is currently on trial for allegedly stealing $984,000 from GPL and conspiring with another to steal over $27M from the said entity,” a statement from that office read.

According to the Office of the Minister of State, Duncan had promised to discuss the offer with his family and communicate his decision. Harmon said it was Duncan’s non-response that led to the appointment of the tribunal.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

More corruption charges against ‘Massive response’ needed in Haiti, UN says former Brazilian President [Reuters] - Corruption charges against former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva piled up on Monday as prosecutors accused him and Marcelo Odebrecht, ex-CEO of engineering group Odebrecht SA, in an alleged bribery scheme related to contracts in Angola.

Lula already faced several other charges related to a sweeping kickback probe at state-run oil company Petrobras, and Odebrecht is serving a 19-year sentence after his conviction on other corruption allegations in the investigation.

The new charges come amid expectations that Odebrecht - Latin America’s largest construction conglomerate - is on the cusp of signing a leniency deal with prosecutors that would see its former CEO and dozens of other executives turn state’s witness.

Prosecutors have said the Odebrecht group, with its global reach and powerful connections inside Brazil, was at the heart of the long-running corruption

scheme. Testimony from its executives could significantly expand the Petrobras probe, lead to new investigations and implicate more politicians.

Brazil’s top prosecutor Rodrigo Janot is investigating 66 politicians - many sitting lawmakers - for alleged participation in the Petrobras scheme, a number that could grow significantly with possible testimony from Odebrecht executives.

To date, nearly 200 executives and former politicians have been charged in the Petrobras probe and 83 have already been found guilty.

Prosecutors are seeking 38 billion reais ($12 billion) in damages from companies and individuals involved. Federal prosecutors in Brasilia said the latest charges are related to alleged crimes carried out from “at least” 2008 - when Lula was still president - until 2015.

They allege Lula used his influence while in office to secure financing from Brazil’s state development bank BNDES for undisclosed Odebrecht projects in Ango-

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Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva la - and that Odebrecht in return paid 30 million reais in kickbacks to Lula and others. Lawyers for Lula did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Prosecutors also said in their statement they are looking into Odebrecht projects elsewhere in Africa and Latin America to see if the company received low-interest BNDES loans in the same manner as the alleged scheme in Angola. Lula was charged on Monday with corruption, influence peddling and money laundering - the latter of which prosecutors say they

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found on 44 occasions, often

by Odebrecht paying inflated prices to subcontractor Exergia Brasil, which was run by a Lula confidant who was also charged in the case.

It is now up to a federal judge in Brasilia whether or not to accept the prosecutor’ charges against Lula and the others and put them on trial. Lula had already been charged twice for various counts of corruption in connection with a massive anti-graft investigation centered on state oil company Petrobras, known formally as Petroleo Brasileiro SA. Sergio Moro, a crusading anti-corruption judge in southern Brazil, has ruled that Lula will stand for at least one set of those charges. The trial date has not been set.

Prosecutors wrote in their Monday indictment that Lula also received kickbacks for an unspecified sum from Odebrecht for delivering lectures to business leaders abroad, although it is not clear if the speeches actually took place.

“It is suspected that ... those contracts and payments, in truth, were only to conceal the real reason behind Odebrecht’s payments to ex-President Lula,” the document read.

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[BBC] - The UN secretary general has said that a “massive response” is needed to help Haiti recover from the devastation caused

by Hurricane Matthew.

Some towns and villages

food reserves have been destroyed; at least 300 schools have been damaged,” Mr Ban said.

Officials said some people had started to put up blockades to try and stop aid

In the most affected areas, people are in need of food, water and clothes

had been wiped off the map and tensions were already mounting as people awaited help, Ban Ki-moon said.

The UN has also made an emergency appeal for nearly $120m (£97m) in aid.

The category-four storm is believed to have killed as many as 900 people in the Caribbean country.

Matthew, the strongest hurricane to hit the region in a decade, destroyed tens of thousands of homes in Haiti, leaving more than 60,000 people staying in temporary shelters. “Hundreds have died; at least 1.4 million people need assistance at this time. Some towns and villages have been almost wiped off the map; crops and

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convoys they saw driving through their areas without stopping.

An aid worker told the Associated Press news agency that a convoy carrying food, water and medications was attacked by gunmen in a remote valley where there had been a mudslide. The UN humanitarian agency issued an appeal to help provide “life-saving assistance and protection” for 750,000 people in south-western Haiti over the next three months.

Officials were still struggling to reach the hardest-hit areas, the agency said, with communities in need of food, clean water and clothing.

Haiti’s ambassador to the UN said the country would face a “severe famine” as its south-western region, the most affected by Matthew, is “considered the bread basket of Haiti”.

“The needs are urgent,” Pierre-Andre Dunbar added.

There were growing fears that flooding could cause a cholera outbreak similar to that after the 2010 earthquake. The waterborne disease reached the island via Nepalese UN troops, causing the deaths of nearly 10,000 people.

Reports said a treatment centre in the town of Jeremie was overcrowded with not enough beds for patients, and some of them were being forced outside.

Many of the cases involved children.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

US election: Top Republican

Ryan ‘won’t defend Trump’ [BBC] - The most senior elected US Republican official has said he will not defend Donald Trump, after remarks he made about groping women led to outrage.

House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan vowed to focus on defending seats in Congress, but did not end his endorsement of the party’s nominee.

Mr Trump tweeted that Mr Ryan should not waste

Trump is sinking, and it’s time for members of his party to calmly, quietly head to the lifeboats.

Republican control of Congress must be maintained at all costs, the House speaker asserted in his call to congressional rank-and-file on Monday, lest Hillary Clinton have the ability to advance her party’s legislative priorities and seat sympathetic Supreme Court justices without opposition.

House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan his time fighting him. Earlier Democratic rival Hillary Clinton cast doubt on Mr Trump’s apology for the remarks, made 11 years ago.

On Sunday, Mr Trump described his words as “locker-room talk”. In a bitter televised debate, a month before the US presidential election, Mr Trump denied he had groped anyone.

Mrs Clinton tweeted on Monday that, if he stood by this assertion, he was “clearly not sorry”. A 2005 video released on Friday revealed Mr Trump describing how he had sought to have sex with a married woman and making obscene comments about women. Paul Ryan, the highest-ranking Republican officeholder, has officially given the signal. The SS

It’s notable that after reports he was mulling a full unendorsement of the Republican nominee, Mr Ryan is apparently trying to a walk a fine line between abandonment and loyalty to his putative standard-bearer.

His decision evokes shades of 1996, when Republican nominee Bob Dole’s doomed presidential campaign rolled along, oblivious to a party apparatus that was focusing exclusively on down-ballot races.

It’s worth keeping in mind that while Mr Ryan is sounding the abandon-ship alarm, Donald Trump may not play the stoic captain watching from the bridge. He’s shown no loyalty to a Republican establishment that never truly embraced him and may have

no qualms with lashing out at erstwhile friend and foe alike in the campaign’s final, turbulent days. Asked about the video in the debate, Mr Trump turned his fire on Mrs Clinton’s husband, ex-President Bill Clinton, whom he described as “abusive to women”. She refused to address the comments.

At least 38 senior Republicans - including senators, members of Congress, and state governors - have withdrawn their support since the video surfaced on Friday.

According to sources familiar with a conference call he held with congress members on Monday, Mr Ryan appeared to have accepted that Mrs Clinton would win the White House and wanted to make sure Republicans in Congress were strong enough to challenge her.

Mr Ryan said he would spend “his entire energy making sure that Hillary Clinton does not get a blank cheque with a Democrat-controlled Congress”, the source said.

“You all need to do what’s best for you in your district,” he was quoted as telling colleagues. Mr Trump apologised for the remarks, and when pressed during the debate on whether he had engaged in sexual misconduct, he denied doing so.

But Mrs Clinton said his explanation that these were words not actions did not amount to an apology.

“If Trump stands by what he said about women as “locker room talk,” he’s clearly not sorry,” she tweeted. Meanwhile Mr Trump’s running mate Mike Pence said he would stand by him despite the outcry over the remarks.

Republican U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks as Democratic U.S. presidential nominee Hillary Clinton listens during their presidential town hall debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S., October 9, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young

“I think last night he showed his heart to the American people. He said he apologised to his family, apologised to the American people, that he was embarrassed by it,” he told CNN on Monday. Earlier Mr Pence had described the remarks as indefensible.

The vice-presidential candidate said he was “honoured to stand with” Mr Trump and denied he had considered withdrawing from the race.

When moderator Anderson Cooper asked about the video, Mr Trump denied ever sexually assaulting women, dismissing the remarks as “just words”. Instead he focused on Bill Clinton’s indis-

cretions.

Mrs Clinton said the explosive video “represents exactly who he is”.

“With prior Republican nominees, I disagreed with them,” she added, “but I never questioned their fitness to serve.” Mr Trump said if he won, he would appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Mrs Clinton and she would be in prison over her private email arrangements.

“Everything he just said is absolutely false but I’m not surprised,” she responded.

“It’s just awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law in our country.”

“Because you’d be in jail,” he interrupted.

Mr Trump also said his Democratic rival “has tremendous hate in her heart” while criticising her for referring to his supporters as “deplorables”. Mrs Clinton said she apologised for the comment, adding: “My argument is not with his supporters, it’s with him, about the hateful and divisive campaign he has run.”

The two also sparred on the conflict in Syria, Russian aggression, Trump’s refusal to release his tax returns and his plan for the “extreme vetting” of immigrants arriving from countries with links to terrorism.

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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

Public Procurement and Local Gov’t commissions THE APNU+AFC coalition Administration has announced through President David Granger that it will appoint the Public Procurement Commission and the Local Government Commission this month. These commissions have constitutional responsibilities and are expected to discharge same within the confines of the law.

The Guyana Constitution is the nation’s supreme law, and what is currently being done by moving to appoint these important commissions ought to be seen as a catalyst in ensuring laws are upheld in the spirit and to the letter.

In the case of the Local Government Commission, it will be tasked with the duties of having overarching responsibility for the local government organs, which are the municipalities and the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils; and among those responsibilities would be employment and discipline of officers at certain levels. The Procurement Commission’s responsibility will see this institution managing state contracts to the tune of approximately 75 percent of the National Budget.

There will be tremendous responsibility on both commissions, evident in continuous controversies in the local government and procurement sectors. Partisan politics has overshadowed the importance of both sectors, and moreso has denied the nation the opportunity of seeing its Constitution at work.

It need not be forgotten that both commissions were made possible after protest and street marches in Georgetown that emanated from the 1997 General and Regional Elections. The demand was that government be inclusive, transparent and accountable. A Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) was established as a result, and that body travelled the length and breadth of Guyana, listening to the citizens articulate their fears and concerns. From this input, the CRC placed before the National Assembly a final document that had, among other things, the establishment of these commissions, which in 2001 resulted in a number of amendments to the Constitution.

Over the period of the last 14 years, the then Opposition was clamouring for the appointment of these commissions, and successive PPP/C administrations found various reasons not to appoint them. The elections in May 2015 have seen those who were in the Opposition entering the Executive, and the APNU+AFC Administration gradually moving towards appointing these commissions. The PPP/C, now in opposition, has taken a robust and militant position in demanding that the APNU+AFC move with alacrity to have the commissions in place within the shortest possible time.

While in the Executive for those 14 years, the PPP/C had refused to respond to public demands for the operation-

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Non-establishment of a refinery in the initial plans Dear Editor,

I READ in one of the dailies that United States Ambassador Mr. Perry Holloway had echoed the earlier statements made by an official of ExxonMobil Guyana: “In terms of job creation, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that while this significant oil find will create jobs in Guyana, it is

offshore and there are no initial plans for refining the oil in Guyana.”

I have a few questions. #1: What is meant by there are no initial plans? Is there a specific time (number of years attached to this initial period?) #2: Is this statement about the initial non-establishment of a refinery in Guyana an official Government position, or does contract with ExxonMobil

stipulate that we cannot establish a refinery unless it is in association with ExxonMobil?

