Guyana Chronicle E-Paper 12 08 2016

No. 104641

FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2016

Price: $80

Drug bond deal for review (Vat Inclusive)

…gov’t defends new facility, Norton to apologise

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Dancers perform before a packed audience at Wednesday night’s 20th Anniversary celebration of Iwokrama at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown. (GINA photo) see story on page 9)

Bandits blitz Japanese trio

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Buxton man shot 20 in bed Page

No Autopsy on escape for Lethem Page 20 Styrofoam stillbirths smugglers Page 11

released

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…President knocks New GPC for jacking up bond fees for drug storage

By Alva Solomon

THE move by the government to award a multimillion-dollar contract to store pharmaceuticals to a company in the city was undertaken out of necessity, and

President David Granger said nothing perverse was done in the process.

The President was on Thursday speaking on the weekly television programme the Public Interest.

The Guyanese leader noted that the “punitive” nature in which the New GPC increased its fees as a result of the termination of the single-sourcing , led to another company Linden Holdings Company, being awarded the contract. The issue flared in the National Assembly this week when Health Minister Dr George Norton was grilled by Opposition parliamentarians Monday in the Parliamentary Committee of Supply. Norton said on Monday that the space was being rented from Linden Holding Company, which is registered at 176 Middle Street, Georgetown, and has the storage bond at Sussex Street, Georgetown.

He said that $25 million was paid as rental and a security deposit for the month of July.

He also said that the bond was certified by an agency of his ministry. However, investigations by the local media found that the bond is incomplete.

Dr Norton had to report to Cabinet on Tuesday, the Ministry of the Presidency subsequently stated.

A sub-committee appointed by the President met Tuesday at the Office of the Prime Minister and was provided with “an extensive and detailed brief with regard to the issues, needs and challenges related to the storage

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

President David Granger of medicine and medical supplies.”

Speaking on the issue on Thursday, the President related that the Ministry of Public Health attempted to avoid the pitfalls of the processes which prevailed under the previous administration in which a “single corporation “benefited from single-sourcing, a reference made to the New GPC Inc. “They created a huge bond because that corporation had more or less expected the government will always buy from them”, he said. He said that the entity tried to charge the current government, but the monies were found impossible to pay.” It was almost punitive,” the President said.

He said the Ministry of Public Health subsequently sought to find a new bond.

“The government had to think about timings, the short-term storage of drugs,“ he said. He said the entire process was driven by necessity and “not by any sort of perversity,“ adding that the old arrangement of single-sourcing had been criticised and brought to an end.

The President has since ordered an investigation into revelations that $25 million was handed over to Linden Holdings to provide storage space for pharmaceutical drugs when in fact the bond is yet to be completed and certified. The Head of State appointed a Cabinet sub-committee to review,

examine and report on the issue. Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, has been appointed to chair the sub-committee and it includes Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Wednesday, the New GPC said that the fact is it has been storing pharmaceuticals at its warehouse free of charge to the Government for more than a decade up to March 1st 2016. According to the corporation, it had invested hundreds of millions into the most extensive and modern warehousing facility for the Government’s pharmaceuticals. “The NEW GPC storage warehouse facility of 70,000 square feet had been provided free of cost to the GHPC and the Ministry of Health. It has the necessary equipment, staff, IT, security, certification and sanitation to comply with WHO/PAHO standards. The facility also has three separate temperature-control zones for the storage of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals in addition to a separate area for the storage of controlled substances. It also has testing facilities for pharmaceuticals as well as several loading docks to handle the multiple containers that are usual in the government procurement shipment.”

SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATIONS According to the company, after the Ministry of Public Health indicated a substantive and substantial alterations in the old bidding procedure for pharmaceuticals on March 1, 2016, they approached the NEW GPC to continue providing storage for pharmaceuticals for the Ministry of Public Health and the GPHC. At that point, the corporation indicated it would charge the government a rate of $237/sq foot for the stateof-the-art storage facility.

At this time, contrary to the asseverations of the minister in Parliament, the NEW GPC has not received a single cent from the government for the rental due since March 1, 2016, even though

Please see page 3

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Drug bond deal for review …committee recommends review of contract, apology from Norton

By Ariana Gordon THE Cabinet sub-committee established to review, examine and report on the medicine and medical supplies storage in the city has recommended that there be a review of the threeyear contract for the Sussex Street storage facility.

The Government through the Ministry of Public Health has leased a property located at Sussex Street, Charlestown, to be used as a bond for the storage of pharmaceuticals. The property is owned by Lawrence Singh of Linden Holdings Inc. That review is to be done by Attorney General Basil Williams.

On Thursday, Chairman of the sub-committee, Raphael Trotman, told reporters at a post-Cabinet press briefing held at the Ministry of the Presidency, that a report completed by the Sub-Committee on the subject has also recommended that Minister of Public Health Dr George Norton offer a public apology for the statements he made while in the National Assembly on Monday.

The Minister of Public Health had told the National Assembly among other things that the payment for the New Guyana Pharmaceutical Corporation’s (GPC) storage facility was exorbitant, amounting to $19.2M, while Linden Holding Inc would cost the government of Guyana only $12.5M. The New GPC refuted the allegations made by the Minister of Public Health and said that the company has stored pharmaceuticals for the Government free of charge at its 70,000 square foot warehouse.

As a result, the sub-committee through its chairman has recommended an apology. “We are recommending, that in view of the statements made by the honourable Minister of Public Health and based on his explanations, which we have accepted, that he gives an apology, public apology and explain that his statements were in the context of the advice that he had received.”

Trotman told reporters that following the sub-committee’s

observation, it is “satisfied with the answers given to questions put and understood better the context under which the Minister of Public Health made his statements.” He noted that not all of the statements made by the Minister of Public Health were inaccurate, but highlighted the utterance by the minister to the effect that drugs were already stored in the new bond. “… that was not so. It was discovered that the building was in fact prepared and was about to receive a first shipment of drugs when the proposal was made for central air conditioning,” the Chairman of the Sub-Committee added.

The People’s Progressive Party has since rejected this move for Norton to apologise, saying it is an insult “and views it as an affront to the nation.” “It is to be recalled that when the minister was asked in the National Assembly to provide the details with respect to the location, the rental and certification of the bond, Norton sought to make a mockery of the questions which his colleagues on the government benches supported with mirth and loud laughter having found his explanations highly amusing, notwithstanding the fact that millions of taxpayers’ money was involved in the fiasco,” the PPP said. “In addition, Parliament was advised by the Prime Minister that all the issues concerning the bond went to Cabinet for consideration and were fully discussed and approved.

The matter therefore is one of collective responsibility and not solely Norton’s. So now the question is, who will apologise for the D’urban Park, the Haags Bosch and the Demerara Distillers Limited financial fiascos?

The Granger administration must take full responsibility for the Linden Holdings Inc. bond fiasco and must account to the nation and the National Assembly for its corrupt practices. The PPP stands by its commitment that Mr. Norton must go before the Privileges Committee and face the full brunt of the penalties.”

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there are substantial quantities of pharmaceuticals being stored in the warehouse. “There have also been references attributed to Government officials about a "previous" rental agreement. This is totally false: NEW GPC has always provided its warehouse free of charge. The NEW GPC, as a professional company that prides itself as one of the most modern in its field in the Caribbean, simply wishes to clarify the false and ambitious statements being circulated.”

SATISFIED WITH NEW FACILITY Trotman said too that the report will be made public after it is presented to President David Granger for review.

The Cabinet sub-committee he said is satisfied that the new storage facility has met all of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) standards for the storage of pharmaceuticals. Besides, Trotman said during the committee’s investigation it was discovered that the New GPC was owed a significant amount of money and as such, it was recommended by the subcommittee which comprised Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, and Minister of State Joseph Harmon that the pharmaceutical company be paid immediately.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health disclosed that a cheque had been prepared for the company but was never handed over. Additionally, it was advised that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure play a greater role when buildings are being bought, leased or constructed for or on behalf of the Government of Guyana.

The Sussex Street building is equipped with approximately 10 air-conditioning units, but a central unit was needed to ensure there

is a backup system at the facility. “There is obviously nothing stored there right now, the building does have all the necessary facilities as would be expected of a facility of that nature…it has a walk-in cold-storage area, delivery area, backup generation which kicks in within 10 seconds of a black out, it has 24-hour security, both physical and electronic, washroom facilities, electronic forklift system…”

Trotman stated.

Asked about the appropriateness of the location for the storage of pharmaceuticals, Trotman said the facility is “sufficiently insulated” from the dangers of flooding and the usually clogged Sussex Street canal. “What impressed me is proximity to the ports of Georgetown, what might be seen as a disadvantage [to you] might be seen as an advantage… it is near to the Georgetown ports so when stocks arrive they can be easily taken there without having to come along the East Bank corridor.”

He said there was no evidence that the facility is prone to flooding and should that issue arise, the Diamond bond will be used as a backup.

When asked by reporters to speak to the procurement of the building which was sourced as a result of an emer-

gency, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment said the Minister of Public Health does not procure buildings, but noted that he was asked by Cabinet in July to find a storage facility and in July Cabinet was informed that there was a possibility of securing the Sussex Street building. “…so I see it as nothing more than a coincidence that the price paid and the security deposit and first month’s rental are the same. There is no way government could have paid for the building in March, because Cabinet did not approve a payment until July.”

Tr o t m a n m a i n t a i n e d that the Minister of Public Health is not in the business of finding buildings but his officials. The Chairman of the sub-committee made it clear that there was no public notice on the need for a building to be used as a bond by government because it was an emergency.

“The mood of cabinet when this matter was considered at the beginning of July was that we need to find immediate space. Invoices totalling US$137,000 were received from the NEW GPC, asking that they now be paid a rental, half by the MoPH and the other half by GPHC,” He stated.

Given that the New GPC

is a supplier and is now a competitor in the open bidding process, government did not see it fair to other competitors to compete in a process with New GPC who would have been providing warehouse space to the government.

“We felt the immediate demand for payment of US$137,000 seemed a bit beyond coincidental once we announced there would be a change in the bidding process and secondly, that it would be highly unfair to other persons in the business to know government continued in a relationship with one of the competitors.”

Asked how Singh became aware of the needs of the Government, Trotman replied, “You’d have to ask Mr Singh that…obviously someone would have approached him.

I am not sure [about] the process, but at the end of the day, the facility is quite capable of a storage area.”

He said government is not worried about the public perception given the confusion about the storage facility. In fact, when asked whether the government is guilty of the same allegations it had levelled against the former administration on the issue of sole-sourcing, Trotman said the two situations are incomparable. “I don’t think you can confuse the sourcing of drugs and essential products [for several hundred thousand persons] …with the procurement of one building.

Given the circumstances, the Minister of Health was told to enter into a contract as soon as possible, because we were told we now have to pay rental for a facility that was free.

In the future, the government intends to own another storage facility in the city and the sub-committee has recommended that there be diversification, so that each region has its own facility.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Parents of Americans killed in Benghazi sue Hillary Clinton THE parents of two Americans killed in a 2012 attack in the Libyan city of Benghazi have sued Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

Patricia Smith and Charles Woods, parents of Sean Smith and Tyrone Woods, filed a lawsuit against Mrs Clinton for wrongful death and defamation.

The suit claims the former secretary of state’s use of a private email server contributed to their sons’ death.

The parents also accuse her of defaming them in statements to the media.

Islamic militants att a c k e d a U S d i p l o m a tic compound in 2012 and killed four Americans, including ambassador Chris Stevens, while Mrs Clinton was secretary of state.

Though a House Republicans committee cleared Mrs Clinton of any wrongdoing earlier this year, the issue has dogged her presidential campaign.

The suit was filed on behalf of the parents by the conservative group, Freedom Watch.

The parents, who have both spoken out against Mrs Clinton, argue that her “’extreme carelessness’ in

Sean Smith’s mother, Patricia Smith

handling confidential and classified information” on her private server may have

revealed the location of State Department employees in Libya.

Those details, the suit argued, could have been obtained by “hostile adversaries” who may have hacked her server and ultimately led to their sons’s deaths.

FBI director James Comey announced last month that it was “possible that hostile actors gained access” to Mrs Clinton’s email server, but added that the agency did not find conclusive evidence that it was hacked.

Chris Stevens, the sister of ambassador Stevens, told The New Yorker earlier this year that she did not

blame Mrs Clinton, saying it was “inappropriate” to make the Benghazi attacks a political issue.

“The Benghazi Mission was understaffed; we know that now. But, again, Chris knew that,” she said. “It is not something they did to him; it is something he took on himself.”

HACKERS FOR HILLARY The suit also claims Mrs Clinton made “false and defamatory statements negligently, recklessly and purposefully and/or intentionally with malice” in public statements.

The parents said Mrs Clinton blamed the attack on a controversial YouTube video mocking the Islamic prophet Muhammad, but later denied making those statements.

Nick Merrill, a Clinton campaign spokesman, said in response to the suit: “While no one can imagine the pain of the families of the brave Americans we lost at Benghazi, there have been nine different investigations into this attack, and none found any evidence whatsoever of any wrongdoing on the part of Hillary Clinton.”

(BBC)

Rights groups call for release of Bangladeshi journalist SEVERAL press freedom groups have signed a letter urging Bangladesh to release a prominent journalist who has been detained since April.

Shafik Rehman, a UK and Bangladeshi national, was held after police linked him to a conspiracy to murder the son of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

His family have denied the claims, while his supporters have described the arrest

as politically motivated.

Mr Rehman is the third pro-opposition editor to be detained since 2013.

The 81-year-old was the long-time editor of Jai Jai Din, a mass-circulation Bengali daily, and, at the time of his arrest, he edited a popular Bengali monthly magazine called Mouchake Dhil.

He was also an adviser to opposition leader Khaleda Zia, the prime minister’s arch-rival.

‘ATTACK ON PRESS FREEDOMS’ Mr Rehman has been in detention since April 16, when he was arrested over sedition charges that his family denounced as “completely farcical”.

Bangladeshi police have yet to submit investigative reports outlining the case against him.

“The delays in this case suggest that there is no evidence against Mr Rehman, and that he should be re-

leased,” 26 rights groups said in a joint letter to the Bangladesh government.

“Mr Rehman is a professional journalist who has spent a lifetime working for freedom of expression. We are concerned that his arrest represents an attack on press freedoms and forms part of a worrying trend in Bangladesh,” the letter added.

