No. 104395
TUESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2015
Price: $80
Total security for ‘big four’
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Wapichan people win Equator Prize The South Central Peoples Development Association (SCPDA), which undertook a groundbreaking project using GPS and smartphone technology to create a map and monitor lands traditionally used by the Wapichan people, was on Monday evening honoured with the Equator Prize at the Climate Change Conference ongoing in Paris. Here, in this Neil Marks photo, Programme Coordinator Nicholas Fredericks and his wife Faye collect the award from Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Helen Clarke, at a star-studded ceremony at the Mogador Theatre in Paris chaired by Hollywood actor Alec Balwin. The Prize, run by UNDP with funding from the Norwegian Government, comes with US$10, 000 cash grant.
Trotman talks up GDF rank was on financing in Paris ‘hit’ mission Page
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…businessman alleges, hands over tape to cops
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
GDF rank was on ‘hit’ mission …businessman alleges, hands over tape to cops
By Leroy Smith THE Guyana Defence Force Lance Corporal who, along with others, was nabbed in a car on Friday with a high-powered gun was allegedly on a plot to kill a city businessman, investigators have gathered so far. A surveillance tape is being viewed as the allegation is being investigated. Guyana Chronicle was told that police are investigating the matter, where a group of men, over the weekend, showed up at the home of a city businessman to carry out a hit on him, but the hit did not occur as the man was not at home at the time. The Guyana Chronicle was reliably informed that the man, who operates a business below his living quarters in Georgetown, is also aware of the moves to have him executed, and that information has been passed on to the police. Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, the businessman, who requested anonymity in an effort to allow the police to
do their work, said he observed from his surveillance footage that about six men had been circling his home and place of business, and had even attempted to gain entry to his yard. The men showed up at the premises on foot, bicycles and motorcycles to carry out their act, based on the footage, which
The car the GDF rank and others were sporting in when they were caught on Saturday was also seen by this publication and which has since been passed over to the police. When this publication made checks on the man’s past and his activities, it was revealed that he had recently made a report to the police about a man who owes him money, while another man with whom he had done business had proved to be not genuine in his dealings, and the businessman had cause to mention the two incidents to the police. One or both men reportedly decided that the businessman
was becoming a bother to them, and as such took a decision to place a hit on him. Meanwhile, on Monday, the businessman was very high in praise of the police, who paid a visit to his home to retrieve the footage and also have him give a detailed report on the alleged incident. Guyana Defence Lance Corporal Aaron Eastman and three other men, who were moving around in a car that is reportedly owned by the businessman, were arrested on Saturday. During that operation, the police managed to recover a sawn-off shotgun and a revolver with matching ammunition. At time of the arrest, the soldier was illegally absent from work, having abandoned his post, and was driving around with suspicious characters. The GDF rank was, also at the time, wearing an overcoat over his uniform, and was driving the car with a shotgun under the seat. The other weapon was found under the other front passenger seat. Chief-of Staff of the GDF had indicated to this publication that the incident was very embarrassing to the army, and brings shame to the GDF and all others serving in law enforcement. Brigadier Mark Phillips has since assured that the rank will be treated like any other suspect, and there will be no preferential treatment meted out to the rank during the investigation. LCP, 20690 Eastman was enlisted in the GPF on April 10, 2006. Meanwhile, the police have been able to link at least one of the suspects in the car at the time to the AH&L Kissoon robbery which took place on Friday. The police conducted an identification parade on Monday, and the man was positively identified.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
Total security for ‘big four’ By Leroy Smith O P E R AT I O N D r a g n e t is aimed at flushing out criminals for four big events here within the coming months, Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan has said. In an exclusive interview with the Guyana Chronicle, last Friday at his Brickdam, Georgetown office, the minister said that among the things taken into consideration were the upcoming major activities in which Guyana is expected to be engaged over the next couple of months. “This operation evolved out of a process, after realising that we have four major events for the next six months - Christmas, Local Government Elections, Mashramani celebrations, and our Fiftieth Anniversary celebrations,” he explained. These events, which run right into next year, and more specifically up to May, 2016, are the reason why “Operation Dragnet” is being run from December 01, 2015 to June 2016, the minister explained during the interview. During these events, Guyana will expectedly see huge numbers of persons transiting, and it is important that those persons be properly protected and feel comfortable. Accordingly, much effort would go into ensuring the security and stability of the country, so there unapologetically will be deployment of all forces under the umbrella of the disciplined forces: Police, Army, Prisons, CANU and
the Drug Enforcement Unit. Minister Ramjattan said a lot of emphasis is also being placed on border controls and involvement of the Ministry of Citizenship in the exercise. He spoke of traffic management, and of tightening up and clamping down on traffic lawlessness that presently obtains. This would be aimed at avoiding deaths, damage to property, and whatever else is a feature of road accidents. There will be no compromise on dealing with those who are bent on disregarding the codes of the road, rich or poor, Ramjattan stressed. The minister disclosed that maximum deployment of forces would be placed in hotspot areas that the police have been tapping and mapping all the time that crimes have been committed. Those areas will, in a sense, be clinically targeted, he said. Ramjattan said the government is cognizant of the fact that guns are coming into the country through the border, especially the
one shared with Brazil, and moves are afoot to send additional border patrols in those areas. The police have already dispatched to those
Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan areas personnel from the mounted branch with the necessary resources, and they would be getting additional resources, inclusive of horses to patrol the area. Housing and other facilities have already been put in place to ensure the comfort and safety of police
and their animals working in these hotspot areas. Ramjattan stressed that since the government came to office, it has been looking at the instances of crime and other developments which have been eating away at the society, and strategies have been worked out to effectively address crime. “Operation Dragnet” was found to be the best way to tackle those issues, as it encompasses practically everything, Ramjattan stressed. Ramjattan said he has already spoken with the police hierarchy on how crime can be addressed. He said other units would have to be resuscitated and police ranks who are in office for most of the day would be called out to support “Operation Dragnet”. Minister Ramjattan said there is need for the police to display increased presence in Georgetown. Based on what he was told, and looking at the figures which were provided to him,
Georgetown accounts for 56% of the crimes that are committed nationwide, so increased police presence is necessary in the city. He said it is firm police opinion that Georgetown will continue to record high levels of criminal activity outside the other police divisions, because of the high level of economic activities which take place in the city. ROLE OF THE GDF The Guyana Defence Force is also expected to play a very big role in “Operation Dragnet”, and its personnel would be even more visible in areas outside of Georgetown. They would be ready to support the work of the police, if that becomes necessary. Ramjattan said the army would be involved primarily in border patrol and surveillance activities that could lead to the detection of unauthorized access to Guyana’s airspace, and they would be countering the suspected high level of narcotics-related activities which take place in far-flung areas. Among those activities are the dropping-off of drugs by planes which either fly over and/or land at interior airstrips without permission from, or knowledge of, the relevant authorities. Ramjattan said the army’s presence in those areas would have to be more visible, since the police do not go to those areas as much as they do to areas on the coast, but he said residents should not be too alarmed at the GDF presence in those areas. He also spoke of the role that the Coast Guard is
expected to play in Operation Dragnet. “The Coast Guards are also going to be involved in a big way, ensuring that there is proper surveillance and, again, restricting antipiracy activities on the part of those who feel that they can do that kind of mischief in our riverine areas,” he disclosed. The GDF will be supported by the GPF, which is looking to strengthen its marine wing so that its boats can be employed in security runs, especially in the creeks and other communities which are accessed primarily by boat. The Public Security Minister said government is very confident that in terms of employment and deployment of so much resources and manpower, Operation Dragnet will snare all those who might want to intensify their mischief, robberies , attacks , and probably terrorist activities during the afore-mentioned significant and symbolic national moments. Minister Ramjattan said that, based on research and evidence, it is known that bandits strike most often during grand celebrations, or even small celebrations. Those moments are when persons are at their most vulnerable, because they are in celebratory mode. They tend to care less about their security and usually relax their vigilance. That is why the nation and the security forces need to be alert during those moments of great celebration, hence the decision to redouble efforts in the area of the nation’s security posture.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2015
CO2 emissions to ‘stall, even decline’ GLOBAL emissions of carbon dioxide are likely to stall, and even decline slightly this year, new data suggests. Researchers say it is the first time this has happened while the global economy has continued to grow. The fall-off is due to reduced coal use in China, as well as faster uptake of renewables, the scientists involved in the assessment add. But they expect the stall to be temporary, and for emissions to grow again as emerging economies develop. According to the study, published in the journal Nature Climate Change and presented at COP21 in Paris, emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and industry are likely to have fallen 0.6
per cent in 2015. They had increased by about the same amount in 2014. Since 2000, global emissions have grown annually by 2-3 per cent. The slowdown has occurred while the global economy has grown by three per cent in both 2014 and 2015. “We’re expecting a stalling in emissions, possibly even a little decrease,” said Professor Corinne Le Quere from the University of East Anglia, UK, who led the data analysis. “The main cause is from decreased coal use in China. It’s restructuring its economy, but there is also a contribution from the very fast growth in renewable energy worldwide, and this is the most interesting part: ‘Can
economies like in the UK, where emissions are going down, the decrease is
we actually grow renewable energy enough to offset the coal use elsewhere?’” China continued to be the world leader in emissions, according to the report, responsible for 27 per cent of the global total. With its economy slowing, coal use has declined just as concerns have grown over air pollution issues in urban areas. There has also been a rapid take-up in renewables. However, Professor Le Quere has said that, despite this year’s figures, the global peak of emissions use was not yet in sight. “As the emerging economies are mostly based on coal, as they grow we are expecting a restart in the emissions,” she told BBC News. “And in the industrial
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Venezuela deals first blow to ‘Chavismo’ TRIUMPHANT opposition leaders vowed on Monday to use their new majority in Venezuela’s legislature to free jailed opponents of the Socialist government; but they also promised not to go after political foes. The Democratic Unity coalition won more than twice the number of National Assembly seats as the Socialists in Sunday’s vote, punishing President Nicolas Maduro’s Government for deep economic and social crisis in the oil-producing country. It was the first time in 16 years that the “Chavismo” movement, named for former socialist President Hugo Chavez, lost its majority in the 167-member assembly; and the win gives the opposition a platform to further erode Maduro’s power. The 53-year-old President, who was handpicked by Chavez but lacks his charisma and political guile, quickly accepted defeat in a speech to the nation in the early hours of Monday. That speech calmed fears of violence. Aware that victory owed more to public discontent with Maduro than support for the opposition, coalition head Jesus Torrealba urged Venezuelans to bury their differences. “We have been divided for years, and the country has gained nothing from this mistake in its history,” Torrealba, who was mocked by Maduro as an “evil Shrek” during the campaign, told supporters in a victory speech early on Monday. “The Democratic Unity is not here to mistreat anyone.” Reiterating that an amnesty law will be the opposition’s
Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro (L) talks to the media during a news conference at Miraflores Palace in Caracas
priority when the new assembly begins work on January 5, Torrealba promised to return the rights of “those who have been unjustly persecuted, jailed, blocked from politics, or exiled.” Venezuela’s best-known jailed politician is Leopoldo Lopez, who was sentenced to nearly 14 years on charges of promoting, in 2014, political violence that killed 43 people. But the opposition has a list of what it says are more than 70 other political prisoners. Torrealba also reassured despondent government supporters that the coalition would not try to dismantle welfare programmes that were wildly popular during Chavez’s 1999-2013 rule, and which Maduro repeatedly warned they want to end. HOW BIG A MAJORITY? Investors reacted posi-
tively to the OPEC nation’s swing away from the left, with dollar bonds rising strongly on hopes of business-friendly change. With 99 seats to the Socialists’ 46 in counting so far -- and results not yet in for the remaining 22 seats -- the opposition looks certain to reach a three-fifths majority; meaning they could, in theory, have ministers fired after a censure vote. Democratic Unity leaders said on Monday they had reached the crucial bar of two-thirds of seats -- but there was no confirmation of that from the national election board. With two-thirds, or 112 seats, they could try to shake up institutions such as the courts, which are widely viewed as pro-government. Even with just a simple majority, though, the opposition can exercise control
over the budget, begin investigations that could embarrass the government, and pass the amnesty law. Torrealba has also said the assembly will open an investigation into the arrest last month of two relatives of Maduro, nephews of his wife, who caught in a sting in Haiti and indicted in a New York court on charges of cocaine smuggling. The United States, which has had an acrimonious relationship with Venezuela under both Chavez and Maduro, has long accused the Socialists of complicity in the drug trade, as well as human rights abuses. The government has dismissed those charges as lies, and has frequently recalled U.S. support for a short-lived 2002 coup against Chavez. Secretary of State, John Kerry, has said the vote showed Venezuelans’ “overwhelming desire” for change, and urged dialogue among political parties to resolve the country’s problems. He added that Washington was ready to support such an effort. In a statement, Kerry said the electoral authorities should publish final election results “in a timely and transparent fashion.” A former bus driver and Foreign Minister, who narrowly won election in 2013 after Chavez had died from cancer, Maduro may face a backlash in the ruling party, and from grassroots supporters who think he has betrayed his predecessor’s legacy.
Though his term ends in 2019, hardline opposition leaders want to oust him in a recall referendum next year. They would require nearly 4 million signatures to force the recall vote. “I can’t see this government finishing its term, because it is too weak,” said Opposition Leader Henry Ramos, touted as a possible leader for the new assembly. “Internal frictions are beginning. They’re blaming each other for this huge defeat.”
‘COUNTER-REVOLUTION’ Maduro, whose government has replaced Cuba as Latin America’s most vocal adversary of the United States, blamed the election result on an “economic war” waged by business leaders and other opponents out to sabotage the economy and bring him down. “In Venezuela, a counter-revolution won, not the opposition,” he added in his speech on Monday. Many Venezuelans have not bought that argument though, blaming him for the world’s highest inflation, shortages from milk to medicines, and a devalued currency that trades on the black market at nearly 150 times its strongest official rate. Maduro’s persistence with complex currency and price controls has contributed to Venezuela’s economic distortions; but, unlike Chavez, he has also had to contend with a plunge in the price of Venezuela’s only significant export -- oil.