If this is not the position, I would like to suggest that we should be engaging entities in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Norway, China, United States of America etc, etc with a view towards producing a preliminary pre-feasibility analysis and term sheet, so as to determine if it makes eco-

nomic sense for us to establish a refinery over the next five to seven seven years, starting from 2018.

I would further like to suggest that ownership should involve the Government of Guyana, the local and international private sector, and a ‘public offering’.

Regards, DUNSTAN BARROW

African Guyanese do have powers of perception, emotions Dear Editor,

FORMER Prime Minister Sam Hinds, in his response to my charge that the PPP was not as generous to its opposite constituency as the present government is, failed to address my implicit point about the PPP’s praxis of ethno-political domination.

Mr. Samuel Hinds, a man for whom I have a political soft spot, is not a natural PPP man, but having hung out with that crowd for so long, he seems to have caught the fever.

His letter to the press gave what he called “facts”, but his litany of facts excluded some real facts.

He excluded the fact that the PPP sought to remove the electricity subsidy from Linden, and was still the government when the police shot at unarmed protestors, killing three.

His facts excluded the fact that the PPP government, for three years, did not implement agreements

it made with the representatives of Linden in the wake of the shootings.

His facts did not include the fact that, under the PPP, unemployment in Linden galloped, with the World Bank pegging it at 40% in 1999 and independent sources scoring it as high as 80% by the time of the protests in 2012.

Mr. Hinds chose to forget to list in his “facts” the fact that the PPP government subjected the people of Linden to information apartheid by ensuring that they had access only to the PPP on the public airwaves.

I challenge Mr. Hinds and the PPP to prove me wrong -- that the quality of life in Linden did not drastically deteriorate under the PPP; that Linden was worse off in May 2015 than it was in October 1992. I challenge Mr. Hinds to show how his facts led to the improvement in the quality of life in Linden.

My charge against the PPP was not confined to L i n d e n , b u t M r. H i n d s

chose to concentrate on Linden, perhaps because he had direct responsibility for that area. However, Mr. Hinds must know that PPP governments were never kind to the mainly African public service. They reneged on two agreements arrived at under Cheddi Jagan in the early 1990s, and famously refused to honour the ruling of the 1999 Arbitration Tribunal.

That refusal was a central plank in what Lincoln Lewis referred to as “economic genocide.”

Mr. Hinds must also know that the PPP never heeded repeated calls for village renewal; it never invested in village development. It instead instituted a vulgar form of clientelism in African villages, whereby it identified selected individuals, flushed them with money, and they in turn served as enforcers and “Dons.”

Mr. Hinds obviously pretends ignorance of the marginalization of the core of black contractors from

government contracts under the PPP. Finally, Mr. Hinds said in his letter that his disagreement with me is total, including his disagreement with what he calls my “advocated world view and attitude.” Perhaps it is this totality that prevents him from seeing my point. He ended his letter by invoking the historical put-down of black people as a group grounded in “perception and emotions.” Maybe he does not know that the construction of black people as “emotional” is a racist formulation aimed at advancing the argument that they are incapable of being moved by “reason.”

In defence of black humanity and dignity, I wish to let Mr. Hinds know that African Guyanese do have powers of perception, and do have emotions; but those perceptions and emotions arise out of reason and experience.

alising of this constitutional responsibility in appointing the commissions. It is not lost on society that, within a year of being placed in the Opposition benches in the National Assembly, the party’s leadership has moved to give the society the impression that when it was in Executive it was compliant with the constitution and the APNU+AFC administration has been moving too slow in doing so.

The hypocrisy aside, it

needs to be said that a role of the Opposition is to keep the Executive on its toes and hold it accountable to good standards of governance; what it demanded of the Executive when in the Opposition; and promises made during the campaign and the programmes outlined in its manifesto.

At the same time, the political groupings in the APNU+AFC Administration, when they were in the Opposition, fought tooth

and nail to have these commissions in place. Being in the seat of the Executive, they need to do everything to ensure the commitment given by President Granger to have the commissions established within the stipulated time. Continuous trading of allegations, some not without merit, that procedures and laws are being disregarded, the procurement system is being abused and its guidelines ignored, coupled with

problematic management in some local government authorities, are hard to ignore. Growth and development in a society and the social cohesion of its people, especially as diverse as ours, will be elusive where it is felt and/or seen that public offices, elected and appointed, are only pursued for self-serving ends, and not that of protecting and enhancing the welfare of the people, their institutions and resources.

Regards, DAVID HINDS

7

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

channel 90% A more efficient system Mazaruni cleared of sunken dredge

needed at the GRO

A FEW days ago, I visited the General Registrar Office in Georgetown at 8 a.m. I told the security guard downstairs -- who checked my bag -- that I am a marriage officer and I am going upstairs to register a marriage. She asked if I had an ID card from the government stating that I am a marriage officer. I told her no, but I and many other marriage officers had requested that card from the Ministry of Home Affairs 15 years ago, since the previous administration, but never get one until today, in this current administration.

I showed her my reverend ordination card from my church organization, which she appreciated and examined carefully, but still went on to say that she believes the Ministry of Citizenship should give all current marriage officers an ID card bearing the government’s stamp for us to walk with whenever we go to the GRO. I fully agree with her, but still wonder how, where and when would marriage officers be given that card.

I then proceeded upstairs to the office to register the marriage at 8:10 a.m. I went into the office and sat down on a chair. No one was there, but a lady came out of a room and told me to go outside and wait. I went outside and sat down on the bench. More people were now sitting next to me, grumbling why the office was not opening. I started to talk to an African gentleman who had come from very far, he told me he had applied two months ago for birth certificates, but never got them.

I showed him the second door where he needed to go for his birth certificates.

He went and spent about 25 minutes, and came out very sad. He said he was told they will post it.

What bothers me is that this man had travelled from very far, was there since 7 a.m, but was turned down.

What is so difficult for the staff to take his receipts, find his name in the records, and give him his birth certificates instantly, after two months of tedious waiting and now wasted travel expenses?

And he was not the only one sent away.

I sat on the bench talking to other folk, who told me they had been waiting for over six months for birth, marriage, and death certifi-

cates. The Marriage Section office took 75 minutes to open. I have a problem with that, because they have on the wall opening hours are from 8 a.m., so why did they open until 9:25? And staff can be seen going to work at 10 and even later. They tell people to go to uplift their marriage licences at 8 a.m, but it’s not given until 11a.m, or until the next day. In many cases, it’s not ready or it’s not signed by a person in charge who is never in office or always late.

As a legal marriage officer, I am concerned about the long, tedious process the General Registrar Office is taking to process marriage certificates after I register a marriage and apply for certificates, or when those whom I marry apply for theirs.

I believe that as marriage officers we should be given the privilege to register a marriage and apply for the certificates and at the same time be given a slip to uplift the certificates in a few days for those whom we marry.

Most marriage officers are religious leaders, and they are disrespected by this office. I asked several times if I can apply for the certificates and uplift them on behalf of those whose marriages I had officiated at, but was bluntly told in a rude manner to go downstairs and apply. These people have no respect for ministers of religion.

Just a few years ago, that service was offered to us as marriage officers, but now we have to wait months for marriage certificates, and we are blamed by those whose marriages we have performed. Now they are telling me that if the person I ‘marry’ is from overseas, then they can uplift the certificates in a few days’ time, when I register it and paid upstairs, if they go with me.

I find all these regulations absolutely ridiculous.

What about women who marry here, who need their marriage certificates for a name change and for immigration? Are they not counted? In many cases, people told me they have to offer bribes to get these certificates.

These corrupt practices need to be stamped out, and more competent people need to run this office. We cannot suffer another 50 years for these basic certificates. A good gentleman told me once that “anything can be

purchased for a price in this country.”

I believe the General Registrar Office needs a very efficient registrar general and an assistant registrar general, which they don’t currently have. I also believe they need to computerize births, marriages and deaths, and decentralise this office to the various regions. After 50 years of independence, it’s time we upgrade this system of administration.

When one applies for a passport or police clearance, one would be told to uplift it in a few days’ time in person.

We need that same system at the GRO. Some can be posted too, very expeditiously; yet sometimes mail can get lost and be misplaced.

I am calling on our present administration to upgrade the GRO system of administration; too many people suffer daily to get these basic certificates.

A few years ago, we used to have marriage officers meeting at police headquarters with the Minister of Home Affairs, Registrar General, the police, and various embassies. We need to have these meetings again every six months, so marriage officers can voice their opinions on issues that are affecting them. If we don’t upgrade all our systems of administration, we will be a nation left far behind our Caribbean neighbours.

Regards, REV. GIDEON CECIL Legal Marriage Officer

Dear Editor,

INTERESTINGLY, I noticed a letter writer on Saturday mentioned that the channel at Piremap Falls never affected river traffic over the past three months.

Strange; one only has to check with the two main jet boat operators whose offices are located a stone’s throw away, at Charlotte and Light Streets, Georgetown; or the boat operators at Bartica; the parents and teachers of the secondary school children from Issano, Kangaruma, Enachu; or the Medics at Issano, etc, to ascertain the facts.

It is a fact that the jet boat services were directly

prevented from operating by the dredge blocking the channel for 43 days since the mishap back in July. The other boats from Bartica were directly affected also, only less, as those boats are narrower in structure and were able to, at high risk, sneak by the wreck for a longer period when the water was high; and even those boats were prevented from operating for close to a month in total.

On a lighter note, however, the wreck was finally hauled significantly from the channel on 8th October, and the channel is now about 90% cleared.

May I take this opportunity to express, on behalf of

all the residents: the police, the miners, the health workers, teachers, boat operators and all others affected, a heartfelt thank you to MARAD, the relevant ministries, the salvagers, and anyone else who contributed in getting the channel cleared.

Life will once again be returned to normal. We, the citizens who were directly affected, know of the suffering we went through, and will continue to observe with calm the opinions of experts and others who, from their writings and utterings, know very little of the actual facts.

Regards, Ralph Persaud

First class services at Woodlands Hospital Limited Dear Editor, MY WIFE Roshane recently delivered our baby daughter, Cassidy, at Woodlands Hospital Limited; and to say that the care she received in the Maternity Unit had a profound effect on me is an understatement. The nursing staffers are superior; from the time she was admitted to the time she was discharged, they provided the best care possible to her. Her Ob/Gyn was Dr. Neville Gobin, and nurses were Duncan and Benjamin.

Nurse Duncan was phenomenal; she executed her

duties with lots of care and compassion. She encouraged and guided my wife all through the delivery process, and before administering any drugs, she explained what it was and why she was administering it to her.

Roshane was closely monitored by Dr. Gobin during and after her delivery, and he provided all the answers to put both of our minds at ease.

On behalf of my family, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to Dr. Gobin; nurses Duncan and Benjamin; Matron John, who visited us twice in the deliv-

ery room to be updated on Roshane’s progress; all of the wonderful nurses of the Nursery; staff of the laboratory, especially Nafiyya Bacchus, Dr. Sarah, Joshi and all of the staff of the Ultrasound Department, especially Delca, for the first class services they provided to my wife and baby during our time at Woodlands Hospital Limited.

I would definitely recommend anyone to Woodlands Hospital Limited to have their babies.

Regards WALTER NARINE

8

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Ministry to launch probe Locals being trained in into mining pit cave-in casualty management THE Ministry of Natural Resources has said it is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Keon Wilson, who perished in a mining accident at Rock Creek, Puruni, Region 7, over the weekend.

The ministry, in a statement, said Wilson, of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, was working alongside colleagues when the pit caved in and covered him with mud.

“The ministry expresses its condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Mr. Wilson, and will be launching a commission of inquiry (CoI) to fully investigate the matter, to recommend actions to be taken in the event of any negligence, and to prevent a recurrence,” the release added.

The ministry said it is with grave concern that, despite enhanced efforts to monitor mining activities and to educate miners on safe mining practices, this latest death has occurred.