Citing his age, the letter said there were “strong compassionate grounds for releasing Mr Rehman on bail, while any evidence (if

there is any at all) can be gathered without jeopardising his health.”

The letter was signed by press freedom and rights groups, including Reprieve, Reporters Without Borders, and the International Federation of Journalists.

‘ANTI-STATE ACTIVITY’ Nadeem Qadir, press minister for the Bangladeshi High Commission in London, denied that press freedoms were under threat in Bangladesh.

“It is not uncommon for police to take their time with an investigation,” especially given that this was “a very sensitive case”, he added.

Given that Mr Rehman was accused of “a conspiracy to kill the son of the Prime Minister... there is no bail for this kind of anti-state activity,” he said.

Shafik Rehman

Rights groups also raised concerns over press freedoms in Bangladesh earlier this year, when Mahfuz Anam, editor of the respected English-language Daily Star newspaper, was accused of treason for accusing Sheikh Hasina of corruption in 2007, when the country was run by a military government.

(BBC)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Singapore sends Colombia razes manatees to notorious city slum Guadeloupe ‒ to help replenish Caribbean stock

A demolition crew in action yesterday

THE authorities in the Colombian capital, Bogotá, have begun demolishing a notori-

They also discovered a tunnel used by

ous district in the centre of the city called

traffickers, which ran from a house to a

‘The Bronx’.

local shop.

The area had become a focus for drug addicts, criminals and prostitution.

Bogotá’s mayor said the area would be turned into a new commercial sector.

Junior, one of the two manatees, being secured into a crate last Sunday before being shipped to Guadeloupe

A SINGAPORE aquarium has sent two male manatees to the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe for what it says is the world’s first re-population programme for the species.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore said the manatees, Junior and Kai, were chosen as they have reached sexual maturity, and are best friends because of their similar age. Kai was born on October 8, 2009, and Junior on February 2, 2010.

The pair was sedated and set off for their 34hour journey on Monday in crates lined with sponge.

They were to be sprayed with water during their trip to keep their skin moist.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore said they will be the first arrivals at the protected bay of Grand Cul-de-sac Marin, where the National Park of Guadeloupe is heading a re-population project.

Listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, manatees have seen their numbers decline in the last century because of hunting, net entrapment, and collisions with motorboats, Wildlife

Reserves Singapore said.

The West Indian manatee species has been extinct in Guadeloupe’s waters since the early 20th Century due to hunting, it added. The programme aims to release the future offspring from the 15 manatees in the project into the wild. (Reuters)

of drug addicts.

Local people argue that the problem of street crime has not been solved, as many of the former dwellers of ‘The Bronx’ are now roaming around the centre of town,

In May, security forces sent in to clear

or have been starting to concentrate in

the area found scores of children who had

other areas of the capital, the BBC’s Na-

been forced into prostitution, and hundreds

talio Cosoy reports from Bogotá. (BBC)

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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

Maintenance of our environs

A LITTLE over a year ago, there was what can be likened to widespread civic action by government, business and individuals, to improve our physical environs. This saw the de-bushing of Le Repentir Cemetery, cleaning of alleyways, gutters, canals, and de-bushing of embankments. There has also been the refurbishing of structures and landmarks, such as the 1966 Independence Arch at Brickdam and the construction of a new arch on entering Georgetown from the southern point at Agricola. Visitors over this period had nothing but praises for the change in physical appearance and offered encouraging words for those involved and the country at large.

Having embarked on such a massive rehabilitation programme, which was supported in spirit and physical participation by citizens in their respective areas, it is reasonable to expect continuation of such activities. Presently, as persons look around it can be seen that areas once cleaned are falling into disrepair. In Georgetown, where Le Repentir Cemetery falls under the management of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council , it is being overtaken by overgrown bushes. The pathways that run through the cemetery, allowing movement from one point to another, are becoming difficult to traverse.

The drainage within this ground has become overgrown with weeds.

On some of the streets and roadsides, shrubs are growing on the waste that have been left lying, having been removed from the gutters and drains during the clean-up exercise.

These are hazards as they impede vision and free flow of movement for users of the road. The national attention given to and received regarding the clean-up still see the practice of dumping garbage outside of designated areas and receptacles.

For instance, during the jubilee celebrations in May, waste receptacles were placed along Regent Street from Vlissingen Road to Avenue of the Republic. A visit to this area presently would see that those receptacles have been removed and the practice of throwing waste along the street and in the drains has re-commenced.

Where people are concerned about theirs and the society’s image, efforts have to be made to demonstrate that the cleanup exercise was not merely a spurt or for an occasion, but that of a preferred way of life. In the absence of a programme to maintain the work done it lends to the impression the society can only build and construct, but lacks capacity or interest to maintain. Avoiding such perception requires continued collaboration between and among stakeholders.

Activities such as the cleaning and mowing of lawns, disposal of garbage and maintenance of the shoulders of parapets and gutters can be addressed through the establishment of Community/Neighbourhood Association, with the authority of putting systems in place to hold members accountable to maintain their surroundings and the community. The activities of such associations can be integrated within the local government authorities. Improvement and maintenance may require developing incentive regimes such as tax reduction for communities based on performance and laws that can be used as penalty for those who keep their propertied/rented environ unkempt.

Government-- national, regional and local -- has to play a more active role in helping with maintenance which can

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

The First Lady is a real lady Dear Editor

HER Excellency Sandra Granger, wife of His Excellency President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, David Arthur Granger, is in my opinion one of the finest first ladies that this country has ever seen.

Being a strong advocate for women’s rights and national unity, with her role models being impressionable women such as Michelle Obama and Mrs Viola Burnham, Guyana’s First Lady is indeed a positive influence for women and children across Guyana and beyond. Since becoming first lady, Mrs Granger has been engaged in many programmes that aim to build and stimulate the advanced development of the lives and people of Guyana and in doing so, she has become a major role model for many both young and old.

Mrs Granger is a strong advocate of equality on every plateau, regardless of gender, race and religion. As the National Chairman of the Universal Federation

of Peace (UPF) - Guyana Chapter, an organization dedicated to peace, harmony, cooperation and growth, I do believe that in years to come, Her Excellency will be a force to be reckoned with in the social development of our country.

After becoming First Lady, she stated that one of her biggest concerns in Guyana is children and their safety and education, and claimed that she desperately wanted to make a difference in these areas. I am very happy that these ambitions were not in vain. I do believe that she will fulfil every promise made to the Guyanese populace.

A project of hers that has been highly praised was her promoting of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) projects in various communities. She recently launched a STEM Guyana Robotic Camp in Buxton/Friendship, mentioning that she saw all the possibilities of robotics and the increase of knowledge for the young men and women of the varying communities. I honestly cannot wait to

see what she does for the people of Guyana during her remaining time in office.

Another aspect of her life to be admired is her partnership with her husband, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Brigadier David Granger. In previous media interviews, the love, respect and admiration for her husband was quite obvious. The First Lady had stated that she believes President Granger was born to fulfil a greater purpose and she was proud to be by his side as he strives to make Guyana greater. In my opinion, this is the epitome of a great partnership.

The relationship between the two should be appreciated by all Guyanese and I personally believe that Guyana would have moved further ahead if every politician possessed a partner of the same characteristics as that of First Lady Sandra Granger.

Regards Haaji Roshan Khan National Chairman, UFP.

Deep investigations needed at City Hall Dear Editor

OH, how times have changed! Just over a year ago, when the present Mayor of Georgetown was the Deputy Mayor and the Town Clerk was the Public Relations Officer, they used to grab every opportunity they could to interact with the media, to be seen on television, to appear in the newspapers or on radio almost daily.

That was when they had ambitions of higher office and an agenda of undermining their former bosses. Today with the discovery of four secret bank accounts, with the parking meter scandal and the bankruptcy of the council, they are dodging, stonewalling and avoiding these same media personnel. What an irony!

The parking meter saga particularly, brings to the fore a very serious state of affairs at the council, and that is, the venality of its system of awarding contracts. The parking meter deal which was attempted since 1996 but which fortunately was thwarted by the then central government and which they then attempted again last year where they were successful in having the Council

sign a contract containing clauses that in some instances were outside the scope of the council making it null and void at best, but worse which are brutishly in favour of the contractor and considerably to the detriment of the citizenry, should have every citizen asking what about the many other contracts the council has clandestinely entered into, and which have been kept under wraps?.

Remember, the parking meter debacle only came to the fore because of the decency and rectitude of the present Deputy Mayor, who expressed his discomfort with this furtive deal, but what about the scores of other contracts and deals that the council has entered into and to which he or other councillors and citizens are unaware of?.

What about the illegal granting off interest waivers to wealthy business persons and other errant home owners worth tens of millions of dollars? What about the rental of portable toilets for millions of dollars or the hiring of one contractor to weed parapets and clean drains for hundreds of millions of dollars without adherence to tender board procedures or national procurement policies? What about the Merriman Mall

be done in many ways, equally as improving aesthetics, employment and economic opportunities. Government can look into the area of having roads and bridges adopted by the business community, civic-minded organisations or individuals. Landscaping is another aspect of maintenance and also a boost to aesthetics.

Flowers and shrubbery can be planted along the roadways, and in the medians of the East Bank and East Coast roads.

Growing more trees positively impact the air we breathe, environment and climate change. At a community level, there

catastrophe where hundreds of millions of dollars are being wasted on unnecessary and silly initiatives all of which were handed to one contractor without a public tender? What about the rental of a motor car for over a year now that has been placed at the disposal of a senior officer from a relative of that same senior officer? What about the granting of permission to one advertising agency to erect massive billboards all over the city at the exclusion of all the remaining advertising agencies in Georgetown?

What about the granting of permission exclusively to one person for the erection and maintenance of bus sheds that allows that person to make millions in advertising?

Citizens of Georgetown, a petition should be made urgently to have all of the contracts and deals from the last 23 years made public. If not, then at least they should be presented to all councillors, who are the elected representatives of the people. It is time for the deep dark secrets of City Hall to come to light.

Regards Mark Roopan

can be competition and prizes awarded for the best garden, or kept yard. This is an incentive that will motivate the people to think and act in a particular manner.

Very often where a solution–driven approach is taken to matters within our scope or responsibility, it will be realised that in some instances it requires small actions to make significant impact on our lives. This is one such instance and it is hoped that the relevant authorities can appreciate the wisdom and necessity to tackle this issue soonest.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Message by the Honourable Minister of Social Cohesion, Ms Amna Ally on International Youth Day 2016 International Youth Day 2016 is being observed under the theme - “The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production”. This year’s Day is about achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It focuses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.

As Guyana joins the rest of the world in observing International Youth Day we must be cognizant that our young people can be effective social agents of change and progress and this is certainly so in the social cohesion process. They are a crucial segment of society in advancing and contributing to the development of our nation because they bring dynamism, creativity, and innovation. These can be combined to deliver key solutions for the 2030 agenda of eradicating poverty

and achieving sustainable development.

Young people are an untapped reservoir of talent and it is essential that we give them the right tools to express their opinions and unlock their potential.

The Government of Guyana is ensuring that efforts are made to consolidate that.

We want to see our youth population actively engaged in strategic actions that will functionally transform Guyana into a green economy with widespread development in a sustainable manner. Their efforts can be dual, not only for a green economy but one that is cohesive where everyone feels a sense of legitimacy and belonging.

The annual observance of International Youth day is a reminder that we as a nation as well as countries throughout the world must seek measures to promote dialogue between the youth community and Government at all levels. Our efforts are to ensure that we establish mechanisms that permit

Minister Amna Ally

youth access to information and provide them with opportunities to present their perspectives on Government decisions.

Let us in advancing the role of our youth, actively involve them in the protection of the environment and the promotion of the economic and social development of Guyana. It is the only way we can truly ensure poverty eradication, and achieve sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production.

Happy International Youth Day to all!

New body to certify gov’t arms purchase MINISTER of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan has been appointed the chair of a National Security Procurement Committee, with the aim of reviewing the procurement of arms and ammunition for the disciplined services.

This was announced on Thursday during a post cabinet press briefing hosted

by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon who was accompanied by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman.

The announcement followed questions on whether Lawrence Singh, of Linden Holdings Inc., the businessman in the center of the controversy surrounding the Sussex Street Bond being leased to the government for the storage of pharmaceuticals is the same Lawrence Singh supplying the government with arms and ammunition.

Minister Trotman confirmed that the businessman indeed provides that service to the government.

Over the years, Singh has been providing arms

and ammunition to the disciplined services. He is one of several licensed traders in weapons and ammunition.

Singh reportedly submitted a memorandum to the government for the supply of arms and ammunition but that approval of same was deferred by Cabinet.

“Cabinet did not turn down a memorandum in the name of Larry Singh, one did come up and some more information has been sought but it has not turned down or refused,” said Trotman.

He explained that Singh, along with other businessmen prior to the APNU-AFC government taking office last May were permitted by the then government to be licenced traders in weapons and ammunition.

“It was discovered that Mr Singh’s Enterprise had been supplying weapons and materials to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).”He said there has been sole sourcing of the arms and ammunition because of the sensitivity of what was being acquired.

“We don’t want it to be known what is being pur-

chased,” the Minister stated, while emphasising that it is a matter of national security.

“You don’t put things like that out in open bidding. So government continued with that relationship. Of course, like every relationship it is under review,” he added.

Meanwhile, Minister Harmon said that at the level of the National Security Committee a decision was made that under the chairmanship of Minister Ramjattan an examination of the procurement of arms and ammunition be done. The examination of the procurement process is being done “so that any further purchases of arms and ammunition would be certified by that body.” “It is also in this context that Cabinet asked that the matter be deferred so that the committee chaired by Vice President Ramjattan can look at the specification and other issues and for them to make a pronouncement. It is deferred for the purpose of checking with the Minister of Public Security,” he added.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Communities and circumstance - Is there a connection?

APART from the fact that the temperament of a community is governed by the elements of its machismo and threats to its values (which often include unapproved intrusions towards its treasured womanhood, and norms that include challenges to its manhood), there are other factors that preside over communities that impose stereotypes, and fix conclusions on the nature of its people, providing certain expectations of criminal badness.

Forty years ago, in Georgetown, it was ‘Federation Yard’ on Regent Street; ‘Tiger Bay’ just off Main Street; ‘Berlin’, as parts of Charlestown were called; or ‘Warlock’ which, to this day, is still a troublesome part of East Ruimveldt. And there is one profile that connects these areas: Overcrowding and joblessness.