“This is Nicolas Maduro’s defeat, not Chavez’s,” said Humberto Lopez, 57, a diehard Chavista well-known to Venezuelans for walking the streets dressed as Argentine revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara. “I’m not hugely surprised.” Underlining the unprecedented mood in Venezuela, videos online showed five prominent socialist politicians - including Chavez’s brother Adan - being booed at voting centres on Sunday, with crowds yelling, “The government will fall!” or “Thief!” The government’s defeat was another disappointment for Latin America’s bloc of left-wing governments, following last month’s swing to the centre-right in Argentina’s presidential election. But various regional leaders praised Maduro for accepting defeat so quickly. And words of consolation came from the Venezuelan government’s closest ally, Communist-run Cuba. “I’m sure new victories for the Bolivarian and Chavista Revolution will come under your leadership,” President Raul Castro wrote to Maduro, referring to Venezuelan independence hero Simon Bolivar, as well as his late friend, Chavez. Another ally, Bolivia’s leftist President Evo Morales, cast the Venezuelan vote as part of “imperial” plotting, but also said it should provoke “deep reflection” among revolutionaries. (Reuters)
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Editor-In-Chief
Nigel Williams
Editorial: 227-5216; 227-5204 guyanachronicle.com wnigel10@hotmail.com gnnleditorial@gmail.com
Editorial
Conversations on national unity
ANY society desirous of being united -- operating as a single entity or whole -- has to be grounded and guided by universally acceptable principles. In the structuring of organisations, domestic and international, the unification and success of the entity is premised on its declarations, conventions, charters and rules. In a country what welds the society to function as a single entity, its constitution and laws should emerge out of the indigenous cultural and political reality and aspirations of its people. To pursue any objective at a societal level requires an atmosphere that lends to cordiality and respect for frank, honest and open conversations as equals. In this environment, before anything can be agreed upon, or even deemed worthy of consideration, it first has to be expressed implicitly or explicitly. Allowing for expression creates needed space for germination of ideas, sharing of knowledge, and consensus-building. Where a nation sees wisdom in Khalil Gibran’s counsel that people be themselves; speak their truth clearly; listen to others, including the dull and the ignorant who, too, have their story; this creates a space where none is constrained by inhibitions, and all are given the opportunity to be heard. Ours is a diverse society whose modern foundation rests on the unitary principle of One People, One Nation, One Destiny; and having come out of pleasant and notso-pleasant historical experiences, conversations may be more complex. Yet these conversations must be had and be all-encompassing. Conversations have to include what presently exists. In the examination of what exists, the fault lines, if any, have to be included. Otherwise, the nation risks re-inventing the wheel or ignoring aspects of unity that, were they applied, advancement would have been inevitable. Evidence-based conversations, clear and well defined concepts which can avoid bottleneck, frustration, hopelessness and rancor, are worthwhile considerations. Concepts such as power-sharing, shared-governance, government of national unity, executive power sharing, rotating the presidency, and inclusionary democracy beg clarification and explanations. In so doing, attention ought to be paid that diverse individuals and groups not only require understanding, but also assurance that the political system would ensure equality and accountability. Clear definition helps to inform the society as to what its members are being asked to commit to, and their function and responsibility in the process. Presently, the only concept with some clarity in the nation’s political lexicon is inclusionary democracy. In Article 13 of the Guyana Constitution, which came out of constitutional reform, heralds that, “The principal objective of the political system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” As the nation awaits definition of the other concepts, government has to function. What the nation is currently aware of is that there are three tiers of government: National, Region and Local. What they are not very clear on is how these work, what is in it for the individual or group, and their role outside of voting. This paucity of knowledge is a hazard to development. Every effort therefore has to be made to ensure citizens benefit through participation and involvement in the decision-making processes in these tiers. Knowledge brings about understanding, and understanding can lead to support and involvement, which are critical components of development. Starting points to be addressing are inclusionary democracy, its spirit and intent, and the structures needed to be put in place to achieve it. This includes its application in the three tiers of government, which includes the legislature. Whatever form of government is being pursued, or planned to be pursued, it augurs well when citizens feel they have a stake in it, and can derive the benefit(s) from it. Conversations absent of these foci will stymie the greatest of intent.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Suffering from the Dutch Disease Dear Editor,
I REFER to the letter written by C. Ramson (MP) published in the Stabroek News edition of 05/12/2015 and titled ‘A Sovereign Wealth Fund is not what Guyana needs’. The author suggested that a Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is not what is needed in Guyana without giving ‘justifiable’ reasons why. He has completely discounted the reality of the disease (which has crippled many economies), suggesting that it is “over referenced and universally false”. From the letter, it is pellucidly evident that he lacks pedestrian knowledge of the Dutch Disease phenomenon and the role of a SWF. As a legislator, one ought to be knowledgeable before pronouncing on matters of national interest. There is no paucity of Dutch Disease literature, therefore his ignorance is highly unacceptable. It is often asked why resource rich nations continue to do more poorly than nations without resources. Simply put, the answer is
improper management of the resources and its proceeds. We have an unborn oil sector with lots of unveiled potential. In fact, it can be Guyana’s passport to prosperity, once used prudently. Further, we have the perfect opportunity to get it right, and secure wealth for this and future generations. The APNU+AFC government must be commended for wanting to establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund. It is indicative that the administration is being prudent. Of all the measures that are taken to make a nation immune to the Dutch Disease, establishment of a SWF should be top priority. It should be noted that a SWF has many purposes and is not limited to investment and budgetary stabilisation, as the author wants the public to believe. Additionally, it should be made clear that the SWF will benefit Guyanese of today, directly and indirectly, while simultaneously taking future generations into consideration. The establishment of SWF seeks to prevent over-
heating of the economy and exchange rate appreciation, while expanding the national revenue base to benefit multiple generations of citizens. Saving abroad serves to reduce the excess supply of foreign currency that will be in the economy in the form of domestic currency. This measure is necessary to control excess demand, which is likely to manifest and deteriorate the expenditure structure of the economy i.e. consumption expenditure, which is likely to place upward pressure on the prices of commodities in the services sector. SWFs adopt an inter-temporal approach, and not careless and extravagant spending as if there is no tomorrow. The “Permanent Income Approach” criterion is normally utilised to guide fiscal policy. The approach recommends that fiscal spending of resource revenue be limited to a calculated constant real amount, and the rest be saved abroad. When the resource has been depleted, the government can then withdraw from its accumulated savings to
continue spending the same constant real amount. Revenues are then reinvested in physical capital and, to a greater extent, human capital. Resources are channelled into infrastructural development, education, and research and development in a sustainable fashion. A comprehensive and sustainable scholarship scheme should be implemented to aid in the development of the human capital. This act can be seen as investing the revenue from today’s natural resources into the development of tomorrow’s human capital. Mr Ramson, should we adopt a solution-oriented approach? It would be wise for him to divorce himself from the narrow partisan politics at this point and aid, in whatever way he can, in getting Guyana onto the right path to sustainable development, even if it’s simply by constraining himself from misinforming the public. Yours faithfully, Elton Bollers
How Jamaica dealt with ganja Dear Editor, WITH the current debate regarding marijuana legislation and sentencing policy in Guyana, I herein share how Jamaica has recently updated its legislation and changed its policy with regard to marijuana. Earlier this year, Jamaica enacted the “Dangerous Drug (Amendment) Act 2015” that decriminalized the possession of UNDER 2 ounces of marijuana, making it a “ticket-able” offence instead. A brief summary of the legislation shows: 1) possession of 2 ounces or less of ganja is no longer an offence for which one can be arrested, charged and have to go to court; and it will not result in a criminal record. (two ounces = 56.7 grammes); however, the police may issue to a person in possession of 2 ounces or less of ganja a ticket that is similar to a traffic ticket, and the person has 30 days to pay the sum of J$500 at any Tax Office. It remains a criminal offence to be in possession of
over 2 ounces of ganja, and offenders can be arrested, charged, tried in court; and if found guilty, sentenced to a fine or to imprisonment or both. The conviction will also be recorded on that person’s criminal record. Smoking of ganja at privately-occupied residences that are not used for commercial purposes is not an offence, but is governed by the rules on possession of ganja referred to in 1 above. As such, persons having less than 2 ounces of marijuana in their homes will not be given a ticket. The Jamaica legislation aptly addressed the concern raised by the Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton, with regards to Guyana’s impending “anti-tobacco legislation” (Jamaica has already passed stringent anti-tobacco legislation), where it states: “smoking of ganja in a public place or within five metres of a public place is prohibited in a manner similar to cigarettes”. A person who smokes in public cannot be arrested or
detained. However, the police may issue a ticket to that person, and that person will have 30 days to pay $500 at any Tax Office. For the purposes of these smoking rules, a public place includes a workplace and any place which is for the use of, or accessible to, the public, such as sidewalks, bus stops, restaurants, offices, educational institutions, pharmacies, hospitals, areas used by children, supermarkets and parks. The legislation goes further, addressing medical and religious use of marijuana, cultivation and scientific research of marijuana, among other things. I conclude that Guyana adopting a similar approach would result in several positive outcomes. It would recognise the changing trend in United States (where some states have “legalised” marijuana use) and Europe, as the global order began to recognize some of the failures on “the war on drugs”. It will free up police resources (time, manpower and money) to fight serious
crime; it will reduce the clutter at the Magistrates Courts, which should result in quicker dispensation of justice; it would reduce the cost of imprisonment, thus saving the state millions of dollars; it would prevent young persons from getting a criminal record that can be an albatross around their necks for the rest of their lives, as they find it challenging to get into the workforce; it would reduce the number of young persons becoming hardened criminals, as is usually the case when they spend time in prison mixing with these elements. It will raise revenue through the imposition of fines. To be successful, I believe the fine should be small enough not to induce police corruption, but still act as a deterrent. I would recommend between Gy$1000 and Gy$2000. At today’s rate the Jamaican fine of JA$500 is equivalent to Gy$865.07. Yours Sincerely Dexter Cummings
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Rodney COI
Chairman begs for more time; Granger says no Government has refused to grant another adjournment of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry following yet another request made by Chairman Sir Richard L. Cheltenham. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams at a press conference on Monday said Sir Cheltenham “has written the President His Excellency, Brigadier David Granger requesting yet another adjournment this time to February 29, 2016 to submit the Report of the Findings of the Rodney Commission of Inquiry (RCOI).” According to Williams, President Granger has responded to the Chairman indicating that Cabinet has decided that the request could not be accommodated and that the Commission would be given up to December 15, to submit the report. The minister said “well over $400M” spent on the Com-
mission of Inquiry is already and exorbitant amount and additional funds will not be expended on it. “They have had several extensions. You are dealing with taxpayers’ money,”… We must keep churning out millions of dollars and millions dollars and we have people who need money in this country,” he told reporters. Initially, the Commission was tasked with presenting to President Granger the findings of the COI on November 30 but following a request by Sir Richard for an extension, the Commission now has until December 15 to submit the report. Asked if a reason was provided for the extension in time to submit the report, Williams said Sir Richard cited the Christmas season as one where regionally people do not put much emphasis on work. “We are in the Season when work is hardly done and I think he is allud-
NIS GM wants to retire at 60 GENERAL Manager of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), Doreen Nelson, has called for an increase in the retirement age of members of the public service which will ensure better pension benefits and more revenue paid to the NIS. Nelson testified before the Commission of Inquiry into the public service Monday and has asked that public service retirement age be raised to 60, making it in-sync with that of NIS, which is a corporate entity under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance. The NIS boss said those retiring at 55 are at a disadvantage when they have to wait five years after to receive their pension since within those five years there could be an increase in salaries from which they will not benefit. “Some persons can find themselves from the public service to be somewhat disadvantaged if they come off at 55 and are paid pension at age 60, because within those five years there can be salary increases that will not be given to them and some of them who return to work after 55 and they go back at salaries lower than the insurable earnings scale then they would be affected when we calculate the pension at age 60.” The formula used by NIS to calculate benefits uses the individual’s average salary in the last five years of work - selecting the three highest rates of the five years. If someone was being paid
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams
ing to the Christmas season and they would need more time because they can’t get people to work during this season and it is something he believes is common throughout CARICOM.” But government is not altering its decision. “The President in his response
$100,000 and retired, and returned to work for a lower salary of $60,000 their NIS will be calculated using the $60,000 salary. Nelson also revealed that the three-year time span for claiming pensions has been removed by legislation and pensioners who claim years after are receiving all of their monies owed. Meanwhile, Nelson presented to the CoI that NIS has some gray areas which need to be addressed. The body she said is a corporate one which is headed by a Board of Directors, but in many things has been governed by the public service rules. “The grey areas for us are that in certain things we are okay and approved for the same things as the public service, (but) in certain other things we are not. We just wanted within all that is being done that persons also look to see that in light of us being body corporate whether or not we should be following that.”