“The Ministry bemoans the persistence of unsafe mining practices at some mining camps, which result in the untimely deaths of workers and adversely affects the lives of their families by extension.

“All miners are reminded to conduct their activities responsibly, and adopt the highest standards of safety in keeping with the laws of Guyana.

“The Ministry continues, through the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and

the Mining School, to offer guidance, training, and other support to miners to improve safety practices in the field, and will hasten plans for the deployment of Wardens, who will have law enforcement powers to better police the sector,” the ministry said.

The pit caved in while Wilson was working on the jetting tailings as a jetman employed on a land dredge owned by Eventon Daly, also of Ann’s Grove, ECD. Daly had been issued a ceasework order by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) for unsafe mining practices, but he did not heed the order. His dredge was unregistered and deemed unsafe for working in accordance with regulation 214 of the mining regulations.

Guyana Chronicle understands that George Alphonso is the owner of the property, and Daly had obtained a mining privilege from the GGMC on June 21, 2016 for a period of 12 months. According to statements made by other workers on the land dredge and seen by Guyana Chronicle, jetting was taking place on both sides of the pit when the accident occurred.

“The pit wall cracked, broke away and covered Wilson,” said 45-year-old Sean Dey, the other jetman who was in the mining pit at the time of the accident.

In his statement to GGMC officers, Dey said, “I quickly called Ragnauth Lallie to bring the jet over to jet Keon

Wilson out of the sand. We then proceeded to jet the sand covering Keon Wilson, and found him buried under approximately two feet of sand.”

When Wilson was reached by his colleagues, he was “unconscious and bleeding through his nose”.

According to jetman Dey, an effort was made to resuscitate Wilson by “pumping his chest”, but that was unsuccessful. After failing to revive Wilson, Dey accompanied his employer, Daly, to the Puruni Mining Station, where a report was made. He recounted that it had taken approximately one hour for him and his colleagues to “jet” Wilson out.

Another miner, Royden Roberts, recounted that “there was no time to warn the deceased” when he realised what was taking place.

Roberts works as a “marrack man” for Daly. “I had to run from the marrack hole to save myself,” he said.

Over the past two years, mining pit cave-in accidents have resulted in the deaths of many miners.

The latest mining accident resulted in the death of a Russian Geologist, “Oleg”, at Annamuri Backdam in Mazaruni, Region Seven.

This geologist and another worker were taking samples in a freshly-dug trench when one of the walls collapsed and covered them.

Oleg died on the spot, while the other worker was injured.

CDC head Colonel Chabilall Ramsaroop addressing participants at the training.

Standing next to him are the instructors who are carrying out the week- long training sessions

By Alva Solomon OFFICIALS from 12 organisations will this week improve their awareness of mass casualty management at venues across the country.

On Monday morning, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health commenced a training exercise on mass casualty management at the CDC headquarters on Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The event runs until Saturday and CDC Director General, Chabilall Ramsaroop in his address to participants cited the importance of the training sessions.

“What is important for me and the Civil Defence Commission of Guyana is that we will have trained persons,” he said, as he recounted the July 2011 Caribbean Airlines

plane crash.

At the time, he said there was a struggle to “decide who is to do what”, adding that there was subsequent training of airport staff to improve on response.

He said that once there is a mass gathering of large number of persons, there should be a command post or what he termed a venue operations centre which would coordinate responses to an incident.

“In Guyana, there are a number of venues and activities which can cause problems,” he noted.

Colonel Ramsaroop added that at a recent meeting, Minister of State Joseph Harmon pointed out that a command post was not set up for a recent activity which involved children and which was attended by President David Granger.

He said that in some countries it is embedded in law, that when there is a mass gathering of persons,

the organiser must obtain the permission from the CDC or the disaster office.

“They (the CDC) should go to the scene and ensure everything is put in place so that when there is (an) incident, lives can be saved,” he added.

According to the WHO, major emergencies, crises and disasters have become more frequent during recent decades in middle and low income countries.

They affect more and more people, disrupting health sector programmes and essential services, and slowing the process of sustainable human development.

Many lives could be saved if the affected communities were better prepared with an organised scalable response system already in place, the WHO said.

In addition, survivors of mass casualty incidents often suffer disabilities or health impairment – physical or psychological, the WHO said.

Some City revenue collectors not issuing receipts ‒ Deputy Mayor Berbician jailed for fraud THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) loses millions of dollars in revenue on a monthly basis because a proper system for collection is not in place, says Deputy Mayor, Sherod Duncan.

At Monday’s statutory meeting, he stood up to inform councillors that he was in possession of evidence that some vendors are not being issued with receipts by the revenue collectors.

“Vendors are complaining to me all the time that they’re paying their money and not being issued with receipts. I am arguing that Council is losing millions of dollars on a monthly basis. We have to find a better system in which we collect our market fees,” Duncan subsequently told the Chronicle in an invited comment.

Revenue collectors have over and over again come in for criticism on the way they operate, demanding bribes in many instances.

For the year so far, there have been several incidents in which the officers were accused and pointed out for the said practice.

Just a few days ago, the wholesale vendors who ply their trade between Orange Walk and Cummings Street, on Merriman Mall, complained of having to pay each constable $5000 if they turn up at the facility before the time that they are allowed to sell there.

The Chronicle understands that vendors there are supposed to officially start their business at 10:30 hrs, but should a constable find them there even one hour or half of an hour before that time, the $5000 would have

to be paid.

One vendor, who requested anonymity, said the officers issue a receipt for the $5000, but that she was in doubt that it is actually paid over to the City Council. In times past, City Hall has had to deal with the issue of officers having their own receipt books.

Meanwhile, when a team from City Hall, including Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, visited Stabroek Market recently, top officials of the City Constabulary Department were embarrassed by vendors who pointed them out as demanding bribes from them.

“Look he deh right deh. Meh give he $5000,” one vendor told the team while pointing to the officer. Numerous complaints were reportedly received on the issue of bribery.

A BERBICE man was on Monday jailed for nine months after being found guilty of fraud.

City Magistrate Leron Daly handed down the sentence to 31-year old Gangadin Mahase of Berbice. Mahase was charged with fraudulently converting over $500,000 in items entrusted to him.

The charge read that between January 11 and January 26, at Georgetown, being entrusted by Rameshwar Singh with three

Panasonic air-conditioning units, valued $582,921, which he was asked to sell, he fraudulently converted same to his own use and benefit.

Police Prosecutor Kevin London had told the court that defendant sold the air conditioning units but he did not hand over the proceeds to Singh. In his first appearance in court Mahase requested some time for him to acquire all the funds but he never paid the virtual complaint.

Man jailed for stabbing boy CARL Anderson Braithwaite was on Monday sentenced to nine months imprisonment when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, before City magistrate Dylon Bess for stabbing an 11-year-old boy.

Braithwaite pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on September 15, 2016 at the Avenue of Republic, Georgetown, he stabbed the young boy, thereby

causing actual bodily harm.

According to the prosecution facts, the defendant is in the habit of stabbing persons. On the day in question, the young boy was walking along Robb Street, when he was approached from behind

by Braithwaite who dealt him three stabs about his body.

The Magistrate instructed him to refrain from the bad habit.

Duncan flays King 9

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

‒ says Gov’t has to do damage control for all his decisions

By Vidya Ramnarine DEPUTY Georgetown Mayor Sherod Duncan has criticised the management style of Town Clerk Royston King, accusing him of micromanaging the affairs of the council and producing only “flawed” decisions.

In an interview with this newspaper on the sidelines of the fortnightly statutory meeting at City Hall on Monday, Duncan made clear that he has no personal issues with King, but that his constant disagreements with him go to the root of how King manages.

During that statutory meeting, King announced that City Hall was finally able to pay wages and salaries for the month of September, and that stipends for councillors would become available today (Tuesday), although they should have already been paid.

But Duncan is of the view that, come what may, workers should be paid on time. “We have a contractual arrangement with them, and we have to meet that obligation. We cannot keep going forward where every month we are paying them late, two weeks late and all of that. I think if we value our workers, we will put all systems in place to pay them on time,” he said.

On the matter of the garbage situation, Mayor Patricia Chase-Green has again said she is dissatisfied with the current situation, wherein heaps of garbage can be seen piled

Town Clerk Royston King at Monday’s meeting

up on City streets.

Again, Duncan said the decisions taken so far by the administration have been found to be indecisive; as, at one time, the services of the private contractors are suspended, and at another, they are rehired.

“I am concerned about the garbage situation. We are indecisive in how we are moving forward. The public is complaining and we are creeping back (into) that same unkempt state,” said the Deputy Mayor.

NO CONFIDENCE Duncan said he talks to the Mayor consistently on a range of issues, and that he has found her to be very cordial and professional. “I have found her to be a professional, and I think she has tremen-

dous institutional knowledge because of her time spent at City Hall. She’s someone I respect highly, but whom I disagree with on occasion.”

But Duncan could not say the same for the Town Clerk.

“I have no malice against the Town Clerk; nothing against the man and the person. I know little of him, but what is glaring is his management style and the way in which he leads,” Duncan stated.

He said King’s attitude became evident from the moment he moved the vendors from the Stabroek Market Square. “And I think Stabroek Market is more disorganised now than it was before they were moved,” he declared.

Duncan also spoke about the issue of the container fees.

“We implemented it without being adequately advised by the legal counsel on the matter. We took members of the public to court, the court threw out the matter; that comes as an embarrassment to the Mayor and City Council.

“Look at the flea market: when we organise it, nobody turns up. The vendors have lost confidence in the Town

Clerk. Look at how we pay wages and salaries. This is the 10th of the month; it was supposed to be paid since the 26th of last month. The movement of the vendors from Robb Street also comes on the shoulders of the Town Clerk.

“Look at the parking meter contract: the Ministry had said if there were no procurement and tendering procedures followed, the contract should be scrapped. The Finance Ministry said that the contract is ‘onerous’, the President said it is ‘burdensome’.

The President also said the removal of the Robb Street vendors was ‘reckless’,” he said.

According to Duncan, if an employee has all of these negatives stacking up against him month after month, the decision to hire him has to be examined. He said there are many other similar issues that the council has had to

deal with.

“Every time we try to implement something, there is push-back from the public, or the Government has to step in.

Who can lead like this? You are micromanaging somebody, because every decision that you make is a flawed one, and that is a cause for concern.

If you have an employee and every decision that employee makes you have to go and correct him consistently, something is wrong. And six months more of this and it might as well (be) as (if) we didn’t even have Local Government Elections; because the Government has to keep stepping in in every instance in every major decision that has been made,” Duncan stated.

The unfinished Kitty Market, Albouystown Clinic, and Merriman Mall -- where vendors are still without the promised light and water -- were some other projects to which Duncan made reference.

Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan finds Mayor Patricia Chase-Green very cordial and professional

Cane Grove murder trial continues As the Mulchand Murilall Cane Grove murder trial continued in the High Court before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow and a 12-member jury on Monday, the state called its final witness, after which it closed its case against the accused, Hamid Latiff, called “Crapo.”

The witness, Rajesh Liloutie, called “Alligator Man”, testified that on Friday, November 8, 2013, he was at the home of the Murilalls when the mother asked him to accompany her daughter, Bhagmattie Murilall, called “Vashtie”, to the police station.

He related that he was a family friend of the Murialls and had known Vashtie since

she was a child growing up, but admitted that he knew the deceased only a week before the murder.

Liloutie told the court that after they returned from the police station, he accompanied Vashtie to the wedding house, and they had stood on the road looking in at the happenings after she had gone to a nearby shop to make a purchase of kerosene.

He said that Mulchand, called “Tato Boy”, came over to them and asked for cigarettes, after which he left and sat a short distance away, near a trench.

Liloutie testified that he saw “Crapo” “shove something in Mulchand, then throw him overboard.” The witness

told the court that at that time he did not see what “Crapo” had shoved in Mulchand, nor did he see the deceased do anything to the accused.

Liloutie related that they attempted to go over to Mulchand, but “Crapo” rushed up to them with a knife in his hand, which he described as being about 12 inches long.