Every nation and continent has faced the reality of human groups being forced on the fringes of its own society into hopelessness, then evolving into a sub-culture of hostile survival towards what it defines as discrimination along race, religious and class lines.

‘YARD-FOWL’ VS ‘BOURGEOIS’ But the strong undercurrent that drives its creed, aware or not, flow along economic lines, commanding such slogans as “dem people”, or, to use another very local, more definite colloquial expression, “De Bourgeois and De Yard Fowl”.

Both social areas, however, are intertwined, as, because of the mystery of genes, the definition of ‘De Yard Fowl’ is deceptive, and can be imposed on energetic creativity struggling to rid itself from impeding circumstances and bourgeoisie blockages that emerge from pretentions without substance.

The Guyanese poet, Walter Mac Lawrence of the 1930s expressed this social ill in his time, as narrated by P.H. Daly, in his booklet, ‘Revolution to Republic’: “Show you how to make a living, On the minimum of work And the maximum of bluff and make –belief, On your father’s reputation, And the fat of social ties.

While the law of compensation

Shouts... a thief!”

That cultural ill has morphed today; it persists through intellectual dishonesty in the form of "Give me your ideas, but stay off my committee."

I cannot, however, resist recognising here that in P.H.Daly’s book (and he’s family), I couldn’t find in the credits the name of the artist who had executed the many illustrations.

SENSITIVE MEDICATION The anxieties of a society require sensitive medication and management. To ease overcrowding requires tremendous national finances to create housing schemes; finances I’m not sure are available. But whether now or tomorrow, it has to be done. Whichever comes before, whether the factory or the village, is up to the side of the urgency that tips the balance.

When these schemes do come to be, I would suggest that they do not carry the impediment of former schemes of squeaky, unpaved roads, which leave pedestrians with muddy, grass-covered gutter edges to stumble along on.

The problem with fallen communities is to educate and enlighten at the same time, because these gifts often don’t manifest in the same package, but are crucial in the nation-building consciousness.

One such current relevant example is the simplistic and embarrassing analysis given by world-renowned American surgeon, Dr Ben Carson, a Republican candidate at the time, about the Holocaust. “They [the Jews] didn’t have guns in Germany,” he said. “That’s why they were mercilessly slaughtered.” Great surgeon! But pitifully unenlightened on any working awareness of this historical period that he chose to use as his reference, to support his pro-gun lobby!

One cannot know everything, but academic success can delude an unenlightened mind into springing into unchartered waters; thus the balance has to be culturally cultivated to avoid references such as the one given by Dr Carson.

CRIMINALISED CULTURE Guyanese below the age of 30 have been enveloped by a criminalised culture of narco-trade and hitmen; easy mate-

rial gains such as motor vehicles, fancy clothes and expensive liquor (which that government now in the opposition still erroneously refer to as progress) have retrogressed our values by decades. Most citizens have witnessed this, and knew some characters who have participated or died in that anything-goes lawless period that the past administration had condoned.

Thus, the curbing of some criminal practices by an obviously more effective police force will send positive counter-messages, but with the easy availability of weapons, not many job offers, and small business overview entities undermanned and unable to impact on communities with a new survival philosophy, the task of enacting change has only just begun.

But how would such communities react should they see a 9pm one-hour drama on NCN, based on scenarios they understand, showcasing and highlighting checks and balances that they could relate to? Propaganda, edutainment, and life dramas don’t have to lie to inspire change; the references are there.

But once achieved, remove themselves, then the inspiration is overshadowed, and the candle smothered by the self-censoring force of “Banna, we’s this, we don’t do that.”

I can recall a young Greaves in the ‘Scheme Yard’ in the early 80s, with his glasses, talking to me and Andy Anderson, in a soft voice so his friends couldn’t hear him, telling us how he liked Jazz and Concert Music, something the other youths in his environment saw as strange and bourgeois. And we put his young mind to rest, saying, “They say that, because they don’t know or understand it.”

The fact is that limitations are cultural; money does not enlighten. Nor does certification.

‘De Yard Fowl’, Ben Carson, gets money: He buys a house, a shiny ‘4x4’, lots of CDs and DVDs, but needs guidance that his children need to read, and what books to buy, and how to remake their future sensibly, away from his nightmares.

That imaginary show I’m talking about might be the candle that lights that way, possibly for both Ben Carsons.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Give more to Iwokrama -Pres Granger urges int’l community

PRESIDENT David Granger Wednesday evening said that Iwokrama is embedded in Guyana’s territory, its law, its economy and in its political culture.

The Head of State made these remarks at the Iwokrama Centre for Rain Forest Conservation and Development’s 20th anniversary celebration forum at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre.

The Head of State said that through Iwokrama, Guyana has demonstrated to the world how a single, small country can contribute to climate change mitigation, while promoting sustainable development. “Iwokrama is part of the lungs of the earth. It is a global resource helping to mitigate climate change. Guyana looks to the international community to commit more resources to the centre to allow it to continue to be a model of sustainable development,” he said.

Guyana is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity, a multilateral environmental agreement, which calls for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of its benefits. President Granger said that these international commitments reinforce Guyana’s resolve to ensure the harmonious development of the great natural capital of this country.

“Iwokrama, with its rich biodiversity, is pivotal to positioning our economy onto a green-growth pathway. It is our key to preserving our environmental patrimony. The pursuit of sustainable development cannot be achieved unless there is an unobstructed obligation to the protection of our biodiversity. Iwokrama, with yet undiscovered and unexploited resources, is essential to our economic existence,” President Granger said.

President David Granger delivering his address at Iwokrama’s 20th anniversary celebration at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre He said that Guyana will continue to seek support for the establishment of an International Institute for Biodiversity at Iwokrama to complement the work of the centre’s efforts in education on sustainable development.

The institute is expected to allow students and researchers from the Guiana Shield, the continent, the Caribbean and the rest of the world to come to Iwokrama to study its biodiversity and to increase their knowledge and understanding of vital ecosystems. “It is my Government’s intention, with the support of international partners, to make Iwokrama into a world-class institute for biodiversity research, a centre of excellence to serve the educational needs of our students for generations to come. Guyana has a responsibility and it will uphold that responsibility to support Iwokrama. It is part of our patrimony. It is central and integral to Guyana’s green-development agenda,” the President said.

Vice-President and Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs, Mr. Sydney Allicock, in his remarks described Iwokrama as God’s gift to Guyana and Guyana’s gift to the world.

He also spoke of the need for strong leadership at the

centre, so as to bring together environmental, political, social and funding partners to promote and sustain Iwokrama. British High Commissioner, Mr Greg Quinn, read a message from Iwokrama’s patron, His Royal Highness Prince Charles, who pledged to continue to support the commitment and vision that Iwokrama represents and to ensure that it remains the beacon of conservation and research into the 21st century.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, who gave a reminder of the existential threat posed by climate change to every country in the world and said that the work that is being done at Iwokrama will make an extraordinary contribution in providing the answers needed to reverse that damage caused by climate change.

Meanwhile, Iwokrama’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dane Gobin, disclosed that over the medium term Iwokrama will establish a worldclass biodiversity institute, complete with classrooms, conference rooms, laboratories and accommodation facilities. This institute

will accommodate visiting scientists, interns and researchers from Guyana

and around the world.

The gathering was given a detailed presentation by

Dr. Dayna Baumeister on Biomimicry, which is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies. Iwokrama will be partnering with Biomimicry Roraima, which is a non-profit organisation dedicated to introducing the science to Guyana.

Iwokrama is a unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest. It was established in 1996 after the passage of the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development Act. This reservation is home to some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna. (Ministry of the Presidency)

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Kares Engineering will not escape - President says legal measures to recover cost for poor work on Kato Secondary

By Alva Solomon “People feel that once you are dealing with the hinterland that nobody will go there to check. “ Those were the sentiments of President David Granger when questioned on Thursday on the weekly televised programme, The Public’s Interest, about the defective Kato Secondary School.

According to the President, the school in its present state is unsafe for children and the Government will examine what legal measures can be put in place to recover the excess expenditure from the contractor, Kares Engineering.

And he said pointedly, that the construction firm will not receive any contracts from Government in the future.

The Guyana Chronicle last week reported that remedial works to the Region Eight school could cost more than $140M.This is according to representatives of the auditing company Rodrigues Architects Limited.

Kares Engineering was contracted to build the school at a cost of $728M. According to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, it is estimated that 60 per cent of the school is defective.

President Granger noted on Thursday that the defective building is an indication of the challenges the present administration faces.

He said prior to the 2015 General Elections “there was a big rush to finish projects at any cost” to indicate what the Government of the day was doing.

But things are different now, he said, noting that bad roads, buildings, stellings and bridges including the defective Hope Bridge on the East Coast of Demerara are some of the challenges facing the administration.

Turning his attention back to the school at Kato, the President noted, “it is quite clear the works were substandard, it’s unsafe to put children in that building.”

The Government is now faced with the task of correcting the faults, and the President said that it is a burden that the administration will have to shoulder.

“We are concerned with education, we want to see children in school,” he said, noting that the Government will correct the faults in the building to ensure it is safe and that the children who attend the school could have access to education as others in any other part of the country.

While the President has not been advised on a new building to house the students, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had undertaken a complete examination of the building.

According to Managing-Director of Rodrigues Architects Limited, Albert Rodrigues, the school has “countless” structural defects.

These flaws were highlighted in both the draft and final report of the project submitted to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure by the company.

In the report, a number of issues were highlighted, ranging from the prioritising of cost effectiveness over professional competence to the use of inadequately qualified consultants for the project.

Additionally, countless flaws on the physical structure of the school were pointed out by architect Davendra Doodnauth of Rodrigues Architects. Amongst the areas highlighted were bad timbers, exposed electrical outlets, cracking stairways and exposed steel.

“How could any self-respecting contractor accept work like this?” Rodrigues questioned, while pointing to another defect.

The Toshao of Kato reported that residents were anxious for the school’s opening but soon became disappointed upon learning of all the defects.

He said that the situation at the neighbouring Paramakatoi Secondary School, where students were re-assigned, has become untenable due to overcrowding.

As a result, students are forced to attend schools as far away as Sand Creek, Region Nine, due to the lack of available facilities.

Works on the Kato Secondary School commenced in 2013.

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said at the time that the facility when completed will cater for approximately 350 students.

The scope of work for the project included 12 classrooms, an industrial arts department, a canteen, two science laboratories, an administrative block, a computer laboratory, home economics and agriculture departments, facilities for differently-abled persons, sanitary blocks, two multi-purpose rooms, a library and research area, and a visual arts department. A dormitory to accommodate 300 students coming from other villages and satellite communities, was also constructed.

A dining area, lobby, sleeping area, laundry room, accommodation for dorm wardens, kitchen, and sanitary facilities were included in the scope of works, it was reported at the time.

Guyana attaining Category One status a priority

- says incoming GCAA Director-General Egbert Fields

INCOMING Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director-General Colonel (retired) Egbert Fields has said that Guyana attaining international Category One rating is a top priority on his agenda.

The comments from Fields, an aviator with some 46 years of experience, comes as an International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit of the local aviation sector is expected to start shortly.

Incoming GCAA According to Fields, a reDirector-General tired army officer and a captain, Egbert Fields who flew with the then Guyana Airways, the aim is to achieve international compliance, pointing out that for many years Guyana has not been compliant with ICAO rules and regulations.

“There is still a lot more to do to become compliant with international civil aviation organisations,” he said.

Fields has worked with the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority and is a transnational inspector with the Caribbean Aviation Safety Oversight System.

And with 18,000 flying hours under his belt, and 30 years of flying, he is deemed the “right man for the job.”

“I know what I can do for this industry, and who knows, we may have a return of Guyana Airways in the future with the attainment of Category One.” The state-run Guyana Airways Corporation had folded after incurring operational losses in 2000.

Over the years, many inspectors and other GCAA personnel have left Guyana for better offers overseas, and their departure has contributed to a decline in the aviation sector.

ICAO has estimated that Guyana is 40 per cent compliant with requisite international rules and regulations and has been downgraded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Category Two status.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Japanese trio on holiday, taxi driver robbed at Ogle seawall

- suspect held with stolen item

THREE armed bandits in an motorcar without number plates robbed three Japanese nationals, two men and one woman, and a taxi driver Tuesday night at the Ogle seawall, East Coast Demerara.

The taxi driver was identified as Abdool Rahim, 38, of Canal No.2, West Bank Demerara. A lone female has since been arrested by police with one of the stolen items, and is assisting with investigations.

According to a police release, the Japanese nationals were robbed of over $2M in electronic items, which included two video cameras valued $560,000, one laptop valued $300,000, $820,000 cash, four cellular phones valued $300,000 and twenty-three video tapes valued $106,000.

The victims, who are on holiday in Guyana, went sightseeing when they were pounced upon by three males armed with handguns, who relieved them of the articles and escaped in a motorcar that had no registration number plates.

47 girls complete selfempowerment workshop A BATCH of 47 girls on Thursday completed a fourday self-empowering workshop hosted by the Guyana Girl Guides Association (GGGA).

The GGGA endeavours to promote equality and empowerment of young women, in accordance to the Millennium Developmental Goals (now built into the Sustainable Developmental Goals).

During the workshop, the girls were exposed to careers in the sciences, technology, business, art, and engineering, Information Communication Technologies, music and entrepreneurship.

They also received tips on building self-esteem and how to engage in fun social activities.

First Lady Sandra Granger who addressed the closing ceremony of the workshop, themed “Be Your Best You” urged the young ladies to choose their career by themselves since it is a “life-long commitment.”

“Do not allow anyone to influence you by telling you what is men’s work and what is women’s work… if you like it… follow it… love it and give it your best shot… and above all, be brave and be fearless,” the First Lady who is a patron of the GGGA said as she encouraged the girls to “Never stop learning”.

GGGA Executives Sarah and Berle Gordon said the Association holds workshops every year for young women, but this is the first time it launched the “Be Your Best You” workshop as it wants to bring out the best in girls.

According to Sarah Gordon, the programme was aimed at improving “how girls feel about themselves” since over the years some seem to suffer from low self-esteem because they want to follow a particular career path, but are studying different courses.

“The girls begin to feel a little better about themselves,” she said after attending the programme.