has indicated that we have an intense programme for 2016 which includes the Local Government Elections, which is in March and the 50th Anniversary celebrations which is really all year round but begins with Mashramani, which is
Manslaughter charge for cops By Leroy Smith
General Manager of NIS, Doreen Nelson
Chairman of the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry Sir Richard Cheltenham
a major component of our celebrations.” Government while in opposition Williams reminded always felt that the launching of a COI into the death of Walter Rodney was a “Political witch hunt” and was designed to affect the elections. “…Since July we were given the assurance that the matter would be completed by November month end. Now we are asked to adjourn to February month-end which is also on the eve of local government elections so you could draw your conclusion,” the Minister of Legal Affairs said. On the question of the non-submission of the report by the COI and the implication it would have, the minister said he prefers not to speculate. “It doesn’t make sense speculating now when the 15th hasn’t arrived.” Meanwhile, asked why government has ignored the petition by the Justice
After reviewing all the evidence and statements submitted, the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecution on Monday recommended that the Guyana Police Force charge two of its own with manslaughter. The charges are to be instituted against the two ranks for the July 04, 2015 shooting of a man who was said to be of unsound mind and unarmed at the time at Cane Grove East Coast Demerara. On July 04, 2015 two police constables shot 30-year-old Junior Gulliver at Strathavon Cane Grove East Coast Demerara. The man had earlier been threatening residents of the community and running them with a cutlass according to statements. A report was made to the police and they showed up at the area to arrest the man but were forced to retreat as the man attacked them, the ranks were unarmed at the time according to residents. The police ranks returned to their police station and requested weapons and were issued
same by a female police sergeant. They went back to the area looking for the man who by that time had secured himself in a shack. The police ranks had indicated that they were attacked by the man of unsound mind- a claim that was not disputed by the residents who reminded that it was on their first visit that the ranks were
attacked and had to retreat even as the man damaged a police vehicle window but upon their second return they were not confronted by the man. The police during efforts to arrest Gulliver reportedly shot him, a move that angered the residents of the community who said that they had no right shooing him since he was
For Walter Rodney Committee for two additional weeks of public hearings for remaining key witnesses to testify, Williams said the Commission lost an opportunity to invite former Crime Chief, Cecil ‘Skip’ Roberts to testify though he flown to Guyana on an all-expenses paid trip. “We were saying, the witnesses he was speaking about, were witnesses that were there and he didn’t use them; including the former Crime Chief Cecil Skip Roberts who in fact was brought into Guyana, put up into a hotel for three weeks all expenses paid and was never called,” he noted. As such, the Minister said he does not believe that there is a need for an extension in the public hearings. “I don’t agree with them. All the evidence that has been given by the witnesses, they are already on the record.” unarmed. The police immediately launched an investigation and the file was sent to Police Office for Professional Responsibility and the Police Complaints Authority. The Police Complaints Authority Chairman Justice Cecil Kennard had recommended manslaughter charges for the ranks and based on the advice from the DPP’s Chambers on Monday that recommendation was upheld after that office took into consideration what was presented in the files submitted. The two police constables are likely to appear in court as early as today.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
Jagdeo, Ramotar sue for benefits By Ariana Gordon Former Presidents Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo have moved to the High Court over the non-payment of money and other benefits they would have been entitled to prior to the capping of the benefits of former presidents. This was announced by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams on Monday who told the media that he will be seeking leave to defend the applications filed on November 11. Both Ramotar and Jagdeo are seeking to claim money, benefits and other facilities that have been capped under the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Act (No. 3 of 2015). "They are now challenging the Act and contend that their earnings had accrued before the passage of the Act and so Former President they are entitled to continue Donald Ramotar to be able to receive those tremendous earnings and benefits still," said the Minister of Legal Affairs. Represented by Murseline Bacchus, both applicants are begging the court to declare an order that the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act (No.3 of 2015) does not retrospectively affect their benefits under the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act of 2009 after they demitted office before the coming into operation of the new legislation; that the 2009 legislation “provisionally vested in the applicant’s property rights” when they assumed the Office of the President on December 3, 2011 and August 11, 1999 respectively and as such benefits became “absolute” when they demitted office on the May 16, 2015 and December 3, 2011 respectively before the coming into operation of the Former Presidents (Benefits and other Facilities) Act No. 3 of 2015; that the applicants are entitled to receive benefits conferred on them as former presidents under the 2009 Act within a reasonable time after demitting office. Ramotar and Jagdeo are also seeking an order compelling Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan and or the Commissioner
General Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) Khurshid Sattaur and or their agents to “forthwith provide the applicant(s) the financial benefits conferred” by the 2009 Act. The Applicants’ arguments are that Section 2 of the 2009 Act has conferred absolutely on them vested rights, which are protected by articles 142 and 222 of the Constitution and
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo
ATTORNEY-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams
are so being deprived of those rights by the state. In sworn affidavits to support their applications both Ramotar and Jagdeo claim that the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2015 will “be used to deny me my benefits which have been conferred upon me by the 2009 Act and any attempt to do so will be unlawful, unconstitutional, null, void and of no effect and an attempt to violate my constitutional rights under Article 142 of the Constitution and my rights under the Act and Article 142 of the Constitution is being or is likely to be contravened by the Act No. 3 of 2015.” Additionally, both former presidents state that when they demitted office, they held “a substantial legitimate expectation that the property rights conferred and vested in them by Section 2 of the Former Presidents (Benefits and Other Facilities) Act 2009 would have been made available to them within a reasonable time. A reasonable time the duos claim has elapsed since that Act was enforced.
But the Legal Affairs Minister is questioning why the two former presidents failed highlight their applications to the media. “The question is really whether this country could afford uncapped benefits for former Presidents which could amount to hundreds of millions annually,” said Williams who asked, “…But you have to ask why since these Applications were filed in November it wasn’t brought to the media.” In July, the APNU-AFC led coalition government amended the Former Presidents (Benefits and other facilities) Act 2009 following failed attempts during the 10th Parliament to have the former presidents benefits capped while in opposition. The then opposition had used its one seat majority to vote for the Amendment but though passed President at the time Donald Ramotar failed to assent to the legislation. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) through former Attorney General Anil Nandlall had argued that ex-Presidents cannot lose their benefits as the Constitution assures them of the right to property, salary and other benefits. Under the new legislation, former presidents will receive $25,000 per month for electricity, a further $25,000 for water and another $25,000 for telephone. They will also be given services of personal and household staff, including a gardener but, the total number of such staffers cannot exceed three persons. A limit of $200,000 per annum will be provided for reimbursement of medical expenses incurred by a former president, his children below the age of 18 and his spouse provided that money was not spent on medical attention at a private institution here or treatment occurred abroad. Former Presidents are also entitled to no more than two full-time security personnel at their place of residence; no more than two motor vehicles owned and maintained by the state; toll free transportation and an annual vacation allowance equivalent to the cost of two first class return airfares on conditions likened to judges of the Supreme Court of Judicature. Though the benefits of the former presidents have been capped, they will lose entitlement to the benefits and other facilities if they engage in business, trade or paid employment or if convicted of a criminal offence to which they will be imprisoned. The matters will be heard by Chief Justice Ian Chang and Justice Narendra Singh on December 11, where the Minister of Legal Affairs will seek leave to defend the applications filed against the State.
GRA enforcer cries foul FOLLOWING his two-month suspension over misconduct, a senior Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) official has distanced himself from any wrongdoing in a case involving allegedly smuggled Suriname-branded chicken. He has also said that the action meted out to him is unjust and unfair, and has since written higher authorities seeking redress. Troy Vannooten was last week sent on leave, and two Marine officers have since been dismissed by the GRA in connection with a quantity of chicken which was allegedly smuggled into Guyana in September. Vannooten, the Law Enforcement Manager (ag), in a release issued yesterday, said his suspension was done as a counter to actions wherein he had “ruffled feathers” within the GRA regarding corrupt practices. He described his suspension as “unjust, unfair, and without merit”. He said he never received any monies in connection with the incident in which a Suriname-registered Bedford lorry which contained some 400 boxes of foreign chicken with an aggregate street value of some $2.8M was stopped by the police at a roadblock. “I am a no-nonsense person. You would have heard before about all of the corrupt activities that go on within the GRA”, Vannooten said. He said that, in his capacity as an enforcement officer, he tries to eradicate corrupt practices by individuals whenever such is reported to him. “People on the road and even within GRA feel
threatened by my presence in law enforcement,” he explained. Vannooten said he acted within the rules and regulations of the authority regarding the detention of a Bedford lorry. Regarding his involvement in the matter, he said the police provided information on the truck, and he instructed one Omadat Persaud in Berbice to investigate the matter. Three officers were contacted in Georgetown, and he and the group proceeded to the Corentyne. He said that, at the time, two GRA staffers were found in a car in proximity to the GRA Enforcement lorry, and they were in the Chief, Troy Vannooten presence of another man who may have been the owner of the goods. “These two officers were scheduled to travel to the interior the morning; however, they were carrying out an unsanctioned exercise in Region Six”, he said. Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur was informed via report that one of the occupants of the car exited the vehicle and identified himself as Phillip Paruag, an Enforcement
Officer attached to LIED of GRA. Vannooten said Paraug informed that he had detained the truck with its contents, and was escorting the truck to Georgetown for further investigation. He said Sattaur instructed him to collect fines to the tune of $700,000 for the truck and the load, and at no time did he collect any money in aiding the passage of the truck’s goods. He added that the taxes were paid on the items at GRA’s offices on Camp Street and an official receipt was issued to this effect. Vannooten said his immediate boss seemed displeased regarding a report he submitted on the matter, wherein he (Vannooten) recommended that the two officers be suspended. He was however shocked by reasons mentioned in a suspension letter that was given to him. According to him, the letter seemed “vague, and did not explain his wrongdoings in investigating the seizure of the illegal chicken”. He has since written Chairman of the Board of the GRA, Rawle Lucas, to have the board review the circumstances leading up to his suspension, and also into departmental corruption. This newspaper last weekend reported on the incident, in which staff reported that the culture of bribery within the organisation needs to be dealt with accordingly. They expressed disgust at the incident and other instances of corrupt practices, including bribery at the organisation.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
Trotman talks up financing in Paris By Neil Marks in Paris A “satisfactory” global climate agreement should include financing mechanisms to help small countries like Guyana cope with and adapt to climate change, Governance Minister Raphael Trotman said Monday as he began high-level talks at the UN Climate Summit in Paris. “The development of large countries has led to environmental destruction, and we’re the ones paying the price,” Trotman said of vulnerable countries like Guyana threatened by sea level rise. He is being accompanied by Finance Minister Winston Jordan. Guyana is ganging-up with the Caribbean and a group of small island developing states to agree on a common position as environment ministers look to fine-tune a draft climate agreement presented to then this weekend. The Climate Summit opened two Monday’s ago with world leaders speaking about the direction in which they want these talks to flow; after that, country negotiators had to sit and hammer out a draft agreement for the ministers to consider and then hopefully come to an agreement. Guyana’s lead negotiator at the talks is Andrew Bishop. Ahead of the talks, Guyana presented a national climate action plan. Forest-rich countries like Guyana are being asked to preserve the forest; but Trotman said that cannot be at the expense of slowing down the country’s development. According to the authorities, Guyana has the world’s highest percentage of rainforest cover (85 per cent), amounting to 18.48 million hectares, and so the government feels Guyana is the ideal country to test the so-called REDD+ scheme, an initiative to reward countries
for preserving the rainforest. The government said in pursuing any agreement, it will respect international commitments to human rights, including those of indigenous peoples and local communities. Laura George, who works with the Amerindian People’s
the climate talks are taking place. M i n i s t e r Tr o t m a n said in charting the way forward, financing must be made available to Guyana to transition t o a “ g re e n e c o n o m y ” utilising renewable energy sources.
Guyana’s lead climate negotiator Andrew Bishop and Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman in Paris Association, welcomes the commitment to the indigenous people in the climate action plan, called the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution. “I think it was very good that the government considered language we had recommended, together with other members of civil society,” George said, as the initial document had no such commitment. VICTORY “I think it was one step that had been a victory for us,” she said at Le Bourget on the outskirts of Paris where
“Whilst we are being nudged to go to renewable energy (namely solar, hydro and wind power) we need financing, technology and training.” For the Finance Minister, funding is also needed to help Guyana prop up its volatile coastland against the rising sea. “While we are trying to move to higher ground, we must save what we have,” Jordan said as he emphasised the need for financing. According to the national climate action plan, some US$1.6 billion will be needed for adaptation, including infrastructural development
works, from now to 2025. And so, apart from the negotiations for a new global climate agreement, Guyana is looking to hold a number of one-on-one meetings with foreign nations who would be interested in climate projects. One of those meetings is with Norway, which wants a review of the Amaila Falls project to determine once and for all if the project could be proceeded with. As part of Norway’s forest-saving agreement with Guyana, US$80 million was “locked” to the Amaila Falls project. Trotman and Jordan are trying to address concerns on both sides with the aim of getting the funds released. Representatives of the InterAmerican Development Bank, which holds the Norway funds, will also be at that meeting scheduled for today. But Trotman said US$43 million of the Norway funds is to be used on “green projects” and there is a call by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure for individuals, companies, communities, and towns to apply. The Georgetown Mayor and City Council has expressed interest in accessing the funds, Trotman said, and some of it could also go to Bartica, which the government wants to make the first green town. The government also wants to ensure that apart from Bartica, the five other new towns proposed should be powered using renewable energy sources. The revised climat e action plan submitted ahead of the climate talks envisages that with adequate and timely financial support, all of country’s power needs could come from renewable energy sources in the next 10 years. The government, Trotman said, is finalising its green economy plan, and this will be released soon.
Still high on ‘Durdy’ W
hat has been a hot topic lately is the case of Guyanese footballer Vibert “Durdy” Butts’ three year sentence due to possession of a measly 46 grams of marijuana. Though this happened a few weeks ago, social media is still HIGH on the issue, stating that it is time to change the draconian laws of the State. Nigel Hughes provided lengthy commentary on the issue, and though all his legal jargon was quite exhausting to read, his plight rang through to most, who uttered their agreement with his statements and gratitude for the law lesson. And of course the Opposition wouldn’t be the Opposition if it weren’t being disgruntled about something. Former presidents Jagdeo and Ramotar are suing the government to reverse a change in the law that resulted in capping of their benefits. This topic, as you can imagine, effected in an outrageous discussion which made me wonder if Facebook ever considered amending their censorship policy. From accusations of greed to some troubling statements that incited violence- these are the sentiments that were all too common following posts shared regarding this topic. The men are simply worried about how they’ll pay for their fancy cars and houses during retirement. Wouldn’t that bother you too? While the GGMC is under fire, GRA’s embattled staffer Troy Vanooten has reportedly broken his silence regarding the bribery allegations which led to his suspension. Basically, it’s a type of ‘mouth open, story jump out’ situation, as the disgruntled Vanooten claims he is being falsely accused due to his penchant for fighting against corrupt activities within the GRA. Though Vanooten’s clap back has garnered many shares on social media, not much is being said as regards his response. GRA? What sayest thou? Suspensions seem to be popular lately and people are both glad for the revelations and curious as to what’s up with all the dishonesty. Permanent Secretary of Legal Affairs Ministry Indira Anandjit was sent on leave as an audit is conducted into the disappearance of almost $4 million in equipment and law books. This caused many a raised eyebrow, but also caused other questions of accountability to arise, as names are yet to be called regarding hundreds of millions worth in missing funds discovered during a recent audit of the Sports and Arts Development Funds. Hmm… Meanwhile, an unnamed police corporal came under public scrutiny when a photo was shared of him committing several traffic infractions. Here’s a mental picture: double parked, no stopping sign, adding to the already insufferable congestion, bearing an alarming percentage of tint on his vehicle. This post, originally shared by a peeved Leroy Smith, resulted in several shares and outraged commentary which mostly targeted the tendency for persons of such “occupations” to act as though they’re above the law. But fear not people, something tells me that this callousness will be pulled in by the reigns sooner than later. The power of social media is one to be reckoned with. Just weeks ago, a local Minister personally made a public apology to a citizen after the latter posted a photograph of a similar traffic infraction caused by the Minister’s driver which resulted in congestion near the Camp Street/South Road junction. The days of being silent are over, and everyone will be held accountable once we continue to call them out with the new found power of the share button. Basically, if the law doesn’t catch up with them, the embarrassment caused by social media exposure will.