He said Crapo told them that he “gon kill all two of we”, after which he shone a torchlight in his face then he ran away when “Vashtie” hid behind him.

Liloutie noted that it was about four minutes later that they got to Mulchand and pulled him from the trench, and he was “panting for breath” and covered in blood.

Meanwhile, under cross-examination by Defence Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos on Monday, Liloutie told the court he did not see any injuries on the accused on the night in question.

After this testimony, a voir dire (a trail within a trial) was called for, but the no-case submission was over-ruled

by Justice Barlow; then the accused, Latiff Hamid, called “Crapo”, was asked to lead his defence. He, however, elected to give an unsworn statement from the prisoner’s box, stating that “Rajesh was the one coming to attack me with a knife”, and he “shove the lil boy overboard.”

The matter continues to-

day for closing submissions by both state and defence counsels. A witness led by the defence is also expected to testify.

The state’s case is being presented by Siand Dhurjon and Shawnette Austin, while the defence is represented by Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos.

Police, in a press release, said they were investigating the murder of Mulchand Murilall, 16, of Patwah Scheme, Cane Grove, East Coast Demerara, which occurred at about 21:00 hours on November 8, 2013.

It was reported that Murilall was confronted by his sister’s reputed husband, who was armed with a knife, and

during the confrontation, he was fatally stabbed to his chest and under his left arm.

“The suspect then attacked his reputed wife, but she was rescued by residents and escaped unhurt. The suspect escaped from the scene, but was arrested by the police at Springlands, Berbice, at about 09:00 hours a day after the murder, the release said.

According to information received, the teenager had followed his sister to a nearby shop after learning that her estranged reputed husband was stalking her. On their way back, the young man stopped at a wedding house not far from their home, and it was there that he was attacked.

DEA expands 10

…U.S triples size of Georgetown unit, increases info sharing

By Vishani Ragobeer THE United States Government has tripled the number of agents of its Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) here and has also increased its level of information sharing among anti-drug agencies in recent months, the country’s top diplomat told media officials last week.

Speaking to the media last week, the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway revealed that the DEA has been fostering extensive engagements with local agencies towards battling the trade of narcotics.

Holloway disclosed that the DEA has begun training of local officers- not limited to the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) specialists but other law enforcement agencies as well. He noted that “it [the DEA] has been gathering and sharing information with CANU and other criminal investigative units in Guyana to decrease the narcotics trade as much as possible.” The DEA office, the ambassador further disclosed, “has been tripled in size” and that “it is safe to say that the unit is fully staffed and we can expect an increase in information sharing in the coming months.”

When questioned about overall crime in Guyana also, he said, “the job of decreasing criminal activities is a tough job but progress is being made and we look forward to good things in the near future.” The Ambassador had said in February at the opening of the DEA Office in Guyana that the agency has “no arresting powers” and that it will not be “kicking down doors and dragging people out on the streets” but will rather be engaged in the sharing of

information.

This ‘information sharing’ entails the US agency working along with the local anti-narcotic and other law enforcement agencies in Guyana towards tackling drug trade by providing information to the local agencies that will aid in countering the trade of narcotics.

He had explained that the role of the DEA in Guyana was not be providing as much funds, but “bringing the expertise in the people, the networks and the information gathering tools to be able to leverage information and their network throughout the world.”

“To have the DEA in Guyana will bolster and enhance the efforts of the Guyana Police Force, CANU and the GRA drug enforcement unit,” Holloway said.

Prior to the establishment of the DEA in Guyana in February of this year, narcotic issues in Guyana and the DEA’s relation to these issues were handled by the DEA in Trinidad. Guyana is the eighth Caribbean and Latin American country to have the permanent presence of a DEA office.

Meanwhile, in its 2016 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) the US had said that Guyana lacks a comprehensive demand reduction strategy that adequately addresses drug rehabilitation.

It observed that Marijuana is the most widely used drug in Guyana, followed by cocaine. “The Guyana National Council for Drug Education, Rehabilitation, and Treatment, within the Ministry of Public Health, is the single government body responsible for addressing demand reduction. Non-governmental organizations also offer rehabilitation services.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway

The University of Guyana initiated a demand reduction curriculum through OAS/CICAD funding. As part of CBSI, the United States supports a ‘Skills and Knowledge for Youth Employment’ project that provides vulnerable youth with alternatives to drug-related activities and provides skills for transitioning to the work force.” According to the report the United States supports a wide range of efforts designed to address crime and violence affecting Guyanese citizens, primarily through CBSI. President David Granger late last week said that the root causes of crime have to be addressed in order for there to be long- term results. He said that crime and the safety of all Guyanese have become issues of daily preoccupation which his Government views as of critical concern. He acknowledged that the trafficking in narcotics is a major factor. To this end the National Anti-Narcotic Agency (NANA) will be set up as the Government looks to work more closely with regional and international partners to address this trans-national

crime.

“Crime is very complex, when you deal with crime you have to look at causation, in my view many of the most serious crime arise out of the narcotics trade that is a trade that I think is responsible for bringing drugs into the country and guns.” The President went on to explain that with the volume of money that is generated from the narcotics trade the loyalty of the law enforcement officers and even the magisterial officers came under threat. He said that his Government is working on a broad-base strategy to address crime which would include the setting up of a national intelligence service. In addition, Minister of Public Security, Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan reported in September that he had completed the drafting of National Drug Strategy Master Plan.

The administration is also working to ensure that the GPF is better equipped and is able to operate in the diverse areas of the country.

President Granger explained that given Guyana’s size and terrain the Force is working to ensure that there are more mounted police in areas like the Rupununi, which cannot be adequately covered by vehicles alone and in certain back dams on the coast like Black Bush Polder in Corentyne-Berbice, where heinous murders have recently occurred.

“We have to provide the police with improved assets…All-Terrain Vehicles [ATVs] and more river crafts to improve their mobility… I reckon that in the fullness of time we will overcome some of the crime problems we have here,” President Granger said.

Tractor operator killed by bees AFRICANISED bees on Monday killed a tractor operator attached to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and severely stung another, while they were working on a dam at the Skeldon Estate, Berbice.

In a statement GuySuCo said that at approxi-

mately12:25h two tractor operators were harrowing a section of the cross dam in the Skeldon Estate cultivation when a swarm of bees attacked them. Jeenarine Taijram, who was one of the operators, was later found in an unconscious state and with swift action by the estate management, he was

rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital where he was examined and pronounced dead.

The other employee was under observation at that Hospital and has since been released.

Taijram, 53 has been working with the Corporation for 25 years. “The

Board of Directors, Management and Staff of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. hereby express our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Taijram during this time of their loss.

The Corporation is providing full support to the relatives of Mr. Taijram at this extremely sad time.”

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

700 being trained to push social cohesion

THE Ministry of Social Cohesion is on a drive to train over 700 persons countrywide to help foster unity within their communities.

To this end the ministry recently launched a Diversity Education and Inclusion Workshop Training of Trainers workshop. At the workshop held at the Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue 15 individuals were trained as part of a core team, which will work in the ten administrative regions to train over 700 citizens to become social cohesion advocates within their communities.

The first session was part of a two-day orientation to provide the core trainers with materials and other information for their task ahead. Those trained were selected by the Ministry of Social Cohesion based on past performance in training and facilitating sessions and included some participants of the United Nations Development Programme 2000-2003 Social Cohesion Programme.

Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms. Amna Ally, said that this programme, which comes even as the ongoing consultations are winding down, will ensure that the mandate of social cohesion is filtered from a national level to a community level. “Social Cohesion comes from a collaborative effort…it does not just deal with the minister or the ministry and so your response to this training session is an indication that you are on board and are willing to make your contribution to make social cohesion work in Guyana,” the minister said.

Touching on the importance of social cohesion, Minister Ally added that forging national unity is paramount to strengthening society. “If we have a strong society we will do better in Guyana. We will have more development and self-satisfaction. We will be living in safer spaces,” she said.

Noting that the idea of social cohesion is not a new one, the minister added that it is important for all sections of the community to be included, as every person in society has a significant contribution to make. She added that the core idea is to understand that the people of Guyana must come together to achieve a common goal.

“We have had challenges but we have got to be strong and persistent to make sure that whatever we do, we do

not stop midstream because challenges are close to us.

We have got to overcome the challenges and move forward with our programme. With your help I have no doubt that we will make headway,” she said.

Minister Ally said, however, that even with all the work of the Ministry, the building of a more cohesive society is a gradual and ongoing process, as it involves behavioural changes.

Lead Trainer of the workshops, Ms. Kala Seegopaul, explained that the topics covered in the training sessions include values, behaviours, trust building, communication and the need for inclusivity. The sessions were also aimed at identifying traditional ways in which communities maintain relationships in order to build on those methods to strengthen social cohesion.

“For too long, when we talk about diversity we only look at racial and political factors and we need to look beyond that to other differences. So these workshops are really to broaden the view of persons and they will also help to bring the biases out to our consciousness, because once we are aware of it we can do something about it,” she said. She said that while the importance of diversity is usually recognised, it is the power of the diversity that needs to be explored. “We have to bring the power of diversity into communities because if we don’t, we are depriving ourselves of something special,” she said.

The community based training sessions are expected to begin on October 22.

The core trainers will be divided among the regions and work with community members from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Parent Teachers’ Associations, Neighbourhood and Regional Democratic Councils and other influential groups within the communities. A total of 25 workshops of 30 persons each are expected to be conducted countrywide by year-end.

Coming out of these workshops, the participants will be able to draft a work plan and come up with and conduct activities and initiatives that will help to foster social cohesion within their communities. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Major infrastructural works ongoing in Region 10 ‒ REO says 95% of capital works completed

By Vanessa Braithwaite REGIONAL Executive Officer of Region 10, Gavin Clarke, has reported that infrastructural works, which saw a budgetary allocation of $412M for capital works, are 95% completed.

Dispelling the erroneous contention being peddled around Linden that the Regional Democratic Council is slow in spending the total 2016 budgetary allocation of $3.5B, the REO explained that this particular sum of money includes the employment cost for the region, totalling $1.4B, and money to be spent across the four programmes -- administration, health, education and agriculture, a total of $1.1B. CAPITAL WORKS Clarke contends that 95% of the projects under capital works have been tendered and awarded, and

80% of those infrastructural works -- which include construction of roads and drains -- have been set in progress.

“For example: under our road programme in the capital budget, we had approximately eight roads to be constructed. Of the eight roads, five would have been successfully completed, and the other three are just about 75% complete,” Clarke said.

In addition to these, drainage and shoulder works have been completed on Independence Avenue and Pine Street, he said. He revealed that some difficulty had been experienced with tardy contractors, whom he had to admonish to be more efficient.

Clarke expressed gratitude to residents who are yet to see road construction completed in their communities, and guaranteed those residents that the RDC would be working collaboratively with the contractors

to have the works not only completed, but to the standard required; as he would not be paying any contractor for substandard work.

Some works that had been awarded to contractors would be re-tendered if they are not completed by early October, he added.

“So, all in all, the work programme as per say 90% of the projects would have been awarded, and it is now for the contractors to deliver as committed,” he said.

There are also several infrastructural maintenance works that have been completed in the Region, he disclosed.

For educational development, the budget has allocated one billion, eight hundred and four million, seven hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars ($1,804,766,000), he explained.

Chairperson of the Regional Education Committee, Denise Belgrave, had

Guyanese fishers still missing THE body of an individual who washed-up on the shores of Trinidad and Tobago (TT) over the weekend is not missing fisherman Samuel Dabideen or his 23-year-old son Arjohn Persaud.

Police investigations intensified last weekend over the missing fisherman.

Omadatt Basdeo and Mahesh Singh returned alive from the fishing expedition without Dabideen and Persaud. The survivors have been blaming each other for the tragedy. The men are from De Willem, West Coast Demerara.

Relatives of the missing men told the Guyana Chronicle on Monday that the owner of the vessel from which the man and his son disappeared visited the morgue in Trinidad to examine the body of a man found there over the week-

end but the identity did not match Dabideen or his son.