The workshop participants were between the ages of 14- 23 and hailed from Plaisance, Buxton, Ann’s Grove, West Demerara, the Bishop’s High, Girl Guides from the GGA and from the Drop-In and Sophia Care Centres.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Stakeholders zero in on State Assets Recovery Bill

THE draft State Assets Recovery Bill slated for the National Assembly in October will incorporate the State Assets Recovery Unit (SARU) into an agency and will make its operations more efficient.

Dr Clive Thomas, Director of SARU, told the Government Information Agency (GINA), that the unit has faced “considerable” challenges since its establishment in July 2015. With the introduction of the State Assets Recovery Bill, the unit will become the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) and will empower the director with the legal authority to access information, Dr Thomas added.

“We weren’t getting information as we needed it because we didn’t have the legal authority as the bill now gives us to demand information and expect a reply,” Dr Thomas explained.

When the legislation comes into force, SARU will merge into SARA. On Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown the Ministry of Legal Affairs hosted a public consultation on the draft State Assets Recovery Bill. This, the second round of consultations, follows the first in January this year. Dr Thomas said he was pleased with the turnout at the consultations. He noted that constructive and important points were raised during the session, “and we’re hoping that it will help to inform the revision of the bill so when it gets to Parliament in October it will be a much more enriched bill.”

The draft bill aims to recover unlawfully acquired state assets from public officers past and present through civil proceedings, and is in consonance with the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The Bill stipulates the functions of SARA to include investigating whether state property was obtained through unlawful conduct involving a public official or any other person and the tracing and identifying of property wherever situated, suspected to be state property obtained from unlawful conduct involving a public official or any other person.

The bill is a civil recovery and civil remedy bill,which means it is non-conviction based. However, the bill makes provisions for the director of the SARA to initiate criminal pro-

AG to mediate in GPHC CEO fallout CABINET has made a decision to designate Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams as the mediator in the inquiry to have issues resolved facing the management of the Guyana Public Hospital Cooperation.

The issues were recently raised in a report submitted

by Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton and Williams was mandated by cabinet to submit recommendations for its resolutions within one week. This information was divulged by Minister of State Joseph Harmon at Thursday’s post cabinet press briefing.

The Board of Directors of GPHC recently reinstated Mr. Michael Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the institution breaking a year long stint of being on administrative leave to facilitate a forensic audit into the procurement process at the hospital. It was however reported in some sections of the media that the audit which was conducted

by Junior Finance Minister, Mr. Jaipaul Sharma, deemed Khan innocent of any skullduggery.

This however did not find favour with Norton who decided that Khan should not be reinstated. Khan last Friday showed up for work as he was instructed to do so

by Chairman of the Board Dr. Max Hanoman via correspondence which stated that he was reinstated. He was however subsequently informed by Minister Norton that he in fact was not reinstated.

The drama climaxed after Dr. Hanoman defied the Minister’s decision and instructed Khan to return to work or face the consequence of possible dismissal by the board. In an invited comment Hanoman said that instruction to have Khan returned to work was based on the findings of the report. “Khan was sent on leave to facilitate the forensic audit… When the findings were released by Junior Finance Minister Jaipaul Sharma, nothing criminal or fraudulent was found against him.

Minister Norton however contended that it isn’t rational to have Khan reinstated as the investigation has not come to fruition.

Minister of State Joseph Harmon at last week’s post cabinet briefing articulated that only one of the allegations made against Khan has been cleared but several others have not been addressed. Khan was CEO for years but was sent on administrative leave on September 9th 2015. Director of Medical and Professional Services, Dr. Sheik Amir is currently acting in the capacity of CEO of GPHC.

State Assets Recovery Bill consultation attended by members of civil society and legal practitioners ceedings, if, or when the need arises. There are also provisions in the bill for the establishment of a State Assets Recovery Fund which will see SARA utilising 25 percent, while the remaining 75 percent will go into the consolidated fund.

“We believe that institutions should be self-sustaining, that is the only way to ensure that they are relevant. They have to keep providing the means by which they exist,” as Dr Thomas explained the reasoning for the division. The monies from the fund will go towards capacity building, hiring of experts and forensic and other equipment, Dr Thomas noted.

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Meanwhile, at the consultations today, President of the Guyana Bar Association, Gem Sanford-Johnson questioned “the powers given to one person” while Mike McCormack of the Guyana Human Rights Association noted that “it’s not reassuring that there is actually nothing between the director of SARU and Parliament in terms of either monitoring or oversight.”

New staff of SARA will have to be appointed by the National Assembly within six months of the bill’s passage. However Attorney General Basil Williams assured, “The director will have the vision of the organisation; he has people working with him. He is guided by this statute, this legislation.”

The Attorney General said the issues raised at the consultation will be examined and addressed. “We will address those issues and if we need to adjust the bill, we will do so,” AG Williams told GINA. After the assessment of Thursday’s contributions, the Ministry of Legal Affairs will either hold another round of consultation or present the Bill to Cabinet, and subsequently the National Assembly.

The State Assets Recovery Bill was drafted with input from representatives of the World Bank and the United Nations and British Expert Brian Horne. The efforts of the Attorney General and those who worked on the bill were commended by the US Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway.

The State Assets Recovery Bill is part of government’s efforts to fight corruption. It is also part of the President’s desire to have a professional and unbribable public service.

(GINA)

No escape for styrofoam smugglers

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is actively pursuing plans to curb the smuggling of styrofoam containers.

This is according to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who on Thursday said that many reports of smuggling have come out of Berbice and the relevant authorities have been notified.

The importation of styrofoam food- service containers and styrofoam materials for

the purpose of manufacturing (molding) of food containers, was completely halted on April 1, 2016 by the GRA. The ban however did not stipulate the non-usage of Styrofoam material that was already in the country.

Upon implementation of the ban, the EPA prepared an audit of stocks of styrofoam food-service containers imported and manufactured in the country to determine the quantity existing and the estimated period for consumption.

This information will facilitate determination of the effective date for full

enforcement of the ban, including usage. These include styrofoam food containers, plates, hot and cold beverage cups, meat and vegetable trays, egg cartoons, and other products made of expanded polystyrene.

It however did not apply to pre-packaged food. The importation of bio-degradable food and beverage containers no longer attract the Value-Added Tax. Bio-degradable alternatives are made of 100 per cent natural materials such as bagasse, paper, corn starch, and even mushroom, and are

readily available throughout the country. These have been deemed a more environmentally friendly alternative to styrofoam containers in view of the health effects derived from their usage.

Styrofoam makes up about two to five per cent of the waste stream, and is used mostly in the food industry. The improper disposal of the single-use item has been and remains a threat to health and the wider environment, incurring clean-up and disposal costs in the sum of millions of dollars, a cost borne by the tax-paying public.

Sisters Village killing…

Man died of punctured heart, assailant for court today THE autopsy report on the remains of Rampersaud Rattan called “Arnold,” who was killed Monday at Long Pond Road, Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD) has revealed that he died as a result of a punctured heart.

The father of two was killed Monday night after being stabbed by a man in the chest during a wedding celebration at Sisters Village.

The police said his assailant is expected to face the charge of murder at the Wales Magistrates Court today.

Reports have revealed that Rattan, 47, also of Sisters Village, W.B.D., was trying to escort his attacker out of his mother-in-law’s yard because the man was misbehaving. He had stepped over into the yard

Dead: Rampersaud Rattan called “Arnold” that was adjacent to the wedding house when Rattan decided to escort the man outside the yard and he was stabbed to the chest with a knife.

His assailant was quickly apprehend by public-spirit-

ed citizens and turned over to the police. The murder weapon was retrieved by the police. The tractor operator who works at Wales Sugar Estate was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he died while receiving treatment.

The police said the murder occurred at 23:55hrs on Monday night after a drunken man refused to be evicted from a yard where he was not welcome.

Meanwhile, police lauded the efforts of citizens who continue to support law enforcement.

According to father of the deceased, Puran Rattan, this is the second son he has lost in a four-year period. The father of five explained that on September 7, 2012, he lost his

32-year-old son Deonanand Rattan under mysterious circumstance, while he worked at Roger Khan Timber Co. “I would like the police to deal with this case properly and it would be good if they re-open the other case where my next son was killed, two of my sons are gone, I just asking for justice to be served.”

Relatives who were in shock described Rattan as an easy going individual who does not get into trouble.

Residents in the area said the man who is in police custody is known as “Solomon” who sells oranges in the city. “He normally has a knife to peel the oranges when he sells it to people at Bourda side in Georgetown,” one woman said.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

GWI to provide water round the clock - to consumers in most areas

By Michel Outridge CHIEF Executive Officer of Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Dr Richard Van-West Charles has said that the utility is improving its revenue collection and will be embarking on newer projects for 2017 in order to make potable water available 24 hours a day in most areas.

The CEO, speaking at a press conference Wednesday, stated that the GWI has since rehabilitated 10 water filters, cleaned water tanks, pumps and reservoirs that have not been cleaned in 20 years.

Dr Van-West Charles added that in two months

time they want to impact the water quality and so the utility has established labs to check water purity for overall improvement on a 24-hour basis.

He noted some projects which GWI has successfully completed in all regions, and in Region One, Mabaruma, a new well is to be constructed and the water company will partner with the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) to get water from the Hosororo Falls so residents can benefit from treated water.

In Region Two, he said that the utility has commenced the drilling of a new well at Wakenaam and it is expected to be completed this year-end.

Meanwhile, in Region Four, the GWI has installed new distribution mains in the President’s College area, East Coast Demerara.

And in Sophia, where consumers have not had adequate water supply, the utility has installed transmission mains to North Sophia, while the Turkeyen well was rehabilitated and by mid-2017, the water supply will be significantly improved.

Dr Van-West Charles said

also that the utility has constructed two new wells and one storage tank for Sophia.

It has also installed new connections in Campbellville, where some 2,000 residents will benefit at a cost of $62M and this project will continue in 2017.

NEW TRANSMISSION MAINS The transmission mains are to be replaced in the Albouystown and Charlestown areas, as well as Georgetown, where they are about 100 years old and outdated, so the distribution system must be replaced in order for residents to get improved water pressure.

As it is now, the GWI cannot increase the water pressure because that would rupture the mains, but in Meadowbrook, the utility has completed 75% of the work at a cost of $8.8M, replacing distribution lines that were in drains, Dr Van-West Charles said.

In Lamaha Park, the distribution system and transmission lines have since been improved, he added.

Friday August 12th, 2016 - 12:00 hrs Saturday August 13th, 2016 - 13:30 hrs Sunday August 14th, 2016 - 14:30 hrs

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

ARIES - Paradoxically, there are so many options available now you can’t seem to decide which one to pursue. A thrilling connection between unpredictable Uranus and jubilant Jupiter has hope springing forth from the farthest reaches of your imagination, teasing you with endless possibilities. Although you’re itching to start a new venture, you may be temporarily thwarted in your efforts. Relax into the flow of the universe; your need for unfettered freedom will not wane anytime soon.

TAURUS - Reality imposes itself on you with a vengeance today, requiring accountability for any recent lack of discipline in financial matters. Fortunately, the need for clarification with others fosters a sense of trust and encourages sincere communication. Meanwhile, brilliant ideas flow through your mind like seeds in the wind. It’s up to you to catch the best ones and nurture them until they grow into tangible alternatives. Shifting from talk to action creates something lasting out of this deluge of information.

GEMINI - Metaphysical earthquakes can shake your life, upsetting the status quo and inspiring radical change. However, the Moon’s conjunction with nay-saying Saturn in your 7th House of Partnerships also brings a person into your life that appears to stand in the way of your progress. Nevertheless, the real obstacles are internal and it’s up to you to process your own resistance. If you avoid the temptation to promise more than you can deliver, you’ll soon see where the current transformation might lead.

CANCER - Fully appreciating your current circumstances can be tricky now as boredom motivates you to initiate impulsive action. Although you may be eager to make big changes in your life, it will take time for the long-term effects of today’s intentions to manifest. It feels as if you’re listening to a different drummer, yet it’s wise to save your wildest dancing until you see how everything unfolds. Be patient; once you alter the direction of your new path, it will take on a brilliant life of its own.

LEO - Your creativity may be blocked by a temporary lack of confidence today, but an unexpected encounter could flip your perspective upside down before you know it. Irrepressible Uranus zaps boisterous Jupiter in your 2nd House of Self-Esteem, suddenly opening the floodgates to self-expression. A person or an idea that seems too outrageous at first can trigger a stroke of genius that elevates your game to the next level. The only limits that exist now are the worn-out constraints of your own mind.

VIRGO - You can turn the sourest of grapes into the sweetest of wine if you’re willing to focus on the potential gain instead of the frustration of the present moment. Logically, you realise that a current setback might be in your best interest, even if it doesn’t feel so good now. Avoid the temptation to withdraw today; instead, make a commitment to engage in the process of metamorphosis as you free the butterfly from the restraints of the cocoon.

LIBRA - You must swallow an unpleasant dose of reality today, but this harsh medicine can help you to stabilise your closest relationships. The Moon’s conjunction with pragmatic Saturn in your 3rd House of Immediate Environment requires you to approach your plans in a down-to-earth manner now. The chances for success are excellent if you clearly state your goals to everyone involved. The first step to reaching the mountain’s summit is deciding to make the climb. Sharing your aspirations with your supporters makes chasing your dreams more fun.

SCORPIO - It’s never too late to manifest positive growth in your career and achieve greater financial stability. The Moon’s conjunction with crystallising Saturn in your 2nd House of Personal Resources is a quiet reminder to conserve your energy while working toward your goals. However, an electric Jupiter-Uranus misalignment is a loud wake-up call that opens your eyes and reveals how much ground you still have to cover. Stay open to changes that can increase your freedom, even if you need to take a calculated risk with money or in love to make the most of this propitious planetary energy.

SAGITTARIUS - You might consciously decide to maintain a serious attitude today while the Moon is constrained by somber Saturn in your sign. However, you can’t seem to make the ripples of excitement disappear as bountiful Jupiter connects with electrifying Uranus. Unfortunately, you may already be overloaded with work and it’s not a good idea to voluntarily add anything else to the pile. Nevertheless, you’re driven to capture the elusive thrill before the lightning show ends. Staying calm in the midst of a creative storm is your key to receiving the gift of cosmic awareness.

CAPRICORN - Someone might throw a monkey wrench of unexpected information into your world today, requiring fast thinking and emotional flexibility on your part.