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Much-needed finance for tourism operators
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015 The Tourism Ministry over the next 12 months will assist operators within the industry to overcome the challenge of accessing muchneeded finance, allowing them to fully develop their products and services. Speaking at a tourism conference on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, subject Minister Catherine Hughes said her ministry in conjunction with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) will match the innovative ideas of local operators with the availability of funds from a wide range of sources. “In the six months I have been in this position, I have been pleasantly surprised that there is funding available for tourism products and innovative resources that we can bring to the table. The challenge is, we haven’t taken advantage of it. “ A n d i t i s understandable, because quite often just the paper work and product documentation that is re q u i re d c a n b e v e r y overwhelming to the largest of businesses,” Minister Hughes said. Businesses, she added, will receive the necessary support to develop their product documents. This, she said, will allow operators to capitalise on the tremendous opportunities the tourism industry has to offer, alluding to Guyana’s pristine forest and breathtaking natural landscape. Minister Hughes was addressing the well-attended conference which brought together a wide cross-section of operators within the tourism industry. GTA Director Indranauth Haralsingh, the Ministry of Tourism Director General Donald Sinclair,
Strategic Marketing Lecturer at the University of the West Indies Jennifer Barrow, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rainforest Expeditions (Peru) Eduardo Nycander and Sonia Noel Designs CEO Sonia Noel were among the experts who shared their wealth of knowledge with the operators. Barrow, in delivering her presentation, said pricing and packaging are important elements that must be considered when developing tourism products and services.
products and/ or services. She stated that when there is a high demand for goods the prices can be high, but when demand is low you may have to put in a sales promotion and flex the prices. Importantly, she urged operators to be aware of the products and services offered by their competitors at all levels – locally, regionally and internationally. “Pricing cannot be done in isolation” she further
UWI Strategic Marketing Lecturer Jennifer Barrow speaks on pricing and packaging
Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes addressing the 2015 Tourism Conference
H o w e v e r, s h e s a i d producers and service providers must first know their target markets, the value of their products and the best time for business; emphasising that they must have a positive outlook. “You have to embrace your product, you have to like your product, you have to love it,” she told them but also warned that “It’s not about what you like, it’s about what your target market likes.” The UWI Strategic Marketing Lecturer also encouraged business proprietors within the tourism industry to have flexible prices, noting that consideration should be given to the supply and demand of
warned, adding that a product’s uniqueness must be emphasised at all times. The tourism conference brought the curtains down on the set of activities held in observance of Tourism Awareness Month 2015 under the theme, “Growing the Business of Tourism through Product Innovation”. The conference offered a diverse programme of local, regional and international speakers that focused on pricing and packaging, business-to-business marketing and product innovation with the objective of building and maintaining competitive, profitable, sustainable and resilient businesses.
A section of the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
Zoning added to 2am curfew study THE ongoing study being conducted by the Tourism Ministry to measure the impact of the 2am curfew has been expanded to include zoning, Tourism Minister Catherine Hughes said. The establishment and operation of social infrastructure such as clubs and bars within residential areas have not only posed significant social and environmental threats to citizens, but are a clear breach of the country’s zoning laws. The issue of zoning can no longer be ignored, Minister Hughes told the
Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes Guyana Chronicle, as she pointed out that it goes beyond noise pollution.
In June 2013, there was an incident which resulted in a Kitty resident being burnt with acid. Mala Persaud of Lot 9 Station Street, Kitty sustained burns to her face, hands, chest and feet after being doused with acid. Persaud, at the time of the attack, was convinced that it stemmed from complaints that were lodged against the owner of a popular establishment situated in Station Street, Kitty. “We started off looking at the curfew, but then realised the issue of zoning and the issue of security had to be
addressed,” the Tourism Minister said. In a survey being conducted this week, the To u r i s m M i n i s t r y w i l l attempt to ascertain the systems proprietors are willing to implement to prevent breaches of security laws and to simultaneously reduce noise pollution within residential areas. In the end, the
a n a l y t i c a l re p o r t w i l l measure the impact of the 2am curfew on the tourism sector, and simultaneously its effectiveness in the reduction of crime. It will also highlight other issues within the entertainment arena, including zoning. The curfew was implemented by Public Security Minister Khemraj
Ramjattan to curb the serious problem of crime, particularly vehicular accidents which often result in the loss of lives. I n J u l y, M i n i s t e r Ramjattan, under whose purview the laws governing music and dance licences fall, announced the enforcement of the 2 am closing time for bars and clubs in Guyana.
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52 days for missing law books, computer parts PERMANENT Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Legal Affairs, Ms Indira Ananjit, has been sent on fifty-two days’ leave to facilitate an ongoing audit into the disappearance of law books and computer parts collectively worth over $5M from the subject Ministry. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, told the media at a press briefing held at his ministry on Monday that Ananjit has been on leave for several weeks as auditors from the Auditor General’s Office conduct their investigations. “Ms Indira Ananjit, Permanent Secretary, was sent on leave to facilitate the ongoing audit into the disappearance of millions of dollars in law books and computer parts,” he read from a prepared statement. According to Williams, seventeen law reports of the Commonwealth, valued at more than $2.5M, and in excess of $2M in computer parts have disappeared from the Ministry. Investigations are being done from 2013 to present, during which time former Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall was in office. “The audit is ongoing; the PS authorized on those purchases and the books cannot be found in the Ministry or the spares, and so the investigations are ongoing,” said Williams. Indira Ananjit He is hopeful that the audit report can reveal where the items have been taken. In Ananjit’s absence, Melissa Tucker, Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator, will be acting as the Permanent Secretary. Ananjit has served as PS for the Ministry of Legal Affairs for a number of years.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
Venezuela opposition may seek peace-Odeen with Guyana Ishmael RETIRED Guyanese diplomat, Odeen Ishmael s a y s t h e Ve n e z u e l a n opposition coalition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) that w re s t c o n t ro l o f t h a t country’s Parliament from Nicolas Maduro will want to see an improvement in relations with both Guyana and Colombia And could flex their diplomatic muscles to show that they can work to improve the relations with their neighbours. Ishmael made the comments in reaction to the Parliamentary victory secured by the opposition i n S u n d a y ’s e l e c t i o n s in Venezuela. Relations between Guyana and Venezuela have been strained since May this year following Caracas’ renewed claims of this country’s sovereignty. The broad, mostly centre-right MUD coalition won a majority of 99 out of 167 seats in the state legislature, the head of the National Electoral Council (CNE), Tibisay Lucena, announced early on Monday. Maduro promptly appeared on television saying he accepted the defeat, a blow to his leadership during a dire economic crisis. "We have come with our morals and our ethics to recognise these adverse results, to accept them and to say to our Venezuela that the constitution and democracy have triumphed," he said, according to Al Jazeera. In an interview with local and foreign reporters, Ishmael said Implications of the political changes in Venezuela for relations between the two countries must be properly analysed. “We have to keep in mind that Maduro still controls the executive reins in Venezuela. The opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) will now control the legislature from next January. It is hoping to win an overall two-thirds majority which will enable it to sack Supreme Court justices, initiate a referendum to recall Maduro, and even convoke an assembly to rewrite Hugo Chavez's 1999 constitution.” Ishmael said with a simple majority, the coalition can pass an amnesty law to free political prisoners. However, the outgoing legislature can give Maduro powers to rule by decree to enable him to overrule
actions of the new legislature. “But this can lead to civil unrest and I don’t think the outgoing legislature will do so. Maduro himself may not want that power since he has stated that he respects the results of the election, and he will also want to rebuild his own leadership within the Venezuelan Socialist Party (PSV) which is currently threatened by this huge loss. Any civil unrest will not be helpful for him,” Ishmael
Former Guyana Ambassador to Venezuela Odeen Ishmael reasoned. Ishmael said though detailed election results have not yet been released, the opposition won convincingly in traditional pro-government strongholds, including the Petare, January 23 and Catia barrios (slums) in Caracas, the eastern oil city of Maturin and Hugo Chavez’s home state of Barinas. In the Caracas barrios, the PSV always won more than threequarters of the votes in previous elections. Exploration offshore Guyana. Weighing in on the issue of oil exploration, Ishmael said Venezuela currently has the largest oil reserves, but production has dropped over the past few years. “If there is going to be stepped up production will depend not on the legislature but on the executive which is in the hands of Maduro and his cabinet. Surely, the legislative change in Venezuela should not determine if Guyana should or should not continue its own offshore oil exploration and drilling,” he added, noting that politicians across the political spectrum tend to hold one head regarding their claim to Guyana’s territory, “so no
one should expect that the political change will result in a retraction of the claim. Despite Maduro’s aggressive language and action against Guyana, his party itself is not antagonistic towards Guyana. Some forces within the MUD coalition have very strong positions with regard to the claim to Guyana’s territory.” He said too that he does not see a change in the political trend in Venezuela with regard to the claim to the Essequibo region. “However, this should not deter Guyanese political leaders from meeting with the new legislative leaders to discuss the issue in order to find out where they stand. “ “In my opinion, they will state support for the UN Good Offices process, as the Maduro administration continue to assert, but it is important to find out where the MUD stands with respect to asking the UN Secretary General to place the border issue in the hands of the International Court of Justice,” Ismael reasoned. Asked whether there could be political unity between MUD and PSV on the border controversy, Ishmael said: “As I have stated above, both groupings tend to unite over the border i s s u e . H o w e v e r, s o m e allies of the PSV, notably the Communist Part of Venezuela, want an end to the claim. I am not aware of any of the groupings in the MUD taking a similar position, but our diplomatic probing can determine if any such opinion prevails in any of them. One of the most influential persons in the MUD is Dr. Sadio Garavini, a former ambassador to Guyana in the 1980s. He has always been very keen to cement better relations with Guyana and so it will be useful to initiate conversations with him.” He stressed that the opposition-controlled legislature will likely bide its time until the next presidential election when they will try to win full power. “Until then, it is possible the PetroCaribe arrangement may continue. And it may be doubtful of the MUD will want to force a cancellation of PetroCaribe immediately considering that it will want to improve relations with Caribbean countries if it eventually win the presidency in three years’ time.”
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
LGBT member ends life DESMOND Lyken died yesterday afternoon at the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he had been admitted for treatment for poison ingestion. He had been a cross-dresser and member of the LGBT community. The Guyana Chronicle was informed that Lyken, who previously lived at Leopold Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, had shared a relationship with a man who, according to friends, had been very abusive to him. Those friends said that while the man had been with Lyken, he had also shared a relationship with a female, and that had
caused some tension in the relationship. This publication was told that the man had constantly abused Lyken, and this abuse escalated when he broke Lyken’s hand in four places during an argument. Sources close to the couple said that Lyken began receiving calls and text messages from a female with whom the man was involved, and that angered the man who had been Lyken’s lover. He, however, turned his wrath on Lyken, and abused him even more for responding to text messages and calls which the young lady was placing to his mobile phone, and which friends said were very
provocative. D e s m o n d Ly k e n reportedly ingested five carbon tablets last week. This is a poison used to kill rats. The young man was then rushed to the hospital, and was receiving treatment when he succumbed. Persons within the health sector c o n f i r m e d t h a t Ly k e n had also recently received medical attention for broken bones. It is felt among the LGBT community that the death of Lyken brings to the fore the discomfiture of this community and its support groups; the abuse that members of the gay
community are subjected to, both in and out of relationships, and in all forms, including verbal, physical and otherwise. The LGBT community has, in the past, protested the lack of police action whenever they make reports about people who have been
taking advantage of them, while they have lamented the need for health personnel to be more professional in dealing with them whenever they go to them for treatment. This group is of the view that both the law and medical system are failing the LBGT members. In the
past, they spoke of receiving little or no justice, even if a matter goes to court; while the medical system was accused of having health workers who breached their confidentiality by discussing their medical conditions with other persons.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
End the cycle of single-parent household -President tells Adventist men
PRESIDENT David Granger called on men to respect women’s equality as he outlined what he called the three pillars of gender relations, last Saturday afternoon at the National Association of the Adventist Men’s Ministry 2015 Men’s Conference, which was held in the main auditorium of the Sophia Exhibition Centre.