Basdeo, 32, called “Budha” lives on West Coast Demerara while Singh, 35, lives at Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

Basdeo on Sunday gave police a statement in which he blamed Singh for the disappearance of the father and son, but Singh is reportedly not accepting blame and is saying that Basdeo should examine himself.

Reports are that the men left on the fishing expedition from the shores of Ruby, East Bank Essequibo on September 27, 2016.

Relatives were told that the captain and his son went missing on September 29, but they received the information from the owner of the vessel only on October 4, Tuesday last.

Relatives said they were told that once on the high

seas, Singh was left on the larger vessel to overlook the three men, who ventured out in a smaller boat with a 1,000-pound seine to catch fish. Singh eventually lost sight of the men, and decided to search the waters with the vessel. He gave up the search two days after the men went missing, and decided to return to Guyana, where the owner of the vessel was contacted and told what had occurred.

Basdeo claimed that the boat he and the two others were in capsized and he swam three miles before reaching the shores of Trinidad, where he sought the assistance of the police and coast guard there.

Relatives say they have obtained a letter from the Ministry of Public Security to send to Trinidad to assist with the search for the missing men.

previously told residents that priority would be given to equipping schools and other educational institutions throughout the region with various appliances, furniture and classroom materials.

Several schools would also be outfitted with computer labs which have sufficient computer systems, she said.

Teachers’ and students’ hostels would also be provided with home appliances and furniture.

“Under education, we have a large input that will make our schools in Region 10 more conducive for teachers and students, and we trust that we will be able to make all of these things possible under our budget,” Ms. Belgrave posited.

The platform administration has received an allocation of two hundred and twenty-five million, five hundred and fifty-six thousand dollars ($225,556,000), and this money would see

agriculture playing a pivotal role in the region.

And according to Chairman of the agriculture committee, Douglas Gittens, this money was allocated for the construction of access roads from farms, so as to reduce the pressure on farmers who have to transport their produce to the market. With this money, several creeks would also be dredged, and farmers would be provided with seedlings of several produce.

Already, 3,000 seedlings have already been given out.

REO Gavin Clarke also revealed that the farm-tomarket road in West Watooka has been completed, as have been the revetment control works in Old England. He said that what had happened in previous years would not recur, in that the region intends not to have money allocated unspent and therefore having to be returned to the treasury.

PLANS FOR 2017 Regional Chairman Renis Morian revealed that, for the 2017 budget, emphasis would be placed on execution of the region’s Plan of Action for Regional Development (PARD). PARD is a five-year plan which would see major infrastructural development in Region 10 over the next five years.

The Region has already secured $10M from Central Government for the design and consultation phase of the construction of a new RDC Building, which would allow for the efficient execution of PARD. Some computers have already been secured for this new office. According to Morian, the 2017 phase of PARD would see construction of a multipurpose building for youths; development of the agricultural sector, and rehabilitation of the Linden airstrip.

Bad road grounds David ‘G’ 10 …Coomaka residents furious, Bosai, RDC in race to complete repairs

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE David Granger School bus that was gifted to the Community of Coomacka Mines of Region 10, in June this year is currently parked in the compound of the Mackenzie Police Station awaiting the completion of repairs to the community’s access road.

According to Regional Education Officer, Marcia Paddy, the bus attempted to make a first trip to the community but subsequently broke down given the deplorable state of the road.

This was revealed by another parent who bemoaned the non- operation of the bus.

“The first day de bus start to work, it broke down because it low and de road aint good, it stick up. That bus will not last two weeks on the road,” the parent said.

Since then Bosai Minerals Incorporated and the Regional Democratic Council have commenced repairs, but according to Regional Chairman, Renis Morian the RDC does not possess the needed

trucks or money to have the road repaired to the standard needed for the 30 seater bus to traverse it. The RDC has since reached out to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for assistance in having the road repaired. Morian revealed that the MoPI has requested names of three contractors to man the project and those were provided. “Work has already started but we have recognised that the work that is going on will not do everything that we want to do so we had to get Ministry of Public Infrastructure come in…I heard it will take in excess of 50 truckloads of stuff to do the road,” Morian said.

Morian is of the opinion that even if the road is repaired, the continuous traversing of the lumber and heavy-duty trucks will con-

tinue to damage the surface and the situation will return to the way it had been.

Currently, scores of heavy-duty vehicles traverse the road daily.

Meanwhile students and parents living in communities such as Coomacka, Old England, Nottinghamshire and Three Friends are eagerly awaiting the completion of the road repairs. A community leader of Coomacka said that the bus will allow for students to reach to school early, which will give them an opportunity to benefit from extra lessons delivered in the mornings.

Parents of these communities are forced to provide $500 per day, excluding lunch and other expenses to have a child attend school in Linden. One parent said that he had to pay $400 daily just to get one child to and from Coomacka but that excludes added transportation to actually reach to the school. “It is really hard, you have to find money for snack and project and all these things,” he explained.

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Hughes touts transformation of post offices

‒ says they should become ICT hubs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Aries Let someone who enters your life now show you what you been missing. Talkative Mercury joins broad-minded Jupiter in your 7th House of Others, widening your horizons of thought and open vistas of unrealized possibility. There’s no reason to be resistant to new ideas now, even if you think you know better. Ultimately what you learn today will be beneficial in ways you cannot yet realize as long as you can rein in your current tendency toward turning molehills into mountains.

Taurus Your mind expands with big ideas today, but too much information coming at you too fast can leave you dizzy. Multiple streams of incoming data are overwhelming, so don’t expect to understand everything right away. Your tendency to over explain adds confusion when brevity would help you make your point. In fact, you can make the strongest impact now by tempering your enthusiasm enough to maintain a practical approach to everything you do.

inclusion, in order to build such a system, owing to the fact that there are 64 post offices nationwide, thus ICT development will have to be done incrementally.

“We are currently looking for spaces for community ICT hubs so as to ensure free Internet is available… there is no better place than post offices which are strategically placed, hence, many will be refurbished to meet this reality,” iterated the minister, as she outlined that persons must be visiting “Internet ready” post offices.

This, she said, will allow persons, especially from inland areas to access Internet services, so as to release the burden of having to travel far distances in order to access those services.

Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC) Chairman, Raphael Massiah said technology has occasioned the need for further staff empowerment in order to sufficiently maximise the noted features of technology. He also noted that the corporation intends to identify and utilise appropriate and relevant training for staff development which will redound to the delivery of innovative services throughout Guyana.

“In short, over the next years, we plan to hone all the available skills of our human capital coupled with the maximum use of ICT to offer an improved service with greater efficiency and reliability,” the GPOC Chairman said.

Gemini A noticeable change in the cosmic weather widens your perceptions, allowing you to see possibilities you previously ignored. Your confidence grows as incoming waves of excitement invite you explore new methods of self-expression. Logical Mercury’s collision with buoyant Jupiter inspires you to be optimistic about your future. You have little problem imagining how your life can improve now, so talk about what you want in a way that enables you to be heard by people who can help you achieve your dream. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The future depends on what you do today.”

Burnham hailed as visionary

Capricorn Your mental landscape is brilliant but erratic now as wonderful insights combine with totally unrealistic ideas. You’re swamped with speculations about your career potential, even if the details of your plans are still sketchy. Pushing the limits of your potential can feel awkward at first, but that doesn’t mean it’s the wrong thing to do.

Remember that you’re not out to prove your point, but to effect change as best you can. Your power of persuasion is strong today as long as you’re able to temper your optimism with realism.

By Navendra Seoraj WITH technology revolutionising the way things are done, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes said it is time the role of post offices expand and these centres also becoming Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hubs.

She issued the charge to a gathering at the Post Office Training Centre on Monday, in commemoration of World Post Day which was celebrated on Sunday.

“Fast growing technology has diminished hand mail,” the minister said.

The advancement of technology over the years has and continues to deeply impact courier services worldwide, thus innovative ways must be derived to keep these services relevant in the modern world.

As such, Minister Hughes sought to outline the plan of her Ministry and noted that Guyana has to move ahead to be up to speed with the developed and developing world.

Guyana must learn, earn and grow at the pace of regional and international countries in order to modernise the way it conducts business, she said, pointing out that constant analysis of the courier service is needed in order to provide necessary services.

The minister also pointed out that the methods of communication have changed and the Internet has become the new normal.

“This year marked a dif-

Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes

ference, given that we began to put into effect the full measure of changes in the kind and quality of services provided by the Guyana Post Office Corporation,” said the Telecoms Minister.

One of the recent interventions, she said, was a fact-finding mission to China where the aim was to negotiate with the Chinese company which built the fibre- optic cable in Guyana sometime back, to construct a fibre-optic system from Timehri to Lethem.

Currently, the feasibility study is underway, given that they are aiming to fill the existing gaps in the network, so as to provide better services while also maintaining the current network.

Minister Hughes stressed that this is one of the steps in charting a new course which will convert the postal services into new opportunities for both private and public sectors.

However, there must be innovation, integration and

By Navendra Seoraj PRESIDENT David Granger has hailed as a visionary former President of Guyana and founder/leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) party, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham.

Speaking on Saturday at an awards ceremony for Region Three party stalwarts as the PNC celebrated its 59th anniversary, President Granger said October 5 is a significant day in the history of local politics. On that day in 1957, Burnham was elected leader Turn to page 13 ►

Cancer Recent disappointments quickly fade into the past as clever Mercury joins buoyant Jupiter to tell a happy story. Thankfully, you can make your case with an imaginative flare as long as it rings true with your feelings. The conjunction activates your 4th House of Roots attracting you to memories of your past and you may feel uncertain until you integrate your history with the potential of the present moment. Remember, it’s not about where you begin, but where you are going. Rather than replaying old tapes, create a new song for your next adventure.

Leo Your generosity of spirit creates enough space to talk about conflicting beliefs in an open-minded way today. Nevertheless, a chatty Mercury-Jupiter conjunction in your 3rd House of Communication prompts you to over-explain yourself, although you may add more confusion than clarity. Even if you have all the facts at your disposal to back up your beliefs, you could overwhelm others with too much information. If you realize you’re not making headway, back off until you settle down emotionally before starting over in a cooler and calmer manner. Being selective in your presentation is more effective than presenting everything you know.

Virgo Optimism overrules common sense today, but it’s not enough to simply believe you are right. A bombastic Mercury-Jupiter conjunction insists that you tell others everything you know but you may grow less certain of your conclusions as the day unfolds. Share what’s on your mind while broadminded Jupiter is still brushing away any doubts, enabling you to communicate your highest ideals clearly. In order to succeed, you must believe you can.

Libra You can readily break down complex subjects into simple concept today, making you an exceptional student and a highly effective teacher. The communication planet Mercury joins outspoken Jupiter in your sign today to kick your thinking up another notch. Routine tasks may become especially boring as you seek intellectual stimulation from innovative ideas. People will listen when you speak as long as you tailor your comments to their level of interest and ability. Every performer knows how important it is to connect with the audience.

Scorpio Grandiose ideas flow quickly making it difficult to miss the positive inspiration that you bring to others now. However, trickster Mercury’s conjunction with philosophical Jupiter can make you more opinionated than ever. If you’re looking for a good debate, then speak up now. However, Jupiter tends towards exaggeration, so small slights can feel like major insults. Nevertheless, your generosity and idealism shine through your words.

Sagittarius Changing your attitude now and readjusting your long-term goals is the simplest way to improve your future. You are blessed with an irrepressible hope for a bright future as intellectual Mercury joins jolly Jupiter in your 11th House of Dreams and Wishes. Even if you don’t have a specific plan, you believe that everything will work out for the best. Just remember that overconfidence can easily lead to arrogance, possibly stirring up opposition from those who would be better allies than enemies.

Aquarius The last vestiges of discouragement dissipate today, and once again you can clearly see where you are going. Nevertheless, intelligent planning is a key ingredient to your current success. If you want others to play a role in your agenda, don’t begin to talk until you know exactly what you will say and then don’t say too much. Rambling on only dilutes your important message. Too much information makes it harder for anyone to know where to jump in.