Meanwhile, you’re more serious than ever about embracing the power of now and simultaneously creating a positive impact on your future. This alternating pattern of expansion and contraction can feel contradictory, but it blesses you with spiritual insights that are well worth the stress. Ultimately, an unexpected awakening delivered by the shock of Uranus can bring you an enlightened sense of freedom if you’re willing to be open to change.

AQUARIUS - It’s annoying if you can see the amazing alternatives all around you, yet still feel restricted in a way that prevents you from having too much fun. Thankfully, your self-restraint is rewarded if you work hard to fulfill your social and professional obligations. Nevertheless, the weight of heavy responsibility is counterbalanced by buoyant Jupiter’s connection to wild Uranus, tantalising you with mind-blowing possibilities when you look out toward the distant horizon. Logic tells you to avoid the more exciting path, yet your heart won’t settle for anything less.

PISCES - Overcoming criticism may feel like an impossible task, especially since the harder you try today, the farther you seem to wander off course. Ironically, a flexible attitude allows you to find useful solutions within the information explosion generated by the brilliant Jupiter-Uranus alignment. Although your inner voice is warning you to abandon your foolish expectations, rebellious Uranus has little respect for the laws of reality. Spontaneous actions can work against your best interests now, so walk carefully -- don’t run -- toward your dreams.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Guyana, IRS sign Inter-Governmental Agreement

By Vanessa Braithwaite THE Government has approved a request from Finance Minister Winston Jordan to sign a reciprocal model A1 Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

According to Minister of State Joseph Harmon at this week’s post-Cabinet press briefing, the agreement will allow financial institutions in Guyana to identify and disclose details regarding the holders of dollar accounts.

The signing of this agreement is timely, as 2014 and 2015 submissions of reports are now due and should be submitted by September 30, 2016.

This submission was deterred because the agreement was not in place, though it should have been since Guyana has been regarded an inter-governmental country since 2014.

“The signing of this IGA will also allow the conclusion of the service agreement with the software provider for the installation of reporting software relating to the Foreign Accounts Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), thus bolstering Guyana’s anti- money laundering and countering financing of terrorism thrust,” Harmon said.

Minister of State Mr Joseph Harmon FATCA is a United States federal law that was enacted in March 2010 with the intent to enforce the requirement for United States citizens (including those living outside the U.S.) to file yearly reports on their non-U.S. financial accounts to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN).

The Government had to choose between Model 1 or Model 2, but opted for the first. The benefits of this include the exchange of information.

The country must have in place protections and practices that are determined by the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be sufficiently robust to ensure that the exchanged information

remains confidential and is used solely for tax purposes and the country must have in place a tax treaty or a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with the U.S. Model 2 however provides only for a country reporting to the U.S. Any Foreign financial institution entering into an arrangement with the USIRS would be referred to as a Participating Foreign Financial Institution (PFFI).

PFFIs (local banks, credit unions and insurance companies) will be required to examine their existing accounts to determine who will be considered U.S. citizens, identify such new account holders, provide annual reports on them, and withhold payments to account holders who refuse to disclose relevant data.

PFFIs that do not enter into an agreement with the USIRS will be considered Non-participating Foreign Financial Institutions (NPFFIs) and therefore, PFFIs will be subject to a 30 per cent withholding tax on certain payments, including U.S. source interest and dividends, and gross proceeds from sales of U.. securities.

FA C TA w a s e n a c t ed by Congress to target non-compliance by U.S. taxpayers using foreign accounts.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

The new craze that is

The Guyana version in the afternoons or the evening would reveal a bevy of young people congregated outside, or otherwise parked in their cars. ed up thusiasts lin Pokémon en ment of the Umana ve along the pa ng Pokémon Yana, catchi

The 1763 Mon ument is anot popular loca tion where en her thusiasts congregate to catch Pokém on

A few weeks ago, with the launch of Pokémon GO, the Internet was instantly broken as millions worldwide took to social media to document their experiences about the joys of catching Pokémon in the real world.

Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game that allows users (especially those born in the 90s) to bring one of their beloved childhood games to life. And while at first, we in Guyana could not access the full features of the game, a few updates have since allowed it to trickle into our homeland. And now it has become the newest pastime for local Pokémon lovers, young and old.

Some may scoff at the apparent silliness of the game, which seemingly transforms its players into zombie-like slaves to their smart-phones. But, rest assured, the fad has been known to consume the time of even the biggest of critics, with just a press of the ‘download’ button.

THE BASICS And while the detailed “how to” of the game may take too much time to explain, the basics are as follows: Your phone uses GPS tracking to locate Pokémon near your location.

There are also ‘Poké-Stops’, in the form of monuments, where you can recharge your supplies and catch more Pokémon, while ‘Landmarks’ are gyms where you can train your Pokémon by challenging the designated gym leaders.

Sounds confusing? It really isn’t, once you get the hang of it. But the most remarkable thing about the game is the changes in socialising that it has brought to its users.

Here in Guyana, whereas locations like the 1763 Monument and the Umana Yana are oftentimes sacred spots only utilised on special occasions, a drive by at peak hours

And they’re all doing one thing: Catching Pokémon.

A REMARKABLE SIGHT It’s quite a remarkable sight to see just how engaged so many people have become by this game. Moreover, it speaks

to the genius of the Pokémon parent company, Niantic, to not only find an innovative way of making millions, but to also get people out of their houses, or away from their computer screens, by reinventing a classic franchise through augmented reality.

It can also be seen as a means of exercise. Well, if you decide to not just sit at a Poké-Stop waiting for them to come to you, that is.

With no tracking method, there’s really no way of knowing if you’re close to your next catch or not. All that you’re told is that they’re “nearby”; so, walking around is the best way to try to catch one otherwise. Moreover, every egg that you incubate requires that you walk five kilometers (three miles) to hatch it.

Of course, there are some dangers in the game, as people have been known to be victims of robberies and accidents while on the hunt for Pokémon (mostly outside of Guyana, but the pontential dangers still remain). And for that reason, the makers have installed warnings to pay attention to one’s surroundings.

Nevertheless, one thing is clear: Pokémon GO is here to stay, at least until the locals “catch em all”.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

‘Plus-Size Expo’...

Showcasing the beauty of ‘curvy’ women T

HE Ramada Georgetown Princess International Hotel is set to come alive Sunday with the launch here of the first ever ‘Plus-Size Expo’, which is aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and highlighting the beauty of plus-size women. The event will be hosted by lifestyle, society and culture platform, GT Memoirs, and feature attractions such as body confidence and self-esteem sessions, a Fitness Fete, a Plus-Size Fashion Show, and vendors showcasing products and services targeted at plus-size persons.

In an interview with The Buzz, one of the facilitators of

the ‘Expo’, David Dasilva, said that the idea for the event was conceptualised by a cosmetologist who dreamt of seeing an event in Guyana which catered to full-figured women.

“After seeing her enthusiasm, I decided to embrace her vision,” David said, adding: “We want to get the message out there that full-figured women are beautiful, and that they are just as appreciated as thinner women.”

In a world where the definition of beauty has been redefined to include curvier women, however, David states that he Dr. Michon Pertab, Miss Plus-Size 2012 and patron of the first ever ‘Plus-Size Expo’

does not believe that this is the case in Guyana, which brought about the necessity for such an event.

LOTS OF CATCHING UP “I think the way Guyanese treat full-figured individuals on a whole shows that we have a lot of catching up to do,” he said, adding: “Don’t get me wrong: There are a few persons that try to include models of a larger body type, but compared to reality, what they call plus-size really isn’t plus-size at all.”

Women who are full-figured, he said, are often faced with a stigma of not being beautiful, because they are not thin enough. So, there must be a change in the way we categorize beauty.

Interestingly enough, David said, when a full-figured woman dresses up and looks beautiful, it scares everyone.

“No one expects or wants a full-figured woman to look good...We as a people need to realise that there are many different reasons why women may be full-figured,” he said.

“They could have that size all their life; they could have gotten it through pregnancy... But it is highly offensive to go around making them feel like less of a woman, because they are not what the average image of beautiful is.

“It is 2016, and we finally see the world adapting to full-figured women, it is now important for designers and fashionistas to include women of all sizes to their portfolio.”

COMFORTABLE IN THEIR SKIN But thankfully, he said, more and more full- figured women are seen as being more comfortable in their skin, and making moves in the fashion industry.

One such example, he said, can be seen in Guyanese plus-size model, Natalie Moore who is currently in Jamaica completing her studies in Professional Makeup Artistry, and who stands on the platform as a model for NumNum Delicious Clothing, a fashion line which caters for plus-size women.

The ‘Plus-Size Expo’ will start at 18:00hrs, and will allow attendees to interact, discuss lifestyle concepts, purchase products and establish relationships for lifestyle enhancement.

Facilitators for the event are Rishon Seegopaul-Rambarran (Healthy Lifestyle Seminar), a health coach and wellness therapist specialising in Alternative Medicine and Philosophy; Wil Campbell (Body Confidence and Self-esteem Seminar), Managing Director of Solutions Training Consultancy and Counseling Services; and Valerie Browne (The Fitness Fete) of Guyana Jazzercise, a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, pilates, yoga and kickboxing.

The event is being held under the patronage of Dr. Michon Sukhoo-Pertab, Miss Guyana Plus 2012.

Pre-Expo tickets will be on sale until tomorrow, cost $2000, and will he available from Moi Toori Boutique, Loisanne’s Plus Boutique, That Look Boutique, Absolute Fashion and The Gift Shop at Ramada Georgetown Princess International Hotel. Tickets on the day of the event will cost $3500.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

GOINGS AND COMINGS

By Neil Primus

ANDREW was 23, and worked in the ‘Gold Bush’. He decided to work independently as a porknocker. He learned his new trade quickly.

His love for the interior was genuine; he became expert at locating gold. He also became an excellent hunter and tracker.

Whenever his camp was low on meat, he went hunting. He always returned with game.

One afternoon he decided to go hunting; there was urgent need to replenish stocks. He headed into the thick bushes. As he moved, he stopped regularly to listen.

Scanning the forest floor, he looked for familiar tracks.

Suddenly, he spotted one; a deer was close by. He became quietly excited; he would be eating venison very soon.

Somewhere up ahead, something moved.

He took aim and squeezed off a shot. The sound of the shot rang harshly through the forest. When he got to the spot, he found tracks going off in one direction. He followed, looking for traces of blood. He found none.

The tracks led him deeper into the forest and far away from his camp.

Suddenly, new tracks appeared; they had replaced those of the deer. The deer tracks had simply vanished.

TOTALLY CONFUSED Andrew was totally confused. He had never encountered anything of the sort before.

But that was the least of his worries. The strange tracks had a shocking feature: The feet were pointing in opposite directions! He didn’t know what kind of animal this was, and whether it was going or coming.

Excited, but and slightly apprehensive, he followed continuously. The tracks led

deeper into the jungle.

Suddenly, he emerged onto a magnificent savannah. He could see clearly for miles around.

He kept following the tracks, when reason defied him once again. The tracks suddenly stopped. Worse than that, it disappeared altogether! There was no way he could do any backtracking.

He was well and truly lost.

That night he slept a restless sleep. The next morning, he scouted around, trying to pick up the tracks once again. There was nothing to follow.

How would he make it back to his camp? he wondered.

Fruits and a ‘salipenter (large lizard)’ were what he used to help with his hunger.

He used the leaves of certain trees that stored water to quench his thirst. He decided to walk towards the sun, and hope to run into someone. He did.

Suddenly, up ahead, something moved.

He unslung his gun and took aim; but having

thought better of it, he did not shoot. Slinging his rifle on his shoulder, he headed for the spot where he had noticed the movement.

STRANGE ENCOUNTER The bush was getting thicker, but he managed to reach the area.

Looking around, he saw a deer. It stood looking directly at him with gently pleading eyes. Something melted within Andrew, and, at that moment, he vowed never to hunt in the jungle again.

The deer turned and melted into the bushes.

He went after it and saw clear tracks leading away. He followed willingly. In a few hours, he was back in familiar surroundings. The strange animal had led him back to his camp.

Elated, he ran into his shelter and began eating like crazy.

A few days later he was chatting with a native man. He told him his strange story, and the man nodded in complete belief and understanding.

“You met the protector of the forest.

You’re lucky you didn’t hit him, or you wouldn’t be here now.”

Andrew trembled at the thought. He would keep his promise; he would not hunt in the jungle. But he had an ace up his sleeve.

Instead of hunting, he would begin to fish.

Now, he would go out at night to catch fish. Technically, he was not breaking his vow. Fish it would be. His Amerindian friends told him he would catch the best fish late at night, especially moonlight nights.

The next full moon night, he was ready.

He borrowed a canoe, prepared his lines, hooks and bait. He was ready for his first catch. Rowing to the middle of the river, he tossed out his lines and sat patiently waiting on a bite.

Splash!

Something big was out there. Andrew smiled with excitement. There was another movement, and a flash of silver.

Splash!

A tail became visible for a split second, then vanished below the water’s surface.

Something took hold of one of his lines. It was strong, but did not put up too much of a fight. Andrew began to haul in the line.

Splash!

This time he saw the tail, and a bit of the lower body. It was humongous. What a catch!

He stood up in the rocking canoe and pulled with all his might.

As the fish came closer, he began to see it better. It was only when it reached the side of the boat that he knew he was in trouble.

He found himself looking down into a pair of flashing gold eyes.

The face was beautiful, and the hair a shimmering mass, spread out on the surface of the water.

The magnificent creature smiled at the petrified youth, then grabbed the side of the canoe and pulled hard.

Guyanese rock band headlines Brazilian Metal Festival Boa Vista, BRAZIL, August 6, 2016 – Et tu Brutus, the veteran Guyanese rock band, headlined the second annual Caxiri Metal Fest in Boa Vista, Brazil.

They appeared alongside eight other heavy metal Brazilian bands – Night Habit, Awaken, Old Page, Black Spectrum, Deadly Hatred, Carnivore and Coma State. The event was an outdoor concert, held at the Cultural Square, Boa Vista and was attended by 350 people.

This show was a historic one the band, because this is the first time in 10 years, that they have returned to Brazil to represent Guyana. All of the members who played at the SESC rock festival in April 2005, graced the stage again on the 6th August 2016, but this time, with the addition of their newest member, Brazilian Vanderson Alencar,

most of Spanish speaking South America, Mexico and Latin America.