“Christian men have to respect women as being equal in dignity. Christian men must get away from the notion that women must be submissive or subordinate…. Women must be respected, they must be loved, they must be revered,” the Ministry of the Presidency quoted the President as saying. He added that there is no form of reasoning that can
President David Granger flanked by some of the men honoured by the National Association of Adventist Men’s Ministry for their longstanding service and dedication diminish respect for gender equality. The President said these virtues must be learnt in the homes and then practised in the wider society. Further, the Head of State said respect should go beyond gender, and include race and religion. “We have to build respect in all of our religions; and I do believe that in Islam, in Christianity and in Hinduism, respect for human life is
paramount. That respect of the equality of a man is not something only in our constitution, but is something in the Bible, and must be in our hearts as well," he said. Another equally important pillar of manhood posited by the President is the ability to make responsible choices. “Sometimes, depending on our upbringing, we make decisions that are conditioned by non-rational motives…. “These choices have to be responsible Christian choices. Go back to the Bible and learn from the life of Christ," he said. More often than not, the President said, people fail to realise that their choices have consequences that can be to their detriment. “We have to make a choice as fathers. Listen to the advice that you were given to make sure that your child goes to school, stays in school, and graduates”, he said. The third pillar that is necessary in today's world is "resolution", President Granger said. He noted that in today's challenging society, it is easy to walk away from responsibility. “You must have responsibility for every child you bring into this world; and the churches must insist, society must insist, we must abolish forever the expression 'single parent household'. The love of a mother and the lessons of a father are critical to a child's wellbeing", he said. Expanding on the importance of the role of the father, President Granger added, “There are many things a child has to learn from a father, and if that father is absent, the child may very well grow up without those lessons; the lessons of responsibility, the lessons of discipline, the lessons of orderliness.” C a l l i n g t h e M e n ’s Conference timely, the President said it is an important platform for defining a new model of manhood in a changing society. “When people speak of gender issues, they speak
largely of and to women, and the Church today is speaking of and to men, because men are part of the problem. So I’m very glad for this initiative,” he said. Citing the theme for the conference, “Equipping men for today’s challenges”, the President underscored the importance of understanding the way a man thinks, and how he views his masculinity. He posited that the event is a continuous journey of educating and equipping men to work in a more harmonious environment. He added that while generations have inherited conventions and practices for centuries, in the 21st Century, respect for women is indispensable, as they make up half of the world’s population. The Church must then ensure that there are no inequalities. “Our societies are undergoing rapid changes at all levels…and these changes have made an impact on the role of women. Women now have greater opportunities,” he said. According to the President, there is a new norm, in which women are rising to the highest echelons of office in society. “Their (women) successes have challenged [the] traditional dominance of men; and sometimes men have become resentful and try to hold back the tide, or even turn back the tide. So, we need to prepare for the future. We need to get our sons accustomed to regarding girl children, not only as objects of affection, but as objects of respect; and we need to get our girls to respect themselves,” the President said. He referred to the two recent acts of terrorism in Paris, France and San Bernardino, California. President Granger said men have an important leadership role to play in ensuring that extremism does not take hold in Guyana. “ We , a s C h r i s t i a n s , need to be aware of the occurrences that are taking place in the world, and hold
fast to our faith; hold fast to our doctrine; hold fast to our belief in humanity; hold strong to our respect for the views of other people, and not allow ourselves to be drowned in an ocean of extremism,” President Granger said. The President said that, as persons with strong beliefs grounded in the Bible, men should not allow the local political climate and culture to be contaminated by extremist views. “ We h a v e s e v e r a l problems in Guyana, but religious extremism should find no place in our heart to allow the relations between Guyanese to degenerate to the level that we saw just 70 hours ago in San Bernardino,” he told the audience. With social media playing a role in promoting religious extremism, the President said the church needs to provide guidance to lead members of the society away from that path. “ We h a v e t o e n s u r e that we, as men, as fathers, provide the type of guidance, which will prevent them from taking the path toward extremism,” he said. The National Association of Adventist Men’s Ministry took the opportunity at the event to honour some longstanding members, who have been serving not only the association, but their respective communities. George Union was one of those recognised for providing humanitarian services in and out of the Seventh-day Adventist circle for more than 60 years. The conference, which began on Friday and concluded on Sunday, featured presentations on men's health, skills harnessing, empowerment, and the importance of responsibility. Dr. Leon C. Wilson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Alabama State University, was one of the distinguished guest speakers at the event.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
“Legalise it”-Nigel Hughes By Alva Solomon “WE HAVE to get to the stage where we can have this broad spectrum of Guyanese to say “legalise it.” Those were some words of advice given by Attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes when he addressed a gathering at the National Library on uses of hemp, an industrial strain of cannabis. The Neurvana Group, a subsidiary of the Alesie Group of Companies, brought the economics of the plant to the fore when the group detailed the benefits of hemp to the economy of the country last Friday. But it was the presentation of Hughes which drew a mainly Rastafarian audience to the event. Hughes informed those gathered: “In terms of fighting and getting to a place where this is to become legalised, I think we need to be strategic and we need to take this on one step at a time, so we can get one victory and then another victory.” He said there exists a feeling of “sympathy” within the society, which evolved from the Vibert “Durdy” Butts case, the football hero who was sent to jail and later released on $350,000 bail for being in possession of marijuana. Hughes urged those gathered to take advantage of the scenario, noting that initial steps should be aimed at the removal of the mandatory penalty which currently exists. Currently, the narcotics law provides that if one is caught in possession of 15 grams of cannabis, one is deemed to be trafficking the drug. That individual would then be sent to prison and serve a minimum of three and a maximum of five years. Hughes said that, at this stage, legislation had to be drafted. “Get an MP (Member of Parliament) to move it to Parliament, ensure there is enough public support, and change the mandatory imprisonment and get persons to support change in relation to imprisonment”, he told the audience. He informed that illicit drugs are classified into various categories, and in most countries cannabis is not classified in the same category as cocaine. In Guyana, both substances are classified in the same category. The law also provides that one is mandatorily sent to jail, unless special circumstances prevent this. According to Hughes, this is where the “police started to get rich.” He said the police would pick up persons at the corners, send them to court, and because they are unable to afford a lawyer, they serve time in prison. He then briefly described the prison environment as he posited that this was where hardened criminals were born. “Once you walk into that place you got to survive,” he declared, and added that all the skills that convicts learn to survive are learnt in prison. ”So what we do is that we take a whole set of young people, put them in prison and then educate them”, he said, noting that in the remand center, everyone eats, sleeps and communes together. Once they commune, it is more than likely the inmates will share their knowledge. He said that some
may be innocently exposed to that environment; and after jail, they become stigmatized and no one shows any willingness to offer them jobs. Hughes told the attentive audience that many were outraged at the incarceration of Butts, and many have now realized that there exists a system which can send someone who is a national hero to prison for having the quantity of marijuana similar or less than what Butts was convicted for having in his possession. He advised that the first step would be to draft the legislation, which he has already crafted, and this had to reach Parliament by December 17 for a first reading. “While we are doing that we have to have a public debate
others, and Neurvana’s President and Co-Founder, Vedjai Doerga, told the gathering that the group had carried out extensive research on the plant. He said that hemp had a history of being an important fibre used in the manufacturing industries for a variety of goods, including feed, body oils, fuel, plastics, paper and clothing. He said the substance was even used to make the interior panels of cars manufactured in Germany. Doerga said that there was a readily available supplier of seeds of the high-quality substance in Holland, and according to him, the soil type is sent to that nation, where marijuana use and consumption is legal. The agronomists there can determine the types of seeds which can match the soil type sent for
AFC chairman , Nigel Hughes explains the decriminalization steps in amending the country’s narcotic laws to the audience. on how we move forward”, he said, and persons have to be educated on the issue, while “real data” has to be collected on those imprisoned, including their names and places they worked, among other forms of data. Hughes told the gathering: “The politicians cannot fight hard data”, and he urged them to gather the data. Responses to such data will create the open views of people and open “their eyes”. He said categorizing of the drugs from the “hard drugs” will be important, and while stakeholders will speak to the issue and give their opinions, the facts will show the real figures of those who use various categories of illicit substances. Earlier, the Neurvana Group explained in detail the economic benefits of Hemp, a high growing cannabis plant used for industrial purposes. Hemp has many uses, including being used as food, in making body oils, medicine, fuel, plastics and paper among
analysis. As regard the planting process, he explained that the drug had to be monitored throughout its growth, to ensure its potency was equivalent to the legal limits. It was noted, too, that trading and planting the fibre leads to employment, and the Alesie Group said it stands ready to pilot such a project should the laws regarding the substance be altered. The issue of legalization of cannabis has been a topical one throughout the Caribbean. This year, Jamaica relaxed its laws regarding cannabis. On February 25 this year, the Jamaican House of Representatives passed a law decriminalizing possession of up to 2 ounces of cannabis. The new law includes provisions legalizing the cultivation for personal use of up to 5 plants, as well as setting up regulations for the cultivation and distribution of cannabis for medical, religious purposes and natural growth.
Can’t find a job after refusing polygraph test By Shauna Jemmott A FORMER employee of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), who was among those who dismissed after failing a polygraph test in 2013, has launched a campaign against his sacking, which he has deemed arbitrary and unjust. Vernon James said on Monday that ever since he was fired in March 2013 after failing the test, he has searched tirelessly for another job, but is being stigmatised and discriminated against day after day. The dismissed fuel inspector who was functioning in a senior position at the Linden checkpoint made an emotional presentation on Monday at the Public Service Commission (PSC) Commission of Inquiry (CoI), which was launched by government earlier this year. James told Chairman Harold Lutchman and Commissioners Sandra Jones and Samuel Goolsarran that his testimony also represents colleagues who are either afraid or too shy to come forward, many of whom still suffer as a result of their dismissal. Reports indicated that the workers, specifically fuel inspectors and other field staff, were dismissed following a lie detector test, but James said he was told by management of GEA that he was being dismissed as a result of refusing to take the Polygraph or lie detector test, although he was told it was ‘voluntary’. The man said his dismissal is arbitrary, since the document which was given to him by GEA head Mahender Sharma stated that taking the test was voluntary. In 2003, he was employed under the Biocode firm with its main offices in London, and worked ten years with the GEA, until he was dismissed in 2013.
He said the polygraph testing was introduced to the company in 2009, and was taken by a former colleague who was then dismissed. The following year it was widely introduced in the agency, but without management even informing the staff of their decision concerning polygraph testing. When he was called in to accompany specific staff to the Office of the President (OP), he was not even aware that he was also summoned to an impromptu meeting in which then Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, told them they will take the lie detector Still searching for test the following day. Not knowing much about justice: Dismissed the test, he contacted a rela- GEA employee Vernon tive in the USA, who advised James him to speak to a lawyer. The lawyer then cautioned him that the company would have fired him based on observed trends. When he reported the following day for the test, he was hoarse, and after learning that he could not do the test in such condition, he was also informed by the tester, who was said to be a specialist from the USA, that he did not even have to do it at all, since it was voluntary. He said he asked the man if he would be the first to see the
results had he decided to take the test, and was told that the results would be handed to Dr. Luncheon, then to the GEA. He declined to take the test. He said he was asked again once by Sharma to take the test, and he refused, saying, “If I have not volunteered to do it, why should I do it? You (Sharma), Dr. Luncheon, the President of this country, the Prime Minister (or) no one (else) can make me do this test if I choose not to volunteer.” According to James, after his contract ended in 2012 he was asked to sign another contract in January, but in March he was called to the office of Sharma for an interview, and was told by the CEO that his services were terminated because he had refused to take the polygraph test twice. “From 2013 to now, I am unemployed…because when you apply for employment elsewhere you’re turned down,” James said. He said a colleague gained employment at Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and was dismissed without proper explanation. Another, a young lady, was employed by a private university on ECD, and an executive member of GEA who visited saw her working there. She was soon after dismissed. “Sir, I am asking this commission if this commission could look into the matter and see how well it can use its office to help those who are out of a job today, either (by) being reinstated into their jobs or by seeking employment (for them) elsewhere. I am out of a job for over two years and I ought to be compensated for the time I’m out of my job, because it is not legal for anyone to be dismissed because of a polygraph test. It’s unconstitutional and they violated my democratic rights as a Guyanese!” the man stated.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
Long-serving aviation employees honoured THE importance of search-and-rescue was highlighted yesterday when three long-serving Air Services Limited employees were honoured for their contribution to the aviation sector as Guyana celebrates International Civil Aviation Day.
Aviation expert Ankar Doobay receiving his award from ASL’s Annette Arjoon-Martins
Experienced ramp attendant Bholanauth Baijnath, commonly known in aviation circles as “Lala”, receiving his award from the PSC Deputy Chair Edward Boyer
At a simple ceremony at the (ASL) Boardroom, the recently formed aviation body, National Air Transport Association (NATA), honoured Ankar Doobay, a long-serving aviation expert with the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA); GuySuCo pilot Captain Gary Sahai, and Roraima Airways long-serving staff member Bholanauth Baijnath. In brief remarks, Captain Gerry Gouveia of Roraima Airways told the small gathering that the industry is of importance to the local economy. Aviation connects the coastland with the rest of Guyana, and is the most efficient form of transportation. A n e x p e r i e n c e d a v i a t o r, C a p t a i n G o u v e i a recognised that each employee, including the pilot, aircraft loader and air traffic controller, plays a vital role in the sector. “It is because human resource is always important,” he said, noting that the hanger would be meaningless without the requisite technical personnel to man the operations of an airline. The seasoned pilot related that he has seen the development of the hinterland over the years, evolving with aviation playing a key role in the process. In the future, he said, it is vital that all concerned understand the challenges which the country faces in terms of aviation development. According to Captain Gouveia, search-and-rescue is the number one issue of priority today in Guyana, as it is “about life, human life”.
Capt. Gerry Gouveia who, on many occasions, was involved in search-and-rescue missions, spoke of occasions of aircraft in distress being in sight but being very difficult to reach. Guyana, he said, lacks the equipment to pursue such cases, but it has been an issue which has been talked about for decades. He highlighted safety of runways and traffic separation of aircraft by Air Traffic Control (ATC) as other important issues which have to be addressed. In regard to the latter, Gouveia said pilots corresponding with each other because of the absence of ATC in order to manoeuvre safely while outside of the 75-mile boundary from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), but this needs to be changed. He highlighted busy airstrips such as Port Kaituma, Lethem and those in the Mazaruni, where this would be essential. Deputy Head of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Edward Boyer, singled out safety as an important factor in aviation, while underscoring the importance of the industry to Guyana. ASL’s Annette Arjoon-Martins also spoke on the occasion. World Aviation Day, so referred in most circles, is observed annually on December 7 to raise awareness of the importance of international civil aviation and the role that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) plays in international air transport.