President David Granger

Pisces Sometimes it’s better to let go and start all over than to stick with a plan whose time has passed. Thankfully, new ideas enable you to leave old ones behind when mental Mercury joins positive Jupiter. Your capacity to understand new concepts about intimacy may be enhanced by a skillful teacher since this conjunction occurs in your 8th House of Deep Sharing. Ultimately, your enthusiasm convinces others to surpass their own limits, infusing more passion into any partnership.

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‘Nancy’s School Daze’ goes countrywide

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

and Learning Channel, due to financial constraints and the need to have the show generate revenue to sustain its existence. This decision, Graham concedes, was difficult but necessary.

The show has a staff of approximately 30 persons engaged full-time, part-time and occasionally. These must all be paid, and the money to so do must be generated from some source.

“One of the challenges we have is that this thing has to make money. NCN and the Learning Channel had broadcast our other shows because we had given (the shows) to them for free. For the love of Guyanese children, everything we did under Nancy Stories we gave away. But to keep the studio going, this thing has to garner revenue; so that is one of the reasons we have to stick with an exclusive broadcast partner.

“We have a lot of people on the show, we have to pay people every day,” Graham said.

DON’T HAVE MONEY Although the company has a relationship with The Learning Channel, over the years, according to Graham, “They don’t have the money to do it”. Nonetheless, Graham added, Guyanese do not have to despair, as provision will be made to have a season one of the series available.

“We expect that when we get to the end of Season One and Season Two starts, we will make Season One available, so people who might not have seen it during the season will still get a chance to see it.

While Season Two is exclusive on E1, they will get to see Season One everywhere and on the Internet,” Graham said.

Despite the praise ‘Nancy Story’ and ‘Nancy Story: Boys Too’ has been garnering, the production team has struggled to acquire funding for the series.

Social Protection Minister Volda Lawrence has commended the impact of the shows, which addressed sexual abuse of children and encouraged them to speaking out.

“I can rehearse ‘Nancy’s Story’ because I love it so much, and I know the impact it can have. I guess that everyone has seen ‘Nancy’s Story’ and the sequel, ‘Nancy’s Story: Boys Too’, and are just as excited as I am to witness the season premiere, entitled ‘Nancy School Daze’, the first episodic animated TV series in Guyana,” Lawrence had said at launch of the series on October 1.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin, also commended the show: “I am enthused when I see things happening in areas that we have not traditionally explored and exploited,” he said. “I know

that Guyanese are creative people; however, what has eluded us is the commercial aspect of our creative abilities. I believe that compared to many other industries and the challenges they face, this industry may have some inherent advantages. I see endless opportunities, because I see an endless market place; an endless market place that can be accessed simply by clicking and streaming, instead of trucking and shipping.

“I see opportunities for young people, I see opportunities for people in sparsely populated hinterland communities with limited employment opportunities,” the Business Minister has said.

‘Nancy’s Story’ was first launched in October 2012, and was part of the TELL Scheme initiative, a suite of tools employed as part of ‘the national plan for the prevention of sexual violence against children in Guyana’.

The almost four-minute video played an emotional tale of nine-year-old Nancy who was abused by a close family member – an uncle – who used to babysit her and her brother when her mother was away at work.

In ‘Nancy’s Story: Boys Too’, the eight-minute animated feature film showed an older Nancy helping her friend ‘Steven’ with his own challenge of sexual abuse, and finally encouraging him to tell an adult.

The videos come equipped with a catchy ‘Tell Song’ tune that encourages abused children to speak out.

the abuses of colonialism, which had instigated the division between the poor and the rich.

He said that Burnham, who was aligned with the then British Guiana Labour Union (now the Guyana Labour Union), fought for the working class and strove to build a multiethnic society.

The latter contributed to lessening the divisions between urban and rural communities.

“I am proud that he changed Guyana,” President Granger said, and added: “While doing his good work for the betterment of Guyanese, he also created a democratic party: a party with a constitution; one which holds a congress (and) has a general council and central committee that deliberates on ways to better the party.” Those are the four institutions, the President said, that have kept the

party together and functional.

The President lamented that some people like to criticise the PNC, even though they are not aware of the party’s struggles and achievements. He said it was the struggles of Burnham and other stalwarts which saw the construction of the Canje Bridge; the best highway in the Corentyne; the construction of multilateral schools; the University of Guyana

Campus; the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and the development of institutions such as the National Insurance Scheme, among others.

President Granger lauded the PNC party structure in Region Three for awarding its members, and urged the awardees to “keep moving forward” in order to develop the party and create a better future for the children of tomorrow.

The poster for Nancy’s School Daze

THE much-anticipated animated series ‘Nancy’s School Daze’, the spin-off of the critically acclaimed and impacting ‘Nancy’s Story’ videos, is expected to reach as far as Berbice, Linden and Essequibo, as exclusive broadcaster E-Networks seeks to make the show accessible throughout Guyana.

“We are seeking to give the show (as) broad (a) national reach as possible. Currently, it is as far as [E-Networks] has subscribers.

They’re working on Berbice, they’re working on Essequibo, and they’re working on Linden,” said Alex Graham, CEO of the show’s production company, Tinninben Animation.

The bi-weekly show, the product of a partnership between Tinninben Animation Studio and E-Networks, is being funded by the Institute of Private Enterprise Development (IPED) and is currently aired on E-Networks Channel E1 every other Saturday at

18:00hrs, following its premiere on October 1.

E-Networks’ Managing Director Vishok Persaud had already spoken of his aspirations to ensure the show has “the biggest possible audience”, which includes not only the local audience, but some 30 to 35 per cent of the company’s audience which comes from the USA, and another five per cent from other international markets.

The show sees the evolution of ‘Nancy’, the protagonist of the video ‘Nancy’s Story’ and its sequel ‘Nancy Story: Boys Too’, who is now in secondary school and will be facing many social issues common to Guyanese youths.

Thanks to the show, the Guyanese public can see these issues expressed using relatable characters in very familiar settings that Guyanese children will be able to connect with.

However, unlike the series’ antecedent videos, this series will not be broadcast on popular channels like NCN

Burnham hailed... of the PNC, with Joseph Latchmansingh assuming the chairmanship of the party.

“Our once great leader formed the party after breaking ties with the People’s Progressive Party due to the divisionism that was building…. His aim after establishing the PNC was to challenge colonialism, which

From page 12

(had) segregated our society for years,” the President explained.

The President said that prior to Burnham’s efforts, the country, apart from being segregated, had been dominated by foreign capital, with no sight of local industries.

Burnham’s activism, Granger said, sought to put an end to

Alex Graham, CEO of Tinninben Animation, addressing the audience at the launch of ‘Nancy’s School Daze’

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

PPP disagrees with City Hall - says removal of Stabroek Market vendors not best option

THE People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is objecting to the removal of vendors from under the canopy of the Stabroek Market.

Last week, a rifle was found in a bag in the area, and this resulted in a proposal by the Mayor and City Council to have the vendors removed.

But this suggestion is not sitting well with the PPP. During a press conference at Freedom House on Monday, PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee said removal of the vendors from under the canopy would “take bread out of their mouths and force them into illegal activities”.

“City Hall, in its attempt to rid the Stabroek Market of criminal activities, (will) in effect be creating a wider societal problem by throwing more vendors onto the streets, forcing them to fend for themselves by any means necessary,” Rohee told reporters.

Instead of removing the vendors, the PPP General Secretary said, the Mayor and City Council should

heighten security in the area while fostering a greater relationship with vendors.

“What is required is the cooperation of the vendors and an increase of foot patrols by people-friendly -- not arrogant -- members of the constabulary, as well as intelligence-gathering efforts through undercover police operatives working in collaboration with the City Police,” Rohee suggested.

Subsequent to the discovery of the gun, M&CC Chief Constable Andrew Foo has said the area appears to be a haven for criminals, many of whom engage in narco-trafficking and the sale of stolen items.

In response to the many complaints received, Foo disclosed, many sting operations will be implemented with the intention of apprehending all involved in criminal and other nefarious activities.

An exercise was recently carried out by the City Police, and a quantity of marijuana was confiscated along with items used by criminals for the purpose of

breaking and entering.

Superintendent Gordon Langevine has also reported that persons are using the Stabroek Market as a safe haven to sell illicit drugs, and even firearms. “We

A NEW Team Benschop City Councillor, Selwyn

Smartt was on Monday sworn in, Town Clerk

made for the Christmas season, and many exercises will be carried out at Stabroek and Bourda markets.

“It’s time we rid the markets of these elements, because they use the mar-

ket by night to carry out their criminal activities,” Langevine said, noting that “the Constabulary is now. well equipped and prepared to deal with the situation.”

Business on Monday under the Stabroek Market canopy

New Team Benschop Councillor sworn in

New City Councillor Selwyn Smartt

(City Constabulary) also received reports of people using firearms to rob persons,” the superintendent said.

He explained that a comprehensive plan is being

Royston King announced at the statutory meeting.

Smartt, a teacher at the Bishops High School, is replacing Councillor, Salima Bacchus-Hinds who resigned last September in order to facilitate the rotating of the Council seat.

Meanwhile, leader of Te a m B e n s c h o p , M a r k Benschop had told this newspaper in an invited comment, that he prefers to allow the younger members of his team to occupy the Council seat so as to gain the experience in fighting for the rights of citizens.

But he too is expected to occupy the Council seat before the end of the three-year council.

Port Kaituma murder accused to know fate today

By George Barclay MURDER accused Alvin Gounga, called “Orvin” or “Captain”, on trial for the murder of Desmond Henry, which allegedly occurred on May 14th, 2005 at Port Kaituma in the North West District of Region One (Barima/Waini), will know his fate today.

Justice Roxane George, presiding at the trial, will this morning begin summing up the case to the jury before handing same over to them for their consideration and verdict.

Defence Counsel Dexter Todd and State Prosecutor Ms. Narissa Leander each addressed the jury on Monday. Todd noted that the case was a short one in which the accused, a gold miner, is alleged to have shot Desmond Henry with a bow and arrow

on May 14, 2005, causing his death. The jury was told that the shooting was sparked by an argument in which the defendant accused the deceased about missing gold, and the deceased allegedly attacked the accused with a fork and an axe, causing him to use his bow and arrow in defence.

Defence counsel urged the jury to find that the prosecution’s star witness, daughter of the deceased, was not speaking the truth when she denied that her dad was shot in defence, and he exhorted the jury to return a verdict of not guilty.

On the other hand, Prosecutor Ms. Leander referred to the defence case as an unbelievable nancy story.

She said there was no justification for the accused to use the bow and arrow in defence, and pointed out that

the defendant had been the aggressor.

According to her, neither the fork nor the axe had been used until after Henry had been hit in the abdomen by a single arrow. The case for the prosecution is that after Henry was shot, he threw a fork and axe at the accused.

Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who had performed the post-mortem on the deceased, said that death was due to wound infection.

The doctor said the deceased would have survived if he had received early treatment.

The prosecutor has urged the jury to return a verdict of guilty, once satisfied that the case had been proven against the accused.

Justice George will begin her summing up at 09:30hrs this morning.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Indigenous villages on

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sustainable development path

INDIGENOUS villages are now being outfitted with a framework aimed at ensuring that they are strategically positioned on a sustainable developmental path.

The Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs over the weekend rolled out the Sustainable Development Agreement Framework (SDAF) in 27 villages in Region Nine (North Rupununi).

Meetings were held in Annai and Lethem which saw the Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock and Chairman of the National Toshao’s Council, Joel Fredericks attending both meetings.

Representation came from village councils, the National Toshao’s Council, community development officers, the Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Ministry, Conservation International Guyana and the World Wildlife Fund.

Under the Sustainable Development Framework, villages will be required to produce a long-term (10year) Community Development Plan (CDP), where programmatic areas will be outlined, projects and targets will be prioritise based on the respective CDPs and an effective feedback mechanism employed.