The band was formed in 1998, in Georgetown and is the loudest heavy metal band to come out of Guyana. The band has held over 200 hundred shows and has played in Brazil and the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

To date, they have released 3 albums – Poison (2000), Trippin’ at the Side (Live 2002) and From the Dust (2016) and one single, Far Removed From The Scene (2006). One of their songs, Insanity, from the Poison album, was featured on an international rock compilation called Globe of Steel.

Et tu Brutus will be playing at Bunker 81 on Lime & Hadfield St. on August 27th, 2016. Tickets cost $500 and are available at the bar.

et tu Brutus at Caxiri Metal Fest playing lead guitar. At the SESC festival, et tu Brutus played to a crowd of 6,000 people and the show was televised to

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Buxton man shot in bed POLICE are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at 23:00hrs last night at Brusche Dam, Buxton, E.C.D, where Brinsley David was injured.

Investigations have revealed that the victim was in bed with his wife Zion Clarke, `who left to use the washroom and upon her return she saw someone pointing a black object through the bedroom window. There were then several loud explosions, and Brinsley David was found to be bleeding profusely.

He was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and had undergone surgery.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Prison warden stabbed by inmate recovering well - police investigating matter

By Rabindra Rooplall A RECRUIT prison warden who was stabbed by an inmate of the Lusignan Prison Sunday last is recovering well while police are continuing their investigations.

Prison Officer Kev in Patterson, 22, of New Amsterdam, Berbice was stabbed with a sharpened wire by murder accused Paul Charles, 30, at around 14.30hrs at the Prison.

Deputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels who recently visited the injured prison warden at the Georgetown Public Hospital said that the injured recruit is recovering well. He said police are investigating the matter and the prison is assisting in whatever way it can.

The attack reportedly occurred when Patterson and other staff were preparing to serve meals to the inmates. His assailant also received injuries, reportedly while being subdued.

He is also being treated at the GPH. According to reports, the prisoner and the recruit had an altercation earlier in the day when Charles had refused to return to his cell. Then at around 14.30 hrs, Charles stabbed Patterson with the sharpened implement when the recruit and other colleagues were preparing to give prisoners their meals.

According to prison sources, Charles had alleged that Patterson had shot at him during the March 3, 2016 Georgetown Prison unrest in which 17 inmates perished.

However, a prison officer

Deputy Director of Prisons, Gladwin Samuels in discussion with injured prison warden Kevin Patterson at the Georgetown Public Hospital made it clear that there is no possibility that Patterson could have shot at Charles, since Patterson is still undergoing training and would not have been issued with a firearm.

Prison sources said that Charles has displayed erratic behaviour since his incarceration, though he has not been deemed mentally ill. He was one of a number of prisoners who were transferred from the Georgetown Prison to the Lusignan Prison, in a bid to ease overcrowding at the Camp Street penitentiary.

Inmate Paul Charles has been on remand for the past seven years for the December 21, 2009 murder of 50-year-old boat operator Patricia Williams at Foulmouth, Essequibo River.

Her partially nude body was discovered by residents in a clump of bushes close to a landing.

An autopsy revealed that the woman was strangled and sexually assaulted. Investigations revealed that Williams had transported a group of men, including Charles, from Bartica to Foulmouth.

Autopsy on Lethem stillbirths released THE Ministry of Public Health has released to the Government Information Agency (GINA), the cause of death of two babies in Lethem.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings and a team of pathologists had visited the region to meet with the mothers and to carry out pathology examinations of the stillbirths following an initial investigation by the Regional Health Services Department.

The first examination done on the baby delivered by Sabrina Teloki shows that there were a number of complications surrounding the death. The mother of the baby had been having high blood pressure levels which are believed to have caused the death of the baby.

According to the opinion of the Pathologist, there was no evidence of the baby breathing during the period of labour. The second mother, Nelita Greene found out that her baby had a heart deformation resulting in the baby not surviving the final stage of pregnancy.

Greene had defaulted from treatment during the course of her pregnancy.

The Pathologist’s report states that the cause of death had been diagnosed as Multiple Cardiac Malformations and Intestinal Stenosis. Minister Cummings, during her visit to Lethem had expressed condolence to the mothers, and suggested counselling for them. Teloki, had complained that doctors gave her no reasonable attention in her hypertensive state. However, the Regional Health Officer reported that Teloki had an alarmingly high blood pressure level which saw the nurses continually administering medication to stabilise it at the time. Doctors explained that Teloki was released from hospital after the blood pressure level was normalised. Teloki returned to the hospital and gave birth to a still born. (GINA)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Autopsy finds...

Miner died by drowning - after excavator toppled into pond

THE gold miner who lost his life Tuesday while operating an excavator which toppled, died as a result of asphyxiation, according to the post-mortem examination done Wednesday, police said.

The miner, 45-year old Ricky Hughes of Glasgow, East Bank Berbice was working too close to a pond in the Omai area in Region 8 when the excavator toppled into the pool of water resulting in him being trapped inside.

Police said from initial investigations Hughes was driving an excavator close to a pond when the machine toppled into the waterway pinning him, resulting in his demise. The body was air-dashed Tuesday to Georgetown.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has confirmed the death, stating that it occurred during a mining operation at Omai. In a statement, the ministry said there was at least one fatality on August 9, 2016 as a result of a mining accident in the Omai area.

“While all the facts are still yet to be determined, reports are that an excavator was trying to lower an engine into a mining pit when it toppled and the operator became submerged, resulting in the fatality.”

A team of policemen has been deployed to the area to conduct a probe. The ministry, however, did not disclose whether the mining operation was legal or illegal.

A report of the 2015 Commission of Inquiry (COI) into mining accidents stated that these accidents were said to be caused by neglect of safe mining practices, including shortcuts taken by workers, who sometimes treasured their finds over their own lives. The CoI determined that there was a pervading culture of laxness towards safety and that clear rules must be applied and enforced.

Miner’s suicide….

Shot wife listed as stable, bullet pierced jaw THE injured wife of the gold miner who killed himself Wednesday night after shooting her is in a stable condition at a private hospital in the city, relatives disclosed.

It was noted that doctors will be looking at further surgical procedures today.

Seventy-three year old Theodore ‘Totie’ Adams shot his 42 year-old reputed wife Sarojini Warnauth in her mouth before turning the gun on himself. He was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head at the couples Lot 24 North Road, Georgetown home. The incident occurred just about 19:30 hrs. Adams operated a mining camp in the Mazaruni area.

Police said initial reports suggested that Theodore and his wife were involved in a heated argument when he drew his licensed firearm and shot her before allegedly turning the firearm on himself. His wife was rushed to a city hospital where she is currently undergoing surgery for a gunshot wound to the jaw.

Doctors have reportedly informed family members that her condition is critical due to the position of bullet. She cannot breathe on her own.

Theodore ‘Totie’Adams and Detectives believed that Adams, who was a patient of Psychiatrist Dr. Bhiro Harry, Sarojini Warnauth might not have been in his right senses when in happier times he opened fire on his reputed wife.

Reports reveal that for the past week, the miner was distressed when he shot his partner and turned the gun on himself. Warnauth’s daughter reportedly told police that her mother had just dished out food for the man when he accused her of mixing poison in his meal. There are reports that the miner had been claiming that persons wanted to kill him over the last couple of days.

Relatives said that the miner started suffering from a mental breakdown when he suspected his wife had cheated on him some years ago. They insist his illness was not severe.

Man carjacked at Harbour Bridge - says CCTV feed will assist police probe A MAN who was parked on the eastern section of the Demerara Harbour Bridge waiting on his girlfriend got a rude awakening when three men robbed him and carjacked his vehicle Monday night,leaving him in shock.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle,the driver Vishal Harrichand said that he is the owner of PSS 5038, a silver coloured Toyota Primo motorcar.

He explained that at 22:00hrs Monday night while he was waiting in his vehicle playing a game on his cell phone with his windows down, he felt a cold object braced against his head. He then realized that a man had placed a gun to his temple.

Suddenly another person jumped into the front passenger side of his vehicle and ordered him to Vishal Harrichand drive over the Harbour Bridge.

“Then I realize two people jump into the back seat and they tell me drive over the bridge, well because the man had the gun I drive over the bridge and they carry me to the back part of Parfaite-Harmonie to a place called Onderneeming. They then take all my ring, chain, cash, phone and even some new clothes I buy that went in my trunk,” Harrichand said.

He said further that after receiving a beating to the head, face and ribs the men drove away with his car leaving him behind. He noted that the men were all dressed in three quarter pants and the same night he made a report at the La Grange Police Station.

“It appears that the police can’t do anything much but if they get a copy of the camera (CCTV) feed from the Harbour Bridge they can assist in catching the men and getting back my car,” Harrichand said. “If anybody see this car anywhere they can contact the police.”

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

REOs told to shun corruption - as regional budgets finalised

REGIONAL Executive Officers (REO) and other officials from the Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) on Thursday began meeting with various ministerial teams to refine their 2017 proposed work programmes with the aim of having their budgets finalised and approved.

The meeting was held at the Umana Yana and was facilitated by the Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and Permanent Secretary Emil McGarrell, a release from the ministry said.

A team from the Ministry

of Finance, led by Finance Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Dr. Hector Butts, Ministry of Education and Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and his team were all present to lend assistance to the fine-tuning of the capital expenditure of the various regions.

Minister Bulkan outlined that the meeting was aimed at bringing together the sector ministries and RDCs to initiate the process that leads to the preparation and finalisation of budgets for the various RDCs. He noted that this fresh approach taken by

the administration is geared towards ensuring a financial management system and an astute accountability framework are in place at the regional level.

“At the level of Central Government, we are committed to the highest standards of accountability and transparency. It is within our mandate to make sure that where there are weaknesses and gaps that exist, it is brought to the attention of the appropriate personnel so (that) there is no recurrence,” the Communities Minister said. He detailed that specific

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Balram Balraj, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan and other officials at the meeting

Regional Executive Officers at Thursday’s budget meeting issues relating to the financial management of RDC will be highlighted by the team from the Ministry of Finance largely to draw attention to the serious concerns which exist within the system.

“We want to ensure there is a clear understanding that at the level of central government, no corrupt practices will be condoned and should these issues be a recurrent feature at the regions; there will be consequences and repercussions,” Minister Bulkan cautioned.

Dr Butts explained that the general thrust of the engagement was to create awareness in terms of how

the issue of public financial management shapes the perception of functionaries based mainly on the idea of providing a high quality service in the most transparent manner. He urged the regional officials to execute their mandates in accordance with the requirements of public accountability and to the satisfaction of their various constituencies.

Dr Butts pointed out that not only will their financial deportment come under scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) but also their attitudes, skills and knowledge base required for the task at hand. The meetings will continue on Friday

when regional officials will meet with teams from the Ministries of Health and Agriculture. Departmental and Subject Heads from the Ministry of Communities on Wednesday also presented their respective budgets to Ministers Bulkan, Valerie Adams-Patterson and Dawn Hastings-Williams.

P re s e n t a t i o n s w e re made by the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), the Sanitation Management Unit, the Community Infrastructural Improvement Programme (CIIP) and the Sustainable Livelihood Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Fund.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Big things ahead for teenager Joseph GROS ISLET, St Lucia CMC – Bowling coach Roddy Estwick has earmarked speedster Alzarri Joseph as one for the future after the 19-year-old produced a couple of impressive spells to rattle India on the opening day of the third Test here Tuesday.

Joseph, one of the heroes from the West Indies Under-19 World Cup triumph in Bangladesh earlier this year, finished the day with two for 38 from a 14-over shift, which impressed those who witnessed the performance.

“We’re happy with his day’s work. Obviously it’s his first Test match and he

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got two big wickets for us (and) his pace didn’t look too bad,” Estwick told reporters.

“As he goes along and he understands Test cricket and he goes from bowling 10 overs to bowling 20 overs in a Test match, and he gets stronger as well, he will improve.”

He added: “We have really high hopes for him in the future. He’s a young man at 19 years of age and it’s only good for West Indies cricket that we can get some more firepower to add to Shannon’s (Gabriel) firepower as well.

Handed the new ball by captain Jason Holder, Joseph helped rocked the much heralded Indian top order.

His first Test scalp was that of skipper Virat Kohli, caught at first slip by Darren Bravo with a superb lifter

Young fast bowler Alzarri Joseph is presented with his West Indies cap by legendary fast bowler Joel Garner who is also the team’s manager. (WICB Media/Randy Brooks)

and he returned in the second session to have Rohit Sharma caught behind by keeper Shane Dowrich, edging a big out-swinger.

Estwick said the transition from Youth cricket to the Test level was a huge leap for Joseph but pointed

Gaskin sets new personal best at Rio Olympics

… places second in his heat

By Daniel Haynes THE first of Guyana’s two-man swim contingent, Hannibal David Gaskin, finished second in his 100m butterfly heat in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. In the process he has made Guyana proud despite not going forward to the semi-finals.

Gaskin finished with a time of 58.57, taking down his previous personal best of 59.98 going into the games.

The swimmer, who is in the Guyana Olympic squad based on FINA’s universality place rules, may have also set a new national record.

The ‘old’ (long-course) national record was also Gaskin’s previous personal best, one he achieved after he broke Niall Roberts’ 2009 time of 1:00:02 earlier this year in Paraguay.

According to Gaskin’s coach Stephanie Fraser who was watching the race, the athlete did not swim his best race.

“He had a shaky start and when you have a bad start it affects your entire race,” Fraser stated.

In an interview with a reporter at the Olympics, Gaskin admitted he did not swim

the race he had wanted to.

“I drifted away from my game plan, my mind was a bit clouded,” stated Gaskin.

Gaskin also commented on being the flag-bearer during the Olympic opening eremony, stating it was a life-changing experience.

Also proud is the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA), which expressed sentiments of pride in the swimmer.

“We are happy to see that Hannibal has surpassed his personal best and is making strides forward,” stated GASA president Ivan Persaud.

The GASA president in an earlier encounter had stated that it was expected that Gaskin would set a new personal best.

All eyes are now on Jamila Sanmoogan, the second of Guyana’s two swimmers as she competes today at 12:02hrs. Her event is the 50m freestyle. Sanmoogan, like Hannibal, will have expectations of a new personal best.

The swimmer enters the heat with a time of 28.60 seconds, and will be swimming in lane 7 of heat 5.

out the Antiguan had already shown plenty promise.

“Obviously you had to integrate him into the side and obviously it takes time.

It’s a big step coming in from Under-19 cricket to Test cricket,” Estwick explained.