The awardees, from left: Gary Sahai, Bholanauth Baijnath and Ankar Doobay, with ASL’s Annette ArjoonMartins, Edward Boyer of the PSC and owner of Roraima Airways Gerry Gouveia
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
City schools lectured on volunteerism IN observance of International Volunteer Day, which was commemorated on December 5, members of the U.S Embassy’s Youth Action Network (YAN) visited four schools in Georgetown to discuss the value and benefit of volunteerism, and to encourage students to become agents of change in their respective communities and schools. In a release, the US Embassy said students attending the sessions expressed strong desire to become engaged and make a difference in their communities. The schools visited were Marian Academy, Charlestown and North Georgetown Secondary, and the Tutorial High School. The YAN is committed to raising awareness on issues affecting youths in Guyana, and promoting advocacy by motivating youths to volunteer and take action to effect change. As part of its mandate to give motivated youths opportunity to promote their involvement in volunteerism, the YAN undertook several community service activities this year. Some of these projects include a food-and-clothing initiative for the homeless in Georgetown; participating in the International Coastal Clean Up; and improving the environmental conditions of three youth friendly spaces in the county of Berbice. International Volunteer Day 2015 was observed under the theme “The world is changing. Are you? Volunteer!� International Volunteer Day is a celebration of people serving as agents of change in their communities, and working towards global peace and sustainable human development. It provides a chance for volunteer-involving organisations and individual volunteers to promote their contributions to development at local, national, and international levels.
YAN members with students of Charlestown Secondary School
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Kwakwani Access Road in deplorable state
MINIBUS drivers who traverse the route from Linden to Kwakwani have been pushed to the edge as, for too long, they do not have a choice but to contend with the deplorable state of the Kwakwani Access Road. The access road, which spans approximately 150 miles, comprises of a rough mixture of slush, condensed soil particles, and enormous potholes. According to one bus driver, who identified himself as “Tiger”, the condition of the road has caused a number of accidents over the past few years, especially when it rains.
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
The minibus drivers are calling on the Ministry of Infrastructure to remedy this situation which has been plaguing them for the past seven years. “This access road has been in a deplorable state for as long as I can remember, and it is really taking bread out of our pockets,” the man lamented as he spoke on behalf of the bus drivers. Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph, who hails from Kwakwani, and the bus drivers told the Guyana Chronicle that the contractor, hired to repair the road and to change
Minibus operators trying to fix a part of the Kwakwani Access Road its current state to that of a decent hinterland highway, has been failing to do so for the past seven years. They also said that the aggregates used to complete this task are mediocre and incompatible with the natural soil of the roadway. These materials are sluggishly thrown on the surface and roughly graded down. When heavy duty trucks and other vehicles pass, the road is opened and left with huge holes. When it rains, the vehicles experience tremendous difficulty to pass. Their occupants have to engage in teampushing, as they are stuck most of the time. “Saturday morning, when the rain fall, we had to lay planks on the road for the vehicles to pass, as the state the road was in made it impossible to drive through,” bus driver Tiger said. Under normal weather, it would take a bus driver approximately three hours to reach his destination; but in increment weather conditions, it would take as much as 4 or 5 hours. This would result in additional gasoline consumption, since the vehicle would have to expend tremendous effort to negotiate its way out of the deplorable roadway. According to the Vice Chairman, the Minister of Infrastructure should “examine the horn” as the contractor is based at his ministry. “It has been seven years that this has been going on and the situation is not getting better, but worse. Minister David Patterson should examine the horn and change the contractor, since he is obviously incompetent in handling this job,” he said. The bus drivers are calling upon the Ministry of Infrastructure to award someone who knows about constructing hinterland roads, where heavy-duty vehicles normally traverse. It has also been recommended by these individuals that the ministry needs to follow the weather pattern before commencing road works. Do so duringthe raining season can be counter-productive. Adolph is also recommending that quality materials be used to construct the roads. “Is seven years that this contractor continues to use the same type of materials on the road, and it continues to fail us; so we need proper materials,” Tiger told this publication. Regional Chairman Renis Morian has contacted the Ministry of Public Infrastructure engineer responsible for this project, and will be meeting with him soon. He will also be taking samples of laterite found in Linden that can be used for the road project.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
Bandits busted in Berbice POLICE on Monday once again responded with precision, nabbing four armed bandits shortly after they had robbed a grocery shop at Liverpool Village Corentyne, and had assaulted a woman. In a statement, police said that at about 10:00h on Monday, motor vehicle HC 4442 with four men inside drove up to a grocery shop at Liverpool Village, Corentyne. Two of the men, one of whom had a bag with a long object inside, went into the shop and confronted the 53-year-old businesswoman, during which they demanded cash and assaulted her. The woman raised an alarm and the men ran back to the motor vehicle in their escape bid. Ranks of a police motor cycle anti-crime patrol were informed and other patrols and police stations were alerted. Subsequently, a police corporal armed with a service shotgun stopped the vehicle outside the Albion Police Station, but the suspect with the bag managed to run away. He was pursued and apprehended by the corporal, and an unlicensed sawn-off shotgun
and 6 cartridges were found in his possession. The other three suspects had meanwhile driven away in the motor car. Two of them were later arrested in another taxi at a police roadblock along the approach to the Berbice River Bridge, the police statement added. The fourth suspect, who was driving the getaway vehicle, was later arrested at a roadblock at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, after he had driven through one at Weldaad, WCB. The four men are in police custody assisting with the investigations. Police have, over time, been intercepting most of the bandits amid concerns about a spike in crime. Deputy Police Commissioner David Ramnarine told this newspaper last week that the Guyana Police Force has been making more arrests, and has cracked a number of murder cases within days of the crime. Ramnarine said the Force is especially thankful for the cooperation of members of the public in its intelligence-gathering, which has resulted in the GPF making
several arrests. The senior police officer said cooperation from members of the public has been outstanding and quite helpful in cracking several other cases, but CCTV cameras and AFPIS, a finger printing method, have resulted in many other arrests and prosecutions of criminals on the run. In the use of the AFPIS as a crime fighting tool, 82 positive identifications of finger prints were made in 2015, and those have resulted in 38 charges being made. Twenty-three of such identifications were done within the past three months, he said. Of those, 13 burglary charges were made, seven break-andenter-and-larceny charges were made, and three charges of simple larceny were also instituted. Government’s CCTV camera monitoring systems, installed at various points in Georgetown and on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, have resulted in identification of several persons caught in criminal activities. The monitoring of these cameras is done at CID Headquarters, and 17 persons
Plantain skins on the pavement IMRAN Sookram of Peter Street, Parika, who did not make an appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court when his matter was first called on October 12, 2015, after he was charged with depositing waste in a public place, was yesterday fined $15,000. The charge read that on Friday, October 2, 2015, at Water Street, a public place way in the city of Georgetown, he deposited waste, which included plantain skins, on the pavement of the said street. The arresting rank stated that while on patrol on Water Street between Hadfield Street and Brickdam, she observed the defendant depositing a quantity of skins on the council’s pavement. After identifying herself, she asked him if he was permitted by the Cleansing Officer to deposit waste in that manner. He replied in the negative.
Tuesday December 8th, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Wednesday December 9th, 2015 - 14:30 hrs Thursday December 10th, 2015 - 14:30 hrs
have been arrested, including two murder suspects; seven suspected of being involved in robbery-under-arms, one person for a narcotics-related crime, one for abduction, and six simple larceny criminals. Seven extractions were
done from CCTV cameras installed by private individuals, and as a result, five arrests were made for robbery-under-arms and two for murder, including the arrest of Colin Alleyne, 23, of Cemetery Road, Timeh-
ri, who was wanted for the murder of an old woman on the East Coast Demerara, and other arrests of three individuals charged with a series of robberies committed last month along America Street in Georgetown.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday December 8, 2015
20 years for killing Raghubir steals city bin boss
CITY Magistrate Alex Moore yesterday sentenced Deolaran Raghubir to two months’ imprisonment for stealing one of the new green garbage bins that the Mayor and City is using to keep Georgetown and its environs
clean. According to the charge, on Friday, December 4, 2015, at Brickdam, Georgetown, he stole one green garbage bin valued $17,000, property of the Mayor and City Council. On the said date, Raghubir was taken to the Stabroek Outpost with the bin by a public-spirited citizen, who accused him of stealing the article from the St. Andrew’s Kirk’s Church compound. He was arrested and charged, after which he told the rank: “I gon tell the truth: I remove the green bin which was placed on the pavement on Brickdam, between Water Street and High Street.” He was warned by the magistrate not to commit another offence, since his penalty would be greater because he was charged before for an offence of related nature.
A teary-eyed Patrick Anthony Balgobin, 34, was led away to prison yesterday after he was found guilty by a 12-member jury on the lesser count of manslaughter, and was sentenced to 20 years by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow for killing his boss. In the High Court, after the verdict was announced, Justice Jo-Ann Barlow started at a base of 25 years, but deducted five years for the time spent in jail. Justice Barlow encouraged Balgobin to use the time of his sentence to reflect on what he had done, and to make amends. Defence attorney Maxwell McKay told the court that Balgobin was learning to read in the penitentiary. And Balgobin, on the verge of tears, told the court that he was very sorry for everything. He had spent five years and six months incarcerated while awaiting trial. The charge stated that the accused had murdered 72-year-old poultry farmer Rudolph Moonsammy between June 7, 2010 and June 10, 2010 at St. Lawrence, East Bank Essequibo. A post-mortem performed by Pathologist Dr. Vivikanand Brijmohan gave the cause of death as (a) shock and hemorrhage due to lacerations to the brain and (b) fractured skull. There were five witnesses who testified under oath in the case. The charge was re-read to the accused, stating that between June 7, 2010 and June 10, 2010, he allegedly murdered Rudolph Moonsammy, his employer. The state was represented by Diana Kaulesar and Tuanna Hardy. During her opening address, Tuanna Hardy told the court that the accused had murdered his employer during a quarrel. They had lived in the same yard, and he had followed Moonsammy to a dam, where he dealt Moonsammy several blows to the body with a piece of wood; and after the wood had broken, he chopped the man with a cutlass. Moonsammy, although mortally wounded, had managed to crawl into his house, and was later discovered by a neighbour. Moonsammy died three days later from extensive injuries to his head.
Not my drugs - driver TAXI driver Adray Adel of Mahaicony was yesterday remanded by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan after he appeared before her charged with possession of narcotics. It is alleged that, on December 3, 2015 at Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, he had in his possession 76.600 kilograms of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking. The 26-year-old father of one was remanded until January 7, 2016, when the matter comes up for report and fixture. Police Prosecutor Jones, in his submission to the court, stated that the drug was found on the car with number plate PRR 6205, which the defendant was driving. He was the only person in the car when the narcotics were found. According to the defence counsel, his client had no knowledge of the drug, and during the process of his work he was stopped and the drugs were found in the vehicle.
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Permaul, Motie India seal 3-0 win after dour South Africa crumble destroy... From back page
India wrapped up a 3-0 series win on the fifth and final day in Delhi.
By Amlan Chakraborty NEW DELHI ,(Reuters)South Africa's spectacular stonewalling came unstuck in the final session as India cruised to a 337-run victory in the final test to win the four-match series 3-0 at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium yesterday. Beaten inside three days on either side of the rain-ruined second test in Bangalore, Hashim Amla and his men had finally managed to take a test into its final day
with some dogged resilience. Resuming on 72-2, South Africa employed the same ultra-defensive approach that marked their batting on Sunday, hoping to eke out a pride-salvaging draw than chase an improbable 481-run victory target. Amla (23) led their dour reply with his 244-ball resistance and AB de Villiers (43) battled for about six hours, much of it with a swollen thumb, before the slow-scoring tourists folded for 143 in 143.1 overs. Their single-minded blocking also allowed India's left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja to send down 17 consecutive maiden overs. Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 5-61 to finish with 31 wickets which also earned the off-spinner the man-ofthe-series award. "All wins are pretty special but this one because we had to work harder for this," captain Virat Kohli said after India rose to number two in test rankings with the series victory. "We were surprised with
the way they were defending the ball, but the bowlers didn't go off their plans. "It tested our patience but I think it's more special to get wickets in that situation," said Kohli. The Indian captain employed as many as eight bowlers, including himself, to overcome the Proteas' resistance and populated the crease with up to six close-in fielders for his spinners. AMLA'S TOIL Jadeja earned the breakthrough in the fifth over after the hosts had taken the new ball, spinning one past Amla's tentative bat to hit the top of the off-stump before embarking on a celebratory run. Amla departed after nearly five hours of dour defending, scoring 25 painstaking runs in what was the slowest ever test inning of 200 or more balls. The 27 runs he added with de Villiers in 253 balls was also the slowest test partnership of 175 balls or more. New man in Faf du Ples-
sis displayed the same obduracy with the bat and took 53 balls -- seven more than skipper Amla -- to get off the mark. Jadeja ended du Plessis' (10) two-hour stay after lunch but it was once again Ashwin, the standout bowler in the series, who virtually sealed the match in India's favour by dismissing de Villiers soon after tea. It was one of the slowest innings by de Villiers, who holds the record for the fastest 50, 100 and 150 in one-day cricket, made more remarkable by the fact that he had been hit on the thumb by an Umesh Yadav delivery. "It was a tough series for our batters. Unfortunately we didn't manage to get that much runs most of the times," Amla said after South Africa's first away Test series defeat in nine years. Ajinkya Rahane was adjudged man-of-the-match for his twin centuries in the final test of a series in which no other batsman managed to get to three-figures.