Once that aspect is completed, an annual village plan will be produced, a stipulation in the Amerindian Act of 2006 and submitted to the Ministry and the Regional

Executive Officer by May of each year so that same will be used to inform the annual national budget.

When approved by the National Assembly, the Ministry will then begin processing project documentation for respective village councils for the sums approved.

During the Lethem consultation, Project Coordinator in the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Jude Da Silva pointed to a number of challenges faced by villages in the development of their village plans and the implementation of the SDAF will create that enabling environment to curtail such inefficiencies within the villages and put them on a continuous developmental path.

“We have all the players coming together so that we can be able to put our resources in the right community for the right purpose so rather than somebody coming in giving you what is not in the plan then we will not be able to see much progress,” Da Silva added.

Meanwhile, partnering with the Ministry for this cause is Conservation International Guyana, whose mission is to demonstrate the very meaning of the word “partnership”.

Conservation Guyana Executive Director, Dr David Singh in briefing village leaders and other partners who attended the session, said “if we focus on our sustainable development, our green

economic development, our low carbon economic development, we will in fact be helping ourselves not only because we will be developing sustainably, but we will be helping the world. So this whole framework is in meeting those goals. ”

REMAINS RESOLUTE Dr Singh added that Conservation remains resolute in its efforts to assist the Ministry in effectively and efficiently executing the SDAF countrywide.

This strategic initiative was further augmented by Region Nine Regional Chairman, Brian Allicock who in no uncertain terms said “this framework that we are developing here together augers well not only for the villages but for the entire country….

We are not starting from the top and handing it down to you we are starting from the grass-root level so these things we are working out together is for that purpose and leaders are getting a better opportunity, they are being guided.”

A similar exercise will be conducted in Mainstay/ Whyaka, Region Two shortly and that village’s Toshao Joel Fredericks has indicated that “I see the Sustainable Development Plan or framework is fitting in with what the NTC’s mandate is all about for every villages because in the past villages did projects but it wasn’t really structured like how the plan is catering

for it, so I believe it is something good for every village.”

He added that “leaders come and leaders go and you might find that a new toshao coming with a new plan or vision the village can either develop or the rate of development can drop but when you have the sustainable development plan, a five or ten year plan, you can work with that and it is also good for

the village because you don’t have to wait on the Ministry to Finance, their project they can look to other stakeholders so I see it is something very good.”

The WWF, which is also a partner in the implementation process, has already begun working with villages in the North Rupununi to develop their Community Development Plans.

Additionally, the SDAF also sets out to meet the 17 International Sustainable Development Goals which were adopted by world leaders just over a year ago and over the next 15 years those goals will apply to all countries.

Together, efforts will be made to combat ending all forms of poverty, fighting inequalities, and tackling climate change.

Over 4000 youths to benefit from

crime prevention programme

OVER 4000 youths and adolescents are expected to benefit from a four- year Community Crime and Violence Prevention programme.

This is according to Ministry of Public Security representative, Mark Ross who met with residents of Yarrow Dam, Albouystown, Georgetown, on Sunday evening during a community outreach.

Ross explained that the programme is the first component of the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) of the Ministry of Public Security. He noted that young people in ‘at risk’ communities will benefit from several training initiatives meant to improve their skill level, and livelihood, with the aim of reducing crime and vi-

District Councillors Yvonne Ferguson and Sophia Whyte with Ministry of Public Security representative Mark Ross at the community outreach at Yarrow Dam, Albouystown, Georgetown.

olence in their communities.

He said the aim of the Community Crime and Violence Prevention component is to reduce contributing factors of crime while strengthening protective factors.

A major part of the project will focus on empowering young people through tech-

nical and vocational training to develop entrepreneurial skills.

Also present at the outreach were district councillors Yvonne Ferguson and Sophia Whyte. The team also held a meeting with residents of East La Penitence, Geogetown.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Guyanese manufacturers get tax waivers on imports

GMSA members meeting with representatives of the GRA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 7, 2016

LOCAL manufacturing companies which had been faced with the enforcement of import duties on raw materials that appeared on the list of ineligible items have been granted suspensions of import duties through the CARICOM Secretariat, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) has said in a release.

The manufacturers were last April made aware of the enforcement regulation by the Guyana Revenue Authority. The list of ineligible items was developed in the late 70s early 80s, and was designed to protect the CARICOM region. Many of the items were available in the region at that time, and as such, their importation had attracted import duties, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) said.

According to the GMSA, the list of ineligible items is enshrined in the tax laws of Guyana, and is also part

of The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The GMSA is pleased to have been informed by its membership that, with the necessary support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the CARICOM Secretariat, their applications for suspension of import duties on the raw materials had been successful.

The companies identified were Twins Manufacturing Chemists; Edward B. Beharry & Company Limited; Sterling Products Limited; Umami, & Toolsie Persaud Limited. Of the five (5) companies that had applied, four (4) have been granted full suspension, while Sterling Products Ltd has been granted full suspension for five (5) of the six (6) items that company had applied for.

The single item rejected was soya bean oil, based on an objection by Roberts Manufacturing in Barbados on the ground that that company is presently producing soya

Tuesday, October 11, 2016 - 13:30 hrs Wednesday, October 12, 2016 - 14:00 hrs Thursday, October 13, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

bean oil.

This fulfils the short-term goals as reported previously by the GMSA. The long-term goal of the GMSA is to work with the relevant agencies to have these ineligible items, along with many others, removed from the list, since many of them are no longer available in the region.

The GMSA wishes to thank the relevant ministers, government agencies and the CARICOM Secretariat for the support received in bringing relief to its Manufacturers.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Woods return delayed again TIGER WOODS’ return to the PGA Tour has been delayed yet again. Woods withdrew from the Safeway Open in Napa, California, yesterday.

Woods released a statement on his website on the decision, saying he feels his game is “vulnerable and not where it needs to be.”

In full, Woods’ statement reads: “After a lot of soul-searching and honest reflection, I know that I am not yet ready to play on the PGA Tour or compete in Turkey. My health is good, and I feel strong, but my game is vulnerable and not where it needs to be.

“When I announced last week I was going to Safeway, I had every intention of playing, or I wouldn’t have committed. I spent a week with the U.S. Ryder Cup Team, an honour and experience that inspired me even more to play. I practised the last several days in California, but after a lot of

Tiger Woods appeared at the Stanford football game this weekend. (Getty Images) hours, I knew I wasn’t ready to compete against the best golfers in the world. I will continue to work hard, and plan to play at my founda-

tion’s event, the Hero World Challenge, in Albany.

“I would like to apologise and send my regrets to Safeway, the Turkish Airlines

Open, the fans in California and Turkey and those who had hoped to watch me compete on TV. This isn’t what I wanted to happen, but I will continue to strive to be able to play tournament golf. I’m close, and I won’t stop until I get there.”

Woods hasn’t competed on the PGA Tour since finishing tied for 10th place in the Wyndham Championship in August 2015, in a last-ditch effort to qualify for the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Last month, Woods announced his intention to play in the Safeway Open in October, followed by the Turkish Airlines Open on the European Tour in November and his own Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in December.

However, Woods’ announcement was made in tepid lan-

guage, suggesting he could still back out of any or all of the intended appearances.

“My rehabilitation is to the point where I’m comfortable making plans, but I still have work to do,” Woods said on his website in a September 7 post announcing his intended comeback. “Whether I can play depends on my continued progress and recovery.

My hope is to have my game ready to go.”

Now we know Woods will not compete this week or in Turkey in November, meaning the earliest we will see Woods compete again is at the Hero World Challenge in December.

Ryan Ballengee is a Yahoo Sports contributor.

Find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Former boxing champ Aaron Pryor dies at 60

Aaron Pryor (right) on the attack

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AARON PRYOR, the relentless junior welterweight who fought two memorable bouts with Alexis Arguello, died Sunday. He was 60.

Pryor’s family issued a statement saying the boxer died at his home in Cincinnati after a long battle with heart disease.

Known as ‘The Hawk’, Pryor was a crowd favourite who fought with a frenetic style, rarely if ever taking a step backwards. His fights in the early 1980s with Arguello, the great Nicaraguan champion, were both classics that are still talked about in boxing circles.

But Pryor was a troubled champion, and his career unravelled because of an addiction to cocaine. ‘’He was very unorthodox and could throw punches from all kinds of angles with great hand speed,’’ said former Associated Press boxing writer Ed Schuyler Jr. ‘’He was a great fighter, it’s too bad he didn’t have more fights.’’

Pryor’s widow, Frankie Pryor, said her husband - who would later speak out about the evils of drugs - also had a side most fans didn’t know about. ‘’Aaron was known around the world as ‘The Hawk’ and delighted millions of fans with his aggressive and crowd-pleasing boxing style,’’ she said in a statement announcing his death. ‘’But to our family he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.’’

Pryor was unbeaten in 31 fights when he and Arguello met in a 140-pound title clash

in the Orange Bowl in Miami on November 12, 1982.

Arguello was a classic boxer-puncher, considered one of the top pound-for-pound fighters, but Pryor would not back off as the two men traded punches for the better part of 14 rounds.

Pryor finally wore Arguello down, stopping him in the 14th round with a flurry of punches. Ring Magazine later picked the bout as the Fight-of-the-Decade. ‘’It was one of the best fights I’ve ever seen,’’ Schuyler said. ‘’I’d put it in the top five.’’

Pryor’s win was marred, though, by questions about a bottle wrapped in black tape that his corner man raised to his lips on several occasions between rounds in the fight.

Many in boxing thought it contained stimulants, but the corner man, Artie Curley, said it was peppermint schnapps.

Pryor would beat Arguello again the next September in Las Vegas, this time stopping him in the 10th round of their scheduled 15-round bout. Arguello went down in the round from a series of punches and declined to get back up. ‘’Arguello was a great fighter but he couldn’t handle Pryor,’’ Schuyler said. ‘’He could have gotten up, but what was the point?’’

The second Arguello fight was the pinnacle of Pryor’s career. He became a heavy cocaine user, and fought only six more times in the next seven years, finishing his career with a record of 39-1 with 35 knockouts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

New Zealand Women snatch 12-run victory over South Africa AMY SATTERTHWAITE bagged a career-best 4 for 13 as New Zealand Women took the last five wickets without conceding a run to snatch a tight 12-run win from South Africa Women in the first ODI in Kimberley.

In pursuit of 128, South Africa lost Lara Goodall, Mignon du Preez and Marizanne Kapp to the right-arm seam of Lea Tahuhu, thereby slipping to 8 for 3. That became 34 for 4 when Lizelle Lee was dismissed for 17. New captain Dane van Niekerk then took the lead in resurrecting the run chase,

Amy Satterthwaite

putting on 44 for the fifth wicket with Laura Wolvaardt and 37 for the sixth wicket with Chloe Tryon.

That sixth-wicket stand was brought to an end by Satterthwaite, who bowled van Niekerk for 37 to leave South Africa at 115 for 6, still favourites to score the 13 more runs needed for victory. Incredibly they did not even get one. Satterthwaite and Erin Bermingham split the remaining four wickets between them to complete a collapse of five wickets for no run in the space of 27 balls.

Earlier, New Zealand had been bowled out for 127, with only Bermingham (33), Sam Curtis (22) and Satterthwaite (19) making contributions of note. Bermingham’s 36-run ninth-wicket stand with Tahuhu was the biggest of the innings and ended up giving the visitors just the cushion they needed to pull of their dramatic heist.

The win helped New Zealand consolidate their place in the top four of the ICC Women’s Championship, a good sign for their chances for automatic qualification in next year’s World Cup in England.

Windies Women shock English rivals ... WI level series 1-1 with 38-run victory

Stafanie Taylor

By Brij Parasnath SUPERB batting by West Indies Women captain Stafanie Taylor, coupled with amazing bowling performances by ebullient all-rounder Deandra Dottin and leg-spinner Amy Fletcher, stunned their English counterparts and registered a seansational 38-run victory in the second One-Day International contested at the Trelawny Multiplex Stadium, Florence Hall, Jamaica yesterday.