“The selectors felt he was ready and we felt that with this pitch with a little more bounce and pace in it, that it was a good time to release him. Obviously he did well, it’s only his first day in Test cricket but I’m sure he can be happy with it and he can build on that.”

Despite Joseph’s impressive spell and another two wickets for off-spinner Ros-

ton Chase, India recovered from 126 for five to reach the close on 234 without further loss.

The Windies were thwarted by a brilliant unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 108 between Ravi Ashwin (75 not out) and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha (46 not out).

Estwick praised the way the entire Windies attack went about their shifts but said it would take time for them to become proficient at their craft.

“We’ve worked hard on trying to get the boys to execute our plans. We know it’s Test cricket. They know they’ve got to be disciplined.

They’re playing against India which right now is probably one of the stronger batting sides in the world … so we’re working very hard,” he said.

“But it all takes time.

It’s a young, young attack.

We’ve got Miguel Cummins in his second Test match, Alzarri now playing his first, Shannon only in his 17th and the captain in his 16th, and Roston Chase in his third Test match.

“It takes time but we’re trying to build blocks and work and get there.”

Fewer than 10 percent of... of the podium again are slim.

Famed track and field statistician Mel Watman took a close look at the situation for Britain's Athletics Weekly magazine and revealed that since 1948 fewer than 10 percent of individual events have been successfully defended.

In that time there have been 58 back-to-back winners in 612 events (373 for men, 239 for women).

Lewis in the long jump (1984-96) and American discus thrower Al Oerter (56-68) are the only athletes to have won four in a row.

Soviet triple jumper Viktor Saneyev (68-76) and Polish racewalker Robert Korzeniowski (96-04) managed three but nobody has done it on the track.

In each of the Games of 1972 and 2004 there was only one successful defence, whereas in 2012 there were seven, with the six athletes responsible (two for Bolt)

From back page

all gunning for a third in Rio. The figures are slightly thrown by the boycotts of 1976, 1980 and 1984, but the general message is clear -- it is not easy.

One man who knows how tough it is, because he achieved it, is IAAF president Sebastian Coe, who won the 1500m in 1980 and again in 1984.

"There will be some great defences here but it is extraordinarily tough," he told Reuters. "You have to retain your form and your health.

"For someone to complete a treble you are effectively talking about eight years or more at the top and that's what makes the difference between the good and the great.

"Daley Thompson (who won back-to-back Olympic decathlons in 1980 and 1984) was undefeated from 1978 to 1987. That is gripping it by the throat and making the event your own."

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Moeen's third Test century inspires England fightback (REUTERS) -` Moeen Ali made a superb century to lift England to 328 all out after Pakistan had taken four early wickets on the first day of the final Test at The Oval yesterday.

The touring side reached three for one in reply at the close, leaving the match finely poised with England 2-1 up in the series.

Pakistan reduced the home team to 110 for five before Moeen and Jonny Bairstow shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 93 to drag them back into the match.

Moeen, who reached his century with a six over mid-wicket off leg-spinner Yasir Shah, was last man out for 108. Bairstow made 55 and Chris Woakes 45.

"I want to dedicate this hundred to my family because they've supported me," said Moeen after registering his third Test century.

"It was a great day in the end, we'd take 320. When I've got good players to bat around, and the tail also all did their jobs, it makes it easy for me."

England captain Alastair Cook won the toss and chose to bat in overcast conditions.

Alex Hales, on six, was caught by Shah at mid-wicket off Mohammad Amir while Cook, on 35, bottom-edged a short ball from Sohail Khan on to his stumps.

FIRED-UP WAHAB Joe Root moved fluently to 26 before he nicked a fired-up Wahab Riaz to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed and the left-armer produced another venomous delivery to account for James Vince (one) in similar fashion.

Gary Ballance became Wahab's third victim after lunch when he was caught

by Azhar Ali for eight while Bairstow, on 13, was caught

Moeen Ali reaches his third Test hundred with a six on the first day at The Oval.

off a no-ball.

Pakistan also spilled Moeen twice and he and Bairstow went on the attack, each hitting seven fours as they reached their half-centuries before tea.

Bairstow edged another catch to Sarfraz off Amir after the interval but Woakes continued his excellent form in the series, hitting eight

fours in 57 balls to continue the England momentum.

He and Stuart Broad were dismissed in the same over by Sohail but Steven Finn and James Anderson hung around to enable Moeen to reach his ton.

The England all-rounder had struck two sixes and 13 fours when he skied Sohail to Shah at deep square leg to

give the Pakistan fast bowler figures of five for 68.

Pakistan then had three overs to negotiate before the close and Broad trapped young opener Sami Aslam lbw for three, the batsman failing to overturn the umpire's decision on review.

Azhar and nightwatchman Shah were unbeaten on nought at the close.

SCOREBOARD ENGLAND 1st innings A. Cook b So. Khan 35 A. Hales c Shah b Amir 6 J. Root c S. Ahmed b Riaz 26 J. Vince c S. Ahmed b Riaz 1 G. Ballance c Az. Ali b Riaz 8 J. Bairstow c S. Ahmed b Amir 55 M. Ali c Shah b So. Khan 108 C. Woakes c S. Ahmed b So. Khan 45 S. Broad lbw b So. Khan 0 S. Finn b So. Khan 8 J. Anderson not out 6 Extras: (b-8, lb-7, nb-8, w-7) 30 Total: (all out, 76.4 overs) 328 Fall of wickets: 1-23, 2-69, 3-73, 4-74,

5-110, 6-203, 7-282, 8-282, 9-296.

Bowling: M. Amir 18-1-80-2 (nb-1, w-2), So. Khan 20.4-1-68-5 (w-1), W. Riaz 20-093-3 (nb-7), Y. Shah 16-2-60-0, I. Ahmed 2-0-12-0.

PAKISTAN 1st innings S. Aslam lbw b Broad 3 Az. Ali not out 0 Y. Shah not out 0 Extras: 0 Total: (for 1 wicket, 3 overs) 3 Fall of wickets: 1-3.

Bowling: J. Anderson 2-1-1-0, S. Broad 1-0-2-1.

Pakistan's 'Little Master' Hanif Mohammad dies aged 81 (REUTERS) - Former Pakistan cricket captain Hanif Mohammad, who was dubbed ‘Little Master’ years before the sobriquet was given to India's Sachin Tendulkar, has died at the age of 81, world cricket's governing body said yesterday.

Hanif, who was renowned for his immaculate defensive technique, played in Pakistan's first-ever Test match and scored 3 915 runs in 55 Tests.

He is best known for playing the longest innings in Test cricket. In 1958, he batted for 970 minutes to make 337 runs against West Indies in Bridgetown to save the Test for Pakistan who were following-on.

Hanif scored 499 playing for Karachi in 1958-59, the highest individual score in firstclass cricket until West Indian Brian Lara made 501 not out for English county Warwickshire in 1994.

"It's sad to hear of Hanif's death and I'd like to extend my condolences and those of everyone here at the ICC to Hanif's family, which counts so many cricketers in its number," International Cricket Council chief executive David Richardson said in a statement.

"Hanif took batting to great heights and many batsmen drew inspiration from him.

"His contribution to the

Hanif Mohammad batted the longest Test innings in history and ICC boss David Richardson remembers him fondly.

game has been enormous and one can only imagine the kind of impact his batting had on others over the years."

Indian batting great Tendulkar took to Twitter to offer his condolences.

"The cricketing legend #Hanif Mohammad was always positive and supportive.

Have fond memories of meeting him in 2005. RIP," the former India batsman tweeted.

Hanif was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2013 and was undergoing treatment at Karachi's Aga Khan Hospital.

He was among four brothers to represent Pakistan and his son, Shoaib, played 45 Tests.

Manchester clubs dominate Premier League transfer spending (REUTERS) - After the recent signings of Paul Pogba and John Stones, Manchester United and Manchester City's summer transfer spending accounts for almost half of the total outlay

by Premier League clubs, according to a recent study

by Spreadex.com.

The Manchester clubs' combined £322M ($417.41M) expenditure made up over 40 per cent of the league's total £794M summer spending since May. United paid a world record fee of £89M to bring Pogba back to Old Trafford from Juventus on Tuesday, while City signed England defender Stones from Everton for £47.5M later that day.

The Manchester rivals have also spent big on the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Nolito, Leroy Sane (all City), Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Eric Bailly (both United), and both clubs have a summer net transfer spending of over

40 per cent of their annual turnover.

The spending power of the Manchester two underpins the dominance of the 'Big Six', with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, City and United spending £529M since May, twice as much as the rest of the league combined, according to Spreadex's figures.

The outlay of the Big Six dwarves the league's average spend per club of £23M, while only four sides have turned a profit to date this summer.

Southampton, who sold Sadio Mane to Liverpool for £34M, Graziano Pelle to Shandong Luneng for £13M and Victor Wanyama to Spurs for £11M, have made the greatest profit of the division to date, with £40M. Everton, Swansea City and Hull City are the other teams to have made a net transfer profit so far this summer.

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Coronation complete Night of individual firsts in Rio pool as Biles wins all-around gold

By Alan Baldwin

By Pritha Sarkar RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - The tears flowed freely down Simone Biles' face as she was crowned Olympic allaround champion with a dazzling performance on the floor exercise yesterday.

An athlete who had been labelled the greatest-ever female gymnast, even before she made her Olympic debut, proved that all the hype had not been misplaced as she mopped up the title by a margin of 2.100 points.

Compatriot Aly Raisman claimed silver with a total of 60.098, while Russia's Aliya Mustafina settled for bronze.

As Biles completed her final soaring tumbling pass on the floor, no one in the Rio Olympic Arena needed to wait for the judges' verdict to realise they had just

Simone Biles (USA) (L) and Alexandra (Aly) Raisman (USA) celebrate winning gold and silver respectively.

(Reuters/Mike Blake)

seen the gold-medal winning performance.

Biles' triumph made her the fourth successive American to win the title -- following the successes of Carly Patterson, Nastia Liukin and Gabby Douglas -- which is

the longest winning streak by a country in the Olympic discipline.

She also became the first woman in 20 years to win back-to-back world and Olympic all-around titles.

Britain win gold in men's team sprint

By Martyn Herman RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Britain won the men's track cycling team sprint gold for the third consecutive Olympics after defeating New Zealand yesterday, with Callum Skinner anchoring them to victory in the first event of the track programme.

Skinner, Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes set the third Olympic record of the day to beat the world champions by the narrowest of margins.

Britain clocked 42.440 for the three laps of the 250-metre circuit, 0.102 seconds quicker than New Zealand who were bidding

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) – First-time Olympic winners, including Australian teen Kyle Chalmers in the 100 metres freestyle, plundered three of the four gold medals in the Rio pool on Wednesday but there was no getting past Katie Ledecky.

On a night of novelty, with Mireia Belmonte becoming Spain's first women's Olympic swimming gold medallist and Dmitriy Balandin winning Kazakhstan's first medal and title in the sport at a Games, freestyle phenomenon Ledecky provided consistency.

Swimming the anchor leg of the 4x200m freestyle relay, the American reeled in the Australian women and brought home her third gold of the Rio Games.

It also gave Missy Franklin, the now-struggling 2012 sensation, a first gold of the Games after she swam in the heats but not the final.

"I think I was prepared for any circumstance, whether we were ahead or behind.

I just knew that these three girls were going to put me in a good position to finish it out and I knew I could do it," Ledecky said.

"It's so easy to get up and swim fast when you're swimming for three other people."

Olympic debutant Chalmers swam fast for himself, eclipsing better-fancied team mate Cameron McEvoy to take his first individual

Kyle Chalmers of Australia, Pieter Timmers of Belgium and Nathan Adrian of USA pose with their medals.

(Reuters/David Gray)

Olympic gold medal after claiming bronze in Sunday's 4x100m freestyle.

Trailing seventh at the turn, Chalmers powered through the field in the last 50 metres to become the first Australian man to win the event since Mike Wenden at the Mexico City Games in 1968.

The victory also made him Australia's youngest swimming Olympic champion since Ian Thorpe won gold at the 2000 Sydney Games aged 17.

"I have definitely flown under the radar," said the Australian of a win that took him by surprise.

"I flew under the radar at the trials, I stayed away from the media and just did my own thing.

"Coming into this, I didn't think it was possible," he added of the victory.

UNDER THE RADAR Belgium's Pieter Timmers won the silver medal and defending champion Nathan Adrian of the United States the bronze.

Balandin said he had also

flown in 'under the radar.'

"I think the whole of Kazakhstan is celebrating right now," he said of his 200m breaststroke win.

Belmonte won the 200m butterfly after an individual medley bronze on Saturday.

She won two silver in 2012 in the 200m butterfly and 800m freestyle.

In the heats for yesterday's women's 100m freestyle final, Australia's Campbell sisters Bronte and Cate will now swim against each other after winning gold together in the 4x100m relay.

Michael Phelps was also back in action in the heats for the 200m individual medley, after winning two gold on Tuesday to take his career haul to 21.

Phelps, 31, is bidding to become the first swimmer to win the same event at four consecutive Olympics.

He and old rival and U.S. teammate Ryan Lochte were the fastest qualifiers.

Lochte, who has 12 Olympic medals to Phelps' 25, is swimming the 200 IM as his sole individual event in Rio.

Kenyan coach sent home after posing as athlete Callum Skinner, Jason Kenny and Philip Hindes, all of Great Britain, seen in celebratory mood.

(Reuters/Matthew Childs)

for their first Olympic gold in the discipline.

Despite reports of the track being slow beforehand, Britain set an Olympic record in the qualifying round.

New Zealand, anchored by Eddie Dawkins went even

quicker in round one and Britain went faster still in the final.

New Zealand led early in the race but Britain surged back. France beat Australia to win the bronze medal.

A KENYAN athletics coach has been sent home from Rio after allegedly posing as an athlete and giving a urine sample.

Kenya said sprint coach John Anzrah "presented himself as an athlete" and "even signed the documents" for the doping test.

"We cannot tolerate such behaviour," said Kip Keino, chairman of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya.

Anzrah is the second Kenyan official to be sent home over doping issues after track and field manager Michael Rotich.

Rotich was dismissed following allegations that he was prepared to warn coaches about drugs tests in return for ÂŁ10 000.

Keino said Kenya's Olympic body had not facilitated Anzrah's travel to Brazil,

adding: "We don't even know how he came here."

It was not clear which athlete Anzrah was pretending to be.