SCOREBOARD
INDIA 1st innings 334 (A. Rahane 127, R. Ashwin 56; K. Abbott 5-40, D. Piedt 4-117) South Africa 1st innings 121 (R. Jadeja 5-30) India 2nd innings 267 for 5 decl (A. Rahane 100no, V. Kohli 88) South Africa 2nd innings (Overnight: 72-2; Target: 481 runs) D. Elgar c Rahane b Ashwin T. Bavuma b Ashwin H. Amla b Jadeja A. de Villiers c Jadeja b Ashwin F. du Plessis lbw b Jadeja J. Duminy lbw b Ashwin D. Vilas b U. Yadav
4 34 25 43 10 0 13
K. Abbott b U. Yadav 0 D. Piedt c Saha b U. Yadav 1 M. Morkel b Ashwin 2 I. Tahir not out 0 Extras (b-8 lb-3) 11 Total (all out, 143.1 overs) 143 Fall of wickets: 1-5 D. Elgar,2-49 T. Bavuma,3-76 H. Amla,4-111 F. du Plessis,5-112 J. Duminy,6-136 D. Vilas,7-136 A. de Villiers,8-140 K. Abbott,9-143 D. Piedt,10-143 M. Morkel Bowling: I. Sharma 20 - 12 - 23 – 0, R. Ashwin 49.1 - 26 - 61 – 5, R. Jadeja 46 - 33 - 26 – 2, U. Yadav 21 - 16 - 9 – 3, S. Dhawan 3 - 1 - 9 – 0, M. Vijay 2 - 0 - 2 – 0, V. Kohli 1 - 1 - 0 – 0, C. Pujara 1 0 - 2 – 0.
his younger clubmate Motie who inspired WICB Regional aggregate record-holder Permaul to exert more energy and power into his deliveries. Red Force skipper Jason Mohammed joined Hope and they tried their utmost to regain some momentum but Permaul struck another crucial body blow when he prised out Hope for 73 (151m, 146b, 13x4s), smartly taken behind by wicketkeeper Anthony Bramble on the stroke of lunch. The Red Force, having resumed on 51 for 2; were in a comfortable position when Deonarine and Hope added 103 for the third wicket partnership. But with both back in the pavilion cooling their heels, the Jaguars savoured the opportunity to go for the kill after the luncheon interval. And there was no respite as both Permaul and Motie made life extremely difficult for the Trinidadians who had no clue how to negotiate the variety of deliveries that came from the fingers of the two Guyanese spinners. There was a pain and more plus acute embarrassment
for the homesters with both leftarm spinners at their best. Wickets tumbled like nine pins with Permaul leading the way as he dismissed Yannick Ottley for nought as soon as play resumed after the interval. He followed up with the wickets of Steven Katwaroo, LBW for 15, and Imran Khan, caught by Imran Khan for two. Motie was not to be left behind as he removed skipper Jason Mohammed, LBW for 12; Marlon Richards, caught by wicketkeeper Bramble and Uthman Muhammad, caught by Ronsford Beaton for 16. Permaul finished as the main wicket-taker with 5 for 62 from 31.1 overs while his younger counterpart Motie collected four for 43 from 23.3 overs. Demerara Cricket Club’s all-rounder Christopher Barnwell who started the damage with 5 for 32 in the first innings and followed up with an entertaining 75 in Guyana Jaguars first innings total of 475 was voted “Player of the Match” for his outstanding all-round performances.
Milerock edge Victoria Kings... From back page
other plans. The goalkeeper pulled off a save that sparked wild celebration in the stands and some, who couldn’t control themselves, invaded the pitch to join Milerock in jubilation. Victoria Kings had to eventually settle for $250,000 and a trophy. Owen Williams had given Milerock a dream start in the game, when he scored three minutes into the contest. Both teams had their fair amount of chances to score in the first half, but it was Milerock who would enter the second half with a 1 – 0 advantage. Nonetheless, Victoria Kings’ perseverance would eventually pay off in the 77th minute, when Akeem Holder scored from within the 18 years’ box, much to the disappointment of the
Linden fans. Holder’s equaliser lifted the Kings’ spirit, but neither side could’ve put together a good enough attack to score in the regulation time, sending the game into penalty where the home side prevailed. In the third-place playoff, Collie Hercules rolled back the years to when he was Guyana’s top striker, to score Topp XX’s opening goal in the 55th minute. The Hercules goal was an equaliser, after Keon Sears had given Winners Connection the lead in the 33rd minute. Travis ‘Chicken’ Watterton then put Topp XX 2 – 1 up against Winners Connection in extra time (95th minute) but Rawle Gittens’ goal three minutes later sent the game into penalty.
28
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Sri Lanka's Perera sent home Scorpions survive after failing drugs test - report Cornwall to steal three-wicket win WELLINGTON, (Reuters)-Sri Lanka wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera has been sent home from their tour of New Zealand after failing a drugs test, local media, citing a Sri Lanka Cricket statement, said today. Perera, 25, failed the test, administered by the International Cricket Council, during the series against Pakistan in late July, Fairfax
Media reported. The Sri Lanka team were not immediately available for comment. Perera, who played in the tour opener against a New Zealand Board President's XI last week, has been replaced by Kaushal Silva for the Test series starting in Dunedin on Thursday. Sri Lanka Cricket said in the statement that a further 'B' sample would be tested,
and it planned to "make every endeavour" to get Perera back on the field as soon as possible. Pace bowler Dhammika Prasad has also been sent home from the tour after suffering a back injury and has been replaced by Vishva Fernando. The two-Test series will be followed by five oneday internationals and two Twenty20 matches.
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Kusal Perera.
2015 NBS/BCB 2nd Division…
Mahadeo propels Rose Hall to NBS play-offs ALL-ROUNDER Khemraj Mahadeo turned in an outstanding performance to propell the Rose Hall Town Bakewell to a 9-wicket over Whim National in their final Zone K preliminary match of the 2015 New Building Society Second Division 40-Over cricket competition in Berbice. This win left Rose Hall Town tied with Port Mou-
rant and Tain Block Four on top of the Zone but with a superior run rate of the three, which made them the winners of the Zone thus earning their place in the play-offs. Mahadeo firstly took 5 for 20 from 6 Overs with his off spin to destroy whim for 157. Then opening the batting he hit 80 N.O (10 fours) being involved in a 73-run opening partnership with
Vidal Crandon (33) and an unbroken 87-run 2nd wicket stand with West Indies Female cricketer Shemaine Campbelle (30 N.O) to steer Rose Hall Town to 160 for 1 in 23-Overs. Led by 94 (6 fours and 6 sixes) from Vinode Samaroo, Letterkenny Young Star made a decent 198 in 29.3 Overs against Tain Block Four. However, Imran Khan slammed 82 (4 fours
and 8 sixes) to steer Tain to 202 for 4 in 29.1 Overs and victory. Other batsmen scoring half centuries were Baichan Deonarine of Kendall’s Union A and Davendra Baijnauth of Kendall’s Union B. In other results, Kendall’s Union A beat Courtland All Stars by 8 wickets at No. 19 while at the same venue Kendall’s Union B beat Fyrish Road by 6 wickets. At No. 43, No. 52 Survival beat No. 43 Scorpion by 43 runs.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – Jamaica Scorpions survived destructive bowling by Rahkeem Cornwall to steal a three wicket win from Leeward Islands Hurricanes on the third day of their fourth round game in the Regional First Class Championship at Sabina Park here yesterday. Chasing a target of 150, Scorpions stumbled to 84 for five as Cornwall’s off breaks wreaked havoc and threatened to take the match away from the homeside. Cornwall grabbed five wickets for 39 runs but a composed half century from opener Paul Palmer guided Scorpions to victory after tea, to climax an exciting afternoon of cricket. The match was evenly poised when Hurricanes resumed from their overnight 112 for three, trailing Jamaica by 79 runs on first innings. The Leewards Hurricanes, who gave a better account of themselves after a first innings total of 164 all out, went to lunch at 180 for six, a lead of 101. Half centuries from Shane Jeffers and Orlando Peters as well as contribu-
tions from Chesney Hughes and Jacques Taylor, of 27 and 24 not out respectively, propelled Hurricanes to 228 all out. Jeffers added just nine runs to his overnight total before departing for a wellplayed 61 from 129 balls punctuated with five fours and a six. Jeffers figured in an opening stand of 71 with Hughes while Orlando Peters struck 52 before he was run out. Man-of-the match Nikita Miller grabbed four for 71 to finish with eight wickets in the match, Damion Jacobs picked up three for 72 while the other two went to Marquino Mindley. The Jamaicans began their chase after lunch but were setback by Cornwall’s bowling assault which sent them reeling at 44 for two and later slumping to 84 for five. However Palmer’s patient unbeaten knock of 51 which produced six fours kept the Scorpions on course, assisted by a 57 run partnership with Dave Bernard Jr who scored 36 before becoming one of Cornwall’s victims.
Serena back after battle with pain MANILA, Philippines (AFP) — Serena Williams said yesterday she was ready to rejoin the women's tennis tour after a bout with pain and injuries that caused the world number one to cut short her 2015 season. The 34-year-old American was largely rusty as she lost in mixed doubles before beating Ana Ivanovic, while playing at the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) tournament in Manila. Williams last played in a competitive match in a shock semi-final loss to Italian Roberta Vinci at the US Open in September, missing out on a calendar-year sweep of the Grand Slams. "I never lacked motivation. I just was really injured," she told reporters in the Philippine capital yesterday without discussing the nature of the injury. Williams has said she played injured most of the year
as she played two sets in the IPTL's abbreviated format representing the Philippine Mavericks team against Ivanovic's UAE Royals. The teams play five sets of men's and women's singles, men's and mixed doubles, as
well as one for "legends" or retired men's players. "It's a good opportunity for me to get some more tennis in and get ready. I felt really good." Williams begins her 2016 season at the Hopman Cup
in Perth on January 3 before defending her Australian Open title later that month. She is one Grand Slam win shy of equalling Steffi Graf's record 22 titles. The German also swept all four Grand Slam titles in 1988.
Notable Dates
Serena Williams announces she will rejoin the women’s tennis tour.
as she racked up her Grand Slam win count to 21 by taking Wimbledon as well as the Australian and the French Open crowns. After her loss to Vincim she pulled out of the China Open and the year-ending WTA Finals, saying she needed "time to heal".
She cited injuries to "my elbow, my knee, or, in the final moments after a certain match in Flushing, my heart". Her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, has also told ESPN she was lacking "motivation" after the US Open loss. "It was good to be back here," Williams said Sunday,
Guyanese Donald Allison was 26-years-old and had lost one of seven fights when he met American Kenny Willis on December 8, 1989 in Brooklyn, New York. Allison won the six-rounded by Unanimous Decision. In June of the same year the Guyanese suffered his first professional defeat when he lost to Puerto Rican Jake Rodriguez. Allison was down in the fourth round and eventually lost by Unanimous Decision at the end of six rounds. Rodrigues would move on to win the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior welterweight title while Allison who competed mostly in the USA, was crowned New York
State junior welterweight champion in July 1990 following point victory over Jose Avila. In February 1991 Allison made an unsuccessful attempt win the International Boxing Council (IBC) title when he lost by unanimous decision to American Tony Martin. His career had a life of six years during which time he secured 14 victories, six losses and one draw. After retiring from fighting, he returned to Guyana and opened a gym in Agricola. The gym produced several outstanding amateur boxers. Allison was a few months short of turning 42 when he was gunned down in September 2005.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Roach enthused by green Hobart deck By Daniel Brittig
What better to lift the sagging spirits of a West Indies touring team after their hiding at the hands of a modest Cricket Australia XI than the unveiling of a verdant green surface at Bellerive Oval? While the pitch's appearance four days out from the Thursday start of the first Test for the Frank Worrell Trophy is likely to be deceiving, as warm temperatures will affect its colour and moisture content, there was an unmistakable spring in the step of the pacer Kemar Roach as he contemplated a kind of strip seldom seen in the Caribbean. For all their recent woes, West Indies have a strong enough bowling unit to cause Australia's transitional batting lineup some problems, given the right conditions and circumstances. Plenty of members of Steven Smith's team can remember Jerome Taylor's piercing spells in Jamaica earlier this year, and many will also recall the duel Roach fought with Ricky Ponting at the WACA Ground in 2009 - his pace causing an uncertainty hitherto unseen in the then captain. "Of course, there aren't many wickets in the world like that, so it's good to see that for a change. I'm pretty excited to get a go on Thursday," Roach said of the pitch. "Yeah I think so [it will still be green on Thursday]. I know Australians play very hard cricket and they believe in what they do, so that's what they give us, and that's what we're going to take. "There's some very good fast bowlers in our group, our job is to go out there and give it our best shot. Jerome Taylor has been leading the attack very well, he's in good form, one of the fastest bowlers in the world Shannon Gabriel, and then myself. And Jason Holder the captain has
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no other reason you can't perform. "I love being the underdogs. If we can come
West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach.
been good as well. I think we can give the Australians some trouble." A grassy pitch is West Indies' best chance to get into the contest, as their batsmen have commonly lacked the application and technique required to build the more substantial innings required by flatter wickets. This much was confirmed by a glance at their morning net session, where edges abounded, and the young right-hander Shane Dowrich was at one point clean bowled, by a ball the coach Phil Simmons delivered with a "dog thrower". Roach's speed and skiddy bounce had been similarly disconcerting for Ponting six years ago. He was struck a painful blow near the elbow, its effects on tendons and muscles described by the team physio Alex Kountouris as similar to a cut of meat being tenderised by a mallet. Years and injuries have dulled Roach's speed, but he is a useful man to have on tour for his experience and effervescence. "It was good memories, Ricky Ponting was a great batsman for Australia, and to go out there and give him a hard time at the crease was a good thing for me at a young age," he said. "My role has changed since 2009, I've had a lot of injuries the last
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couple of years and that's set me back a bit. "But I'm here and there's a reason I'm here, the selectors have put their faith in me to come down here and do the job. I believe in myself as well, so given a go on Thursday I'll go out there and give it my best shot. Consistency, hitting the areas as much as possible has always been the way in Australia. I watched Australia and New Zealand and it's simple, just keep the ball in good areas and just do something with the ball as well, then you should be on top." West Indies' troubles have been many and varied, with several of their best players now skipping Test duty to play in the Big Bash League, and more recently Simmons being suspended from his role for disputing the choices made by a selection panel of which he was a part. Roach said Simmons' return had a positive effect, while also welcoming the "underdog" tag that is indisputably theirs this week. "I think Phil Simmons is a great coach," Roach said. "I like him around, he has been working with the guys very well, he has a comfortable dressing room, and that's what most guys need to perform, once they're comfortable then there's South Africa Racing Tips Vaal 08:20 hrs Wild Brier 08:55 hrs Mrs Bader 09:35 hrs Silver Matador 10:15 hrs Frosty Friday 10:50 hrs Samurai Blade 11:25 hrs Fort Navidad American Racing Tips Philadelphia Park Race 1 True Knockout Race 2 Geepers Creepers Race 3 Cait the Great Race 4 Mavericks Gun Race 5 Rock Me Again Race 6 Diez Dancer Race 7 Mastic Race 8 Consuela Race 9 Noreen
out on top then it's going to be a whole different story, they will change their mouths, I think we've got
to go out there, do the best that we can and give Australia a good run."(ESPN Cricinfo)
30
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Sedro is Mr Flex Night WENDEL Sedro carted off both the Heavyweight Class and the Mr. Flex Night title when the Flex Night Guyana Inc. hosted its international competition at the National Cultural Centre on Sunday evening. The Surinamese Sedro outclassed the competition clearly by producing a muscle flexing performance that awed both the crowd and judges alike. His properly defined exterior and obvious intensity ensured that he walked away with two championship titles, a purse of $200,000 and the respect of the audience in attendance, leaving the 2014 champion Godfrey Stoby in second. Stoby had earlier taken the 176-pound trophy while third place belong to the Under-165 pound ruler, Marlon Bennett.