Taylor led by example and rallied her side to 148 all out in 50 overs. England were well placed at 92 for 3 after 35 overs and required an additional 56 runs from 15 overs to clinch victory and

hold a decisive 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

But Dottin and Fletcher changed the whole complexion of the game and with their incisive bowling spells that left the English women shell-shocked. They will take some time to recover from the batting debacle that saw them catapult like nine pins in a bowling alley. In fact, they lost seven wickets for 17 runs but, unbelievably, their last six fell for only three runs It probably was their worst-ever meltdown in an international fixture.

Grenadian Fletcher started the destruction when she forced the obdurate England captain, Heather Knight; to offer a catch to Evra Giddings at the

long-leg position from an attempted pull shot after she had faced 66 deliveries previously.

She did not hit a boundary but had revived England’s victory chase with a composed innings that yielded 37 runs with Natalie Sciver, who also became the very next victim for Fletcher, who also claimed Danielle Wyatt (lbw for 7) and finished with three wickets for 19 runs from her impressive ten-over spell.

Sciver made one more than her captain and counted 43 deliveries for her 27 when she took her exit at 107 for 5 after 36.5 overs.

But there was still an outside chance that England could still chase down the 149-run target which was one more than the first ODI target for the West Indies team that faltered and lost by five runs in a thrilling finish.

However, there was no highpoint or consolation for the touring English women as Dottin knocked out the lower order in dramatic fashion and sparked West Indies to a miraculous victory.

The 25-year-old medium pacer scalped three wickets in her sixth over and 40th of the innings. The right arm medium pacer raced in with intent and deadly accuracy to trap Katherine Brunt (1)

via lbw route with her first delivery and followed up with two wickets off the fifth and sixth. With the adrenaline following, she bowled Laura Marsh for zero and immediately forced newcomer Sophie Ecclestone to nibble to wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle who made no mistake behind the stumps with the next delivery.

Dottin celebrated in fine style with those brutal strikes that made a negative impact to the English women’s mental awareness and optimism of holding on to their lead for the final three matches.

Three wickets off six balls without a run scored and the inevitable result was not too far away. West Indian players were over-delighted and gathered immense energy and power for the third ODIs as Dottin sealed a remarkable victory when she prised out Amy Jones, lbw for 1; with the fourth delivery of her seventh over and the 42nd of England’s innings.

Guyanese medium pacer Evra Giddings started the demolition job with the removal of opener Lauren Whitfield, lbw for 2 while Taylor castled Tammy Beaumont for 19 (2x4, 39 balls). Giddings (4-1-7-1), Taylor (5-1-7-1)

Deandra Dottin and Anisa Mohammed (7- ODI, Taylor continued to 0-21-1) shared the other defy the English bowlers and wickets that brought about notched her 24th career fifty the demise of the England before she was deceived by Women. a slower ball from England Earlier, when West Indies Women new-ball bowler batted, openers Shaquana Katherine Brunt and offered Quintyne and Hayley Mat- a straightforward catch to thews contributed 15 each Laura Marsh at mid-on. and after a promising start, She topscored with 56 West Indies were 35 for 2 in that included four fours off 13.2 overs following their 86 deliveries and also feadismissals. tured in a 35-run sixth-wickHowever, Taylor and et partnership with StacyAnn Dottin shared a 37-run King (14) that allowed the third-wicket stand before West Indies team to be better left-arm spinner Alexandra placed at 124 for 6 when she Hartley outfoxed Dottin and was dismissed for 56. had her lbw for 21 (1x4, 46 Fletcher also contribballs). uted with the bat and Hartley continued her made 14 to help WI reach impressive performances and 148, which proved more collected three more vital than enough to celebrate wickets to finish with 4 for a famous victory over the 31 from 10 overs. much-vaunted England Playing her 92nd career team.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Golden Jaguars tackle Reggae Boyz tonight

THE MUCH-awaited clash between Caribbean Cup champions Jamaica and Guyana’s Golden Jaguars will take place this eveinhg at the Leonora Stadium, beginning at 20:00hrs.

While both coaches were conservative in making any predictions as to the outcome, they promised a game of quality.

At a Guyana Football Federation’s press briefing yesterday at the Signature Inn in Queenstown, head coach of the Reggae Boyz, Theodore ‘Tappa’ Whitmore told the media that the passage of hurricane Matthew prevented his

squad from having any training session.

The former original Reggae Boyz player said he was “looking forward to a good and competitive game’. Whitmore who was just named interim head coach for the 3rd round games, added that the commitment and experience of the players would be key to the team’s success.

“It’s a very difficult situation. We did not get a chance to put in a decent training session so we have to focus more on the experience of the players. Their commitment is going to play a great role. We know that Guyana

… Both coaches expect a good game

lost to Suriname so they would want to get something out of the game. We just have to remain positive and get something out of the game,” Whitmore stated.

His counterpart, Jamal Shabazz also wants his charges to be positive. “We are desperate to get a positive result because we want to remain in the competition and this game provides a slight opportunity for us. We now have got to forget about the reputation of Jamaica and think positive,

think like hosts. They come to our doorsteps and we have got to approach it with the courage and confidence that is necessary.

“For us, we have taken away the pressure from ourselves because we are very focused on wanting to give of our best,” the Trinbagonian said.

Shabazz hinted that there might be a few changes to the starting line-up and declared that ‘where we lack in fitness or match-readiness, I think

we’ll make up in enthusiasm.’

Golden Jaguars captain Christopher Nurse implored the fans to come out and support the team as it could be motivation for the team to perform better.

“It is important for the public to know that getting behind the team can give them that extra energy, especially home here in Guyana. The players always find a little extra boost, regardless of the fitness level.

And the fans play a key role in

giving them that extra motivation,” Nurse revealed.

Captain of the Reggae Boyz, Jevaughn Watson was expressively confident in his brief remarks. “It’s going to be a quality game because they have very good players and they are going to come out and put their best foot forward; so we are going to do the same.

“We like competitive games and we are here to win a game. It’s not going to be easy because they are a good team. At the end of the day we intend to come away with 3 points.”

Neto undefeated at National Chess Junior Qualifier

T H E N AT I O N A L Chess Junior Qualifiers tournament ended with favourite Roberto Neto playing undefeated.

The tourney was hosted at the National Resource Centre and the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

For Neto it was a close tournament, however, as the Ali siblings - Saeednwar and Sheriffa - nipped at his heels. Having travelled as the reserve player of the National Team that attended the 42nd Chess Olympiad, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Neto finished with an undefeated 6.5 points from the allocated 7 games. His closest rivals were Saeed Ali with 5.5

and Sheriffa on 5.

Joshua Gopaul also finished with 5 points, followed by Ghansham Allijohn and Jaden Taylor with 4 points apiece (Saints Stanislaus College Chess Club).

The tournament also saw former QC student Aravinda Singh make his return to chess with a fighting 4 points. Completing the group of players to qualify was Christ Church Secondary student Nellisha Johnson, who played a hard-fought last game to claim her spot ahead of her sister Waveney Johnson on a tie-breaker. They both finished with 4 points.

The Guyana Chess

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (Tuesday October 11, 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: 33 ODIs Inzamam-ul-Haq (11,701 ODI runs) Today’s Quiz: How many Pakistanis have now made ODI centuries against the WI? Who was declared ‘Man of the Series’ in the recently-concluded ODI engagement between the WI and Pakistan?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

Federation (GCF) would like to extend thanks to the Director of Sport and the National Sports Commission for allowing the use of the games facilities.

The National Junior Chess Championship will be held in two weeks’ time and qualifying players will participate in a round-robin showdown to determine the Guyana 2016 National Junior Chess Champion.

L-R: Joshua Gopaul, WCM Sheriffa Ali, Saeed Ali, Roberto Neto, Aravinda Singh and National coach CM Wendell Meusa

Tsonga makes winning return, Johnson sets up Murray reunion THERE were no signs of rust from a returning Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Shanghai and Steve Johnson set up a clash with Andy Murray.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga marked his return from injury at the Shanghai Masters with a comfortable first-round win over Florian Mayer.

The world number 13 had not played since he was forced to retire from his U.S. Open quarter-final with Novak Djokovic with a knee issue.

But he showed little signs of rust yesterday as he saw off Mayer 6-3, 6-2 in just 71 minutes.

Tsonga was the only seed in action in Shanghai, but teenager Alexander Zverev provided a further demonstration of his talent with a straight-sets win over John Isner.

Steve Johnson also pro-

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga gressed, but Ivo Karlovic is out of the ATP 1000 event after his defeat to Vasek Pospisil.

Tsonga went into his meeting with Mayer having won all five of their previous encounters.

And the German was unable to end his wait for a victory against the former Australian Open finalist, as he paid the price for wasting two break points in the opening

game of the match.

The Frenchman took full control after winning the opening set and, though Mayer fought hard to save four match points, his effort proved in vain, as the ninth seed set up a clash with Janko Tipsarevic.

With just five places separating the two in the rankings, Zverev’s contest with Isner looked set to be a hard-fought one.

But that did not prove the case as the 19-year-old German showed why he sits above the American in the rankings, the world number 21 winning 6-4, 6-2.

Known for his booming serve, Isner found himself behind on the ace-count 9-5, with both players losing just seven points on their first serve. However, Isner won only seven points on his second serve and was punished as Zverev broke four times.

Johnson narrowly missed out on beating Andy Murray in the quarter-finals at Rio 2016, but will have a chance to avenge his Olympic loss after seeing off Martin Klizan 6-4, 6-3.

The American required only 61 minutes to end the Slovakian’s challenge, and will now aim to dent Murray’s bid to end the year as world number one.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Fraser stands tall against Klautky

IN THE Bakewell Junior Open Girls U-14 Lawn Tennis tournament which finished last Saturday, Kalyca Fraser pulled off a comeback win to secure the title.

At the beginning of the match, Fraser was off to a slow start, immediately going down to Klautky 0-1.

Both players were without a commanding serve and traded service breaks until Fraser held serve to go up 3-2. She then broke Klautky to take the set at 4-2.

In the second set, Fraser lost her first serve to once again trail 0-1.

Klautky then held serve to go up 2-0 but Fraser rallied back with increasingly angled approach shots to win three straight

games to pull ahead at 3-2.

Klautky then maintained good standing with a flurry of solid groundstrokes at game points to hold serve to level at 3 and break again to go up 4-3.

But Fraser broke back to force the tie-breaker. Both players improved their consistency dramatically trading points to 6-6 when Fraser made a crucial double fault that turned out to a be a confidence-booster for Klautky, who won the point then the set at 5-4(86) to force the third set tie-breaker.

In the third set tie-breaker it was clear that both players were tiring, since they both missed good opportunities to win. Howev-

Girls U-14 finalists Kalyca Fraser and Sarah Klautky

-takes home Bakewell Junior Girls Under-14 title er being up at 5-4 Fraser became overconfident and aggressive which led to many unforced errors at the net, giving Klautky three critical points to go up 7-5.

Learning from her mistakes, Fraser settled and caused trouble for Klautky with her crosscourt forehand for the next four points to go up 9-7, as Klautky

became visibly frustrated at her weak service game.

After Klautky managed to win one point, Fraser was able to close out the match at 4-2 4-5(6-8), 10-8.

Leading up to the match, Klautky defeated Nathalie Ramdyhan in the semis 4-0 and 4-2 while Fraser defeated Ciara Pooran 4-0 and 4-3.

Fraser stands tall against Klautky (See story on page 27)

Windies Women shock English rivals Level series 1-1

Time for celebration. (See story on page 25)

Golden Jaguars tackle Reggae Boyz tonight Both coaches expect a good game (See story on page 26) Printed and Published by Guyana National Newspapers Limi ted, Lama Avenue, Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Telephone: 2 2 7- 5204, 2 2 7- 5216.

The Jamaicans were early on the field at Leonora Stadium yesterday.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016