However, a senior Athletics Kenya source said he had spoken to the athlete, who claims Anzrah used his accreditation purely to obtain free meals from the athletes' village.

"When the anti-doping officials met him, they assumed he was the athlete and that he was lined up for testing," added the source.

"The coach, for fear of being exposed or discovered, did not explain to the anti-doping guy that he is actually not the athlete. Hence he played along and went for the test." (BBC Sport)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Toss, top order failure the Two days to go, nine real problem, says Harper races, 85 entries, over Guyana Cup horserace meet

By Rajiv Bisnauth

HEAD coach of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Roger Harper, has said that losing the toss and consequently the top order failure played an inordinate role in the result of the HERO Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final, which the local franchise lost by nine wickets to Jamaica Tallawahs last Sunday night.

The Warriors were bitterly disappointed that after topping the league and beating the Jamaica Tallawhas in the first playoff, they saved their worst-ever batting performance for the final, and were

dismissed for just 93, with only Sohail Tanvir making a significant contribution with the bat.

Harper lamented the fact that while they played some good cricket leading up to the final, his charges just did not show up at the final hurdle.

“We were not just up for it, especially when we lost the toss; it just appeared that our spirits went down,” Harper, a former West Indies vice-captain stated.

He added “The toss is part of our preparation leading up to a game, but having said that we were not competitive. It was a big

Roger Harper

occasion, big game and you look for your big players to perform, but the top four batsmen failed us.

The 53-year-old divulged that while the final was disappointing, it was a total team effort up until the final.

Harper said that despite this loss the team can take a lot of positives about how well they have played throughout this edition of the Hero CPL. This was the third time that the Amazon Warriors have lost in the final and it will be one of the more painful defeats, but as Harper says they are ready to try again next year.

Caribbean Senior Squash Championships

Guyana ladies make clean sweep against Bermuda THE Guyana ladies got off to a very good start in defending their title after taking Bermuda down 5-0, when their battle in the team competition of the Caribbean Senior Squash Championships began yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ladies singles third-place winner Ashley Khalil and the Wiltshire sisters Akeila and Larissa were all victorious in their matches while the other two matches, scheduled for the day, saw Guyana gain walkovers.

Two-time former Caribbean junior champion, Khalil, took a straight-sets win against Grace Eddy (113, 11-0, 11-3). Akeila took a similar score against Meagan Jackson (11-3, 11-6, 11-7), as did Larissa who overwhelmed Morgan Lightborne

(11-6, 11-0, 11-6).

The women will play the Trinidad ladies, today, as they continue on the road to clinching their fourth consecutive title.

In other good news, former Caribbean champion Richard Chin, Alex Arjoon and Kristian Jeffrey, arrived in Trinidad just in time to give the Guyana men’s team a much needed boost, following the injury of star player Sunil Seth.

The men’s team open their bid for the title when they face the Jamaica team early today, before opposing the Cayman Islands team later this evening.

Meanwhile, the Guyana veterans team fared somewhat better in their second matches of the team competition, coming up just one

Ashley Khalil

win short of an upset against the defending veteran’s team champions. In the day’s matches Ramon Chan-A-Sue defeated Don Benn 11-3, 119, 11-7 in the men’s 40-andover category.

In the men’s 60-and-over category Alwyn Callender

outplayed Leon Truss 5-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-8. The good fortune did not extend to Joe Mekdeci who lost 0-3 against Mark Sealy, and Juanita Fernandes who also lost 0-3 against Lynn McLeod.

Guyana play OECS today.

Rain halts Windies charge WEST Indies' hopes of moving up to and beyond India's first-innings total in St Lucia was denied by persistent rain yesterday.

The hosts gave themselves a solid platform from which to build on day

two after reaching the close 107-1, chasing India's 353 all out in the third Test.

However, Darren Bravo and Kraigg Brathwaite were unable to resume their innings as the weather ensured no play

was possible at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet.

Both sides will hope the weather improves today with Brathwaite 53 not out and Bravo unbeaten on 18, with 98 overs to be bowled in the day.

$30M up for grabs WITH two days to go before the 10th annual Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables-organised Guyana Cup horserace meet gets underway at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice, horse owners/ trainers are eyeing the cash prizes up for grabs during the one-day event.

At the close of registration last Monday, 85 horses were registered to contest the nine events on the day’s card which has at stake over $30M in cash prizes.

The feature event for `A’ Class horses over 1800m will see the winner take home a whopping $4.5M. Among the animals registered for this event are: Kings Knight, CP Got Even, Just Call Me Boss, Princess She’s Not, Golden Blue Echo, Spit Fire, Plum Plum and Lady Budapest.

Witchy Poo, Red Rocket, Isn’t She Charming and Firing Line are among those that have been registered for the 1600m event for threeyear-old Guyana and West Indies-bred horses.

The winner will be rewarded with $2.4M. Super Cat, Royal Jet, Perfect Gold, King Stanley, Awesome Cash and Flash Again are some of the horses

registered for the two-yearolds 1100m event which has a winning prize of $600 000.

The winning jockeys in the three abovementioned events will earn an extra $50 000 reward.

Other events on the day’s programme include a 1300m race for `E’ and Lower horses with the winner carting off $800 000.

Horses classified `H’ and Lower will do battle over 1400m for $500 000.

An 1100m race is also on the day’s programme and is open to horses classified `J & K’ and Lower with the winner earning $350 000.

Horses classified `L’ will contest a 1000m race and the winner will receive $250 000.

Trophies and other incentives will be at stake for the top jockey ($50 000 plus trophy) as well as the runner-up jockey. The top stable and champion trainer will also be rewarded.

Apart from the cash prizes for the winners of each event, trophies and cash prizes are also on offer for the other top finishers of each event.

The day’s activity will be conducted under the Rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA).

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER

(Tuesday November 03, 2015) COMPLIMENTS OF: THE TROPHY STALL Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & AUDREY’S TASTY SNACKETTE 176 Charlotte Street, Georgetown (Tel: 226-4512) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Shane Watson (Zouks) (2) Tridents & Patriots

Today’s Quiz: (1) Who scored most runs in the preliminary stage of Hero CPL 2016?

(2) Who made the highest individual score in the preliminary round of Hero CPL 2016?

Answers in tomorrow’s issue

31

GUYANA CHRONICLE Friday, August 12, 2016

Guyanese Danny Singh to coach SCA Under-19s TORONTO, Canada – Former Canadian captain Danny Singh has been appointed coach of the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) Under-19 team, set to oppose their counterparts from Ottawa Valley Cricket Council in a feature 40-over match on Sunday at the Ashtonbee ground, Scarborough here.

Singh, who migrated to Canada from Guyana several years ago, brings a wealth of experience to the job, having represented Canada in three World Cup tournaments and also have the distinction of leading the team for a number of years. His assistant is Yunus Motara.

Two other Guyanese also feature in the management staff with SCA treasurer Vish Jadunauth serving as manager and grounds coordinator Deo Samaroo assistant manager.

SCA president Shiv Persaud has expressed confi-

dence in the squad selected following a specially arranged practice match, played on Tuesday and is also thanking the several sponsors who have contributed to make the game possible.

The sponsors include Centennial College Alumni Association – Champion Trophy and Most Valuable Player (MVP); Habib Canadian Bank – Runners-up Trophy and MVP; Mazz Mark Auto and Paul Peter Insurit Group – trophies for the best two batsmen in the game and Pan Express Travel and Shaeen and Tikka Kabab – the best two bowlers.

The SCA 14-man squad reads: Jordan Pirali - Superstars Sports Club, Faheem Motara - SCA Colts, Chetram Devindra Nauth - Superstars Sports Club, Aditya Pandya - SCA Colts, Fardin Anwar - Bangla Warriors, Jermylee Barnett - Superstars Sports Club, Prakhar Sharma - TCA, Shehara Dematagoda - SCA

SCA officials after Tuesday’s practice match. Coach Danny Singh is third from right while manager Vish Jadunauth is second from left.

Colts, Towfeeq Ahmed - Superstars Sports Club,, Rudra Patel - SCA Colts, Trushil

Patel - Superstars Sports Club, Aharan Nithiyapalan SCA Colts, Thuvaragan Path-

meswaran - SCA Colts, Lincoln Hotiram - SCA Colts.

The umpires for the

match are Azad Khan and Frederick Halley. (Frederick Halley)

Barbados U-19s whip T&T by IOC rue empty seats in 'most trounce Jamaica difficult' Olympic Games ever eight wickets ...byWindwards 10 wickets IN the rain-affected match and a result determined by using the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method, Trinidad and Tobago lost by eight wickets to Barbados, who sealed an emphatic victory with five overs remaining in their second-round encounter at the Sion Hill playing field in St Vincent yesterday.

Windwards also enjoyed themselves by registering a comprehensive ten-wicket victory over Jamaica at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex while the clash between Leeward Islands and the ICC Americas team was abandoned due to soggy outfield conditions that allowed only 10.2 overs to be bowled at the Park Hill playing field.

Trinidad & Tobago batsmen struggled against the Barbadians with only wicketkeeper Joshua daSilva being able to make an impact with

a topscore of 65 that included eight fours off 91 balls while skipper Kirstan Kallicharran contributed 26 off 65 balls.

Deswin Currency (2 for 32) and Nicholas Kirton (2 for 20) were the main wicket-takers.

Rainy conditions forced the officials to use the D/L method and Barbados were set 122 runs to get in 25 overs.

The task was made much easier for the Barbadians to celebrate victory after opener Leniko Boucher and triumphant West Indies Youth player Shamar Springer featured in an unbroken 72-run third-wicket stand that proved pivotal.

Boucher top-scored with an unbeaten 73 and he hammered two sixes and six fours off 72 balls while Springer hit two massive sixes in his undefeated 27 off 26 balls.

After having whipped

Trinidad and Tobago in their first round on Wednesday, Jamaica suffered reverse fortunes and sustained their biggest defeat to Windward Islands, who crushed them by ten wickets in a low-scoring match at the Arnos Vale Sports Complex.

Jamaica batted first and were restricted to 130 for 9 in 37 overs while Windwards who were set 119 for victory, using the Duckworth-Lewis method, overhauled their target without losing any wickets.

Openers Anil Matthew 58 not out (10x4, 53 balls) and Johann Jeremiah 54 not out (1x6, 7x4, 85 balls) completely dominated the proceedings and left the Jamaicans shell-shocked in not being able to even prise out a single wicket in the one-sided contest. (Brij Parasnath)

JOHN Coates, vice-president of the IOC, acknowledged that swathes of empty seats at a number of venues have been a source of frustration for the body.

It has been in stark contrast to London 2012 where many events were sold out well in advance of the Games.

"This has been the most difficult games we have ever encountered," Coates said.

"I wish there were bigger crowds."

Organisers claim that about 84% if tickets have been sold, but many of the arenas have appeared sparsely populated.

"We did understand that they were distributing tickets to poorer folk and school kids, but we are still not seeing them at any of the venues," Coates said.

"That's a disappointment, but the quality of the sport is certainly rising to the occasion."

Australian Coates says

Even football matches involving the Brazil national team at the Olympic Games have not sold out.

there are "no regrets" about hosting the Olympics in Rio because "it is important to spread the Games" although it has been a "greater challenge" than the IOC anticipated.

New Zealand's Sonny Bill Williams was injured in his side's defeat to Japan in the rugby sevens and the ambulance which took him to hospital became lost en route.

Coates accepted that are

still some problems, particularly with transportation, to be solved to ensure the remainder off the Olympics goes smoothly.

"We had a bad problem with Sonny Bill Williams the ambulance driver didn't know where the hospital was," he added.

"That wasn't a concussion, but those are the things they are dealing with every day." (BBC Sport)

Fewer than 10 percent of champions retain title

Usain Bolt emphatically confirmed his status as the greatest sprinter in history as he retained his Olympic 100m title in peerless fashion at London 2012 Games.

By Mitch Phillips RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Reuters) - Usain Bolt has somewhat skewed the picture by making it look so easy but when it comes to retaining an Olympic athletics title, history shows that it is an extraordinarily difficult thing to achieve.

Four years ago Bolt became the first man to win back-to-back 100 metres gold on the track (1984 champion Carl Lewis was awarded the 1988 gold after Ben Johnson was disqualified) then repeated the deal with the 200m and 4x100m relay.

He, along with compatriot Shelly-Anne Fraser-Price (women's 100m), Tirunesh Dibaba (women's 10,000m), Valerie Adams (women's shot put) Tomasz Majewski (men's shot) and Barbora Spotakova (women's javelin), will be seeking to make it three in a row in Rio, while several other 2012 champions will seek to retain their titles.

British athletics fans will forever remember 2012's ‘Super Saturday’ when Jes-

Prime Minister Moses V. Nagamootoo (left) collects the autographed Guyana Amazon Warriors bat from team manager Omar Khan.

Prime Minister receives special edition Amazon Warriors bat

PRIME Minister Moses V. Nagamootoo was yesterday (August 11, 2016) presented with an autographed bat, by the Guyana Amazon Warriors manager Omar Khan.

The bat bore the signatures of all the Guyana Amazon Warriors cricketers who featured in the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2016.

Khan said it is customary for the team to present senior government officials with special autographed bats as a means of saying ‘thank you’ for the support given to the Amazon Warriors.

Upon receiving the memorabilia, Prime Minister Nagamootoo said he was very happy with the team and despite not winning the team gave Guyanese fans lots to be proud of.

The Warriors played four matches at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence in early July with sold-out crowds showing their support for the home team.

The Amazon Warriors finished the league stage at the top of the points table with seven victories in 10 matches. The consistent team then progressed to their third final in four years with a four-wicket victory over the number two team on the points table, Jamaica Tallawahs.

The Warriors failed to lift their maiden title giving the Tallawahs their second title and becoming the first team to win the championship more than once.

Gaskin sets new personal best at Rio Olympics … places second in his heat

Mo Farah shows his joy as he wins the men's 5 000m final at the London 2012.

sica Ennis, Greg Rutherford and Mo Farah won gold within 45 minutes on a landmark night and all three are in Rio and could produce

similar fireworks on August 13.

Farah is bidding to become the second man after Finn Lasse Viren (72-76) to

retain both the 10 000m and 5 000m titles but the figures suggest the chances of all three Britons standing on top

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Hannibal Gaskin just before he enters the pool at the Rio Olympics yesterday.

Story on page 27

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2016