Ms Best Legs winner Alisha Fortune
Other winners included Alfred Jordan (Under-165 pound) and Zalim Bacchus (Under-143 pounds). In the Men’s Physique decision, the decision was a
close one as the contestants dug deep to bring out every last fibre of muscle. Suriname, who won the 2014 championship managed to successfully defend
Mr. Flex Night winner Wendel Sedro of Suriname
his title ahead of the local duo of Emmerson Campbell and Yannick Grimes.
The Surinamese displayed the right amount of symmetry and proportions to
get the nod from the judging party. On the ladies’ end of things in the Ms. Bikini segment, Galimo Militia caused a stir when she beat off the crowd favourite Kavita Ganpat to take that title. Milita, oozing beauty and toned poses took the top spot ahead of Ganpat and Surinamese Joelle Issa in the category which featured a number of entrants Alisha Fortune however, was the dominant force in the Ms. Best Legs Category. She surpassed Militia and Suelle Shepherd to take that title after carefully flaunting her poses in front of the judging panel. Meanwhile, the night’s sponsors included Fitness Express, Southland International Inc, Copa Airlines, Colour’s Boutique, IPA Pharmacy, Gizmos and Gadgets among others.
Minions take Farfan and Mendes junior Christmas squash tournamnent
Members of Team Minions, Team Rising Stars, and Team Avengers with their silverware
TEAM Minions were crowned champions of the Farfan and Mendes Junior Christmas Squash team tournament on Sunday when they narrowly edged team Rising Stars at the Georgetown Club. Makeda Harding, Lucas Jonas, Daniel Islam, Aliyah Persaud and Mikhail Persaud were the victors for the champions as they edged team Rising Stars 5-4 on aggregate. With team Rising Stars relegated to second, Team Avengers had to settle for third place. It was an important match
for Team Minions Under-15 player Makeda Harding in which she pulled off her first victory over Under-17 player Rebecca Low in a solid 3-1 performance. Harding’s clean sweep of matches earned her the Most Outstanding Girl Award, while Shomari Wiltshire copped the male prize with a 3-0 victory over Alexander Cheeks. Nyron Joseph ensured he finished his Junior Squash Career on a high note with a 3-1 victory over Ben Mekdeci, who threatened to pull off an upset when he won the second
set, and took the third one to deuce, before conceding that set, and the following two. Joseph completed a fine Junior career this year with both the National Junior and National Senior titles, the first time a male player has done so since Roger Arjoon, and the first time for any player since Nicolette Fernandes, as noted by senior squash pundits. Aliyah Persaud, awarded the prize for the Most Improved Girl, completed a sweep of her opponents with a 2-0 win over Mohryan Baksh, while Most Improved Boy Daniel Islam completed
a win over his twin Anthony in an emphatic 3-0 fashion, although both players fought gamely throughout the tournament. The event marked the end of another successful year for local squash and the Guyana Squash Association, in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel. Complete Final Day Results Nyron Joseph beat Ben Mekdeci 3-1 (11/8, 8/11, 12/10, 11/4) Daniel Islam beat Anthony Islam 3-0 (11/2, 12/10, 11/3) Makeda Harding beat Re-
becca Low 3-1 (7/11, 17/15, 11/5, 11/6) Lucas Jonas beat Dominic Collins 3-0 (11/5, 11/5, 11/4) Aliyah Persaud beat Mohryan Baksh 2-0 (11/2, 11/7) Michael Alphonso beat Demetrius DeAbreu 3-2 (11/7, 11/1, 3/11, 9/11, 11/8) Nathan Rahaman beat Haley Carpenter 2-1 (8/11, 11/2, 11/7) Mikhail Persaud beat Mashal Allicock 2-1 (11/3, 13/15, 11/9) Louis DaSilva beat Noah Rahaman 2-0 (11/7, 11/1) Madison Fernandes beat Abosaide Cadogan 3-2 (3/11, 10/12, 11/6, 11/8, 11/9) Shomari Wiltshire beat Alexander Cheeks 3-0 (11/8, 11/9, 11/8) Michael Ramroop beat Jael
Gaskin 3-2 (11/6, 11/6, 6/11, 5/11, 12/10) Kamir Khan beat Liam Carpenter 2-0 (11/6, 11/3) Samuel Ince-Carvalhal beat Gianni Carpenter3-0 (11/5, 11/7, 11/4) Christiana Fernandes beat Isabella Ramjohn 2-0 (11/4, 11/9) Chad DeAbreu beat Teija Edwards 2-1 (11/4, 7/11, 11/8) Larissa Wiltshire beat Taylor Fernandes 3-0 (11/8, 11/8, 11/7) Most Improved Girl: Aliyah Persaud Most Improved Boy: Daniel Islam Most Outstanding Girl: Makeda Harding Most Outstanding Boy: Shomari Wiltshire
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) Adam Gilchrist-17 (2) Kumar Sangakarra-23
Today’s Quiz: (1) Which wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in Tests to date? (2) Which wicketkeeper has effected most dismissals in ODIs to date? Answers in tomorrow’s issue
31
GUYANA CHRONICLE Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Guyanese by heart Sachia Vickery
By Rawle Toney In 2013, Guyanese, just like the rest of the world, zeroed in on a then 18 year-old Sachia Vickery, playing at her first Grand Slam – the U.S. Open. Her opponent was Mirjana Lučić-Baroni; a 28 year-old Croatian who had once reached the semi-finals of Wimbledon. Vickery won the match against Baroni 6 – 4, 6 – 4 to reach the (U.S. Open) second round where she played Julia Glushko of Israel and went down 5 – 7, 3 – 6. It was at the U.S. Open, where the eyes of millions watching around the world, noticed her distinct rich yellow gold earrings of a miniature map of Guyana and her wristbands of the Golden Arrow Head. Sachia Vickery took the tiny South American country to the U.S. Open. Sachia stands at 5' 4" (163 cm), weighing 145 lbs (66 kg) and is now ranked 128 by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), with her highest being 108. “Guyana is where my whole family is from and I consider myself mostly Guyanese though I was born in America. I feel like it’s my home” the diminutive but powerful Vickery said with a wide smile during her exclusive interview with Chronicle Sports on a short visit to Guyana recently. Paula Liverpool, Vickery’s mother, is Guyanese and migrated to the U.S. just like anyone else chasing that American dream. However, Paula’s dream would become seeing her talented daughter living a dream of her own – becoming a tennis star. “I will always represent Guyana
because it’s a reminder of all the struggles and things my mother did to help me to where I am today, so no, I wasn’t born in Guyana but I feel like I owe a lot to the country because of my mother,” Vickery said. Vickery would visit Guyana to get some ‘down time’ from the sport and would use it to interact with family and share her knowledge of the game to aspiring Guyanese Tennis players. “The thing is, I don’t think Guyana was successful in getting people to play Tennis as much, so I know they would look up to me and it’s nice getting support from them as well. I always receive a lot of support from the Guyanese community. I get tons of messages from them and a few have come to see me play at Wimbledon so I love the support,” Vickery highlighted. Reaching the qualifying rounds of the French Open (2014, 2015), along with first round appearances
at the Australian Open (2014) and Wimbledon (2015), 20 year-old Sachia Vickery is often times compared to Serena Williams; something she’s very humbled by. “It’s nice to know that people think that I remind them of her,” Vickery said, while adding, “If anything it keeps motivating me because as a young black upcoming player there’s not too many of us so if anything it pushes me”. Indeed, not much African American women play the sport of Tennis, much less being ranked in the world and Vickery told Chronicle Sport that, “We (black Tennis players) are representing a race; young black people who look up to us.. every time I step on the court, I tell myself that I’m not only playing for me, but for other young African American girls who would love to play but don’t have that support system to back them or to take them to the next level to be a pro. It’s hard, but it also keeps me focused because you’re playing for more than just that prize money”. Serena Williams and Martina Hingis are her favourite players but Vickery pointed out, “I don’t try to emulate anyone because everyone has his own style of play, but I really try to do the best I can with the game that I have because I’m a lot different from a lot of people on the tour. Most people are bigger than me and I always have to play extra hard”. Offering a word of advice to young Guyanese wanting to walk in
Sachia Vickery during a light workout at the GBTI Tennis Court during her vacation (Samuel Maughn Photos)
her path or create a legacy of their own, Sachia said, “It’s a lot of hard work and it’s harder than you think. It comes with a lot of sacrifice and determination to overcome the challenges as well.
“Always try to stay positive because in your career there will be times when you will feel that you want to give up, but luckily for me, I have my mom. Support is important as well.”
Calvin Ming takes NACAM F4 Rookie award By Stephan Sookram
Calvin Ming having a word with his engineer
OVERSEAS based Guyanese racer Calvin Ming continues to add to his collection of accolades, this time picking up the best rookie award at the recently concluded second leg of the Norteamérica, Centroamérica, Caribe y Norte de Sudamérica (NACAM) Formula 4 Championships in Mexico. Ming participated in the first official round of the Latin American competition which took place last weekend (December 5-6 at the Autódromo Internacional Miguel E. Abed in Amozoc, Puebla,
Mexico. He qualified on 11th out of 19 competitors on Saturday after a tough bout but had managed to move up to 7th in that race with the lead bunch after some excellent driving but with approximately 10 minutes out of the scheduled 35 minutes of racing remaining; the gearbox got stuck in 2nd gear, forcing Ming out of that race. According to the engineers, the problem was caused due to a defective air compressor. This meant that he had to start from the back in race number two on Sunday (17th position after two cars crashed during the first race
on Saturday.) With nothing to lose, the young Ming, who drove from the back of the pack, and managed to finish 9th while in race three, started in 11th and managed to finish 7th. Due to this performance, he was awarded the prize for the best rookie. Each of the 7 rounds of the Mexican F4 championship series is made up of 3x35 mins with races held on both Saturday and Sunday. Round 2 is set for the end of January (30th and 31st). Ming is the son of former racer and current businessman Stanley Ming.
Guyanese by heart Sachia Vickery 31
P.
By Brij Parasnath in Trinidad & Tobago.
Chris Barnwell was voted Player of the Match for his 5 for 32 in the first innings and 75 runs with the bat.(WICB –Ashley Allen)
Permaul, Motie destroy Red Force ...Christopher Barnwell voted “Player of Match”
ALBION Sports Club spin twins Veerasammy Permaul and Gudakesh Motie proved too much for the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force team and together they sparked the Guyana Jaguars to an emphatic WICB PCL fourth round victory at the Queen’s Park Oval yesterday. Both Permaul and Motie mesmerised the Trinidadians and allowed the Guyanese Franchise outfit to celebrate a famous and comprehensive victory by an innings and 49 runs It was the Jaguars fourth consecutive outright win and they collected 17 points for their dedicated efforts in their first away match of the 2015-16 professional double round-robin season. Final Scores: T&T Red Force 210 and 216. Guyana Jaguars 475. With 12 points for outright victory plus 3 bowling points and two batting points; the Guyana Jaguars moved to 70 points and maintained their overall lead and strengthened their chances of retaining the coveted Headley-Weekes Trophy, emblem of Regional First Class Supremacy. The Red Force team was always up against the odds to thwart the Jaguars and only the fickle rainy weather conditions would have helped the homesters to stave off such an embarrassing and crushing defeat. But despite the herculean efforts by Guyanese-born Narsingh Deonarine in tandem with Barbados-born Kyle Hope, the two franchise players in the T&T outfit; to rally the Red Force to a drawn match, the whole momentum changed when 20-year-old Motie outfoxed his Albion clubmate Deonarine and had him caught by Shimron Hetmyer for 47. Hope (22 not out) and Deonarine (10 not out) resumed their overnight position at 51 for 2 after 19 overs. And they progressed quickly to 135 when Motie struck the decisive blow and dismissed Deonarine who looked in ominous form and set for a very big score. Deonarine’s time and placement were impeccable and BOWLING HERO: Veerasammy Permaul looked untroubled as he hammered eight fours to move to walks off the Queen’s Park three runs short of a well-deserved fifty (47, 91m, 100b, Oval with match ball 8x4s), only to be denied by (WICB- Ashley Allen). Turn to page 27 ►
By Rawle Toney After finishing in regulation and extra time tied 1 – 1, the Milerock and Victoria Kings’ game went to penalty. With $500,000 on the line, Milerock’s custodian Martin Leacock would turn out to be the night’s hero when he saved veteran striker Winston Pompey’s shot to hand the Linden team a 4 – 3 win and the Petra Organisation’s GTT/Limacol Round Robin/League title. A packed house at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Sunday, had earlier witnessed Topp XX triumph over Winners Connection in similar fashion (4 – 1 on penalty) to finish third. Leacock saved the Kings’ first shot; making a timely dive to his right and the crowd erupted. Milerock then took the advantage when they scored their first kick, after which, the East Coast Demerara team converted their second to get back in the game. With the scores 3 – 2, both sides would find the net on their next attempt from the ‘spot’. 4 – 3 was the score; Pompey stepped up to the kick after the referee had spotted the ball. Linden would remember Pompey when the Kings had won the Kashif and Shanghai tournament on the same ground, with the striker and Carl Cole netting in the 2 – 2 regulation and extra time before the Victoria team’s latter winner 4 – 2 on penalty over Netrockers. Turn to page 27 ► However, Leacock had
GTT/ Limacol finals
Milerock beat Victoria Kings 4–3
Part of the action between Milerock and Victoria Kings on Sunday at the MSC Ground in Linden.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2015